Thailand Unveils Ambitious Three-Phase Plan to Revitalize Tourism and Boost Economy with New Visa Policies

June 3, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterEconomy, Travel 0

The Thai government has rolled out a comprehensive three-phase economic stimulus plan aimed at revitalizing tourism and attracting foreign visitors by easing visa regulations. This decision emerged from a Cabinet meeting held on May 28, responding to the nation’s ongoing economic stagnation, sluggish GDP growth, and rising public debt.

During the meeting, there was a unanimous agreement that Thailand must generate new income streams by fully accelerating tourism policies. These policies are viewed as the sole economic driver capable of delivering rapid returns. The plan is segmented into three distinct phases, spanning 2024-2025.

Short-Term Measures (2024)

The primary goal of the short-term measures is to generate at least 3 trillion baht (81.91 billion USD) in tourism revenue by the end of 2024. Key components include:

– Visa Exemptions: Extending visa exemptions to tourists, business visitors, and short-term workers from 93 countries, an increase from the current 57. This extension permits stays of up to 60 days.

– Visa on Arrival (VOA): Expanding the VOA facility to 31 countries, up from 19.

– Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Introducing a new visa category for foreigners wishing to stay longer and work remotely in Thailand. The DTV is aimed at skilled foreign talent, digital nomads, freelancers, and individuals participating in activities such as learning Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and arts and music events.

The DTV offers numerous benefits:

– Eligibility for skilled talent, digital nomads, and those engaged in various activities.

– Inclusion of spouses and legal children under 20.

– Requirement of proof of financial support or a guarantee of at least 500,000 baht.

– Allowing stays of up to 180 days, with a visa fee of 10,000 baht, and the option to extend for another 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.

Improved Benefits for Foreign Students

Foreign students pursuing higher education degrees with a Non-Immigrant Visa (ED) will find it easier to secure work and remain in Thailand post-graduation. They can extend their stay for a year after graduation for job hunting, traveling, or other activities, provided they obtain certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

Medium-Term Measures (September to December 2024)

– Restructuring Visa Categories: Reducing the number of Non-Immigrant visa categories from 17 to 7.

– Adjusting Long Stay Visa for Elderly: Revising criteria and conditions for elderly people wishing to retire in Thailand.

– Health Insurance Requirements: Lowering the health insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant visa (O-A) holders to pre-COVID-19 levels—40,000 baht for outpatients and 400,000 baht for inpatients.

– Expanding e-Visa Services: Doubling the number of Thai embassies, consulates, and trade offices offering e-Visa services from 47 to 94 by December 2024.

Long-Term Measures (Fully Implemented by June 2025)

– Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Developing an ETA system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption.

– Technological Integration: Utilizing technology and innovation to enhance the screening process for foreign nationals, integrating data with the Immigration Bureau.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong acknowledged that while these measures to facilitate tourism will lead to an estimated annual revenue loss of approximately 12.3 billion baht (335.7 million USD), the projected returns from increased tourism—estimated between 800 billion to 1 trillion baht (21.8 – 27.3 billion USD)—justified the Cabinet’s approval of the measures.

Summary of Measures

– Short-Term (2024): Immediate visa exemptions, expanded VOA, introduction of DTV, and benefits for foreign students.

– Medium-Term (September to December 2024): Restructuring visa categories, adjusting long stay visas for the elderly, reducing health insurance requirements, and expanding e-Visa services.

– Long-Term (June 2025): Developing ETA systems and enhancing immigration screening through technology.

The Thai government’s strategic focus on tourism as a key economic engine reflects a calculated approach to counteract the economic slowdown. By streamlining visa processes and introducing new visa categories, Thailand aims to attract a diverse range of visitors and long-term residents, thereby boosting the economy. The anticipated high returns from these tourism policies underscore the government’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s economic landscape through targeted, phased measures.

Russia and India to Begin Talks on Visa-Free Group Tourism in June, Agreement Expected by Year-End

May 30, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterDiplomacy, Travel 0

The initial discussions between Russia and India regarding the establishment of a visa-free group tourist exchange are set to commence in June, with the expectation of finalizing a bilateral agreement by the end of the year. This information was disclosed by Nikita Kondratyev, the Director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, to the Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik.

“The process with group visa-free trips has moved a little. The Indian side returned with the answer that they are at the final stage of internal state coordination and asked us again for the latest draft of the document and promised to return in the very near future. I think we will hold the first consultations with them in June to discuss a draft agreement,” Kondratyev stated at the International Economic Forum ‘Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2024’ held in Kazan.

He further added, “We plan to sign by the end of the year.”

Previously, the ministry had indicated that it anticipates initiating visa-free tourist exchanges with India in 2024, following the precedents set by similar agreements with China and Iran.

On August 1, 2023, Russia and China commenced a visa-free group tourist exchange under an intergovernmental agreement. Simultaneously, a visa-free group tourist exchange between Russia and Iran also began on the same date.

(15): 17th, May, 2024 set in Mamoudzou, Mayotte, France

May 18, 2024September 2, 2024 Kiran BhatFamily, Girar, Health, News, Travel 0

« It has come to this time, and you know it. »

« She is still young. She looks this way, and it looks hopeless, but I am not desolate. I know my mother. I know what she is capable of and what she is not. »

« So, will you disagree with what the doctors say and let your mother suffer because you are stubborn? »

« I will do what is best for my mother, and that is all. »

23 March, 2024

His mother made a choking sound. He and his wife were in the dining room picking at the crab with their hands. His mother could not do it herself, and so he took the crab and mashed it into a pulp to feed directly to her. It was common for her to cough while she ate, but this time she made a sound that was stronger than that. It was the sound of someone trying to expel food out of their lungs.

His wife came up from behind and patted her. The choking sounds stopped. He talked with his wife. They wondered if the pieces were too big for her. He tried some of the mush. There were some red wedges that even he could have choked on. He should have been more careful. At his mother’s age, just the simple act of remembering how to swallow was difficult. A lot of people at that age died because their throat muscles gave out.

Father hoped that day would be a good time away from this one. He asked his wife to mash the crab better. Whatever they served for the rest of the meal did not choke his mother. He did see some tears in her eyes, but she teared often. He observed her, tried to talk to her when she seemed in the mood to attempt speech, and when she had finished her meal and her throat was fully settled, he turned on the television, and they watched it together, knowing that he’d have to go to the hospital for work in an hour and be there for the rest of the day.

29 March, 1960

It was a festive night in the town of Mtsamborou. Because of the breaking of the fast and the start of iftaar, everyone was out on the street, getting fried brochette and snacks from the various venders. Boys were out playing ball. The women were in the hovels on each side, sitting on the steps, eating their meals, feeding their children, and partaking in gossip.

The young Abdou Madi was out with his brothers and his mother. His father was on the coast with his friends who were fishermen. It was rare for Abdou to be with his family, but he liked to spend time with them. Abdou was five. He saw the boys playing ball and it filled him with curiosity. He tried to run over to them, but because his sandals were broken, he kept falling over. His brothers laughed at him and called him names rather than help him up. Tired, he decided to go back to his mother.

His mother, who was known in the village as Zakia Madi, was sitting on their stoop. She was by the fire making the pilao that she would serve to him and his brothers and the other men and women of the household.

The pilao had a strong saffron, spicy taste. He would mash the peas with his tongue and swallow the small carrot pieces whole. The chicken pieces sometimes got wedged in between his teeth, and his mother would tell him to keep his mouth shut so as to not show the neighbours how unkempt his mouth was.

But his mother wasn’t that much better when it came to eating. She must have been hungry from the fasting. She took her hand to the plate and stuck as much food as possible into her mouth. Only one in every six hands went to her son.

It never really changed over the years. Whether it was during the breaking of the fast during the holy month or just food that she made regularly in her own home, Zakia Madi was a ravenous eater. She drank little water, but gulped down her food as if it were liquid, and that was probably where Abdou had learned the habit. Years later, Abdou moved to Mamoudzou for work and he learned to eat all sorts of things, from Chinese food commonly sold at nearby restaurants to the French styles of croissants and baked goods that were common in the capital. His mother never had that exposure and stuck to what she ate, but for Abdou, that was a good thing. Abdou became a father, and Abdou became a doctor, and Abdou became a fixture of the capital, but whenever he visited his hometown in the north of the island, it was like time was stuck in place, with his mother always bending over the fire outside of their small little hovel, cloaked in hijab, throwing spices and vegetables bits into the rice she was boiling in her pot.

2 April, 2024

« What is that sound? »

« Do not worry. She makes it when she is eating. »

« It sounds like a crow is dying. »

« Halima, this is the mother of my husband. She is like a grandmother to you. She is our family. Do not say such things. And today is the day of my husband’s birthday. Do you want to come here to tell him your wishes, or are you going to make him sad? »

« I am sorry. »

« Mariame, I am fine. Your niece means well. When people get old, they make different sounds. In time she will come to learn them. Now, Halima, you came here for a reason, I am sure. What is it? »

« Happy birthday, my uncle. »

« Thank you so much, my child. I am happy to see you here. »

« Thank you. Auntie, I have something else to discuss with you. We will go to the other room and speak. »

« Thank you for coming, Halima. »

« Anytime, my uncle. I wish a good day to you. »

« Thank you…now, my mother, do not make such a face. It is my birthday. She means well. She doesn’t know you. You are doing well, my mother. Now, open your mouth. Yes, like that. Good. Will you have some more cake? Eat, if you please. Eat… »

14 May, 2024

It was inevitable that her throat would stop working. She was an old woman, and she had lost most of the mobility in her legs and body. At some point the upper parts were going to go as well. But when Mother called and told Father that his mother, the great dame of the family, Zakia Madi, was blue in the face, and she didn’t know what to do, his first instinct was to think that she was dying.

Father was at work, tending to one of his patients at the main hospital of Mamoudzou. He politely told the nurse who was on staff with him to continue the patient’s check-up, and he rushed to the ER, demanding that they send an ambulance. Father’s house was just on the other side of the hospital. It only took them a few minutes to curve through the snaking small roads of the city centre. Father was happy to see that his mother was alive. She was lying on the floor on her belly, with the caramel colour back to her face. He saw pieces of pilao and chicken on her orange flower dress and her unfastened headscarf on the table, as Mother had probably removed it while trying to get the food out of Koko Madi’s throat.

Koko Madi was too old and frail to be attended to with the Heimlich manoeuvre. The paramedic had to bend her at certain angles to make sure all the food was dislodged. Koko Madi coughed and flailed and ultimately vomited, spilling a yellow gruel of rice and chicken all over the hardwood floor. Koko Madi was put on a stretcher, placed in the ambulance, and sent to the hospital, alongside her son.

The news came after some tests that it was dysphagia. Father knew it had to be something like that, given how often Koko Madi coughed and hacked out whatever they fed her. The doctor who looked over his mother recommended that they insert a tube into her throat so that she could be fed with it. Father thought carefully but ultimately decided against it. His mother loved the taste of pilao too much. She would grow depressed not being able to eat food. Given that she was no longer able to walk or talk, food was the only thing left that she could enjoy, and Father did not want to take that away from her.

Koko Madi left the hospital, and Father told Mother over the phone that she really had to watch her as she was being fed. Mother asked Father what the doctor at the hospital had said, and Father said nothing. He would tell her in some days, when he had the free time to talk properly about his mother’s situation.

15 May, 2024

« Let her eat pilao, please. »

« It is a bad idea. »

« My mother loves pilao. If she were your mother, you would understand. »

« If she were my mother…well, since I take care of her all day long and all week long, it is like she is my mother. That is the truth. It is a bad idea to feed her rice. It will get stuck in her throat. Aren’t you the doctor? Should you not be the one saying this? »

« I suppose… »

« I suppose I have become the doctor of this family now, and the caretaker, and the one you vent all of your frustrations on. And it is unfair since you are not giving any payment. Remember? You are the one who is receiving payment. »

«You are not thinking correctly. I do not want to fight. You are my wife. I love you. But she is not ready… »

« Abdou, my love…the doctor said she needs to have her throat cut open. There needs to be a tube put in. Why did you not tell me? You are also a doctor. You would say something different if she were your patient. I know she is your mother. I know it is hard. But the mother whom you knew is long gone, my love. You have to really think about what is best for her. It has come to this time, and you know it. »

17 May, 2024

Father is not able to come into the room when his mother is having her throat drilled into, but at least he visits after the tube is inserted. He sees the strange little nob at the start of his mother’s chest. He goes immediately to grab her by the hand. She is making an anguished noise. It is like the helpless sound that animals make when they are about to be taken to the slaughterhouse by their owners. Father’s hand tightens around hers, and he feels her hand tighten around his, too, but her sounds do not stop.

The nurse comes to show him how to feed her. Father finds this condescending. He is a doctor. He knows how it is done. Still, at this point, he is the son of a patient, and he does not argue with her. The liquid is poured down the tube, making a strange gurgling sound, like putting oil into a machine.

But unlike a machine, Koko Madi has the most humiliated look in her eyes as she is being fed. She makes a protesting sound, but ultimately quiets when she realises it doesn’t change the outcome.

Father knows that she knows that what she is being subjected to is degrading.

She would have never wanted this. If she were still able to speak, she would have told her son to kill her then and there. Or she would have asked for her death months before, before she progressed to this state. She would have absolutely not wanted to live if she had known that her future would be a mindless body, with none of her organs or muscles working properly.

Though, then again, that is the future for all beings, even Father. What would he choose? Would he want to live on in a state barely considered life, because it was better than being nothing at all, or would he want to have peace, that sense of relief, that knowing of finality, when he could at the very least choose the end?

Father signs some papers to pay for the surgery. He doesn’t let go of his mother’s hand as she sits in her wheelchair. Mother was right when she said it. Father isn’t ready to let go. He wants to be hopeful. He wants to believe that this is the right decision for his mother. He wants to make sure his mother lives and lives and lives, even though his gut instinct tells him that all he has done is prolong the inevitable.

His mother’s hand grows sweaty and she lets it go limp, but he holds on. He tells himself over and over again that he will never let go. This is not one of his patients. This is his mother. His mother never gave up on him no matter what problems he faced. It is his fate, as a son, to do the same, until the end of her life comes.

1 May, 2024: The First of May set in Tartu, Estonia

May 3, 2024 Kiran BhatNews, Girar, Lifestyle, Travel 0

It is Kevadpüha. It is the first day of spring, a day of great festivity and warmth for the Estonian people. Had Mother not had her mother-in-law at home, she would be spending the entire night with her sister, Eha, and her nephew, Jaan, out on the streets of Tartu, celebrating the Walpurgis Night to the fireworks above the town hall building. Of course things are different this year for many reasons. Her nephew is growing to become a teenager and wants to spend less time with the uncool adults who helped raise him. And Mother has been so busy being a second mother to her mother-in-law that she has little time to meet her sister. She hasn’t met her in months and has no idea what is going on in her life, which is why she decided to call her some days ago and invite herself over, to the house she used to visit regularly, in an attempt to celebrate the first day of spring like they used to.

It is Kevadpüha. Mother didn’t come the evening before because there was no way she could have spent a whole night without sleeping after taking care of her mother-in-law all day. Mother comes at seven in the morning, the hour during which Eha readies herself for work. It is in theory the start of spring, but the weather is still incredibly cold. The morning’s temperature is right about zero, and it is hard to bear because of Mother’s lack of fat on her bones and the lack of sunlight above to warm her in its glow. Eha has a beautiful backyard with ample space for a garden and an apple tree, but all that one can see in this hour is the dead, dry, blacked-out branches, the frosted wooden planks of the fence, and the snow. Mother finds the key Eha hides under a doormat—some things never change—and uses it with the fence that will lead to the back of Eha’s home.

Indoors, Mother is greeted by the heat. She takes off all of her outerwear, hangs them in the closet, sits herself at the table in the kitchen, and lets the hot air from the heater blow right over her back.

Just as planned, Mother’s arrival coincides with Eha finishing her shower. She comes downstairs with her blond hair wrapped in a towel. She is looking wet from the shower but also from the excess make-up and lip balm that she cakes on her face. She is wearing a tight black dress that cover her legs but shows off her cleavage. Mother notices the stretch marks and wrinkles around her breasts. She looks like a mess, Mother thinks in the back of her head. Mother feels like she should admonish her for wearing clothes that show off her body in unflattering way, particularly since Eha is aging, but she chooses not to. Her sister will fight with her if she says it.

,, Good morning, Jelena,” Eha says, looking downwards to mind her steps but also connecting her gaze with Mother’s eyes. Her eyes are warm and expressive because of the full shape of her eyelids, but they are icy blue, which make even her casual glance a little piercing. ,, How was your trip to the house?”

,, Good morning, Eha,” Mother says. ,, My trip was good. Normal. I am a regular, after all.”

Mother laughs and puts her hand on the table, showing off her confidence.

Eha doesn’t respond but focuses on her steps, as if she is having trouble with the dimness of the lights and the shadows being cast by the stair planks.

,,Why are you taking so long to come down?” Mother asks, a light boastfulness in her voice. ,, Are you having trouble? Don’t tell me, you are becoming old like me.”

Again, Eha doesn’t retort. She reaches the end of the bannister and tells Mother, ,, Age is a funny thing, yes. It affects us all, whether it is today or someday.”

Mother curls her fingers on the table. She is used to Eha being snappy, willing to get into an argument over whatever Mother says. But today she is being quite self-effacing, slow, and contemplative.

Did something change over the first few months of the year that Mother did not know about?

Eha opens the fridge, takes out a bunch of food, readies some plates and pans. She seems to be making pancakes, as is the tradition of her house. Mother stands up to help her, but as she grabs at the eggs, Eha slaps her hands away.

,, You have some morning coffee,” she says, and she pours some from the kettle, probably made an hour earlier. Eha has the habit of leaving the stove flame on while the coffee brews during her shower so that it will be piping hot for breakfast. Eha thrusts a cup into Mother’s hand, singeing it. Mother retreats quickly to the table to put it down.

,, Let me help you with the breakfast,” Mother says as she flicks her hand in the air to soothe the burn.

,, You sit, and you wait for your food,” Eha says. ,, It has been too long since you had any of my food.”

Yes, it has, Mother thinks to herself, which is why she wants to help with the breakfast. When Mother helps with the breakfast, she feels like a part of the kitchen. But today she is being served like a guest, which makes her feel even more removed. It doesn’t help that the house looks different. Generally, Eha’s house is decorated like any other traditional house, with brown wooden walls and the smell of wheat almost staining the air, but in the last few months someone has hung up a number of pop art pictures here or there. Mother is tempted to ask if Jaan is suddenly getting interested in Andy Warhol, or contemporary art.

,, Will Jaan come down soon?” Mother asks. Eha is meticulously whisking batter and pouring jams into small little plates.

,, He will come when he comes,” is all she says. Then she follows it up with:. ,, By the way, his style has changed. You will be surprised.”

How? Mother wants to ask. Eha’s comment is the type of thing one says when one wants to invite more questions. Mother feels like her sister has purposefully said it to get a rise out of her. She remembers the last time she tried to pry into Jaan’s life. She had forced herself into his room when he was supposed to be coming down for breakfast and caught him masturbating. She still feels the shame in seeing what she saw, and in the lack of conversation she should have had with him. As that shame returns to her body, the questions in Mother’s mind still, and she finds herself wanting to change the subject.

,, Is your husband joining us for breakfast?” Mother asks.

Eha puts a pancake on the pan and readies another, but instead of answering Mother, she responds with her own question. ,, How is life at home going? How is Kaspar?”

,, Kaspar is fine,” Mother says. ,, But now, there is also the question of Kaspar’s mother.”

Mother puts a dry smile onto her face, but really she is getting worried. There is a lot on Mother’s mind that goes unsaid. Father was kind enough to hire a nurse to take care of her for a few hours, but Mother can’t help but think the worst of things. Will this nurse abuse her mother-in-law while no one is there to observe her? Will she do the work that is expected of her, or will she sit there and watch TV, waiting for Mother to return to get her hands dirty? Was it a good idea to take time off like this? Is it worth it, too, if Mother and her sister are simply going to be sitting here, having breakfast, like they used to in the past before Mother became so busy?

Mother looks up. Eha is looking directly at Mother this time. It is not a casual look. It’s like Eha is looking into Mother, prying something out of her, and taking the time to examine it, without Mother’s consent. Mother feels vulnerable. She winces, wondering what Eha sees.

Is Eha about to say something? It has to be something that is going to hurt.

Eha says: ,, I am proud of you, you know that?”

,, What?” Mother says, actually aloud. She clarifies: ,, What is there to be proud of?”

,, You are thinking a lot about your mother-in-law. It is not how you normally behave.”

Mother scoffs. ,, I do a lot for my family. Don’t you remember how much I did for you and your son? Or now that I am rarely here, are you forgetting?”

Eha ignores Mother and continues. ,, It is nice, all that you are doing for your husband. It’s a big sacrifice you are taking on. I don’t think I would be able to change my lifestyle like you have done. And you genuinely care for her. I know you want to complain, but I see it in your eyes. You genuinely care.”

Mother lets out a sigh. She cannot help it. She did not even know she had a sigh inside of her. She was not expecting Eha to say any of these nice things. It is like she has been punched in the stomach, but in a positive way. Her eyes are watering.

It’s been months, and everyone has gotten busy and grown apart, pulled in all the different directions that life is taking them.

But Eha, of all people, had taken the time to appreciate Mother. It makes Mother feel like all of the hard work she has done for her mother-in-law has made a difference, just like all the other times she has made sacrifices for the people she loves and cares for. Suddenly, it all feels like time and effort well spent. The clarity that only distance provides means that, for once, she is being seen by her sister. It is a distance that is worth it.

The Fourteenth Vision (12 April, 2024)

April 13, 2024April 15, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

Set in Manalkadu, Sri Lanka

Mother is in the middle of a circle. It is a circle drawn by a stick, right in the mud outside of her bungalow. She is under rows of banana trees. The grass is a thatched green, dry. She hears a prancing in the distance, as if deer are dancing on the dirt road. She is smelling betel nut. How she wants to go dance with the deer, sing songs to them, decorate their bodies with curcuma.

She remembers she is not allowed to leave the circle, but she doesn’t remember why.

As a young girl, she was told the outside world was scary, and for good reason. People used to come trying to shoot them all down. Sri Lanka doesn’t belong just to the Sinhalese, just as it doesn’t belong just to the Tamils. It belongs to everyone. But everyone wanted to kill each other for years based on what language they spoke. It is only because of recent random economic dilemmas that people have been putting their anger aside and yelling at the government. The economy is getting better, though it was in shambles for years, and people are still trying to do their best not to starve. There isn’t violence today, but what if the people who have had enough decide to storm the streets and take their problems out on others?

What if once more the Sinhalese take out their frustrations out on the Tamils—hard-working and normal people like Mother?

There are so many strangers, so many people outside of the family who can cause harm—and for no reason other than they feel like doing so. And so, Mother is waiting waiting waiting in the confines of her circle. She is grateful to have it. It is charmed with a repulsive magic that will fling anyone who is not herself to the farthest corners of her universe. As long as Mother believes in the power of the circle, she will face no harm.

What would happen if she were to let a little bit of fear into her circle?

She would have her arms and legs and breasts cut off. That was what happened to other women who threw caution to the side and acted on impulse. Or she would be raped, she would be pulled from the back by wher hair, naked, as a throng of men cheer on, waiting for their turn. This was what happened to the women who thought they were strong enough to lead an army, but their army turned on them when they found out their fastidious leader was just a little girl.

The truth is that no one can be trusted. The outside world is a dangerous and deceptive place. People don’t need a reason to harm others.

Mother imagines a man with infinite heads and arms dragging her off as she kicks and screams. He holds her in his castle, passing each night violating her, all while she waits for her husband to rescue her.

Waiting waiting waiting. All these years. Not years, decades. Not decades, centuries. Not centuries, millennia. She has buried herself deep in the earth, letting herself be uprooted over and over in a new feminine shape to marry the same exact man. Her husband isn’t bad. He is actually quite kind, and he means well, and she really does love him, just as she loves the family they have.

It’s just that if she did not spend all of her time waiting in the circle, hiding, she would have a very different sort of life.

There was a man facing her some time back. He told her something, but she wasn’t really listening. She closed her eyes, and when she snapped them back open, he was gone. He had been telling her something about the difference between reality and unreality, the power of the dream. The truth is that even when she lives in reality, she is actually still in a dream. So, what is reality, and what is her imagination?

Realisation is the key, and awakening to the truth of the illusion is her ticket out of this muggy weather and mosquito water and dirt roads. All she has to do is truly open her eyes, and the illusion around her will dissipate.

At least that’s how things should be, according to that one particular man. Yet no matter how much Mother tries to blink her eyes, the home she built for herself in this farming village on the peninsula of Jaffna is the only place she awakens to.

There is another man coming. He is a wizened, shrivelled thing, clad in only lungi, walking up the dirt road with a cane. Mother tries to recollect if she knows this man, since she knows everyone in Manalkadu. But he is not a man she recognises. He looks like even the smallest of breezes will blow him down. He looks so beaten in the eyes, so ready to fold to the bullying of time and welcome the arrival of the end of his life. Things have been very hard economically in Sri Lanka. Mother isn’t surprised that there are many people like him, who were probably once well fed, but who now rely on charity to be able to afford their daily rice and fruits. Mother has her three meals a day and has steady support from her husband, and so whenever she sees others who are suffering, she feels the guilt that comes from being grateful of what she has, and wishing to share it with others.

But as the man comes closer, Mother realizes he is not the same man she saw walking towards her a few hundred metres back. This man is a stranger, a foreigner to this land, someone who looks like them but is not truly one of them. Something in her mind is telling her that if she wants to find freedom from this reality, he is the man she ought to talk to.

No, she answers immediately. The circle is there to protect her. She has survived over sixty years a civil war and an economic crisis for a reason. Mother knows when to stay put, when to keep herself out of a conversation.

And yet a deep voice vibrating from the insides of her third eye is telling her that she must talk to this man. It is what destiny has divined. It is the only way that she will progress to the next stage of her life.

But in order to talk to the man, Mother must break the circle.

She could get kidnapped by the men lurking behind the foliage. There could be a tenfold of men, sex traffickers, waiting for her to leave. This man himself could be working with them.

But if all of life is a dream, even if she is violently awakened from this one, what would be the worst that could happen?

When that voice came to Mother ages ago and told her to start dreaming, Mother promised herself that she would not live by the lines she had drawn around herself. She would take the steps to question the script society had given her, she would come to appreciate life on her own terms. Despite that, she has lived the preceding days in exactly the same way as before. And why is that?

When does Mother’s life cease being a script?

Without any prompting, Mother kicks her feet up. The dust from the chappal destroys the line of the circle. She jogs up the dirt road, not turning back. She flings the dust all around her, creating a filmy vapour across her gown and her body. She reaches the man.

She tells herself that she has something to say, and if she doesn’t say it now, she will never know if another time will come for her voice to ever be truly heard.

Discover the Top 10 Retirement Destinations for 2024: From European Charms to Tropical Paradises

April 9, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Finding an ideal retirement destination that combines affordability with excitement is a common aspiration for many individuals, particularly as they approach their golden years. While the United States offers numerous attractive retirement spots, relocating abroad often presents opportunities for cheaper housing, superior healthcare, and advantageous tax incentives, along with convenient access to some of the world’s most desirable cities and beaches.

The decision to retire in another country prompts the need to carefully consider the best place to settle down. To aid in this decision-making process, it’s beneficial to consult the 2024 Retirement Index provided by International Living—an annual compilation of destinations where retired couples can lead comfortable lives with as little as $2,300 per month.

This comprehensive index, now in its 33rd year, draws insights from a multitude of on-the-ground editors and correspondents worldwide. These insights, combined with personal experiences from the editors, inform rankings across seven key categories: Housing, Visas and Residence, Cost of Living, Development and Governance, Climate, Healthcare, and an Affinity Rating—a measure of overall contentment derived from factors such as expat community size and culinary diversity. The primary aim of the index is to identify locations where retirees can stretch their dollars further, enjoy a satisfying lifestyle, and immerse themselves in a new culture while retaining some sense of familiarity.

The top 10 countries for retirement in 2024 represent a diverse mix of cultural hubs in Europe and idyllic outdoor settings in Central and South America—destinations that hold appeal beyond retirement age. Let’s delve into the specifics of each country:

Colombia (Rank: 10)

Colombia boasts remarkable biodiversity, encompassing everything from beaches to the Amazon and the Andes, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences. Cities like Medellín, with its moderate climate and thriving expat community, offer appealing retirement options. Meanwhile, smaller towns like San Antonio de Pereira provide a slower pace of life. The cost of living in Colombia varies, with upscale neighborhoods in major cities commanding higher rents, while suburban areas offer more affordable options. The healthcare system, primarily managed by the Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS), is accessible and supplemented by private plans. Visa requirements include demonstrating income exceeding three times Colombia’s minimum wage.

France (Rank: 9)

France entices retirees with its rich culture and diverse landscapes, from glamorous coastal towns to picturesque countryside locales. Montpellier, a rapidly growing city, offers modern amenities and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Affordable living options are available outside major tourist hubs like Paris. France’s renowned healthcare system provides quality care at fixed government-regulated costs. Visa options include long-term visas requiring specified pension amounts or real estate investments.

Malaysia (Rank: 8)

Malaysia’s geographical diversity, spanning Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, and numerous islands, appeals to retirees seeking natural beauty and urban conveniences. Affordable living, vibrant street food culture, and easy access to neighboring Asian countries contribute to its allure. Housing options range from beachfront apartments to inland properties, with overall living expenses accommodating various budgets. Healthcare options include private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Visa programs, such as MM2H, offer long-term residency to retirees meeting specified financial criteria.

Greece (Rank: 7)

Greece’s timeless appeal, characterized by its Mediterranean charm and rich history, makes it an enticing retirement destination. Expatriate communities and affordable housing options contribute to its popularity. Greece offers a favorable cost of living, particularly in regional areas, alongside a robust healthcare system. Visa options include residency programs based on real estate investments.

Ecuador (Rank: 6)

Ecuador combines favorable climate, cultural richness, and affordability, providing retirees with diverse experiences ranging from beachside relaxation to Andean adventures. Affordable housing options, coupled with accessible healthcare and visa programs like the 60-III Pensioner’s program, make it an attractive choice for retirees.

Spain (Rank: 5)

Spain offers retirees a high quality of life, boasting a pleasant climate, rich cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Coastal regions provide ample sunshine, while cities like Barcelona and Madrid offer cultural delights. Affordable living options are available, with healthcare accessible through public systems or private insurance. Visa options include residence permits or Golden Visas based on real estate investments.

Panama (Rank: 4)

Panama’s strategic location, coupled with its scenic beauty and expatriate-friendly communities, makes it a compelling choice for retirees. The Panama Pensionado visa offers discounts and benefits to retirees, with affordable living options available throughout the country. Healthcare services are well-developed, with residency requirements accommodating pension income thresholds.

Mexico (Rank: 3)

Mexico appeals to American retirees with its proximity, familiar amenities, and diverse landscapes. Affordable living, vibrant culture, and accessible healthcare make it an attractive retirement destination. Visa requirements include demonstrating pension income and applying through Mexican consulates.

Portugal (Rank: 2)

Portugal offers retirees a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability. Coastal towns and inland regions provide diverse living options, with healthcare accessible through public systems or private insurance. Visa options include Golden Visas based on real estate investments or residence permits.

Costa Rica (Rank: 1)

Costa Rica’s natural splendor, coupled with its expat-friendly environment and relaxed lifestyle, earns it the top spot. Affordable living, abundant outdoor activities, and accessible healthcare contribute to its appeal. Visa requirements include demonstrating pension income and applying through Costa Rican immigration offices.

The 2024 Retirement Index showcases a range of attractive retirement destinations worldwide, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. From European cultural hubs to South American paradises, these countries offer retirees the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle amidst new experiences and adventures.

2 April, 2024: L’anniversaire le plus joyeux set in Conakry, Guinea

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

«Bonsoir, ma tante. »

«Bonsoir, Tina » Mother said to her niece, all the while thinking, What are you doing here?

It was seven in the evening, a half hour after Father had come home from his hospital work. Because of some construction happening in the suburb of Kipe, the lights outside of the house were not working. The muddy street looked murky and easy to fall into. A street dog ambled by on an injured leg. Seagulls from the coast side were fighting with the crows for scraps of food. Their house was on a small commercial strip with a small clothes store and some local restaurants, but that otherwise had no real reason to be frequented by an outgoing youngster like Tina.

Her niece, as if hearing the question Mother had been too polite to voice, said, « I am here to wish my uncle. Can I come in? »

« Bien sûr » Mother said, though she was still confused. While this was the hour Mother and Father had agreed to celebrate his sixty-ninth birthday on, Father had made it very clear that he was not going to tell anyone about it, that it was just going to be an intimate celebration within their individual family. Perhaps Tina had a thing for remembering dates. While Tina was irresponsible in a lot of ways, Mother had discerned that she was good at numbers, given how quick she was at calculating tabs and doing math out loud. Mother did not want to assume mal intent on the part of Tina.

She said, « You have all of the right to come in. You are family. You do not even have to ask. »

Tina took off her shoes and put on the pair of slippers that Mother had by the door. They were actually Son’s, and it was rare for other people to use them, but Mother didn’t address it as Tina was quick to ask questions.

« Alors, how have the last few months been for you? It’s been some months since we last talked, has it not? »

« Oui » Mother said, but before she could answer, Tina spoke on.

« I am so sorry to not have visited you. I have been so busy. I’m now in my second year of college. It’s a lot more work than the first. And soon I will be starting my third year. »

« Are you still studying biology? » Mother asked.

« Ma tante » Tina chuckled. « Why does it matter to you so much? »

« It is because you did not come from Koidu with the plan to study biology, and it is expensive to change your degree like this. Are you not thinking about your mother? When was the last time you called her, in fact? »

« Ma tante » Tina repeated, keeping the amused smile on her face. She opened up an app on her phone. « Do you think I look good in this picture? Or do you think I should apply some more red on my face? »

She showed the picture first without any filter, in which Tina’s face was normal, her cat-like eyes and caramel-toned skin against the steel wall of a mall, her face centered because of the size of her dreads and how much space they took up in the photo. Then she put on a filter, and Tina’s cheeks were fully red, and the size of her eyes were widened out, almost made to look like a cartoon character’s.

« Tina, aren’t you here to wish my husband for his birthday? Why don’t you go wish him instead of showing me these photos? »

« Oui, oui » Tina said, laughing it off. « You have reason. Where is he? »

Mother pointed into the dining room, which was through the doorway on the other side of the sofa. It should have been obvious from the light and the smell of burnt candles. Tina rushed over, and Mother heard her say, « Bonsoir uncle. Happy birthday. »

« Thank you, Tina. » Mother could hear, based on Father’s matter-of-fact tone, that he wasn’t happy about this particular visit. Mother could understand. Tina rarely visited or interacted with them unless she was in need of money, and she barely talked to her husband as it was.

Then Tina roared almost too loudly, « And who is that? »

Mother entered the room. Tina, of course, was referring to her mother-in-law, the great Madame Condé, the dame of the Temme people of Kambia who was well respected in her town, and who was known for being the mother of Sekou Condé in this particular house. She was sitting in her wheelchair, covered in a purple sun-print dress. The dress used to cover her properly, but with how thin she was becoming, it now draped over her like a bedsheet. The only place where there was still a healthy amount of fat deposit was on her cheeks. Her eyes were turning blue with age. It seemed like she had noticed Tina and was putting her lips together to say something, but instead she blew out spit. Drool pooled over her chin.

« What is she doing? » Tina asked.

Father responded to Tina’s earlier question, « This is my mother. I don’t think you have met her, have you not? »

« Why is she making a face like that? »

Certainly, for someone not used to seeing a face in the midst of dementia, Mother knew it would be a puzzling sight. The eyes seemed completely vacant, and yet the lips were open, as if in the middle of conversation. Father’s mother put up one of her hands, and Tina reached towards it as if she wanted to give her a handshake.

But then Madame Condé lost her focus, and she slapped at Tina.

« She just slapped me » Tina said, rubbing her arm. « And it was quite hard. She is strong. »

« Yes, she is » Father said. The chocolate frosting of the cake was dripping onto the table. The lights above were flickering, the bulbs soon in need of changing. « Tina, what was it you wanted to say in coming here? »

« I wanted to say happy birthday » Tina said, her French sounding joyous and polite and very positive. But then something else glinted in her eye, a clear, obvious question.

Was she about to ask for money?

The silence stretched out for some time, then Tina said, « I guess I should get going. »

« You could have some cake » Mother said.

« I am on a diet, but thank you. »

Mother gave a polite smile, knowing that made sense given how Tina thought. Mother gave a look to her husband, asking with her eyes if she could see Tina off. Father gestured for her to go, that it would no bother for the two of them. They returned to the living room, and Tina picked up her purse from the sofa. She said, « I understand why you are so busy. It must be hard to take care of a woman like her. »

Mother held her mouth shut, not sure how to respond. Yes, it was very hard to take care of a woman like her mother-in-law, very much so. But Mother didn’t like Tina’s tone.

Tina went on:

« The cake smells splendid, and there was not a power cut today. It would probably have been a most joyous birthday otherwise, if she wasn’t there, making a mess everywhere. »

Mother wanted to say something to stop Tina in her tracks, something along the lines of, You shouldn’t speak about your elders that way. Someday, someone will say the exact same thing about you. At the same time, all Mother had to do was sniff the air to remind herself that there was now a permanent smell of urine in her house, just as she could see the snot stains from her mother-in-law on the couch, or the TV knob that was permanently broken because her mother-in-law had tried to pull it off one day.

« You have a good day today, Tina » Mother said.

« You too, my aunt » Tina said, and she went in for a hug.

When Tina left, Mother reflected. She was glad that Tina had not asked for money; it showed she was maturing. She also appreciated that Tina had taken the time to visit them and wished her uncle as politely as she could.

But Tina had a lot of growing up to do. A lot of what she had said, while well intentioned, was not appropriate. It was not even correct.

It was a joyous birthday indeed. And what made the birthday important was not that Father was turning sixty-nine, but that this was the first birthday Father was spending with his own mother in many decades. That family time was rare, special, and far more valuable than a big birthday party. While Mother was very tired of taking care of her mother-in-law, it had been nice how they had cut the cake, blown out the candles, and sung French songs from the radio, just the three of them. The presence of the grand Madame Condé did make the house feel fuller, she had to admit, and Father was happier, no doubt about that. Mother was grateful.

Mother was grateful for that very much.

Carbondale and Beyond: Anticipation Mounts for Rare Total Solar Eclipse Spectacle

March 26, 2024 Staff ReporterScience, Travel 0

Residents of Carbondale, Illinois, are on the brink of witnessing a rare cosmic event – a total solar eclipse, defying the odds set by celestial mechanics. Typically, a location on Earth would encounter such an eclipse only once every 375 years, yet Carbondale is about to experience its second in just seven years. The forthcoming eclipse on April 8 promises to surpass its predecessor in spectacle, plunging the sky into darkness for a remarkable 4 minutes and 9 seconds, nearly doubling the duration of the 2017 event.

The anticipation extends beyond Carbondale, with an estimated 200,000 people expected to flock to prime viewing spots across southern Illinois for what’s being dubbed as “The Great American Eclipse, Part II.” This phenomenon isn’t limited to a single region; it will captivate observers along its path, stretching from Mexico’s Pacific coast to Canada’s Atlantic seaboard. The forthcoming eclipse is poised to be nothing short of extraordinary.

While the 2017 eclipse traversed sparsely populated areas, including national parks, the trajectory of the 2024 event will intersect major urban centers such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo. Dr. Kelly Korreck, the eclipse program manager at NASA, highlighted the significance, stating, “This is going to be the most populated eclipse in the US, with 31.5 million people able to just walk outside of their homes to experience it.”

NASA’s involvement in the event isn’t merely symbolic; they plan to conduct experiments during the eclipse, such as launching rockets into the Moon’s shadow to study its impact on Earth’s atmosphere and deploying instrumented jet planes to chase the shadow. Dr. Amir Caspi from the Southwest Research Institute emphasized the necessity of aerial observations, citing their ability to access wavelengths of light inaccessible from the ground.

The journey of the total solar eclipse commences over the Pacific Ocean, with Penrhyn Atoll residents witnessing the first glimpse of a darkened Sun at dawn. The Moon’s shadow then hurtles across the Earth’s surface, traversing Mexico, the US-Mexico border, and making its way through 13 US states before exiting over the Atlantic Ocean near Normandy, France.

Enthusiastic sky-watchers have meticulously planned for the event, considering transportation, accommodation, and historical weather patterns. While locations like Mexico and Texas offer better odds of clear skies, weather remains unpredictable, underscoring the uncertainty inherent in celestial events.

Total eclipses offer a unique opportunity for scientific exploration, particularly in studying the Sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere. The collaboration between British scientists and NASA aims to deploy instruments in Dallas to examine the corona’s properties, shedding light on its role in phenomena such as the solar wind.

Beyond professional scientists, citizen researchers are encouraged to participate in eclipse-related projects. Initiatives like Sunsketcher, Eclipse Soundscapes, Globe Observer, and Eclipse Megamovie engage enthusiasts in various observational and recording tasks, enriching our understanding of the eclipse’s broader impact.

As the eclipse approaches, safety precautions are paramount. Observers are reminded not to look directly at the exposed Sun without proper eye protection.

While Montana and North Dakota will witness a partial eclipse in 2044, the next total solar eclipse crossing a significant portion of the US won’t occur until the following year, emphasizing the rarity and significance of such celestial phenomena.

AAHOA Advocates For Hospitality Industry Rights On Capitol

March 18, 2024 Staff ReporterTravel 0

This week, starting March 11, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), as part of its 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC), hosted more than 200 key AAHOA leaders and members for two days in Washington, D.C. The Conference opened with a legislative learning session at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed by an evening Congressional Reception at the Cannon House Office Building, and then a full day of Congressional meetings.

The organization, which consists mostly of Indian-origin hoteliers, wrapped up SNAC with an active day on Capitol Hill, where AAHOA leaders participated in nearly 160 in-person Congressional meetings with U.S. Senators, Representatives, and their staff, across all party lines, a March 14 press release from the organization said.

Close to 30 key Members of Congress attended AAHO’s Congressional Reception. Each offered their comments and insights regarding the important role AAHOA and its members have in shaping the agenda of national policies and leading the industry in ensuring the voices of hoteliers are being heard.

Elected officials also spoke one-on-one with their AAHOA Member constituents to build and strengthen their relationships for ongoing and future impact, the press release said.

Consulate In New York Hosts Launch Of Chalo India Global Diaspora Program

March 17, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The Indian Consulate in New York hosted a special event on March 7, 2024, that showcased the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s Consul General in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, speaking at March 7, 2024 event at Consulate. PHOTO: X @IndiainNewYork

The stately hall at the Indian Consulate was full, and during the event, a video showing the inauguration of the campaign by Prime Minister Modi in Jammu & Kashmir was presented to the audience.

Tourism in India is lagging despite good landscapes, history, culture, art, crafts, and music. We are still unable to attract more international tourists. In 2019, India attracted around 10.7 million tourists, which came down drastically due to Covid. Now, we have achieved around 70% of the pre-Covid level but India is receiving only 2% in terms of tourist spending, which is around $20 billion.

India urges members of the Indian diaspora to act as Incredible India campaign ambassadors so that each Indian member living abroad can bring five non-Indians to India thereby giving a boost to Indian tourism. “The contributions of those Indian diaspora members who send more people to India will be recognized during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India and some awards will also be given to them in collaboration with the private sector.

Consul General of India in New York Binaya Srikant Pradhan, speaking at the event, encouraged members of the Indian diaspora “to act as Incredible India’s ambassadors” and inspire their American friends, Indian and non-Indian, and their families to visit and explore India’s diversity and beauty, a post on X, formerly Twitter, India in New York said.

(14): 12th March, 2024 set in São Tomé, São Tomé and Principe

March 15, 2024September 2, 2024 Kiran BhatHealth, Girar, Travel 0

Eu não posso acreditar que a minha mae tivesse estado comigo para dois meses, Father reflects to himself as he chews on his calulu. Actually, it has been more like a month and a half, but Father has been busy with work at the hospital. There’s only one public hospital in the entire city of São Tomé, a little far from where he lives, and he oversees more than forty patients in the course of an hour. It’s only in the hours of the evening after he comes home that he has time to savour the taste of the fish his wife makes, sit by the television beside his mother, and chat with her, making her feel young again by sharing the stories of his childhood. How the hours pass, with Father telling long stories about the things he did with his brothers in the coastal town of Vila Malanza, such as how they would cheat each other at football or how they’d spend hours hiking around the crags alongside the ocean without telling any of the adults, just to feel the fresh saltiness of the breeze, the uninterrupted humid smell of the green groves.

A piece of spinach is stuck in between Father’s teeth. He tries to suck it out from the back of his throat, and when that doesn’t work he tries to push it out with his tongue. He pricks at it with his nails, but it refuses to come out. Father finishes his meal and attends to his hygiene in the mirror of the guest bathroom. The spinach is wedged in between his front two teeth like a flag.

As he is taking care of it, Father senses something.

Does my mother have something to say to me?

14 February, 2024

« You know, it is a lot of work to deal with your mother. »

« I know already. »

« Artur, listen to me. It’s a lot of work. »

« I have to go to the hospital. You stay all day at home. What else can we do? »

« Artur, literally look at me. Don’t look at the phone. Look at your wife. »

Father was busy reading some text messages from the electric company, but he looked away, towards his wife, who had extended both of her arms towards him. They were full of red scratches and purple bruises.

« It is a lot of work to put your mother on the toilet. I am a frail woman. I am also almost seventy. Yesterday, I almost slipped on the water from the bath and could have hit my head. »

« We will get someone to help you at the house. »

« That is not all. Your mother scratches at me and hits me. Look at how she has marked me. It is like she is a kitten. »

« That is because she doesn’t remember who you are. She thinks you are a stranger, and she is defending herself. »

« Artur, this is all easy to say. You have to listen to me. It is a lot of work to be at home alone like this, dealing every day with your mother. »

« Deolinda, don’t worry. It will get better as you get used to it. »

Mother scoffed.

« That is easy for you to say given how little you are in the house. »

Father scoffed as well, almost mocking Mother’s response.

« I am hard at work, paying the bills for this family. »

« I know. » Mother said. She breathed in and out, measuredly, and folded her arms to herself. « And I appreciate your work. »

Mother didn’t say anything else. She looked like she was observing the atmosphere of the room, then left it, to go back to her housework. Father was relieved to see the conversation was over, and he went back to reading the messages about the power shortages.

But a part of him knew that Mother wasn’t saying something that she really had to get off of her chest, and that part of his mind couldn’t stop wondering what it was.

12 March, 2024

It’s rare for Father to intuit these things. Unlike Mother, who seems to think every offhand sound in the background involves them, Father tends to not notice anything unless it occurs in his direct line of vision, or unless it involves his work. Father is still picking at the spinach between his teeth while looking at himself in the mirror. His skin has always been a light caramel, but he has noticed that he is getting dark freckles on his cheeks. His skin is also darkening in patches. He hopes that it isn’t cancer.

But the feeling doesn’t go away. Father has a strong sense that his mother has something important to say. The thought resounds in his head, though he doesn’t know for what reason. It’s not easy for him to talk to his mother. Each time they speak, there’s a stutter and a pause—and she usually ends up not saying a single thing. She swallows her words, her eyes go blank, and she returns to staring mindlessly at the wall.

Father doesn’t understand why it would be any different today.

7 March, 2024

Alda Alves squirmed in the wheelchair. It was seven in the evening, but it felt like it was seven in the morning, or seven in the evening from the day before. The same serial was playing on the television. The colours flashed in the background. The smell of frying fish filled the house.

Suddenly her body shook. There was no control to the shaking. It would not stop no matter what. It was because she wanted to move but she didn’t move. She wanted to stand but she wasn’t standing. She wanted to adjust her body in the wheelchair but the most she could do was vibrate to herself.

She clutched her earring. Why did she have an earring on? She did not put it in her ear. Her eyes were blinking and blinking and blinking. She wanted to try to take it off, but it was a struggle to get her arm to raise up to her ear, and so she gave up.

There was a book next to her. The Bible. The pages used to feel so warm against her fingers. She wanted to grab it but how. Her finger shook. The book is so big. How would she make her hand fit around it?

She rubbed the edges of the pages with her fingers and then slapped over the book. It fell onto the floor.

Deolinda rushed into the room.

« Mamãe, what are you doing? »

Her mother-in-law’s eyes shuddered like a window blind partially closed.

Deolinda picked up the Bible and put it back in its place on the table.

« Do you want me to read some of the stories from the book? »

At the moment at which she asked she got no response, so Deolinda returned to her work in the kitchen.

But in a few hours, Alda Alves reached for the pages again, trying her hardest to pick up the book.

12 March, 2024

Father leaves the bathroom and returns to the green living room, with its eggshell-blue paintings of the ocean on the walls. Theirs is one of the nicer houses in the city. They live in a two-storey cottage right by the ocean, alongside a small wooden port used by the fishermen in the early hours of the morning. The houses are painted yellow and red and pink and blue. Their house is one of the green ones—green outside, green inside, and particularly green when the sun sets and cascades its light across the living room.

Just on the other side of the hall, the matriarch of the family, Alda Alves, is sitting in her wheelchair. She is in a pink nightgown, and she’s resting her neck on the back of the wall. Father remembers how effortlessly his mother used to lug entire fire logs on the top of her head, and yet now she can no longer support her head with the strength of her own muscles. Drool is dribbling out of her mouth, forming a thin liquid thread down to her arm. Father finds the small blue towel they use to wipe away her sweat and cleans it off.

« And how was your day, mamãe? » Father says, in the childishly excited tone he uses with his senile patients. « Como foi? » he repeats, two or three times.

His mother doesn’t make an effort to respond, which makes Father wonder if his earlier thoughts were founded on nothing. He sighs. As he said to himself earlier, he is not the intuitive one in his family, and he has long made peace with it. He wonders if he should watch the serial that Mother has put on, one of those random ones from Brasil where not a single character looks remotely African. Honestly, these are the things Mother would watch, not Alda Alves, who used to complain to Father that the things people consume in Africa should be made by Africans.

« Oi, Deolinda, » Father calls out. « Where have you put the remote? » Mother is too far away to hear Father, so he shouts louder. « And why is the program on this? » Something about him having to say it angers him. « You should be putting on things my mother will watch. This is not the time for you to enjoy your shows. »

Perhaps it is the tone he used, but Father suddenly hears a lamenting groan. He turns back to his mother. Suddenly her neck has stiffened out, and her head is straight. The expression on her face is one of fright.

« Oi, mamãe, calm down. Everything is good. Everything is good, I promise. Do you remember me? Do you remember who is talking? Who is this? Who is talking right now? »

Father puts on his excited face, trying to look how he looked when he was a little boy, raptured by everything in the world.

« A…ahh »

« Artur. »

« Ahhh…ahh »

« Artur. »

« Exatamente. Very good, mamãe, ótimo… »

Normally, the conversation would end here. Father would try to make his mother say his name over and over again, and once she got the hang of it, he would ask her to say the names of his brothers, or his father. At that point his mother would get exhausted. Her eyes would lose their glisten, all concentration would be lost, and she’d return to staring at the nothingness on the other side of the wall.

Only now his mother’s eyes don’t break concentration. They suddenly look the way they looked all those decades ago, back when Alda Alves lived in the fishing settlement of Vila Malanza, full of life and urgency and hunger for more.

31 May, 1962

There was once a day when Alda Alves looked through her open window, at the clothes on the drying line as she was drying the dishes, and said to Artur, « Do you know why we live the way we do? »

Artur was busy eating ice cream, but he shook his head, not knowing what his mother was referring to.

Alda smiled. The sun’s light imprinted the shadows of the palm trees over her face.

« There is no reason for why we live the way we do. We are born where we are. We are from where we are from. But we have all of the power to be more than that. »

Alda put her hand up towards the sky. She clenched it to make the shape of a fist, and she put it right in the place of the ever-shining sun, blocking its light. Her hair coils were slicked against her face like angry serpents. Her pinkish-purple chapped lips cracked against the breeze as she spoke.

« That is the reason why God has put us on this Earth. To surpass the challenge of the life we have been given. To prove that we are far more than what we have been put on this earth for. »

12 March, 2024

« Eu estou sozinho » Alda Alves says.

I am lonely.

The suddenness of her confession shocks Father. He utters without thinking, « What? »

« Sozinho » Alda Alves says, and then she says, quite lucidly, with the most piercing sadness in her eyes, « I am alone. » She says it over and over again.

A tear falls from Father’s eye and traverses over his face. A hotness warms his cheeks.

« My mother, you don’t have to be lonely. My mother, I am here for you now. My mother, I will always be here for you. I know I lived so far away from you for a long time, and it was hard to keep in touch, but I did it all for my family and for us. I’ve always done everything for you even when I have not been around. So, don’t be lonely, my mother. I love you. »

Father holds his mother’s hand. He tries to clasp the top of it with his other, as if that will somehow help to convey the authenticity of his words. He hopes that his mother has heard him in this sudden moment of clarity. He wants to believe more than anything that this is a sign that his mother is still inside of this body, that her dementia is starting to wane, even if just in this moment, and that a part of her consciousness will grace his presence more often.

However, instead of acknowledging her son, Alda Alves utters again and again, « Sozinho, sozinho…soz…so… »

Her voice cracks, her tone changes, her facial expression loses tension.

Her eyes are vacant once more.

She stops staring with that sadness, and faces blankly at the empty green painted on the wall.

Debating Distances: Unraveling the Longest Roads in the World

March 14, 2024 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The Pan-American Highway, deemed the longest road globally, spans approximately 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) from Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina. However, its claim to fame isn’t without contention. Proposed in 1923 by the United States, the highway was portrayed as a noble endeavor to unite distant nations. Nonetheless, some argue it was primarily a strategy to bolster US exports, particularly automobiles, to Latin America.

Formal discussions began in 1924 when US officials invited 37 Latin American delegates to Washington DC to present their case. After years of negotiation, the Convention on the Pan-American Highway was established in 1937, with Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and the US signing the agreement.

Despite ambitious proclamations, progress was sluggish. Even in the early 1970s, President Nixon optimistically predicted the highway’s imminent completion, yet significant gaps and incomplete sections persisted. Presently, the Pan-American Highway remains disjointed, with a prominent interruption known as the Darién Gap—a 160-kilometer (100-mile) stretch of land separating Panama and Colombia. This area, shrouded in dense jungle and subject to seasonal rains, lacks any road infrastructure whatsoever.

Efforts to bridge the Darién Gap were proposed in the 1970s, with the US offering substantial funding. However, environmentalists vehemently opposed the initiative, citing potential devastation to biodiversity and Indigenous communities. Moreover, the region’s perilous conditions, including armed militias, criminal gangs, and drug traffickers, further complicate any crossing attempts.

Nevertheless, the Pan-American Highway still clinches the Guinness World Record for the “longest motorable road.” Its main rival, Asian Highway 1 (AH1), is part of the Asian Highway Network and spans 20,557 kilometers (12,774 miles) from Tokyo, Japan, to the Turkish-Bulgarian border. However, AH1 suffers from interruptions, notably the 942 kilometers (585 miles) of sea between Japan and South Korea, as well as the impracticality of crossing the Demilitarized Zone between South and North Korea.

Another contender for the longest road title is Australia’s Highway 1, encircling the entire island for about 14,500 kilometers (9,000 miles). This route holds the Guinness World Record for the “Longest continuous road.” Notably, the “Highway 1 to Hell” team set a record by circumnavigating Australia in 5 days, 13 hours, and 43 minutes.

Ultimately, determining the longest road in the world is subjective, depending on one’s perspective and tolerance for interruptions in ostensibly continuous routes.

Air India’s Captivating Inflight Safety Video Celebrates India’s Cultural Heritage

February 27, 2024February 28, 2024 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Travel 0

Air India has unveiled its latest inflight safety video on X, showcasing a captivating celebration of India’s cultural heritage. The video ingeniously integrates various classical dance and folk art forms from across the nation to convey essential safety guidelines for air travel.

“Air India’s new Safety Film draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian classical dance and folk art forms, which have historically served as mediums for storytelling and instruction,” the airline announced alongside the release of the video.

In this innovative safety presentation, viewers are treated to a visual journey through eight distinct dance forms, with each mudra or gesture symbolizing a different safety instruction. The featured dance styles include Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Ghoomar, Bihu, and Gidda, each representing a unique facet of India’s cultural diversity.

Since its debut just a day ago, the video has rapidly gained traction, garnering over a million views and counting, with an array of reactions flooding social media platforms.

Online users have expressed admiration for the video’s artistic approach to safety guidelines. One commenter praised it as “Beautifully classical in a classy safety film,” while another exclaimed, “Wow. Wow. Wow. Yes, this is the word here,” highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of the presentation.

Others commended the video for its cultural representation and innovative delivery of safety information. “So nicely articulated, shows the diverse culture our country has. Well done!” remarked a viewer, emphasizing the film’s ability to showcase India’s rich traditions.

Many lauded Air India for departing from conventional safety demonstrations, with one individual noting, “What a breath of fresh air! Colourful, vibrant and so full-of-life safety instructions instead of a tape-recorded script or an uninteresting drill by flight attendants.” Another praised the airline’s initiative, stating, “It’s a delightful way to showcase the essence of Indian traditions while emphasizing the importance of in-flight safety. Kudos to Air India for this creative and innovative initiative!

Air India’s new inflight safety video has captured the hearts of viewers with its artistic depiction of safety guidelines, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity to create a memorable and engaging experience for passengers.

Surajkund Mela: A Colorful Celebration of Culture, Crafts, and Culinary Delights

February 25, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterCulture, Travel 0

Surajkund, translating to the “Lake of the Sun,” bears significant historical importance, deriving its name from the ancient reservoir constructed by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century.

Originating in 1987, the Surajkund Mela occurs annually in February, aiming to bolster tourism in Haryana by showcasing its rich handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage.

The Surajkund Mela is a collaborative effort between the Surajkund Mela Authority, Haryana Tourism, and various Union Ministries including Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs.

Since its inception, all states of India have actively participated in the fair, with one state typically designated as the Theme State.

Elevated to an international level in 2013 and renamed the “28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela,” the event attracted participation from over 15 countries, including those from Europe, Africa, and SAARC nations in 2014.

In 2015, a record-breaking 20 countries took part, with Lebanon as the Partner Nation and Chhattisgarh as the Theme State.

In the latest iteration in 2024, nearly 40 countries, including Tanzania, participated, providing attendees with glimpses into African culture alongside the cultural partnerships of all eight northeastern states.

Kicking off on February 1st, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela transforms Faridabad, Haryana, into a vibrant hub of colors, drum beats, and jubilation, celebrating Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage.

Drawing over a million visitors, including hundreds of thousands of foreigners, the Mela serves as a testament to global diversity, showcasing a plethora of arts, handicrafts, cuisines, and cultural tapestries.

As the world’s largest crafts fair, the Surajkund Mela celebrates India’s rich cultural fabric, offering designated areas for amusement, adventure sports, and joy rides, catering to visitors of all ages.

The event showcases some of India’s most exquisite handlooms and handicrafts, featuring handmade fabrics adorned in ethnic hues that captivate visitors’ attention.

Amidst cultural performances and exhibitions, the Mela serves as a custodian of heritage crafts, preserving traditional skills endangered by mass-produced imitations.

Visitors can engage in immersive experiences like getting their photos taken after donning the traditional ‘Haryanvi Pagdi’ at the Virasat Cultural Exhibition stall.

The exhibition also features displays of iron, brass, and wooden bells used for various animals, alongside wooden printing blocks and measurement scales from pre-Independence rural India.

The Surajkund Mela fosters cultural exchange and understanding through art and crafts, building bridges across borders.

Culinary delights from around the world await visitors at the multi-cuisine Food Court, offering an array of ethnic cuisines beloved by attendees.

India Showcases Wedding Destination Diversity: Consulate General in New York Hosts Webinar

February 24, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterEconomy, Travel 0

The Indian Consulate General in New York recently organized a webinar titled ‘Wedding Destinations in India’ on February 17. The purpose of the session was to introduce various locations across India that offer a rich blend of music, local customs, culture, and a diverse range of settings including desert, forest, mountain, beach, palace, and spiritual locales, along with options for meditational retreats.

The event was graced by the presence of Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Deputy Consul General of India, New York, Dr. Varun Jeph, and Parthip Thyagarajan, the CEO of WeddingSutra, a company specializing in providing comprehensive wedding information and inspiration to couples.

Dr. Jeph referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, “Wed in India,” which encourages affluent families, both within the country and abroad, to choose India as the venue for their family weddings.

CGI Pradhan emphasized India’s status as an ideal wedding tourism destination, stating, “When it comes to wedding tourism, I would say, India probably is the ideal destination.” He highlighted India’s diverse offerings suitable for weddings of all religions and budgets, ranging from the Himalayas and Kerala’s backwaters to Rajasthan’s forts and Orissa’s lakes, as well as the emerging tourism sector in the North East.

Thyagarajan outlined several popular wedding destinations and properties across India. He particularly emphasized the appeal of spiritual sites among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. Thyagarajan also discussed the popularity of temple towns like Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Guruvayur in Kerala for weddings on auspicious days, noting that while they offer budget-friendly options, they come with challenges like limited room availability and dining choices.

Additionally, Thyagarajan highlighted Bengaluru’s growing popularity as an ideal wedding destination due to its favorable weather year-round and the availability of quality properties within a short distance from the airport, making it convenient for guests who prefer shorter travel times.

According to a report by WedMeGood, the wedding tourism industry surpassed the $75 billion mark during the 2023-2024 period. In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism launched a wedding tourism campaign aimed at promoting India as a preferred wedding destination and boosting tourism in the country.

The Thirteenth Vision (21 February, 2024)

February 23, 2024September 2, 2024 Kiran BhatOpinion, Girar, Lifestyle, Travel 0

This is the real world. This is the world that Mother knows.

She is inside her home. It is a two-story cottage in Toledo, a town of Castilla La Mancha. The town encircles a hill. The houses are egg-shell yellow or dove white and covered with brick-coloured roof tiles. Her home sits on the top of a lane curving up to the Alcázar.

Mother is in her bed, opening her eyes. She goes to the window and opens her curtains, seeing the hazy clouds and the Tagus river underneath, as well as the sharp green cliffs on the other side.

She had dreamt she was on top of a horse in Mongolia just now.

Su vida ahora tiene que ser la realidad. No es una ilusión.

She yawns and stretches, still in the pants and shirt she sleeps in. She goes for a shower, then gets herself ready to go downstairs.

As she passes the hallway into the kitchen, she notices someone right by the wooden table. It is her mother-in-law, sitting in her wheelchair. This is more and more of a sign that Mother cannot be in a dream. She remembers the day her mother-in-law was moved into her house. Was it a week ago? Was it two? Certainly, the way her husband and his two brothers had bickered, that could not have been an illusion. They had been shouting so loudly that she could hear them on the second floor while doing her prayers. When she came downstairs, their hands and arms were flailing in the air, gesticulating with passion their shared concern for their mother that had led each of them to a separate conclusion.

She must come home. She must stay with me. We will take care of her.

That was what her husband felt despite what his brothers had said. And so her mother-in-law was now staying at home with them as they tried to improve her medical state.

Mother tries to shake herself awake. Why is her mother-in-law downstairs by herself? There she is, sitting in her wheelchair, her mouth stuck in a smile, staring not at any person but deeply at the wall. Mother’s husband, Pedro, must have taken her in her wheelchair up and down the cobblestones to show her around the town before leaving to go to the hospital. It is only around six in the morning. Pedro must have left ten minutes ago. He trusts Mother to help him with the rest of his mother’s needs. This includes cleaning out her diaper, bathing her from head to toe, and feeding her by spoon the gazpacho or paella she makes for lunch.

This is not a dream. This is very much reality.

Mother suddenly shivers. She feels like she is in the middle of the tundra, but how can she feel this cold when she’s indoors and the heater is on? She feels like she has horse hair stuck to her pants, but when she picks it up, the hairs are grey and blond, clearly hers. She could have sworn she was in the middle of doing something, and it wasn’t cooking or cleaning.

I was about to realise something, and it was important…

« Oye… oye… ¿me escuchas?»

Is that her mother-in-law speaking? First of all, the dementia has been strong for the last year. If her mother-in-law speaks, which happens at random moments, it usually isn’t anything comprehensible, just a word here or there followed by a few sentences that don’t cohere to what was previously said.

The voice is also not coming from that side of the room. It’s almost like it is coming from somewhere underneath her. How is that possible? There is nothing below her other than the floor tiles they installed a few years ago…

« Oye… oye… ¿me escuchas? »

This is clearly a man’s voice. Mother is now scared. She reaches for the knife nearest to her, the one she normally uses to cut peaches and apples. The rough gesture frightens her mother-in-law, who gasps and looks about, as if she has been suddenly awoken from whatever dream world she was living in. What a beautiful thing, to live in a dream. Mother is almost jealous of her mother-in-law’s innocence, but only for a moment. Mother fears getting older and slowly losing her mind.

In a bid to console her mother-in-law, Mother comes to her side and tries to pat her arm.

« Suegra… no te asustas, por favor »

Her mother-in-law looks like she is about to cry. Teardrops are forming under her eyes. She is trying to lift a finger, like she is about to point somewhere behind Mother. She always does this regardless of what’s going on, but this time Mother wants to turn around. She brandishes the knife and faces the other side.

There is nothing. No one. It’s just the corridor that leads towards the living room, and a window facing the cliffs. Mother holds the knife firmly but considers putting it back on the table. She remembers she should be cutting some fruit for breakfast. It is difficult for her mother-in-law to chew apples, so Mother mashes them and feeds them to her mother-in-law via a spoon, like she would a little boy.

« Oye… you need to look below, not behind… »

Right on the tiles is the upper half of a man’s body. The man is wearing armour from the Medieval era. He has a sharp pointed goatee, and the two tips of his moustache curl upwards.

« ¿Quien eres tú? » Mother shouts. He cannot be human. His body is literally bifurcated by the floor. And yet when Mother stares firmly, she sees the rest of him. He is sitting up, lying on a bed, with the covers partially on top of him. He looks almost exactly like how Mother must look when she wakes up. Even the lower part of his body is in pyjamas, and the covers of his bed resemble hers.

« ¿Quien eres tú? » Mother asks again. « ¿And why are you on my bed? ¿How are you on my bed? ¿Who are you? »

« Tantas preguntas » the man complains. He rolls his eyes at Mother, then closes them, as if he would rather be sleeping. « I used to have all of these questions arise to me in my dreams. ¿Where is my Dulcinea? ¿What has happened to Sancho? ¿And who are you? ¿Who are you? Ultimately, it never mattered. I acted and made a lot of mistakes and embarrassed myself. And now here I am, lying here for eternity, known to the world as a fool. I just lie in bed and hide under the covers. If I had known back then that everything I believed in was an illusion, I would have never done what I did. »

Mother takes a few steps back. The fingers that are holding the knife are quivering. She has to concentrate to make sure she doesn’t drop it. Mother’s bottom lip wobbles.

The man carries on: « But then would I take it back? I acted as I did because I believed it. Belief is such a strong emotion. We do everything with the conviction that it is right, but most of the time, when we are in that state of mind, we do so much wrong. »

Mother would nod if she had the composure to do so. She sees a bit of herself in the man’s reflections, and the pit of feeling in the centre of her chest is aching, as what tends to happen whenever a truth is said and one is unprepared to deal with it.

« And yet the world is turning, the turns are turning. The world is like one giant windmill, and we are trying to catch on to it. »

The man laughs peculiarly, taking Mother out of the pain she is feeling. She now feels irate, annoyed, and confused. She wants to take the knife and cut the man right at the point where the tiles are reflecting the bed, to make the illusion dissipate like fog.

The man pulls at his moustache, twisting the hairs into an even finer upward curl. He looks at Mother and contracts his eyebrows.

« Life itself is a farce. We call something madness when we think it’s close to the odd, but in reality, being so fixed in how we should live life is a madness itself. What is wrong with dreaming? I lived my entire life as a dream, and the world made fun of me for it. And yet because I was willing to live this way, many others came after me and made a fool of themselves as well. People call such fools heroes. They make stories about them, they erect statues of them, they memorialise them, as time goes on and on. »

The man stifles a laugh, and then turns his eyes to meet Mother’s.

Mother turns away to face the wall, but the man’s half-body is coming out of the beige paint. Mother turns towards the kitchen, only the man is appearing out of the sink. Mother suddenly worries about her mother-in-law. Mother turns to face her, but she is facing the man instead, who is now sitting in the wheelchair, but also on the bed, as if it were an image pasted all around the wheelchair’s frames.

How is it that she can’t escape this man? He has become a part of everything she sees. She doesn’t have the time for this. It’s already getting late, the sun which was starting to rise is now full in the sky. She has to get on with washing and feeding her mother-in-law. If this apparition wasn’t disturbing her, she would have been in the midst of her prayers by now.

Mother closes her eyes and wishes, Dios, denounce this devil and leave me in peace.

She opens her eyes and sees he is still in front of her.

« You cannot get rid of me yet, dear. I am in front of you for a reason. I’m here to propose to you an adventure. It is an adventure far greater than the one I have undertaken. For though I have slayed many a knight and rescued many a damsel, it was only at the end of my journey that I realised anything about myself. You, my dear, have the gift of taking such a journey after countless others have tried and failed. You can start already knowing something a bit about yourself. You can start having already learned from our failures. And deep down, dear, you are far less in the fantasy than I ever was. I think you already know what you need to work on. »

The man touches Mother in the middle of her chest, and as if she is a pool stuck in stillness, she feels something inside of her ripple.

« You were dreaming for a reason. »

Mother looks at her mother-in-law, remembers the feeling of annoyance of having someone intrude on the schedule of her day. There are so many people and existences suffering on the planet, but Mother has not done anything for them. Mother has been extremely inactive. She wanders in her mind, she wanders in the four corners of her house. She has only lived her life while waiting for her life to end.

Perhaps she could use an adventure to take her closer to her destiny.

Mother suddenly imagines her son kissing another man, and her heart fills with disgust.

The man says:

« Do you want to leave this dream, to become disillusioned like I have? You have the chance to keep dreaming, to reach the heights I could only imagine reaching. »

Mother shakes her head.

The man smiles and extends his hand.

The Historical Daulatabad Fort In Maharashtra

February 23, 2024February 6, 2025 Nehas MathewTravel 0

Daultabad Fort is also known as Deogiri Fort. “Hill of the Gods,” originally known as Devagiri, is situated atop a conical hill in the state of Maharashtra in the Daulatabad village near Aurangabad. This medieval Indian architecture is known for the steep slopes of history woven into its mighty walls.

History and architecture

The fort reached its glory during the Tughlaq dynasty, when Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital reign from Delhi to Devagiri.

Daulatabad is marked with a series of gates. The Maha Darwaza, or Grand Entrance, is a creation of military construction with a convoluted, maze-like layout to avert invaders. The clever use of defensive features like hidden traps and spiked gates demonstrates the fort’s designers’ strategic intelligence.

Tales

Harpaladeva, battling for the sultanate, gained control after the Yadavas lost all of their authority. Daulatabad was renamed Deogiri by Muhammad bin Tuqhlaq. He forcibly moved all of Delhi’s residents from Delhi to Daulatabad because he believed Daulatabad was in a superior location to Delhi. However, due to a severe water shortage, the residents had to travel back to Delhi once more. This incident is well-known in Indian history as a quintessential act of stupidity.

Things to do:

Chini Mahal and Royal Residences

Within the Fort’s remains is Chini Mahal, a building with appealing Persian tiles that used to be the royal family’s pleasure palace. An exciting look into the lifestyles of the monarchs who once called Daulatabad home could be observed by seeing the ruins of the royal apartments inside the fort.

Explore the entrance.
Sarawati Bawdi

Step-well, a set of stone steps descends to the water’s surface built inside a well.

Chand Minar

Persian blue tiles adorn the four-storey exterior of the Chand Minar. The Minar is closed to outside visitors.

Sunset Panorama

When the sun sets, it offers a breathtaking spectacle. The views from the Fort’s panoramic position create a captivating scene as the sun sets. It is observed that the fort’s shape contrasts with the evening sky’s golden tones, creating a scenic moment in the viewer’s life.

Lotus Temple In Delhi Proclaims Universality of Humanity

February 22, 2024February 6, 2025 Nehas MathewTravel 0

The incredible architectural marvel of Lotus Temple located in New Delhi, is a Baha’I House of Worship. In the early 21st century it was one of only nine mashriqs in the world.The Lotus Temple derives its name from its design. Like every other Bahāʾī mashriq, it is characterized by a nine-sided construction, in keeping with the Bahāʾī belief in the mystical properties of the number nine. Set on an elevated plinth in a 26-acre (10.5-hectare) expanse of landscaped gardens and surrounded by nine pools bordered by red sandstone walkways, the white marble edifice rises to a height of more than 130 feet (40 metres).

The Lotus Temple complex comprises 27 independent marble “petals,” which are clustered into groups of three to form nine sides (through which open nine entrances into a central space) and into groups of nine to form three concentric rings. Petals in the first ring face outward, forming canopies over the nine entrances. The second ring covers the outer hall. In the innermost ring, the petals curve inward to partially enclose the central prayer hall, which accommodates about 2,500 people. The top of the structure appears open but actually contains a glass-and-steel roof that admits natural daylight. The overall effect is that of a floating lotus flower on the verge of blooming and surrounded by its leaves.

The teachings of the Baha’i faith hold that there is only one God, one religion, and one human race. The prominent lotus-like structure transcends all religious boundaries and welcomes humanity without any significant qualifications. The lotus temple is manifestation of Baha’iFaith’s principles, emphasizing unity, peace, and spiritual harmony.

History and Architecture

The Lotus Temple was designed by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. The architecture is a merged design inspired from both Eastern and Western styles. The structure consisted of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals. The petals were arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The aesthetic appeal of the temple serves as a metaphor to the interconnectedness of all religions. The foundation for the temple was laid by Ruhiyyih Khanum and dedicated the temple on 24t December 1986. The Lotus Temple was built with marble that came in over 10,000 distinct sizes.

Things to do

Tourist Attraction

The Lotus Temple is now a popular tourist destination in Delhi, drawing millions of people every year. Part of what makes it so popular is its unique architecture and calm atmosphere.

Spiritual Retreat

The Lotus Temple provides a striking contrast to the chaotic urban environment outside its gates with its surrounding verdant gardens and reflecting pools. The serene atmosphere encourages introspection and contemplation, making it a haven for anyone looking for comfort in the middle of a busy metropolis. With its serene surroundings, the Lotus Temple turns into a haven for people looking for spiritual renewal and inner serenity.

Architectural Excellence

The Lotus Temple is renowned for its brilliant architecture and has received many honours and awards. The creative combination of artistic imagination and technical perfection is demonstrated by the inventive design and material selection.

Lakshadweep: Island Paradise Emerges as Prime Tourist Destination After PM Modi’s Visit

February 20, 2024February 23, 2024 Staff ReporterEnvironment, Travel 0

When preparing to touch down on the Lakshadweep archipelago, situated in the Arabian Sea about 490 kilometers west of Kochi, India, a captivating panorama of blues greets the eye. The closest strip to the pristine white shores, adorned with countless coconut palms, presents a gentle hue of light blue. As the view extends towards the sea, the water transitions into shades of turquoise, and further out, it deepens into an emerald blue expanse.

“It’s truly captivating,” remarked Shradha Menon, a geologist from the Indian Institute of Technology, who made multiple visits to the islands over the past two years to investigate carbon sedimentation. On each journey, she found herself among a select few passengers on the 36-seat flight from Kochi to Lakshadweep, mostly comprising island residents and government officials.

However, recent times have witnessed a surge of interest in the islands among Indian travelers, sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in January 2024. Images of him strolling along the pristine beaches and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters were shared on his official social media accounts, garnering hundreds of thousands of views. In his message, he expressed, “The beauty of Lakshadweep can’t be described in words. To those who like to visit beaches and islands around the world, I urge them to visit Lakshadweep.”

Subsequently, the archipelago found itself thrust into the limelight. Google searches for “Lakshadweep” spiked to their highest level in 20 years, reported The Economic Times. Mainstream media outlets suddenly featured travel articles, while YouTube and Instagram were inundated with videos and reels. MakeMyTrip, a major Indian travel booking platform, reported a staggering 3,400% surge in searches for Lakshadweep after Modi’s visit.

The Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), responsible for tourism in Lakshadweep, experienced an unprecedented influx of inquiries. Abdul Samad, one of SPORTS’ water sports instructors who accompanied Modi during his snorkeling excursion, noted a drastic increase from one or two inquiries per day to at least 10 since the previous month. Cordelia Cruises, operating routes from Mumbai, Kochi, and Goa to Lakshadweep since September 2021, witnessed a staggering 2,500% surge in booking queries post-Modi’s visit.

Plans are already underway for new beach and water villas on Suheli and Kadmat islands, confirmed Samad. Additionally, during India’s budget speech on February 1, Finance Minister Neermala Sitharaman highlighted Lakshadweep’s inclusion in discussions regarding improved connectivity to India’s islands to boost tourism.

Lakshadweep, a speck in the Arabian Sea, comprises 36 islands, including 12 atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks. With a population of approximately 70,000 on its 10 inhabited islands, the region relies predominantly on fishing and coconut cultivation.

Distinguished by its pristine white sands, Lakshadweep’s beaches stand apart from those along India’s mainland coast. Vardhan Patankar, with 15 years of experience in the region and serving as conservation director of GVI, elucidated that the atolls, unique to India, hover just above sea level. These formations, remnants of ancient volcanoes, gradually submerged to their current level, fostering coral rings protruding from the ocean’s surface. “Lakshadweep, mere meters above sea level, finds protection in its coral reefs,” Patankar explained.

Like many islands worldwide, Lakshadweep confronts the impacts of climate change. According to The Lakshadweep Research Collective, rapid coastal erosion threatens the archipelago’s land cover, with the loss of an entire island, Parali 1 in Bangaram atoll, documented in 2017. Moreover, the region has endured four significant ENSO-related temperature anomalies and three devastating cyclones in recent years, leading to widespread coral bleaching.

“Based on conservative estimates by scientists, Lakshadweep could succumb to submersion by 2050,” Patankar cautioned. He emphasized that any additional strain on the islands due to tourism or development projects, coupled with industrial fishing, could exacerbate the situation, hastening their demise.

In an effort to mitigate the impact of escalating tourism, SPORTS intends to maintain restrictions via a permit system. Encouraging cruise ships and yachts to visit the islands is part of their strategy, aiming to minimize overnight stays and thereby regulate waste production and preserve groundwater resources.

However, concerns linger among scientists regarding potential damage to the delicate coral reef barrier by large vessels, critical for deflecting storm surges. Furthermore, the construction of high-end villas and associated carbon footprints raise apprehensions, along with the potential escalation of commercial fishing to meet tourist demands.

“Tourism growth must be carefully regulated to ensure the sustainability of Lakshadweep’s ecology,” Menon stressed.

For travelers venturing to Lakshadweep, practicing environmental consciousness is paramount. Fortunately, a plethora of low-impact activities awaits exploration.

Renowned for its shallow waters and diverse marine life, Lakshadweep offers unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. “Underwater visibility is exceptional, enhancing the allure of the reefs during diving and snorkeling expeditions,” noted Patankar.

The underwater realm teems with a vibrant array of marine species, including snappers, groupers, moray eels, butterflyfish, and black-blotched stingrays. Green sea turtles often grace the waters, sometimes visible even from the shores. Among the fascinating sightings is the yellowmask surgeonfish, which undergoes a striking color transformation from yellow to purple as it matures.

The night sky, unperturbed by light and air pollution, provides a mesmerizing spectacle. “I’ve never witnessed such a profusion of stars, constellations, and shooting stars as during my three-day sojourn on the island,” shared Shalina CV, who visited Lakshadweep with her family in September 2023. She added, “Lakshadweep epitomizes a serene island where time seems to stand still, enveloping visitors in a surreal tranquility.”

Night fishing presents another captivating adventure, allowing tourists to join local fishermen on boating excursions and try their hand at pole-and-line fishing for skipjack and yellowfin tuna. Government-operated dive centers offer a range of water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, and parasailing.

Several locally-run homestays, such as Abdul Rahman Homestay and Feroze Homestay on Agatti island, and Kinak on Kalpeni island, provide clean and comfortable accommodations. Some enterprising locals have also established private tourism enterprises, such as Landiago, offering unique experiences like visits to Minicoy Island’s Juma Masjid or exploration of an old lighthouse. Booking trips through local operators not only contributes directly to Lakshadweep’s economy but also facilitates a deeper engagement with the islands’ culture and heritage.

“I believe the islands are safest in the hands of locals. Collaborating with them to empower and bolster their capacity to safeguard the islands represents the best hope for their preservation,” asserted Patankar.

Maldives Struggles with Financial Crisis Amidst Escalating Tensions with India

February 19, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterDiplomacy, Travel 0

Maldives is facing unexpected turmoil due to recent actions that strained its relations with India, resulting in the declaration of bankruptcy by the island nation. The dispute, worsened by President Mohammed Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign, has led to a critical financial situation prompting Maldives to seek a bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), exacerbating its economic woes.

President Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign, aiming to remove Indian soldiers from Maldives and replace them with qualified technical staff from India by May 10, marked a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. The situation worsened when three Maldivian ministers made controversial remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Lakshadweep.

Despite the subsequent expulsion of the three ministers, President Muizzu refrained from condemning their remarks, further straining India-Maldives relations. This deliberate provocation led to reports of Maldives declaring bankruptcy, prompting the government to turn to the IMF for financial assistance.

Under President Muizzu’s leadership, the once-positive relations between India and Maldives have dramatically shifted. His anti-India stance, evident in efforts to expel the Indian army and controversial ministerial comments, has severely strained diplomatic ties.

The fallout from these actions has caused widespread dissent among Indians, resulting in many canceling trips to Maldives, significantly impacting the nation’s tourism industry. India, previously a major source of tourists for Maldives, has seen a sharp decline in visitor numbers, slipping from the top spot to fifth place last year.

The combination of financial implications and strained diplomatic relations presents multifaceted challenges for Maldives, affecting both its economic stability and diplomatic standing.

12 February, 2024: An Interrupted Salah

February 13, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

Mother is bending down on her prayer mat on the floor of her kitchen, listening to the call to prayer and performing salah. She has the verse of a particular surah in the back of her mind that she would like to pray towards.

But then her mother-in-law starts to cry. How can it be possible?

When her husband told her he was planning to move his mother to live with them, Mother was hesitant for various reasons. Mother mostly stayed at home and did housework. She had her habits and hours at which she would clean, hours when she would get on the phone to catch up with relatives and friends, hours set aside for prayer and reflection and thought. A new person in the house would interrupt the flow of her daily life. A woman like her mother-in-law, who was suffering from a strong case of dementia and a crippling bout of Parkinson’s, required the attention only an aide could give. Her husband more or less assumed that Mother could handle it alone, and Mother herself didn’t say anything, because even she felt it wasn’t worth the money to hire someone.

An acrid smell covers the room. It is like the decomposed parts of rotting vegetables in which maggots are born. Most likely her mother-in-law is crying because her diaper is wet with faeces and fluid, and she wishes to be clean.

And yet it is the time for salah. Their house was built right on the other side of the Great Mosque, and so the prayers coming from its minaret are loud. They resound throughout the cottage, whether Mother is on the third floor or the ground floor. If Mother were to look up she would see it, an opulent golden beauty, right outside of the window, reminding her to pray first and foremost. With her eyes closed, Mother imagines the building, the height of its minaret, the green-ness of its dome. She reminds herself that the prayer will last another ten minutes. Then Mother will be free to do what she should.

She almost gets her calmness back, but the back of her mind is hit by another image, that of her mother-in-law’s distorted face, pain in its expression.

Mother tries to remember the surah she wanted to pay attention to. It is too late. Her mind is completely out of focus. The verses are coming out in a jumble. She recalls certain stories, images, and similes but not in the right order. The fact that she is emotionally perturbed makes it hard for her to organise her thoughts. This angers her. She is used to praying at this hour and knowing exactly what she wants to pray towards.

What she wants to do is get up and smack her mother-in-law. She deserves to be punished. Her mother-in-law herself was born and brought up as a Muslim woman. She ought to know how horrific it is to interrupt what is so sacred, and to all Muslims.

She orders herself to concentrate. This is prayer time. This is time meant to be between herself and Allah.

Her mother-in-law is not just crying. She is now sobbing so loudly that her wails are as loud as the minaret’s blaring.

It is one thing that she is incontinent. It is another thing how randomly she has bowel movements. Mother is sometimes woken up at four in the morning by the horrid smells. She has had to stop herself in the middle of chopping goat to wheel her mother-in-law into the toilet, discard all of her clothes, and scrub her from top to bottom. There was a time she left millet on the stove to clean her mother-in-law, and when she came back, the millet was a charred blackness that took days to scrub out of the pot. There was a time when her mother-in-law soiled herself so badly that it got on her legs and into the folds of her dress, and the smell was so bad that it remained on Mother’s fingernails and skin for the entire day.

And now, the prayer of all things has to be interrupted.

Breaking her prayer means failing her religion. But she will fail her mother-in-law by leaving her in such a condition. Both, it seems, are failures in the eyes of Allah. Allah has His ways to test Mother, and Mother is Allah’s servant.

The voice from the minaret carries on while her mother-in-law shrieks, wailing in discomfort and agony.

Mother is a human. She wants to help anyone in trouble, because that is her nature.

Mother is also a woman of Allah.

Mother remains with her face fixed to her palms, assured she will clean her mother-in-law as soon as the prayers are done, but keeping herself focused on her prayer’s verses for now.

The Smooth Path to a Second Passport: 15 Easily Attainable Countries for US Citizens

February 9, 2024February 10, 2024 Staff ReporterTravel, Immigration 0

In the ever-expanding global landscape, the pursuit of a second passport has become increasingly popular, offering a plethora of economic and social advantages. Once considered an unthinkable concept, dual citizenship has gained acceptance, leading to the identification of numerous countries that offer accessible paths for U.S. citizens seeking a second passport. This article delves into the growing demand for second passports, the methods of obtaining them, and highlights the 15 easiest countries for U.S. citizens to acquire a second passport.

Growing Demand for Second Passports:

The escalating interest in second passports has led to a significant number of Americans relocating globally, with approximately 9 million residing abroad, according to recent estimates from the State Department. Notably, 40% of U.S. residents abroad choose destinations in the Western Hemisphere, while 26% move to Europe, and 14% each to East Asia and the Pacific, and the Middle East. This trend is further exemplified by prominent figures such as Sam Altman, Eric Schmidt, and Peter Thiel obtaining foreign citizenships.

Methods to Obtain a Second Passport:

The article outlines four primary paths for acquiring a second passport: citizenship through birth/descent, marriage, investment, and residency-by-investment programs or naturalization. Dual citizenship offers various benefits, including global travel access, enhanced social and economic opportunities, and tax reliefs. The advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship are discussed in a detailed analysis provided in another article.

Multinationals Expanding to Europe:

The European market, comprising some of the largest global economies, has witnessed a surge in multinational companies (MNCs) expanding their operations. Ireland, in particular, experienced a significant positive impact in 2022, with MNCs contributing 56% to its total value added. Companies like Apple, Facebook, Pfizer, and Google played a pivotal role in sectors such as information and communication. Notably, Pfizer secured EU anti-trust approval for its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, while Apple expanded its Self Service Repair program in 24 additional European countries.

15 Easiest Countries for Second Passport for US Citizens:

The article employs a comprehensive methodology, combining research on the best and most straightforward options with cross-referencing findings from ImmigrantInvest.com’s list of countries allowing dual citizenship for U.S. citizens. The list spans diverse regions, including Latin America, Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. The top 15 countries are ranked based on their ease of providing second passports for U.S. citizens.

Portugal:

Portugal stands out as the easiest country for U.S. citizens to obtain a second passport, thanks to its Golden Visa program, which requires a minimal physical presence of only seven days a year. The process involves a two-year residency after a €250,000 investment, with citizenship potentially accessible after five years.

Malta:

Malta has become a preferred destination for individuals worldwide, including Americans, seeking a second citizenship. The country’s Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (CES) program allows qualified investors to acquire citizenship in either 12 or 36 months, depending on their investment in the national development fund.

Dominica:

Dominica emerges as a convenient choice for U.S. citizens looking for a second passport among the beautiful Caribbean islands. The country’s citizenship-by-investment programs offer a swift and straightforward pathway, with a $100,000 investment leading to a Dominican passport in just four months.

Spain:

Spain distinguishes itself as one of the most accessible countries for U.S. residents seeking a second passport through its residency-by-investment program. The Golden Visa entails a significant investment of €500,000, leading to permanent residency after five years and potential citizenship after an additional five years.

Mexico:

Mexico stands as an appealing destination for U.S. expats, attracting them with its low cost of living, affordable healthcare, and pleasant weather. The country offers a straightforward process for U.S. residents to acquire a second passport, especially through citizenship by descent, which is simple and cost-effective.

Grenada:

Grenada secures the sixth position on our list of the easiest countries for U.S. citizens to obtain a second passport. This is primarily attributed to the expeditious process offered by its citizenship-by-investment program, where a minimum investment of $150,000 for a single person leads to citizenship within three to six months.

Antigua and Barbuda:

The Caribbean Islands remain among the easiest routes for U.S. residents seeking a second passport, with Antigua and Barbuda being a prominent choice. The country’s low investment amount of $100,000 and straightforward process allow citizenship to be obtained in about three to four months.

Cyprus:

Cyprus is recognized as one of the most accessible countries offering citizenship through its residency-by-investment program. The Golden Visa allows individuals to acquire residency rights within three months with an investment of at least €300,000, paving the way for potential citizenship in approximately seven years.

Canada:

Canada is widely regarded as one of the most accessible countries for U.S. residents seeking dual citizenship, owing to its welcoming environment and straightforward immigration process. While visa-free stays of up to 180 days are permitted, longer stays require a visa or residency permit, with pathways like the Express Entry System facilitating citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.

Ireland:

Ireland emerges as a favored immigration destination, notably through its Descent Program, which grants citizenship rights based on ancestral connections or marriage to an Irish citizen. A residency requirement of at least three years with the spouse or partner makes Ireland an accessible option for obtaining a second passport for U.S. citizens.

Vanuatu:

Vanuatu stands out in the Pacific region as the leading provider of citizenship through its exclusive citizenship-by-investment program. U.S. residents can acquire citizenship by investing $130,000, enjoying tax benefits and a streamlined process completed in approximately two months.

St. Lucia:

St. Lucia, akin to St. Kitts and Nevis, emerges as one of the easiest choices for U.S. citizens seeking a second passport. The country’s investment program necessitates a $100,000 contribution to the Government Development Fund, facilitating dual citizenship for the investor and their family within just three months.

St. Kitts and Nevis:

St. Kitts and Nevis, nestled in the Caribbean, attract U.S. residents seeking natural beauty and financial opportunities. The citizenship-by-investment program offers one of the quickest routes for U.S. citizens to obtain a second passport, with a $250,000 payment to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) and completion of the immigration process in just four months.

Italy:

Italy distinguishes itself as one of the most accessible European countries for U.S. residents seeking citizenship through descent. Documentation of Italian descent, including birth certificates and family records, qualifies individuals for citizenship if specific conditions, such as citizenship acquisition by the ancestor before June 14, 1912, are met without renunciation or replacement.

New Zealand:

New Zealand, situated in the Asia and South Pacific region, provides a straightforward pathway for obtaining citizenship through descent. If one parent is a New Zealand citizen, the child can acquire citizenship within approximately 30 working days, with an expedited processing option available in just 10 days for an additional fee. This placement is based on the country’s ease of obtaining citizenship through descent and its allowance for dual citizenship for U.S. residents.

Georgia’s Commissioner CB Yadav Announces Plans for Ramayana Museum and Lord Ram Temple; Extends Invitation to UP CM Yogi Adityanath

February 7, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterReligion, Travel 0

CB Yadav, the Commissioner of Georgia state in the United States, has announced plans to construct a Ramayana Museum and a temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Georgia. Currently on a tour in India, CB Yadav extended an invitation to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh for the groundbreaking ceremony of these projects in Georgia next year, which CM Yogi graciously accepted. During his visit to Lucknow, CB Yadav also met with Samajwadi Party national president and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav along with his wife Dimple Yadav at their residence, where CM Yogi was welcomed with mementos.

Chandrabhushan Yadav, also known as CB Yadav, hails from Badlapur in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, and currently serves as the first commissioner of Georgia state in the US. He arrived in India on January 28, visiting various places including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi before heading to his ancestral village of Nevada Mukhlispur in Badlapur area to meet with family members, followed by his visit to Lucknow.

CB Yadav expressed his intention to build the Ramayana Museum and the grand temple of Lord Ram in Georgia following the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He mentioned that construction work on these projects will commence soon and extended an official invitation to CM Yogi Adityanath for the Bhoomi Pujan scheduled for 2025.

Furthermore, CB Yadav emphasized the need to revitalize old temples and religious sites in India, mentioning plans to develop a guest house and basic amenities at the renowned Mata Shitala Chowkia Dham in Jaunpur.

Regarding his journey from Jaunpur to America, CB Yadav completed his education in Badlapur and Allahabad before obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from an engineering college in Maharashtra. He then migrated to Georgia in 2003, where he established a business with his wife and two sons. Over the years, CB Yadav has achieved success in business, notably with the support of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who helped him secure the position of the first commissioner of Georgia state. Recognized as a significant supporter of India in America, Governor Brian Kemp established the Georgian First Commission, on which CB Yadav serves, to facilitate small business growth by streamlining government regulations.

CB Yadav is not only active in politics but also manages several hotels and motels in Kingsland, Camden County, South Georgia. His journey from starting a small business in Camden city to owning multiple grocery stores and a motor business reflects his determination and entrepreneurial spirit.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Airport Mishap Highlights 8 Travel Pitfalls: A Guide to Smooth Journeys

January 26, 2024 Staff ReporterImmigration, Travel 0

The actor and former politician appeared unperturbed by the delay, even taking a photo in the tax bureau office. It transpired that he intended to auction it off to support a climate charity.

In certain circumstances, any individual could find themselves in a situation akin to Arnold’s. When preparing for significant journeys, it’s easy to overlook travel regulations amidst the preparations. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that airport personnel enforce a multitude of local and international regulations concerning security, customs, agriculture, health, and more. Certain slip-ups could result in detainment, delays, or worse. Here are eight things to steer clear of if you want your airport experience to be swift and hassle-free.

1.Ensuring Valid Travel Documents

Travel document regulations vary depending on the airline and country. To avoid complications when boarding a plane, your travel documents must be current, and in many cases, valid for a specific duration beyond the expiration date. This requirement aims to ensure that in the event of a delayed return flight, travelers can still board a later flight. It’s prudent to thoroughly review passport and visa validity guidelines before heading to the airport. For instance, countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and Turkey mandate six months of passport validity upon entry, while most European Union countries require three months, and New Zealand necessitates one month beyond the intended departure date. Additionally, ensure that your photo and biographical data are clear and visible, as any damage to these documents could result in grounding until replacements are obtained.

Avoiding Prohibited Items in Luggage

Many travelers assume that as long as they’re not carrying illegal substances, their luggage will pass through without issue. However, prohibited items encompass a wide range, from pornography (restricted in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries) to firearms. Each country maintains a designated list of prohibited and restricted items, some of which might be surprising. For example, India prohibits materials portraying its external boundaries inaccurately, while Japan prohibits items that may compromise public safety or morals. In Dubai, cooked or homemade foods, three-layer fishing nets, crude ivory, and rhino horns are banned. Travelers can consult the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website in the US to ascertain whether specific items are forbidden. It’s advisable to check the customs websites of each country for the latest information, as items legal in your country of departure might be illegal at your destination. Failure to comply could result in confiscation, detainment, or denial of entry into the country.

Declaring Excessive Cash or Valuables

In most countries, including the US, travelers must declare or notify government officials when entering or leaving with large sums of money, typically exceeding $10,000, or valuable items exceeding that value. Jewelry, luxury goods, and electronics may fall under this category. Some countries, like South Africa and Canada, allow travelers to complete declaration forms before departure to avoid fines and delays at the airport.

Managing Prescription Medication

Travelers carrying medications must confirm that the ingredients are permissible in their destination country. Some medications may require a doctor’s note for authorization, while others might be entirely banned. For instance, pseudoephedrine, found in over-the-counter Sudafed, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico. To avoid legal repercussions, travelers should consult the embassies of all countries along their route, including transit stops, to ensure their medications comply with local regulations. It’s advisable to discuss alternative options with a healthcare provider if traveling with restricted medications.

Declaring Living Creatures

Restrictions apply to bringing living organisms into foreign countries, including plants, pets, and exotic animals. Travelers can refer to resources like the US Customs and Border Protection website for guidelines on declaring plants, seeds, and flowers. Regulations concerning domesticated animals vary by airline, country, and time of year. Some countries impose breed-specific restrictions on pets; for example, Jamaica prohibits the import of pit bull terriers.

Avoiding Flammable or Explosive Items

Items that pose fire or explosion hazards, such as cigarettes, lighters, and fireworks, are generally prohibited on airlines. Violating these regulations can lead to flight cancellations and hefty fines. It’s crucial to refrain from traveling with any items intended for ignition, particularly on celebratory occasions like birthdays or weddings.

Refraining from Flying Under the Influence

Consuming alcohol excessively before or during a flight is prohibited by federal regulations. Ground crew are tasked with preventing intoxicated passengers from boarding, and onboard, passengers are only permitted to consume alcoholic beverages served by flight attendants. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly behavior, which may result in fines, placement on a no-fly list, or referral to law enforcement.

Resolving Legal Obligations

Unresolved legal matters, such as outstanding fines, warrants, or child support payments, can disrupt travel plans. Many countries empower airport security and immigration officials to access databases containing information on individuals with criminal records or outstanding warrants. It’s imperative to address any legal issues before attempting to board a plane, as failure to do so could lead to detention or denial of entry. Travelers should seek legal advice to confirm they are free to travel without restrictions and carry documentation verifying the resolution of any legal obligations.

Arnold’s inadvertent detention underscores the importance of adhering to travel regulations to ensure seamless airport experiences. By avoiding common pitfalls and staying informed about relevant regulations, travelers can minimize disruptions and enjoy stress-free journeys.

Enhancements Planned for Batu Caves Accessibility: Escalator and Multipurpose Hall in the Works

January 23, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The stewards of a historic Hindu religious enclave in Malaysia are gearing up to introduce an escalator as an alternative for visitors who may find it challenging to ascend the 272 steps leading to the temple and cave shrines at the Batu Caves. Nestled a short distance north of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, this site, believed to be around 400 million years old, stands out with its iconic rainbow-colored staircase, a favorite backdrop for Instagram enthusiasts.

The Batu Caves are not only a prominent tourist hotspot but also serve as a sacred space for Hindu devotees, hosting the annual Thaipusam festival. Currently, reaching the temple nestled within a limestone cave at the summit requires climbing the aforementioned 272 steps. Recognizing the potential challenges this poses, the site’s management committee has expressed their intention to enhance accessibility by installing an escalator.

A spokesperson for the committee highlighted the motivation behind this initiative, stating, “Adding an escalator would make the site more accessible. We hope the government will assist us since this (escalator) will allow the disabled and elderly who are unable to climb the steps to reach the main temple.” These sentiments were echoed by temple committee chairman R. Nadarajah during a recent press conference. He further disclosed plans for the construction of the escalator and a new multipurpose hall, scheduled to commence post the upcoming Thaipusam festival on January 25.

Addressing concerns over the cost of these improvements, Nadarajah shared that the estimated expense for the multipurpose hall stands at approximately 35 million Malaysian Ringgit ($7.5 million), although he did not provide specific details regarding the cost of the escalator.

The Batu Caves, renowned for their captivating rainbow stairs, have become a must-visit destination for tourists in Malaysia. These stairs were meticulously painted as part of an initiative by the temple’s organizing committee to attract a larger audience to the site. This strategic move has indeed proven successful, with the colorful stairs gaining popularity, particularly among Instagram users.

While the rejuvenation of the Batu Caves has undoubtedly increased its allure, it has not been without controversy. The Malaysian heritage board has raised objections, contending that the stairs were painted before receiving official approval for the makeover. This adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing efforts to enhance the site’s accessibility, as the managing committee navigates both the demands of modern tourism and the preservation of historical and cultural integrity.

The custodians of the Batu Caves are embarking on a transformative journey to make this ancient religious site more inclusive. The planned escalator, alongside the multipurpose hall, aims to address the accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the elderly. As the project unfolds after the Thaipusam festival, it will be interesting to observe how these enhancements contribute to the continued popularity of the Batu Caves while respecting the historical and cultural significance embedded in this iconic Malaysian landmark.

20 January 2024: A Good Man’s Birthday

January 23, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

There’s a house at the bottom of the cliffs. It’s in one of the settlements down under the hills of Arnos Vale, in the town of Calliaqua. The sand on the coast leading up to it is greyer than pebbles, and the shacks dotting the roads on its other side don’t look finished yet.

It’s not the most beautiful place. But the man with a moustache who lives there is a friend, and Father will never say no to a friend. Those are his strong values. They come from his family, the things only village life can teach: to be there for others no matter what. So, even though there’s an obese woman sitting outside on the stoop, wearing a dress that barely covers her body because there are other things her dollars need to buy, and seeing her intimidates him, Father goes into the settlements because he will do anything for the people who matter to him, especially when it’s the man’s birthday.

‘My good man,’ Father says. That’s his friend over there, Junior, standing on the other side of the hovel’s stoop, at the doorway to his own place, welcoming guests. Father gives him a handshake. ‘Happy birthday.’

‘My good man,’ Junior says, his eyes so happy to see Father that they are brimming. ‘Thank you for coming.’

‘There’s no need for thanks at all,’ Father says, and he means it. ‘It’s been long since you been telling me to come, and I never done come.’

They talk a handful of times every few years, maybe a total of eight or nine over the decades. For the first few years in the eighties, there wasn’t much between them. Father came to Junior’s store when he was done with his hospital stuff or on the way to do hospital stuff, and Junior sold him soda pop or bags of chips. Then they got to talking, and while they said nothing deep to each other, over the years that little bit of nothing grew to feel like it was building up to something. Some years after, they were already thinking of each other as friends.

But Father still rarely comes over to that side, and not just because Junior lives in these conditions. Father has just always been busy.

And he still is. But in a week, his mother will be coming to live with them, and Father knows he won’t have much spare time after hospital work for a while. It is a coincidence that Junior’s birthday invitation has come right around this time—and what better time to take his friendships seriously.

Inside the house, one side of the wall is violet. That is where Junior stands, welcoming his guests. The other side is just bricks, no paint over them, just some wood benches and stools for guests to sit. The benches are old and full of termites, but Father finds a stool he likes and sits. He’s the only one who has anything nice to wear. Father has come in one of the striped shirts Mother likes to gift him for his birthdays, and some dress pants he picked up in the nineties for some other event. The other guests are dressed in whatever they can afford: shirts and skirts with holes in them. The dust is all over their skin, layering in the curls of their hair.

They smile at Father like he is any other man to them. The small talk begins.

‘Hello, my good man,’ says one of the gentlemen with a cigarette in his hand. ‘What is your name?’

‘Name’s Elvis. Don’t be getting it confused with that American singer man.’

‘Let’s rock, let’s rock,’ shouts the man, doing a little shimmy. He has had a little bit too much to drink, and he’s holding more alcohol in his spare hand. Dizzied by his antics, he keels over a bit.

‘Now, now,’ one of the women says, sitting on the stool on Father’s other side, the braids in her hair coloured red. ‘Don’t be getting too excited. You’ll be giving all the little kids them crazy ideas.’

It’s too late. The kids are bopping and jumping, bumping into each other in excitement and tripping over themselves. There’s some reggae playing on the radio in the background. Some of the men are rolling up joints and smoking them. Father wonders if they are Junior’s cousins or nephews—the tarp-like quality of their skin and the greyness of their hairs make them look old, and yet their style of bantering is far too juvenile to be of that age.

A woman comes up to Father.

‘You must be the doctor Junior was telling about,’ she says.

Father smirks. ‘How do you know?’

The woman laughs like Father has said the silliest thing.

‘We’ve been living here for who knows how long, and you think we can’t recognise when someone not from here comes? Don’t be silly.’

Father laughs along with her. He’s from the capital of Kingstown, which is just around the corner from here and just a few blocks big. The moment a new face is seen on the street overlooking his house, he will know it. He knows exactly what she means.

The reggae has gotten louder. The singer mixes a bit of calypso smoothness into the music. The smoke of the weed and the cigarettes has dampened the air of the room.

The woman stands up and asks Father, ‘Doctor man, you in the mood for a dance?’

Father shakes his hands. The woman is giving him a bit of a naughty look, much like how the youngsters keep giving each other that sweet eye. ‘Missus I’m a married man. I don’t know how my wife would take to me dancing around like this.’

The woman seems to misinterpret the hand gesture, or at least she has chosen to do so. She pulls Father up from the bench, and soon their hands are interlocked. Father’s heart pangs for a second. He is imagining his wife busting in that very moment, slapping the woman, then taking him home, throwing things at him, and threatening to leave.

Then he returns to reality. The woman’s hands feel a little dusty but otherwise warm. The skin on the front is soft, like she has been putting on a lot of cocoa butter to hide the wrinkles brought about by age. Father looks at the woman more clearly. She’s in a flower dress, a bit of her cleavage shows, and she’s smelling like a good day’s sweat.

Really, all she wants to do is have a good time.

Father wants to have a good time, too. He lets the music straighten out the knots in his back. He closes his eyes, really listens to the lyrics. He feels his mind swaying away; he’s forgetting who he’s dancing with.

When he opens his eyes, the room is much more crowded. What had been seven or eight people now looks like thirty. Some are old, some are young, some are kids, some are probably the kids of the kids. But they’re all making room for themselves. The table is being pushed to the side, the glasses people were drinking out of scattered everywhere. The small room is becoming open. The music is getting louder.

Junior comes back into the house. He looks around and catches Father’s eye. He comes straight towards him.

‘I see you’re having a dance with the missus,’ he says and puts his hands over hers, where Father’s hands were. ‘May I have this dance?’

‘Oh,’ Father says. ‘So, this is Amelia.’

The woman laughs, confirming now, without a doubt, that she is Junior’s wife. ‘You silly goose. Who else you think I’d be?’

Father tries to puzzle an excuse together, but Junior has already pushed him out of the hands of his wife. They’re now dancing. Father fears he has offended his friend. He questions whether or not he should clarify that he had no intention to make a move on Junior’s wife.

But Junior is smiling and really getting into the dance, and Father has to remind himself that he’s taking things too seriously again. He sees one of the seventeen-year-olds dancing alone. Something unknowable lights up in him. Father decides to go up to the teen to imitate his moves. The kid is thrusting his pelvis in all sorts of ways. The moves tire Father, but he’s able to keep up.

Father hasn’t gone out and danced in decades. The last time must have been when he was fifteen or sixteen, around the age of this kid now. But when Father was fifteen or sixteen, he worried about how his brothers would act if they saw him dance, or what his classmates would say. It had been a sort of pastime among his friends to make fun of him no matter what he did, and he carried that with him over the years, even decades after, when no one from his village was even around to say this or that about him.

Where were they now?

‘Look at the doctor man dancing,’ Amelia says. The other adults in the room nod or murmur in approval. As if inspired by Father’s own lack of self-consciousness, a handful of older men and women join in, responding to the rhythmic thrusts of the music.

Eventually, the dancing stops. Someone comes up with a cake, and they all start singing the birthday song. People start going up to give Junior their wishes, and Father makes a mental note of his age. Junior is fifty now, almost a decade and a half younger than him. Father reminds himself that he’s nothing young, but he has made a good effort at the dancing. It seemed a lot of Junior’s guests really respected his moves. It makes him want to come back, this time with his wife in hand, to see how she’d react.

She’d realise her husband isn’t the stick in the mud she’s always making him out to be.

Father has some birthday cake and some of the Johnny cakes Amelia has made. Junior’s getting busy with his relatives, and Father feels like it’s time for an afternoon nap.

‘Thanks so much for inviting me,’ Father says.

‘You’re leaving already?’ Junior remarks. ‘We’re about to get out the beers.’

‘I’m not young like the lot of you,’ Father says. ‘It’s time for me to be taking my rest.’

‘And it’s rest you’ll be needing since your mother’s coming over soon. It’s no joke taking care of someone with dementia. You really have to be able to handle the responsibility.’

‘That’s right,’ Father says, feeling a little bit heavy in the eyes. ‘I forgot I told you about that.’

‘You tell me a lot of things in the store. You just keep forgetting them.’

‘That’s true,’ Father laughs. He has so many things on his mind that he’s surprised at half of the things Junior remembers.

‘Alright,’ Junior says. ‘Give my regards to Miss Molly. And to my auntie all the way from Port Elizabeth as well.’

‘I will,’ Father says. He reaches his hand out for a handshake, the same way he always does when he’s at the store.

Junior takes the hand like he always does, but suddenly something in Junior’s body language changes. He pulls Father in with that hand, wraps himself around him, and gives him a big hug.

‘Thanks so much for coming all the way down here,’ Junior says. ‘I know it’s out of the way.’

The hug lasts a little longer than what men usually give each other. Father really feels a part of Junior inside of it. As the hug breaks, Father looks at the faces of the people around him. He thinks about how all of them look more like the patients he sees on a daily basis in the hospital. He notices the dustiness of the interior, the bricks that haven’t been painted, the darkness of the room, the termites and ants eating it away.

He pulls himself away from the hug to look at Junior.

‘You don’t have to thank me for a single thing,’ Father says. ‘Thank you for inviting me. You’re a good man, one of the few I’ve met on this entire island. I hope you’ll be knowing that no matter what, we’re always going to be friends.’

Streamlined Visa Processes to Boost Business and Professional Travel Between the US and India

January 20, 2024 Staff ReporterImmigration, Travel 0

In a significant development for business and professional travelers, the United States is set to implement a faster visa approval system, expected to take effect from April. The announcement was made during the US-India Trade Policy Forum meeting held in New Delhi last Friday, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Ambassador Katharina Tai.

During the meeting, Goyal emphasized the need to expedite the processing of E-1 and E-2 visas, commonly sought by businessmen involved in import-export and those working in the US on an investment basis, respectively. Goyal stated, “It takes a lot of time to get E-1 and E-2 visas, a demand to reduce the time was put before America.”

According to Goyal, the revised visa procedures will come into effect in April, resulting in a quicker turnaround time for visa applications. This change is anticipated to ease the challenges faced by professionals seeking these specific visas. He also addressed a longstanding concern regarding the visa renewal process for families of H1B visa professionals working in the US.

Goyal mentioned that while H1B visa professionals will no longer need to return to India for visa renewal, their families had not been granted the same convenience. India had formally requested the extension of this facility to the families of H1B visa holders, and Goyal revealed that the US has provided a positive assurance regarding this demand.

The streamlined visa processes will particularly benefit businessmen involved in import-export activities, as they commonly require E-1 visas. Similarly, individuals engaged in investment activities in the US, who apply for E-2 visas, will also experience a reduction in the visa application processing time. Currently, obtaining these visas involves a lengthy process that can span several months.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal highlighted the discussions that took place during the forum meeting, emphasizing the mutual interest in increasing participation in government procurement between the two countries. Barthwal stated, “In the forum meeting, increasing each other’s participation in government procurement of both the countries was seriously discussed.”

He further elaborated on the potential benefits of enhancing India’s involvement in US government procurement, noting that it could significantly boost Indian exports. However, Barthwal also emphasized the need for reciprocity, indicating that the US would need to provide opportunities for Indian businesses in its government procurement processes.

The move to expedite visa processes aligns with the broader goal of fostering stronger economic ties and facilitating smoother business interactions between the US and India. The positive assurance from the US government regarding the extension of visa renewal facilities to the families of H1B visa professionals is a noteworthy step toward addressing concerns within the Indian professional community working in the US.

As the implementation of these changes is expected to begin in April, businesses and professionals can anticipate a more efficient and streamlined visa application process, ultimately promoting increased collaboration and economic exchanges between the two nations.

Lotus Temple

January 16, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The incredible architectural marvel of Lotus Temple located in New Delhi, is a Baha’I House of Worship. The teachings of the Baha’i faith hold that there is only one God, one religion, and one human race. The prominent lotus-like structure transcends all religious boundaries and welcomes humanity without any significant qualifications. The lotus temple is manifestation of Baha’iFaith’s principles, emphasizing unity, peace, and spiritual harmony.

History and Architecture

The lotus temple was designed by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. The architecture is a merged design inspired from both Eastern and Western styles. The structure consisted of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals. The petals were arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The aesthetic appeal of the temple serves as a metaphor to the interconnectedness of all religions. The foundation for the temple was laid by Ruhiyyih Khanum and dedicated the temple on 24t December 1986. The Lotus Temple was built with marble that came in over 10,000 distinct sizes.

Things to do

Tourist Attraction

The Lotus Temple is now a popular tourist destination in Delhi, drawing millions of people each year. Part of what makes it so popular is its unique architecture and calm atmosphere.

Spiritual Retreat

Architectural Excellence

Daulatabad fort

January 16, 2024 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Daultabad fort is also known as Deogiri fort. “Hill of the Gods,” originally known as Devagiri, is situated atop a conical hill in the state of Maharashtra in the Daulatabad village near Aurangabad. This mediaeval Indian architecture is known for the steep slopes of history woven into its mighty walls.

History and architecture

The fort reached its glory during the Tughlaq dynasty, when Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital reign from Delhi to Devagiri.

Tales

The fort was the seat of the Yadava dynasty for over a century, until Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, conquered it. Ramachandradeva, the Yadava king, was permitted to rule as a vassal from this fort. However, the consequences of Ramachandradeva’s action orders given by the Delhi sultanate at the time led to the assault by Ala-ud-din Khilji’s army. Harpaladeva, who was battling for the sultanate, gained control after the Yadavas lost all of their authority. Daulatabad was renamed Deogiri by Muhammad bin Tuqhlaq. He forcibly moved all of Delhi’s residents from Delhi to Daulatabad because he believed Daulatabad was in a superior location than Delhi. However, due to a severe water shortage, the residents had to travel all the way back to Delhi once more. This incident is well-known in Indian history as a quintessential act of stupidity.

Things to do

Chini Mahal and Royal Residences

Within the remains of the fort is Chini Mahal, a building with appealing Persian tiles that used to be the royal family’s pleasure palace. An exciting look into the lifestyles of the monarchs who once called Daulatabad home could be observed through seeing the ruins of the royal apartments inside the fort.

Explore the entrance.
Sarawati Bawdi

Step-well, a set of stone steps descends to the water’s surface built inside a well.

Chand Minar

Persian blue tiles adorn the four storey exterior of the Chand Minar. The minar is closed to outside visitors.

Sunset Panorama

When the sun sets, it offers a breathtaking spectacle. The views from the fort’s panoramic position create a captivating scene as the sun sets. It is observed that the fort’s shape contrasts with the evening sky’s golden tones, creating a scenic moment in the viewer’s life.

Unprecedented Tie at the Top: Six Nations Share the Title for World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2024

January 12, 2024January 13, 2024 Staff ReporterGlobal, Nation, Travel 0

In a significant upheaval of the quarterly ranking, six countries have achieved a remarkable tie for the leading position in the latest Henley Passport Index, showcasing the hottest travel documents for 2024.

Quoting Henley & Partners, the London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain now enjoy unparalleled visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an impressive 194 destinations worldwide. This marks the highest number of accessible destinations recorded in the 19-year history of the Henley Passport Index, which utilizes exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its rankings.

“The average number of destinations travelers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024,” notes Christian H. Kaelin, the chair of Henley & Partners and the creator of the passport index. Kaelin points out that the global mobility gap has widened over the past two decades, with the top-ranked countries now enjoying visa-free travel to a staggering 166 more destinations than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to only 28 countries without a visa.

The recent rankings represent a triumphant rise for European nations, as the Asian dominance of Japan and Singapore, which held the No. 1 spot for the past five years, has now been disrupted.

Finland and Sweden are tied with South Korea in second place, boasting easy access to 193 destinations. Following closely in third place are Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands, offering their citizens access to 192 destinations.

The rankings continue with Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom at No. 4, and Greece, Malta, and Switzerland at No. 5. Australia and New Zealand have improved their standings, securing the No. 6 position alongside Czechia and Poland. Meanwhile, the United States and Canada find themselves tied in seventh place with Hungary, providing their citizens with visa-free access to 188 destinations.

Notably, the United Arab Emirates emerges as the biggest climber on the index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014 and securing the 11th position this year.

Discussing the widening global mobility gap, Kaelin emphasizes, “While the general trend over the past two decades has been towards greater travel freedom, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than ever.”

It is essential to note that Henley & Partners’ ranking is one among several indexes created by financial firms to assess global passports based on the access they provide to their citizens.

Arton Capital’s Passport Index, for instance, considers the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories, excluding territories annexed to other countries. The index is updated in real-time throughout the year, relying on close monitoring of individual governments’ portals.

Arton Capital’s Global Passport Power Rank 2024 places the United Arab Emirates at the top spot, boasting a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 180. The second position is held by five European countries: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland claim the No. 3 spot, while the UK and the US find themselves in 5th and 6th place, respectively. In Arton Capital’s 2023 roundup, Albania was recognized as the “rising star” due to a surge in global mobility gains by regional power hubs and increased demand for its citizens.

The latest Henley Passport Index for 2024 reflects a historic tie at the top, with six nations sharing the title for the world’s most powerful passports. This development marks a significant shift in global travel freedoms, with European countries prominently featured in the top rankings. The widening mobility gap underscores the varying degrees of access citizens have to international destinations, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and assessment of global passport power.

Maldives Faces Tourism Boycott Amidst Controversial Remarks on Indian PM Modi

January 10, 2024February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterDiplomacy, Travel 0

Maldives is grappling with a potential tourism crisis as one of its primary sources of income, Indian tourists, contemplates a boycott following derogatory comments made by three Maldives officials about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversy unfolded after Modi shared images on social media showcasing his time snorkeling and walking along the beaches of Lakshadweep, a southern Indian island chain. Although Modi did not explicitly mention the Maldives in his post, the effusive praise for Lakshadweep’s scenic beauty raised eyebrows, potentially diverting attention away from the popular Maldivian destination.

In response to Modi’s post, three Maldives officials, identified as deputy ministers with the Ministry of Youth Employment, Information, and Arts, described him as a “clown,” “terrorist,” and a “puppet of Israel,” according to Reuters. The Maldives government swiftly distanced itself from these comments, suspending the officials and emphasizing that their opinions were personal and did not reflect the government’s stance on the matter.

The incident comes at a delicate time, coinciding with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s five-day visit to China, his first as president since winning the election in October. President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, aims to strengthen ties with Beijing and sign key agreements for trade, professional, and socioeconomic development during his visit. However, maintaining positive relations with India, Maldives’ closest neighbor and a crucial contributor to its tourism sector, remains essential.

Maldives heavily depends on tourism, with India being the largest source of tourists in recent years. In 2023, Indian tourists accounted for 11% of the country’s tourism market, making more than 209,000 trips to the Maldives. The officials’ disparaging remarks have triggered a backlash from Indian tourists, who have taken to social media to announce cancellations under the hashtag #BoycottMaldives. Prominent figures, including Bollywood actors and cricket players, have also encouraged travelers to explore local destinations, with the hashtag #ChaloLakshadweep gaining traction.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, known for his patriotic roles, condemned the Maldivian officials’ remarks as “hateful and racist” and urged people to support domestic tourism. He said, “We are good to our neighbors, but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism.”

In a significant move, Indian travel site EaseMyTrip announced the suspension of flight bookings to the Maldives, expressing solidarity with the nation. Nishant Pitti, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, stated, “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings.” The Confederation of All India Traders, a prominent trade body, also called on its members to suspend business with the Maldives until an apology is issued or remedial measures are taken.

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer denounced the officials’ remarks as “unacceptable” and emphasized the archipelago’s commitment to fostering positive and constructive dialogues with its partners. The Indian High Commission in the Maldives has reportedly raised concerns with the Maldivian Foreign Office over the issue.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, noted that the swift action taken by the Maldives government to suspend the officials and disavow their comments underscores the importance it places on maintaining strong relations with India. Kugelman suggested that while challenges may arise, the new leadership in the Maldives aims to balance its relationships with both India and China, emphasizing the significance of preserving ties with its immediate neighbor.

US Passport Processing Times Show Significant Improvement, Easing Travel Woes for Americans

December 24, 2023December 26, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel, USA 0

The bureaucratic burden of enduring months-long passport processing times may soon be lifted for US travelers, marking a welcome change after a three-year ordeal. As of November 6, the State Department has substantially reduced passport processing times, estimating regular applications to be processed within 7 to 10 weeks and expedited service within 3 to 5 weeks. This stands in stark contrast to earlier this year when wait times, excluding mailing time, stretched to a daunting 13 weeks due to an influx of applications during the peak spring and summer travel seasons.

Despite the delays, the State Department reports a remarkable achievement, processing a record-breaking 24 million passport books and cards between October 2022 and September 2023. This surge, declared “the most ever in our nation’s history” on the department’s website, signals a significant effort to address the passport backlog. Officials express the intention to return to pre-pandemic processing times by the end of 2023, reflecting a time when routine passport processing took a mere 6 to 8 weeks and expedited applications were swiftly processed in 2 to 3 weeks.

To expedite the reduction of processing times, the State Department has mobilized additional resources for its passport teams. A department release states, “We’re addressing the increased workload through a number of efforts, aggressively recruiting and hiring across our passport agencies and centers. Our passport team members contribute tens of thousands of hours of overtime a month, and we have opened a satellite office to help process the large number of applications we are receiving.”

It’s crucial to note that the processing periods provided by the State Department exclude mailing time. These time frames commence when documents reach a passport center. For a more accurate estimate, officials recommend adding up to two weeks on both ends to account for mailing time. For those seeking expedited delivery, an additional $19.53 can secure one- to two-day delivery of the new passport.

While the alleviation of processing times is a positive development, it comes with associated costs. A regular first-time application entails a fee of $165, a regular renewal costs $130, and expedited processing incurs an additional $60. For urgent situations, there are courier services available, albeit at a steep cost, often several hundred dollars on top of the State Department’s charges.

In special circumstances, the State Department offers urgent processing for travelers with international trips in less than 14 days and emergency processing for those with a verifiable life-or-death reason, such as a seriously ill family member, requiring travel outside of the US within three business days. Both options involve contacting the nearest passport agency for an in-person appointment. Securing these appointments can be competitive and demanding, necessitating persistence such as frequent calls and potentially traveling to the first available agency location.

Despite the recent improvements, it remains advisable to avoid procrastination when renewing a passport. Earlier this fall, the State Department recommended submitting passport applications at least six to nine months before an international trip. While wait times have shortened, allowing a six-month window for the entire process is still a prudent approach.

19 December, 2023: The Christmas Market set in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

December 19, 2023 Kiran BhatGirar 0

Father looks at the Christmas bulbs in a market in Shimla’s centre, the Ridge. There is Christ Church and there is the plaza with people around and then there are the stalls selling everything from chaat papdi to pudees, Christmas angels to Santa masks. He is at one of these stalls, comparing the sheen of the green one to the sharpness of the red one, and he starts to think about his mother. In the snowy hills of Himachal Pradesh, the Christian community is rare, scattered in the various other homes and communities belonging to Hindus. Still, inside of Father’s family home just outside of Solan, the word of Christ held power, and the celebrations were like any other Christian celebrations in any other part of the world. His mother used to buy ornaments like these to decorate their cottage. She would buy silver and porcelain angels, golden balls that lit up the room, and glass balls coloured in dark velvet, navy green, and icy blue. The Christmas feast was enormous, from chicken biryani to roasted mutton, and kheer made out of the freshest milk for dessert. Over the past few decades, Father celebrated Christmas in the home he shared with his wife in Shimla, but it was almost impossible for him to dissociate his mind from those blissful, peaceful memories of pine trees upon pine trees scattered across the settlements underneath the hill that their family home perched on.

It’s been so long since he spent a Christmas with his mother. It has probably been decades. If his brothers had permitted, his mother would have moved to his home in Shimla already, a decision the family made earlier in light of her progressing dementia. Though the delay is probably for the best since the maid needs time to clean the house, and by clean, his wife has told the maid to also remove all the dust in the rooms they do not use.

His wife is still looking at the two balls, comparing them by bringing her face close to each, back and forth. He wishes she would just pick one. She does this every year when they come to the Christmas market. She has to buy something unique and special on the claim that she wants to make this Christmas feel different from the others, but whatever she buys always resembles what they already have at home.

Father imagines what his mother would say. Her dementia has gotten so bad that if she even saw one of these balls, her eyes might light up, she might mouth the words ‘Jesus’ or ‘Christmas’ in English, and then she would look downwards, glumly, tucked in the blanket laid over her wheelchair, lost in the machinations of her mind that had come to be her normal.

Mother is reaching for a white ball with an ‘Om’ on its side. Father pushes her hand away and says, ‘We have one at home already.’

‘We do not.’

‘We have only.’

‘I do not remember.’

‘Well, I do remember. It is at home.’

‘Bhai,’ the man at the counter says. ‘Why are you interrupting madame? She knows what she wants. Let her have.’

Father does not like how this random person, probably in his forties and well fed by the looks of his belly, has interrupted him. He shouts in Hindi, ‘Bhai, you are not my bhai. She is my wife. I can talk to her as I want.’

Father doesn’t mean to raise his voice, but in doing so the man decides to raise his own twofold. ‘Bhai, you are interrupting my business. What are you doing? Let her make her decision.’

‘What are you saying? You cannot tell me how to talk to my wife, and you cannot talk to me as such.’

The two are shouting now, and other people have started to watch. Two women clad in thick winter-wear take advantage of the bickering to force themselves into Father and Mother’s space with their own opinions, resulting in Mother participating in the shouting match. The shouting attracts a random police officer who comes with his stick, pointing at everyone to behave. Intimidated by the man, Father pulls Mother away from the stand.

They are now standing on the other side of Hawa Ghar, taking in the views of the British-style colonial buildings and the piles of snow down the hillside.

‘Why are you fighting with random people?’ Mother yells.

‘I am not fighting.’

‘You are fighting only.’

‘He was wanting to fight with me.’

‘He was not fighting. He was wanting to make sales.’

‘We do not need that bulb. It is a waste of money.’

‘Everything is a waste of money. You will not have cake for Christmas. You will not order wines for the house as well. You are scared to spend anything.’

‘Of course I am,’ Father says. ‘Soon we will have one more mouth to feed. Do you not remember?’

Mother looks like she wants to bite something, but her facial expression suddenly changes. She clamps her mouth shut and inhales the winter air properly before speaking.

‘I know you are scared of disappointing her. She is your mother. She is special to you. And you want to treat her well. You do not want to fail. But we have plenty of money. And remember your mother’s state of mind: she will want to see the Christmas bulbs. This is why I wanted to buy a special one this time. It will help her enjoy the season.’

That is true, Father thinks. He remembers how much joy the thought of Christmas used to give to his mother. He thinks about the cold of the season in his village, paired with the hot kheer of his mother that warmed his body like the heating he enjoys every day in Shimla. His mother taught him the meaning of Christmas well: to remember the importance of the lessons Jesus Christ taught his community, to put emphasis on not holding grudges or remaining angry, to forgive each and every small thing.

His mother will be home with them in just some weeks. And when she comes, she will want to come to a house filled with love and steadiness, the sort of house that she had raised him in.

Father reaches for Mother’s hand. At first she is surprised; Father rarely does romantic gestures like this, especially when they are in public and in the presence of many other people. Then the tension slips from her face, and she smiles back. She takes advantage of his grasp to pull him towards another stand. This one is right under Christ Church, with dolls knitted in the shape of Santa. As his wife goes through them, he imagines how his mother would look holding one.

Most likely she would like to have one in her wheelchair, to hold, just as she would previously hold him as a little boy.

Vettuvan Koil – Temple of the Slayer

December 19, 2023February 6, 2025 Neha Suraj MathewCulture, Travel 0

Vettuvan Koil is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The Dravidian-style temple is located in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, precisely in the district of Thoothukudi, Kalugumalai. The monolithic temple is known for its rock-cut Pandyan architecture. The temple is claimed to have been an unfinished work in the early 8^th century by the Pandya rulers.

The temple is currently maintained and administered by the Department of Archaeology of the government of Tamil Nadu.

History

It is believed that the temple was built in the 8^th century, which was the early Pandyan era, under the leadership of Parandhagan Netunjadaiyan. It was built along the Kalugumalai Jain Beds. It’s a monument dedicated to Lord Shiva, and from the rectangular rock in Vettuvan Koil, a Dravida vimana is emerging. Not much history about Koil is available about the temple other than the myths and tales associated with it.

Geography

The temple is perched atop a stone hillock towards the eastern side. It opens up a view to the east. The entry path lines the western hillside, the Kalugumalai Jain Beds (Highway 187). The upper section of the Vettuvan Koil was carved from a single granite rock. The carvings depicted various engravings of “Parsavadevatas,” or the attendant deities of Shiva. These included Goddess Uma, known for fertility, love, beauty, marriage, and children; Goddess Nandi, also known as the gate-guardian deity of Kailsa, the house of Lord Shiva; and artwork of various animals such as monkeys and lions. This architectural beauty creates the illusion of a lotus blossom in bloom.

Tales on Vettuvan Koil

The legend says that the temple was built over a rivalry between a father and son over superior architecture. It is believed that the son built the Murugan shrine, while the father built the Vettuvan Koil. When the son made fun of the koil, the father, out of anger, killed his son. The abandoned temple remains unfinished, followed by the grief of the father.

A different version of the story recites that the father attempted to impart trade knowledge to his son. The son, disregarding his father’s instructions, began carving the inner chambers of the koil. Enraged by his son’s disobedience and hearing the sound, the father killed him.

And with the legends came the names “Temple of the Slayer and “Heaven of Sculptors” for Vettuvan Koil.

Things to do at Vettuvan Koil

On reaching the temple, the viewers are treated to magnificent sculptures of Uma Maheswarar, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and other lords that can be found atop the temple.

Other places nearby to visit during your time at Tirunelveli are:

Kanthimathi, or Nelaiyapper Temple, is known for its big size and intricate workmanship on stone. It gives a peaceful place for dharshan and prayers.
New Jerusalem Church
Ram’s Funn City is a soft play area mainly focused on kids.

Lord Thirukuttralanthar, a historic temple shaped like a conch with hal of paintings or Chitra Sabai of the 5 Sabais

Speeding Up America’s High-Speed Bullet Train

December 12, 2023February 6, 2025 Dr. Mathew Joys, Las VegasTravel 0

The 16-mile Kochi Metro from Aluva to Tripunithura, which has been hyped for twelve years and is yet to be completed, could be a “miracle” for Indians and especially to Keralites!

Alas, here is the first news of starting a new high-speed railway line from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Los Angeles, California, a distance of 218 miles running in 85 minutes! America doesn’t run big trains for passengers like in India for many reasons.

Getting from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Nevada is always a hectic problem. After last week’s Thanksgiving festivities, on Monday, vehicles returning from Las Vegas were backed up for 15 miles. On most weekends, people from Los Angeles rush down the sprawling highway I-15 to Las Vegas, the entertainment city of the world, and return on Monday morning.

Going by flight is faster but more expensive. Driving costs less but is slower. However, in a few years here comes the best option.This traffic block in an American highway can be solved by running a bullet train that connects the two regions in just one and a half hours. Private rail company Brightline says it has led to a smart decision.

A train that draws visitors from across California to Nevada in half the time it takes by car. Rail operator Brightline West announced late last month that it had struck a deal with the High-Speed Rail Labor Coalition to begin work on the nation’s first high-speed rail project. The all-electric train will connect a station in Apple Valley, east of downtown LA, to Las Vegas via Interstate 15. A train traveling at 200 mph takes about 85 minutes to travel 218 miles.

“Americans want high-speed rail and Brightline West, and the High-Speed Rail Labor Coalition will make it happen,” said a statement from the coalition, which includes 13 rail labor unions representing 160,000 freight, regional, commuter, and passenger railroad workers in the US.

Brightline West, the developer of the high-speed rail connecting Las Vegas to Southern California, is unveiling a groundbreaking idea. Not only will the unionists and ministers not come out to disrupt the project like in our country, but they will be ready to complete the work within the time limit.

Construction is pending because Brightline is still awaiting the results of a grant application for $3.70 billion in federal funding. Developers say they hope to complete the project in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The station in Rancho Cucamonga will connect to the Metrolink San Bernardino line that already runs to Los Angeles.

Newly built in four years, this railroad connecting the two bustling cities of Hollywood and the Sin City will be a milestone in American history.

“President Joe Biden on Friday hailed the promise of a long-awaited high-speed rail system between Las Vegas and Los Angeles and said $3 billion in federal funds awarded this week will ensure it gets built”.

Biden said. “Together we’re finally going to make high-speed rail happen between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Folks, we’ve been talking about this project for decades, now, we’re really getting it done.”

GOLCONDA FORT

December 5, 2023February 6, 2025 Neha Suraj MathewTravel 0

Golconda is a fortified citadel and ruined city located in the western outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The fort was originally built by Kakatiya ruler Pratāparudra in the 11th century out of mud walls. It was ceded to the Bahmani Kings by Deo Rai, Rajah of Warangal during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah (1358–1375 A.D.) of the Bahmani Sultanate. The name Golconda is thought to originate from Telugu for “Cowherd’s Hill.”

The abandoned Golconda Fort, currently in ruins was added to UNESCO’s “tentative list” in 2014 along with other sites in the area. Golconda Fort is listed as an archaeological treasure on the official “List of Monuments” prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.^[14] Golconda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km (6.2 mi) long outer wall with 87 semicircular bastions (some still mounted with cannons), eight gateways, and four drawbridges, with a number of royal apartments and halls, temples, mosques, magazines, stables,

Old ruins surrounded by grass and small trees — Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India.

Golconda used to be known as the ‘Diamond Capital of India,’ given the abundance of diamond mines. Out of the 38 diamond mines in the country, it is estimated that 23 are around Golconda Fort. It was believed that there was a hidden underground tunnel to the diamond mines. The mighty Koh-I-Noor diamond was stored in Golconda. Some of the most sought-after and well-known gems in the world, including Idol’s Eye, the Hope Diamond, Darya-i-noor, and the well-known Koo-i-noor, are known to have come from these mines.

History of Golconda Fort

The Golconda fort was known as ‘Mankal’. According to the data, the Golconda fort was initially a mud fort built by Pratāparudra of the Kakatiya Empire in the 11th century over the belief that a shephard boy who met an idol over the hilltop Golconda means “Cowherd’s Hill” in Telugu. The fort, built on a stone hilltop, was believed to defend the western region of the kingdom. Golconda was fortified and ruled by the Bahmani Sultans and then the ruling Qutub Shahi dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries.

During the Bahamani Sultanate, Golconda slowly rose to prominence, and later in the early 17th century, Golconda established a prominent cotton-weaving industry. Cotton was manufactured in large quantities for both home and international use. Made from muslin and calico, a fine plain or patterned textile was created. There were two colours of plain cloth: white and brown, both bleached and dyed. These fabrics were exported to Europe and Persia. The prints used to create patterned textiles were created using natural dyes: indigo for blue, chay-root for red, and vegetable yellow. Exports of patterned textiles were mostly to Indonesia, Malaysia, and other eastern nations.

It was the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who captured the final Golconda king, Abul Hassan Tana Shah, and forced the fort to collapse after an eight-month siege. The fort finally collapsed in 1687.

Geography at Golconda Fort

Golconda is made up of four separate forts with an outer wall that is 10 km (6.2 mi) long and has 87 semicircular bastions (some of which are still equipped with cannons), eight entrances, four drawbridges, and several royal chambers and apartments, as well as temples, mosques, depots, stables, and other structures inside.

The lowest wall is by “Fateh Darwaza” (known as the Victory Gate after Aurangzeb’s triumphant troop that entered the pathway). The walls are studded with enormous iron spikes to keep elephants from smashing them down.

Tales of Golconda

The story of the Koh-i-Noor travels from the Rajahs of Malwa, which subsequently went through the hands of several Indian kings, including the Mughal emperors, before being acquired by the British. The diamond was supposed to be so strong that owning it brought misfortune to its possessor and that it could topple entire kingdoms. There were rumours that the diamond was cursed and had the following inscription:

“He who owns this diamond will own the world, but he will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.”

Rumour has it that the fort is haunted by the king’s paramour. On the stage that was once hers, her ghost has been dancing. Even though there is no historical evidence to back up the stories of these curses, it is significant to remember that many of the owners of these diamonds were also prominent figures.

Things to do at Golconda

The visiting times at Golconda are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fateh Darwazaan (acoustic property): The ‘Bala Hisar’ pavilion, which is the highest point over a kilometre distant, is the place where one can clearly hear the reverberating handclap that occurs at a certain location beneath the dome at the entrance of ‘Fateh Darwazaan’’. This served as a warning in the event of an assault.

Water and ventilation systems: The fort’s water supply system has been cleverly constructed. Above-ground tanks hold varying volumes of water that are elevated by Persian wheels. The collected water is then employed by gravity to transport it throughout the citadel’s structure of stone aqueducts and earthen pipes to other mahals, other apartments, roof gardens, and fountains.

City view: The eight entrances lead to a fortress complex exquisitely designed with lush, green gardens set against the striking brown of the citadel walls. Witness the symmetry of the temples, troop barracks, royal apartments, stables, and courts. The twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, the Kala Mandir arbores of Premamathi Nritya Mandir and Taramathi Gana Mandir, and the thousand-step stairway up to the durbar hall are also visible from above.

Light and sound show: Every evening, a captivating light and sound display that portrays this magnificent fort’s illustrious past is presented to help you understand more about its history.

Nearby attractions include:

Walk through the famous ‘Charminar’

Tour at ‘Chowmahalla Palace’

Birla Mandir

3 December, 2023: The Word of God set in Bamenda, Cameroon

December 5, 2023September 2, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

It is a beautiful day with not a single cloud blocking the blueness of the sky or the greenness of the hills, and yet Mother is not happy. She is at church. She should be happy. Every Sunday she comes and hears the choir sing and the pastor’s sermons and leaves to home with a full heart.

Yet she is not happy. It has been this way for months.

The pastor who had made her love this church is gone. She has come to accept that. People come, people leave, that is the way the world works. The new pastor is very young, probably younger than her son, leaning on the glass podium more than standing straight, commanding it. He is a skinny man with a round face. He has not a single hair on his head but there are a few stranded curls here or there on his throat and chin, which show he is not a precise shaver. Mother thinks he looks his best when he goes to the barber to get his cuts.

The young pastor is in the middle of his sermon.

‘Who is here to hear the Word?’ he starts.

‘Amen,’ say some of the congregation, the men in their black or blue blazers, the women in their floral dresses.

A proper pastor would not have even asked. He would have just begun his sermon and engaged the congregation with the veracity of his words.

This young pastor says again, ‘I said, who is here to hear the Word?’

The congregation shout a louder ‘amen.’ This is not because they are feeling particularly inspired; this is because they know he will keep asking again and again until he gets the proper amount of people to shout. He still hasn’t gotten enough, so he shouts even louder, ‘Who is here to hear the Word?’

The people who come to this church are old. They are the women who have accepted that their hair no longer grows well and so they keep it short rather than buy weaves. They are the men who have had children and grandchildren, and some of the grandchildren have had children again. They are Evangelicals, a denomination which takes the Gospel seriously. Anyone would know just by looking at the church. It’s the only built-up building on the road, freshly tiled in blue and painted with yellow plaster each and every year, with money coming from the US. So, Mother wonders, does this pastor know who his audience is? Does this pastor know what he is doing when he speaks?

Because he starts every sermon this way, like he thinks he’s at a football match. It’s no way to begin prayer. It’s the reason why he is losing respect.

He only does it three times at least. Then he gets on to the point. He flips through the Bible. Even from several rows behind, Mother can see that the book is covered with highlights and Post-it notes. Her old pastor would flip open the book, centre it on the podium, and thunder as he spoke. This one was almost hiding behind the podium, trying to make his body look smaller while he found the verse he was going to start with.

Just pick one, Mother wants to shout. Instead, she looks over to the other side of the rows where her friend Mary is sitting on one of the plastic chairs. Back when the old pastor was in charge, Mary would be combing her one copy of the Bible, diligently following whatever verse the pastor was quoting. Right now Mary is on her phone, playing one of those mobile games. She does not even notice the side-eye that Mother tries to give her. Mother feels that in the short time in which this pastor replaced the other, or even because this pastor replaced the other, Mary has changed.

And she’s not the only one. When Mother came in the late eighties, people took the Word of God seriously. Now they mostly gossip, sleep around, and make fun of others. Mother takes a look around and sees how many others are looking at their phones. Few are paying attention.

The pastor finds his verse. He looks up from the Bible, giving a calming smile.

‘God blesses the soil which drinks in the rain that often falls on it and which grows plants that are useful to those for whom it is cultivated.’

Mother knows this verse to be from Hebrews 6:7. She reads it now and again. She is curious how the young pastor will interpret it.

‘That is a very strong statement. We are the soil. The word of God is the rain. When you water the soil, they are plants that are in that soil. And those plants are going to grow.’

Yes, Mother wants to say. That is all very obvious. In fact she believes her old pastor said this exact same thing seventeen years ago, probably when this young pastor was still a boy. At that time the church had no money because nowhere in Cameroon had money at all. It was a concrete building, but compared to the huts Mother saw in her village that were used as places of worship, it was already impressive. Mother was fresh out of Ndu, and it was the late eighties. Any building that wasn’t made out of mud impressed her.

As she came in for the first time, the pastor noticed her and introduced himself. She was a young village girl, and yet the pastor was so humble, welcoming her to the city, asking her about her family, how she was setting up, if she needed any help. It made her feel that people in Bamenda were friendly. Of course, later on she came to know the other housewives of her suburb, and how they gossiped and spoiled everyone for one another. But the pastor was friendly when they first met and remained friendly and approachable over the decades.

And how his voice boomed when he gave his sermons. How he filled the room with his presence. Mother remembered so well how he uttered not only Hebrews 6:7 but all of his other favourite passages, returning to them and re-explaining them time and time again because he wasn’t afraid to show his love for what he was saying.

‘God has given us the Word. Whatever we are experiencing now, God will come and get you. God is the one who provides all the paths to be constant in our prayer,’ the new pastor says.

What does this have to do with his previous metaphor? Even some of the other congregation members are turning heads to chat with their spouse, gossip with their friend.

Perhaps the young pastor notices, which is why he says next, ‘Everyone listen. Be careful. God is inside of you. But there are Devils inside of us as well. Everyone listen. This is how you avoid the Devils.’

That does catch the attention of the churchgoers. Almost everyone immediately perks up, straightens their backs, looks straight ahead, gives him their attention. Mother wonders how he is going to continue now that everyone is listening again.

‘God is the water. We are the soil. The soil receives water. We must use the water to do something.’

Mother readjusts her posture. If it were the previous pastor, he would taken advantage of the tension in the room to speak louder, hammer home his point, call them all sinners, teach them how to repent.

The young pastor is now looking through his book. Is he going to go to a new verse? He hasn’t even finished making his point about the soil and the water.

‘What about the plants?’ the young pastor suddenly asks. ‘What is it about the plants?’

The problem is he is asking an open question, rather than delivering a rumination. One of the women, a thirty-something with her hair braided, raises her hand. The pastor notices it but then looks down. He isn’t trying to get them to answer his question after all.

The woman shouts regardless, ‘Our plants are our actions, the good tidings which come when God speaks and we obey.’

Some members of the congregation nod their head, the woman who might be her auntie quietly claps her hand.

The young pastor has found the excerpt he is looking for. He looks up from the book to say, ‘Let us all reflect on something from Matthew.’

Mother wants to shout, But what about the seeds, and the water, and the plants?

Instead her mind finds itself tuning out. She knows the pastor is quoting something from the Gospel of Matthew now. She is imagining what she will cook for herself and her husband in the evening. She thinks about her son and wonders how he is doing. She feels a mild pain in the back of her ankle and wonders what is causing it.

She has not come to church to hear empty words. Mother comes because she believes in this institution. It is the place that made her who she is. She came to this city and made a life for herself almost forty years ago, and this building was a part of it. She sang in the choir for decades. She brought her husband and son here almost every Sunday. They changed and life changed and this city changed, but the church never changed.

Until the pastor left.

It isn’t fair. Mother still does not know which rumours are truth and which rumours are rumours. Either the pastor did in fact impregnate that girl of sixteen and left because of the scandals, or he was kidnapped by thugs, possibly killed. The point is Mother does not know for certain. At first she expected the pastor to come back and clear his name, but he never did. It has been months now, almost a third of a year, and with no sign of him and nothing from his family and relatives. She saw him every week for decades, and now she knows nothing about where he is.

He is probably never coming back.

Mother sighs softly. The sadness is all-encompassing. It is the sense of being discarded by someone she knows didn’t actually leave her, but nonetheless has still left. There is a sense of uncertainty. There is something outside of Mother’s control, and she doesn’t like it.

It doesn’t help that this pastor is saying nonsense.

‘That is why you must believe. That is why you must pray.’

He has not given a single good argument, and yet some of the congregation are nodding. Have they grown stupid? Is it literally that they will reply or respond to anything that involves Gospel, no matter what is bineg said? Mother sees how most of her friends get their news not from the newspapers but from forwarded messages on their phones. Mother avoids these messages for a reason. She knows they are strewn with the temptations of the Devil, that they are nonsense written by those who have nothing but evil in their hearts. And yet this is what everyone is reading and responding to. Only Mother turns her phone upside down whenever she sees she has thirty new messages.

This pastor, these messages, the things happening in the phone, the things happening outside in the world . . . it’s all a sign of the same thing. Things are just not the way they were when Mother came to Bamenda.

Well, some things have remained the same, actually. Like the walk from Mother’s house to the church. There is a dirt road with pine trees and pungently dark grass on the side. The road sometimes curves upwards and downwards, but that is good for Mother’s legs, keeping them fit. Occasionally, a passing van or truck kicks dust around. Otherwise, it is quiet. Once in a while a woman in a blouse and sun-coloured leg wrap comes down the road with water on her head or potatoes on her hips to sell at the market. They smile, and Mother asks how the woman’s day is going, and the woman asks her as well. It is short and superficial, but it keeps Mother in a good mood. Mother has to remember she is blessed, that she loves much of her life even when she often questions what her purpose is in a world that is rapidly changing beyond that dirt road.

Mother believes in the Gospel. Mother believes in Jesus. Mother believes in everything God has ordained and continues to do. That has not changed, and it never well. It’s just that when she comes to see this young pastor stuttering over his words, trying to command the space that her pastor, this city’s good and honest pastor, used to occupy, she can’t help but feel disbelief. It’s not just that her pastor has disappeared and no one can find him. It’s that the person they have hired to take his place is such a disappointment.

So, why does Mother stay? Why does Mother remain seated on this plastic chair just because she has been sitting on it for years? Why does she keep her eyes fixed on these plastered walls, a colour that reminds her of what she is used to? Why does she avoid looking into the eyes of the people whom she thought she knew, but who have started to tear each other up for this opinion or that?

The point is she loves the Word of God, not the people whom God has put on earth. And she will remain faithful to God until the end of her days.

It is in the middle of the sermon that Mother stands up. Once in a while people are possessed by demons in the middle of a sermon, and the pastor is expected to intervene. Everyone looks up at her, curious if that is what is happening again.

Instead, Mother walks up and leaves the building. Out on the road, she walks around the potholes, and her heels are coated with dust. It does not bother her. The wind rushing against the back of her skirt and the cool air from the hills refreshes her. It will be Christmas soon, she remembers. She will be inviting her friends and relatives to a party to celebrate. Some of the people from this church are invited. They will have the chance to discuss her decision there. Yes, Mother’s life and her friendships will go on despite her leaving the church. She does not need the sermons of this pastor or that pastor or anyone to give her religion meaning. She will find other ways to practice her truth.

The Twelfth Vision (3 December, 2023) set in Kharkhorin, Mongolia

December 4, 2023September 2, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

The rocks, the hills, and the endless plains around. Snow crusts against the crags from here until the end of land. A few yurts are in the foreground and background both. They are round egg-shaped tents, polyps of human construction against a harsh human-less earth. A brown puffy dog guards the one that is closest by, barking furiously.

Mother rushes by on her horse, and within seconds all of the yurts are far behind her.

How is Mother speeding this quickly? She has never learned how to ride a horse, and yet she races through the frost-covered plains, alongside a herd of other wild horses. It seems like an infinitude of bodies have come to speed alongside her, following her to form a galactic trail of hoofprints. Mother has to cling to her horse so that she doesn’t fall off. Her hands clutch hard against the reins as the wind stings her skin. She can barely see what is ahead through her squinting eyes.

There is snow, there is land, there are rocks, and there are cliffs. Is that a temple? It looks like a small little temple on top of one of the rocks, an octangular box of a building, with charms decorated in bichig nested in the trees around it. Before Mother’s eyes can fix on it, she is thrust away at hyper speed.

Tamag. The place of punishment. She has sniffed its fires before and feels them burning against her hairs despite her horse trampling on frost. All Mother has to do is remember how her life has been a living Hell—all because she willed it, all because she felt so punished in her heart and soul. She refused to let herself feel anything else despite the world of emotions churning under the surface.

Even now she is burning, but she knows she should feel frosted to the bone.

Mother thinks:

It’s all in my head. Yes, I suffered. Yes, men touched me without asking. Yes, I didn’t like my mother’s new husband and wanted him dead. Yes, I made sacrifices for my family so my husband could become successful and respected. And then there’s the matter involving my son.

I spend all day praying for him.

But is it him I’m really praying for?

I have been given a great life. My son lives in a way I don’t like, but at least he is healthy, and he’s made a lot of effort in getting back in touch with me. I have close friends and relatives who spend time with me. I have a house that others would find expensive to own. I have the time to dedicate my life to prayer and thought.

I am an incredibly blessed human being.

So much of my thinking has changed with age. In the beginning, all I wanted to do was bless others with my charity. When we made a home for ourselves, I visited the neighbours because I wanted to help them raise their children. I wanted to help my sister, too. Not because I wanted her son to be another son for me; I wanted to do what was the best for their family.

But then I got caught up with the worries. Years passed. I worried about my lot in life. I worried about the things I didn’t get that I thought I deserved.

This life is temporal. This life is an illusion. And if this life is a test, I am failing. I have wailed at God for every small thing I am missing.

What is the real reason for my prayers? What is the reason why all these small things bother me? What is the reason why I try all of these things in the name of others but quit them when they don’t serve my needs?

What is my role in the life I am living?

When will I face the real me?

The land is once more morphing. The outward crest of white is tunneling. There is a whorl in the distance, right on the wall of a monastery. The walls are whiter than snow, and so the tear in the dimension almost blends in. But it is strong enough to suck in the golden paints on the mandalas and the rooftop. A vivid golden Buddha surrounded by miniatures in a thangka is in the centre of the white hole. It seems to be on the other side of this wall, this portal.

That is what it is—on the other side of this rupture in time is the return to Mother’s world. The one with their house and not these yurts, the one with her husband and son and not these horses. That is where she is going. Her stampede of horses has crossed hundreds of kilometres in minutes, helping her reach her destination. The air is blurring around her. She feels her body sucking apart at the seams.

It’s already time to go back to them.

But am I ready for it?

Before she can take the time to think out a response, the horse jumps through the portal, and the plains end.

(Girar is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.)

5 Wedding Destinations In India

November 28, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Undoubtedly, one of the most wonderful days in anyone’s life is getting married; it’s the moment when you and your spouse can celebrate your new beginning as a couple. And what better way to capture this unique moment in time than choose a beautiful location for the wedding?

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Because of the lakes and palaces scattered across the vast metropolis, this lovely location is appreciated by both Indians and visitors from other countries. Few cities can match the charm that Udaipur exudes thanks to its magnificent royal structures. Weddings in Udaipur are said to resemble magnificent fairy tales. Offering a hint of splendour, opulence, and monarchy, the Oberoi-Udai Vilas or the Jag Mandir palace are among the best venues for a marriage celebration. It easily becomes one of the most sought-after locations for Indian weddings.

The Backwaters of Kerala – Go A Little Offbeat

This kind and pleasant location Kerala is the destination for people who would rather have a small, intimate ceremony than a large, busy one. The tranquil, picturesque backwaters offer a view that will likely stay in your mind for a very long time. The ideal vacation for an Indian destination wedding. Imagine the backwaters, the gorgeous houseboats, and the beaches blanketed in coconut palm palms. Verdant!

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Want to exchange vows under the sky blue skies, crystal clear lakes, and golden dunes, distant from the mainland? Consider the Nicobar and Andaman Islands. There are plenty of beachside resorts on Havelock Island where you can get married, even if the majority of the island is off-limits to visitors. It’s true that you may reserve an entire island resort and say your vows with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop. You should get married in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands all the more because of their pleasant climate.

Neemrana Fort – Just A Stone Throw Away From Delhi

This historic fort outside of Delhi is ideal for a photo session because of its striking architecture and the “shock and awe” factor that not many locations can match. Over the years, the Neemrana Fort Palace has gained a lot of popularity as a weekend retreat from Delhi to host a magnificent wedding ceremony and provide the bride and groom some priceless moments (and pictures). This location in India offers all you need for a destination wedding that will be remembered.

Goa – Wedding and Partying Hand In Hand

It’s impossible to consider being married by the sea without considering marrying your special someone in Goa. You can have a wide range of photos for your pre-wedding shoot because there are so many different locations to choose from, including immaculate beaches, spectacular sunsets, old churches, gorgeous resorts, and lush forests. Organizing haldi and mehndi celebrations by the pool, rain dances in the middle of the sea, or an endless night of cocktails on the beach are other ways to take advantage of Goa’s party atmosphere.

(12): 19 November, 2023 set in Meymand, Iran

November 28, 2023September 2, 2024 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

It is snowing, far too cold for anyone to go outside. Therefore, the entire family, from Father’s brothers and their extended families to several of Father’s cousins, uncles, and aunts and their families, is inside this dwelling, one of the cave houses carved into the plateau of Meymand. Father feels the claustrophobia every time he returns to his childhood home from his three-storey house in Shiraz, but he feels it particularly today, as he has to finally announce what he has been thinking of doing for the last few months: to bring his mother to live with him in Shiraz.

It is not the time to bring it up before breakfast. Father lies in his bed, trying to rest. He is literally in a cave dug out of the cliffs millennia ago. On the floor are carpets and pillows for people to sit on. Beds are pushed to the sides of the rock walls, with piles of coverings and comforters and sheets for people to keep themselves warm in the winter months. Some sills were carved out of the stone long before Father was born, and on them are ornamental plates, pictures of family members, porcelain vases. the space inside of the cave is small, particularly in these winter months when everyone is inside. Father is not tall, but he still cannot stand upright, always having to duck while walking.

This is why he mostly remains in the bed he used to sleep in as a child even after he awakes.

At the hour of breakfast, Father is called. The wife of Father’s elder brother, Arash, is Nousha. She begins by serving everyone tea at the long wooden table they use for their meals. Steam from the black brew wafts across Father’s nose and warms his neck. Everyone is at the table, not yet talking amongst themselves, still waking up.

Father decides there is no better time than the present.

« .Everyone ،hello .It has been too long since I have come »

The fact that he is speaking has already antagonised someone. Father’s first cousin, Arman, interrupts.

« .Hessam ،three or four months it has been ؟Why did you ignore us ؟Why did you ignore your mother when her health is like this »

***

16 January 1965

Once when Hessam was a little boy playing football with his cousins and brothers, he kicked the ball through a window of a car. It was the property of one of his relatives visiting from abroad, and they had asked a lot of money for it to be repaired. It did not help that Hessam’s father had been drinking that day. So, immediately after, Hessam was beaten by his father to such an extent that it looked like he had developed welts.

The first boy who talked to him after his beating was not any of his brothers, who were scared of upsetting their father, nor any of his friends, since Hessam had trouble making friends, but his first cousin, Arman. Arman came and sat on the ground by Hessam’s bed as Hassan lay in pain. Hessam remembered how Arman was not one of the boys who often chided Hessam for being bad at kicking the ball, though he snickered when the other cousins teased. Hessam did not blame Arman or think of him much.

« .Your father has hurt you more than he should have » Arman said, and Hessam lifted his eyes towards him in recognition.This was a brazen thing to say, considering the relatives were in earshot and anyone could have come in and hit Arman.

But no one came in, and Arman continued « .I am angry you were punished like this .You do not deserve to be hit .You do not deserve to be made fun of »

Arman spoke emotionally, and Hessam touched his hand. They held each other’s hands for some time before Arman got up and left.

Later on in the week, after Hessam had recovered enough to join in with football again, it was like nothing had been said. Arman remained in that group of boys who made fun of Hessam, and he never stood up for Hessam against his friends. Arman and Hessam did not talk much after that incident.

***

19 November 2023

Father takes a look behind him. On the other side of the wall is one of the bedrooms, and on one of those beds is his mother, sleeping. One of Arash’s children is watching her. In a half hour, Nousha will come to take her son’s place.

« .That is exactly what I have come to talk about » Father says, but before he can say more, Arash stands up and pinches his fingers, lifting his hands towards Father in confrontation.

« .Your mother is the most important person in this room ؟Do you know how much we have suffered in trying to help her ؟ Do you know how much we have done for her »

***

12 July 2023

One day in the middle of the night, his mother began to sob uncontrollably. Arash had already been out all night drinking in one of the other caves with his friends. As he came in and sat down, waiting for the alcohol to wear off, he heard her cries.

« ؟What is wrong ،my mother » was all he could manage to say.

It was a different version of his mother these past few weeks. His mother was no longer able to explain why she felt pain. She had become like a child, crying whenever she wanted to go to the toilet and whenever she wanted to eat. When she felt the pain of her muscles stiffening outside of her control, she cried. And when she was confused, sad, or hurt, she cried.

Through his drunken stupor, Arash was unsure whether his mother had responded. Her sobbing was starting to annoy him, so he told her to stop. When she kept sobbing, he shouted louder « !Shut up » Then he noticed the shape of her open mouth, a full O. Because they took out her dentures at night, there was nothing to give dimension to her face. She looked like a baxtak ready to attack him.

Arash started to laugh. He literally fell over, grabbing his stomach, and then he was laughing at the bizarre face his mother was making, the way he had fallen funny, the whole sad situation. Suddenly, a sharp cell phone light was in his face.

It was his youngest brother, Behrouz, who must have woken up from the commotion.

« ؟Arash ،what are you doing »

Arash told him « Look at our mother »

Tears shone all over their mother’s face, and she had a perplexed look.

Behrouz sprang into action. « ؟Mother ،are you okay ؟Did you soil yourself »

He checked her diaper, and when there was nothing there, he checked her vitals, and then he found a damp towel to rub her face with.

« .Arash ،you are drunk .Go back to bed »

Arash went back to bed, but as he tripped over himself, he said this:

« .Look how bad our mother is doing .She is useless now .I can’t believe it has gotten to this ؟And what can we do about it »

***

19 November 2023

Father speaks over Arash. « .I know what you have done for her .You have done everything .I have done nothing »

One of Father’s cousins interrupts. This is a woman with what looks like scars from a bad burn all over her body. She is a woman in her fifties, and Father cannot help thinking that she is pretty, a face well shaped, even if a bit mousy. He remembers that she is a daughter of one of his mother’s second cousins, but whose child she is exactly, Father does not remember.

« .Do not be hard on yourself .You live so far away .You send us so much money .I remember when I had to have my surgeries ،and you funded it from afar .I am so grateful to you »

***

1 December 1999

Tarja had a dream to leave her village. In a village like Meymand, nothing much happened. Tarja was married to a man, had a son, and had the life she believed she was meant to have.

Despite that, Tarja wanted to leave.

So, one day, Tarja got into a car with a stranger who liked the way she looked. Tarja was thirty at the time but had not had enough life experience outside of a marriage to understand what was going on. What she knew was she liked how the man talked, like one of these free-minded big shots from Tehran who was exploring the country on a whim. An hour on the road, and Tarja felt like she could tell him everything, from the music she liked to dance to to the way she wanted to burn her headscarf.

He asked for her to give him a blowjob, and she mentioned that she was already married with a child.

The man was not happy. He yelled at her, and she was scared. She tried to open the car door, but he reached over her, hovering over her body, trying to lock it. The car was in motion and going fast, but Tarja knew it was her only chance to escape.

She opened the door and fell out of the moving vehicle.

The pavement charred the skin all across her left arm and back. She thudded and rolled as she fell, destroying her hip in the process. She was lucky at least to have fallen just outside of a settlement. Everyone came out and called an ambulance to take her to the nearest hospital in Kerman. After some days, her husband found her. He yelled at her, threatened to divorce her, beat her. He left the hospital without paying a single thing.

The doctors told her she would be able to walk with surgery. But who would pay for it? Tarja was a housewife, and she came from a poor family with little resources.

Then one day, she found out that her mother had made some phone calls and found a cousin who was willing to help. This was the son of her cousin, actually, who had decided to pay for the medical bill and the surgery. Filled with gratitude, Tarja wanted to call this cousin to thank him.

But the cousin was a distant relative and busy with his own life in Shiraz and took no interest in taking the call.

So, Tarja had her life returned to her, and to this day she still didn’t know why this cousin had helped her.

***

19 November 2023

The woman clasps her hands together towards Father, and Father has to look down. He feels uncomfortable as he cannot remember when or how he helped her. He is used to helping his family in these ways—generous, but removed. He does not like when it is formally acknowledged. It makes him feel more responsible for his helping out than he actually feels.

Luckily, there is not any time for her to say more, as one of Father’s paternal uncles intrudes.

« ؟ You are sending money ؟ Where is this money !I am not getting it »

Another uncle from that side of the family adds « .I have never gotten money from Hessam »

His Uncle Ali who is related to his mother and not his father chimes in « If you are sending money to one of us ،you should send it to us all »

And then Uncle Ali’s son Arman says « .Father Farzeen sends us money every day from Kerman »

His Uncle Javed, who is also related to his mother, complains « .I miss my children .I wish they visited from Kerman rather than sending money at all »

At this point, the announcement that Father wanted to make has been buried, and the uncles and cousins are bickering amongst themselves for unrelated reasons. The chai is getting cold. The steam from the kettle has settled down onto the table as drops of brown dew. The women have come with trays of cut cucumber, tomato and feta cheese, dried nuts and fruits, adasi, sharseer, jam, and pita bread. The elders who aren’t shouting begin to serve themselves. The little kids take the pita bread and thrust it into the feta or sesame oil without any concern for their elders, getting the seasonings all over the table.

No one is really listening to Father anymore.

But Father is not deterred.

Father says as loudly as he can « .Everyone ،I am taking my mother to stay with me in Shiraz »

The uncles keep shouting at their sons, but one of the aunties has heard Father properly and she grabs her husband by the shoulder sleeve to quiet him. Father’s younger brother, Behrouz, has also heard and he hushes everyone, repeating « .Hessam wants to move our mother to his home »

Now there is a silence in the room that Father rarely hears. It is like being on a lone highway road with no other car. It is like no one knows what to say and is waiting for that one boisterous uncle or auntie or cousin to speak up, but no one wants to be the first.

Father expands on his point.

« .I have talked to my wife about this for months .Meymand is a small village .There is no medical support here .In Shiraz ،we have everything »

Already he is interrupted, this time by Arash’s wife, Nousha.

« .He is saying that no one is taking care of our mother in this village .I am by my mother-in-law’s side every day .I wash her face with a wet towel .I massage the back of her head .I teach her the words she has forgotten in Farsi .She does need a nurse in our home .I am there for our mother »

***

15 August 2023

One day Nousha tripped in her mother-in-law’s room. She thought she had known everything about the space. She knew where the comforters were stacked, where people kept their slippers, what was part of the rock floor and what was carpet.

And yet somehow she had tripped. No water was spilled. No piece of rug was slightly furled. Nothing was out of place in fact.

She hit her toe and fell on top of the bed and almost hit her mother-in-law with her elbow. Luckily she missed, her arm landing by her mother-in-law’s side.

Nousha looked up. There were only the both of them in the room. The lights were on. There was no noise or source of distraction. Nousha usually thought about this or that in her head, but she never made mistakes like this.

Her hands shook. She stared at them long and hard in agony.

Was she getting older? Was she starting to reach the age where she, too, was going to succumb to these sorts of diseases, physical and mental?

It was unlikely. She was only in her sixties.

But still the thought was in the back of her head, and it scared her. She was a caretaker, not only for her mother-in-law but also for her irresponsible husband, her immature children, and her fairly young grandchildren. If she were to lose her mind or capacities, who would take her place?

***

19 November 2023

Arash cuts his wife off before she can say anything else.

« .I do not need any help as well .When our mother has trouble standing ،I help her to the toilet .I close the door and wait until she is finished .Then I put her back in bed .Behrouz takes her out when she wants to walk .It is cold ،but she enjoys her time outside .And in the summer months she was so happy to see the pistachio trees blooming »

Father says « .I can do such things at my home too »

Still Arash carries on. « .But you have not been helping as such yet ؟How long has it been since your last visit »

Behrouz interrupts his eldest brother. « .Let Hessam speak »

***

11 November 2023

Behrouz was resting with his mother when she tried to speak. It was in the early morning hours, just as everyone else was getting up. His mother yawned and pointed upwards. Behrouz looked into her eyes as she struggled to voice a sentence. A few months ago, these tics of dementia and Parkinson’s were new to him, and he felt anxious whenever he was alone with his mother in the room. But he was used to it now. He tried his best to observe calmly and interpret what exactly his mother meant. Sweat shone all over her face despite the coolness of the cave. She must have been pointing towards her forehead. Behrouz picked up a towel and started to clean off the sweat.

She opened her mouth and then shut it. Whatever his mother was going to say, she must have forgotten already.

She forgot everything these days, within seconds.

A fresh smell of pomegranate being opened filled the room. This was most likely his sister-in-law snapping one apart so that it could later be served. Behrouz remembered how much his mother loved the start of pomegranate season, how she had been the one to open the pomegranates for the entire family up until a year ago.

When she had fallen, she had really scared the family, and everyone pushed her to rest in her bed. She had gotten so used to that that nowadays she remained in a state where she found herself unable to leave her bed.

Behrouz wondered what would have happened if they had not babied her so much after her fall, if they had let her do small things like open pomegranates or clean the floor in her room.

Their brother Hessam was coming to visit soon. Arash was not going to like it, but Behrouz was entertaining a new thought: perhaps it was time for their mother to live with Hessam in the city. Shiraz had hospitals, people who were professionals who could help their mother stay stable. Yes, their mother was surrounded by relatives in their home; yes, she was loved and taken care of, but her mind was getting worse and worse each day. It didn’t matter how many people were there to help her to the toilet or feed her from hand to mouth if her situation grew serious and needed medical intervention.

It was an idea Behrouz was sure none of the other family members were going to like, but Behrouz knew they were reaching their limits. She was in need of much greater help.

***

19 November 2023

Father says, trying to keep his tone as objective as possible « .I have a full job at the hospital .This is also a job with which I use to pay your bills .This is where the money comes from so you can feed our mother and your own children »

Arash says bluntly, as he often did when he was drunk « .How he rubs it in our face .He makes more money than all of us .He is better than us because he has money .He does not care for his family but he has money .How better he is .Yes »

Father feels a saltiness in his throat and in his chest, but he knows he has a relevant point to make.

« .I am not trying to demean you .I am not trying to make you feel insignificant .I am saying that I have things in Shiraz that will help our mother .I am also saying it is my turn to help »

It is about to become a fight between brothers, but Uncle Ali decides to speak up. He has always been nice to Father, despite their bickering. « .We know you have good intentions .You make mistakes ،but you mean well »

Auntie Mahnaz, a first cousin of his mother, says « .Hessam ،I know you well .You mean nothing with arrogance .You want to help ،and your feelings are true .But my son ،we do so much already ،and your mother is stable because of us ؟Are you aware of what could happen if you move her »

« .If it was last year ،I would say yes » Father says. « .But look at the state of our mother now .It is worse than dementia .She cannot make sentences .She will soon need more than someone to wipe her forehead .She will need proper medical attention .I am the only one in this family who can give it »

Arash clears his throat and looks away. The other elders are looking away as well. The silence becomes almost like the heat coming from the nearby furnace—an uncomfortably warm presence, unavoidable, but everywhere.

The one who decides to break the silence is Uncle Ali, who asks with genuine curiosity

« ؟Hessam ،do you really believe you can provide care to our mother that she cannot receive here »

For once, Father is confident. He looks around at these rock walls, then back at his family, and says « .Yes »

***

1 October 2022

It had been two days since the esteemed elder of their family, Zahra Ahmadi, had a fall owing to a stroke, with a lot of her motor function damaged either by the stroke in question or the fall when she hit the back of her head. Now she had been taken back home from the hospital. Zahra’s two sons and their families took care of her by her bedside. In the dining room where they kept their long wooden table, everyone from Zahra’s generation, from her cousins from marriage to her own brothers and sisters, discussed what to do.

« .She is clearly in a bad state »

« .I am Javad ،her brother .I will take care of her »

« .Javad ،sit down .You feel dizzy the moment you walk for some time .Arash is by her side .Wait »

« .I feel so helpless .I feel so old .I feel like I can do nothing for us »

« .It is not your place to do anything ،my brother .She has her own children »

« ؟But where is Hassam ؟Why has he not come yet »

« .He lives far away ،my uncle .He will come once he can »

« .Zahra should be in the city with him .She is resting in a cave .She needs to be in a hospital »

« .That is true. As her condition worsens ،she will need more help .The hospital is so far .Petrol is getting more expensive .We are old »

« .But her children are there .They live by her side .They will help »

« .But there will come a time when their help will not be enough ؟What will we do by the time her condition truly deteriorates and she needs more than rest »

« .I suppose when the time is right we will have to depend on Hessam .He is the one who does the most when we expect nothing out of him »

The conversation moved on to other topics, but the whole family thought about it long after, each one with their own opinions, and each one wondering if they were right, if indeed Hessam would take on the responsibility as he had always done, even if from afar.

***

19 November 2023

Father asks once more.

« .I want to begin the plans to move my mother towards Shiraz ؟ Are there any objections »

Uncle Ali says Shiraz is a nice city. Uncle Javed says that Meymand has no medical care, and it will be good for his cousin to have a proper bed. Arash doesn’t say anything, and Behrouz whispers his proud approval into his brother’s ear.

Father is glad.

This time there is not a single person who protests.

17 November, 2023: Voices of Representation set in Adré, Chad

November 22, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel 0

The RSF found me in my home. I was not outside trying to buy food in the middle of the shooting. I was in my living room, all alone, under my bed, waiting for my husband my brother and my two sons to return home. The door exploded outwards in the way a pipe bursts fully in the midst of a rupture. That was when I knew that strangers were in my house. My mind recognised it but my body did not until the seven eight nine ten men surrounded my bed, dragged me away from it, and started shouting at me.

Father was not from the city of Adré. He was not actually from the city of Abéché either, as he had chosen to settle there some thirty years ago, Abéché being the fourth largest city of Chad, and one of the few industrial centres of the country. But at the moment he was commuting every day, four hours towards Adré and four hours back to his home in Abéché, because Chad’s neighbour Sudan was having one of its greatest humanitarian crises, and help was needed for the refugees coming from the other side of the border. For the last half year—Father himself could not believe it, a full half year—the paramilitary army and the royal forces of the Sudanese army were fighting amongst themselves to gain control over the country. Entire swathes of the country had become a battlefield as the two armies attacked themselves, caring little about the civilians whom they would later have to serve. Father was not Sudanese; he had no idea how many people had been killed.

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They shot my brothers, all three of them. They shot my father too. They had no reason to shoot us. We have nothing to do with the war. Yani we are civilians. I thought they were going to shoot me too. But they let me live. They kept going forwards in their truck with their guns up shouting praise to Allah. They left me on that road. They let me live. But I dropped my groceries. I fell to the ground on my knees. I looked at my brothers and I looked at my father and tears came without me thinking. I wanted them to shoot me too. Why did I have to live?

But the effects on Adré were obvious. Adré was just a small little town next to the border. The houses were settlements, and here or there were busy streets selling chopped-up lamb, rice, eggs, and dried beans. Only a handful of streets were paved; most of the town was empty land and dust.

I am just a fifteen-year-old. I don’t want to see my mother trip and fall, let alone be raped by a group of men, one by one. But the RSF forces came and took their turns on her and forced me to watch at gunpoint. I thought they were going to kill me, but they didn’t. I wish they had killed me. I would be more of a man now if I hadn’t had to see my mother used like a set of napkins.

In that dust now was tent upon tent, blanketing the dust in patches. Under those tents were the people who had spilled over from various parts of Sudan escaping the violence. These were people who did not have the chance to think about where to go and why. They saw that there was shooting, they saw that people were being killed, and they simply ran—eastwards, westwards, southwards, and northwards. They crossed a border because that was what they had to do to survive. Which border they crossed, which country they ended up in, what would happen to them once they reached that country…those were all questions to be answered later.

I am a little boy of nine. But when the paramilitary soldiers saw me, they came in a group. They took down my shorts. They took down their pants. One by one they forced themselves on me. And they did not stop, no matter how much I was sobbing.

These people were now in the country of Chad. If one looked at one side of the border versus the other, one would see indistinguishable dust upon dust upon dust. One could not identify one side as Sudan, or the other as Chad.

After the seven or eight men raped me they threw me out of my apartment. They ransacked literally everything. They took the credit cards of my husband, they took my cups and bowls, they took our money. They took everything and left. I stayed there on the floor, bleeding. I did not want to get up. But I also knew that I had nothing left. The only thing I could do was walk. Despite the unbearable pain in my vulva I was going to have to get dressed, walk somewhere, anywhere, and leave. That was the only way I could survive.

But one side was called Chad and one side was called Sudan, and Father was on the Chadian side, working as a doctor alongside volunteers and workers from the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. He went from person to person, each one sitting on the ground huddled in a group of six with their family members, taking their temperatures, checking their vitals, handing out water or essential medicines. He rarely had the time to ask their names or learn their stories.

My name is Hiba. I did not even know if you wanted to ask for it. I am not from here and I am also not from Khartoum. I am from Darfur. In Darfur we had little, but we had a hut, we had our cots, we had our family. Now we sit on the earth with the cows and the flies. I don’t want to be here. I want to be home. But what can I do? The soldiers came and burned everything. I should be grateful to be alive. I should be grateful to be able to sit on this tarp on this patch of dust and have that also. But I am not happy and I am not grateful. There was no reason why my home should have been destroyed in front of me. I want it all to come back to me. I want my home.

There were trembling children covered in dust and crying with hunger. Many were so shocked by the explosion of a bomb near their house or shooting over their heads that their ears did not work and their eyes had lost all ability to focus, all before they had reached the age of five.

I wish I had not been born in Khartoum. I always wanted to be British. Why didn’t my parents go when my father got that job offer in Birmingham? They chose to raise me here so I could be one with my language and heritage. And now I have no parents. I am seventeen, having to start a life over for myself, with no one, in a new land, where I know nobody.

Meanwhile, the adult men and women sat quietly, waiting for water and food to come. They bent down to pray at the allotted five times a day, as if the call to prayer was the only thing they could do to maintain control over their lives. Once in a while they would break the silence to speak to Father. They had gone through something terrible, and they needed someone to listen, whether it was someone they felt close to or not.

I have seen people walk by and then suddenly be full of bullets. I have seen people fall out of their apartments after a mortar hit and destroyed entire parts of buildings. I have seen corpses on the ground, sometimes naked, sometimes violated, sometimes picked at by the vultures. But I have not stopped to think about any of them. I kept on moving. I did not turn around to make sense of it.

Father listened to them because the situation demanded it. But he never responded because he knew that was not his prerogative. His job was to check the refugees, to ascertain that no one was hurt or was on the precipice of dying.

I am a woman from Sudan, but first and foremost I am a woman, and I am suffering.

So many women had been raped. So many women had stories to tell that made it hard for Father to work. That so many women had been violated by so many men, had been forced to see their loved ones shot while the soldiers were in the middle of their act, and had had to walk out and find help despite what had been done to them was difficult for him to hear, especially because he heard it every day, all the time, too many times.

When are you coming home? When are you coming back to me?

What made it especially different for him today was the fact that his mother had called, finally having enough energy to make a call herself. His mother was succumbing more and more each day to dementia and Parkinson’s. Every week when they talked, he noticed how hard it was for his mother to form a sentence. What used to be ten minutes of conversation became seven, then five, then a minute. Today this morning when his mother had spoken, she could barely give enough information to last a paragraph. The sentences were also broken.

I…am…happy…I am…good…you…are…safe…I…am…happy

Basic sentences, without any sort of real meaning. There was no longer a sense that his mother was connecting with anyone while she spoke. She was just trying to say simple things, and even that was too much for her.

I love…I love my…without son…I am without son…my son…so…

Father tried to talk to his brothers about it, but they didn’t see any difference. They were from the village, didn’t have the sort of medical education Father did, and spent every single moment with their mother taking care of her. The more time passed, the more Father felt guilty for not being there, for pursuing a decently built-up home in a suburb of a big city and a life for his family rather than giving back to the people who had sacrificed everything to give him these chances. Often Father heard this guilt reflected back to him through the voices of his brothers, but today he was having a moment of clarity. Today it was his own voice saying something to him: take care of your mother in the last days of her life. He could do this at his home and treat her with the professional knowledge of a doctor. He could provide a clean house with ample space where his mother could actively recuperate, along with the love and attention of a son.

You are not there for us. But then again I expect little or nothing else, because that is what I have gotten used to.

Seeing how much his mother was declining, and listening to her today on his drive to Adré, was tough. The thought of women who had limbs and body parts taken from them by the war mingled with his thoughts of his mother’s broken sentences.

Come home. That’s the only place that matters. That’s the only place I want to see you. Come home.

Father was a doctor for a reason. He felt called to serve those who were in need. There were so many people in need of someone like him, in Chad, in Sudan, in other corners of this world. If he had to choose between these women and his mother, it seemed obvious what the moral decision should be: to help these refugees as if they were relatives or fellow citizens from Chad.

Ommi. When will I see you again?

There was also this woman, his mother, who had chosen to make him her world.

As Father went from family to family, child to child, woman to woman, he saw his mother in each and every one of them. It would be in the way the mother fed their rations of bread and goat stew to their children first, in the same exact way his mother would take pieces of goat meat and feed him from her hand to his mouth.

I’ve tried to be around for so many people. When am I going to stop making excuses and be there for my own family?

It was time for a decision to be made. He would go to Doctors Without Borders and the administration of the hospital that he worked under to inform them that he needed to take a week off. They would not want that; the last six months had been horrible, and they needed doctors like Father to help out.

My name is…Fatima…please…listen… to me…my son…

Father was going back home, towards his village in the Batha town of Oum Hadjer. He was going to talk to his brothers and convince them that the city would be the best place for their mother, in her declining health, to get the best medical care.

The Great Wall Of India

November 18, 2023February 6, 2025 Neha Suraj MathewCulture, Travel 0

Towards the westerly range of Aravalli Hills in the Rajsamand district of the Western State of India, Rajasthan is located the Great Wall of India, known as Kumbhalgarh (or Kumbhal Fort). Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, it is now a World Heritage Site.

The history of this Mewar fortress

It is thought that in the sixth century, King Samprati, the great-grandson of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, constructed the first fort. It was not extensively documented until the invasion of Kumbhalgarh by Allauddin Khliji in 1303 AD.

The Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha, the Rajput clan of Sisodia. After conquering the entire Godwar plain from the Chauhan Rajputs of Nadols in the late 14th century, Rana Khumba built the new fort on top of the local small fort. The new fort, Kumbhalgarh, was built by the king of Mewar, Rana Khumba, and mainly separated the two clans of Mewar and Marwar. The fort was mainly used as a refuge for the rulers of Mewar.

The Great Wall Of India (FB) — Picture: FB

The famous architect of the time, “Mandan,” was called in by the Rana of Mewar for this special task. Mewar, the kingdom of Rana Kumbha, covered vast swathes of both Rajasthan and the former Madhya Pradesh, extending from Ranthambore in Rajasthan to Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Rana Kumbha is credited with building 32 of the province’s 84 forts, the greatest of which is Kumbhalgarh. Direct assaults were still impossible against the fort.

According to the documents, in 1576 Shahbaz Khan, between 1458 and 1467 Mahmud Khalji, in 1457 Ahmed Shah 1 of Gujarat, and in 1303 Allauddin Khalji, all attempted to invade the fort. All the attempts at invasion failed, and the fort also came to be known as the impregnable fort.

The inside of the palace is a perfect depiction of Rajputs in history. It is said that the two-story building features an amazing blue durbar hall. The men-only “Mardan” palace and the women-only “Sanana” palace are divided by a hallway. The “Sanana Palace is home to several stunning murals of crocodiles, camels, and elephants.

Geography of the Kumbhal Fort

The fort is built 3,600 feet above sea level on a hilltop over the Aravallli range. The fort is counted as the world’s second-longest wall, with a length of 36 km and a width of 15 m.The rampart is considered broad enough to walk eight horses side by side.

Tales of Kumbhal Fort

During the initial stage of the fort, Rana Khumba faced many obstacles, for which a sage named ‘Baid Baba’ advised the difficulty would be removed if a pure-hearted man came forward and sacrificed his life. Seeing that no one was willing to save the king, the sage himself came forward and gave his life with one request for a gateway to the fort for religious rituals. According to the sources, King Kumbha built a grand entrance named ‘HanumanPol’, which is believed to be built on the spot where the sage’s head fell after he was beheaded.

During 1457, when Gujarat’s Ahmed Shah 1 launched a vain attempt to capture the fort, there was local belief that the Banmata deity protected the Mewars from invasion. The temple was destroyed because of this.

Another story is that the enemy bought off a young florist. She had left flower petals to indicate the way along the hidden pathway. The girl was bricked alive into the exterior wall after the plot was thwarted. A fitting penalty that would have discouraged other betrayers! The wall appears to be the location of the woman’s execution because there is a little, white-painted outline of the woman there.

Things to see in Kumbhal Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort

It is said that the Kumbhalgarh fort existed for centuries. The fort is spread over an area of 36 km with extending walls. Approximately, there are about 360 Jain and Hindu temples within the fort. A few of them are Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple, Bada Mahal, Parshuram Temple, Mammadev Temple, Muchchal Mahavir Temple, and Vedi Temple. The gates around the fort are locally called “pol”. Entry to the inner bastions is possible through Arret Pol, Halla Pol, and Hanuman Pol from the southern directions. The purpose of the walls’ varying colours is to display light. The inside walls are whiter and more glossy. You will see Bhairav Pol, Chaugan Pol, Nimboo Pol, and Phagra Pol farther up; each has a distinct significance. Observe that as you ascend, they get smaller, and beyond a certain point, neither horses nor elephants can get through.

There is a light and sound show for 45 minutes every evening at 6.45 p.m.The ticket charge for the show is Rs 75.

Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple

This temple, which honours Lord Shiva, is home to a six-foot-tall stone Shivlinga. Legend has it that Rana Kumbha used to often worship the goddess in this temple. The king used to sit on the temple floor to say prayers since he was so tall.

The pious king was slain by his own son while praying to the Lord in the same temple.

Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds)

This two-story structure, known as the Mardana Mahal (for men) and the Zanana Mahal (for women), is perched atop Kumbhalgarh Fort. Pastel-coloured murals from the 19th century adorn the chambers.

The queens could witness court proceedings and other events in private because of Zanana Mahal’s stone mesh. The purpose of the rooms’ network of ducts and mesh was to draw in cold air and ventilate the interiors. The traditional method of creating “air conditioning”

The road trip, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sand Dunes

The road from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh takes you across the ‘Kathaar River’ and ‘Bageri Ka Naka’ dams, both renowned for their scenery. And the other one is ‘Hameri Pal,’ a lake known for its calm nature with fewer crowds. It is also known for the ‘Giant African Catfish.’

The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary is home to various wild animals like chinkara, leopard, sloth bear, antelope, jackal, sambhar, nilgai, and hyena. You can also spot various species of birds.

When you reach the summit of Kumbhalgarh Fort, you can see the stunning Aravali Hills for miles in all directions. In fine weather, you can even see the Marwar and the Thar desert dunes.

The giant lamp is used for light

According to legend, Maharana Kumbha would burn enormous lamps with 50 kg of “ghee” and 100 kg of cotton to keep farmers working in their fields at night. The lamps used to shine for miles because of how brilliant they were.

Indigo And Qantas To Extend Codeshare Partnership

November 17, 2023 Staff ReporterBusiness, Travel 0

The partnership signifies the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries, as a part of Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

IndiGo has announced an extension of its codeshare agreement with Australia’s national airline, Qantas through which IndiGo customers will now be able to access four new destinations – Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane in Australia.

With the new codeshare routes, passengers can now also fly to Singapore and connect seamlessly to Qantas’ flights between Singapore and Melbourne, an official statement noted.

According to a release by Indigo this partnership signifies the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries, as a part of Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

In 2022, Qantas and IndiGo had finalized codeshare partnership enabling Qantas customers flying on non-stop flights between Australia and India to connect to 21 destinations in India on IndiGo.

Commenting on the partnership Pieter Elbers, chief executive officer, IndiGo, said, “The two airlines are the market

leaders in their respective countries and this agreement will strengthen the bond between the two countries. For IndiGo, placing its code on another airline and connecting over a mid-point (Singapore) is only the 2nd one of its kind. With this we are now enabling the vast IndiGo network to connect with Qantas’ unmatched reach, we create more opportunities for trade and tourism between both nations.”

“With the thriving growth of the Indian aviation industry, this agreement will also enhance our international connectivity and remain committed to our promise of providing on-time, affordable, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences to our customers across our wide network,” he added.

The Eleventh Vision (27 October, 2023 set in Aousserd, Western Sahara

November 11, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel 0

There are sands all over, and there is a beautiful horse. The undulating sand is a coarse red. It is so hot that it feels like the sand is burning. But the sand doesn’t change colour or shape or form, only shifting when the wind picks it up.

In the distance are the outlines of men, so far out they are the size of ants. A group of Bedouins are travelling in a goum, walking one by one with camels to their sides. The camels pace themselves.

Mother is not standing on the sand. Instead, she is sitting on top of a horse. The horse, a speckled white, looks back at Mother, but it doesn’t move. A question comes automatically to her mind.

Why am I on top of a horse?

The next question is an obvious one.

Where am I going?

But Mother has been wandering around this question for some time, over and over again in her mind. It does not matter if she is at home, kneeling to prayer, or on her way to a supermarket to buy food. Her life has been one long journey with no destination. She wakes up, she readies herself, she does some chores, and she goes to bed, wondering what was the meaning of it all. Most of the days have a ready and obvious answer: it was all meaningless. She prays and prays and talks to God.

When will my son marry? When will my son return home? When will my son return to God?

And now Mother is on a horse and is talking to a horse. The winds are loud, the heat makes her body sore. And yet she is feeling so comfortable.

Have I ever even ridden a horse?

Would her father have let her when she was younger? Like any man of that generation, there wasn’t much idea of what a woman could do outside of her role in the family. Mother saw the way her own mother toiled in her cooking, lived for the sake of her daughters.

There is only one time she remembers being around a horse, when she was a little girl. It wasn’t the usual dusty colours of the horses that roamed around the village. It was a jet-black stallion, which made Mother curious. She wondered if its hairs felt like a hairbrush. She wanted to get closer and kiss it.

But as soon as she came close, her father yelled loudly and her mother shrieked in fear.

She doesn’t remember why they were so scared. Perhaps she was far too young to be around a horse or any unpredictable animal. In hindsight, it made sense for a parent to be frightened. Mother would have acted in the same way if Son had come too close to a work animal.

But Mother was slapped by her father. And when Mother tried to explain what she was doing, her father slapped her again. And when Mother stood up and got angry and shoved her father with her tiny arms, he pushed her down. He took out his belt and started whipping her.

A girl was not meant to explain herself. A girl was meant to behave.

Probably the punishment was needed. Or perhaps the punishment was too strong.

No one should be punished so strongly and without explanation.

At least that is a rule clearly written in the Qu’ran.

Nevertheless, after that, Mother was frightened to do anything that broke an unspoken rule.

The skin of the horse feels a little stodgy. It has a smell and roughness that seeps into Mother’s skin. She feels a little dirty, but she also kind of likes it. She wants to hug the horse. She wants to push her body against it until there is nothing but their commingled smell of human and horse and nothing in between.

There are so many animals like you in the world that I have never interacted with, or even thought of interacting with. A dolphin would be slippery to the touch, like algae. The needles of a porcupine would puff out my hands with their poison. A dog would be nice to pet, but so many of them roll in the mud and rub their paws all over you. Cats cause me to sneeze, just like camels and rabbits.

But this horse feels softer than a bedsheet. It is so smooth it doesn’t feel like I’m touching something living.

To take the time to touch an animal is beautiful.

It’s not a sin. It’s not a transgression. It’s an act of our bodies integrating.

Mother lies on this horse, as if she is resting on a bed. She lets herself sink into it. She feels time and space merging, as if her mind knows no boundaries. There is Mother, there is the horse—they are interconnected, they are borderless, they are one.

Mother almost forgets that she is not alone in the desert. The Bedouin in the distance have noticed her and are shouting something. Their bronzed skin and sun-sculpted faces are covered in white. They motion with their hands, their shouts menacing.

What is Mother wearing?

She dares not look down. She feels her skin burn in the heat. She feels naked, humiliated. She is sure the men will come and tear her off the horse. She fears they will do much worse things.

A phrase leaps out to her in Bedouin.

I and my brother are against my cousin, I and my cousin are against the stranger.

While it is not a phrase that belongs to her, her mind is suddenly amending it.

And yet when I see the stranger, all I feel is jealousy. I do not trust the stranger, but I want to know their world.

So, there it is. Mother is not afraid of these men. Mother is not afraid of this horse. She is afraid that she will be rejected, that suddenly a barrier between her and someone else will appear, that it will be impossible to feel anything in relation to anyone.

I want to feel one with another person.

I want to feel one with this horse as well.

Or rather, I want to feel one with any being of the cosmos.

That’s why I pray.

I know it’s all illusion. I know nothing can truly destroy me. I know my soul is eternal. My time on this Earth is a test, designed only for me.

And yet I tire of taking this test over and over again.

I pray because I believe that is how I will find the answer.

But every day I feel more and more distant, making no progress.

This is not what I want for myself.

I need to get going.

I need to find an answer.

Suddenly the horse neighs furiously. Before Mother can make sense of it, the horse is dashing. It is like the beam of an arrow breaking through the line of the dust storm. The winds strike the sand like missiles, causing the Bedouin men and their camels to be flung out of the background. The sky grows empty and clear, with the whitish outline of an oasis in the far distance.

Or is it a mirage?

I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know where I am going.

But all my life I’ve prayed and waited for the answer.

Perhaps it is time for me to ride.

7 November, 2023: Not Friend, Just Patient

November 9, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

Set in Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China

As Father was coming into the room, the patient sat up to greet his doctor. Father had treated many a Black man before, but this was the first time he heard one speak such good Cantonese.

『Don’t worry, my doctor. I am doing well. 』

Father grinned.『 You speak Cantonese. 』

『A little. 』

『 You speak so well. 』

As Father’s excitement wore down, he reflected on the oddness of being called ‘my doctor’ as an honorific. The man had a very prominent accent as well, and Father wasn’t sure if he could carry on a conversation beyond the basics. he would have to test it. Father said, 『You are having pain in your pancreas, correct? 』

『Correct. 』

He understood the word for ‘pancreas,’ a word unused in daily conversation. This was a good sign of his conversational abilities. It made Father not only more comfortable in speaking with him; he also came closer towards his bed. Father started his inspection, lightly squeezing the man in his chest area. Immediately the man winced and groaned in anguish. It was hurting on immediate touch, the result of a severe inflammation. Even by touching the pancreas through the skin, Father could tell it was abnormally large.

Father looked through his charts to see what the blood tests showed. 『The alcohol levels in your blood are high. Do you drink a lot? 』

The man did not answer. That was also understood. It was a sensitive topic for most.

So, Father told him a story. 『A lot of men in Guangzhou, they drink too much. Last month, I had a patient. He was from here. He had a horrible liver. We had to search for a new one. The surgery was expensive and difficult. By the end of it, there were tears in his eyes and he was full of gratitude. And yet I saw him this morning on my way to work. He was sitting in the park with a beer bottle in his hand. He was drinking, so happily! 』

The man smiled, but it was hard to make out if it was a smile showing politeness at Father’s effort at conversation or if he understood the story and was laughing in repsonse.

Father asked, 『Where are you from? 』

『Cameroon. 』

Ka Mai Long. Where was that? Was it in Africa? It had to be in Africa. Where else could the man be from? Ka Mai Long. Father said it over and over again in his head. It sounded like something he had memorised once for a test and had since forgotten.

Ka Mai Long.

A land of many treetops.

Green foaming grass.

Unpaved earth.

Mud huts.

Giraffes and wild dogs.

Ka Mai Long.

Father could imagine it.

But Father had no idea if what he was imagining was true to the country at all. This made Father curious. So many questions bubbled up one by one in his mind. First, he wanted to clarify where Cameroon was. Then, he wanted to ask why a man from Cameroon was living in a place like Guangzhou. Had he come with his family? Or had he come for his family? . Guangzhou was the pearl of the south of the country, with big skyscrapers and famous temples all over the city. What was impressive to Father was that since he had come from his village almost forty years ago, the city had changed dramatically. It had developed and grown, and the faces around him had changed. There were so many people from outside China who now called it home, including many people from all over Africa. He hardly talked to such people because they rarely knew any languages from China, so this was his first chance. He could really talk to him, get to know him. More questions brimmed in Father’s mind. How long was he planning to stay here? Would he remain in Guangzhou? Did he have children here? Did they also speak Cantonese or Mandarin?

But then Father remembered that he was a doctor, and this man was his patient.

As Father pretended to continue reading those charts, the patient asked, 『Where are you from? 』

『Shaoguan. 』

『Shaoguan is too nice. 』

『You know Shaoguan? 』

『Yes. I went there traveling. Shaoguan is very beautiful. They have thin mountains. They look like a painting. 』

Father’s eyes lit up. Even though the man had barely described it, he was summoning in front of Father’s eyes the sandstone mountains that bulged out of the mist like fingers curling out of a hand. Of course a foreigner would find it enchanting. So many paintings and poems had been written about the mountains of Danxia.

To be precise, Father came not from the city of Shaoguan but from a village a few kilometres northeast, in the district of Wujiang. Father wanted to ask the patient if he had visited the region, but he doubted it. It wasn’t a tourist attraction. Still Father’s eyes glimmered, knowing that this man from so far away had gotten so much happiness out of a location he had only ever seen as a daily part of life. Even though he didn’t have any sort of attachment to the natural wonders of his province, he felt a moment of inspiration through the genuine praise of his patient’s words.

Father took out his phone. 『Let’s take a selfie. 』

Despite his pain, the patient smiled as the camera snapped, and genuinely so.

Immediately after, though, Father wondered why he had taken the picture. This man was just a patient, not a random person he was meeting at a hot pot restaurant or the bus stop. He explained, more to himself than anyone else, 『You have been to my province. That is nice. I will send the picture to my family. 』

Father’s family was doing poorly due to the decline of his mother’s health, so it was very unlikely he would send it. Still, he felt a little better having at least made an excuse with some sort of logic.

The man asked, 『 How is my pancreas? 』

Pancreas

A corn cob stuck between two gobs of meat.

The absorber of nutrition for our food.

A lifeline of our body.

An organ of great importance.

While Father was entertaining this man, he knew his pancreas was running a risk of failing. So, Father ordered more tests. He asked the man about his residency status and working background to know what treatments he could or could not afford. He talked to the nurse and sent her some of his suggestions with regards to medication. The woman stared at the Black man, seemingly not registering or writing down much of what Father said. He hoped that she would remember it somehow. When she came back, at least she had gotten the right medications, and quite promptly.

It must be hard

Time and time again

To be stared at

To be recognised

Not because of who you are

But because you look different from us.

Father wanted to say.

But this was a patient and not a friend. Have you eaten? How is your wife? Those were the conversations that friends shared, not details about one’s pancreas.

It was strange. Father wanted to ask this man many things, questions he’d never feel comfortable posing to someone he was close to. Was it because this man was a foreigner? Something about it made Father feel peculiarly comfortable, like he could be as open as much as he wanted to be, and without any consequence.

The man was coughing suddenly. Father checked his throat to ensure that his glands were not swollen. The man had a pungent smell of latex, probably from all the different examinations he had received.

『Do you have nausea? 』

『No. 』

『 Do you have a loss of appetite? 』

『 What? 』

『 You don’t want to eat every day, and it is normal? 』Father explained.

『Sometimes. 』

Father wrote down some notes. He also explained some of the medications to the man. He wasn’t sure whether or not the patient understood, but he was nodding along. To ask if he really understood would be too condescending.

『Your symptoms are serious. Take these medications, once a day, in the morning after eating food. Possibly you need to come back in two months. If it gets worse, you will have to have surgery. Please stop drinking. 』

『 That is hard, 』the man said. Father observed a pain in his eyes. He wondered what was causing it. He had his guesses.

Years away in a foreign land.

Adapting to a new culture.

Too many bills, and no way to pay them.

Parents abroad who needed to be fed, sisters and brothers, too.

Why China?
Why this strange and unique land?
As a land of opportunity, it was promising.

But no jobs for the youth.

No one buying their exports anymore.

Why China?
Why all these promises?
That would never be fulfilled?

Even for their locals?

Father’s eyes met the patient’s. The patient did not avert his gaze, and neither did Father.

Father said, without thinking, 『 I’m sorry about your pancreas. I’m sorry about my mother, too. My mother is going to die soon. And here I am working so hard, too hard. I used to work hard because my family needed it. But my son left home, and now my wife and I have too much. I work so hard, so hard. You probably work hard, too. But I don’t know what I am working for. 』

『Interesting… 』the patient said. Then he added, with none of the politeness from before, 『 But that has nothing to do with my pancreas. 』

Father immediately dropped his gaze. Why had he said what he had said? It was completely inappropriate, almost embarrassingly personal. Was his mind starting to show signs of dementia? He was in his late sixties; his mind would be losing sharpness soon. Father grew the courage to look towards the man and saw the pain in his face, his swollen eyelids. No, it wasn’t dementia. The truth was Father was this close to wanting to invite this man to his home in the village. He wasn’t dour like the average Chinese person. He still saw the country with newness and wonder. Father imagined him taking photographs with his mother and brothers, giving his family one last chance at a moment of excitement.

Father’s consultation was over. He asked if the man had any questions about the following steps, and the man gave him a fake smile, along with a 『 No, thanks. 』

Father left, shutting the door. He kept his grip on the doorknob, really feeling the metal against his skin. He had made a mistake in sharing too much about himself with this foreigner, but now that this certain border in his mind had been crossed, he was starting to wonder if there was a greater truth in what he had confessed, a truth he never been open enough to share in the private labyrinths of his mind until this very moment.

AAPI’s Historic 2019 Expedition to Antarctica

November 7, 2023February 6, 2025 Ajay GhoshEnvironment, Travel 0

Several years of meticulous planning, discussions, and organization, came to fruition as 190 delegates of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Families and Friends from across the United States and India embarked on the Ocean Atlantic Ship operated by Albatros Expeditions on November 30th, 2019 from Ushuaia, the southernmost town on Earth in Argentina on a voyage to Antarctica, the seventh Continent, known as the Last Horizon on Earth.

The voyagers were welcomed on board by AAPI’s young and dynamic President, Dr. Suresh Reddy, who has been working very hard, coordinating the efforts with Vinod Gupta from the Travel Agency, ATG Tours, the crew and leadership of the Cruise and the AAPI leaders and members with varied interests and ages ranging from 10 to 90, who had flown in from around the world for this once in a lifetime memorable and historic voyage to the White Continent.

Earlier, the AAPI delegates had toured the beautiful and serene National Park in Ushuaia, on the world famous Route 3 that runs from Alaska to the southern tip of the world in Argentina. At the Park, Dr. Reddy led the AAPI delegates carrying the AAPI banner, spreading the message of Obesity Awareness, which is a major objective of Dr. Reddy’s Presidency, taking the message of Obesity Awareness Around the World.

On the Ship, immediately after settling down in each one’s cabin, the voyagers were invited to learn about safety on the ship and participated in a safety drill. Shelli Ogilvy, the Veteran Expedition Leader introduced the 22 Expedition Members with extensive maritime experiences from around the world, and over 60 other crew members to the voyagers.

The Ship carrying the sailors began its journey on November 30th, 2019 from the Ushuaia Sea Port with a prayer song to Lord Ganesh, chanted by Dr. Aarti Pandya from Atlanta, GA.

Later in the evening, the voyagers sat down for a sit down dinner at the elegantly laid tables at the Restaurant with delicious Indian Cuisine, prepared by Herbert Baretto, a Chef from Goa, India, specially flown in to meet the diverse needs of the Indians who are now the exclusive Voyagers on Ocean Atlantic.

The evenings are fun filled with members spending time together with their select friends and families, singing, playing cards games, discussing politics to medicine to healthcare and sharing jokes and snippets with one another in smaller groups. The cultural events included live music sung by Dr. Radhika from Chicago, Dr. Aarti Pandya and Dr. Badlani, in addition to several local talents of AA{I’s own, leading and vying to win the Anthakshri contest.

The finale on December 8th was a colorful Indian Dress Segment, where the adorable AAPI women and men walked the aile in elegantly dressed in Indian ethnic wear depicting different states of India. On December 7th evening, the voyagers had Black Tie Nite with many of them learning and playing Pokers until the early hours of the morning.

As the sun was still shining beyond midnight, members of the voyage were seen posing and taking pictures on board the ship with the background of the mighty ocean and the scenic mountains of Argentina at the background.

On December 1st morning, AAPI members were alerted to be mindful of the most turbulent Drake Passage, where the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean merge, through which our ship was now sailing with winds gusting through over 50 kms an hour from the south west. The rough with fast moving sea currents contributing to a turbulent weather, several voyagers took shelter in anti-nausea meds.

Throughout the day, there were special safety classes periodically throughout the day, helping the voyagers on ways to navigate the zodiacs, the kayaks, the walks on the ice and snow once we reach our final destination. They were also educated on the many aspects of wildlife on Antarctica, the species, especially the varieties of penguins, the mammals and the birds that inhabit the Continent and the ways for the voyagers to deal with them. The participants were educated on the Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change and Impact, Whale Hunting, and many more relevant topics with scientific data by the Expedition Crew.

The evening was special for the voyagers as the Captain of the ship welcomed the delegates to the Ship and to the Expedition to Antarctica. He introduced his crew leaders to the loud applause from the delegates, as he toasted champagne for a safe and enjoyable journey to Antarctica.

On December 2nd morning, we woke up to milder weather and calmer ocean with the winds subsiding to about 20 kms an hour and ship sailing smoother with the temperatures below 7 degree Celsius. The crew on the ship described the sail to be the smoothest and the weather and wind conditions to be one of the calmest they have ever witnessed. However, the entire day was cloudy with the sun hiding behind the thick clouds upon the ocean.

AAPI in Antarctica

After sailing across the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans and through the turbulent Drake Passage, and the South Ocean, finally, the day arrived for the Voyagers. The one they had been eagerly waiting for. On December 3rd, our ship, the Ocean Atlantic anchored on Danco Island, off the coast of the 7th Continent, Antarctica, officially discovered in 1820, although there is some controversy as to who sighted it first
The excitement of the voyagers had no bounds as they dressed up in their waterproof trousers, navy blue jackets, with hats and glouce and mufflers. They set out in groups marching off the Ship into the Zodiacs in tens in each Zodiac.

The wind and the ocean were calmer. The sun continued to hide behind thick clouds. The Expedition Crew from the ship drove the AAPI delegates to the shore on the island for the first time. The glaciers, mighty mountains covered with pristine and shiny snow, the icebergs on the ocean floating on the Bay, made the Zodiac ride to the shore a memorable experience for each.

As the voyagers walked to the shore on a narrow path on the soft snow surface, leading up the snowcapped mountains, it was a dream come true for all. The fresh water melting from the glaciers and the ice on the one side and on the other little rocks and mountains filled with snow, the Danco Island was picture perfect.

Head off in a Zodiac to view icebergs, or land on a beach studded with penguins. Kayak in the greatest silence on Earth. Take a long hike or a short walk on a shore lined with ghostly remnants of the whaling industry.

Penguins in small colonies of their own seemed unaffected by the voyagers landing onto the Penguin land. Hearing their unique and enchanting voices for the first time, as most of them sat steady, while a few walked from one end to the other, it was a scene everyone long dreamt to be part of, as it was another memorable experience in the life of everyone.

In the afternoon, after lunch and a lecture on the history of Antarctica, the Ocean Atlantic ship, travelling about 25 nautical miles, for the first time ever, landed on the Antarctic Continent as she reached the shores of Paradise Bay, a beautiful island, where the famous Brown Center, the Argentinian Research Station was located.

Trekking up the Hill on the snow and ice filled terrains, even as the serene and picturesque glaciers in vivid shapes and texture, it was mesmerizing and the Bay on either side, was breathtaking.
On December 4th morning, the voyagers got onto the Zodiacs and sailed to Port Lockroy, a sheltered harbor with a secure anchorage on the Antarctic Peninsula since its discovery in 1904. The Port also is home to a Museum and a British Post Office, where the early visitors to the Continent lived and explored the wildlife of the last Horizon. The Museum has preserved the antiques used by the early voyagers, who are an important part in the history of Antarctica.
Bright sun light flashing on the Lamoy Point on our way south towards the northern peninsula of the white Coneinent greeted us all this morning on December 5th. The greetings over the microphone at 6.15 woke us all up letting us know of the .mild weather conditions with 7 degrees celcius and 27 km s wind speed with bright sunny day was a welcome change from yesterday.

Immediately after breakfast we set out in small groups of ten on each Zodiac to cruise on the pristine blue waters of the Lamoy Bay.

Bright sun light flashing on the Lamoy Point on our way south towards the northern peninsula of the white Coneinent greeted us all this morning on December 5th. The greetings over the microphone at 6.15 woke us all up letting us know of the .mild weather conditions with 7 degrees celcius and 27 km s wind speed with bright sunny day was a welcome change from yesterday.

Immediately after breakfast we set out in small groups of ten on each Zodiac to cruise on the pristine blue waters of the Lamoy Bay.

The wind of 25 kms an hour made the waters of the Bay mildly rough as we set out from the ship. For the first time during the voyage, to the much delight of the AAPI delegates, the sun chose to come out from behind the clouds and shone brightly on the voyagers, making the snow shining and glowing with the rays of the sun filling the surface of the earth. It was delightful to see the Penguins close to the AAPI delegates, some of them walking beside them crossing their pathway.
After a lunch Barbeque on Deck Seven of the Ship, the Ocean Atlantic took us through the beautiful Lemaire Channel on the Continent. Braving the cold and gusty winds, the voyagers got together for a group picture of the entire voyager group on Deck Eight of the ship, as they were awed by the beautiful glaciers, the mighty snow-caped mountains, and the floating ice bergs.

It was an amazing experience as the Ship sailed through the Bay filled with Ice Sheet Rocks that are over a meter thick, slowly but steadily marching forward towards the Plenau Bay, where the 38 brave AAPI members had the unique experience of taking “Polar Plunge” in the Sea Water, which was 0.78 degree calcium while the rest of the AA{I delegates watched the brave men and women taking a memorable dip and swim back to the ship in the freezing cold waters of the Antarctic Continent.
This afternoon we were invited to climb up to the Decks 8 and 9 of the ship to view the entrance/passage to the famous Deception Island. Ad the ship sailed through this narrow path into the Island with majestic dark mountains on our right side while on the left snowcapped mountains overlooking the Bay. As the gusty winds made us shiver the voyagers standing on the top deck of the Atlantic Ocean posed for pictures while many others were lost in the stunning beauty created by Mother Nature for all of us to enjoy and cherish for ever.

The tallest mountain Mount Franceswithe height of 2300 meters high behind the backdrop, our zodiacs elegantly cruised fhrough the calmer waters to the mountain range called the Princes and the seven dwarfs.

The stunning views of the glaciers and the mountains and the soft and shiny snow spread across the shore led us all to the top of the snowy hills as we trekked to the top.

Colonies of penguins in smaller groups greeted us with their enchanting voices. We watched in awe as tiny penguins walking up flapping their feathers occasionally from the bottom of the hill to the top.
Many if us waited patiently to have an opportunity to view the eggs upon which the Penguins were sitting to hatch their eggs. Some were lucky to photograph a few couples mating while we were trying to figure out the male from female.

We woke up this morni g on Friday December 6th to a bright and sunny day, calmer ocean with 9 kms of wind speed….a picture perfect day for expedition.
We went on zodiacs cruising through the blue waters of the Half Moon Island, a cluster of snowy mountains shaped as a half moon. Searching for wild life in the ocean with the voyagers looking out eagerly for any seals or whales did not seem to result in success as the sea animals and those on the shore seemed to hide in their resting places.
Finally the zodiac captains took us to the shore where for the first time we landed on dark stony surface full of rocks stones and pebbles. Our expedition crew leader reported that the shore was completely covered with ice and snow in the beginning of the season barely a month ago.

The glaciers and the imposing mighty mountains around us we hiked up the hill intruding sometimes into the Penguin Hoghways where we saw colonies of penguins resting under the bright sun. It was delightful to watch a few hopping on tiny rocks from one to another unnerved by the visitors from the Other Continents on earth.
A relaxing and rejuvenating morning walks across the island with breath taking views in abundance of Mother Nature will last a life time for everyone who has been part of the historic expedition to the 7th Continent.

After journeying about five hours we reached this evening at the Melchiors Island as the bright sun shining on us. On our way during lunch and later on the voyagers were thrilled to spot whales showing up their heads periodically.

The journey through the Bay was another memorable experience with the stunning landscape all along the route especially as the sun continued shine brightly on the snow peaked mountains turning the waters closer the glaciers turning from blue to green.

We had over an hour of zodiac cruise exploring the sea life on the Antarctic’s South Ocean.

For the first time we were delighted to watch different kinds of Penguins sitting on a single rock glazing at the ocean waters.
We spotted a few huge Cedder Seals resting on the rocks unmoved by the voyagers in several zodiacs watching them in awe.

The bright sun and the gentle breeze embracing the cheeks of the voyagers it was a perfect day to cruise and explore the White Continent.

190 Members of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin AAPI under the leadership of Dr. Suresh Reddy and a over 50 strong crew and 22 member expedition team set on sail from Urshuaia the southernmost township on earth located in the beautiful country Argentina on Saturday November 30th 2019

The AAPI delegates came from across the United States with some members of the extended family of AAPI delegates coming from india on this once in a lifetime experience to the sea enth continent Antarctica.

Earlier the AAPI delegates spent a day in Urshuia touring the National Park and lake wearing yellow hats and shirts carrying a banner spreading the message of the need for obesity awareness.

On the ship the voyage to the White continent began with a Prayer song by Dr.Aarti Pandya from Atlanta to Lord Ganesha seeking his blessings and prayers to remove all obstacles out of the way.

The sit down dinner on the first night as the ship sailed through the passage towards the south ocean was an amazing experience even as the sun shone on the west until 11 pm.

The 2nd day the Voyagers were woken up by announcement from crew of heavy winds of 50 km an hour and rough sea as the majestic ship moved ahead with braving the tumultuous weather and mighty ocean.

The 2nd night on the ship was special with the captain hosting the dinner and the delegates interacting with the crew and the delegates.

AAPI’s Historic Expedition

Today, on December 4th, the voyagers got onto the Zodiacs and sailed to Port Lockroy, a sheltered harbor with a secure anchorage and the Antarctic Peninsula since its discovery in 1904. The Port also is home to a Museum and a British Post Office, where the early visitors to the Continent lived and explored the wildlife of the last Horizon. The Museum has preserved the antiques used by the early voyagers, which is an important role in the history of Antarctica.

After a lunch Barbeque on Deck Seven of the Ship, the Ocean Atlantic took us through the beautiful Lemaire Channel on the Continent. Braving the cold and gusty winds, the voyagers got together for a group picture of the entire voyager group on Deck Eight of the ship, as they were awed by the beautiful glaciers, the mighty snow-caped mountains, and the floating ice bergs.

Immediately after breakfast we set out in small groups of ten on each Zodiac to cruise on the pristine blue waters of the Lamoy Bay.
The tallest mountain Mount Franceswithe height of 2300 meters high behind the backdrop, our zodiacs elegantly cruised fhrough the calmer waters to the mountain range called the Princes and the seven dwarfs.

The stunning views of the glaciers and the mountains and the soft and shiny snow spread across the shore led us all to the top of the snowy hills as we trekked to the top.

Leaving the breath taking landscapes was not an easy choice as we were soon called to embark on the zodiacs and return to Ocean Atlantic our ship as she was patiently waiting to take us to the next destination of our expedition to the Last Horizon.
After journeying about five hours we reached this evening at the Melchiors Island as the bright sun shining on us. On our way during lunch and later on the voyagers were thrilled to spot whales showing up their heads periodically.

We had over an hour of zodiac cruise exploring the sea life on the Antarctic’s South Ocean.

For the first time we were delighted to watch different kinds of Penguins sitting on a single rock glazing at the ocean waters.
We spotted Seals resting on the rocks unmoved and unaffected by the voyagers in several zodiacs watching them in awe.

The bright sun and the gentle breeze embracing the voyagers it was a perfect day to cruise and explore the White Continent.
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Bright sun light flashing on the Lamiy Bay on our way up north towards the northern peninsula of the white Coneinent greeted us all this morning on December 5th. The greetings over the microphone at 6.15 woke us all up letting us know of the .mild weather conditions with 7 degrees celcius and 27 km s wind speed with bright sunny day was a welcome change from yesterday.
Immediately after breakfast we set out in small groups of ten on each Zodiac to cruise on the pristine blue waters of the Lamoy Bay.
The tallest mountain Mount Franceswithe height of 2300 meters high behind the backdrop, our zodiacs elegantly cruised fhrough the calmer waters to the mountain range called the Princes and the seven dwarfs.

The stunning views of the glaciers and the mountains and the soft and shiny snow spread across the shore led us all to the top of the snowy hills as we trekked to the top.

We had over an hour of zodiac cruise exploring the sea life on the Antarctic’s South Ocean.

The bright sun and the gentle breeze embracing the cheeks of the voyagers it was a perfect day to cruise and explore the White Continent.
After journeying about five hours we reached this evening at the Melchiors Island as the bright sun shining on us. On our way during lunch and later on the voyagers were thrilled to spot whales showing up their heads periodically.

We had over an hour of zodiac cruise exploring the sea life on the Antarctic’s South Ocean.

The bright sun and the gentle breeze embracing the cheeks of the voyagers it was a perfect day to cruise and explore the White Continent.
We woke up this morni g on Friday December 6th to a bright and sunny day, calmer ocean with 9 kms of wind speed….a picture perfect day for expedition.
We went on zodiacs cruising through the blue waters of the Half Moon Island, a cluster of snowy mountains shaped as a half moon. Searching for wild life in the ocean with the voyagers looking out eagerly for any seals or whales did not seem to result in success as the sea animals and those on the shore seemed to hide in their resting places.
Finally the zodiac captains took us to the shore where for the first time we landed on dark stony surface full of rocks stones and pebbles. Our expedition crew leader reported that the shore was completely covered with ice and snow in the beginning of the season barely a month ago.

This afternoon we were invited to climb up to the Decks 8 and 9 to view the entrance/passage to the famous Deception Island. Ad the ship sailed through this narrow path into the Island with majestic dark mountains on our right side while on the left snowcapped mountains overlooking the Bay. As the guest winds made us shiver the voyagers standing on the top deck of the Atlantic Ocean posed for pictures while many others lost in the stunning beauty created by Mother Nature for all of us to enjoy and cherish for ever.

The final landing on the Last Horizon on Friday December 6th afternoon wa sdcc at the Deception Island for the AAPI Votagers.
An unusually bright shi ing sky with gentle winds welcomed us to the shore of the black sandy with little stones spread all along the 36 kms wide island.
The volcanic eruption here over 50 years ago has turne DC the island the mountains into dark colored. Saw a huge deal on the shore resting with birds and few penguins of the Contindnt enjoying the mild weather, the voyagers trekked up.the hill on the dark sand while the panoramic and breath taking views on the snowy mountains beyond the Bay hovering over blue waters of the Last Horizon.

Each evening at cocktail hour the entire expedition community gathers in the lounge for a ritual we call Recap. As you enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, various naturalists give talks, the undersea specialist may show video, and your expedition leader will outline the following day’s schedule.

penguins. Gentoo, Adelie, chinstraps in the thousands; rockhopper, macaroni and king penguins in the Falklands; and king penguins at a staggering scale in South Georgia.
We were all excited about the sightings of a rare black and a rare white penguin, as well as a lone Emperor colony at our farthest south.
Penguin behavior is endlessly fascinating. In the Antarctic spring, hundreds of gentoo penguins parade before us, reestablishing their bonds, mating, staking their claims, and thievishly stealing stones from one another for their nests.

The photo ops are simply incredible. And while penguins are delightful in films and nature documentaries, watching the often-madcap business of penguin life being lived around you is simultaneously uplifting and humbling: the animal kingdom indeed.
We’ll find it resting on ice floes, and often will have the opportunity to approach closely in Zodiacs for excellent photo ops. We’ll also likely be able to observe Weddell and crabeater seals, as well as Antarctic fur seals, whose populations have rebounded since the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and the 1972 Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.
Antarctic birds
See Arctic terns and other pelagic birds, including fulmars and petrels. The opportunity of a lifetime for bird lovers, however, lies in venturing further—into the lands of the albatross,
The beautiful black-browed albatross crowd the ledges
The wandering albatross, with the largest wingspan of any bird, is one of the many wildlife spectacles South Georgia affords.

We woke up sailing on choppy seas with northerly winds of 45 knots.
When we reached the western side of the island, we found ourselves at the top of the spectacular colony of rockhopper penguins, and black-browed albatross. Brown skuas flew over the colony while penguins, albatross, and shags took care of their eggs.
We spend a good bit of time photographing the birds and generally taking in such wonderful experience and close views of the wildlife.

Settling into the calm waters of Cierva Cove, we headed out for a morning of Zodiac cruising. As the ship disappeared behind us in the mist, we hugged the shoreline to enjoy views of the Argentine research station Base Primavera, rolling swell around dramatic icebergs, and an undisturbed colony of gentoo penguins going about their usual Sunday morning business.

Highlights of the morning included great sightings of Weddell seals snoozing on ice and swimming curiously in the turquoise waters. As the fog began to lift, dramatic mountain peaks showed through the clouds and we were treated to stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and impressive icebergs throughout the cove.
Dramatic sculpture-like structures made for fantastic photo opportunities, and it was tough to return in time for lunch from such a beautiful morning out on the water.
Before long, we lost count of the number of emperor penguins we laid our eyes on. Cut loose upon the sea ice, our guests took to skiing and snowshoeing to explore the icy landscape and spend time with a gaggle of the largest penguin species on our unique planet.

Today, Antarctica is certainly one of the ultimate tour destinations of the world. However, for more than 150 years after its discovery, Antarctica was too far, too remote, too extreme, too dangerous, and too expensive for all but the most stout-hearted explorers and adventurers.

Those people willing to risk everything for the tasks at hand and fortunate enough to have the financial backing of governments or wealthy organizations. Few simple travelers could dare venture into this domain. To go there meant outfitting an expedition, and necessitated making preparations for all kinds of contingencies.
The human history of Antarctica contains some of the most exciting stories of endeavor and persistence imaginable, and includes many survival tales of people overcoming almost unimaginable odds. It is also wrought with many heart-wrenching tragedies.
But, whatever their reasons for going to Antarctica, these people were first and foremost adventurers at heart. It has taken the efforts of these many expeditions and fearless explorers to reduce much of the Antarctic mystery and danger.

The ship could carry 92 passengers along with about 60 crew members, naturalists, and lecturers.
inflatable boats called Zodiacs provided the means for his passengers to get ashore almost anywhere, under a multitude of conditions.

There are two major types of ice in the polar regions, sea ice and glacial ice, and they form through different methods. Sea ice forms in oceanic water when the ambient temperature is lowered to the freezing point of salt water. Glacial ice (including ice caps) forms through the simple accumulation of snow which becomes compressed by its own weight into solid ice. Sea ice formation is a seasonal phenomenon (although individual pieces of sea ice may last for several years), while glacial ice is generally a long-term structure lasting decades, centuries, or even millennia.

If conditions are calm, the crystals join together, thicken, and form a fibrous structure called young ice.
Sea ice prevents the ocean waters from warming the coasts significantly. It is important to note that islands within the limits of Winter pack ice (such as the South Shetlands, South Orkneys, etc.) compare closely with the continent in seasonal temperatures, soils types, flora, and fauna.
Glaciation, however, is much more complicated. When snow accumulates over a period of many years (that is, it doesn’t melt away after one season), the buildup creates a thick deposit in which the overlying mass tends to compress the lower snow layers into solid ice. During this, the individual snowflakes change into granules, which fuse into crystals of ice. Often, the air between the flakes becomes trapped, thereby creating air bubbles within the ice crystals. In polar areas, this produces huge and massive ice caps that can overwhelm and cover the entire landscape, including even mountains. Eventually, the ice mass thickens to the point where it begins to move due to a combination of gravity and the shape and slope of the ground surface. On steeper slopes this can occur when the thickness of the combined snow and ice reaches 15 m (50 feet) in depth. This is often referred to as glacial ice. If the flowing ice is constrained by mountains, valley walls, or other land surface formations, it is known as a glacier.
Glacial ice is the world’s largest reservoir of fresh water, albeit in solid form. Nearly 99% of all glacial ice on Earth is contained within the huge ice sheets in the polar regions. In fact, this volume of ice is so large that if the ice sheets of both Greenland and Antarctica were to melt, it would cause sea levels to rise about 70 meters (230 ft). In addition to Antarctica, Greenland, Canada, Iceland, and Svalbard, there are also significant glaciers scattered around the world outside of polar regions, including Alaska and Chilean Patagonia.
Permanent ice probably began forming in Antarctica as early as Miocene times, perhaps 20 million years ago.

There are 17 species of penguins in the world and they have various qualities in common. They are all found in the southern hemisphere, although one species, the Galapagos penguin, actually ranges a few miles north of the equator. Penguins are the most aquatic of the sea birds, and they generally spend most of their lives at sea (except when molting or rearing young). All penguins are flightless and adapted for life in cold water, so even those found in the low latitudes are dependent upon cold water currents for their livelihood.

Except for the feet and perhaps bare patches on the face, the entire body is covered with small, dense, overlapping, scale-like feathers, and there is a downy tuft at the base of each feather which increases the heat retention abilities even more. Feathers account for about 80% of the penguins’ insulative properties, while fat provides the other 20%. Penguins have very high internal body temperatures (about 38° C, or 101° F), as well as high metabolic rates. With all this taken into account it is easy to understand how the Antarctic species in particular can survive, and even thrive, in a cold, harsh climate.

Around the Antarctic Peninsula, we commonly see gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap (Pygoscelis Antarctica), emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri), and rarely Macaroni (Eudyptes chrysolophus) penguins.

On South Georgia, we can see king (A. patagonica), gentoo (P. papua), chinstrap (P. Antarctica), and Macaroni (Eudyptes chrysolophus) penguins.

Whales (this term applies to all whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.) are air breathing mammals, but have perfected the ability to live entirely in water over the past 50 to 60 million years.

European Travel Authorization System (ETIAS) Launch Delayed to Spring 2025 Due to IT Infrastructure Challenges

November 5, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel, World 0

In 2016, the European Commission introduced a concept resembling a tourist visa, called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This program was initially set to launch in early 2024 but has faced multiple delays. The EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Council announced on October 19th that the timeline had been adjusted again, pushing the launch to Spring 2025, citing the need for new technology. Initially, ETIAS was planned to be active in 2021 and was then rescheduled for November 2023.

The primary reason for these delays is the construction of another significant IT infrastructure in Europe, the Entry/Exit System (EES), intended to replace manual passport stamping with electronic registration. According to European Commission Spokesperson Anitta Hipper, ETIAS cannot launch until EES is fully operational, as it relies on EES data to identify potential risks. The contractor responsible for these IT systems, eu-LISA, estimates EES will launch in autumn 2024, with ETIAS following approximately six months later.

The delay is attributed to various factors, including delays in system development by the contractor and EU Member States’ preparations for the necessary equipment at border crossing points. The Commission is working closely with Member States and eu-LISA to minimize the impact of these delays and ensure interoperability.

When ETIAS is eventually implemented, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will need to apply online before traveling to Europe. The application process for ETIAS is relatively quick and straightforward, costing only €7 (about $8) for a three-year approval. Travelers will complete an online form with their biographical information, travel history, and answer security questions. Most travelers will receive approval within an hour, although some may undergo additional security checks, which could take up to 96 hours.

Sojourner White, a remote social worker and travel content creator, who has lived in Europe and plans to return, sees ETIAS as a minor inconvenience, particularly for US citizens who enjoy passport privileges. However, she acknowledges that the constant rescheduling of the program’s launch may confuse travelers. She recommends that travelers stay informed through the US Department of State website and enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive notifications of travel-related changes while abroad.

15 October, 2023: A Bullet Could Have Killed Her

October 18, 2023February 6, 2025 Kiran BhatGirar, Travel 0

Mother sees her ever so precious niece in the hospital bed struggling to open her eyes and she wants to scream she sees the IV tubes she sees the wound in her niece’s shoulder ever so close to her neck but at least her niece is alive at least her niece did not have her leg blown off she did not have her head blown off she did not get decapitated at the neck all it is really is a bullet lodged in her shoulder it’s just that the bullet wound is giving Ariel so much pain that she cannot stay awake at least she is alive thankfully the gunman was shot down by the IDF after he had probably killed hundreds of others at the Yakhini enclave

Ariel is lucky she is alive she was not killed she was visiting a friend in Yakhini from her college she was sleeping over with her and then heading to a music festival nearby Ariel is lucky she did not go to that music festival because that was the first place Hamas went when they were attacking the other side of the border if she were there she would have been captured she would have been kidnapped she would have been raped over and over again Yakhini is a hamlet Yakhini is a settlement Yakhini was guarded by fences and officers like any other moshav Yakhini was meant to be safe but somehow the gunmen got in and killed a lot of people almost everyone but not Ariel and her friend whose father worked for the IDF

It has been over a week and Mother did not see Ariel in the hospital because Mother did not know she was even there Mother was afraid for her own life Mother wanted to stay put given that Hamas had breached all of southern Israel and was attacking and killing everyone and Mother really did not know what happened to Ariel Mother was calling her over and over again but Mother had so many other relatives to worry about all across the country and her mind was like a ping pong ball hitting back and forth wall against wall she could not concentrate she could not rest she was afraid she was going to die and she was afraid for her other loved ones as well

So when finally she was called by Mother’s cousin Rachel she came to know that Ariel was in the hospital for all these days of course she came to the hospital which was in Askelon the same city Mother lived in and Ariel was studying in and she asked to get permission to visit but she was not a close relative so it took a lot of calls from Rachel to the hospital to get them to let her in

Now she is seeing Ariel and she could scream so loud that it would cause her lungs to give out and she would faint she is used to seeing Ariel singing in the musicals making videos for her Instagram taking selfies with Mother for no reason always being full of gossip about celebrities Mother has never heard of always full of sass always full of things to say always full of live always full

She is not used to seeing Ariel in so much pain that she isn’t willing to greet her aunt

Ariel will recover says the doctor Ariel will soon be able to talk to her but Ariel is not used to having visitors and Ariel is still unable to manage the pain

Mother starts shouting at Ariel and the nurses have to chide her not to do such things

But Mother is livid Mother is so angry Mother wants to find that gunman and beat him with a brick on the side of the head it has been too long since the Jews have suffered and not just Mother and Father but the entire Jewish population it’s like Jews are born to be killed everyone wants to kill us everyone wants to exterminate us everyone wants to see us gassed to death and it was this way not for Mother but for her parents and her grandparents and everyone so many people did not make it so many people did not survive yes Mother and her family they survived they lived on but so many people were gassed to death were bombed to death were shot to death it’s always been a struggle it’s as if it’s meant to be this way for Jews to find it hard to survive and now it is beginning again now they have come and they are ready to shoot us all once more the whole world wants us dead and all because we choose to practice a religion that is different from theirs

Mother is tired of it all Mother is a human being Mother does not deserve to spend every day afraid Mother knows time and time again a day like this will repeat what has happened to Ariel will come to be her situation as well she will someday see gunman at her door she will probably be shot at as well because it happens every month every year all the time and different people die but people die nonetheless it is destiny it is fate it is like the only thing that will come to her because she was born a Jew and is in Israel

It is just that she does not want this fate for the younger generation she wants everyone to get along if the Palestinians want their land let them have their land but the land they are standing on now this is her land this is where her son was born and brought up this is what she has known as home her entire life she is not responsible for the decisions made nearly a century ago by countries so far far away countries that hated the Jews and wanted them shipped off thousands of kilometres to their promised land rather than having to give them equal rights in their own place Mother has nothing to do with this just because she was born a Jew and an Israeli doesn’t mean she should have to fear death each and every day

A bullet could have killed her and that would have been the end of Ariel this vivacious charming girl that was doing well in her studies that was probably going to be heading off to Tel Aviv after her studies in Askelon that had a bright future and was going to have one yet a future that could have ended nonetheless had that bullet hit her right in the middle of her forehead

Israel is bombing Gaza Israel is razing that land to the ground Mother is not an idiot she knows thousands there are dying thousands there too are in hospitals on the brink of life and death they are humans too they are just like Ariel they do not deserve what the army is doing to them

At the same time Ariel is Mother’s flesh and blood not these Palestinians and this is not about Palestine or Israel this is about Hamas a terrorist organisation that doesn’t care about any one life they just want what they want and they will kill anyone to get it in the name of Palestinian independence they would happily kill all the Jews of Israel they don’t care about the people who now inhabit this land they want to raze it so that the people who descend from those who lost their land a century ago could have it back

It doesn’t matter that there were other people who were born and brought up on it and call it home too

These people are the enemies because they see them the Israelis as enemies rather than people who would be willing to talk if the discourse was civil but the discourse is not civil the discourse is to kill them all and hang their decapitated heads on walls this is how Hamas thinks and they are all over Gaza no matter how many good Palestinians there are there is Hamas and they will keep crossing the border and killing hundreds here or there because that is what they want to do

This is not about Gaza this is about Hamas and they must be ended

The news blares on the other side of them on the TV hanging on the wall and Mother sees the buildings of Gaza smoking

Mother knows that they must get what they deserve and the war will not end until it ends this is not just a war this is not about human beings this is a battle between angels and devils Mother closes her eyes and she prays first for the safety of her family members and then for the recovery of Ariel and then for fire to burn all of Gaza off of the map because Mother wills it Mother wants them to feel the exact same physical anguish Ariel is in just as she wants them to feel the fear and anxiety Mother lives in every day she wants to transfer the feelings to them she no longer wants her family to have it she is feeling like a malakh she is feeling like a celestial being full of rage she wants to snap her fingers and cause them all to perish

Because Mother is suffering she wants them too to feel immeasurable pain

Air India Acquires 3 Brand New Aircrafts

October 5, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Friday said that the airline had, this week, acquired three brand new aircraft including first Airbus A350, and two Boeing 737MAX.

In letter, Wilson said that the aircraft acquired are part of the mammoth 470-aircraft order announced just a few months ago. “As well as Air India being the first Indian carrier to acquire the A350, this transaction makes us the first scheduled carrier to use the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), and the aircraft the first widebody to have been leased through India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

“The A350 is now undergoing some interior and technical modification and will receive a new coat of paint with the new Air India livery, so will only enter Indian skies in December. However, the B737MAXs will arrive much sooner… in fact, the first one is winging it’s way to India as I write!” Wilson said. The CEO also said that they inaugurated a new Emergency Command Centre (ECC) at their headquarters in Gurugram this week, replacing two erstwhile Air India facilities that were well past their prime.

“This new, state-of-the-art facility would be where, in the event of a crisis affecting Air India or our alliance partners, our actions would decided, coordinated and overseen. While we all hope that we never have to actively use this facility, the ECC gives us a world-class base equipped with the latest technology so that we can respond with the best possible support,” he said.”

We will also be refreshing and strengthening our Go Team with ground handling, flight safety members and technical representation, and adding to our Family Assistance Team to ensure we can provide humanitarian support wherever needed. Currently, we have 750 ‘Angels of Air India’ volunteers who will soon undergo training in emergency management, and we are always keen for more,” he added. “Speaking of technology, I’d also like to acknowledge the D&T and Customer Experience teams for the successful transition of all customer service channels to our own technology stack.

This includes telephony, computer-telephony-interface, interactive voice response, customer relationship management, customer data platform and artificial-intelligence-driven agent-assist technologies, which allows us to have a unified view of all customer support needs,” he said in the letter.

“Modernising and in housing this tech stack, and better interfacing it with other key systems, gives Air India better control, independence and ability to materially improve our customers’ experience with us, and to accelerate the development and deployment of new capabilities,” he added.

4 September, 2023: The Barking set in Charleston, South Carolina, The United States of America

September 6, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel 0

Mother was in one of those taxis taking her from the Walgreens back to her home, and she didn’t know where it was coming from, but she felt it—no, she just knew it: there was a barking sound coming from somewhere inside the car, too close to be coming from outside.

“Do you hear that?” Mother asked the taxi driver.

“No-ma’am,” said the driver, slurring his syllables in such a way that Mother had to parse out the no and ma’am.

It didn’t matter what he said. Mother was damn sure she had heard it. It wasn’t like the ruff-ruff in a movie. It was a clear stuttering groan, followed by an elongated anguished howl.

The sound wasn’t going away either. She kept hearing it. There had to be a dog in here. The driver just wasn’t admitting it. Google Maps was telling her that home was just six minutes away, and those six minutes couldn’t come quickly enough.

There was a story that went around Charleston involving a little stray dog named Poogan who had roamed Queen’s Street in the seventies. The dog had been dead for many years. Yet people claimed all the time to see the dog, a ghost, going up and down the street just as he had done when he was a stray.

Mother was a good Christian woman. Mother believed in an afterlife, and while she couldn’t discount the idea of a ghost, she knew the Bible didn’t speak of it.

So why was it that in the moment Mother got out of her taxi, she saw a young wheaten terrier? It was just lying in the grass right outside of her lawn, napping. Mother had seen dogs here before that belonged to her neighbors, but none were small and toy-like. Wasn’t Poogan supposed to look like something of this breed?

Mother tried to pass it, but it woke up and started following her.

“Shoo,” Mother shouted. She got to her porch. Her heels clacked against the wood, and she saw that it hadn’t gone away. She held up her purse like she was about to throw it. “Get on, git!”

The dog perked up and stared at the purse like it was a toy. Did the poor thing think Mother was in the mood to be playing fetch? Mother sighed. At her age it was hard to protest against anybody or anything. She just wanted to get into her house and throw off her heels.

Mother closed the door quickly and rested her feet on the sofa, turned on the TV, and thought about making popcorn. Then she heard the dog barking again. Was it outside? She tried to shut out the noise.

It was just at the corner of her eye, the slight wag of that furry tail. Somehow, the dog had gotten into her home. It was sitting by the couch, staring up at her with big Bambi eyes. It barked once, twice, just waiting for Mother to give it some of her time. Mother didn’t know whether to turn her head or keep her eyes fixed on the TV. Acknowledging the dog meant that she’d be confirming it was there, meaning she would have to get up and try to shoo it out.

Some ten minutes passed, and the dog settled down. Her feet were feeling a bit more relaxed, so Mother thought she would go upstairs for a bit to sort out where she wanted to put the medicines she had bought. She thought about taking one of the Tylenols. Her ankles still felt sore as she got to her feet.

The dog didn’t follow her upstairs. She thought about calling her sister and asking her what to do. Summer was ending soon, and her nephew, Clarence, would be heading off to school. He’d be starting middle school, which was a big deal. She was sure her sister would be hosting a barbecue to celebrate, which would surely embarrass Clarence and get the whole family laughing.

Her niece, Nakeisha, had called a few days ago to say she’d love to take up Mother’s offer to go to the mall together someday. She said she loved spending time with family and that talking to Mother taught her a lot. Mother knew that was a damn lie. All Nakeisha wanted was their money.

Mother knew this to be true because Nakeisha’s family didn’t have the best life over in Mobile, and sometimes Nakeisha’s mother, Latoya, would call just to ask for some help. All the fuss was because Mother’s husband was a private practice doctor. In other words, they were pretty wealthy. Nakeisha was getting into the theatre scene in Charleston and probably wanted the types of clothes that would impress her friends.

The dog was suddenly barking so loudly that Mother almost knocked the pill bottles off the medicine cabinet. Why was that damn dog in the house? Mother didn’t care that it felt like her ankles would fall off. She thundered downstairs and saw the dog sitting by the couch.

“Shoo! Just git!” Instead, the dog came up and started sniffing Mother’s hand. Mother pushed it aside before it could get wet with nose dew.

Mother shouted again, “Go on! Git!” If the dog could just move to the side a bit, she could shut the door on it, and it would be gone.

It was getting to be too much work, and Mother was too old to do any of it. She thought she’d get started on lunch as Father would be coming home from the hospital early today. Would she make lasagna? Or soup? It had been some time since she’d opened up anything Campbell, and they did have minestrone soup. It’d be easier than laboring over some minced meat, for sure.

She turned on the radio. On the program they were arguing about abortion, and this made Mother miss her pastor. The good news was that he was being put on bail. He wasn’t going to be in jail for much longer. But who would want to be led by a pastor who had been accused of raping a minor?

The barking was getting so loud that Mother couldn’t keep her hands fixed over the can opener. She went back to the living room with a shoe in her hand. She waved the shoe around, shouting about, but all that caused was for the dog to stare at it. She threw the shoe at it but it almost hit the TV, and caused the remote on the table to hit the floor, spilling its batteries everywhere. Mother had to pick them all up and put them back in. All the while the dog was barking louder because it was panicking.

It was so damn exhausting. She took another seat on that sofa, needing to rest after all the hubbub. She closed her eyes hoping it would all just go away.

Why did everything down to the smallest things in her life have to be a struggle?

Her life had been her son, but then her son had grown up and left home.

Her life had been her nephew, but now her nephew was growing into a teenager and forgetting about her, too.

Her life had been her church, but now that church had a bad rap and Mother risked getting caught up with the controversy.

Her life could have been her friends, but she only liked hanging out with them casually. There were no deep connections.

Her life could have been other relatives, but they were all so different, and all with their own agendas, and Mother didn’t know who to trust.

The fact was that she had so many options, but she didn’t know what to do with her life.

Except for the cooking. That she was going to have to get done because Father was going to come home expecting a meal, barking and all.

The dog was pouncing about and trying to sniff her, but Mother ignored the pooch. She decided on mac and cheese, which wouldn’t be as much work as lasagna, but at least it was something Father would sniff when he came in and say, That sure smells good.

And sure enough, when Father came in an hour later, long after the gruyere on top of the elbow tubes had simmered, he said, “That sure smells good.”

“All for you, my handsome,” Mother said. She came up and gave him a smooch. He was a little sweaty from the night shift, which Mother could smell immediately. Mother wondered why Father wasn’t making a comment about the other smells in the house. It was probably reeking of dog, but Mother’s nose was already acclimated to it.

Father came back down after a shower in casual clothes, and they started eating. Father talked about how tiring the night shift was, and Mother went over the things she had bought at Walgreens. She thought about how nice it was when Father was home and relaxed. She thought about how nice it would be if they could spend more time together the way couples were supposed to, and how much more fulfilling that would make her life.

Mother said to Father, “I’m so sorry about the smell.”

“The cheeses you put in this thing are pretty damn strong,” Father said.

“Silly,” Mother said, pouring herself some more wine. “You know that ain’t what I’m talking about. I’m talking about that dog smell.”

“That dog smell?”

“That dog smell. I don’t know how it got into the house. I was coming out of the cab and a dog was on our lawn and wouldn’t leave me. I yelled at it to try to get it to go away, but it just wouldn’t. I’m telling you, the barking has been making me go crazy.”

“The barking?”

“Yes, babe,” Mother said, pointing to her ear. “The barking, don’t you hear it?”

It was still happening, loud as always, but Mother had gotten used to it.

Father looked puzzled. He got up, despite him having only gone through a quarter of the meal. He went into the living room, circled back to the kitchen from the other side, went upstairs, then came back down.

“I ain’t seeing no dog anywhere.”

“Did it leave?” Mother said, getting up herself. It had been some time since she actually last saw it. But it couldn’t have left. Mother could still hear the barking pounding in her ears.

Mother went through the living room and circled back into the kitchen. She took a look upstairs. She took a look in the basement just in case.

It was odd. Mother could swear she was still hearing the barking.

Except the dog wasn’t there.

29 August, 2023: When the Pastor was Kidnapped set in Bouar, the Central African Republic

August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

When Mother found out that the pastor had been taken by armed militia, she was at her friend Marie’s house, watching as Marie braised bushmeat over a fire. Mother’s house was on the other side of the dirt road but a few kilometres by walking. Mother and Marie were chatting idly when an armed vehicle sped by, kicking dust all over the huts. A crowd of men and women were following it. A woman shouted out. « Don’t take our pastor, s’il vous plaît! »

And then Mother realised what was happening. Kidnappings were common in the Central African Republic, and Mother had grown somewhat used to them. But Mother and the pastor was close. Her full emotional response took some moments to coalesce. It went from confusion to denial to shock within seconds, and then she was filled with so much anxiety that she rushed out of Marie’s hut without saying a single word. By the time she could find a space for herself in the crowd, it was too late. The car had driven off far into the distance, a dot in the horizon as big as a mosquito would be in front of her. The car was heading towards the border of Cameroon, a country Mother had never visited.

The pastor. A man of such intelligence and wisdom. A man who was so full of empathy, too. He would start off telling a story about Solomon and then end his sermon by dragging the oldest farmer of the town, Desire, to the front and pay him compliment upon compliment for his hard work. He would raise up every village person afflicted by guilt and sing deep songs to the Lord, chasing the shame out of their hearts. He knew how many people struggled to survive because he lived in this village, too. The cassava was plenty but the money was nowhere, and yet they lived on because the pastor instructed them to.

How could such a man be kidnapped? What did they possibly want to do with him? And why would they take him when he was so important to their community?

Previously when the Séléka and the Anti-Balaka were fighting, it was common to see people kidnapped, killed, and targeted for no reason. Now that the government had stabilised and the Séléka had disbanded, those who were targeted were usually foreigners, like the Chinese who came for business or the peacekeepers from other countries who tried their best to defuse tensions between warlords. It made no sense for the kidnapping to be related to any of that because the pastor avoided taking sides.

There could only be one reason for him to have disappeared like this.

Mother’s eyes focused on the girl she was convinced had started it all. Now almost six months pregnant, the girl had a belly as big as a watermelon, and she had to hold it as she walked to keep her body balanced. Ever since she had blurted out to the whole congregation during one of his sermons that the pastor was the father of her child, the rumours had spread all across the town. Droves of men and women and children still came to his sermons because they were compelled to, but there were others coming to him after the sermons to shout at him, push him, threaten him. It caused fights to break out between the churchgoers and the family members of the girl. Some people had even been murdered, paying the price for their involvement. Up to this point, it had just not been the pastor.

Mother was so angry she wanted to push the girl onto the dust and give her a piece of her mind.

Then she saw the girl’s face. Her brown oval eyes were aghast. Dust flitted in front of her eyes, and she did not blink. People were coming up to her and trying to confront her with the same thought in their minds, but she stood as still as a stone. This was not the body language of a person who was aware of what was going on.

It still did not add up.

Minutes become hours. People were so panicked that they hadn’t noticed how hot it was becoming, and it was becoming hotter yet. As their emotions cooled and bodies burned, they went back towards their huts, knowing there was nothing they could do to save their pastor.

“Why are you leaving?” Mother said out loud.

This was a dear man and beloved leader of the community, a man who reminded the people each and every day that they were part of a greater humanity, and out of nowhere, without any sense at all, he had been kidnapped.

What was Mother’s life going to be like without him?

Air India Gets New Look

August 23, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Air India, the-country’s second-biggest airline in terms of fleet size revealed its new brand logo and revamped identity on August 10, 2023. The rebranding comes as part of the airline’s five-year transformation roadmap, Vihaan.AI, which aims to position Air India as a world class airline.

“Our new livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, gold highlights and a chakra-inspired pattern. Travellers will begin to see the new logo and design starting December 2023,” the airline said in a tweet. The aircraft windows have also changed, and reimagined into a gold window frame symbolizing a “window of possibilities.”

The new logo called, ‘The Vista’, is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame “signifying limitless possibilities,”

As per the release issued by the airline, the new logo called, ‘The Vista’, is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame “signifying limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline’s bold, confident outlook for the future.” It replaces the old logo of a swan with orange spokes. All Air India airlines will be updated with the new branding by 2025.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said the new logo represents progressiveness and confidence. “Today is an important milestone, because the new Air India, the vision we have for the airline is also in the backdrop of a new resurgent India, where the aspirations of everyone are limitless,”

Revealing the bold new look of Air India.

Our new livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, gold highlights and a chakra-inspired pattern. Travellers will begin to see the new logo and design starting December 2023.#FlyAI #NewAirIndia

Chandrasekaran said plans to revamp other aspects of the airline are in the works and the best of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deployed at Air India.

Speaking on the revamped brand identity, Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said, “Our transformative new brand reflects an ambition to make Air India a world-class airline serving guests from around the globe, and that represents a new India proudly on the global stage. The new Air India is bold, confident, and vibrant, but also warm and deeply rooted to its rich history and traditions that make Indian hospitality a global benchmark for standards in service.”

Honoring India’s Richness: A Celebration of Hidden Travel Wonders

August 16, 2023 Staff ReporterCulture, Travel 0

As India eagerly approaches its 77th Independence Day, it is essential to pay tribute to the multitude of treasures that the country holds and to remember the sacrifices made by our predecessors who valiantly protected the legacy that has led us to this momentous juncture. What better way to achieve this than by delving into India’s lesser-explored travel marvels, thus commemorating our nation’s independence? In pursuit of this goal, the Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with the travel platform MakeMyTrip to unveil over 600 remarkable destinations that demand exploration.

This endeavor has given rise to an innovative platform known as the ‘Traveller’s Map of India’ microsite, specifically tailored to help travel enthusiasts uncover concealed tourism gems according to their preferences. Crafted by MakeMyTrip, this microsite seamlessly aligns with the ideals of the Indian Government’s ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative.

In a press release, G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, conveyed his appreciation for MakeMyTrip’s endeavor to highlight the diverse destinations within India and to stimulate domestic tourism. He extended an invitation for more such endeavors, underlining the collective aspiration to showcase the nation to the global audience.

The compilation of this travel selection was curated by the travel company through an examination of India’s travel search history. Based on this foundation, destinations that are relatively unknown and confined to specific pockets of the country were chosen. To simplify the process for travelers, these destinations have been categorized with tags like adventure, wildlife, heritage, mountains, beaches, and more, allowing them to choose their preferred genre of exploration.

Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, expressed his thoughts on this initiative, highlighting how the ‘Traveller’s Map of India’ resonates with the desires of nearly every Indian traveler. He emphasized its fitting commemoration of August 15th and MakeMyTrip’s continuous advocacy for India’s diverse tourism offerings. The intent behind the initiative is to encourage each Indian to become an advocate for the country’s cultural, historical, natural, and geographical wonders. Magow conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism for its support, which bolsters MakeMyTrip’s mission to position India as the foremost sought-after global tourism destination.

Furthermore, this initiative, as stated in the release, not only acknowledges the potential of domestic tourism as a potent instrument for socio-economic development but also directly contributes to the multifaceted expansion of India’s economy.

For those unfamiliar, ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ stands as a government initiative designed to invigorate domestic tourism across the nation. Through endeavors like these, India’s rich tapestry of hidden travel wonders comes to the forefront, serving as a testament to the multifaceted celebrations of the nation’s 77th Independence Day.

The Tenth Vision (12 August, 2023)

August 14, 2023August 14, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

Set in Sandoy, Faroe Islands, the Kingdom of Denmark

This is not the sea. This is not the ocean. This is not even a body of water. There is meadow upon meadow. The grass is a dehydrated green, merging with yellow tulips at bloom. Hills are in the distance. Or are they mountains? Are they cliffs?

It’s impossible to tell because they are so far, and there is mist, and all around her the wind is howling. It is cold but it is also warm, with grass tall enough to hide the distant bodies of cows.

There are giants walking up and down. They lurch towards each other, they disappear into the mist. A witch is cackling but the witch has no body. The witch is a voice.

Soon you will drown again, and you will come across the shadows.

This is not just a spell. This is not just a song. This is a reminder, replaying over and over again. Nothing is eternal. Even this world that has appeared out of nowhere is an illusion.

And yet it feels so real.

The grass nicks against the skin. The wind blows dew into the eardrums. The witches are chanting, and their words blur through the mist. There are ballads being sung, too. A skipari skips through the meadows, fiddle in hand, until he is stomped upon by the giants. They laugh and toss aside the bloodied mess their foot has created as if it is excrement they have stepped on.

All around is meadow. All around is mist. All around is song and spell. And there is no dancing. Why is there not any dancing? In such a wide furry swathe of land there must always be dancing.

Mother remembers a time when she loved dancing.

That was the time before she realised the importance of God.

Then she gave up dancing.

She gave up a lot of habits.

She wonders if it was worth it.

People are chaining themselves together. Where these people came from, no one knows. But they are slipping hand into hand, skipping with each other, singing songs. They look so happy despite the giants reaching out to crush them. They look so connected in a way so few people of this century appear.

Mother is getting old. And the world is changing, the world is moving on, the world is leaving her, as she knows she is beginning to leave this earth.

The earth of this meadow is tearing. The meadow is being torn apart into a chasm. The giants are falling in, the witches are shrieking. The mist is growing wider and wider until it is grey all around, and Mother once more feels like she is standing on water.

Has she returned to the bottom of the ocean?

She feels like she is sitting on top of a horse.

Air India Plans Nonstop Flights from Boston, Los Angeles

August 9, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Air India is eyeing expansion of its service network in the United States. The airline would operate nonstop flights to India from Boston, Los Angeles and other US cities in the next few months, as part of its 5-year development plan named Vihaan.AI. Currently, Washington DC, New York JFK, Newark EWR, Chicago ORD, and San Francisco are the only destinations of Air India’s nonstop flights to USA from India.

“The reports of Air India planning to add Los Angeles and Boston to its US-India nonstop service corridor is no surprise to us. In our exclusive news article about the airline’s $70bn aircraft deal, we had hinted at Air India’s potential plans for penetrating the US market further. However, we had little idea that Boston and LAX would steal the show while Atlanta, Seattle, Houston and Dallas have been lobbying with Indian authorities for nonstop flights for years,” said Sourav Agarwal, the Editor of Travel Beats.

The most likely launch of Boston and Los Angeles to India nonstop flights is anticipated to coincide with the induction of six A350-900 aircraft into Air India’s long-haul fleet in October or November 2023. This is just a fraction of the airline’s order of 40 A350s, including 34 A350-1000 aircraft. In his most recent interviews, CEO Campbell Wilson said that the ageing fleet with outdated cabins had been a deterrent to the Tata airline’s growth and expansion in international markets.

Six A350-900s will add a total of 144 premium economy seats to Air India flights for international service. Indians of Southern California and New England would get a taste of Air India’s Premium Economy service on board if A350-900s are deployed for the upcoming new routes between USA and India. Each Airbus 350-900 will come with 24 Premium Economy, 28 Business and 264 Economy seats. A350-900s have business class seats with direct aisle access and doors for passengers’ privacy. With 31-inch seat pitch, economy seats will be a breather for travelers.

“Our customers who have taken Air India’s premium economy flights from SFO and JFK to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are all praise of the seats, meals and other inflight service. We are thrilled to share with you the below feedback from the traveler named Diwakar,” said the chief travel advisor of Indian Eagle, a most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indian Diaspora in America,

“We recently traveled by Air India from Mumbai to San Francisco in Premium Economy class. The entire journey was most comfortable. It was a great surprise by Air India for travelers preferring nonstop travel. In the last 20 years, we have traveled to USA many times. It was our 18th trip and the BEST travel experience. Kudos to AIR INDIA!”

Why are Boston and Los Angeles being targeted as highly potential destinations for new nonstop Air India flights to USA? The primary reason being the growing Indian immigrant community in Southern California and New England. In Southern California, Greater Los Angeles alone houses an inflated Indian-origin populace of more than 200,000. New England comprising Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont in the northeast US, is home to a growing base of over 1 lakh Indians.

Boston is centrally located in New England, which makes Boston Logan Airport seamlessly accessible from Albany, Hartford, Milford, New Haven, Stamford, Cambridge, Providence, Springfield, Greenwich and other cities. Los Angeles International Airport is much nearer than SFO to Arizona and Southern Nevada by road. If Air India’s nonstop flight service to LAX becomes a reality, it will be a double celebration for Indians in Southern California. They are most likely to get an Indian Consulate in Los Angeles as an online petition is garnering their support.

Currently, IndianEagle.com has best deals for LAX and Boston to India flights by Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airways, SWISS Airlines and others. Once Air India’s plans for nonstop travel from Boston and Los Angeles to India take shape, it will trigger a fare war with other airlines on these routes.

India Introduces Ayush Visa For Foreign Nationals Seeking Treatment

August 9, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth, Travel 0

The introduction of the Ayush visa is in line with government’s aim to promote India as a medical tourism destination in the world

The Ministry of Home Affairs officially announced a new category of Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (Ayush) or Indian systems of medicine. The new visa category was announced by the Prime Minister at the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in April 2022.

According to a government statement, the introduction of the Ayush visa is part of the “Heal in India” initiative, which is aimed at promoting the country as a medical value travel destination. The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health and family welfare are working together to develop a one-stop “Heal in India” portal to promote the country as a medical tourism destination of the world.

Commenting on its significance, Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “The creation of a new category of Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Indian systems of medicine is a significant step. It will boost the medical value of travel in India. This initiative will strengthen our endeavour to accomplish PM Modi’s vision for making Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon. I also want to compliment Amit Shah, Union Home Minister for his efforts in creating a special Ayush Visa category.”

A new chapter 11A – Ayush Visa has been incorporated after Chapter 11 – medical visa of the manual, which deals with treatment under the Indian systems of medicine accordingly necessary amendments have been made in various chapters of the Visa Manual, 2019, the release said.

The Ayush ministry has been working on many fronts to promote the Ayush system of treatment nationally and globally. Recently, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and the Ministry of Tourism, was signed to work together for the promotion of medical value travel in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.

(10): 29th July, 2023 set in Teseney, Eritrea

August 5, 2023August 5, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

20 May 1939

The first time Faven fell sick, it was in the spring of the late 1930s, when she was a young girl of the age of five. The illness in question was smallpox. Of course when the scaly and crusty lesions spread all over Faven’s body, the villagers were disturbed. They knew what the disease was, and they knew it was contagious, so no one except Faven’s mother dared to come close to her. Even Faven’s mother was scared, but she stayed by her daughter’s side next to her cot, feeding her genfo by hand until she recovered.

Up until the early 1940s, the land of modern Eritrea was a colony of the Italians. The village of Teseney was of particular importance. Because the fields of the village sat by the Gash River, it became the perfect place to construct a dam, and cotton growth was expansive due to the richness of the land. With the strong Italian presence in the village, Faven received proper medical treatment from the nurses in the army, and she made a full recovery.

Faven grew to be much older. She watched as Italian Eritrea went to the British and then became its own country. The wars of independence destroyed whatever infrastructure the Italians had built up, but Faven always remembered stroking the soft creamy skin of the nurse who tended her back to health; how it pressed against her pustule-covered body, how light blond hairs fell from her bun onto Faven’s body, how Faven would pull them apart, and play with them.

2 April 1955

When Faven was giving birth to her second child, she was unsure if she would make it. The birth attendants told her family that she was most likely going to die. The baby was just too big, and Faven’s womb simply too small. Because the pain was great and Faven’s spirit was dwindling, Faven prayed to God. She made sure to keep her mind on the image of the cross, bathed in golden light. It felt like her body was being torn outwards from the inside of her. It felt like someone had taken a watermelon and was forcing her to pass it through her whole.

Faven heard the sound of the angels. They told her she would be blessed with a beautiful boy. He would be responsible and giving. He would do so much for their village, and for the world. Faven heard what God was telling her and almost cried from the beauty of it.

Then after hours upon hours of hard work the baby came out. The attendants ululated with happiness, showing the child off. The birth of the boy was successful, with no damage to Faven’s body. The women went house to house passing titiqo. A few hours later, women came with jugs of milk from the goats as gifts for the home. In passing they asked curiously for the boy’s name, and Faven said, “Anbessa.” This was the Amharic word for lion, which Faven had chosen because of how loudly the voice of God had roared out his destiny while she was giving birth.

18 September 1961

By the 1960s Faven had birthed three children. This was a small number compared to what was normal in Eritrea, and the people of the village often teased her for her lack of fertility. It was a known fact that her husband was going about sleeping with other women and often impregnating them. Nonetheless Faven did not care. She was happy seeing her children playing outside with the goats and sheep, helping the other family members tend to the sorghum. In far off places like Asmara, coalitions were forming, trying to find ways for Eritrea to break off as a territory from Ethiopia.

But for Faven such things were as far from her as the news of the construction of a Berlin Wall. She lived her life in the fields sweeping the dust in her small hut, cooking meals for her family, and passing the time away talking to her various cousins and siblings.

10 June 1984

The war of independence was brutal. During the thirty-year period, Teseney and its villages were constantly bombed and bombarded. The village’s proximity to the border of Sudan had been its great commercial strength for most of Faven’s life, but now it resulted in so much upheaval.

But in the first month of 1984, the EPLF came to liberate the town of Teseney from the Ethiopians, and in the following months the Ethiopians came back with a vengeance. Faven and her loved ones would hide under the tables and the mattresses. Glass would randomly shatter from the mortars. People would go to the market to buy vegetables and never come back.

It was in those days that the sound of shattering glass and the whooshing of airplanes around them became imprinted in Faven’s mind. She would wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat and shouting her children’s names. She would be peeling vegetables in the middle of the day and ducking under something, afraid that the sound she was hearing was of an army coming to attack them again.

And it was also during those days that Anbessa’s thinking began to change. Unlike his brothers he had never really liked their village, but because of the war Faven could see that he was really starting to despise it. She knew that in the back of her son’s mind, he was growing a disgust for this country. She could feel it in the tips of her hairs and in the emotions he never took the time to announce, but she could detect.

She wanted to talk about it but never knew how to bring it up. She had never talked profoundly about such topics with her children while they were growing up; the idea of raising emotionally challenging subjects was not in her realm of practice.

8 September 1984

And then Anbessa found placement in a good hospital in Asmara. He decided to stay with her brother as he settled in the city to work there, and he hardly visited.

9 October, 2007

It was just like how her grandson from Asmara was eventually accepted into the school of his dreams in a country Faven did not know how to pronounce, let alone imagine, and after that Faven never saw him again.

15 March 2018

When did Faven start to lose her mind? Truthfully, she had never been encouraged to think or question in her entire life, and so thinking for her was routinely confined to what would be best for her children, what would be best for her mother, and how to manage a husband who had little interest in her well-being. Her husband was long dead, and she was surrounded by grandchildren who loved her. And yet she kept forgetting their names. Her hands would twitch for no reason. She would have trouble holding things, but when her daughters-in-law tried to help, she scolded them. She hurled insults at anyone who passed by. She was angry to find herself in one room at one moment, only to realise in the next that many hours had passed since she had gone outside.

Her son from Asmara would come to visit, but only once in a while. He wore fancy clothes from Europe and rarely liked to sleep in his old cot in the hut, trying to limit his time spent to a day trip. Whenever he left, the relatives made fun of him, and Faven felt sad. She wished she knew how to actually talk to her son, but instead she found herself nagging at him for never bringing her grandson home and asking why he wasn’t married yet.

Faven found herself becoming uncontrollably angry. Faven found herself falling into fears. She found herself hating everything about life, and she didn’t understand why.

She found herself wishing she could relive the last eighty-four years of her life all over again.

29 July, 2023

« Why is she reacting like this? » Father shouted. He was squatting on the ground, facing his mother on the cot in their familial hut. Their mother lay completely immobile with fear in her eyes. No matter how much Father tried to grab her attention, it was like he wasn’t there. She was trembling, stuttering to make a word.

« Bo-bo, bo-bo… »

His elder brother, Massawa, scolded him for all the dirt he had brought into the hut with his shoes, while his younger brother, Robel, mused on why the medicines weren’t working. Father took a moment to turn away from his mother. The weather in the village was hot, and Father wasn’t used to being without constant air-conditioning inside of a home. He looked at the sanded land and the small shrubs growing around the rocks. He thought about going for a walk.

When he looked back towards his mother, she was pointing her palms towards the sky as if afraid of someone striking her. Father remembered the roughness of his own father and winced. He hoped that was not what she was remembering in the moment.

Suddenly his mother’s glance dashed towards the cups. His mother was always so diligent in cleaning, spending most of her time crouched by the bucket after a meal was done and plates and utensils needed to be washed. It was one of the closest things she had to a hobby, but now she was so weak that even standing to do something like that would be difficult. Father could not help but let out a sigh.

Massawa heard the sigh. « Anbassa has become like a woman » he joked. « Look at how he holds his body. Look at how he talks. » Robel and Massawa laughed.

Father crossed his arms around his chest. He thought of taking one last look at his mother for a small health examination. He crouched beside her once again, taking a long look at her face. The lighting in the last half hour had changed. Some of the clouds had disappeared, and more sunlight was streaming into the hut. It made Father hotter, and he really thought about taking off his shirt.

Suddenly his mother lifted up his hand up to the sky. It was like she was grabbing at something but nothing was above her except air. Father shouted out with concern. « Inati, what is it? »

His mother looked into his eyes. And in that moment, a wide smile came to her face. Father could not help but smile back. He cooed, as he would to a baby. « Inati, do you recognise me? Do you know it is your son? »

As the light glinted up and around Father, his mother started reaching for his hair and pulling at it. It was like she was trying to uncurl a piece of wool, or how a kid for the first time might pull on the horns of a goat. Father started laughing because it was such an odd way to be touched by his mother. « Inati, why are you doing this? It is like you have never touched my hair before. »

Yet his mother smiled so fondly, with a pure and unadulterated joy that Father wished he could have seen in his mother when he was younger.

Read at Substack

US Citizens Need Visa To Europe in 2024

July 26, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration, Travel 0

The times of visa travel all through the majority of Europe are going to change. Beginning right on time one year from now, the European Association will execute the European Travel Data and Approval Framework requiring all guests from without visa nations to acquire head out approval preceding their flight.

Application Cycle

The European Travel Data and Approval Framework isn’t your conventional visa. It’s a clear web-based application process with endorsement conveyed by email. Explorers should finish up a web-based structure with essential historical data, itinerary items and travel history, alongside security questions. While most candidates will get endorsement in no less than 60 minutes, some might encounter a stand by of as long as 96 hours for additional checks. The expense of the application is around $8, relevant to voyagers, everything being equal. When supported, the movement approval will be substantial for various passages north of three years or until the voyager’s identification lapses.

Numerous Americans were anxious about the extra travel report, yet as additional insights regarding European Travel Data and Approval Framework arise, voyagers are finding the interaction easier than anticipated.

“It’s still simple for us to venture out to Europe,” said Alexa Moore, a successive voyager to Europe for both business and relaxation. ” It’s only another step we need to ponder before our outing.”

European Travel Data and Approval Framework will be expected for movement to all part nations including full Schengen individuals, similar to Spain, France, and Italy, European Deregulation Affiliation nations, similar to Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, future Schengen member, similar to Bulgaria and Cyprus, and European microstates, similar to Andorra and Monaco.

It Will Improve Line Security and Advanced Screening

The essential point of European Travel Data and Approval Framework is to fix line security, carefully screen and track voyagers entering and leaving the nations. The program’s motivation and application process are much the same as the Electronic Framework for Movement Approval program for guests to the U.S., making voyagers more comprehension of the new prerequisite.

As Europe gears up for the rollout, it’s memorable’s fundamental that the time frame American sightseers can spend in Europe stays unaltered. US identification holders are as yet permitted to keep awake to 90 days inside a 180-day time span without a visa. For stays longer than 90 days, a unique visa will be required.

Albeit the specific day for kickoff of the new travel approval is questionable, it is far-fetched the European Travel Data and Approval Framework will deter anybody from venturing out to Europe.

“I’m freeloaded about it, however it appears to be adequately simple,” says travel blogger Nicki Post, recognizing the reasonableness of responding section necessities between countries.

14 July, 2023: Meeting on the Hills

July 18, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel, Girar 0

This time Father chose to gather the doctors not at his home in his swanky upscale apartment in San Benito, but at one of the hillside cafes overlooking the city. It would be more relaxing to meet outside, he thought, and he wanted to impress the doctors with the view. At this table with just a black rail separating them from a sharp decline and tumble, they could look down and see all the dilapidated colonial buildings, all the skyscrapers popping up, and, most importantly, the greenery—the crochet of tall effervescent trees and sloping green hills that made San Salvador feel more verdant than it actually was. Certainly, Dr Sánchez was impressed.

“Por fin una parte de la ciudad que vale la pena conocer,” he proclaimed out loud, raising his glass of wine for all of the doctors to toast.

Dr Nuñez turned and smiled at Father. On first impression, Father had thought that her smile conveyed politeness as it had a kind aura. Over the months, as Father got to know Dr Nuñez, however, he realised that this was the smile she gave whenever she was annoyed at someone. She would only voice her doubts until after everyone had left except Father. He was glad that he had grown close enough to Dr Nuñez to see this side of herself, but he also dreaded having to spend another hour alone with Dr Nuñez, listening to her complain after the tapas were cleared and the bills were settled.

“I think there are a lot of places in San Salvador that are worth visiting,” Dr Ayala said quite quietly, snivelling as if his nose was stuffed.

“¿Like what?” Dr Sánchez said. Dr Ayala opened his mouth to reply, but Dr Sánchez spoke over him. “We have so many beautiful barrios, and in them all you see is people shooting themselves. Yes, it is so beautiful. Claro.”

Dr Sánchez put his finger to the side of his head and mimicked shooting a gun. Dr Ayala looked down at the bread on his plate, morose. Dr Nuñez gave that smile again to Father, only this time she rolled up her eyebrows more than once. This meant Father would have a whole lot of complaints to listen to after they were all done.

Dr Sánchez went on:

“It is no mystery Bukele is having trouble cleaning this country up. But he will do it, this is certain.”

Now Dr Nuñez couldn’t help but speak up.

“¿And how is he going to do it? ¿By paying off the matones with Bitcoin?”

That was a good one. Father couldn’t help but laugh. Dr Ayala joined along. But Dr Sánchez kept on going on as if he hadn’t heard her.

“He is going to clean up crime because he has been cleaning up crime. ¿Are you all blind? ¿Are you all bats? That is the only way you cannot see it. It is happening in front of us. And soon El Salvador will be a great country.”

“I will drink to that,” Dr Nuñez said, and she put up her wine glass, toasting with Father and Dr Ayala. But despite their chuckling and teasing, Dr Sánchez was not deterred.

“¿And what will happen when Buckle makes El Salvador is a great country? I know that he will take the people who have doubted and destroyed them like you and he will make them people with nothing. ¿And then who will be there to pay for your children’s retirements? Certainly not Bukele. He should send people like you all to Venezuela. There you will learn what happens when a leader doesn’t work hard to take care of his people.”

Some of the tapas were coming out as Dr Sánchez was shouting. The waiter made a slightly bemused face at Father. It seemed the conversation was veering off in a different direction that had nothing to do with what they were supposed to be talking about. Father had invited the doctors here because they had agreed to work together to bring some key reforms to the hospital earlier this year, but so far nothing had been implemented. He wanted to unite them one last time so that they could get their creative juices flowing and plan out some hard-hitting actions.

Father said, “Everyone, calm down. I think this is now the time to start talking about—”

But Dr Nuñez was still laughing at Dr Sánchez. “¡You called us bats! ¡To you, it’s like all us women are little creatures of the night and not human beings!”

She had drunk a good deal of wine and was starting to loosen up. Dr Sánchez responded defensively as if she were incredibly serious. “No, no, claro que no. ¿How could I imply such a thing? I love women far too much. I love my wife, I love my sisters, I love my mother.”

Dr Nuñez laughed even louder.

“¡Incredible! You can think of three women. That’s very impressive.” She turned to Father and said quite loudly, “It’s impressive because when anyone comes to the hospital to have an abortion, he is the first one to call them curse words. And he thinks no one hears it because he’s that narcissistic. ¡Incredible!”

Dr Sánchez shouted, “¡You woman!”

Dr Nuñez pointed her wine glass at him and said, “Mira how he speaks.”

They started jabbering, in the way they always did every single time Father tried to hold a meeting among the four of them. Father gave a knowing look towards Dr Ayala. He knew exactly what his colleague was thinking.

Why am I doing this? Why am I here?

Father had a mother who was getting closer and closer to the end of her life. She was in their village suffering through a horrible bout of dementia, barely able to remember common words and unable to stand without help from her relatives. When Father thought about her condition and how deplorable it was, he hit with guilt. He wanted to dedicate all of his time and attention to her, but he also knew he had to reserve part of his energy to engage with the rest of the world. His attempt to modernise their hospital was a part of that. Earlier in the year he had thought it would take just a few months to get his ideas up and running. It was obvious that the hospital needed new equipment, and with a little convincing, he thought it would be easy for him to get the hospital administration to put their money towards that cause.

And yet Father couldn’t even get a team of four doctors to stand each other, let alone stand up for what their hospital needed.

It had been almost half a year since their first talks, and not much had progressed. And in that half year his mother’s health had devolved significantly. How much longer before she wasn’t even going to be around? Would his brothers chastise him, angry at his absence at a time the family needed him the most?

Father sighed so deeply. He didn’t realise how loud he was until he noticed that Dr Nuñez and Dr Sánchez had shut up, and both of them were looking at him. Are we doing something wrong? they said with their eyes. Should we get on with the agenda?

Father held their gaze. He finally had their attention. He could get on with the meeting. But now he had forgotten what he had been planning to say.

His instinct was that he wanted to disband this group of doctors, shelve all meetings related to the hospital, and plan his next visit to his home village. He would spend a full weekend there to observe his mother and her health. He would not think about the hospital. After half a year of trying to make things right at his place of work, he would have to respect that it was not going the way he wanted, and that he would have to let go of it.

Latest Wonder MSG Sphere in Las Vegas

July 17, 2023February 6, 2025 Dr. Mathew JoysTravel 0

Most of the vacations are for adventurers and thrilling experiences. Some places automatically drag your mind and heart at ease. There are places you may wish to visit again, like Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon of the United States, or the Azores of Portugal; places of inspiration are joy forever.

Let me introduce the series of my travelogue branded as TRAVELJOYS with the newest attraction at Las Vegas, the SinCity of the world.

It’s a wonder of technology and is being built in Las Vegas, called MSG Sphere, at least for the moment. Las Vegas has been known for years for its famous lights, but the skyline has changed forever. People cannot stop talking about the futuristic MSG Sphere which lit up Sin City for the first time on the 4th of July.

It squats on the Las Vegas skyline like an enormous spaceship, black and mysterious – until night falls, when it will glow like the Earth from space.” Reports CNN.

What is so astounding inside this sphere? The globe reportedly seats 18,000 people, featuring towering wraparound LED screens and 160,000 speakers to make everyone feel like they have the best seat in the house. The venue will also have vibrating chairs to match whatever is happening on screen.

A pedestrian walkway to the Venetian resort complex will connect the globe to the strip.

Some fun facts about MSG Sphere are as follows:

– The Sphere is now 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide at its widest point.
– The fourth largest global crawler crane, the DEMAG CC-8800, was used to build the Sphere. The crane took 18 days to assemble.
– The globe is embedded with the latest and highest resolution screen in the world with 19,000 by 13,500 pixels. That means they are 100 times clearer than today’s best HD TVs. The screen has an area larger than three football fields.
– The outside of the Sphere has about 600,000 square feet of programmable lighting screens.
– The venue will use an acoustic system utilizing “beamforming” technology with 160,000 ultra-directional speakers.
– The Sphere will also feature an infrasound haptic system enabling audiences to feel the sound.
– The venue also has haptic seats that can vibrate to match whatever is happening onscreen – an earthquake, for example – and 4D machines that can create wind, temperature, and even scent effects.
– The Sphere’s dome alone weighs 13,000 tons.
– The ginormous venue, which boasts 18,000 seats is entirely covered by LED screens which light up the Vegas strip in a way never seen before.

Seriously, it’s hard to believe this is real. The Sphere can fit in the entire Statue of Liberty inside the globe.

The MSG Sphere is scheduled to open for the public on 29 September with “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere,” a series of 25 concerts built around the Irish band’s landmark 1991 album “Achtung Baby” and running through mid-December. It also will host exclusive screenings of “Postcard From Earth,” a film by Darren Aronofsky that promises to take full advantage of Sphere’s vast screen by offering viewers an eye-popping tour of the planet. The Sphere was fully illuminated for the first time Tuesday night to celebrate the Fourth of July. I anticipate some World Records will be broken at this marvelous MSG Sphere.

TSA Launches Advanced Facial Recognition Scanners at US Airports

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced new facial recognition technology at Baltimore-Washington International Airport to aid its credential authentication technology (CAT) in detecting fraudulent IDs and passports. The new system uses pictures of travellers’ faces to verify their credentials automatically, providing greater efficiency for passengers and security personnel. The TSA has invested $128m in rolling out the first batch of CAT machines equipped with facial recognition technology to 16 airports across the US. “This technology is valuable because it enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports”, said Christopher Murgia, federal security director for Maryland.

The system is set to transform airport security, improving safety and increasing the ease of passenger travel. The facial recognition technology linked with CAT scanners has garnered some concern, however. The government has previously cited privacy concerns as a reason for not requiring airlines to adopt the same technology. Facial recognition can be used to gain access to people’s smartphones, and some fear that hackers could use it to access security checks, which could be a potential risk as airports adopt this technology.

Despite these concerns, the TSA has said that photographs from facial scans are only used for comparison with the travellers’ picture IDs and no other purpose. The machines can also read a range of other IDs, including permanent resident cards, visas, military common access cards, and Global Entry cards.

The first generation of CAT scanners was implemented at US airports in 2018, which eliminated the need for passengers to scan boarding passes at the podium pre-security. “The second generation of CAT machines, which include facial recognition scans, are being deployed in many US airports,” said Murgia.

Facial recognition technology has been on the rise globally and is being implemented in several industries. Experts view it as a valuable tool that could help reduce fraud compared to card-based and token-based systems. However, critics have voiced their concerns about privacy and security implications.

In addition to security benefits, there is a growing consensus that facial recognition technology will kick-start a new era of technological development, increasing efficiency and optimisation in several industries. Banks, hospitals, and schools around the world are all exploring the benefits and applications of facial recognition technology.

As for airport security, the TSA has confirmed that the deployment of CAT scanners with facial recognition technology will help increase the accuracy of screening, while also speeding up the process of security checks. “The TSA intends to deploy these biometrics technologies in a way that supports both security and privacy,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

As the number of US airports with new machines expands, it is expected that facial recognition technology will fast become the norm across the industry. It remains to be seen whether similar systems will be introduced elsewhere in the world, but it is certainly a trend that is set to gather momentum.

SAS Opens Bookings for Revolutionary Electric Flights, Pioneering a Greener Future in Aviation

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced that it will offer seats on its first electric planes, the Heart Aerospace 30-seat ES-30 model, for commercial passengers to reserve. The flights are set to take off in 2028 and mark the first time such a service has been available to customers. The announcement reflects SAS’s ambitious plans to maintain its position as an innovation leader within the aviation industry, “particularly when it comes to exploring new ways to overcome the challenges of making aviation more sustainable,” according to Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS.
SAS says the electrified planes will operate on domestic flights in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, with the exact date and airport locations to be announced at a later date. At launch, all 30 seats on each of the three inaugural flights were available from 6 a.m. ET with no deposit required. To commemorate this milestone, each seat cost 1,946 Swedish Krona, which is about $179 in U.S. dollars and is a tribute to the year the company was founded. Reservations sold out immediately, with interested travelers able to join a waitlist or sign up for notifications of future opportunities.
Van der Werff explained that the idea of offering electric flights is designed to manifest the airline’s deep belief in the development of such electric airplanes, and to demonstrate to its clientele that the future of aviation is closer than many may think. “When it comes to the aircraft, we have multiple initiatives underway towards zero-emission flights, and final selection will be done in time for the first electric flight—and beyond,” he added.
Passengers travelling on the electrified planes are promised an experience similar to current flights, with a few sustainable touches. “As always, our crew will be on station to make the flight as comfortable as possible for our travelers,” Van der Werff said. “Apart from the ceremonial feeling of being part of history, the most tangible difference for passengers will be the much-reduced noise levels on takeoff and landing.”
SAS has been working toward the goal of zero-emissions by the year 2050 and achieving various milestones along the way. This includes reducing total carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2025 through more fuel-efficient planes and sustainable energy. By 2030, the airline is aiming for a 50 percent reduction in noise levels compared to the levels recorded back in 2010. According to Visit Sweden, these targets are in line with the Swedish government’s targets, which seek to achieve net-zero emissions on domestic air travel by 2030 and on all international flights from the Nordic country by 2045.
Although SAS has been the first to offer seats on an electric plane to the public, other carriers such as United and Mesa Air Group among others have also been working with Swedish-based Heart Aerospace to add electric planes to their fleets. In 2021, United and Mesa Air Group ordered 200 19-seat planes, while Air Canada purchased 30 of the 30-seater planes. Heart Aerospace is already supplying electric planes to Air New Zealand and Portuguese carrier Sevenair.
It’s worth noting, however, that while SAS and its competitors are making strides in the field of contemporary aviation technology, researchers have highlighted the limitations of electric planes. Specifically, current technology and the required battery weight to operate the aircraft mean that electric planes can only transport short distances over short to mid-haul routes. Nevertheless, being at the forefront of green aviation is a significant breakthrough that SAS is proud to talk about as it moves towards a landmark in taking its first electric flights. “We can guarantee that everything from check-in to onboard service will make these flights an unforgettable experience for everyone involved,” van der Werff said.
India and US Unveil New Road Map to Accelerate Defense Cooperation and Strengthen Regional Security in the Indo-Pacific
On Monday, India and the United States revealed a new road map aimed at accelerating defense industrial cooperation and co-production in areas like air combat, land mobility systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, munitions, and the undersea domain. The announcement came during delegation-level talks between Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin.
The new road map aims to “change the paradigm for cooperation between US and Indian defense sectors” by providing India with access to cutting-edge technologies and supporting the country’s defense modernization plans, according to the US Department of Defense (DoD). Furthermore, both sides will explore opportunities for co-development of new technologies, co-production of existing and new systems, and increased collaboration between their defense start-ups.
Among the topics discussed during the talks were manufacturing GE-414 fighter jet engines in India via technology transfer, purchasing high-tech drones for the Indian military, the ongoing border dispute between India and China in eastern Ladakh, and ensuring a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. As one of the officials mentioned, “The GE-414 engine deal will be a stepping stone to bring newer technologies to India. The scope for collaboration is immense across critical defense domains.”
India is also planning to buy Predator drones from the US for its three services, with discussions currently underway to finalize the required numbers. In addition, the two nations agreed to initiate negotiations on a new arrangement that would allow them to access each other’s industrial resources to address unexpected supply chain disruptions and meet their security needs. “The Secretary and Minister Singh also pledged to review regulatory hurdles impeding closer industry-to-industry cooperation,” the DoD statement added.
During their meetings, both parties exchanged views on various regional security issues and committed to working closely with India to support a “shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.” They also discussed the growing importance of defense innovation and cooperation in emerging areas such as space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence. The US-India Business Council is set to launch the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) on June 21, a new initiative aimed at advancing cutting-edge technology cooperation.
The two nations assessed their strong and diverse defense collaboration efforts, agreeing to sustain the pace of engagement, according to an official Indian statement. The statement also highlighted that both sides discussed regional security concerns, emphasizing their mutual interest in upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

G20 Tourism Meeting Held in Kashmir Amid High Security

June 1, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel, World 0

The G20 tourism conference is taking place in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir under heavy security measures, drawing criticism from both China and Pakistan for hosting the event in the contentious area. The ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir has lasted 75 years since their independence, with both nuclear powers claiming the entire region but only governing parts of it. Two out of the three full-scale wars fought between these nations have been over this territory.

The Indian-administered part of Kashmir, which is the nation’s sole Muslim-majority region, has experienced an armed uprising for decades as rebels demand either independence or unification with Pakistan. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers, and Kashmiri insurgents. Authorities mentioned that security was heightened last week “to avoid any chance of terrorist attack during the G20” meeting, marking the first diplomatic event in the disputed area since New Delhi abolished its limited autonomy and assumed direct control in 2019.

Taking place on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, the main city of the region, the three-day event commences Monday at a highly secured and expansive venue. Officials have prepared the area to demonstrate what they describe as “normalcy and peace returning” to the region by resurfacing roads leading to the site and illuminating electricity poles with the colors of India’s national flag.

On Monday, Srinagar seemed peaceful, with most security checkpoints either removed or disguised using G20 signage to create cubicle-like stations for security personnel. Authorities have also trained hundreds of officers in what they refer to as “invisible policing” for the event.

‘Graveyard calm’

However, officials closed the primary road leading to the convention center for civilian traffic and shut down numerous schools in the city. The security measures on Monday were in stark contrast to those implemented in the days preceding the event. A large security perimeter was established around the venue by the Dal Lake, with elite naval commandos patrolling the water in rubber boats.

India has been advocating for tourism within its part of Kashmir, attracting over a million visitors last year. Indian authorities hope that the G20 meeting will demonstrate how the 2019 alterations brought “peace and prosperity” to the region. Delegates will explore topics such as sustainable tourism and destination management. Additionally, side events focusing on ecotourism and the role of films in promoting tourist destinations are planned.

Harshvardhan Shringla, India’s chief coordinator for the G20, told reporters on Sunday, “We have the making of a unique meeting.” He highlighted that the event would feature the highest number of foreign delegates compared to previous tourism meetings held in West Bengal and Gujarat earlier this year.

However, Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a political analyst based in the region, told Al Jazeera that the G20 meeting would only hold significance for the people of Kashmir if there were a sense of normalcy. He stated, “Now, normalcy does not mean normalcy of a graveyard where you have restrictions on media, restrictions on people and people languishing in jails.” He added, “And at the same time you want to project to the world that everything is normal.”

China opts out No Chinese representatives will be present at the event. India and China are currently engaged in a military standoff along their mostly undefined border in the Ladakh region. Beijing lays claim to the entirety of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of its Tibet province and regards Kashmir as a disputed territory. “China firmly opposes holding any form of G20 meeting in disputed territory and will not attend such meetings,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin informed reporters on Friday.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia are also reportedly unlikely to participate, according to an AFP news agency report. India, which holds the G20 presidency for 2023, has scheduled over 100 meetings across the nation. China has already abstained from attending events in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Pakistan, a non-G20 member that governs a smaller portion of Kashmir, argued that hosting the tourism meeting in the territory contravenes international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated last week that India was showcasing its “arrogance to the world” and that “it shows their pettiness,” eliciting a strong response from New Delhi. India accuses Pakistan of training and supporting armed insurgents in Kashmir, which Islamabad refutes.

Since India’s 2019 constitutional amendments, the rebellion in Kashmir has been largely suppressed, although young men continue to join the cause. However, dissent has been criminalized, media freedoms restricted, and public protests limited, leading critics to argue that India has severely curtailed civil liberties. Last week, UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Fernand de Varennes, said that New Delhi was attempting to use the G20 meeting to “portray an international seal of approval” on a situation that “should be decried and condemned.” India dismissed those remarks.

The increased security measures have caused frustration among residents, with hundreds detained in police stations and thousands, including shopkeepers, receiving calls from officials warning them against any “signs of protest or trouble.”

India Hosts G20 Tourism Meeting in Kashmir

June 1, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterIndia, Travel 0

India has defended its decision to host a Group of 20 (G20) meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, despite criticism from human rights groups and expected boycotts from some countries. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is scheduled to host a tourism meeting for G20 members, which the Indian government has marketed as an opportunity to showcase the region’s culture. It is the first international event of this scale to be held in the disputed, Muslim-majority region since India revoked its special status and split the former state into two federal territories in 2019.

China has said that it will not attend the meeting, citing its opposition to “holding any kind of G20 meetings in disputed territory “, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Ladakh, which was previously part of the state, was separated and turned into another standalone territory. Ladakh is a disputed region along the Line of Actual Control, a de-facto border between India and China. Both countries claim parts of it.

Tensions along the de factor border have been simmering for more than 60 years and have spilled over into war before. In 1962 a month-long conflict ended in a Chinese victory and India losing thousands of square miles of territory. Other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, were also expected to boycott the event.

Kashmir is one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints. Claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, the mountainous region has been the epicenter of more than 70 years of an often-violent territorial struggle between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. A de facto border called the Line of Control divides it between New Delhi and Islamabad.

In April, Pakistan criticized India’s decision to hold the tourism meeting in Kashmir, calling it an “irresponsible” move. Last week, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Fernand de Varennes, said the Indian government was “seeking to normalize what some have described as a military operation by instrumentalizing a G20 meeting” in a region where fears of human rights violations and violence are rife.

India has been keen to position itself as a leader of emerging and developing nations since it assumed the G20 presidency. India, the world’s largest democracy with a population of more than 1.4 billion, has been pushing its international credentials, portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key player in the global order.

India’s tourism secretary, Arvind Singh, said the G20 meeting will not only “showcase (Kashmir’s) potential for tourism” but also “signal globally the restoration of stability and normalcy in the region.” India said the move to revoke Kashmir’s semi-autonomy was to ensure that the nation’s laws were equal for all citizens and to increase economic development in the region. India also alleged that separatist and terrorist groups were aided and abetted by Pakistan, and the move was to put an end to that.

However, rights groups and Pakistan claim that the Indian government’s unilateral move has resulted in human rights violations, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. The region has been under a military lockdown since August 2019, with mobile internet services shut down for most of that period.

In a statement on Twitter, India’s permanent mission to Geneva rejected de Varennes’s criticism, calling the allegations “baseless and unwarranted.” Earlier this month, India said the G20 meeting in Srinagar “aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development of the region.”

The Indian government’s decision to hold a major international event in Kashmir has raised concerns, especially as the region remains under military lockdown, with a significant military presence. Some countries are boycotting the event, citing the disputed nature of the region. Despite criticism, India maintains that the move is aimed at promoting tourism and economic growth in the region while also signalling the restoration of stability and normalcy. The world will be watching, waiting to see if India can successfully promote tourism and economic development while dealing with the challenges presented by the conflict in the region.

Expedia Launches AI Chat Tool for Hotel Recommendations

May 15, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Expedia has launched a plug-in in its app using the latest version of AI chat technology to recommend prospective hotels. Travelers can use the ChatGPT function to converse on the best destinations and hotels for their trip. The plug-in saves hotel recommendations to profiles on the Expedia app, adding them to users’ Trip Planning Boards.

The chat function offers a conversational way of shopping and searching for trips and aims to streamline the process. Hotel options are offered through small modules within the chat, and users can save recommended hotels to their profile. The tool is designed to help consumers do basic language discovery. Peter Kern, CEO of Expedia Group, describes the tool as a way to help travelers store options into their Trip Boards before decisions are made.

The ChatGPT plug-in of Expedia’s existing hotel search function both pull from Expedia’s proprietary hotel data, the main difference being a more conversational experience for users. The plug-in uses booking site’s smart-shopping algorithms and various data points like hotel availability, pricing, and machine-learning sorting. Expedia also used algorithms and AI functions to limit conversations to only travel booking.

In the current beta version of the plug-in, ChatGPT recommends and saves three to five different hotel options per search. In the future, the aim is to consistently offer five recommendations for every search as the technology becomes more accurate. “Our platform generates over 600 billion AI predictions a year,” says Rathi Murthy, Expedia Group’s Chief Technology Officer. The new tool utilizes the conversational aspects of the ChatGPT, taking advantage of the technology.

Accuracy has been an issue with early iterations of travel booking with ChatGPT, as have the recommendations being too broad. “ChatGPT’s lack of specificity is exhausting,” wrote Traveler contributor Ashlea Halperin, describing her use of the public version of the chatbot for planning her upcoming honeymoon in the Faroe Islands. The tool provided her with some useful information but nothing she could take as gospel.

Although the chatbot has created a buzz in the travel industry over how it might shift booking methods, the actual impact on travelers’ habits remains to be seen. Kern admits that “we don’t know if travelers will embrace it,” but believes the tool will solve for as many customers’ shopping preferences as possible.

The beta version of the plug-in uses the latest GPT-4 technology. It is now available for all iOS users of the latest version of the Expedia app. “Whether it enhances the discovery process or gets you there faster depends a lot on the person,” Kern says. “Really, we’re trying to solve for as many customers and as many ways they want to shop as we can, and we think there will be interest, and it will help people.”

In conclusion, the ChatGPT plug-in by Expedia is the newest addition to AI chat technology that helps recommend prospective hotels for travelers’ trips. The tool uses smart-shopping algorithms, machine-learning sorting, and various data points to suggest hotels to users on its conversational search function. The tool utilizes the conversational aspect of the ChatGPT technology, and although accuracy has been an issue in its early stages, Expedia is constantly improving it to be more specific and offering more recommendations based on user search. The tool is now available for all iOS users on the latest version of the Expedia app and aims to solve for as many customers and their preferred shopping methods as possible.

Hyderabad Airport Is World’s Most Punctual Airport

May 15, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Aviation analytical firm, Cirium in a report has stated that the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) is the only airport to achieve 90.43 percent on-time-performance (OTP) in March this year, making it the world’s most punctual airport.

Cirium said it reviewed more than 5 million flights globally during March, and the Hyderabad airport came on top both in the ‘Global Airports’ and ‘Large Airports’ categories being the only airport to cross the 90 percent mark.

The Hyderabad airport served 29 airlines and 77 routes and had 14,658 scheduled single-segment flights in March. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International airport came second at 86.14 percent OTP followed by Bogota’s El Dorado International airport in Colombia.

Over the years, GHIAL has brought in several first-of-its-kind technological innovations for the airport sector in the country, including the first-ever integrated and centralized Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC) and modern passenger information systems and technological initiatives.

In the medium and small airports category no Indian airports made it to the top 20. The country is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, with passenger traffic reaching an all time high in 2022. Additionally, India has constructed more airports in the last decade than most of the countries globally, including both domestic and international facilities.

TSA Introduces Self-Service ID Scanners With Facial Recognition At Airports

May 8, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing an updated ID scanner equipped with a biometric camera that uses facial recognition technology to confirm passengers’ identities. The new machines compare the facial scans of travelers to the photos on their driver’s license or passport and verify that they are a ticketed airline passenger. The machines are self-service, and travellers simply insert their ID into the machine and look at the camera. After their identity is validated, they are allowed to proceed to the security checkpoint. While the final approval is still with the security officer, this new technology is expected to make airport security checkpoints more seamless and quicker.

The new technology is already rolling out to airports, with a pilot version being trialed last fall at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. During the trial, which was open to TSA PreCheck travelers, the facial recognition scanners were tested as a potential solution to reduce touchpoints during the pandemic. However, the new scanners are now voluntary but accessible to everyone. Travelers are allowed to opt-out and request manual identity verification from the officer at the podium.

The TSA has invested $128 million in an initial batch of 1,500 of the new facial recognition scanners at 16 airports around the country. The TSA predicts that the number of travellers this summer season will be “comfortably above” pre-pandemic figures, making the technology’s implementation vital. The new facial recognition scanners are called credential authentication technology (CAT) machines. “This technology is valuable because it enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger’s identification,” Christopher Murgia, TSA’s federal security director for Maryland, said in a release.

The photos from the facial scans are only used to compare travelers’ picture IDs and are not saved or used for any other purposes, according to the TSA. In addition to driver’s licenses and passports, the machines can read thousands of different types of IDs, including permanent resident cards, U.S. visas, military common access cards, and Global Entry cards.

Travelers should still carry their boarding passes to the airport to show airline representatives at their departure gate to board the plane, even though the first-generation CAT machines eliminated the need for passengers to scan boarding passes at the podium pre-security.

Earlier this week, Baltimore-Washington International Airport was among the first facilities in the country to install the new scanners. However, the number of facilities with the new machines is likely to expand rapidly. Travelers are allowed to opt-out of using the new facial recognition scanners and request manual identity verification, making the process less intrusive. As the TSA implements more of the new CAT machines across the country, they are expected to make airport security checkpoints more efficient and less time-consuming for passengers.

Taj Mahal Night Viewing Tickets Now Available For Online Booking

May 8, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Tourists visiting the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra can now book tickets for night viewing online. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced that tickets for night viewing of the monument will now be available online.

Previously, tourists could only purchase tickets for the night viewing of the Taj Mahal in person at the booking office. But with the introduction of online booking, visitors will now have the convenience of purchasing tickets from the comfort of their homes.

According to the ASI, the online booking facility has been launched to provide a hassle-free experience for visitors. The move is also expected to reduce overcrowding at the booking office and help manage the flow of visitors.

“The online ticket booking system has been introduced to provide convenience to tourists and reduce the rush at the booking counters,” said an ASI official.

The night viewing of the Taj Mahal is a popular activity among tourists visiting Agra. The monument is open for night viewing for five nights every month, including the full moon night and two nights before and after it.

Tourists are reminded that the night viewing of the Taj Mahal is subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors are advised to read the guidelines carefully before booking their tickets.

“The night viewing of the Taj Mahal is subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors are advised to read the guidelines carefully before booking their tickets,” said the ASI official.

This move by the ASI to introduce online ticket booking for the night viewing of the Taj Mahal is expected to improve the overall tourist experience and help promote tourism in the region.

Visitors can purchase tickets for the night viewing of the Taj Mahal online at https://asi.payumoney.com/.

Airlines to Blame For Increased Flight Cancellations During Pandemic

May 8, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

According to a report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Friday, airlines were responsible for most of the flight cancellations that occurred during the pandemic recovery period. The report also highlighted that airlines took longer to recover from disruptions, such as storms. The GAO examined flight data from January 2018 to April 2022 to understand the reasons behind the increase in flight cancellations and delays.

The GAO report found that weather was the primary cause of cancellations before the pandemic. However, the percentage of airline-caused cancellations began increasing in early 2021. From October to December 2021, airlines caused 60% or more of cancellations, which is higher than at any time in 2018 or 2019. Much of the increase in airline-caused cancellations occurred at budget airlines, but the largest carriers also made more unforced errors, according to government data.

The report also noted that airlines are taking longer to recover from disruptions such as storms. Surges in cancellations in late 2021 and early 2022 lasted longer than they did before the pandemic. The report highlights that airlines are understaffed and have struggled to replace thousands of workers who left during the pandemic. The airlines took $54 billion in taxpayer money to keep employees on the job through the pandemic, but they reduced workers anyway by paying them incentives to quit.

The GAO report was requested by Republican leaders of the House Transportation Committee. The report shows that many of the issues that led to the increase in cancellations were within the airlines’ control, such as maintenance issues or lack of a crew. Airlines have clashed with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over blame for high rates of canceled and delayed flights in the past two years. Airlines argue that the government is at fault for not having enough air traffic controllers, while Buttigieg has blamed the carriers.

A spokeswoman for trade group Airlines for America said the majority of cancellations this year have been caused by severe weather and air traffic control outages. The spokeswoman also said, “Carriers have taken responsibility for challenges within their control and continue working diligently to improve operational reliability as demand for air travel rapidly returns. This includes launching aggressive, successful hiring campaigns for positions across the industry and reducing schedules in response to the FAA’s staffing shortages.”

The GAO report found that several airlines agreed to reduce schedules in New York this summer at the request of the FAA, which has a severe shortage of controllers at a key facility on Long Island. In 2019, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines had the highest percentages of their own cancellations being caused by an airline-controlled issue. In late 2021, they were joined by low-fare carriers Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Frontier, each of whom were responsible for 60% or more of their own total cancellations, according to GAO. The percentage of cancellations caused by the airline also increased at Southwest, Delta, American and United.

The GAO said the Transportation Department has increased its oversight of airline-scheduling practices. The Transportation and Justice departments are investigating whether Southwest scheduled more flights than it could handle before last December’s meltdown. The Southwest debacle has led to calls to strengthen passenger-compensation rules.

Long Delays To Obtain Passports

April 6, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Right now, many U.S. travelers have the same worry on their minds: Why are passports taking so long? If you’re hoping to renew a U.S. passport in time for an international trip this summer, or receive your first-ever document, you’ll likely have a bureaucratic headache ahead of you, as wait times for passports are once again on the rise.

The State Department is facing “unprecedented demand” for passports, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a Congressional budget hearing on March 23. As such, routine processing will take 10 to 13 weeks, while expedited processing—available for an extra $60 fee—is taking seven to nine weeks. And those estimates don’t include the time it takes to mail your passport to and from the processing center.

Officials say that it’s normal for passport demand to see upticks during certain times of the year, like in the lead-up to the peak summer travel season. However, this year’s demand is record-shattering, and it’s currently 30 to 40 percent higher than 2022’s surge in applications. Last year, the department issued its highest-ever number of passports—a whopping 22 million—and Blinken said the record is on-track to be broken.

“We’ve had an unprecedented demand for renewed travel, which is a good thing,” Blinken said in the hearing. “Historically the demand’s been cyclical. The busy season is March to late summer. Basically it’s full time now. We’re getting 500,000 applications a week for passports.” The department is hiring more customer service agents to help address the new and growing backlog of applications, Blinken added.

So what should travelers do if they need a passport fast? For dire situations—like an international flight that departs within two weeks or emergency travel for a life-or-death reason—you can try to snag an in-person appointment at one of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies. If your situation fits within the stipulations, which also includes needing to obtain a foreign visa within four weeks, you can call for an appointment at your nearest agency. You’ll need to provide evidence that you have flights booked and proof of a qualified emergency, if applicable.

How to Get a Passport Fast—Even in 24 Hours

From one-week turnarounds to renewals in as little as one day. Of course, aside from using the expedited service from the government, there are other strategies to getting a passport fast. But they’ll cost you. Third-party expediter companies, like GenVisa or RushMyPassport, offer services like handling appointment requests at the passport agencies or passport renewal turnarounds as quick as one week. But these services can cost anywhere from $150 to $799 and above—on top of the government’s fees and postage costs.

If you have an international flight booked that departs within 48 hours, you can try to get a same-day appointment at one of the agencies for the fastest passport processing. But, as the appointments at the regional agencies need to be in person, they might not be a convenient option for those who don’t live nearby one of the locations. (Depending on your situation, it might be worth flying to one of the agencies with an open timeslot—a feat that is hardly unheard of these days.)

In the future, officials want to simplify the process by offering online renewal options on a large scale. “This is something I have great hope for,” Blinken said of online processing. The State Department ran a pilot project last year to test how online submission would work. “We have 500,000 renewal requests submitted through this pilot project,” Blinken said. “We’ve now halted it to make sure we can fine tune it and improve it before we roll it out in a bigger way. But here’s the bottom line: We expect that 65 percent of renewal customers for passports will be able to do so online once this program is fully up and running.”

Jet Lag’s Harmful Health Impacts Found To Be Caused By Biological Clock Misalignment

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 University of Massachusetts AmherstTravel 0

Newswise — New research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst zeroes in on the root cause of adverse health effects from disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms, which typically occurs from jet lag and rotating work shifts.

The research, published in the journal eNeuro, also shows that the circadian clock gene Cryptochrome 1 (Cry 1) regulates adult neurogenesis – the ongoing formation of neurons in the brain’s hippocampus. Adult neurogenesis supports learning and memory, and its disruption has been linked to dementia and mental illness.

“Circadian disruption impacts a lot of things,” says lead author Michael Seifu Bahiru, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Eric Bittman, Professor Emeritus of Biology. “There are links to cancer, diabetes and hypertension, as well as adverse impacts on neurogenesis.”

Cell birth and survival in the adult hippocampus are regulated by a circadian clock, so its disruption may throw off the process of neurogenesis. In the U.S. alone, some 30 million people experience phase shifts in their circadian rhythms as they work rotating schedules.

Until recently, the researchers have faced a sort of chicken-or-egg question. “We always wondered what actually is the root cause of the ailments from circadian disruption?” Bahiru says. “Does the problem come from the act of shifting or the shift itself?”

Bittman explains further, “It’s possible it’s just changing the light cycle that affects neurogenesis, that jerking your clock around is bad for you, as opposed to the jet lag, which is the time delay that it takes for all circadian-dependent systems in your body to adjust to this change in daylight.”

Their findings support the hypothesis that it’s this internal misalignment, this state of desynchrony between and within organs that occurs during jet lag, that is responsible for the adverse impact on neurogenesis – and, they suspect, other adverse health effects from circadian disruption.

To test their hypothesis, they studied cell birth and differentiation in Syrian hamsters with a recessive mutation in the Cry 1 gene that speeds up the clock in constant conditions and dramatically accelerates its ability to shift in response to light. Bittman named the mutation, discovered in previous research, duper. The research team also tested a control group of hamsters without the duper mutation. Both underwent the same sequence of changes in the light cycle.

They simulated jet lag in the form of eight-hour advances and delays at eight 16-day intervals. A cell birth marker was given in the middle of the experiment. Results showed that jet lag has little effect on cell birth but steers the fate of newborn cells away from becoming neurons. Dupers are immune to this effect of phase shifts. “As predicted, the duper animals re-entrained quicker, but also were resistant to the negative effects of the jet lag protocol, whereas the control – the wild type hamsters – had reduced neurogenesis,” Bahiju says.

“The findings indicate that circadian misalignment is critical in jet lag,” the paper concludes.

The ultimate goal of Bittman’s lab is to advance understanding of the pathways involved in human biological clocks, which could lead to the prevention of or treatment for the effects of jet lag, shift work and circadian rhythm disorders. This latest research is a next step toward that goal.

Now the team will turn to “a big unanswered question,” Bittman says – “whether it’s the operation of circadian clocks in the hippocampus that is being directly regulated by shifts of the light:dark cycle, or whether neurogenesis is controlled by biological clocks running in cells elsewhere in the body.”

Another possibility, which Bittman thinks is more likely, is that the master pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus in the brain detects the light shift and then relays it to the stem cell population that has to divide and differentiate in the hippocampus.

Air India-Boeing Deal Will Create 1 Million Jobs In America

February 16, 2023February 23, 2023 Staff ReporterBusiness, Travel 0

US President Joe Biden has hailed Air India’s decision to purchase 220 Boeing aircraft and hails it as a ‘historic agreement’. Releasing a statement of Joe Biden, the US said, “The United States can and will lead the world in manufacturing. I am proud to announce today the purchase of over 200 American-made aircraft through a historic agreement between Air India and Boeing.”

Aiming to upgrade its fleet and expand its operations, Tata-owned Air India on 14 February confirmed it will buy a total of 470 wide-body and narrow-body planes from Airbus and Boeing. On February 10th, reports stated that Air India signed agreements with Airbus SE and Boeing Co. for about 250 orders and commitments in total, made up of 210 of the A320 single-aisle family models and 40 A350s wide-bodies.

“The order comprises 40 Airbus A350s, 20 Boeing 787s and 10 Boeing 777-9s wide-body aircraft, as well as 210 Airbus A320/321 Neos and 190 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle aircraft. The A350 aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines, and the B777/787s by engines from GE Aerospace. All single-aisle aircraft will be powered by engines from CFM International,” Air India said in an official statement.

“This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a four-year college degree. This announcement also reflects the strength of the U.S.-India economic partnership,” the statement added.

Apart from this, Biden in his statement expressed hope to deepen partnership even further by continuing to confront shared global challenges and create a more secure and prosperous future for people.

On AI-Boeing deal, PM Modi held telephone conversation with the President of the US Joe Biden on February 14th and expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which has resulted in robust growth in all domains.

Both the leaders welcomed the announcement of a landmark agreement between Air India and Boeing as a shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation that will help create new employment opportunities in both countries. PM Modi also invited Boeing and other US companies to make use of the opportunities arising due to the expanding civil aviation sector in India.

Air India said that the first of the new aircraft will enter service in late-2023, while the bulk are expected to arrive from mid-2025 onwards. Adding more, the AI said that it has already started taking delivery of 11 leased B777 and 25 A320 aircraft to accelerate its fleet and network expansion.

The first of the refitted aircraft – with an entirely new cabin, new seats and inflight entertainment system – will enter service in mid-2024, said AI.

With AI signing MoUs for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines, it has now become the biggest ever order for the Trent XWB-97, which exclusively powers the Airbus A350-1000. Also, AI’s order of 12 Trent XWB-84 engines – the sole engine option for the Airbus A350-900 – is also being considered a huge order. Though no financial details of the order have been disclosed. This is the first time that an Indian airline has ordered the Trent XWB and the deal will make Air India the largest operator of the Trent XWB-97 in the world.

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting and truly remarkable occasion for Tata Group and Air India; the size and magnitude of this order reflects the level of their ambition for the future. I congratulate them on taking this bold step towards becoming one of the world’s greatest airlines and I would like to thank them for putting their trust in Rolls-Royce to power them on this journey,” Rolls-Royce plc’s CEO Tufan Erginbilgic said while sharing his thoughts.

Reacting on the deal, Tata Sons and AI’s Chairman N Chandrasekaran noted Air India is on a large transformation journey. He said, “Air India is on a large transformation journey across safety, customer service, technology, engineering, network and human resources. Modern, efficient fleet is a fundamental component of this transformation.”

“This order is an important step in realising Air India’s ambition, articulated in its Vihaan.AI transformation program, to offer a world class proposition serving global travellers with an Indian heart,” he said.

“These new aircraft will modernize the Airline’s fleet and onboard product and dramatically expand its global network . The growth enabled by this order will also provide unparalled career opportunities for Indian aviation professionals and catalyze accelerated development of the Indian aviation ecosystem,” he added.

AAHOA Announces Largest Trade Show in 34-Year History

February 16, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTourism, Travel 0

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners association in the world with nearly 20,000 members, has announced that it plans to organize the largest ever Trade Show in history at AAHOACON23, April 11-14, 2023.

The 2019 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, AAHOA’s previous biggest show to date, which celebrated the association’s 30-year anniversary, totaled 77,500 square feet of exhibit space. This year, with many weeks remaining for industry partners to secure space, AAHOACON23 already sits at 81,900 square feet of sold exhibit space, as it has already secured a record level of booth sales for the Tradeshow.

In addition, as of February 8, AAHOA has nearly doubled the registration total of Lifetime Members compared to AAHOACON22, and the organization is still on pace to exceed 2019 registration totals of more than 8,000 attendees, with 60+ days still to go until AAHOACON23.

This is an exciting time for AAHOA, as its annual flagship event, AAHOACON, has historically been the most highly anticipated “Super Bowl” event of the industry – an event created exclusively for hotel owners, with thousands of attendees, world-class entertainment, and hundreds of vendors ready to make deals with hoteliers.

“I’ve been in the exhibition business for a long time, and I’m so impressed to see the enthusiasm, excitement, and response from vendors who are looking to do business with AAHOA Members,” said AAHOA Vice President of Business Development Dennis Smith. “Our team is thrilled to reach this historical milestone, with the ultimate goal of connecting as many AAHOA Members as possible with the product and service providers who can help them make money, save money, protect their investments, and better serve their guests.”

Over the past several decades, AAHOACON has risen to be one of the marquee events in our industry, and is known for bringing hoteliers together for networking, learning, and deal-making on the trade show floor. Each year, million-dollar buying decisions are made at AAHOACON, and with AAHOA Members spending $50 billion with suppliers each year, it’s no surprise.

“I always look forward to the industry’s Super Bowl event, and this year, as I conclude my term as AAHOA Chairman, I’m proud of the work our association has done to prepare for the event and connect even more vendors directly with decision makers,” said AAHOA Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel. “AAHOA Members spend billions of dollars each year with suppliers, and AAHOA plays an important role in connecting hoteliers directly with those who can help them run a better, more profitable, and more efficient business – AAHOACON is where deals are made.”

In addition to a trade show of historic proportions and projected high levels of attendance, AAHOACON23 will also feature 14 must-see educational sessions, three General Sessions with world class keynote speakers (soon to be announced), and three nights filled with incredible entertainment and top-level networking. As per tradition, on the second day, AAHOACON23 will also feature speeches and debates from the candidates running for the AAHOA Board of Directors.

“Our team has been working around the clock to ensure AAHOACON23 is one of our most successful conventions to date, and I applaud the entire AAHOA Team for helping our organization reach this historical milestone,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “We have a passionate group of team members, board members, and volunteer leaders who bring this event to life each year. As the first AAHOACON in my role as President & CEO, I have directed the team to ensure it is spectacular. I am so looking forward to meeting all of our members and industry partners, and making AAHOACON23 one for the record books.”

The Convention will also feature 14 educational sessions, three General Sessions, and three nights of entertainment and networking. As per tradition, on the second day, AAHOACON23 will also feature speeches and debates from the candidates running for the AAHOA Board of Directors.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. YouthAAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.

Set In Tehran, Iran

February 9, 2023February 15, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel 0

3 February, 2023: The First Meeting Of The Doctors

Father was glad he knew at least three other doctors who wanted to work with him on budgeting a proposal to improve the amenities of their hospital, but they would not be able to have their meetings in the hospital for now. Crowd control was at an all-time high in all corners of Iran because of the protests against brutality that had seized the country for the last few months. College campuses were being excessively staffed with police, any woman who did not cover even a bit of her neck or arm was being threatened with arrest, and any sort of gathering in public was patrolled with suspicion. Because Father was a member of the Assyrian community, a Christian sect which happened to be one of the oldest and proudest clans of mankind, he knew he was going to be watched with even further scrutiny. He had been brought up used to having his identity threatened, but in the last two months, he was starting to wonder if life for all minorities, particularly of different religious communities, would start to see more restriction and harassment.

Father had chosen his house because it was in a prosperous and private part of Tehran. Darrous was full of well-lined streets, cedar trees, and embassies, and his house was well gated. It was a neighbourhood for the privileged. He had assumed it would attract little attention because little attention was paid to the lives of the people here in the first place, an area too residential for people to come for the sake of provoking a conversation.

As for the doctors he had invited over, they were Dr Nuri, Dr Ahmedi, and Dr Shah. Dr Nuri was an obstetrician whom Father was introduced to through a friend. Dr Ahmedi sat next to Father once in a while during lunch and was curious about learning more. And Dr Shah was a friend of Dr Safed who was also getting annoyed at how little headway Dr Safed’s petition was making, and who was very vocal in complaining about it. Father had thought of inviting Dr Safed as well, but Dr Safed didn’t work well on teams and would not like it if he were not given most of the credit. So, Father chose these three out of the many doctors he had been talking to in the last month; they came off as mild, sincere, and easy to collaborate with.

But things were a little different. The first thing Dr Shah did when he came into the house was complain about the weather.

It is cold, too much » he said, and he uttered some curse words to emphasise his point before he noticed Father’s wife at the door. Mother made it clear with the look on her face that she didn’t appreciate such language. That caused Dr Shah’s countenance to change. « Salam walaykum » he said. He gave Father a handshake, then a hug. He greeted Mother very properly by placing his hand on his heart and bowing slightly, as if he were talking to a woman of age in public.

He found his seat on the couch, and then he shouted loudly, « .It is becoming more and more like a war zone in this country .The youngsters go out and speak their mind, but it is us old people that they want to shoot »

Mother came with a tray of chai, but Dr Shah did not even notice it. He was getting riled up by hearing himself speak.

All I am doing is going to a friend’s house .They ask all these stupid questions at the security checks ؟Am I a terrorist for visiting a doctor at his home .We are here to talk about buying new beds and equipment for our seventy-year-old hospital .And the police are talking like I am a terrorist for wanting to visit my colleague and talk about hospital beds … this country and its people are getting worse every day »

Mother said, « Please have your tea » She was still standing there, politely waiting in headscarf and sweater, the hot steam from the tea misting. Dr Shah took it, but he kept ranting on, about things unrelated to the hospital, boring Father immensely, and causing Mother to throw angered stares towards Father. She most likely didn’t agree with much of what Dr Shah said.

When Dr Ahmedi came, the atmosphere became considerably less tense. He respectfully greeted both Mother and Father, took not only the chai but also spoke to Mother warmly, and offered dates which he had gotten on a trip to Muscat. He and Dr Shah happened to be well acquainted, and they had a lot to catch up on. Father didn’t understand much of their conversation because Father did not follow the World Cup; he could only barely remember who Messi was.

Finally, Dr Nuri, the only one of the doctors in Father’s social circle who was a woman, came. This time, Mother went out of the way to greet her. Both Dr Ahmedi and Dr Shah became polite when the two women came to sit on the sofa on the other side. Mother asked all sorts of questions to Dr Nuri—about who her husband was, and which mosque she prayed at, but when Dr Nuri caught wind of the FIFA conversation, she had her own opinion to give.

« ؟Why do you give so much attention to Messi when Amir Nasr-Azadani’s life was taken ؟Are you not thinking about that »

Dr Shah was quick to respond, wildly gesticulating his hands. « .Of course I am thinking about that .It is sad indeed .But this is about football .We were talking about the game »

People’s lives are being lost, and you are talking about a game

Dr Nuri turned to face Dr Ahmedi, who completely averted her eyes, looking to one of the Arabesques that Father had draped on his wall instead. Dr Shah said something, and Dr Nuri batted on. It was becoming a spirited debate, but this was not the reason why they were meeting. In fact, this meeting was starting to look exactly like what Mother had complained about when Father had said he was inviting these doctors together: a clandestine gathering to denounce the doings of the Iranian government. Father did not want this, but he had noticed recently that almost every chat in private was turning into a heated discussion on what was being felt about the government but that could not be said in public.

Father really had other things to talk about.

My friends, you are here, and it is of great happiness to me .Thank you a lot for coming .I wanted to ask you some other things .I am like you .I am working in this hospital every day .I am not happy with the way it is being run ؟Do you agree with me »

Varieties of al-batti and hatman were said by the three doctors. They started giving their own feedback and impressions, but spoke over each other, particularly Dr Nuri and Dr Shah, who both had a lot to say but no interest in giving the other a chance to speak. When Dr Nuri took a break to look at messages on her phone and Dr Shah asked Mother to get him some water, Dr Ahmedi made the first coherent suggestion.

It is the hospital beds that need to be replaced

Dr Nuri put her phone back in her purse and said « .Man baa shomaa movafeqam » She went on to explain, « .The woman are delivering babies in beds stained with blood .It is disgusting »

Dr Shah said « .There is also not enough space for the amount of patients we have »

Dr Ahmedi added « .Correct .There are more and more patients nowadays .We need to have ten beds in a room, not six »

Dr Shah bounced back « .But the rooms are small ؟How can we make space for more beds if the rooms are not big enough »

« .We will certainly not have funding to ask for any new construction inside the hospital » Father said. That was the old question which kept coming to his mind in the last few months: how would they get the funding for any of this?

Dr Nuri opined « .The hospital has plenty of rooms .It is a matter of how we use them .I have seen beds from Japan .They are smaller and more comfortable .We can fit more of them into a room »

« ؟But how will we afford beds from Japan »

« .The Japanese are generous .It is easy to apply for funding from their government »

Father was relieved Dr Nuri had indirectly answered the money question. They could try to get funding from other Asian countries that might want to help Iranians, like Japan or China, Russia or India. He knew nothing about the process of doing that, and all of the doctors he had invited were in their fifties. He doubted any of them had been through a grant-writing process at all. Perhaps he could try to befriend some of the younger doctors. There was also that nurse he almost saw as one of his own children, though he was not sure if she had that know-how.

Father imagined for a moment that Son were still living in Tehran, and what he could have done to help.

« ؟Do you think we should ask for a new X-ray machine »

This question was from Dr Shah, directed to Father. He answered, « .I think we can .Or I will say, we can consider asking .We have to remember that today we are only talking and getting ideas, and later when we meet we will know what to say .That is what I would like to see .I want to see ideas »

All of the doctors were staring at him, unsure of how to respond to such declarations.

Father clarified, « .Today we will say everything that comes to our heads .We will write a list » He motioned for Mother to bring one of his notebooks. « .I will read over the list and consider everything .We will think about the costs, and what is possible or appropriate .Then we will pitch the hospital, then try to find funding »

Suddenly, curiously, Dr Nuri smiled widely. « I agree » she said. A radiance was beaming from her face, under her headscarf. It was a sort of affirmation that Father felt he rarely got from his colleagues whenever he tried to make suggestions or share his own ideas. Normally, the doctors went about speaking as if Father was not there. the last time Father attempted one of these interjections in the hospital, it seemed no one had listened, going back to their rounds without paying his thoughts any attention, causing him to fall back into his usual silence.

Dr Nuri observed the confusion on Father’s face, and she remarked, « .It is rare for you to express your opinions like this »

Mother chirped in, « .When my husband is home, he sits and looks at his phone .He doesn’t even talk to me .This is even when I am talking at him »

Father had his reasons. It was really because Mother was complaining most of the time, about this relative or that neighbour, and Father had no opinions on the topic, or any reason to give any feedback.

Father explained, « .I want to see our hospital change .I have worked there for decades .Money is tight, and corruption is high, and we do what little we can .Other doctors say they will work on it, too many people promise improvements, but nothing gets done for years .I in fact want to do something »

Dr Ahmedi said, « .That is good and very respectable »

Dr Shah nodded along in politeness. Then his eyebrows furrowed, and he winced.

« .Actually, what you are saying is not true .I have noticed there is a lot to change .I think all of us have .But we have children to feed and salaries to live off on .No one has that the time to make a change .We are trying to survive, and that makes life busy »

It would have been easy to get agitated by his words. Dr Shah was implying that Father was of a class that allowed him the privilege of thinking about the world’s problems where he had no problems of his own, when in reality he had a mother of poor health, and a somewhat estranged son, and plenty of relatives who needed the earnings he had to divide his salary for. He wanted to make an effort because he was passionate and proud of his hospital, despite the amount of work it had demanded of him for decades, often at the cost of his relationship with his family.

Another question was coming to his mind. He pointed to the notebook in his hand with his pen and asked, « ؟You three, tell me: what else have you seen that demands change »

The doctors shared, one by one:

« … Well, we could certainly improve the conditions of the toilets »

« … We need new bedsheets and medical aprons »

« … I don’t like the brand of disposable thermometer we use .We can try to buy cheaper and from the Chinese »

« … The nurses are impossible to work with !We need to get them fired »

« … Women who work these types of jobs aren’t your slaves »

« .I said they worked badly .I didn’t say they were my slaves »

Father tried to annotate whatever he could and to whatever extent his wrinkled hands would let him. Within just ten minutes, there was enough to cover two full notebook pages. Some of the ideas would probably nowhere, but some of the demands were quite reasonable and easy to petition from the administration. And as they chattered, everyone was learning to get along. Dr Nuri and Dr Shah were starting to joke with each other. Dr Ahmedi’s smile relaxed the room.

Father excused himself for a bathroom break, closed the door, and looked in the mirror. He had to take a break to share a smile to himself that he didn’t want anyone else to see.

He was right to want to include the opinions of others rather than lead everything by himself. He didn’t want to just be paying lip service to an idea like Dr Safed; if he kept getting these doctors excited, and they started to get the doctors in their own social circles excited as well, then this could lead to more people demanding change. In time, they could form a group that would meet often and propose ideas that could become tangible.

It was all going so well. Father stared at himself in the mirror and never broke from his smile.

He was finally having the hope that something he was investing in could actually result in change.

The Immaculate Conception: Set In Macossa, Mozambique

January 30, 2023January 30, 2023 Kiran BhatTravel 0

The women, men, and children are seated as the pastor reads out his sermon to all within the walls of the mud brick church, and it is in the midst of this otherwise normal Sunday that a girl who looks to be around the age of seventeen comes inside and shouts.

« Pastor, tem de me ouvir. Te estou a dizer que estou grávida… »

Mother turns her head. She has her hair wrapped in a polka-dotted headscarf. She wears her day-to-day orange-and-grey dress. Her earrings chime as she flips her head to look behind. She feels self-conscious of the sound she has made in the house of God, but it is nothing compared to the loud interruption of this woman.

Light banners against the pastor, from the opening in the wall he is standing under.

The pastor speaks on as if he has not heard the intrusion.

« Aqui estamos com ele. Para ser salvo, em nome de Jesus…Aleluiah. »

« Amen » the congregation resounds.

The woman comes up to the front and shows her belly to the pastor.

« Pastor, look at what has happened. I said, I am pregnant! »

The hall, used as a church on Sundays, is quite cramped. The men and women who are in attendance are either sitting on the pews baked out of the mud or on plastic chairs that they have brought from outside. There is usually little distraction in such a closed space, and one can only remain fixed on the Holy Word for so long. It is natural that the men and women begin to murmur to themselves.

The pastor looks nowhere else except towards the entryway, from which light is peering through. He clutches his microphone and grows loud again. Without modulating his glare he says:

« Look, everyone, look. Witness this. Without having sex, this girl has become pregnant. »

The chatter of the men and women grow tenfold. The noise is almost like the ripple of a wave, overtaking the quiet of the village, until it crashes and causes everyone to stand. These men and women circle the girl and the pastor. The women are the first to have their interview. Some take the words of the pastor like gospel itself and praise the Lord for this miracle. Others ask the girl directly how she became pregnant, whom she was sleeping with, why she is interrupting their church to share the scandal. One of the oldest ones is already taking her hand and feeling up the woman’s skirt, testing her virginity, to see if it has been taken.

The girl has too many questions to answer. All she says is « It is the truth. I am pregnant, yes. »

The pastor interrupts before she can say anything else.

« It is a miracle, it is true. We are close to the birthday of Christ, and so God has blessed this village with our own Virgin Mary. Come, everyone. We must come together and pray. »

The pastor bows down his head and keeps his microphone close to his mouth.

« I confirm this knowing we are not far from God. We have been given this gift of a miracle because we are meant to be saved. It will be like fresh waters from the rivers. It will be like the sweetest of breads on our tongues. A new child has been born from God. Amen. »

« Amen » resound the churchgoers again, as does Mother. Mother feels the pleasant taste of spring water in the back of her throat, just like when she savours the taste of Portuguese-style breads. She was feeling perplexed before hearing the pastor, but now she looks at this girl and feels a sense of wonder and calm. The other men and women have come to the belly of the girl and are closing their eyes and praying. Some are saying blessings to the miracle, some are wishing this child good health, and others are repeating the prayers the pastor has already said.

When it is her turn, Mother comes up herself and puts a hand on the child’s belly. She sees the concern on the girl’s face but says, « What a blessing! You have been gifted an immaculate conception, sim! »

Mother is smiling because she wants the girl to smile.

The girl stares at the pastor, and says, « Estou grávida, sim… »

World’s Longest River Cruise Launched, Trip Costs Rs. 20 Lakhs

January 17, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi through video conferencing. 32 Swiss tourists are part of the the maiden journey to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh.

The PM inaugurated a ‘Tent City’, developed on the lines of similar setups in Gujarat’s Kutch and Rajasthan, on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Over 200 tents will offer tourists a panoramic view of the famed ghats of the holy city on the other side of the river along with live classical music, ‘aarti’ in the evening, and yoga sessions. He also laid the foundation for several inland waterways projects, worth over ₹ 1,000 crore.

“With this cruise, many places of eastern India will now figure in world tourism map… What can be more unfortunate that since Independence the banks of the Ganga did not develop and thousands of people living along the Ganges had to migrate for job,” the PM said.

MV Ganga Vilas is the first cruise vessel to be made in India. It will travel 3,200 km in 51 days. The 32 tourists from Switzerland, who will take the first journey, were welcomed at the Varanasi port with garlands and tunes of shehnai. They will visit various religious and historical places in Varanasi before setting out on the cruise.

The cruise’s Director Raj Singh told news agency PTI that this five-star moving hotel has 18 suites with the capacity of 36 tourists. Apart from this, it has accommodation for 40 crew members. The modernist ship is 62 meters in length and 12 meters wide and requires a draft of 1.4 meters.

It will take tourists across 27 river systems and will cruise through various prominent destinations. According to a statement from Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh issued in Lucknow, the cruise will cover 50 tourist destinations including world heritage sites, national parks, river ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Shahiganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Guwahati in Assam.

The cruise has also been fitted with facilities such as spa, salon, and gym. It will cost ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 50,000 a day, with the total cost for the 51-day journey totaling to around ₹ 20 lakh for each passenger, Raj Singh said. The cruise is equipped with a pollution-free system and noise control technology, he added.

There is a Sewage Treatment Plant on this cruise so that no sewage flows into the Ganges, as well as a filtration plant which purifies the Ganga water for bathing and other purposes, the cruise director said.

“The journey will give the foreign tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh,” Union Minister for Port Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal told news agency ANI.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticized the initiative. In a tweet in Hindi with a photograph of the cruise, Mr Yadav said, “Now will the BJP take away the jobs of the sailors as well? BJP’s policy of earning money by making religious places tourist sites is condemnable. People from all over the world come to experience the spiritual splendour of Kashi, not for luxury. BJP will no longer be able to cover the darkness of real issues with external glare.”

“India has everything that you can imagine. It has a lot beyond your imagination. India cannot be defined in words. It can only be experienced from the heart,” PM Modi said in his message for tourists.

Saudi Arabia To Invest $500 Billion To Build A Futuristic City In The Desert

January 17, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

A mega-city featuring flying cars, high-speed rail instead of roads, robot maids, a giant artificial moon, and a resort with multimillion-dollar palaces is the vision of the Saudi Arabian crown prince and prime minister, Muhammed Bin Salman (MBS).

Saudi Arabia is building a futuristic city in the middle of a vast desert— from scratch. A vital element of the country’s Vision 2030 plan, the project is the brainchild of Saudi’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS. The site covers an area of more than 10,000 square miles, about the same size as Massachusetts. And it could cost $500 billion to complete.

“So Mohammed bin Salman wants to project himself as a liberal leader within the conservative royal family in Saudi Arabia,” Ali Dogan, research fellow at the Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient institute, told CNBC in an interview. “Neom is a mega project seen in Saudi Arabia and the young Saudi population as part of this liberalization process.”

The Neom project is far from without controversy, though. Critics say it’s another attempt by the crown prince to improve his image after U.S. intelligence officials concluded he was behind the 2018 killing of journalist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi. It also is being seen by some as a way to distract attention from Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

The Saudi government has run into several challenges which keep pushing the project completion date further into the future, leading some to question the feasibility of Neom. One of the issues stalling construction is financing and cost. In 2020, foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia increased to $5.4 billion, despite the pandemic; however, this figure is down from 2010 when foreign investment inflows totaled nearly $16 billion. Attracting potential investors is crucial to financing such a large project. There are also concerns about the cost of Neom being much greater than the original budgeted cost. The Saudi government planned to acquire two uninhabited islands from Egypt to create an island resort, and the estimated cost for this bridge alone was nearly $125 billion.

Naturally, many people are critical of MBS’s plans to build a new mega-city in the desert. One of the biggest issues critics have had is that this investment would be better spent on existing cities and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The former Saudi Arabian monarch, King Abdullah, planned on building a megaproject on the Red Sea to be a new financial and trading center called the King Abdullah Economic Center. In 2005, this city was intended to have a population of millions. This project is also a decade behind schedule and only has a population of thousands as opposed to the anticipated millions of people. Many critics have cited this failed project as why Saudi Arabia should instead invest in improving its infrastructure in existing cities.

The biggest criticism of Neom is the forced relocation of the Howeitat tribespeople. The proposed site for Neom is on land that 20,000 tribespeople have lived on for centuries. In recent years, the government has evicted people from the area, usually with the help of the Saudi armed forces. Often, these evictions are met with resistance by the Howeitat tribespeople. In 2020, three tribespeople were arrested and sentenced to death for resisting their relocation. Additionally, another man, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, was fatally shot for protesting the government’s eviction orders. These events highlight another concern that potential investors have with the project, that being the Saudi Arabian justice system. Planning documents reveal that in Neom, all judges will be selected and appointed by the king himself.

Additionally, Neom plans to utilize AI and facial recognition technologies to monitor its inhabitants. While Neom is claiming that laws will be based on best practices in business and economic law, incidents like these, as well as those such as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, make potential international investors hesitant to support this ongoing project. These plans still have a long way to go, and perhaps attitudes will change as the project continues to develop.

14 January, 2023: The Life Behind a Story

January 17, 2023February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

set in Desaguadero, Peru, from Son’s perspective

If I am going to try to tell this story, I am going to have to be brave. He is gone now. I have nothing to fear. But Desaguadero is a very small town, and he can find me easily. I am sure he is already combing the streets, looking for any excuse to go out of his way to kill me.

The location of this story is Desaguadero. The town is on a little bit of land connecting Peru to Bolivia right on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It is not a particularly scenic location. All of the houses look like hovels eternally being expanded on, and whatever viewpoints thrust out into the lake are blocked by these architectural obstructions. It doesn’t help that the protests have completely stalled the city. The protestors have dug up the road into the city, making it impossible to go anywhere or do anything. As for the people who have to live here, they are no longer going to work. They are just standing about, looking to get into a fight with anyone who looks disagreeable to them.

Crime is the result of a lack of opportunities. Crime is the result of a lack of options.

That is how the life of Francisco, or Paco, was born.Paco, a short man with spiky straight hair. Paco, a man of brown jeans and dusty shirts. Paco, born and raised in the suburbs of Puno… the suburbs of Cusco, in the centre of Desaguadero. He knew nothing about life except that life was a game and he was dealt the losing hand. There was a lot of abuse from his mother and father, there was a lot of anger directed towards him for no other reason other that his parents didn’t know any better. There was no one to help him remember the positivities of life. And so the only feeling that came to slit into his eyes was a constant sort of anger, that made him feel that anything he did was justified, and he deserved to hurt others. And so hurt others he did…

What am I writing? I hope he never reads this… it sounds like I am out to slander him.

Though with what he did to me I should be filing a police report instead of sitting in my hotel room typing like this.

I said what I said, and I must commit to what I said I will do. I was not trying to lie when I told him I was a writer. I have been working these days as an English teacher, but I have also worked in many different fields over the course of my life, all to hide from my one true desire: to create something, a piece of art that could only come from myself. I tried acting and it didn’t get me anywhere. I tried directing but all I got was jealousy from seeing average talents work hard and become big stars. Writing has been the thing I’ve been trying to do since I was a teen. Scribbling little thoughts, jotting in a notebook when I get bored, imagining stories for the thrill of it. None of it led to anything significant because I was just writing for the sake of trying.

Now I have something I must write, and yet none of it is coming out of me organically.

How can I begin to even consider what life is like for a Peruvian in one of these small towns, when I’ve only been here for a week?

The cold metal against my sideburn on an otherwise balmy day. The sound of the anxious waves crashing against the land. Thick sunlight.

That is what my experience was like. That is how I know Desaguadero. There have been some protests

against some political leader that have completely stalled the country. I don’t know the politician’s name. I don’t know why people are so angry. I’m just a traveller who has had my entire itinerary upended due to political events outside of my control. Of course being stuck in a small town with no way of getting out, it makes sense I would get bored. To make myself feel like I was doing something with my life I started taking walks in random directions, thinking that nothing bad had happened to me so far, so nothing bad was going to happen at all.

What is the reason why people want to kill or rob others?

I suppose I wouldn’t know, because I’ve never lived a life in which I was taught that to do such things is a necessity.

If I had stayed in Bolivia, I would have been revelling in the beauty of Lake Titicaca right now. Copacabana is like a version of Crete made by the Incas. Amantani feels like pure old country, untouched my modern life except for all the tourists who are camping out there. The weather is a little chilly so one needs one of those wool sweaters to feel comfortable. But all around are the expanses of a lake big enough to rival an ocean. There are stout wrinkled women walking about with their grandchildren, goats chewing under the most clay-shaped looking of hills, sun-kissed earth waiting to be savoured.

I chose to travel to Peru thinking I’d soon be seeing Arequipa, and Cusco, and instead I’ve gotten stranded here, in a town with nothing to offer. I should have been listening to the travel advisories. I should have stayed in La Paz until the political situation improved.

I felt a gust outside my window, and when I went to close it, I felt like there were eyes leering at me.

Could he really be waiting for me to finish my story, so that he can come take a look at it?

Desaguadero is only a few streets big. He must know where I’m staying. Not to mention given how long the protests have been going on for, I’m not going to be able to leave in the near future. I could be stuck here for many more weeks.

He could kill me, and with all the ruckus that is happening, people would think I just went missing.

I have to breathe. Or I have to go out and tell the police.

I should tell this damn story.

Paco Julio de la Santacruz was an angry lonely man. He grew up with a lot of poverty and abuse and that caused him to hate people abnormally. He saw foreigners as all the same no matter if they were white or brown, British or Filipino. They were rich people coming to his poor part of the world, and he had no regard for their life. He had a desperate and pathetic life that caused him to act out in violence. This is why he spotted out this particular fag, saw him as a weak and easy target, and threatened his life so that he could get him to empty his wallet.

I’m going to cry. This is not because my story is any good. This is because there’s a real story I have to tell before I can go anywhere with this.

I will write the truth for myself and leave it on the page. I can always delete it after I finish writing the actual story I’m trying to tell.

I was walking on the highway promenading towards what I thought was going to lead to one of an untouched viewpoint of the lake. It did ultimately lead to something like that. There were settlements here or there, but there were also people fishing, cleaning their clothes, and bathing. The pearly milky colour of the water shimmered as the weeds caught in the still shivered in the breeze. It was a stunning sight to behold. If I had been able to explore it without any further interruption I would have told myself I had found myself a proper treasure off the beaten path, one that required much more proper uncovering later on.

Except on the way back to my hotel I heard some footsteps. And when I finally got the sense to turn around the scuffles became fast paced. Soon there was a gun to my head and a hand covering my mouth.

He said something to me, but I don’t know how to speak Spanish. When I realised that he started shouting to me in English.

Money! Money!

I knew what that meant. I gave him all that I had. But he kept shouting it.

Money! Money!

I really had nothing left. I had to take out my wallet and show it. He didn’t like something about that. He slapped me with the gun.

Tonto…

I knew enough Spanish to know he was calling me an idiot. But then he was talking so quickly, he was slurring the words around like a drunk, and more importantly he had that venomous angry look of a murderer in his eyes.

He was going to kill me.

Immediately I started crying. He didn’t know a lick of English but I had to say what I was on my mind.

Please don’t kill me. I have so much more in my life to give. You can take my money, you can take my belongings, but don’t take my life. I haven’t done any of the things that I have aspired for myself. You see sir I’m a writer. There’s a story inside of me. Deep down I know it. But I haven’t taken the time to write it yet. So if you kill me there goes my story. I’m not the only one who is gone. Everything I wanted to create is gone as well. So don’t kill me please. Por favor.

Whatever I said was probably completely muffled by his hand. Nonetheless saying something with so much anxiety anguished something inside of him. He uncovered my mouth, only to wrap his arm around my chest, and to put his gun against my chin. I had the feeling that at any moment he was going to pull the trigger.

So suddenly I said the following.

Sir, if you don’t kill me, I will tell your story. I will write about you. I will tell the entire world about all of the things you have gone through. I will make sure that the person you are becomes recorded in history. That’s the least I can do for you. Please let me live sir. Please let me live so I can tell the world your story.

Again, I was talking to a person who knew nothing of English. Again I was talking to a man who was most likely insane and ready to kill.

And yet something about it worked. I don’t know if it were divine intervention or a change in my chances, but the feeling in the air pacified. He pushed me off away from him and started taking a long look at me. When I looked like I was about to speak he pointed that gun again and shouted at me. Of course I ran. I ran and I ran and I got back into my hotel and I shot up to the third floor and I locked the door to my room twice and I shut every window and I hid in the bathroom, and he wasn’t there. He had left me in peace so that I could go write.

Of course now I have no money in my wallet, and the people at reception keep knocking as if they are wondering when I’ll finally tell them what disturbed me to this extent. At some point I’ll tell them.

But for now I have to write this story. My life depends on it.

India To Issue E-Passport To Citizens From Next Year

January 4, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration, Travel 0

The Ministry of External Affairs gave this information to the Standing Committee of Parliament in response to its action in this matter. The Ministry informed that National Informatics Center (NIC) and National Informatics Center Services Inc. (NICSI) have submitted various project proposals to the Ministry which include Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), Commercial and Draft Agreements.

As per the report, the total estimated expenditure for launching the e-passport project by NIC is Rs 268.67 crore. This is mainly in terms of creation of information and technology infrastructure for issuing e-passports.

This was stated in the Action Taken Report by the Government on the Recommendations contained in the Twelfth Report of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs on ‘Demands for Grants of the Ministry of External Affairs for 2022-23’ in the Lok Sabha.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, it will take six months from the date of approval of the proposal received by the Ministry from NICSI to prepare the e-passport related arrangements under the Detailed Project Report (DPR). It has been said that after the planning framework is prepared, the ministry will get third party audit done, after which the issuance of e-passports to the citizens will be started.

The ministry told the parliamentary committee that “an estimated expenditure of Rs 268.67 crore would be incurred on this over a period of seven years.” The Ministry will be able to manage the e-passport project in the allocated amount. Rs 130.58 crore in the first year, Rs 25.03 crore in the second year, Rs 25.03 crore in the third year, Rs 25.03 crore in the fourth year under the project, according to the report of the committee headed by Bharatiya Janata Party MP PP Choudhary tabled in Parliament on Thursday. Rs, Rs 25.03 crore in the fifth year, Rs 24.46 crore in the sixth year and Rs 13.51 crore in the seventh year.

The parliamentary committee said it welcomes the fact that the ministry will be able to manage the e-passport project every year from its allocated funds without any cuts, but it needs to ensure that the desired funds are released every year.

3 January, 2023: The Gas Leak set in Georgetown, Guyana

January 4, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Smelly sweet sweat is all over that man’s brows. He sitting over in the break room. Father. The doctor man. The man sitting on that plush red chair made for Americans. The life saver. The patient grandchild favourite. That is Father. He is the one all the other doctors in that room like to forget. They like to eat their buns, they like to stash an extra banana in their lab coat, they like to turn on the cricket match keeping it loud, keeping it at a blast. And in the meantime they are bantering.

‘When yuh a go Trinidad fuh holiday?’

‘I gun go next week. Yuh wan come wid me?’

‘Man, I dun tell ya I was deh last week. This is why I was asking. I need ya to send something over there.’

‘Something for your wife, or for that woman ya slamming?’

‘Hah-hah-hah-hah.’

‘Hey, hey . . . hey!’

The Father man ain’t listening. Father got his ten minutes to get his drink and that is that. He just finished looking at a patient with a bad case of the food poisoning, leaving his splattering all over the toilet for the janitors to clean.

He is feeling his own stirring in the stomach thinking about it. He could use something refreshing, but there’s no time to guzzle Cokes. He has to finish his break.

One of the senior men is talking to one of the other senior man. Five years back there was senior man and senior man and senior man and senior man. One by one they are retiring. Now this senior man and that senior man are the only ones that were there when Father was starting at the hospital.

When was the last time he gave a greeting? Father is about to say hello to them, but someone comes bustling in.

‘Get out!’ he shouts.

Which causes everyone to pause. ‘Hey, hey, what’s going on?’

‘Gas leak,’ the man says. Everyone is looking serious as serious can be. The man says, ‘Move,’ and everyone listens. They leave and go downstairs. Father is following the line but can’t help looking at patients’ rooms that he is passing. They are empty. Who’s that someone who is clearing them?

They go downstairs and all the patients, they are already there. There are the cast-wearing men and women and then there are the wheelchair-stuck-in men and women and there are the random standing men and women. Father joins the doctors and the nurses. It is like a mob is outside of the hospital. And it is nothing like how the street does look normally. Normally these streets are empty.

The administration is coming out and the doctors are asking them questions.

‘Marlon, Marlon, ya hear?’

“Marlon, Marlon, ya tell me, what is this madness?’

‘Marlon, my patient is goin’ to die if he out like this.’

Marlon is on the phone or pretending to be. There are seven doctors shouting at him and Marlon does not address a single one of them.

Father is in another group of doctors standing with their arms crossed around their chests.

Father overhears one of the patients say, ‘It is like this hospital is Hell.’

This is not a kind thing to say and it is not a kind thing to hear. But Father sees how most of the nurses are already on their phones and Father sees it with some of the doctors as well. It is like they are getting a free break and that is all they are thinking of.

Father has seen a gas leak like this happen before, and it is like how Father once heard a rumour of how a doctor gave his patient insulin and caused him to have a cardiac arrest.

That is the doctor right in front of Father, playing Candy Crush.

And what about that petition Dr White was making them sign?

They were asking for more hospital computers, and yet they’re still writing all the records out by hand.

Or there were these medicines that the doctors visiting from America gave to their patients, but the ones that they were prescribing were many years expired. There was the need for that new CAT scan machine, there was a whole lot of need for better surgical equipment.

Almost two years it had been, and not a single thing had come about from this document that a good hundred doctors signed.

There’s all this blathering, coming from some of the patients and some of the doctors.One of the doctors is defending Marlon.

‘Now, now, listen. This isn’t all the fault of that one man. He already done nuff ting for our hospital. And y’all talking about some petition like is some gospel but y’all nah ah go to dem patient on time.’

A doctor says in defense of himself: ’I go to every patient and ask how their day is. Not like them nurses who don’t stand for ten minutes without complaining for a chair.’

And now a nurse says in defence of herself: ’A chair? We ten nurses sitting a desk when dey only have six chairs… and five a we crowd around at table which can only hold three . We don’t sleep in de day, we listen to every man complain.

‘This is different from a doctor ya say?’

‘Ya thinking it ain’t different, but it is. Ya just need to take a look at the pay cheque and sit back.’

‘The pay cheque?’

‘Yes, the pay cheque.’ Another nurse with blonde braids chirps in: ‘Twelve years done since I working at dis hospital.’ She takes a break to show off her name tag. ‘Twelve years. And I know what I am getting paid.’

Another doctor starts at it again: ‘Ya listen to this…’

At this point the nurses and doctors are spitting words back to back, pointing fingers, forgetting who they were mad at in the first place.

Marlon puts his fingers to his mouth like he is fixing to whistle, but he keeps his two fingers at lips, because he knows what will happen if he calms them down really. In the meantime the Father man is quiet because being quiet is what he likes to be.

The Father man doesn’t like to be a conflict man. The Father man likes to keep to himself and let everything happen and then go back to the work he tells himself he is supposed to be doing.

Why does the Father man speak up out of nowhere?

‘Ya all stop and listen here. Ya can’t stop blaming this on this person or that. The gas leak is one thing out of many. We are using hospital bed from the eighties. We have patients who are dying from our own neglect. We all have to be working hard. If change has to come, change is what we have to be starting.’

The Father man feels like his legs are wobbling, the Father man feels like he is about to lose the breath in this chest. The Father man is becoming the warrior man, the Kofi kind of man.

The Father man might be changing but the Father man is thought by everyone as the passive man because that is how the Father man was thought of by the other men. The police cars are coming and the fire truck is coming and Marlon is leaving. He goes says something to the police. The firemen march into the building. The men and the women start talking about other things.

‘So, how ya missus doing?’

‘So, when ya go ta Port of Spain ya got ta change ya clothes so no one know who ya with.’

‘I’m getting hungry. Ya want a bake an saltfish?’

It is like no one even heard what Father said. It is like no one even felt like listening. That is normal for Father man. For decades in and decades out he has been that man no one listens to. Soon the fireman comes and says the gas leak has been fixed. Soon the doctors and nurses and patients are going back in. It is normal for them that things go wrong in Georgetown, and they are fine now that it is getting fixed.

But the Father man said what the Father man said and the Father man mean it.

Another minute done pass, and another minute done gone, and Father’s legs aren’t moving.

India Enhances Covid Surveillance After Surge In China

December 23, 2022January 1, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, Travel 0

India Will Randomly Test International Visitors For COVID-19

In the wake of Covid-19 surge in China and elsewhere abroad, the Union government has laid out a number of steps to be taken by the state governments, Union territory (UT) administrations, and the general public.

The government has instructed states to ensure genome sequencing of all positive cases in the country. India has begun randomly testing international passengers arriving at its airports for COVID-19, the country’s health minister said, citing an increase in cases in neighboring China.

India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has asked the public to wear masks and maintain social distancing, even though there are no official mandates for either. India had relaxed its mask-wearing rules earlier this year after coronavirus cases began dropping sharply. It has reported the most COVID-19 cases in the world since the pandemic began, but confirmed infections have fallen sharply in the past few months.

He has also asked state governments to step up efforts to curb any possible spread during the Christmas and New Year festivities. India witnessed two deadly waves of Covid in 2020 and 2021, but has seen low infection levels this year.

According to government data, the country reports roughly 1,200 Covid cases every week. Over 2.2 billion Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far.

On Tuesday, the federal government asked states to send Covid samples of all positive patients to labs runs by INSACOG, a forum under the health ministry which studies and monitors various strains of Covid in India.

The move came amid growing concerns over the spread of Covid in China following the recent easing of strict lockdown measures. Hospitals and medical facilities in China have come under increasing strain as those who’ve tested positive at home seek medical support.

In a letter to all states, federal health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said it was important to track new variants through genome sequencing due to the “sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China”.

This would help authorities detect newer variants and take measures to contain them, he said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met senior officials to review the situation and step up surveillance. India was one of the worst affected countries during the first two waves of Covid. Millions were affected and more than 530,000 people died, according to official figures.

But experts believe the real number of Covid deaths was likely to be much higher as many cases people who died were not tested or reported into official figures. The government had also come under heavy criticism for its poor preparation during the second wave in the summer of 2021 as many people died due to lack of oxygen and critical medicines.

Mandaviya said the Indian government has no plans yet to halt flights from countries where new cases have been reported. The increase in cases in China has also prompted Indian health experts to issue advisories for the public to wear face masks and receive vaccine booster doses.

India’s top doctors’ body, the Indian Medical Association, also appealed to people to wear masks in all public places and get vaccine boosters. It urged people to avoid public gatherings such as weddings, political and social meetings, and international travel. “As of now, the situation is not alarming and therefore there is no need to panic. Prevention is better than cure,” it said in a statement.

When Covid-19 broke out in China in late 2019, its government played down its seriousness despite the rising hospital occupancy. This lack of transparency from the Chinese side kept the rest of the world ignorant of the impending pandemic. Three years later, China is again ‘not revealing’ the true scale of Covid-19 surge in the country. And a pandemic-hit world is concerned.

India, a country of nearly 1.4 billion people, has administered more than 2.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, but only 27% of the population has received a third booster dose.

To Make It Modern And Friendly, Air India Orders 500 Jets

December 15, 2022 Staff ReporterBusiness, Travel 0

(Reuters) – Air India is close to placing landmark orders for as many as 500 jetliners worth tens of billions of dollars from both Airbus and Boeing as it carves out an ambitious renaissance under the Tata Group conglomerate, industry sources said on Sunday.

The orders include as many as 400 narrow-body jets and 100 or more wide-bodies, including dozens of Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s and 777s, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity as finishing touches are placed on the mammoth deal in coming days.

Such a deal could top $100 billion dollars at list prices, including any options, and rank among the biggest by a single airline in volume terms, overshadowing a combined order for 460 Airbus and Boeing jets from American Airlines over a decade ago. Even after significant expected discounts, the deal would be worth tens of billions of dollars and cap a volatile year for an industry whose jets are back in demand after the pandemic but which is facing mounting industrial and environmental pressures.

Airbus and Boeing declined to comment. Tata Group-owned Air India did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The potential order comes days after Tata announced the merger of Air India with Vistara, a joint-venture with Singapore Airlines, to create a bigger full-service carrier and strengthen its presence in domestic and international skies. That deal gives Tata a fleet of 218 aircraft, cementing Air India as the country’s largest international carrier and second largest in the domestic market after leader IndiGo Air India, with its maharajah mascot, was once known for its lavishly decorated planes and stellar service but its reputation declined in the mid-2000s as financial troubles mounted.

Founded by JRD Tata in 1932, Air India was nationalised in 1953. Tata regained control in January and has since been working to revive its reputation as a world-class airline. The planned order reflects a deliberate strategy to win back a solid share of traffic flows to and from India, which are currently dominated by foreign carriers such as Emirates.

Air India also wants to win a bigger share of regional international traffic and the domestic market, setting up a battle on both fronts with IndiGo. Delivered over at least a decade, the 500 jets would both replace and expand fleets in the world’s fastest-growing airline market, while contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of expanding the economy to $5 trillion.

But experts warn many hurdles stand in the way of Air India’s ambition to recover a strong global position, including frail domestic infrastructure, pilot shortages and the threat of tough competition with established Gulf and other carriers.

1st Tourism Track Meeting Of G20 Planned In Gujarat

December 6, 2022February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The inaugural G20 Sherpa meeting will take place in Rajasthan’s Udaipur area during the first week of December.

The maiden meeting under the tourism track of the G20 conference is scheduled to be held in late January or early February 2023 at Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh announced on Friday. As India takes over G20 leadership on December 1, the bloc has scheduled more than 200 meetings across various Indian cities.

As India hosts the G20 summit, sustainability will be one of the main priorities, according to Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh. The senior was speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event at the UN House.

Udaipur district of Rajasthan will host the first meeting of G20 in the first week of December. The meeting of the G20 Sherpa will be the first of the meetings of G20 in India, an official said. The city has started the preparations with paintings on the walls depicting Indian culture and lighting up the heritage sites of the city.

The first meeting under the tourism track will be held in late January or early February in Rann of Kutch. “The second meeting (in this category) will be held in Siliguri, the third one in Srinagar, and the fourth one in Goa,” Singh added.

The tourism secretary told reporters that the preparations for the G20 meetings are “absolutely on track”.

He took part in a roundtable conference on Sustainable Tourism which was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the UN House. The roundtable conference brought together industry leaders, important stakeholders, participants from the environmental conservation sector, and NGOs to discuss a way forward.

The event was held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) and was in alignment with the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and aims to increase engagement and participation of industry stakeholders in developing the sustainability of the tourism sector. Arvind Singh further added that it’s high time that India takes the leadership position in responsible tourism.

Canada To Strengthen Visa Processing Capacity In Delhi, Chandigarh

December 2, 2022 Staff ReporterImmigration, Travel 0

As a Pacific nation, Canada constituted an ambitious plan, which initially provides for an investment of nearly $2.3 billion over the next five years as it recognises that the Indo-Pacific region will play an important and fundamental role in Canada’s future.

To foster greater diversity among those seeking to work and study in Canada, the government will invest in strengthening the visa processing capacity within the centralised Canadian network as well as in New Delhi and Chandigarh.

Each issue of importance to Canadians such as national security, economic prosperity, respect for international law and human rights, democratic values, public health and environmental protection will be defined by the relations that Canada and its partners maintain with the countries of the Indo-Pacific, an official statement said.

Decisions made in the region will affect Canadians for generations, and Canada absolutely must play an active role.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malanie Joly on Sunday launched Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy presents a comprehensive roadmap to deepen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next 10 years, increasing its contribution to regional peace and security, consolidating economic growth and resilience, strengthening close ties between its people and supporting sustainable development throughout the region.

The central principle of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is that Canada acts for its national interests, while defending its values. The Strategy positions Canada as a reliable partner for the region, now and in the future. It constitutes an ambitious plan, which initially provides for an investment of nearly $2.3 billion over the next five years, said the statement.

This whole-of-society strategy outlines how Canada intends to work actively with its allies and partners to shape the region’s future in the context of global generational change.

To promote Canada’s regional peace and security interests, the government will invest more than $720 million. This investment includes, among other things: $492.9 million to strengthen Canada’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific and increase Canadian Armed Forces’ participation in regional military exercises; and $47.3 million to launch a new interdepartmental initiative to build the cybersecurity capacities of selected regional partners.

To foster open, rules-based trade and support the country’s economic prosperity, Canada will invest $240.6 million. This investment includes, among other things: $24.1 million to create the Canadian Southeast Asia Trade Gateway to expand Canada’s business and investment networks in the region; $31.8 million to establish Canada’s first agricultural office in the region to increase and diversify agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific; and $13.5 million to expand natural resource linkages with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region in the areas of trade, investment, and science, technology and innovation.

To strengthen the close ties between Canadians and the people of the Indo-Pacific, Canada will contribute $261.7 million.

This investment includes, among other things: $100 million to fund development programmes related to the Feminist International Assistance Policy to support the Indo-Pacific; $74.6 million to strengthen Canada’s visa processing capacity within the centralised Canadian network as well as in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Islamabad and Manila, to strengthen the close ties between its people.

As part of its commitment to building a clean future, Canada has pledged a total of $913.3 million. This investment includes, among other things: $750 million will strengthen FinDev Canada’s ability to expand into the Indo-Pacific and accelerate its work in priority markets to support the development of high-quality and sustainable infrastructure; and $84.3 million to contribute to a healthier marine environment in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes strengthened measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

To strengthen its presence, visibility and influence in the region, Canada has pledged a total of $143.3 million. This investment includes, among other things: $92.5 million to significantly increase the capacity of Canada’s missions abroad and within Global Affairs Canada; $24.5 million for the opening of a new Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada office in the region to help build and strengthen relationships with local partners.

“The future of the Indo-Pacific is ours; we have a role to play in shaping it. To this end, we must be a genuine and reliable partner. Today we are presenting a truly Canadian strategy — one that addresses every aspect of our society. This strategy sends a clear message: Canada is present in the region and it is here to stay,” said Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to investment to strengthen visa processing capacity, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said, “The Indo-Pacific region is critical for immigration to Canada and will continue to be so in the future.”

“Today’s announcement brings significant new funding to strengthen Canada’s visa processing capacity at home and abroad. As we anticipate record growth in admissions in the years to come, this funding will help foster greater diversity among those seeking to work and study in Canada.” (IANS)

Vistara To Merge With Air India

December 2, 2022 Staff ReporterBusiness, Travel 0

In a major consolidation in the Indian aviation space, Tata group has announced the merger of Vistara with Air India. Vistara started flying in January 2015. Tata group owns a 51% stake in Vistara, and the remaining 49% shareholding is with Singapore Airlines. Pursuant to the deal, Singapore Airlines will have 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India group. The proposed deal is expected to be complete by March 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.

Vistara airlines will be merged with Tata-owned Air India by March 2024, the company announced last week. Singapore Airlines, which owns minority share in Vistara in its joint venture with Tata, will own around 25 per cent of the enlarged Air India, into which it’ll infuse over ₹ 2,000 crore.

The rearrangement will mean a larger fleet and more routes under the Air India brand as Tata Sons rebuilds a mega aviation wing of its empire. At present, 51 per cent share in Vistara is with Tata, while Singapore Airlines owns the remaining 49 per cent in the join venture set up in 2013.

Since Tata bought Air India for ₹ 18,000 crore as part of a government disinvestment around a year ago, the plan has been to merge all its aviation brands under that name.

For Vistara, the two owners “aim to complete the merger by March 2024, subject to regulatory approvals”, said a Singapore Airlines release. Tata also owns low-cost carriers Air India Express and AirAsia India, both of which will be merged under the Air India brand, too, by 2024.

This will take the fleet size to 218, putting togetaher Air India’s 113 with AirAsia India’s 28, Vistara’s 53, and Air India Express’s 24. It will then be India’s largest international carrier and second largest domestic carrier, Tata Sons said.

Reports have also said it is likely to order 300 narrow-body jets, one of the largest orders ever in aviation history, which would be delivered gradually. Air India’s chief executive officer had said that it aims to triple its fleet of 113 over the next five years.

This is a big step towards the Tatas rebuilding Air India, a company founded by the family-run group but later nationalised, only to come back to Tata Sons after losses piled up and the government decided it’s best to sell it off.

“As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance,” the company release quoted Tata Sons chairperson N Chandrasekaran as saying.

6CommentsGoh Choon Phong, the chief executive of Singapore Airlines, said, “Our collaboration to set up Vistara in 2013 resulted in a market-leading full-service carrier, which has won many global accolades in a short time. With this merger, we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Tata and participate directly in an exciting new growth phase in India’s aviation market.”

Set in Lagos, Nigeria

December 2, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

It was the lunch hour, and as always Father had to determine where he was going to sit. The canteen and its tables were as crowded as the halls of the hospital itself. Though the hospital he worked for was private, and therefore modern in comparison to the ones maintained by the government, it was also not particularly big, just two storeys, and gated like any of the other residences on Bourdillon Road.

It had to be that the only table with a single chair available was the one at which Dr White was sitting. Father and Dr White weren’t friends. Father saw Dr White surrounded by the suck-ups he always had around him and knew the last thing he wanted to hear was them spew rants on Nigerian politics and football.

But Dr White saw that Father was standing there idly, not knowing where he could sit to eat, and he patted the plush of the chair next to him. ‘Come. You sit here.’

So Father sat, and had to greet each and every one of them with a little smile and ‘how is everything?’ They reciprocated with smiles but didn’t say much. Now that he was seated, Father let himself become comfortable. He broke his hand into his spiced chicken, mixed a bit of it into his jollof rice, and let the steam stir in his mouth as he fed himself.

The vibe at the table was odd for how these men normally behaved. They were all busy eating quietly, opening up their agidis or sliming up their hands with amala doused in ewedu. Father was used to seeing Dr White and his friends cackling loudly, talking to each other with the sort of camaraderie that he would see among the boys in his days in the village, fondly in arms with each other. It was all so bereft of the charm and pull that Dr White normally brought to the table, flashing the wide-toothed grin he was infamous for.

Father asked, ‘It is strange. Why is it that you are so quiet today?’

Dr White looked at him, as did all of the other doctors at the table. Father realised that the question he thought he had kept at the back of his head was actually voiced out loud. He felt deeply embarrassed, for he rarely did that. He usually even scolded his wife for being so quick to say things without thinking about whether a person wanted to hear it.

The surprise at the very least was temporary. Dr White noticed he was being engaged, and whenever he was engaged, he was quick. He put on that grin, he smiled also with his eyes. He asked, ‘Abaeze, my friend. It has been long since we have talked. How have you been?’

To be honest, Father did not feel comfortable with the question. This was because he had a lot to say in response, but he didn’t want to share such things to a relative stranger like Dr White. For example, he had a mother out in the mangroves of Delta State, whose back had healed enough so that she could somewhat stand, but walking was difficult. Inflation was a horror, and Father was the only person in his family who earned. Not to mention the crime in Lagos, which affected their suburban house in Banana Island as it did the shanty towns of Ilaje or Agege.

Father doubted that Dr White really wanted to hear his thoughts on any of this. He also had other things on his mind during this fifteen-minute break carved into an otherwise busy day; he was remembering in particular the patient he was in the middle of seeing, a sweet Igbo lady who was developing emphysema. Her lungs were starting to fill with mucus, and it could be fatal given her age. Father was wondering what the best medications would be for her. So Father said, ‘I am doing well, thank you for asking,’ and left it at that, in the hopes that he could eat his chicken and think in peace.

Dr White smiled. Father noticed it was now a quiet smile, with his lips curving upward, rather than his typically wider and aggressive grin. Father was not used to the diffidence. He tried to get back to his meal and his reflections, but he felt unsatisfied in what he had said to the table. It was far too polite, too flavourless.

He wanted to say something in that moment.

What he came up with was quite random.

‘Age is a funny thing. It will do us all in. It is worse than any disease.’

One of the doctors, a bald man with huge glasses, gave a nod. So did another, who had a wide, curly bush of grey hair on his head. The bald doctor said, ‘It is nice to see how technology is advancing. I think people of my grandchildren’s age, they will not know death. They will live infinitely.’

The doctor with the greying bush of hair laughed. ‘Ha-ha. Infinite life. There is not electricity for most of the day. And you are telling me we will have android children. You are watching too many movies, my friend.’

Another doctor said out of the blue, ‘He is watching too much Nollywood, that is it,’ and they all laughed, even Father.

The doctor with the glasses defended himself. ‘There is a lot of precedent you are misunderstanding. You must read more American books to know fully. They are doing a lot to advance technology there. And it will be like anything else. It will come to Nigeria.’

To the rich and powerful, if it does, was what Father thought, but he did not say it out loud. All of them qualified to be in that class, living in the best parts of Lekki and Ikoyi, and not a single person there wanted to be indicted for it.

Another doctor at the table said, ‘With climate change coming as fast as it is, with the inflation killing all of our wallets, I will be surprised if anything lasts another ten years.’

The table grew silent. Something of what he said brought down a dark and pressing spirit. There was a collective sense that the world wasn’t moving in the direction that the people of their class and generation had thought it would. There was a sense that all of their early beliefs in moving upwards and making things as rich and big and fancy as possible for a city like Lagos wasn’t going to provide the comfort they had expected in their later lives.

Father was almost done with his meal, but he was getting curious about something that this conversation reminded him of.

‘Hey, Dr White, let me say something. You have been telling us about all these new gadgets and equipment, you were going to ask the board to give us this, give us that. And we all signed something about it. So now, it has been almost a year, or longer than a year. And I don’t see any new equipment. What is happening?’

Dr White said, with his teeth pinching together, ‘Did you not just listen to everyone?’

Father said, ‘No one said anything about the petition. That is why I am asking.’

Dr White pressed, ‘No, did you hear what they said? There is inflation, there are a lot of problems that are everywhere but also in Nigeria. We do have the generators working every day. But now you are asking if we can have new equipment?’

‘Because you had promised that last year.’

‘Because that was last year, and things are changing.’

That was all fair and well, Father thought, and quite understandable. But what surprised Father was not what Dr White said, but how he was saying it. There was none of his usual charm or charisma. Dr White was speaking directly, and not holding any of his true feelings back. It almost felt like how a steamroller went across freshly melted pavement—the words suavely rolled across their trajectory, and yet they burned on impact. Even the other doctors were looking away. Father got the sense that they were not in the habit of Dr White showing emotion that wasn’t artificially pleasant.

Dr White looked at his tray of bones and napkins, and he stood to throw it away. When he returned, the decorum came back for a moment. He looked at each doctor in the eye, said some words of departure, and summated overall, ‘That was a good chat. I look forward to talking more some other day.’

The doctors gave their nods, said their goodbyes, and continued to talk about the petition even though Dr White had long left, announcing their agreement with him. Not a single one gave Father any more of their time or words. They were not friends, and it had been that way for decades.

Father sensed that something about Dr White was changing. Father had known the man for decades. He was quick to gregariously show off around others, in an effort to feign closeness to them. But this was the first time Father had ever seen Dr White not faking it. Father thought about going up to him after his shift to ask if anything was wrong But of course they weren’t friends. They were barely acquaintances. So what if Dr White was acting differently? It was simply his business, just like Father had his own problems and concerns.

Speaking of, it was getting a little late, wasn’t it? There wasn’t much time left, and he would have to figure out what to do with his patient when he got upstairs. Father scarfed down the rest of his rice and he drank some water so that it would not clog in his belly. He took a minute to remain seated to avoid the gas which came from standing too quickly. He normally would have relished that minute and the calmness that came with it, except when he glanced around the table at the doctors beside him, in their stress-laden faces and tired stares, Father noticed something else which caused him to leave quickly.

It was not only Dr White who was in the process of changing.

(Kiran Bhat is an Indian-American polyglot, traveler, and author. He has been to 149 countries. He is working on using these experiences to create a novel for Planet Earth. To read more, follow me here, or check out my novel’s page, at www.girar.world)

Canada-India Air Transport Pact To Allow Unlimited Flights Between 2 Countries

November 21, 2022November 22, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

From visiting friends and family to getting goods to markets around the world, Canadians rely on the aviation industry to provide diverse international air services. Expanding Canada’s existing air transport relationships allow airlines to introduce more flight options and routings, which benefit passengers and businesses by providing greater choice and convenience.

Canada’s Minister of Transport, the Omar Alghabra, has announced the recent conclusion of an expanded air transport agreement between Canada and India. The expanded agreement allows designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week.

This significant move will allow airlines of Canada and India to better respond to the needs of the Canada-India air transport market. Going forward, officials of both countries will remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the agreement.

The expanded agreement allows designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries, while the previous agreement limited each country to only 35 flights. The new agreement gives Canadian air carriers access to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and Indian air carriers access to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver as well as two additional points to be selected by India.

“The expanded air transport agreement between Canada and India is a positive development for air transport relations between our countries. We are pleased to expand this relationship with additional flexibility for airlines to serve this growing market. By making the movement of goods and people faster and easier, this expanded agreement will continue to facilitate trade and investment between Canada and India and help our businesses grow and succeed,” said Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport.

“The Canada-India economic relationship is built on deep-rooted people to people ties. With this expanded air transport agreement, we are facilitating even more exchanges of professionals, students, business people, and investors. As we strengthen our trade and investment relationship with India, we will continue building bridges like this that enable our entrepreneurs, workers, and businesses to access new opportunities.”

Quick facts

India is Canada’s 4th largest international air transport market.
Canada’s first air transport agreement with India was concluded in 1982, and was last expanded in 2011. This new agreement was reached under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.
The agreement gives Canadian air carriers access to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and Indian air carriers access to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India.
Other cities in both countries can be served indirectly through code-share services.
Rights for all-cargo services are already unrestricted.

India Cancels Air Suvidha Forms For International Passengers

November 21, 2022November 22, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The self-declaration forms for Covid vaccination that had to be filled in by incoming international passengers on the Air Suvidha portal, will no longer be necessary, the government has said. The decision will come into effect from midnight.

The form on the aviation ministry’s Air Suvidha portal was mandatory for incoming international passengers. In it, passengers had to declare their vaccination status, including the number of doses received and their dates.

A notice from the Civil Aviation ministry this evening read, “In the light of sustained declining COVID-19 trajectory and significant advances being made in COVID-19 vaccination coverage both globally as well as in India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued revised ‘Guidelines for International Arrivals”.

Under the revised guidelines of the health ministry, the submission of self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal stand discontinued, the aviation ministry said. It, however, added a statutory warning: The rule could be reviewed if needed in view of the Covid situation.

This was in line with the rules in most nations.

The ministry, however, said it was preferred that the passengers be fully vaccinated. It was also preferable that all precautionary measures for Covid — including the use of masks and social distancing at airports — be continued.

Last week, the aviation ministry had said the use of masks was no longer compulsory during air travel, but passengers should use them to prevent another surge of coronavirus.

Till then, the use of masks in flights was mandatory. The ministry said the decision was taken in line with the government’s policy of a graded approach to Covid-19 management.

Over the last weeks, Covid figures have been shrinking. Official data this morning showed that currently, active cases (6,402) comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections. The national recovery rate has increased to 98.8 per cent.

Neeraj Chopra is Switzerland Tourism’s Friendship Ambassador

November 16, 2022February 6, 2025 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Switzerland Tourism appoints Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra as its Friendship Ambassador. Chopra has often travelled to Switzerland for tournaments and training but this time, after his season ended, the Indian sports icon spent his days relaxing in the country while doing what he loves best – getting the adrenaline pumping! Among the top destinations that Chopra visited were Interlaken, Zermatt and Geneva.

As Switzerland Tourism’s ‘Friendship Ambassador’, Chopra will share his experiences in the country to showcase it as the ideal destination for outdoors and the best destination for hiking, biking, soft and extreme adventure and of course snow sports, for everyone be it beginners or seasoned pros.

“Switzerland is my favorite international holiday destination! It’s so beautiful everywhere you look! It was great spending time exploring the country after the season. I also wanted to show this country to my friends and family. It was the best place to relax after a hectic season for me. You feel refreshed anywhere in the country whether you are out in the mountains or even just strolling in the city! I But what got me excited was chance to experience the adventurous side of the country with my closest friends.

“I was thrilled to show them Interlaken and Zermatt which are well known for their adventure activities but also that it’s possible to enjoy the outdoors in Geneva which is Switzerland’s second-largest city. We tried everything from canyon swing to river rafting to paragliding and skydiving amongst other activities. And of course, it helps to know that Switzerland is the safest place for all sorts of adventure sports!” expressed Chopra.

Misha Gambetta, Director-India of Switzerland Tourism said, “India is a very important long-haul market for us! And it’s great to have a friendship ambassador from India representing Switzerland. Neeraj is an Indian icon and a very outdoorsy person, and he will be the perfect person to showcase the sporty and outdoor side of Switzerland as well as allow us to promote lesser-known sides of the country. We look forward to working towards a successful campaign with him.”

The athlete also donated his gold-winning javelin to The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland in September this year. The museum founded by the International Olympic Committee in 1993 showcases the richness and diversity of Olympism through history, culture, design, technology, and sociology with sports as the main element. Mary Kom’s gloves as well as Dhyan Chand’s hockey was already a part of the exhibits at the Museum. (IANS)

Kerala-Born Godly Mable Is Youngest Licensed Flight Instructor In North America

November 16, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel, Youth 0

A Keralite expatriate has become the youngest flight instructor in North America by obtaining Licensed Flight Instructor. Godly Mabel, a resident of Calgary, Alberta, became the youngest Licensed Flight Instructor in North America to obtain a flight instructor rating from Transport Canada at 19. In March 2022, Mabel also became the youngest Indian woman to get a Commercial Pilot’s License.

Mabel was born and bought up in South India (Kerala) and migrated to Canada with her parents in December 2017. In June 2020, she graduated with her High School Diploma from Bishop McNally High School. She did her Private Pilot License at Springbank Air Training College, her Commercial Pilot License with a Multi-IFR rating at Calgary Flying Club, and her Flight Instructor Rating at Kanata Aviation Training, High River.

According to Transport Canada regulations, one must be 21 years old to fly an aeroplane, thus Mabel will have to wait another two years to fulfil her dream. Soon after receiving her licence, Mabel was approached by a number of Calgary-area flying schools with offers to work as a flight instructor. The eldest child of Keralite immigrants Aby and Rose Aby, who moved to Canada in 2017, is Godly Mabel. Ryan Aby is her brother.

14th November, 2022 Set Between Gangtok, Sikkim, The Republic of India and Sakkyong, Sikkim, The Republic of India

November 16, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Father is sixty-eight years old, and yet he wakes up somewhere between four and five in the morning from a nightmare, drenched in sweat. The sweat, to be clear, is related as much to his age as it is to the amount of blankets laid over his bed; it is winter in Gangtok, and he is in the habit of covering himself in excess to be less affected by the chill. He lifts himself out of the sheets, taking care to fold them properly so as not to disturb Mother’s sleep. He goes into the bathroom. The pipe in the sink is not working, so he washes his face with the small bucket they use to shower. There is a little moonlight coming through the window, but it is otherwise dark. Father cannot help but catch his reflection in the mirror. The pudge of fat above his eyebrows is covered in sweat.

In the last two months, Father has been assaulted by dreams of his mother. They usually involve the few sweet memories of his childhood juxtaposed against the agony of her current health condition. Often, the situations are exaggerated in ways to draw out Father’s guilt, and they leave him going to the hospital in a disturbed and under-rested state.

However, as Father takes a better stare at the mirror, he sees the wrinkles over his sandy-coloured cheeks, the wear and tear and soot that have collected under the baggy hoods of his eyes. This was the exact same way his father looked. With age, their faces are almost identical.

Father feels a churning in his chest. Father feels an anger. It is not because time has made him the inheritor of a face that is aged, ugly, or unpleasant to look at.

It is because his nightmare for the first time in a long while revolved not around his mother or his son, but over this abusive farmer who spent most of his life traumatising his children.

2nd April, 1961

On the second of April in 1961, Father was a simple boy named Samjyor who was turning seven. This was the sixties. Life was different. His homeland of Sikkim was not yet an Indian state, just as his hometown of Sakkyong was completely ignorant of the outside world. If there were foreigners at that time, they would be Bhutias or Nepalis or other Lepchas from other places, not necessarily Tamils or North Indians or Germans in the mood for a village stay. People did not have any technology of any sort to distract themselves with. They tilled the land, survived the winters, and lived peacefully with their loved ones. A birth day was also not a birthday. No one fed each other pieces of cake or bought each other presents.

The 2nd of April, in other words, was not meant to be a particularly special day, until Samjyor’s Father came home and made him remember it that way.

Normally Samjyor’s father would come home around four or five in the afternoon, directly from the rice paddies, and he would ignore Samjyor or any of his other children. He would immediately find his cot, throw the sheets over himself, and fall asleep. On that day, however, Samjyor’s father came home closer to nine in the night, just when everyone was sleeping. There was the clear smell of rakshi on his clothes. Samjyor was too young to know what rakshi was, but the stale millet smell blending into his father’s unshowered musk imprinted onto him, becoming one of the most important memories he would ever grow to have.

Samjyor’s mother began yelling. Where have you been? Why are you coming home late? Her yelling was not confrontational but curious. This was before it became normal for Samjyor’s father to come home drunk, before Samjyor’s mother learned it would not be in her benefit to confront him at all.

As Samjyor’s father came in through the door, he knocked over a grass broom. He stooped to pick it up, almost out of habit, but it was at that moment that Samjyor’s mother asked her question, causing something in his body language to abruptly change. He threw herself close to her and smacked her against the head with the broom, suddenly and with very clear intention. Even though the handle of the broom weighed little, the damage was done. Samjyor’s mother looked up, unable to respond. It was more than just being caught off guard. It was complete and utter paralysis, except for when she reached for her skull to assess whether it was bruised or bloodied.

But Samjyor’s father threw her down. Samjyor’s father clutched her throat with his hands.

‘How can you . . .’ he shouted. ‘You would choose to . . . I will not . . . I’ll kill you! You are a whore, and I will kill you!’

Samjyor was too young to understand the full language of this drunken man, who was speaking in a mix of a shout and a slur. But what Samjyor did know was that there was this big oaf of a man, as crackle-eyed and overpowering as a raksasa, threatening the life of the woman who looked after them. Samjyor should have shouted outside to get one of his uncles to help, but he was too young to be sensible. Instead he grabbed his father’s leg and cried for him to get off.

Samjyor’s father kicked Samjyor’s face with the full force of a foot. It was so strong that he was knocked out by it, completely unconscious. He woke up sometime after, with his mother wrapped around him and crying. His nose hurt worse than any other time the boys beat him, and he could feel that his tooth was broken. If he wiggled it around, it would come out. At least it was a baby tooth, and in some time it would come to be replaced by another. Samjyor had no idea how he went to sleep like that, shocked and stunned, with a need to cry, deep and loudly into his mother’s chest.

Later on, his younger brother, Lekmoo, told him wild and extravagant stories about how their older brother, Tshering, was the one who had fought off his father. Later on, his mother told Samjyor that it was his own bravery which had scared his father off somehow, or made him realise that he was going too far, which was what made him stop attacking her. Whatever the case, Samjyor’s father never apologised for how he had behaved that night. He never acknowledged what had happened. If some transgression had happened between his mother and father, it was never clarified to Samjyor, neither at the age of seven nor at any other age as he grew up. It was just one of those things that was going to be left a secret, to haunt Samjyor for much longer than the rest of his father’s lifetime.

What Samjyor noticed after his seventh birth day was that this was the day when his father’s personality changed. He spent most of his time working in the rice paddies, he only went to places where he could procure alcohol, and he rarely interacted with his wife or children, unless he was going out of his way to hurt them in some form.

14th November, 2022

Father has banged his fist on the mirror. Without thinking, he has taken his fist and thrown it with utter force against the glass. The glass, several decades old, cracks, though all of the pieces remain intact. Father gasps and withdraws his fist immediately. In doing so, he feels a sharp sting on his finger. The thin shards of cut glass are nearly invisible in the darkness, but he can feel them poking into his skin. Father has cut himself, and though the pieces lodged in his hand are most likely smaller than a needle, the blood is getting all over the sink. Father pours himself some more water from the bucket to clean it up.

In the commotion, he has woken Mother.

‘What is going on?’ Mother asks, turning on the light. Her eyes widen, and she throws herself into a panic. She grabs Father’s hand, asking, ‘What have you done to your hand?’ Father can see it now. Blood has rushed out quicker than he realised, dripping all the way down his arm. Father applies pressure to the wound while Mother rushes to find some Band-Aids.

All the while, Father yells at himself. ‘What have you done to yourself? Why are you acting crazy at this hour? It’s late. It’s almost four in the morning. You will go to work soon.’

He looks at the cracks in the mirror. He sees the face staring back at him. He wants to beat it again, no matter how much the face belongs to him.

That is how much he hates what he is staring at.

16th December, 1968

There were five of them sitting on the wooden floors of their cottage, eating the chumthuk—Samjyor; his younger brother, Lekmoo; his older brother, Tshering; his mother; and Tshering’s recent wife, who had been married to him only a few months ago. His father was not with them. Coming back home only when he felt like had become his norm. The conversation around the bowls was light. People concentrated on spooning grains of rice and beef into their mouths, taking a break only to make casual remarks when the mood suited.

Towards the end of the meal, Samjyor’s father opened the door loudly, then closed it tightly behind him so that the winter wind would not enter. He took off his boots, unstrapped his jacket. He barked at his wife, ‘I am hungry. Where is food?’

Without a moment’s hesitation, Samjyor’s mother brought him a bowl of gruel. Samjyor’s father made a place for himself around them and started shovelling the food down his throat.

Her chumthuk had a plain taste. At that time, spicing was considered a luxury because everything and anything was a luxury. Only basic survival was the goal. Samjyor’s father had eaten this chumthuk day in and day out for many decades, before his own children were born, probably before he was even married to this particular woman.

So, it was a surprise when he took his first bites and started acting like he was choking. He spat out the rice back into the bowl while Samjyor’s mother came to his side, wondering if her husband in fact had something lodged in his throat.

He said, ‘You really can’t cook, can you?’ and laughed gregariously. It was like he was telling a joke to his other drunk friends, and he looked about his household, waiting to catch the eye of someone who would smile back at him.

No one was smiling. All of the children looked down, afraid to meet his eyes, afraid of the consequences.

Samjyor’s mother tried to take the bowl, only for Samjyor’s father to resist.

‘Don’t worry, I will eat it. We should not waste food. We cannot waste food. But I earn everything for this family. I am the reason why we can afford to have beef in this soup in the first place. Next time, I want momos or thukpa. Make something tomorrow with a lot of meat.’

‘Of course,’ Samjyor’s mother said. Samjyor wanted to shout at his father. How in the world would they get money to make any of that food when they had no money at all? His father was claiming to make money for them, but he was the one spending whatever he made, while Samjyor and his siblings tried to subsist on the little that they had.

Samjyor’s father continued, ‘You know, I remember when you used to kiss me like you liked it. I remember when you actually knew how to touch me. What happened to those days? When are we going to make more children?’

Samjyor’s mother looked into her gruel, all while Samjyor’s father spoke louder about his urges and needs. He wasn’t going to control himself. He had an audience of a full family, and he would not dare waste it.

‘My son,’ Samjyor’s father said, clearly addressing Tshering, ‘you are lucky to have a wife who is young and beautiful. I wish you have many children.’

He raised his bowl of gruel as if in toast, and Tshering smiled, not politely, but warmly, because he was getting the validation from his father that he often felt he deserved.

Then Samjyor’s father turned to face his other two boys. ‘I’ve done everything for you all. I’ve done everything for this family.’

He looked like he was going to scold them more, say something specific, but he was too drunk. He started to eat his chumthuk, wolfing it down like it was the most delicious thing he had ever eaten. He filled up his belly, then gave a blank stare to the fireplace in their house, watching the flames dance about.

Then he stood up, mouthing to himself. ‘I did everything for this family. I did everything for this family.’ He put on his shoes, dressed himself, and went back out into the freezing cold.

14th November, 2022

Mother returns with some bandages. She wraps them over his hand while complaining.

‘It is so early. I will have to do pooja soon. Why are you making a mess like this?’

Father does not want to tell Mother he had a bad dream. But she can see the frustration in his eyes and make her own guesses.

‘It must be hard on you to be so far from your mother. I understand. But it is not going to help you if you hurt yourself.’

‘I know.’

Father makes listless eyes, which makes Mother hug him.

‘Don’t feel this bad. You are doing your best. And you have done a lot. You have sent so much money. You have hired someone to help. They are there for her, but you have provided what they cannot, and they know this. They will come to respect all you do for them in time.’

Father leans into Mother’s hug and reciprocates it. He gives her a kiss on the cheek and remains there, holding her. He is glad no one else is in the room except her. He is also incredibly tired. He knows he will have a full day of work ahead of him in a few hours, and the thought exhausts him even more.

‘I am sorry for this disturbance. Let us sleep.’

Mother turns off the light. Mother and Father return to the bed, holding hands. It is not long before Mother is snoring again.

Father would have fallen asleep soon, too, if it were not for the dream.

29 August, 1986

It was said that on the day Samjyor’s father passed on, Samjyor’s younger brother, Lekmoo, touched his body before the lama began his phowa, to the chagrin of the ones who found him with the corpse. A body on its way to death should never make contact with another physical being as the lama works on directing its soul. It makes the soul easy prey to the cravings of a demon, where it may not make it to the other stages of the afterlife. Because Lekmoo touched the body, he was scolded by almost every passing relative, and threatened to be beaten and pushed out of the home he had grown up in.

Father was not there at the time, but Father wouldn’t have been surprised if Lekmoo was intentionally trying to damn his father and his soul.

That being said, Lekmoo did look visibly distraught and disturbed, shaking as the lamas chanted around the box the body was displayed on. Samjyor could not imagine what it was like for Lekmoo to walk in on his father lying on his cot, suddenly smelling of someone who was starting to decompose. Samjyor would have probably done exactly what Lekmoo had. He had seen plenty of patients pass on, he was used to death, but it was another thing to witness it occur to a loved one. It would have been easy to lose one’s control, and to touch the body, even though one would have known immediately after that one had condemned it.

There was a lot of noise, and there were a lot of relatives, many of whom Samjyor had not interacted with in years. Samjyor kept himself seated, tried to pay no attention to them. His role was to witness the pooja. There was the surreal smell of decomposed flesh mixed with the juniper branches used to preserve the box. He tried to listen to the chanting, but there were too many memories in his mind. There were the images of his father feeding him a momo for the first time and his tongue burning from the steam, or the images of when he was a little boy lost in the rice paddies and was afraid he was going to die, except that he was found by his father at once. There were the kind words his father said when Samjyor got married, there was the excitement he heard in his father’s voice whenever Samjyor visited and his father delighted himself by playing with Tshering’s children.

It was odd. Despite the fact that Samjyor objectively hated his father, during the death ceremony, during the funeral, during the rituals done at the monastery and in the village itself, Samjyor could not remember a single negative thought about him. He only remembered that he missed his father, that he owed so much to his father, and that he loved his father. And he hated himself for not being there the day his father had died. He hated that he had allowed a parent to die alone, in a way no child ever should.

Samjyor told himself then and there that he visit his village as much as possible so that such a fate would never pass with his mother. He also made it a point to attend the duentsi poojas for all of the forty-nine days in the monastery, even though it was Tshering who had been called to do so.

Samjyor became a good son after his father died. And a few years afterwards, he became a father himself. During the funeral ceremony Samjyor thanked his father for the lessons he had taught him. He also promised himself that when his own child would be born he would never make a single one of the mistakes that he felt his father had made.

14th November, 2022

It is during the second dream of this early morning that Father is in the rice paddies once more. A little boy walks around barefoot. He is under the monasteries which are common in Gangtok. Their red-and-gold walls are like squares stacked on top of the mountains. It is like each one has a little eye that is looking at Father. The child’s feet are sticking in the mud.

He is falling, and he is calling to the monasteries to find him, but not a single one responds. The eyes on the walls stare and almost look to be in pleasure as Father sinks alone. He clutches at the rice stalks but is not able to grasp any. And he is still falling, sinking, diving. The mud comes up to his waist. He pounds his fists against the earth.

Father shouts and shouts, and no one comes.

Until there is one person standing over him among the rice stalks.

That is his father.

‘Father, come help! Father, help me up.’

His father does not move.

‘Father, I am going to die. Father, help.’

The boy’s head moves deeper into the earth.

It is when the earth comes up to his chin that his own father begins to snicker. His father pats his belly and points at his son.

‘You are an embarrassment of a man. You don’t dare stand on this ground.’

Father does not know what he is saying. He thinks he is moving his mouth, but not a single word is coming out. The mud starts to get inside. He tastes the mineral notes of zinc and calcium.

Father shouts, ‘Father . . . Father!’

And his father responds, ‘You are no better than your mother . . . you let me die . . . you left me alone . . .’

Father snaps his eyes open. He does not want to stay in bed, or he will be committed to returning to this dream. But if he gets up, he knows he will wake up his wife again. He does not want to stand once more. He does not want to go into the bathroom, look at the cracks he created in his mirror, find sadness in the inherited roundness of his face that he will never be able to escape.

But there is him and his father, and there will always be a part of him from his father, whether he stares at his reflection or not.

Father feels the puff of his own eyeballs, and they weigh his eyes open, no matter how much he wishes they could close.

Air India To Acquire AirAsia India And To Merge With Air India Express

November 9, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Air India has announced that it has signed agreements to complete the acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding in AirAsia India (AAI) and to subsidiarise it under Air India.

An operational review process is underway with a view to ultimately integrating AAI fully with Air India Express (AIXL). Consolidation of these two airlines, both of which operate as low-cost carriers, will be undertaken as part of the restructuring roadmap that is being envisioned for the Tata Group’s airline business and is expected to bring customer, revenue, cost and operational benefits through broader adoption of each airlines’ best practices, systems and routes, and the combined entity’s greater scale.

Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said: “We are excited to initiate the creation of a single Air India Group low-cost carrier. This is a key step in the rationalisation and transformation of the Group, and we will be working closely with the management teams and staff throughout the process. We also look forward to the many new opportunities a stronger AI Group low-cost carrier will bring for customers and staff alike.”

A working group has been formed to evaluate and execute the integration of the AI Group’s low-cost operations, which will be co-led by Sunil Bhaskaran, CEO & MD, AirAsia India and Aloke Singh, CEO, Air India Express. The working group will report to a committee chaired by Wilson.

The assessment and implementation of full integration process of AAI and AIXL, through a possible scheme of merger or otherwise and subject to necessary corporate approvals, is expected to take approximately 12 months, with network and other synergies to be realised progressively during that period.

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India is synonymous with the growth and evolution of civil aviation in India. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has spread its wings to become a major international airline with a network across the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Far East and South-East Asia, Australia and the Gulf.

The airline also has an extensive domestic network connecting over 55 cities in the country through its fleet of narrow and wide-bodied aircraft. Air India has been a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium, since July 2014.

Air Asia India, launched in 2014, as a joint venture between Tata Sons and Malaysia’s Air Asia Berhad, operates a fleet of 29 aircraft that flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across India.

Upon Tata Sons acquisition of full ownership, the Bengaluru-based company was subsidiarised under Tata Sons’ 100 per cent-owned Air India. (IANS)

Perambulations set between Blantyre and Mvera, Malawi

October 5, 2022October 10, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel, Tourism 0

By, Kiran Bhat

Help. Goodness. Oh Heavenly Father, I can’t get up. Help.’

Father does not hear anything, and yet he hears it, quite loudly. The nurse in the room has dropped the stethoscope and it has clanged against the floor. It is loud but not that loud. What is louder is the patient complaining that a doctor is giving a prescription for something he does not need, as another is demanding he be given some money – just any – to be able to afford his treatment. Father has heard the clank because he is in a hospital room and it is him and it is the nurse and it is the patient. What a blessing, this Chinese hospital. How much more modern it looks than the one he used to work at, the one that used to be right under this one.

Father has his own mother and her name is Grace. If she were able to receive treatment in a hospital just as she had fallen she would have had a better cast, or access to medical therapy, or a proper bed to rest in. She certainly would not be ailing to herself on her cot, wishing that she could somehow get up.

How the straw smells. How the musk of the goat intrudes into the bricks of the hut. There are little baobabs suckling air out of the fields, unfurling their branches into tumbled directions, hoping to breathe what they can out from the dirt. The door to her house is open. There is her cot and some pots and some posters and that is all. She sees the baobabs. She wishes to be like them, out in the open, having the sweat of her skin evaporate in the hot day’s wind.

‘Why oh why can’t I move?’

A fracture is not an easy wound to heal. It takes many weeks for a bone to mend. In a modern city like Blantyre there are households in which a person would bide their time by sitting around, watching Netflix, talking on the phone with friends. However in the villages of Mvera life is on the hills. People farm maize or cassava, tend to their goats, or gossip by the grass fences around their huts. Father knows that his own mother is an active woman. She goes out into the fields and keeps herself busy there all day, and when she is not doing that, she likes to sit around the well and chat with her friends.

But this gifted and diligent woman blessed with the name of Grace fell, and in one’s eighties, a small fracture could mean the end of much activity, and for much longer than a month. It has been just three days since the fall. It is a Saturday, but Father works day in and out, and he does not know when he will get a holiday.

Dear Heavenly Father, oh Heavenly Father. Please forgive me for I have sinned. I don’t know how I have sinned, but why else would you curse me this way if it were not for my sins? I have three beautiful boys, I have seen them all grow. I have lived a pleasant life, and I was grateful. There was a part of me who was sad that you took the most competent and diligent of my boys away from home and told him to work in Blantyre. Blantyre is hours away. He could have gone to Lilongwe, but he wanted to escape, I am sure. Who would not want to escape? Blantyre is green, Blantyre has proper streets, Blantyre has food that isn’t sweet potato and goat. He has a happy and fulfilling life for himself. Why would he want to come back? Even when his mother is stuck to the floor like it is her deathbed, he refuses to return. The reason must be because I have sinned.

I only ask my God my righteous God what was the sin which caused me to be stuck this way. I have been good to my children, I have good relationships with the men and women of our village. Why God? Why do you punish me with pain?

Father’s patient has returned from the toilet. This patient herself is an old woman, wobbling to herself like a pool of mud waiting to bake into clay. The woman is slow to get back onto the examination table, takes her time to push up her body and seats herself there. The nurse in the room and the patient banter to each other in Chichewa, while Father cleans the stethoscope. Her heartbeat is quite uneven. Her blood pressure is abnormally high. A more indolent doctor would prescribe blood thinners and be done with it, but Father is curious. Is the woman close to suffering from a heart attack? Are they about to catch something that will prevent this woman from suffering from a more serious disease?

‘Where is Chiyembekezo?’

‘Oh, Lord, my heavenly Father…’

‘Where is Chikondi?’

‘Please forgive me for I have sinned…’

‘Mavuto, he isn’t coming…’

‘Oh, Lord, my heavenly Father…’

‘A woman of my age should be with her children.’

‘Oh, Lord, my heavenly Father…’

‘Forgive me for I have sinned.’

Some tests pass and there is no sign of any medical abnormality. An elevated blood pressure can cause fainting spells to people of age. This dear old woman is suffering from the malnutrition, this dear old woman probably has a lot of problems in her head, and her son was just worried, which is why they spent the little money they had on a consultation. Father prescribes some blood thinners, knowing that they will probably be too expensive. The son and him debate and discuss and even bargain, but Father is not prescribing them because he wants to make money off of the prescription; he really believes it is this woman’s best interest to take them. And this woman’s son ultimately knows that. Father and the man exchange the truth in one felt glance. Nonetheless the man has no money, the man has to beg, and Father has nothing to give to him. If Father gave something to each and every patient who begged, he would leave the hospital each day with not a single kwacha in his pocket. And Father has his own expenses, just as Father has his own loved ones to worry over.

If my son Mavuto was here he would feed me one of those fried mice. He hates them as an adult but loved them as a child. We would eat them together. I would guzzle the mouse down in one bite. Crunching my teeth against the softness of their hairs, the slight brittleness of their bones, the saltiness of the flesh, I would remember too much, and I would want to cry.

I did everything for my son and he knows this. But my son now calls Blantyre his home and it is almost a half-day away. If my parents were sick and I lived far I wouldn’t make an excuse. I would simply drop my obligations and leave. Parents should come first, especially after they have done everything to give their children their everything.

But times have changed, and Mavuto is an obsessive human being. He will think about the people he feels he serves and he will think about the obligations he makes for himself and he will consider it all service. He will put that first because service for him always comes first.

As for his mother well, she has grown too far from him.

His own mother… his own flesh and blood… How quickly time is passing. Soon she will be no more, and then he will regret it… he will ask himself, why didn’t I spend more time with my own mother?

Oh Heavenly Father, I should have never fallen.

Father sees a patient every twenty minutes for the next five hours until it is the end of his work shift. He leaves the hospital wanting to call his younger brother.

Chikondi comes after a long day in the field. The smell of his sweat fills the room. The mud bricks of the house cake out the heat. He sits in a corner to himself and rests. His mother expresses she is thirsty so Chikondi brings water from the well and lifts it from a bucket into her mouth. They talk on and on, share jokes with each other, until Chikondi’s wife and their children come. Her daughter-in-law prepares for all of them nsima, her grandchildren lay about her side and sing Gospel songs, and they all take turns feeding her pieces of mwankhwala, then pray that the root will heal her injury. Chikondi and their family have their own hut of bricks, and the sun is setting, but they sleep on the floor all around his mother, making sure that not for a single second of the night she feels alone.

But he chooses not to, because he knows Chikondi is responsible, and they have talked on the phone almost each and every evening. Chikondi keeps Father informed as to their mother’s condition. Father need not disturb him as he does look after their mother.

Father thinks about what his older brother is doing.

Chiyembekezo is out in the fields. Chiyembekezo should be tending to his mother, or at the very least tending over the goats. Instead Chiyembekezo chews tobacco, playing rough with the group of men he hangs out with. They have been drinking all day. Their bodies reek of alcohol. Chiyembekezo should return to his mother’s side but it is his own scent which intimidates him, and then it is his lack of balance which embarrasses him. He tumbles around in the field, his body undulating about like the waves of the plains around him.

Or perhaps it is best he not think about his older brother. Father is already prone to worrying, and with his mother’s health on the surface of his conscience, it is best not to think whether or not Chiyembekezo is making things better, or making things worse.

And then there is Mavuto… Mavuto…

Father gets into his car. He rolls down the window, despite knowing that the wind as his car gets going will not blow at him but past him. He pats at the red film of dust on his seat, despite knowing that it has been stained this way through decades of visits to his village, and it will never come off.

The greenest of trees are in front of him, as are the tall buildings, yet nothing of respite is on Father’s mind.

Two men hoist a black mache creature in the shape of a horse, its black hair matted and long, two horns sticking out. The men wear grass skirts and tied clothings tangled around their legs and stomp their feet about, up and down the highway, right outside maize field of the village.

Death has come, and they trample the earth to grieve.

Father can wonder of her health all he likes, but the truth is that unless he takes the time to return to his village, he will never know the extent to which his mother’s fall has affected her, and how long it will take for her to recover.

The Triangle

September 7, 2022November 16, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Set in between Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Larkana, the Sindh, Pakistan, and Chongqing, the People’s Republic of China!

I hope you enjoy the story, and my apologies for the web inconveniences once more. If you are having any issue accessing your content, do let me know. I’m here to serve!

As for this story, it’s an extremely experimental one, deeply inspired by the fact that I am living in a relatively prosperous version of India, all the while in the northeast China is dealing with crippling drought and in the northwest Pakistan is submerged by flood. One cannot help but think of the climate disaster that we are witnessing all across the globe. I’m also wondering how many months or years I have until India too is affected.

There is a version of Mother, right now, sitting in front of the television, lazing idly in a suburb of Bangalore. The suburb in question is Indira Nagar, an upper middle class area. The roads look like they have been pounded by foot traffic and rain and overall negligence into a hodgepodge of shapes. The main roads outside of the suburb are clogged with cars, buses, and auto-rickshaws. Otherwise the lanes are long and leafy, the temperature is cool and agreeable, the area around the temple is clean and trash-less, and the gate into the suburb is green and purple, decorated with the murthis of Ganesha and Shiva and Kali and Saraswathi and Vishnu, each one painted to perfection.

All of this is outside of Mother’s two storey bungalow. The entire bungalow is just for herself and her family. She leaves her house only when she has to meet relatives or go the temple. Ninety percent of the time Mother sits inside her home and minds her business.

This is a version of Mother who lives a good life. This is a version of Mother who has lived well, seen nothing but economic growth and prosperity for her and her family, and wishes for nothing to change.

On the television are the floods.

On the other side of that camera is another version of Mother, who has lived very differently. In some ways this version and that version are similar. They have similar racial features, a similar tint of skin, and a similar well-offed-ness to them. To be wealthy in Pakistan and to be wealthy in India; both offer a lot of privileges that show in the fairness of the complexion, the lack of dust or wrinkles in the clothing, and a relative lack of awareness of the outside world.

That is, until what would normally be deemed a problem of the outside world, or a problem befitting of the lower classes, or a problem that need not be a concern for the privileged — until one of these said such problems becomes a problem, and then this version of Mother has to pay attention, because then it is very much her problem.

Larkana, the gateway of the Indus Valley, is almost completely submerged.

There was a version of Mother who lived so well in Larkana. She had a full wing of an apartment complex to herself, with each room decorated with lavish designs and furniture imported from various corners of the world. Flooding came into the Sindh here or there each and every year, and with this apartment being on the second floor of a complex overlooking the river, she was used to the water getting into the staircases, or making it difficult to get out during monsoon.

But this was not just monsoon. This was a flood of scale that Pakistan had never witnessed before.

With half of the building underwater as it was now, Mother and the other tenants only had the stairs between the upper floor and rooftop. They had brought whatever food or beddings they could have managed, they perched wherever they could, all the while trying to live life well, still, somehow, through their gossip, or their complaining, or the time shared through prayer, during namaz. In the meantime the rainwaters soaked all the roads of their city, inundating not only their little world, but everything around.

This was a version of Mother who only a few weeks ago was comfortably middle class. This was a version of Mother who once had everything going for her. This was a version of Mother who now had a home underwater, a husband stuck at the hospital, and relatives in other parts of the Sindh, their livelihoods completely upended by a flood of catastrophic proportions.

Time is passing, time is slipping, time is morphing the earth into something else, and nothing of what life was once like seems to be returning.

Except for on the television, where ten minutes pass, and another news clip is shown. It is the Yangtze River, completely parched.

This is where another version of Mother lives. This is near the outskirts of Chongqing, the base of the Three Rivers Gorge. If this were Guangzhou or Shenzhen, the news of another wave of lockdowns would have been the source of this Mother’s crippled morale. But at least when one was stuck at home one had access to food, so long as they weren’t relying on the government for their rations, so long as one was prepared.

But this is Chongqing and not Shenzhen, and outside of Mother’s apartment complex, there are people all around, outside, taking their children to school, going to work, living their lives, all the while the source of their sustenance has completely dried.

Mother is out on her walk. It had been so hot, and yet now it is cloudy. The temperature is moderate again. The weather report earlier today claimed that despite the month of heat the city was soon going to be witnessing torrential rains. The irony is in the back of Mother’s mind, but now that the temperature is in the mid twenties, Mother is pleased to be able to go out and exercise, without the fear of getting sunburned or darkened.

These walks, these evenings in the park practicing tai chi with the other neighbourhood girls; these are the little things which made life normal, despite the very obvious signs that life is changing all around.

On the riverside is a long winding road, with trees and a bike path and exercise equipment and a playground. It used to be so refreshing to see the Yangtze splash to itself on the side, the wide and gushing torrents of the river burping contentedly to itself.

Today the river is just empty silt, with little puddles of water in the process of drying out.

A tourist spot has come to be born out of the silt. Mother sees other Chinese people taking pictures with a set of three carvings that have been unearthed out of the river. An excavation has not unearthed them, but the actual drying up of the river. Remnants of a culture from six hundred years ago has returned to being a present part of their megalopolis.

Mother does not take a picture. Mother instead stares. She stares at the Buddha but also at the other side of the Buddha, something outside of its physical form. There were once many buildings, monuments, and religious objects that were concealed by the waters, made into dust by the deserts. Where there was dust could be river. And where there was once river could be dust. Humans inhabit desert, humans inhabit the riverside, humans inhabit the mountain, humans inhabit anywhere. But it takes time, decades, centuries, arguably millennia.

With the pace at which the land was changing, it would be impossible for humans to adapt to anything. By the time that they could consider relating to this river as it were desert, or this desert as it became river, the land would change again, and humans would have to spend days to months to years not understanding its form.

It is not just this version of Mother that is realising this. There is this version of Mother and that version and countless others, infinite as the shapes of the humans, or the shapes of the animals, or the shapes of the rocks, realising that life is no longer as it used to be.

There was a somewhere that they chose to inhabit. There was a somewhere that they chose with their husband, believing deeply that despite the problems in their village that this new home would be the place for their family to thrive. They chose that somewhere in the full belief that all that this would be the anointed place from which they would find that success, that happiness that contentment.

But at that moment that somewhere is becoming a nowhere. That somewhere was subject to change, subject to patterns of response to outside stimuli completely outside of their control.

Life was in flux, nature was in flux, and therefore that somewhere to reside, that somewhere to call home; such a place had become undependable once more.

Chongqing, Larkana, and Bangalore. To connect the lines of their three dots would create a triangle. At those three points there were these three versions of Mother, each of which had built an idea of life on the assumption that their comfort, their style of living, and their containment would be assured.All three versions of Mother live in this moment of time, but there will come a time at which none of them will exist. Such a time would come for all humans, all animals, all existences, even the very layers of the earth itself.

All life crumbles. All matter decays. All existence perishes. That is the one truth that unites the nature of the universe.

In between the point of beginning and the point of the end are an infinitude of others. Something passes on, but nothing is known and nothing is guaranteed between them.

There are multiple versions of Mother, but Mother no matter her background knows this and only this. She will not survive for long, whether it is because of the floods or the droughts or her ageing health.

But she is bound to this universe because she has been given love, and she has love to share.

And so Mother takes a second to make a promise to herself. The next time her son calls she will take the time to tell him that she loves him. She will do so not wishing for control over his life, not even wishing to talk much to him at all, but to pass on the only thing that remains eternal, despite all which is guaranteed to end, in front of her or not.

(Girar is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.)

Air Travel To Boom Between India – UAE

August 29, 2022November 26, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The India-Middle East sector is one that never sees a slump in demand. Whether it’s point-to-point flights for the significant Indian population residing in the Gulf countries or smooth layovers provided by hub airports for transit passengers, these routes are perennially in demand. With this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to see the UAE wanting a bigger slice of the pie.

The UAE has requested 50,000 more seats a week for air travel between the UAE and India.

This will allow for a greater presence of Dubai-based carriers in India, where air travel to the Middle East is growing increasingly popular. According to the New Indian Express, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Director-General Mohammed A Ahli has written to India’s Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and asked India to let Dubai based carriers to fly to more Indian cities, such as Amritsar, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Kannur, Goa, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, and Pune.

The report says that the UAE has been mounting pressure on the Indian government to allow more flights from there. Even Emirates President Tim Clark had earlier asked the Indian government to open up more routes.

Ahli, in his letter, stated, “As your esteemed offices will be aware, the current seat capacity of 65,200 seats was established vide the terms of the MoU between our respective Governments in 2014. In the past seven years not only has there been a very strong growth of passenger and freight between Dubai and India, but also both our countries have been at the forefront of major developments in aviation.”

Thousands Of Yellow Cab Owner-Drivers To See Debt Relief They Won After 45-Day Camp Out And 15-Day Hunger Strike

August 29, 2022November 26, 2022 Staff ReporterMoney, Travel 0

(New York, NY) Thousands of yellow cab medallion owner-drivers will finally begin to see the debt relief they won after NYTWA members held a 45-day camp out and 15-day hunger strike last November, as City Hall announced today that the program to provide a city-backed guarantee on restructured loans will be operational starting September 19th.

Under the program, loans that are reduced by medallion lenders to no more than $200,000 will receive a $30,000 grant and the remaining balance will be guaranteed by the city in case of default.

The average debt is currently $550,000 with average monthly payments at $3,000. Under the final program, the new loan term for thousands will be $170,000 payable at $1,234 per month.

The final program reflects an increase in interest agreed upon in November 2021 from 5% to 7.3% as rates have gone up due to inflation; and a longer term of 25 years from 20 years to help drivers offset some of that cost.

The loan will be secured by a city-backed guarantee, relieving thousands of drivers from the fear of losing their homes or thousands of dollars in case of default.

Marblegate Assets, the largest holder of loans, is ready to begin restructurings on September 19th – bringing immediate relief to the largest segment of owner-driver borrowers.

The City’s program is for all lenders and all eligible medallion owners (medallion owners who do not own more than 5 medallions.) Other lenders representing hundreds more loans are expected to also participate.

NYTWA Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said: “We are finally at the starting line of a new life for thousands of drivers and our families. The city-backed guarantee is a ground-breaking program that will save and change lives. We are thankful to City Hall, the TLC, the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, the Law Department, and to Marblegate for burning the midnight oil to set up this historic program to address the crisis of debt across the industry. As we collectively work to end this crisis and hit re-start, we look forward to working with all lenders. I congratulate all of our union members who chose to organize, and not despair, and won back their lives. Against the darkness of a crushing debt, their courage remained the light, and today, the triumph is fully theirs.”

BACKGROUND:

Since City Hall agreed to a city-backed guarantee in November 2021, the Adams administration’s TLC, Office of Management and Budget and Law Department have been working to make the program operational. The City negotiated program terms and documents with Marblegate Assets, the largest medallion loan holder, and NYTWA.

NYTWA members voted unanimously to give their sign-off at the end of negotiations.

The new terms for drivers means:

No personal guarantee in case of default
No Confession of Judgment; COJ are pre-signed documents by the borrower accepting responsibility in case of default and waving their right to a hearing. Lenders would be empowered to skip the court process including a trial to receive a judgment that could then be collected on immediately; including going after people’s homes as the COJ would be combined with a personal guarantee.
No balloon payments; Balloon payments meant that the lender could demand the full balance on a loan at the end of a balloon which would typically be every 3 or 5 years. Owner-drivers would be forced to agree to any new terms, including high interest rates, the lender would demand at the end of the balloon.
No pre-payment penalty in case a borrower wants to pay off the loan earlier

Click here to see our statement on November 3, 2021 when the agreement was first reached

A Space in the World

August 29, 2022November 26, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel, Youth 0

Set in Buenos Aires, from Son’s perspective

I am sitting outside of the school director’s office, one of these uncomfortable plastic chairs the students probably are used to. This British language institute isn’t one of the more famous ones. I found out about it from some ads I saw online, sent an email, and am now hopefully going to get my next job.

It is just my third day in Buenos Aires. A few days in Santiago and I thought, This city is too all over the place for me. I have to get out. A few days in the Southern Cone and I thought, This part of the world is just too cold for me. I flew all the way to the other side of Latin America because I wanted something different, but not in terms of temperature. A few days in Buenos Aires, and I’ve thought, Beautiful buildings everywhere, something that finally reminds me of what I bet the architecture of Spain or Italy would be like. The weather’s a little chilly, but not too bad, typical autumn fare. The wind picks up because there are tall and elegant buildings directing it to its lanes.

As for the people, they’re not always the nicest behaving. Most Argentinians are very white. I have the feeling that they see a person of colour and wonder if I’m out to steal something. Or maybe they are too busy to act nice. Buenos Aires seems like one of those cities in which life takes on the appearance of quickness. I say “the appearance” because even though everyone is running about, I also get the sense that they really don’t have that much going on at all. It’s like their empanadas—the steam runs out quick, but the flavour inside remains soggy for hours.

It’s been about fifteen minutes, past nine, the hour of our appointment. When is the director going to call me in for the interview?

Just as I’m thinking it, the rusty door creaks open and an olive-coloured face with glasses is waving me to come inside. I get off my chair and try to give the woman a handshake, but she avoids my hands even as her face gets closer. I think her lips are puckered, and I am confused.

Her lips go onto one cheek, and I remember that people greet this way in certain parts of the world. I lean in to kiss, but it’s too late. The woman hacks out a chortle.

‘You’re clearly not used to the way we do things,’ she says, in a somewhat forced but accomplished British style of an accent. It’s a little too perfected, if anything, and it makes her put-down that much more grating. I try to put on a smile. Obviously I don’t understand how to do these things. She’s the first local I’ve had to greet like this. In the backpacker hostels, everyone is from another country, and the youngsters who run it are so busy smoking up their cannabis that if they touch someone, it has a very different meaning.

Anyways, I’m thinking about what to say as I follow her into the room.

The woman takes her seat on the other side of her desk and slaps a file down, as if to signal that I should be sitting down on the other side of it. I take my seat and glance about. The room looks like it’s from the era of Eva Perón. There is a purple rug on the floor and posters of famous Argentinian intellectuals whom I can’t quite recognise. One is Borges, one looks like an actor, and some have the stare of politicians. There is a dusty smell to the room. I am glad I am wearing my mask, or I might be sneezing. Cabinets are open, files are laid out all over, and a half-drunk 1ate container is by her computer. She is even lighting a cigarette for herself as she opens up the file.

She is so different from the last boss I had in Mexico City.

I sit there awkwardly, not saying anything. She looks back alertly at me, as if she has remembered she was the one who called me in. She clears her throat and keeps the file in front of her eyes.

‘So, you are looking to teach English in Buenos Aires?’

‘Sí, señora.’

She gives me a little snubbing look through her glasses.

‘You can speak to me in English.’

And I thought my Spanish pronunciation was improving. ‘Yes, yes,’ and I add in Spanish for good measure, ‘Claro que sí.’

She opens one of the files and looks at something. She goes on, ‘So, you haven’t done an official course.’

‘A CELTA or TEFL? No.’

‘And you don’t have much work experience?’

‘I’ve taught a bit in Mexico, but otherwise, no.’

The director swats a bit of the air with her cigarette.

‘Then, why do you think we should hire you?’

I swallow the air, because I’m feeling a very annoyed swirl of emotion in my chest. It would be very easy for me to say exactly what I’m thinking.

Well, why not hire me? I’m a native speaker. Isn’t that enough? I didn’t hear a single native speaker when I was coming up to your office. I bet I could teach these students a more natural English register than your put-on British affect.

But I don’t say that, because I know being a teacher has little to do with pronunciation. The truth is, I might not know grammar better than any of these Argentinians, who probably have decades of experience.

I tell her instead what I’m feeling.

‘Look, señora, I just got into Buenos Aires, and I’m loving it here. Really, your country is amazing. And after spending so many months in Mexico and hating every second of it, I’d really love to be in a place where I’m happy, you know what I mean?’

The director smiles politely, strangely, and then types at her computer.

‘There are a lot of schools here who would hear your perfect English and hire you. We’re not one of them.’

She puts the papers she was looking at back into the file, and I’m able to get a quick glance at them. Huh. It wasn’t actually my résumé she was looking at, just some internal tax returns that she was reviewing while talking to me.

So, I have my answer. I know how seriously she takes me. I stand up and thank her for her time. But in a bid to be just a little snarky, I also say, ‘I know there are many more schools willing to consider me. I’d be more than happy to be considered by them.’

The director smiles. I’m thinking she’s a little charmed by my temerity, but then she says, ‘I wouldn’t recommend you interview with them, either.’

I push the chair closer to her desk. A lot of emotion is coming out, and I don’t know why.

‘Because you think I’m not good enough for it?’

The director has finished her cigarette. She’s only been smoking it for a few minutes. I’m sure it has plenty more tobacco, and yet she’s snuffing it in her ashtray. And yet she’s looking at me, with the smoke fuming between us. I might have shown a bit too much of my insecurities.

But she’s looking like she’s feeling really sorry for me.

‘No, mi amor. Look at the state of this country you claim to have fallen in love with. We’re having some of the worst inflation in the world. Most of our population is going homeless. Even the teachers we already have, we are considering firing. There’s no space for anyone to come into this country and teach. That’s not just at this school, but any school.’

No, that can’t be true, is my first gut reaction. I’ve hopped all around Central America. I’ve spent hundreds of US dollars to get here all the way from Mexico. I’ve wasted money going up and down this country and Chile and god knows where else it’ll have to be if I don’t get a job here.

There’s no reason to say any of this to her face. She clearly has a busy day ahead of her. I tell her goodbye and take my leave. She doesn’t kiss me again on the cheeks, just shows me to the door, a fresh cigarette in her wrinkled fingers. I take the stairs three storeys down and out of the building.

This director was nice enough, but also not really, and it’d be a little bit of a cliché if I ended up working for some British school all the way in Argentina. I’m better than that.

I’m better than this, is all.

I get out of the school and am immediately greeted by the August chill. It’s a cold breeze that puts me back into the moment. People all around me are wearing sweaters or jackets. I’m probably the only one not well covered up. My hostel is just on the other side of some of these buildings, in a small lane next to a huge avenue, on the other side of one of the city’s major theatres. I’m not in the mood to head there yet. There’s a side of the city that’s on the port. I feel like going in that direction.

The director is right. There are a lot of homeless people about. The person cleaning the rooms at the hostel explained it away to me a few days ago, that all of it is recent, from the inflation and COVID. I was glad to hear it, but I knew she was telling it to me to make me less concerned about how poor Argentina looks. And that worked for a while. I stopped thinking about how discomforting or not it was to see so many people on the streets.

I never put that into the context of what it would mean if I were to try to work here, and in terms of the future of this city and country as a whole. It doesn’t matter how much the colours on these buildings gleam if the people under them are starving.

And that contrast is getting worse. The closer one gets to the port, the taller and more ostentatious the buildings get. It feels like you’re in the thick of New York or Chicago, with skyscrapers all around you. Not that I’ve been to either, but again, that’s just the foreigner’s feeling I am getting. But then at each side end of the boulevard is a person coming up to me and asking for pesos. I say no once, I say no twice, and by the third time I’m aggravated.

Why do I want to take work opportunities from people here, when all I have to do to have a good standard of living is go back home?

It’s been fifteen minutes of walking. I want to go to the port, but I’m also getting tired. I think I’ll have breakfast—some empanadas will be good. I find a place that has a clear queue of hungry people and decide to stand in it. This must mean the place is good.

I get to where I can order and see the sweat on the cashier’s face, and I think, Is it crowded because everyone likes the empanadas, or is it the only thing people nowadays can afford?

I try to order in my bad Spanish. The cashier gets impatient and says something firm with me. I don’t understand because I don’t know Spanish, and she makes a very angered face, passionately swatting the air with her hands and shouting on in her language. A person pulls me aside. I think they’re going to help, but they push me away. Others in the line move forward. One by one they get their empanadas and leave. I’m thinking someone, just anyone, who speaks English will soon come up and help me order, but no one does.

I feel so angry and humiliated that I force myself to go.

This is nothing like Mexico. There, at least, they would have made an effort to help. The people I met liked getting to know foreigners. And if someone didn’t understand me, they might not have liked it, but they were at least polite.

Maybe I shouldn’t have left. It was getting boring, but every place gets boring. I made a huge gamble in coming here, and I just have to accept that it’s most likely not going to pay off. I can hop to Brazil, I can go up north towards Bolivia, but that doesn’t mean that any of it is going to work out.

A calmer voice in my head is trying to tell myself, If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Let it go.

In reality, there’s nothing but tension running up and down my throat.

“Fuck Buenos Aires,” I shout.

I didn’t want to say that out loud, and now people are staring.

“Fuck Buenos Aires,” I say again.

This time some young guys are looking at me with a smile, nodding to themselves.

“Fuck Buenos Aires,” I say, this time laughing at myself.

I like this city. I really do. People are a little too blunt, people show frustration more than what I’m used to, but I’m still at peace at the end of the day, standing here, with the flow of traffic all about me, with the cedars and the buildings. If I’m not able to find teaching work once classes start, and prices are indeed going up, well, that’s no good news at all. But if I like it here, then I like it here. That is it. I have to give it a shot. There’s nothing wrong with trying a few other interviews here or there. I have the rest of the day—no, I have the rest of the month. I can try to scrounge something up.

I have to have faith in the possibility of being successful in what I want. We need that faith to go anywhere, literally anywhere in life. Otherwise there’s not a chance at all that I will pull through. I’ll go give myself that faith, even if no one else has it in me.

The only one who can give myself space to be in this world is myself.

We are all in our own ways trying to survive—and that includes me.

(KIRAN BHATi is a global citizen formed in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, to parents from Southern Karnataka, in India. I think since I was a teenager I was interested in global themes. Around seventeen, I re-member wanting to tell people I wanted to write a collection of stories for each country in the world, telling a myriad of tales of things happening there. For more details about his journey to over 100 countries in the world, please visit: Kiran Bhat – A a playspace for one person who pretends to be seven billion people at once. (kiranbhatweldgeist.com)

Air India Launches Additional Flights To Connect Key Metros

August 22, 2022November 29, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Aiming to boost connectivity between key metro cities, Air India will start 24 additional domestic flights from Saturday onwards.

Most of these flights will be deployed on the routes of metro cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, among others.

While Air India will add two new frequencies from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, and from Mumbai to Chennai and Hyderabad, one new frequency on the Mumbai-Bengaluru route and Ahmedabad-Pune route will be included as well.

“The additional 24 flights include two new frequencies from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, and from Mumbai to Chennai and Hyderabad, as well as one new frequency on the Mumbai-Bengaluru route and Ahmedabad-Pune route,” the airline said in a statement.

Commenting on the network expansion, Campbell Wilson, MD and CEO, Air India, said: “This expansion bolsters connectivity between key metros, and improves connectivity between Air India’s domestic and international networks.Over the past six months, Air India has been working closely with our partners to return aircraft to service, and we are delighted that this effort is now bearing fruit.”

Air India’s narrow body fleet currently stands at 70 aircraft, of which 54are currently serviceable. The remaining 16 aircraft will progressively return to service by early 2023. (IANS)

India Plans 1,000 Routes, 220 Airports By 2026

August 22, 2022November 29, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel, Technology 0

People will have more options to fly from one city to another as nearly 220 destinations including airports, heliports and water aerodromes with 1,000 routes have been planned to be completed under UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s flagship programme Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN has completed 5 years of success since the launch of its first flight by the Prime Minister on April 27, 2017.

The scheme was initiated on October 21, 2016 with the objective to fulfil the aspirations of the common citizen by following the vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.

On the occasion, Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia said: “The success of RCS UDAN is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’. It has played a great role in the transformation of the Indian aviation industry. So far under this scheme, we have 425 routes aiming to go up to 1,000 routes, 68 new airports aiming to touch 100 airports.

“In the next 4 years, we are expecting 40 crore travellers through Civil Aviation in India. That day is not far when along with rail transport and road transport Civil Aviation will become the bulwark of the transportation in India.”

In the last five years, UDAN has significantly increased the regional air-connectivity in the country. There were 74 operational airports in 2014. Because of the UDAN scheme, this number has increased to 141 by now.

At least 68 under-served/unserved destinations which include 58 Airports, 8 Heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes have been connected under UDAN scheme.

With 425 new routes initiated under the scheme, UDAN has provided air connectivity to more than 29 states/ UTs across the length and breadth of the country. More than one crore passengers have availed the benefits of this scheme as on August 4. (IANS)

India’s Outbound Tourism Sector To Expand Beyond 42 Billion Dollars By 2024

August 14, 2022December 9, 2022 Staff ReporterTravel 0

A report by leading business consulting firm Nangia Andersen LLP in association with the Federation of Indian Commerce and Industry says that outbound trips from India will surpass US$42 billion by 2024. The report, titled “Outbound Travel and Tourism – An Opportunity Untapped”, was presented in the recently-held second edition of the Outbound Tourism Summit. The report was concerned with the rapidly developing Indian travel market, outlining a framework for creating a more value-for-money experience for Indian tourists and travelers.

Outbound trips from India will surpass USD 42 billion by 2024 and the government could bring about certain policy changes to boost this growing market, a report said.

The report’ titled ‘Outbound Travel and Tourism – An Opportunity Untapped’ by Nangia Andersen LLP in association with FICCI, highlights the up-and-coming Indian travel market and outline a framework for creating a more value for money experience for Indian tourists and travellers.

To facilitate ease of doing business and promote the interests of Indian firms dealing in outbound travel the government could look at steps like increasing direct connections to popular and upcoming destinations, allowing foreign cruise vessels to operate on Indian waters, besides taking concerted and coordinated efforts on multiple fronts to propel the outbound tourism market, the report said.

Nangia Andersen LLP Head – Government and Public Sector Advisory Suraj Nangia said Indian outbound tourism is going to surpass USD 42 billion by 2024.

“We are soon going to be the most populous country in the world with the fastest growing economy. The Indian outbound travel market is among the fastest growing markets globally with approximately 80 million passport level of purchasing power, especially among the middle class.”

The report noted that allowing foreign cruise vessels to include Indian destinations as a stop would encourage both inbound and outbound tourism as well as increase revenue for Indian ports.

With a growing economy, young population, and growing middle class, India is ideally positioned to become one of the most lucrative outbound tourism markers in the world. Europe sees 20 per cent of the travellers from India’s outbound traffic. 10 per cent travel to Australia and New Zealand, while the rest of the traffic is towards South east Asia, it said.

Nangia Andersen LLP Partner – Government and Public Sector Advisory Poonam Kaura said, “With the positive response of foreign delegations and their policies, our government can surely establish bilateral relations with tourist-friendly countries for both inbound and outbound tourists.

In 2021, Indians spent approximately USD 12.6 billion in outbound trips, compared to USD 22.9 billion in 2019. While the reason for decrease in spending could be due to the pandemic but these figures point out the huge value that can be captured from Indian outbound travellers, the report added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Set in Guangzhou, The People’s Republic of China

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