Travel Lakshadweep
Hundred Thousand Islands
A Dog’s Day Out – Concert For The Canine Friends
Jun 18th
Last week, the Sydney Opera House was hounded by hounds. Literally. The event was the world’s first concert performed for dogs. Well, they were accompanied by their owners, too.
US musician Laurie Anderson and rock legend husband Lou Reed came up with this brilliant idea. They executed it with Anderson’s 20-minute piece ‘Music for Dogs’. There were many varieties of dogs attending the concert.
The first-of-its-kind concert attracted quite a number of musicians and fans. Sure it’ll spur a few such concerts in future.
Artificial Reef In Kovalam, India
May 20th
Kovalam in Kerala has got India’s first artificial reef. Read it right here http://travel.homestayscochin.com/2010/05/20/kovalam-to-have-indias-first-artificial-reef/
India To Get Its First Bridge-on-Sea Runway
May 19th
A first for the country. A runway that extends into the sea? Yes, it’s gonna happen in Agatti, which houses Lakshadweep’s sole airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to extend the runway at Agatti island by building a 1,000-foot-long bridge on the sea and connect it to the existing 4,500-feet-long runway.
They are also planning a new terminal building for the airport. Once the Lakshadweep government agrees, it might take up to two years to complete the building.
Cruising On The Ice
May 9th
Endless sheets of ice. Ice… and more ice. It might be a pleasing sight. Definitely. On an Antarctic cruise what else do you expect to see? Well, ice is not all. Due to the absence of land predators there are plenty of birds. Gulls and albatrosses and variety of others. Different kinds of whales are another major attraction. You can see them dancing with the waves, in tandem with your ship. Spotting them early in the morning is in itself a relaxing activity.
A typical Antarctic cruise starts from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina. Between November and March – that’s Antarctica’s summer – is when most of the cruises take place. And don’t think that only scientists and marine biologists go to Antarctica. Any avid traveller with a sense of adventure is bound to say yes to such a cruise.
Most Antarctic cruises last a week or two, maximum. The harsh weather doesn’t permit a longer vacation, sadly. Budget travellers might have to save up a handsome amount of quid for this trip. But, believe us, it’s so worth it.
India-Bangladesh Sunderbans Ecosystem Forum
Apr 5th
Calling it ecologically vulnerable would be an understatement. We’re talking about the Sunderbans. Forty percent of this ecosystem lies in India, and the rest in Bangladesh. The Sunderban Tiger – which has seen better days – is on the decline. This forum also plans to take a joint tiger census, too.
The forum will be launched in September 2010. Minister Jairam Ramesh stressed the need to conserve this stretch of land as it affects the region’s climate, sea level and mangrove growth.
The forum’s efforts will lay special emphasis on afforestation, prevention of islands’ erosion, management of mangroves and conservation of the tiger. The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 300 crore to be spent in West Bengal; and most of it on the Sunderbans. The project will also look into eco-tourism.
Free Travel For Indians!
Mar 16th
Planning to visit Ireland dear Indians? And are you above 66? Here’s some interesting news for ya folks. Take the Irish rail, and you can go free on it! Yes, free.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen announced that this scheme commences from 17 March on St Patrick’s Day. It will be on until 31 December 2010. This offer is only for those travelling within the Republic of Ireland. It could later be extended to Northern Ireland, too.
Giant Leap For Women!
Mar 9th
Kathyrn Bigelow made history this International Women’s day by becoming the first woman to win an Oscar for ‘Best Director’ for her movie The Hurt Locker. And the fact that she beat her ex-husband James Cameron and his movie Avatar is even better news as Cameron is a well-known director and seems invincible! Her movie won six Oscars, including the ‘Best Picture’.
Since the Oscars started 82 years ago, women directors were nominated four times but never won an award. This year is special!
Head To Vancouver This Season
Feb 13th
Vancouver in British Columbia is the place to be. It’s winter and it’s time for the winter games. The Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010, which kicked off on 12 February, is garnering tourists, sports lovers and travelers alike. Do not miss it for the world. This multi-sport event, which has 15 ice sports, is in its 21st version. This is the third time that Canada is hosting the Olympics. Vancouver has the recognition of being the warmest as well as the most populous city to host the winter games. The mascots for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are inspired by traditional First Nations creatures. They are: Miga, a mythical sea bear that is part orca and part kermode bear. Then there is Quatchi, a sasquatch, who wears boots and earmuffs! These two are mascots for the winter games. The following two for the paralympic games: Sumi is an animal guardian spirit, who wears the hat of the orca whale, and flies with the wings of the mighty Thunderbird and runs on the strong furry legs of the black bear. And there’s a sidekick, too – Mukmuk, a Vancouver Island marmot.
And video-gamers have their share, too. ‘Vancouver 2010’ is a video-game based on the Vancouver Olympic Games. The Royal Canadian Mint is also bringing out commemorative coins that will celebrate the 2010 games. Various media are streaming live action of the many competitions and other functions. You can also watch them on many blogs and social networking sites. There’s an Olympic Store where you can buy Olympic accessories. Caps, tees, shoes, cards and more!
Log onto www.vancouver2010.com for more!!
Vancouver’s coast is full of activity: you can visit beaches, go surfing, and skiing on frozen lakes and cave exploring. Cycling, sailing, yachting and Scuba diving are common, too.
Spider That Spins The Largest We
Dec 31st
Imagine a spider weaving a web that’s larger than a metre in diametre? Well, scientists have found that a spider from the Golden Orb Weaver family – the Nephila komaci – does so! It was discovered in a reserve in South Africa.
The new species was named after Andreij Komac, who died in an accident at the time of the discoveries.
Also check out: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6883080.ece
On A Playground Of Ice – Glacier Cruises
Dec 22nd
The countries near the North Pole are most famous for… Ice! What else?
Well, let’s call them glacial behemoths. Cruises in this part of the world are of a different kind. Cruises along the glaciers and icebergs are a great way to explore these lands. Centered around Alaska, Canada and the Scandinavian nations, glacier cruises are a popular tourist attraction.
And, it’s not just miles of white ice you’ll get to see. Most of the cruises are jointly called ‘Wildlife and Glacier Cruises’. True to the name, you can spot bears, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, whales, and a number of avian friends.
It’s not a passive cruise at all. You can get down to some neat kayaking, caving, iceberg climbing, jetboat rides, hunting (in the season and with permission), high mountain climbing and fishing.
The catamarans and cruises will take you past snaking rivers of ice, blocks of icebergs, rough seas and fjords. Whoever said ice was boring!