tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58551980031492522632024-02-19T06:45:29.022-08:00Reliable Reviews!Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-71770505273783003132013-10-06T16:20:00.004-07:002013-10-06T16:21:49.645-07:00Atlantis The Palm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Atlantis, The Palm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="street-address" property="v:street-address" style="background-color: white;">Crescent Road, The Palm</span><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><span class="locality" style="background-color: white;"><span property="v:locality">Dubai</span></span><span style="background-color: white;">, </span><span class="country-name" property="v:country-name" style="background-color: white;">United Arab Emirates</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm-pml-q_t5t5H68PvWq5XcED2QEgW8GCzMaaKjAY8GgcF3IxR-GNo3gwgXomGECIDu1wFryhl8Ipi8CH-T2TZz7BmJ-JhJUSqvY52JbOW8ZmhXCY4ndVesKfXAGTmkTuD3JZ0yiQL95w/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm-pml-q_t5t5H68PvWq5XcED2QEgW8GCzMaaKjAY8GgcF3IxR-GNo3gwgXomGECIDu1wFryhl8Ipi8CH-T2TZz7BmJ-JhJUSqvY52JbOW8ZmhXCY4ndVesKfXAGTmkTuD3JZ0yiQL95w/s400/15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="country-name" property="v:country-name" style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.bestatdubaiholidays.co.uk/Atlantis-The-Palm.aspx" target="_blank">Atlantis The Palm</a> is </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">is the opulent 5 star Dubai hotel situated on the
Palm, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its
magnificent scale and ingenuity.</span> From the very spacious rooms to the
multi-national breakfast and award winning restaurants to must-visit aquatic
attractions – The Atlantis is all about total luxury, pampering and adventure
for couples and families alike</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZdHnolo7rJLVWKdOUAWDnqcOV0gFaPM9ZuBevDE94v9_0XwmOK4Xhfg2gViU7qj6yWIwkwCBvA4fyTVrtUwVCyhHIoDbTHkghJop4KPt7Oji3mguJczC2ttn30aw4A22vl1PchS3WUwW/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZdHnolo7rJLVWKdOUAWDnqcOV0gFaPM9ZuBevDE94v9_0XwmOK4Xhfg2gViU7qj6yWIwkwCBvA4fyTVrtUwVCyhHIoDbTHkghJop4KPt7Oji3mguJczC2ttn30aw4A22vl1PchS3WUwW/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Location:</b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The resort is approximately 35 minutes away from Dubai
International Airport (DXB), and 1 hour 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi
International Airport (AUH) and is easily accessible by car (AED 100 by taxi).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Rooms:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhQg3QJcHhdXf94eJIiDK2EMXy_DdHJePMuEX9ry-BXyDi4I29Znj8yFzMTqJvm_DZfGgyiPukiKgVCbpHKnyuYRROESVPKnBwuwuvcd79v95wknZZ9jtVfGSBNnJw2xwR_kpCE0AWzde/s1600/17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhQg3QJcHhdXf94eJIiDK2EMXy_DdHJePMuEX9ry-BXyDi4I29Znj8yFzMTqJvm_DZfGgyiPukiKgVCbpHKnyuYRROESVPKnBwuwuvcd79v95wknZZ9jtVfGSBNnJw2xwR_kpCE0AWzde/s320/17.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the 1539 rooms and suites are spacious and designed
aesthetically with subtle aqua and Arabic influences to provide comfort and
unparalleled luxury. Ask for a room with a Dubai skyline view. Atlantis also
has underwater suites providing a direct view of aquarium in the surrounding.
The staff at the hotel is friendly, courteous and eager to help<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each room comes with a balcony, walk-in wardrobes, beautiful
bathrooms and 24hr in-room dining<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Activities:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> -</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Complimentary access to Aquaventure waterpark and preferential rates
to swim along with dolphins. The Lost Chambers Aquarium is home to 65,000
marine animals</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> -</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Accredited 5 star PADI dive centre</span> to explore the rich
marine life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> -</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">ShuiQi Spa and Fitness</span> for variety of treatments, bathing
options, traditional and water therapies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> -</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Range of beaches and pools – 700 met Aquaventure beach, 1.5 km
Royal beach and Nasimi Beach club<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> -</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Luxury shopping boutiques, tennis courts and play area for kids<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="line-height: normal;"> -</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Helicopter tours to discover Dubai and it’s magnificent skyline<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa1WO-m_W89JNJ6elyQIDS84bDAHg2mi6CiY34RNidcwGCMou_H61LYklPU_MNSI0iIQ4zpht7kxtOAdwJO9TwFEWiGLKSQ-DRb_VpqOOQwsbJXoj1ttM0RerJ88sUurYNacu-uu2oneU/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa1WO-m_W89JNJ6elyQIDS84bDAHg2mi6CiY34RNidcwGCMou_H61LYklPU_MNSI0iIQ4zpht7kxtOAdwJO9TwFEWiGLKSQ-DRb_VpqOOQwsbJXoj1ttM0RerJ88sUurYNacu-uu2oneU/s320/18.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Tags:</b> luxury resorts dubai, best hotels in dubai, holidays in
dubai, travel dubai <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pricing:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overpriced and Expensive however luxury doesn’t come cheap. This
is one of those out-of-world resorts and be prepared to splash the cash for
once in a lifetime adventure at this iconic hotel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Overall Rating:</b> 5/5</span><span style="color: #555759; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-85907255282138391622013-09-26T12:09:00.003-07:002013-09-26T12:17:14.235-07:00Caesars Palace Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Caesars Palace Las Vegas<br />
<span rel="v:address" style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="format_address"><span class="street-address" property="v:street-address">3570 Las Vegas Blvd S</span>, <span class="locality"><span property="v:locality">Las Vegas</span>, <span property="v:region">NV</span> <span property="v:postal-code">89109</span></span> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">(The Strip)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Why Caesars?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.bestatlasvegasholidays.co.uk/Caesars-Palace-Hotel-Casino.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Caesars Palace Las Vegas</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span>claims “From the moment you walk
through the doors of Caesars Palace, you’ll understand why this iconic Las
Vegas luxury hotel sets the standard for opulent details, impeccable service
and lavish Las Vegas accommodations. Special touches make the difference between
an ordinary visit to Vegas and a spectacular experience – and it’s all yours at
Caesars Palace.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And every bit of is
true when you experience it in real - from fountains, statuary, casino, deluxe
rooms with marble and brass bathrooms and whirlpool tubs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I2fnEBrSLmWG1dQuOIYH3GHcyzj-i-Giqn7b6CuhQZBGmTMZREmVgTTydYmGQ8JvXdrftaoP6dHYt8bUgXl9GQsJOvGZkMGW6lShNw3y7dhXtPmzteamMCCkNsDA_ABbHv2PKtS53s2Q/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I2fnEBrSLmWG1dQuOIYH3GHcyzj-i-Giqn7b6CuhQZBGmTMZREmVgTTydYmGQ8JvXdrftaoP6dHYt8bUgXl9GQsJOvGZkMGW6lShNw3y7dhXtPmzteamMCCkNsDA_ABbHv2PKtS53s2Q/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Amenities</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqAsr6vPE8A1FLBCBDiz_VsF_jtpRJU6EECEST-svGEZh9RQemUKiMiWusIKj00A2FA1dnJojRcAUmyh35xaAHb8I6G0RsWvT7I4KN8QhS5q4PMG6x-LMyiMCFzc9hEVrzZQ_8IAp9ZjY/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqAsr6vPE8A1FLBCBDiz_VsF_jtpRJU6EECEST-svGEZh9RQemUKiMiWusIKj00A2FA1dnJojRcAUmyh35xaAHb8I6G0RsWvT7I4KN8QhS5q4PMG6x-LMyiMCFzc9hEVrzZQ_8IAp9ZjY/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Best casino resorts Las Vegas" border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqAsr6vPE8A1FLBCBDiz_VsF_jtpRJU6EECEST-svGEZh9RQemUKiMiWusIKj00A2FA1dnJojRcAUmyh35xaAHb8I6G0RsWvT7I4KN8QhS5q4PMG6x-LMyiMCFzc9hEVrzZQ_8IAp9ZjY/s320/12.jpg" title="Caesars Las Vegas Casino Resort" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spa: Qua Baths and Spa includes over 50
treatment rooms for massages, including wet rooms with Vichy showers and herbal
steam room. Also, they’ve Arctic ice rooms-a cold sauna at 55 degrees
Fahrenheit<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pet Stay Program: Dogs that weigh less than 50
pounds are allowed in certain rooms and amenities for these guests include food
dishes, disposable waste bags and dog treats<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Garden of Gods Pool Oasis: It includes
Roman-style gardens, baths and fitness areas<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRg7ey2BwnFZrPFN19NEE92TJ7WTDZmtypbhnfO36JqlUkq4MCt01qf1MppZXF9l49q_5tFhOM_cQBQnW6kPWRMk7dt3GYXsSm8nVTBLa_xq7W1eKUTvzxh6UWrJqfRvmK3i0ABLEkb94/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="best hotels to stay in vegas" border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRg7ey2BwnFZrPFN19NEE92TJ7WTDZmtypbhnfO36JqlUkq4MCt01qf1MppZXF9l49q_5tFhOM_cQBQnW6kPWRMk7dt3GYXsSm8nVTBLa_xq7W1eKUTvzxh6UWrJqfRvmK3i0ABLEkb94/s200/13.jpg" title="Caesars Palace Las Vegas" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><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-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Food and Entertainment: There are quality
restaurants however the buffet may be slightly overpriced. There are endless
options on the strip though. There are some of the finest shows at Colosseum. Shopping
is one key point of this resort with more than 170 stores at the Forum and
Appian Way shops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bottomline:</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Caesars Palace Las Vegas is definitely one of the most sought after
casino resorts in Vegas. </span>Overpriced but that’s the differentiator in a
just another Vegas</span> trip and a trip of a lifetime. Conveniently located on the
strip with easy access, it’s not only grandeur but also good on service from
quick check-in to a game of roulette at the casino<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong>Tags:</strong> <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Best Vegas hotels, casinos in Las Vegas, luxury hotels Vegas strip</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 4.5/5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-90084597967056744602013-09-25T20:17:00.002-07:002013-09-25T20:17:54.700-07:00Sandy Lane Barbados<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sandy Lane Barbados</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #373737; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>St James, BB24024, Barbados</i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Location</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.bestatbarbadosholidays.co.uk/Sandy-Lane.aspx">Sandy Lane
Barbados</a> is located on the west coast, south of Holetown, backing on to a
gorgeous arc of golden sand. Although all the Barbados beaches are public,
Sandy Lane’s is relatively very private. The hotel provides free airport
transfers in a limousine and valet parking<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Why to stay?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXSJvGSXWe7hXyij_txZ_tpMrAPU_hyHkOHnkJjeRB8WMz2GNwjF-7NjeoijK5-B9h-7nz1OhkknjntX0WSyigyEPp2stQRGm4MzLWkZtY_JzgvV6GdmIR_-V2V_vo6sppoHf4mnYMdfQ/s1600/Photos3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="luxury hotels barbados" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXSJvGSXWe7hXyij_txZ_tpMrAPU_hyHkOHnkJjeRB8WMz2GNwjF-7NjeoijK5-B9h-7nz1OhkknjntX0WSyigyEPp2stQRGm4MzLWkZtY_JzgvV6GdmIR_-V2V_vo6sppoHf4mnYMdfQ/s400/Photos3.jpg" title="Sandy Lane Barbados" width="355" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Sandy Lane Barbados is arguably one of Caribbean’s most famous hotels
renowned for its outstanding service and uniquely high-end amenities. The
facilities, which include a lovely beach front with reserved seating and Evian
misting, beautiful outdoor pool with waterfall, highly acclaimed Romanesque spa
with hydrotherapy rooms, four restaurants including romantic L’Acajou for
sunset views, nine tennis courts, a modern fitness </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">centre</span><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;"> and three of the
region’s finest golf courses, are astonishing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">In addition, the staff is pleasant and very well trained. Guests
on beach loungers are equipped with an electronic buzzer to call for service,
and are regularly plied with refreshing treats such as sorbets and frozen </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">yoghurt</span><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Food</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The two main restaurants both have a great reputation. Pillared
L'Ajacou is for fine dining, while the more informal Bajan Blue is known for
its indulgent buffets - a recent addition to its menu is pizza with shaved
black truffles. Cookery classes are possible in the culinary school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Flipside</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For all the luxurious amenities and unparalleled services, hands
down it is the most expensive resort in Barbados. Everything – from an
underwater sound system in the pool to golf carts with GPS system contributes
to the stratospheric rates in peak season. The place may be packed with
celebrities and thereby the beach area can get crowded during peak season<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Tags:</b> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">vacation in Barbados, </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Caribbean</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> holidays, luxury resorts in Barbados, best luxury hotels </span></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><i>Caribbean</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bottomline</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2c2c2c; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room
Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados - indeed, it's one of the most
luxurious resorts in the world with endless options for a fun-filled vacation;
perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf
course with a separate apparel line that can only be purchased after
completion. A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and
celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style
hotel apart from the rest. This is a very special place, it’s expensive but
what would you expect from paradise!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2c2c2c; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Overall
Rating:</b> 5/5</span></span></div>
Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-36045214533494911242013-09-20T10:00:00.004-07:002013-09-20T10:00:43.682-07:00Luxor Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Luxor Las
Vegas</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>3900 Las
Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.bestatlasvegasholidays.co.uk/Luxor-Resort.aspx">Luxor Las
Vegas</a> is a very good hotel with something for everyone at a good price. It located
at south end of the Vegas strip however taxi ride to the strip is cheap and
more convenient than the bus. The view of the Strip is cut off by Excaliber<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnFOqwuvb-jjBZQm4ZC-2tq89WiEv1LF6057wH0IVd7GtfetndhaOXsztOaGe8pGSKXLi35d-u4koHEdYAOWuU8SkjoEurFnHShe5PVmJMDc53ocnzyBkxbYXqcNbf6QjuY5C5bTF0RBZ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnFOqwuvb-jjBZQm4ZC-2tq89WiEv1LF6057wH0IVd7GtfetndhaOXsztOaGe8pGSKXLi35d-u4koHEdYAOWuU8SkjoEurFnHShe5PVmJMDc53ocnzyBkxbYXqcNbf6QjuY5C5bTF0RBZ/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It comes with a tagline “How many times in your life will
you be able to say you stayed and played in a pyramid?” Luxor features
comfortable and spacious accommodations ranging from standard rooms to
extravagant suites. Plus, Luxor offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas
hotel – from fabulous entertainment and dining, to non-stop Las Vegas casino
action.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiGH2a_GeGSB_4UfI3S3HfbbINIRi2miTNXrIODNWyhjKSL3JRSM4Fli46wKqy1A2x1bjjfydrett3-JXA4NqoZWBYHYqbApPVv8fogXF95_Q_Z79us5JEZeAKZimimhvI_4Z7SmKaCJ8/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiGH2a_GeGSB_4UfI3S3HfbbINIRi2miTNXrIODNWyhjKSL3JRSM4Fli46wKqy1A2x1bjjfydrett3-JXA4NqoZWBYHYqbApPVv8fogXF95_Q_Z79us5JEZeAKZimimhvI_4Z7SmKaCJ8/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rooms
are spacious, quiet and clean. It provides the basic necessities however there
isn’t fridge or coffee maker. Most importantly, it doesn't come with a Wi-Fi
however can be argued the necessity of internet when in Vegas. Luxor is
connected by walkway to Excalibur where you can get a tram to Mandalay Bay and
it was very handy for shopping and of course there are lots of eating places<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Try to stay in one of the two towers rather than the pyramid
itself for quietness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The hotel has a good gym and the pool area was pretty good. Luxor
offers spas and salons, restaurants, nightclubs and bars and they are top notch.
As a frugal traveller, opt for all you can eat all day at a great price if you
don’t wish to explore much outside</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All in all a decent hotel with reasonable price. Not great in terms of location accessibility.</span></div>
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Tags<o:p></o:p></div>
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Budget
hotel, Las Vegas hotels, Luxor hotel and casino, vegas hotel review<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ratings: 3.5/5<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-28529509019289714082013-09-16T09:56:00.001-07:002013-09-16T10:00:29.823-07:00The Kantary Bay Phuket, Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Kantary Bay Phuket<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u><strong>
</strong></u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>1/1 Mu 8, Sakdidej Road Cape
Panwa, Phuket, 83000 Thailand</em></span></span></div>
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</u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Overview<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.bestatthailandholidays.co.uk/The-Kantary-Bay-Hotel.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kantary
Bay Phuket</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u></span>Hotel is a charming seafront
property within a short ten to fifteen minutes’ drive from Phuket town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This property offers transfers from the airport. Guests must
contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact
information on the booking confirmation. One child 4 years old or younger stays
free when occupying the parent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check-in time starts at 2PM and check-out time is at noon</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kantarybay-phuket.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cape panwa hotel and spa, honeymoon destination hotels" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePo6Jg7gTginRrsiJFZBUhWpoJmjP48G0z7F90bB1S2sNC8fgwU6LNlh9rkU-wFwBtEZp-UpEkjWB0oVVBZvp1e7Vnp-G4O-yf-KsxzzJPd9lawqeMlveI2rtmhNDb1erGwkMc6D1f8sy/s400/4.jpg" title="www.kantarybay-phuket.com/" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amenities and
Activities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.kantarybay-phuket.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
This hotel offers a lovely location along with friendly and
helpful staff; it includes a small fitness room, two swimming pools, meeting
and conference facilities, the Panwa Village shopping center, several
restaurants, free Wi-Fi in public areas and a delightful garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Each room type has its own living and dining areas, a small
but complete fully equipped kitchenette, washing machine and Satellite TV with
entertainment system<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Try to opt for higher floors with better sea views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, rooftop terrace with pool offers
excellent view<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
It provides decent food options; breakfast is fine with huge
range to suit multicultural clientele<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
Bonus - It provides a free shuttle bus and access to
amenities as well as private beach of its partner hotel - Cape Panwa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwq71a6pXs76Zl4I611GtELgb0Xfofukw1wI8DNat126YELWwt14SBkoUCFhyphenhyphen5eF2qg_id01TGki685MDNxLGNlxuHt_XblGZg67wDm3YFc1CNv-QYnr9_oyXqFc5oZavj2vriMpXPHXIi/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="phuket hotel review, good hotels in phuket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwq71a6pXs76Zl4I611GtELgb0Xfofukw1wI8DNat126YELWwt14SBkoUCFhyphenhyphen5eF2qg_id01TGki685MDNxLGNlxuHt_XblGZg67wDm3YFc1CNv-QYnr9_oyXqFc5oZavj2vriMpXPHXIi/s1600/6.jpg" title="Good hotels in Phuket" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pricing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This hotel is definitely high on value for money
accommodation and service with only shortcoming as some of the facilities are
slightly dated so don’t expect five star luxuries. However, ambience and
hospitality of this place makes up for minor limitations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wi-fi, like most of Asian hotels, isn’t free in rooms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tags<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
Budget hotel
thailand, honeymoon in Phuket, honeymoon destinations, Thailand vacation,
holidays in Thailand, good hotels in Phuket<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Overall Rating:</b>
4.5/5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-83054630614018092212013-09-16T09:41:00.003-07:002013-09-16T09:45:03.412-07:00Coin de Mire Attitude, Mauritius<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Coin de Mire Attitude<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Royal Road, Cap
Malheureux, Grand Baie, Mauritius</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>
Location</strong><br />
</span><a href="http://www.bestatmauritiusholidays.co.uk/Coin-De-Mire-Hotel.aspx"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Coin
de Mire Attitude</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (CDM) hotel is one of the best value for money hotel in
its category and is situated at the northern tip of Mauritius, between the
fishermen’s village of Cap Malheureux and Grand Bay. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This 3-star hotel is located 35kms from Port-Louis and 80kms from SSR International Airport</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><a href="http://coindemire-hotel-mauritius.com/mauritius-hotel-coin-de-mire/hotel-rooms" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="hotels in mauritius, travel packages mauritius" border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CnC3u2fXZn8v-m4-cvesOQw9ZuHQEyz5mou1hOHIje-yQWJNwFwQnlG92vTpei4Gn_VhGN0p07j3uOTSosHuJ9v6ReHtcWbk3pHLfDn-xUlriaJcymgavzSvsukWnngkTWIc-FlA958u/s400/1.jpg" title="Coin De Mire Attitude Mauritius" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Accommodation<o:p></o:p></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmWEjJx4ePsYCeicmKrabZ1yL8xazznZJ8Nyg8c3DDcOrowiUvxFG_kBCL_1P25I-0BGfPmevj4BHR-FsDEM6YlSTZyVVW1qguG4QigjWxOamPX8SqcCUEIrWVNETGj3bMNzPlkBoTOSk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="3-star hotels mauritius, travel reviews, hotel reviews" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmWEjJx4ePsYCeicmKrabZ1yL8xazznZJ8Nyg8c3DDcOrowiUvxFG_kBCL_1P25I-0BGfPmevj4BHR-FsDEM6YlSTZyVVW1qguG4QigjWxOamPX8SqcCUEIrWVNETGj3bMNzPlkBoTOSk/s320/3.jpg" title="superior rooms" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CDM has
following room categories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<br />
Superior
Room (33 m²), Deluxe Room (35 m²) and Deluxe Family Room (40 m²)<o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Check-in
time is 1400hrs and check-out time is 1200hrs noon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<br />
Rooms are
decent however prefer to have rooms near to reception side area and away from
bar/entertainment facilities<o:p></o:p>
</span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br /><strong>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<strong>
Amenities and
Activities<o:p></o:p></strong>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The room offers basic amenities however some highlighted
features of the hotel are its spa, gym, swimming pool, table tennis, board
games, pool table, floodlit tennis court as well an option to sail around the
lagoon in hotel’s private yacht, La Lutine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="budget hotel mauritius" border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielur5QADraIIR7xNrUihAkoztZPnp8nD-VDvZZYB_4tZUjweWWqA2xQOHa3qsu7J_F8Ch8u0iQ5rzJPvEaAOwcYZSNMJYq7C78NuUw3urMHyUF33-BiiTRZwk7_v2u8qMELohAdZugLys/s320/2.jpg" title="Travel reviews" width="320" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you’re of adventure kinds, major portion of your time
during the stay is bound to be dedicated towards water activities. The hotel
offers complimentary water sport facilities like glass bottom boats, kayaks,
pedal boats as well as one can indulge in to Scuba diving, Catamaran and speed
boat outings, fishing, kite surfing and more<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<br />
The overall quality of service is good however the only
flipside is the beach is across the road and majority of the rooms get a bit
noisy due to roadside traffic<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>
<br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Pricing<o:p></o:p>
</strong>
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As mentioned earlier, this is one of the best priced hotels
as well as one of the better located </span><a href="http://coindemire-hotel-mauritius.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">hotels in Mauritius</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. It offers all the
basic amenities and some value add services. The food is decent and plan for
all inclusive package for better deals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
However, if you’re looking for unparalleled luxury, scenic
leisure and room with a view, this may not be the first choice for you <o:p></o:p>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tags<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<br />
Budget
hotel, honeymoon in Mauritius, ease of access, 3 star hotels Mauritius, honeymoon
destinations, honeymoon packages, holidays<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Overall Rating:</strong>
<em>3.5/5<o:p></o:p></em>
<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-399318083875886792011-08-30T11:08:00.000-07:002011-08-30T18:07:26.289-07:00Canon Powershot SX30IS - The pre-SLR<div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 288px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646813787780633986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRser1_sJMVSvWoDN2VWSNV6BSp0bOTyi48DJ6MvYIoYmL-vt_hViM-mmaqiCVK4302f5A0283t52OI1nsCoWrdARCpscCWQitw7ntZsHTLGTfvEJwoV4xQtYIdJYtzeoYnw8uIQStQUQ/s320/canon3.jpg" /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I've often been asked 'Which DSLR do I use to capture photos?'. I thank them for the praise even before replying to the specific question as I use Point and Shoot Canon SX30IS which captures equivalent and at times better images compared to SLRs.<br /><br />Specifics:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrXsHaGHDiriAL_6Yi1BtvBHsM3yp8fzcotUDd0e1UAFq2Y5_KVn69QBLZr4iEPAKMLg7yr1m68uPurgk2WG7UaE9tqd_ruWhY8XA-N7z-1PS3c_h5PHtictEYLT4D6BfLyhzYp0m2Asw/s1600/11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 238px; height: 173px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646819708487899314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrXsHaGHDiriAL_6Yi1BtvBHsM3yp8fzcotUDd0e1UAFq2Y5_KVn69QBLZr4iEPAKMLg7yr1m68uPurgk2WG7UaE9tqd_ruWhY8XA-N7z-1PS3c_h5PHtictEYLT4D6BfLyhzYp0m2Asw/s320/11.jpg" /></a><br />Resolution: 14.1 megapixels<br />Zoom: 35x wide-angle optical zoom (24-840mm)<br />Stability: Optical Image Stabiliser<br />Video: 720p HD video with stereo sound and optical zoom<br />Display: 2.7 inch colour vari-angle LCD<br />Output: HDMI output<br />Battery: Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (have shot 500+ images on high resolution before having to recharge)<br /><br />Can use: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards<br />Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.8 x 3.7 inches<br />Weight: 1.3 pounds (Heavier however less bulky as compared to SLRs)<br /><br />Why SX30IS?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1RdmlKCT8xKvsSupRFA1eMwdjstvuME_fFolDoH433kcfbswRWby-6DHp5E7Cl35JAMjTwrALu5a1TAKmnrOYb-3mjZdvwKzYTFGhOqVYTFihyphenhyphenpHu7f2JiyXSgsdspNDLWln8csjm9rM/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 175px; height: 121px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646815415523074754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1RdmlKCT8xKvsSupRFA1eMwdjstvuME_fFolDoH433kcfbswRWby-6DHp5E7Cl35JAMjTwrALu5a1TAKmnrOYb-3mjZdvwKzYTFGhOqVYTFihyphenhyphenpHu7f2JiyXSgsdspNDLWln8csjm9rM/s320/IMG_3525.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgwAHL35rbonDMzJYiSpoWOi2ciEq8P0vWCyVv1tDnCJd-Ie-u1H-_Wvyg4Sqfk1ItcqbnrLdB5Eo9x4MiKEazqAG671udhwIg_yGRZPfGZuo8Cnk1OwIIExhnUOBzZHNTjuAuto-X5mg/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 191px; height: 128px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646818291075076738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgwAHL35rbonDMzJYiSpoWOi2ciEq8P0vWCyVv1tDnCJd-Ie-u1H-_Wvyg4Sqfk1ItcqbnrLdB5Eo9x4MiKEazqAG671udhwIg_yGRZPfGZuo8Cnk1OwIIExhnUOBzZHNTjuAuto-X5mg/s320/IMG_3531.JPG" /></a><br />- 35X Optical Zoom: This point-and-shoot digital camera comes with a massive 35x Wide-Angle (24-840mm) Optical Zoom lens. With it, the wildlife, beachside or sports arena images are far better captured. Moreover, above 35X it translates in to 140x Digital Zoom. Also available while shooting videos<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7moxhgYazA8lmIQs2wiRnc8c4RU1io0Y_8eBaoNgGhaThw7RV6gSJ6FzyHCofr4wo54GqXg-ya7sMcswe2Wy76OfcnZKNVWm4jc0C913o7w3dCmA7xl6dyvRDGOBInR39kR_yW-xCXMD/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 243px; height: 192px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646815401702256594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7moxhgYazA8lmIQs2wiRnc8c4RU1io0Y_8eBaoNgGhaThw7RV6gSJ6FzyHCofr4wo54GqXg-ya7sMcswe2Wy76OfcnZKNVWm4jc0C913o7w3dCmA7xl6dyvRDGOBInR39kR_yW-xCXMD/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" /></a><br />- Optical Image Stabilizer Technology: This helps translate high zoom-in pics in to better clarity. OIS automatically detects and corrects camera turbulence preventing blurred images due to shaky hand. Even the pictures captured in motion can get you crisp and neat shots and eliminates the need of tripod.<br /><br />- Large 2.7 inch Vari-angle LCD: Not only this is superior to viewfinder or other static image displays, it benefits while capturing images by rotating at various angles i.e. Road image captured at ground zero, top view of a group pic, etc. It also serves as a mirror image enabling to click self portraits with precision<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFl04M3w8oP1nbw3hxSm3ob-eTIWVMF4phyphenhyphenKr0qaw5kGNImOxeKxusR2zJJ1TWbFoOEJtGyIbIMzVfL6xj5b4Yso2u7o3MtBCbNcb-NYGZoxba3JT5BMlasQE6-Y_APUMYRjR4knMEQX8/s1600/IMG_2123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 228px; height: 160px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646815410066249570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFl04M3w8oP1nbw3hxSm3ob-eTIWVMF4phyphenhyphenKr0qaw5kGNImOxeKxusR2zJJ1TWbFoOEJtGyIbIMzVfL6xj5b4Yso2u7o3MtBCbNcb-NYGZoxba3JT5BMlasQE6-Y_APUMYRjR4knMEQX8/s320/IMG_2123.JPG" /></a><br />- Smart Auto Option: For the beginners, this function intelligently analyzes shooting conditions and automatically selects an appropriate setting from 28 specially defined settings. Moreover, it will automatically switch to macro when you close in an object<br /><br />In addition, this camera uses a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for high-speed, quiet, energy-efficient lens movement with precise control.<br /><br />On the flipside if you are either looking for a sleek one-hand shoot camera or a fully-professional SLR, this one's not<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-U-5ZzjzCcGKztZNWKKpMXkfvD_gXBVTtXyfOewPE7UoXF9bt7owlBzTwjA8OqfbyzXTt7U3jPYprcgtsZi0EqvPa9RqbGPhZgJwIIOlTnZwSqt9bQfvhVfHnR70wdkvFDAMrE2cKd72/s1600/22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 211px; height: 161px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646819019732283458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-U-5ZzjzCcGKztZNWKKpMXkfvD_gXBVTtXyfOewPE7UoXF9bt7owlBzTwjA8OqfbyzXTt7U3jPYprcgtsZi0EqvPa9RqbGPhZgJwIIOlTnZwSqt9bQfvhVfHnR70wdkvFDAMrE2cKd72/s320/22.jpg" /></a> for you as it falls in between going towards SLRs. Also, it doesn't take photos in RAW format which are better resolution images easy to work with. While this camera works well under dark conditions with a flash, it may generate a bit of noise or blur under yellow lights at night. Having said that the lens reflex (delay in taking 2nd image) is too slow in the dark<br /><br />All in all a great buy (available $350+ online) with respect to its peers in the same category!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-19776055176867349682011-08-23T10:05:00.000-07:002011-08-23T11:00:07.395-07:00Momos - Feel North Africa with its tagines and delightful birthday celebrations!<div align="justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfRmSzJavFbL-7mljpsYjMwnylG_fTF21yjFWANb5sdjbuLk_DS33nlvh7aZ2Fa8MJvXq5ehwqjDX8o8hoLGT3E_lIWP1ResB_zKxOOToQ5pYxgdhcdsmkJP46zL8LWPQyXRsU3Mfyi65/s1600/momo4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 109px; height: 156px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644104032259083586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfRmSzJavFbL-7mljpsYjMwnylG_fTF21yjFWANb5sdjbuLk_DS33nlvh7aZ2Fa8MJvXq5ehwqjDX8o8hoLGT3E_lIWP1ResB_zKxOOToQ5pYxgdhcdsmkJP46zL8LWPQyXRsU3Mfyi65/s400/momo4.jpg" /></a>MOMO (http://momoresto.com) is a Moroccan restaurant located at 25, Heddon street, London W1B 4BH. Renowned for its North African and Mediterranean cuisine, one can't resist but to fall over its Tagines. The rates on the expensive side; however the place is a must visit for its ambience and feel - a high on recommendation for your london trip<br /></div><div align="justify">This place is great for its absolute moroccan experience - lights, glasses and tagines! Mojito, or The Momo Sp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseCGUhE3rRxuSwwINvFyNIsM-BGOKCr_onmL3eO6ZkYVwUqEyCOnMD8sUgWPGVdS844EvN-oOriyhgO09TUZZv-T2coPFiNik8gEa-7tvelnXNvcAdUpK4mXv1hrUhYtYi4Z5fUd49WR7/s1600/momo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 248px; height: 219px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644103075931002290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseCGUhE3rRxuSwwINvFyNIsM-BGOKCr_onmL3eO6ZkYVwUqEyCOnMD8sUgWPGVdS844EvN-oOriyhgO09TUZZv-T2coPFiNik8gEa-7tvelnXNvcAdUpK4mXv1hrUhYtYi4Z5fUd49WR7/s320/momo2.jpg" /></a>ecial as they call it, served was refreshing; however the taste buds rose upto aromatic CHICKEN TAGINE. Tagine is basically north african dish named after special earthernware pot in which it is cooked. This clay pot has it flat circular base supporting a cone shaped structure on the top.<br /><br />As a fantasy, I tried WOOD PIGEON PASTILLA (refer picture above left); however felt it on a sweeter side. Vegetarians may have less options and BRIOUATS may end up as being plain Samosas. The desserts are nice as well; although if you are in a group ask for a cake and that too a birthday cake<br /><br />The highlight of the night was birthday celebration at Momos. Lights go off, mus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XkxRrd7W7r4CsXh7LK_K9MDPwFNSFIBkHb2duVYk7vobJvwPjICPdD3NbQ6_gn_gL3ICccR8Yl36it1_6biT_Kkn9q_pVtE1v8uuKUVQneJnuQbxOSS7z6nPtftG7e752igz6ElO5HTl/s1600/momo3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 227px; height: 151px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644103269117647106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XkxRrd7W7r4CsXh7LK_K9MDPwFNSFIBkHb2duVYk7vobJvwPjICPdD3NbQ6_gn_gL3ICccR8Yl36it1_6biT_Kkn9q_pVtE1v8uuKUVQneJnuQbxOSS7z6nPtftG7e752igz6ElO5HTl/s320/momo3.jpg" /></a>ic picks up, the crew holds the cake in a tray and dances from the kitchen to your table and makes you and the group dance as well. If the cultural feel wasn't enough, make a visit to the washroom and disc at the cellar. The washroom is along a narrow aisle which gives you a dungeon-like feel (refer picture on right)<br /><br />P.S.: Seating options may not be comfortable for large groups </div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 171px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644103565531817890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3_Uu6rRRD3jpkJNmpjOanVXDkctj77bQIqOKg_fTxxCaNjVLJl-qsfZ4Zwl7MGEBBJgjPRUGj-hyOucJ74QYtLO0ZodRprA9R18eCk5vk_5fVubZTCrkiu7xrce6M295K8_w4mUs-vt-/s400/momo1.jpg" />Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-33153253821710977312011-08-22T15:24:00.000-07:002011-08-22T16:20:42.409-07:00Niagara Falls: Things to do in 2 days<div><div align="justify"><div>Niagara is a complete package and has offerings for all age groups as well as individuals at all frequencies. Although it requir<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eaiZXFhiYoSQrtXPXdtcBXlfj1dYwogEPNVd-4nUsSLYtV4uHjn1yJeM-rRrGLHWlvx74wEYr8vZZL9N5PufGxI43aPaAASq-YEUHUnlP1GEoq3N9tHnqsdS5TexLcMesPs8aE5-nqSZ/s1600/IMG_3387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 180px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643821601469377426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eaiZXFhiYoSQrtXPXdtcBXlfj1dYwogEPNVd-4nUsSLYtV4uHjn1yJeM-rRrGLHWlvx74wEYr8vZZL9N5PufGxI43aPaAASq-YEUHUnlP1GEoq3N9tHnqsdS5TexLcMesPs8aE5-nqSZ/s320/IMG_3387.JPG" /></a>es a detailed planning and lot of stamina to move and conquer all the diverse places it has to offer, I would sum up a 2-day itinerary for a first time traveller!<br /><br />Niagara falls is located around one and a half hours from Toronto downtown. In case you can't manage a car, various casino buses (like Safeway tours for Fallsview Casino - <a href="http://www.safewaytours.net">www.safewaytours.net</a> ) can get you there at $30 and drop back to your location next day.<br /><br />Day 1:Head straight to Marinela<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuoymUeSuM0-rkz5iG6c1-W9iemhN8Zf4xWG-dJt-pL6DqAEcaOui01u2_KNmdBMUwBGxz09n5ktimDDEF7WtWneXrbkDPo5dXhYcTuOxrMBomTVroQiGgFEcSN7u6rQvV0pDg5cnrI1N/s1600/IMG_3166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 206px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643821594547247426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuoymUeSuM0-rkz5iG6c1-W9iemhN8Zf4xWG-dJt-pL6DqAEcaOui01u2_KNmdBMUwBGxz09n5ktimDDEF7WtWneXrbkDPo5dXhYcTuOxrMBomTVroQiGgFEcSN7u6rQvV0pDg5cnrI1N/s320/IMG_3166.JPG" /></a>nd for a 9 to 5 outing (min. 6 hrs are required). Some people may terrify you that it's quite hectic however according to me if you can walk and plan it properly based on show timings than it's quite smooth. Feed Deer, Catch Killer Whale Splash, Feed Beluga whales, Bears, Enjoy rides at Dragon mouth and Sky Screamer and conclud<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82yjQI1TKw0BVi4ASevBJP9jPAJ6jX_On5dy0WmPVjQi8te0882xzJzNJA9jVzIEiapmqW1MxEXLbB5ggxNXDWfnhok_alLey842vS8b21JZdDz3dY-gLnaO7eltm_Kle9gfhMWRhpkiE/s1600/IMG_3270.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 180px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643821888442318578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82yjQI1TKw0BVi4ASevBJP9jPAJ6jX_On5dy0WmPVjQi8te0882xzJzNJA9jVzIEiapmqW1MxEXLbB5ggxNXDWfnhok_alLey842vS8b21JZdDz3dY-gLnaO7eltm_Kle9gfhMWRhpkiE/s320/IMG_3270.JPG" /></a>e at Waldorf arena to watch seals, dolphins and walrus play. Walk towards Sky screamer is steep but worth every step taken.<br /><br />Relax at the hotel in the afternoon. We stayed at Niagara Falls Courtside Inn as we wanted to spend minimal on accomodation and maximum on other activities. Have dinner at revolving Skylon restaurant and get a 360 degree view of Niagara! Check the fireworks schedule - usually happens around 10pm on Fridays and Sundays! Don't miss out on glitter and glamor at Niagara downtown - Ripleys museum, Guiness museum, Sky wheel, Fudge factory, etc. Shuttle buses run for pick up and drops at various destinations<br /><br />Day2: Niagara can be viewed in full bloom and can be tried out with different experiences. Maid of the Mist boat ride,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY36DQhbjMFdlIq-XKd9Jl0wdF7B4prMJ5PGnYNtnW12zXa6ABrwjkwSXsSO4QpRkNkL3swr_f-BqSnrBWsfDF0HvETZNa8crN-D48tmQcJydr5-tBzVO8fQwRrIMg2Kr49ZjJVSPGycM/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 180px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643821606555513810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwY36DQhbjMFdlIq-XKd9Jl0wdF7B4prMJ5PGnYNtnW12zXa6ABrwjkwSXsSO4QpRkNkL3swr_f-BqSnrBWsfDF0HvETZNa8crN-D48tmQcJydr5-tBzVO8fQwRrIMg2Kr49ZjJVSPGycM/s320/IMG_3429.JPG" /></a> Journey behind the falls through a glass elevator, White Water Walk and movie on Niagara's Fury! The best bet seemed Maid of the Mist and if you can spare time other things can be covered. Spend the afternoon playing Poker and Roulette at Fallsview Casino<br /><br />Based on your priorities and interests, time can be v<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTzkrNEWZVDmf5x0A4YzuiI-2lxyi0aJc27wAySYnL2JYcULQrPq7P44t5mCCjEb4UiO_TZA9xc_oGbsM-Z-Ua7Fw8mh1Jy4Lu-0EaGG9VJ0rzfc0JatjA44P_jxyJQs1tF031rv3brbZ/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 174px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643821895618169394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTzkrNEWZVDmf5x0A4YzuiI-2lxyi0aJc27wAySYnL2JYcULQrPq7P44t5mCCjEb4UiO_TZA9xc_oGbsM-Z-Ua7Fw8mh1Jy4Lu-0EaGG9VJ0rzfc0JatjA44P_jxyJQs1tF031rv3brbZ/s320/IMG_3393.JPG" /></a>aried at each destinations! This and similar reviews can be viewed at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g154998-d186167-r116312032-Niagara_Falls-Niagara_Falls_Ontario.html </div></div></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-54157909350720331892011-08-09T19:36:00.000-07:002011-08-09T19:43:02.298-07:00City of Bath, England<div><br /><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaJXInAsTVGGpDVobzXNC4YmFKKqOGYoDfd08r986XTeXcoqcNvdFSM4x-8CD0C6IX8X672M0wmeK9ss_EwKk5Rt-Od11zokNwQjV-g4ynaH-5jcDLT9IGgr5-eOZ0x1AUQGldp6zsBmc/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639051748418135970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaJXInAsTVGGpDVobzXNC4YmFKKqOGYoDfd08r986XTeXcoqcNvdFSM4x-8CD0C6IX8X672M0wmeK9ss_EwKk5Rt-Od11zokNwQjV-g4ynaH-5jcDLT9IGgr5-eOZ0x1AUQGldp6zsBmc/s400/2.jpg" /></a>Chances are pretty high that on your short trip to London, you may either do a history tour visiting a million museums or get a few clicks with the Londonesque ‘Eye’ or wax figures. Or a more notorious shopping spree at Harrods or a mere leisure feeding swans on the bank of Thames. However, if one wishes to club culture with architecture along with serious photo shoots then mark City of Bath on your list.<br /><br />Located on the bank of river Avon, Bath is renowned for its Roman Baths, the only natural hot water springs occurring in United Kingdom. Roman baths is a concept with a historical significance. Lead pipes led water to houses in ancient Rome. These pipes were taxed and so many houses had just the basic water supply and no specific bath rooms. These led people to use public baths which also became a social gathering point. The tickets to Roman Baths (prefer dusks) cost £10 and it includes entry to Bath Complex enroute through museum explaining heat maintaining mechanism, drainage system, roman artefacts’ and also the great temple of Sulis Minerva. Get a view of the various bath accessories and cosmetics the Romans used and add some priced possessions to your collection from the souvenir shop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9wXu7oc66xtO_1KI2F8Bnuj0bG4EadzwZstqYqXB7OJJfBqgdEQKnehqI8Wj6riRF4yayMjFooxLWm1yXL5mkH-7SRuDGab1h-AADIaGTL0PIdjUmSTgCx6i27z1skZxzEt71vZPCeLR/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px; height: 304px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639051868006079362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9wXu7oc66xtO_1KI2F8Bnuj0bG4EadzwZstqYqXB7OJJfBqgdEQKnehqI8Wj6riRF4yayMjFooxLWm1yXL5mkH-7SRuDGab1h-AADIaGTL0PIdjUmSTgCx6i27z1skZxzEt71vZPCeLR/s400/3.jpg" /></a><br />This world heritage site is also well known for its stunning Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone. Among all, the Royal Crescent is one of the world’s best known landmarks containing some palatial houses and one luxurious hotel. As in rest of Europe, there are art galleries, parks and other attractions as well. A hop on – hop off sightseeing bus is available to get the glimpse of whole city and major attraction. However, I preferred exploring the local market through narrow aisles and feeding the seagulls on bank of Avon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MPc-VFV2vgbPZP1t3ZDHvvZZYgfke3CwVBeEBXN7KQCBIvfR6uqreEp6lXerAgeiXw2rV_lR5mWlbyppGxMXkuu7_IcfKgSBpMvpFM9ngDvgsGoye9Xrzv9ZL7Xoo40H-nOjjuSBMHr_/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639051963634515890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MPc-VFV2vgbPZP1t3ZDHvvZZYgfke3CwVBeEBXN7KQCBIvfR6uqreEp6lXerAgeiXw2rV_lR5mWlbyppGxMXkuu7_IcfKgSBpMvpFM9ngDvgsGoye9Xrzv9ZL7Xoo40H-nOjjuSBMHr_/s400/4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />City of Bath is located at a 2 hr scenic drive from London and can be covered along with Stonehenge. If one wishes to get a feel of the city then there are good accommodation options available. However, for a serious traveller half a day and handful photographs should sum up the trip.</div></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-673497606561594422011-08-09T18:54:00.000-07:002011-08-09T19:31:17.491-07:00Kovalam - The land of ubiquitous coconut palms<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fnRwcITii-vhhwSxqEfwpcg8MKbdiO3T_D-c-5GqpABxt3Bq2MlCgsWD_Vm3qDuwKqbn3Ohfthng2qQT1vJzA-PgYNLXrYkypBxIIF4BbuHwCJFPH6r737ohJyzYhUonVeBziDCFX-2D/s1600/Home+Alone.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639044889539502914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fnRwcITii-vhhwSxqEfwpcg8MKbdiO3T_D-c-5GqpABxt3Bq2MlCgsWD_Vm3qDuwKqbn3Ohfthng2qQT1vJzA-PgYNLXrYkypBxIIF4BbuHwCJFPH6r737ohJyzYhUonVeBziDCFX-2D/s320/Home+Alone.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrK-8jn0BMdqZNpzc2zB3HGbhkpq_Sm1cUBj9S0SVTg8kAvdfVBgtz4vJ_W8xVinAnQsk8IdTDFoXTzanVhVQUEj3NEaLNkgVO3V4eOk-KEXz4neJ4MqBkP2PJrX2VvkQfU9ruuRyz6Dv/s1600/56.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 299px; height: 229px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639044643626137954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrK-8jn0BMdqZNpzc2zB3HGbhkpq_Sm1cUBj9S0SVTg8kAvdfVBgtz4vJ_W8xVinAnQsk8IdTDFoXTzanVhVQUEj3NEaLNkgVO3V4eOk-KEXz4neJ4MqBkP2PJrX2VvkQfU9ruuRyz6Dv/s320/56.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><br />As a travel freak, anything from pictures to promotions draws my attention. With Kerala tourism’s ‘<strong>Your moment is waiting</strong>’ campaign being the latest to capture my eye-balls, I planned to explore God’s own country, albeit in parts. After making footprints on <strong>Nelambur and Wayanad</strong>, I sketched the 3-day trip to more acclaimed Kovalam -the land of ubiquitous coconut palms.<br /><br />Kovalam is outlined by the Arabian Sea near the southern tip of India, and is 15kms from Trivandrum (the capital city of Kerala). Originally, a fishing village of Kerala, it got transformed in to an important tourist destination with the arrival of hippies in early seventies. This tropical beach is located at 720 kms from Bangalore and is accessible by all means of transportation. Frequently running KSRTC and private buses takes you to Trivandrum in little over 11 hours. I managed to bargain and paid Rs. 200 for half an hour auto ride from Trivandrum to Ashoka beach.<br /><br />My initial research suggested Oct-Mar as the best period to visit the place. However, my probability of visiting a beach is inversely proportional to amount of humidity in the atmosphere and the magnitude of tourists thronging the destination. Considering the above factors and the available deals, beginning of October seemed to be the best time to cherish the crescent shaped beaches and curvy backwaters. On the flip-side adventure sports, water rides and white skin can be enjoyed only from mid November to January. An umbrella for a visit in Nov-Dec and high SPF sunscreen in Feb-Mar may be handy.<br /><br />Exploring the coast was the first thing on my mind after a tiresome bus journey. Country Club Treasure Cove was my wellness partner for stay -a place strategica<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRLHxCm5AP2zW_uccnKCOpcmKg0ok4o8GoTSH0v0VjlzJumBS68U65E2V_L04UIMd1TWtpNt7Yv5y7CS-28PCUUUeSyEgm_hDU28MQ_Hda_MAakFwqJ07aHP0jF0LQ_Cjb5byl0TELnGO/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639047310081591922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRLHxCm5AP2zW_uccnKCOpcmKg0ok4o8GoTSH0v0VjlzJumBS68U65E2V_L04UIMd1TWtpNt7Yv5y7CS-28PCUUUeSyEgm_hDU28MQ_Hda_MAakFwqJ07aHP0jF0LQ_Cjb5byl0TELnGO/s320/5.JPG" /></a>lly located in close proximity to three popular beaches –The Ashoka, the Hawah, and the Lighthouse. Ashokabeach is less commercialized therefore offers more privacy and deemed attractive to many. I spent most of the afternoon in the waters at Ashoka. The Leela Kempinsky Resort separates Ashokabeach and the twins; windy Hawah and the red & white striped tall Lighthouse studded beach. Hawah is a black soiled beach and I could children of all ages making soil carvings from castle to mermaids. However, an adjacent hillock providing 180 degree view of the Arabian Sea from its top was a sight to cherish. Private shacks are also available at the beach at a nomin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw0_lpJqWjV6jRwBa-NGGHiXz9P001CJie7F48VfBJLSh6tXcCiZkSd0mkMjP7uNvX5O1L7jMd8RkVkcfKBNGrdCXu-isbCXKj33V9Yut3-r6TjWhZlGLjiH0njQoTVpiyrD7eVzgslli/s1600/Romancing+the+sky.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639045153761971906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw0_lpJqWjV6jRwBa-NGGHiXz9P001CJie7F48VfBJLSh6tXcCiZkSd0mkMjP7uNvX5O1L7jMd8RkVkcfKBNGrdCXu-isbCXKj33V9Yut3-r6TjWhZlGLjiH0njQoTVpiyrD7eVzgslli/s320/Romancing+the+sky.JPG" /></a>al rate of Rs. 25. I preferred spending the rest of the evening sipping Corona, munching chickpeas and clicking photographs. For dinner, I had options covering various provinces albeit not savory. Wherever I go I prefer local food and stalls at the shore are probably the best bet to have the traditional fish moli, king prawn, kalamari or lobster fry. Ironically, a coconut seemed a luxury at Rs. 25 at its abode. At the crimson dusk; shimmering sea, sandy coves, rocky outcroppings, exuberant surf and brilliant sunset summed up my time at the shore.<br /><br />If one wishes to discover the true splendor of a place, it’s recommended to explore the unacknowledged than to admire only the proven grace. To support the recommendation, my second day itinerary comprised of Poovar, a dreamy lagoon 20kms away, Vizhinjam fishing harbour and the greener countryside. While 2-hr countryboat-cruise in the backwaters of Poovar took me to a stage of stupor, the crab fishing in a kayak proved to be a moment of eternity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphodnba598QjY6jb0SB81C3s7E-EfO9KHa2sobg8UQgiCqEE0Xwd2Un-fr-96EVsNY2Ofqf33QFc30kTjfGCVKXfXOlA4ZAxfBjlwnnEE6EWZdrxGqVWwnSvM11gz8Wi7P0LUoyBuNQPr/s1600/12.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639047745794971266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphodnba598QjY6jb0SB81C3s7E-EfO9KHa2sobg8UQgiCqEE0Xwd2Un-fr-96EVsNY2Ofqf33QFc30kTjfGCVKXfXOlA4ZAxfBjlwnnEE6EWZdrxGqVWwnSvM11gz8Wi7P0LUoyBuNQPr/s320/12.JPG" /></a>During the cruise, I spotted a fisherman in Kayak and shifted alongside with him and learnt the art of crab fishing and later tying its sharp claws till it transforms from crab to crab masala. The next defining instant was a ‘Troy’ adaptation where thousands of boats were lined up at the Vizhinjam pier. Swaying breeze, colorful boats, fisherman attire and the bugle in the background brought the essence of fishing community in this hamlet. Subsequently, a two wheeler would have been an advantage while cruising through the boulevard studded with all the possible hues of green; less commercialization has surely helped preserve the paradise in its original form.<br /><br />Other nearby places to consider for the trip are the cave tem<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH9dpu6Wx-L4B5Pz6FZ83WIsKKWkds1sOOkO_PyweiU7HuaW-LO-4lEoYKEY_FBY4D8ZN5hIUSoioZrmPVxjIN7oDo3XU48_hyphenhypheni3c2sO3VJYPOo5d_WzQ6i2O66_4NGW_nz0svOihmFLu/s1600/Under+the+Blue.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639047917712105122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH9dpu6Wx-L4B5Pz6FZ83WIsKKWkds1sOOkO_PyweiU7HuaW-LO-4lEoYKEY_FBY4D8ZN5hIUSoioZrmPVxjIN7oDo3XU48_hyphenhypheni3c2sO3VJYPOo5d_WzQ6i2O66_4NGW_nz0svOihmFLu/s320/Under+the+Blue.JPG" /></a>ple & PadmanabhSwamyTemple (PST) in Trivandrum and Kanyakumari, 95 kms from Kovalam renowned for its sunrise and ‘Sangam’ (meeting point of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean). And of course, the best way to prepare for the exasperating journey back for a working Monday is to get the traditional ayurvedic massage. Although every third shop here could be a potential massage parlor, opt for Government approved outlet. Rejuvenated with the invigorating oils at country spa, I headed to pack my bags.<br /><br />As I pen down my miles traveled, a glimpse out of the bus gives me an artistic vision of Kovalam as a unique aquarelle on a moonlit night. Kovalam indeed was my moment in waiting!</div></div></div></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-56513443863067730142009-07-17T10:21:00.000-07:002009-07-19T09:45:05.029-07:00Guest Review: RE ThunderBird - It flies<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359480935990347826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8dMJkzkonPOK0-gVCeQuUJcJ_jtRMQxFzOm0shn5nGy5mJAqGyHjAeFzHPmNcSI7wiE0SRufx6HB6fkweZ6n7TUEAtPSbq2LUMgFVFIfNo2yI6V9IMHFhZuA8_KTSeCuYl2MuBXvxJ7R/s320/Royal+Enfield.jpg" border="0" /><strong>2002:</strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"> <em>A Legend is born. A Legend with pride & power.</em></span><br /><div align="justify">India's first cruiser - The THUNDERBIRD is launched & BBC Wheels awards it 'The Best Cruiser' 2002 title. Check out the interesting journey of Royal Enfield at <a href="http://www.royalenfield.com/company/history.aspx#left">http://www.royalenfield.com/company/history.aspx#left</a><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Thunderbird is built for those who choose to cruise, but believe me </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVA5uu1rHNopZ8K_hIyfBgbSNa8-pdMTl33txvYkPhCAJkikKJQYYugHcbBOFxEi-BAI-0pjWZ2TldOUrMfvLvCSWgCmm2fPLH7Oqtqc5j9G2fGuonYl1-QWSGVlG8_-L7gIFOv17so2F/s1600-h/2008-RoyalEnfield-Thunderbirda-small.jpg"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359481027563396306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVA5uu1rHNopZ8K_hIyfBgbSNa8-pdMTl33txvYkPhCAJkikKJQYYugHcbBOFxEi-BAI-0pjWZ2TldOUrMfvLvCSWgCmm2fPLH7Oqtqc5j9G2fGuonYl1-QWSGVlG8_-L7gIFOv17so2F/s320/2008-RoyalEnfield-Thunderbirda-small.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#cc0000;">it flies. It has a smooth lean burn 350cc engine making it one of its kind in this category. It has a constant vacuum (CV) carburetor for easy starts. Although self-start partially nullifies the charisma of a powerful bike, it helps one to cruise through the city traffic with ease. The ergonomic seat design helps in maintaining erect body posture and thereby avoid strain but at the same time the narrow backseat gives aching backs to the pillions.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>PHYSIQUE:</strong> </div><div align="justify">Multi focal head lamp<br />5-Speed constant mesh Gearbox with left foot gear shift<br />All aluminium lean burn engine<br />CV carburetor<br />Gas filled shocks<br />2 tone colors and graphics </div><div align="center"><br /><strong>VITAL STATS:</strong> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#cc0000;">0-60 kmph: 7.7 sec </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;">(Robbery made easy)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Max speed: 107.6 kmph <span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">(Speedo has read 110 kmph for me)</span> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Engine Type: 4-stroke, air cooled single cylinder </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Max Power: 18bhp@5500rpm<br />Ignition: Electronic CDI </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Air Filteration: Paper Oil Filteration </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Engine Oil Capacity: 2.25 litre <span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">(Adds to high maintenance)<br /></span>Bike (Kerb) Weight: 175 kg <span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;">(Dare you stuck up in mud or sand)</span> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Max payload: 175 kg </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;">(Long way to go)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.45 litres (Reserve: 1.25 litres)<br />Fuel Economy : 35-43 kmpl </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;">(Drinks a lot of Gas)</span></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>I DO</strong>: </div><div align="justify">> Comfortable on long rides <span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;">(Restless Ramblers' </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;">countless adventures have been in its company).<br /></span>> Very powerful on high & rough terrain <span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;">(Ideal for Leh-Ladakh drive)</span><br />> Rock steady at both high and low speeds because of heavy weight <span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;">(Aptly termed as Cruiser)<br /></span>> Does not lose power if being driven for long hours continuously<br />> Safe to ride, Safer to be with<br />> The only bike in its category <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">(No Competition) </span><br /></span>> Large diameter of tyres result into smooth ride on slightly rough roads<br />> Traffic Police doesn't tow these bikes <span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;">(Compensates for high maintenance)</span><br />> Neutral between each gear<br />> Royal Pride that is Inherited from it </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>LET ME Re-THINK:</strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">> Low on mileage<br />> High level of vibration<br />> High maintanence cost </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;">(Minimum one time service costs Rs.600/-)<br /></span>> Availability of good mechanical experts<br />> Pushing this heavyweight, if stuck</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;">> Expensive Accessories </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;">(To procure accessories, Sandhya Motors off. JC Road is a good option) </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNcJm-OdITWeuYxfL7YoI3rEl8b0Uw07LEKbQoi6FrbgYoG0eTN33m4b2WztCxulXbeyHflSWcqOXnUAIMIA72ES6qn6UYGY15uf8DkqvQGo_mWV5Lp3_b2yxq_LmlCuC_kfhqpmCiwrP/s1600-h/DSC01250.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359684843503047042" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNcJm-OdITWeuYxfL7YoI3rEl8b0Uw07LEKbQoi6FrbgYoG0eTN33m4b2WztCxulXbeyHflSWcqOXnUAIMIA72ES6qn6UYGY15uf8DkqvQGo_mWV5Lp3_b2yxq_LmlCuC_kfhqpmCiwrP/s320/DSC01250.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div><div align="justify"><strong>Rating: <span style="color:#cc0000;">4/5 kmph</span></strong></div><div align="justify">Ride: 4/5<br />Handling: 3.5/5<br />Brake Rating: 4/5 </div><div align="justify">Maintenance: 3/5</div><div align="justify"><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong></strong></span></span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> The content mentioned has been contributed by Sumit Banka. For any assistance or performance related queries, kindly write it to </span><a href="mailto:sumitkumar.banka@oracle.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">sumitkumar.banka@oracle.com</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">. </span></span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Guest Reviewer - Sumit Banka is a Business Development Consultant with Oracle (Sales) and a Tour Strategist with Restless Ramblers (</span><a href="http://www.ravish-shah.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.ravish-shah.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span> </span></em></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-60762610597692812112009-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:002009-06-20T13:57:02.852-07:00Sodexo Meal Pass - Class for the Mass<div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349468904406029362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVs-COMtlRb9fsNluOhVJjJghbTZfLIKKLPTsiHMGuU_E_l3gj7I0jC0FN4NSzrByIkLpONJFN2DIuWWJRQleNQbcPX7FbPPXvE1dBdugURZ8K0rnm3ZNY4oc5Ab6k-WgEPlUmOWxoGwS/s320/sodexo.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Company:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;">Sodexo (earlier Sodex ho) is a French food services & facilities management corporation. Founded by Pierre Bellon in 1966, this $21 billion company has presence in over 30,000 sites across 80 countries. Sodexo's business entails catering food, offering services like maintenance repairs, secretarial & reception, housekeeping, health & wellness and many more. Sodexo is more familiar to Indian consumers as the Service Vouchers and Cards company or rather commonly for its Meal Pass & Cards.</span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">Sodexo India provides Food Services to Manufacturing unit of Hyundai India, Chennai</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">Sodexo India provides Facility Management Services to Wipro (since 2004)</span><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Product: Meal Pass</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;">Meal Pass is a prepaid voucher to be utilized for a preferred meal. This meal voucher system allows an employer to extend the meal benefits (pre-decided mutually by the employee & the employer) to its associates. The business model is a kind of barter system wherein each entity exchanges the meal pass with the subsequent entity in return for the payment, goodwill or services rendered. The brief pictorial depiction of the model is as shown below:</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349497922035300082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zfBNK7OFIXvGrYyRlSe_NHAkjB5D4YkgBeyoDKsjyDrTaywK1NgM5LiBZmCup38kiOoZf41B9qT6G1jEppinB75k2suxYbZnGrqvqEmZ-EnkTRiUtod5KfiiouepOM4A-jJELu6ay5jU/s320/sodexopic.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Attributes:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>#1.</strong> <span style="color:#000099;">The Meal Vouchers are exempted from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).</span></div><div align="justify"><strong>#2. </strong><span style="color:#000099;">Sodexo Meal Vouchers (issued monthly or annualy) carry a validitity of one calendar year (till 31st Dec) and the vouchers issued after 1st September is valid till the end of subsequent year.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong>#3. </strong><span style="color:#000099;">Sodexo Meal Vouchers are available under convenient denominations of Rs. 10, 20, 35, 50 and 75.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong>#4. </strong><span style="color:#000099;">These vouchers come with value added offers like 'scratch & win', 'value pass - discounts', etc. which adds to the tax benefits availed.</span></div><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Benefits:</span></strong></p><ul><li><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">To Sodexo:</span> N</strong><span style="color:#000099;">ominal commission (app. 1.3%) in return for the delivery of meal-vouchers</span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">To Employers:</span> </strong><span style="color:#000099;">Employee goodwill & motivation</span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">To Employees:</span> </strong><span style="color:#000099;">Tax exemption, attractive offers and hassle-free transactions</span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">To Affiliates:</span> </strong><span style="color:#000099;">Assured customer base & loyalty redemption. Also publicity through ads</span></div></li></ul><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Drawbacks:</span></strong></p><ol><li><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;">The Meal-Pass is non-transferrable i.e. It can only be used by the person in whose name it is availed.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><em>As per my experience, it can be used by anyone from friends & relatives to beggars & anyone who steals it</em></span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;">Sodexo Meal-Pass is valid only for ready to eat items, food & beverages in the affiliated network.</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Although, <em>I have exchanged the Sodexo meal pass for groceries, chocolates and even a shaving razor.</em></span></span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;">It serves as a high-exhaustive income and with a mindset to dispose the voucher booklet in a stipulated time one tends to spend more.</span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sodexo</span> meal voucher may not be useful for the singles who pay up for the meal goods/services rather than buying on own.</span></div></li><li><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;">Despite the wide network of affiliates, one might have to be forced under compulsion to avail the benefits.</span></div></li></ol><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb25rllfuzcqzokBIUp9QqCPxhctNosP4xVgZJB8ish82jFI-z-_K5n1KUMgtN8JD7JlQ37tbsoF14okVuY_7hmrpL607y39rU9g4o1QoiBbOzzihflLmNRkVfKTdirjHCK7veirJAh4g/s1600-h/mealpass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349498073210279042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 99px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb25rllfuzcqzokBIUp9QqCPxhctNosP4xVgZJB8ish82jFI-z-_K5n1KUMgtN8JD7JlQ37tbsoF14okVuY_7hmrpL607y39rU9g4o1QoiBbOzzihflLmNRkVfKTdirjHCK7veirJAh4g/s320/mealpass.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Ratings:</span></strong> <span style="color:#000099;">4/5 coupons</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">Sodexo ranked amongst top three Global Outsourcing 100 companies.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Disclaimer:</span></em></strong> <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Sodexo Meal pass is reviewed solely based upon my personal experience and facts cited on official Sodexo portal. The write-up/material used on this blog is free for use with due acknowledgments to</span> <a href="http://www.relyonreviews.blogspot.com/">http://www.relyonreviews.blogspot.com/</a>.</em></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb25rllfuzcqzokBIUp9QqCPxhctNosP4xVgZJB8ish82jFI-z-_K5n1KUMgtN8JD7JlQ37tbsoF14okVuY_7hmrpL607y39rU9g4o1QoiBbOzzihflLmNRkVfKTdirjHCK7veirJAh4g/s1600-h/mealpass.jpg"></a></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-60353328753858703722009-06-07T02:31:00.000-07:002009-06-10T07:21:53.131-07:00Grappo FIZZzzz-A Grappy GReview!<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344518690990895698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 200px; height: 249px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAmFLc2f5W_M5RTvz4miX9ZmdVeaYyrhq9Q9eC3z2JW1oibtutQLDWkwk8u0tpU7bsOJOO25tlIbsNUsOdK8CguSHfm9c55XDkya4HRY26yxd5vPxBEVKUBGH4JmDXlr6ffjKPWPo0Btc/s320/grappofizz.bmp" border="0" /><strong>Grappo Fizz aka G. Fizz</strong> <div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">After paying tribute to Apples, <strong>Parle Agro</strong> has launched yet another niche drink 'Grappo Fizz' to <strong>honour Black Grapes</strong> in Indian market. Although creative, it is a bold move to launch a flavor which hasn't been completely tested with the Indian consumer market. Being an ardent Appy fan, I picked up Grappo to Greview it.</span></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>The First Look</strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">With its <strong>hip name and irresistible bottle design</strong>, it scores over other regular colas and oranges in the regrigerator. The product is targeted at the youth and is quite evident from the bottle that read jargons like <em><strong>"say mah name" & "Grape4Life"</strong></em> and an astoundingly creative <strong>curriculum-wittae</strong> that speaks of Grappo as a laid-off Call Center employee with its loves, hates, origin and much more. Grappo is placed at a slighly higher entry-level price of <strong>Rs. 27/500ml.</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>The First Sip</strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">The imagination of pulpy grape droplets and preserved fruit juices are subdued at the very first sip of Grapo. Neither it leaves you satisfied nor tempting for more. It's more of a Fizz and less of a grape. Moreover, it tastes on similar lines to Appy, leaving up to the <strong>'cousin-relationship'</strong>. In my view, this sparkling Grape drink fails to create a separate identity and in-turn may cause <strong>dilution of the Fizz Brand.</strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344546903722580994" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 248px; height: 148px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nSAXGteQlEz_poN9dv1lvn2xmf5sWweBdVBxQ1VZiLwTnjAohw24ZovdgLo4AG8vjH66o46zdLPuiUXPDXeYOxRwHDltTEVRhfxJ7mhqe6jl60viiDMafGE0BeN_TbIwzWUsDWd2GoeF/s320/appyvsgrappo.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Takeaways</strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#1.</span></strong> <strong>Grappo debut mania:</strong> I checked out the latest 'Grappo-Fizz'. Did you?</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#2.</span></strong> The <em><strong>'totally bottlelicious'</strong></em> bottles as a part of kitchen inventory and picnic cavalry.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#3.</span></strong> The real-life Fizz character as an advertising masterpiece.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#4.</span></strong> Hope of an all-new <strong>Guava-Fizz or a Melon-Fizz</strong> from the Parle stable.</span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#5.</span></strong> The Appy vs. Grappo battle (Survival of the Fizziest) at </span><a href="http://www.appyvsgrappo.com/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>http://www.appyvsgrappo.com/</strong></span></a></div><div align="center"><br /><strong>Drawbacks</strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#1.</span></strong> Failure of a <strong>much-hyped flavor</strong> to sustain as a <strong>stand-alone drink.</strong></span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#2.</span></strong> Instead of a Fanta challenging Mirinda, it's a case of Fanta challenging its own bro Coca-Cola<br />diluting each other's share</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#3.</span></strong> Definitely not a first choice drink to hang-out with.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rating:</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3/5 sips</span><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Disclaimer:</span></strong></em> <em>The views expressed above are my personal and not part of a campaign. Other views that may agree of differ are invited for discussion.</em> </div></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-2194718488232525332009-05-20T21:54:00.000-07:002009-05-25T23:41:18.755-07:00Guest Review: GoAir - Go Get Pretty!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCebCc4g0VjBptHjS2dmjxgOZ69mjw4Y1xWua294TBTR2zvb0H_HBBW0pNKiFCj6jeAOT5XlkyBVoMGVcWUnmbPmwwaAUB7e8DeYiNu3ny5G61aA8kR_42nlin2_qGZncFeb81p29GvSD0/s1600-h/GoAir.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCebCc4g0VjBptHjS2dmjxgOZ69mjw4Y1xWua294TBTR2zvb0H_HBBW0pNKiFCj6jeAOT5XlkyBVoMGVcWUnmbPmwwaAUB7e8DeYiNu3ny5G61aA8kR_42nlin2_qGZncFeb81p29GvSD0/s320/GoAir.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340005926106336146" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">'GoAir' is an aviation venture of the Wadia group. The airline, launched in Nov-2005, operates across 11 destinations (mostly North and West India) with 474 weekly flights.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">The airline operates with Airbus A320 and has the below mentioned specifications:</span></div><ul style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);" type="disc"><li class="txt">Crew: 2 pilots, 4 flight attendants </li><li class="txt">Capacity: 180 passengers </li><li class="txt">Freight : 16 300 kg (35 900 lb)</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">With a spate of LCCs (low cost carriers) thronging the Indian Aviation scenario, a lot of competition is being seen. Since the era of pre Air Deccan when only 1 percent of Indian population air travelled in India, plenty of LCCs are now flying the Indian air taking the figure to 5 Percent. Indigo, Go Air, Kingfisher Red, Jet</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> lite, Spice Jet constitute around 50% of the air traffic and they have only one USP –<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Cheap affordable air travel.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhsxvDbprtgWyPC3kc1w7_CiCphTL1c38Q2yMqvvQH9oSrfXNtqFrHKKlCauaasnzonNAJWHB40wyYkKOLFfOSfprZ7cwumAHAsLCGX7M0Qo3O7ctKBiKGN13tVU44gCDddr6VdcwRJse/s1600-h/Airlines.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhsxvDbprtgWyPC3kc1w7_CiCphTL1c38Q2yMqvvQH9oSrfXNtqFrHKKlCauaasnzonNAJWHB40wyYkKOLFfOSfprZ7cwumAHAsLCGX7M0Qo3O7ctKBiKGN13tVU44gCDddr6VdcwRJse/s400/Airlines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340011333557596562" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Weighing my options for travelling from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bangalore to Ahmedabad</span>, I chose to travel by air rather than by trains. The reason being, a 3 Tier AC ticket in train was costing me 1800 INR and taking up my 36 hrs in the process while Go Air was offering me a ticket for <span style="font-weight: bold;">3000 INR</span>. Being my first journey in Go Air, I decided to closely observe the airline in all quarters. This review is based on my experience of the flight taken from Bangalore to Ahmedabad on 9th May 2009.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I booked my ticket from the Go Air official website <a href="http://www.goair.in/" target="_blank">http://www.goair.in</a>. My usual experience with other airlines is that whenever I book the tickets and give my cell number, I get a message with the flight details and flight confirmation number. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Go Air chooses to send only an email</span>, not that I am complaining but communicating to the customer through cell phone serves two purpose, one, you don’t have to take the print out of the ticket or remember the confirmation number before travelling and second, in case of rescheduling of the flight, the customers can be conveniently notified.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Upon reaching the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bangalore International Airport</span>, I went straight to the Go Air counter to get the print of my ticket. The assistants at the Go Air Counters were <span style="font-weight: bold;">not exactly suave and gorgeous</span> (and I don’t believe they necessarily should be). The only thing that matters is prompt service and a smiling face and that was something that was not missing. After she reconfirmed my ticket number as <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Yen pee ye five B yes"</span> I finally went to check in my baggage. The attendants at the boarding counters were quite hospitable but <span style="font-weight: bold;">inexperienced and badly dressed. </span>There was <span style="font-weight: bold;">no uniformity in the dresses</span> of the attendants which looked a little less professional against the bright yellow uniforms of the Jet Airways employees. Even the ticket that I got had my <span style="font-weight: bold;">name and seat numbers handwritten </span>(All the airlines I have travelled have fully printed tickets). The one thing that I liked the most was the baggage limit. They <span style="font-weight: bold;">allow 25 Kgs </span>in the cargo and 7 Kgs infight. The flight was half an hour late but that could be because of the rainy weather. The plane was a standard Airbus 320 painted blue and white. The seats were nothing to boast about (Kingfisher employs leather covers) and the legspace was just like most of the LCCs (Indigo has few inches of extra legspace). There were two female airhostesses and a male host dressed in formals with a navy blue blazer. I strongly felt that they needed a <span style="font-weight: bold;">uniform makeover</span> to really stand out from the crowd. Water was not free on the flight and my request for a juice pack was turned down with an apology. But apart from that I was able to thoroughly enjoy my flight.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My verdict</span>, not a bad flight to travel if it offers you the lowest fare but that would be the only advantage it enjoys. I would rather go to another LCC like Spicejet or Indigo if the fares do not differ by a large margin. I also felt that it had a relative</span><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZlleO1iHcxvof29sSmqiyhb-o-alk9_-TG1vQeAJyLbdEI500R7VehqKKvolP5rn-oRPHx3VlN4khGcW5AghH-36qQ1a7MswOaoCDwQcAAIZGYcwNI_dcRqIjZCKwzvZUjq0AjHgeLxv/s1600-h/Preity.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZlleO1iHcxvof29sSmqiyhb-o-alk9_-TG1vQeAJyLbdEI500R7VehqKKvolP5rn-oRPHx3VlN4khGcW5AghH-36qQ1a7MswOaoCDwQcAAIZGYcwNI_dcRqIjZCKwzvZUjq0AjHgeLxv/s320/Preity.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340011674343675874" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">ly inexperienced crew as the attendants were quite jumpy. Go Air urgently requires <span style="font-weight: bold;">a new USP</span> to survive in this tough airline industry. Small changes like providing water (not necessarily bottled), bright uniforms, better tickets (they could employ advertisement on the back to cover the costs) and attractive airhostesses. A little difference can go a long way in retaining customer loyalty. Maybe the airline is learning the nuances of service the hard way and I would definitely like to try the airline again in near future to see the improvement if any.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Relyonreviews Rating</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">: 3/5 </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">miles (based soley on the above review and not on personal experience)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">About the Reviewer: </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The blogger, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gaurang Ganatra</span>, is a present Satyam employee and a prospective Nirma B-school grad. His interests include everything from cuddling a street dog to carrying out in-depth financial analysis of someone in Georgia.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" >Check out his 'jaw-breaking' humor at </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" >http://gregariousgary.blogspot.com/</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-14025142767534506602009-05-09T06:26:00.000-07:002013-09-06T12:52:23.888-07:00Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives - Nature's best kept secret<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Maldives:</strong> Adaaran Club-Rannalhi, Southern Male Atoll, Male</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Date:</strong> 15-Dec-2008</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Trip Motive:</strong> Honeymoon</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoEvxHfCUB3P_tnoEXf9udZusuYgjZlBnLbc-YIiZGyW-BlN5Ebw3HOchh7Tl4fvM4-AlxHeCS-2BefAD7YTBnuqrMQqT64Jr7qnKGetFXN0LlhWJlw64KHbvZ5zjBV6WZ7VSpB2Z_9VL/s1600-h/Mal2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336426953828148194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoEvxHfCUB3P_tnoEXf9udZusuYgjZlBnLbc-YIiZGyW-BlN5Ebw3HOchh7Tl4fvM4-AlxHeCS-2BefAD7YTBnuqrMQqT64Jr7qnKGetFXN0LlhWJlw64KHbvZ5zjBV6WZ7VSpB2Z_9VL/s320/Mal2.jpg" style="float: left; height: 176px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 184px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusctbeXsDOER6a_Mk29HeBuGXEWX1TP1SrA961UZIII_okY1dQCEXs0yaBTGklX9Pq-X2V_w0tymUmfAnQuhSCV68SNmqlICoOlDwgb_E5yj9rsU8tGIXSR2pPKqRoWjfw2sK7nu0YcUe/s1600-h/Mal7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336427172864690754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusctbeXsDOER6a_Mk29HeBuGXEWX1TP1SrA961UZIII_okY1dQCEXs0yaBTGklX9Pq-X2V_w0tymUmfAnQuhSCV68SNmqlICoOlDwgb_E5yj9rsU8tGIXSR2pPKqRoWjfw2sK7nu0YcUe/s320/Mal7.jpg" style="float: right; height: 173px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 205px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #339999;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Blue skies, White sand, Clear Water, Red wine & Green attire sum up a perfect recipe for a Honeymoon. Located at a 45 minute topsy-turvy speed boat drive from Male airport is Adaaran Club Rannalhi, a fantasy book freshwater island. It is one of the places where you go with eyes closed and for the rest of trip, you have your jaws wide open.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzL6yGJF6edz6dRULmFikCW67F4M8t_5egvlTVi1PmHXdHjaJfqz5EAxoyh0RbhrX-Z-aeuL7gAVhAxycDeg2BjFSn1XuYXNxGGrN3DP_M9m12d8QP_cvgJ4SuWcb1Jrj0FaOkubOu7xC/s1600-h/Mal5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336443171333167986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzL6yGJF6edz6dRULmFikCW67F4M8t_5egvlTVi1PmHXdHjaJfqz5EAxoyh0RbhrX-Z-aeuL7gAVhAxycDeg2BjFSn1XuYXNxGGrN3DP_M9m12d8QP_cvgJ4SuWcb1Jrj0FaOkubOu7xC/s320/Mal5.jpg" style="float: left; height: 167px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 166px;" /></a>Accomodation:</strong> <a href="http://www.bestatmaldivesholidays.co.uk/Adaaran-Club-Rannahli.aspx" target="_blank">Adaaran Club Rannalhi</a> provides some scenic landscape combined with unparallel luxury through couple of options</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;">1. A 2-storeyed beach bungalow with a terrace or a balcony</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;">2. A water bungalow in the middle of Indian ocean with a glass flooring and private sun deck.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #009900;">Both of these options are accompanied by basic amenities and a mini bar.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;"><strong>Activities:</strong> Although one would love to indulge in the s<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zlTIXSZAoUD1v8KS0__nmjaA0x-ONJh6JDfA0OtrIoe7gm-Hr6IsEO87ef4kRdLchZITepsqNSm92R-W4yPTh9jIJrbl0WOXAbWWKaK3AJGWI06xvU7SCKqo_ehGFNvPPdC4kuZVDXQ6/s1600-h/Mal4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336444122709277586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zlTIXSZAoUD1v8KS0__nmjaA0x-ONJh6JDfA0OtrIoe7gm-Hr6IsEO87ef4kRdLchZITepsqNSm92R-W4yPTh9jIJrbl0WOXAbWWKaK3AJGWI06xvU7SCKqo_ehGFNvPPdC4kuZVDXQ6/s320/Mal4.jpg" style="float: right; height: 199px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 269px;" /></a>cenic leisure and , there are some larger than life options to laze out,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;"><strong>1.</strong> Theme nights (we had a Karaoke night and an Taste-the-Alcohol night) at the restaurant</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;"><strong>2.</strong> Spa & Boutique (Although we didn't have the Ayurvedic massage, check out some really good souvenirs & essentials out there)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3333ff;"><strong>3.</strong> Water Excursions like Fishing, Snorkeling, Canoeing, Catamaran ride, Wind surfing and the best of all Scuba diving.</span></div>
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<strong>My Experience:</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">We were welcomed with aromatic napkins that allayed us amidst the scorching humidity. Tranquil location, marvelous water bungalows and amazing hospitality accompanied by comfort seemed to be the trademark of this location. We were overjoyed with the strategic location of the enchanting</span> <strong><span style="color: #339999;">waterbungalows</span></strong> <span style="color: #cc0000;">providing a clear view of the horizon in the Indian Ocean, private shacks at the back, glass flooring with a clear view of the colorful fishes beneath it and ambience that provided enough relaxation for the 3 nights we stayed over there. The sunrise view was the highlight of our honeymoon. A walk by the beach side at night or frolic in water in the bright sunshine is simply romantic. The tourists here were Europeans, in particular and so was the food. We managed to get the taste of Indian dishes (courtesy: Indian chef, Murthy) and cherished the wide variety of salads and deserts. The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWJbNT9VjJgVBhULaoLHlJ_mIRC2A3Sv6IqTQ9Bicztm_gDc8LjCmEKaBwGcn0C3xW438XGzaBth_VN5f0CkdXdihhQDZbH8nFt5hQdnFYFe2iHMyt_rPTH8Qk7KptfvpGajlF_2quImF/s1600-h/Mal3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336443173396421650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWJbNT9VjJgVBhULaoLHlJ_mIRC2A3Sv6IqTQ9Bicztm_gDc8LjCmEKaBwGcn0C3xW438XGzaBth_VN5f0CkdXdihhQDZbH8nFt5hQdnFYFe2iHMyt_rPTH8Qk7KptfvpGajlF_2quImF/s320/Mal3.jpg" style="float: left; height: 186px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 258px;" /></a>day time can be dedicated to water excursions like snorkelling,</span> <span style="color: #339999;"><strong>scuba diving</strong></span> <span style="color: #990000;">(We saw colorful fishes, corals, rays, etc.), cataraman ride, canoeing or fishing(also offered at night) or auditorium programs, spas, etc. while the night life included beach disco, light music, <strong><span style="color: #00cccc;">karaoke night</span>,</strong> drinks promotion or preferring to sit at the shore amidst the bewitching sound made by water waves. Although all the facilities are provided here, they are heavily priced e.g. Internet (1$/5min), ISD call (4$/1min), Drinking Water(5$/1.5lit).</span></div>
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<span style="color: #339999;">Overall, our honeymoon was simply fabulous - the trip we'll cherish for the rest of our life. The stay expense is a bit on higher side (can be provided on request) but can be compensated with the hospitality and location view it provides. I thank our partners in good times - <strong>Cox & Kings</strong> for planning the trip, <strong>SriLankan Airlines</strong> for suiting our budgetary needs, Murthy for serving us Indian cuisine & Gihan Liyanage (DJ & a good friend at Maldives).</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #000099;">1. Carry Enough Dollars as they are accepted throughout the country.<br />2. Try & avoid shopping basic necessities at the souvenirs shop.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;">3. It is hard to obtain Indian food unless you know an Indian in the chef's team.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;">4. Specialized candle-lit dinner with wine can be arranged in the evening by the waters.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;">5. Maldives is at a height of 2.2 ft from sea level and with green-house effect it might not survive much. Try and preserve its beauty in its heavenly form.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;">6. Take precautions against the highly concentrated salt-water and absorbing humidity.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099;">7. Do not miss the sunset.</span></div>
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<strong>Rating:</strong> 5/5 <em>lives for Maldives</em></div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336474627940579538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOZgBUjFlhhCoxrZG-Ade85c4a9ow9hqtlABWKluv-Qzx_1Gmur02WEODMb-TB826qDg4Og3Lq0EzONiDmxDuE0Le5VoU5niOJetrSsT7qns8czEOdqS6GNSnzh93j0e5dkG_jxgjdhq7/s320/Mal6.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-36684741467620558412009-04-24T21:47:00.000-07:002009-04-25T04:46:22.011-07:00GEO-Mere Laal...A review on GEO magazine<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUZAMW2pVsjh4mN30itgvHlrmGlcj2eok8GHu9fhVETcxa16oZ_p8Qv6Rg_klbFHREDnotTb6PsyH7xZLc9dETTUI2G99GSPWVxY2ycYHP_CYJe-izhNc_lSHOyK8Sn0cCuM2qqniGLDz/s1600-h/geo4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328590832730998978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUZAMW2pVsjh4mN30itgvHlrmGlcj2eok8GHu9fhVETcxa16oZ_p8Qv6Rg_klbFHREDnotTb6PsyH7xZLc9dETTUI2G99GSPWVxY2ycYHP_CYJe-izhNc_lSHOyK8Sn0cCuM2qqniGLDz/s320/geo4.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#009900;"> <strong>GEOduction</strong></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#009900;">GEO is a premium Science & Geography magazine from the European printing stable of Gruner+Jahr, owned by German media major Bertelsmann. It was launched & marketed in India by Outlook Group India. Ever since then, the Globe seems closer to me.</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">GEOsight:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#339999;"><em><strong>Articles:</strong></em> A good article is not the one that bores you with excessive information but the one that leaves you wanting for more. GEO offers a blend of research-based articles from the History, Contemporary section from the nook of the world, Futuristic Technological write-up & much more. </span></div><span style="color:#339999;"><div align="justify"><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Photographs:</span></strong></em> <span style="color:#33cc00;">A picture speaks a thousand words & probably a million when enriched by colors and quality.GEO publishes the photographs that leaves you stunned and yearning simultaneously. Photographs are the USP of GEO, may it be a Brazilian family cladded in a simple attire or endangered species camouflaged in the woods.</span><br /><em><strong></strong></em></div><div align="justify"><em><strong>Knowledge:</strong></em> A direction for the explorer, a memoir for the collector and a toy for the toddler...GEO serves it all.</span></div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">GEOview:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#33cc00;">While I subscribed GEO solely out of anxiety and an attractive rucksack, I attribute my obsession for GEO to its German edition found in Goa. I've never seen detailed coverage given to the Cover-story of a magazine and although less articles are published, they're precisely covered. I am particularly fond of the theme-based photographs in the GeoScope section.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#339999;">What enhanced my obsession with GEO were the research articles on Hilary-Tensing & Charles Darwin and later the amazing art of Origamy. The insights on Leptis Magna, Crystal Caves of Mexico tickled my anxiety cells. A date with Kakapo and the honeymoon with Caribou sealed any skepticism I had about GEO.</span> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Above all, GEO is aptly priced at Rs. 100/copy. Although it seems higher for per copy price, it is quite cheaper as compared to other magazines in the same league (National Geographic comes at Rs. 225).<br /></div></span><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">GEOback:</span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#339999;">Although touch to perfection, few of the drawbacks it enforces are:</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#339999;">#1. Temptation for uninterrupted reading, causing hindrance in other tasks</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#339999;">#2. A high-voltage rivalry with your room-mates/family in being first to corner GEO.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#339999;">#3. An argument with the publisher in case of rare lapse in paper/photo quality or binding.</span> </div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">GEOffers:</span></strong> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328499542641154034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 421px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxlx5ZmZntGbDXa0Xt2ixIkFsySsIP3lyFUy4Uqk-7iaU7a6TqXhb9SBiIlzra48BwmSGF5WrOiaFLR9tAFVtUW_7PMyTcXZjNYjbODfjtUPgyrmYTX47bKLq98VQRTs9OhzqqZvllECn/s400/GEO.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#339999;"><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Rating:</span></strong> 5/5 pages</span></div><span style="color:#339999;"></span><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">Disclaimer:</span></em></strong> The above review is based on my own senses linked with GEO since June, 2008 and the opinions/views provided by other subscribers. Write to </span><a href="mailto:geo@outlookindia.com"><span style="color:#33cc00;">geo@outlookindia.com</span></a><span style="color:#33cc00;"> for more details. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#33cc00;">I dedicate this blog to the GEO-Photographers and Research-Writers who work in hostile conditions to serve us the very best.</span></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-23583406372765808422009-04-19T11:17:00.000-07:002009-04-20T02:49:12.898-07:00Reviewing 'Firstphera...The first Wedding Gift'<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXBNYn-l70gWNKUEmXh0jf57miCD_oNDcTR_zk-O6srOpOsLog2suzGOlNvxZhhhtcSxqSfLObn9OJqjeJt6v9XeICHvirNa0cxUt0tReLL6GuusrE2tT9EMKjRh0FYIgLIQqX74rm23W/s1600-h/ff1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326477613268580530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXBNYn-l70gWNKUEmXh0jf57miCD_oNDcTR_zk-O6srOpOsLog2suzGOlNvxZhhhtcSxqSfLObn9OJqjeJt6v9XeICHvirNa0cxUt0tReLL6GuusrE2tT9EMKjRh0FYIgLIQqX74rm23W/s320/ff1.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">What is it?</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Firstphera</strong> quotes: <em>"A personal wedding website is a unique form of wedding invitation through which you can share all your wedding details, photos, videos, maps, local city information and more". </em>But I would go a step further and say it's a lifetime memoir which enlivens the past happenings and enlightens the future-to-be.</span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">What if offers?</span></strong></div><strong></strong><br /><div align="justify"><strong>A Personalized Wedsite</strong> - <span style="color:#3333ff;">Share all your historical details as well as wedding plans with a prefed or personally tailored content. Add your favorite music and template to make it personalized. As the latest feature describes, the music is played withing the browser instead of through an embedded flash player.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong>Wedding Invites -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Let the world know about your D-Day and invite all the near and dear ones as well as the distant ones virtually.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong>Details -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Cover the slightest of information and the latest of happenings through a detailed write-up. Create your own pages to add stitched information.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong>Photographs -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">The Flashback, You together, Magic Moments, Spontaneous Captures, Card designs, etc. - Share it all.</span></div><p align="justify"><strong>Wedding Shop -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Expect gifts from your relatives, Buy something for the Spouse-to-be or Order your Wedding necessities through the Wedding Shop.</span><br /><strong>To-Do List -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">It's a personalized diary with all the imbibed tasks that you tend to forget amidst the Wedding Stress</span><br /><strong>Security -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">The best thing about this site it is secure and can be viewed on invitation.</span><br /><strong>Interactive Medium -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Once you're done with your part, invite your friends & relatives for discussions, views and wishes. Pay a tribute through a WedBlog.</span><br /><strong>Free -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">All this features are Absolutely Free for a limited period of time with an option of further Upgradation.</span><br /></p><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#993399;">New features:</span></em></div><strong>Gift Registry -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">It serves as a virtual Santa Clause which captures your wishes (read gifts), pass it to your friends and in turn get you the desired gifts.</span><br /><strong>EasyWeddings -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">It is a book which provides in-depth details about various wedding vendors, shops and related necessities in your area. I would say it serves as a passive Wedding Manager. </span><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326475459266423634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 482px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89BrBNNXxMWpxheVhO8lHApgfOdGqLsQlbHYb8e_l9wu3ZD9y2mq07v3ggPg60_7GBPtwNGFh2hXWJtYKfrPTn3srQ5vSukOF8oVfYKuTPzn-GRyeemxtQPal7t13BM056eyHPpIV3n1z/s320/ff2.JPG" border="0" /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">My Experience:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#009900;">I was planning to launch our own Wedding Portal but considering the time & cost involved in it, I was in search of ready-to-share Wedsite. That's when I came across the <strong>Firstphera concept</strong> on <strong>Facebook</strong>. With the little know-how I toyed with it and got started as I had all the content in the world to share it. It offered us the platform to reach out with the people and our inquisitiveness made sure that it serves as a lifetime memoir. We shared our Stories which helped our friends enact a skit during Sangeet, we started forums and had opinions about the dress code and best-man at the wedding, took suggestions on the preferred honeymoon destinations.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">We shared the <strong>Wedding Calender</strong> with everybody pretty early so that they can plan their trip well in advance and for those who couldn't make it, we posted them the latest updates. The amalgamation of photos on Firstphera helped us get a wonderful <strong>Video-Collage</strong> through a friend who created it with the help of our photo collection. Our personal wedblogs proved to be the trademark of our site. The site was a success with 1300+ visitors visiting it in 3 months with access limited to invites. Overall, Firstphera facilitated a well-marketed Wedding and produced a life-long memorabilia.</span> </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Takeaways:</span></strong></div><p align="justify"><strong>A Coffee Table Book -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">A physical version of the Wedsite. It is a compilation of 10-15 pages of your WedSite in the form of a Coffee Table Book.</span><br /><strong>Wedding CD -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">All your wedpages together with content and photographs can be preserved through a CD.</span><br /><strong>Printed Mug/Tshirts -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Get your photographs printed on a Coffee Mug or a T-shirt as done in the neighborhood studio.</span><br /><strong>Other Souvenirs</strong><br /><strong>Lifetime Memories -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Get your WedSite upgraded through the renewal of subscription or a cheaper way is download softwares to copy the webpages and convert it in to pdf's. </span><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Drawbacks:</strong></span></div><p align="justify"><strong>Technical glitches -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">An amateur blogging tool, an outdated photo uploading/viewing screen and abrupt technical interventions and scripting errors.</span><br /><strong>Inefficient Marketing -</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">I must say it is under marketed as all the 1300+ visitors on our Wedsite heard the name FirstPhera through us. We proved better marketeers than Firstphera.</span><br /><strong>Too Slow -</strong> <span style="color:#ff6600;">The worst of all drawbacks. From Start-up screen to clicks on other links, the application is slow-paced. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Weak Order Management Process -</span></strong></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><a href="http://www.momentville.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;"><em>www.momentville.com</em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;"><em> will provide better insights on the drawbacks through direct comparison.</em></span></span></p><p align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rating:</span></strong> <strong>4/5</strong> garlands </p><p align="justify"><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Disclaimer:</span></em></strong> <em><span style="color:#999999;">The above review is based upon my personal experience and is not linked commerically with any incentive-based marketing. The review covers the <strong>Firstphera </strong>usage between October to February and is irrespective of any changes made thereafter. Few of the new features have been covered in the review on the basis of general surfing.</span></em> <span style="color:#999999;"><em>Visit </em></span><a href="http://www.firstphera.com/"><span style="color:#999999;"><em><strong>www.firstphera.com</strong></em></span></a><span style="color:#999999;"><em> for more details.</em></span><br /></p><div align="justify"></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5855198003149252263.post-58541368981068339092009-04-12T08:01:00.000-07:002009-04-12T08:32:38.213-07:00CountryClub or CountrySide - A review on CountryClub - Bannerghatta<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Country Club - Bannergatta Road (28th-Mar-2009)</span></strong><strong></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktmvOwjPLSv1hB7UMvYheIp79UuDlO0Bc_fN1tiFk9BEaeqwb14SAvVkeTngPXX-nFMMRCmtUwHKY8sq8S_jV1JqKk-wpu9kEGRZfkqzKxFcvnC9zCuVaNnEcNUiojcINbSWkCrUGPWGm/s1600-h/disappointed.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323823916113478978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktmvOwjPLSv1hB7UMvYheIp79UuDlO0Bc_fN1tiFk9BEaeqwb14SAvVkeTngPXX-nFMMRCmtUwHKY8sq8S_jV1JqKk-wpu9kEGRZfkqzKxFcvnC9zCuVaNnEcNUiojcINbSWkCrUGPWGm/s320/disappointed.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;">Country Club - Bannerghatta is an usual case of strategic expansion --- taking ov</span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000099;">er the old and forgotten clubs, renovating it and transforming it in to a luxurious property. However, it disappoints one since it's yet to undergo any changes from its existing ramshackle condition.</span> </span></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em>Precaution:</em></strong> Don't go over by the information (pertaining to this location) provided on the official site of Country Club</span> (</span><a href="http://countryclubindia.net/bannerghatta-road.php"><span style="font-family:georgia;">http://countryclubindia.net/bannerghatta-road.php</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">).</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Location:</strong> Absence of sign-posts or proper directions will force you to opt for other 'well-marketed resorts' on the same road.</span></span><br /></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">The Country Club</span></em><br /></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">95, Basavannapura Bannerghatta Road,</span></em><br /></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Nr. Bannerghatta National Park,</span></em><br /></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Bangalore:-560 083, Karnataka</span></em></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Ph: 080-28429698</em> </span></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Facilities:</span></strong><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>•</strong> Swimming Pool</span></span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Snooker & Billiards</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Table Tennis</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Lawn Tennis</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Bar & Restaurant </span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Cottages</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Children’s play area</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Conference Hall</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">• Board Room</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em>Precaution:</em></strong> Although all the above facilities lure you for an exciting getaway, be aware that all of them belong to pre-primitive era.</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">Accommodation:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000099;">A/c Rooms - Rs. 1000/- + taxes per night</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000099;">A/c Cottages (Room+Hall) - Rs. 1500/- + taxes per night<br /></span><strong><em>Precaution:</em></strong> The official site mentions "Four Cottages are available @Rs.770/- (incl. taxes) per cottage", which conflicts with the actual tariff charged over there.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>My Experience: </strong>The location being near to wildlife vicinity and close to the city limits lured me but the resort is dull and dead. The rooms are very conjusted with a bad bathroom design (few feet above room level) that almost caused a fatal accident. The bathrooms are almost equivalent to rooms but rusted showers, immovable comode flush and slippery floors devaluate the returns on Country C</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgrAdFeJjuyr9nNuD6OIdD1jsC5-uo31UF1Qjif172auPTS0VkZDzOPV-rusHeyv6W5DETdnWiJMqPwMmXmTe-awzNL8R1i2e6u8laqUUfAu-q24SXNAuIxIaFXGSB5w7dHpeZ3AuE8wp/s1600-h/mosquitos.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323824025247194034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 108px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgrAdFeJjuyr9nNuD6OIdD1jsC5-uo31UF1Qjif172auPTS0VkZDzOPV-rusHeyv6W5DETdnWiJMqPwMmXmTe-awzNL8R1i2e6u8laqUUfAu-q24SXNAuIxIaFXGSB5w7dHpeZ3AuE8wp/s320/mosquitos.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;">lub membership. The sound-intensive A/c didn't provide any cooling and on the contrary made life difficult creating high humidity and suffocative atmosphere. There is a scope of development but the existing site is poorly maintained with dining area full of mosquitos, reception area laiden with red-stingy Ants and toilets as stinky as skunks. </span></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Takeaway:</strong> The only takeaway during our stay at Country Club - Bannerghatta was the food & service. Try out the Masala Omelette, Aloo chat and Lemon soda for sure.This being my first visit to any of the Country Club's, I fear regretting the amount paid for buying luxury.</span></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gbomc8m8zNVkW0nrt5n3bucVbldWmIeeaI2c4rR6Vc2CZ_vLNiEF3uw79UiopPX4XT3_j-QXYFnnW4euoUK2QwvZgK-Zrbzm-LZKExDuTFp8RBJs-o-TU2rXIbENUPMQgJ5humpTc28m/s1600-h/thumbs+down.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323827038033047378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 49px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 65px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Gbomc8m8zNVkW0nrt5n3bucVbldWmIeeaI2c4rR6Vc2CZ_vLNiEF3uw79UiopPX4XT3_j-QXYFnnW4euoUK2QwvZgK-Zrbzm-LZKExDuTFp8RBJs-o-TU2rXIbENUPMQgJ5humpTc28m/s200/thumbs+down.jpg" border="0" /></a>Rating:</strong> 1/5 (Though I'm optimistic about the other locations)</span></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><p><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Photos:</strong> I've avoided uploading any photos as none of them are scenic or soothing.</span> </span></p></span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;color:#cc0000;">In case of any correspondence, do write me at </span><a href="mailto:shah.raveesh@gmail.com"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:78%;">shah.raveesh@gmail.com</span></a></div>Ravshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375397010647156232noreply@blogger.com0