Categories
Events Favorite Get aways

Auto Show 2012

This was another day well spend in Toronto, The auto show is exciting every year I visit this year is not exception. I loved the McLaren and the Bugatti. These million dollar babies are a site for sore eyes.The NSX concept from Honda is something you don’t want to miss. The electric car is still an idea for me but the Bulli did put some perspective in its concept. Made a short video to go through some of the exciting things I wish to remember.
This event occurs every February, something you want to keep in mind while travelling in Ontario, Canada.

Categories
Homestay

Homestay

Homestay is gaining prevalance in the south Indian state of Kerala, this evergreen state is can be compared to the carribean of the east, the beaches are lined with coconut palms and the main land consists of a number of rice plantations, rubber plantations, spices, lakes, hillstations and of course plane lands. This is an amazing place to be, if one has to get a sense of the wonderful fauna and flora and enjoy the tropics and its exotic cousine it is a good idea to find a homestay, where a family will take care of your needs in terms of food, accomodation and immideate transportation. Some of these homestays are reasonably priced and you may want to contact them for their rates, like in any business make sure you are dealing with genuine homestays. Call them directly if the websites provide a contact phone number. The price of these homesatys depends on the customers, it would be quite helpful if you know some one who have used these accomodations. I had a friend who called to talk to one of these homestays and could actually get a decent rate for two weeks stay. Some of these home stays do not include food, but however they provide fully furnished apartments with kitchen and utensils, such accomodations are mostly in the cities where there are a number of new highrise buildings. You could be your own chef here. Post a comment if you would like some one to talk on your behalf, this is just a courtsey offer for other travellers.

Some useful websites

As in any matter in life make sure you research properly before making your final decisions, make informed choices. Try to read between the lines on these websites and ask relevant question before you sign up. The sites suggested are in no way connected to this website.

Categories
Beaches Favorite Get aways

Kovalam – “the beach”

There are many light houses in the costal areas of south india, most of these constructions are remenants of the british in India. These vanguards have navigated many ships saftely. Some of these areas have been developed into beaches now to attract the western travellers. Kovalam is one such beach, it is an amazing beach and was frequented by the tourists in large numbers during the 70’s and 80’s. The KTDC the state tourism development corporation did put some starred hotels to attract the visitors and keep them comfortable, now the trend in the tourists are changing, the wealthy of the country are traveling to this southern beach state. Air travel has become common and affordable and the economic boom has created quite a number of nouveau rich who are willing to take a vacation. Formerly it used to be traditionally rich and the expat polulation to did the travelling. The political, economical and cultural environment has changed positively which is ushering in an era of travel locally, south India is becoming quite a hub. Another interesting area travellers seek is the backwaters of Kerala. The calm and serene inland water ways are quite an attraction with millions of rupees being invested by large companies and corporations “House boats” have become the “in thing” for any traveller visiting the state. These large boats come in many sizes and prices. You can rent it for a day or a week, well equipped with all the modern amenities and excellent local cousine, where you can have a family get togeather or a corporate meeting.

Travelling by road is an experience in itself, especially if you are driving, you will take with you many memorable experience. As of 2011 what I see I have to do when I decide to drive is change my philosopy in driving, shift from defensive driving which I have practiced all along to aggressive driving, if not you may not get places. The number of vehicles are growing exponentially with time, however the infrastructure is not growing at the same rate. The political climate is still not mature enough in letting go of the petty issues which one can use to win an election, quite often the casuality is the infrastructure. In spite of being the most literate state in the country it is yet to evolve in its response to common issues as a developed nation would. I still enjoy the hustle and the bustle while taking a leasurly trip thorugh the state which has a variety of attractions to offer in this dying rain forest state. In conclusion I would say this one piece of excitement that you would not want to miss for the world. Loved it.

Categories
Local transport

Bixi Bikes

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Bixi – Torontos public bike system
If you want to see the city on the bike this is an excellent means of transport. The bikes are available 24 hours a day, Rent it only for the period you need; drop it off at the nearest location no worries. If you are planning to travel by VIA rail, they give discounts to bixi riders. Rain or shine or snow bikes are available for all the seasons. Mind you these bikes are only available for the cities.
Other cities that offer bixi bikes are Montreal, Ottawa and London in Ontario.

This is one of the most economical modes of urban transport. A one year membership is only 95C$’s.

What to do and how to get your bike – The following information is obtained from the bixi website

  • Go to the pay station, choose the icon representing a bike, then read and accept the Terms and Conditions.
  • Pay by inserting your credit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX). A $250 deposit is placed on your credit card for 10 days. Your credit card serves to identify you as a user; a maximum of two (2) 24 or 72-hour accesses per credit card is permitted at one time.
  • Print or view your unlocking code on the screen. It is valid for 5 minutes. If you take longer than this period of time, repeat the process
  • Enter your unlocking code on the keypad of the bike dock of your choice.
  • When you see the green light turn on*, pull the handlebars firmly toward you to release the bike.
  • Your 30 included minutes start now!
  • Return the bike to any BIXI station. Push the front wheel firmly into any empty bike dock.
  • Make sure the green light turns on* after having locked in the bike. You must wait 2 minutes before taking out another bike.
  • To obtain a new unlocking code during the 24 or 72-hour period, start over again by inserting your credit card again: the system will recognize it and no additional fees will be charged to your card if you make trips under 30 minutes.

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Some links to reviews

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