Make your air travel easier

Before you leave for the airport

• Personally, I always like to reach the airport a good 2 hours before departure time for international flights. Airports can be crowded at peak time and with all the waiting for check-in, security and immigration you will have very little time to browse the duty-free or grab a bite if you intended to do so.
• Check and double-check your documents. I know a friend who’s actually reached the airport without the passport booklet which had the visa stamped in it.
• If you’re the types who travels heavy, then check your baggage weight before you leave home. I find it really messy to open up bags and re-shuffle the weight to keep the baggage within limits. As a back-up put in a carry-bag which you can use to dump stuff if you’re luggage is over-weight and not worth the excess baggage fee.
• Keep a bottle of water and some gum with you. The journey to the aircraft is going to be a long one and you’ll need it. And bottled water at airports is a bit expensive at times.
• Travel documents – keep them handy in a bag pocket which is easily accessible. And don’t forget a pen, you’re going to need this a lot.

At the airport

For somebody who has never hiked, we were excited and even a bit sceptical on our physical abilities to do the 6 hour journey from the park gate to the rim of the crater and then back to the gate. My friend’s past experience helped and we started the hike by about 8AM. The early morning cool weather helped us make a head-start. The path for the hike isn’t very well etched out so certain tracks are very rough and the climb gets tough.

I am no expert but contrary to belief the descend is more challenging. While going up you need a lot of stamina to overcome the steep climb. But while coming down maintaining your body balance on some of the slippery ash/mud filled tracks can be a task. You need to learn some smart footwork which helps you tackle the path. We made the mistake of not hiring some walking sticks, which would have been useful.

Although tiring, wife and I were very happy that we did it. Great experience and something we would cherish for a long time.

Here is a small list of tips if you plan to visit Mount Longonot.

Start early. The sun can be intolerable. So it would be advisable that you have completed the hike by mid-day.

Travel light. You may want to pack water, snacks, camera and some more. But remember more weight means more pressure on the climb, so pack smart.

Carry an extra pair of clothes. There are shower facilities at the park gate. After the ‘ashy’ trip you may want to clean-up before going home or the hotel.

Food. After the 6 hour hike, when you are back at base you are going to be super hungry, so make sure you have enough to eat kept in your car.

Must haves – water, sun-screen, cap, stick [gives good support for the climb]. Also recommended are biscuits & energy drinks like Lucozade, Red Bull. Camera – I took my DSLR but I suggest make do with a Point & Shoot.

We all gathered Saturday afternoon at the Mystique Gardens. We had booked a ‘banda’ which is a big tent set-up in the open garden. The place was decorated with colours of the Indian flag and huge TV screens and big massive speakers ensured that the about 100 people who gathered at the venue made sure there was nothing amiss the excitement.

The concept of banda is interesting. I am told that it’s usually popular among the male friends, who book a banda and then experiment to cook some live fish and meat. The management provides all the necessary ingredients and you cook, eat and drink to merry.

Although nobody at our banda was cooking, it was an interesting experience to see some really awesome set-ups at the other bandas where fish and even an Indian sabzi of peas & potatoes was being cooked.

Being there and witnessing the energy of the place was an experience to be cherished. I have actually seen yet another milestone for the Indian Cricket Team and that too amongst an Indian expatriate community. And mind you most of them were 3rd generation Indian born and brought up in Kenya, but have not yet lost the connect or the spirit for the country’s most popular game.

And before I end there are some thoughts I am going to leave you with. Of course these will be debated, questioned and made into case  studies. And as somebody mentioned on twitter will also be a part of upcoming Power Point Presentations.

• As a captain what does MS Dhoni do to ensure that the team work towards a common goal and not just individual milestones?
• As the senior most player in the team, what does Sachin Tendulkar do to earn the respect of the team players who probably don’t even have half the experience he’s got in the game? I loved what Virat Kohli said – ‘He [Sachin] has taken the burden of the country for 21 years and so it was only right that we carried him on our shoulders as a pay-back.’
• How does one manage to keep cool and calm when 1.2 billion people expect you to pull off a 30 runs from 30 balls?
• And of course like MS Dhoni said he made some tough and radical decisions before the start of the game and will now be respected because they won, but would be questioned if they didn’t.

Lavasa is slated as Independent India’s first man-made hill station. It’s located at a 4 hour drive [about 180kms.] from Mumbai city. Thanks to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway the journey isn’t tough.

How did we get there

For starters we decided to use the map at Lavasa’s website. I must say the map is not perfect to the T, so besides a small error it’s good to go. After you take the turn at Chandi Chowk exit, you should be able to find your way thanks to multiple sign-posts put up by Lavasa. The last 5 kms of the drive are beautiful and breath taking. The roads are narrow but some spots will give you the chance for a pit-stop, so get off and take in the nature and capture the moments from the top.

Where did we stay

Lavasa for now has a couple of decent lodging and boarding options. The cheapest stay is available at Ekaant. Although an average resort, I believe they have a wonderful view. Ekaant was full, so we choose to stay at Waterfront Shaw which is on the lake and in the centre of all the activity [much more recommended to stay here than Ekaant]. The problem with Ekaant is that although on a hill-top with some fabulous view they are about 4.5kms away from the town centre and limit the eating options to the hotel’s restaurant which I was told is very average. Also most of the activities are around this hotel.

Waterfront Shaw is a cute little property spread across many blocks and the building also houses many of the eating outlets. Staff was very warm and helpful giving us a good idea on what to do around the place, what are the freebies and what needs to be paid etc. The rooms are clean and well-maintained. Room-service was prompt for most of our basic needs. I love how they positioned their room-service. Yeah, they’ve got free Wi-Fi in their rooms. Not a very stable connection but got my work done. I like the little touch of offering guests free car wash so that you don’t drive out with a dirty car on your trip back home.

And then there was the food

Lots of options to eat around. We choose to have lunch at Chor Bizarre. A beautifully decorated Indian cuisine restaurant with some very exotic antiques. Our table was made up of an old sewing machine with a wooden top. They don’t have masala papad and instead you should try the kakada papad. Very interesting. Wife and me decided to try it at home. Their veg platter for starters is very wholesome and gives you a good taste of all that’s nice from the tandoor. And when on holiday treat yourself to some of their Indian sweet offerings. We had the Phirni and it was bliss. I am sure the gulab jamun and rabri too should be nice.

At the Fortune Select Dasve, there is a breakfast, lunch & dinner buffet at the 24 hour coffee shop Zodiac. We had the dinner buffet and were very happy with the food variety and taste. Better than most of the average buffets put up at such fancy properties. At Rs.550 per head [includes a beer or soft drink] it’s a bit of luxury but I think the offering makes it worthwhile.

Then there is the All American Diner – which is ok, but it’s fun to have a meal in a very typically decorated American restaurant. Pizza Vala is small so there is limited seating so we just ordered and it was delivered to our room. Yes, most of the outlets will even add the tab to your room.

Tabaka serves some nice shawarma rolls and falafels. No seating but pick it up and enjoy the lakeside walk.

For coffee and desserts – try Granmas and Brewberry. Lots of quick bite options – sandwiches, cookies, croissants, pastries and cakes. Just avoid the softy ice-cream at Granmas. Looks nice but tastes horrible.

And if you happen to be there on a Sunday, do check out the wine/champagne brunch at Dasvino club. Looked very tempting but we had to give it a skip thanks to the long-drive back home.

How did we spend time

For the lazy lot, the beds at Waterfront Shaw are super sexy so you can spend a lot of time sleeping or lazing in bed. And there is the Tata Sky with an almost full package so lots to see. And if that’s not enough there is the free wi-fi also. For the active sorts there is the Dasvino club which lets residents of Waterfront Shaw use the swimming pool and gymnasium for free.

Then there is the water sports like jet skis, motorboats and some more. Pricey but the wife says that the rates were better than Goa, so go try it. Also ask for the nature trails, trekking activities. Most of them require a group of about 15-20 people.

The WOW! moment

Has to be the super awesome service and hospitality across the various outlets. And I got this feeling right from the security guard at the main entrance. The staff is very warm, welcoming and helpful without being asked for it. The steward at Chor Bizzare ensured that we were attended every moment of our meal. None of the runner boys waited or expected a tip and disappeared even before I turned around to tip them. Pizza Vala offered us a free portion of Garlic Bread because he delayed our order. How often does this happen, without the asking?

SOTC in an interesting tie-up with Yashraj Films presents what they call the Enchanted Journey. Travel Packages which explore Europe and promise to give you an experience just like SRK-Kajol had in the mountains of Switerzland or Abhishek-Rani in the streets of Paris. I tried checking the website for an idea as to what’s the “enchanted” element but very little innovation in describing the packages for these holidays. I wonder if it’s like the typical stuff – “this is the place where Raj proposed to Simran” or this is the place where “hum tum” was shot.

Continuing the trend, Makemytrip.com has tied up with SRK’s latest – My Name is Khan to offer the Indian vacationer an opportunity to explore the USA, just like SRK does in the film. [View TVC] Sadly, on makemytrip.com I could not find any package on offer which has been co-branded with “My Name is Khan”. Actually there is NO mention of the film tie-up on the website.

So this summer holiday I hope you enjoy your trips just like in the movies.

Over the weekend, I was at Cavelossim Beach in Goa to attend the Goafest 2009. This year the event focussed on the R-word – “Why this recession is too good to be wasted?” But I think the recession was more than evident at the event – lower number of friends from the industry, limited booze per person and no free water sports.

But then I think Goafest is more than just the number of beers you can drink. It’s about the opportunity for many young advertising professionals to hear some of the best minds and distinguished industry leaders share some of their vision and experiences.

Sir John Hegarty explored how this recession is an opportunity to get more creative and evolve new channels of communication, products and embrace the internet more boldly. Neeraj Nayar spoke about the progression from just Branded Messages to  Branded Utility – Services. (will try and explore these talks in future posts).

I guess a lot many have been disappointed at the very limited number of wins at the Creative Abby awards. Talks about the jury being very harsh and then admitting this on the stage left everyone amused. Of course, like always there was a lot of scam work (ads which are not actually released by the brand, but done only to win awards). Some of the work on radio (Virgin Mobile, Tata Magic) and integrated advertising (The Blind Children’s Painting Exhibition & Domestic Violence – Bell Bajao) was truly entertaining and award-worthy.

DJ Akhtar at the Zoom party and Jalebe Cartel the next night really did some magic and got the dance floor filled up. Although the weather was sick, I think people just kept drinking from the bar to quench their thirst and dance away into the wee hours of the night.

If there is something I am disappointed about this year’s visit, is the number of photos – barely anything compared to last year. Sharing them online at flickr.

However there is a certain class of people for whom we should sponsor air-tickets so that our train journey is a better experience.

• Old, gossipy aunties who have a capacity that can put even alkaline batteries to shame
• Powerful, smelly farty people expressing what their last meal was
• Souls who will burp as an appreciation to the cook who fed them
• People who snore – they wont let you even wink
• Wild, loud and screechy kids crying their lungs out

Even you can add to this list. Share your thoughts in the comments area if you despise any other kind of fellow traveler.

I reach my destination and handed him Rs.70 as promised. A gentleman indeed, he actually returned Rs.10 back and said, “I quoted Rs.70 because I thought you wanted to go ahead of the big junction, so here is Rs.10 back.” Got me thinking. I was a tourist and the driver could have easily avoided the 10 bucks refund and kept that little extra for himself.

Gives you an assurance that a few good honest men yet survive around here and it’s a matter of chance that you get to meet one. Have you met one lately? Share your story with me in the comments area.

What I liked

• 53 check-in counters means no long queues.
• No baggage screening to be done by passenger. It all happens after check-in by the airport/airline staff.
• Good refreshment outlets at the Food Court (there is Barista and Taste of India serving south & north Indian dishes) and shopping area (Shopper’s Stop, Tommy Hilfiger) after security check-in.
• There is free Wi-Fi but I didn’t get a chance to try it.

What I didn’t like

• No TV terminals giving news updates (I missed the IPL final match while at the airport)
• No traffic discipline at the drop-off area. And of course we Indian drivers just don’t seem to respect a “Zebra Crossing”.
• It’s a long drive away from the city and Bangalore traffic they say can be really bad in peak time.

This is a huge replica of a Louis Vuitton bag outside the Departure area of the airport.

Next week I should be flying to Hyderabad and will get a chance to see the new airport there too.

Then a few months back Nitika’s family started planning for a vacation and we were invited to join them. After lots of discussions with the travel agent we bundled a 4 night/5 day package onboard the Super Star Aquarius from Singapore. The Aquarius ship is said to be smaller than the regular Virgo which sails on this route. That apparently has been moved to Hong Kong for the Olympics tourist crowd. But if you haven’t been on a cruise ship before you’ll hardly know the difference.

On Sunday morning we reached the Singapore Cruise Terminal well in-time. The check-in is just like air travel. Instead of boarding passes you get access cards which are very crucial for the journey. These access cards not only act as your right to being on the ship but also a charge card whereby you can purchase anything on the cruise without having to carry cash on you. And of course they are your room keys too.

If you are doing the cruise during vacation time there is one thing for sure – You can’t feel homesick. Of the 975 passengers 450 were Indian. So don’t abuse in your mother tongue because you don’t know who’s listening on the next table. And of course there were at least a dozen honeymoon couples from India.

Activities galore …  
Everyday the staff distributes newsletters which tells you the program for the day and also important news and announcements for the passengers. The days are packed with activities right from 8 in the morning till past mid-night. There is something for just about everybody. Games, dance shows, pool activity, art & craft sessions. In fact you might have a tough time deciding which activity should be skipped so that you can enjoy the other facilities onboard like the gymnasium, pool & Jacuzzi.

Our room was on the jogging track level and it’s good to have something like that especially when you eat like crazy onboard. The entire set of activities has been planned very extensively and the staff makes things really fun. They are spontaneous, humorous and extremely friendly greeting you with a big smile always. There were 2 grand musical shows of which one is a paid Las Vegas styled adult show. Both of them are a wonderful delight with lots of color, music, dance and glamour.

Food and more food …
They serve a total of Six Meals which are included in your package. The morning starts with Breakfast – there is a variety of eggs, breads, ham, bacon, baked beans, croissants, mashed potatoes and there is idli, samosa, upma for the Indian audience. Mid-morning tea is served with some biscuits and cakes. For lunch and dinner we could access the Spices restaurant which served Indian food. Or there was Dynasty which served set meals – Chinese or Western. Then there was the international cuisine at the Mediterranean.

In general the food was good yet unpredictable because sometimes it was awesome and sometimes it sucked big time.  But you wouldn’t sleep empty stomach because there was a Mid-night meal which served pizzas, pastas, rice and more … And of course if (I really wonder how) you do feel hungry at any non-meal time you could eat something at their 24 hour restaurant which served international dishes like pizzas and noodles. One afternoon they also had a Fruit Station by the pool side where fresh cold fruits were served to help us beat the heat.

Port Stops
The Super Star Aquarius sails off from Singapore on Sunday afternoon. After a fun-filled evening the next afternoon it stops at Penang. Now because the port at Penang is not a very large one it cannot take in ships of this size. So we had to disembark into little ferries which took us to the little town of Penang.

After some rather rough waters in Penang we sailed overnight to reach next next morning the beach town of Phuket. We got about 8 hours here and had a good time visiting shopping centers, the beach side and an interesting coffee merchant. The next entire day we spent onboard relaxing by the pool side, lazing in the Jacuzzi and eating away to glory.

In Part 2 of the travel diary I will share my city experiences of Singapore, Penang, Phuket and the Bintan Island.