Some children go to the zoo and after dog biscuits to an elephant. He enjoys eating them…why then do these children feel guilty?
It was a very cold spring \day when we went to the zoo. The elephant house was warm and filled with a rather nice musty smell. And an elephant too of course, the elephant was very wide awake and seemed quite pleased to see us. We took some harmless dog biscuits with us three were not many-about a dozen. We carried the biscuits in a coffee tin.
We gazed at the elephant for a while. We then got out the tin of walnut-sized dog biscuits and started handing them over to the elephant. We gave the biscuits one by one, to make them last, each of us taking it in turns.
There is something fascinating about an elephant’s trunk-long and rubbery, creased and dusty. Swooping out and fumbling round for whatever’s going. Or just waiting for whatever favors come its way Pink side, like a mobile nostril. The huge creature daintily took each small dog biscuit, curled its trunk round and thrust the biscuits right down the bottom of its vast throat. Then it did a kind of dance-shuffle, shuffle, oomph, oomph, with those great feet in the dust. It was a kind of thank –you dance. Then it uncurled its trunk again, swooping down towards the tin and was either given or daintily picked out another biscuit, only one. Soon the trunk was swinging back for the next one.
Then the last biscuit was gone, Down Swooped the trunk. Round and round the bottom of the tin that pinkish. Puffing up the small lest crumbs. Then out came the trunk. And a slight look of disappointment came into the tiny winking eyes. I want many biscuits, they seemed to say. But we had not any left.
That was them it happened. Out flashed the trunk again, like lightning this time. None of your gently jungle swaying swoops. And, before anyone of us could even bat an eyelid, the tin was snatched into the air and thrust straight down into its huge mouth. We were petrified. We stood gaping while those huge v-shaped lips closed on the tin. There was an extremely alarming crunch, Then another Kerrunch. The look in those eyes was really wicked now.
Unable to move or do anything but gasp, awful visions flashed before my eyes of the twisted tin descending into the elephant’s stomach. Crunch, How much did elephants cost? Probably thousands and thousands of pounds, how could we pay for an elephant? Crunch. There would be a court case and we would be rightly called thoughtless stupid people who killed an elephant, Crunch. Suddenly the elephant threw up its trunk again, stuck it into its mouth and with the air of a magician, produced a bent and battered object which had once been a harmless old coffee.
We all have a sigh of relief and even smiled. Elephant are clearly just an intelligent as we had thought. As if they did not know the difference between a healthy dog biscuit and a tin! But we were not going to be let off as lightly as that. After some playful waving about, the elephant calmly put the remains of the tin back into its mouth again, crunch.
It was too much. We slunk out into the cold wind feeling very hot and bothered. We went home and for many days had horrible dreams. We dreamt of opening the newspaper and reading headlines like:- But nothing happened. We tried to forget it, but could not.
The next time we went the elephant was still there, but there was a notice on the door. Visitors are requested not to feed the elephant.
India: detailed information for tourism and travel
India fascinated by the known latest Bollywood movies (almost) everyone. But even as a tourist destination, it is becoming increasingly popular. India offers a huge variety, ranging from beautiful beaches, magnificent palaces on to impressive landscapes. With such a choice is something for every holiday.
India can also leave other countries on the Indian Ocean and nearly 5,000 km long coast boasts such. But not just any beach, no, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether surrounded by palm trees or kept just endless beaches of golden sand, where dreams come true here and invite you to relax. Famous beaches are as Goa and Kovalam.
The most famous monument in the country, the well at any of India tour program is in is, of course, the Taj Mahal, which is India's Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1651 for Lieblinsfrau Mumtaz Mahal had built his of. She died at the birth of the 14th Child of sorrow and this magnificent palace built by the Mogul. The gardens around it invites you to linger and relax.
India has much to offer that it is not easy to decide whether you want to spend a beach ho
liday, a sightseeing holiday, or other activity-holidays.
One should make sure when visiting India. Not Indian elephant caress, a well, this would be a great change, but a visit to a spice market should no one in India does not miss. The many different scents of spices and herbs are an unforgettable experience. Particularly interesting are the various applications for which one can use the plants sold here. Not only to flavor food, the most suitable offers. Even for the most secret desires or to treat injuries and pain is an herb grown in India.
If you want those plants, whether dried or cooked, take from holidays in India should, however, informed beforehand about customs regulations.
TIPS TO TRAVEL TO INDIA
1. Arrival at the airport. If ever, especially at the airport and take a taxi, which is your first trip to India. Say you have been unhesitatingly even before, you are going to visit friends, to work in an NGO ... anything that does not make you look like a novice, you evitareis many scam attempts.
2. Change Currency. The national currency is the rupee. You can change money at all international airports and are happy to buy euros, so you do not need the intermediate step to dollars.
3. Car Hire. The easiest way to travel in India, especially if you want to tour a region is to rent a car with driver. Comes to around 1000 rupees per day all inclusive. There is an Indian car model, the Ambassador, which is very comfortable and secure. Sometimes, drivers take people to places where they get commission. Take a guide and compare prices but, in general, drivers know very good sites. If you're happy, not worry, otherwise it gets serious.
4. Taxis. The first taxi, the first contact with the street is important. At airports is a prepaid taxi counter in the paid, according to the route in advance in exchange for a piece of paper on which you are assigned a number of taxi to be sought out. There are stories of taxi drivers who say the hotel where you go on fire last week, which has closed, etc, sometimes even ratified by a policeman or passerby cahoots. Are rare but if you happen, laugh and insist that they bring you to your hotel. The good humor and calm always work.
5. Massages. Do not accept unless you're looking for something more than a massage, offering employees pensions, hotels, acquaintances, etc. to do a massage if it is a specialized site. Some tourists have been uncomfortable to be carefully checked, little by little, that the masseur had his own intentions but, meanwhile, rushed for not offend because they were not sure, have gone off their clothes. It is naive, is that they very well the ambiguity. Finally, do not happen at all, the visitor realizes, she gets angry and leaves. Moreover, ayurvedic massages are excellent and most of the time, a man massaging a man and a woman to another. Sexuality in India is very different from Europe.
6. Tea. The area, which in India is delicious, can not drink at all sites, especially in road stalls where hygiene conditions are conspicuous by their absence and, often, cups and glasses are cleaned with water used and do not dry well. An alternative idea is to take a thermos and ask them to fill in the morning at the hotel. However, there are many sites that probably nothing will happen and is very pleasant to sit quietly and watch life go by.
7. The rickshaw. Before riding a rickshaw or rickshaw, you have to negotiate the price with the driver, otherwise you run the risk of paying a significantly higher price, although a ruin is never assumed an unnecessary nuisance, especially at having to discuss with the driver.
8. As you say "yes" in India. The Indians nod by a kind of lying eight or infinity symbol. Can have deep and interesting philosophical implications but everyday the tourist can be very misleading because it seems to say no or hesitate. When one tries to explain, if they agree, make this movement means just that, they agree.
9. Dress appropriately. In most parts of India, are not accustomed to the use of European clothing. Especially if you're a woman, it is best to wear modest attire. No tight clothes, short sleeves, at least long pants and bra. A neck foullard somehow equivalent to dupata carrying them. Moreover, the salwar shirt, casual dress of Indian women, is very comfortable, nice and usable upon return. It consists of trousers, wide or narrow, a blouse, long or short, and dupata.
10. Do not take drugs or food. Do not take cannabis or other drugs from strangers, and sometimes even food, especially at the stations. Some travelers have awakened long after trains than those who wanted to go elsewhere, and without luggage.
11. Good humor and quiet. In general, keep the humor and remain calm at all times, conflict situations, negotiating, etc. is the best thing: most people are good people and very friendly.
Kedarnath is believed to have been built by Adi Sankaracharya in the 8th century A.D., standing at the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Kedar or Lord Shiva. Kedarnath at an altitude of 3.581 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath, is one of the most important pilgrimages for the Hindus. The Kedarnath temple is surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. Outside the temple door the statue of the celestial Bull Nandi guards the entrance of the Kedarnath temple. The Kedarnath temple is open on akshaya Tritiyan from last april or first week of May to October. The extreme cold of the mountains and heavy snowfall keep the temple closed for pilgrims for the months from Bahi Duj October end or first week of November to April.
Location: - Kedarnath is situated in the Uttar Kashi district of the northern state of Uttaranchal. Gaurikhund is 75 km from Rudraprayag. In between Rudraprayag and Kedarnath there are many places of pilgrimage such as Agastyamuni, Ukhimath, Phauli- Pasalat Devi Maa, Bamsu Vanasur, Kalimath, Trijugi Narayan (Where Lord Shankar got married to Goddess Parwati from when the fire of hawan kund is still alive) and Kashi Vishwanath at Guptakashi.
Accessibility:
- Airport: You can fly till the Jolly Grant in Dehradun (251 kms.)
- Rail: Kedarnath by the railways then the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh (234 kms.) and Kotdwar. (260 kms
- There are 2 ways to reach Kedarnath By foot for a steep 14 km trek through a paved path horses or palanquins are available for rent from Gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region. 2) Through air travel. Government has started Pawan Hans Helicopter Service from Agastyamuni and Phata to Kedarnath.
You can visit the five shrines together known as Panch Kedar.
There are Four Other Kedars
- Madhyamaheshwar
- Tunganath
- Kalpeshwar
- Rudranath
Places to visit
- Shankaracharya Samadhi
Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya: Behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Samadhi or the final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya.where the saint gave up his life. - Bhairav Nath Temple
To the south of the main temple stands the temple of God Bhairav.
Excursion
- (Gandhi Sarovar)(1.5 kms.)
A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is believed to have departed to heaven. - Vasuki Tal (6 kms. 4,135 mts)
A extraordinary lake, above sea level is encircled by high mountains and offers a beautiful view of the Chaukhamba peaks - Gaurikund (14 kms.)
The trekking base to Kedarnath. This village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and thermal springs of medicinal value are noteworthy. - Sonprayag (20 kms.)
The confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. - Triyuginarayan (25 kms.)
A 5 kms. Trek from Sonprayag, it is the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.. - Guptkashi (49 kms.)
The temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath . - Ukshimath (60 kms)
Winter home of the deity of the Kedarnath Temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months. - Agastyamuni (73 kms.)
Dedicated to sage Agastya. - Chopta
Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region.
Though most couples look happy during the first few years of marriage, monotony and boredom set in within no time. This need not be so. Marriage can be a life-long enjoyable experience. Both the partners should try and retain the freshness. Here are some tips to keep your marriage get going on the highway of happiness.
Explore each other mentally; The more you talk to each other, the better you can understand each other. Make it a point to share your views on a regular basis and be open to new ideas.
Be a good listener; One should be a good listener too. This is essential to let your spouse know that you respect his/her view.
Live in the present; Past is gone and there is nothing to worry over it. Try to enjoy the present situation. Do not complain to your spouse that he/she has changed a lot since you met him/her.
Spare time for each other; Schedule some time just for the two of you- a quite lunch on a working day, a Saturday evening movie followed by dinner, or just a walk after dinner.
Vacations; A vacation is always a mood-lifter. Plan at least one long vacation once a year when you can really enjoy. The kids will also love it. It is also a good idea to take some short breaks to re-charge yourself.
Physical intimacy; Needless to say, physical intimacy is very important for a marriage’s survival. Don’t neglect this aspect. Physical intimacy may even include a hug, a soft touch or even a compassionate look.
Caring and sharing; Try to share housework between yourselves. Take turns at making dinner, washing clothes, shopping together, supervising the kids, and so on. Household chores seem less boring when both the partners share them.
Take time to encourage your interests; Reserve some time, even a few hours a week, when you can step back from your daily responsibilities and indulge in some work you really enjoy. Cultivate a new hobby or restart your old ones.
Allow space for each other; Every individual needs his/her own privacy and space. Do not make your marriage crowded. If you find your partner in a contemplative mood, leave him/her alone for some time.
Be young and energetic; Many neglect their physical appearance. This should not be so. Do some regular exercise to keep yourself physically and mentally fit. Enjoy life and cultivate a positive attitude.
Last sunday we went to a recently opened shopping mall named Ampe Skywalk in Chennai. One of my friend told me that the mall is very good. The mall is located in Nelson Manickam Road in Aminjikarai. We took a car from our place to the mall. So the first place we visited in the mall is Car Parking. The mall has got a multi level car parking extending up to the terrace. It has got the automatic ticket system for parking. When the car enters the parking, he should press the button in the ticketing machine to get his parking card. The parking fee for cars is Rs.20 per hour. ( I think this is little bit costly ). I think this is the only place in chennai where the automatic ticketing system is available as far i have seen.
The mall has got ground + five floors. It is designed in such a way that one can see the full view of the mall by standing near the corner in any floor. Now let's explore floor by floor.
Ground Floor:
This floor has got my favourite restaurant which is none other then McDonalds. Unfortunately i could eat only French Fries that day here as my stomach did not had enough space to have a McDonald burger. I love the burgars in McDonald. Other popular restaurant in this floor is KFC. I know it is very popular but i had not tasted food here before. Many shops of international brands are available in this floor. Some of the popular shops in this floor are The Body Shop, Van Heusen,Levis, Westside, Rado watches, Louis Phillipe, United Colours Of Benetton etc. Univercell mobiles and Titan showroom were also available in this floor.We can call this floor as "Floor of Brands"
Another interesting shop in this place is the Tata Star Bazaar. It is a very big supermarket and iam amazed at the kind of things available here. It has groceries, vegetables, fruits, stainless steel vessels, melamine vessels, choclates, T-shirts, electrical appliances like mixie,grinder, fan etc, shoes and casual slippers, toys, cushions, bed spreads, plastic items, perfumes etc. I may have missed out some things because i can only remember these things. It also got a small bakery and a mini restuarant inside the bazaar. One can get any item from A-Z here.
First Floor:
I could see lot of shops here especially for men. We can call this floor as "Men's apparels". The popular ones here are Reebok, Zodiac, Allen Solly, Lee/Wrangler, Pepe Jeans,Rockport,Provogue,Peter England, Adidas etc.
This floor also has got Cookieman shop and Coffee day Cafe. Archies Gallery is also available in this floor.
Second Floor:
The second floor can be called as "Ladies & Kids floor" as the many shops are related to these two. Popular ones in this floor are Diva, Health & Glow,United Colours of Benetton Kids ,Biba,Naturals Salon,Lilliput,Mustard,Soch etc. Poorvika mobiles has got a showroom in this floor.
Third Floor:
Third floor can be called as "Food Floor" as it has got so many restaurants in this floor. The food court here is very large and can accomodate 500 people. ( It is only my guess. I have not counted it ). Here we are not allowed to buy food from the restaurants here directly using cash or credit card. We have to buy a card called "F3 card" from the food counter . We have to pay the approximate amount for the food we are going to eat in this counter and get this card. We can get the balance if we have paid in excess after all the purchase is over.Using this card only we can purchase food at the restaurants. We can keep this card with us for future use or we can return it back before we leave the mall. All varieties of food like North Indian, South Indian,Continental,Arabic, Chinese, Kerala etc are available here. The pure vegetarian restaurants available here are Hot Chips, Jus Parathas, Kailash Parbhat and Mr & Mrs Idly. Other restaurants include Little Mexicana,Curry House,Arabian Hut, Pizza Hut,Wang's Kitchen,Delicasio etc. Two Ice cream shops named Kiwi Kiss and Milky way are available here.
Fourth Floor:
This floor can be called as "PVR floor" as the PVR cinemas is located in here. It has seven screens and the total capacity of all the screens is more than 1500. Ticket booking machines are available here through which we can book tickets using our credit card. I don't know about the show timings as i did not see any movie here till now.
Fifth Floor:
This floor can be called as "Parking Floor" as it is the only thing available in this floor.
Comments :
Main attractions in this mall are PVR cinemas, Tata Star Bazaar, KFC, McDonalds etc. The paints used for walls in the mall are not very much attractive. Even though the mall is brand new, some of the places looks quite old.Also the rest room facilities provided for such a big food court is very small and it is very annoying to see the long queue standing for that. This facility needs to be improved. It is a good place for people in T.Nagar, Anna nagar etc as it is very near to them. We can expect good improvements in future as the mall is new.
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