Skiing Sensation: Discovering the Globe's Top Ski Resorts

As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the earth, ski enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate the start of the winter season. For those who love the thrill of gliding down snow-covered slopes and the charm of cozy mountain villages, the world's best ski resorts offer the perfect escape. From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the rugged beauty of the Rockies, ski resorts come in all shapes and sizes, each with its unique allure. In this article, we will embark on a tour of some of the world's most remarkable ski destinations, exploring what makes each one special.

The Swiss Alps: St. Moritz - Luxury on Ice

Our journey begins in the heart of the Swiss Alps, where St. Moritz reigns as the epitome of luxury and elegance in the world of skiing. With its long-standing reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, this alpine gem does not disappoint. St. Moritz boasts pristine slopes, guaranteed snow, and a vibrant social scene.

Slopes: St. Moritz offers a variety of terrains, making it suitable for skiers of all levels. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs, there is something for everyone.

Luxury Amenities: The resort's opulent hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end boutiques cater to visitors with discerning tastes. In St. Moritz, apres-ski is an art form, and the nightlife is as lively as the slopes.

Polo on Ice: If you need a break from the slopes, don't miss the annual St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Ice. This thrilling event combines the excitement of polo with the charm of a frozen lake, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

The French Alps: Chamonix - Adventure Awaits

Heading west to the French Alps, we arrive in Chamonix, a haven for adventurous skiers and mountaineers. Nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-pumping terrain.

Off-Piste Paradise: Chamonix is famous for its extensive off-piste opportunities. The Vallee Blanche, a legendary off-piste route, takes skiers on a 20-kilometer journey through awe-inspiring glacial landscapes.

Mountaineering: Beyond skiing, Chamonix is renowned for mountaineering. Climbers from around the world come to conquer Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak. The town itself exudes a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere that appeals to adventure seekers.

Cosmopolitan Charm: Chamonix's picturesque streets are lined with cozy cafes, stylish boutiques, and alpine chalets. The town's blend of cosmopolitan charm and rugged outdoor adventures make it a must-visit destination.

Austrian Alps: St. Anton - A Snow Lover's Paradise

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, St. Anton is a charming resort town that is famous for its excellent snow conditions and lively après-ski scene.

Snow Reliability: With an average annual snowfall of over 7 meters, St. Anton is a snow lover's dream. The resort's extensive network of slopes is impeccably maintained, ensuring that you'll always find pristine conditions.

Après-Ski Culture: St. Anton's après-ski scene is legendary. Skiers and snowboarders gather in cozy huts and lively bars to celebrate a day on the slopes. The Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh are two iconic après-ski spots not to be missed.

Ski Circus: St. Anton is part of the vast Arlberg ski area, which connects several resorts and offers nearly 300 kilometers of slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find a multitude of options here.

The Canadian Rockies: Banff - A Wilderness Wonderland

Leaving the European Alps behind, we journey to the Canadian Rockies, where Banff stands as a testament to the untamed beauty of North America's wilderness.

Natural Beauty: Banff is set in a national park, offering stunning views of emerald lakes, jagged peaks, and vast forests. The surrounding landscape is an adventure playground, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

World-Class Skiing: Banff is home to three world-class ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Norquay. Together, they offer an impressive array of slopes, catering to skiers of all skill levels.

Year-Round Delights: While Banff is best known for its winter activities, it's also a year-round destination. In the summer, you can explore the hiking trails, go wildlife watching, or simply relax in the pristine natural surroundings.

Rocky Mountains, USA: Aspen - Where Glamour Meets the Mountains

Our journey through the world's best ski resorts wouldn't be complete without a visit to Aspen, Colorado. Known for its glitz and glamour, Aspen combines world-class skiing with a sophisticated mountain town.

Skiing for Everyone: The four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area offer a range of terrain suitable for beginners and experts alike. From wide-groomed runs to challenging backcountry, Aspen has it all.

Cultural Richness: Beyond the slopes, Aspen is a cultural hub with a vibrant arts scene. The Wheeler Opera House and the Aspen Art Museum are venues where you can enjoy world-class performances and exhibitions.

Après-Ski Elegance: In the evenings, the town comes alive with a multitude of upscale restaurants, trendy bars, and exclusive clubs. Aspen's après-ski scene is an unforgettable blend of mountain charm and cosmopolitan elegance.

Whether you seek the glamour of St. Moritz, the adventure of Chamonix, the snow reliability of St. Anton, the wilderness of Banff, or the sophistication of Aspen, the world's best ski resorts offer something for every winter enthusiast. Each destination has its unique character, blending breathtaking landscapes with diverse activities and experiences. So, when the snow begins to fall, pack your ski gear and embark on a journey to explore these winter wonderlands, where the magic of the mountains awaits. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice, these resorts promise memories that will last a lifetime in the enchanting embrace of snow and slopes.

5 Of The Best Budget Hotels In Naivasha, Kenya

Naivasha is a town in Kenya and one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the country. It boasts stunning scenery, with a backdrop of lakes, hills and forests. If you’re looking for a place to unwind after your safari adventure or just want to relax and enjoy nature, Naivasha is a great choice. Here are some of the budget hotels in Naivasha:

The Serena Safari Lodge:

 This hotel is located right on Lake Naivasha, so you'll have incredible views from your room or balcony. They also have a great restaurant with delicious food and an amazing view of the lake (which is where they get their name "Serena").

Triple Eden Resort:

This is one of the best budget hotels in Naivasha, Kenya that is a great choice for travelers. The hotel is located along Mai Mahiu Road and a few minutes' drive from Lake Naivasha. The property offers clean and comfortable rooms that are perfect for business travelers on short assignments in the area. The room rate includes breakfast, which can be served at the restaurant for room service. Since the property has free Internet Wi-Fi services, it's often visited by many business travelers. Call their support team now to get the Best Hotel Deals in Naivasha.

The Naivasha Sopa Resort and Spa:

This resort is located on Lake Naivasha and has tons of activities for guests to enjoy—from horseback riding to water sports. It's also right next to the entrance to Hell's Gate National Park!

The Lake Naivasha Country Club Resort & Spa

If you're looking for something more private, this resort is perfect because it offers beautiful views of Lake Naivasha while still being close enough to town that you don't have to worry about getting around easily.

The Kilaguni Lodge:

This is one of the best hotels in Naivasha if you're looking for something on the more luxurious end of the spectrum. It has great views of Lake Naivasha, as well as a fun pool area with all kinds of activities like table tennis and water polo.

Resource: https://tripleedenresort.wordpress.com/2022/10/14/5-of-the-best-budget-hotels-in-naivasha-kenya/

7 Places To Visit In The Seven Sisters Of India

The northeastern states of India boast of many scenic, surreal, and spectacular places featuring lofty hills, gorgeous valleys, sparkling lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. Take a look at these places that are perfect for an impeccable Seven Sisters Of India tour.

1. Kaziranga National Forest – Assam

Location: Kaziranga National Park, Kanchanjuri, Assam 784177 Best Time To Visit: November to April Average Temperature: 15°C How To Reach: One can take a cab or taxi from the nearest airport which is in Guwahati. Places To Stay: Summit Green Village Resort and Spa, Kaziranga Things To Do: Bird watching, touring the national park

2. Kohima – Nagaland

Best Time To Visit: October to May Average Temperature: 30°C How To Reach: The nearest Domestic Airport is Dimapur Airport from Kohima. Places To Stay: Niraamaya resorts Things To Do: Visit the war cemetery

3. Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh

Best Time To Visit: March to October Average Temperature: 15°C How To Reach: Best way to reach Tawang is by taking a cab Places To Stay: Hotel Tawang Heights Things To Do: Adventure touring

4. Imphal – Manipur

Best Time To Visit: September to April Average Temperature: Varies with the season How To Reach: The best way to reach here is by an airplane. Airport is only 8 kilometers away. Places To Stay: Manipur House Things To Do: Kangla fort visit

5. Champhai – Mizoram

Best Time To Visit: November to March Average Temperature: 20°C How To Reach: It is best to take a cab from Aizwal Airport. Places To Stay: Blueberry Inn

Things To Do: Visit Umiam lake

6. Agartala – Tripura

Best Time To Visit: December to March Average Temperature: 15°C How To Reach: The best way to reach Agartala is by railway. There is a railway station just a few kilometers to the south from the center of the city. Places To Stay: Hotel Polo Towers Agartala, Ginger Agartala Things To Do: Visit Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal Palace, Heritage Park

7. Shillong – Meghalaya

Best Time To Visit: April to June Average Temperature: 20°C How To Reach: One can take a cab/taxi from Umroi Airport which is 25 kilometers away. Places To Stay: The Loft- Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong Things To Do: Visit Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak & View Point, Laitlum Canyons

Waking Up In Vegas Chapter 5

After a night of debauchery, Ron and Hermione wake up in Vegas... married.

Muggle!AU. Romcom!Romione. Slow burning, smutty, angst-fest.

Rated M for reasons.

Ao3 | FFN

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More Chapters

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Chapter 5

[Ron]

How do people live in Las Vegas? Accustomed to the mild English sun, Ron finds himself wondering why the bloody hell someone would choose to reside in this heat. Wiping sweat from his forehead, he glances back at his phone. He's over halfway to his destination and can surely stand five more minutes of walking in the sun. Wishing he brought water, or even thought to put on sunscreen, he groans and continues on his way.

He's far beyond the flashy streets of the Las Vegas Strip, having ventured into a more run-down and understated part of town. The buildings no longer stand out, but blend together like a colorless mural, and his destination, Erised Elopements, is easy to miss. He's looking for a building marked by the number twelve, and it takes him a few passes down the block before he spots it. It's a skinny building, shoved between numbers eleven and thirteen, almost as if it's trying to be invisible. It gives Ron an eerie feeling, like it's hiding dark secrets inside.

However, any uneasy feelings vanish when he opens the door and steps into a wall of cool crisp air, inhaling a cold and nourishing breath. Thank goodness for air conditioning.

"Hello, sir! Welcome to Erised Elopements!"

Ron locks eyes with the bubbly receptionist beaming at him. He sends her a friendly nod, then scans the room. There's a large refrigerator stocked with bottled water, an indoor forest of tropical plants that look like prisoners in the dry heat, and in the corner of the room sits an elegant gold mirror that he recognizes from the logo behind the front desk.

Then his eyes wander to a pink plush sofa in the mirror's reflection. Sitting stiffly in a light blue sundress with her arms crossed in front of her body is Hermione Granger. Shit.

His heart rate spikes, and a prickling heat begins to rise up his neck as he dodges behind a pillar, sucking in a quick breath. Here he is again, hiding from women behind walls. It's becoming a theme.

"Sir? Are you okay?" The receptionist suddenly looks concerned as she rises to her feet. "You don't look well."

Coughing, Ron tries to obscure his voice. "Yeah, I'm fine," he huffs at a lower octave than feels natural.

"Well, there's water in the fridge if you're overheated, and you can have a seat on the sofa; we will be with you in a second."

"Erm, thanks."

Ron wants to leave. He's tempted to turn out the door and run away, right back to the hotel, heat be damned, but his curiosity roots him to the spot.

Why is she here? Does she know?

He takes a deep breath and approaches the pink fluffy sofa with trepidation. Hermione must sense someone nearing because she snaps her head in his direction and meets his gaze.

Her jaw drops, and her cheeks flush crimson. "What are you doing here?" she hisses.

"Hi, Hermione," he splutters. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Ron, seriously, why are you here?" Her eyes flit around the room as if looking for a hidden camera, some kind of confirmation that this is all a prank.

Sighing, Ron shoves his hand into his pocket and pulls out their marriage certificate. "I'm here because—"

She interrupts him. "Did you know?"

Ron gapes at her, utterly confused as to how she found out, then nods.

"And you didn't say anything?"

Sighing, Ron shrugs. He meets her icy stare and sends her a look of apology. "I was hoping I could fix it before you found out."

"You could fix it? Without telling me? Don't you think I have a right to know?" She rises to her feet, uncrossing her arms to place them on her hips. Her frizzy hair crackles with static electricity, giving her the appearance of someone deranged. Theoretically, it should scare him into submission, but instead, her confrontational stance ignites a flame from somewhere within him. It gives him an adrenaline rush, and he doesn't hate it.

"I thought you'd prefer not to know, based on how horrified you were this morning," he challenges back, his voice matching hers in strength and volume.

"So how was I supposed to find out we were," she says, her eyes darting vigilantly around the room, "married?"

Even in the frigid air, Ron's palms begin to sweat. He shrugs. "Honestly, I didn't think that far ahead."

She scoffs, folding her arms across her chest again. Like Ron's palms, her forehead glistens with sweat that doesn't belong in the abrasive air conditioning. "That's the attitude that got us into this mess; how did you figure it would get us out?"

Matching her stance, Ron hardens his gaze. "What would you have done?"

"I would have told you," she says with an air of finality.

Ron laughs. "If that's the case, why are you here alone? Why did you ask if I knew?" When she doesn't answer and her eyes narrow, he adds, "You weren't going to say anything either, were you?"

She exhales audibly and stiffens her jaw, tense and trapped without a response.

"That's bullshit, Hermione, acting like I'm the dishonest one here."

"You're infuriating," she says, shifting her gaze out the window.

"You're just as responsible for this! Don't put it all on me!"

"Oh, come on, I never do stuff like this."

Scoffing, Ron says, "Trust me, I know. Spontaneity isn't your thing."

"Impulsivity isn't my thing. I generally think before making big life decisions."

"And I don't? Believe it or not, Hermione, this is the first time I've accidentally gotten married. And I was just as horrified as you to find out."

When she whips her head back to face him, her face is expressionless, and Ron wonders what it's masking. Like the building's secretive facade, it looks forced. "Well, at least we agree that it was a mistake. Let's just straighten it out, then pretend it never happened."

Pretend it never happened. That's what they both want, right?

"Okay. Let's just make it disappear," he says, and they both take a seat on the sofa, separated by a wall of thick, icy air.

x

"Well, hello! Can I help you two?" Ron and Hermione look up to see a short, stout man with circular spectacles and the beginning of a handlebar mustache. He's dressed in black golf pants and a polo shirt that's at least one size too small, and something about him puts Ron on edge. "I'm Dave, the owner and CEO of Erised Elopements."

Hermione is the first to speak. "Yes, actually. We have a problem, sir."

"So do I!" says Dave cheerfully. Ron and Hermione stare blankly at him, confused. He diffuses it with a hearty laugh, color flooding his cheeks. "Just a joke, just a joke. Come on into my office!"

They share a nervous glance as they follow his lead. Dread pools in Ron's stomach. Oddly, he feels like he's approaching the witness stand in a courtroom and makes a note to be careful what he says.

"Go ahead, have a seat! Make yourselves comfortable," says Dave, motioning toward two armchairs in front of his desk. They're upholstered with green velvet, and Ron wonders when they were last cleaned. "What can I do for you?"

"Hi, sir—" starts Hermione.

"Dave."

"Sorry?"

"Just call me Dave. 'Sir's' too formal, and here at Erised Elopements, we're all friends." Dave beams, revealing white, unnaturally straight teeth.

"Okay...Dave. Here's the problem. We got married last night." Hermione motions vaguely between herself and Ron.

"Oh, congratulations!" Dave claps his hands together in excitement.

"No sir…I mean Dave—"

"I knew I recognized your faces from somewhere. Hold on one second." Dave silences them with a finger, reaches for a remote control, and points it toward a large black flatscreen monitor on the wall. It lights up, and Dave scrolls through a few photographs, eventually landing on one of Ron and Hermione. Ron's holding her up and pressing his lips to hers, her arms snaking around his neck. Above them are the words "Just Married." Ron is horrified and glances at Hermione, but for some reason, she doesn't seem surprised by the photo. "There! It's Ron and Hermione, right?"

"Yeah," says Ron tentatively, still staring wide-eyed at the photo.

"Well, congratulations again. You two make a lovely couple!"

"Thank you," he mumbles without meaning it. The words feel like they've been extracted from him, and it's unsettling.

Dave leans back and stacks his feet onto the table, paying no attention to the stacks of paper, empty picture frames, and take-away lunch container he's knocked aside in the process. Hermione looks on with wide eyes. "Honestly, sometimes couples waltz into Erised Elopements and have everyone thinking 'oh for fuck sake, these two should not be getting married', so it's incredibly refreshing to see such a happy couple. Really, congratulations again."

"About that. We didn't mean to get married," says Hermione hastily.

"Ahhh."

"Yeah. It was kind of a shock to us this morning, actually," she says, shrugging. She smiles at Ron in a sheepish manner that doesn't match her fiery demeanor.

"How lovely!"

"Sorry? Lovely?"

"Yes! It's perfect!" Dave reaches for a pen and notepad and begins scribbling as if taking notes on their conversation. Ron shifts uneasily. "I just love the idea that the best things in life are surprises. It speaks to how important it is to keep an open heart and let life happen to you."

Ron and Hermione exchange confused looks. "I think you misunderstand."

Ignoring them, Dave continues. "We've been working on a new ad campaign, and that sums up our message perfectly."

"Sir—"

"Sometimes, you don't even know your heart's truest desire until it's on your doorstep—"

"Dave," says Ron firmly.

The pen stops. "Yes?"

"We don't want to be married," says Ron, his tone stiff and forced.

"Sure you do!"

"No," adds Hermione. "This was a huge mistake. We need to undo it, if possible."

"Undo it?"

"Yes, cancel it. The whole thing," she says, gesturing between them again.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid that won't be possible."

"Excuse me?" Hermione's eyes are wide and disbelieving.

Dave removes his feet from the table and sits up straight. Although short, he appears commanding. "What you're asking for is an annulment, and unfortunately, you waived your right to an annulment yesterday when you signed your marriage license." He opens a drawer, shuffling for a piece of paper. "See, here's a copy of our contract; it's all there if you read the fine print."

Hermione snatches the document from his hand. "This can't be legal."

"It's perfectly legal in the state of Nevada," he says, shrugging.

"You don't let anyone get an annulment?"

Dave laughs. "Wouldn't be very good for branding, don't you think? We pride ourselves on marriages that last. For most people, when they see a high annulment rate, they don't exactly think 'Happily Ever After,' you know? In fact, we go beyond that. We promise 'Blissfully Ever After.'"

Ron and Hermione join heads to scan the document. "So, you're saying we're stuck married?" Ron asks finally.

"Well, I wouldn't think of it as stuck, per se. You're starting to sound like my wife."

"You're married too?"

"Sure. Technically," chuckles Dave. "But you're not 'stuck.' With that mindset, your marriage will never work."

"We don't want it to work. It was a mistake," says Hermione, slowly and clearly. Ron feels his stomach clench at her words, but he's unsure why.

"Give it a chance! Even the good things in life require effort!"

"Listen, we barely know each other—"

Dave cuts her off. "Perfect! You have no history, no past that'll keep coming back to screw everything up."

"I'm sorry," says Ron. "I'm not sure what you mean by that—"

Dave gestures toward Hermione, who looks affronted. "Listen to me. This is an opportunity. She hasn't broken your heart yet, so when you see that she has an 'office happy hour' on a Friday night, you're not tempted to show up at the bar just to check on her. Even if you do show up and see her alone with her 'coworker'," his fingers make air quotes as he speaks, "she doesn't know about your 'addiction' to porn, or how much money you lost at the slots. She doesn't know anything about you, and that's a beautiful thing, Ron, because she can't use any of it to justify her affair and make you look like the controlling one. She has nothing on you, at least not yet. Trust me; a blank slate is a beautiful slate. You have a chance to keep it that way, so I'd recommend not fucking it up."

Ron's mouth drops open, and he glances at Hermione, who is also wearing an expression of horror. This is not about them anymore.

"Turn around," demands Dave. "Go on, your chairs swivel."

Reluctantly, they swivel their chairs and turn to face another mirror, identical to the one in the lobby and the one on the logo. Engraved on the golden frame are the words 'heart's desire', over and over again, in fonts that don't seem to match. Ron assumes it's not meant to be stared at too closely.

"What do you see?"

"Us," states Hermione plainly.

"Well, yes, you, but more importantly, this mirror shows your heart's one true desire."

"It's just a mirror," says Ron.

"It's your heart's desire," responds Dave firmly.

Ron stares at their reflection; his face is red and peeling from the sun, new freckles invading his features. Hermione is scowling, hair erupting from her head like a volcano, arms and legs wound tightly into knots. They don't look happy.

"Now, if there's anything else I can help you with, by all means, shoot. But if not, then enjoy your Blissfully Ever After!" Dave motions for them to stand, and they oblige. He moves toward the door, opening it and gesturing them through.

"If it's not working in six months, you're more than welcome to file for divorce," he calls after them. "But give it a chance, don't disrespect love. Honor your heart's true desire."

Speechless, Ron and Hermione stumble out back into the lobby.

"Come again soon!" says the receptionist as they pass her desk.

They press open the door and emerge back outside, once again engulfed by the aggressive heat. Ron glances at Hermione. "That was a disaster."

"I'll say."

"Er, I guess we just should go back to the hotel. Try to enjoy the rest of the day?"

Hermione nods. "I guess. And file for divorce as soon as possible."

Ron sighs. "You read my mind," he says, although it's not entirely true.

"I guess we're just so in tune," she chuckles, and Ron, surprised by her sudden pleasantness, suppresses a smile.

"That's why you're my wifey," he risks, glancing nervously at her to gauge her reaction.

"Please, don't say that," she groans, and her cheeks flush adorably red, most likely a result of the Las Vegas heat.

Titus Helps

This for @ozmav and their delight AU of MariDami and MariBat, please forgive me I did my best.

 Titus Helps

At the Manor:

Damien was waiting impatiently in the front hall of the manor, with Titus on his leash, when Alfred came carrying a basket.

“Here you are Master Damien, one picnic lunch for and Miss Marinette to enjoy.”

“Thank you Alfred, this is most acceptable.” Damien thanked as he examined the contents of the basket.

Damien had ask Marinette out on a picnic (Not a date) to show her the beauty of Gotham’s parks to inspire her for her designs, and Marinette suggested that he bring Titus along. You see, Damien had mentioned his dog Titus to Marinette a couple of times, like any proud dog owner would, and she was interested in meeting him.

“Best be on your way Master Damien, if you wish to be on time for your date.” Alfred prompted.

Blushing a bit Damien gave a hasty response “This is not a date Alfred!  I’m just showing Marinette Gotham’s largest and most beautiful park to help inspire her!”

“Of course Master Damien, please forgive my misunderstanding.” Alfred apologized with a smile that looked much like a smirk as Damien and Titus headed out the door and loaded into the car.

With Titus and the picnic basket loaded up, Damien drove towards the hotel Marinette and her classmates were staying at.

At the Hotel:

Marinette was waiting in the lobby for Damien to pick her up, Tikki had promised to keep quiet unless a problem cameup so she would distract Marinette.

*Buzz*

Marinette’s phone buzzed with a message.

/I’m right outside in the dark blue Porsche./

“Porsche…” Marinette muttered in shock.

A slight kick from Tikki in her bag got her going again and Marinette left the building.  Sure enough there was Damien leaning on a dark blue Porsche, Marinette skipped over to him.

“Hi Damien, thank you for doing this, it means a lot to me.  I hope I’m causing any form of inconvenience.”

“Non-sense Marinette, it’s my pleasure to do this.” Damien corrected as he gently grabbed her hand and pressed light kiss to Marinette knuckles, causing her to turn pink.

“Though, I am sorry I couldn’t pick you up inside, but I couldn’t leave Titus alone in the car.” Damien gestured to the Great-Dane in the car.  

Marinette smiled “That perfectly ok Damien that just makes you a good pet owner.”

Damien opened the passenger side door gesturing for her sit.

“Well my dear our adventure awaits.”

Marinette sat down and Damien closed the door.  As Damien walked around to the driver’s side Titus poked his head up front to inspect the new person in the car.

*Sniff Sniff*

“Hello Titus, I’m Marinette, you are so cute.” Marinette introduced herself turning to pet the large dog.  Damien buckled up and started the car, smiling at the duo.

“You will love this park; it’s the best in Gotham.”

Then they were off.

At the Park:

“Wow Damien this is absolutely magnificent!” Marinette proclaimed staring in wonder, she then looked over to Damien to ask a question when she noticed he lifting the picnic basket and holding Titus’s leash.

“Oh! Damien let me help!”

Marinette ran over to grab the basket from him, but Damien would have none of that and lifted it out of her reach.

“Oh no you don’t you are my guest and what kind of person would I be if made carry something this heavy.”

“You wouldn’t be forcing me Damien, I want to help.”

After a bit of back and forth it was decided that Damien would carry the basket and Marinette would hold Titus’s leash.  As they walked through the park and found a good spot to set up lunch, Damien realized, as he set down the basket, he needed to right a terrible wrong.

“Forgive me Marinette, I failed to mention how beautiful you look today.”

Marinette turned pinker than the first time and looked away and bashfully replied.

“Thank you Damien, you very handsome as well.”

Marnette was wearing a light pink sundress that went down to her knees, with her signature cherry blossom design around the edge.  Some black flats, a black version of usual bag, and a light coat of lip gloss.

Damien on the other hand was wearing a forest green polo shirt, with some nice blue jeans, and a pair of black dress shoes.

Both had wanted to look nice for this…outing.

As the two humans spoke, Titus was watching them carefully (or as carefully as a dog could).  The whole ride to the park was spent Marinette and Damien talking, as Marinette kept petting Titus and occasionally making a comment on cute Titus was (“I should make you a bandana, you would look so sweet.  Would you mind if I did Damien?” “Not at all Marinette.”).

That short trip has caused Marinette to rise to Titus’s top three favorite people (Damien First and Alfred Second).

With Marinette position decided Titus to “help” Damien by running him and Marinette.  Normally that would be ok, but Marinette was still holding the leash, causing Marinette and Damien to be tangled together pressing chest to chest.

“Whoa!”

“Titus! What are you doing? Stop! Heel!”

With the two humans, now well tied together, Titus sat down wagging his tail.

“I’m so sorry Marinette Titus is usually better behaved than this.  I don’t know what has gotten into him.” Damien explained as he tried to untangle them without causing them to topple over.

“No Damien I should have let go of the leash once I saw what he was doing, I’m sorry.” Marinette tried to apologize as she too tried to help untangle them.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) with both of trying to do the same thing it caused them to go off balance and begin to fall.  Realizing what was happening, and unable to stop it, Damien grabbed Marinette protectively around the shoulder and maneuvered himself so he would be the one hitting the ground and not Marinette.

*Thud*

“Oof.”

“Damien! Are you ok!”

Cracking his eyes open, they had closed during the fall, and looked down his chest to see a very worried Marinette looking up at him.

“I’m fine Marinette, I’m tougher than you think.”

“But what if you hit your head?!”

“A minor injury, but nothing to be concerned about.”

“Nothing to be concerned about!  I don’t like seeing you get hurt Damien.”

There was pause between them, as they both started to realize what position they were in.  Both started to blush, but neither dared to move.

“Again I apologize for this Marinette.”

“Don’t Damien; it’s not your fault.”

“But, I must say.” Damien started, getting Marinette attention.

“Do enjoy holding you, I just wish it was more your decision that I was allowed to hold you so close and not Titus interfering.”  

Marinette was touched by Damien’s words, whenever she was Ladybug; Chat did not care if she said no to something, it was all about what HE wanted.

“It’s ok Damien, I like being this close to you too.” Marinette confessed trying to hide her face off to the side so Damien wouldn’t see how red she was.

Damien was surprised Marinette’s response, but was thrilled she enjoyed it as well.  Damien decided to brave a request from Marinette.

“May have your permission to hold you more often”

Marinette startled, looking at Damien, he was asking HER permission to just hold her, he’s taking HER feelings into account.  With that in mind, and the fact she like it too, there was only one response for Marinette to give.

“Certainly Damien, but only if I get to hold you more often too.”

“Of course, it’s only fair.” Damien gave Marinette a light squeeze.

They sat in comfortable silence, until they remembered they still have to untangle themselves…

END.

And that was Titus Helps.

Take Advantages of the Most Luxurious Shimla Manali Tour Packages

Himachal Pradesh is literally meaning the ‘Adobe of Snow’, is popular in the playground of adventure activities. Fun and adventure are food sensation. People who frequently go for traveling love to search for new avenues and unusual experiences. The packages here are organized, especially for adventure seekers. A famous tourist destination, Shimla Manali packages assure comfort, luxury, abundant fun and an end with a warm smile in the ‘Land of Gods’. The breathtaking views are best to de-culture your mind and simply renovate in nature in haven. People opt for Shimla Manali holidays to customize their packages according to their preferences. This gives on a wide array of choices to plan the picture-perfect trip. Tourists from around the globe pour in large numbers to soak in the culture that is very famous in the west as well as slow down and relaxes in their otherwise past-place lives. Shimla Manali attracts all types of travelers; from solo travelers to honeymooners and people who holiday with their family and friends. But most prominently, it is having on earth for the adventure enthusiasts. The steep valleys, tall mountains, rugged roads, soothing hot water springs and attractive views of every aspect of nature’s bliss. One can camp, trek, swim in the holy waters and just dwell in the wild. So, if you literally want your trip enjoyable and luxurious then choose Shimla Manali Tour Packages.

Most Attractive place in Shimla Manali                                      

The Ride of Shimla:  The ride of Shimla is organized by lots of government functions and fairs. It is the key venue for all the important events as well as celebrations that takes place in Shimla.

Hike to Jakho Hills: Jakho Hills captivate both religious and adventure lovers. Jako Temple a 45-minute hike is the perfect way to reach the top.

Christ Church: It is one of the famous attractions among the tourists and is considered in the top ten lists of places to visit Shimla. It is an excellent agricultural monument built in the British.

Viceregal Lodge: It is the most charming and historically significant building of Shimla. It is architecturally rich and accounts for a half-day trip.

Annandale: It is flat terrain in Shimla that has evaluated as the playground of a city. The ground is used to play cricket. Lots of other sports like polo are also played here.

Chadwick waterfall:  It is situated in the glen forest, Chadwick waterfall is a famous tourists sites in Shimla.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural complex: This vast complex is a famous the monument which is located in the middle in the middle of the lanes of the Mall road.

Mall Road: Mall road in the hill stations are mainly stretch of any road bordered with a number of small stalls, shops, and branded showrooms. Mall Road in Shimla is the most vibrant lanes for enjoying a range of shopping.    

Army Heritage Museum: This heritage museum is a part of Annandale and is situated near the Ridge. Your Shimla excursion is incomplete without spending a picnic around this spot.

Rani Jhansi Park: Rani Jhansi Park is popular as the ladies' park and can be easily accessed from the mall road. The park is appropriate for a day picnic, serves best as children playing ground.

Green Valley: Green valley is truly one of the most popular Shimla tourist places and picturesque points in Shimla. Seen as the famous shooting spot in different Bollywood movies, the green valleys bear endless beauty.

Neldehra: This small picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh is famous for its 9 hole Golf course. If you feel like splurging on such experienced then Neldehara is the place for you.

Himalayan Bird Park: It is one the most visited Shimla tourist places by the bird watchers. Hence, Shimla is a beautiful town.

Kali Bari Temple: Kali Bari Temple is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a strategically planed location. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is known as shyamla.

GoingBo is India’s leading online travel portal offering solutions for all your travel needs. It provides access to the best travel deals across various national and international destinations. It provides air tickets, train tickets, cab booking, hotel booking. We provide customer help at all stages of our customer’s journey –before, during and after. Hence, if you are thinking to visit beautiful destinations then pick Shimla Manali tour packages including Rajasthan Tour Packages and more different packages at affordable prices.

The GreatDrams Review of 2019

let’s begin

Welcome to The GreatDrams Review of 2019, a time for me to have a swift light hearted reflection of the year that was and my personal highlights of the year.

Well what a year it has been; Boris Johnson became Prime Minister – and royally wasted everyone’s time and energy, Brexit is still a thing and is still polluting our lives on an hourly basis, my beloved Liverpool FC won the Champions League and only narrowly lost out on the Premiership – something I hope they can rectify this year, our boy Archie has continued to grow into a fantastically energetic boy who loves being awake early and not giving us a break from his Duracell-like energy levels, our village – Poynton – flooded again which was quite disconcerting and the world, of course, is even more fractured than it was last year.

Crazy to even start reflecting on most of the above, but thankfully I only need to reflect on GreatDrams, and of course what’s been going on in whisky. 

I say it every year, but this year has been amongst my busiest;

270,000 + GreatDrams readers this year

94k followers across social media and email

8,960 (approx) samples of our products given out at events to thirsty whisky drinkers

1,825 bottles of GreatDrams limited edition Scotch whisky sold to our awesome customers

1,510 articles now on GreatDrams (including a load scheduled for future publishing)

133 hours airborne on planes to presentations and meetings (that’s over five and a half actual days in the air…)

90 hours on trains to meetings (that’s nearly 4 full days spend on trains…)

87 events including Makers Markets and Pub in the Park promoting and selling the GreatDrams independently bottled whiskies

46 trains to meetings in London

32 flights to distilleries and meetings in six countries (India, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, USA and China)

18 distilleries visited across Scotland, Ireland, India, Kentucky

11 casks bought for our independent bottling programme

15 events attended (lower than usual due to hectic consulting schedule and family life)

5 whisky shows and festivals attended

4 publications written for including Whisky Magazine and Drinks International

4 award wins – Double Gold Star for our Girvan 11 Year Old at the Great Taste Awards 2019, Gold Star for our Craigellachie 11 Year Old at the Great Taste Awards 2019, Drinks Producer of the Year at the Cheshire Food & Drink Awards and Best Online Spirits Resource (second year in a row)

4 GreatDrams independently bottled whiskies, BenRiach 5 Year Old, Girvan 11 Year Old (which scored 91.5 in the 2020 Whisky Bible), our Christmas 2019 Limited Edition Blended Scotch Whisky and our Glentauchers 10 Year Old, available here

Countless whiskies tried, enjoyed and commented on.

Some particular highlights

Meeting so many really passionate whisky drinkers at the events we have been doing with our own independently bottled whiskies, hearing such great feedback and seeing the bottles fly off the shelves – our Christmas limited edition especially as it sold out before we even got to the 10th November! 

Getting to visit India and Delhi for the first time – a place that can only be described as ‘synchronised chaos’

Visiting Kentucky again, albeit briefly (one day!) was superb

Visiting China twice in twelve weeks was quite intense… I know Shanghai surprisingly well now

Spending time with so many icons of the whisky world including, but not limited to Dr. Bill Lumsden, Richard Patterson, John McCheyne, Fraser Campbell, Stephanie Macleod, Ewan Gunn, Stephen Rankin, Billy Leighton and Brian Nation

In whisky I was fortunate to try some incredible whiskies (in the order in which I remembered them or tried them, not preference);

Bushmills Distillery Exclusive 2019 Whistler Indian whisky concepts Boutique-y Ardmore 19 Year Old Riverset Rye Blue Note Bourbon Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Aberfeldy 16 Year Old Madeira Aberfeldy 28 Year Old Exceptional Cask Royal Brackla 16 Year Old Aultmore 12 Year Old Aultmore 21 Year Old Aultmore 22 Year Old Exceptional Cask Yoichi Japanese Single Malt Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Dewar’s Double Double 27 Year Old Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old James E Pepper 1776 Rye Forest Whisky Blend 001 Forest Whisky Private Cask 001 Ailsa Bay 1.2 Wolfburn Aurora Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth Aberfeldy 20 Year Old Self Fill Silkie Irish Whiskey Johnnie Walker Black Label Aberfeldy 17 Year Old BYO Jura Seven Wood Whisky Works 29 Year Old Glaswegian Single Grain Whisky Works 10 Year Old King of Trees Pure Scot The Glenlivet Triple Cask Rare Cask Craigellachie 21 Year Old Hotel Arran 10 Year Old NEW Glen Moray 21 Year Old Glen Moray Rhum Agricole Jameson 18 Year Old NEW Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy Aberfeldy 20 Year Old Exceptional Cask Lakes Whiskymakers Edition #1 Lagavulin 10 Year Old Kininvie Works – Experiment 001 Kininvie Works – Experiment 002 Kininvie Works – Experiment 003 The Balvenie Tun 1509 – Batch 6 Peaky Blinders Irish Whiskey Royal Salute Snow Polo Teeling Chinquapin

Along with all these stunning whiskies and a very busy year, we have seen Scotch exports up, volumes up and huge investment into new and expanding distillery operations throughout Scotland and Ireland in particular, with many new distilleries opening up in England too.

2020 looks to be another busy year with many new distilleries having spirit old enough to start releasing their first bottlings after three or more years of patience, and I’m sure a degree of nervous anticipation.

 Thanks for reading, following, liking, Tweeting, Facebooking, Instagramming and tagging GreatDrams across the web this year, I’ve had a blast and it’s been so lovely to help so many GreatDrammers with their whisky choices and to meet a fair few of you at events around the UK over the last twelve months.

 As always, please do send me pics of your whisky exploration, or tag me in festivities so I can share with the wider GreatDrams Network and please also keep sending your feedback, questions and comments to me, I reply to every single email I get sent; [email protected].

The post The GreatDrams Review of 2019 appeared first on GreatDrams.

from GreatDrams https://ift.tt/36kjHZP Greg

The Rambling Man Travel Review: Reno, Nevada

Reno, Nevada…  The Biggest Little City in the world, located mere miles from scenic Lake Tahoe.  Reno, known for so many things.  Yes, gambling is probably the first thing that creeps into your head as you begin the initial descent into Reno / Tahoe International Airport on the East end of Reno.  But, Reno is so much more!!  And, to be clear, because in an odd way I get this question more often than not.  “No, Reno is not any where near Las Vegas!” Frankly, Sin City is a 6 plus hour car trip away.  And, yes, the two Old West towns have some things in common, but the truth is they have more uncommon than you would expect.  This is the Silver State, Ramblin with the Rambling Man, checking out the dudeability, the hang outs, the good time, hidden gems….  Rambling, walking, eating, drinking, fishing, hunting, sporting…   Rambling into town, and taking in the town for all its worth.  From local sporting events, to grabbing a cold beer, or strolling a midnight street in search of every dream inside my soul.

If you want to double down on 11 in a game of black jack, sure…  You can take lady luck for a twirl at most locations in Nevada.  Heck, you can gamble in the grocery store! Gambling, of course, does not hold a stick to legalized prostitution in the Silver State.  A must see “dude event,” a most unique experience while in Nevada.  One must visit a brothel.  The experience of Ringing the bell, having the ladies line up, and the entire pomp and circumstance of legalized prostitution…  This is Nevada!!  Embrace it Bro..    And, hey, I am not singing a sad cowboy tune, but one does not have to sleep with a hooker to visit a Brothel.  Gentleman, the experience of visiting the Whore House is truly West Coast Cowboy Country Cool.  The experience of visiting the relic of the old west sorta makes actually having to bang a hooker totally unnecessary.  But, if you do decide to go to Tuna Town in the desert.  The house madam at the Brothel, and Brothel ownership, usually have high standards of safety and satisfaction. Plus, the State of Nevada ensures STD safe sex.  What a Country!  More like what a State.  Yes, the only state with Legalized Prostitution, but not the only state with prostitution.  As the oldest profession continues its strong industry and economic success globally.  

Some suggestions: Mustang Ranch on the outskirts of Reno defines old west prostitution, and if you can avoid the rush of tires truck drivers who frequent the place, the experience is sure to remind you that being a dude is still groovy.  The experience is sure to make you proud once again to be the sole proprietor of your personal penis, regardless of size.  Mustang offers drinks and libations with the most perfect bar to take in a conversation with one of the many girls patrolling the room.  The many patrons, of course, have their own unique stories as well sitting near if you so desire to engage.  But, dang it bro, you are on vacation, strike up a conversation. Most Renoites will be more than happy to share a story or two, especially if you are talking golf, hookers, skiing, cold beer, or cards.  

I woke up a bit foggy… I think I got home around 3:30 AM, an UBER brought me from Mustang back to my downtown Reno hotel room at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino.  I was nude, my clothes from last night thrown over the chair adjacent to my bed, I could still smell the stench of Mustang and Crown Royal bellowing from my garments. What a night…  I need some coffee and to walk some of the haze from behind my eyes.  I take a quick walk upon exiting the casino doors at the Eldorado, moving South down Virginia St.  I then take a right turn on First St.  

I arrive at Hub Coffee Roasters on Riverside Dr in Reno.  I sit outside, a round table with an extra chair my only company.  I sip a tall black coffee and pick at my cheese Danish. My view is of the Truckee River and the adjacent walking trail and park.  The trees scream early fall as I sit still listening to the peace of the morning.  

On foot one can embrace a new city on a much more intimate level.  You can walk almost in slow motion as you take in the new sights, smells, and people.  My walk today has a walking path that winds around the Truckee River directly West towards the Keystone Ave Bridge, the Booth St. Bridge, and Idlewild Park.  The orange, yellow leaves under my feet, as cool mountain air surrounds me.  I hear chirps from a few birds, and the 10:00 AM train and its screech and horn.  The water from the river heads East, against my walk.  It is a most perfect morning, and I am stoned immaculate in my city by the big lake in the Sierras.  You can almost smell that the snow of Winter is near, I walk.  My head phones in both ears, music plays, song after song.  I hear my playlist, my shuffle playlist. The many songs from Apple I-Tunes subscription.  

Three miles is a decent introduction walk to Reno, as I start my daily stroll from Hub Coffee Roasters by directly heading west on the adjacent walking trail…  I walk with the morning sun on my back, music keeping me company.  Beck, REM, Pearl Jam, Band of Horses, Elliot Smith, Mount Eerie, Bob Dylan….  The Truckee River from the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountain range brings fresh and clear water from the tops of elevated peaks seen in the distance, the river keeps me company as I ramble on.  It is a most perfect walk, a mix of solitude, water, fall, and some strange faces.  My own music allows me to not skip a beat.  

I have a personal tour of a local Cannabis Dispensary at 4 PM.  And dinner with an old friend, Clint Cates.   Yes, above and beyond gambling and prostitution, Nevada has recently legalized cannabis.  Yep, you can literally go pick up a sack at a local retail weed dealer.  What a country?  And they deliver…  

The inner workings of a cannabis dispensary, a bit underwhelming.  It is all about security in a cash only business… And, the chronic has some street value, no doubt.  So, bullet proof sheet rock, big safes with secret codes and levels of management. Not to mention, a big wall of people. I thought “Starbucks but weed” after 15 minutes into my tour because the Mynt Dispensary in Downtown Reno.  The place was packed, all sorts of sour faces and young people alike looking at such a variety of products.  Heck, when I was a kid, getting a sack of weed was a crap shoot. You would get a plastic sandwich bag with something green inside, and you would pay the man the cash.  Today, its sativa or Indica.  It’s oils, wax, vape pens, and don’t get me started on the names.  Pot can’t just be pot anymore.  Marketing has invaded the space, so pot now is Orange Krusk Kush, or Spiral to Insanity. Regardless, Reno has it all, and the Mynt Dispensary is close and will satisfy one’s curiosity on what is recreational legalization.  Check it out….  

Mr. Cates urged me to see the Grow Facility, the actual place the pot is grown.  And, talk about impressive…  To see such a green forest of pot inside the facility was one most unique experience.  What a country?  And, Nevada, Northern Nevada.  This place is lit, no pun intended.  

And, when you are stoned? Besides taking a walk and being outdoors, I enjoy food, duh…  I think that is the pothead mantra, let’s get high and eat are faces off.  For Clint’s chronic hospitality, and world class tour of the Mynt Dispensary facilities, I offered to buy the pot entrepreneur dinner.

Clint, he suggests a local staple, but a Cougar Stop first.  

We walk into The Polo Lounge with glazed eyes and an unquenchable thirst.  We pull up to seats at the bar, we were Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in a pair of cowboy boots galloping into this local dive bar. And, we were looking for a cold drink.  

The Polo Lounge located in Midtown Reno is a retro and freaky dive bar with strange faces everywhere. The bar, however, is first and foremost a place to drink in a town of drinkers.  Did I mention?  Reno can drink.  I am feeling a Vodka and Tonic with a lemon night is on the horizon.  I am in the land of milk and honey, as this dive bar is also a Cougar den.  Hot, horny, older women.  And like fine wine, and vodka to my tongue, an older woman is truly as sexy as a woman can possible be.  Especially, if the music is loud, the drinks are cheap, and last call is just a rumor. That’s right, you can drink all day and all night in the Biggest Little City.  No last call!!  What a country bro!!!

Clint stumbles back from a food run, we lost most of the night in a haze of laughter, pick up lines, and bar games.  We even missed the food reservation.  Clint finds a solution!  He brings back some food from Miguel’s Mexican Cantina, a short walk away from The Polo Lounge.  I am mouth first into an onion and cheese enchilada and a chili relleno in the most elegant egg crepe as 2 AM reared its ugly head.  I order a cold beer to wash it down, The Polo Lounge happily accommodates our request to bring in outside food.  Dive bar, check.  Great company and laughter, check.  Great Mexican food, check!!  The Rambling Man thinks highly in regards to the drinkability and Eatability in the Biggest little City…

I sleep until high noon. The partly cloudy fall day brings a day to catch up.  I have one more night in Reno, what will the last day of my weekend getaway bring.  I hope more laughter, and more food.  

What will today bring, a Sunday afternoon and night in Reno.  I stick to my vacation theme, let’s walk, drink, eat, and find some laughter.

I start my last night with a Sunset Walk at nearby Virginia Lake.  The manmade lake is exactly one mile around, it is a big oval walking / running path near the intersection of Virginia St. and Plumb Lane in Reno.  It is a most beautiful walk and sunset.  I start my walk, set for 3 laps, at approximately 5:45 PM, sunset set for 6:20 PM, and the sky was set ablaze with all of autumn’s glory.  The lake is full of aquatic life, ducks, geese, turtles, fish.  With the best feature of Virginia Lake, a forest of sage brush. As dusk approaches, the smell from the sage brush is worth a billion silver dollars.  The smell of sun fading from summer, the old west meeting the fresh air of ancient mountain shadow.  Air so still, my heart beats in rhythm with the season.  

After the walk, I go to the nearby Atlantis Casino….  The Atlantis, less than a quarter mile from Virginia Lake, is where I will partake in the Steam Room with Eucalyptus spray and a world class massage.  I feel like I am made of rubber, I feel happy.  So, I make my way down to the sportsbook within the bowels of the Atlantis casino.  I grab a beer and a nearby handicapping sheet, I am going to bet on the NFL Sunday night game of the Week, it’s the Patriots vs the Chiefs.  What a game!!  I put $500 on Tom Brady, the old man from Nor Cal, to win the game by more than two points.  

At halftime, I stagger over to the Purple Parrot restaurant within the Atlantis to get my all time favorite sandwich, The Monty Cristo.  This fried sandwich with a side of strawberry preserves is not something I eat, nor even have the option of ordering.  The Monty Cristo with a side of fries, I sit at my table, lost in the casino carpet, and flashy neon lights, my eyes fixed upon the next numbers in the never ending run of Keno games on the overhead TV.  In my head, I keep wishing for eight numbers to match, a dream of wealth and fame surely awaits if I can only just get 8 numbers correct.  

The night fades into the swallows of tomorrow, I make my way back to downtown and the Eldorado.  My flight leaves tomorrow at 10:15 AM….

Hue of the TV radiates upon my tired and sleepy head, a weekend in Reno.  I spark my lighter, weed set aglow, I inhale.  Stoned immaculate, I am the Rambling Man.  Reno ENVY… Reno, Nevada…  Walkability Score:  9 out of 10,  Drinkability Score:  7 out of 10, Eatability Score:  7 out of 10, Overall Value:  8 of 10, The Ability of the City to Provide a Unique Experience:  10 of 10.

Or course, my weekend getaway is meant to start a conversation regarding travel.  Reno has so much more to offer, like most cities, it would take multiple trips to take it all in.  I, do however, list below some activities or events to consider when traveling to Reno.  

1.       Fish for Brown or Rainbow Trout in the Truckee River. Entrance Point at Mayberry Park west of town make this easy to access.  Artificial flies, a Salmon Egg, or even a piece of Bacon on the end of the stick will find success at dawn or twilight.  

2.       Check out a University of Nevada Football game at nearby Mackey Stadium in the Fall, a Nevada Basketball game in the Winter, or a Reno Aces Minor League Baseball game in the Spring or Summer.  Hey, we love our sports, and checking out a new venue is always cool.  

3.       Walking Options: Mayberry Park, Downtown Reno, Virginia Lake, Rancho San Rafael

4.       Harrah’s Auto Museum – This is a legit place, full of classic cars that will blow your mind.

5.       Rib Cookoff, Balloon Races, Hot August Nights, all tourists traps but a place to start a weekend to Ramble On…..  

Finally, and in closing, what is the soul of the city, what is the Soul of Reno?  Reno has two faces, and contradiction surrounds.  The beauty of Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, alongside the despair of prostitution and gaming.  The city is the chain of vice, and the elegance of a perfect small town.  It is the old west, yet modern day growth and opportunity abounds.  It’s the Wild, Wild West, it’s the Biggest Little City in the World.  Regardless, Reno is a fantastic place to Ramble On.

The Rambling Man continues next week, we explore Athens, Georgia.  Please follow us on Twitter, @BarkmanPete. We are no longer on Facebook.  Why? Because Facebook sucks.  

Please consider checking out other Podcast segments available on The Pete Barkman Show. Segments include the following: The Rambling Man, Las Vegas Larry’s Losers ( sports picks, predictions, and handicapping).  And, our How To Live a Happy and Healthy Life Series.  Plus, much more.  The Pete Barkman Show, available on most Podcast Platforms.  

Best places to visit in Shimla

Best Places to visit in Shimla

Shimla is the capital and the largest city of northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is located in the north-west Himalayas at a height of 7200ft and is the commercial, cultural and educational centre of the state. It was revealed by the British in the year 1819. The small hill station amongst the patronizing snow-clad Himalayan ranges is surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures. Shimla is spread across 12kms of various cultivations and is beautifully robed in dense forests. It is one of the few places in the world where a massive amount of history and heritage has been extracted within such a short span of time. There are many best places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is a place where honeymooners, couples, nature lovers and those who look for peacefulness and calmness come to enjoy their holidays. Shimla is one of most artistically scheduled cities in India and its well-knit roads, perfect cleanliness and well organized administration makes it a seamless combination for any tourist destinations in the world.  The exceptional thing about Shimla is that it still keep hold of its colonial charisma that generates an atmosphere that is not found anywhere else in India. There are many best places to visit in Shimla and this lovely hill station has derived its name from "Goddess Shyamla" who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. So aao chale Shimla and grab our best  Shimla tour packages

 Best time to visit Shimla

Shimla can be visited in any season depending on your preferred timing and choice as every season has its own significance and preference. The best time to visit Shimla can be during spring season which is from March to April when the temperature is between 10℃ to 20℃ with the clear skies or during the summer season which is the month of May and June is also a good time to visit Shimla as the temperature during this season is between 16℃ to 28℃. Monsoon season starts from July and it lasts till September and the temperature at this time is between 13℃ to 20℃ with cold and humidity. Months of October and November brings the autumn season and the temperature in this season is between 10℃ to 23℃ with the clear skies and cold evenings. However tourists likes to visit Shimla more during the winter season as it is one of the best time to visit Shimla for snow lovers which is from December to February as it receives frequent snowfall and the temperature during this season reaches to minus 7℃ to 10℃. Shimla is the famous destination among the newly wedded couples so aao chale Shimla and get our best price on Shimla honeymoon package.

 Places to visit in Shimla

The Ridge:

Ridge is situated in the heart of Shimla and is one of the best places to visit in Shimla. It is a wide open street placed on the side of mall road. It is quite renowned for its scenic beauty, photography and for shopping. From here you can see the marvellous view of snow-clad mountain ranges that will absolutely fascinate you with its beauty. The Ridge has everything starting from shops selling some elite artefacts to the outstanding view of the snow-capped mountain ranges. It is not just a market place but also social hub of the city. The road is lined with cafes, bars, boutiques, shops and restaurants which attracts the huge crowd visiting mall road. The Ridge is connected to the lakkar bazaar on the east which is one of the most famous wooden crafts market in Shimla and on the west side it is connected to the famous scandal point. So aao chale Shimla and avail best discount Shimla holiday package.

 Scandal Point:  

 As the name suggests itself it is one of the most visited place as it attracts large number of tourists due to its fascinating scenic beauty and is one of the good places to visit in Shimla that stands as a proof to the city’s reputation. It is heaven for mountain lovers as one can enjoy a picturesque and unhindered view of huge mountains enclosed in the blanket of dense forest. Apart from the incredible view this place is also home to the well-known Tudor library and the platform also offers stunning view of sunset and sunrise.

 Jakhoo Temple:

  Set amongst the lavish green background of the shivalik hill ranges on Jakhoo Hill is one of the highest point in Shimla. The Jakhoo temple is a prehistoric site cloaked in legends thus making it one of the best places to visit in Shimla as it offers a spiritual vibe to the devotees. The temple is devoted to the Hindu monkey god – Hanuman. This temple has the world's biggest Hanuman statue which is noticeable from most of the parts of Shimla. It is located around 2 kilometres from the Ridge in Shimla. According to the myth that surrounds this temple lord Hanuman stopped at this spot to take some rest before continuing his search for the sanjeevani booti to regain consciousness of lord Lakshman.

Chail:

 This small village in Himachal is located at a height of 2250 m above sea level. It is one of the good places to visit in Shimla and is known as heaven for trekkers. Surrounded by lavish greenery and enthralling views from such a great height Chail is bound to give tourists an unforgettable travelling experience. It is a silent hill station close to Shimla known for the world's highest cricket and polo grounds and the famous heritage hotel and Chail Palace in the middle of pine and deodar trees. So aao chale Shimla and avail our Shimla Tour packages.

 Indian Institute of advanced study:

The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is situated on the Observatory Hill and is famous due to its magnificent structure made with Victorian-style architecture. The building was created between 1880 and 1888 during British reign. It is one of the good places to visit in Shimla as the building was previously used by the British Government in order to hold essential political meetings but now it has been converted into an educational institution which offers post-doctoral courses.

 Christ Church:

The Christ church in Shimla is one of the second oldest church in the entire northern India and is a place of pure devotion as well as architectural beauty. It is one of the best places to visit in Shimla as the church took 11 long years to be completed and today it stands as a reminder of the British establishment in India.

 Kufri:

Situated about 17kms away from Shimla at an altitude of 2510 meters and in the Himalayan foothills the hill station provides full enjoyment and satisfaction to the nature lovers and adventurers. It manages to be the hub of many adventurous activities during winters. Skiing is one of them and is a popular sport here and the town also hosts a winter sports festival in February.

 Himalayan Bird Park:  

 It is one of the most visited tourists’ places in Shimla by the bird watchers, bird lovers and photographers. Shimla is a wonderful town and its beauty is enriched by the extensive diversity of wildlife flourishing in the hilly slopes and forests. The Himalayan Bird Park is one such place where you can find a wide variety of birds which you might have not seen anywhere else before. The park has all elite as well as imperilled species of birds and in order to support their life the park is featured with calm trees, flora and fauna. Some of the common bird species are like Himalayan monals, peacocks and pheasants etc which are the main reason for attracting tourists in the bird park. So if you are a bird lover and enjoy watching different endangered species then Himalayan Bird Park is one of the best places to visit in Shimla.

 Tattapani Tourism:

It is a famous tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Tattapani is a charming and an attractive area which is almost 60kms away from Shimla. It has several attractions lying within the nature. This lovely place is nestled among the mountains which one doesn’t want to miss out. It is one of the good places to visit in Shimla as the major attractions are like hot water springs, temples, Shiva caves, fields and one can enjoy various adventurous activities like trekking, river rafting and rock climbing.

 Green Valley:  

 Green Valley is an attractive and has wonderful mountain range that drops on the way to Kufri from Shimla. This remarkable and stunning valley is God's gift to the magnificent and pleasant city of Shimla. The greenery and beauty of this place is so fascinating that it makes the tourist forget everything else and simply relax in the absolute joy of being in nature's lap. Green Valley is bounded by luxuriant hills on all sides that are covered with thick forests of pine and deodar. The picturesque beauty and elegance of this valley makes it one of the best places to visit in Shimla.

Horner Paranormal

I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR ANY OF MY WORKS TO BE COPIED, TRANSLATED, OR REPOSTED, EVEN WITH CREDIT

THIS STORY IS OR WILL BE PUBLISHED ON: Patreon, Tumblr, Wattpad, Tapas, Webnovel, Royal Road, Fiction Press, and Inkitt.

Book 1: Enter the Witch - Chapter 1 (Margot)

“So, another classic haunting then?”

Margot saw Danny nod in the rearview mirror, scrolling on Jake’s laptop at the dinette and typing something every few minutes. “Looks like it,” he said. “Won’t know for sure until we do some digging–”

“Probably won’t even need to dig very far,” Jake chimed in, sitting on the floor near the back and tinkering with one of his machines.

“–but yes, probably. Hopefully. It shouldn’t be a difficult case.”

“What’s wrong with difficult cases?” Margot asked, smirking at the boys from the driver’s seat. “They’re the best kind.”

“You just want an excuse to swing that fire poker around,” Jake mumbled.

“Oh, as if you aren’t exactly the same with all your stupid ecto-gear.”

“It’s not ecto-gear!” he said indignantly. “My gadgets have a wide variety of uses, thank you very much, and only some of them are used for ghosts, and not every ghost produces ectoplasm, which you know, and also, only two of them are weapons!”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Margot rolled her eyes and focused back on the road, trying not to smile at Jake’s adorable annoyance. Dummy, she thought. “You build, I bash. Nothing wrong with me wanting some more bash-heavy cases lately. All I’ve been doing is driving the van.”

“And that’s a very valuable job,” Danny replied. “Exit fourteen.”

“I know, I know!”

Margot slid onto the exit ramp a minute later, and Danny continued to rattle off directions until they finally arrived at their destination: Wolfden, Montana, a classic small town hidden in the tall pine forest. According to the email Danny had received, there was an old mansion just north of town that a new family had moved into, and soon after, there’d been a slew of paranormal activity. No deaths or serious injuries, thankfully, so if they were dealing with a poltergeist, it probably wasn’t too vengeful or anything. But still, a ghost making a ruckus usually meant the ghost was upset in some way, and as paranormal investigators, it was their responsibility to take care of it.

Plus, the family had been willing to pay in full to get the place exorcised, and Margot and the boys really needed the money. If they didn’t fuel up soon, her van would be running on fumes, and thanks to all the fast food they’d been eating, one of them was likely to contract scurvy.

Margot drove the van to the town’s small inn, where the spooked family was staying for the time being. She parked outside, and the three of them headed in. It was a nice hotel, with a dash of Victorian and just a hint of quaint, the concierge throwing them suspicious looks as Danny asked them to call the family down. Margot and Jake waited in the lobby, shifting from foot to foot nervously, until Danny came to join them with his hands in his vest pockets. 

“What’re their names again?” Jake asked.

“Farmer,” Danny said. “Jill and Terrance Farmer. And they’ve got two kids.”

“Ah, Margot’s specialty,” Jake said with a lopsided grin. Margot gave him a squinty look, and Jake laughed. “Relax, Queens, I meant you’re good with kids. It was a compliment. Rare for you to get one, I know, but it can happen.”

“How many times have I saved your life again?” Margot asked. “Thirty? Thirty-five?”

“I’ve saved yours too, you know.”

“Yeah, like twice.”

“Three times!”

“The incubus in Wisconsin doesn’t count.”

“How am I the youngest person here?” Danny asked, pointedly trying to ignore the pair of them. Margot would’ve replied, but then she heard the elevator doors ding open, and both Margot and Jake shut their mouths for the sake of looking professional.

A younger couple appeared in the lobby, plain looking and nervous, the husband in a polo shirt and khakis, the wife in a sundress. Their kids followed behind, a boy and girl–the boy was younger and wearing light-up sneakers, and the girl had her hair tied back in pigtails with red ribbons.

A classic, picture-perfect, horror-film American family, Margot thought. Right down to the blond hair and perfect teeth.

They felt… off to her, in a way she couldn’t quite put her finger on. But then they turned and caught sight of Danny, and the expression of relief on their faces forced her to drop the thought.

Not everyone had a screwed-up childhood like you did, Margot, she scolded herself. Stop being paranoid. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Farmer?” Danny asked, putting on a smile. Margot knew he hated it, but he really was the best of them when it came to customer service stuff. Jake tended to ramble excitedly about things most people found disturbing, and Margot, well… She’d been told more than once that she had an “overly aggressive personality.” But she was good with kids, for some reason. Always had been. The little girl met her gaze, eyes wide and afraid and clutching her father’s hand, and Margot smiled and gave her a small wave. She smiled timidly back.

“Yes,” Mr. Farmer said, walking forward, “that’s us. I assume you’re the, uh…?”

“Horner Paranormal Private Investigators, yes.” Danny shook the man’s hand. “I’m Danny Rye. These are my associates, Margot Queensbury and Jake Tassel-Chastain. We hoped we could ask you some questions before we headed to the estate. Is there a place we could sit down?”

Mr. Farmer nodded and brought them to a small area of the lobby with a few overstuffed chairs and couches. They all sat down, the family together on the large couch, Danny in an armchair, and Jake and Margot on a lounge. Jake took out his notebook, clicked a pen, and nodded at Danny.

“Alright,” Danny said, “I know you sent most of this information in your email, but I’d like to hear it from you again. Let’s go over everything, one step at a time.”

Margot straightened up a little, eyes darting between the Farmers as she, well… she didn’t like to call it “opening her mind,” but that was kind of what it felt like, even if it was a phrase ripped straight out of Star Wars. They all had their paranormal talents–it was why they did this job, why they stuck together. Danny was a spirit medium. Could see and talk to ghosts and everything. Jake had some weird stuff going on they didn’t fully understand yet, but he was a genius at combining technology with what little magic they could manage. Margot? She was psychic. Weird dreams of the future, strange visions when she touched certain objects, moving things with her mind, the whole nine yards. Right now, she was using what she liked to call her “human lie detector ability.” Subset of empathy, if the Internet was to be believed, but all Margot cared about was if her stomach twinged at all while one of the Farmers was talking.

“Well,” Mr. Farmer said slowly, “our first night there, there was no storm, no wind, but the lights would flicker on and off constantly. We thought it was old wiring at first, but the place had just been refurbished… and then we kept hearing strange noises coming from the basement.”

Margot tilted her head as Mr. Farmer continued, her hand next to Jake’s leg on the lounge so she could subtly tap him if she felt a lie. That “off” feeling was back as she watched the family, and she suddenly realized what it was. She couldn’t feel anything. Emotionally, at least. A family like this, spooked enough to move out of their own house? Even if they weren’t lying, Margot would’ve felt a slew of strong emotions from them. Fear, suspicion, desperation. She felt nothing. It was like something was blocking her psychic senses, and that wasn’t something she’d ever felt before.

Without shifting her gaze, Margot began to tap on Jake’s leg in Morse Code. Don’t feel anything. At first, he started to scribble, thinking she was indicating a lie, but then his brain picked up on the code, and he stilled next to her.

“…window slammed shut so hard it shattered, and that’s when we emailed you. And moved out to the inn.” Mr. Farmer finished speaking, his eyes flicking over to Margot for a moment, and Margot sucked in a breath as quietly as she could. Sensing emotion was always easier with eye contact. Whoever had invented the phrase “eyes are windows to the soul” had definitely been an empath. When she met his eyes, it was like Margot peeked through a crack in the barrier hiding Mr. Farmer’s emotions from her, and in that moment, she only felt one thing from him.

Hunger.

Something wrong, she tapped out on Jake’s thigh. Something very wrong.

“Alright, that sounds like a pretty standard haunting,” Danny said, oblivious to Margot’s insight. “There’s probably a ghost or two on the premises that you angered when you moved in. We’ll check it out, clear out anything we find, and once the problem’s dealt with, we can discuss the rest of your payment.”

“Payment?” Mr. Farmer asked. “I thought we already paid.”

“The advance was the money it took to get us here,” Danny explained. “Food, gas, stuff like that. And to make sure you were serious about hiring us. This sounds like a pretty routine situation, though, so there probably won’t be many additional expenses.”

“Oh,” Mr. Farmer said. “Alright.”

“Either way, I’m sure we’d all love a discussion about where your money is going.” Danny stood up, and Jake and Margot did too, Jake shutting his notebook with a soft snap. Danny also reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a business card, handing it to Mr. Farmer. “If there’s anything else you forgot to mention, you can reach us at that number. In the meantime, we’ll do our best to sort everything out.”

The three of them turned to leave, headed for the lobby doors, Margot trying to still the nerves in her stomach. And then…

“But, wait, what about the witch?” the little girl asked. “Daddy, you didn’t tell them about the witch.”

Margot felt a jolt of fear from Danny as they stopped.

“That’s because she’s not a real witch, honey,” Mrs. Farmer said with a soft smile. “She’s just a… unique individual, okay?”

“But you said she cursed–”

“Sweetheart,” Mrs. Farmer said firmly, and the girl went quiet with a pout as her mom turned towards the three of them. “I’m sorry, her imagination–”

“It’s alright,” Danny said. There was tension running through his entire frame. His voice was a little more detached than it had been before, and instead of meeting Margot’s gaze, which was screaming we need to leave and talk privately, right now, he instead turned to face the Farmers again. “Actually, I’d just like to make sure we’ve covered all our bases. Could you talk to me about this witch?”

The parents looked at each other, both a little surprised. “Well, sure,” Mrs. Farmer said. “She’s just some bohemian young woman that lives on the edge of town. She’s not… actually a witch, is she?”

“Well, you believe in ghosts, don’t you?” Danny said, not too sympathetically. His patience was starting to wear thin; Margot didn’t need to be an empath to know that. “Look, I just need to know if you… angered this woman in any way.”

“We…” The parents glanced at each other again, and Mr. Farmer sighed. “I, yes, I might have upset her a few weeks ago. We’d just moved in, wanted to explore the town a bit, and we ended up bumping into her in the park–”

“She was very strange, mind you,” Mrs. Farmer interjected. “Very strange. She apologized, of course, but she kept staring at us, I can’t really describe how, it was just… unsettling.”

Danny nodded and glanced back at Jake and Margot, and Margot jerked her head a little towards the front door. “Well,” Danny said, turning back to the Farmers with a smile, “thank you so much for the information. We’ll see what we can do.” “Thank you,” Mr. Farmer said, reaching out to shake Danny’s hand. Danny obliged, and with a few nods and waves, the three Horner PIs walked through the lobby and back outside towards the van.

Colonial hill station Darjeeling

If Marco Polo was in Darjeeling

 Italian traveller Marco Polo was famous for his fantastic fantasies that he fabricated during his exploring endeavour. What if he would have been to Darjeeling- the land of lush green tea-gardens, snow capped mountains, forest & interesting histories? His intensive indulgence while travelling is the foundation stone of this informative oeuvre. So come on we are leaving Siliguri in the amazing toy train, for an odyssey to Darjeeling trailing Marco Polo’s way of travelling.

‘Dorji’ means the gods of thundering and the local belief was that the God of thundering abode is this place and that’s how the place was christened as Darjeeling. This tranquil place on mountain once gained the momentum of having all prestigious schools of the country, managed by the Christian Missionaries. This includes names like Loreto Convent, St. Pauls (shown in Bollywood Blockbusters like Mahi Hoo Na, Barfi). In fact, Rishi Aurobindo was sent to Darjeeling by his father at an early age of five years to study at the Loreto Convent. But much before Sri Aurobindo or Swami Vivekanada’s arrival in this beautiful place, this charismatic place was discovered by the English veteran Loyad. The year then was 1829 and since then the impart of Darjeeling brought so many imperative legends in this British controlled hill-station, which includes people like Tagore, Mahatma, Netaji.

Wherever Marco Polo travelled he made a narrative of his travel. So did renowned Bengali author Lila Majumdar, who met Tagore for the first time in Darjeeling and Sister Nibedita, Chittaranjan Das breathed their last in this fascinating fairytale land. Sister Niverdita’s house-Rai Villa and Chittaranjan Das’s (commonly known as C.R Das in Darjeeling) house in near Mall will beckon you to the bygone era. And now let’s talk about Darjeeling from another frame- Botany.  Darjeeling is globally known for its tea and in the same harmony of botany Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose, termed Darjeeling as a paradise for Botanists all over the world. No wonder, much before Jagdish Chandra Bose, botanist Joseph Dalton came to Darjeeling to collect herbs and guess what he went back to UK with collecting as many as 7000 species of herbs along with Rhododendron. Rhododendron is still palpable in Loyad Botanical garden during spring and tea is ubiquitous throughout the year in any of the tea outlets in Mall.

Till now we have been discussing Darjeeling with its past glorious visitors, which Marco Polo surely would have loved to listen if he was travelling Darjeeling in 21st century and as we said earlier we have boarded the toy train, he surely would have got lost enjoying the ride, seeing the natural beauty around and listening to the history. American Author Mark Twain arrived in Darjeeling in the Toy Train and he wrote on the Toy Train Journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling as "The railway journey up the mountain is forty miles, and it takes eight hours to make it. It is so wild and interesting and exciting and enchanting that it ought to take a week."  

The best area in a place, according to Marco Polo is the one that gave him a taste of the local culture and from such perspective the much-hyped Mall will surely fit his bill. But indulging in local culture in Darjeeling is not only limited to the Mall. In the evening of autumn, after avoiding the hustle bustle of the Chowrasta Mall (i.e. the main square of Mall Road), go around the Observatory Hill and enjoying the beauty with silence of the road, you will be soon coming at a cross road, where Raj Bhavan is on your right and Mayfair hotel on left. Entering into the Douglas Lounge bar of Mayfair hotel for an evening drink could be very exclusive as the works of renowned artist Goray Douglas are displayed on the walls. And Douglas’s paintings captivate the ethnicity of Darjeeling. Apart from Mayfair, Elgin hotel is another heritage boutique hotel in Darjeeling. All these hotels are well known for commemorating festivals like Christmas, New year but to see the local traditional festival, then other areas in and around Darjeeling is recommended. Like during, spring occurs Losar, which is a New Year celebration in Darjeeling for the Tibetans. During Losar traditional food is served to the guests and visitors are welcome in the house. The youth perform Yak dance in colorful attire.

Like a true traveller, Marco Polo didn’t halt in a place for a long time and in Darjeeling he would have been pampered with places around, which are a perfect amalgamation of hill stations, trekking spots, and wildlife sanctuaries. Be it a laid back vacationers or adrenaline fuelled adventurers alike, Darjeeling has lot to offer for making an unforgettable travel experience. 

Yacht Charter in Croatia

Croatia is positioned on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean. With a background returning over a thousand years, it initially appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the separate of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war. Climate - The environment is common of the Mediterranean and also offers pleasurable vacations throughout the year. The best season for cruising in Croatia is early summer with great winds in May as well as June generally from the S/SE. Early mornings have the tendency to be tranquil with the wind enhancing later in the afternoon to around 15 - 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is ALRIGHT for those that don't mind car. Summer temperatures balance between 26 to 30 ° C and also the sea temperature level in summer season has to do with 25ºC. Sailing Location - Beginning in the north The Brioni Islands - Officially the summer home of President Tito, these islands were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the facilities are a little bit review, as little loan was spent on their maintenance complying with the death of the President. The group of islands consists of 2 larger ones and also 12 smaller ones. They were offered National forest condition in 1983. The biggest island is Veli Brijun, just is 2km from the shore. It is really environment-friendly being covered with plants. Cres & Losinj islands - Covering virtually 400 square km, Cres is the second biggest island in the Adriatic. It is organized with Losinj as well as an additional 28 smaller sized islands. The harbour of Mali Losinj is said to be the most lovely in the entire Adriatic. Cikat bay, which is popular for its coastline as well as excellent windsurfing, is the traveler centre. While the community of Veli Losinj is much quieter. Cres Community is also prominent and is similar to an Italian village due to the fact that for numerous centuries it was ruled by Venice. The island of Susak is well worth a check out. The population talk their own language, which is not conveniently comprehended by various other Croats. And also the women commonly wear a colourful outfit, a brief, multicoloured outfit, red tights as well as a white blouse. Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic, covering 405.78 square km, and also is additionally among the most heavily populated islands. It is really busy with vacationers being by bridge to the mainland. It is not one of the most stunning or the greenest of the islands. The main communities are Baska, Krk town itself, Malinska, Omisalj, Punat and Vrbnik. Krk Community is renowned for the Basilica of St. Mary. Rab island is among the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably among the most enchanting. It is has beautiful sandy beaches as well as is covered with pine forests. Rab Town, the primary resort, is full of medieval structures, constructed under Venetian guideline in the 13th century. The old town wall surfaces are still visible in some areas. Pag is the second lengthiest island in the Adriatic. It has little in the way of vegetation due to strong wind of Bora. Even with https://tablecherry43.asblog.cc/2018/11/25/sungold-tomato-and-maple-jam/ has a lot of appeal. It is popular for its shoelace making as well as the Pag Community is wonderfully preserved. Primosten, on the coastline, is one of one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coastline and flaunts the best of Croatia from the other day, stroll the narrow, patched roads of the old town centre set on a tiny, uneven peninsula as well as today, the Farmhouse all evening disco is just a 10 minute taxi away. The Kornati islands - 140 islands compose this archipelago and also it covers a location 300 square kilometres. Most of the area is a National Park, assigned so due to it countlesses coves and also crystal clear blue waters. It was defined by astronauts as having the bluest water in the world seen from space.It is truly attractive. George Bernard Shaw said of the island group "On the last day of Production God preferred to crown His job, and thus produced the Kornati islands from tears, celebrities and breath." Most of the area comes from individuals of Murter island who concern look after the olive groves, wineries and orchards. They in remain cottages during the farming season but there is no permanent populace. Hramina is an exclusive marina on Murter Island with great facilities consisting of an option of dining establishments. Dugi Otok is the home of the large, gorgeous bay at Telescica. The small angling town of Sali here is well-known for summer occasions commemorating neighborhood folklore with a fun donkey race as well as a procession of lit up watercrafts. Brbinj higher up on Dugi Otok is a peaceful, protected quit bordered by yearn timbers and also olive groves. The city of Split is a UNESCO world heritage site well-known for the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. See Skradin on the mainland and venture up-river to the famous waterfalls at Krka. Brac is the largest island in Central Dalmatia and the 3rd biggest in the Adriatic. It is likewise among the sunniest with 2,700 hours annually. Brac is renowned for its agricultural products, figs, olive oil, nectarines, wine and also other fruits. However the main export is the renowned Brac stone where numerous buildings on the planet have actually been created, including the home to the presidents of the United States of The U.S.A., The White Residence in Washington DC Bol is said to have the most beautiful beach in the Adriatic. Various other hotels consist of the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Milna, Sumartin, Supetar as well as Sutivan. Hvar is the fourth biggest island in the Adriatic and also is also sunnier compared to Brac. There is nevertheless enough rain to keep the island environment-friendly as well as to preserve the lovely areas of lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage as well as thyme along with the vineyards. In the springtime Hvar scents like a herbalist shop. The lavender oil is the island's major export. The main hotels are Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Graduate, Sucuraj and also Vrboska. Hvar boasts the nation's oldest public theater dating from 1612. Vis - At 24 miles from the mainland this is the most westerly of the larger Croatian islands. Vis is the oldest established town in Dalmatia founded in 397 BC. The island was major base for British troops during World War II. After 1945 it was shut to the public the Yugoslav armed force and reopened in 1990. Several of Croatia's finest wines are generated there, such as Plavac and Vugava. The two main towns are Vis Town and also Komiza. Vis is specifically peaceful and relaxing. Bisevo is house to the renowned Blue Caves as well as this is the ideal snorkelling area Korcula is recognized for its thick forest. Marco Polo, the famous adventurer, was born upon Korcula, as well as his house still there. Korcula called "Little Dubrovnik", Vela Luka as well as Lumbarda are the main hotels. On the mainland, Ston, is among the most gorgeous prepared communities you are ever likely to see. It is famous for its lots of cultural monuments and excellent defensive walls. The regional dining establishments offer tasty dishes of oyster and other fresh fish and shellfish. Invest the mid-day on it's sandy coastline lined with olive trees. Mljet is 23 miles west of Dubrovnik and is the southerly the majority of the bigger islands. The western half of the island is a National Park and also over two-thirds of the island is forested with. Inning accordance with legend, Odysseus loved the island as well as remained there for seven years. You will discover many excellent anchorages and also sandy coastlines on the southern coast, the very best which is Saplunara The Elafit islands - Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan - In old times these islands were house to a big deer populace and take their name from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. There remain in reality 6 islands in the group and it is deemed one of the most expert seafarers originated from here. Once again the islands are very lovely and are a should visit. Lopud is little bit greater than two hills which are linked by a gorgeous valley. Comply with the walkway through to the bay called Sunj, a rounded white sand beach ideal for a swim. Dubrovnik is an immaculately managed 13th century strengthened city. Old wall surfaces surround the old town enclosing an interesting mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque style. Tall parapets and towering spires increase substantially from magnificent squares loaded with colourful bars, markets and dining establishments. The entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site. Food and Wine - Croatian cooking is usually Mediterranean with fish, shellfish, fresh vegetables as well as olive oil taking centre phase. Selections of fish include pet dog's tooth, gilthead, grouper, mackerel, sardines and also sea bass. You will certainly find cuttlefish, octopus and also squid, lobsters, mussels, oysters as well as shrimps. These exist barbequed or in stews and risottos. The regional smoked ham is great. Lamb is additionally extremely regarded, particularly baked on an open fire. There are some interesting regional meals, some found on specific islands, to be looked for or avoided. Take Vitalec as an example - lamb's offal covered in lamb digestive tract as well as spike-roasted, not everbodys suggestion of culinary paradise. Areas with a numerous supply of fresh water, the Neretva valley, Trilj and also the Cetina basin, are well for their frog, eel and also river crab dishes. Pag and also Dubrovnik generate premium quality lamb's cheese. Pag's is referred to as Paski-Sir, a hard, distinctly flavoured cheese. The special flavour comes from the approach of rubbing the cheese with olive oil and also ash prior to leaving it to develop; additionally, the lamb consume a diet plan that includes several wild herbs such as sage. Dalmatian desserts ready too. One of the most typical active ingredients consist of almonds, eggs, honey, local fruit, dried out figs and also raisins. Try Orehnjaca, a pleasant bread with walnuts or poppy seeds. Palacinke are pancakes generally served with jam or delicious chocolate. Dalmatian wines have actually been concerned extremely since ancient times. Famous wines include Babic from Primosten, Dingac and also Postup from the Peljesac Peninsula and also Plancic from the island of Hvar. There are likewise great regional brandies as well as liqueurs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnVOKWq57l8

6. Analysis of novel using literary lenses, examine how one or more of the following literary lenses in forms your interpretation of the novel.

• Psychological lens

GATSBY

Gatsby was driving a big yellow car, the car drove by the road going forty, fifty and sixty km/h. The car ran over a women and she died. He had a car accident, he ran over a woman name Wilson, her husband was the owner of the garage. The women wanted to speak with him as if she knew him, Gatsby’s car came the other way and ripped her open. He didn’t stop or help her, he drove off and acted as if nothing had happened. Gatsby ran over Myrtle like she was a dog, he never stopped his car, he was careless and confused.

• Gender lens

DAISY BUCHANAN

Daisy woke up with an abandoned feeling, the nurse told her she was having a girl, she was glad to have a girl, she hope her daughter will be a fool because it’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.

Daisy wanted to show off her daughter, she look a lot like Daisy and not her father, Daisy’s daughter hair and face shape is very identical to her mother.

• Socio-economic lens

NICK CARRAWAY

Nick resided in the unfashionable West Egg, his house was at the top of the egg, fifty yards from the Sound in between two huge palace that rented $12,000-$15,000 per season.

JAY GATSBY

Gatsby’s mansion was a repetition of Hotel de Ville in Normandy, it has a tower on one side, marble swimming pool and more than forty acres of lawn and garden.

When Gatsby was in his closet he took a pile of shirts and began throwing them one by one, the shirts were made of sheer linen, thick silk and fine flannel in multiple colours. He also had shirts with strips and plaids in coral, apple green, lavender, orange with monogram of Indian blue.

Gatsby once quoted “The rich get richer and the poor get children”

TOM BUCHANAN

Tom Buchanan lives in the fashionable East Egg in a white palace. He come from a wealthy family background, he was able to spend money freely, he even brought down a string of polo ponies from Lake Forest. He had a lovely red and white Georgian Colonial Mansion near the bay. The front of his mansion was covered with lines of French windows, his lawn was near the beach, he had brick walls and burning gardens.

MYRTLE WILSON

Myrtle told her sister Catherine “most of these fellas will cheat you every time. All they think of its money.”

• Contextual lens

NICK CARRAWAY

Although Nick and Daisy are cousins, they are still acquaintance with each other, Nick didn’t attend Daisy wedding because he went to war.

• Archetypal lens

GATSBY

Gatsby funeral is scheduled at three o’clock at the house. No one attended his funeral only his father showed up.

Polo forest resort ahmedabad

Polo forest is the best place for a one day picnic with friends and family. There are many activities to do and also many places to explore which can make your picnic an adventurous one.

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Geneva, the French and the Međimurci

After months of residing in the darkness of inactivity here comes a fresh review of the recent trip to Switzerland. Those 3 days were without expectations and with plenty of spontaneous decisions that turned out...awesome. I even managed get my Master thesis done and sent to print hours before the trip thus not having to bring my laptop there and work at the airport. I would also use this chance to thank again our hosts for the wonderful time we spent there as well as for helping us with the stay in Geneve. Merci beaucoup...or whatever you write it.  Now what was all this about, when, why and how...please start scrolling. The whole trip was planned a few months ago as one our best and closest Uni colleagues was going to get married. Since we were sitting next to each other since the day 1 of the University life (and were breaking the Erasmus Intership Exchange ice together writing the letters and creating our portfolios in the bars between the Uni lectures...) there was no way for me not to come there. Wait a bit more to see the wedding pics. The interesting story is that she had met her future husband during Erasmus internship in Paris while I was in Vienna (maybe I should apply again for the exchange?). One of the last things in life I imagined was ending up on a wedding in Switzerland and be surrounded with the French and the Međimurci. On the trip there and back again I was with a few colleagues whom we will refer to as “the Noone”. Let’s start with...

DAY 1: Travelling from Zagreb to Venice Marco Polo Airport. Getting lost in Venice. Evening arrival to Geneve 

Just before our trip there were several problems that were kept in secret in order not to spread panic. Our return flight with EasyJet was cancelled due to French Airline’s strike and luckily I was online to check us in on the next one an hour later. Had we not had the second flight the same evening things would gotten nasty with the bus schedule and arriving home on Monday morning to hand in our binded Master’s thesises. 

The second crisis emerged early in the morning around 3am when I realized:

a) I left the sunglasses at my barber’s desk the day earlier

b) I forgot the headphones on my desk!!

We travelled with Flixbus, direct line from Zagreb to Marco Polo Airport, at 7.30am and arrived a bit later than scheduled due to traffic problems on the Italian highway and a traffic mess at the bus station in Trieste (sorry Italians, it was another prejudice come true...). 

We came to our destination around 2.30pm and had almost 5 hours free before the flight. And what should we do?

Go to Venice of course! For the price of 15 Euros you get the bus return ticket from the airport to Venice. My colleague was there for the first time and for me it was the 3rd. I honestly didn’t expect going there but ... was worth it. The plan was to drink coffee somewhere but we didn’t have time as...umm... I wanted to make a tour around and we got lost on our way back...just a bit. : -) In the end we managed to get in time back.

The overall impression of Venice?

Crowded, hot, stinky...few buildings and streets that impress you in the beginning and then you get bored and start counting nationalities and bricks in the walls. As well as the shades to hide in. 

Just before the security check in I realized that I totally messed up with clothes and items in the travel bag...bringing unecessary stuff that took plenty of space. Never again listen to the others and just keep it simple. So I was forced to put my pants, part of ceremonial clothes etc. into the bags of my colleagues. :-D Just like Voldemort with the horcruxes.

Speaking of food and water supplies on your trips and specifically at the airports...there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who buy the bottled water in duty free shops... and those who drink and fill them in the restrooms (toilets). During my 3 days I only drank water from the restroom. Save money, save the nature. 

Our flight was around 8pm and I spent most of it (one hour) sleeping dead tired. For those of you who’ve been following me from before you might remember I’ve already been to Switzerland but never in Geneve. (scroll down the blog for those posts).

Geneva airport? While going towards the exit you pass by numerous billboards of the Swiss watches...Rolex, Rolex, Rolex...and Rolex..and so on for the next 5 minutes. The good thing is that all the arriving guests have 80 minutes free public transport ticket so we went to the next stop (Geneve Cornavin). Our hostel (Geneve Hostel) was about 5-7 minutes by foot and close to the Geneva lake. Boys in one room, girls in another to avoid the potential problems. And unplanned weddings. 

At the hostel we were also given free public transport ticket that was valid for the whole Saturday and Sunday which helped a lot. It included the train, the boats, the buses and the tram within Geneve. Since France was super close (cca 4 km) there was even a tram line leading there (about 30 minutes)...we heard you can have a cheaper lunch there and planned “to visit France” on Sunday but plans changed. 

Before the sleep we searched around the hostel area for some cheap place to grab some food. Now, the word “cheap” in Switzerland is not as same as “cheap” here and the best for your psychological health is not to convert the currency. We found the Ali Kebab place right next to the hostel and ate Chicken Kebab with some salad and French fries for 17,5 Franks, a meal we split for two. This was relatively similar to some prices here so it was not that bad at all. I could have eaten though the whole plate again but my wallet couldn’t. No complaints anyway!

DAY 2: Morning tour around Geneve. Going to the ceremony. The wedding and the afterparty.

I’m a morning person and Saturday morning was no exception. Woke up early, took a shower, breakfast when there aren’t many people and already ready to go at 7.30am. I got the public transport and city landmarks map at the hostel staff and  went to the lake with another early bird. Here are some impressions of the streets, people and cityscape.

Plenty of runners with bluetooth headphones, people walking with dogs, the cylists, expensive cars you see in James Bond movies, the specific architecture, plenty of hotels and banks, mostly clean sterile streets, the promenade and the boats. Pretty much international population and French language everywhere. And I don’t speak French except for few words but was interesting to be in an “alien” surroundings. The lake that is as huge as the sea yet fresh water. Ducks everywhere. What I loved was seeing the bike roads across the promenade and the streets of Geneve. More about it on Day 3. Speaking of traffic behaviour they all more or less stop when you approach the pedestrian zebra crossing and stop even 0,5 m before it if the red light turns on. On contrary, here you’d get run over even if you were sitting on your balcony.

We went back to pick up the third early bird and started our little tour around. There were several bridges in the center and you had a boat connection with other side of the lake. There is the huge wheel with cafes around the big bridge. One of the Geneve’s landmarks is the huge fountain which we reached later and had a free shower. One of the things that pleasantly surprised me was (as I had found out later) the artistic project “Happy City” where there were ca. 20 painted pianos placed around the city’s squares, parks, streets and bridges...where you do as it says “Play, I’m here for you”. So I did what they required you to do. Playing piano on Lake Geneva was another thing I never thought about ... but now I can say “new achievement unlocked”. 

We walked a bit more to the inside of the other side up and down the streets, seen some churches and lots of interenational bars and restaurants. Expensive exotic cars again..and then decided it’s time to go back to hostel. 

On our way back we checked out Lidl and took some emergency food to have just in case of unexpected hunger. This saved us on the next day. I also almost forgot that right now I can buy and drink Rivella.

Travelling to Gland and the Wedding.

We jumped into our suits and wedding clothes and went to the train station around 2pm. We had to arrive to Gland which is ca 20 minutes away from Geneve and there our fiancée’s family was going to pick us up and transport to the ceremony’s place. While there we got to know our French roommates and colleagues offiancé.

What I liked (and probably others) there weren’t many people as it usually is the case here. I won’t go into details here and throw emotions but here are some things. Close friends and family from both sides, that’s it. The ceremony took place at the fairy location called Le Moulin du Creux. Beautiful house with garden, creek and forest around located 100 meters from the road. Check the nice photos of it and you’ll get the idea.

We had two-three pastors, the French ones and the Croatian one. Since most of us didn’t speak nor understood French we had a translator. And it was funny because she was a Slovene translating into Serbian mostly. :)) Nevertheless, an interesting ceremony and a special moment for our now married couple!

What was also new was that after taking pictures and rushing to the tables with food and drinks we also had a game organized - seek and answer game. They hid around 30 photos around the area and we got the papers with questions in French and Croatian. For my team it was kind of a fail in the end. We were trying to learn a few useful French phrases such as J'ai soif which means “I’m thirsty” when sneaking around the table with served drinks.

The other games included a catapult and a cubic football. There was also a gigantic version of the Jenga Tower which was fun to play. We took and received as a memory the polaroid photo with our couple and later moved inside for the dinner and the rest of the show. We watched short movie clips that fiance’s family created about him and our friend. The only problem we had was that we didn’t understand anything as there were no subtitles. :-)

After few more games and meals it was time to go out on the field and light the lanterns. This was a cool thing and my first time to show up and do the thing actually, I think we all enjoyed it. I have no photos of it though but you can imagined what it looked liked having many of them flying up. Let’s hope non of them fell on the forest below. :-D

Soon followed afterparty with some dance music. Some people already had to part and leave. Finally, around 2am we also decided to leave as we didn’t want to miss our train back to Geneve. And of course we missed the first one by being 5 minutes late.

We came to the hostel around 4am and straight to bed.

DAY 3: Tour around Geneve one more time. Coffee & city bikes. Departure.

The final day is here. So far everything great! We made a deal to meet with friends from Nyon around 10.30h at the giant wheel in the center. Shower, breakfast and baggage packed and locked in the hostel. Ready to go. 

We took the boat to the other side and soon met with our friends. We then wasted around an hour going to the “old center” only to find nothing interesting there. However, we saw more of the public pianos and parks. For the next half an hour we were on a quest to find a solid cafe to sit and talk about life. 

We ended up below the giant wheel and had a tiny cup of coffee for 4 Franks. Naturally, we stayed for 2 hours sitting & chatting there to compensate the loss. I ran out of cash and asked the waiter where to go. After all, Geneva is the city of banks and I hadn’t seen a single ATM machine there.  Before running for some cash we decided to visit the giant fountain. On our way there I stopped by the public piano which was now free of ambitious moms and their kids who just pressed random keys but had a cool photo. Actually, I was doing the same. It was funny to have the unusual audience around you. 

Soon by the fountain. Time for a group photo! 

  Time flew by quickly and our friends had to find the bus station as they were leaving sooner than us. We went to the center in search of places to eat and after parting with them three of the original squad left. We had a few hours left before rushing to the train station and the airport. Having lunch in France? Visiting France by trams? Visiting France on bikes? Using city bikes to go around? We rushed to the nearst bike station and...all the bikes were gone. Second chance at the one across the bridge. We somehow were lazy to walk and wasted time on the boat. What happened there? Only two bikes left. I agreed to run  to the other station as the rest follows me. But the guy working there couldn’t find the keys of the bike so we waster 10 minutes there filling the papers and waiting for him to come to common sense. The third and the last luck before giving up was using the tram to the Station No. 5 ... and...three bikes left, keys in the hands and off we go!

There is no better feeling than going around the new place by bike. Pure freedom and flexbility. We gave 20 Franks deposit and decided towards the north along the lake. Bike routes almost everywhere. Going between the streets was fun. No fear of the vehicles around us.

We did cca 10 km in total in about more than hour stopping to take the pictues (the evidences). The idea was to go to France but by democracy 2:1 we gave up from that idea fearing something could go wrong and we get stuck in the middle of nowhere and miss the plane. So we returned the bikes close to our hostel, took the baggage and went to the train station. There we found a nice souvenir and chocolate shop....you can’t leave without one kitschy fridge magnet and a few Toblerones. We met the other Croats who were going back by plane to Venice and I again reorganized my bagge stuff into 2-3 bags of other people. The food from Lidl helped a bit. As well as the good old fresh water from the restroom.  I slept again in the plane this time successfully hiding my cabin baggage under my seat as the plane was crowded and full of passangers because of the cancelled flight. New achievement unlocked.  We had almost 3 hours to wait for the 2.15am Flixbus for Zagreb. Being dead hungry we checked the available offers at the backery there and found some snacks to survive till home. This time Flixbus didn’t have the second floor (on Friday we found the first row spots on the 2nd floor, the best view and the best way to get killed in an accident). But who cares, soon home! The route was shorter as we stopped only in Ljubljana...I woke up two times in total and the second on just at the Croatian border. The bus arrived precisely at 7.30am to Zagreb, to the most beautiful of the ugliest bus stations in the area. Finally, seeing “Mamiću cigane” grafitti around the station I can say “Welcome back home!”.

SHIMLA MANALI – THE READY GUIDE TO A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY THIS YEAR

Shimla is as charming as it was in colonial times. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is 2200m high, with stunning hills, beautiful valleys, and magical forest surrounding it. Shimla has been one of the most visited destinations for solo travelers, families, and honeymooners for the past five decades.

Plan a trip to Shimla soon if you haven't been there yet. This charming town was once the British summer capital. It still retains its beautiful architecture, picturesque churches, and stunning temples. The Mall road is a walker-friendly route that leads to the center of the town. Shimla offers plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages. Kesari Tours wanted to ensure you have all the information you need before choosing a Shimla tour package.

Shimla's best time to visit

Shimla can be visited all year. If you want to enjoy a pleasant climate during the day, the summer months from March to June are the best time to visit. This is a great way to escape the heat of summer in other parts of India. The ideal months for a snowbound holiday adventure are November through February.

Shimla is famous for its beautiful Victorian architecture, sparkling lakes, and natural beauty that will make you stop and stare. You can either plan a long weekend trip from the north to Shimla, or you can take your time and relax in the amazing climate.

Visit these places

If you have limited time, we understand that you would love to see the town and all its attractions quickly. However, if you're visiting in winter, it is best to take your time and enjoy the stunning views. Take a look at these places that you should visit during your Shimla tour.

The Shimla Ridge:

Take Insta-worthy photos.

Soak in the beauty of nature.

Shop until you're satisfied at the Shimla Ridge.

The Ridge is located in the center of town and offers spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas. The Ridge is a large open space that runs along Mall Road, also famous in Shimla. It connects you to Scandal point. Shop, eat at local eateries, visit the Christ Church, tour the Tudor library, or enjoy the magnificent view of the city. It is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.

Christ Church: The Christ Church is a wonderful example of neogothic architecture. It's located on the Ridge. This church, which was built in 1857, is an integral part of Shimla. It is a must-see because of its beautiful stained-glass windows, murals inside, and clock tower. It houses the largest pipe organ of India and is featured in well-known Bollywood movies such as 3 Idiots and Black. It's open daily and is a great place to learn about history, architecture and take photos.

Summer Hill: Summer Hill is a small town located just outside of Shimla. Here potters collect clay to make their pots. It is also known as Potter's Hill and offers stunning views of the valley and lush greenery. It is located approximately 5km from the Ridge. This hill is part of the seven hills that make up Shimla. Enjoy the sunrise as the sun colors beautiful mountains in shades of orange and purple. The charming town is worth a full day of exploration. You should not miss a trip to the breathtaking Chadwick Falls or a ride on Kalka-Shimla's train.

Annandale: Do you wonder what Annandale is? It is where the British played polo, cricket, and raced horses. It is now known as Annadale and houses a small course called Helipad and an army museum. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am - 2 pm, and 3 pm - 5 pm. The Ridge is approximately 4km away. It is also known for its hiking trails. Plan a hike to Annandale's Glen or the highest peak. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the gardens surrounding you, and take in the natural world. You can also visit the Cactus Museum nearby.

Chail: This charming hill station Chail was founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Sing of Patiala. Legend has it that the King fled to Chail with his Viceroy of India, then in the British Raj. Today, the Scandal Point in Shimla is where he eloped. Lord Kitchener of Shimla expelled the couple from Shimla, and they settled in this hill station. It is home to the highest cricket field in the world, making it the ideal place for a relaxing vacation. It is located approximately 55.1 kilometers from Shimla. The Palace Hotel, Sidh Baba Temple, Kali Temple, and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary are all worth visiting.

Kufri: Kufri is another hill station worth visiting. It's located 17 km from Shimla. It's known for its lush forests and picturesque views, as well as adventure sports. This mountain abode, located at the Himalayas' foothills at 2510m above sea level, is a must-see for adventure and nature lovers. Kufri, once part of Nepal's kingdom, offers stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayas. There are many options for adventure sports and activities like skiing. Kufri is a must-see on any Shimla itinerary if you want to experience snowfall. Visit the Himalayan Wildlife Zoo and Kufri Fun World.

Things to Do in Shimla

We know that you want to have fun, and Shimla has plenty to offer. These are just a few of the many things you can do while in Shimla

A two-day Shimla camping trip that includes trekking.

Forest camping in Junga at Shimla

Visit the Shimla State Museum

The Arki Fort is a place to see architecture, history, and photographs.

Visit the temples of Shakhni Mahadev and Lutru Mahadev near the Arki Fort.

Is Shimla safe to visit?

Tourists are safe in Shimla. You should take all precautions when visiting other cities. Consider the possibility of landslides when planning a winter vacation. Before you go on holiday, talk to your Kesari travel connection.

Manali, where snowbound peaks call you

Manali is a must-see on any Shimla tour. Manali, nestled between the snowy mountain slopes of Pir Panjal's Dhauladhar ranges, is India's most popular hill station. Manali boasts stunning views, lush green forests, wide-open spaces, and a constant fog of pine scent that lingers in the air. Manali is a tourist hot spot throughout the year. It has many attractions, including picturesque hippie hamlets and vibrant upmarket streets. Temples, museums, rivers, and trekking trails. Make sure to check out Shimla-Manali tour package deals.

Manali's best time to visit

Winter is the best season to visit Manali, and it lasts from October through February. January is the best month for snowfall lovers. Keep warm clothing on hand for temperatures below 0°C. Summer from March to June is the best time to enjoy snowfall.

Manali is known for its clean roads, tall eucalyptus tree, charming eateries, and kitschy markets. It also has quaint cafes that offer delicious local food at great prices. Old Manali is a peaceful and serene place where you can listen to the Kullu River roar in the background. Manali is well-known for its adventure activities like paragliding and rafting, mountaineering, and even Mall Road.

Manali: Places to See

Solang Valley

The stunning Solang Valley is located 14km northwest of Manali. It is a must-see for all visitors. Parachuting, paragliding, and horse riding are some of the most popular activities in this valley.

Winters are when the Solang Valley is the best place to be if your passion is skiing. There are several training institutes within the valley. Zorbing is a popular sport when the snow melts. You may see a large transparent ball that has two people inside, rolling down the slopes. When in Manali, make sure to visit the lively and fun Solang valley.

Rohtang Pass

The road leads to the Rohtang Pass at 51 km from the town. The pass, which is 3978m above the ground in hills, offers breathtaking views. As you climb the mountains, the Manali-Keylong road allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery. The pass is one of the most popular roads for film directors.

Enjoy the cool air in your car as you travel along the mountain roads, and take in breathtaking views and the sounds of nature. Rohtang Pass is an experience unlike any other. It is surrounded by snowbound mountains offering stunning views and breathtaking landscapes to marvel at. Rohtang Pass is the ideal place to take in the beautiful white landscapes and tranquility.

Hadimba Temple

Hidimba Devi is the wife of Bhima and mother to Ghatothkach in the Mahabharata epic. The Hadimba Temple is located amid Manali's snow-covered hills. The temple is built on a rock that looks like Goddess Hidimba. Magnificent cedar trees surround it. The Hidimba Devi temple's design is distinctive and different from any other temple with its wood doors, walls, and conical roof. This magnificent temple is a favorite among Hindus as well as nature lovers. This temple is the perfect place to stay on your Manali tour. Hidimba Devi Festival attracts thousands of people from all over the globe and is well-known for its colorful folk dances.

How do you get there?

Manali is approximately 50 kilometers from Joginder Nagar, the nearest railway station. It is not connected to larger cities as it is a narrow-gauge station. Chandigarh or Ambala are the nearest broad-gauge stations. You can fly to Bhuntar (also 50 km from Manali) or hire a bus to get to Manali.

To know more about shimla manali packages or to book then visit Capture A Trip.