tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55938359230305055462024-03-18T02:11:19.032-07:00just WordsTravel Blog for Offbeat Corners of Famous PlacesVaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-48603442996016777222021-04-07T20:13:00.002-07:002021-04-08T13:02:50.009-07:00Seven Beautiful European Towns of USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Kalam; font-size: medium;">It is possible to travel to Europe without leaving USA!!!<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br />Okay, first of all I am so glad that the world is slowly getting ready to deal with COVID. Like me, I am sure a lot of you are super hopeful about being able to get on the road once vaccinated and shake off the cabin fever. And I know, it is still going to be months before international travel starts becoming a feasible option, people here in USA can still travel to some international-esque locations right here, in the US! Oh, also, this list isn’t just for people in the US, but also for all you guys out there!! Make a note of these beautiful places that would sort of let you travel to two countries at once! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>Leavenworth, Washington</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJDd9CdxPgA/YG43ShMGALI/AAAAAAAAkRI/t3suXDQmUY03yQEXjoS5d2qrp75DDg0BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Leavenworth1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJDd9CdxPgA/YG43ShMGALI/AAAAAAAAkRI/t3suXDQmUY03yQEXjoS5d2qrp75DDg0BQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Leavenworth1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leavenworth, Washington</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div>Just a couple of hours away from Seattle is this small town that will transport you to dreamy Bavarian hillside! Leavenworth is a beautiful piece of Germany tucked in the woodlands of North Cascades, acting as a mesmerizing gate to the famed in the (what?) Enchantments of Washington. But the town itself holds the kind of magic you see in Disney movies! From the minute you enter the town, the colourful houses with the classic alpine wooden designs, painted with folksy art, fenced by the snowy peaks of the Cascades, you momentarily forget you are still in US and are transported to streets of maybe Rothenburg or Bayreuth (choose your favourite Bavarian town!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Believe it or not, this town wasn’t always like this. Before 1960s, Leavenworth was just a small lumbering village. But it was revamped into an old school German village soon after Solvang in California (also a transformed town) gained a lot of popularity. Sure, the town adopted the touristy tradition of Oktoberfest and does shy away from the beer and pretzel label, but it offers so much more than this mawkish German touch.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Roaming amongst the painted walls, wooden balconies and tiered roofs makes you feel like Belle roaming around in a real-life German-French version of Villeneuve. A cup of hot cocoa and an apple strudel from The Gingerbread Factory gets you all nostalgic and a trip to the Nutcracker Museum makes you wonder about beauty in simplest things! If trying to understand the mechanics of almost 6000 nutcrackers leaves you puzzled and lost, Kris Kingl’s Christmas Market would take you right back to your childhood Christmas wonderland! And if you get tired by the hustle and bustle of the town, remember this is a gateway to the wondrous Enchantments – so you can head out on Alpine hikes like Colchuck Lake or Icicle Gorge.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Also, to add to charm of the place, Leavenworth is an year-round destination! In spring the town treats you with its version of Maifest with dances and parades and most trails around the town are bursting with colours thanks to wildflowers. The summer months are perfect for hiking and relaxing with locally produced ale while floating in the Wenatchee River. Autumn, though rainy, is perfect for all the leaf peepers and beer lovers and I have an entire article dedicated to <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2019/01/leavenworth-bavarian-hamlet-of-usa.html" target="_blank">Winter and Christmas Lighting Festival in Leavenworth</a>! So, pick your time to visit Leavenworth, and travel to Europe without crossing the Atlantic! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>Vail, Colorado</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">First of all, there are a ton of places in Colorado that would transport you to European Alpine villages, because a lot of them were modelled that way thanks to the ski resorts and ski towns that wanted to give that dreamy feels to all those who wished to hit the high slopes of Colorado Rockies. But if I had to pick one place, that comes the closest to transporting you to Swiss Alps or maybe Austrian highlands, it has to be Vail! Officially, Vail doesn’t mention being modelled around any particular European area, but after hearing from atleast a dozen people, and after visiting the place myself – I can safely say, this village looks like a mini version of Zermatt, Switzerland! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Vail, comprising of the Vail Village and Lionshead is a small village which actually developed around the Vail Resort sometime around 1950s! The area always had small villages due to mining around Vail pass but the lively version we see today is all due to the effort of American Skier Pete Seibert who not only founded the Vail Ski resort but also made it the home of the first Gondola Lift of USA. This, along with the lure of surrounding White River National Forest, turned the place into a big tourist hub, and the development of the place began. In no time, it embraced the charms of Swiss Alpine Villages and gave it a Colorado touch, and today it is one of the most visited ski towns of the US!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">With the wooden buildings and tiered balconies, painted shutters, flower planters in spring and summer and twinkling lights winters, you would always find a charming corner in this village to stand and stare! With world class ski trails, snowy wilderness to explore with snowmobiles and beautiful winter lightings, Vail often finds itself in the ‘places in US to be in during Christmas’ lists. But the village has its own plethora of fun lined up for you in summer – like river rafting, hiking the hills and meadows and enjoying flowers in world’s highest botanical garden, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. And in the heart of the village - a giant clock tower, central sculpture park and ice rink, that turns into a leisure park in summers, bustling bars and cafes along the creek, secluded parks and walks – it literally pampers you with options, be it any season. To be frank, Vail should definitely be in your Colorado wish list and if you are like me, you will fall in love with it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>Midway, Utah</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">- recommended by McKenna Hurd of <a href="https://www.onemoresteptravels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">One More Step Travels</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOWtz8Nx3FM/YG43lcJ0YGI/AAAAAAAAkRQ/8m4v1OprB0QWqe5xf_Ue1zS_dz42PYrIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3895-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOWtz8Nx3FM/YG43lcJ0YGI/AAAAAAAAkRQ/8m4v1OprB0QWqe5xf_Ue1zS_dz42PYrIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_3895-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midway, Utah</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">From one Swiss town to another! Midway, Utah, locally known as “Utah’s Swiss Alps”, is a small town tucked away behind the Wasatch Front where most of Utah’s population lives. It’s about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City and 20 minutes from Park City—but it feels worlds apart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Swiss settlers migrated to Midway in the 1860s-70s. They found it to be like their home in Switzerland: majestic mountain views on one side and a sprawling green valley on the other. Since then, the town has continued to be influenced by Swiss lifestyle and celebrates its heritage each Labor Day weekend with a Swiss Days festival.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Swiss Days is a hugely popular festival filled with Swiss costumes, music, dance, and food. Visitors can shop for local crafts, watch live entertainment, and enjoy the parade. The trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Heber Valley Milk & Artisan Cheese for a tasty local treat!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Beyond Swiss Days, there are many <a href="https://www.onemoresteptravels.com/blog-homepage/outdoor-activities-sundance-mountain-resort-midway-utah-winter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">things to do in Midway, Utah</a> during the winter, such as visiting the Midway Ice Castles, soaking in Homestead Crater, snowtubing at Soldier Hollow, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Wasatch Mountain State Park. The nearby Sundance Mountain Resort is a great location for downhill skiing and world-class dining. Staying in the Swiss-inspired Zermatt Resort is the perfect place to cozy up on a winter visit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">For summer visits, taking a trek into the mountains is the best way to enjoy the area, even just for an easy jaunt around Cascade Springs or Bridal Veil Falls. Don’t miss the scenic train ride that starts in Midway and winds through Provo Canyon. Beyond that, Midway is a great base for river rafting, boating, ziplining, and golfing. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and a much cheaper alternative to traveling to Switzerland!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>Helen, Georgia</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1fQ4x6AEms/YG43z-HfdcI/AAAAAAAAkRU/yiJ8eq0cLGMq-S-iQPa81jRVcjAGpBvaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/helen2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1fQ4x6AEms/YG43z-HfdcI/AAAAAAAAkRU/yiJ8eq0cLGMq-S-iQPa81jRVcjAGpBvaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h294/helen2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen, Georgia</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">People in east coast, or planning to travel to east coast, don’t worry! You too have the chance to travel to Europe, well, sort of. About 2 hours north of Atlanta, is an Alpine town, that serves as the gateway to the Chattahoochee National Forest as well as Nantahala National Forest and is just an hour away from Smoky Mountains National park. This town is called Helen and is a beautiful Bavarian surprise Georgia has for you! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Helen was yet another transformation project undertaken in the 1960s that aimed at breathing new life into a declining logging village. And boy, was it a success. The beauty of the Appalachians and the Unicoi wine trail already attracted a lot of people to the area. And with a beautiful bustling town that brought international festivals to the east and served as a quaint fun respite from the Hot-Atlanta sun, the area soon became the place to be in Georgia! And if you think the Bavarian makeover might have been just gimmicky, trust me it isn’t and to prove that it also has an official sister town in Bavaria – Füssen! Over time, the popularity of the place has faded a bit, but having been there I can tell you without a doubt, the place is still totally worth visiting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">To be frank, the woodlands alone are a reason to visit Helen but even if you are not a hiker and are looking for something charming, low key and relaxed – you should totally consider Helen. Enjoy a perfect meal at Heidelberg or Hofer's Bakery and Café, grab a sweet treat at Kopper's Kettle Fudge Shop or Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen and head to float in the Chattahoochee river. Once back make sure to treat yourself with coffee from Yonah Coffee Company before heading out to check The Alpine Church and Helen Central Plaza. Head out to Unicoi beach for a beautiful sunset and then retire for the day with a fun dinner at the Troll Tavern next to the river. And if visiting during fall (October and November), which is actually the best time to visit Helen, fall colors are an added bonus!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>German Village, Ohio</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">- recommended by Rachel and Dana Reed of <a href="http://travelingfoundlove.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Traveling Found Love</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAT8iWir56E/YG4386qZ9MI/AAAAAAAAkRc/lurK6EB3Qdc6FpXNMBCJ8Pn7OfvaOpKtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Schmidt%2527s%2BSausage%2BHaus%2BGerman%2BVillage%252C%2BOhio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1080" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAT8iWir56E/YG4386qZ9MI/AAAAAAAAkRc/lurK6EB3Qdc6FpXNMBCJ8Pn7OfvaOpKtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h456/Schmidt%2527s%2BSausage%2BHaus%2BGerman%2BVillage%252C%2BOhio.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German Village, Ohio</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">You can quickly guess which European country this cute little area resembles! German Village has a long history of German culture and influence. If you are looking for an authentic German feel and not a town that was revamped to fit ‘the feel’, German Village is the perfect place to visit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">German Village is a historic neighborhood located in Columbus, Ohio, just a few miles from downtown. As you walk through the streets and take in the atmosphere, you will immediately feel like you have entered Europe.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">The area became heavily populated with German immigrants in the mid-1800’s. For early arrivers, this neighborhood was a little piece of Germany. Local businesses, schools, and churches quickly bloomed but the town still was waiting for its ‘time to shine moment’. With the birth of the German Village Society in 1960, the area began to become revitalized back to its original German roots. Today, it is a beautifully restored neighborhood filled with brick homes, brick-paved streets, eloquent gardens, unique shops, and delicious eateries. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">German Village is a year-round destination. The warm months bring gorgeous flowers, plants, and sunshine in the parks, while the colder months offer a more festive atmosphere with snow filled streets and holiday favorites, like the traditional ‘Village Lights.’</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Here is our must-do list for German Village:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Wander the neighborhood along the brick-paved streets. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Take a stroll through Schiller Park and stop by the Umbrella Girl fountain.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Indulge in yourself with fantastic German cuisine at Schmidt’s.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Get lost in the books at The Book Loft.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Enjoy the peaceful and beautiful Frank Fetch Park.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Grab a good ol’ German beer in the Brewery District. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Have a fine, fresh American breakfast or brunch at First Watch.</span></li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>Alys Beach, Florida</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">- recommended by Tracy Hollinshead of <a href="https://sunshineandvine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunshine and Vine</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgIs-hGB_FY/YG44MkY3EeI/AAAAAAAAkRo/kKCorUUdiLkS0QtAUJ-0TuXyv3SC6OoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210311_093955%2B%25283%2529-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgIs-hGB_FY/YG44MkY3EeI/AAAAAAAAkRo/kKCorUUdiLkS0QtAUJ-0TuXyv3SC6OoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h374/20210311_093955%2B%25283%2529-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alys Beach, Florida</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Oh, and no, USA has places that take you to Europe beyond the Alps and Alys Beach (pronounced Alice) is just one of those places! Alys Beach is located along the picturesque Highway 30A. This 24-mile stretch of road in the Florida panhandle is dotted with unique little beach communities. But Alys Beach is the most unique and would transport you Greece the minute you get there!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Steepled pillars and manicured palm trees welcome you into town. Narrow cobblestone streets guide you past cottages, restaurants, retail stores, artwork, a nature trail, and a sweet little park area.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Defining characteristics of Alys Beach homes include masonry roofs and walls, protecting against natural disasters. Stepped-style roofs allow for rainwater collection promoting the community’s commitment to sustainability. Other defining features include cozy courtyards, pools, and popped-out shutters.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Alys Beach is a fairly new community dating back to the 1970s when a plot of land was purchased by a family vacationing in the area. From there it became a strategically planned community with a blend of Bermudian architecture and Mediterranean design. Walking among the whitewashed homes and storefronts with the emerald coastal waters in the background, you will feel as if transported to the Greek Island of Santorini.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Kalam; text-align: justify;">Don’t miss Caliza Restaurant. Here guests can enjoy happy hour or a locally-sourced dinner inside poolside cabanas. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">After being awed by Alys Beach architecture, culinary offerings, and retail shops, you can rent a bike and take a ride along miles of paved seaside pathways to explore surrounding beach towns.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">You won’t find hotels or access to the shoreline in Alys Beach. But hotels and pristine white-sand beaches are nearby and plentiful. And the more well-known metro areas are not far away. Destin-Fort Walton Beach is about 40 miles to the northwest. And Panama City is about 25 miles to the southeast.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">The month of April is a fantastic time to visit Alys Beach when spring break crowds have thinned down, and the weather has become consistently warm. Fall is a good time to visit as well as Labor Day most of the summer crowd has dispersed, the temperatures are beginning to cool down, and the Gulf waters are still warm for swimming. But there is truly no bad time to visit Alys Beach.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><b>Solvang, California </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">- recommended by Jyoti from <a href="https://storyateverycorner.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Story at Every Corner</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_QGJWRtB04/YG5ug0ZJ_YI/AAAAAAAAkSU/EkrvZjsyj9sE08Vbv16MRFoWb1LK5rF0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Solvang%252C_California_-_panoramio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_QGJWRtB04/YG5ug0ZJ_YI/AAAAAAAAkSU/EkrvZjsyj9sE08Vbv16MRFoWb1LK5rF0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Solvang%252C_California_-_panoramio.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solvang,_California_-_panoramio.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a> - SUZUKI Hironobu, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">Known as the Danish capital of America, this charming town which means "sunny fields" in Danish, was the first officially planned and revamped European town of the US. Located just two hours north of Los Angeles and four hours south of San Francisco, Solvang is the perfect getaway to quench your European travel thirst! Solvang is nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara (which also feels like a version of Spain by the way) and easily accessible. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">The quaint little downtown Solvang will transport you to Denmark with its building styles, Danish bakeries, cafes and chocolatiers. And unlike a lot of places in this list, this town was actually founded by a group of Danes in 1911. But the revamping of the town happened sometime in 1940s when the local community decided to give the area a more authentic feel that would complement the then recently constructed Bethania Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was the first ‘Danish’ structure constructed in the town. The town with its new windmills and Scandinavian buildings along with a replica of Denmark’s famous Little mermaid soon attracted a lot of curious tourists and has never looked back!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">With a walkable downtown, you can easily spend the day exploring Solvang on foot. Be sure to visit the town’s iconic windmill for those photo shoots that everyone raves about. While in Solvang check out the enormous Hans Christian Andersen Park and tour Mission Santa Ines. If you have a little more time, check out the gorgeous vineyards and tasting rooms or Gaviota State Beach. It is also a gateway to one of USA’s least visited National Parks – the Channel Island National Parks. All in all, Solvang is a lovely Danish town to spend a few days in California if you’re visiting the Golden state. It’s also a wonderful place to go as a local and escape to Europe, even if it’s just for a day. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrMRsYEWQCA/YG45cTmeVuI/AAAAAAAAkRw/WWYHBpG57JwKqMQaoFFebZo0H0VgCZSfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1494/IMG_20190115_221955_616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrMRsYEWQCA/YG45cTmeVuI/AAAAAAAAkRw/WWYHBpG57JwKqMQaoFFebZo0H0VgCZSfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w514-h640/IMG_20190115_221955_616.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vail Magic</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">And these are just a few of the many European towns and villages in the US! Holland in Michigan will transport you to Netherlands while St. Augustine, Florida still looks like an old school Spanish town; in Calistoga in Napa Valley, California you will feel like you are roaming in Tuscany, Roche Harbor in <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/search/label/Washington" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Washington</a> will remind you of Greece, while Thornburg Village in Berkeley, California you will feel like you are in old Normandy, France. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNdJ83u2FiM/YG5v4ap2w3I/AAAAAAAAkSc/DuyUpGrfIdsbbT5c0GINE7vLCisYevj4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN6759.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNdJ83u2FiM/YG5v4ap2w3I/AAAAAAAAkSc/DuyUpGrfIdsbbT5c0GINE7vLCisYevj4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/DSCN6759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then there are hidden gems like Roche Harbor in Washington</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;">See!! There are plenty of international options, no matter where you are planning to travel domestically. But jokes apart, let’s give normalcy a chance this year. Let’s get vaccinated and travel!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkEfju3N1M4/YG45qIS58_I/AAAAAAAAkR0/uIuVGQ5F2YgfWnNsxNlP9jh2I_7qSGR1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/Pink%2Band%2BWhite%2BWedding%2BPinterest%2BGraphic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seven Beautiful European Towns of USA #USA #Travel #Washinton #Leavenworth #Solvang #California #Florida #Ohio #Clorado #Utah" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkEfju3N1M4/YG45qIS58_I/AAAAAAAAkR0/uIuVGQ5F2YgfWnNsxNlP9jh2I_7qSGR1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Pink%2Band%2BWhite%2BWedding%2BPinterest%2BGraphic.jpg" title="Seven Beautiful European Towns of USA #USA #Travel #Washinton #Leavenworth #Solvang #California #Florida #Ohio #Clorado #Utah" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liked the post? Pin It!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>
</div>Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-60420597999302053822021-02-24T21:29:00.001-08:002021-02-24T21:33:07.009-08:00Five Must-Try Traditional Dishes from Malaysia <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9BHv30a7to/XyJgcLBPKNI/AAAAAAAAi2Q/9Q10NYuCTb8SZS0eaI73JsosC0Vy0ULegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Food%2BMalaysia%2BPin%2B1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 Must Try Traditional Dishes from Malaysia. Lets explore some traditional fusion foods from Malaysia shall we? #Malaysia #Malay #Food #Tradition #TravelGuide" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9BHv30a7to/XyJgcLBPKNI/AAAAAAAAi2Q/9Q10NYuCTb8SZS0eaI73JsosC0Vy0ULegCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Food%2BMalaysia%2BPin%2B1.png" style="display: none;" title="5 Must Try Traditional Dishes from Malaysia. Lets explore some traditional fusion foods from Malaysia shall we? #Malaysia #Malay #Food #Tradition #TravelGuide" width="426" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B65WUZJVV9s/XyJdeeaHWMI/AAAAAAAAi1M/5xTYEPa-J7Qulvcy8J_XJY9NVDh_du1fACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flavours_of_malaysia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B65WUZJVV9s/XyJdeeaHWMI/AAAAAAAAi1M/5xTYEPa-J7Qulvcy8J_XJY9NVDh_du1fACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flavours_of_malaysia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Flavours of Malaysia</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Food
has always been a part of every culture and community. This past year, with the world on a
halt, food has somehow become an important tool for connection. With sour dough
bread, Dalgona Coffee, macaroon, homemade pizza, dhokla and biryani challenges,
food not only provided people a way to stay sane but also connect and explore
the world from their homes. This inspired me to share dishes from around the
world that could take you on a culinary adventure from your homes and maybe
inspire you to try some of these dishes to make your adventure more memorable.
And to give this adventure a wholesome closure from my end, I could not think
of any country other than Malaysia! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-taste-of-malaysia.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJsqRMseNsA/XyJdnu7fp-I/AAAAAAAAi1Q/ubLJyLjTm9gGduJ9WHlghCgrMT5uat3EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/satay.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-taste-of-malaysia.html">Satay...and more. (Check out the best Malay dishes to have in Malaysia)</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">I
had written an article about <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-taste-of-malaysia.html" target="_blank">ten amazing Malay dishes sometime back</a>, but
Malaysia is such a boiling pot of cultures that one article is just not enough
to cover the must eats from this country! Malay, Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, Portuguese,
Dutch, Japanese – Malaysia has a distinct flavour for each but has also made
its own distinct cuisine by mixing and modifying dishes from these culinary
styles. So, for this article, I am going to take you around traditional fusions
that are an integral part of Malaysian cuisine.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Char_kway_teow_-_Old_Town_Kopitiam.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPNl7e_OgDs/XyJeG1UOPiI/AAAAAAAAi1c/PTb2hy9vtxsFkMB0ZWT2pDAKOTvhb5ougCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Char_kway_teow_-_Old_Town_Kopitiam.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Char_kway_teow_-_Old_Town_Kopitiam.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Char Kway Teow</b> – Around seven years back, I had a
curried Pad Thai sort of a dish in an airline lounge in Kuala Lumpur but didn’t
know what it was; I was just sure it was not Pad Thai. I had a similar dish a
couple of years back in Boston but this time it was from a Chinese take out
place. Then, more recently from a place called “Love Mama” in New York City,
this time finally learnt the name - Char Kway Teow. After that I searched this
dish in Thai and Chinese menus for a couple of weeks, but in vain, post which I
resorted to google and realized that Char Kway Teow is actually a Malaysian
dish! Apparently, early versions of the dish which used rice and pork sausage
originated in Southeast China and was brought to Malaysia by the Chinese
merchants and their descendants aka Peranakans modified it with chicken and
shrimp with flat rice noodle base, hence making it like Pad Thai but not like
Pad Thai at the same time. And because I still remembered the taste of this
spicy rice noodle and shrimp dish from that lounge buffet so distinctly that I
always give in to nostalgia every time I had it here in US, Char Kway Teow tops
my list of traditional Malaysian dishes when in Malaysia! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malaysian_Roti_Canai.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSoofMkWGkQ/XyJemnYhSXI/AAAAAAAAi1k/ynUFT9NFC10FePHyvfpm7neAX0Q28N01QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Malaysian_Roti_Canai.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malaysian_Roti_Canai.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Roti Cenai</b> – Roti Cenai is probably the most
famous bread of Malaysia and it is nearly impossible to escape from it in the
country, unless you are planning to eat just rice or no traditional Malay food.
This traditional Malaysian layered flatbread made with Maida, Eggs, and Ghee
and is believed to be inspired by Malabar Paratha (type of roti from Kerela in
India). Back in the 19<sup>th</sup> Century, Indian traders and workers from
Madras Presidency immigrated to Malaysia and the Indian Muslims, called Mamas
or Mamaks (uncle) in Malaysia started serving roti cenai aka roti from Chennai with
daal (lentil curry) in their shops and restaurants. And just like that roti
cenai and daal became a loved dish of the entire nation, and you sure would
love it if you got a bite of this soft flaky bread the traditional way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAAax3K6Gvw/XyJexrXP-jI/AAAAAAAAi1o/GmCtfDAUSHY6bLFBuo67ZgrUIqmZVyfOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN3782.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAAax3K6Gvw/XyJexrXP-jI/AAAAAAAAi1o/GmCtfDAUSHY6bLFBuo67ZgrUIqmZVyfOACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSCN3782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Laksa</b> – If Satay is the king of Malaysian
Cuisine, Laksa is surely the queen. This spicy and sour noodle curry is one of
the most celebrated dishes in Malaysia and is now known all around the world
for all the right reasons. Laksa basically means a wholesome meal of rice
noodle in broth, and in Malaysia Laksa has a ton of regional and cultural variants
but is believed to be a pure Malay dish from Malacca with a little Peranakans
touch. While the Malay Laksa or Asam Laksa has a tamarind prawn and fish base,
Peranakan Nyonya Laksa or Laksa Lemak has a coconut chicken and prawn base. But
apparently the most famous version of Laksa and the version that I actually got
to try out when I was in Malaysia is called Curry Laksa which is a mildly spicy
coconut milk base with chicken and is somewhat similar to red Thai curry.
Needless to say, it is absolutely mouthwatering, and a must must have in
Malaysia. Luckily nowadays tofu is also used in Laksas, so vegetarians don’t
have to miss out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BUQo3GyNmQ/XyJe21NF7jI/AAAAAAAAi1w/7eyVpXyb0yQByvpjoUHm15WXTogqJTe4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BlueRice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BUQo3GyNmQ/XyJe21NF7jI/AAAAAAAAi1w/7eyVpXyb0yQByvpjoUHm15WXTogqJTe4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/BlueRice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Nasi Kerabu</b> – I still remember the unsettling
feeling yet the curiosity I had when I saw the blue rice with a ton of other
side dishes at a Chinese Malay restaurant called Precious at the Central Market
in Kuala Lumpur. My guide during that trip, Jeevan, then informed me that the
blue colour of the rice actually comes from butterfly pea flowers and adds a
very subtle taste to the rice. And the dish with the rice, fried anchovies
(only thing I didn’t like in the platter), fried chicken, omelet and the
fritters together are call Nasi Kerabu. I didn’t really know much about this
this other than what Jeevan had said, so I did a quick search to find out more
about this dish and turns out this too is a pure Malay dish originating in the
northern states of Malaysia. And though the sides in this dish are not unusual,
this can literally be tagged as a Malay Thali or traditional complete main
course and hence is another dish I would recommend trying in Malaysia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/cendol-dessert-cold-ice-singapore-837368/"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFtxNsL4E34/XyJe-SVzshI/AAAAAAAAi10/c9PidcF4d6ErX4nnhp4hKpQzVAo7gH7TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cendol.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/cendol-dessert-cold-ice-singapore-837368/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Cendol</b> – And to end it in my way, here is the
dessert from Malaysia that will put a smile on your face and become travel
memory you will remember for a while due to its quirky look. Say hello to
Cendol, a bowl of condensed coconut milk with shaved ice (traditionally with no
flavour, but that has changed in a pleasant way with time) and diced jackfruit,
tapioca or durian. And if this was not sweet enough, it is topped with green
rice flour jelly worms and palm sugar syrup. Sounds interesting right? Cendol
is apparently famous all-over south-east Asia but is believed to have
originated in either Malacca or Kuala Lumpur but was inspired by a similar
Javanese dessert. Nevertheless, Cendols are definitely a unique dessert from
Malaysia and imagine grabbing a bowl of cendol while exploring Jonker Street in
Malacca or Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur under the hot tropical sun of Malaysia –
you get the picture, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9pPmPzYEr4/XyJfYrV1IbI/AAAAAAAAi2A/g1JMq06y-icQK8cD1s-xWCMqWmXfSDfPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Malaysia.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9pPmPzYEr4/XyJfYrV1IbI/AAAAAAAAi2A/g1JMq06y-icQK8cD1s-xWCMqWmXfSDfPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Malaysia.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaysian Cuisine has so many unique sweets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And
with that, I am wrapping up my culinary travel of the world! I am not really
skilled in the kitchen, but I really hope I was able to give you all a taste of
a small chunk of the world and helped you shake off your worries for at least a
brief period. Let me know if you guys have tried any of the dishes I mentioned in
this post or my other recent posts or ended up making any of these at home
recently! How was it, and do you agree with my recommendations???</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_x0TYQuCvE/XyJfwuR5DUI/AAAAAAAAi2I/bCwRr78sfsQxhQXoMQ9GlGhX-qrPuYyNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Food%2BMalaysia%2BPin%2B2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="5 Must Try Traditional Dishes from Malaysia. Lets explore some traditional fusion foods from Malaysia shall we? #Malaysia #Malay #Food #Tradition #TravelGuide" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_x0TYQuCvE/XyJfwuR5DUI/AAAAAAAAi2I/bCwRr78sfsQxhQXoMQ9GlGhX-qrPuYyNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Food%2BMalaysia%2BPin%2B2.png" title="5 Must Try Traditional Dishes from Malaysia. Lets explore some traditional fusion foods from Malaysia shall we? #Malaysia #Malay #Food #Tradition #TravelGuide" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-89439415701502161652021-01-25T20:10:00.003-08:002021-02-06T14:00:36.594-08:00Flavours of India - Indian Food Diary Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVgBPzDS9V8/Xx0cCyqmU7I/AAAAAAAAipM/daml3UuvW_QKKBiNGRaTtB-Ff8ZlZ8aqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/India_spice2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVgBPzDS9V8/Xx0cCyqmU7I/AAAAAAAAipM/daml3UuvW_QKKBiNGRaTtB-Ff8ZlZ8aqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/India_spice2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam;"><span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">On Jan 14th my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds were flooded with pictures of 'till gud ladu' (dessert made out of </span></span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">sesame</span><span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> seeds and jaggery), Undhayu, Sakaria Pongal, Makara Chaula and Kheer, and nostalgia took over - sitting on the roof top of my house, ages ago when we used to live in Gujarat, and feasting on all these dishes while watching scores of kites dot the sky. The good old days. But that also reminded me of a promise I made to you guys last year. And since today is the 72nd Republic Day of India, I thought, what better day to celebrate a part of Indian culture that brings the whole nation together - Indian Food! So, as</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> promised, I am back with some more states with their dishes
that not only taste amazing but also tell you more about the state itself! So,
without much ado, here are <a href="https://stories.nws.ai/1288496036/flavours-of-india/" target="_blank">dishes from six more states</a> I have been to and their
local dishes that you must definitely not miss!</span><o:p style="font-size: 14pt;"></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Madhya Pradesh</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW8dWs-mp0I/Xx0cKRq7LiI/AAAAAAAAipQ/qZVyXkYUZVQJaCJKquVH3AtiCapJpZhmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bhutte_ki_khees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW8dWs-mp0I/Xx0cKRq7LiI/AAAAAAAAipQ/qZVyXkYUZVQJaCJKquVH3AtiCapJpZhmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bhutte_ki_khees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhutte ki Khees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Okay confession, though I am
going to be talking about some delicious dishes from the “heart of India”, I
actually have tried all these dishes only in one place in one city of the state
-Sarafa Bazaar in Indore! Sarafa Bazaar is one of the oldest khao galis (sort
of food courts/alleys) in the country! You can read more about the place on
another post of mine “</span><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/04/indore-diaries-sarafa.html"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-decoration: none;">Indore Diaries - Sarafa</span></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">”. But coming back to the dishes you just need to try –
have you heard of Bhutte ki Kheesh? It is a very simple stir fry of mashed corn
kernels with Indian spices that was invented in the Holkar Royal Kitchen in 15th
or 16th century when corn was introduced in India by the Dutch. But even though
it looks and sounds simple, it was a royal dish, so that should tell you why
you must try it! And while the royals made the foreign corn their own, people
of Indore have made sure to stay close to their roots and keep their
traditional flavours intact. Yes, Indori Poha is one such dish that holds a
special place in everyone’s hearts, but the dish that I am talking about is
Garadu (wild yams) Chaat. Winters in Indore are incomplete without deep fried
garadu marinated with chaat masala and covered with aamchur (dried mango
powder). Let’s just say it is totally worth the calories, just like mawa jalebi
or jalebas! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jalebas, unlike traditional
jalebis are fat, little soft, really dark jalebis made from milk solids and
very little bleached flour (maida) and were invented in a town called Burhanpur
in Madhya Pradesh. And if jaleba ends up being too sweet and calorie heavy for
you, try out Gajaks! Gajaks are thin brittles of sesame seeds and jaggery and
way, way softer than the Gujrati Chikkis. I am missing their taste now. But,
well, moving on…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5m09FzkCwo/Xx0cX9_bDcI/AAAAAAAAipY/-0oeAUgtGs8HwMo2uTZvMaC7Kh6ekH7DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Jaleba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5m09FzkCwo/Xx0cX9_bDcI/AAAAAAAAipY/-0oeAUgtGs8HwMo2uTZvMaC7Kh6ekH7DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Jaleba.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jalebas</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Maharashtra</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gBRdevHjiTE/Xx-QTr6qtGI/AAAAAAAAiyA/9o0Jgc07uhkdxP-FBALrCuMFXowUb_mPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/IMG_20200727_222859_676-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="976" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gBRdevHjiTE/Xx-QTr6qtGI/AAAAAAAAiyA/9o0Jgc07uhkdxP-FBALrCuMFXowUb_mPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w549-h976/IMG_20200727_222859_676-01.jpg" width="549" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pav Bhaji<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">While Madhya Pradesh served as a
preamble to Maratha Cuisine (since Holkars were Marathas), let’s give you a
full deep dive of the cuisine now. Whether it is Aamti with Kokum, Zunka with
onions or Bharela Baingan with brinjals, Maratha cuisine has traditionally been
heavy on spices with a singular shining star in every dish. Following the same
suite are the dishes that you need to try out when in Kolhapur area (if non
vegetarian) – Tambda Rasa (chilli based red curry) and Pandhra Rasa (coconut
milk based white curry) where mutton (goat meat) is the star. These dishes were
invented in the royal kitchen of the Maratha Kingdom and for the longest time
were part of only royal feasts and high-profile weddings. But once they hit the
streets of Kolhapur, its popularity was here to stay! With time Maharashtrian
dishes found the company of Portuguese pav (sort of dinner bread) and that
opened up a plethora of dishes that are now an integral part of Maharashtra’s
street food. Frankly, I don’t even know where to start and which place to
recommend, but at least when roaming around in the Khao Gullys (food alleys) of
Mumbai – be sure to grab a plate of spicy crunchy curry pav dish: Missal-Pav
and the “Indian Burger”: Vada Pav! For vada pav head to Ashok Vada Pav Stall
near Kirti College, Prabhadevi or Gajanan Vada Pav in Thane. And talking about
Mumbai food, how can I not suggest Pav Bhaji! Apparently the “Bhaji” was
created by experimenting with left over curries to create a simple one curry
solution for mill workers of Mumbai. Despite its humble origin story, pav bhaji
is the most celebrated fast food of Maharashtra now and if you just want to try
one place to know why it is so famous, head to Matunga Khao Gully near Ruia
college and you will get your answer!</span></div>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhIdrGznZmE/Xx-Q8NkJBGI/AAAAAAAAiyI/CdocHs_Mp304RRlgrWpVuQM7N7vrb_r0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Screenshot_20200727-113243_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1080" height="551" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhIdrGznZmE/Xx-Q8NkJBGI/AAAAAAAAiyI/CdocHs_Mp304RRlgrWpVuQM7N7vrb_r0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h551/Screenshot_20200727-113243_2.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chillkaroyaar/">Vada Pav from Mumbai (photo by my friend Pooja Bhatt)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Okay, I know this is turning out to be a
massive list, but in my defense, I have spent most of my teenage years in
Mumbai, so bear with me. While Mumbai is a boiling pot of cultures and you can
literally find all Indian cuisines in the city, one very interesting and must
try cuisine here is Parsi Cuisine! Though I had actually lived in Navsari,
Gujarat (where Parsis originally settled in India) for around 5 months, I never
got a chance to try out Parsi dishes there. But luckily, Mumbai has so many
Irani/Parsi cafes to try out, and if I just had to pick one place, I would tell
you to head to Britannia & Co and order Berry Pulau and Dhansakh without
even looking at the menu. (But my husband’s go to is Bun Maska and Irani chai –
so you can take your pick) Anyways, I know I have overwhelmed you with so many
savory dishes, so I will let you wallow in dreams of some desserts now. How
does Modak – sound – not the Mawa (milk solid) one, but the steamed rice dumpling
filled with jaggery and coconut mixture! And if coconut is not your thing, they
maybe Ghee and Puranpoli – gram flour Chappati bread with jaggery, nutmeg and
cardamom might be the dessert for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWY5RGgB55s/Xx0tmD82eFI/AAAAAAAAirU/LnCioLOm0SQ1iNmp6hoKzhmHokoFDi8cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Modak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWY5RGgB55s/Xx0tmD82eFI/AAAAAAAAirU/LnCioLOm0SQ1iNmp6hoKzhmHokoFDi8cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Modak.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/poojachachad/">Homemade Modak by my friend Pooja Chachad</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/poojachachad/"><br /></a></td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Andhra Pradesh and Telangana<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qV-3PsFIWM8/Xx0ckATl5zI/AAAAAAAAipc/MyCi6GMlBKwGzDFX7UfpoRpPOLuPiqdKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/biryani.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qV-3PsFIWM8/Xx0ckATl5zI/AAAAAAAAipc/MyCi6GMlBKwGzDFX7UfpoRpPOLuPiqdKACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/biryani.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biryani</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">I am from Orissa and I used to
live in Gujarat (many places) and then Mumbai. So, every Diwali Vacation we
made a three-day long train journey from the west of India to the East. I still
remember waiting for Secunderabad station to quickly get off the train and grab
two packs of Hyderabadi Biryani from Alpha or Paradise Hotel and make it back
to the train all in thirty minutes! (Total Jab We Met scene, believe me!) And
that was my first introduction of the Nizami cuisine of these states –
extremely spicy, extremely flavorsome and totally irresistible. Biryani came to
India with the Mughals who themselves took cues from Irani biryani or
“Birinj-Biryan” but Nawabs of North and Nizams in the South were the ones that
turned the Irani Biryani into Paki (Lucknowi) and Kachi (Hyderabadi) Biryani
famous in India today. Kachi Biryani which is made by slow cooking a pot
layered with uncooked rice, heavily marinated meat (chicken or mutton), whole
spices, fried onions, cashews and saffron water, sealed with wheat dough. And
yes, Biryani is available everywhere these days, but to have it in Telangana or
Andhra Pradesh with a side of Baghaar-e-baingan (yet another Mughal dish) has
its own lure and is not to be missed in either of these states! Like Biryani, Fish
Pulusu - which is a fish curry made with khus khus, coconut and tamarind, is
also a culinary symbol of the state that is older than any Andhra-Nizami dish and
a must try especially in Nellore, Vishakhapatnam and Warangal region. And yes,
for dessert – how about Khubani ka Meetha! Dried apricot aka Khubani is soaked
and slow cooked in sugar syrup and garnished with a ton of nuts; it is just
scrumptious and another amazing dish that originated in the Nizam’s Kitchens,
which makes it a dish you just shouldn’t miss! </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laxmi_iyer155/"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0qEZhID97Y/Xx0czkWpdWI/AAAAAAAAipo/43-4CIwnD0o3idruXirqwpMt4aMxFtOrACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pulusu.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laxmi_iyer155/">Pulusu (Made by my friend Laxmi Iyer during the lockdown)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Goa</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/02/from-goan-kitchen-mums-kitchen.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLorwBa732I/Xx0dZTh5OVI/AAAAAAAAip4/keHoCTL1CGMQEXUSQ-dTiW-8Q6o4rQELwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ChickenXacuti.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/02/from-goan-kitchen-mums-kitchen.html">Chicken Xacuti</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">When people think of Goa and
Goan Cuisine, it is just impossible to omit Vindaloo from the conversation! Vindaloo
came to India with the Portuguese in form of Carne de Vinha d’alhos and found
its place in Indian kitchens – not just Goan. Portuguese made the dish by
marinating and cooking pork with red wine and spices like garlic, cloves,
paprika etc, the Indian Vindaloo took the same dish but substituted wine with
vinegar and added a lot more spices to it; after all it is the Indian version,
right? Now a days you get chicken, prawn as well as potato vindaloo and no
matter how many places I have tried it, I still can’t forget the chicken
vindaloo I had at “O Coqueiro” in Goa. And while we picked up Vindaloo from the
Portuguese, Goa had its own gifts of flavor that even Portuguese couldn’t
resist – Chicken Xacuti and Sungta Hooman, both probably native dishes of Goa
even before medieval time! Sungta Hooman is basically dry prawns curry cooked
with chilli and bilimli (vegetable like brinjal that tastes similar to tamarind
and is found in Goa). While Chicken Xacuti is a peppery dry chicken curry with
added red chillies, nutmeg, cinnamon and poppy seeds – both very spicy but not
to be missed in Goa. I still remember the first time I had Chicken Xacuti at “<a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/02/from-goan-kitchen-mums-kitchen.html">Mum'sKitchen</a>” in Panjim and I gulped 2 glasses of Coke with it but couldn’t stop! Luckily,
I did get a serving of Bibinca which is a seven layered coconut milk goan
pudding, that is usually served with ice cream and is the best way you could
end your traditional Goa food adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Karnataka</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrznSAuKDVQ/Xx0eAmowikI/AAAAAAAAiqE/6jfT7B1lCOce5xRlkCQChN0UvuPeTXArgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200411_123730-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1266" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrznSAuKDVQ/Xx0eAmowikI/AAAAAAAAiqE/6jfT7B1lCOce5xRlkCQChN0UvuPeTXArgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200411_123730-01.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not masala dosa, but dosa with sambaar is a very regular thing in my house!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you have stayed or </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">traveled</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> in India, it is impossible you haven’t come across an Udipi restaurant. And the
minute you think of Udipis, you are bound to think of Dosas, right? And with
the hundreds of variations of dosas available across India, it is impossible to
have never heard of Mysore Masala Dosa! Udipi’s Masala Dosas are actually just
a little over a hundred years old and is believed to be a gift to world by
Udipi Krishna Matha. After potatoes came to India, small fat dosas as well as
thin dosais were eaten with a potato sabzi (dry curry) but in early 20th
century, due to a shortage of potatoes in Southern India post some severe
famines, the temple community kitchen decided to put little amount of the sabzi
in dosas which were also made significantly thin and that is how Masala Dosa
came into being! The cooks of the Mysore Wodeyar’s took this idea and added
their own peppery, garlicy flavor to it, creating the Mysore Masala Dosa. So,
when in Karnataka, how can I not suggest having Dosas in Udipi and Mysore? And
talking about Mysore, yet another thing you need to try here is Bisi Bele
Bhaath. Bisi Bele Bhaath was actually a spicy tangy version of Kichdi with just
dry fruits that was made in the Mysore Palace. But eventually the recipe
modified by adding a lot of vegetables and picked by community kitchens “to
feed the masses”. This is now a wholesome, cost effective, and yummy lunch dish
you can eat at any restaurant in Mysore and Bangalore! And if the spices get to
you, fret not because you will find Mysore Pak come to your rescue. This very
simple gram-flour based dessert was also invented in the Mysore palace about a
hundred years old and now this original recipe still lives on at Guru Sweets in
Mysore which is actually run by the grandson of the original chef of Mysore
Pak. And if you are visiting just Bangalore, be sure to grab a bite of this
delicacy at Anand Sweets, you will know why the dish is so famous! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8qDJVEszGI/Xx0eLbwVAkI/AAAAAAAAiqI/IDwT6AQtl1wtr5SGCc9OlLc2NW0LXppDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mysore%2Bpak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8qDJVEszGI/Xx0eLbwVAkI/AAAAAAAAiqI/IDwT6AQtl1wtr5SGCc9OlLc2NW0LXppDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mysore%2Bpak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Mysore Pak from my Kitchen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Tamil Nadu<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Okay, so let me get the obvious
out in the open first – Idli Sambar Podi and Vadai, you just have to start your
day with a traditional Tamil breakfast when in Tamil Nadu! Traditionally idli
and vadai used to be eaten with an array of chutneys but when Marathas took
over a part of Tamil Nadu, they added Sambar to the mix. Believe it or not,
sambar was actually an attempt to create a curry similar to Maharashtrian
“Aamti” for Sambhaji Maharaj and replacing kokum with tamarind gave birth to
Sambar. Thanks to that attempt, now we have pearl onions, tomato, drumstick,
brinjal and so many different types of “Saambaar” that I didn’t even know of
before my husband introduced me to them. And yes, you can feel overwhelmed while
choosing where to have your breakfast when in the state, but worry not, atleast
for Chennai I can give you some pointers – Rayar’s Mess, Ratna Café and Murugan
Idli Shop – tried, tested and loved. And if you want to try idli in a
non-traditional way with chicken or mutton you need to try out Kozhi (hen) Idli
Restaurant in Chennai. (I personally have never visited the restaurant, but a
friend had told me about it) And talking about chicken, do not miss out on Chettinad
Chicken either when in the state, after all it has been a part of Tamil Nadu’s
distinct cuisine for over a thousand years! And for dessert, you might want to
try payasam, but even though payasam is my favourite dessert ever, I would say
give Pongal a chance, especially in the temples and you won’t regret it! Pongal
is actually just a dish of rice and has four types – Sakarai (sweet with
jaggery and dry fruits), Muliga (peppery and lemony), Puli (tamarind) and Venn
(coconutty). And if you are not bored with idlis do try Kozhukkattai, which is
an idli filled stuffed with coconut jaggery and cardamom. Which made me
realize, idli can literally be an appetizer, main course and dessert! (Idli
lover here starting daydreaming) Anyway, Kozhukkattai is very similar to “Manda
Pitha” which is also another reason why I fell in love with it and am
recommending it!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iY0MfYtJayc/Xx0hPB8i_YI/AAAAAAAAiqc/wbzzDPRz6BUvX1Jcfk9j4dAyW-Pc8HTWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sarkarai_Pongal.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1200" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iY0MfYtJayc/Xx0hPB8i_YI/AAAAAAAAiqc/wbzzDPRz6BUvX1Jcfk9j4dAyW-Pc8HTWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sarkarai_Pongal.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sakarai Pongal (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sarkarai_Pongal.JPG">Source</a>)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">And with
that, I am wrapping up my culinary travel of India! Next time, another country
another set of dishes with their stories, where and why and, well, virtual
flavors to your houses. Till then, let me know in the comments below if you
have tried any of these, or want to try them, or if I have missed some must
have dishes from these states.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqyjt5TZxl4/XyJYpXNc_9I/AAAAAAAAi0s/pUk2nv9RRP0DqWTJ4olkaZe3Jn6cTAJCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/India%2BFood%2BPin%2B2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flavours of India - Indian Food Diary Part II. Must try when in India and where to try them! #India #Food #Maharashtra #TamilNadu #Karnataka #Goa #AndhraPradesh #MadhyaPradesh" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqyjt5TZxl4/XyJYpXNc_9I/AAAAAAAAi0s/pUk2nv9RRP0DqWTJ4olkaZe3Jn6cTAJCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/India%2BFood%2BPin%2B2.png" title="Flavours of India - Indian Food Diary Part II. Must try when in India and where to try them! #India #Food #Maharashtra #TamilNadu #Karnataka #Goa #AndhraPradesh #MadhyaPradesh" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-15964000000782770402020-12-16T16:34:00.009-08:002021-04-07T22:10:48.703-07:00Holiday Season in New York City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="Guide and Virtual tour to Holiday Season festivities in New York City! #NewYork #NewYorkCity #Manhattan #December #HolidaySeason #Christmas #USA #Travel" border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2048" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66W9fFDu5dM/X9qinb7yNVI/AAAAAAAAjzs/va17v-iQ4BkvHh2NQSvtEFf-9DHuzaYCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h498/IMG_20201210_141611-01_Fotor.jpg" title="Guide and Virtual tour to Holiday Season festivities in New York City! #NewYork #NewYorkCity #Manhattan #December #HolidaySeason #Christmas #USA #Travel" width="640" />
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<span style="font-family: Kalam; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Follow me in merry measure</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la</span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NYPL knows how to put on a show</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay, this year has not been jolly and maybe nor has this season. But for most of us, this year has been about looking at the silver lining, being grateful and cautious and finding solace in the virtual world. So today, I am taking you on a virtual jolly ride of the yuletide treasure trove of New York City, all in hopes of spreading some cheer.</span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights, Angels and Trees</td>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #050505; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you search on Google where one should spend their Christmas in USA, 9 out of 10 articles would say New York is the city to be in, Vail is the town to be in and </span></span><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2019/01/leavenworth-bavarian-hamlet-of-usa.html" style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Leavenworth is the village to be in</a><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when it comes to New York, the reason is pretty obvious. As winter commences in the Big Apple, streets, parks and building are all lined with glittery Christmas trees, arrays of light displays, angels and ornaments find a place in every nook and corner, grandiose window displays and store décor lure locals as well as curious travelers and fun-filled holiday markets are favorite hubs for everyone regardless the day of the week. As days get colder, the warmth of Christmas cocktails complements the gliding on ice under starry nights. And with all this New York is decked up like a gift waiting to be unwrapped by the end of the year.</span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rockefeller Tree!</span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect postcard!</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Let’s begin with the perfect postcard of New York’s Christmas, shall we? That towering Spruce lit up with thousands of twinkling lights at the center of </span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Rockefeller Center </span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">in the heart of Manhattan. From December first week to the first week of January, this tree is the epicenter of holiday celebrations in the city and has been so since 1933! Being one of the tallest and most famous public Christmas trees of the world, the tree is rightfully called “the holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike” and is a sight to behold when lit and accompanied by the wired-sculpture angels of the Channel Gardens! And if you are lucky and you can find a spot under the tree, that is the memory of the tree you would remember for years.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what grand means!</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Displays at Stores!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">While the spruce dazzling in the center of Rockefeller Plaza is the place people throng from all over the world, right opposite to it is the electric décor of </span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">lights and music by Saks 5th Avenue </span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">store. The holiday music and light show that plays to spread the joy every fifteen minutes and the impressive holiday themed window displays are arguably more loved by locals than the tree lighting event and is an experience of a kind.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jaguar's gift</td>
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</span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If holiday windows of Saks were not enough, the gift-wrapped </span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can transport you to London in a second and </span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Macy’s</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bloomingdales</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can take you to a winter wonderland the other second. And though these stores and their windows celebrate the year with the holidays, this year has been a little different, beautiful yet a little serious and sincere. The windows at Macy’s pay tribute to NYC’s essential workers with a neon thank you signs in 16 different languages and the ones at Bloomingdales brought </span>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">local artisans affected by the pandemic to help build their scent enhanced displays.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Candles and Chimes at Cathedrals!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTnG4EDiFBU/X9qkIcL0l5I/AAAAAAAAj0c/GoFPlDjPt44KahBYZylrgH6Zo3IlKor4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-20181229-WA0039_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1504" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTnG4EDiFBU/X9qkIcL0l5I/AAAAAAAAj0c/GoFPlDjPt44KahBYZylrgH6Zo3IlKor4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w470-h640/IMG-20181229-WA0039_Fotor.jpg" width="470" />
</a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Patrick's Cathedral</td>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a cathedral putting up its best foot forward during Christmas festivities is not a surprise, </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St Patrick’s Cathedral</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on Fifth Avenue is more than a quintessential cathedral. This iconic structure of New York has been a huge part of the city’s Yuletide celebrations since the 1880’s. And so, when in New York in December, one must not miss out on the breath-taking St Patrick’s Cathedral. Afterall this Neo Gothic cathedral is the most famous Catholic Church in the United States. During the weeks leading to Christmas and a few days after the big day, the garlands, trees, and nativity scene enhance the architectural brilliance of the place and gives you a chance to find jolly with wonder at the same time! Light a candle for hope or love and soak in the vibe of the place, and the place will lift up your spirits, whether you are religious or not.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><span>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
</p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7DPj_K3CzM/X9qkXM_VqII/AAAAAAAAj0k/kKWNr-s_PpwFRiCl-teeNf1LuXURliWbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG-20181229-WA0040_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7DPj_K3CzM/X9qkXM_VqII/AAAAAAAAj0k/kKWNr-s_PpwFRiCl-teeNf1LuXURliWbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/IMG-20181229-WA0040_Fotor.jpg" width="640" />
</a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light some candles...</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And if you are okay with venturing a little out of the normal route, you can be surprised by the architecture and décor at </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Being the current largest Anglican Church in the world despite being incomplete, this Byzantine-Romanesque designed cathedral is a treat for architecture lovers as well as festivities seekers. And while I don’t know if these Cathedrals are holding any public services (and even if they are, I would not recommend visiting them this season)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>
</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ornamented Fountains at Parks and Plazas!</span>
</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fD0t05E92fo/X9qklzc5KRI/AAAAAAAAj0s/4Z2aC2m3K6Qb1jD2owUDikdjip9gIxjXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201210_143245_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fD0t05E92fo/X9qklzc5KRI/AAAAAAAAj0s/4Z2aC2m3K6Qb1jD2owUDikdjip9gIxjXACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20201210_143245_Fotor.jpg" width="480" />
</a>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizzazz next to the Plaza</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guess trees are just too mainstream, so how about let some ornaments enjoy the centerstage for a while? If you think they can’t look too festive and pretty, think again, because the twinkling ornaments at the </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pulitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (across the famous Plaza Hotel) surely know how to make their case! And if they can’t, the </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Giant Red Ornaments</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the park behind Rockefeller Plaza will definitely convince you! Which makes me realize, we are hovering way too much around the fifth avenue. So let’s head somewhere else now!</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inXBvl_vywI/X9qkzBUTZyI/AAAAAAAAj00/f8wdxQqruqQVdOl3f2qPEp9bo85i7_ViACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201210_155007_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1631" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-inXBvl_vywI/X9qkzBUTZyI/AAAAAAAAj00/f8wdxQqruqQVdOl3f2qPEp9bo85i7_ViACLcBGAsYHQ/w510-h640/IMG_20201210_155007_Fotor.jpg" width="510" />
</a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did some one say giant ornaments?</td>
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<br />
<p></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hot Chocolate and More at Holiday Markets!</span>
</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfbXWVuESh4/X9qk-8sYRrI/AAAAAAAAj08/lF9UtKPCxWYPWMeM9D9wNEPkMBJ6UfSmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200202_113129-01_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1191" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfbXWVuESh4/X9qk-8sYRrI/AAAAAAAAj08/lF9UtKPCxWYPWMeM9D9wNEPkMBJ6UfSmACLcBGAsYHQ/w372-h640/IMG_20200202_113129-01_Fotor.jpg" width="372" />
</a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot chocolate with Marshmallow!</td>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay, frankly holiday markets are not just for shopping for holiday gifts. These markets are hubs to try out treats and seasonal delicacies at fancy pop ups, exploring works of local artists, get mesmerized by Christmas decors and décor ideas and yes, shop for seasonal presents and decors from local vendors. And when in New York City, the market to visit is the </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Sipping hot chocolate or s’mores and admiring works of local artists on a cold winter day or watching people skate is so satisfying; and then if you can escape to New York Public Library for a moment and rejoin the cacophony again in no time – this is why Bryant Park Winter Village is so special. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7lXpSRDNpo/X9qlLyWz9WI/AAAAAAAAj1E/m5JNsgeizi8kvQaL3Vyh40vKeD6qf2o6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201210_135524_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7lXpSRDNpo/X9qlLyWz9WI/AAAAAAAAj1E/m5JNsgeizi8kvQaL3Vyh40vKeD6qf2o6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20201210_135524_Fotor.jpg" width="640" />
</a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoilt for choice at Bryant Park<br /><br /></td>
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</tbody>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plus, the plethora of unique local vendor gifts and the crazy number of food pop ups sets the holiday vibe of the place that just can’t be matched by any other seasonal bazaar in the city. Maybe </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bronx Holiday Market</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> comes close in terms of food and </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dumbo Brooklyn Holiday Flea</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> matches Bryant park in gifts, but for me a visit to Bryant Park has sort of become a ritual now so I am a bit biased. Either way supporting local small businesses while enjoying the merriment is what makes all the Holiday Markets of the city special.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><span>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-872w8P7eO-k/X9qldqNQ_MI/AAAAAAAAj1M/yvQ0pn1M8cQUaHA9dSR_Xr-yAOHhFxMqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200202_112437-01_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-872w8P7eO-k/X9qldqNQ_MI/AAAAAAAAj1M/yvQ0pn1M8cQUaHA9dSR_Xr-yAOHhFxMqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w418-h640/IMG_20200202_112437-01_Fotor.jpg" width="418" />
</a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the regulars at Bank of America Winter Village</td>
</tr>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>
</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skate the Rinks!</span>
</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQt84VTstRw/X9qlrBFQK4I/AAAAAAAAj1Q/H0ZP_fhgcJY70-TEYKntatFpSFS3gzw0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201210_134746_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQt84VTstRw/X9qlrBFQK4I/AAAAAAAAj1Q/H0ZP_fhgcJY70-TEYKntatFpSFS3gzw0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_20201210_134746_Fotor.jpg" width="640" />
</a>
</td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glide...</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And speaking of Bryant Park, how can I not mention ice skating! It might not snow often in New York City in December, but that doesn’t stop people from having a snowy (alright icy) holiday season, and it is all courtesy of the numerous ice rinks in the city. While </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bank of America Winter Village Ice Rink </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is in the heart of the city, the most famous one is probably the </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rockefeller Rink</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Then there is the hidden gem at </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brookfield Place</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. However, if I had to pick one – it would be neither of these.</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Light snow, people frolicking in the beautifully decorated </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wollman Rink at Central Park</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="color: #202122; font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jonathan</span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Sara just talking, finding warmth in each other company – I fell in love with New York’s Christmas vibe while watching this scene of the movie Serendipity. And hence for me ice skating in New York City is synonymous to Wollman Rink and the time for this experience is during the holiday season!</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Light and Shine at the Yards!</span>
</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKxXtuTJdUc/X9qlz_EgykI/AAAAAAAAj1U/4gVRNCPmsaMeqTrZ9lW8Wtuvh-TgWi7ygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201210_172227-01_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKxXtuTJdUc/X9qlz_EgykI/AAAAAAAAj1U/4gVRNCPmsaMeqTrZ9lW8Wtuvh-TgWi7ygCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20201210_172227-01_Fotor.jpg" width="480" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson Yards!</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A lot of people must have seen Holiday New York’s pizzazz in Home Alone but one place the movie didn’t talk about, and to be fair couldn’t have talked about is the shimmering wonderland </span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hudson Yards, The Vessel, The Edge and The Shed</span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> transform into! The Vessel with its spirally stairs is undoubtedly the most modern and celebrated icon of New York and so the holiday décor of the place had to be equally modern and exciting right? And Hudson Yards makes sure it is so with over 2 million lights illuminating the entire area! I don’t think I can explain the spectacle in words, so I am just going to let the photos speak for this one.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK7Zja9KWRk/X9qmAojBPMI/AAAAAAAAj1c/_5laWRX6Ng4MnrtJmMLXMkCPILANYRxaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201210_165207-01_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK7Zja9KWRk/X9qmAojBPMI/AAAAAAAAj1c/_5laWRX6Ng4MnrtJmMLXMkCPILANYRxaACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20201210_165207-01_Fotor.jpg" width="480" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umm, how many lights?</td>
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<br /></span><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sip the spirits at Holiday Themed Bars!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLZn_F54brE/X9qmLpjICTI/AAAAAAAAj1g/RpF5VIkMlv8YGhXRKaxGajqTkoV3bZvMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2632/maggie%2527s%2Bplace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="2632" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLZn_F54brE/X9qmLpjICTI/AAAAAAAAj1g/RpF5VIkMlv8YGhXRKaxGajqTkoV3bZvMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h290/maggie%2527s%2Bplace.jpg" width="640" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie's Place two years back</td>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The restaurants and bars of New York are such a big part of the city’s culture that I just couldn’t end this tour without mentioning some of them who go above and beyond to embrace the holiday spirit as well. A lot of places in the city have holiday drinks or Christmas specials, but </span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rolf’s, Sippin Santa, Miracle on 9th, Maggie's Place</span>
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are just some of the ones you should check out. Unfortunately, due to pandemic some of these places are closed and some might be closing down soon due to the current rise in numbers. But I just wanted to call them out since I hope they survive the pandemic and are back in full glory next holiday season.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOIDMrhEEaI/X9qmgFPw37I/AAAAAAAAj1s/9oVqVVLuEVga0KCDVzB5fARZHjBf_ESpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG-20181229-WA0008_Fotor.jpg" width="480" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights lights every where!</td>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apart from these, resident installations at Dyker Heights, sky lanterns of Brookfield Place Winter Garden, carolers at Washington Square Park, and dancing lights at the Oculus are some more free holiday experiences New York City has to offer along with hundreds of road-side installations. And if you want to witness more immersive and grander celebrations the New York Botanical Garden Glow and Toy Train display, themed old school Christmas at Met Cloisters or LuminoCity Festival of Randalls Island Park are the places to be! </span>
</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1637" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvgZS7gMpMY/X9qmrJ2pk_I/AAAAAAAAj1w/50amRQjx46EgAra0aNwSADX_q9XY_XXCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/IMG_20201210_170900_Fotor.jpg" width="512" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As dreamy as it gets...</td>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It might be ostentatious, but holiday season puts New York under a different mood - a mood worth experiencing. And while this year has not been about traveling (and nor would I recommend traveling), I hope this virtual trip of tinseled New York put a smile of your face.</span>
</p>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>
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<span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s guys! See you next year!!</span>
</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Kalam, cursive; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>
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<img alt="Guide and Virtual tour to Holiday Season festivities in New York City! #NewYork #NewYorkCity #Manhattan #December #HolidaySeason #Christmas #USA #Travel" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ktsbSNB6Qw/X9qhz-0yUYI/AAAAAAAAjzk/o6j35-tqDj0ghlCADrx1uDF0BiT5crTwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Holiday.jpg" title="Guide and Virtual tour to Holiday Season festivities in New York City! #NewYork #NewYorkCity #Manhattan #December #HolidaySeason #Christmas #USA #Travel" width="426" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liked it? Pin it!</td>
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</div>Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-84307529304456702542020-11-11T19:58:00.001-08:002020-11-11T19:58:26.218-08:00Flavours of India - India Food Diary Part I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">For me travel is not just a way of exploring a new place
and learning about a place’s culture and history. Food is also a major part of
a place that defines its history and culture in so many ways! Local cuisines
tell you about local people’s habits and way of living at different points of
time, kind of festivities important to the place, the kingdoms that thrived in
a place, and so much more! And talking about festivities, with Durga Puja just gone by and Diwali right around the corner, I can only think of India and all the amazing food we have during festivals in India. So, this time, I am going to take you through India
and tell you about local dishes from some of the states I have visited so far -
dishes that you must definitely not miss and dishes that also have stories
attached to them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Uttarakhand – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmfP-68vG3M/Xxy6fBYXYvI/AAAAAAAAioE/M2o1qynGlVsxfUCnkfix8TdNhjrDfrCswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bal_mithai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="698" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmfP-68vG3M/Xxy6fBYXYvI/AAAAAAAAioE/M2o1qynGlVsxfUCnkfix8TdNhjrDfrCswCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bal_mithai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-align: justify;">Bal Mithai (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bal_mithai.jpg#file" target="_blank">Source</a></span><span style="text-align: justify;"> )</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">This state of quaint hills
stations and sleepy towns in the shadow of Lower Himalayas has picked up
cuisines from all its surrounding states but has made it its own in many! One
such dish that it probably picked up from Punjab but gave it its own twist is
Puri-Chole! Historically, Uttarakhand had two kingdoms, that eventually led to
creation of two regions - Garwal and Kumaon. Puri-Chole was adopted by the
Garwal region and added a serving of pumpkin curry, Aloo (potato) Gutke, (both
authentic Garwal recipes) to make it their own. With time, this has become a
loved street food of the entire state, but you should definitely try it out in
Dehradun or Haridwar. While, Garwal region provides the main course, in early
20</span><sup style="font-family: "MV Boli";">th</sup><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"> century, Almora in the Kumaon region provided the dessert that
you would not want to miss. Say hello to Bal Mithai (Kid’s sweet) – a sweet
that can give chocolate fudge a run for its money. Bal Mithai looks like a
chocolate fudge but is actually made by slow cooking khoya (dried whole milk)
and topping it with small sugar pearls. Though, it is found all over the state,
I had it in Nainital, and absolutely loved it.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Sikkim - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eXjZ_V5mfc/Xxy6xr5tfzI/AAAAAAAAioQ/YvBG0-3gcPk1sbfVWehKmwY15iEIKU7GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/momos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2eXjZ_V5mfc/Xxy6xr5tfzI/AAAAAAAAioQ/YvBG0-3gcPk1sbfVWehKmwY15iEIKU7GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/momos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momos</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Blanket of mist on hilly slopes
protecting rolling rice fields and tea gardens, silent emerald lakes and
tumbling cold streams creating a symphony with roaring winds and chanting with
prayer wheels. Oh, how I miss Sikkim! Yes, I miss the raw natural beauty of
Sikkim and the beautiful monasteries there, but there are two more things from
this state that I miss a lot - Momos and Gundruk Soup – my dinner every day
during my trip to Sikkim!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, Momos
are available all-around India now, but Sikkim can be called its “Gateway to
India”. Tibetan culture and cuisine came to Sikkim in the 14th century, with
the Chogyal Kingdom setting its roots in the state, making it the oldest
Tibetan influenced area of India. And though not a lot of dishes from the
Chogyal era stuck till the 21st century, Momos and Gundruk (fermented wild
mustard and radish leaves) Soup are here to remind us of the bygone era and are
a must try in Sikkim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apart from Tibetan
heritage, with time Nepalese culture and cuisine also found its special place
in Sikkim and has blended perfectly with its Tibetan heritage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, Sel Roti - which is a
ring-shaped sweet bread and Khapse – which is a sweet biscuit, both fusion of
Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine and made from rice flour, sugar and milk, are a
must try in Namchi area.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Rajasthan – <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAL4mpaqq1E/Xx0a82PthwI/AAAAAAAAipE/2NiV8LlTOXoKItW-bUoR6p1BOOKlUgq0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ghevar_with_Malai_Topping.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAL4mpaqq1E/Xx0a82PthwI/AAAAAAAAipE/2NiV8LlTOXoKItW-bUoR6p1BOOKlUgq0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Ghevar_with_Malai_Topping.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghewar (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ghevar_with_Malai_Topping.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">If you have gone to any
Rajasthani restaurant, you must have tried or at least seen “Daal Baati Churma”
in the menu. So how could you not have Daal Baati when in the state! Hit the
local food joints in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer or Bikaner – one thing that
would be common in all those places is this traditional meal where hard baked
pearl millet (bajra) balls soaked in ghee is eaten with a spicy mix of five
lentils. This famed Rajasthani dish was actually invented in Jodhpur to cater
to needs to large armies with limited resources, but now this very dish has
become a symbol of Rajasthan. Another authentic dish, or rather dessert, that
you should not miss when in Rajasthan is Ghevar. This huge disc-shaped
honeycombed cake soaked in sugar syrup and topped with pistachios was first
made in Jaipur in late 1800s and has become an inseparable part of Teej and
Gangaur. Oh! Also, try the Onion Kachori in Jodhpur and Ajmer – with caution –
super spicy but super yum. Rajasthan sure has a ton of unique traditional
street food that is now recognized and loved throughout India, but no state can
compete with the range the next state in this list provides. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Gujarat –<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEfyVGd9iIk/Xxy65PqpX8I/AAAAAAAAioU/HeNMMd7TR08Fyl7UaV1sQb-uG5tB0Am7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dokla.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1174" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEfyVGd9iIk/Xxy65PqpX8I/AAAAAAAAioU/HeNMMd7TR08Fyl7UaV1sQb-uG5tB0Am7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/dokla.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhokla!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Remember the “Dokhla, Fafda,
Handwa, Thepla, Khakhra”, dialogue from 3 Idiots? Sure, she calls them
“dangerous sounding” but believe me, they are probably the best traditional
snacks in India (after my favorite Idli). I lived in various places in Gujarat
for 10 years, before moving to Mumbai so I have a special place for Gujarat and
Kathiyawari food in my heart. Hence, I seriously can’t pick one out of these
but would rather add more to the list – Khandvi, Muthia, and Patrode! In
ancient times, Gujarat was a kingdom where most of the people thrived as traders,
and all these snacks were developed to survive for days or weeks and were
considered balanced meals with pickles. Today they are enjoyed as breakfast
food or evening snacks throughout the country, but the love people have for
these dishes in Manek Chowk (Ahmedabad), Karelibaug (Vadodara) Khaudra Gali (Surat)
makes these places a must visit. And, since I mentioned Kathiyawari food – be
sure to try out a traditional kathiyawari thali with Undhiyo and Sev-Tamatar nu
sakh (sev tomato curry), you will not regret it! Ok, getting back on track, I
cannot end the list without a dessert, and though most people would recommend
shreekhand, my pick would be Mohanthal when in Gujarat! This high calorie fudge
like sweet often floods the markets in Gujarat during Navratri and Diwali, and
that is definitely the best time to get a bite of the traditional thal and all
its interesting variations available these days.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">West Bengal - <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">1<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUDYQznvX_E/XyOtpdeIBJI/AAAAAAAAi20/Mv0yuerf5ZgeKfF1EnqIp5pVZ7Q0FmePwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jalmuri.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="825" height="552" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUDYQznvX_E/XyOtpdeIBJI/AAAAAAAAi20/Mv0yuerf5ZgeKfF1EnqIp5pVZ7Q0FmePwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/jalmuri.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jhalmuri at my place by my mom with her special touch - Pomegranate!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Whenever, I go to my office in
New York City, my husband asks me to get Kolkata Kathi Roll from Thelewala or
Kolkata Roll Company, that is the lure of the famous Kolkata Kathi Roll, or
just Roll, like it is called in Kolkata. Back in British India era, kathi roll started out as the Indian competitor to British sandwiches and pies, early form of grab and go Indian food, believed to be the innovative idea of
Nizam’s Restaurant which started making the rolls with its kababs. And no
surprise, the roll struck the right chord with the public and is not just here
but even thriving internationally after a century! But even after being
available in a lot of states and countries these days, nothing beats the rolls
in West Bengal. I can’t really spell out what is different; you really need to
try it to know the difference! And while Roll was targeted towards the
Britishers back in the days, Bengal came up with an equally (if not more) tasty
grab and go snack for commoners of the time in form of Jhalmuri, which is another
must when in West Bengal! Spicy lemony mix of puffed rice and flattened dry
chickpea with tomato and onions – sounds simple, I know, but probably this
simple nature of Jhalmuri is actually what makes it so yum. And if the spice
gets too much for you, help yourself with a slice of Sandesh or Lady-Keni. Lady-Keni
is dessert that is sort of a crossover between Rasgulla and Gulab Jamun
(because it is sugar soaked fried reddish-brown cottage cheese ball) and was
invented back in the 19th century in honor of Lady Canning’s wife. It is often
compared to “Chenna Jilli” of Odisha and they do have similar flavor, but that
just adds to the reasons why you must try it – three sweets in one, need I say
more!</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Odisha - <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EA2q1EqDS9Q/Xxy7VreURtI/AAAAAAAAiog/9kj20sRvkjoOsINt-xPppms114Vl1E_vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-20200620-WA0027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EA2q1EqDS9Q/Xxy7VreURtI/AAAAAAAAiog/9kj20sRvkjoOsINt-xPppms114Vl1E_vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG-20200620-WA0027.jpg" width="558" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Platter of Pithas from Odisha</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Though it is popularly believed
that the technique of making cheese curds came to India in late 17th century,
there are royal records in Odisha that mention dishes made with cheese curd as
early as 15th century! Whether it was a gift from the Portuguese or not,
cottage cheese or Chenna is an integral part of Odia cuisine. And since I
started talking about Chenna Jilli, let me just say this – try out all the
Chenna (cottage cheese) sweets from Odisha – Chenna Poda (slow baked sweet
cottage cheese), Chenna Gaja, Chenna Kheera (Variation of rice pudding),
Rasabali (chenna version of rasmalai) and Rasagola (assumed ancestor of
Bengoli Rasgulla), all authentic Odiya dishes and all totally worth the
calories! Also, to make things easy for you, you can gorge on all these
desserts at the “Rasagola Village” of the state, Pahala (a small village
between Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack). A lot of people do claim Salepur to have
superior Chenna sweets, but since I have had the ones only in Pahala, I would
recommend that. And since I hail from Odisha, I have a ton of other things to
recommend (all part of traditional Odia Thali): Dalma, which is a lentils based
curry with a lot of native boiled veggies, Badi Chura (my absolute favorite) –
mixture of spices, garlic and fried crumble of sun dried lentil dumplings,
Besara (mixed local vegetables cooked in mustard paste) and Pitha! Just like
Chenna sweets, Odisha also has a plethora of Pitha (sweet and savory rice cakes
and pancakes) – Khakra, Manda, Pauda, Arisa, Tala and so many more, and all
absolutely worth trying! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vindgm_IAec/Xxy7hTVZrQI/AAAAAAAAiok/CN9fkWWXAX8dO9hOoUdix5hXk54GMqlFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rasgulla.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vindgm_IAec/Xxy7hTVZrQI/AAAAAAAAiok/CN9fkWWXAX8dO9hOoUdix5hXk54GMqlFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/rasgulla.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rasagola from Odisha</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;">Obviously, there are a lot more dishes in each of these states
like Crab Curry from Odisha, Sorso Illish from West Bengal, Ghari from Gujarat,
Papad Sabzi from Rajasthan, Baadi from Uttarakhand and so many more. All
unique, traditional, and totally worth trying but the ones that I mentioned
were some you just shouldn’t miss when in these states! Next time, I will
continue with some more dishes from some more states of India. Till then, let
me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these, or want to try
them, or if I have missed some must have dishes from these states.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekt4o_oln-8/XyJWtAjA6OI/AAAAAAAAi0U/1crC3iUBZh0CDITaDpWNr-i48f_yrNDegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/India%2BFood%2BPin%2B1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flavours of India - India Food Diary Part I. What you should try when in India and where! #India #Food #Sikkim #Gujarat #Odisha #Rajasthan" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekt4o_oln-8/XyJWtAjA6OI/AAAAAAAAi0U/1crC3iUBZh0CDITaDpWNr-i48f_yrNDegCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/India%2BFood%2BPin%2B1.png" title="Flavours of India - India Food Diary Part I. What you should try when in India and where! #India #Food #Sikkim #Gujarat #Odisha #Rajasthan" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-87728372429226444462020-10-21T18:50:00.040-07:002020-12-03T15:35:07.794-08:00Fall in Adirondacks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8J-6QPFfgE/X5CW1bmJBeI/AAAAAAAAjc0/zLJgdvm9V7wFK99bd2y7xKFFjZE7yLz6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/adk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Complete Guide to Fall in Adirondacks, New York, USA. #USA #NewYork #Adirondacks #AdirondacksPark #AdirondackMountains" border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8J-6QPFfgE/X5CW1bmJBeI/AAAAAAAAjc0/zLJgdvm9V7wFK99bd2y7xKFFjZE7yLz6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/adk.jpg" title="Complete Guide to Fall in Adirondacks, New York, USA. #USA #NewYork #Adirondacks #AdirondacksPark #AdirondackMountains" width="640" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the Adirondacks Mountains.</td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;">Each year, as October draws close, a blanket of fog wraps hilly patches all around; even here, close to New York City. Under the blanket, the trees dance under the rays of the mellowed sun with the crisp morning air, slowly turning and decking up as if getting ready for a party. And then in no time these hills, these trees, these leaves all celebrate Autumn by providing warmth to the cool days with their auburn shades. </span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn in full glory in Adirondacks</td>
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While New England region in the US is the first place that come to people’s mind when they think of Fall, the state of New York has its own not-so-hidden autumn secret where the celebration of colors is so picturesque that it often gives New England some competition as Autumn’s favorite hideout. As arrays of hillocks burst into a display of yellows, oranges and reds and pristine lakes mirror the brilliance of each hue, the Adirondacks Region treats all with vistas all trying to outdo each other. The region (also called the Adirondack Park) which is almost as big as the famed ‘leaf -peeping’ destination state of Vermont, also boasts the longest fall foliage in the entire country. And so, Adirondacks is the place to soak in the fall spirit when in New York.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With vistas aplenty, Adirondacks will not disappoint.</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />Given the colossal size of Adirondacks, and the abundance of outlooks and quaint towns and villages in the area, planning and cramming everything for a weekend fall trip is literally impossible, as you must have guessed. I have visited the region twice now and I am yet to see it all. And while I feel I won’t be able to cover the whole area ever (or at least any time soon), I can surely give you a virtual tour that can help you plan your trip or just let you bask in some fall love!</span>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>Places and Experiences:</b></span>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lake George and Bolton Landing</b></span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake George from Shepard's Park in the village center.</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />These two hamlets on the bank of Lake George boast of some spectacular fall drives and quaint town centers making them the perfect towns to rest and languidly roam around while soaking in the fall love. Early mornings in Lake George can be spent driving up to the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Prospect+Mountain+Hwy,+Lake+George,+NY/@43.4224373,-73.7484739,14.29z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89dfc4340a3e1089:0xff6a1b212324c22c!8m2!3d43.4215064!4d-73.7332193" target="_blank">Prospect Mountain which ends with a small but rewarding hike to the summit</a>. Prospect Mountain used to have a train going up through the woods, treating people with a 100-mile panoramic view of the area and fine dining at the summit. However, the recreation house and railway line were both lost in the last century, but the view of the lake and the Adirondack High peaks still remains, and they are a sight to behold especially in fall. </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reward at the summit of Prospect Mountain</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />If your leaf peeping souls are not satiated for the day, you can then head over to Fort William Henry Museum area in Lake George for a cruise ride or drive down to Bolton Landing for kayaking in the lake, while treating yourself with yet another scenic drive. I would suggest kayaking with <a href="http://www.lakegeorgekayak.com/" target="_blank">Lake George Kayak Co. at Bolton Landing</a> since we had an amazing time with them and after the kayak session you can treat yourself at one of the lovely restaurants at the historic The Sagamore hotel right next to the kayak boat house! Imagine dining in a hotel that has been functioning since the late 1800s, and has an amazing view of the lake – sounds like a perfect lunch place, right? </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are planning to kayak, Bolton Landing might be where you would want to head.</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />If kayaking leaves you craving for some adrenaline heavy activities, you can zipline down a nearly 1,000-foot vertical drop at 50 miles an hour with Eagle Flyer or parasail over Lake George, both of which you can only indulge in during summers and autumns. And if you just want a languid afternoon, the Shepard’s park with its falling leaves, filters sun rays, Adirondack chairs and a stunning view of the lake would keep you company. </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The place where you can zip-line with a view - Eagle Flyer, Lake George</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />When evening comes with a stunning sunset, feel the moment at the pier near the park, head over to Adirondack Winery Lake George Tasting Room or Caffe Vero to unwind for the evening before hitting one of the numerous restaurants in Lake George Town Center. Our pick - Boardwalk Restaurant & Marina which is next to the lake. And before retiring for the day, grab an ice cream from Nina’s Sweet Shoppe.</span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try out some wine at Adirondack Winery Lake George Tasting Room</td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>North Creek</b></span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you plan well in advance, plan for Revolution Rail bike ride. This one you don't want to miss</td>
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<b><br /></b>If you are planning to visit North Creek at all, I would suggest starting your trip plan at least a month in advance because this place has the potential to be the highlight of your trip if you are able to book yourself a <a href="https://www.revrail.com/" target="_blank">railbike ride with Revolution Rail Co.</a> around peak fall or just past peak. Imagine biking under a canopy of brightly coloured trees with occasional leaf showers while being in the constant company of Hudson river for over 7 miles, sounds like a good way to start your day, right? Revolution Rail Co.’s North and South river runs let you do just that and they start this unforgettable excursion from the historic North Creek Railroad Station, the tiny railway station which is known to be the very place where the place where Theodore Roosevelt learned of the assassination of President William McKinley and of his ascension to the Presidency of the United States.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The historic platform of North Creek that is associated with Theodore Roosevelt</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />And if history or biking is not something that interests you, maybe the famed harvest festival of Gore Mountain might be something you would want to plan your trip around. <a href="https://www.adirondack.net/event/gore-mountain-harvest-fest-53189/" target="_blank">Gore Mountain Harvest fest</a> is a two-day extravaganza in the first or second weekend of October, solely to celebrate everything about fall and about the region. With music, food and plenty of exhibits and pop ups by numerous Adirondack artists and artisans, they festival can keep you captivated for a considerable part of the day. However, make sure to take the scenic gondola sky ride to the top of the mountain to truly appreciate the gorgeous fall foliage of North Creek. </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gore Mountain Harvest Festival!</td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;">When at the summit, you can hike multiple trails, feel the strength of the wind and mist at the stone labyrinth or choose to bike down the mountain. Irrespective of what you choose, Gore Mountain will steal your heart with colors and festivities. And needless to say, the drive from Lake George to North Creek via The Glen itself is a drive you would want to make during peak season, even if you don’t get a chance to do anything significant in North Creek.</span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the festival is not your reason to visit, maybe the mountain itself might be the reason.</td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keene Valley</b></span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere along the Keene Valley</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />Keene Valley can literally be called the heart of Adirondack Park. Keene Valley consists of Adirondack Mountain Reserve and its surrounding area like Giant Mountain, Mount Marcy, Beede Creek, Hull Brook etc. which actually comprises of 15 of the 46 high peaks of Adirondacks. So, as you must have guessed, this is a hiker’s paradise and one can spend almost an entire day in Keene Valley walking various paths and summiting a peak or two in search of beautiful vistas. </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason why you should walk up to the Ausable Club anyway.</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />Most people planning to do the famed hikes of the area – Indian Head, Noonmark and Giant Mountain Trails (all long and difficult trails but super rewarding), head over to the trailheads at daybreak and begin the long walk. While Rainbow Falls keeps your spirits high on the way to Indian Head, Roaring brooks and Chapel Pond do the same for people summiting the Giant Mountain (all of which can be done as smaller trails if you don’t want to do the whole track). Even if you are not a keen hiker, just walk up to the beautiful Ausable Club and you will know exactly why Keene valley is the heart of Adirondacks. Unfortunately, Ausable Club is a notoriously private club, so you won’t be able to really get in, but just roaming around the area can would satiate the leaf peeping part of you. If you are not tired post the miles long hikes, head over to Hull Falls, and keep driving towards Lower and Upper Cascade lakes, you will find plenty of lookout points you will just not be able to resist!</span>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lake Placid and Saranac Lake</b></span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning kayaking in Lake Placid, anyone?</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />And while tracing the path to Upper Cascade lake, one just can’t miss the two towering ski slides amidst woods. That is where the quaint little village of Lake Placid starts, making the start of the tri-lake area of Adirondacks. The other two lakes are actually Saranac Lak and Tupper Lake, but to be frank, there are so many ponds and lakes in this area that you will need to pick and choose which ones to visit and which to give a miss. But must visit lake or lakes in the area are surely Lake Placid and Mirror Lake with the charming village center around it. Kayaking and watching the morning mist lift from the Mirror Lake, unveiling the coloured banks is a way the way to start the day in this hamlet. </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard from Adirondacks</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />Then grab a coffee at Around the Lake Coffee and walk around the village main street, loosing yourself in the cacophony of the crowd while finding yourself some charming nooks and corners like ‘The Bookstore Plus’ or Lake Placid Public Library with its garden and art gallery. Enjoy some lake side brunch at one of the lake side restaurants and then head for some hikes around the village. For a light moody and worthwhile afternoon head to Baker Mountain for a hike, drive up to Adirondack Loj next to the Heart Lake which is famous for being the most photographed road and lake of the Adirondacks area, and then make sure to relax with the <a href="https://whiteface.com/lift/cloudsplitter-gondola-ride-winter/" target="_blank">Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride at Whiteface Mountain</a>. </span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally got a travel journal and it was from this shop!</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />But if you are pumped up and want to take up a challenge, try out Mount Jo hike which will leave you with a view of the Heart Lake that will be in your heart for a while. And for all you fans of R. L. Stevenson’s work, you might want to visit his cottage in Saranac Lake which houses a small museum now. And since you are in Saranac Lake, why not see the sun go down while being surrounded by the fiery wilderness at The Wild Center or with the stillness of the lake. To unwind though, head back to Lake Placid and settle down at Top of the Park or Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, for a perfect wrap to the day at the Lake Villages.</span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moody Pond</td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ausable Chasm</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;">I am yet to do this! I planned it for this year’s trip but fearing the crowd (COVID scare) in the area we decided against heading to Ausable chasm area. Often called the Grand Canyon of Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm flaunts a naturally formed vertical-walled gorge aging back 500 million years! The river with the dramatic gorge and the gorgeous fall foliage around paints an unforgettable scenery. Enabling its visitors to hike around as well as float in the river, Ausable Chasm has been one of the most popular attractions of the area for over 150 years now. </span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charms of fall in Adirondack Mountains</td>
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<span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><br />One day I hope to get to go rafting in the Ausable Chasm, but till then I am going to wallow in the memories of all the other amazing experiences I have had in the Adirondacks! But missing out on Ausable Chasm gave us a chance to visit another place and the bonus place I would suggest visiting in the area (but not exactly in Adirondacks Park) is Whitehall! This small charming town is called the birth place of US navy and can many any of the Adirondacks villages envy its fall foliage!</span>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The surprise that was - Whitehall</td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;"><b>Where to Stay:</b></span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tidd.ly/31thfQO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hampton Inn Lake Placid</a></td>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: MV Boli;">As the area is extremely popular amongst tourists during almost all seasons there are plenty of lodging options. But given that the area is super popular for leaf peeping, make sure to <a href="https://tidd.ly/37xKrdg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check out accommodation</a> well in advance (and even then the prices would be a bit on the higher side). I stayed at the <a href="https://tidd.ly/3dR3pN5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Western at Lake George</a> due to its proximity to Prospect Mountain. In case you are planning to stay close to the lake and in Lake George area, check out Courtyard by Marriott Lake George or literally any motel/hotel in Bolton Landing. However, if you are a Hilton Loyalist make sure to check out the <a href="https://tidd.ly/31thfQO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hampton Inn Lake Placid</a> – it sure seems totally worth it if they have availability there! </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like the article? Pin It!</div>Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-30135573644813771142020-10-07T06:44:00.001-07:002020-10-07T06:44:14.519-07:00Five Sweet Treats to Try When in The United States!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just relax and think of sweet treats!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Fall is here and so are pumpkin, pecan and apple pies, pumpkin spice cupcakes, cranberry-carrot layer cakes, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, maple bars, gingerbreads and fudges and so many more sweet treats! Also, for </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-align: justify;">anyone who had lived in the US or has some idea about food in the US in
general, one thing he or she would always agree on it that most of the edible
things here in the US have a lot of sugar. And Americans are very serious about
their sweets and desserts! From the number of sweet treats on the shelves of American
grocery stores and bakeries to the elaborate dessert menus at the restaurants
here, you can surely get overwhelmed. So, I thought of making things a little
simple for you when you plan to visit the US and also take you around some
places here in the US with a good amount of sugar but no guilt of calories.</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana nut bread has become a comfort food for me off late </td></tr>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Banana Bread - Staying in Seattle meant Starbucks
became my constant go to every morning, and my cup of coffee was always
accompanied with banana nut bread. Little did I know, it was actually invented
here in the US and that too as a comfort recipe during a depressing era!
Apparently, during the great depression (1930s), people tried to use vegetables
and fruits to the maximum limit and since bananas were mostly imported, they
were precious, and people wanted to come up with ways to use even the overly
ripe bananas in their household. And with recent popularization of baking
powder, people found this ingenious way to use those ripe bananas just before
they went bad. And that is how banana bread was invented. While need and
community can be credited for the invention of this amazing quick bread, we
cannot thank Pillsbury Flour’s Recipe book of 1933 enough for making this bread
a country wide favorite! And it became so famous that US also has a National
Banana Bread Day, celebrated every year on the 23<sup>rd</sup> February. Almost
all cafes in the country serve banana and banana nut (walnut) bread, my forever
go to for Banana Nut Bread is going to be Starbucks, only because that was my
very first introduction to it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York Style, Red Velvet and Tiramisu cheesecake<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">New York Style Cheesecake and Red Velvet cheesecake
– I don’t like cheese much in general, so before I was actually introduced to
cheesecake, the idea of cheesecake was not something I fancied but still wanted
to try – thanks to Rachel and Chandler going to the lengths of stealing and
eating cheesecake off the floor. The first time I was in New York, the very
first trip to New York City, I had about 3 hours in the city before I had to
head back to Poughkeepsie where I was living back then. And in the flood of
suggestions for famous places like Central Park, the MET, New York Public
Library etc, I was asked to go near Time Square only for a small Cheesecake
place called Junior’s. It wasn’t the first time I had Cheesecake, but this
place is often considered the birthplace of New York Style Cheesecake. Okay,
cheesecake in general is an age-old Greek thing and used to be made from
ricotta cheese but the magic of New York Style Cheesecake comes from heavy
cream, cream cheese, and sour cream and just vanilla for flavour and thin
crumbly layer of graham cracker for support. I know it sounds very simple, this
melts in your mouth dessert is a definite must have when in New York, possibly
from Juniors or Eileen's Special Cheesecake. But remember I had mentioned
Juniors was not the first time I tried a cheesecake. The very first cheesecake
I was introduced to was Red Velvet Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory and I
knew why Rachel (who ate fat free ice cream by the way) didn’t care about the
calories in the cheesecake! Red velvet cakes were invented in the US at Waldorf-Astoria,
New York by adding beetroot juices with chocolate to make the cake with
buttercream icing, and this recipe in its bare-bones was used to modify the New
York Style cheesecake to make Red Velvet Cheesecake - my 2nd most favourite
cheesecake flavour. Then you have the Floridian modification with Key Lime
Cheesecake and my absolute favorite Tiramisu Cheesecake! Hence, I am not just
suggesting you indulge in New York Cheesecake but also try out its variations when
in the country!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZnxWUFy3Qs/Xx5onRYrSLI/AAAAAAAAitE/oS3YwqgZois2MOmZtLeA-a5OIg5Pgbr3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/donuts-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1043" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZnxWUFy3Qs/Xx5onRYrSLI/AAAAAAAAitE/oS3YwqgZois2MOmZtLeA-a5OIg5Pgbr3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/donuts-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Glazed Classic Krispy Kreme Donuts<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Donuts – A confession here, I still love donuts
from a donuts chain called “Mad Over Donuts aka MOD” in India. We had a MOD
close to where I used to work back in India, and it used to be our go to place
for treats at least once a couple months and I absolutely loved their
varieties. Then came the fateful day when a Krispy Kreme opened in the vicinity
and my friends couldn’t stop gushing over the donuts there. I chose my loyalty
to MOD’s Double Trouble never bothering to even try Krispy Krème. Then I came
to the US and finally gave in to Krispy Kreme magic, and yes it was magic! We
were sometimes treated with Donuts in our college classes, and I noticed often my
classmates choose donuts for breakfast over bagels. This made it clear that
donuts were a part of American life, but it wasn’t until recently that I knew donuts
are actually an American dish (thanks to an episode of ‘Great British Bake Off’).
Apparently, it is such an American thing that Red Cross Service Clubs during 2nd
world war served Donuts to American soldiers to give them the comfort of home
since they were fighting in Europe, away from home. Traditional donuts were
actually a gift to the US by the Dutch settlers in New York, who modified the
Dutch Olykoeks (oil cakes) by filling them with jam – no holes, just fried
dough coated in sugar and filled with jam. And then in late 1930s, Krispy Kreme
came with the first set of variations of fillings and shapes of donuts, making
donuts famous all over the country. Now donuts are famous all over the world
and even in the US the world of donuts has a lot more prominent players like Dunkin
Donuts and Doughnut Project, but I finally get what is the craze of Krispy
Kreme donuts! And, other than the famous chains try out Voodoo Donuts in
Portland and Supermoon Bakehouse in New York, and literally any place in Los Angeles which is called the donut capital of USA! Basically, when in US,
forget calories and get a donut!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDYXnuXcRwk/Xx5pKBBUqxI/AAAAAAAAitM/qT1dMM0dSXgmlrStiID-O1sClqD0Lqj6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cobbler.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="910" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDYXnuXcRwk/Xx5pKBBUqxI/AAAAAAAAitM/qT1dMM0dSXgmlrStiID-O1sClqD0Lqj6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h800/cobbler.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Rose Cobbler (<a href="https://www.wallpaperflare.com/strawberry-rose-cobbler-food-photography-of-dessert-on-table-wallpaper-zhobm" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Cobblers – Last year, I had apple cobbler for the
first time ever in Texas. Till then I didn’t even know what a Cobbler was. I
still remember when I saw ‘cobbler’ in the menu at the Homewood Suites I was
staying at, I asked the chef if it contained yogurt, and she replied, “No dear
this is just a cobbler, apple cobbler”. Embarrassed a bit, I told her I had
only heard of peach cobbler once (an episode of Friends!) but never tried it, so was not sure what it contained and she was more than happy to tell me how a cobbler
was made – just to convince me there was no yogurt in it and to convince me to
take a big portion of the dessert. And oh boy, how scrumptious was this heavy,
fruity pudding! Cobblers are created by combining fruit or "cobbling"
fruits with generous amount of biscuit dough and dry fruits and baked like a
pie. This was what she told me, and later I did a bit of my own research and
found there were actually made from peach or vegetables in the southern states
by farm owners as part of main meal and not dessert. But now a days, it is
mostly made from fruits, with peach taking the crown and apple, strawberry and cherry following
close behind. I have only had the apple version of cobblers but can’t wait to
try out a peach cobbler with ice cream and would recommend you try the same if
visiting South Eastern USA!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1kQ_oyveVM/Xx5paCBUnvI/AAAAAAAAitU/NweGyit34pIF776AjgbFi5TP55bOeu1OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/funnelcake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1600" height="614" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1kQ_oyveVM/Xx5paCBUnvI/AAAAAAAAitU/NweGyit34pIF776AjgbFi5TP55bOeu1OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/funnelcake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funnel Cake<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Funnel Cake – In an attempt to end this series with
a fun dish, I bring to you the funnel cake from the funfairs of the US! Funnel
cakes are made by pouring batter into hot cooking oil in a circular but still
sort of random pattern from a funnel like structure, deep frying until
golden-brown, removed and coated with powdered sugar, chocolate syrup and
sometimes cinnamon, and that is it. The origin of the dish is sometime credited
to Persian Zolbiya (Jalebi) or the French Choux Pastry or Beignets. But it came
to the US with the Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants in form of Drechderkuche and
in the 1940s, this dish evolved into the funnel cake we know today courtesy
baking powder. Frankly, the only place I can recommend is any of the pop-up
shops near Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia to try this super simple yet super
yum dish, but it is very common in regional carnivals and fairs, and I too had
it for the very first time during an autumn harvest festival. I am not sure if
it was the chilly weather that made this piping hot cake so irresistible or if
it was the combination of cinnamon with chocolate and strawberry preserve that
made it totally scrumptious – but no matter the reason, Funnel Cakes are
something I will totally recommend when in the US!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Believe
me I wanted to go on and on with this list – after all America has given us
lovely desserts like pies, sundaes, brownies and chocolate chip cookie and it
is also the land where interesting and unique desserts like Florida Alaska or
Baked Alaska which is a baked toasted meringue ice cream cake (fancy right) and
lemon and coconut bar which are a cross over between a brownie and a shortbread
with lemon or coconut custard (it is as yum as it sounds). But okay, I will not
overwhelm you like the menus I had mentioned earlier. So, here is my small
sweet list for you to enjoy at home during these trying times and plan your
United States Trip a little better when the world finally goes back to normal!</span>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-63471045190742638542020-09-16T09:01:00.001-07:002020-09-20T23:07:39.053-07:00Five Dishes to Try When in The United States!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">When
I moved to the United States of America, I had absolutely no idea about any
‘dishes of the US’. During my first eat out with my roommates we had a
conversation around how mac and cheese was so American and so were
cheeseburgers, but that was it. About half a year later I was introduced to
various cheesecakes for the very first time and fell in love with them but
didn’t realize they were invented in the US. Sometime in the past couple of months,
I saw an episode of Great British Bake Off where they gave a slight background
about Baked Alaska, and I suddenly realized that too was a gift from this
country! Now four years of being in the US, having traveled quite a bit here,
I know of some super unique, must have dishes when in the US because
well most are dishes from the US! So here it is, my list of five dishes to try
when in the US with their whys and wheres!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3MXjTYidxA/Xx0kUdKv10I/AAAAAAAAiqs/tqUn0AJAe34sGnXB-GqJx5EoSP5Y7EGzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/popover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1600" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3MXjTYidxA/Xx0kUdKv10I/AAAAAAAAiqs/tqUn0AJAe34sGnXB-GqJx5EoSP5Y7EGzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/popover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popovers!!!</td></tr>
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1.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Popovers</b> – If there is any place in the US that I
want to revisit just for a dish, it is Jordan Pond House in <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-day-in-acadia-national-park.html">Acadia National Park</a> and the dish is Popovers! So how could I not recommend these soft buttery
rolls in this list! Popovers, inspired by Yorkshire pudding (British) and were
part of almost every meal in New England. They are egg batter bread
rolls/muffins with a thin papery outer shell and dense buttery core which were
traditionally eaten with jams or curried meat, depending on the meal they were
part of but I have eaten it just with jams and whipped cream and they are a
treat for your senses. Today, popovers are available in selected cafes and
bakeries in the New England states, but it is believed to have been invented in
Maine. And in the blueberry state (Maine is called that because of its heavy
production of Blueberries) popovers are served with butter and blueberry jelly
and are just irresistible! I have had popovers in two other places, (in
Adirondacks area of New York), but if you want to grab a bite of these muffin
rolls, head to Jordan Pond House and you will not be able to forget their taste
for a long time I promise! Afterall Popovers have been a part of this place’s
tradition and menu since 1895! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-my8F8vmkvfA/Xx0knJzN1bI/AAAAAAAAiq0/BZWGwU8ndvI50jr7Nl9opKvU78x6dJzFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cornbread.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-my8F8vmkvfA/Xx0knJzN1bI/AAAAAAAAiq0/BZWGwU8ndvI50jr7Nl9opKvU78x6dJzFACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cornbread.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornbread and other stuff from Corrado's in New York City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Cornbread</b> - And talking about traditions and
bread, let’s talk about a bread that was part of this land even before the new
world settlers! Maize or corn had always been an integral part of North
America’s food habits and cornmeal was literally the base of every meal in form
of arepas, tortilla etc. One of those Native American dish was Cornbread - a
simple combination of cornmeal and water that was slow baked and enjoyed for
breakfast. And this is the next dish I would recommend trying out in the US! It
might not sound like a very appealing bread but trust me, it is, because while
other cornmeal-based breads were not modified much, with time and influence of
the new settlers, cornbread evolved. Cornbread available now a days is made
with cornmeal, buttermilk, sometimes eggs and baking powder, and is more like a
tea cake than a simple bread. Cornbreads are available in bakeries all over the
US these days, but in the southern states it is accompanied with molasses while
northern states serve it as a treat with jam, butter and honey – and this is
actually the way I like more and is the way I would recommend too! Oh, I can
give you one way to spend a lazy afternoon in New York City - grab a piece of
cornbread with coffee from Corrado Bread & Pastry and head for a walk in
Central Park. Just a suggestion…</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcANXxrDFBQ/Xx0k04ij3hI/AAAAAAAAiq4/FOXFoo0USxctILz8dwQUKgGyzpOWQGOxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/chowder.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcANXxrDFBQ/Xx0k04ij3hI/AAAAAAAAiq4/FOXFoo0USxctILz8dwQUKgGyzpOWQGOxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/chowder.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn chowder has become a staple for me during this summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Chowder</b> – Another dish that has been part of
‘this land’ even before US was a country is Chowder. New England’s shores were
blessed with seafood like clams and lobsters, and back in the early 17<sup>th</sup>
century early settlers aka the Pilgrims, turned to delicious clams and combined
with the potatoes and onions they had gotten with them – boiled them with milk
in an iron pot or cauldron/</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;">chaudiére
and lo and behold, Clam Chowder was invented! The broth of the soup was called
chowder and with time, people started cooking fish, lobsters, tomatoes and corn
in the same way and all the famous chowders available to us today were
invented. Today chowders are one of the most famous soups in the US and there
are many versions of each variety, or instance clam chowder alone has different
versions called Manhattan Clam Chowder, New England Chowder, Long Island
Chowder, Delaware Chowder etc. No matter how many varieties and version you
have of chowder, the fact remains that sea-flavored chowder was invented in New
England and so you need to try it out in Maine, Massachusetts or Rhode Island!
But if you are not planning on visiting the east coast, Clam Chowder in Seattle
or San Francisco could also give you a taste of history with a flavor of
Pacific North West! And vegetarians, worry not, corn chowder is just as tasty
as (if not more) clam chowder; hence my recommendation was Chowder and not Clam
Chowder you see.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec4O6UgN2Js/Xx0l6TX3I7I/AAAAAAAAirE/k58E7XcdV1opvP-DD0bqIuVO4-aprO_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crab_cakes_quinoa_salad_at_Canal_Street_Bistro.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec4O6UgN2Js/Xx0l6TX3I7I/AAAAAAAAirE/k58E7XcdV1opvP-DD0bqIuVO4-aprO_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Crab_cakes_quinoa_salad_at_Canal_Street_Bistro.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Cakes (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crab_cakes_quinoa_salad_at_Canal_Street_Bistro.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Crab Cake</b> – And taking advantage of the rich
marine life of the Atlantic and age-old dish of native Americans, settlers of
Maryland and Virginia defined their culinary identity – say hello to Crab
Cakes! Traditionally crab cakes in the Chesapeake Bay area (today’s Maryland
and Virginia) were made with blue crab meat – removed from the shell by hand,
mixed with eggs and local spices, rolled into balled and sautéed. This recipe
was adopted by the settlers who added breadcrumbs and mustard to the recipe and
the crab cakes were fried or broiled or sautéed the old way – result of each
method called crab cake. And while the dish was invented in the east with blue
crabs, Pacific coast states adopted this recipe with their local crabs, and I
had one of these crab cakes in Seattle for my first ever tryst with crab. It
wasn’t even a very fancy seafood place, but you can already guess how much I
liked it by seeing crab cakes in this list right? Unfortunately, for the same
reason, I can’t really suggest a place to try this American seafood delicacy,
but anywhere in the North Eastern states or Pacific states you should be in for
a treat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Dish Delish (<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paxtis_Chicago_Style_Deep_Dish_Pizza.jpg" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Deep Dish Pizza</b> – When you think of the US and
unique dishes of the US, not many would think of pizzas being something
American. But thanks to the huge wave of Italian immigrants in the late 1800s (during
Italian Unification Wars) Pizza and in general Italian cuisine became a loved
part of American life. Now we have New York Style Pizza, California Style
Pizza, Detroit Style Pizza, New England Greek Pizza and so many more. But
probably the most famous of these “Italian American pizzas” was invented in
Chicago in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno – The Chicago Deep Dish Pizza! Like the name
suggests this pizza is made in a deeper dish like a pie mold, with inverted
layers of cheese, spicy meat sausages, and marinara sauce’ the only reason it
is not a pie is because it has a crunchy crust. And now, this Deep Dish Pizza
is a culinary icon of Chicago and there is also a National Deep Dish Pizza Day
celebrated every year on April 5 – enough reasons for you to give it a try
right? I personally am yet to try the traditional (meat) deep dish pizza but I
can give you recommendations by my friends – when in Chicago, eat like Chicago
at Pizzeria Uno, Giordano’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, and Pizzeria Due! And
vegetarians, here is my recommendation for you to try the 21<sup>st</sup>
century twist to the Chicago Deep Dish – head to Chicago Style Vegan or </span><a href="https://www.kitchen17.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Kitchen
17</span></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> for a gooey vegan treat in
Chicago style!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">There
are a lot more unique spicy, flavourful, savoury dishes that have made them signature
culinary dishes of some particular states of the US, thus a must have when in
the country. And no, I am not talking about hamburgers, but I am talking more
about dishes like Hawaii’s Poke Bowls, Maine’s Lobster Rolls, Louisiana’s Jambalaya
and Gumbo (Disney fans, remember Tiana making Gumbo with her father?) I am yet
to try these dishes, but from the list of what I have tried and loved, I hope I
was able to give you a tour of the US through food and also given you some
ideas about where to try them!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3gl36fMYI4/XyJkNx1ZsVI/AAAAAAAAi2g/gLIGBLpblRkvkow9VEJ22_rrSlYlYQK6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/US%2BFood%2BPin%2B%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Five Dishes to Try When in The United States! Check out these amazing traditional savory delights from the US. #USA #US #Food #Traditional #FoodTravel #TravelGuide" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3gl36fMYI4/XyJkNx1ZsVI/AAAAAAAAi2g/gLIGBLpblRkvkow9VEJ22_rrSlYlYQK6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/US%2BFood%2BPin%2B%25282%2529.png" title="Five Dishes to Try When in The United States! Check out these amazing traditional savory delights from the US. #USA #US #Food #Traditional #FoodTravel #TravelGuide" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liked the post? Pin It!</td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-39311459512645628532020-09-02T19:15:00.001-07:002020-09-16T09:52:54.648-07:00Souvenirs with Stories - Arts and Crafts from India Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5XGb2ZunAo/X0NeQaL9uhI/AAAAAAAAjAY/Sb42qrvSPzkwfHoQyRztRMifkNrGo_CeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/JUST%2BWORDS%2B_%2BINDIA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Souvenirs with Stories - Arts and Crafts from India Part 2 . #Handicrafts and #Handloom Weaves from #Rajasthan #Assam and #WestBengal that you can take back home with you!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5XGb2ZunAo/X0NeQaL9uhI/AAAAAAAAjAY/Sb42qrvSPzkwfHoQyRztRMifkNrGo_CeACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/JUST%2BWORDS%2B_%2BINDIA.png" title="Souvenirs with Stories - Arts and Crafts from India Part 2 . #Handicrafts and #Handloom Weaves from #Rajasthan #Assam and #WestBengal that you can take back home with you!" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I am back with the second post of the souvenirs with stories series!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">A couple weeks back, I shared some beautiful handicrafts and handloom fabrics of India. But I could only cover three states in that post and I really wanted to write about so many more. So here I am keeping the spirit of “Love for Traditional” going and giving you some more souvenir ideas from India that can give you beautiful memories on their own!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmIwpJIQqtY/X0Ndxw-g3eI/AAAAAAAAjAI/FaTdvRnMgPsm87oILcRsjZDd2HuiOomFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Banarasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="855" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmIwpJIQqtY/X0Ndxw-g3eI/AAAAAAAAjAI/FaTdvRnMgPsm87oILcRsjZDd2HuiOomFACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Banarasi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banarasi Saree! I wanted to cover so many other states, their and arts and weaves because even with two posts it is nearly impossible to cover all that India has to offer, but I did want to mention this one separately because a ton of people visit Varanasi in India and getting a Banarasi from Banaras is just one of those things you should do in the holy city!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Rajasthan</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryEXnrYFyJ8/X0NYREOhO6I/AAAAAAAAi-o/ovMDa5l0e0ktLZ16rORE6dcyuZSa9ixawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rajasthani%2BBlock%2BPrint%2BSaree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="738" height="608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryEXnrYFyJ8/X0NYREOhO6I/AAAAAAAAi-o/ovMDa5l0e0ktLZ16rORE6dcyuZSa9ixawCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Rajasthani%2BBlock%2BPrint%2BSaree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful prints on cotton...If you have seen Bandish Bandits on Amazon Prime recently, you might have noticed Block Print Kurtas, Dresses and Sarees have been used extensively in the show!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">The bazaars of Jaipur can dazzle you with the jewelries, Zari sarees, mirror work clothes and décor items, and so many other things. But in these alleys, you also find beautiful Dabu printed clothes, and though they might not be shiny, they sure are unique and elegant enough to attract your attention. Hence </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dabu Printed or Block Printed Fabric </b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">is the first souvenir I would suggest you get from Rajasthan. Block-printing, though originally is believed to be an art that was developed in China centuries ago, was introduced in Rajputana some 400-500 years ago, in a village called Bagru by Chippa community (a caste of printers). And with generations of Chippas dedicating themselves to this art of stamping (Dabu) meters and meters of cotton cloth with natural plant-based dyes using intricate hand-carved wooden blocks, this art flourished for so many centuries in Jaipur area. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_59zXnMplc/X0NYtxbMWSI/AAAAAAAAi-w/FiWUII72aMAHBof3zecom9OxyIxc_IAlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rajasthani%2BBlock%2BPrint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_59zXnMplc/X0NYtxbMWSI/AAAAAAAAi-w/FiWUII72aMAHBof3zecom9OxyIxc_IAlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Rajasthani%2BBlock%2BPrint.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Block printing has faced the test of time and is still fighting to survive!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">It is so special and unique that Jaipur or particularly Sangneri Hand Block printing has also been awarded GI (geographical indicator) tag, to protect the art for future generations. Imagine this fabric, due to its prints, was a rage not just with kings and commoners of India, but also among Britishers! And while the floral prints lure you towards Dabu work, the promise of longevity of the colors and fabric makes this the perfect souvenir for you to remember Rajasthan for a long time. If you want to know more about why you should take back a piece of Dabu work with you and from where, check out this post on </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/18/t-magazine/block-print-jaipur-india.html" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">The New York Times</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2bs3i5jcgU/X0iCUg3H12I/AAAAAAAAjBY/5XD4XOaFIjwvAa8ofrYK2Negtso_OcMPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rajasthani%2BMeenakari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2bs3i5jcgU/X0iCUg3H12I/AAAAAAAAjBY/5XD4XOaFIjwvAa8ofrYK2Negtso_OcMPACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Rajasthani%2BMeenakari.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rajasthani Meenakari jewelry and accessories are the stars of bazaars of Rajasthan</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">And in those same alleyways of Jaipur, you would find some stunning jewelry and décor pieces with colorful polished motifs of flora and fauna. This is </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Meenakari</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">! Though Meenakari work (fusing metal with colored glass and stone powder) originated in Persia, and was brought to India by Mughals, back in the 16th century, Raja Man Singh brought Meenakari artisans to Aamer and since then embellishing gold, silver, marble and lacquer with Meenakari became a signature art of Jaipur and Udaipur area. If you are searching for Meenakari jewelry, you can easily get it online these days, but if you are a lover of the authentic and would want to see the range of items that are made vibrant with Meenakari work in Rajasthan, just pay a visit to Johari Bazaar of Jaipur during your next trip to the state.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFEMakklP2M/X0iCcbIDsNI/AAAAAAAAjBc/tr1wUjP89BgXuRq_fk5KeFIGf4IhmXTZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rajasthani%2BPaintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFEMakklP2M/X0iCcbIDsNI/AAAAAAAAjBc/tr1wUjP89BgXuRq_fk5KeFIGf4IhmXTZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Rajasthani%2BPaintings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniature painting from City Palace, Udaipur (left) and Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur (right)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">And since I mentioned Udaipur, how can I not tell you about </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Rajput Painting or Miniature Painting of Udaipur! </b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Miniature Painting too came to India with Mughals, where royal historians used tiny paintings on scrolls to record important proceedings of the court. In the 16th century, Rajputana kings encouraged their royal artists to use natural plant and mineral based colors used in India and this Persian technique of painting and produce very detailed and vibrant narratives of royal festivities, grand events and religious texts. And with that amalgamation of west and east, Rajasthan came up with its own version of Miniature Painting called Rajput painting. The Mona Lisa of India aka the famous </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bani_Thani" style="color: #954f72; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">Bani Thani Painting</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"> is probably the most famous miniature painting of our generation, but if you want to be wowed by the brilliance of this art you should head to Udaipur or Shekhawati where even the walls of the place tell you a story about these paintings in grand form! And given that size of these paintings is small, but they are extremely detailed and are literally meant to tell you a story via a picture, how could it not be a souvenir with a story!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rajput Painting on the walls around Udaipur tell you of how important the art is to the city's heritage! That lampshade was bought from Udaipur and every inch of it tells you of the beauty of Miniature Painting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamdani Saree with beautiful motifs!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Now let’s travel east, from one princely state of India to another. Welcome to West Bengal, another state where, though handicrafts and traditional weaves existed since ancient times, it reached its zenith only during the Mughal period. One such fabric that went from being the commoner’s heirloom to regal wear was </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Jamdani weave</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">! Jamdani is considered one of the finest muslins (softest cotton fabric) in the world and has been a part of Bengal’s heritage for over 2000 years (West Bengal and Bangladesh). This almost sheer weave with intricate floral motifs is considered one of the most delicate and laborious weaves of the world, so much so that it was declared a was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And though Bangladesh is considered the seat of Jamdani, Nadia and Murshidabad in West Bengal have kept the flame of Jamdani weaves going in India. And if you can get a saree that not only reminds you of an undivided India, but makes you feel like a Mughal queen or princess, wouldn’t that be a perfect souvenir?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages from Mahabharata and Ramayan woven into architectural bricks of a Baluchari Saree</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Another timeless weave of West Bengal is Baluchari, which literally translates to ‘from the sand banks’ and was the weave that put Baluchar, a small village in Murshidabad district on India’s map. Back in the 18th century, </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Baluchari weaves</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"> were developed as an art of weaving stories onto silk which was already a rage amongst royals of close by Bishnupur area. The idea was to translate the beautiful terracotta carving on the temples of Bishnupur (done between 13th–17th century), which were West Bengal’s most prized architectural heritage, onto a fabric, but soon these weaves themselves became the pride of Bengal. From pages of Mahabharat and Ramayan, to instances from a king’s court or royal carriages, from British army and British party scenes, to Kolkata’s rickshaws or Jamindaars Hukkas – weavers brought moments to life with Baluchari weaving. And that is the reason why Baluchari sarees are the ultimate souvenir you can take back from West Bengal.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From deities, masks, elephants and horses, not just any but Terracotta Bankura Horses...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">But if you are not looking for a wearable, worry not, West Bengal has you covered. And since you are in Terracotta land of Bishnupur, let me start with </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Terracotta Figurines and Bankura Terracotta Horses</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"> of West Bengal. Terracotta art flourished in Bankura district (Bishnupur) during the Malla Dynasty but now is considered a symbol of West Bengal, with terracotta artists in every village of the state. It was always a commoner’s art and was used to make religious figurines – faces of Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali, which are famous till date. But with time, people started coming up with clay dolls (putuls) of soldiers and gods, and animals like horses and elephants. I still remember when I had visited Sonapur (north WB), my Uncle took us to a terracotta artist who lived about an hour away from their place and his work was so magnificent that I actually thought some of his work were polished wood carvings! And believe me, the terracotta pieces here are so detailed, that one kind of terracotta statues – the Bankura Horses, which were initially built as symbolic sacrifices to God Dharma, were granted GI for West Bengal in 2018! Reason enough to consider them for souvenirs, right?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess Durga's Pratima with Sholapith </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">And if weight and size of terracotta figurines is a concern, artists of West Bengal give you the option of </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Shola Pith or Shola craft</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">. If you have ever seen a Bengali wedding, the white caps the bride and groom wear for the rituals is made from Shola Pith. Shola Pith is a white spongy center of a tree stem which is similar to foam after it’s dried, and this is pressed and used to make a ton of handicrafts in West Bengal. Shola Pith has always been used to create accessories and flowers for Goddess Durga and other Gods during Durga Puja, but with time, the traditional Shola craft artists, called Malakars, started producing a variety of products to attract the common handicrafts collectors (mostly Jamindars). And today, Shola craft is famous not just in India but also outside the country, thus making it yet another amazing eco-friendly gift from West Bengal.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The golden thread gift from Assam - Muga Silk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Now let me take you back in time to shine some light on the oldest recorded royal fabric of India that has survived till this date – <b>Muga Silk</b> of Assam. Silk in general has been the identity of Assam (the ancient kingdom of Kaamarup) since around 3 or 4th century BCE! Imagine ancient texts like Ramayana, Arthashastra (written by Chanakya) and The Great Tang Records (travel journal of Huen Seng) also identify Assam for its silk. And yes, Assam in general produces multiple types of silk, but its most prized kind is the naturally shiny, glossy, golden Muga Silk – which till the rule of Palas was more or less a royal wear. Then these rulers, back in 11th century tried to centralize production and trade of Muga Silk and brought most of the silk weavers of the kingdom to Suvarnkuchi or Sualkuchi in Kamarup district. The Ahoms, followed the suite and decided to make Sualkuchi ‘silk only’ village in the 16th century and till date, this village is the center of Assam’s silk industry. Imagine a souvenir that hides tales of centuries within its golden threads which shine brighter with every day and every wash – Sualkuchi in Assam can gift that to you in form of a shawl, stole, saree or kurta (And it is probably the best place to connect with the artists directly too!)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kamrupi Bell Metal Jaapis</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">In the same district, another art that has been thriving since ancient times is </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Kamrupi Brass and Bell metal craft</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">. Traditionally bell metal objects were used for making offering vessels for Gods in the ancient pilgrimage areas of Hajo and Sarthebari. Then, artists in these areas started making several cultural objects like pots, plates, jewelry boxes, etc. with brass and bell metal. By early medieval period, metal Jaapis (traditional conical cap of Assam) became the royal symbol and royal gift of the Kingdom of Assam. And Ahoms ensured metal craft would be associated with Assam forever by establishing a tradition of greeting a guest with silk Gamosha and bell metal Xorai (tray for sweets and paan with a stand and pagoda shaped lid), thus giving the statement – “Atithi devo bhava” (a guest is like a God) a very shiny meaning! Now it’s impossible to not come across a shiny bell metal Xorai or a metal Jaapi, which are both considered cultural symbols of Assam, while exploring the state. And that is exactly why they are one of the souvenirs you would want to get from Assam!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell Metal Xorai and Coiled Bamboo Lampshade</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And talking about symbols of Assam, how can you forget Rhinos? Let’s be real, the most memorable experience anyone would have in Assam would be that of spotting a one horned Rhino in the wilderness of Kaziranga or Pobitra, so how about get a souvenir that reminds you of that moment? Yes, you can get a magnet or a photo, but I am talking about getting a wood carving! <b>Bamboo, Cane and Gambhar Woodwork</b> is an inseparable part of communities of Assam, and always has been. While tribes around Kaziranga chisel Gambhar wood into rhinos, artisans from Cachar district can coil cane into baskets and furniture, and pretty much the whole state is skilled in making bamboo flowers, birds, mugs and so much more, plenty of options to choose from, right?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those rhinos are carved from Gambhar wood in Assam.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">And though, not a traditional art, I just couldn’t end the souvenir saga of Assam without mentioning </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">water hyacinth handicrafts</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">. Water hyacinth is actually a weed that grows around riverbanks and have been used to create daily use objects like mats, baskets, bags etc. in south east Asia for some centuries now. Around 10-15 years back, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) introduced this technique in Assam enabling locals to produce environmentally sustainable crafts. And ever since water hyacinth handicrafts have become an integral part of Assam’s cottage industry cluster. Hence these handicrafts from Assam would actually be a memento with a promise of future.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jute work from southern West Bengal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Beyond these you can choose to get a pair of custom made lacquer bangles from Maniharon ka Raasta in Jaipur, Rajasthan; a piece of golden fiber art from artists skilled in turning the jute into beautiful décor pieces in towns and villages of West Bengal or fall in love with the arty Mukhas or masks of Majuli, Assam and grab one of those. There is just so much to explore in these states and even beyond these states in India. And while we all love magnets (I am also one of those people) and shot glasses, we can also take back a piece of the places we visit with the tangible art of those places, right? So, this was me making my case in favor of these traditional arts and weaves!</span></div>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-26407916129682224332020-08-14T21:05:00.005-07:002020-09-03T21:18:16.703-07:00Souvenirs with Stories - Arts and Crafts from India Part I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidery work from Gujarat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Every decade needs its own manual of handicraft. -Liberty Hyde Bailey</span><br />
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With progress and mass production, we lose out the traditional essence of a place – its local art and craft. And this has been true for centuries. Back in the late 19th century, people in Europe, at the peak of industrial revolution, started the Arts and Crafts movement to preserve the traditional arts of a place. Situations got dire, world wars saw a loss of native arts but most survived, because need and supply were still localized, and art still thrived as a hobby and blossomed into an industry for décor and souvenirs.</div>
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Fast forward to today, 21st century - age where global demand and supply are not localized anymore, hobbies barely find a slot in most of our busy calendars to survive (forget thriving); handicraft and handloom fabric were already competing with pocket friendly mass production, “minimalistic lifestyle” and the online bazaar; Art institutes, not only running out of pupils for the next generation, but are also running out of hope of keeping the traditional flare alive. And hence probably what Liberty Hyde Bailey said is truer now, than when he had written it, mostly to remind us of what we have lost, what we might lose, and why regional arts and crafts need to survive. And now with COVID19 forcing everything to a standstill, places getting battered with storms and floods, and so many businesses dying as a result of it all, we can all imagine the extent of distress this year has caused to the surviving Handicraft and Handloom artists, right?<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Odiya Patachittra has been at my place for over 25 years now!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">But there is hope! Due to COVID19, with people being locked at their places, most have turned to arts and crafts themselves, with some exploring local artforms more as a result. I am talking about Mandala Art – which has its origins in East India, Tibet and Bhutan, and Madhubani Painting which is from a part of Bihar (ancient kingdom of Mithila in India), Warli painting from Maharashtra and so many more. And to add to it all, recently on the National Handloom day (7th of August), the whole of India came out in support of regional handloom industry on social media, thanks to Smriti Irani (who is India’s current Minister of textile) starting a trend for #Vocal4Handmade on Twitter. And it felt so good to see so many people sharing their love for traditional Handloom products online! Which made me think, why not use this momentum and tell you of different traditional arts of India, so that when we are all able to travel again, we can get souvenirs with stories and help extend the longevity of the manual of handicraft we were handed down.</span></div>
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So today I am sharing with you, a handful of traditional arts from some states of India, that you can take back with you when you travel this huge diverse nation!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Odisha</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kandua Saree from my Mom's Collection!</td></tr>
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Since I am from the state of Odisha, let me start by taking your through the state’s culture and timeless artforms that you can not only appreciate but also take back with you when you visit Odisha! Handloom weaving in Odisha or kingdom of Kalinga (what is was called back then) goes back to the days of Gupta Period in India, and Odisha Ikat was one of the precious items of trade with Indonesia for ages. From the ikat techniques, various unique regional fabrics and patterns were created with time and today Sambalpuri Bandha, Kalahandi Habasapuri, Sonepuri Bomkai, Koraput Kopad and so many more traditional fabrics have kept handloom weaving in Odisha alive. And, I would totally recommend getting a <b>Sambalpuri Bandha Saree or Bomkai Silk Saree</b>, especially since they are considered to be the oldest surviving mixed (cotton and silk thread) traditional fabrics of Odisha and still use traditional motifs like flowers, waves, conch shell or wheel etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was gifted this Bomkai Silk Pata Saree recently and it is undoubtedly one of my favourite Sarees ever!</td></tr>
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But if you wanted to get just one saree from Odisha, I would say you should own a <b>Khandua Silk Pata Saree</b> above all others. Afterall this fabric is used to dress up Lord Jagannath and has been an integral part of the state’s handloom cluster since 13th century! Bright coloured, pure silk sarees with elaborate yet intricate borders with flowers, animals, temple tops, and sometimes elaborate depictions of Yagya (holy rituals) - these drape you with the essence of Odia culture and history and hence are a must have from this beautiful state! And if you are worried about quality of the sarees, don’t; all the fabrics I mentioned above are GI (Geographical Indicator) protected! You can buy any of these sarees at any Boyonika Store in the state, which are run by the State Government and Primary Weavers Cooperative Society of Odisha. And if you can't wait till your visit, to get one of these weaves, check out <a href="https://utkalamrita.com/" target="_blank">Utkalamrita's online store </a>(they work directly with weavers from various regions of Odisha).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Qh7AP47X3w/XzdVWeeHSgI/AAAAAAAAi7Y/wqOCPrlL2ekrh0xE8_4W4X01OAJNZxbEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/r3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Qh7AP47X3w/XzdVWeeHSgI/AAAAAAAAi7Y/wqOCPrlL2ekrh0xE8_4W4X01OAJNZxbEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/r3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patachittra from Raghurajpur!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, talking about culture and history, how can I not take you to Raghurajpur and its beautiful </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Patachittra</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Mostly inspired by Hindu Mythology, these paintings have been made in Puri region apparently since 5th century BC and in 2000, Raghurajpur, near Puri was developed as the first Heritage and Crafts village of the state. These paintings are so intricate that they can take months to make, but once etched, they are nothing short of magic! I can’t describe how amazing these are, so I will let the picture above do the job for this one. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarakasi from Cuttack</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And from one intricate art to another, </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Silver Filigree Work or Tarakasi</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> from Cuttack shines as bright as the silver even when it is on the verge of vanishing. Though the origin of Tarakasi is not very defined, Tarakasi sculptures and ornaments have been made in the Cuttack district of Odisha for over 500 years now. And this art deserves to survive and thrive, reason - The pictures above! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_3rnCLJre4/XzdV6czzWEI/AAAAAAAAi7o/83EszVfTabcDYMeSkNfkB4X7z8jonCu7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pipili_col.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_3rnCLJre4/XzdV6czzWEI/AAAAAAAAi7o/83EszVfTabcDYMeSkNfkB4X7z8jonCu7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pipili_col.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipili Applique work</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then there is </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Applique</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> work from Pipili, </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Talapatra</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> art, </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Tara Kaama (silk thread work)</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, and so many more handicrafts that are indigenous to Odisha that I can go on and on. But I really didn’t want to overwhelm you guys, so moving on to the next state…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gujarat</b> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HR5RwCjQoA8/XzdWJNV906I/AAAAAAAAi7s/rIp2Ts1nHbE0q3hEuk_W65JD8ZLhASRWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bandhani_col.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HR5RwCjQoA8/XzdWJNV906I/AAAAAAAAi7s/rIp2Ts1nHbE0q3hEuk_W65JD8ZLhASRWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Bandhani_col.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom's and my Bhandhani love on display!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Most of my childhood was spent in Gujarat, and I lived in not one, but quite a few places in Gujarat. Hence if I had to pick one or two unique souvenirs from this state, it would be nearly impossible for me. But I won’t overwhelm you either, because once you visit Gujarat – the state will do it for you anyways. If I had to pick something that is an absolute must have from this state, it would be a Bandhani product! <b>Bandhej or Bandhani</b> (tie-dye products) though believed to have been invented During Indus Valley Civilization, has lived on till this date due to artisans in Gujarat and Rajasthan. And even though Bandhanis are found all over the country now, Jamnagar and Kutch actually hold the GI of Jamnagari Bandhani – making the Bheendi (knots) transformed patterned fabric special here. And along with beautiful memories, you can get Bandhani Kurtas, Sarees, Dupattas and Turbans to take back with you!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stole I am wearing in this picture is a Patan Patola piece.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another such extremely beautiful handloom fabric from Gujarat is <b>Patan Patola</b>. Considered one of the most complicated Double Ikat works in the world, the Patola products are made only by people of Salvi Community in Patan. I visited one of the oldest Patan Patola factories in Gujarat, which is less than a mile away from Rani Ni Vav, and that place is a museum in itself, to say the least. Patan Patola sarees have been made here since the 11<sup>th</sup> century by the same family and they are so unique that back in the 14<sup>th</sup> century, even Ibn-e-Batuta (the explorer) took a bunch of them as souvenirs. If this has made you more curious about Patan Patola, you might not have to wait till things go back to normal. Check out - <a href="http://www.patanpatola.com/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.patanpatola.com/</span></a> to know more.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Saurashtra Applique Rabari piece..</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And if </span>wearables<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> are not what you are looking for, maybe </span></span><b style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saurashtra’s Applique pieces with Rabari embroidery</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> might steal your heart. I still remember the very first time we got an applique Toran (door décor) rabari work. When we used to live in Bhavnagar, my mother came to know that our house-help made these Torans. Before leaving the city, she bought a bunch of Torans from her and that is when she had told us embroidery designs in Gujarat are as diverse as the dialects of Gujarati in the state, but she was a Rabari and this art form passed down from one generation to the next in their households. In parts of Saurashtra, Rabari embroidery comes together with the traditional art of putting together patches of clothes in form of colourful design and patterns creating beautiful wall decors, bags, covers and so much more. When you can take back a combination of unique crafts from the state with one product why not grab that opportunity!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Madhya Pradesh</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EDSOjhjSh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by vaisakhi (@vaisakhi)</a> on <time datetime="2020-01-08T15:14:10+00:00" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 8, 2020 at 7:14am PST</time></div>
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(Above: Me in my first ever Chanderi Zari Saree!)<br />
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After Odisha and Gujarat, if my mom has a lot of sarees from any other state, it is Madhya Pradesh. Afterall this is the state that has been known for its Zari work (Chanderi) even before the Mughal Era. And I own one Chanderi Saree and absolutely love it. But if I had to pick two things definitely worth owning from this state, they would be Maheshwari Sarees and Batto Bai Dolls. <b>Maheshwari sarees</b> are cotton or pure silk sarees with zari or brocade in varied designs. Originating and holding the GI of <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/06/ghats-of-narmada-maheshwar.html" target="_blank">Maheshwar, old capital of Holkar Kingdom</a>, these sarees are believed by some to have been inspired by Chanderi Zari pattern, but with the weaving technique of craftsman from Surat – resulting in beautiful lite-weight (less thread) sarees that were unique! Dating back to the 18<sup>th</sup> Century, these sarees became a sign of Malwa, and Maratha craftsmanship coming together and were not only popularized during the reign of Ahilya Bai Holkar, but it is also believed that she designed the very first Maheshwari saree. We might not get the saree designed by Rani Ahilya Bai, but we sure can get the best of two traditional arts in one, right? And while seeing these sarees being made in Maheshwar should be able to convince you to buy one for yourself, if you do want to learn more about them and get one beforehand check out - <a href="https://rehwasociety.org/pages/history-1" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">https://rehwasociety.org</a><b>. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://rehwasociety.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="866" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOX2Pa1DaRw/XzdcEsTHFfI/AAAAAAAAi8Q/QmBFPS3cQv48Caeg1rzlhI-AL58rvzNDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/MaheshwariSarees.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maheshwari Sarees by Rehwa Society (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PC080025.JPG" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And when handicrafts meet best out of waste movement one gets something simple and beautiful like </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">Batto Bai Dolls</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. I had seen these dolls once, long long time ago, but never really knew much about them till this May, when I came across an article about them in </span><a href="http://www.mptourism.com/batto-bai-dolls.html" style="color: #954f72; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s Blog</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Not very long ago, these dolls were made by Batto Bai in Gwalior and were sold in Melas. Today these dolls, which are primarily made with rags and organic colours, are also sold in Bhopal, but Batto Bai’s family (4</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> generation) still makes these dolls and have managed to make these dolls an integral part of Gwalior’s culture. Since these recently got added to my souvenirs list, I wanted to share them with you too!</span><br />
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I actually wanted to write about many more states and many other handicrafts. But I realize I might already have overwhelmed you guys today. So, for now, I leave you with the central belt of India and their artistic weaves and colours. I will continue the souvenir hunt for you guys next time with some more stories.<o:p></o:p><br />
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P.S. - This post is not sponsored.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxyPYHd3Evw/XzdemMcCQ1I/AAAAAAAAi8w/mYpFBkyJkHIbm3UMUWa-FFyCXrW62cLdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Coral%2BPhoto%2BBeauty%2BHair%2BInspirations%2BPinterest%2BGraphic.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Souvenirs with Stories - Arts and Crafts from India Part I . #Handicrafts and #Handloom Weaves from #Odisha #Gujarat and #MadhyaPradesh that you can take back home with you!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxyPYHd3Evw/XzdemMcCQ1I/AAAAAAAAi8w/mYpFBkyJkHIbm3UMUWa-FFyCXrW62cLdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Coral%2BPhoto%2BBeauty%2BHair%2BInspirations%2BPinterest%2BGraphic.png" title="Souvenirs with Stories - Arts and Crafts from India Part I . #Handicrafts and #Handloom Weaves from #Odisha #Gujarat and #MadhyaPradesh that you can take back home with you!" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-45312017301893788592020-08-02T18:57:00.003-07:002020-09-16T09:56:03.271-07:00Five Things to Try When in New Zealand - Food Travel!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">I travel to make memories and explore new places. But more often than not, travel also helps me stay sane, break everyday monotony, shake off anxiety and rejuvenate myself. Unfortunately, last few months, since travel is an option, I, like most of us, turned to cooking as a way to break the monotony. I have never been a foodie, so I don’t really pay a lot of attention to cuisines and unique dishes during my travels. But binge watching Great British Bake Off on Netflix and my sudden food love helped me remember some amazing dishes from my trips! And yes, I know we might not be traveling again like pre-COVID19 times anytime soon, but one can hope and have plans - ready to be put to use, right? </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Hence, starting today, I will be posting about some must try dishes from four different countries – starting with New Zealand and followed by India, USA and Malaysia! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">So, without much ado, here are 5 things (and some bonus stuff), you must try out when in New Zealand!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Pavlova – aka a sweet fluffy cloud for fruits!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">(source - </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/mixed-berries-pavlova-pie-cake-1470226/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">https://pixabay.com/photos/mixed-berries-pavlova-pie-cake-1470226/</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Ok, yes, I am not a foodie, but I have a sweet tooth and once in a while I do indulge myself with unique flavors of a place, especially if it is a dessert. So, when we were deciding to visit New Zealand, apart from the general itinerary, I had places marked out where I wanted to try Pavlova. Pavlova is a layered meringue cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, mostly berries and kiwifruit. Apparently, it was first made in New Zealand in 1920 in honor of Russian Ballerina, Anna Pavlova and by the middle of the century it had become an integral part of every Christmas feast in New Zealand and Australia.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Where to try it:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Unfortunately, the “famous places” to try out pavlova or “the pav” (what it is called locally) are expensive. But there sure are ways to get a slice of this epic dessert without drilling a hole in your pockets. If, you guys are planning to visit Te Puia (in Rotorua) for the Te Po aka the evening experience with dinner, there is a high chance your dessert of the night will include the pav. Other places: Winona Forever Café in Auckland, Corelli's Café in Devonport, Floriditas in Wellington.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Hokey Pokey Ice Cream – the sugar rush you would want!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Often coined a Kiwiana (quirky things that contribute to a sense of nationhood</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">), Hokey Pokey Ice Cream is undisputedly New Zealand’s best gift to summer days. In New Zealand, Hokey Pokey is actually the local term for honeycomb toffee, which is not a New Zealand invention. But creamy vanilla ice cream with Hokey Pokey pieces in it, sure is a New Zealand thing and on a hot summer evening, it is the most sought after sugary delight in the country.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Where to try it:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Any dairy (convenience stores in NZ are called dairies) – be sure to try Tip Top’s Hokey Pokey. Also, Giapo in Auckland (it is an ice cream lover’s paradise!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">New Zealand Pie – not your regular pie!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/kbmars-5349094/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2680479" target="_blank">source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Moving on from sweet to savory, confused? New Zealand has carried in its fist a piece of Victorian age into the 21st century and it is something you can find in every corner of the country now – the pie, actually meat pie. Meat Pies have been made all around the world since ancient times, but the meat pies found in New Zealand and Australia are just about a century old and are believed to be small hand sized derivatives of the famous Victorian game pies, that used to be center pieces of every Victorian affair. But I said pie remember, not meat pie. Though traditional pies were filled with minced mutton, steak, chicken, bacon and game with cheese and potato, nowadays, vegetarian pies with mushrooms, peas, kumara (New Zealand’s sweet Potato), spinach, and even “paneer” are also easily available. And New Zealanders take their pies very seriously, so you can find a pie for literally for every meal of the day. Imagine, by end of our trip we had tried the spinach and feta pie in every city we visited and had had it at least once for the 3 meals of the day.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Where to try it:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Anywhere and everywhere in the country, seriously. There’s also an annual competition to find the very best in the country, so if you do want to try the very best in the country, you can just google the best of every year and hit those places!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Hangi - real taste of culture!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">This is literally how Hangi is described by New Zealand Tourism and it is so true. Since we had a taste of the commonwealth, let me take you further back in time and bring to table something from New Zealand’s Polynesian heritage. The Hangi is actually not a particular dish but a cooking method and cuisine that has been around the country since the time M</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">ā</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">ori people (Polynesians who settled in New Zealand) discovered geothermal activities on the islands. M</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">ā</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">ori people discovered how to use earth as a natural oven. The called this technique Hangi, the food they cooked using this method was called kai, and the feast and cuisine they developed with kai was also called Hangi. Vegetables, chicken, pork, crayfish, oysters, rice, etc… Hangi has almost everything. The food is roasted on hot stones in a hole and covered with a wooden cage, wet cloth and soil – to trap the heat in the hole. Sometime, the food is also cooked in natural thermal water (can still be observed at Whakarewarewa Village). The food is then cooked for hours and the end product has a smoky earthy flavor to it. These days a lot of places cook Hangi with fire, to speed up the process, but there are still plenty of places where you can get the real taste of culture, especially in Rotorua!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Where to try it:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Maori Heritage village and experience sites in Rotorua – Te Puia, Whakarewarewa Living M</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">ā</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">ori Village and Tamaki M</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">ā</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">ori Village or Te Puia; and at Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Bay of Islands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Lamingtons – Adopted Aussie Delight!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjPlMa0CoEc/Xxy36h9KjJI/AAAAAAAAins/amdKVTO4eYUUmfia4OcZYxTo7eBopvEIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Lamingtons.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjPlMa0CoEc/Xxy36h9KjJI/AAAAAAAAins/amdKVTO4eYUUmfia4OcZYxTo7eBopvEIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Lamingtons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">(Source - </span></b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lamingtons_on_a_plate.jpg#filelinks" style="color: #954f72; text-align: left;" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lamingtons_on_a_plate.jpg#filelinks</a><span style="text-align: left;">)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">There is no dispute of ownership here, Lamingtons are cakes from Australia, but New Zealand is probably its biggest fan base. These small square vanilla sponge cake, often with a center layer of jam, are either covered a decent layer of raspberry jelly or chocolate and snowed with shaved coconut in the end – sounds like a gourmet bakery item? They sure are drool worthy, but it is actually very common at dairies and bakeries all around the country and very budget friendly.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Where to try it:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Almost every bakery in the country (bakery, because you would get it with the jam layer, and they are usually fresh) but a must visit place for Lamingtons is the Arrowtown Bakery.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And the bonus mentions:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">These are some things you would easily find outside New Zealand but having them in New Zealand would be a tad bit special.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgUr0qd2s0E/Xxy4MSwRehI/AAAAAAAAin0/-6MlPYpWwdMSAeisprvkpz_HtI5Kcl1JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/flatwhite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1397" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgUr0qd2s0E/Xxy4MSwRehI/AAAAAAAAin0/-6MlPYpWwdMSAeisprvkpz_HtI5Kcl1JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/flatwhite.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">For all the Coffee Lovers Out there</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> - <b>The original flat white!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Much like the simple but innovative Hokey Pokey twist to vanilla ice cream gave the world something special, another simple yet ingenuous twist to classic latte by gave the world the Flat White! And while the origin of the Flat White is still disputed, most claim it was invented in Auckland in early 20<sup>th</sup> Century and is an integral part of Kiwi lifestyle now. Yes, Starbucks lets you get a sip of this simple frothy expresso drink, but remember New Zealand holds the original recipe. So, when in the country, especially Coromandel Peninsula or Wellington, grab a cup if you are a coffee lover!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">For all the Tea Lovers Out there</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> – <b>Zealong in Zealand!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If you love tea, and like trying different kinds of tea, I am sure you must have heard of Zealong. No points for guesses here - Zealong is organic tea grown in New Zealand and exported worldwide. In fact, <span style="letter-spacing: 0.25pt;">Zealong Tea Estate near Hamilton (just an hour away from Hobbiton) is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand. Unfortunately, our plan of visiting the estate was ruined by incessant rain, but I think, a trip to their estate should be on any tea-trotters itinerary.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">New Zealand sure has a lot more to offer, but like I had mentioned earlier, I am not a foodie, so these pretty much gave me a memorable taste of the country. But if you are hunting for more flavors, maybe the Green Lipped Mussels from Northland, Whitebait Fritters from West Coast, and world-famous Sauvignon Blanc of Otago region might satiate your souls.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-44106970030578783312019-05-31T18:27:00.001-07:002020-12-03T15:18:35.245-08:00From the Ruins of - Ajanta Caves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCBRTDfuxKE/XPDXfhjvj2I/AAAAAAAAdI4/z3hpgDpOq3oqR_6idKEk5hp00XtofhRdwCKgBGAs/s1600/a2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of - Ajanta Caves. Explore history that has been preserved for more than 2000 years! #Aurangabad #Maharashtra #AjantaCaves #India #History #Architecture" border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCBRTDfuxKE/XPDXfhjvj2I/AAAAAAAAdI4/z3hpgDpOq3oqR_6idKEk5hp00XtofhRdwCKgBGAs/s640/a2.jpg" title="From the Ruins of - Ajanta Caves. Explore history that has been preserved for more than 2000 years! #Aurangabad #Maharashtra #AjantaCaves #India #History #Architecture" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The array of caves of Ajanta<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">2000
years ago, monks from all over Indian subcontinent, came together in the heart
of the Deccan, in search of the eternal truth, peace and salvation, while
creating around thirty caves that would immortalize them. On a rocky face of a horseshoe-bent gorge of Waaghur river, these monks managed to create a timeless masterpiece that
was really just a product of their devotion and love for Buddha. From around 2nd
century BCE to about 7<sup>th</sup> century AD, they chiseled and etched these
caves, creating frescos and sculptures that are a testament of art and cultural
flare of the bygone era. These caves are none other than the world famous,
UNESCO heritage site, Ajanta Caves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dwttxPIzCc/XPDXjG4b4pI/AAAAAAAAdI8/fVlMxXY93pElOYnTpskzft1UcjWCCPxRQCKgBGAs/s1600/A1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dwttxPIzCc/XPDXjG4b4pI/AAAAAAAAdI8/fVlMxXY93pElOYnTpskzft1UcjWCCPxRQCKgBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you enter Ajanta, and see the exteriors, you hardly know what is in store for you inside the ruins of this once flourishing monastery.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ajanta
was believed to have been lost and covered by forest growth till early 17<sup>th</sup>
century, when accidentally discovered the caves during a hunting trip, when a
British Officer, John Smith noticed cave 10 from the overlooking hill top. But
historical records prove that Ajanta was never lost in time, just kept a secret
by the locals, during later Mughal period, to save it from the wrath of Aurangzeb.
Regardless of what happened in the past, we are lucky to have the chance to
witness this marvelous piece of art even now! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-788LzNVx2gg/XPDXx3fVVzI/AAAAAAAAdJE/zlX4GyZhj0cXFEiXBx-WqpAWc8CESX5agCKgBGAs/s1600/a15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-788LzNVx2gg/XPDXx3fVVzI/AAAAAAAAdJE/zlX4GyZhj0cXFEiXBx-WqpAWc8CESX5agCKgBGAs/s640/a15.jpg" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chaitya ghar in Cave 9 is one of the few remnants of a simpler Hinayana Era. Though you can still see by looking up to the ceiling, that the cave might have been painted with simpler themes even back then.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ajanta
caves though believed to be a part of the network of caves from Konkan to
Nalanda, they are believed to be predominantly from the Mahayana phase of
Buddhism, since almost all the caves depict Buddha as a god. Hinayana sect
considered Bhuddha only as a preacher of truth and meditated around a non-engraved stupa. While Mahayana sect considered Buddha to be an incarnation of God and
believed in Bodhiastavas. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSEjsoFQyas/XPDX1bTeX5I/AAAAAAAAdJI/rGkADysDiCc6dw7RAgvYUqIgk7xjBbrZwCKgBGAs/s1600/a12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSEjsoFQyas/XPDX1bTeX5I/AAAAAAAAdJI/rGkADysDiCc6dw7RAgvYUqIgk7xjBbrZwCKgBGAs/s640/a12.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many Buddha Shrines in the Mahayana Viharas of Ajanta. You can see Buddha preaching here, while animals deers and 5 monks listening to him - recreating his first sermon at Saranath<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">It was during the Mahayana phase that paintings and
sculptures of Bhuddha and Bodhiastavas became part of Monasteries and so Ajanta
became what it is today. Some caves of Ajanta were built during late Hinayana
phase, but they too were modified during the Mahayana phase with stunning
murals. The only caves that still have their original Hinayana structure are
cave 9 10 and a couple more (that I don’t remember the number of right now).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCa83kExiN4/XPDX5sn6dRI/AAAAAAAAdJM/44XGJJby9f4PQwiDP77Bx4sfpJm_FWTLQCKgBGAs/s1600/a7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCa83kExiN4/XPDX5sn6dRI/AAAAAAAAdJM/44XGJJby9f4PQwiDP77Bx4sfpJm_FWTLQCKgBGAs/s640/a7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of the shrines, where even though the pose of Buddha and the setting is similar, you can see that the craftsmanship is more polished and the door and pillars are more elaborate, suggesting this Vihara was made in a later period. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Most
of the caves of Ajanta are vihara halls and have a rock carved statue of Buddha
at the rear of the cave in a smaller shrine. These viharas are pillared on all
the other sides and have monk cells attached to them. But the most interesting
and mesmerizing part of these Viharas are the murals on their walls and
ceiling. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y00uKAa9Tjk/XPDYBW80D3I/AAAAAAAAdJQ/I5FvL4uUxto6flgbU9rDo4--tA8eHrCSgCKgBGAs/s1600/a21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y00uKAa9Tjk/XPDYBW80D3I/AAAAAAAAdJQ/I5FvL4uUxto6flgbU9rDo4--tA8eHrCSgCKgBGAs/s640/a21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting of the Jataka Tales - King's white elephants on the wall of Cave 17</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">From stories out of Jataka Tales, to pages from Buddha’s life; from
paintings telling you about people and their daily lives in those days, to
paintings providing you insight into the royal agendas of the time, these
murals are so detailed and priceless! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fV68dmJ7AU/XPDYPDiohxI/AAAAAAAAdJY/Uo4uyPWXttAbN_mAB2gd5JrQB8Km-oqWwCKgBGAs/s1600/a10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fV68dmJ7AU/XPDYPDiohxI/AAAAAAAAdJY/Uo4uyPWXttAbN_mAB2gd5JrQB8Km-oqWwCKgBGAs/s640/a10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the pillars, before entering the monk quarters, you can see the walls are splashed with colours, stories and history!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If
I were to give you a breakdown of all the caves with their respective murals,
this post would become a book in itself and I would still not be able to do
justice to the wonders of Ajanta. But I am going take you around enough to let
you know why ruins of Ajanta are magical. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnk41shtBXI/XPDYXiMQBmI/AAAAAAAAdJc/hoISKojW06AUStebGhNFe9dtDj-pxxW5QCKgBGAs/s1600/a8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnk41shtBXI/XPDYXiMQBmI/AAAAAAAAdJc/hoISKojW06AUStebGhNFe9dtDj-pxxW5QCKgBGAs/s640/a8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting of Vajrapani Bodhiastava, who in Mahayana mythology is known to be Buddha's guide and power. (Cave 1)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The center of most painted ceiling show an ornamental chandelier sort of structure, which has a 3d effect if you look at it from directly underneath. I tried to get that effect in this picture, but not sure if you can actually get the sense.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvO3P3KX-C0/XPDYXs8GlSI/AAAAAAAAdJc/0mqvcEtPYwsufs-8wQ1j9_Z0Fu7qt-ltACKgBGAs/s1600/a24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1496" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvO3P3KX-C0/XPDYXs8GlSI/AAAAAAAAdJc/0mqvcEtPYwsufs-8wQ1j9_Z0Fu7qt-ltACKgBGAs/s640/a24.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to note which cave this painting was from, but what really stands out in this paintings and some paintings around it is the shine of the white paint that was used for the pearls. The photos don't do justice to it, but be sure to glance around when you visit Ajanta!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxm-tfaNORM/XPDYXthtqaI/AAAAAAAAdJc/wtE6qFgoeJ0ANnyYXrnxjua2oikaYuRZQCKgBGAs/s1600/a25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxm-tfaNORM/XPDYXthtqaI/AAAAAAAAdJc/wtE6qFgoeJ0ANnyYXrnxjua2oikaYuRZQCKgBGAs/s640/a25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ultramarine flowers in Ajanta are also considered very unique because the blue colour, still very prominent, was rarely used and it was hard to get from mineral and organic sources.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMlL6J4oOxY/XPDYXpqldYI/AAAAAAAAdJc/mtO4Tnn0ChQQDtegVSdrd6VFhY6w8mfWgCKgBGAs/s1600/a4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMlL6J4oOxY/XPDYXpqldYI/AAAAAAAAdJc/mtO4Tnn0ChQQDtegVSdrd6VFhY6w8mfWgCKgBGAs/s640/a4.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of paintings of Ajanta also give you an idea of India's foreign relations of that era. For instance, in this ceiling painting you can see a group of Persian people talking to their leader.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a53OjVDowk8/XPDYXuP4_MI/AAAAAAAAdJc/y7dmcpTvM2gMqxFxCCAa-7I0OPX58NxCwCKgBGAs/s1600/a5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a53OjVDowk8/XPDYXuP4_MI/AAAAAAAAdJc/y7dmcpTvM2gMqxFxCCAa-7I0OPX58NxCwCKgBGAs/s640/a5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This painting is perhaps the most famous painting of Ajanta. This is the Bodhiastava of compassion - Padmapani and the painting is known mostly for the facial expression!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-lj8It5JD8/XPDYXt1sW5I/AAAAAAAAdJc/tX8l7cCKtxUWVhPMuIfXrXK-Qhb2yr8kQCKgBGAs/s1600/a6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-lj8It5JD8/XPDYXt1sW5I/AAAAAAAAdJc/tX8l7cCKtxUWVhPMuIfXrXK-Qhb2yr8kQCKgBGAs/s640/a6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This painting is of another Jataka Tale where Mahajanaka, the king renounces his throne and worldly pleasured to become a monk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuIw1Gab6S4/XPDYXpxdfvI/AAAAAAAAdJc/85TgtdCwdpU4JSmpx_C9wbGdBaS2SpCnACKgBGAs/s1600/a3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iuIw1Gab6S4/XPDYXpxdfvI/AAAAAAAAdJc/85TgtdCwdpU4JSmpx_C9wbGdBaS2SpCnACKgBGAs/s640/a3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paitings showing different stages of Buddha's early life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Apart
from viharas, and early phase or Satvahana Chaiyas, Ajanta also is house to some
of the most elaborate Chaitya caves of the world. The stupas of cave 19 and 26
have Bhuddha in different postures around it with a hooded snake canopy
(similar to Hindu God Vishnu, proving that Mahayana Buddhists believed Bhuddha was
an incarnation of God). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1SnQ6Imdlk/XPDYkbALsNI/AAAAAAAAdJg/_C3hF1td5NchnwYceaY3566SnPniaRGcgCKgBGAs/s1600/a30.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1SnQ6Imdlk/XPDYkbALsNI/AAAAAAAAdJg/_C3hF1td5NchnwYceaY3566SnPniaRGcgCKgBGAs/s640/a30.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The artistic stupa of cave 19<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Cave
19 has an elaborate entrance with Nagas are guards to the cave, ridged ceiling,
intricately carved stupa and pillars and frescoed walls. The reason this cave
is considered very special is because it is believed to be the cave where monks
of Ajanta started carving the stupas. Also, because this cave had similarities
with other Buddhist caves of the area (Karla and Kondana Caves).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGjKXy5w3k4/XPDYpXF-95I/AAAAAAAAdJk/d6jMx199vz4SXd0yD6RA48pbkAKnyoK-ACKgBGAs/s1600/a19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGjKXy5w3k4/XPDYpXF-95I/AAAAAAAAdJk/d6jMx199vz4SXd0yD6RA48pbkAKnyoK-ACKgBGAs/s640/a19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridged ceiling and ornate pillars of Cave 19</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Apart
from cave 19, cave 26 is considered pretty important too because it is the most
distinctive cave in the complex after cave 1 and 2. While all the other caves in
the complex are known for their paintings, cave 26 does not have any paintings.
Instead it is known for its sculptures that tell you different stories from the
life of Buddha. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUsQt7AZ8pM/XPDYw1H19CI/AAAAAAAAdJo/_jT1eDo5Yc8sHiDueGAoftVF9sskr0VwgCKgBGAs/s1600/a26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUsQt7AZ8pM/XPDYw1H19CI/AAAAAAAAdJo/_jT1eDo5Yc8sHiDueGAoftVF9sskr0VwgCKgBGAs/s640/a26.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages out of Buddha's life adorn the walls of cave 26<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">This cave has the largest Mahaparinirvana Buddha (reclining
Buddha) of India and the stupa supposedly has 36 Buddhas carved on it (highest
number of any ancient stupa).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfyDTBHJ4-E/XPDY2ATKddI/AAAAAAAAdJs/UcdJLw7Bbv4xlq-QvmQ6w7PxZ7znDYeJgCKgBGAs/s1600/a27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfyDTBHJ4-E/XPDY2ATKddI/AAAAAAAAdJs/UcdJLw7Bbv4xlq-QvmQ6w7PxZ7znDYeJgCKgBGAs/s640/a27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mahaparinirvana Buddha<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
entrance of Cave 26 too is a site in itself. The day I was visiting the cave,
there was an ASI (Archeological Society of India) official with some Sri Lankan
delegates who visiting the caves and he mentioned that the cave apparently was
planned to be even more elaborate and ambitious, but because the sculptures and
inscriptions of this cave relied heavily on local donors, its original plan
just didn’t pan out which is why there are multiple blank spaces in the wall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8XtvUXsoog/XPDY-zc7KXI/AAAAAAAAdJw/KJqAE364G4cOCneN56t8-VVqGFJU5LtwgCKgBGAs/s1600/a31.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8XtvUXsoog/XPDY-zc7KXI/AAAAAAAAdJw/KJqAE364G4cOCneN56t8-VVqGFJU5LtwgCKgBGAs/s640/a31.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance of cave 26<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Also, this cave had many more wall reliefs but over time they were heavily
damaged and ASI is trying to restore as much as it can, still. Regardless this
cave is probably the most well-preserved cave of Ajanta. Maybe it is because this
cave does not have paintings, which seem to have been marred by Nature over
time or maybe it is in such a good condition because it was one of the last
caves to be excavated in the complex; who know!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhAd1-i5ZfU/XPDZEnkF71I/AAAAAAAAdJ0/qtjwyCkBE94_jK2Ne4rVCWCgyL-LEVidQCKgBGAs/s1600/a29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhAd1-i5ZfU/XPDZEnkF71I/AAAAAAAAdJ0/qtjwyCkBE94_jK2Ne4rVCWCgyL-LEVidQCKgBGAs/s640/a29.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This elaborate sculpture of cave 26 depicts temptations Buddha had to overcome during his penance, seduction of Mara and the daughters of Mara are carved around Buddha.<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.16px; text-align: left;"> </span><br />
<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Talking
about damager and conservation, Ajanta’s frescos have endured and passed the
test of time, but not without considerable damage. Owing to paint’s inherent
fragility and the site’s negligence over time, the damage to the murals is
evident in every corner of Ajanta. </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, the Persian blue still shines, the pearls
on people still glitter, the rosy smile of princesses and apsaras still beam
but they are fading and getting chipped away with every blow of nature and
human interaction. The damage sure is irrevocable, and god only knows how long
these timeless paintings would hang on to the walls of these caves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQTbrswoHG8/XPDZNT6YS2I/AAAAAAAAdJ4/qUjwXwkNjJ857zcbcWUl5NiaHsJu3atgwCKgBGAs/s1600/a17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQTbrswoHG8/XPDZNT6YS2I/AAAAAAAAdJ4/qUjwXwkNjJ857zcbcWUl5NiaHsJu3atgwCKgBGAs/s640/a17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many fresco's being recreated and forged in Ajanta campus currently.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">As
a silver lining, many institutions, museums, and world famous artists are trying
to copy the paintings of Ajanta and have managed to forge many, (you can see some
in progress at the campus), so even if time takes its toll on the caves, future
generations might still get to see what Ajanta stood for. But I really wish we
manage to preserve what is left in the ruining of these caves, so that the excellent
craftsmanship of all those involved in making Ajanta over hundreds of years, is
genuinely immortalized. Just finger crossed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC9WqN21KVY/XPDZSE8LetI/AAAAAAAAdJ8/BF4cXfzGGZkbebLejrLCyEou7IHAw_YCgCKgBGAs/s1600/a22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC9WqN21KVY/XPDZSE8LetI/AAAAAAAAdJ8/BF4cXfzGGZkbebLejrLCyEou7IHAw_YCgCKgBGAs/s640/a22.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ajanta is poetry, Ajanta is history, Ajanta is faith. See it the way you want!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">How
to Get to Ajanta Caves:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Aurangabad
Airport is the closest airport and Aurangabad station is the closest
inter-state railway station to Ajanta Caves. You will have to take a car to the
caves or take a bus/bus tour to Ajanta. Ajanta Caves are about 8 hours away
from Mumbai via road, so you can also plan a road trip to the caves and nearby
areas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ffTjgIiL6M/XPDZZlMKhaI/AAAAAAAAdKA/zRGLR_ezsKskqFZTBdHFUJ-ArgM5RV9zgCKgBGAs/s1600/a16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ffTjgIiL6M/XPDZZlMKhaI/AAAAAAAAdKA/zRGLR_ezsKskqFZTBdHFUJ-ArgM5RV9zgCKgBGAs/s640/a16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another entrance...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Some
Important Tips:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- Wear super comfortable shoes and bring a lot of water, it easily takes 2-3
hours to cover the caves and there is a lot of walking involved. There are a
lot of water stands throughout the trail, but it is all cold water. If that
works for you, you don’t need to worry about water!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Arrive as early in the day as you can,
especially during monsoon when the place gets super crowded. I would
suggest visiting during winters though, weather is just perfect!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-
Visiting hours of the caves is 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwqwj8im58o/XPDZfNmXJqI/AAAAAAAAdKE/MxYC5RVGy_oRkllhSW-JThHUZvktozdsgCKgBGAs/s1600/a23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1361" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwqwj8im58o/XPDZfNmXJqI/AAAAAAAAdKE/MxYC5RVGy_oRkllhSW-JThHUZvktozdsgCKgBGAs/s640/a23.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all the cave exteriors are elaborate. But the ones that are, are brilliant!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- The
visit is ticketed, and they have a separate bus that take your to the caves
from the parking lot. They do accept credit card, but I would still suggest carrying
cash. They have different tickets for Indian national, SAARC Nationals and
others and also separate tickets for cars and cameras so remember to carry your
identity proof. Indians and SAARC nationals’ entry fee is INR 30 while that for
others is INR 500. Children below 15 years of age can enter for free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- There
are a lot of guides available on site and I would highly recommend hiring one.
There is just so much to know and explore in the caves that you would not know
of if not for a local guide. Guides’ rates range from 500 INR to 2000 INR
depending on how many hours you need them for and number of people in your
group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyWmsnU3B5g/XPDZn8iQrnI/AAAAAAAAdKM/nghWr4uFfOgLLHLGuuleke6Yrc9INqnbgCKgBGAs/s1600/a14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyWmsnU3B5g/XPDZn8iQrnI/AAAAAAAAdKM/nghWr4uFfOgLLHLGuuleke6Yrc9INqnbgCKgBGAs/s640/a14.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddhas on the wall of cave 7<br />
<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There is a pretty decent restaurant in
the vicinity, run by MTDC and it is also the closest washroom to the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-
Lastly, Ajanta and Ellora are different caves and not very
close by, so I would suggest doing them on separate days. Combine Ajanta with Upper
View Point of Ajanta Cave, and Baitulwadi Qila.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMkspzR6bMY/XPDZjbHNzyI/AAAAAAAAdKI/pOo5SO4cYmI-Heo144xgJyI0DduelWlYQCKgBGAs/s1600/a20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1600" height="562" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMkspzR6bMY/XPDZjbHNzyI/AAAAAAAAdKI/pOo5SO4cYmI-Heo144xgJyI0DduelWlYQCKgBGAs/s640/a20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Buddha shrine, but notice Buddha has a different posture here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fr9G0RjJg_4/XyJTPcpdEiI/AAAAAAAAi0E/DbMXjEgBzlI6uS3IBHU-KwaisydsVAppwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ajanta%2Bpin.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of - Ajanta Caves. Explore history that has been preserved for more than 2000 years! #Maharashtra #AjantaCaves #India #History #Architecture" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fr9G0RjJg_4/XyJTPcpdEiI/AAAAAAAAi0E/DbMXjEgBzlI6uS3IBHU-KwaisydsVAppwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Ajanta%2Bpin.png" title="From the Ruins of - Ajanta Caves. Explore history that has been preserved for more than 2000 years! #Maharashtra #AjantaCaves #India #History #Architecture" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liked this post? Pin It!!</td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-34219015944535145202019-05-18T13:27:00.002-07:002020-09-16T09:56:55.683-07:00Sail Away in Different Ways – Maine Experiences!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImhEnV7CNOI/XOBnCMvHQQI/AAAAAAAAc2g/bV7gaeqf3wUqGb4X0nEnQ4nnA6S28eh-QCLcBGAs/s1600/m2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sail Away in Different Ways – Maine Experiences! All about the different ways to explore #Maine #USA on water. #Canoe, #Kayak, #Schooner and more." border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImhEnV7CNOI/XOBnCMvHQQI/AAAAAAAAc2g/bV7gaeqf3wUqGb4X0nEnQ4nnA6S28eh-QCLcBGAs/s640/m2.jpg" title="Sail Away in Different Ways – Maine Experiences! All about the different ways to explore #Maine #USA on water. #Canoe, #Kayak, #Schooner and more." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic Schooners at Portland Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">When
a state that is known for its iconic lighthouses, <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-day-in-acadia-national-park.html">Acadia National Park</a>, and
cute little coastal towns, one can only run out of places to visit and admire!
But just sightseeing can’t really give you a feel of the place now, can it?
The small state of Maine, in the north eastern corner of the USA, is protected by
Appalachian Mountains, hundreds of small streams and rivers, thousands of lakes
and the mighty Atlantic, which makes it a playground for nature and a favorite
hub for outdoorsy people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuE8VfxvJcI/XOBnD7qHJGI/AAAAAAAAc3U/rfWT0Y_n-g85NYmxsw82tfzT96iw9fsSACEwYBhgL/s1600/m8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuE8VfxvJcI/XOBnD7qHJGI/AAAAAAAAc3U/rfWT0Y_n-g85NYmxsw82tfzT96iw9fsSACEwYBhgL/s640/m8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sail and Explore the Portland Coast with Portland Schooners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Remember
a couple of months back, when I told you about my <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2019/02/let-go-and-ski-beginners-ski-story.html">skiing experiences in the US</a>,
I promised to be back with some more interesting activities and experiences I
have had in US so far. So here I am with a list of three amazing outdoorsy ways
to explore some very interesting parts of Maine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Sail Away in Maine Style!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGT-tmPOpOM/XOBnBebz6RI/AAAAAAAAc3Y/HVZt4yrT2RYwTYn_2mcGP4N6tE-KTFPqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGT-tmPOpOM/XOBnBebz6RI/AAAAAAAAc3Y/HVZt4yrT2RYwTYn_2mcGP4N6tE-KTFPqgCEwYBhgL/s640/m1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timberwind sailing away on a sunny day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-align: justify;">Before
I tell you about my experience, let me give you a little background here. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-align: justify;">Schooners are wooden
sailing ships with 2 to 7 towering masts, that were first built by the Dutch in
the 16<sup>th</sup> century and were used mostly in Netherlands and
Scandinavia. Soon they became famous in western Europe and “New England” due to
their ability to carry a lot of goods and still being really fast! While, with
time, people in Europe moved on to newer models of ship, but North America had
a new found love for Schooners and sailing races! In the late 19<sup>th</sup>
century, New England states of Maine and Massachusetts had become major hubs
for schooner building and Maine was known throughout the country for its
classic Schooners and Windjammers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJq2amHwNm8/XOBnCtkRWpI/AAAAAAAAc3E/hH0rp0xgZrkZgoLQ_z1dAgXwb7Yx3i6NwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="761" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJq2amHwNm8/XOBnCtkRWpI/AAAAAAAAc3E/hH0rp0xgZrkZgoLQ_z1dAgXwb7Yx3i6NwCEwYBhgL/s640/m5.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Bagheera. She was my sail for the day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Unfortunately, the craze for schooner races
died down, but Maine still manages to flaunt its Schooners with pride! And
guess what, you can sail around Portland harbor or explore the length of East
Coast of North America in schooners dating back to late 1800s! The oldest two Lewis
R. French (1871), Stephen Taber (1871) are in Camden and can still be seen and
booked for multi-day tours. The other old historic Schooners – Bagheera (1920),
Timberwind (1931) and Wendameen (1912) are in Portland and can be taken out for
a couple of hours in group or even be booked for private experience! I had
booked a group (general) ticket with </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="https://www.portlandschooner.com/home"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Portland Schooners</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> and luckily got to sail around the Maine coast on
Bagheera! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dscKwOQIErU/XOBnBE5jh-I/AAAAAAAAc3A/il5_LJecjxEKrn7-dSytfg9S9jkYQSjbACEwYBhgL/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dscKwOQIErU/XOBnBE5jh-I/AAAAAAAAc3A/il5_LJecjxEKrn7-dSytfg9S9jkYQSjbACEwYBhgL/s640/c1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navigate, steer, hoist and sail away...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The sailors on board, tell you about the navigation
system of the ship, teach you how to handle the sails and the mast, let you
steer the ship and just enjoy the sea breeze and cacophony of sea gulls
hovering over lobster traps! It was all so interesting and calming! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUEML9R2emA/XOBnDdXP4QI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/wusjp37iXRgh9njMG-ElN9fZ3ZPNNv2PgCEwYBhgL/s1600/m6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUEML9R2emA/XOBnDdXP4QI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/wusjp37iXRgh9njMG-ElN9fZ3ZPNNv2PgCEwYBhgL/s640/m6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The historic trio at Camden. The center one is Lewis R. French - oldest schooner built in Maine and still functional!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "mv boli";">In Camden,
I also got to talk to the captain of Mary Day (1962) – who told us where and
why these schooners were made in Maine and showed us a part of the ship,
explaining the difference between the old schooners and the new one. She also
inspired us to consider learning sailing and trying out a short 2-3 days sail
next time we go out in the sea (which I am seriously considering!) So
basically, </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">to visit Maine and pass a
chance to sail in one of the few historic Schooners of the state would be such
a crime!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o68FfHo7kqA/XOBnDluvVWI/AAAAAAAAc3M/okULkYlSZkYrtphVv_MnEcMFsZuPctfRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1093" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o68FfHo7kqA/XOBnDluvVWI/AAAAAAAAc3M/okULkYlSZkYrtphVv_MnEcMFsZuPctfRwCEwYBhgL/s640/m7.jpg" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The captain of Mary Day was so inspiring.</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Canoe your way through the second largest tidal
marsh of the US!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpD-VxFOi8s/XOBnEP0ocjI/AAAAAAAAc3Y/Zw6mPDL9QXQm6_1KxQs3t1xez3dHfyTnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KpD-VxFOi8s/XOBnEP0ocjI/AAAAAAAAc3Y/Zw6mPDL9QXQm6_1KxQs3t1xez3dHfyTnwCEwYBhgL/s640/m9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canoeing at Scarborough Marsh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Given
the number of water bodies and fjords in Maine, you can literally hire a canoe
or Kayak anywhere and get exploring. But for canoeing experience I chose to
head over to </span><a href="https://www.maineaudubon.org/visit/scarborough-marsh/" style="font-family: "MV Boli";">Scarborough
Marsh Audubon Center</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">. This 3100-acre estuary, fed by the meandering
Nonesuch (Dunstan) River, is just twenty minutes south of Portland but it
totally transports you to a different slow-moving world from the vibrant city ambiance of Portland. You can either canoe or kayak in this marsh, while admiring the
hidden world egrets, Ibis and tiny shorebirds have made in amidst the all the
salt hay. If you are lucky like me, you can see a pair of cormorants soaring
above you or be audience to an orchestra of colorful song birds! Needless to
say, canoeing itself was challenging (being my first time ever) and the 2 hours
guided tour was extremely rewarding and exhilarating. For people not fond of
birds in the wild, and not interested in going on self-guided tours, this might
not be very interesting. But if you are looking to do something challenging and
different in Maine, give a good thought to Canoeing in Scarborough Marsh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu_tJmCnKsQ/XOBnBrzlX2I/AAAAAAAAc3U/vHR5agFFV0gLlgDgZafw-U6J9Xr9WEAggCEwYBhgL/s1600/m10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xu_tJmCnKsQ/XOBnBrzlX2I/AAAAAAAAc3U/vHR5agFFV0gLlgDgZafw-U6J9Xr9WEAggCEwYBhgL/s640/m10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since I didn't carry my camera or phone on the canoe, this is all I could get for you guys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Kayak in the heart of Acadia!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tlyfj3ZrzA/XOBnCYMb_gI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/ptMu8U3dhMkWxXk6TtjBCUfmLgydg6XHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/m4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tlyfj3ZrzA/XOBnCYMb_gI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/ptMu8U3dhMkWxXk6TtjBCUfmLgydg6XHgCEwYBhgL/s640/m4.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Okay,
kayaking is not unique to Maine, but it is not every day you get to kayak in
crystal clear waters of a lake in the heart of Acadia National Park. Rent a
kayak from </span><a href="http://www.nationalparkcanoerental.com/" style="font-family: "MV Boli";">Acadia’s National
Park Rentals</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> and kayak, canoe or paddle at your own pace in any of the
lakes of Acadia. You can kayak in Long pond or Jordan pond, overlooking the
Bubble Mountain while gaping at the lake floor at numerous points. If you are
more adventurous and would want to get close to marine life, you can also go </span><a href="https://www.mainestatekayak.com/" style="font-family: "MV Boli";">sea kayaking or paddling in Acadia</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">.
Irrespective of what you choose to do, in addition to hiking and sightseeing,
<a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-day-in-acadia-national-park.html">Acadia</a> has so much more to offer that you won’t be disappointed!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHD6kHTqKKg/XOBnBDGEsLI/AAAAAAAAc3U/WYSMp19se0M_r1AJ9p5B16GZINpq5Y3fgCEwYBhgL/s1600/a14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHD6kHTqKKg/XOBnBDGEsLI/AAAAAAAAc3U/WYSMp19se0M_r1AJ9p5B16GZINpq5Y3fgCEwYBhgL/s640/a14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or take a sea kayak if you want to get more adventurous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">I
also considered white river rafting in Kennebec River in Forks, but given we
just had three days and wanted to cover most of the Maine Coast, decided to
give it a miss this time. But well, everything I did get to do in Maine just
made me fall in love with the state more! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqeSpIy1dEM/XOBnB4FQrWI/AAAAAAAAc3I/RyewlOMgRwIn6lPjwmQfzOktL7cvI4vAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/m11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqeSpIy1dEM/XOBnB4FQrWI/AAAAAAAAc3I/RyewlOMgRwIn6lPjwmQfzOktL7cvI4vAgCEwYBhgL/s640/m11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sail away in different ways like I said! :D</td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-71306722499638006632019-04-28T20:38:00.010-07:002020-09-16T09:57:30.649-07:00From the Ruins of - Kanheri Caves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFsgX3Hpc_c/XMYvusrymOI/AAAAAAAAcx0/hxHWY_3EBPgpEqZuNHRNYN_5Fgr8-PYugCLcBGAs/s1600/c14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India! Nestled in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Kanheri Caves complex flaunts around hundred Buddhist caves! #Mumbai #India #Offbeat #History" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" nopin="nopin" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFsgX3Hpc_c/XMYvusrymOI/AAAAAAAAcx0/hxHWY_3EBPgpEqZuNHRNYN_5Fgr8-PYugCLcBGAs/s640/c14.jpg" title="From the Ruins of Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India! Nestled in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Kanheri Caves complex flaunts around hundred Buddhist caves! #Mumbai #India #Offbeat #History" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Kanheri Caves in Mumbai</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Three weeks ago, I met a traveler from USA, who had been to India twice and was planning to visit again during Diwali this year. We got talking about historical places in India and where all he could visit. He suddenly he commented – “Mumbai is just another metro with cafes and party places. Wish there was something historically significant or just interesting in or around Mumbai apart from Fort”. (He was landing in Mumbai and staying there for two days.) I informed him about Elephanta, Karla and Kanheri caves, Rajmachi Fort, Gilbert hill (volcanic basalt monolith hill), Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Global Vipasana Pagoda (a replica of Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda), Sulphur hot springs of Vajreshwari and Fort Vasai (Bassein – where Coldplay shot Hymn for the Weekend). He was seriously flabbergasted!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps the historical sites of Mumbai are not very appreciated.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This got me wondering, a lot of my friends and colleagues in Mumbai also didn’t know of many of these places or their significance. In fact, even I didn’t know about most of the places for the longest time – not even about how significant Kanheri Caves were, which I visited very frequently with my family since it was just 20 minutes away from my place. Hence, for this months ‘From the ruins of ‘ post, I am going to take you to the 1</span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">st</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> century BC cave complex now known as Kanheri Caves of Mumbai.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the heart of Sanjay Gandhi National Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Nestled in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai – Kanheri Caves complex flaunts around hundred Buddhist caves with the oldest ones built around 1st </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">century BC to caves built around 10</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"> century AD. According to inscription found in the caves, the area was part of a prospering network of Buddhist Viharas and Chaityas of ancient Maharashtra and these set of caves were known as Krishnagiri. Remnants of the other caves of the area during the same era can still be found in Mumbai around Andheri and Karjat – Marol, Mahakali, Jogeshwari and Karla, with Karla being the next most prominent one. (Elephanta and Mandapeshwar caves are Hindu caves dedicated to Shiva)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you get greeted by cave 1 on a rainy morning.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Unlike the UNESCO heritage sites like Ajanta Ellora and Elephanta, the caves of Kanheri are not very ornate or intricate in their design. But the fact that they are one of the oldest Buddhist caves of the subcontinent that they were not made or funded by any major kingdom but instead mostly were funded merchants and businessmen hailing from nearby trade centers. Hence, the inscriptions of the caves mostly are like new of that era or talk about generous commoners which makes it special in its own way.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple stupa and Bodh Litany at the corner of Cave 2</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">When you get to the caves, you are greeted by rock-cut
stairs, that lead you to the first two caves of the hundred in the complex.
Cave 2 is a long, seemingly simple and unimpressive cave with two simple stupas
surrounded by multiple small Bodhiastava sculptures in the corner and some
inscriptions on its ceiling. Cave 1 on the other hand, is a two storied Vihara
with a very simple pillars and quarters with beds carved out of the hill
itself. Cave 3 however, is significantly different from the first two.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Chaitya</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Cave 3, called the Great Chaitya, is more ornate than
the previous two, with a distinct designed ceiling, pillars with motifs elephant
and cows, a huge stupa in the middle of a huge pillared hall, and a porch with
two life size stone statues of Avalokiteshwara Buddha. The front facade of this
cave also has a number of human figurines and inscriptions that tell you about
the era and ruler of the area when this Chaitya was built.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the hall of the Great Chaitya</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You would many such caves in the complex that just serve as a new paper of the ancient times.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Anyways, when you walk around the caves, you would
notice multiple small caves, that presumably served as individual quarters for
students and travelers visiting Krishnagiri and are similar to quarters of cave
1. The larger caves however tell you when they were built or modified, just by
their appearance. It is believed that the caves consisting of a simple porch with
stone benches and a hall will a simple small stupa where actually built during
the time when Hinayana Buddhism was the stronger sect aka the early days of
Buddhism. When Mahayana teachers took over the place, some of the halls were
modified with more ornate plinths, stupas, and statues of Bodhiastavas, just
like cave 3.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalokiteshwara Buddha of the Great Chaitya</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Going up the hill, you would cross multiple similar Chaityas and Viharas, a big cave called the Durbaar Hall, another cave with two stone tables which probably served as a study hall or dining hall, and finally get to Cave 90 which perhaps is the most striking cave after cave 3.</span><span style="text-align: start;"></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures on the wall of Cave 90</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">While most of the
halls without a stupa do not have any carvings (except few that have
inscriptions), cave 90 is etched with repeated figurine of Buddha in Padmasan
with different hand gestures between two hooded snakes and surrounded by
statues of Bodhis. This pattern covers almost all the walls of the cave, with a
few patches that seem incomplete. Though there is no information outside the
cave to explain the purpose of this cave, I believe this might have been a
medication and practice place for monks who also learnt carving and who were to
go preach about the religion elsewhere. Maybe a totally naïve guess, but who
knows.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures of Buddha, Bodhis and Donors of the Great Chaitya</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Other caves of the complex are not remarkable, and you
would think there isn’t anything interesting about this place in general. But
what really stands out about Kanheri is its water management system! While cave
hopping, it is hard to miss the small pipe like structure etched in stone
around every cave, sort of connecting the caves. In some places you would also
see a similar channel inside the caves and a slight discoloration of rock in
the patch of these channels. While moving from one cave to the other, in some
places, you would see small boxes between these channels too and see the
channels moving away from the rock-cut stairs. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the water cisterns! Notice the small pipe-inlet to the square water tank and the niche that ensured the water is not contaminated.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Also, right next to cave 3 you would
have noticed two big and very prominent water tanks, if you paid attention
throughout your exploration, you would notice similar tanks in a niche next to
almost all the major caves and groups of smaller caves. Believe it or not,
these tanks were used for rain water harvesting back in the days. The pipes
basically were used to get the overflowed water from one water cistern to the
other. The squares were filled with material like sand or cotton to filter the
water and the reason the pipes lead the water channel away from the stairs were
to keep the stairs from getting wet and slippery and to keep the water from
getting contaminated. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfbeCIOGWqE/XMYySx5xsBI/AAAAAAAAczQ/ykHhj2HjG0Uawa-h8-X0D5zpRsoMy-B0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN0938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" nopin="nopin" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfbeCIOGWqE/XMYySx5xsBI/AAAAAAAAczQ/ykHhj2HjG0Uawa-h8-X0D5zpRsoMy-B0ACEwYBhgL/s640/DSCN0938.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember I told you about cave 2 before? This is what it looks like from the outside.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Having visited the place so many times before, I had
always seen the pipes and some of the water tanks but never really paid much
heed to it. Four years back, a show called ‘Sanrachna’ of Epic Channel (local
to India) discussed the water management system of Kanheri, and when I visited
the caves next, I had a new found respect for this underappreciated gem of
Mumbai!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbH-uqRZGt4/XMYvxb9waSI/AAAAAAAAcys/3Vl0vtT-Lp4ze0gRJ-YNKR0JMal4ZUKfACEwYBhgL/s1600/c7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbH-uqRZGt4/XMYvxb9waSI/AAAAAAAAcys/3Vl0vtT-Lp4ze0gRJ-YNKR0JMal4ZUKfACEwYBhgL/s640/c7.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many smaller caves with Stupas were just meant for solo meditation perhaps.</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">How to Get to Kanheri
Caves:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Mumbai International Airport is the closest airport to
Kanheri and Borivali Station is the closest local (western line Mumbai local)
and inter-state railway station to Kanheri. You can take a car or rickshaw to
the caves or rent a bike from the Borivali East entrance of Sanjay Gandhi
National Park. There are also busses from the same entrance that go to the
caves, but their frequency is very bad, and I would not suggest relying on
them. You can also walk or jog the 7km (4.5 miles) trail to the caves on a good,
not so humid morning.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rccnr21Puhc/XMYvuOV0btI/AAAAAAAAcy4/MX3VvCXri_0Jc8UCv8H_XFn_AvCtnlCfACEwYBhgL/s1600/c10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" nopin="nopin" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rccnr21Puhc/XMYvuOV0btI/AAAAAAAAcy4/MX3VvCXri_0Jc8UCv8H_XFn_AvCtnlCfACEwYBhgL/s640/c10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pillars of cave 3 with elephant and cow motifs and holders in the wall which perhaps were used to tie Drapes or put candles (diyas). Again this is just a guess by me.</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Some Important Tips:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">Bring a lot of water and arrive as early in the day as you can, especially during monsoon when the place gets super crowded. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">- Unfortunately,
there are no washrooms or food places close to Kanheri Caves (atleast there
weren’t when I visited the place the last time)</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Visiting
hours of the caves is 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">You
have to climb small rock-cut stairs right from the start to explore the complex
so wear comfortable shoes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">The
visit is ticketed and last time I went there they did not accept credit card,
so carry cash! They have different tickets for Indian national, SAARC Nationals
and others and also separate tickets for cars and cameras so remember to carry
your identity proof.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Also,
there are no guides available at the site, so read up and research before you
visit Kanheri Caves and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 11pt;">Lastly, you can combine your visit to Kanheri with a visit to the Global
Vipasana Pagoda, which is just an hour away.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmOAGggrm6c/XMYvzYt8sXI/AAAAAAAAcy8/ow3ZvUi7G3UcA1o-JoZnTX8UIah2f_iEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/sgnp7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmOAGggrm6c/XMYvzYt8sXI/AAAAAAAAcy8/ow3ZvUi7G3UcA1o-JoZnTX8UIah2f_iEQCEwYBhgL/s640/sgnp7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is good to explore your local city or town once in a while, who knows some interesting piece of history might be hiding itself right there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22DIC-kcHzs/XyIwlMvkt6I/AAAAAAAAizY/L3hK8FmW2yAXDp-koRJawL0KaVO5pY5EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1102/Kanheri.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India. Nestled in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Kanheri Caves complex flaunts around hundred Buddhist caves! #Mumbai #India #Offbeat #History" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22DIC-kcHzs/XyIwlMvkt6I/AAAAAAAAizY/L3hK8FmW2yAXDp-koRJawL0KaVO5pY5EwCLcBGAsYHQ/w416-h625/Kanheri.png" title="From the Ruins of Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India. Nestled in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Kanheri Caves complex flaunts around hundred Buddhist caves! #Mumbai #India #Offbeat #History" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-43919710784558126942019-03-30T23:25:00.000-07:002020-09-16T09:58:08.825-07:00 From the Ruins of – Mandu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xmjRAEVK50/XKBZzbl3yQI/AAAAAAAAcd4/MxDXTTk7BvMRQ1CJuXOV5IXJtmpirFxCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Mandu. Today Mandu is a quiet, almost forgotten fort with dilapidated structures but since around the 6th century A.D., this place has seen ups and downs of such magnitude that it would make you gasp in wonder. #Mandu #MadhyaPradesh #India #History #Architecture" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xmjRAEVK50/XKBZzbl3yQI/AAAAAAAAcd4/MxDXTTk7BvMRQ1CJuXOV5IXJtmpirFxCwCEwYBhgL/s640/m2.jpg" title="From the Ruins of Mandu. Today Mandu is a quiet, almost forgotten fort with dilapidated structures but since around the 6th century A.D., this place has seen ups and downs of such magnitude that it would make you gasp in wonder. #Mandu #MadhyaPradesh #India #History #Architecture" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The ruins of Mandu and the story of its Afghani Architecture.<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">About a 100 km away from Indore, in the heart of Dhar district lie the ruins of Mandu! From being the capital of multiple dynasties, to being a modest reminder of its glorious past – ancient city of Mandu has so many stories to tell that I literally struggled to flesh them all out for this month’s ‘From the Ruins of’ post. Today Mandu is a quiet, almost forgotten fort with dilapidated structures but since around the 6</span><sup style="font-family: "MV Boli";">th</sup><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"> century A.D., this place has seen ups and downs of such magnitude that it would make you gasp in wonder, and question why it all ended.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjH0kSAT--U/XKBZZYma6LI/AAAAAAAAcdE/ITdFfXUqYGEMyHvKh8i3TCXEk29OXM_wwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjH0kSAT--U/XKBZZYma6LI/AAAAAAAAcdE/ITdFfXUqYGEMyHvKh8i3TCXEk29OXM_wwCEwYBhgL/s640/m1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Roads of Dhar, leading to some ancient era.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Crossing the semi-arid plains of Dhar, you barely anticipate a drastic change in landscape. And just when you start admiring the rugged parched hills of Malwa, the hills greet you with a number of gates or Darwazas, all part of the historic Mandu Fort. Soon after you enter the fort, you see dilapidated houses and gate posts, all telling you of a bygone era with Islamic roots. But the ruins also tell you that this ancient town has seen destruction and desolation more than once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AcCjTPrz2k/XKBZInDJQwI/AAAAAAAAccg/P8b-M4pT3644Sd6VPSatNr-L92dwKaSywCEwYBhgL/s1600/Darwazas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AcCjTPrz2k/XKBZInDJQwI/AAAAAAAAccg/P8b-M4pT3644Sd6VPSatNr-L92dwKaSywCEwYBhgL/s640/Darwazas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The massive Darwazas welcoming you to Mandu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Even though ancient records mention Mandu as a prospering city since the 6<sup>th</sup> century, it apparently became a prominent city as the capital of the Paramara Dynasty in the 10<sup>th</sup> and 11<sup>th</sup> century. Its fame attracted a lot of attention during the Delhi Sultanate rule, and after years of attacks, when Allaudin Khilji finally annexed Malwa, Parmaras were overthrown Mandu became a part of the Sultanate. The Parmara foundation of the city was almost destroyed and replaced with a fort housing numerous structures of Afghani architecture. After, Khilji dynasty’s fall, Dilawar Khan declared his suba – Malwa a free kingdom and built Mandu again as his capital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcLX1iRwbSM/XKBai1PTpzI/AAAAAAAAcfU/0jTuF0e48l036Vlp2wKQsGxsXAcpIFcNwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcLX1iRwbSM/XKBai1PTpzI/AAAAAAAAcfU/0jTuF0e48l036Vlp2wKQsGxsXAcpIFcNwCEwYBhgL/s640/m7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Gada Shah sure knew how to make an impression?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">By the time you try and imagine what the place might have been during the Parmara period, you come face to face with a huge, structure that looks bigger and different from the structures you have seen so far; you come face to face with Gada Shah’s house and shop. Gada Shah is believed to be a Rajput nobleman-merchant who used this structure as his house, trading station and also general meeting place for public. Due to being owned by a Rajput in an Islamic territory, this building has features of both architectural styles – no domes, but hanging arches, open courtyard with a central podium, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lVEPuF8xrg/XKBan-RWOHI/AAAAAAAAcfU/JcnwCnCfySoOyyBKz3-4sz2cRwNDc4oegCEwYBhgL/s1600/m8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lVEPuF8xrg/XKBan-RWOHI/AAAAAAAAcfU/JcnwCnCfySoOyyBKz3-4sz2cRwNDc4oegCEwYBhgL/s640/m8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">You could shop in here back in the days!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Right opposite Gadaa’s Shop and House are two step wells <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Andheri (dark) Baodi</span> and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ujala (illuminated) Baodi</span>. And while you are searching for steps to lead you to the actual well of Andheri Baori, you would get a view of a long narrow building. This is probably the most famous and the most interesting palace of Mandu – Jahaz Mahal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu-MXh88rII/XKBZOLxEgaI/AAAAAAAAcdc/z82v91YD21Y22ACMXnJtSeJ082irvjaAACEwYBhgL/s1600/Jahaz%2BMahal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu-MXh88rII/XKBZOLxEgaI/AAAAAAAAcdc/z82v91YD21Y22ACMXnJtSeJ082irvjaAACEwYBhgL/s640/Jahaz%2BMahal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The beautiful Jahaz Mahal aka Ship Palace</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">With that thought, enter the Royal Complex of Mandu Fort, and stare at Jahaz Mahal long enough to observe that it really looks like a ship stuck between two ponds. Before you start admiring the brilliance of Jahaz Mahal, you should know that Mandu was built at an elevation of 2000 ft from ground and far away from River Narmada’s belt. Also, till date no one has found any aquifer in this section of Vindhya’s which means people of Mandu, only had the four monsoon months to rely on for their water needs. And they did a brilliant job at harvesting rain water in the numerous Baodis and around forty manmade ponds in the fort – such as the ones fencing Jahaz Mahal (Munj and Kapur Talao).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Inlets and outlets of water in Jahaz Mahal's swimming pools.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Jahaz Mahal, apart from its visage as a ship on land, might not seem that fascinating with its two floors of pillared halls, floral windows and terrace. But look closer, you will see two massive swimming pools on the top and the ground floor of the palace. Right next to these pools, you will see spiral ridges, seemingly ending at the walls. Look even closer, you will notice they don’t end there, but continue through the walls, and the spirals itself have narrow slits at regular intervals. These spirals worked as pipes to the pools and were filled with sand to filter and also monitor the flow of water. The lakes below acted as reservoirs and water was sent up to the pools with simple piston-based hydraulics! The pools also have multiple strategically placed niches that allowed slow passage of water out of the pools, and back to the reservoirs when required. This water management system was mimicked in multiple structures of Mandu, but in the present state of the fort, Jahaz Mahal is your best shot at realizing the ingenuity of engineers of that era.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Gather around everyone.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">While still in awe of Jahaz Mahal, make your way to Hindola Mahal, the royal meeting hall. Hindola Mahal’s exterior looks interesting with sloping walls and intricate windows, while the interior is beautiful with its array of hanging arches. Like other major buildings, there is a step well near Hindola Mahal also, called Champa Baoli. Aparantly Champa Baori had mechanism to provide cold and hot water for bathing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Not an incomplete pyramid, it is the Hindola Mahal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">After soaking yourself in the beauty of Royal Complex, head to the heart of Mandu. As you enter this section, you will notice the influence of Pashtun architecture getting stronger and then you are in presence of the massive structure of Jami Masjid and its neighboring Hosang Shah Tomb. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah Tomb complex</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Jami Masjid, with its fifty-eight domed and pillared sections around an open lawn making it a one of its kind mosque of that period was built by Hosang Shah (son of Dilawar Khan). Hosang Shah’s son built Hosang Shah’s tomb, which is the only marble structure in entire Mandu, and is considered to be the inspiration behind Taj Mahal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Pillars and pillars topped with many a dome - Jami Masjid</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">In front of Jami Masijid, is Ashrafi Mahal, or the little that remains of it. Ahrafi Mahal, which is believed to be the favorite palace of Jahangir and Noorjahan. Not only did Jahangir spend some of his Monsoons in Mandu, he also assigned Mandu as one of the four prime cities of Mughal Empire. Which reminds me, I never told you how Mandu came under the rule of the Mughals!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">What remains of Ashrafi Mahal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">During the early years of Akbar’s rule, when he was more focused on expanding his empire, he sent his foster brother, Adam Khan to invade Malwa, which was then ruled by Baz Bahadur. When Baz Bahadur was defeated, his queen Rani Roopmati committed suicide. This marked the ending the Sultanate’s rule of Mandu and it became a part of the Mughal dynasty. All that remains in Mandu from Baz Bahadur’s time are his Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion. While Baz Bahadur’s palace is not as impressive as the other palaces of the fort, Roopmati’s Pavilion is a completely different story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Baz Bahadur Palace</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Roopmati’s Pavalion marks the end of Malwa Plateau and start of Mewar Plateau and thus this structure was a very important stretch of wall and watch tower of the fort. This pavilion is in clear line of sight of Baz Bahadur Palace and has a clear view of the Malwa-Mewar valley, which meant it gave the Sultan enough time to prepare his army. Its ground floor not only had a shallow channel of water, but also dedicated space to store ration for days, which ensured the place was never unmanned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Roopmati Pavalion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Though Roopmati’s Pavalion, marks the end of the fort, it is not the end of your tour of Mandu. Make your way towards the Delhi Darwaza, and along the way you would see many more structures reminding you of everything you have seen so far, but one big surprise is yet to come. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mandu has a number of Mosques...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">A Shiva temple in an Islamic structure with Urdu and Pharsi inscriptions – Nilkanth Mahadev Temple. Built by Akbar shortly after his victory over Malwa, this temple is believed to be a peace offering to the locals who, despite belonging to different religions, had always stayed in harmony in Mandu. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UV8eMw2Rvo/XKBaOVe28jI/AAAAAAAAcfU/emHgq8h1DkYOKnDtBHeQHWnUfFxhnIKdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/m30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UV8eMw2Rvo/XKBaOVe28jI/AAAAAAAAcfU/emHgq8h1DkYOKnDtBHeQHWnUfFxhnIKdQCEwYBhgL/s640/m30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">...But it has temples too. Nilkanth Mahadev Temple</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">With the thoughts of peace and harmony, you would finally exit the fort; but Mandu would have left a permanent impression in your hearts and minds by then.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">One a palace, now just a pile of stones. That is what this former capital of Malwa has been reduced to.</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">How to Get to Mandu and Where to Stay:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Indore is the closest international airport and railway station to Mandu, and it is about 300 km away from Bhopal. The most convenient way to get to Mandu is to hire a cab from the Indore and cover it along with Dhar and Maheshwar in a one-day trip. Also, monsoon is the best time to visit Mandu!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sarai Kothari - just another structure in the fort.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Some Important Tips:</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- During summers, carry a cap, scarf or umbrella, a damp towel/scarf and a lot of water because the place does get hot and dry (around 40+ deg. C). There are drinking water stations at all major sites, but carry water just to be safe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During rainy season and winters carry a good jacket, and check for weather alerts before heading there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- For food and washrooms, there are a handful decent options near Hoshang Shah Tomb and Jahaz Mahal. If you carry food, there are benches in the Royal Complex where you can eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- Visiting hours for the temple are from 6am to 6pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- Unfortunately, guides are not available everywhere, so read up and research before you visit Mandu.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">- Madhya Pradesh Tourism does have a festival in Mandu called the Malwa Ustsav, but since neither I nor anyone I know has ever attended it, I don’t really have a lot of information around it. You can check the details <a href="http://www.mptourism.com/events-fairs-festivals.html">HERE</a> though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPBM1ksCxrw/XKGUEoVCTLI/AAAAAAAAcf4/xIJe2sx47xExqZ1jOUvamq17GdkU5jpxACLcBGAs/s1600/m6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPBM1ksCxrw/XKGUEoVCTLI/AAAAAAAAcf4/xIJe2sx47xExqZ1jOUvamq17GdkU5jpxACLcBGAs/s640/m6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Aren't ruins beautiful and interesting?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.indiblogger.in/post/from-the-ruins-of-mandu" title="Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mObzd7vpFwc/XyXM5sy89cI/AAAAAAAAi3U/2BJowB6kDxgHX16NSPDpKD8ROw4pDq2ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mandu%2Bpin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Mandu. Today Mandu is a quiet, almost forgotten fort with dilapidated structures but since around the 6th century A.D., this place has seen ups and downs of such magnitude that it would make you gasp in wonder. #Mandu #MadhyaPradesh #India #History #Architecture" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mObzd7vpFwc/XyXM5sy89cI/AAAAAAAAi3U/2BJowB6kDxgHX16NSPDpKD8ROw4pDq2ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mandu%2Bpin.png" title="From the Ruins of Mandu. Today Mandu is a quiet, almost forgotten fort with dilapidated structures but since around the 6th century A.D., this place has seen ups and downs of such magnitude that it would make you gasp in wonder. #Mandu #MadhyaPradesh #India #History #Architecture" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-27767988952338067082019-03-10T20:55:00.002-07:002020-12-03T15:23:15.261-08:00The Green and the See it All - The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">San
Francisco, Bay Area, Silicon Valley – who doesn’t know of this world-famous
metropolitan area, right? So, today I am not going to give you a typical ‘Top
Things to do in San Francisco’ at least not right away. Instead, let me start
with something bit more interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Every
year, San Francisco is home to one of the largest Saint Patrick's Day
celebrations in USA. Even though San Francisco is not one of those cities that
have a very high Irish population in the country, Saint Patrick’s Day parade
and festival draws a huge crowd to the heart of the city! Always held on either
the second or third weekend of March (this year on 16<sup>th</sup> March), this
parade is a testament to the warm multicultural spirit of the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
Parade starts at 2<sup>nd</sup> and Market St and makes its way to the UN Plaza
area with scores of ivy coloured floats, Irish Dance Troupes, School Marching Bands,
lot of music bands and a lot of local policemen, firemen and politicians – all
flaunting the green for the day! And if the floats fail to impress you, the
fancy dolled up vehicles will surely leave you speechless! If you have ever
been to Nola (New Orleans) for the carnival, then you would relate to the
madness of this parade too! Not as loud and crazy as Nola, but it does give you
a fun-filled glimpse into the Irish Heritage in not just SF but the US. Meet
some leprechauns, wish for some green luck, flaunt your beads and shamrocks and
drink some ‘Irish Coffee’ because no one is going to judge you in SF on St.
Patty’s day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5vGeH6aPiE/XGiCD4tro_I/AAAAAAAAcXY/a6y3iexYcfU3r04MakmsExGyu1qVbNBlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/s8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5vGeH6aPiE/XGiCD4tro_I/AAAAAAAAcXY/a6y3iexYcfU3r04MakmsExGyu1qVbNBlQCEwYBhgL/s640/s8.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Now
since you are in the heart of the Fog City, why restrict yourself to just the
parade and merriment of the festival. Wouldn’t you want to explore all you can
during the weekend? Since the St Patrick’s Day Parade happens around Market
Street, which is close to Powell Street Station, whether you are taking the
Bart, a cab or MUNI, Powell Street Station’s corner is where you would want to
get to for the Parade. From here, you can explore the downtown, head over to
Chinatown and enjoy some calm at Grace Cathedral or take the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/">MUNI</a> and head over
to Pier 39 and nearby area if you don’t mind walking the hilly streets of SF. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Some Must Visit Places in SF and
why! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">(If
you don’t have a car, and rely majorly on public transport and walking around)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Mechanics'
Institute Library and Chess Room</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">
– Famed as one of the oldest and still functioning private libraries of West
Coast, USA, Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room at 57 Post St is at a
walkable distance of 10 minutes from Union Square and is a hidden gem in the
city. It is also a San Francisco historic landmark and in the Library floor is
a big map of SF from 1854 which make the visit totally worth it if you love
history! Oh and, if you have seen some beautiful insta-images of a shell-shaped
stairway from SF, it is of this building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Chinatown</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> – Being the oldest and largest Chinatown of the
Americas is enough to convince anyone to give it a visit and hence I visited it
too. From the ornate Sing buildings and Old Telephone Exchange and over-the-top
but totally stunning shops around the Dragon Gate to dirt cheap souvenir shops
and the numerous traditional eateries and teahouses, walking around Chinatown
is surely one of the things I would recommend doing in SF. Given the area’s
grey past and general image, I would not suggest going there alone at night but
otherwise people I met there were really nice! Also, it is at a 15 mins walking
distance from both Union Square and Mechanic’s Institute. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Grace
Cathedral</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> – At just 10-minutes
walking distance away from Chinatown, on Nob Hill, stands the stunning Grace
Cathedral. Though “Grace Cathedral” has been a landmark of SF since 1850s, the
current French Gothic structure was actually built recently after the last
structure was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake-fire. What makes this cathedral
a must visit are its towering stained glasses, the detailed replicas of the
original ‘Gates of Paradise’ (from Grace church of Florence), its twin
labyrinth and its sheer size! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ferry
Building at Embarcadero </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">– You
can take <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/">the MUNI – C car from Grace Cathedral (California St & Taylor St) to Ferry Building</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-indent: -18pt;">Standing guard to the San Francisco Bay since 1898,
this Ferry Building is one of the oldest Farmer’s markets in the bay area.
Before the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge were built, this was the second
busiest water transit centre in the world! Though the place might be a shadow
of its past glory, the place is still a charming local’s favourite for dining
and shopping, and one can also hitch a ride in one of the two heritage cars
from here!</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Pier 39
</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">– Get a <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/">MUNI from GraceCathedral (Powell and California street) or Ferry Building (F Market &Wharves Heritage Car) and head over to Pier 39</a> to say hello to some lazing sea
lions. You can see sea lions at Pier 39 throughout the year, but during March
and April the sea lions actually set a huge colony here. From Pier 39 you also
get one of the best views of Angel and Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and
the Bay Bridge! Apart from site-seeing, Pier 39 has countless dining and
shopping options, a central carousel and best shops to get SF souvenirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Fisherman’s
Wharf </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">– From Pier 39, you can
walk to Pier 43 Ferry arch and head over to Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s
Wharf is not only the home to SF Maritime National Historic Park and Madame
Tussauds but also Boudin’s Sour Bread factory and Café and some of the best
sea-food restaurants in the city! Also, be sure to spend some time at the
Aquatic Park Pier before heading to a chocolaty treat at Ghirardelli!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ghirardelli
Square</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> – Walk up to the oldest
and the original Ghirardelli shop in the world, just a block away from SF
Maritime National Historic Park. The building is house to more than one
Ghirardelli stores (the lower one being the original one) and a lot of other
historic restaurants and stores which led to the building being added to the National
Register of Historic Places. Apart from the traditional chocolates, don’t
forget to indulge in some Ghirardelli sundaes or hot chocolate during your
visit because you will need the calories for the next destination!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Lombard
Street </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">– From Ghirardelli, you
can walk up to this world famous snaking crooked street. Lombard street is not
the most crooked or steepest street of SF, but its layout fenced by colourful
flowers make it the prettiest crazy street of the town. I chose the end of the
street to witness the madness, but you could also get to the top and walk down
if you have the energy. I would not classify Lombard as a must visit, but if
you have time and energy, the view of a car train meandering down the road is a
fun sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Palace
of Fine Arts </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">– Take <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/">MUNI Bus 30</a>
or a cab from Lombard and head over to the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts.
This monumental structure was originally constructed for 1915 Panama-Pacific
Exposition and was supposed to be demolished after the event. But the locals
loved the structure so much that the authorities couldn’t destroy it.
Eventually the original wood and POP structure had to be demolished and the
current structure was made with more durable material, making this a permanent
landmark of SF. The pond, the central rotunda, the pillared walls, the
fountains – just all of it is so beautiful and makes this place a must visit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4js4CAOzqQ/XGiCBgiJ_RI/AAAAAAAAcXc/pTSGm0ZAjeUEKkwp_R2wnRvzn-lgdoshQCEwYBhgL/s1600/s33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4js4CAOzqQ/XGiCBgiJ_RI/AAAAAAAAcXc/pTSGm0ZAjeUEKkwp_R2wnRvzn-lgdoshQCEwYBhgL/s640/s33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Crissy
Fields </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">– Just 5 mins away from
Palace of fine Arts is Crissy Field, a former U.S. Army airfield, which is now
part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and my favourite area to see
the Golden Gate Bridge (and my favourite beach in the city too). With over a
mile-long sandy beach, salt marsh and estuary patches, grassy fields, old fort
quarters, the Golden Gate Bridge, there is no reason to not spend a blissful
evening at Crissy Fields. And from Crissy you can walk up to Battery East point
if you still want those picture-perfect Golden Gate click for yourself (though
the walk is not that easy).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkqHeffXuUA/XGiCABe10gI/AAAAAAAAcXE/EdkeK9dPSRAE27HBoMJl1hxNs8z3OYt0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/s2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkqHeffXuUA/XGiCABe10gI/AAAAAAAAcXE/EdkeK9dPSRAE27HBoMJl1hxNs8z3OYt0wCEwYBhgL/s640/s2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If you have a car, or are planning
to take Uber/Lyft, do not miss out on: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1T-j_sZTuVg/XGiCBH-GBeI/AAAAAAAAcXE/eMTpiN-SoSQP8SgzMeYtrBT2kB9l9UUmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/s30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1T-j_sZTuVg/XGiCBH-GBeI/AAAAAAAAcXE/eMTpiN-SoSQP8SgzMeYtrBT2kB9l9UUmwCEwYBhgL/s640/s30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Twin Peaks – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Second highest peak(s) in the SF and hands down the best 360 view of
the city, make this the place you should not miss under any cost if you have a
car! Given it is technically in the centre of the city, you not only get the
best view of the SF downtown and rows and rows of painted ladies, you also get
a sense of how small SF really is in comparison to other metropolitans. You can
also get there via Uber/Lyft but the reception at the top is not that great and
I was stuck for almost half an hour before I could get network to book a cab
back.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDoP0dmreo0/XGiB_r4TWHI/AAAAAAAAcXY/jQpy9Ssf37cvGhLiMB2RvcBCQZsiNJe2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/s1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDoP0dmreo0/XGiB_r4TWHI/AAAAAAAAcXY/jQpy9Ssf37cvGhLiMB2RvcBCQZsiNJe2QCEwYBhgL/s640/s1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Land’s
End and Sutro Baths– </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If Crissy
Fields didn’t give you enough solitude and priceless views of the Bay, don’t
worry Land’s End will surely do it! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jERDusqXeo/XGiCA1bH6-I/AAAAAAAAcXM/lMPRD0qHjwY1T-nnjHvtmjeA0WIuXiWxACEwYBhgL/s1600/s28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jERDusqXeo/XGiCA1bH6-I/AAAAAAAAcXM/lMPRD0qHjwY1T-nnjHvtmjeA0WIuXiWxACEwYBhgL/s640/s28.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Golden
Gate Park – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">This huge urban park
is house to De Young museum, the oldest Japanese Garden in USA with an original
Shinto temple, a beautiful open-air theatre called the Music Concourse, one of
world’s largest Conservatory of Flowers, lakes and statues and countless
trails! Takes about 3 hours or so to just explore this one park, and you would
still feel like you haven’t seen it all. Sounds like a must visit right? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_b1H2cfN1P0/XGiCIVNmzwI/AAAAAAAAcXY/e4FYYoTN4qQbKO1_inoVLwwyHFgVZNuFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sfc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_b1H2cfN1P0/XGiCIVNmzwI/AAAAAAAAcXY/e4FYYoTN4qQbKO1_inoVLwwyHFgVZNuFwCEwYBhgL/s640/sfc9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Muir
Woods - Muir</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Woods is biggest old
growth coastal redwood forest in the SF bay area and the closest to SF. The towering
trees here range from 400 to 800 years in age, some go as high as 250 feet! Unfortunately,
even though there is a shuttle to the place, and cabs do get you to Muir, network
in the forest is almost negligible so the best way to get there is by your car!
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SXCB6b9MYzo/XGiCF9f11EI/AAAAAAAAcXM/U_OYtXR4tVcsA_8JBCAIabwS4Vx6csTDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/sfc12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SXCB6b9MYzo/XGiCF9f11EI/AAAAAAAAcXM/U_OYtXR4tVcsA_8JBCAIabwS4Vx6csTDQCEwYBhgL/s640/sfc12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Coit
Tower – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The 65m tall Coit
Memorial Tower in Pioneer Park is dedicated to the volunteer firemen who had
died in San Francisco fires.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Inside
the tower are some beautiful murals depicting commoner’s daily life and the top
of the tower gives you a 360 view of downtown SF! Coit Tower and Pioneer Park
are accessible by MUNI too from Embarcadero, but unfortunately it is a little
out of the way and involves a crazy amount of walking thus, visit if you have a
car or take an Uber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VU2UCy1SaA/XGiCBdsDTiI/AAAAAAAAcXc/MDu6-aVCAgoGPduvzuXO2OCrnRyagzvSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/s31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="nopin" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VU2UCy1SaA/XGiCBdsDTiI/AAAAAAAAcXc/MDu6-aVCAgoGPduvzuXO2OCrnRyagzvSwCEwYBhgL/s640/s31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">So, there it is! There is a lot more to this
colourful metro, but if you have a couple of days and want to visit the absolute
must dos, hope this post helps you plan your trip! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-59271082399945793202019-02-16T19:28:00.000-08:002020-09-16T09:59:00.906-07:00From the Ruins of – Sun Temple of Konark<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmFuBQ0AUY0/XFeHynPTCAI/AAAAAAAAcLo/Y-iw7HSP17IsKpCdeB50_mlBTVkXR7XBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/k23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Sun Temple of Konark. About 70 km from #Bhubaneshwar, #Odisha stands this dying temple where still etched in the stone, lies a rhapsody of Kalinga’s ancient glory. #SunTemple #India #Architecture #History" border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmFuBQ0AUY0/XFeHynPTCAI/AAAAAAAAcLo/Y-iw7HSP17IsKpCdeB50_mlBTVkXR7XBwCEwYBhgL/s640/k23.jpg" title="From the Ruins of Sun Temple of Konark. About 70 km from #Bhubaneshwar, #Odisha stands this dying temple where still etched in the stone, lies a rhapsody of Kalinga’s ancient glory. #SunTemple #India #Architecture #History" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the world and India too associates Odisha with...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">‘Riding
the chariot of stone,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">There
stands life in the vehicle of dawn,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ready
to take flight on wheels twenty-four and horses seven,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">As
the first rays of sun descend from heaven’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BVPCLZzp2k/XFeHwKmxRCI/AAAAAAAAcLs/yWBdc2-sxGEFcfgDezLoCY5dnAgOqD7fgCEwYBhgL/s1600/k2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1390" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BVPCLZzp2k/XFeHwKmxRCI/AAAAAAAAcLs/yWBdc2-sxGEFcfgDezLoCY5dnAgOqD7fgCEwYBhgL/s640/k2.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Pagoda</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Annals
of Mughal Era and various sailors of the time mentioned a gigantic Black Pagoda
at the confluence of Chandrabhaga and Bay of Bengal that marked an important
entrance to the country and that the pagoda would help navigate their ships
when compasses would go wrong around the area. About 70 km from Bhubaneshwar (the
capital city of Odisha) stands this dying temple where still etched in the
stone, lies a rhapsody of Kalinga’s ancient glory – The Sun Temple of Konark,
the same Black Pagoda. Last month I took you guys to the lesser known sun
temple of India and many asked why it wasn’t the most renowned one. So, this
month, I will try and answer that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUq-qVEJUvw/XFeHyus1R8I/AAAAAAAAcLw/psA6TDpPcFMxPKA7_bP_FZS7OMV8AvuKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/k4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUq-qVEJUvw/XFeHyus1R8I/AAAAAAAAcLw/psA6TDpPcFMxPKA7_bP_FZS7OMV8AvuKgCEwYBhgL/s640/k4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see that one broken horse at the left entrance of the temple??</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">This
13<sup>th</sup> century temple, that took thousands of craftsmen 12 years to
build, not only ended up putting Orissa on the world’s map by being one of
India’s first UNESCO Heritage site but also immortalized the Ganga Dynasty. The
temple was designed as a gigantic chariot for the sun god with twelve pairs of
chariot wheels for the 12 months of the year and seven galloping horses
symbolizing the 7 colours of the rainbow, coming together to form the sunbeam.
Also, interestingly, with three of the horses on the left and four on the right
side of the temple, locals believe the chariot was designed to move in circles figuratively,
mimicking the rotation of sun! (Our guide informed us this!) Did people really
know of sun’s rotation back then? Makes you wonder right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjP2Rx_-hIs/XFeH1BWpjtI/AAAAAAAAcLw/Q-xbclzoQr4V5ZcxbrlIWPNPVjlHyN1jACEwYBhgL/s1600/k8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjP2Rx_-hIs/XFeH1BWpjtI/AAAAAAAAcLw/Q-xbclzoQr4V5ZcxbrlIWPNPVjlHyN1jACEwYBhgL/s640/k8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iconic Chakra or Wheel of the Konark Sun Temple.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
wheels on the other hand have identical floral motifs surrounding symbolic
motifs referring to the regular tasks of the day on diamond shaped spokes,
defining hours of a day. Each wheel apparently served as a sun dial with 12 spokes
and the, 24 aka 12 pairs of wheels, which I initially thought were for the 24
hours of the day, actually symbolized the 12 months of the year of Hindu Calendar
corresponding to both the Shukla Paksha and the Krishna Paksha. Oh, and they
all have a different Hindu deity or king enacting royal duties in the center – our guide didn’t know what the centers symbolized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEw6WTBrRhI/XFeHyOGcWxI/AAAAAAAAcLw/JUhmSsYqhD4tv208s95E29XggyeQCgyCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/k3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEw6WTBrRhI/XFeHyOGcWxI/AAAAAAAAcLw/JUhmSsYqhD4tv208s95E29XggyeQCgyCwCEwYBhgL/s640/k3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lion-elephant-human twins that welcome you to the temple is a very
common statue in Odisha. Lions resemble the pride and elephants resemble the
wealth which you lose with pride and both -pride of wealth destroy humans. Thus,
at the entrance of every temple, they stand to tell people to enter the house
of God with humbleness.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Impressed
with the place already? But there was so much more to the temple than being a
simple chariot. The temple was also sanctuary of art and a school of life for
the ones who would see it that way. As you enter the Konark temple, you are
welcomed by the two huge lions trampling elephants that stand on a human,
asking people to enter the premises with humbleness! And then you are lost is a
plethora of exquisite carvings on what remains of Sun Temple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQSIZt3VGzo/XFeHt6eda0I/AAAAAAAAcLo/Wmn4DRch92YUrQVG5-UF-F9BO81NHv6zwCEwYBhgL/s1600/k10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQSIZt3VGzo/XFeHt6eda0I/AAAAAAAAcLo/Wmn4DRch92YUrQVG5-UF-F9BO81NHv6zwCEwYBhgL/s640/k10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see three of the four distinct layers of sculptures that run throughout the perimeter of the temple.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The carvings on
the base of the current structures that stand in the campus: ‘the Nata Mandir’ –
the dance hall, and ‘Jaga Mohan’ or /Bhadra Deula’ – gathering hall that served
as an entrance to the main temple (the main temple unfortunately doesn’t exist anymore)
have four distinct layers of sculptures. The lowermost layer has engraved arrays
of animals, primarily elephants and horses in natural setting, while the top
most layer has an army with people and animals running throughout the perimeter
of the temple. The middle two layers however have different kind of sculptures
in the Nata Mandir and Bhadra Deula which defines these structures in a unique
way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT1hY0vm0T8/XFeHsDJSt-I/AAAAAAAAcLo/b71F50ZMXhgJvEekvze7KyQ-enVWm8IDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/k1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT1hY0vm0T8/XFeHsDJSt-I/AAAAAAAAcLo/b71F50ZMXhgJvEekvze7KyQ-enVWm8IDgCEwYBhgL/s640/k1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musicians and dancers welcome you to Nata Mandir.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />The
Nata Mandir welcomes you with figurines of with apsaras dancing and musicians
playing different instruments, telling you exactly what the purpose of this
open roof pillared hall was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbM-3hjpKvU/XFeHz9oEV8I/AAAAAAAAcLs/LzMAlQU9VgYDWN9ifW3w-SJotQV0Anh4QCEwYBhgL/s1600/k6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbM-3hjpKvU/XFeHz9oEV8I/AAAAAAAAcLs/LzMAlQU9VgYDWN9ifW3w-SJotQV0Anh4QCEwYBhgL/s640/k6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancers hold their pose, while the flute player is getting ready!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">As you go up the pillars of the Nata mandir not
only has the apsaras and musicians continuing their orchestra but also has
various carvings of the audience, enjoying the show, giggling, lost in their
own admiration, watching the dance from windows and so much more! Before you
know it, you are lost in this festival of local art forms yourself, even though
the magic now exists only in stone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfq7eO3bGlM/XFeH12dcjUI/AAAAAAAAcL0/54LYZIUIHTUPc6KEH7q4iESjXTf1REZgACEwYBhgL/s1600/k9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfq7eO3bGlM/XFeH12dcjUI/AAAAAAAAcL0/54LYZIUIHTUPc6KEH7q4iESjXTf1REZgACEwYBhgL/s640/k9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Konark is one
of the very few medieval structures in the country that prove India had trade relations
with Africa, but even more fascinating is that it is the only structure that indicates
people of Kalinga might have seen Giraffes (brought to India) back in those days! Check out the Giraffe in the top-middle plaque.</span></div>
</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
Jag Mohan on the other hand tells you of the world of people back then giving you
a glimpse of life, trade, administration, religion, art and so much more from
that era. There are several images of daily life like farming, trade relations,
court work, kitchen activities, yoga, dressing up and public appearances, phases
of life etc while some also tell you of the kingdom’s court rituals, trade
relations and local festivals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wxPuAV8bVs/XFeHuKH6H0I/AAAAAAAAcLg/hGlXO5ns9AgI9kloeRpDhhxufbQKH9QZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/k11-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wxPuAV8bVs/XFeHuKH6H0I/AAAAAAAAcLg/hGlXO5ns9AgI9kloeRpDhhxufbQKH9QZgCEwYBhgL/s640/k11-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages from Kamasutra etched on Konark Sun Temple's walls.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />More well-known plaques of the Jag Mohan though are
erotic sculptures of Mithunas etched in different positions from the Kamasutra and
these are as elaborate and detailed as those at Khajuraho! There are also plenty
of images of Hindu Deities and Yoginis making this structure as sacred as the
Bada Deula aka the main temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvpD8lWNNu4/XFeHudLz3VI/AAAAAAAAcLo/mVRIswMuFgsJMs7Q8sKsqPGGr4GgqhZ4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/k12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvpD8lWNNu4/XFeHudLz3VI/AAAAAAAAcLo/mVRIswMuFgsJMs7Q8sKsqPGGr4GgqhZ4wCEwYBhgL/s640/k12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins of the Bada Deula. It is said that the Main temple had a suspended statue of Surya that would get hit by the first ray of sun! You do see the ray of sun that is directed towards the Bada Deula, but the temple and the idol are long gone.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Unfortunately,
like I mentioned before, the main temple doesn’t not exist anymore and all you
can see of the main temple is its base and some remnant pillars with secondary
statues of Sun God. The Bhadra Deula too, was on the verge of collapsing too
due to weakening of the joints between the walls and the shikhara (pyramidal stop
of the temple) and the sheer pressure the shikhara exerted, the entire
structure was sealed off in 1903 and filled with sand! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5kXU_4RcYM/XFeHtNa290I/AAAAAAAAcLs/tRPGeqNAqsMwJfR7pZRUzDha4lMSj6BawCEwYBhgL/s1600/Mayadevi%2BTemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5kXU_4RcYM/XFeHtNa290I/AAAAAAAAcLs/tRPGeqNAqsMwJfR7pZRUzDha4lMSj6BawCEwYBhgL/s640/Mayadevi%2BTemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What remains of the Mayadevi Temple now.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The campus also has
ruins of Mayadevi Temple – dedicated to the wife of Surya, a Vaishnava Temple
that was recently discovered in 1956, proving the Ganga dynasty’s Vaishnava
affiliation, a Bhog Ghar aka kitchen and a couple of wells.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlmLogYpsrw/XFeHvu6fN5I/AAAAAAAAcLw/W4ui_yzM5OwVDkfx03E3i35pAtGyVczGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/k13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1162" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WlmLogYpsrw/XFeHvu6fN5I/AAAAAAAAcLw/W4ui_yzM5OwVDkfx03E3i35pAtGyVczGQCEwYBhgL/s640/k13.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repair, Damage and All sealed off. This was one of the entrances to Jaga Mohan. You can see a layer of Laterite stone near the top of the gate, suggesting that the interior of the temple was probably made of a different kind of stone.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Given
historic records prove that the temple was in ruins by late 17<sup>th</sup>
century and after that it was lost to sand and wilderness until late 19<sup>th</sup>
century, I am just glad the temple was rediscovered, and it stands today for
people to etch it in their memory. But still its present state saddens me. I
wonder if people, in another 50 years, would even be able to see this amazing
structure anymore. Silently by the Bay of Bengal, this temple, once an
architectural wonder, is just trying to survive now for the future generation. But
why? What happened?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4Yir4Bzv9g/XFeHw5vecwI/AAAAAAAAcLk/xuBZlmGTzPAxtGfJorryCJtHLd1kwDq_gCEwYBhgL/s1600/k20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4Yir4Bzv9g/XFeHw5vecwI/AAAAAAAAcLk/xuBZlmGTzPAxtGfJorryCJtHLd1kwDq_gCEwYBhgL/s640/k20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minimal damage of Nata Mandir puts the theory of Kalapahada into doubt zone. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">I
know I am totally risking sounding like an </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">encyclopedia</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> here, but the reason
behind its current state is a total enigma! Some Odiya religious texts state
that an Afghan invader named Kalapahad destroyed the temple, which is disputed
because the Nata Mandir and the Bhadra Deula were not destroyed in the attack. Historians
also suggest that since the temple was primarily made of Khondalite stone which
weathers due to moisture and salinity in the air, the temples proximity to the
coast and constant cyclones in the area eventually destroyed the temple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxlIM23UGbQ/XFeH1TuonXI/AAAAAAAAcL0/-KROo8FEaBg66JvM7getYX8ToJyP__lJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/k7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxlIM23UGbQ/XFeH1TuonXI/AAAAAAAAcL0/-KROo8FEaBg66JvM7getYX8ToJyP__lJQCEwYBhgL/s640/k7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khondalite was used for various temples in the region but none of them have met the fate of Konark, which also makes a lot of historians doubt if the current ruined state of Konark is actually due to the weathering of Khondalite by the coastal winds. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Some
records suggest that early European attackers removed the magnetic stone under
the crown stone of the Bada Deula, casing the main tower (which was built with
laterite stone from within) to disintegrate into rubble, and weakening the walls of Bhadhra Deula (which also has and interior of laterite) rendering the place
not fit for worship, leading to its negligence and current state of ruin. No matter
what the real reason behind the current state of the temple is, ASI and UNESCO
have taken up the arduous task of protecting and conserving what they have left
of the temple, and so far, have done a great job at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovGPkW0PgAo/XFeHwJeDszI/AAAAAAAAcLk/eRlRwvzI8yI0Lz9s0YhP8qUdoESDzs03ACEwYBhgL/s1600/k16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovGPkW0PgAo/XFeHwJeDszI/AAAAAAAAcLk/eRlRwvzI8yI0Lz9s0YhP8qUdoESDzs03ACEwYBhgL/s640/k16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glimpse of the Konark Dance Festival from December 2018.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">To
celebrate the culture and art for what the temple stands for, and to recognize
the effort of those thousand craftsmen who dedicated their life to build this magnanimous
structure, Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre organize two dance
festivals in the vicinity of the temple. </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The Konark Dance & Music Festival
has been held during the 3</span><sup style="font-family: "MV Boli";">rd</sup><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> week of February and the first week of
December since 1986 and showcases mythological stories of the area and India in
different classical dance forms of India. If you were mesmerized with the Nata
Mandir, this festival is for you because it really does bring those images to
life! This brings me to some important things you should know before visiting Konark:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://konarkfestival.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRg25bONwoo/XFeHwrIMbpI/AAAAAAAAcLs/_mBdk_zmZVs1xoUAwPGMiH4G5Zb2T8ThwCEwYBhgL/s640/k22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">How to Get to Konark and Where to
Stay:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Bhubaneshwar
is the closest international airport and Puri is the closest railway station to
Konark Sun Temple. The most convenient way to get to Konark is to hire a
cab from the Bhubaneshwar or Puri since it is part of the Odisha Golden Triangle.
If you do plan to stay over at Konark, the only decent option near the temple
is the <a href="http://tidd.ly/592d15a8">OTDC Yatrinivas, Konark</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--q8lLyAJgZ0/XFeHy_rkCbI/AAAAAAAAcL0/TDhrexLU3ww43rGu7BhewCAQezrr-vleQCEwYBhgL/s1600/k5-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--q8lLyAJgZ0/XFeHy_rkCbI/AAAAAAAAcL0/TDhrexLU3ww43rGu7BhewCAQezrr-vleQCEwYBhgL/s640/k5-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Join the audience or join the show, Konark gives both the options!</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Some Important Tips:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-
If only visiting the temple and you are not there for the Dance festival, I
would suggest going to the temple as early as possible (around 6-6:30!) as the
area gets very hot and humid during the day. I was there from 8-10 a.m. and was
completely dehydrated due to the coastal heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carry a cap, scarf or umbrella and a lot of
water because the place does get hot and humid in almost every season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For food and washrooms, the only decent
option in the vicinity is OTDC Yatrinivas. Please do not carry food in the temple campus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visiting hours for the temple are from 5am
to 11pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do hire a guide here! Not everything they
say might be true, but without a guide you would not be able to notice all the
unique and special statues in the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">-
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Konark Festival tickets, please
check <a href="http://konarkfestival.com/">http://konarkfestival.com/</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/592d15a8"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmCBGfdMUgI/XFeHwWghQGI/AAAAAAAAcLo/uY8HSXt0ZDwxDm_1llpy3UtSsoJ2xQ2XQCEwYBhgL/s640/k21.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/592d15a8">Experience the magic of Konark Feb 19 - 21 and December 1 - 5th!!</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sd4rjJ-JL4/XyXOOD68IfI/AAAAAAAAi3c/O97aX7hShAkkbJaoFIRIbHbg5QWudzrhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Konark%2BTemple.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Sun Temple of Konark. About 70 km from #Bhubaneshwar, #Odisha stands this dying temple where still etched in the stone, lies a rhapsody of Kalinga’s ancient glory. #SunTemple #India #Architecture #History" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sd4rjJ-JL4/XyXOOD68IfI/AAAAAAAAi3c/O97aX7hShAkkbJaoFIRIbHbg5QWudzrhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Konark%2BTemple.png" title="From the Ruins of Sun Temple of Konark. About 70 km from #Bhubaneshwar, #Odisha stands this dying temple where still etched in the stone, lies a rhapsody of Kalinga’s ancient glory. #SunTemple #India #Architecture #History" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liked the post? Pin It!</td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-80833049043167427982019-02-01T17:25:00.003-08:002021-02-21T20:33:15.478-08:00Let Go and Ski! – A Beginner’s Ski Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsTXwLszkUA/XEkZL8LGW-I/AAAAAAAAcGg/ltPHbN7G298UcPbLD0mFzUsyaLG8mZMUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cooper5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Let Go and Ski! – A Beginner’s Ski Story #USA" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsTXwLszkUA/XEkZL8LGW-I/AAAAAAAAcGg/ltPHbN7G298UcPbLD0mFzUsyaLG8mZMUQCLcBGAs/s640/Cooper5.jpg" title="Let Go and Ski! – A Beginner’s Ski Story #USA" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains calling...Scary or fun? This was the midway height view from my most recent ski run at Ski Cooper, Colorado</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Travelling
is not just about ticking off bucket list places; it is about collecting
memories, having new experiences and sometimes also about pushing your limits
to overcome your fears. At least that is what travel has been for me. For some
time now, I have been toying with this idea of sharing about different interesting
activities and adventurous experiences I have had during my travels. So, here
is something on those lines!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gE_AWSSB0YU/XEkZMp0XwqI/AAAAAAAAcGk/Twg78aPVROUXWSlgE3rtle9BQdemNZKiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Oregon1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gE_AWSSB0YU/XEkZMp0XwqI/AAAAAAAAcGk/Twg78aPVROUXWSlgE3rtle9BQdemNZKiwCLcBGAs/s640/Oregon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the magic happened! Where I learnt to ski - Mt Hood Skibowl, Oregon.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Last
year, around New Year's, I had gone to Portland, Oregon for three days with a
couple of my friends. Unfortunately, due to icy conditions and imminent snowfall,
everything in Portland was shut down! After being totally disappointed on day
one, we started searching what else we could do the next day. Imagine, entire Columbia
River Gorge area was closed due to the forest fires (that had happened earlier
that year), Portland was on snooze mode for the two days, and since it was going
to rain and snow in the state for those two days – the coast was totally out of
question. So, my dear friends, totally oblivious to the fact that I am dead
scared of heights, decided we should go skiing!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYXK4hyRHqY/XEkZOYUdFtI/AAAAAAAAcGw/cq9YivnQrV8K7WDbRPCDCNtcdQiiVmnEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Oregon3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYXK4hyRHqY/XEkZOYUdFtI/AAAAAAAAcGw/cq9YivnQrV8K7WDbRPCDCNtcdQiiVmnEgCLcBGAs/s640/Oregon3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for lesson number one...and hoping it to be the only time.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />Since
it was first time skiing for all of us, I assumed the slopes wouldn’t be scary
and my head won’t go reeling at the sight of the angle of the run. So, swallowing
my fear and the knot in my stomach, I said “Yes”, and we signed up for a ski
class at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mt Hood Skibowl’s Olympic Ski
and Snowboard School</b>. First ski adventure, first lesson, on a volcano’s
turf and no height – I couldn’t have been more excited about it all. (no
sarcasm I swear)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK5Kz0-n_Rg/XEkfrY7QzJI/AAAAAAAAcHs/ibSq_sAAClANl3Bs0vgg7FUHY2I5_gUCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Oregon4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK5Kz0-n_Rg/XEkfrY7QzJI/AAAAAAAAcHs/ibSq_sAAClANl3Bs0vgg7FUHY2I5_gUCwCLcBGAs/s640/Oregon4.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post the initial two hours training I was all smiles!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />The
training began at noon and I think it went on for two hours, with three amazing
teachers! We started with the standard fries and wedges techniques of skiing,
getting up on a slope when you fall, and then went on to practice how to traverse
on slopes with skis on and turn with multiple techniques. In no time, we were
having so much fun, that I actually forgot about my fear. For the next 3 hours
after the lesson we kept trying out our new skills on the magic carpet (beginner
level) slope and some milder slopes in the ski area. Frankly it was a different
feeling, new, exhilarating and something like I really wanted to do! And so, I
decided to head up to one of the intermediate slopes on a chair lift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewAF103h2YE/XEkZOmWJTkI/AAAAAAAAcG0/ArXeyOdSiyEugm6voqrrbEr-YM2GkLSXgCLcBGAs/s1600/Stevens1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewAF103h2YE/XEkZOmWJTkI/AAAAAAAAcG0/ArXeyOdSiyEugm6voqrrbEr-YM2GkLSXgCLcBGAs/s640/Stevens1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountains called me again and I just had to give skiing another try</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
feeling, that fresh glass of comfort was about to shatter though. Going up the
lift, one feels the weight of the skis, the lack of ground underneath, and you
get a sense of the height. I was terrified. By the time, I reached up the
slopes, I was glued to my chair. The chair operator asked me to get down a lot of
times and I couldn’t even say no the first couple of times. Finally, the operator
sensed my fear and let me return to the base in the chair lift. Thus, marking
the end of my first ski adventure. Some start to the year, right? The scare
caused me to take another lesson at </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli";">Stevens
Pass Ski and Snowboard School, </b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">my second ski-venture and after 4 hours of lessons
and practicing on the magic carpet, the lift still managed to snuff out the
confidence from me.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86iccPvXRuw/XEkZRaWpDtI/AAAAAAAAcHI/lvE0kacyQGc9UlOv6iprS2i10u0ssBfLACLcBGAs/s1600/stevenspass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86iccPvXRuw/XEkZRaWpDtI/AAAAAAAAcHI/lvE0kacyQGc9UlOv6iprS2i10u0ssBfLACLcBGAs/s640/stevenspass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place where gained some confidence and decided enough was enough - Steven's Pass</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">But
skiing was the first time I was facing a fear of mine and also enjoying a lot
(till the chair part). Determined to not give up, my next three times – </span><b style="font-family: "mv boli";">Summit at Snoqualmie, </b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">in Washington</span><b style="font-family: "mv boli";">; Killington Mountain Resort & Ski Area,
</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">in Vermont and</span><b style="font-family: "mv boli";"> Mountain Creek</b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">,
in New Jersey – I decided to only ski down level one and two slopes that
require chair lifts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUgC4iaa86E/XEkZPCoGWzI/AAAAAAAAcG4/lTHKr5_oyYIoj5_HOSzFivX7xpVKAYgPACLcBGAs/s1600/Stevens2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUgC4iaa86E/XEkZPCoGWzI/AAAAAAAAcG4/lTHKr5_oyYIoj5_HOSzFivX7xpVKAYgPACLcBGAs/s640/Stevens2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after I went up on a chair and finished a run successfully for the very first time! My pale face and feeble smile should tell you how terrified I was.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Initially I used to close my eyes while going up, asked a
friend to give cues when we were reaching the top, didn’t stop at the top for
more than 30 seconds so that I had less time to contemplate the height, took
like fifty falls but finally I could feel the fear fade away. I had started
enjoying the rush of adrenaline. But winter was over, and the snow faded away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qq5YnfJJw/XEkZRHkkAnI/AAAAAAAAcHA/RuFjNvj6p3gqdR8T1ZiRa6MebDHgoI6wACLcBGAs/s1600/VTK%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qq5YnfJJw/XEkZRHkkAnI/AAAAAAAAcHA/RuFjNvj6p3gqdR8T1ZiRa6MebDHgoI6wACLcBGAs/s640/VTK%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine that slope, that height scared me. (By the way, pictures can be deceptive, it was not an easy slope!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">I
was actually waiting for the winters this time so that I could go out and ski
again. And this year, I started my ski season in Vail, Colorado!!! Technically at
</span><b style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ski Cooper, </b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Colorado. Surprisingly,
I was not scared of level one slopes anymore - could take the lift too and I
was able to stare down the slope for more than a minute! Sure, I didn’t get
over my fear completely, nor did I ski like a pro ready to conquer the mountain,
but I could ski, I could go up a tricky slope and I enjoyed that for hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBPycB_KiLM/XEkZMSDT5VI/AAAAAAAAcGo/Ag3mDrlCEHERsjVNkpD4plHYdFfYcYoDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cooper3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBPycB_KiLM/XEkZMSDT5VI/AAAAAAAAcGo/Ag3mDrlCEHERsjVNkpD4plHYdFfYcYoDQCLcBGAs/s640/Cooper3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally Leadville was the place where I felt I had accomplished something in this 1 year. I could Ski!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Somewhere
I think, my fear made skiing really exciting for me and gave me confidence to try
out something new and exciting during my travels. Thanks to what happened in
Portland, now when I plan my travels I also seek out what activities I can do
in the area along with sightseeing and experiencing the culture and heritage of
the place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk9cSfy7l00/XEkZK3pVa2I/AAAAAAAAcGU/PfHXTMXY8xch16H50t3ic7HBX2GoTZOtACLcBGAs/s1600/Cooper1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1106" height="482" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk9cSfy7l00/XEkZK3pVa2I/AAAAAAAAcGU/PfHXTMXY8xch16H50t3ic7HBX2GoTZOtACLcBGAs/s640/Cooper1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping up with fries...</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Have
you done anything during your travels that has not only helped you overcome some
of your fears but also changed the way you plan your travels? Do let me know in
the comments below!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uX76jtdTgvg/XEkZRGdfE1I/AAAAAAAAcHE/PEKDj4Ri2pss-5o7GWUkG1WCVteVVVAGACLcBGAs/s1600/VTK.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uX76jtdTgvg/XEkZRGdfE1I/AAAAAAAAcHE/PEKDj4Ri2pss-5o7GWUkG1WCVteVVVAGACLcBGAs/s640/VTK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chair Lift still scares me, but I can manage now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">More about the ski places I have
been to so far: (Ranked according to best for beginners)</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz92rsMTDY4/XEkfqzz3_9I/AAAAAAAAcHo/FVvu3ZEbADsoGOHRyRKMRfTm_D1a1iq-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Cooper2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz92rsMTDY4/XEkfqzz3_9I/AAAAAAAAcHo/FVvu3ZEbADsoGOHRyRKMRfTm_D1a1iq-wCLcBGAs/s640/Cooper2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh and some wedges, because I am still a beginner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="http://www.skibowl.com/winter/olympic-ski-school">Mt Hood Skibowl’s
Olympic Ski and Snowboard School, Oregon</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">With 20% of its 70 ski runs marked as beginner
slopes, one cannot find a better place to start out skiing when near Portland,
Oregon. Also, given I learnt how to ski for the very first time here and loved
it, I would totally recommend the school if you want to take a class. And
before I forget, you can ski all day and all night here because Mt Hood
Snowbowl is USA’s largest night ski area. (<a href="http://www.skibowl.com/winter/olympic-ski-school">More</a>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="https://www.skicooper.com/">Ski Cooper, Colorado</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Sure, Colorado Aspen-Vail region is known for ski
resorts and ski towns, but unfortunately very few are budget friendly. Ski Cooper
is one such budget friendly gem, hidden in the highest city of USA. Even though
I did not take classes there, I observed a lot of trainers taking classes and
they were really good, plus they have multiple beginner and intermediate level slopes,
which makes it another great place to start. (<a href="https://www.skicooper.com/">More</a>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGGiPJ3tgz8/XEkZLlosF-I/AAAAAAAAcGc/gKL8Aksz7AAI7kzyDJgf1kTGuMBC5t8dACLcBGAs/s1600/Cooper4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1538" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGGiPJ3tgz8/XEkZLlosF-I/AAAAAAAAcGc/gKL8Aksz7AAI7kzyDJgf1kTGuMBC5t8dACLcBGAs/s640/Cooper4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let go and Ski!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="https://www.stevenspass.com/site">Stevens Pass Ski and Snowboard School,
Washington</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Steven’s Pass
was where I took my second lesson, to gain back some confidence, and though the
lesson was not as effective as the one at Skibowl, it was good for beginner
level and the trainers were very friendly. Steven’s Pass is about 2 hours away
from Seattle and is very close to Leavenworth, so you can combine a trip to
both if you pick this as your ski destination! (<a href="https://www.stevenspass.com/site">More</a>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="https://www.killington.com/">Killington Mountain Resort & Ski Area,
Vermont</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Similar to Colorado,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Vermont is also known for its ski
areas and they are neither cheap nor very beginner friendly.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>But in the same area, Killington is
the odd man out and a saviour for beginners in budget. I did not take the
lesson here, but a friend of mine did and she loved it, so I am guessing they do
teach you well! (<a href="https://www.killington.com/">More</a>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRscswMB58o/XEkZNFgwX9I/AAAAAAAAcGs/5d18VF4qOE8goid1hAqtL46url7Lxfr3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Oregon2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRscswMB58o/XEkZNFgwX9I/AAAAAAAAcGs/5d18VF4qOE8goid1hAqtL46url7Lxfr3wCLcBGAs/s640/Oregon2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy days are actually the best days to ski for beginners since the snow is fresh and traversing on slopes is easier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/">Summit at Snoqualmie, Washington</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">I have mixed feeling about this place. Though
this was hardly 40 minutes away from my place in Seattle, it wasn’t my first
choice for skiing, simply because the place is overpriced. Also, the beginner
slopes were too easy and intermediate slopes were too difficult and required
you to take the chair (which I was not comfortable with that time). But still,
if you want to ski more and spend less time driving to your destination (when
in King County), Summit is the place to go. (<a href="https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/">More</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><a href="https://www.mountaincreek.com/">Mountain Creek, New Jersey</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Disclaimer, I went there towards the end of
March, so most of the snow had melted away, and they only had one beginner level
run open (which required the use of chair lift). Slope wasn’t even and within
an hour of getting there, there were grass patches in the middle of the run.
Had some bad falls, but hey, winter was almost over. So, I might give the place
another try this year! By the way, it is also the closest beginner level ski
resort near NYC, which makes it the most convenient pick when you are in or
around the Big Apple. (<a href="https://www.mountaincreek.com/">More</a>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-64046449552181483852019-01-16T17:55:00.001-08:002020-12-03T15:18:10.747-08:00From the ruins of – Sun Temple, Modhera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgY9yoKYwg8/XD0USNk9EvI/AAAAAAAAcEQ/-5-TKR3FnKY3vjAabrHvOJ1BAqUoqtqaACLcBGAs/s1600/m2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From the Ruins of Sun Temple of Modhera - Let me take you to the Sun Temple of #Modhera in #Gujarat which is even older than the Sun Temple of Konark! #India #History #Architecture #SunTemple" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgY9yoKYwg8/XD0USNk9EvI/AAAAAAAAcEQ/-5-TKR3FnKY3vjAabrHvOJ1BAqUoqtqaACLcBGAs/s640/m2.jpg" title="From the Ruins of Sun Temple of Modhera - Let me take you to the Sun Temple of #Modhera in #Gujarat which is even older than the Sun Temple of Konark! #India #History #Architecture #SunTemple" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Sun Temple of Modhera</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">When
people mention India and Sun Temple, everyone defaults to Konark – one of the
first cultural UNESCO world heritage sites of India, whose preservation
started way back in the 19<sup>th</sup> century. But did you know India has
about seven Sun Temples that were built across the country between 10<sup>th</sup>
century to 13<sup>th</sup> century AD! Out of the seven, the most prominent one
after Konark is probably the Sun Temple of Modhera, Gujarat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYAtcs6kVjM/XD0UWOg0ucI/AAAAAAAAcFE/Cx7tpOYg20oZbz_phAdpT7M447Zpf934QCEwYBhgL/s1600/m4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bYAtcs6kVjM/XD0UWOg0ucI/AAAAAAAAcFE/Cx7tpOYg20oZbz_phAdpT7M447Zpf934QCEwYBhgL/s640/m4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poetry of Pillars</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">About
two hours away from <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/09/heritage-walk-ahmedabad.html">Ahmedabad</a>, there lies a forgotten temple of the sun god
that was once built perhaps to commemorate the bravery of a ruling dynasty or
just out of gratitude to the primary deity of the dynasty, but now is a site of
marvel for those who tread on the path that leads to Modhera. Built in around
early 11<sup>th</sup> century by the Bhimdeva I of the Solanki dynasty, this
temple is actually older than the Konark Temple but equally fascinating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaFLBfsnWoc/XD0UM83OgCI/AAAAAAAAcEs/MY1GjloKh6MFOgwuSyoDTZIwi7dSgPatQCEwYBhgL/s1600/m12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1087" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaFLBfsnWoc/XD0UM83OgCI/AAAAAAAAcEs/MY1GjloKh6MFOgwuSyoDTZIwi7dSgPatQCEwYBhgL/s640/m12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing tall since 11th century A.D.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">After
crossing an array of farmlands and small settlements on the banks of river
Puspavati, when you finally get to the Sun Temple, at the first glance it just
looks like a modest page of history on the verge of getting lost. But as you
inch closure, the step-well captivates your attention and takes you back in
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CW1y8E05HzA/XD0UPtWkFBI/AAAAAAAAcE8/HzXMQVytHF0hSTMTyk08JAUzID3aICGewCEwYBhgL/s1600/m15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CW1y8E05HzA/XD0UPtWkFBI/AAAAAAAAcE8/HzXMQVytHF0hSTMTyk08JAUzID3aICGewCEwYBhgL/s640/m15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No photo can actually do justice to this step well - massive, symmetrical and beautiful even with what remains.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Suryakund,
locally also known as Ramakund, with its 108, mostly ornate shrines leave you
admiring the skills of the craftsmen who managed to conjure this piece wonder
in the 11<sup>th</sup> century. Ganesha with Laxmi, Vishnu on Sheshanag, Shiva
in the Pashupati and Natraj avatar, Shitala Ma destroying ghouls, Rama Krishna
and so many other deities still occupy their original temple in the 108 shrines
around the Suryakund and are still worshipped! But there are some ruined and
empty shrines too that make you wander, what happened here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMVQvocHpiA/XD0UPcpXFJI/AAAAAAAAcEw/dFIRl9zslaMEt-IAtblAf7EcLufR2PSfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/m17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMVQvocHpiA/XD0UPcpXFJI/AAAAAAAAcEw/dFIRl9zslaMEt-IAtblAf7EcLufR2PSfQCEwYBhgL/s640/m17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of many deities who have their shrines around Surya Kund.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">That
thought knocks you out of a trance that the geometry of the steps might have
put you in, and the Sabha Mandap beckons you with some birds flying over it.
Sabha Mandap is probably the most striking structure out of the three major
structures in the complex as it is solely supported by pillars! Sabha Mandap, the
dancing and assembly hall stands between the sanctum sanctorum, called the
Gudha Mandap, and the Suryakund but welcomes visitors from every direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymt2OQQ14CQ/XD0UPmCT_gI/AAAAAAAAcFE/Ecs_ATn1i-IfGqBokBd4TsKLUBVKc8cmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1600" height="602" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymt2OQQ14CQ/XD0UPmCT_gI/AAAAAAAAcFE/Ecs_ATn1i-IfGqBokBd4TsKLUBVKc8cmwCEwYBhgL/s640/m16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So you notice the rectangular holes in the pillars? It is believed that they were built to keep <i>Diyas </i>that would light up the place! Also, there are gaps on some of the pillars that were probably built for torches! (Source - A guide in the campus.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Supported
by 52 intricately carved pillars, the Sabha Mandap is a testament of the
Solanki craftsmanship. The pillars all similar yet so different, connected with
alternating triangular and circular arches seem to be in perfect harmony while
reciting a silent poem of the bygone era. Today, the musicians and dancers no
longer grace the floor of the Sabha Mandap, but the sculptures of musicians and
dancers on the pillars still make sure their song in not lost to time!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc4ZrrRWxFI/XD0UVsMwPeI/AAAAAAAAcFA/hSCja-zYMEUvdftLVdEyAmgHArH4pGZ5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/m8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc4ZrrRWxFI/XD0UVsMwPeI/AAAAAAAAcFA/hSCja-zYMEUvdftLVdEyAmgHArH4pGZ5wCEwYBhgL/s640/m8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricate floral work on the ceiling of the Sabha Mandap. If you have been to Dilwara Temples, you will be able to draw some comparisons here! Also, can you see the central lotus? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Spend
a moment in there, dance and twirl if you can and admire the central ceiling
chandelier, floral and exquisite. Feel one with the art and cultural vibe of
the place. Pause and soak in the historical wealth of India and move on to
explore another part of this beautiful structure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENzXTJuK01A/XD0UObNEN0I/AAAAAAAAcEw/zG6cZvcWCV4cbJO6GvSYenhBWYK2CXqXACEwYBhgL/s1600/m1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENzXTJuK01A/XD0UObNEN0I/AAAAAAAAcEw/zG6cZvcWCV4cbJO6GvSYenhBWYK2CXqXACEwYBhgL/s640/m1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gate to the present or the past? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
exterior of Sabha Mandap might seem a bit overwhelming after seeing the
interiors, but in a step of two you will come face to face with the Gudha Mandap
and be lost in epics of Indian Mythology. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--U-wWw3NrvA/XD0UT_qKbGI/AAAAAAAAcFA/BH1UlazJ5GwKDybyJrO-d9hC0HDtL44VwCEwYBhgL/s1600/m6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--U-wWw3NrvA/XD0UT_qKbGI/AAAAAAAAcFA/BH1UlazJ5GwKDybyJrO-d9hC0HDtL44VwCEwYBhgL/s640/m6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that remains of this beautiful temple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The exterior of the Gudha Mandap is
etched with chapters from Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some lessons of life
and death. There is also a distinct deity that repeats with a slightly
different facial expression alternating around the Gudha Mandap. I heard a
guide say, they are all visages of Surya on his 7-horsed chariot greeting the
different months of the year with lotuses in his hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gjfy6MHE1Y/XD0UQiIiZtI/AAAAAAAAcE0/MCh8dCdolH8eRWTPurCsRsrvgs7rfsuOACEwYBhgL/s1600/m19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1218" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7gjfy6MHE1Y/XD0UQiIiZtI/AAAAAAAAcE0/MCh8dCdolH8eRWTPurCsRsrvgs7rfsuOACEwYBhgL/s640/m19.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun God welcoming some month of the year...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">But
going around the Gudha mandap, you see the level of damage the place had
endured possibly during the Khilji era, when Alauddin Khilji went on a rampage
to destroy Hindu temples around the country. No one can be certain about what
happened back in time, but whatever it was, it surely was looted and damaged
extensively, causing people to abandon it. The interior of the Gudha Mandap is
dark and occupied by a horde of bats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BPNK9edWXA/XD0URYKsyfI/AAAAAAAAcE4/Ad0kkRwVVz8lg-XrWx0Dvu6ZOQJmtrcHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/m18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BPNK9edWXA/XD0URYKsyfI/AAAAAAAAcE4/Ad0kkRwVVz8lg-XrWx0Dvu6ZOQJmtrcHQCEwYBhgL/s640/m18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish we could also see what the temple looks like from the inside, because the exterior was extremely beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
squeaks of the bats and the overwhelming stench makes it impossible to even
peer inside the structure, and thus I can’t really tell you if there is
anything worth observing there. But it is said that the temple door was
constructed in a way so that the first sun rays would fall directly on the idol
placed in the sanctum sanctorum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAXVpFy4wRk/XD0UUEIcoCI/AAAAAAAAcE8/xCrUjD4ztEkVTxwaGg5jeelw7YHB4TB_gCEwYBhgL/s1600/m5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAXVpFy4wRk/XD0UUEIcoCI/AAAAAAAAcE8/xCrUjD4ztEkVTxwaGg5jeelw7YHB4TB_gCEwYBhgL/s640/m5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitch black home of the bats; no more idol, no more worship...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Unfortunately,
the idol is long gone and all that remains is the dark altar. Right outside the
Gudha Mandap are two pillars, which are what remains of the Kirti Torana.
Despite the damage, the stone work on the pillars of the Kirti Torana are still
very well preserved! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1hvoT3U1z0/XD0USPDE0gI/AAAAAAAAcE4/r6ldTyFjzMcEGBd-KIe-DR2JAbeV2fxMACEwYBhgL/s1600/m3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="502" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1hvoT3U1z0/XD0USPDE0gI/AAAAAAAAcE4/r6ldTyFjzMcEGBd-KIe-DR2JAbeV2fxMACEwYBhgL/s640/m3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They sure were broken and their significance was reduced to zilch. But thanks to the Modhera Dance Festival, people notice these two pillars with the temple in their background, even when they come just for the festival! Kirti Toran - fitting name? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Also, if you are heading to Modhera for the Modhera Dance
Festival, there is a small stage in front of these very pillars where all the
magic comes to life! Which brings me to some important things you should know
before visiting Modhera!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8odTmFu8zyo/XD0UWKaLM_I/AAAAAAAAcFA/oXczkPWGAPEG1kV-V-0j0Ea0jz7UBV_5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/m7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8odTmFu8zyo/XD0UWKaLM_I/AAAAAAAAcFA/oXczkPWGAPEG1kV-V-0j0Ea0jz7UBV_5ACEwYBhgL/s640/m7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The campus might not be that big, but it sure steals your heart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">How to Get to Modhera:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Ahmedabad
is the closest airport and major railway station to Modhera Sun Temple and the
most convenient way to get to the temple is to hire a cab from the city. You
can also take a train till Mehsana which is 1.5 hours away from the temple, but
the frequency for these trains is bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H57lYq7rvHM/XD0UOT-Hw6I/AAAAAAAAcEw/NqiYKPmUc34749ey7oNm2-pces5wlxK8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/m14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H57lYq7rvHM/XD0UOT-Hw6I/AAAAAAAAcEw/NqiYKPmUc34749ey7oNm2-pces5wlxK8gCEwYBhgL/s640/m14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tiny, new, functional temple that is the only functional temple in the campus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Some Important Tips:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Carry a lot
of water because the place does get hot and dry in almost every season, and
also a hat or cap. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">For food and
washrooms, the only decent option in the vicinity is Toran Cafeteria. (Contact
Number: +91 2734 284334)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Visiting hours
for the temple are from 6am to 6pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">There is
also a temple in the complex, near the Gudha Mandap, which is still functional.
If the priest is free, you can have some really interesting conversations with
him (he told me a lot about Solanki Dynasty).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JC6RaXwAjI/XD0UOCaJiII/AAAAAAAAcEw/DZTwJwvWMGMyFi87Li3gUNjq3hVA2OaWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/m13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JC6RaXwAjI/XD0UOCaJiII/AAAAAAAAcEw/DZTwJwvWMGMyFi87Li3gUNjq3hVA2OaWQCEwYBhgL/s640/m13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best remains of the Solanki Dynasty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Some more facts about the place:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Every year, mostly
during the weekend after Uttarayan (this year from January 19<sup>th</sup> to
January 21<sup>st</sup>), the temple campus is the site of the Uttarardh
Mahotsav, famously called the Modhera Dance Festival. I haven’t attend it till date
but given how beautiful and magical Konark Dance Festival was, I feel this too
would be an amazing experience. And since it happens around the time of Rann
Mohatsav, it would be a no-brainer addition to the perfect cultural itinerary
for Gujarat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">In 2014,
this Modhera Sun Temple was added to the list of considerations for UNESCO World Heritage Sites
and it is currently under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">You can
combine exploring <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/11/vavs-of-gujarat-rani-ni-vav.html">Rani Ni Vav (another UNESCO Site)</a> and <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/11/vavs-of-gujarat-adalaj-ni-vav.html">Adalaj Stepwell</a> tour
with your trip to Modhera from Ahmedabad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-741205507616766672019-01-03T22:19:00.002-08:002020-10-21T20:37:05.649-07:00Leavenworth - The Bavarian Hamlet of USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P4FqVfDMSE/XC7waAvPHII/AAAAAAAAcCs/mbAu6rPCDHcjkakvmiem85B8d9F6W6vjACEwYBhgL/s1600/l22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leavenworth - The Bavarian Hamlet of USA. There is a small, beautiful piece of Germany nestled in the wilderness of #NorthCascades, acting as a colourful gate to the famed #Enchantments of #Washington. #Leavenworth #USA #Offbeat #HiddenGem" border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P4FqVfDMSE/XC7waAvPHII/AAAAAAAAcCs/mbAu6rPCDHcjkakvmiem85B8d9F6W6vjACEwYBhgL/s640/l22.jpg" title="Leavenworth - The Bavarian Hamlet of USA. There is a small, beautiful piece of Germany nestled in the wilderness of #NorthCascades, acting as a colourful gate to the famed #Enchantments of #Washington. #Leavenworth #USA #Offbeat #HiddenGem" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is in USA!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Times; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">There is a small, beautiful piece of Germany nestled
in the wilderness of North Cascades, acting as a colourful gate to the famed
Enchantments of Washington. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmZRWmXdFlw/XC7wZQQm7rI/AAAAAAAAcCo/VVsAQYRMlcULx5OpFRemYZu7DNmvwwB4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/l2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmZRWmXdFlw/XC7wZQQm7rI/AAAAAAAAcCo/VVsAQYRMlcULx5OpFRemYZu7DNmvwwB4wCEwYBhgL/s640/l2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes you are looking at a fairyland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">With dreams of a Bavarian fairy-tale fresh in my
mind, driving away from an overcast Seattle sunrise, I knew my day would be
anything other than dreamy since I was heading to this small town finally.
Dew-drenched meadows led us to the snowy Cascades and then out of nowhere,
Wenatchee river decided to greet us with a loud gurgle, guiding us to a beaming
town.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk2gJjMaN1U/XC7wdCU2e3I/AAAAAAAAcCc/upWAdN810Ro5jMF-KuakwZlq7IhB9G6iQCEwYBhgL/s1600/l7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk2gJjMaN1U/XC7wdCU2e3I/AAAAAAAAcCc/upWAdN810Ro5jMF-KuakwZlq7IhB9G6iQCEwYBhgL/s640/l7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Leavenworth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">In the early 20th century, a small timber
community in the Pacific Northwest of the United States decided to turn a
lumbering village into a rail town. Little did they know that a century later,
their tiny town would be visited by a sea of people with nothing but wonder and
appreciation in their eyes! And never had I thought that I would be one in the
sea of people, enchanted by this place called Leavenworth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkWU-vdQ8PE/XC7wY_JZDqI/AAAAAAAAcCU/Cdc0volykbAsdxzqjrYkRBBsBm6RliZkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/l19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkWU-vdQ8PE/XC7wY_JZDqI/AAAAAAAAcCU/Cdc0volykbAsdxzqjrYkRBBsBm6RliZkQCEwYBhgL/s640/l19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holidays in Leavenworth!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Within 5 minutes of entering Leavenworth, we saw
people languidly walking around the town, children frolicking around the centre
gazebo, carolers, Santas, people with guitars and trumpets – seemed like
Christmas had decided to stay in the town! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v28HhiowvfI/XC7wWHl4L9I/AAAAAAAAcCs/CLOPW3RA6ZI5gAYeME-B4HyZlvZD5iJHACEwYBhgL/s1600/l1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v28HhiowvfI/XC7wWHl4L9I/AAAAAAAAcCs/CLOPW3RA6ZI5gAYeME-B4HyZlvZD5iJHACEwYBhgL/s640/l1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dazed...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And then the town itself, dusted
with light snow, painted with love, this was Bavaria fenced by the Alps, or so
it seemed. I don’t remember when I forgot I was still in Washington and when I
felt like I was some commoner from a Disney movie gaping at an animated
Rothenburg (Germany). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqOrcEm-lZo/XC7wUtf7PiI/AAAAAAAAcCo/mWGIxMmfS7QiNFp_CGe2pH98rDvycj3AACEwYBhgL/s1600/c1l2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqOrcEm-lZo/XC7wUtf7PiI/AAAAAAAAcCo/mWGIxMmfS7QiNFp_CGe2pH98rDvycj3AACEwYBhgL/s640/c1l2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many beautiful murals!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Every year, from the last weekend of November to
the weekend before Christmas Eve, Leavenworth adds a set of spells to its
existing magic with the Annual Festival of Lights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvhzi0rReMo/XC7wb7AtdFI/AAAAAAAAcCs/2DCwmqKDNbAycU82yU1CubXvDaPe_pfawCEwYBhgL/s1600/l4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvhzi0rReMo/XC7wb7AtdFI/AAAAAAAAcCs/2DCwmqKDNbAycU82yU1CubXvDaPe_pfawCEwYBhgL/s640/l4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which Disney movie?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Reaching early in the town
is key during this time if you really want to soak in the </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">ambiance</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">. We walked
down the commercial street while spotting numerable hand drawn murals, not just
by local artists but also some famous German artists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiSyZhX3nI8/XC7wbX8lZdI/AAAAAAAAcCc/JP3q3JF-A2gOrSBzrZB2hMQ3xuTuokHiACEwYBhgL/s1600/l3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiSyZhX3nI8/XC7wbX8lZdI/AAAAAAAAcCc/JP3q3JF-A2gOrSBzrZB2hMQ3xuTuokHiACEwYBhgL/s640/l3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bavaria is not that far from Seattle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Though this town was revamped to be a theme town
to resemble Bavaria, towners left no stones unturned in making sure Leavenworth
felt authentic in every way. You can sip ale and beer at leisure while enjoying
a bite or two of pretzels and bratwurst at almost every corner of the town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2GpBBztaKs/XC7wUl3tj_I/AAAAAAAAcCo/ALCi1aq2PmU12AYJoObUpWqPYn5aN2UmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/c1l1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2GpBBztaKs/XC7wUl3tj_I/AAAAAAAAcCo/ALCi1aq2PmU12AYJoObUpWqPYn5aN2UmgCEwYBhgL/s640/c1l1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas stays here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If
you are not a foodie like me, grab a cup of hot cocoa from The Gingerbread
Factory and head over to either the Nutcracker Museum, where you can admire and
try to understand the mechanics of almost 6000 nutcrackers, or to Kris Kingl’s
Christmas Market where a number of intricate Christmas villages would steal
your heart! Walking through the commercial street and front street during the
festival can get overwhelming because of the crowd, but somehow it just doesn’t
put you off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POkRtNQX-_g/XC7wWwonvFI/AAAAAAAAcCs/6KohcW4fTzw8VksxLCTW5ZRnJCJPsjoPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/l10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POkRtNQX-_g/XC7wWwonvFI/AAAAAAAAcCs/6KohcW4fTzw8VksxLCTW5ZRnJCJPsjoPQCEwYBhgL/s640/l10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh that beautiful sunset...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">We headed straight to the Waterfront Park to
ditch the crowd and were treated with a stunning sunset. Walking along the
Wenatchee river in the shadows of the dim lit cascades, enjoying the quiet
twilight, I really forgot about the Christmas tree lighting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bm-Bd-RRUE/XC7wX6SrEfI/AAAAAAAAcCc/NWeZ84g0k44iLyvNcyQebaaSHS7Lon5jQCEwYBhgL/s1600/l16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bm-Bd-RRUE/XC7wX6SrEfI/AAAAAAAAcCc/NWeZ84g0k44iLyvNcyQebaaSHS7Lon5jQCEwYBhgL/s640/l16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">We hurried back
to the centre gazebo as soon as we could, only to find the place jampacked with
people! The everyone in and visiting the town gathers near the gazebo and
streets around it post dusk for the magic of the festival of lights to
commence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rirJJHpGM0/XC7wYZTvLFI/AAAAAAAAcCY/65BAMiNaDD4Wl9Y_5T0xGg7DRb6bEBoEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/l17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rirJJHpGM0/XC7wYZTvLFI/AAAAAAAAcCY/65BAMiNaDD4Wl9Y_5T0xGg7DRb6bEBoEwCEwYBhgL/s640/l17.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the lighting begin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Holiday songs, more carols, some Santas and elves pepping the crowd
for the moment, and then the lights begin – starting from the Christmas tree
right next to the gazebo, the wave of light engulfs the entire town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkxdvhT6av4/XC7wXei6IvI/AAAAAAAAcCo/WEs2b6h6w2M8kd-Yq9Q0xtWwP54ExtiDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/l15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkxdvhT6av4/XC7wXei6IvI/AAAAAAAAcCo/WEs2b6h6w2M8kd-Yq9Q0xtWwP54ExtiDgCEwYBhgL/s640/l15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it is the festival of lights!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">With that,
you are left to enjoy the remainder of the night with a dream of lights,
natures and a magical town because magic does happen in Leavenworth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdNqRnpkkF8/XC7wevmGN8I/AAAAAAAAcCo/68wv09CkiGcR7-SJc2_Vy__G_XdlKpW3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/l9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdNqRnpkkF8/XC7wevmGN8I/AAAAAAAAcCo/68wv09CkiGcR7-SJc2_Vy__G_XdlKpW3QCEwYBhgL/s640/l9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Leavenworth from Seattle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">How to Get to
Leavenworth:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The closest
international airport to Leavenworth, the Seatac International Airport is just
2.5 hours away! Also, you can easily get to Leavenworth in 3-4 hours from
Portland, Spokane and Vancouver. There is also a special bus or train to
Leavenworth for the Light Festival but do check <b><a href="https://leavenworthsnowtrain.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">the site</span></a></b> way in advance for availability!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuDY1GA4id4/XC7wXDUP5TI/AAAAAAAAcCg/rQBYZjDdVfoHHOF9FzGSXdroypmCw8EJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/l11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuDY1GA4id4/XC7wXDUP5TI/AAAAAAAAcCg/rQBYZjDdVfoHHOF9FzGSXdroypmCw8EJgCEwYBhgL/s640/l11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bavarian Lodge, Leavenworth.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Do not miss!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">- The Gingerbread
Factory, where you can find every baked specialty of the holiday season.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">- Kris Kingl’s
Chrsitmas Market because you just can’t get enough of the Christmas vibe and
cuteness.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-LwcuwNu4s/XC7wUrAaPqI/AAAAAAAAcCg/aIF3QZ-kis0BlXDNYwDS-5a9NTTRLiljQCEwYBhgL/s1600/c1l3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-LwcuwNu4s/XC7wUrAaPqI/AAAAAAAAcCg/aIF3QZ-kis0BlXDNYwDS-5a9NTTRLiljQCEwYBhgL/s640/c1l3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Metal Waterfall Gallery</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli";">- Nutcracker Museum
and its array of nutcrackers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">- The Metal Waterfall
gallery for their creative metal art.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZVaPUCnWgI/XC7wfL8-enI/AAAAAAAAcCs/U0nJRkGu6PEyFctUF5UUjKS5uamHdOGNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/sulavita.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1600" height="582" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZVaPUCnWgI/XC7wfL8-enI/AAAAAAAAcCs/U0nJRkGu6PEyFctUF5UUjKS5uamHdOGNgCEwYBhgL/s640/sulavita.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lunch at Sulla Vita!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli";">- Sulla Vita for its
scrumptious Italian addition to this German town and Watershed Café for their
famous salmon dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">- The Waterfront Park
to soak in the nature and get some time away from the crowd.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">- And literally any
of the breweries and pubs if you want to get that Bavarian swing.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">What else can you
do around Leavenworth during winters?</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvaVrfTagzg/XC7werX37wI/AAAAAAAAcCk/KFOi78ETwZgVBzgvPeCinizIdtisV2B1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/stevenspass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvaVrfTagzg/XC7werX37wI/AAAAAAAAcCk/KFOi78ETwZgVBzgvPeCinizIdtisV2B1gCEwYBhgL/s640/stevenspass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>Steven’s Pass Ski
Resort</b> – About 40 minutes away from downtown Leavenworth, the Steven’s Pass Ski
Resort is not only a place to visit for skilled skiers, but it is also one of
the best places in Washington to start out skiing. With 11% of the mountain
runs being beginner level and the super patient instructors of the Ski School -
trust me when I say you are in safe hands even if this is your first-time
skiing. Steven’s Pass was my first ever ski experience in USA (I had done it
once before in Gulmarg, India and frankly knew almost nothing about skiing
before Steven’s Pass)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuZvF8bZgF8/XC7wfwok9SI/AAAAAAAAcCs/3B4DVh-uonAeOI-KleHZ9o3O9qTnyad6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/wenatchee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuZvF8bZgF8/XC7wfwok9SI/AAAAAAAAcCs/3B4DVh-uonAeOI-KleHZ9o3O9qTnyad6QCEwYBhgL/s640/wenatchee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>Wenatchee Lake</b> –
Think of a stunning clear lake, no crowd, frozen shore and bliss! I absolutely
loved Wenatchee Lake, which is about 30 minutes away from downtown Leavenworth,
and no words could do justice to the view there!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m892o0LwPk/XC7wclGfytI/AAAAAAAAcCg/h8mCf0exhrIL3p0HV_ne-YE4O-qC86tCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/l5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m892o0LwPk/XC7wclGfytI/AAAAAAAAcCg/h8mCf0exhrIL3p0HV_ne-YE4O-qC86tCgCEwYBhgL/s640/l5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>Blackbird Island</b> –
And if you are not in the mood of driving around, head over to the Blackbird
Island with your snowshoes and you can hike the 2-mile loop trail on this
island, that is just a stone throw away from downtown Leavenworth.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4dOm5DFpqc/XC7wc65o6NI/AAAAAAAAcCk/NT1qrngfFoYoHjdzM9XNof-0ypt9x9IhgCEwYBhgL/s1600/l6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R4dOm5DFpqc/XC7wc65o6NI/AAAAAAAAcCk/NT1qrngfFoYoHjdzM9XNof-0ypt9x9IhgCEwYBhgL/s640/l6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A not so common postcard from Leavenworth!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.indiblogger.in/post/leavenworth-the-bavarian-hamlet-of-usa" title="Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers"><br /><img alt="Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian Bloggers" border="0" height="96" src="https://cdn.indiblogger.in/badges/235x96_top-indivine-post.png" width="235" />
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<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-tall="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmFpmUh4Q0k/XyXPxehZ0-I/AAAAAAAAi3s/nNA8dg00NXEhprdvQOZGq1Mha5Bd2HI-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/leavenworth%2BPin.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leavenworth - The Bavarian Hamlet of USA. There is a small, beautiful piece of Germany nestled in the wilderness of #NorthCascades, acting as a colourful gate to the famed #Enchantments of #Washington. #Leavenworth #USA #Offbeat #HiddenGem" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmFpmUh4Q0k/XyXPxehZ0-I/AAAAAAAAi3s/nNA8dg00NXEhprdvQOZGq1Mha5Bd2HI-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/leavenworth%2BPin.png" title="Leavenworth - The Bavarian Hamlet of USA. There is a small, beautiful piece of Germany nestled in the wilderness of #NorthCascades, acting as a colourful gate to the famed #Enchantments of #Washington. #Leavenworth #USA #Offbeat #HiddenGem" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-69978155203728533742018-11-23T21:30:00.000-08:002020-09-16T10:00:51.153-07:00Stay in Style while in Budget - Seri Pacific and Equatorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5EogXbiuvU/W_TfXG5dLWI/AAAAAAAAbvI/hsLHOA7_NdMSJRo2skAwkFW8hhjgkerhgCLcBGAs/s1600/petronas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stay in Style while in Budget - Seri Pacific and Equatorial #Malaysia" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5EogXbiuvU/W_TfXG5dLWI/AAAAAAAAbvI/hsLHOA7_NdMSJRo2skAwkFW8hhjgkerhgCLcBGAs/s640/petronas.jpg" title="Stay in Style while in Budget - Seri Pacific and Equatorial #Malaysia" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't you want a view of this when in Kuala Lumpur?</td></tr>
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<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-align: justify;">Last
week I was cleaning out my laptop after a really long time (read years) and
that is when I found this long-lost post! Been debating the entire week if I
should post it or not, given I wrote this article almost 2 years back. But two
days back a friend of mine contacted me to get some information about Kuala
Lumpur and she asked for staying options in the city. Talk about signs right!
Hence, I finally decided to post this, and here it is!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/fa4310f1">Seri Pacific Kuala Lumpur</a><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/fa4310f1"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eiRS-TNZXi8/W_TfXHO9n-I/AAAAAAAAbvE/LyvFIfll3V4zPR1Ecraq2m6loQW4wbt4ACEwYBhgL/s640/seri%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/fa4310f1">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">When
you visit famous cities with famous landmarks, you would either want to stay at
the landmark, if possible, or with a spectacular view of the landmark, right? But
with the view, you do have to pay a ‘view tariff’ that is atleast 5% more than
a standard no-view room. Unfortunately, the wish to have a view gets really
heavy on a budget </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">traveler's</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> pocket. But what if I told you there are plenty of
budget (mostly mid-range) staying options in Kuala Lumpur that not only give
you a view of the Petronas Towers (which by the way are constantly looking over
you no matter where you go in the town) but these staying experiences also let
you have a taste of luxury!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">During
my visit to Kuala Lumpur, courtesy Malaysia Tourism, I got to stay at one such
place – Seri Pacific! Located in downtown <a href="http://tidd.ly/fa4310f1">Kuala Lumpur, Seri Pacific</a> is a 560
room 5-star business hotel that surprisingly costs only 50-60 USD per night. Apart
from being a reasonably priced hotel, Seri Pacific is also conveniently located
about 20 mins away from both KL tower and Petronas Towers. And also, there is a
link rail station right next to the hotel, which makes getting around the city very
convenient.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tidd.ly/fa4310f1"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUOCmHAJChE/W_TfTkrrqgI/AAAAAAAAbvY/zV8x8br3mfQ1ABEIp2ugjaR7BpoQrNJfgCEwYBhgL/s640/Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Room Options</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">: - Seri Pacific offers a 3 kinds of room, split
in club and non-club rooms which are basically hardwood and carpeted rooms
specifically. The three kinds are Superior, Deluxe and Suites which either have
a view of the Petronas Towers, the KL tower or the Putra World trade Center.
During my stay I got to stay in a 23<sup>rd</sup> floor Twin Deluxe room facing
the twin towers. The room itself was very clean, spacious, and had all the
amenities like mini bar, iron, coffee machine, wifi and best of all in room international
calling facility!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OFmooLy6T4/W_TfVlpoxbI/AAAAAAAAbvg/pdw3198_r6McZY1p2SE_VUOcj4Xw3HNnACEwYBhgL/s1600/decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OFmooLy6T4/W_TfVlpoxbI/AAAAAAAAbvg/pdw3198_r6McZY1p2SE_VUOcj4Xw3HNnACEwYBhgL/s640/decor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel interiors!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Other amenities</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">: - I had complimentary breakfast with the stay
and man, was that a feast! The breakfast is provided in Zende Café, which is an
all-day dining space in the hotel. Zende presents a plethora of continental and
Asian dishes for each of its meal so, if you are worried about missing out on
the Malaysian cuisine experience, don’t! On my first day in KL itself, I got to
taste the Indian, Malay and Chinese influence on the native cuisine, thanks for
Zende’s breakfast buffet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXkhYIhZhJY/W_TfX7w2VJI/AAAAAAAAbvo/DMSYOrlu7DAstpDA13tYzarigKF6LkHFACEwYBhgL/s1600/vegie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXkhYIhZhJY/W_TfX7w2VJI/AAAAAAAAbvo/DMSYOrlu7DAstpDA13tYzarigKF6LkHFACEwYBhgL/s640/vegie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spread!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If
you want to get more of each cuisine than what is offered at Zende, the hotel
has 6 more cafes and a lounge for you to explore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejUif5Bd-Ck/W_TfXT9ROeI/AAAAAAAAbvo/oCLS2uEnraQeK9_Ki0IxVliKqTNidSvngCEwYBhgL/s1600/sweets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejUif5Bd-Ck/W_TfXT9ROeI/AAAAAAAAbvo/oCLS2uEnraQeK9_Ki0IxVliKqTNidSvngCEwYBhgL/s640/sweets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was full, but I could not stop. *Blame the sweet tooth*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Apart
from dining, Seri Pacific has a beautiful spa, the Tirta Spa, to take away all
your travel tiredness; a decent sized swimming pool, so needed after roaming
around KL under the hot tropical sun; a business center, a gym and a flower
shop too! And if you need to shop, and don’t want to travel much, the Sunway
Putra Mall is right outside!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/cfb25d16">Hotel Equatorial Melaka</a><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVgCL9nuSLQ/W_TfTot2VcI/AAAAAAAAbvo/RsIq8XBoAzQIb8YImm97Wc7OyqVSx_sTACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVgCL9nuSLQ/W_TfTot2VcI/AAAAAAAAbvo/RsIq8XBoAzQIb8YImm97Wc7OyqVSx_sTACEwYBhgL/s640/DSCN5126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melaka Straits Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">During
the same trip, I also visited the historical town of Melaka and again thanks to
Malaysia Tourism, I was pampered with scrumptious food, beautiful rose scented
room and a dash of history at </span><a href="http://tidd.ly/cfb25d16" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Hotel Equatorial</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">. Unlike Seri Pacific, Equatorial
is not light on your pocket most of the time, but its proximity to the </span><a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2016/01/10-things-to-do-in-maleka.html" style="font-family: "mv boli";">historical
sites like Jonker Street, the Stadthuys, A’Famousa and Melaka Sultanate Palace</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">
sort of makes up for the extra cost. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/cfb25d16" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCC2Fe946QQ/W_TfU1aaLyI/AAAAAAAAbvk/cQjtgf32RbcZHAvIljVernmBs5v1oh1yQCEwYBhgL/s640/c5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room and the view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Believe it or not, you can literally walk
down to either of these sites from the hotel, thus saving on local transportation
cost. And shopaholics, worry not, the minute you exit from the hotel, Dataran
Pahlawan Melaka Megamall you lure you in then and there!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/cfb25d16"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haWpHWHicyQ/W_TfUwmgpAI/AAAAAAAAbvY/S75EzXrc8ng2YLhpqD_VaMASYSl_jneIQCEwYBhgL/s640/c6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/cfb25d16">My room!!!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Room Options</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">: - Equatorial offers seven different types of
room options offer perfect comfort and take care of your needs, whether you are
travelling for business or leisure. I was put up in a premier room on the 15<sup>th</sup>
floor during my two day visit to this beautiful UNESCO world heritage site (you
can <a href="https://thewordpool.blogspot.com/2014/10/melaka-malaysias-cultural-best.html">read
more about Melaka here</a>). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDDPrQ-mZe4/W_TfVICR_eI/AAAAAAAAbvg/glVOl6mrevwHD30Ib8x1i3ILi_Kzi0rcACEwYBhgL/s1600/c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDDPrQ-mZe4/W_TfVICR_eI/AAAAAAAAbvg/glVOl6mrevwHD30Ib8x1i3ILi_Kzi0rcACEwYBhgL/s640/c7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The room had a view of the swimming pool and was
decorated with roses throughout! And the room was just perfect to unwind after
a long day of walking around, thanks to the bathtub in the room, comfortable
slippers and bath robes, coffee, TV and high-speed password protected internet.
Well you get the picture.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Z5WEsq4hE/W_TfT42TUDI/AAAAAAAAbvU/Bp0n3beEJE4pIVHLa9R2gm9T7goGfAWSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2Z5WEsq4hE/W_TfT42TUDI/AAAAAAAAbvU/Bp0n3beEJE4pIVHLa9R2gm9T7goGfAWSwCEwYBhgL/s640/c1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat a little bit healthy?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Other Amenities</span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">: - With the extravagant range of restaurants that
Equatorial, you can explore local and international cuisines without even
stepping out of the hotel. Equatorial flaunts five amazing restaurants, one of
which lets you get lost in the rich heritage of Peranakan cuisine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90LRjkQ0QQs/W_TfUlnZkMI/AAAAAAAAbvU/jcNtXNrwSq4LUe8pdR-W_d2uRATidTaRACEwYBhgL/s1600/c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90LRjkQ0QQs/W_TfUlnZkMI/AAAAAAAAbvU/jcNtXNrwSq4LUe8pdR-W_d2uRATidTaRACEwYBhgL/s640/c3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or enjoy something Peranakan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet are spread out at Resthouse Café and it is
all worth paying for, since unfortunately none of it is complimentary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmY6D7ZCCtA/W_TfUcGGVlI/AAAAAAAAbvY/2_jgcfTbP1E1uY_3RGzMdksqyiBs_kuQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmY6D7ZCCtA/W_TfUcGGVlI/AAAAAAAAbvY/2_jgcfTbP1E1uY_3RGzMdksqyiBs_kuQQCEwYBhgL/s640/c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest and eat at Resthouse Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Apart
from that, like I mentioned earlier, the hotel has a big and pretty pool,
sauna, gym and tennis court. Though unfortunately due to my short stay, I didn’t
really get to try out any of these facilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8PSBzppXLk/W_TfUhxoI5I/AAAAAAAAbvY/6ZJxjMmPr88O03IWhHHiifXblq5nXX36gCEwYBhgL/s1600/c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8PSBzppXLk/W_TfUhxoI5I/AAAAAAAAbvY/6ZJxjMmPr88O03IWhHHiifXblq5nXX36gCEwYBhgL/s640/c4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Till date best ever strawberry danishes I have had were from here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And
that is it. For both the Hotels I would give a 5-star rating! I am so grateful
to Malaysia Tourism for my travel, stay and the unforgettable experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">P.S
– Since, I try to avoid taking pictures with people in them (without taking
their permission) and it was sort of impossible to get people out of all my
intended frames, there is an acute dearth of pictures in this post and some of the pictures are taken directly from the hotels’ sites
– </span><a href="https://www.seripacifichotel.com/" style="font-family: "MV Boli";">here</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> and </span><a href="https://melaka.equatorial.com/" style="font-family: "MV Boli";">here</a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">. Also, thanks to my fellow travelers Ragini Puri and Manjulika Pramod for lending me some of their pictures for the post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-26061686917998422562018-11-09T22:41:00.002-08:002020-10-28T19:31:25.827-07:00Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYYbcaAWq14/W-Z529rgRRI/AAAAAAAAbtE/ziB0rogOvs85b3893Ycrg1SK8IYFj5IjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/j23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze #NewYork #USA" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYYbcaAWq14/W-Z529rgRRI/AAAAAAAAbtE/ziB0rogOvs85b3893Ycrg1SK8IYFj5IjwCEwYBhgL/s640/j23.jpg" title="Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze #NewYork #USA" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Halloween
just went by, but Halloween fever is yet to die (atleast in the Hudson Valley
region of New York!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwsxzPQOe6o/W-Z53zl9ezI/AAAAAAAAbtM/oz-fhvZ9qZs8T3h7X-f4Rb4SX3tcxm87QCEwYBhgL/s1600/j7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwsxzPQOe6o/W-Z53zl9ezI/AAAAAAAAbtM/oz-fhvZ9qZs8T3h7X-f4Rb4SX3tcxm87QCEwYBhgL/s640/j7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">According
to Irish folklore, long long time ago there lived a mean drunkard named Jack
who once encountered the devil himself. Jack was infamous as a master deceiver
and when devil asked him to give up his soul, Jack asked for a last wish. He asked
the devil if he could have an apple before his death. The Devil agreed and went
up an apple tree to fetch one for Jack. Jack meanwhile carved a cross on the
tree, trapping the devil on it. In return of his freedom, Devil promised Jack
he will not take his soul to hell. When Jack died, St Peter (a hallow) denied
him heaven due to his vile ways of life, and devil denied hell because of his
promise. The devil then played his trick on Jack by giving him a glowing amber
from hell’s fire, the light of which would warn everyone of Jack’s presence.
Stuck in between the two worlds, Jack carved a turnip he had with him, placed
the amber in it and set out to roam the Earth for eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ1I7sm81vw/W-Z53Cm-7WI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/pJ0kW9F43co_5oKlhYZR7euqDPfjhbUXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/j4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ1I7sm81vw/W-Z53Cm-7WI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/pJ0kW9F43co_5oKlhYZR7euqDPfjhbUXQCEwYBhgL/s640/j4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">With
time Jack ‘O Lanterns - carved out of turnips and potatoes to mock and ward off
Jack - became a part of Halloween in the Celtic regions aka Ireland, Wales and
Scotland. When people from Europe migrated to US, they discovered pumpkins – a
fall harvest crop that was bigger than turnips, and soon the light of Halloween
started to get placed in pumpkins. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf80U8TMcL0/X5ooygX0WyI/AAAAAAAAjiw/1x8bkYKS6qY3rroL-64hpy4DIBaJnd2DwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1102/CRAZE%2BOF%2BTHE%2BHUDSON%2BVALLEY%2BJACK%2B%2527O%2BLANTERN%2BBLAZE.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze. #USA #NewYork #UpstateNY #Halloween jack o lantern festivals" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf80U8TMcL0/X5ooygX0WyI/AAAAAAAAjiw/1x8bkYKS6qY3rroL-64hpy4DIBaJnd2DwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/CRAZE%2BOF%2BTHE%2BHUDSON%2BVALLEY%2BJACK%2B%2527O%2BLANTERN%2BBLAZE.png" title="Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze. #USA #NewYork #UpstateNY #Halloween jack o lantern festivals" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin it to read later!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Thus, the current trend of decorating with
hand carved pumpkin Jack ‘O Lanterns is an integral part of Halloween.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiwT2rrTE3k/W-Z51lYEEuI/AAAAAAAAbtI/8bDPeJ_sq6ggfpE7ak3DDD4lhVm2EhI1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/j21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiwT2rrTE3k/W-Z51lYEEuI/AAAAAAAAbtI/8bDPeJ_sq6ggfpE7ak3DDD4lhVm2EhI1wCEwYBhgL/s640/j21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And
guess what, Hudson Valley takes this tradition to another level! With more than
seven thousand hand carved pumpkins elaborately arranged in the grounds around Van
Cortlandt Manor </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; text-align: left;">in Croton,
NY, the Great Jack ‘O Lantern Blaze of Hudson Valley is the event of Halloween
that is not to be missed if you are in or around NYC. Given this place is very
close to Sleepy Hollow, Halloween has to be grand and crazy here, right? The
Blaze makes sure of that by starting the craziness well in advance and keeping
the flair on even after ‘All Hallows Evening’. After weeks of planning I
finally managed to attend the blaze last week and my what a weird yet beautiful
sight it was!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGlESH4lgJo/W-Z54Xk--EI/AAAAAAAAbtU/yGCTrfM7S_8S1uLZS7vZUU90A7ysoEGJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/j8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGlESH4lgJo/W-Z54Xk--EI/AAAAAAAAbtU/yGCTrfM7S_8S1uLZS7vZUU90A7ysoEGJwCEwYBhgL/s640/j8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Welcome
to the great pumpkin blaze, where you enter a dark dimly lit forest, probably like
the one where Jack met the Devil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjtkrMX9ELg/W-Z53lUXVyI/AAAAAAAAbtI/KCkWPnSjS3cNgJf0gnRAKEOEIvFBlcLIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/j5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjtkrMX9ELg/W-Z53lUXVyI/AAAAAAAAbtI/KCkWPnSjS3cNgJf0gnRAKEOEIvFBlcLIQCEwYBhgL/s640/j5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">To
take the darkness away and lift your spirits, visit the windmill in a beautiful
tulip garden. Momentarily you will be transported to some beautiful corner of
Europe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QdcdqA8rf4/W-Z50vR9ZKI/AAAAAAAAbtU/1_vncJjIir8y4rsHBLPUlx-YS64bp6LiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/j18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QdcdqA8rf4/W-Z50vR9ZKI/AAAAAAAAbtU/1_vncJjIir8y4rsHBLPUlx-YS64bp6LiwCEwYBhgL/s640/j18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Let
the Lights guide you to the bridge of sleepy hollow, taking you through a mysterious
jungle of bats, owls, sea monsters and other beasts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03BIdnu-5zs/W-Z5zillZNI/AAAAAAAAbtM/O8cD_EcpK4QTdMxg1wIRxhGJcKJX1SqMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/j16-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03BIdnu-5zs/W-Z5zillZNI/AAAAAAAAbtM/O8cD_EcpK4QTdMxg1wIRxhGJcKJX1SqMwCEwYBhgL/s640/j16-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Soon
you will be sent back in time to the era when Halloween originated in the
Celtic region. Wonder about life and the circle of eternity while marveling an
array of Celtic knots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0ja7c67gzs/W-Z51cRuR3I/AAAAAAAAbtA/4-FYJgilz4ciUbrJBd9Sfk2ABzMtOwSYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/j20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0ja7c67gzs/W-Z51cRuR3I/AAAAAAAAbtA/4-FYJgilz4ciUbrJBd9Sfk2ABzMtOwSYQCEwYBhgL/s640/j20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Come
back to this bizarre time with the carousel of the dead and cross over to the
land of the zodiac signs. Spot your sign and hope for luck and get lost in the
stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7-kGgQq-IM/W-Z5zPM3fGI/AAAAAAAAbtU/5fN58LxSyZENspR5tcOEERRM3UPPq9yzwCEwYBhgL/s1600/j13-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q7-kGgQq-IM/W-Z5zPM3fGI/AAAAAAAAbtU/5fN58LxSyZENspR5tcOEERRM3UPPq9yzwCEwYBhgL/s640/j13-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Walk
under the stars and shake off all your fear. Enjoy while you can because soon
you would be in a doomed town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0klyerXjz5w/W-Z51Ys0umI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/rjd-XnqzL0Evi9jMSr_xXJNYMfRo0CvggCEwYBhgL/s1600/j19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0klyerXjz5w/W-Z51Ys0umI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/rjd-XnqzL0Evi9jMSr_xXJNYMfRo0CvggCEwYBhgL/s640/j19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Hear
the headless horse rider? He might be close because you just got to the
abandoned inn in the middle of nowhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4UEE8_G56I/W-Z51zP_5cI/AAAAAAAAbtA/OO1ki3jZXfgLHy0D_NfYlGeL43wQZvALQCEwYBhgL/s1600/j22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4UEE8_G56I/W-Z51zP_5cI/AAAAAAAAbtA/OO1ki3jZXfgLHy0D_NfYlGeL43wQZvALQCEwYBhgL/s640/j22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">But
don’t worry, the blaze train will take you far far away where you can meet the
funny men in today’s America!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-CYWmRe-C4/W-Z53GDHUsI/AAAAAAAAbtE/t-w8XVhDpJI1PAyztRHF6Jt322LUlxpdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/j25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6-CYWmRe-C4/W-Z53GDHUsI/AAAAAAAAbtE/t-w8XVhDpJI1PAyztRHF6Jt322LUlxpdQCEwYBhgL/s640/j25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Well men and the lady.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7v8SEPHVHE/W-Z5ygF9k1I/AAAAAAAAbtI/qnSccnYPwjsYhC8sEgbXvlWFb38cwOBOACEwYBhgL/s1600/j10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7v8SEPHVHE/W-Z5ygF9k1I/AAAAAAAAbtI/qnSccnYPwjsYhC8sEgbXvlWFb38cwOBOACEwYBhgL/s640/j10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">But
not that far. The clock is ticking. The town is sleeping. But there is a chill
in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spqaYRyQoWg/W-Z54aiMCJI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/ifZORlknYkAZl4IIRuySQ-70bxfibSTAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/j9-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spqaYRyQoWg/W-Z54aiMCJI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/ifZORlknYkAZl4IIRuySQ-70bxfibSTAwCEwYBhgL/s640/j9-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
eeriness is creeping. And the silence is seeping While there stands this manor,
still clinging to a glorious past, mocking Jack in every possible way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74NNn8aU7mU/W-Z5yX-nmMI/AAAAAAAAbtA/p8fDh-Bkbw4GdmyknHRI6DK7YdX1Ii4WgCEwYBhgL/s1600/j12-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74NNn8aU7mU/W-Z5yX-nmMI/AAAAAAAAbtA/p8fDh-Bkbw4GdmyknHRI6DK7YdX1Ii4WgCEwYBhgL/s640/j12-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Basically,
it was a treat to walk through the blaze! I know that all I can share are
pictures and just words and they can’t do justice to the atmosphere at Van
Cortlandt Manor during the blaze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi14Sejow8I/W-Z5zapTyUI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/SVRMViI2_IY7V3TckXP0reXQs6YA5YbfACEwYBhgL/s1600/j15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi14Sejow8I/W-Z5zapTyUI/AAAAAAAAbtQ/SVRMViI2_IY7V3TckXP0reXQs6YA5YbfACEwYBhgL/s640/j15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">So, if you are in the area, you still have a couple of weekends to make it to the Great Jack 'O Lantern Blaze and experience the eeriness yourself before it is all gone for the season.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtSM6sz9Fcs/W-Z50BhIibI/AAAAAAAAbtI/G0IOwuMumY45SUU0I7cTDRlbSonil1E5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/j17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtSM6sz9Fcs/W-Z50BhIibI/AAAAAAAAbtI/G0IOwuMumY45SUU0I7cTDRlbSonil1E5wCEwYBhgL/s640/j17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">When is the Blaze and how to get
there:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">The
blaze is held at Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
10520) every year from the last weekend of September to the last weekend of November.
While during November and September, the blaze is open only during weekends, it
is open throughout the month of October.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If
you are coming from Jersey or NYC, take the metro north rail to Croton/Poughkeepsie.
The closest station – Croton Harmon, is at a 15 minutes walking distance from
the grounds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Also,
there is a small snack and drinks shack and a gift shop at the venue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYuyqWmowl4/W-Z5yjpoc0I/AAAAAAAAbtE/K9HYdZ1VnVAMi3J-Cl8KfTECJT2f4nqIACEwYBhgL/s1600/j11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYuyqWmowl4/W-Z5yjpoc0I/AAAAAAAAbtE/K9HYdZ1VnVAMi3J-Cl8KfTECJT2f4nqIACEwYBhgL/s640/j11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Entry Fees - </span></b><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Adults $22; Children $16; there are no student or
senior citizen concessions. Food and drinks cost is not included in the
admission fee. You can get the tickets <a href="https://websales.hudsonvalley.org/ecommerce/blaze.aspx" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="1108" height="146" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LK_PWBlRxgo/X5ofv8wxiMI/AAAAAAAAjiU/_ITezScLy-wEnisk3-2eKwKEeFge9iLVACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">For 2020 - The blaze is operating at low capacity and it is mandatory to get the tickets in advance. To read more about the measure taken by the organizers with respect to CDC's COVID related health guidelines please click <a href="https://hudsonvalley.org/news/health-and-safety-at-the-great-jack-olantern-blaze/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_V6Ko6wL_ek/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_V6Ko6wL_ek?feature=player_embedded" width="400"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Have
you attended a similar blaze or done pumpkin carving? How was your experience?
Do share with me in the comments below!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSP31Zfx9po/X5onxa4mznI/AAAAAAAAjio/HL8kQfacelYmp_nCFfGKtV8Uy-V76TiJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1102/8%2BThings%2Bto%2BRemember%2Bfor%2Byour%2BBackyard%2BBBQ%2BParty.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze. #USA #NewYork #UpstateNY #Halloween jack o lantern festivals" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSP31Zfx9po/X5onxa4mznI/AAAAAAAAjio/HL8kQfacelYmp_nCFfGKtV8Uy-V76TiJACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/8%2BThings%2Bto%2BRemember%2Bfor%2Byour%2BBackyard%2BBBQ%2BParty.png" title="Craze of the Hudson Valley Jack 'O Lantern Blaze. #USA #NewYork #UpstateNY #Halloween jack o lantern festivals" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the post? Pin It!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
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<script async="" data-pin-hover="true" data-pin-tall="true" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-18693359936113877812018-10-27T14:51:00.001-07:002020-09-16T10:02:00.700-07:00A Day in Acadia National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxxCXXZHkfE/W9QK1ulhspI/AAAAAAAAbpI/LOTveBJcT4oeV3QzEMy9Qf7zgRLQ3GbEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/a11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Day in Acadia National Park! What to do, what not to miss and where to stay. Maximizing a one day visit to #AcadiaNationalPark #Maine #USA" border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxxCXXZHkfE/W9QK1ulhspI/AAAAAAAAbpI/LOTveBJcT4oeV3QzEMy9Qf7zgRLQ3GbEgCEwYBhgL/s640/a11.jpg" title="A Day in Acadia National Park! What to do, what not to miss and where to stay. Maximizing a one day visit to #AcadiaNationalPark #Maine #USA" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun shines on the craggy coast of Acadia National Park</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Breathe in a cocktail of crisp morning air and cool sea breeze. Watch the fog curl up
inch by inch as sunlight begins to appear at the horizon. Admire the wild
landscape where the deep blue Atlantic meets the rugged corner of America. Rejoice
in the wilderness of Mount Desert and Isle au Haut and enjoy a moment of solace
while overlooking numerous small islands of the area. Experience it all at
Acadia National Park!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUonKCuBG2o/W9QK4xdm-7I/AAAAAAAAbpg/tnrjZp7zIng-XOHPpV-N9fOYCz3ZlGLSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUonKCuBG2o/W9QK4xdm-7I/AAAAAAAAbpg/tnrjZp7zIng-XOHPpV-N9fOYCz3ZlGLSQCEwYBhgL/s640/a5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acadia - where mist plays peek-a-boo with the land</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Situated
in the mid-east of Maine, Acadia National Park is the most easterly national
park of contiguous United States. From all the national parks I have visited so
far, Acadia is the smallest, but it sure was the most lively of the lot. But if
you think the crowd takes away the fun from the place, think again, because in
just a few minutes I will show you how close to nature you can actually feel at
Acadia National Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_QHRSPO3DY/W9QK1hcYmHI/AAAAAAAAbpg/xT0KT3P7FZ4_Ya8MaonqyCAn4t5vWQ5nACEwYBhgL/s1600/a12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_QHRSPO3DY/W9QK1hcYmHI/AAAAAAAAbpg/xT0KT3P7FZ4_Ya8MaonqyCAn4t5vWQ5nACEwYBhgL/s640/a12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Hulls Cove</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Given
the fact that Maine coast is the first to greet the sun in US and the sunrise
is really special in Acadia National Park, be it any season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started our day at 4 am from Bangor (which
is about an hour and half away from Cadillac Mountain) for a 5:56 am sunrise.
Unfortunately, what we didn’t account for was the mist that wraps Mt Desert
Island like a present till the sunrise, and of course traffic. By the time the
fog lifted, we could see a faint light appearing at the horizon and we had just
reached Hulls Cove Visitor Centre. Thus, we decided to not chase the sun till
the top of Cadillac Mountain, instead we stayed back at Hulls cove for the
sunrise. I know from a lot of people that the sunrise at Cadillac is supposed
to be memorable, but we were in for a treat at Hulls cove! The orange hue
merged seamlessly with the purple tint of the night, slowly taking over the
sky. In minutes the sun was there, reflecting sunbeams off the Atlantic and
there was a sudden shift in air, we were there for maybe 15-20 minutes, and
totally forgot about Cadillac Mountain in those moments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj1AqJ25DDY/W9QK2WASDbI/AAAAAAAAbpg/AatZEenA8J0QMofbu3k55AHe_idKMVregCEwYBhgL/s1600/a14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj1AqJ25DDY/W9QK2WASDbI/AAAAAAAAbpg/AatZEenA8J0QMofbu3k55AHe_idKMVregCEwYBhgL/s640/a14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Porcupine Islands from Cadillac Mountain Peak</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Anyhow,
this was just the beginning of the day and the park. We finally did crawl our way to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Every passing car made us happy. We had missed
the crowd and sort of had the mountain top to ourselves! (Hardly 30 people were
at the top of the mountain!) Cadillac Mountain is the highest mountain of the
North American Atlantic coast and undoubtedly the best place in the park to get
a panaromic view of the area. Back during the Gilded Age, one could take a
horse carriage or the Green Mountain Cog Rail upto the top of this pink granite
mountain, unfortunately that is the story of the bygone era. But the view still
is the same and totally untouched! You can see the Mainland Maine - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Schoodic Peninsula and Porcupine Islands
from the top of the mountain (one of those islands is still privately owned) and
the view is totally breath-taking, be it during sunrise, sunset or otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihS_UaMLZtY/W9QK3kvoj7I/AAAAAAAAbpg/8_kpvoiWSekTvQX-PbcNkfF_Xvp3l6YIgCEwYBhgL/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihS_UaMLZtY/W9QK3kvoj7I/AAAAAAAAbpg/8_kpvoiWSekTvQX-PbcNkfF_Xvp3l6YIgCEwYBhgL/s640/a2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm at Sand Beach</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Having
walked around Cadillac, we decided to chill a bit and headed over to Sand Beach
– yes that is what is it called! A tiny cove beach just 15 mins from Cadillac
Mountain, the sand beach is the only white sand beach of the park and it
transports you to a tropical paradise with its very first visage. Bright turquoise
water, washing away inch of pristine white sand every second, leaving a shell
trail in the cove. While the beach seems like a piece of some secluded topical
island, the rugged edges of the cove bring you back to the wild beauty of
Acadia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbLV02O_w18/W9QK5HPjpJI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/Y7gqwY2HkMwQUbion3jraaPqNQEjFWPYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbLV02O_w18/W9QK5HPjpJI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/Y7gqwY2HkMwQUbion3jraaPqNQEjFWPYwCEwYBhgL/s640/a6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You walk along this rugged path for 2-4 miles during Ocean Park Trail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">From
Sand beach, one can walk the Ocean Park Trail, which is a 2-mile end to end trail
or reach one of the points of the trail and walk in either direction of the
trail. Since by the time we decided to leave from Sand Beach it was really hot
and humid, we didn’t want to tire ourselves by walking 4 miles at the very
start of the day. So, we headed over to Thunder Hole Parking Lot and walked to
Otter Cliff Point from there and back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-mmrvZ_Xxs/W9QK4sjVBVI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/U5fS_f-MAWIjVKvWjTfOEPxgiQvyk8W8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-mmrvZ_Xxs/W9QK4sjVBVI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/U5fS_f-MAWIjVKvWjTfOEPxgiQvyk8W8QCEwYBhgL/s640/a4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The true size of Sand Beach.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Frankly, having seen Sprouting Horn and
Devil’s Chasm in Oregon, I personally did not find Thunder Hole very
impressive, plus the crowd at the spot made it really hard to enjoy anything.
However, the area around it was very very pretty and we noticed a lot of tide
pools there, which during low tide would be a delight to observe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ir6ryW1w8mM/W9QK1r126RI/AAAAAAAAbpU/94r0mTMq02g0WTlCdGew7PbdD88R35esQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ir6ryW1w8mM/W9QK1r126RI/AAAAAAAAbpU/94r0mTMq02g0WTlCdGew7PbdD88R35esQCEwYBhgL/s640/a10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If crowd at Thunder Hole bothers you, turn around and spot the tide pools.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Despite
the scorching heat, the walk till Otter Cliff was surprisingly delightful. At Boulder
Beach, we got the sense of how tiny Sand Beach was and how much ground we had
covered since we left Sand Beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BP38mpFbw3c/W9QK3XrweZI/AAAAAAAAbpM/o_1kdNylJGc5I4_MA4TsKOQX5_b0KuRyACEwYBhgL/s1600/a17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BP38mpFbw3c/W9QK3XrweZI/AAAAAAAAbpM/o_1kdNylJGc5I4_MA4TsKOQX5_b0KuRyACEwYBhgL/s640/a17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh that lonely lighthouse.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Lost in the symphony of breaking waves, I
noticed a lonely lighthouse on a narrow rocky island at some distance. Never
could find out the name of that island or the lighthouse, but it sure was one
of those sights that has stuck with me since that day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SH9631r-BSw/W9QK5lguzcI/AAAAAAAAbpY/N6wQpuoOgDYEGbba0YYMbntJunrhwNXSACEwYBhgL/s1600/a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="1600" height="606" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SH9631r-BSw/W9QK5lguzcI/AAAAAAAAbpY/N6wQpuoOgDYEGbba0YYMbntJunrhwNXSACEwYBhgL/s640/a8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring lands and beyond...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Leaving
behind a lot of people rappelling and rock climbing at Otter Cliff, we made our
way towards the lakes of Acadia. Though, Eagle Lake is the largest one in the
area, Jordan Pond is everyone’s favourite! One can stop at multiple vista
points around Eagle Lake while driving towards Jordan Pond, spotting numerous
stone bridges around the area, that were built in the early twentieth century. After
a long winding narrow road through lush green forest, we reached a huge parking
lot. Still no sight of Jordan Pond. The crazy number of cars in the overflowing
parking lot, making us doubt if this place was actually going to live up to the
hype or be another miss like Thunder Hole. A canopied trail from the parking
lot opened to the lake and it washed away all the doubts we had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-advx5hCvBHU/W9QK4eA0YfI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/AwkSX9b8VUg1HFwGgakJcYZdplzi2yMWACEwYBhgL/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-advx5hCvBHU/W9QK4eA0YfI/AAAAAAAAbpQ/AwkSX9b8VUg1HFwGgakJcYZdplzi2yMWACEwYBhgL/s640/a3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lack of excessive nutrients make Jordan Pond so so clear!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br />The
crystal clear aquamarine waters of Jordan Pond stole ours hearts. At one end of
the pond, the Jordan Pond Bridge separates the marsh area from the oligotrophic
lake, while on the other end the Bubble Mountain stands admiring its own
reflection in this beautiful lake. We went around the lake on a well-marked 1.5
mile trail and noticed a number of kayaks and canoes languidly exploring the
area. The hour spent during the trail was my favorite hour spent in the park. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwKB3w-AfZQ/W9QK5ZKUgHI/AAAAAAAAbpU/XH39tFVQnboFUjEU-J1tg8ME5wrZMU8CQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wwKB3w-AfZQ/W9QK5ZKUgHI/AAAAAAAAbpU/XH39tFVQnboFUjEU-J1tg8ME5wrZMU8CQCEwYBhgL/s640/a7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bubbles! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">To
come to Acadia and not indulge in sinful numbers of popovers at Jordan Pond
house is a crime! I don’t generally like bread but that day, I feasted on
Popovers! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eab0NXeA94M/W9QK35UW0aI/AAAAAAAAbpY/M8cpBhfH9iU53J4XzPT03XWhG8En8_hhACEwYBhgL/s1600/a18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1600" height="397" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eab0NXeA94M/W9QK35UW0aI/AAAAAAAAbpY/M8cpBhfH9iU53J4XzPT03XWhG8En8_hhACEwYBhgL/s400/a18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to have to have to have the Popovers at Jordan Pond House!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Popovers, native to Maine, are egg batter breads with a thin papery
outer shell and dense buttery core. And here in the blueberry state (Maine is
called that because of its heavy production of Blueberries) Popovers are served
with butter and blueberry jelly. I seriously cannot describe how amazing it was
but hopefully letting you know that I had two of those alone and did not even
touch my main course that I had ordered, might give you some idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kis1Wea9RU/W9QK2PaaBhI/AAAAAAAAbpU/cAEvBQQgABo1ehXvtXd6vCoXHzqAivuPACEwYBhgL/s1600/a13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kis1Wea9RU/W9QK2PaaBhI/AAAAAAAAbpU/cAEvBQQgABo1ehXvtXd6vCoXHzqAivuPACEwYBhgL/s640/a13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bass Harbor Head Light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">By
the time we were done with lunch, we were pretty beat and decided to head to
Ocean Path to give Thunder hole another turn, since it was high time again. And
yet again, disappointed with the view and crowd, we headed over to Bass Harbor
Lighthouse. Bass Harbor Head Light built in 1856 was first lit in 1858 and is
still functional. Even though the light house itself is a private residence,
there is a public parking area and you can visit the light and the bell free of
charge. For the first time, I came to know that in olden days people used Whale
oil to run lighthouses and that every lighthouse in the world has a distinct
colour and pattern to help voyagers! Bass harbor light, has a deep red signal
that is sent out every 4 seconds and this is a unique beeping pattern still.
Fascinating right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACO0d10NDdw/W9QK54UXp6I/AAAAAAAAbpc/-olKmebq0zE93z_7PiB8i49XC6cljGyBgCEwYBhgL/s1600/a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACO0d10NDdw/W9QK54UXp6I/AAAAAAAAbpc/-olKmebq0zE93z_7PiB8i49XC6cljGyBgCEwYBhgL/s640/a9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can take so many trails in the park. I personally loved the Jordan Pond Trail.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Wish
we could have stayed longer at Bass Harbor but given that Acadia in not just a
park but the area also has multiple pretty hamlets like Bar Harbor and
Somersville, and we really wanted to try the cafes at Bar Harbor and come back
to Cadillac Mountain for stargazing at night. Unfortunately, weather made sure
the night was cloudy and starless and thus Bass Harbor marked the end of our
day at Acadia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WExY74IFd0k/W9QK295tiGI/AAAAAAAAbpc/s1ZeuSeJM1UKWJW4Gt0Mt9w1S_27uq7QwCEwYBhgL/s1600/a16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1420" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WExY74IFd0k/W9QK295tiGI/AAAAAAAAbpc/s1ZeuSeJM1UKWJW4Gt0Mt9w1S_27uq7QwCEwYBhgL/s640/a16.jpg" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only park of sunrise we could catch at Cadillac Mountain</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Some
extra stuff that might be helpful</b> – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Leave early for the National park if you are
visiting during summer or Autumn. It tends to get really busy after 11 am. If
you are going to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, keep at least 30 mins buffer
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the parking area gets crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">There are multiple parking lots along the Ocean
Path Trail so you don’t really have to walk the whole path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_DxhuqU1p8/W9QK2X7Li7I/AAAAAAAAbpM/4CYHsldU9rsHPs8WxjU5WcAtAgzJYLQqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/a15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_DxhuqU1p8/W9QK2X7Li7I/AAAAAAAAbpM/4CYHsldU9rsHPs8WxjU5WcAtAgzJYLQqQCEwYBhgL/s640/a15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot a lot of playful animals and birds during the trails.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If you are planning to take a horse carriage ride
at Jordan Pond, get there early. We were unable to do it because of the long
wait. The cost of carriage ride is not covered in the park entry ticket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Entry to the park currently is 30 dollars for a
private vehicle and the entry ticket is valid for an entire week in the park,
so keep your ticket safe and handy if you are planning to stay in the park or
visit again in the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">After the sunrise, head back to <a href="http://tidd.ly/8333d55a">Bar Harbour</a> for
breakfast. My personal suggestions for cafes to visit in Bar Harbor would be Café
This Way and Two Cats. Both are a little bit pricey but totally worth the price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/46d5bcdb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbjNqd2-3dM/W9QK58ltoRI/AAAAAAAAbpg/QzSfKlfpPh8SQHBCw1gMwlCmlVbvUc_XgCEwYBhgL/s640/c1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/46d5bcdb">We stayed at Vacationland Inn (Maine Woods Inn) and were pleasantly surprised by how good the place turned out to be.</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">There are plenty of <a href="http://tidd.ly/8333d55a">B&Bs available in BarHarbor</a> but they run out of vacancy during peak season. If you are looking for
budget options, check out places in Brewer and Bangor. We stayed at <a href="http://tidd.ly/46d5bcdb">Vacationland Inn (Maine Woods Inn) in Brewer</a> and their complimentary breakfast – waffles with homemade
blueberry and strawberry jelly were the highlight of our stay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">During winters, most of the park closes during
heavy snowfall, and Ocean Drive remains closed during peak winter. Also, summer
gets really hot and unpredictable, so carry a lot of water and sunscreen with
you even if the morning chill indicates otherwise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And
that was it! With this post, I am ending my National Park series for this year.
Hopefully you found all the posts helpful. As mentioned several times, I only scratched
the surface while visiting these parks but it sure will help you plan an
elaborate ‘first time’ trip to all of them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-24696457280318500712018-10-10T21:36:00.002-07:002021-02-21T20:36:25.572-08:00A Day in Yosemite National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chief rock or the captain of Yosemite Valley</td></tr>
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<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">After driving through sparsely forested areas under a 40-degree sun,
when you are greeted by a sun dappled forest, cool breeze, a lot of rocks and
waterfalls, and some dazed deer, you know that the place is special. Some millions
of years ago, ice sheets of North America created a lot of wonders with their
gradual disappearance and this place was one of them. Just stare at the
glacial-granite monoliths and the deep valley and you will know the might of
ice that carved out Ahwahne, or as it is popularly known today Yosemite
National Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIs756q3kxc/W77L0CX3eEI/AAAAAAAAar8/NvdKvyhTUsgXFOB5i9eGvlrDafAYoRVOwCLcBGAs/s1600/y1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIs756q3kxc/W77L0CX3eEI/AAAAAAAAar8/NvdKvyhTUsgXFOB5i9eGvlrDafAYoRVOwCLcBGAs/s640/y1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The merciless Merced River</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Established in 1890 and made famous by written accounts of John Muir and
Lafayette Bunnell (both played a key role in establishing the park as well),
Yosemite National Park is the third oldest park of United States and probably
the third most popular park too (after Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National
Park). But what really makes Yosemite special is its array of granite
monoliths, overlooking flowering meadows and Giant Sequoia groves. Also, did
you know it is the home to North America’s tallest waterfall? And given its
proximity to Bay Area and Los Angeles, no wonder this park is so famous!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntJtzfm2ElQ/W77L2mrNooI/AAAAAAAAas4/QSc6qix1lvcOMpfQ5NMJ8XfXI3K1OP5IACEwYBhgL/s1600/y4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntJtzfm2ElQ/W77L2mrNooI/AAAAAAAAas4/QSc6qix1lvcOMpfQ5NMJ8XfXI3K1OP5IACEwYBhgL/s640/y4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many constants of the valley - Merced River</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Yosemite is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers, with its variety of
landscape, but given its size, it is impossible to cover the park in a day, or
even a weekend. Unfortunately, I only had a little more than half day at the
park during my first ever visit to the valley this year. But even with the time
constraint, there are plenty of things to do at Yosemite!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuBUY0ASE0M/W77L2L2z04I/AAAAAAAAatE/eQdRJZI3H5ouYfINdHZU8F1cqGuXOvisACEwYBhgL/s1600/y3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1355" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuBUY0ASE0M/W77L2L2z04I/AAAAAAAAatE/eQdRJZI3H5ouYfINdHZU8F1cqGuXOvisACEwYBhgL/s640/y3.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Yosemite shows you when you enter...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">At the entrance of the park (Big Oak Entrance) itself, you hear the loud
burble of the Merced River that flows with small rapids till it is hidden by a
range of boulders. The boulders slowly turn into barren hills and the meadow
that had been accompanying the river, gradually turns into a forest.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Z2MSb5gaA/W77QtfXkfnI/AAAAAAAAatQ/yUJdg-fSzuEY4_GzvTvtwN_eWq8J2Q7sACLcBGAs/s1600/y16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Z2MSb5gaA/W77QtfXkfnI/AAAAAAAAatQ/yUJdg-fSzuEY4_GzvTvtwN_eWq8J2Q7sACLcBGAs/s640/y16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the veil?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">And the out of nowhere, you will see tall narrow sheet of water feebly
turning into mist before it reaches the ground. This is Bridalveil Falls of
Yosemite Valley, the most accessible waterfall of the valley. By walking for
just five minutes off the main road, you reach the base of the falls and will
be able to feel the cool mist refreshing you.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJiI1VjMQxk/W77L09NoEpI/AAAAAAAAas8/X702uqkE1ogKKAvJMFmr0uxoDPzO-jsPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/y13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="959" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJiI1VjMQxk/W77L09NoEpI/AAAAAAAAas8/X702uqkE1ogKKAvJMFmr0uxoDPzO-jsPwCEwYBhgL/s640/y13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Capitan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Next, you will find yourself facing the mighty El Capitan. This famed
3000 ft tall granite monolith is believed to have been formed almost 100 million
years ago and is considered as one of the hardest rock climbing challenges in
the world. But even if you aren’t a climber, the sheer size of the monolith
will leave you dumbfounded. And if you visit the valley in February and early
March, this is where you would see the fabled Horsetail falls, the falls that
looks live flowing lava falls during sunset.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNnSlO6rsW4/W77L0BuJ6BI/AAAAAAAAatE/gdRSvuZfI2c4IAa9DrqU37aBl-f29ct5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/y11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNnSlO6rsW4/W77L0BuJ6BI/AAAAAAAAatE/gdRSvuZfI2c4IAa9DrqU37aBl-f29ct5ACEwYBhgL/s640/y11.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If El Capitan did not impress you much, don’t be disappointed because
the best is still to come. Look bang opposite El Capitan to spot the Cathedral
Rocks. These rocky surface show you the barren magnetic beauty of Sierra Nevada
Hills and act as a Segway to the Sentinel Meadow. </span></span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Sentinel Meadow is a 2.5 mile
loop meadow trail, where you end up </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">marveling</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"> Merced River in the shadows of
Sentinel Rock and its neighbours, while enjoying the lush green and the splash
of colours of seasonal wild flowers. Also, the meadow trail is paved and
well-marked making it an easy trail for all ages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-mPncTxiN8/W77L4O7pttI/AAAAAAAAatE/OqmcOuUOGfc6u9t1OeKhm2WBg8Fu6CrOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/y7%2Bhalf%2Bdome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-mPncTxiN8/W77L4O7pttI/AAAAAAAAatE/OqmcOuUOGfc6u9t1OeKhm2WBg8Fu6CrOQCEwYBhgL/s640/y7%2Bhalf%2Bdome.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half Dome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Whether you hike the Sentinel Meadow or just drive past the point, you
will definitely come face to face with Half Dome. Half Dome, as its name
suggests is a dome shaped granite rock hill with a totally flat face, that
appears to be cut with a knife or something similar. Frankly the Half Dome
impressed me more than El Capitan and the view was my totally favourite. Can
you imagine this was formed by molten lava freezing up fast? Not sure if the
cliff was formed due to eventual erosion or not, but this 5000 ft tall
structure is sure a natural marvel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98raQts6Tm4/W77L4vG8ADI/AAAAAAAAatA/-6gsTdGUHzE5iQKS5r3WXoTHz3ho8DCCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/y8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1133" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98raQts6Tm4/W77L4vG8ADI/AAAAAAAAatA/-6gsTdGUHzE5iQKS5r3WXoTHz3ho8DCCgCEwYBhgL/s640/y8.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole of Yosemite Falls in its full glory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">But what about the famous Yosemite Falls, you ask, or have you forgotten
about it already? Well, once you get to Yosemite Village, be ready to follow
that faint sound of trickling water you hear. About a mile in the direction of
the sound, you see the majestic three-tiered waterfall of the valley. Keep
walking in the direction of the falls and you would see a path of land covered
with cairns (stacked stones), pointing you towards a small bridge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Js4Us1ZinPw/W77L1OGf5UI/AAAAAAAAas0/bIEQ035WNVA6RPWdBeDec2Nx40F6GbI4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/y14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Js4Us1ZinPw/W77L1OGf5UI/AAAAAAAAas0/bIEQ035WNVA6RPWdBeDec2Nx40F6GbI4ACEwYBhgL/s640/y14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cairns making your way till the falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">The sound
gets thunderous and suddenly all you see is a lot of people clicking pictures
in light mist. Say hello to Lower Yosemite Falls! Yes, this is just the last
part of the tallest waterfall of North America! But it is still so beautiful.
Unfortunately, from so close you can only see one third of the falls, but don’t
worry on you way out you would see its true size.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aioyOMBLIK4/W77QuX44NXI/AAAAAAAAatY/Obdq9Ua2F2kGhM9XQ2GBJrJ2Y8aFe5_ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/y18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aioyOMBLIK4/W77QuX44NXI/AAAAAAAAatY/Obdq9Ua2F2kGhM9XQ2GBJrJ2Y8aFe5_ZgCLcBGAs/s640/y18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just the lower falls of the three tiered Yosemite Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Enjoy some time relaxing in the oldest hotel of the National Park, and
head to the Glacier Point Loop road. This place is known for its view during
sunsets when the half dome shines with a pinkish hue to match the setting suns
shade. Unfortunately, since I was there during summers (June) when sunset
happens at around 8 pm, I ended up enjoying the view of Half Dome with cool breeze
at the top (big respite from the heat that day and the view was totally worth
it!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVTnCCf0hKU/W77L0-TCIZI/AAAAAAAAatA/mjnl1oxirW4DnEqMPIEmBW5Knuj5h5z9wCEwYBhgL/s1600/y12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVTnCCf0hKU/W77L0-TCIZI/AAAAAAAAatA/mjnl1oxirW4DnEqMPIEmBW5Knuj5h5z9wCEwYBhgL/s640/y12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Perfect Postcard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 12pt;">Before you leave the park to head back home like I did, drive all the
way back towards to get to tunnel view. Don’t let the traffic deter you, after suddenly
exiting the long tunnel, because once you reach this place all the noise, all
the people around you, everything just fades away and you are lost in the view
in front of you. El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil, Yosemite Falls and the
actual valley – you see it all at once here. This is where you realized the actual
height of Yosemite Falls and also realized how little of the park you have
covered. But whether you are a first timer or not, this view is like a postcard
that the park gifts you to remember it by and coaxes you to pay it another
visit soon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbChdRSKMWI/W77QtdU7zYI/AAAAAAAAatM/31ibAH-pgYUHL3kQCV9VE1PxWLvstbCfwCLcBGAs/s1600/y17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1495" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbChdRSKMWI/W77QtdU7zYI/AAAAAAAAatM/31ibAH-pgYUHL3kQCV9VE1PxWLvstbCfwCLcBGAs/s640/y17.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pause whenever you want in the park, and the valley will have a view for you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><b>Some
extra stuff that might be helpful – </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Leave
early for the National park on any given day during summer and fall. Given its
proximity to Bay Area, the park is busy almost all the time during these
seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">During summers, it is almost
impossible to find parking anywhere in the park. Your best bet would be
Yosemite Village. If you do find parking there, do Glacier Point, Sentinel
Meadow and Tunnel View by using the park shuttle. It is completely free and
very frequent during summers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">You do not need to layer in the Park
up during summers. But do carry a lot of water. The area around the park is
very dry and the place gets really hot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Entry to the park currently is 30
dollars for a private vehicle and the entry ticket is valid for an entire week
in the park, so keep your ticket safe and handy if you are planning to stay in
the park or visit again in the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">We had lunch in Yosemite Village Café,
and it is slightly overpriced. You can also carry lunch and picnic in Sentinel
Meadow area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">One section that everyone recommended
but I couldn’t go due to time constraints was Tuolumne Meadows and Tenaya Lake.
It takes more than an hour from Yosemite Village to get there and given it was
a summer Friday, we had lost a lot of time doing just what I have mentioned
above. So, I could not fit it in my schedule, but if you have time – these
should also be included in your must visit list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">During winters, it is mandatory to
have chained/traction tires and a lot of the park closes during heavy snowfall,
so you might want to check the NPS site for latest updates before planning your
trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">If you are planning to <a href="http://tidd.ly/3721d1cd">stay overnightin the region</a>, campers – you need to think and plan your trip month ahead.
Others, you have plenty of <a href="http://tidd.ly/3721d1cd">motels and hotels</a> in <a href="http://tidd.ly/3721d1cd">Mariposa, June Lake and Groveland</a>
but remember you will need to drive and tackle the traffic every time you enter
and exit the park.</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fcxa7PesU64/W77L3BXiMxI/AAAAAAAAatE/j9m7mGS4A94s-ppbV0lxUDjByc19K6tOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/y5%2Bbridal%2Bveil%2Bfalls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1300" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fcxa7PesU64/W77L3BXiMxI/AAAAAAAAatE/j9m7mGS4A94s-ppbV0lxUDjByc19K6tOQCEwYBhgL/s640/y5%2Bbridal%2Bveil%2Bfalls.jpg" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is more to the valley than the tallest falls of the North America</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">As
mentioned earlier, I got to spend less than a day in Yosemite since I was travelling
from San Mateo and planned on getting back the same day. In retrospect, I know
that plan was flawed because you need more than a weekend to slowly take in the
beauty of Yosemite. But with a promise to revist, I think my first visit was
quite fruitful and is totally a tried, tested and perfect plan to spend a day
in Yosemite Valley!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igaijuoOraw/W77QtXC61eI/AAAAAAAAatU/HgHKzPLX8N8aXfTb4NGH2A_GTFU5fHvWwCLcBGAs/s1600/y15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igaijuoOraw/W77QtXC61eI/AAAAAAAAatU/HgHKzPLX8N8aXfTb4NGH2A_GTFU5fHvWwCLcBGAs/s640/y15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows of the Valley are equally beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
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Vaisakhihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09113594834991537223noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593835923030505546.post-18664164125832167162018-09-26T15:50:00.001-07:002021-02-21T20:38:54.554-08:00A Weekend at Olympic National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGN_Q-EJpSA/W6sDgAP76-I/AAAAAAAAamA/EkNgMLbI_oUCJ7Zsf28PMXdIIpp9kaTiQCLcBGAs/s1600/o11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Weekend at Olympic National Park" border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGN_Q-EJpSA/W6sDgAP76-I/AAAAAAAAamA/EkNgMLbI_oUCJ7Zsf28PMXdIIpp9kaTiQCLcBGAs/s640/o11.jpg" title="A Weekend at Olympic National Park" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving into wilderness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Psst! </em><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">There are affiliate links in this post. If you click on those links, I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. And don't worry, the links are all safe!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Say
hello to a blanket of precariously low hanging clouds, filtering the harsh rays
of sun, letting you bask in the soft touch of sunlight and cool breeze from the
Pacific. Say hello to a small peninsula in the north west corner of the United
States, that boasts a 70-miles long coastline adorned with pristine shingle and
sandy beaches, craggy shores, and sea stacks. Say hello to a park that has
temperate rain-forests, rolling meadows, snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Say hello to Olympic National Park.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMDFzXYy-W4/W6sDrXrEPvI/AAAAAAAAank/6RFLL46U9Ks9eRg8OozDrIygCOshE88CACEwYBhgL/s1600/o9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMDFzXYy-W4/W6sDrXrEPvI/AAAAAAAAank/6RFLL46U9Ks9eRg8OozDrIygCOshE88CACEwYBhgL/s640/o9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello winds and clouds</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Next
in this series is Olympic National Park. A place I managed to visit in installments and still covered just fifteen percent of the park, because this
park is like a packaged gift from nature to the state of Washington. Imagine
this 3700 sq. km park has rain-forests, beaches, mountains and glaciers and is
considered to have the quietest square inch of US. Sounds beautiful right?
Trust me, no pictures can do justice to the place, but I am going to try to
show you whatever I saw!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/395422f8"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-_cT6MTd-M/W6sDi-p3RgI/AAAAAAAAang/RxVuV2PSyTsfKiS25GkUXQIMvxbuw-e6wCEwYBhgL/s640/o2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/395422f8">Port Angeles, La Push and Forks are your best shot at finding budget stay in the area</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Olympic
National park has a road that runs around the park and a few spur roads that
take you to the mains points of the park, but most of the park requires you to
hike and trek. Unfortunately, wanting to cover more ground in 1.5 days’ time
means drive around and see what you can with some easy hikes. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYB2U2ug6xM/W6sDiZodDgI/AAAAAAAAanY/J9xiOJfhU8wWlNX4tK1ItIbwEyPK0PO9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/o17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYB2U2ug6xM/W6sDiZodDgI/AAAAAAAAanY/J9xiOJfhU8wWlNX4tK1ItIbwEyPK0PO9QCEwYBhgL/s640/o17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Port Angeles from Ediz Hook</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">So here it is. If
you are travelling from Seattle or Tacoma, the access point to the park, and
probably the best place to stay near the park (if you are not camping) is Port
Angeles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6UeHsyf8dI/W6sDk-SH3KI/AAAAAAAAano/YHyTZ5oEcw0K6308YdXSbddEMOiUAquDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/o25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6UeHsyf8dI/W6sDk-SH3KI/AAAAAAAAano/YHyTZ5oEcw0K6308YdXSbddEMOiUAquDgCEwYBhgL/s640/o25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurricane Ridge is famous for a reason</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Safely
tucked away in the rain shadow area of Olympic Mountains and kissed by the
Puget Sound, <a href="http://tidd.ly/395422f8">Port Angeles</a> is the prime entry point of Olympic national park.
So, whether you are travelling via road or ferry, you would surely end up
crossing Port Angeles. Make sure to visit Ediz Hook in Port Angeles before making
your way up to Hurricane Ridge. Ediz Hook is a 3-mile-long tapering sand pit
that lets you get a panoramic view of Puget Sound and Port Angeles with Olympic
Range in the backdrop, marking the perfect start to your Olympic National Park
expedition.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaLpEq9Ky9U/W6sDle40g2I/AAAAAAAAanc/AmUyNokS3x4i2wQ-7tBYlzLo0Jf27Or3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/o26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaLpEq9Ky9U/W6sDle40g2I/AAAAAAAAanc/AmUyNokS3x4i2wQ-7tBYlzLo0Jf27Or3ACEwYBhgL/s640/o26.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you see me?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">From
Port Angeles, you can drive a scenic 20-mile road, gradually gaining an
elevation of 5000 something miles and head to the snow-capped Hurricane Ridge.
As Hurricane ridge is one of the highest motorable vista points of the park,
thus best place to view the snowy part of the park up close without hiking at
all. But that is not it, on the other side of the ridge, you can see the Strait
of Juan de Fuca and Canada from there! If you are lucky, you would be frozen
(in a pleasant way) by really strong winds while trying to spot insouciant
animals (deer and marmots) grazing on the slopes. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJZ2_aU0SXo/W6sDlzXDNXI/AAAAAAAAanQ/R_sLQgNZ9bYix2AYBbsH64L39XjqHrzdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/o27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJZ2_aU0SXo/W6sDlzXDNXI/AAAAAAAAanQ/R_sLQgNZ9bYix2AYBbsH64L39XjqHrzdgCEwYBhgL/s640/o27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains and mountains and mountains</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">During late summers, you can
see a sea of wild flowers on the slopes which are then covered in thick layer
of snow for months, converting this point into a ski and snowboarding paradise.
The only downside of this area is traffic, but the view at the top and several
vista points along the route totally compensate for the long queue at the
entrance of the park and the traffic towards the top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFwS_v9lJv0/W6sDnEZ4OsI/AAAAAAAAanU/QGN1mVvLTK4Mho3qhaGCfHCR4NbMHM8WwCEwYBhgL/s1600/o3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFwS_v9lJv0/W6sDnEZ4OsI/AAAAAAAAanU/QGN1mVvLTK4Mho3qhaGCfHCR4NbMHM8WwCEwYBhgL/s640/o3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue of the lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">From
hurricane ridge you can head to one of the several hikes around the mountains
or you can hit the calm pristine waters of Crescent Lake to break the chills
from the mountains! Crescent Lake is the second largest lake of the park, which
would have been the largest if there hadn’t been a land slide some thousand
years ago. There is a tribal legend in the area that Mount Storm King (mountain
at the south of Lake Crescent) got angry on the local tribe and caused a land
slide, dividing the large lake into a crescent shaped lake and an elk faced
lake (nearby Lake Sutherland).</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCgAUZ3Fsu4/W6sDpXiNt0I/AAAAAAAAanY/pajv525IbS4qINNn1Vv8qU-C28pdRqCCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/o4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCgAUZ3Fsu4/W6sDpXiNt0I/AAAAAAAAanY/pajv525IbS4qINNn1Vv8qU-C28pdRqCCwCEwYBhgL/s400/o4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't believe such trees exist!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Whatever
be the story, the historic incident did leave Olympic National Park with a
glistening blue gem called, Lake Crescent. Best spot to see the clear waters
and the numerous shades of blue of Lake Crescent, along the lake’s edge is
undoubtedly the pier next to Lake Crescent Lodge, but given the place gets
super crowded during summer weekends, you can also stop but the numerous vistas
along the edge and you won’t be disappointed at all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZAJEMKJaZg/W6sDjS2rwrI/AAAAAAAAanU/LLD2--nLz-sxN-s8xEpVlSQzitKsv-CMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/o23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZAJEMKJaZg/W6sDjS2rwrI/AAAAAAAAanU/LLD2--nLz-sxN-s8xEpVlSQzitKsv-CMwCEwYBhgL/s640/o23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through Hoh Rain-forest</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">After
covering the mountains of the park, explore the temperate rain-forests for some fresh
forest feels. Olympic National Park has four temperate rain-forests – Hoh,
Queets, Quinault</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "mv boli"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">and Bogachiel, with Hoh being the largest and the
most accessible of the lot. Located on the banks of Hoh river, Hoh Rain-forest has trails for all ages and all experience levels! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FN4YEnem8lQ/W6sIYCVdaoI/AAAAAAAAanw/7NnsubqZbWU16qlkJne69yhdJkpjNGklQCLcBGAs/s1600/o19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FN4YEnem8lQ/W6sIYCVdaoI/AAAAAAAAanw/7NnsubqZbWU16qlkJne69yhdJkpjNGklQCLcBGAs/s640/o19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue of Hoh river</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If you are feeling
adventurous but do not have enough experience with hiking, you can walk the
Hall of Mosses and seek out some elks and some stunning views of Hoh river on
the Spruce trail. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fOSBG1kspE/W6sIYqGr0MI/AAAAAAAAan0/mmiGrd7vf3c2hCHN6WUgWsIBYbCJ1EE-gCLcBGAs/s1600/o18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fOSBG1kspE/W6sIYqGr0MI/AAAAAAAAan0/mmiGrd7vf3c2hCHN6WUgWsIBYbCJ1EE-gCLcBGAs/s640/o18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the forest... Nature has its way of enchanting us!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If you are experienced enough, there are tons of other trail
options and also search for the quietest square inch of the United States that
is believed to be in Hoh Rain-forest</span><span style="font-family: "mv boli";">!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0AQWchIxwnA/W6sI_xlKh1I/AAAAAAAAapk/85zqEqzJQAMo4mD5H7VqG-zWyJ2jWsHSwCLcBGAs/s1600/o6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1600" height="594" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0AQWchIxwnA/W6sI_xlKh1I/AAAAAAAAapk/85zqEqzJQAMo4mD5H7VqG-zWyJ2jWsHSwCLcBGAs/s640/o6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hidden in the Northwestern corner of USA!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Post
snow-capped mountains and mossy rain-forests, Olympic National Park treats you
with a wild and stunning coastline. Starting from the most northwest point of
USA (contiguous) – Cape Flattery, the long coastline of Olympic National Park
boasts a series of sea stacks and stunning beaches, some quite secluded too. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta2g9njrLYs/W6sI_5I674I/AAAAAAAAapo/-j8Hr76_cFUZe3HiFXp-S2TH90ASpZ1lQCLcBGAs/s1600/o5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta2g9njrLYs/W6sI_5I674I/AAAAAAAAapo/-j8Hr76_cFUZe3HiFXp-S2TH90ASpZ1lQCLcBGAs/s640/o5.jpg" width="604" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When sun rays hit Cape Flattery...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">But first let’s talk about Cape Flattery – one of my favourite spots of
Washington! Walk down a 20 min trail and enjoy the sunset just at this edge of
US when sun lits up the craggy rocks of Cape Flattery in flaming orange. That
is when you get exactly why the point is called Cape 'Flattery'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCqqUXVLgVQ/W6sI2IcLR5I/AAAAAAAAapA/ZB8B9hxpy3wttRPCb8-8448r3itt8tOUgCLcBGAs/s1600/o24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCqqUXVLgVQ/W6sI2IcLR5I/AAAAAAAAapA/ZB8B9hxpy3wttRPCb8-8448r3itt8tOUgCLcBGAs/s640/o24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is really cold!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Next,
follow the trail of sea stacks and camp or hike at Shi Shi beach. But if you
are pressed for time drive to Rialto Beach where you can laze on driftwood and
feel the cold pacific waves on the pebbled beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9PjQSWJHP8/W6sI5VBMoiI/AAAAAAAAapY/yoyuUiwW3T8qjwpxa31KAIEXjuQ6xSoLACLcBGAs/s1600/o30.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9PjQSWJHP8/W6sI5VBMoiI/AAAAAAAAapY/yoyuUiwW3T8qjwpxa31KAIEXjuQ6xSoLACLcBGAs/s640/o30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rialto is pretty, right? I told you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">If
you thought Rialto was pretty, wait till you get to La Push. Can you imagine
sitting quietly on a beach watching few speed boats cruising you by and then
suddenly you see water sprouts really close to the shore and a black hump
peeking out of the water at regular intervals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This sight is very very regular sight at all the beaches in <a href="http://tidd.ly/e47925ce">La Push</a>
(especially First Beach). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62mn2xSUCxw/W6sIwJt3fgI/AAAAAAAAaoc/jDbMY3dLIQk65cjKiLHaDJKckeBcKsCSACLcBGAs/s1600/o12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62mn2xSUCxw/W6sIwJt3fgI/AAAAAAAAaoc/jDbMY3dLIQk65cjKiLHaDJKckeBcKsCSACLcBGAs/s640/o12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No whales in this picture, but they frequently visit this beach.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">And
for the very best and secluded beaches of the lot, drive the long tree fenced
highway 101 and head south to Ruby Beach or Kalaloch Beach for a beautiful
sunset and some marvels of nature – Ruby Beach for the best set of sea stacks
in Washington and the driftwood hike, and Kalaloch for the tree tunnel. (We
chose Ruby Beach because of lack of time, but a couple of my friends have
confirmed that Kalaloch is no less striking in any way.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmXl0mzABJ8/W6sIsI_T_2I/AAAAAAAAaoA/o84itGOy2T4tgsjhk7tzTNHG9hOg8kIPwCLcBGAs/s1600/o1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmXl0mzABJ8/W6sIsI_T_2I/AAAAAAAAaoA/o84itGOy2T4tgsjhk7tzTNHG9hOg8kIPwCLcBGAs/s640/o1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunsets like this one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">This
pretty much gets you around the whole park, literally and still, like I had
mentioned earlier, this is just 15 % of the whole park! But once you set out to
circle the Olympic peninsula, it will surely call you back for exploring more
of this UNESCO World Heritage site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8d6ZMoX8zc/W6sI5Bk5nmI/AAAAAAAAapU/OnBLp2mNTtMdHT6t_BY3GKrc_-9G7R3qQCLcBGAs/s1600/o29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V8d6ZMoX8zc/W6sI5Bk5nmI/AAAAAAAAapU/OnBLp2mNTtMdHT6t_BY3GKrc_-9G7R3qQCLcBGAs/s640/o29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="font-family: "mv boli";">Some
extra stuff that might be helpful –</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Leave
early for the National park on any given day. It tends to get really busy
during summer weekends. If you are travelling from Seattle, try and leave by
8:30 A.M. max, you would be able to cover everything and do a trail or two
comfortably by 6:00 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9deFAH6xN4/W6sJA6xtElI/AAAAAAAAapw/kwuXs7Pd8NEY2RGthM46JSTF_QGUjJmDACLcBGAs/s1600/o8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9deFAH6xN4/W6sJA6xtElI/AAAAAAAAapw/kwuXs7Pd8NEY2RGthM46JSTF_QGUjJmDACLcBGAs/s640/o8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Hurricane ridge center is worth
exploring, if you want to know about the area’s history. It is also the access
point to various moderate trails of the park. If you are a hiking fan, this is
the place you might want to start at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">You do not need to layer in the Park
up during summers. However, go prepared! Carry a puff jacket or a heavy rain
jacket. It gets really windy at Hurricane Ridge and the beaches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Entry to the park currently is 30 dollars for a private vehicle and the entry ticket is valid for an entire week
in the park, so keep your ticket safe and handy if you are planning to stay in
the park or visit again in the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Most eateries in the area, even in
<a href="http://tidd.ly/395422f8">Port Angeles</a> close early, with a very few (and not very budget) places open
beyond 9 p.m., so plan your travel accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">Forks, La Push and other interior
areas of the park do not have a lot of vegan restaurants and hurricane Ridge
has a small cafeteria with limited vegan options. If you are vegetarian or
vegan, you might want to carry your own food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">The park also has some really pretty
waterfalls, but all need you to hike a bit to get to them. Due to lack of time,
I had to give them a miss, but if you have time, Sol Duc falls and Marymere
falls are accessible by small trails near Hoh Rainforest and Lake Crescent
respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MV Boli";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">During winters, it is mandatory to
have chained/traction tires and some parts of the park do close during heavy
snowfall, so you might want to check the NPS site for latest updates before
planning your trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";">9. Majority of the park area does not have network coverage. In some cases you might be able to connect to Canadian network but that would be roaming. So download the area map before leaving Port Angeles.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "mv boli";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "mv boli";">Hope
you guys found this post helpful and feel free to ask me anything you want to
know about the park in comments section below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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