#Travel Sri Lanka for 2 Weeks

[cheriladycl01]

So, you lied to me? - Lando Norris x Tourist! Reader

Plot: Going on a travel year you end up in Monaco, the plan wasn't too fall for the man who helped you to the British Embassy and gave you a place to stay when someone stole everything from you ...

You took a gap year before university and decided to travel you'd started off the New Year on a flight from London, to Qatar to New Zealand. You travelled around New Zealand and Australia for the majority of January, before moving on to Papa New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa.

You then travelled round the South Asian countries, like Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines and Taiwan all throughout February. You then moved onto China, doing both Disney Parks while you were there and sight seeing. You did South Korea and Japan.

Coming into April, you moved onto Sri Lanka and India, and The Middle East, doing Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrian, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Afterwards, now having done 2 continents, you moved onto Africa, you spent the end of April and the majority of May travelling here, before leaving for Europe.

A nice 2 weeks island hopping around Greece, before a week travelling up the boot of Italy.

It was when you drove to Monaco in a rental car that things got difficult.

You were walking along the harbor where all the expensive yachts were docked wishing that one could be yours. You didn't have all your bags on you, the larger ones left behind in the hotel room you'd booked for the night. But you had your important stuff on you, like you passport, your drivers license and all your travel documents.

You were taking a picture on your nice Canon camera of the yachts and the street that had weird red corners rounding it that you put down to being measures to just help drivers slow down round the corners, but they were definitely an eyesore.

Every time nice cars drove by there was whistles and claps that made you look at what car it was, you could never tell what model it was but they looked nice and you guess you could say sporty.

As you were distracted taking your pictures a guy comes up to you with a small, parcel cutting knife in his hand. He slit the straps of what you thought was a really sturdy bag and the weight notifies you to the loss of the bag. You let your camera drop as you turn to see the guy now holding your bag and starting to run away with it.

"Hey! Stop" you shout before running after him.

"Aide, Aide" you shout as you continue to follow him, your minimal French not helping as people scold you for being a bustly tourist.

You aren't really looking where you going and you loose him at a busy intersection of people, you spin round looking at every possible direction he could have gone in.

"Shit!" you whisper to yourself quietly tears coming in your eyes. You spin round a little to quickly, bumping into someone who drops the bag that they were holding.

"Désolé, mon erreur" you try looking at the young gentleman you'd bumped into in a hoodie and jeans. He looks at you with a confused look, a smirk coming onto his face.

"Oh sorry, tu ne parles pas français? Maybe Italian, erm fuck scusa, parli italiano?" you ask with again the bare minimum of Italian you know.

"I speak perfectly good English" he smiles, laughing a little as your expression turns to shock.

"Oh! Oh I'm so stupid. Hello!" you smile looking at the very attractive man in front of you, you blushed a little looking up at him.

"You look panicked what's wrong?" he asks.

"I was tacking pictures of the harbor and some guy took my bag. It has everything in of mine and I don't know what to do" You say to him looking a little more panicked.

"Everything as in money ... because I can help with that" he says placing a hand on your arm.

"I don't care about the money, but he has all of my documents. My passport, my drivers license everything" you cry a little.

"Oh! Erm, I have a friend who was born here, and let me get him and he can help us file a police report. Then mmm the British Embassy is all the way in Paris and you cant get a flight so we'll have to drive there..." he starts to rant and your face turned shocked.

"We?" you ask, confused as to how this guy has just inserted himself into your life drama's.

"Oh yeah, I've gotta help you out now. You got that whole damsel in distress thing going on right now! Any way damsel, what's your name?" he jokes and you look over at him offended.

"I am not a damsel in distress! And Y/N" you retort.

"You so are, the tear stains, the wide, helpless eyes, the guppy fish face your pulling right now, the butchered French and Italian to a strange man who actually is British... Y/N" he laughs making you pout and push him a little.

"I don't even have a place to stay after 3pm today and I cant check in anywhere without ID" you say rubbing your head, looking around as if the man would randomly pop back up and hand you your bag back before saying how sorry he was.

"You can stay at my place, I have two spare bedrooms" he smiles and you look at him in shock.

"You live here, in Monaco ..." you ask.

"Yeah, I moved here a few years ago, for ...work" he offers, he phones his friend walking off for a few seconds alone before he pulls you along one of the side streets and too a quiet cafe he went to, to keep under wraps.

"Okay, Y/N this is my friend ... er Percy" he says pointing to Charles, so far you hadn't shown any signs of knowing who he is and he didn't want you to catch wind of that.

"Hello Percy, its nice to meet you" you smile and he looks at you with a vacant yet confused expression.

"Oh and whose this you are beautiful" you compliment looking at the girl behind him.

"Y/N this is my girlfriend Alex" Charles indicates to Alex behind him who smiles and pulls you in for a kind hug that you definitely needed. You could hear both of their strong accents as they introduced himself.

"Oh, I never got you name, what's your name?" you ask turning to look at Lando, who freezes for a second.

"Erm, my names Robert, but you can call me Bob" he smiles and you raise and eyebrow at him.

"Hmmm, you don't look like a Robert... or a Bob. Interesting choice" you voice your opinion making everyone awkwardly laugh.

Charles, Lando and Alex took you to the nearest police station in Monaco, Charles translated what they were saying and you answered to which he and Alex would help translate back.

Charles explained that they were escalating it because you are a tourist in need, but you picked up some words that made the sentence not sound like that at all.

You were asked if you had a place to say and Lando explained you'd be staying with him until everything was sorted out.

The Monegasque police got in contact with the Paris British Embassy for you, they explained that the police had sent over you information and if you wanted to hold off on a new passport for a few days to see if it would turn up you were more than welcome, but right now your passport was on lockdown.

And that was how you ended up spending the end of July and all of August with Lando, it was strange really. For a man who had and extremely nice collection of clothes and a very large apartment he didn't go to work often. There was one room you weren't allowed in which is where he often went, you assumed it was a man cave or gaming room where he played with his friends because you heard lots of shouting and aggressive banging.

He'd been so sweet, he took you on dates from going out to dinner, to picnics, to going swimming and lots more. It felt like more than a summer fling. Especially once he asked you to be his girlfriend, which you immediately said yes too.

But he got a lot more twitchy after he had.

Eventually, Lando or Bob as you knew him took you to Paris so you could get your passport. He explained that he travelled a lot for work and he would need to leave soon and you explained that before you bumped into him you'd been on a gap year travelling the world.

"Baby, why don't you come with me?" he asked randomly as you were both lying on the sofa, cuddling while watching a film.

"You wont even tell me what you do for work Baby! And besides I had a schedule that I'm already behind on. A week ago you said you didn't mind going our separate ways for a little bit until Christmas and then you'd come to England with me" you say playing with his curls.

"Okay, I'm going to be honest with you now... my name isn't Bob" he says shyly and you sit up at the speed of light turning to look at him.

"I knew it! So you lied to me?" you exclaim laughing.

"So, what's my boyfriends actual name?" you ask looking him dead in the eyes, he leans up on his elbows before sitting the full way up.

"Lando, I am Lando Norris" he smiles.

"Hmmmm, Lando... Lando. I could get used to that" you smile.

"You aren't mad?" he asks looking over you, brushing you hair back and tucking it behind your ear before kissing your cheek.

"I knew you weren't being completely honest when we first met... but I also knew you had your own reasons" you offer.

"I think its going to be easier if I just hand you my Instagram" he admits with a gulp as he hands you his phone. The first thing you notice is how many followers he had, there was around 10million and he had nearly 2,500 posts.

You look at the friends list, and one peeks your interest. Charles Leclerc, who looked exactly like Percy who Lando had introduced you too.

You then go back and look at his bio, that told you his actual job.

"So, I'm dating a super famous athlete?" you ask looking up at him away from the phone to see his head down in his hands. He turns to the side to sneak a look at your expression, his eyes a little glossy.

"To be specific, a Formula 1 driver" you ask again and he nods.

"You are such a muppet, my god" you laugh before pulling him into a hug.

"How aren't you upset with me?" he ask unsure.

"Well, I agreed to date you, because you are you. I doubt you change into Mr Hyde when you become a what was is Porsche race-car driver? I fell in love with you, not Bob, not Lando, you. So whether that is Bob, who kindly helped a crying lady on the street who just had her passport stolen from her, or Lando a cool and amazing race-car driver. Whoever you are is the person I love" you grin and he pulls you into a hug.

"So you want to join me for the last few races? Or you want to finish this world trip of yours?" he asks.

"Well, looking at your calendar, I can actually meet you at the rest of the races, While travelling. I'll continue to do Europe until you have the Netherlands, and ill go back to Italy, just for you. I'll miss Azerbaijan and Singapore because I did that, but I'll knock out some of South America, I'll meet you for Austin, then we can do Mexico and Brazil together, then we can do Vegas together! And by that point I can call it done with my trip!" you exclaim and he looks like he considers it for a second.

He's shocked, he cant remember the last time a girlfriend tried so hard to link up their schedules like this, and proved that they'd be able to work despite some potential scheduling issues.

"I love you. I fucking love you" he grins pulling you back down onto the sofa kissing all over your face making you giggle.

A/N: I've been doing a lot of Lando recently, I don't know if you can tell but I love writing about him, he's my fav to write about right now.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @the-fem1n1ne-urge @21stcenturytaegi @dark-night-sky-99 @spideybv28 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @kapsylia @laneyspaulding19 @viennakarma

[adventuressclubamericas]

Adventuresses We Love – Annie Londonderry In 1894, two Boston businessmen reportedly made a $10,000 bet that no woman could bicycle around the world in 15 months or less. Annie Cohen Kochopsky took them up on that bet. To help finance the trip, Kochopsky sought out sponsors and sold ad space on her bike. Her first sponsor was Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Company. They agreed to pay $100 in exchange for her carrying an advertising placard for them, and if she would agree to go by the name Annie Londonderry for the duration of the adventure. Annie readily agreed. On June 27, 1894, despite having only learned how to ride a bike a couple of days earlier, Londonderry set out from her home in Boston’s Beacon Hill and headed west. She carried with her a change of clothes and her pearl handled revolver. She arrived in Chicago that September, and realized she had a problem. Winter was coming fast, and there was no way she’d be able to cross the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains when the snows came. So, she reversed course and rode back to Boston. Where she started over, this time heading east. She rode to New York, jumped a steamer to France, then biked to Marseilles. From there her travels took her through the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Russia, North Korea, China, and Japan. She left Yokohama and sailed to San Francisco, then spent the next six months bicycling across the Southwest and Midwest. Londonderry reported that she was held captive while biking across China at the height of the Sino-Japanese War. Still, it seems the greatest dangers she faced were from animals - she and another cyclist were nearly killed by a runaway horse and rider in California; while a collision with a herd of pigs in Iowa left her with a broken wrist. Londonderry arrived back in Chicago on September 12, 1895, and claimed her prize. She’d made the trip with 2 weeks to spare, becoming in the process the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. Anne Cohen Kochopsky, aka Annie Londonderry died from a stroke on November 11, 1947. She was 77 years old.

[news4dzhozhar]

Plymouth couple told they can leave Gaza — but not their kids

A Plymouth, MA family that has been trapped in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began is still inside the enclave, after being told at a border crossing that the children would not be allowed through to Egypt.

Hazem Shafai, 47, Sanaa Shafai, 36, and their children, Seera, 13, Yomna, 10, and Jaser, 2, had already been turned away at the Rafah Crossing at the Egyptian border with Gaza multiple times over the past few weeks. Diplomatic talks produced a breakthrough earlier this week, allowing injured Palestinians and foreign nationals to escape the war zone. 

So the Shafai family traveled to the crossing again Thursday but “they were expected to leave the children behind,” Hazem’s brother Hani Shafai told The Boston Globe. 

According to Hani, Hazem and Sanaa’s names were on a list of people who would be allowed to enter Egypt, but their children’s names were not. They made the decision to return to the place where they had been sheltering. 

The fact that the children were not given safe passage baffled the family. 

“Nobody is going to just leave a 2-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 13-year-old behind,” Hani told the Globe. “These kids were born in the U.S., they’re citizens just like everyone else, to say ‘leave them behind’ is just inhumane.”

Another Massachusetts family, also with a young child, was allowed to leave Gaza Thursday morning. Medway residents Abood Okal; his wife, Wafaa Abuzayda; and their 1-year-old son are now safely in Egypt, planning a way to return home. An attorney and family friend of theirs, Sammy Nabulsi, shared some details of how the border crossing process works. Nabulsi had been advocating for the Okal family and other U.S. residents to be let through the crossing. 

There are two lists of people who are allowed through, Nabulsi told the Globe. One is maintained by U.S. State Department officials and the other by Palestinian officials. It is Nabulsi’s understanding that those looking to escape must be on both lists, and that the Palestinian list is subject to frequent changes. 

The children’s names were apparently not on both lists, forcing the Shafai family to head back into Gaza and hope that the situation changes in the future. They are in touch with the U.S. Embassy, the State Department, and congressional representatives to coordinate an exit plan, the Globe reported. 

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to spiral out of control, even with a slow trickle of aid now allowed in from Egypt. The Okal family described staying inside for days on end, surviving off canned goods and, occasionally, saltwater as bombs rained down outside. 

The Shafai family has also had trouble getting clean drinking water, Hani told the Globe. Dehydrated already, their situation was made worse when many of them contracted the flu last weekend. Most of them have recovered, but 2-year-old Jaser still has a fever and is throwing up. While he works to care for his family, Hazem is also on the hunt for desperately needed diabetes medication. 

Palestinian officials released a list of almost 600 people that were approved to leave on Thursday, Reuters reported. Those names were all checked by Israel, with the country reportedly vetting lists to make sure no Hamas fighters escape. Residents of Belgium, Greece, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and more were included on the list. But many others were turned away, despite having valid passports. 

Egyptian national Ghada el-Saka told Reuters that she was visiting relatives in Gaza when the war broke out. She and her daughter wept in frustration at the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing Thursday after being told that they could not cross. 

“Why are you leaving us in this destruction? We’ve seen death with our own eyes,” she said, according to Reuters. “I want to pass. We are not animals. I have Egyptian rights, we are Egyptian.”

[aureaaviation]

Travel place Idea 2023

Maui

Maui is a small island in Hawaii, with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It's a popular tourist destination for its beauty and variety of activities. You can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Haleakala volcano or hike through rainforest trails on the slopes of Haleakala.

Maui has some amazing waterfalls like Wailea Falls or Wailua Falls which are both part of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge (HINWR). You can also visit Lana'i or Lanai if you want to see some more beautiful beaches like Black Rock Beach or Kukuiula Beach Park where people come here during summer months because there is no waves so it's very safe for swimming too!

Another great place to visit while staying in Maui would be Wailea Golf Club where there are lots more things besides just playing golfing games such as tennis courts where players get together after they finish their day’s play; facility includes catering services available 24 hours per day seven days per week including bar service available at various locations throughout property during normal business hours only not available off-site due to liability issues associated with serving alcohol outside licensed premises when customers aren't present within immediate proximity so please make sure everyone behaves responsibly before drinking any alcoholic beverages

alaska

Alaska is the 49th state of the United States and one of the largest, most mountainous, and least densely populated states in the United States. It has been named by Lonely Planet as one of its top 10 destinations for 2019. You can visit this beautiful place by flying to Anchorage or Fairbanks or even by driving through Denali National Park and Preserve.

iceland

Iceland is a country in northern Europe. It's made up of many islands and volcanoes, so it has a lot of natural beauty to offer.

Iceland is home to some of the best hiking trails in all of Europe, as well as some fantastic restaurants and bars that serve traditional Icelandic dishes like whale meat and puffin eggs (which are served on toast). You'll also find plenty of waterfalls if you're looking for something more adventurous than just relaxing by the pool with your friends!

Maldives

Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It is situated between India and Sri Lanka, atolled by 1,192 coral islands (1,190 if you count the minor atolls). This tiny country has been known as “the land of water” since ancient times because of its vast amounts of water surrounding it.

Maldives offers tourists many things to do: diving with sharks and turtles; snorkeling on coral reefs; walking through tropical forests or exploring ancient temples; eating seafood cooked over coconut husks while taking in the beautiful scenery around you...

Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. It has only about 324,000 people and it’s located on the coast of France.

Monaco has a lot of casinos and hotels, but it also has museums like The Musée National des Châteaux de Malmaison and Musée Guggenheim du Design.

france

France is a beautiful country that has many different cities and towns. It is an excellent place to visit if you are looking for culture, history, or even just some good food!

Here are some ideas for your trip:

Paris - Paris is one of the most famous cities in all of Europe. You can visit any one of the museums there and see amazing artworks from around the world! There’s also plenty more going on besides just sightseeing—you could check out some concerts or performances at Les Etoiles de la Rue (the Stars of La Rua), which offers theater performances throughout its three venues: Théâtre de la Bourse; Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier; and Studio Kino. Or if you have time left over after touring these places, why not take part in something like cycling through Montmartre? This hike will take about 2 hours roundtrip depending on how fast/slow paced you want your ride!

We should go traveling with my friends

Traveling with friends is a great way to have fun, relax and meet new people. It’s also an exciting experience that will make you feel like you are living life on your own terms.

Traveling by yourself can be very stressful if you don’t have anyone to share it with or take care of when things get tough. Traveling with other people who care about each other can help relieve some of this stress when traveling together as well as making sure everyone has what they need during their trip (food & water).

Conclusion

We hope this list of travel ideas has given you some inspiration for your next trip! We know that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to see, but these places offer something special for everyone. Whether it's the beautiful landscapes.

[dopetidalwavesong]

How to Book Flights for a Wildlife Safari

Book cheap flight tickets and hotels- https://trailtravelz.com/

Embarking on a wildlife safari is a dream come true for many travel enthusiasts. The allure of observing majestic animals in their natural habitats, the thrill of the wilderness, and the promise of unforgettable experiences make it an enticing adventure. However, before you can set foot in the wild, you need to navigate the first step of your journey: booking your flights. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you book flights for a wildlife safari efficiently and economically.

1. Choose Your Safari Destination

The first step in booking your flight is deciding where you want to go. Popular wildlife safari destinations include:

Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia

Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal

South America: Brazil, Peru, Argentina

Australia: Kakadu National Park, Tasmania

Research the best times to visit these destinations to ensure optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Each region has its peak season, typically during the dry months when animals congregate around water sources.

2. Find the Nearest Airports

Once you’ve selected your destination, identify the nearest international airport. For example:

Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

South Africa: OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg

India: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai

Check if there are smaller regional airports closer to your safari location. Sometimes, taking a connecting domestic flight from a major international hub can save you travel time.

3. Compare Flight Prices

Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare prices from different airlines. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider booking your flight during the mid-week for potentially lower fares. Set up price alerts to monitor fluctuations and book when prices drop.

4. Check for Airline Alliances and Frequent Flyer Programs

If you are a member of a frequent flyer program or a credit card rewards program, check for any alliances between airlines that might offer you better deals or added benefits. Accumulating miles on partner airlines can also lead to future travel savings.

5. Consider Layovers and Stopovers

Direct flights are convenient but can be more expensive. Consider flights with layovers or stopovers if you are looking to save money. Some airlines offer free or discounted stopovers in their home cities, which can give you an additional destination to explore at no extra cost.

6. Check Baggage Allowance and Other Fees

When comparing flight prices, consider the baggage allowance and any additional fees that might apply. Safaris often require specific gear and clothing, which can increase your baggage weight. Make sure the airline's baggage policy aligns with your needs to avoid unexpected costs.

7. Book Well in Advance

Flights to popular safari destinations can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book your flights as early as possible to secure the best rates and availability. Aim to book at least six months in advance for international flights.

8. Purchase Travel Insurance

A wildlife safari is an adventurous trip, and unforeseen circumstances can occur. Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers flight cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Make sure your policy includes coverage for safari-related activities.

9. Coordinate with Your Safari Tour Operator

Before finalizing your flight booking, coordinate with your safari tour operator. They may offer advice on the best arrival and departure times, airport transfers, and additional travel tips specific to your safari itinerary.

10. Prepare for Your Flight

Once your flights are booked, prepare for your journey. Confirm your reservations, check visa requirements, get the necessary vaccinations, and pack appropriately for the safari. Arrive at the airport early to avoid any last-minute stress.

Conclusion

Booking flights for a wildlife safari requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By choosing the right destination, comparing flight prices, and coordinating with your tour operator, you can ensure a smooth start to your safari adventure. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to experiencing the thrill of the wild.

[visamintglobal]

The Resurgence of Indian Tourism in Finland: Factors and Attractions

Introduction:

The influx of Indian tourists to Finland has now surged to pre-pandemic levels, defying conventional travel trends for citizens of both countries. A significant factor contributing to this upswing is the streamlined Schengen visa application process, which currently takes a mere two weeks. Notably, the number of successful visa applications from Indians to Finland outstrips those for popular destinations like Austria, Denmark, and France, according to Schengeninfo.com. While European countries like Iceland, Germany, Switzerland, and Norway remain favoured by Indian travelers, Finland is rapidly gaining traction.

Digitalization of the Schengen Visa Process:

A potential game-changer on the horizon is the proposed digitalization of the visa issuance process. This development promises to revolutionize decision-making for visa officials and applicants alike, with reports indicating further reductions in waiting times for Indian travelers.

Education in Finland:

Finland's education system has garnered international acclaim for its comprehensive approach, consistently yielding exceptional performance in global assessments. In 2023, Finland witnessed a surge in applications from candidates in Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India, and Russia, further cementing its status as an educational powerhouse.

Tourism in Finland:

In a bid to strengthen Indo-Finnish relations, numerous initiatives have been set in motion within the tourism sector. Notably, Indian tourists have emerged as the most avid applicants for travel to Finland, closely followed by visitors from China and Russia.

Natural Wonders of Finland:

Boasting a rich cultural heritage, a steadfast commitment to sustainability, and an enviable quality of life for its residents, Finland offers a unique Northern European experience for travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its picturesque landscapes, thousands of serene lakes, and lush forests stand as prime attractions. For those venturing into northern Finland, particularly Lapland, the enchanting spectacle of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the winter months is an awe-inspiring sight.

Helsinki: Cultural Epicentre and More:

As the capital and largest city of Finland, Helsinki exudes cultural, economic, and political significance. The city is a treasure trove of activities and attractions, catering to a diverse range of interests.

Finnish Sauna Culture:

An integral part of Finnish culture, the sauna holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. With over 2 million saunas in the country, nearly one for every two residents, experiencing this tradition is a must for any visitor.

If you are planning to travel to Finland and experience the Finnish traditions, culture, and folklore, then don’t wait. Apply for a visa right away with VisaMint Overseas Services the best Schengen Visa Consultants in Hyderabad, India. Our experts will advise and assist you with the entire process so that you can visit Finland with the least inconvenience possible.

[jsbsam]

Here we go again!

It's nearly 8 years since Carmen, the Mad Malterer (MM) and I, Stern John (SJ) set out on our 8 month round the world backpacking trip and recorded our ups and downs in "Around the World in 80 Arguments" (www.tumblr.com/jsbwt). Since then we've revisited India, Sri Lanka, Australia and South Africa before Covid got in the way and put a stop to our travels and my meanderings. However, as you know, nothing stops MM when she's on a mission and she's been pestering me for some considerable time to set up a trip to backpack through South America as she's always wanted to visit Machu Picchu, or Michie Pichie as she insists on calling it.

As usual, she's got her own way so our back packs are packed and we set off tomorrow morning at 3.30am to catch a flight to Madrid from Heathrow. At Madrid, we'll catch a connecting flight to Lima in Peru which should arrive there around 19.00 local time, midnight UK time. It'll be a long day and I'm not sure that my extremely rudimentary spanish (4 weeks on Duolingo) will hold out when we arrive in Lima and have to find our way to our hotel.

This is going to be a fairly full-on trip. In fact I think we might need a holiday when we get back. After a couple of days recuperating in Lima we will fly up to Cusco (11,152ft) for 2 days to acclimatise to the altitude before getting up at 4.00am and undertaking a 10 hour Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The next day we will have a 6am start to re-visit the Machu Picchu site at sunrise (another bloody sunrise!).

Having got that out of the way we'll travel to Puno (12,500ft) and visit Lake Titicaca before crossing into Bolivia and travelling to La Paz, the highest capital city in the world (12,000 ft). From there we'll fly to Sucre and then Potosi before getting ourselves to Uyuni where we'll do a 3 day, 4 wheel drive crossing of the Salar de Uyuni (the Bolivian Salt Flats) at 12,000ft too. From there we'll cross the border into Chile at Hito Cajon and head for San Pedro de Atacama where we can take the bus to Calama to catch our flight to Santiago. Whilst in Santiago we'll take a trip to Valparaiso before crossing into Argentina and down to San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia before flying up to Beunos Aires, where we intend to Tango!, and then home.

Having read that back, it sounds as though I have a plan. However, other than the internal flights everything else is "on the hoof". Plus, it's difficult to know what to take with you as the weather is so changeable. We need warm gear, cold gear, wet gear and proper leather hiking boots - not easy when all you've got is a backpack.

On top of all that is the disrupter that is MM!

What could possibly go wrong?

[inner--islands]

Interview with Dylan Henner (April 2020)

1. What are some recent inspirations?

I just came back from a trip to Sri Lanka. I’ve been working with the field recordings I took there and I’m finding endless inspiration in them. There’s a serene sense of calm there, I guess because it’s a primarily Buddhist country, where peace and meditation are part of daily life and culture. It fits really neatly with my music and the moods I like to explore.

2. It seems like your travels inform or inspire a lot of your music, perhaps more thematically than aesthetically. How do you find your travels influence your sounds?

Traveling is really important to me and my music. Especially during this difficult time when we’re all grounded, I realise just how much influence I take from other cultures and environments. I like to see music as a teller of fundamental truths about ourselves, and experiencing new places and new people is a great way to understand that.

3. Do you like to work quickly or take your time on a track?

I don’t have a process. Sometimes one and sometimes the other. It’s really exciting when new ideas flow naturally and a new track happens in a single sitting. But they’re not all like that. Some of my favourite pieces have taken months of work. My newest album A Dingo Crossing a Stream was a mix of the two - some improvised solo synthesis jams, some intricately crafted arrangements.

4. What are the signs, both internal and external, that a new track you’re working on is working for you?

This is a difficult one. Sometimes, just by repetition, a new track or idea can sound much better than it really is. You have to revisit it from lots of different perspectives to really understand its value. I suffer a lot from crises of confidence and sometimes delete hours of work because it doesn’t feel right. I think, when a piece of music says what I’m trying to say as a “composer”, then I know it’s heading in the right direction.

5. Do you listen to your own work much after it’s completed? Or is it mostly moving on to the next thing?

Almost never. I try to write music that appeals to my tastes as a listener - music I think I would enjoy if someone else had written it - but by the time I’ve spent hours composing, producing, mixing etc. I’ve exhausted my ears of it. Sometimes I can revisit after a few weeks or months, and that’s helpful for moving onto the next project. I want to be careful not to repeat myself, so I refer back to older songs then.

6. At what point during your creative process are you the most critical of your work?

There’s a “middle” stage. Towards the beginning, everything has potential, and that’s exciting. Everything could be the next “best song you’ve ever written”, it just needs to fulfil its potential. But that doesn’t always happen. And in the middle stage you start to realise that the song is tumbling out of your control and that you can’t keep it in shape. Towards the end point, if the song has made it through this critical period, you’re already too invested to undo any significant creative choices.

7. What drives you to put your work out into the world?

Wanting to make a difference. Even if it’s a tiny difference that only affects 10 people. Just wanting to contribute something that will outlive me.

8. Who is an artist whose work you have been consistently returning to longer than most other artists?

I know Japanese music is really en vogue right now, but I’m a huge fan of Geinoh Yamashirogumi. I’ve been listening to his / their records for years. I love how percussive and rhythmic it is, despite being really tender in lots of places. And so unpredictable. Throwing so many original and unique themes and ideas together in ways you’d never expect.

9. Do you see yourself as part of any particular musical tradition or lineage?

The ongoing history of gamelan music describes every new performance as part of the same eternal music. Like an everlasting living, breathing organism that speaks here and there. I love the idea of offering my music to that same tradition. It happens to take place in a different country and within a different musical framework, but it’s just part of the world breathing in its own time.

10. Words of wisdom you like to recall in times of need?

Kurt Vonnegut: “Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.”

Dylan Henner recently released A Dingo Crossing a Stream on Inner Islands on March 9th on cassette and digital formats. The album is available from our Bandcamp page.

[nitsaholidays]

Top International Vacations Under 50K

Are you yearning for an international adventure but worried about your budget? Don't fret! Traveling abroad doesn't have to break the bank. With some smart planning and a bit of wanderlust, you can embark on fantastic international trips for less than 50,000 Indian Rupees. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best destinations that offer incredible experiences without emptying your wallet.

**1. Bangladesh - The Hidden Gem of South Asia

Bangladesh often flies under the radar, but it's a destination filled with natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. Explore the serene landscapes of Sylhet with Nitsa holidays Customized Packages for International Travel, visit the Sundarbans mangrove forest, and immerse yourself in Dhaka's vibrant street markets. With affordable accommodation and food options, you can enjoy a week-long trip to Bangladesh for less than 50,000 INR.

**2. Sri Lanka - The Island of Serendipity

Sri Lanka is a diverse and picturesque island nation offering stunning beaches, lush jungles, and ancient temples. Opt for local guesthouses, use public transportation, and savor delicious street food to keep your expenses low. A ten-day trip to Sri Lanka, including visits to Colombo, Kandy, Ella, and the southern beaches, can easily fit within your 50,000 INR budget.

**3. Nepal - The Roof of the World

For adventure seekers and nature lovers, Nepal is a haven. Explore the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, trek to Annapurna Base Camp, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kathmandu. With affordable trekking permits and budget-friendly teahouses along the way, you can experience Nepal's wonders without exceeding your 50,000 INR limit.

**4. Vietnam - The Land of Contrasts

Vietnam is a country of contrasts, from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to serene landscapes in Halong Bay and Sapa. Street food is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. With affordable hostels and guesthouses, you can explore Vietnam's culture with Nitsa holidays Customized Tour Packages  and natural beauty comfortably within your 50,000 INR budget.

**5. Cambodia - The Kingdom of Temples

Explore the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, relax on the idyllic islands of Koh Rong, and soak in the charm of Phnom Penh. Cambodia offers budget travelers affordable accommodations, delicious street food, and an array of cultural experiences. A 10-day trip to Cambodia can be done comfortably within 50,000 INR.

**6. Bhutan - The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but it's possible to experience its magic on a budget. Travel during the offseason, opt for budget guesthouses, and explore the mesmerizing landscapes and monasteries. While Bhutan has a daily tariff, you can still have a fulfilling experience within your 50,000 INR limit.

**7. Indonesia - Bali and Beyond

Indonesia, with its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, offers numerous budget-friendly options. Explore Bali's beauty with Customized international tour packages.  venture to lesser-known islands, and enjoy delicious Indonesian cuisine at local warungs. A two-week trip to Indonesia, including Bali and nearby islands, can be done within your 50,000 INR budget.

Remember to plan your trip wisely, prioritize your expenses, and look for deals and discounts on flights and accommodations. With careful budgeting and a sense of adventure, you can explore these incredible international destinations without breaking the bank. So, get those suitcases ready, map out your budget, and prepare for a journey you'll cherish forever!

Conclusion

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your experience. Whether you choose to explore international destinations or opt for a budget-friendly Customized Tour Packages with Nitsa Holidays, the world is more accessible than you might think, even on a tight budget. So, get those suitcases ready, map out your budget, and prepare for a journey you'll cherish forever! that won't break the bank. Happy travels!

[ivfcostinsrilanka]

Ultimate Guide: IVF Cost in Sri Lanka

What are the IVF treatment and IVF cost in Sri Lanka?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assistive reproductive treatment to counter infertility. Infertility has been on the rise and caused many couples to lose hope of having their child. At this time fertility treatments are what give them the hope of achieving their parenthood. IVF is one of those treatments; however, its popularity is higher than other treatments. This is because this treatment is highly successful yet also more affordable than other treatments. The IVF Cost in Sri Lanka is the most desirable price as couples only have to pay for the exact spending of the treatment. Moreover, there are some clinics that would not ask for any counseling payment either.

The IVF treatment cost in Sri Lanka is USD 4,400 to USD 5,100. This is the exact spending on this treatment, the doctors are not asking for any extra charges. However, if the couple wants better quality services then their treatment can be costly. Below here we will learn more details about the IVF treatment and its cost in Sri Lanka. The IUI cost in Sri Lanka is lower than IVF price however the success rate is lower too.

What procedure is used in the IVF cost in Sri Lanka?

To understand the real cost of IVF in Sri Lanka we should know the procedure of IVF, such as what steps are included in this treatment. And how they are done etc. The IVF process is divided into seven steps which we are going to discuss below:

Medical Examination – Before starting with the IVF treatment of the couple, doctors run a though medical examination on them. Many tests and ultrasounds are performed to understand the couple’s infertility.

Counseling – Once doctors are sure of what the infertility level of the couple is. They will start by counseling them; this is so that the couple’s minds would be prepared during the upcoming procedure.

Stimulation Process – The third step of the IVF process if the stimulation process, in this doctors use hormonal injections of the female partner to increase the growth of her ovaries.

Retrieval of Gametes – This step is to collect the gametes of the couple. To collect the female gametes doctors have to wait till her ovulation period.

Fertilization Process – Once the gametes are here doctors will combine them to form an embryo.

Embryo Transfer – After two–three days of observation doctors will transfer the embryo inside the female uterus.

Pregnancy Result – Now the last step is to wait for 2 weeks to confirm the pregnancy test. If the test is negative then the couple has to repeat the whole process.

What affects the IVF cost in Sri Lanka?

There are many factors that affect the IVF price in Sri Lanka, which we will learn about below here:

Hospital Charges – The first factor that affects the IVF cost in Lanka Hospital is the hospital charges. Every hospital has different charges therefore which one the couple selects will affect the cost.

Medical Cost – The second factor is the medical cost, everyone needs different medicines and the amount of tests done. Therefore their medical cost will affect the whole IVF cost.

Donor Gametes – The third factor is the cost of donor gametes. If the couple has to use the donor gametes then their prices will be added up in their IVF price and will definitely increase it.

Advanced Treatments – If the couple has to use the advanced treatments then their cost will increase the IVF cost. Such as the IUI price in Sri Lanka will add up to their IVF cost.

Multiple Attempts – Once the IVF fails, doctors would recommend multiple attempts on it. However, these attempts will increase the total cost.

Travel Expenses – Till here we talked about the medical factors affecting the cost. However, there are factors that are not IVF process related but can still affect the couple’s IVF budget. Such as the travel expenses. Just the travel of everyone can shake their budget.

Accommodation Expenses – If the couple chooses a faraway clinic then they would have to stay in a hotel or inn, however, the accommodation expenses would affect their IVF budget.

Which centre provides a low IVF cost in Sri Lanka?

There are clearly many centre in Sri Lanka to provide IVF treatment however not all of them will provide low-cost treatments. The only centre to provide affordable IVF treatment is World Fertility Services. This centre is here to spread awareness of fertility treatments, for this, they provide free of cost first counselling. In this couples can simply reach them through their contact number and clear away all their doubts. No payment would be asked for that. Moreover, besides that, this centre has genuine prices for every treatment.

What is the IVF success rate in Sri Lanka?

The IVF success rate in Sri Lanka is as high as 65% with self gametes. Couples can receive an even high success rate of IVF in Sri Lanka with the use of donor gametes. However, it is a must to remember that just as there are factors that can affect the Lanka Hospital IVF charges there are factors that can affect the IVF success rate too. Such as the health of the couple. If the couple’s health is not good then their success rate would fall. Therefore to manage healthy bodies couples should eat healthy diets and stop their addictions and bad habits.

Read More:-

[razorblogz]

Daily flights from Chennai to Sri Lanka's Jaffna from July 16: Union Civil Aviation Minister

Sri Lanka Tourism said that India continues to lead among the top ten markets, with the number of Indian tourist arrivals expected to double by 2023.

COLOMBO [Sri Lanka]: Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced that the frequency of flights between Chennai and Sri Lanka’s Jaffna will be increased from four times a week to daily services from July 16.

The daily flights from Chennai to Jaffna will also amplify trade and commerce between India and Sri Lanka, Scindia noted.

The Union Civil Aviation Minister made these remarks in a pre-recorded message on day-2 of the 67th Annual Convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), being hosted in Colombo.

In his address, he underscored the strong cultural and trade relations between India and Sri Lanka.

“Delighted to virtually share my thoughts on the state of the Indian #aviation sector and its emergence as the key pillar of national progress at the 67th Annual Convention of @TAAI1951, Sri Lanka. Also highlighted the strong cultural and trade ties between India & Sri Lanka that have been marked by cooperation in the field of commerce, infrastructure development and connectivity,” tweeted Scinida.

At the convention, he said, “Prior to 2014, India’s aviation sector was on the runway. In the last nine years, it has finally taken off. A stable and competitive aviation sector is on the angle. I believe that our partnership with Sri Lanka gives us a rare opportunity to undertake several reforms to address short term challenges in the sector and become an important access of power and influence in the global aviation ecosystem.”

He added that the first air service agreement between the two countries was signed in 1968, allowing Indian carriers to operate aircraft from any point in India to any point in Sri Lanka, which enhanced the connectivity in the Global South.

“Currently, 16 flights are operational from different sectors of India to Colombo. Cargo movement has also been smoothened and with the assistance from both governments, we are operating a direct flight from Chennai to Jaffna today through this platform,” Scindia said.

He also announced that based on increased demand and potential of this route to amplify trade and commerce, “we will increase this frequency from four times a week to daily flights effective from July 16, 2023.”

He also urged all stakeholders to come together to take the industry to newer heights of success and growth.

The convention of the Travel Agents Association of India, after an 18-year hiatus, is being held in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo from July 6 to 9 with over 700 participants primarily from India, RRM Lilani wrote the report.

The historical connection between India and Sri Lanka, spanning thousands of years, adds to the significance of the 67th Convention of the TAAI.

TAAI’s 2022 Convention, originally planned for April 19 to 22 in Colombo, was postponed due to political unrest and economic crisis but today, as Sri Lanka is on its revival path, the Convention has returned to the country to promote a regional tourism network.

Sri Lanka Tourism said that India continues to lead among the top ten markets, with the number of Indian tourist arrivals expected to double by 2023. To promote tourist attractions, cultural value, and travel opportunities, Sri Lanka hosts roadshows in India to create a positive perception among Indian tourists.

In Colombo, TAAI, the largest and oldest tourism agency in India, is set to showcase the theme of ���Futuristic Focus on Transcending Borders’ and emphasize Sri Lanka’s position as a safe, convenient, and welcoming destination for Indian tourists, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. The convention, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, has received strong support from the Sri Lankan Airlines.

The event was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, along with other key dignitaries and delegate members from both countries.

The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the significance of this prestigious event and providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among participants from various countries.

Under the theme ‘Transcending Borders’, the convention aims to explore the evolving landscape of the tourism industry, emphasizing the embrace of new adventures and destinations.

Sri Lanka has the popular Ramayana Trail, which attracts North Indian tourists, and last year, Sri Lanka Tourism introduced the “Murugan Trail” for South Indians. The “Murugan Trail” includes approximately ten places of worship, from the north to the south of Sri Lanka, including the Jaffna Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and the Kataragama or Kadirgamam Murugan Temple.

Lord Shiva is also worshipped as one of the main deities among the South Indian community.

Tourism plays a vital role in the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The central government introduced the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme for Sri Lankan tourists on April 14, 2015, and reduced the visa fee as a goodwill gesture.

Of a total of 1.91 million tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2019, 355,000 were from India.

Sri Lankan tourists are also among the top ten sources for the Indian tourism market. The tourism sector in Sri Lanka, which was severely affected by the Easter Sunday attacks, received a boost from Indian tourists.

India included Sri Lanka in its free visa-on-arrival scheme to further strengthen ties on July 24, 2019.

[travelworlddigital]

10 Most Ideal getaway destinations in summer outside India

Release the movement enticement crazy on the grounds that these best global objections are amazing to go in May, June, and July.

While searching for the most ideal getaway destinations in summer outside India, we know how anxious you get about your special first night plans. For everyday citizens like us, voyaging or honeymooning isn't a side interest, it's somewhat a lifestyle, a need to get by and beat the pressure of the long wedding end of the week.

Certain individuals imagine that going on global objections outside India is a costly action and special night outside India isn't their favorite. We know and hear all of this a great deal consistently from the voyagers. Yet, don't you stress since Special night Bug have organized the rundown for you to look at for Global visit bundles.

There's not a couple or three however stores of best summer objections outside India where you and your darling can wind around sentiment without becoming bankrupt. In the event that you adhere to this blog entry till it closes, you will get to be familiar with all that you want to be aware of going for a late spring occasion outside India.

Recall that rundown is cautiously arranged by our movement blogger who went onto every global getaway destination we are posting. Thus, you can depend on us about the data we've partaken in this blog entry.

Remember to look at the perfect travel tips and hacks toward the finish of this post.

10 Most ideal destinations in summer out of India (May, June and July) 2023

1.       Nepal

2.       Bhutan

3.       Sri Lanka

4.       Thailand

5.       Singapore

6.       Malaysia

7.       Bali

8.       Maldives

9.       Vietnam

10.     Dubai

Travel Hacks for Most ideal getaway destinations in summer outside India

Travel with as little luggage as possible - On the grounds that most carriers have a base stuff strategy. Surpassing that cutoff would request that you broaden your financial plan assume your movement objective has a stop point.

Really look at Environment - Survey the environment of the objective you are visiting prior to settling your appearance date.

Get to Figure out The Objective - Prior to showing up, get to know the objective's trick of the trade and, surprisingly, in some unexpected directions.

Book Airfares/Convenience Ahead of time - You ought to book your worldwide visit bundle ahead of time before 2 to 90 days of your appearance to get the best limits.

Join Wedding Trip Bug for a minimal expense and experience stuffed unfamiliar special night bundles. We will take you to the momentous spots of the objections you plan to visit. Also, you'll encounter this at unparalleled worth.

[lilliansucks]

Is your nomad / free traveller era over? Now that you have a full time job? I’m planning a big trip and am reading your blog, Ty for inspiring my love for travel a few years ago !! Hope you’re enjoying your new job xx

I mean no not really. It was never feasible (nor desirable) for me to travel full time as I love having a home base and fashion too much lol (2 things that are not compatible with travel) Last year while having a full time job I was till able to go to thailand, nepal, indo, sri lanka and vietnam on 3 seperate trips which I think is pretty impressive. While I dont have the total freedom i used to have with time, I just have to be a little more creative. This year I will go to europe for 5 weeks over the summer and that might be it... but its okay bc making the most of going away at the weekend and romanticising everyday life.. its beautiful!

[ectortravel]

Good morning travelers,

for beginning of the week we prepared adventurous trip full of great experiences and relax.

Unique combination of 2 beatiful countries, where you can explore Sri Lanka with rich history, golden monasteries, elephants, botanical gardens, and Maldives where you can relax on the most beautiful exotic islands on the world.

Do not miss one of the two dates of 2023 with departure from Vienna.

27/02/23 or 28/10/23

GIF by tamsyntaylor

Trip itinerary

1. day

Departure from Vienna

2. day

Arrival to Sri Lanka, to the capital city Colombo. Introduction in the country, relax and check in to accommodation.

3. day

We will visit elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, where we can find 70 of those huge creatures including the baby phants rescued from the jungle. Feeding and washing them is unforgettable experience. Temples in Dambulle are very spiritual place on Sri Lanka. Mystical atmosphere of this place is created by 150 statues of Buddha and many colorful sculptures.

1. Dambulla

4. day

We will have a look on medieval empire Polonnaruwa. City stayed almost untouched even after 800 years.

2. Polonnaruwa

5. day

Sigirya so called „Lion hill“, throne of king Kaysap or The "Fortress in the clouds", the rock 200m above the surrounding terrain and it is in UNESCO since 1982. On our way to Kanda we will go through small village Matale, where you can taste local fruits.

3. Kandy

4. Chrám Budhovho zubu

5. Sigirya

"Lions hill" or the "Fortress in the clouds"

6. day

Botanical gardens and preparation for Maldives

6. Peradeniya

Botanical gardens

7. day

Arrival to Maldives, check in to accomodation

7. Maldivy

Amazing tropical beaches with turquoise water and palm trees, all that is associated with a virgin landscape of Maldives in Indian Ocean.

8. and 9. days

All inclusive stay around Maldives beaches

10. day

All inclusive stay around Maldives beaches. Regarding departure times we will fly to the capital Male.

11. day

11./12 deň Departure to Vienna

Program change reserved.

[pandemicperipatetics]

Kerala Road Trip

Walking in Munnar’s tea plantations

The Verdict: We felt Kerala was not bad, but overhyped, egregiously overpriced in December, and not worth the opportunity cost of traveling to a country with good tourist infrastructure (potable water, good roads, access to information for travel planning, decent affordable lodging, competent customer service, etc.). 

Why Kerala? We needed to be in south Kerala in late December for a wedding and wanted to tack on a ~week-long vacation somewhere warm and nearby. We had originally hoped to travel to Sri Lanka but changed plans due to the political situation there in 2022. We loved our trip to the Maldives after the last time we were in India, back in 2019, but figured we should try somewhere different this time. Traveling somewhere further like Thailand, Bali, etc. seemed too far/tiring. So we decided to spend our week exploring different parts of Kerala, a state we have long been intrigued by given its renowned progressive politics and high literacy rate, the famous backwaters houseboat scene, and my interest in seeing south India, which I have never visited despite having been to India ~15 times.

Trip Overview: 

Kovalam: Beach town at the southern tip of Kerala. We started by spending 4 nights here specifically for the wedding. It was fine, but not a place we’d go out of our way to visit. Since we were only there for the wedding and didn’t do any tourist activities, we won’t focus on Kovalam in this post.

View of the water from Leela Kovalam, the resort we stayed at

Alleppey/Kumarakom: Alleppey (aka Alappuzha), on the west coast of the state, is the most famous area for taking a houseboat on the Kerala backwaters. When we were planning our trip around August, about 4 months in advance of our travel, we had a really hard time finding a decent houseboat with reliable reviews so we opted to skip this. (Our friends found a ~$400/night houseboat on Airbnb that had great reviews and they really liked it). Instead, we stayed nearby at Kumarakom Lake Resort, a very nice but crazy expensive luxury resort. [4-5 hour drive from Kovalam]

On a sunset boat ride on Kumarakom Lake

Thekaddy: On the eastern side of Kerala; known for Periyar National Park, a tiger reserve where it turns out nobody ever sees the tigers. We had planned a half-day hike in Periyar with the hopes of seeing wild elephants and other wildlife, but unfortunately missed the tour. We stayed at another ridiculously expensive resort here, which wasn’t anywhere as nice as Kumarakom. Thekaddy is skippable. [4 hour drive from Kumarakom]

Traditional dance performance at our hotel in Thekaddy

Munnar: In the northeastern corner of Kerala, Munnar is known for its scenic tea plantations. The scenery really did deliver, but everything else about our experience here was so poor (the process of trying to book a hotel, get information about activities/tours, find safe restaurant food in town, constantly getting ripped off, commute times, safety on the crowded and winding roads) that we cannot recommend it. [4 hour drive from Thekaddy]

Walking on a tea plantation in Munnar

Kochi: We ended our trip at Kochi airport, from which we flew to Mumbai. We had the chance to spend a couple hours in downtown Kochi, which was compact and charming, but didn’t have time to check out other neighborhoods.

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Inside Kumarakom Lake Resort

We spent 2 nights here and the experience was basically perfect. It was about as similar to the Maldives as anywhere I’ve been -- standalone villa with a private plunge pool, charming decor, gorgeous views of the lake, 5-star service, delicious food, activities like yoga, pottery making, etc. Even though it was so comfortable, in my opinion the $400/night room rate is still completely egregious for India. You can travel to Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Scotland, etc. and stay in beautiful hotels that are less expensive and easier to get to from the western world (the drive to Kumarakom from Kovalam was long and uncomfortable). I wouldn’t go out of my way to come to Kumarakom unless I already needed to be in Kerala for some other reason. If you are here, then yes, it is a lovely property to visit.

Note: We stayed in a villa, not a houseboat, because reviews of the resort’s houseboat stays did not sound great.

Nearby Activities

On the drive up from Kovalam, our driver recommended we stop at Jatayu Earth Centre, which has a cable car up to a massive sculpture of a famous bird from The Ramayana. I’m not big on tourist attractions or cable cars in third world countries, but it was actually pretty cool. If you’re staying at Kumarakom Lake Resort, I’d scurry along to make the most of your time there, but if you don’t have anywhere to be, this could be a nice stop.

Walking around the Jatayu monument. The dedication to “women’s safety and honour” is a specific reference to The Ramayana storyline.

Thekkady

We spent 1 night at Spice Village, an “eco-resort” in Thekaddy. Like Kumarakom Lake Resort, it was also egregiously expensive and had delicious food. The room was a standalone thatched hut that was pretty nice inside, if not Kumarakom-style luxurious, and the activities were interesting -- a traditional dance performance, cooking demonstration, and nighttime walk with the onsite naturalist, whose fascination with plants, insects, and animals was truly contagious. Unlike Kumarakom Lake Resort, the service was not particularly attentive or helpful and we felt less insulated from the discomforts of traveling in India (i.e., sewage smells in certain parts of the property, thumping music from a neighboring resort late into the night, the room safe didn’t work, etc.). We wouldn’t travel all the way to Thekkady just to stay at this resort.

We saw quite a few spiderwebs on our nature walk at Spice Village.

Nearby Activities

Our driver advised us to stop at Deepa World, a spice plantation, where a tour guide who spoke decent English took us on a 20-minute walk and showed us different spice plants. It was only INR 100 (like $1.20) per person and it was actually a really neat experience, especially as we then kept spotting a lot of these spices growing in the wild around Kerala.

Our tour guides in Kerala were consistently excited to point out cardamom pods growing in the wild.

Although we unfortunately didn’t get a chance to visit Periyar National Park, my sense from reading online reviews is that we didn’t necessarily miss too much. 

Munnar

The tea plantations were so beautiful and lovely to walk through, but the experience of staying in Munnar was really not great. We stayed for 3 nights at Fragrant Nature Munnar, a supposed 5-star hotel that surprised us with its dilapidated condition, lackluster service, and yucky food (I honestly didn’t even know that Indian food in India could taste bad until we stayed here...). Finding lodging in Munnar was a frustrating process because it was difficult to understand which hotels are actually good (this one had just as good Google ratings as hotels that we later learned are actually decent) and when we did get leads on “good” hotels, they tended to be unresponsive, unhelpful, and/or scammy during the booking process. I even asked for leads on Reddit, and the responses indicated that a lot of Kerala hotels’ online reviews are fabricated by the hotel owners and therefore aren’t trustworthy. Everything was extremely expensive around Christmastime -- as context, our Munnar lodging was significantly more expensive and probably less nice than a Motel 6 in the rural U.S. While we weren’t specifically looking for luxury stays -- especially after breaking the bank in Kumarakom and Thekkady -- we just wanted a place that was clean with safe and decent-tasting food (very important because in Munnar you’re totally dependent on your hotel for your meals). The difficulty of finding this was a huge turn-off and is frankly a huge reason I would not recommend visiting here. 

A waterfall we saw in Munnar

Nearby Activities

While Kumarakom and Thekaddy were basically about the resort experience, Munnar is all about the gorgeous natural beauty that is available for all to enjoy, regardless of your wealth/ability to stay in a luxury resort. And what is specifically unique about the views here are the stunning tea plantations!

Our favorite activity of our entire Kerala trip was a half-day hike booked through Viator (Mountain Hiking through Munnar Tea Plantation, operated by the Munnar Tourist Information Office). Not only do we generally love hiking, but we had a chance to walk through gorgeous tea plantations unlike any landscape either of us has experienced. There were vibes of Hobbiton, Vietnamese rice paddies, and the lush Scottish countryside. If after reading this post you for some reason still decide to travel to Munnar, we highly recommend doing such a hike!

On the tea plantation hike

The other activity we tried in Munnar was a “Jeep Safari” that our driver told us we’d really like (hard not to believe he wasn’t getting a kickback from the tour operator). We got driven around to some waterfalls, a scenic viewpoint, and a dam, none of which were really that great. It was also very overpriced for India (US $50 for a 3 hour tour, at least half of which was spent just being driven around). We do not recommend it.

Jeep Safari scenic viewpoint

In terms of other activities, we read about recommendations to visit Eravikulam National Park and the scenic viewpoints at Top Station, Madupetty Dam, and Echo Point. These are all extremely popular destinations among Indian tourists and given the crowds, long commute times, and middling reviews we read online, we decided to skip them.

Logistics

As I referenced in the Munnar section, planning the logistics of our entire trip to Kerala was a real pain -- far more difficult than anywhere else we have traveled. There was very limited information available online and the Indian travel agents we got connected to during the planning process were unprofessional and unresponsive, so we ended up choosing our hotels based on recommendations from family friends and online research (which obviously didn’t work out well for Munnar). We learned that booking directly through the hotel’s website is the most expensive option (though probably the least painful, as you don’t have to deal with time zone differences, language barriers, and the general annoyances of dealing with Indian customer service staff). However, there tends to be a substantial discount if you contact the hotel directly. And apparently you’ll get an even lower rate if you go through a travel agent. Which brings me back to finding it awful to try to work with Indian travel agents...

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BENEFITS OF WORKING AND LEARNING IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

The Pandemic caused many of us to pivot to online learning, and this is how I entered the virtual world and eLearning. Despite being forced into online learning due to the pandemic, I can honestly say that it has been a positive shift for me.  First and foremost, virtual world learning experiences have been fun for me. I really enjoy the flexibility eLearning lends to my busy schedule.  I am no longer confined into a traditional class where I need to physically be in a classroom each week.  I am now able to study when and where I want and no longer have to build my schedule around school, but rather build school into my ever-changing schedule.  

But there are so many more benefits to working and learning in a virtual world:

1.Building Social Networks Across Time and Space: working and learning online allows participants to collaborate from all over the world and across different time zones.  People in Asia can collaborate with us in Canada.  Next, people now are not bound by physical restrictions or time.  Online platforms also allow people the freedom to by-pass traditional in-person meetings and can therefore, navigate their busy schedules by cutting down on travel time and costs by merely logging into a digital meeting or lecture. This is very cost and time effective.  Finally, online work and learning platforms allow broader social networks that were not possible before.  I can now mingle and learn from other students halfway across the world and this only serves to broaden my perspectives as well as networking ability.  

Here is a classic example: A family member who has recently opened up a boutique of South Asian beauty and health products.  His collaboration team was scattered all over Asia (product teams in India and Sri-Lanka, packaging and design in China and marketing team in Singapore).  He has also networked for the last two years with other diasporic companies in Europe and North America. None of this networking would have been possible without the online business networking he did.

2. Navigation Anytime and Anywhere: Working and studying online also allow me access to content 24/7.  I no longer have to rely on a professor’s lecture or my boss’s verbal instructions.  I can access information, instructions and results in real time. This is critical because of the type of learner I am.  I need to see things written down as I am a visual learner.  Thus, when things are posted online, this allows me time to process information and instructions allowing me to be far more successful than merely hearing things in a meeting or lecture.  Again, I have all of this information at my fingertips which allows me to work at school or my job anytime and anywhere.

3. Building and Creation:  The ability to construct and develop in virtual environments is one of greatest features of online learning and working. Teams can take on different roles and collaborate in planning, executing, testing, revamping and assessing.  Not one person needs to be an expert in everything, you can actually specialize in your own niche while having experts. Online work and school allows us to create powerful collaborative teams that make work and school fun, engaging and less stressful as there are many hands to make for lighter work!

5. Assessment: Getting feedback in real time is critical when it comes to today’s society. When multiple people can be working on a project together, assessing, editing and finalizing its components allows for deadlines to be met, its cost-effective, can be done 24/7 or in real-time, fosters collaboration and is fun and interactive.

6. Delivery of Final Product: Online learning and work makes delivering the final product so much easier.  Sending and receiving assignments and final products is as easy as a click.  It is so much safer too because there is always a way to track its delivery.  Again everything can be tracked, sent and received in real time making timelines much more manageable.