Malaysian casino operator Genting’s resort unit will build a twentieth Century Fox Theme park near the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Dato Lee Choong Yan, President and Chief Operating Officer of Genting Malaysia Berhad and Jeffrey Godsick, President of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, at the announcement. Photo courtesy Resorts World Genting
The park,to open in 2016, will be first Twentieth Century Theme park with rides and other attractions based on the block-busters such as Ice Age (2002), Life of Pi (2012) and Night at the Museum (2006) Resorts World Genting said.
Jeffery Godsick, President of Twentieth Century Fox consumer products said, park marked the launch “of our global location based entertainment strategy”.
According to Mr. Godsick, for the first time, audiences will be transported into the worlds of their favourite properties.
Built on more than 25 acres (10 hectares), the park will feature more than 25 rides and attractions.
It replaces an older theme park, which is part of Resorts World Genting located at the peak of an area known as Genting Highlands. The resort which also includes the country’s sole casino and has attracted more than 20 million visitors, per year since 2011 is undergoing refurbishment.
Asia’s first Lego land theme park opened last September in the Southern Malaysian Johor, an economic hub across waterway from Singapore.
See a Panda in Malaysia…
Most countries would build a museum or an amusement park to attract tourists, but former Malyasian tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen felt a Panda’s Panda is enough to do that. She expects a influx from countries like Indonesia and Singapore.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has now opened the doors to the world’s most comprehensive and interactive attraction devoted to NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program – Space Shuttle Atlantis.SM
Of the three space-flown orbiters distributed by NASA to science centers and museums throughout the country, only Atlantis is the focal point of a $100 million, 90,000-square-foot attraction containing four multimedia and cinematic productions and more than 60 interactive experiences that invite guests to “be the astronaut” and to celebrate the people, passion and patriotism behind the shuttle program. Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in regular admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Angry Birds™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season.
In honor of the Year of Atlantis, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is on sale for a limited time at a discounted rate of $55 + tax for adults and $45 + tax for children ages 3-11 when purchased online or by phone only. Regular price of $63 + tax for adults and $53 + tax for children ages 3-11 applies for all gate purchases. For more information or to purchase tickets or an annual pass, call 877-313-2610 or visit http://www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Only at Space Shuttle Atlantis can guests come literally nose-to-nose with an actual space shuttle orbiter that flew in space 33 times and still bears the scars, scorch marks and space dust of its last mission. Only at Space Shuttle Atlantis can guests have a nearly 360-degree view of Atlantis as only astronauts have seen it before, tilted on its side at a 43.21-degree angle, seeming to float in space with its payload bay doors open and its robotic arm extended, as if it has just undocked from the International Space Station (ISS). And, only at Kennedy Space Center can guests say they saw a shuttle at the home of human spaceflight, where all 135 space shuttle missions from 1981 to 2011 were launched and processed.
Developed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, operators of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA since 1995, as well as St. Louis-based PGAV Destinations, in partnership with NASA, Space Shuttle Atlantis is the marquee element in a 10-year master plan for the Visitor Complex. Here, top-of-the-line audio/visual and show systems, theme park technology seen in Orlando’s newest and most popular attractions, seldom seen NASA images and footage, and reality-based astronaut training simulations combine to create a first-of-its-kind attraction.
“It’s true that there is more than one space shuttle orbiter out there, but there is nowhere else on Earth like Space Shuttle Atlantis,” said Bill Moore, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “This completely immersive experience is about much more than seeing Atlantis close-up. With hi-fi replicas, simulators and interactive activities touching on all aspects of the shuttle program and its accomplishments, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station, it’s the closest guests can get to living and working in space – short of applying to the astronaut corps.”
• The Entrance – Outside Space Shuttle Atlantis, guests are greeted by a full-scale,
184-foot-tall vertical replica of the space shuttle’s external tank and two solid rocket boosters, giving visitors a true sense of the awesome power needed to launch the shuttle into orbit. The entrance walkway is lined with river rocks from Kennedy Space Center’s crawlerway, upon which Saturn V rockets and space shuttles were transported to the launch pads.
• The Building – Space Shuttle Atlantis features two sweeping architectural elements, or “wings,” representing the space shuttle’s launch and return. The outer layer of the building, cloaked in iridescent hues of orange and gold, represents the fiery glow of re-entry. The taller, internal wing of the building is covered in a shimmering gray tile pattern representing the tiled underside of the orbiter. The building is designed to meet LEED Silver sustainability standards.
• The Preshow – Multimedia and cinematic presentations build anticipation by illustrating the evolution of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and the thousands of people who took part in creating and maintaining NASA’s five space-flown shuttles – Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour.
• Hubble Space Telescope Theater – A high-fidelity replica shows the Hubble Space Telescope in all of its glory, 43 feet long and 14 feet in diameter, with its solar panels fully deployed. A cinematic production in the 40-seat theater shows highlights of the Hubble program, including its 1990 launch, subsequent repair missions and stunning images of deep space.
• International Space Station Gallery – Guests can climb aboard a high-fidelity replica of ISS modules and experience the sensation of floating in space. An interactive touch screen offers a variety of topics about living and working aboard the ISS. The topics are then explained using real footage shot exclusively for the Microgravity Theater by actual ISS crewmembers, shown in zero gravity inside the ISS. Freestanding pods recreate components of the station, including upside-down astronaut sleeping quarters and the space potty. A 16-foot-long, four-foot-tall interactive media wall tracks the location of the ISS and provides downloads from the crew’s Twitter feed, as well as exciting updates about the scientific research conducted.
• Shuttle Launch Experience – Guests can “get vertical” and strap-in to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of a space shuttle launch. Veteran NASA astronauts who helped develop the attraction call it “the next best thing to an actual space shuttle launch.”
• On Orbit Gallery – The 24-foot-long interactive Space Transportation System (STS) Timeline brings NASA’s 135 space shuttle missions to life with details on every launch, landing, astronaut, payload and more. Banks of interactive monitors provide an “X-ray” view of Atlantis’s crucial systems and prerecorded views of its interior, including the cockpit, middeck and payload bay. At the rear of Atlantis, guests can see an actual 8,000-pound space shuttle main engine. Virtual reality simulators invite guests to test their spacewalking skills, while budding commanders can take the controls in a space shuttle cockpit replica.
• Space Shuttle Processing Area – The authentic “beanie cap,” or vent hood, from Launch Pad 39B finds a new home at the “Blast Off” game in which guests can kick together virtual molecules of hydrogen and oxygen to create the space shuttle’s liquid fuel. They can also try their hand at virtually mating the orbiter to the shuttle stack in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The wheels and tires from Atlantis’ final mission, STS-135, are also available for guests to touch and spin.
• The Re-entry Zone – Visitors can see what it takes for astronauts to land the orbiter as a high-speed glider, creating their own sonic booms and gliding, or rather, sliding, to a landing on the steep slope of the Re-entry Slide.
• Shuttle Express Gift Shop – The 4,000-square-foot shop features a wide array of shuttle and space-related merchandise displayed amid youth artwork depicting their visions for the future of space flight.
Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11.
In the holy month of Ramzaan or Ramadaan, I would like to take you through Tashkent for its famous Mausoleums, Madarrsas, Mosques, Museums, Mughlai cuisine & Mind blowing shopping options for upcoming Eid festival…
No wonder, In 2007, Tashkent was named the “cultural capital of the Islamic world” by Moscow News, as the city has has numerous historic mosques and significant Islamic sites, including the Isamic University. Tashkent holds the earliest written Qur’an, which has been located in Tashkent since 1924.
Tashkent (Uzbek: Toshkent, Тошкент; Russian: Ташкент) is the capital city of Uzbekistan and the most cosmopolitan city in Uzbekistan. This is an ancient city on the Great Silk Road from China to Europe. Little remains of the ancient city after the 1966 earthquake and earlier modernisation work following the 1917 revolution. Tashkent is a very Soviet city that has little remaining from its ancient Central Asian past. The city has a mixture of modern new office buildings, hotels, parks and crumbling numerous historic mosques and significant Islamic sites, including the Isamic University. Tashkent holds the earliest written Qur’an, which has been located in Tashkent since 1924. Soviet style apartment blocks.
Over the last few years the Uzbek government has embarked on a major reconstruction program in the centre of the city. Roads, government buildings and parks are all being reconstructed (many historical buildings and sites are bulldozed in process). To the visitor, the new city looks very impressive and enchanting.
Tashkent is noted for its tree-lined streets, numerous fountains, and pleasant parks, at least until the tree-cutting campaigns initiated in 2009 by local government. Since 1991, the city has changed economically, culturally, and architecturally. New development has superseded or replaced icons of the Soviet era. The largest statue ever erected for Lenin was replaced with a globe, featuring a geographic map of Uzbekistan. Buildings from the Soviet era have been replaced with new modern buildings. The “Downtown Tashkent” district includes the 22-story NBU Bank building, an Intercontinental Hotel, the International Business Center, and the Plaza Building. Tashkent Business district is specially district, established for the development of small, medium and large businesses in Uzbekistan.
Since 1991, the city has changed economically, culturally, and architecturally. New development has superseded or replaced icons of the Soviet era. The largest statue ever erected for Lenin was replaced with a globe, featuring a geographic map of Uzbekistan. Buildings from the Soviet era have been replaced with new modern buildings. The “Downtown Tashkent” district includes the 22-story NBU Bank building, an Intercontinental Hotel, the International Business Center, and the Plaza Building.
In the recent times it has come up as Business hub, and if it takes you there either on business or leisure trip, take a trip to the city for its unique architecture influenced by the early invasions of the Arabs and impact of Russian Tsarist rule. Mosques and Mausoleums dot the city scape of Tashkent and in the city alone there are five prominent mausoleums, which have stood the test of time. Kaldyrgach –bly-Mausoleums is the oldest one in Tashkent. The lattice work in and engravings in the Mausoleum of Abubakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi are exceptional.
A trip to old town is a flash back into the past. Don’t miss the hustle bustle of Chorsu Bazaar with its bustling stalls and noisy alleyways. This bazaar has been in the same location for 2000 years and oldest of its kind in Central Asia. Here you can shop for spices, home decor and embroidered shawls. Must visit Moyie Mubarak Library Museum where oldest Quraan has been kept. To quench your shopping frenzy, head to Saligokh Street also known as Broadway for designers and brands. Not to forget the bustling nightlife of Tashkent, to add spice to your trip.
Indians have a special connect with the place because our beloved Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri breathed his last in Tashkent on January 11, 1966. As a mark of respect to him special prayers are being organized in his memory in Tashkent.
Planning a trip to Florida, Don’t miss out on these events.
The calendar of the event for the month of August, 2013 is given below:
Miami Spice Restaurant Program (Aug. 1- Sept. 30) If you’re visiting during August or September, don’t miss a chance to savor some of our area’s most spectacular cuisine. Greater Miami and the Beaches’ top restaurants offer mouth-watering meals at incredible savings. Various restaurants throughout Greater Miami and the Beaches, 305-539-3000, iLoveMiamiSpice.com
Brazilian Film Festival of Miami (18-25) The Inffinito Festival Circuit arrives in Miami for the 16th edition of the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami. The Competitive Screening takes place once again at the Colony Theatre, with short and feature films competing for the Cristal Lens Award, the most prestigious award in Brazilian cinema outside the country. Various theaters throughout Miami Beach, 305/600-3347, brazilianfilmfestival.com
Travel to West is just out of bounds for Indians in the wake of wakening rupee.
A two week trip to US would have cost travel enthusiasts Rs. 1.25 Lakhs in early this year, with Rupee dropping from Rs. 45 against the dollar in 2011-end to Rs. 60 now, the package will cost nearly Rs. 2 Lakhs. Other popular destinations like Canada, Singapore and Dubai have also become more expensive as their currencies have gained against the rupee. As a result, leisure travel to the West and Southeast Asia will suffer considerably.
When the Indian rupee weakens, the forex travel card market shivers which is a pre-paid card on which foreign currency is loaded and can be used on while travelling overseas. Already forex card sellers, largely banks, are seeing the impact on the amount of currency loaded. The forex travel card market, estimated at $1.9 billion in India, has grown at 15-18% in the last two years, primarily driven by the retails segment comprising leisure, medical and student travellers.
All this is going to make domestic travel popular. Presently right from Kashmir to Andaman & Nikobar Islands, Indian holiday destinations are catching up. People would like to opt for Kashmir, Portblair, Coorg whereas during winters places like Rajasthan and Gujarat will experience huge demand. Sikkim would also be preferred destination.
Malaysia and Thailand would also attain the crown of preferred destination abroad for those who are keen foreign traveller on budget. Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bhutan would also be preferred destinations. Other viable options include Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Philippines. Not only this, travellers would also like to explore destinations like Turkey, Egypt and Greece, though being costly, they are close to India.
Expensive Destinations in two years:
1. Thailand
2. Malaysia
3. Sri Lanka
4. Turkey
5. Greece
With such royal depreciation in rupee value, leisure travellers need to weigh all other options before planning their trip. They can have an extended stay at domestic destinations as an alternative to travel to the West.
Eighteen-month celebration kicks off on March 21, 2014 at all three SeaWorld parksSeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ announces a multi-park celebration to commemorate a key event in the company’s history. The original SeaWorld® park opened its gates for the first time in March 1964 on Mission Bay in San Diego.
SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will feature a Sea of Surprises™ starting March 21, 2014. SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Florida and San Antonio will share the excitement throughout an 18-month celebration that highlights some of the most memorable SeaWorld experiences.
For nearly five decades, SeaWorld has surprised and amazed guests with unique entertainment, thrilling rides and up-close encounters with marine animals. During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration visitors will be invited to take part in the celebration through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating guests with prizes every day.
Just a few weeks ago, SeaWorld Orlando opened Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, an all-new realm that combines 30-degree temperatures, upclose encounters with more than 250 penguins and an all-family adventure ride to create the coldest theme park attraction in Orlando and a thrilling, chilling experience of a lifetime.
SeaWorld Orlando will continue to make news later this year when the park announces what’s new for 2014. Details will be shared this fall.
SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration Sea of Surprises™ Highlights
• SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate 50 years with a new interactive entrance plaza. The area will be called Explorer’s Reef™ and will open in March for the celebration kick-off. The 16-month construction project will transform the existing front gate area through sculptural and design elements inspired by waves crashing over a reef, as well as up-close encounters with marine life. The new front gate concept will replace existing ticket booths with a beach-themed, concierge-style ticketing area that will provide guests with a single location to purchase admission, as well as sign up for tours, animal interactions and dining experiences.
• From the moment they enter the park, guests can connect with the sea through multiple touch pools featuring shark pups, stingrays and cleaner fish. Explorer’s Reef encompasses more than three acres, including new and innovative retail and culinary opportunities for guests. The multi-million dollar renovation effort will not only make entering the park faster and more efficient, but will significantly enhance the arrival experience.
• As part of SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration, there will be more surprise encounters with animal ambassadors throughout the day. A pair of Magellanic penguins, a lemur, or even a parade of flamingos could surprise guests at any moment at all three SeaWorld locations.
• What’s a celebration without surprises? The SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” will roam the SeaWorld parks giving away prizes and special gifts. Guests could receive exclusive access to rides or behind-the-scenes experiences, celebration t-shirts or Shamu-themed merchandise, reserved show seating and more.
• SeaWorld is known for amazing animal shows and each park will have something new for the 50th celebration. Even park pathways will come to life with spontaneous entertainment at unexpected moments, including performers with sea-inspired costumes and props, a bubble brigade and splash mob.
• To underscore SeaWorld’s commitment to the environment and passion for protecting the ocean, a series of giant sea life sculptures will be displayed throughout the parks. SeaWorld commissioned environmental art group Washed Ashore for the large-scale art created from ocean debris. The works serve as a reminder that our animal friends need healthy environments.
• As part of its continuing commitment to new technology that enhances the guest experience, SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will include new ways for fans to connect to the parks and each other though digital devices. The parks will be launching a variety of enhancements, from interactive apps that provide fun new ways to experience the park to new games and video content.
For more information and continuing news about SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration and the Sea of Surprises, visit http://www.seaworld.com/celebration.
Eighteen-month celebration kicks off on March 21, 2014 at all three SeaWorld parksSeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ announces a multi-park celebration to commemorate a key event in the company’s history. The original SeaWorld® park opened its gates for the first time in March 1964 on Mission Bay in San Diego.
SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will feature a Sea of Surprises™ starting March 21, 2014. SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Florida and San Antonio will share the excitement throughout an 18-month celebration that highlights some of the most memorable SeaWorld experiences.
For nearly five decades, SeaWorld has surprised and amazed guests with unique entertainment, thrilling rides and up-close encounters with marine animals. During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration visitors will be invited to take part in the celebration through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating guests with prizes every day.
Just a few weeks ago, SeaWorld Orlando opened Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, an all-new realm that combines 30-degree temperatures, upclose encounters with more than 250 penguins and an all-family adventure ride to create the coldest theme park attraction in Orlando and a thrilling, chilling experience of a lifetime.
SeaWorld Orlando will continue to make news later this year when the park announces what’s new for 2014. Details will be shared this fall.
SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration Sea of Surprises™ Highlights
• SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate 50 years with a new interactive entrance plaza. The area will be called Explorer’s Reef™ and will open in March for the celebration kick-off. The 16-month construction project will transform the existing front gate area through sculptural and design elements inspired by waves crashing over a reef, as well as up-close encounters with marine life. The new front gate concept will replace existing ticket booths with a beach-themed, concierge-style ticketing area that will provide guests with a single location to purchase admission, as well as sign up for tours, animal interactions and dining experiences.
• From the moment they enter the park, guests can connect with the sea through multiple touch pools featuring shark pups, stingrays and cleaner fish. Explorer’s Reef encompasses more than three acres, including new and innovative retail and culinary opportunities for guests. The multi-million dollar renovation effort will not only make entering the park faster and more efficient, but will significantly enhance the arrival experience.
• As part of SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration, there will be more surprise encounters with animal ambassadors throughout the day. A pair of Magellanic penguins, a lemur, or even a parade of flamingos could surprise guests at any moment at all three SeaWorld locations.
• What’s a celebration without surprises? The SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” will roam the SeaWorld parks giving away prizes and special gifts. Guests could receive exclusive access to rides or behind-the-scenes experiences, celebration t-shirts or Shamu-themed merchandise, reserved show seating and more.
• SeaWorld is known for amazing animal shows and each park will have something new for the 50th celebration. Even park pathways will come to life with spontaneous entertainment at unexpected moments, including performers with sea-inspired costumes and props, a bubble brigade and splash mob.
• To underscore SeaWorld’s commitment to the environment and passion for protecting the ocean, a series of giant sea life sculptures will be displayed throughout the parks. SeaWorld commissioned environmental art group Washed Ashore for the large-scale art created from ocean debris. The works serve as a reminder that our animal friends need healthy environments.
• As part of its continuing commitment to new technology that enhances the guest experience, SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will include new ways for fans to connect to the parks and each other though digital devices. The parks will be launching a variety of enhancements, from interactive apps that provide fun new ways to experience the park to new games and video content.
For more information and continuing news about SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration and the Sea of Surprises, visit http://www.seaworld.com/celebration.
You can’t escape feeling in awe on Hawaii Island. From the molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii Island is an unrivalled expression of the power of nature.To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be inspiring. You’ll find all but two of the world’s climatic zones within this island’s shores.
The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii Island for your return.
My brother –in-law Atul Vaghela and his family – wife Jayashree Vaghela, Daughter Avni Vaghela and Sunny boy – Purav Vaghela were in Big Island Hawaii for a vacation. We present here pictures exclusively clicked for my Blog family by Atul.
I would like to share these breathtakingly beautiful pictures which will lure you to be in Hawaii for your next vacation.
Hawaiʻi, also called the Island of Hawaiʻi the Big Island or Hawaiʻi Island Hawaiian: which comprises Hawaiʻi County and the Hilo, HI Micropolitan Statistical Area, is an island, and located in the U.S. state of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. It is the largest and the southeastern-most of the Hawaiian islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the North Pacific Ocean. With an area of 4,028 square miles (10,430 km2), it is larger than all of the other islands in the archipelago combined and is the largest island in the United States. The island is known as the “Big Island” to reduce confusion between island and the state.
As of the 2010 Census the population was 185,079. The county seat and largest city is Hilo. There are no incorporated cities in Hawaiʻi County. County has a mayor-council form of government.
Hawaii County is one of seven counties in the United States to share the same name as the state in which it is located (the other six counties are Arkansas County, Idaho County, Iowa County, New York County, Oklahoma County, and Utah County).
Hawaiʻi is said to have been named for Hawaiʻiloa, the legendary Polynesian navigator who first discovered it. Other accounts attribute the name to the legendary realm of Hawaiki, a place from which the Polynesian people are said to have originated. The place where they go in the afterlife, the realm of the gods and goddesses. Captain James Cook, the European who claimed to have discovered the Hawaiian Islands and called them the “Sandwich Islands”, was killed on the Big Island at Kealakekua Bay.
Hawaiʻi was the home island of Paiʻea Kamehameha, later known as Kamehameha the Great. Kamehameha united most of the Hawaiian islands under his rule in 1795, after several years of war, and gave the kingdom and the island chain the name of his native island.
Text courtesy: Bienu Verma Vaghela
Photograph courtesy: Atul Vaghela in Hawaii
JULY 6, SATURDAY: The team Apnapaisa set out for Outdoor adventure trip to WILD WEST ADVENTURE RESORT at Kolad on Goa road. Excitement was palpable as it was a much awaited picnic of the year, that too in monsoons.
Journey started at 6:30 AM from Borivali and it took us nearly 6 hours at 12:30 to reach the destination. Everybody kept wondering where we were heading to as destination looked somewhat unduly long and driver of the bus kept telling us 10 minutes more for not less than 5 times. As anticipated, it was quite a misadventure as driver missed the spot and had moved ahead…he had to take the u-turn after driving quite a distance. Never mind…Der aayi…durust aayi!
Enroute Kolad, journey was quite interesting much different from our Metro drive. As it was constantly drizzling outside, nature looked at its best…lush greenery …high mountains….rivers with swans sailing. Quite a break from daily hustle bustle.
Inside the bus, it was drizzling FUN. The bus was converted into Mini Pub where our team members were singing, dancing, eating, drinking and making merry. Our colleague Mandakini and team belting out medley of Bollywood numbers one after another was quite a treat to all of us. The topping on the fun was provided by none other than our own Surendra Sharma – Balwantji whose jokes kept everybody in splits throughout. Sprits were really high…except mine as I was down under fever and that kept my colleagues genuinely worried. Still I decided to go ahead as I did not want to miss the fun whatever little I could have.
After reaching the Wild West adventure resort, we found it to be quite a sight – natural and free flowing river with high waves amidst dense forest and high mountains and rain showers. It was a pleasure to watch nature at its splendid best.
Now was the time for some real adventure – Banana Boat ride which ‘Apna’ Log enjoyed the most. It took them around the river in Banana speed boat, everybody waived from the boat with excitement to all of us who were watching them from the parapet. But soon…excitement turned into shock when boat overturned and they were floating on the river. For the first time I was actually shocked. It was really scarry…But later came to know that they enjoyed it most.
Now team headed for some really heavy duty adventure – Zipping and river crossing. Many ‘Apna’Log attempted it for the first time and attempted it quite well. Some returned disappointed as they could not attempt it. All of them returned quite happy to gorge on sumptuous lunch.
It was time to leave…and move towards where bigger adventure which was to unfold to our surprise. It was a trek towards natural waterfalls in the mountains in some village. The trek towards waterfalls was really adventurous …raining on head …slippery on foot, the combination was really deadly. Reluctant adventurists like me too wanted to explore and set out to trek, but returned mid-way anticipating the dangers ahead. Some lost the way…some lost the trek and fortunate few led by Balwantji could make it to the spot who had the real fun amidst mountains, jungles and waterfalls. They were privy to great funfilled adventure. In the meantime I took out time to view the village life where I could spot TV/ Dish TVs/ fridge/ Sofas etc. in the houses. In the lap of mountains, the village was breathtakingly beautiful. In the meantime, some colleagues returned. The villagers had gathered around us to watch the new encroachers in the area. Now all of them returned, completely wet. It was time for photography session and many youngsters jumped with joy.
But like all good things, this too came to an end. It was time to leave…and we moved ahead towards Panvel. This journey needs special mention as roads on the highway had really gone bad due to heavy rains and there was not a single light on the highway for over two hours of drive. Truly surprising that being located next to financial capital and such sorry state of affairs. Maharashtra Tourism really needs to look into this to compete with Gujarat Tourism where drive is truly delightful.
After struggling with potholes, poor lighting and heavy traffic we made way to home and everybody reached safely, happily with dreams of next ‘Outing’.
Three Cheers for:
1. Patronage by Balwant Jain
2. Organisation by Rajan, Sushil
3. Most spirited performance by Mandakini and Team
4. Enthusiastic participation by Content
5. All Men representation by Engineering
6. Guest Appearance by Rajesh Vyas
7. Mothers who brought along their kids
Thank you all…
Text courtsey: Bienu Verma Vaghela
Photography: Tanya Vaghela
It will not be a misnomer to say for Chairman of Malaysia Tourism, Dato Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen who is taking forward the mission of her country’s Prime Minister of firming the position of Malaysia as ‘the’ tourist destination of the world.
Flagging off the event on her brief visit to Mumbai for the launch of “Tum Mile’ music album, Dr Ng Yen Yen said, “ The launch of visit Malaysia year – 2014 Tourism Bollywood Album is aptly timed and important because Visit Malaysia Year -2014 is a mere 6 months away. This album will create unique interest in Malaysia, within our Indian tourists who are already exploring Malaysia as the ideal destination for family holidays, luxury vacations, spa holidays, eco tourism adventures and honeymoon among others.”
The one-of-its kind celebration of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY 2014) compliments is growing interests amongst Indian tourists who visit Malaysia for shopping, theme parks, beaches and islands. There is a significant rise in number of tourists, who are not only coming to Malaysia for traditional tourism destinations and shopping but they are coming to Malaysia to celebrate important occasions like wedding and honeymoons..
Occasion was marked by the launch of “Tum mile” Music Album, aimed towards amalgamating Bollywood Music and Malaysia’s Might as “the” tourist destination – No wonder we have the slogan – Malaysia truly Asia!.
Welcoming this initiative as a strong step towards building Indo-Malaysian relationship, Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia said, “ Bollywood songs, super stars and movies are a household name in Malaysia and command an extremely high following even amongst non hindi population. And now this beautiful composition by two prominent individuals, one from Malaysia, and other from India, it is our hope that the album Tum Mile will further bridge our two nations together – through Music, through tourism!.
This unique association speaks of the growing harmony between India and Malaysia, and about partnerships being explored beyond tourism and business. As Malaysia becomes the destination of choice for a growing percentage of Indians, “Tum Mile” serves as perfect platform to enhance the emotional connect of the Indian audiences with Malaysia.
Launch of Music Album Tum Mile
The soulful rendition by Toh Puan Noor Suzanna Abdullah, member of Royal family of Kedah along with Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu, it was indeed a delight to the soul. Owner of dynamic voice and magnetic personality, she is a rare combination of beauty and voice. A big fan of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, Suzanna’s loves to sing sentimental songs as these suits her voice best. Not only this Noor Suzanna is the Vice Deputy Chairman of the Nautral Disaster Organisational of Kedah (PBANK) where Sultan of Kedah is the patron.
Dato Sri Dr. NG YEN YEN
Speaking on the occasion Dr Ng Yen Yen said, “Tourism is the Prime Minister’s key area and tourism contributes to the tune of 8% of GDP. This year’s target is to attract 26 million tourists from India and next year when we celebrate visit Malaysia year, the target would be 28 million tourists from India. We have segmented tourism into four parts: Luxury Tourism, Wild Life Tourism/ Adventure Tourism, weddings and honeymoons and Conferences and Meetings.”
However, “Bollywood needs not promotion in Malaysia. It is already a hot property amongst Malaysians and what to say of Bollywod music, it is the best,” she added.
“Though many films have been shot in Malaysia say Don, Don2 and Malaysia is a very popular destination amongst Bollywood, still lot of synergy can be drawn between Bollywood’s film craft and Malaysia’s infrastructure. We are positioning Malaysia as film producing nation and as a special course we are offering 30% rebate to production houses coming to Malaysia for film making. There are special arrangements in place for immigration, customs, police and all other ground arrangements. Plans are on board to make is a truly pleasurable experience for them.” She further added.
Malaysia, already a very strong player in shopping destination category, it is further strengthening its position in the category by providing excellent transportation, offering variety of products, value for money deals. No wonder Malaysia has been rated 4th best shopping country and striving hard to occupy Numero Uno slot.
Speaking on the unity in diversity of Malaysia, Dr Yen Yen said, “We are a multi cultural country where 60% is Muslim population, 20% Chinese and 10% Indians. Peace and stability in diversity our strength and our treasure. We celebrate all occasion with lot of enthusiasm and light up Malaysia in sync with the festival be it New Year, Christams, Deepawali, Ramadaan.
Travel-Knots 