A beach birthday

Looks like Paradise right? I'm hoping its going to be exactly that.
Over the last 10 years, I've spent my birthday at an exotic vacation location. Invariably it ends up being a beach since I'm such a self confessed beach bum. These have ranged from the beaches of Goa and Kerala to the the exotic islands of southern Italy, the privately owned exclusive luxury islands of Australia and the diving hot-spots of Malaysia and Thailand. This time, I didn't have to look far.

Don't let the photographs fool you. This is not some exotic European Island or some atoll in the Indian ocean. This is a man made island in the UAE, in the emirate of Ras Al Khaima. Yes for my beach vacation this birthday are headed to this heavenly looking resort, and I don't even have to catch any flights for it. :)

I'm spending my birthday weekend at the newly opened Marjan Island resort and Spa in RAK. I will give a post stay review so that you can know how it was. A 1 hour drive away from Dubai, this is located in Ras Al Khaimah's first man made archipelago of 4 picturesque coral shaped islands and boasts breath-taking scenic marine views of the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Would you like to visit it sometime? Should I run a contest and give away a complimentary stay?

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Happy Festivals - Holi & St.Patricks Day

I love it when 2 festivals from completely unrelated cultures land up on the same day. Even though these festivals have absolutely no cultural or religious relation with each other, their underlying theme seems to be the same. 

St Patrick's day (also known as the feast of St. Patrick) is an Irish traditional festival which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. People wish each other love luck and Happiness. 

Anjaan in an Irish Leprechaun hat

The most famous Irish beer

Holi is a spring festival also known as festival of colours, and sometimes festival of love. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities. It is the Indian festival of color, joy and happiness.

Notice the common thread between these 2 festivals? Yes you are right - It is happiness. 

Wether it is Bhaang or Beer, Bhangra or Tap Dancing, Gujia or Guiness... the final destination is always happiness. No matter which festival you are celebrating, here's wishing you lots of love, luck and happiness. Spread the joy! :)

Pilgrimage to a Paradise called Palolem

Yup I did it again. Travelled on impulse. Even though its been due for more than 6 months now, it really was a last minute decision. Ive promised myself after this trip that no matter what Im doing "Goa" at least 2 times in a year.
In 2002, 2003, 2004 , I managed to clock an average of 4 times a year. In 2005, I went only Once. I did make up for it by heading to thailand and egypt! But Goa is Goa. There's no arguing with that.

Over the years so many things have changed about Goa. For one, everyone seems to be going there. The combination of the "sosegãdo" or laid back lifestyle, the amazingly bracing weather and Goa's carnival-like nightlife has lured many people to it off late.

Gone are the days when baga and calangute (north goa for the uninitiated) was travellers paradise. Now its more like a fishmarket. SO MANY PEOPLE. We even tried the staying at Harambol and Arpora moves, (Again north beaches), but no luck! North Goa just doesnt excite us anymore.

We did stay in Baga for 2 nights. We did the whole flea market (Ingos' and mackies - Both in Arpora hill area). We went to this new night club called "on the rocks" where DJ gopu from bangalore spins now. We also did the whole paradiso, mambos, kamaki, titos circuit. Not so exciting. We also caught the sunset at harambol and did the humdrum Anjuna, dando, Aswem Circuit. Was nice. We also managed to catch some forts, and some churches.



While the north is where the action is, the south is where the relaxation is. South of Margao, are some of the most fantastic beaches in ASIA. Beaches like Arrosim, Colva, Betalbatim,Benaulim and of course the Picturesque Palolem.



Palolem is the ideal beach to feel the soft sand beneath your feet. This is where one realises that there is no place like a warm, inviting beach in Goa to make you feel at peace with the universe.



Palolem beach, situated in the Canacona distrct, is also known as "Paradise Beach". Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Goa. It is a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips.

We stayed in some coco huts (which u dont find in Baga). And did precisely "nothing for two days. We, ate, slept, watched the sunset, swam, played with puppies, and ate and slept! Thats it! :)

Ah! the pleasure of a holiday!
I urge everyone who reads this to catch the next bus/flight to goa. Now! Go ... Go... GO.... GO... Goa!!
U can always get back to work on Monday!?

Sigh!

Dream Destination

now this is a sunset all of us wish we could catch. man! Contentment in Paradise.
A picture of the Sunset at the North Pole with the moon at its closest point!
Enjoy!