Happy Diwali 2012

Diwali decoration (Photo credit: Piyush's Space)

Diwali is here like every year. This year is the same as it was since I moved to the US but it is different too. The difference being I almost forgot it was Diwali today. I kinda remembered that it is sometime now but didn't know it was today. Anyway for someone like me whose entire life revolves around non-Hindus and almost all interactions are with people who are not even aware of this festival, it is just any other day.

I wonder how other Hindus are celebrating the festival of lights across the world. It is funny that when I was in India I looked forward to this very festival because I wanted the holiday from work to go out and enjoy. Here there are no holidays to look forward to. I set my own timings and days to work and I can take off whenever I want to and of course whenever my circumstances allow me to.

Anyway enough of my rambling... go ahead and enjoy the Diwali with family and friends instead of browsing the internet.

Galveston Beachside...

On my recent visit to Galveston, the beach resort town south of Houston I enjoyed walking on the beach road. The road stretches along the miles of coastline and offers a wide sidewalk for people to walk, bicycle, skate, etc. This is indeed a very well developed stretch of the beach where visitors and residents alike enjoy the warm and sunny evenings. I enjoyed every bit of the sea, just watching the vast azure water is definitely soul soothing in my opinion. Then of course the towering waves that create white frothy foam ever so often provide a break a in the scenery. I wish I could stay there for ever with my feet soaking in the waters... Anyway that activity has been reserved for the next visit to Galveston. This time it was just walking, watching and photography...

Fisherman trying to catch some dinner!

Spring Break - 2012

Today is the last day of Spring Break - a week long holiday to enable students to enjoy the onset of spring. Having lived in US for the past four odd years this is the first time I participated in the break like a typical American student. Yes! I went on a short three day trip to the beach side holiday island resort of Galveston, TX. Before going to Galveston, we stopped at Houston and visited the Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center. This post is about Sheldon Lake, the first stop in our spring break tour.

Sheldon Lake is probably the only state park in Texas that has no entry fees. The park ranger was surprised to see me flash my State Parks Pass and thanked me for supporting them by buying the same. We took the map and went around to explore the park. This is mostly being used as an environmental learning center for high school and college students. There are several small ponds built in a row with walking trails to provide access to each one of them. Two are open to public for fishing and no license or fee is to be paid if you are going to catch and release the fish.

There are several other attractions at the state park one can walk the .5 mile pond loop trail that meanders around all the small research ponds. There are other places along the way worthy of visiting such as the Fishing Deck, Floating Deck, Bridge, Pond Center, Heron Plaza, etc. There is an interesting sub trail known as the Bent Pine Trail about which I will be posting soon. For now enjoy the pictures of Sheldon Park.

The Pond Loop Trail

One of the pond/ Aquatic Labs

One of the Fishing Ponds

A Baby Chemeleon

Italy: An ideal train holiday destination

What is your idea of a great holiday? A super relaxing train ride across Europe's most scenic locales? Or is it a sojourn across the Swiss Alps and swim in Italy's lakes. Europe has always held a charm for every tourist/ traveler. Italy in particular offers several amazing holiday options. There is charming Venice, fashionable Milan or the artistic Tuscany, even the smallest town in Italy has something unique to offer to the discerning traveler. Now with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the world's most famous train available for your holiday, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can feel being a part of European history while riding this train even as you enjoy an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones. Personally speaking I have always enjoyed traveling by rail. Now this opportunity to enjoy rail journeys in Italy has me looking at my calendar to see when I have my next long break. It would be my dream vacation to travel across the Alps and enjoy the tranquility and soak in the ethereal beauty of Italian lakes. I would love to explore the lush islands and if time permits take the train into Switzerland. Maybe next summer will be the time when I go on a train ride through Italy, until then I will keep planning my holidays.

Travel Deals to make you hit the road!

I love to travel by any means of transport to any kind of location. From scorching deserts to freezing mountains, burning volcanoes to the cool beaches, dangerous war zones to comfortable resort style holidays, every kind of destination appeals to me. While travel is a great benefit for the soul, it can prove to be a big set back for your savings. Travel costs money and comfortable travel costs more.

One of the biggest costs during a holiday is the stay. Hotel accommodations are usually expensive, irrespective of whichever part of the world you are traveling. The hotel managements know that you are not from the area and try to make a fast buck out of you. They did get away with this kind of practice till about recently when internet opened up a new bargaining platform for travelers and hoteliers.

New age entrepreneurs passionate about travel have promoted websites that offer Cheap Hotel Rates to ardent travel enthusiasts. This kind of websites enable holiday makers and vacationers to visit places and still not burn a hole in their wallets and pockets.

The rationale of this website is simple, combine a large number of hotel offerings and provide discounted options to travelers. This site is one online place where one can find great travel deals, book low rate rooms in comfortable hotels. The best thing is that you can also combine room, airfare and car rental to get wonderful deals. The net result is savings of hundreds of dollars for you so you can extend your stay or say travel to another destination. If something comes up in the last moment and you can't go, don't worry there is no cancellation charge.

The deal can't get any better.

Back in DFW

Well... it was a fantastic and rejuvenating vacation in India. There has been so many changes in my home town. For one thing the city has been renamed to Bengaluru from Bangalore, this gives it a strong local flavor which is obviously resented by immigrants who have made the city their home and continue to dominate over the locals. But hey! who cares... it is the locals who decide what to call their city... Anyway there has been quite a radical change in the state of roads in the city and generally in most places I visited... Mysore, Nanjangud, Kanakapura, etc. It was nice to catch up with old friends and family after a gap of over 2 years and thankfully nobody had forgotten me.

Now that I am back to where I officially belong I gotta get back to work and school doing what I am supposed to do. Will continue to blog about the numerous things happening in my life and what I feel about the happenings in the world...

Enjoy an Italian Weekend right here in the US

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to travel whenever I get the opportunity: spring break, summer vacations, winter holidays, long weekends and any other time I have a few days on hand. One of my most favorite holiday hotspots within continental America is Branson, Missouri. Why do I love visiting Branson? The answer is pretty simple this is one location that offers something for every member of the family. This is one place that probably offers the largest number of live shows, concerts, and theater entertainment options. Some people call it the Live Music Capital of the world.

When we go to Branson the hotel of choice is of course either the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. I recently came to know that the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is putting together this wonderful Italian Food Festival the last weekend of February. Titled Italian Culinary Weekend this event is scheduled to be staged from Friday, February 26 2010 through Saturday, February 27, 2010. Friday’s inaugural reception will feature antipasto and hors d’oeuvres paired with tongue tickling Italian wines. The most entertaining/ interesting part of the event is going to be on Saturday when participants will get an opportunity to try their hands at cooking their favorite Italian food.

Hilton is offering several wonderful packages starting from $429.00 (excluding tax and gratuity) for two. This is something that is not to be missed, especially since the package includes a five-course dinner and a goodie bag on Saturday. The only catch however is to make reservations before February 23, 2010.
Time is of essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity. Go ahead and enjoy the Italian weekend, it is time for some post-valentine celebrations.

A Not-so-Happy Thanksgiving

This is the festival season in the US and this year the cheer has not been very high. Yesterday was Thanksgiving day and today is the much acclaimed Black Friday. Retailers and corporations across the country gear up for this one day of extensive shopping by consumers. A phenomenon which did not happen today, at least not as much as it happened last year or the year before.

The economic downturn which resulted in massive job losses is starting to show its effect on retail industry as well. People simply can't afford to buy as they used to in the past. I wonder whether the US as a nation and the people will learn from this economic downturn and save. It would be interesting to see where America heads in the next half-century. With so many threats looming for this "immigrant nation" including that of home grown Islamic terrorism (the Fort Hood Shootout is a classic example) and the Iraq and Afghanistan war, it is definitely the stage where the world's drama will be played out.

Planning an Asian Holiday? Get Amazing Room Rates Here!!!

It is every American's dream to travel the world, especially the culture-rich Asia-pacific region. The past few years due to the global economic downturn many of us have had to cut back on our vacations. But now there is this great opportunity, thanks to Accor group of hotels. They are offering a blowout sale of over 1 million hotel rooms across the Asia Pacific Region. Luxury rooms are available ranging from $30 onwards in exotic locations such as Laos, Viet Nam Bali, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Australia, India, etc.

Like all great bargains don't last long, the Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific holds good only from October 27-30, 2009. So if you are planning a holiday or if you have always wanted to visit the exotic east, this is your chance to book your hotel rooms at super sale prices.

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi - Vietnam

Of course it is quite natural also to be skeptical about these kind of sales and wondering whether the deal will be good or not. Well I took a look at pictures of some of the hotels and I am totally convinced that this offer is as good as it can get. I don't think there is any other hospitality group which is offering such great prices. This is a chance to get what we want and at the price that is way below what we would otherwise have to pay.

Plan your vacations and book your rooms NOW!!!

Holidays are here!!! Where are you going???

Every year I look forward to this time of the year. There are several reasons for this anticipation, firstly the weather is simply superb; secondly the holiday season is just round the corner. It is time for families to get together and celebrate festivals, enjoy holidays, and probably take trips to exotic places. As for me I have kinda decided where to go and where to stay. I will be heading straight to Branson, Missourie and my stay will most probably be at the exotic Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

I chose these two hotels because they are offering some fantastically customizable holiday packages startring at just $329 per night from November 15 through December 23. I wouldn't miss this opportunity to enjoy with the family in the warmth and comfort of an Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Why, Branson? Because I have heard so much about this city from family, friends and read about it online. This is the ultimate place for shopping, relaxation, and live entertainment. The reason for choosing Branson to holiday during winter is the numerous live events that take place here. The festival of lights will have all of Branson aglow. There will be special holiday shows and over a one-mile long drive through light displays. This would be a great place to spend the holidays with the family.

Why Hilton because the Branson Landing passport is loaded with discounts at several exclusive shops, restaurants and also at Aspire Medical Spa. For the tiny tots in the family there is Santa himself handing out presents, cookies and goodies. This Santa's coming to town package starts at just $189 per night.

The kids would be thrilled to be on the Polar Express. There is a Package option which starts at $289, for a family of 4 including deluxe accommodation, a ride on Polar express and a souvenir ceramic mug. If you would rather content yourself with just a ride in the Polar Express then the tickets would be just $49 for adults and $39 for children (2-12).

Wish you all a very Happy Diwali

Image via Wikipedia

Deepavali (Diwali) the festival of lights during which we Hindus symbolically eliminate darkness, ignorance, and evil from this world and work for a better tomorrow is here. We kicked off the three day festival by visiting the temple and one of our close friends. We look forward to the weekend which will hopefully full of festivities.

Branson, Missouri - The most exotic summer getaway

I have been in Dallas, Texas, US for nearly two years, during this time I have taken short and long trips mainly going west towards New Mexico, Arizona and California. I am yet to explore the attractions of other parts of this continent-sized nation. Most of my friends have told me about Branson, Missourie and its shows. Everyone is of the opinion that Summer is best enjoyed by visiting Branson and taking in the shows, culture, theatre, golf, and other attractions of the city.

One of the most important considerations while travelling is where to stay. So before I researched the attractions of Branson I searched for the hotels. I am quite finicky about the type of hotel I would like to stay and finally zeroed in on two hotels, Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. I chose these two hotels for my accommodation because of several reasons. The first and most important being the location, all the major attractions are within easy reach from here. Then of course the second and equally important reason for staying at the Hilton would be its fantastic service, luxurious rooms, and great restaurants.

Hotel finalized I did my research about Branson and what it has to offer to me. Indeed Branson is one of the most happening places in the US and if one doesn't visit this place he/ she is missing out on some great fun activities. I am completely enamoured by several of the attractions of Branson and have made up my mind to get there as soon as possible. While at Branson I would take a day off to visit the Track Family Fun Parks and enjoy go-karting, bumper cars, arcades, mini golf, and several other offerings. Then I would probably take in the Branson Ball Knocker which offers a superb down hill ride while strapped in the inside chamber of the 12 ft ball. After these hectic activities I'd of course visit Dino's Karrot Cake Company & Cafe to enjoy a scrumptuous meal of cakes, pastries and rolls. Feeling heavy after the meal I'd head straight to Branson's IMAX entertainment complex to catch a movie.

A visit to Branson would come to naught if one didn't visit some of Branson's 49 live entertainment theaters and enjoy the shows. These theaters are all located within walking distance from the Hilton hotels so all the more better that I stay there. Then of course for other member of the family there is loads of shopping opportunity at the numerous antique shops, specialty boutiques and outlet malls close to the hotels.

Of course after a busy day of sight seeing, shopping, and activities one would love to grab a cocktail and relax to good music. This can be done at the Trofi Restaurant within the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, so one wouldn't have to walk or drive after getting drunk.

My suggestion is just go ahead and take a trip to Branson, this summer or plan a trip for the next. It would prove to be a very memorable getaway with your loved ones or alone.

Head to Branson for a Fun-filled Summer Vacation

Hey friends! Summer is already here and my gosh I still haven't made my travel arrangements. Luckily for me I don't have to make new plans, I have decided to visit Branson, MO and take in the fantastic festivities and shows that is on offer there. My New York-based friend is going to book ouaccommodations at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and all I have to do is to pack my bags and get onto a plane that will get me to Branson. I am all the more thrilled because I am staying at a hotel which is close to the center of all action. I will have easy access to all the shows, museums and other attractions of the Midwest's entertainment capital.

Now isn't that cool, enjoying summer vacation at Branson, where all the action happens. I have told you all what I am going to do this summer, now it is upto you to decide and if you want to join me and my friends, book your accommodations immediately at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. We could hang out together and enjoy a great summer.

The reason why I insisted on staying at one of the Hilton hotels is because, they provide access to every conceivable attraction in Branson. Shops, restaurants, boutiques, river walk, tourist attractions and even a beautiful golf course. Now that is what I call real enjoying a holiday. With all luxury and facilities at our beck and call, the days in Branson would be packed and relaxed.

Whenever I visit Branson I look forward to their live entertainment and theaters. Of course there are other attractions such as the Father's Day Salute, Annual Clown Jam, etc. I hear that there are 49 live entertainment theaters in Branson, I have been to three and would love to take in the remaining 46 or at least three more in my next visit. My most favorite attraction in Branson, continues to be the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, a great family attraction. I simply feeding the fish and watching gobbling down the fish food. The guides out there are simply cooperative and they will talk to you and explain interesting features about the fish.

So are you coming to Branson with us this year? If you are still contemplating, the special packages offered by the Hilton hotels in Branson should convince you to vacation there this summer. Check it out and you will definitely create memories this summer.

Getting closer to the finish!!!

Long semesters somehow give this feeling of fatigue towards the end. First the four months of the long semester seems to drag on for ever, then every other day we have a test/ quiz/ exam which makes the course seem stressful. Now after four months of grueling drudgery the semester is finally coming to an end. Each one of my classmates appear stressed about grades and glad that it is coming to an end.

On my front, I am glad this is over, but this is not the end. It is just a station in my journey, I have a long way to go before I can get off the train and say I have arrived. So far the academic journey has been pretty good, mostly As... I hope this continues the same way till the end.

For now I look forward to the semester ending on Monday when I have my final exam and then for the next one month I can concentrate on finding a job, before summer classes begin. For now finding a job is the priority.

Enjoyable Holidays in Kissimmee Florida

Florida is ranked among the most popular holiday destinations in mainland US. Within this sunshine state, the city of Kissimmee has been gaining popularity among visitors lately. Kissimmee is especially suitable for individuals and families who wish to enjoy a multitude of activities such as heritage trails, arts, dining out, music and theater, etc.

Kissimmee, Florida has something to offer for every discerning traveler. For history buffs the heritage trail would enable exploration of the region's glorious past. The area's cattle ranches, antiquated homes, arts districts and museums are well worth a visit. A very popular pastime in Kissimmee is going to the theater.

Apart from the mainstream tourist haunts, Kissimmee offers numerous attractions that are absolutely free such as the charming old town shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. The Friday and Saturday night car shows on the streets provide an opportunity to look at old beauties. For architecture enthusiasts, there is the historic courthouse (oldest in the state) and the Kissimmee Sculpture Experience, a vast open area of tree-lined streets with numerous artworks on display.

With so many things to do it would take lot more days than just a weekend for the complete Kissimmee experience. How would you like to enjoy a Kissimmee holiday absolutely free? Sounds unbelievable, doesn't it? But it is possible. As part of the sweepstakes, Kissimmee is offering three weekend getaways (3 days and 2 nights) for couple and two week long vacations for family of four.



Are you wondering how to win these free holidays? Well all you need to do is to visit their website and sign up for their sweepstakes, the last of which will be drawn on June 1, 2009. There is not much time left, enroll now. Just log on and register and who knows you may be the lucky one!

Hawaii - Great Destination for leisure, adventure and weddings

During the past 18 months that I have been in the US, I have met several people who claim that Hawaii is their favorite holiday destination. I have never been to Hawaii but I have seen pictures and I am definitely mesmerized. Recently I came to know of Maui Resort , one of the best in Hawaii and it offers some amazing activities. Being born in the Pisces sun sign I am a great water sports lover and to my delight this resort offers a plethora of activities including Snorkeling expeditions, hiking, bicycling, helicopter rides, historic cruises and whale watching.

Apart from being a holiday destination, Hawaii is also popular for its glamorous and beautiful Maui Weddings . Couples plan their wedding here because they are organized with such pomp and glamor unmatched elsewhere. So if you and your significant other wish to get married or if you are already married and wish to renew your vows head to Hawaii and I am sure you will come back rejuvenated and happier.

Inspiration for a fruitful life

I had posted some pictures I get on a regular basis from one of my e-mail only friends. His pictures coupled with their quotes make them very interesting and inspiring and often touching. Time and again I try to share them with all my blog readers. This time it is about holidaying and happiness. Enjoy your holidays!!!

Festival Gifts for my loved ones

Thanksgiving and Christmas season is just around the block and this is the time for everyone to give and receive gifts. It is not uncommon to see people going overboard to give the best gift to their loved ones. So how far are you going this festival season... are you just giving them a gift or are you granting your loved ones their wishes? As for me I have decided to grant each one of my loved ones whatever they wish? Thanks to Sears Layaway I am confident of being able to grant them their wishes even in this economy.

Well I chose these three items which are the wishes of three of my most favourite people. The first gift is for my beloved... she always complains having to walk all the way to the apartment laundrette to wash clothes so, this thankgiving she will get a Neat white Samsung 4.0 cu. ft. High Efficiency Front Load Washer and Dryer. I chose this gift because of two reasons.. one is she really needs a nice gadget to help her wash clothes at home and not spending loads on coin operated machines. And then the amazing savings that Sears is offering to buy this season.

Another gadget is the Craftsman 200 mph 430 CFM Gas Blower/Vac for my brother who lives in a big home and loves to do yard work. This easy starting gadget with a variable speed trigger will help him work in the yard and helps create mulch and clean up his yard. With its 200 MPH, 430 CFM blower/vac and Sim-Pul™ starting technology, Variable speed trigger and 10:1 mulch ratio I'd say my brother would be thrilled to receive this gift.

And last but not the least my sister will get her unlimited apparel shopping wish fulfilled this season. There are so many fantastic offerings like Apostrophe Vanessa Pant, the Levi's ® 545™ Boot Cut Jean and numerous other apparels on deals I am sure my sis will be thrilled.

This kind of a splurge would have been impossible in this economy if not for the Sears Layaway, which enables me to buy today and pay over a period of time in easy instalments. I am sure this season will be filled with happy memories.