Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The morning consisted of a visit to the Armenian College, founded in 1821 in Calcutta. Thackeray was born there in 1811.
A program in both Armenian and Bengali was presented by the schoolchildren who recited poems in both languages, danced Indian classical dances and performed an Armenian play by Gevorg Emin. I think they had the most fun with the fast paced Punjabi dance.
Afterwards guests were able to visit the newly renovated parts of the school. Lunch was in the cafeteria followed by my farewells to everyone.
I caught a taxi to the domestic terminal. At the security desk, a female guard did a tafteesh while another one checked my boarding pass; the latter asked me “Are you Indian maam?” to which I answered “no, I’m Armenian” and seeing her blank stare added “I’m Western Asian”.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lectures in the new community center
During the course of the morning, the community center in Tangra was inaugurated with a series of lectures by scholars.
Opening remarks were by the community leader Mr. Soukias who spoke about the redevelopment of the Armenian-Indian community.
Following was the first lecture entitled “Armenian Church in India: Restoration and Renovation Programme” and was delivered in Armenian by Father Oshagan Gulgulian. He showed slides of pictures of pre and post renovation in various cities taken in 2005 and later.
Fr Gulgulian noted that these buildings are part of the Indian heritage as well as the Armenian one. A total of 8 churches exist in India, 5 of them in West Bengal. I approached Fr Gulgulian to ask him for a paper copy and he said he is close to publishing a book about the region’s churches.
After a community of 40,000 in India there is only 150 or so plus the students. The community is always hoping for visitors and that some of the students of the college stay after graduation.
The second speaker was Prof Richard Hovanissian of UCLA who spoke about the concept of Armenian communities of the diasporan and the homeland. His first visit to India was 50 years; he had noticed that there was a strong link between India, and other eastern diasporan communities and New Julfa (homeland).
Important personalities in Madras: Joseph Emin (check out his autobiography in English circa 1782) and Movses Baghramian, Shahamir Shahamirian (a tailor who established a printing press and published a book entitled Nor Dedrag vor gochi godorag and another book Nor Dedrag vor gochi nshavag) and Fr. Shmavon. Ideas that emerged from this group included some very avant-guarde ones, such as national education, separation of church and state, equality, an Armenian Parliament named DOUN, in a democratic constitutional Armenia.
While Madras was concerned with a future liberated Armenia, Calcutta believed more in permanency in India: two schools were built for women, plus the College; there were several newspapers. The community believed in individual liberation and then collected liberation of the Armenian people.
After the lecture, Prof Hovanissian graciously presented copies of all his books to the College’s wardens.
Dr. Omar Khalili of MIT’s Aga Khan program for Islamic architecture presented his paper Places of Piety and Eternal Rest: Armenian Churches and cemeteries in India. He spoke in detail about the architecture of the Armenian churches in India.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Soukias added that the community participates in many ways in Indian life. For example, after the tsunami a few years ago, and after the NGOs had left, Calcutta had 140 orphans and the Armenian community took care of them. They’ve also participated in the creation of a school in the slums, sponsored programs to help the disinfrenchised and a hostel that saves children from forced labor camps. The Armenian community has helped build the first trauma center in the region as well as a children’s HIV hospital in East India.
Tuesday afternoon, we visited the smaller St Gregory’s church where I found out they have a visiting doctor. I consulted him regarding my cold and got a prescription which cost me $3.00 to fill. I slept much better at night.
Opening remarks were by the community leader Mr. Soukias who spoke about the redevelopment of the Armenian-Indian community.
Following was the first lecture entitled “Armenian Church in India: Restoration and Renovation Programme” and was delivered in Armenian by Father Oshagan Gulgulian. He showed slides of pictures of pre and post renovation in various cities taken in 2005 and later.
Fr Gulgulian noted that these buildings are part of the Indian heritage as well as the Armenian one. A total of 8 churches exist in India, 5 of them in West Bengal. I approached Fr Gulgulian to ask him for a paper copy and he said he is close to publishing a book about the region’s churches.
After a community of 40,000 in India there is only 150 or so plus the students. The community is always hoping for visitors and that some of the students of the college stay after graduation.
The second speaker was Prof Richard Hovanissian of UCLA who spoke about the concept of Armenian communities of the diasporan and the homeland. His first visit to India was 50 years; he had noticed that there was a strong link between India, and other eastern diasporan communities and New Julfa (homeland).
Important personalities in Madras: Joseph Emin (check out his autobiography in English circa 1782) and Movses Baghramian, Shahamir Shahamirian (a tailor who established a printing press and published a book entitled Nor Dedrag vor gochi godorag and another book Nor Dedrag vor gochi nshavag) and Fr. Shmavon. Ideas that emerged from this group included some very avant-guarde ones, such as national education, separation of church and state, equality, an Armenian Parliament named DOUN, in a democratic constitutional Armenia.
While Madras was concerned with a future liberated Armenia, Calcutta believed more in permanency in India: two schools were built for women, plus the College; there were several newspapers. The community believed in individual liberation and then collected liberation of the Armenian people.
After the lecture, Prof Hovanissian graciously presented copies of all his books to the College’s wardens.
Dr. Omar Khalili of MIT’s Aga Khan program for Islamic architecture presented his paper Places of Piety and Eternal Rest: Armenian Churches and cemeteries in India. He spoke in detail about the architecture of the Armenian churches in India.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Soukias added that the community participates in many ways in Indian life. For example, after the tsunami a few years ago, and after the NGOs had left, Calcutta had 140 orphans and the Armenian community took care of them. They’ve also participated in the creation of a school in the slums, sponsored programs to help the disinfrenchised and a hostel that saves children from forced labor camps. The Armenian community has helped build the first trauma center in the region as well as a children’s HIV hospital in East India.
Tuesday afternoon, we visited the smaller St Gregory’s church where I found out they have a visiting doctor. I consulted him regarding my cold and got a prescription which cost me $3.00 to fill. I slept much better at night.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Calcutta: Celebration week begins
I am only doing part of this week's events.
Today I rested then did a little bit of shopping.
We arrived late in the afternoon at the Armenian Church in Tangra, an old tannery neighborhood, where a new community center was recently completed.
After the Hrashapar ceremony, with 200 visitors, some students from the Armenian College, a large group of Armenian clergymen from all over the world, and the Etchmiadzin choir singing, His Holiness did a mini ceremony for the centre, and thanked everyone.
We had dinner al fresco, buffet style, sitting around tables under a large tent.
Today I rested then did a little bit of shopping.
We arrived late in the afternoon at the Armenian Church in Tangra, an old tannery neighborhood, where a new community center was recently completed.
After the Hrashapar ceremony, with 200 visitors, some students from the Armenian College, a large group of Armenian clergymen from all over the world, and the Etchmiadzin choir singing, His Holiness did a mini ceremony for the centre, and thanked everyone.
We had dinner al fresco, buffet style, sitting around tables under a large tent.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Chennai: St Mary's Armenian Church
In the morning, we drove to St Mary’s (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) church in Chennai for the 300th anniversary reconsecration ceremony by His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II.
We had refreshments afterwards and got to chat with His Holiness in an informal gathering.
It was very moving to hear the church bells toll and us walk in for the church ceremony, to hear Krapar and Sharagans in India.
I took a brief tour of the grounds and paid homage to the tomb of Rev. Haroutiun Shmavonian, founder of Aztarar, the first Armenian periodical published in Madras, 1794.
Lunch was at the Taj hotel. It was a lovely affair and then some of us did some shopping while others rested. We have a flight tonight into Calcutta where the Armenian program continues. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend everything as I have to fly home.
We had refreshments afterwards and got to chat with His Holiness in an informal gathering.
It was very moving to hear the church bells toll and us walk in for the church ceremony, to hear Krapar and Sharagans in India.
I took a brief tour of the grounds and paid homage to the tomb of Rev. Haroutiun Shmavonian, founder of Aztarar, the first Armenian periodical published in Madras, 1794.
Lunch was at the Taj hotel. It was a lovely affair and then some of us did some shopping while others rested. We have a flight tonight into Calcutta where the Armenian program continues. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend everything as I have to fly home.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Madras/Chennai
After pickup at the train station, I got to the hotel around noon and rested. At dinner time I met up with the Armenian group which had arrived via Calcutta.
This was mostly a day of rest and getting to know each other. I caught up on sleep.
This was mostly a day of rest and getting to know each other. I caught up on sleep.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Kochin: City Tour
Today being Friday, the Dutch palace and the Synagogue were closed. I saw the Dutch cemetary (1724), Fort Cochin (where the giant Chinese nets are located), the Santa Cruz Bazilica (originally built 1506) with pastel colored murals from the renovations in the early 20th c, and St Francis church built 1503, where Vasco de Gama was buried in 1524 for 14 years or so before his remains were returned to Lisbon. I've seen the newer grave but it was before I did my travel blog :-)
At lunch I had a simple grilled fish with a ton of garlic, and some garlic naan.
In the afternoon, we went to visit the Hill palace, where the last Raj of Kochin used to live prior to unification. His forefather had received a golden crown from Vasco de Gama 5 centuries ago. Another impressive object was the thrown which is in silver. There are portraits of the rajes, while the rest of the artefacts are from the archaeological society which currently runs the buildings. Most interesting for me were the early stone carvings showing Malayalam script's early versions and several manuscripts of important books such as the ramayana and the Mahabarata, ayurveda treaties.
After a bit of shopping to get some spices, I had dinner and went to the train station for a 12 hour (overnight) ride to Chennai (Madras).
At lunch I had a simple grilled fish with a ton of garlic, and some garlic naan.
In the afternoon, we went to visit the Hill palace, where the last Raj of Kochin used to live prior to unification. His forefather had received a golden crown from Vasco de Gama 5 centuries ago. Another impressive object was the thrown which is in silver. There are portraits of the rajes, while the rest of the artefacts are from the archaeological society which currently runs the buildings. Most interesting for me were the early stone carvings showing Malayalam script's early versions and several manuscripts of important books such as the ramayana and the Mahabarata, ayurveda treaties.
After a bit of shopping to get some spices, I had dinner and went to the train station for a 12 hour (overnight) ride to Chennai (Madras).
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Kerala: Backwaters
This morning I was picked up at 9 am to go to the Backwaters. We drove to Veikom, in the district of Kottayam to board our houseboat, or kettuvallam.
We were four passengers, two punters and our guide.
We went first into the Muvattupula river, in the backwaters where fresh water and the Arabian sea meet, then continued into man made canals and then into Vembanad Lake, the second largest in India.
This year’s two monsoons in Kerala were unusual; there was not enough rain and the coconut trees show it. Nevertheless, it’s a lush area with lots of trees, water lilies, wild pineapples, mimosa plants and water hyacinths. We also saw various birds including kingfisher and cormorans.
Amongst the edible plants we saw in one of the islands were green pepper corns on their vines, jack fruits, various bananas and tamarinds, papaya, nutmeg, cocoa, turmeric, “drumstick” and bethel fruit.
We stopped in a village to watch the making of ropes from the coconut fibers. Our guide explained how toddi, an alcoholic beverage, is made from coconut juice, that there are 100 uses coconut, the trees, leaves and so forth and that they’re harvested every two months. We saw how oyster shells are collected then dried to harvest calcium from them.
We took a lunch break in one of the islands, where we ate a copious keralan meal on a banana leaf.
After lunch we continued on to the lake, where we saw fishermen catching their prey by hand, and keeping them in their dhotis (men’s ankle length skirt).
Our six hour excursion in the backwaters was very relaxing. The area is quite pristine, but is suffering from more humans populating the area. There are conservation efforts there as well as the many preserves in the area.
We were four passengers, two punters and our guide.
We went first into the Muvattupula river, in the backwaters where fresh water and the Arabian sea meet, then continued into man made canals and then into Vembanad Lake, the second largest in India.
This year’s two monsoons in Kerala were unusual; there was not enough rain and the coconut trees show it. Nevertheless, it’s a lush area with lots of trees, water lilies, wild pineapples, mimosa plants and water hyacinths. We also saw various birds including kingfisher and cormorans.
Amongst the edible plants we saw in one of the islands were green pepper corns on their vines, jack fruits, various bananas and tamarinds, papaya, nutmeg, cocoa, turmeric, “drumstick” and bethel fruit.
We stopped in a village to watch the making of ropes from the coconut fibers. Our guide explained how toddi, an alcoholic beverage, is made from coconut juice, that there are 100 uses coconut, the trees, leaves and so forth and that they’re harvested every two months. We saw how oyster shells are collected then dried to harvest calcium from them.
We took a lunch break in one of the islands, where we ate a copious keralan meal on a banana leaf.
After lunch we continued on to the lake, where we saw fishermen catching their prey by hand, and keeping them in their dhotis (men’s ankle length skirt).
Our six hour excursion in the backwaters was very relaxing. The area is quite pristine, but is suffering from more humans populating the area. There are conservation efforts there as well as the many preserves in the area.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Kerala: Arrival in Cochin
Yesterday afternoon I checked out and then went to the internet café to upload some pictures. I had a good chat with my sister-in-law and then returned for 8pm pickup. After about an hour’s drive, Angelo and I got to the train station. I invited him to dinner because he wouldn’t accept my tip, so I bought us dinner and then gave him a tip anyway because he had driven me back and forth from the station for 3 hours.
At 10pm, Angelo left and I waited for my train in the Women's Waiting Room. The train was about 20 minutes late. The family waiting on the platform, husband wife and two young kids happened to be my berth neighbours. We were in the B2 compartment, which has three level berths. We managed to get a night’s sleep after tickets were checked.
In the morning, we had breakfast delivered as it is the custom here, and then at 11:30, we had lunch. The state of Kerala is very green and beautiful from what I could see in the train ride. Cochin has quite a different feel to it.
After a bit of rest, I am going to go to a concert tonight. Very much looking forward to it.
At 10pm, Angelo left and I waited for my train in the Women's Waiting Room. The train was about 20 minutes late. The family waiting on the platform, husband wife and two young kids happened to be my berth neighbours. We were in the B2 compartment, which has three level berths. We managed to get a night’s sleep after tickets were checked.
In the morning, we had breakfast delivered as it is the custom here, and then at 11:30, we had lunch. The state of Kerala is very green and beautiful from what I could see in the train ride. Cochin has quite a different feel to it.
After a bit of rest, I am going to go to a concert tonight. Very much looking forward to it.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Goa visit to Northern Part
Thoughts on the road:
I need to make Sambar when I get back home. It's my favourite dish so far. The vindaloo in Goa is worth writing home about. Naan in Goa is 15 R, about 30 cents.
I need to cherish the memories of how I kept to myself yet people approached me on the Princesa de Goya and on the beach with the simple request of "One picture please", as if I were a VIP.
I need to remember how parents cherish their kids, especially the father-daughter connections, which I witnessed again and again.
Today's morning tour took us to the vicinity of yet another Portuguese heritage, the 17th century Fort Agua lighthouse, the jail nearby and the boat trip we took to see the grey dolphins (for an additional 200 R). We were able to see several sightings, but alas, I think I managed only one decent picture of a tail.
This was followed by a couple of stops at beaches which were overcrowded and so I stayed a little behind. I roamed around instead and bought a book by Naupal.
FYI: My fellow travellers and guide were all Indians; the guide was kind enough to translate for me where we were and what time to get back to the bus, always with a smile.
After the return to the hotel, I quickly took a shower to freshen up and packed. I checked out of my room, and then had lunch. I have several hours to kill before my 10pm train. I will arrive in Cochin tomorrow at about 2pm.
I need to make Sambar when I get back home. It's my favourite dish so far. The vindaloo in Goa is worth writing home about. Naan in Goa is 15 R, about 30 cents.
I need to cherish the memories of how I kept to myself yet people approached me on the Princesa de Goya and on the beach with the simple request of "One picture please", as if I were a VIP.
I need to remember how parents cherish their kids, especially the father-daughter connections, which I witnessed again and again.
Today's morning tour took us to the vicinity of yet another Portuguese heritage, the 17th century Fort Agua lighthouse, the jail nearby and the boat trip we took to see the grey dolphins (for an additional 200 R). We were able to see several sightings, but alas, I think I managed only one decent picture of a tail.
This was followed by a couple of stops at beaches which were overcrowded and so I stayed a little behind. I roamed around instead and bought a book by Naupal.
FYI: My fellow travellers and guide were all Indians; the guide was kind enough to translate for me where we were and what time to get back to the bus, always with a smile.
After the return to the hotel, I quickly took a shower to freshen up and packed. I checked out of my room, and then had lunch. I have several hours to kill before my 10pm train. I will arrive in Cochin tomorrow at about 2pm.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Goa
November 3, 2008
I had a lunch of Prawn curry, my first non-veg meal. At 2 pm we had a tour of Old Goa, , Miramar Beach and a one hour boat cruise.
Our first stop was the Mangueshi Temple, where I witnessed several blessings and heard beautiful chanting. Out of respect, I didn’t take pictures.
Our next stop was in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a 16th c church, one of the Unesco World Heritage sites. The body of Saint Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuits, lies here. There is an interesting legend about the body.
I took a few pictures outside and inside the basilica and the Professed House next door with its cloister. We only had 20 minutes in this site. We spent lots of time in transit and some in traffic.
At about 5pm, we were at the beach of Miramar, where I had enough time to walk straight to the water and dip my feet in the Arabian Sea. Something wonderful happened there; several young couples approached me to have their picture taken with me.
At six we boarded the Princes de Goa boat for a tour of the Mandovi River. Barely off the jetty, the DJ invited the young kids to dance; the entertainment included Goan folk dancing and more disco dancing. I tried to concentrate on the river view. The boat had some snacks and drinks. So after the tour, I headed out to dinner and enjoyed a chicken vindaloo.
After dinner I bought a couple of bags; one for me, and another for a gift.
I had a lunch of Prawn curry, my first non-veg meal. At 2 pm we had a tour of Old Goa, , Miramar Beach and a one hour boat cruise.
Our first stop was the Mangueshi Temple, where I witnessed several blessings and heard beautiful chanting. Out of respect, I didn’t take pictures.
Our next stop was in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a 16th c church, one of the Unesco World Heritage sites. The body of Saint Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuits, lies here. There is an interesting legend about the body.
I took a few pictures outside and inside the basilica and the Professed House next door with its cloister. We only had 20 minutes in this site. We spent lots of time in transit and some in traffic.
At about 5pm, we were at the beach of Miramar, where I had enough time to walk straight to the water and dip my feet in the Arabian Sea. Something wonderful happened there; several young couples approached me to have their picture taken with me.
At six we boarded the Princes de Goa boat for a tour of the Mandovi River. Barely off the jetty, the DJ invited the young kids to dance; the entertainment included Goan folk dancing and more disco dancing. I tried to concentrate on the river view. The boat had some snacks and drinks. So after the tour, I headed out to dinner and enjoyed a chicken vindaloo.
After dinner I bought a couple of bags; one for me, and another for a gift.
Goa: En route and arrival
I woke up after a very long and satisfying sleep at 7am on the dot, and having had only a snack for dinner, was ravenous. After a copious breakfast of rice and vegetables (I’ve been veg and alcohol free ever since landing) and lots of coffee I packed and was ready for pickup at 9:15 am.
In this high end Comfort inn, the elevator man picks you up to the tune of Fur Elise which plays when you pushed the button to call the elevator. He wears a red uniform and always asks how you’ve slept.
My trip to Goa was supposed to start at the historic Victoria Terminal (VCT) but due to the change of schedule I departed instead at 11:40am from the crazy Lokmanya Tilak, The station was a complete madhouse, and the police were beating people with long sticks whenever something foul was happening (or maybe not). I sat for 45 minutes before departure in my second class AC but didn’t climb up to my berth. It didn’t have a window and I was taking the train to see the country after all.
Once the train started rolling, it was interesting to see people tending to their little plots near the tracks. They plant herbs and vegetables it seems wherever they can.
There are so many shanty towns around and inside Mumbai. Children and adults sleeping, eating and bathing on the street corners of a city which has officially 15 million residents.
The elderly gentlemen L. Watts sat across from me for a while. He’s a railway employee on his way home to the South, with a day and a half in the train. He helped me order my lunch. We ate on our lap, rice with lime pickle, bean curry, sambar and curd (which I didn’t drink). He talked at length about his mixed heritage, his daughter’s wedding and his grandchild, his love of Country music, and visited me a few minutes here and there during the 12 hour train ride.
Others who came and went included a young woman and her daughter, then a man and his toddler. The relationships were beautiful to watch. I took some pictures during the ride. I find the kids to be generally well mannered and very happy. The adults are generally very polite.
After lunchtime, the train car got very quiet and people drew their curtains to have a snooze. It looked like a scene from “Some like it Hot”. It was quiet except for the sellers walking by with their calls, “Tea-tea”, “Coffee-Coffee”, or “pakora-pakora-primri-primri”.
The express to Goa stopped every once in a while for 10 minutes or so at either a station or to wait for track changes.
Halfway to Goa, my cellphone receives an automated text message “Welcome to Goa and Maharashtra”. My T-Mobile GSM phone is working fine now that I know which codes to dial. No one at the hotel could advise me of the codes. But when we stopped for the tire change in the slums, the Vodaphone/cigarette seller told me to dial 00 for outside and one 0 then the local number for India.
I was reading quite a bit during the train ride, but once in a while would take a peek outside to see the lonely palm tree, or the groves, the women and men tending to their crop in perfectly square patches of cultivated land.
At 8:30pm, our dinner was delivered and it was light sambar (soupy lentils with cubed veggies) with four pieces of fresh chapatti for 27 rupees (which is less than a $1).
I disposed of my trash in the tiny bin on the far side of the car (if you can call it a trash bin). The railway engineer came to say hello and I told him I enjoyed my dinner. He assured me I would dine very well in Goa and must try the prawn curry. So maybe in Goa I will release myself of the “veg” and alcohol free diet?
The train was a few minutes late, and there was an hour’s drive into Candolim a small town near the Arabian Sea. My package includes breakfast and two half day tours here. My room is very colonial looking with some amenities (TV but no TP). There was a small bottle of local Porto (this is a former Portuguese region after all).
I had breakfast and went to search for an internet café.
In this high end Comfort inn, the elevator man picks you up to the tune of Fur Elise which plays when you pushed the button to call the elevator. He wears a red uniform and always asks how you’ve slept.
My trip to Goa was supposed to start at the historic Victoria Terminal (VCT) but due to the change of schedule I departed instead at 11:40am from the crazy Lokmanya Tilak, The station was a complete madhouse, and the police were beating people with long sticks whenever something foul was happening (or maybe not). I sat for 45 minutes before departure in my second class AC but didn’t climb up to my berth. It didn’t have a window and I was taking the train to see the country after all.
Once the train started rolling, it was interesting to see people tending to their little plots near the tracks. They plant herbs and vegetables it seems wherever they can.
There are so many shanty towns around and inside Mumbai. Children and adults sleeping, eating and bathing on the street corners of a city which has officially 15 million residents.
The elderly gentlemen L. Watts sat across from me for a while. He’s a railway employee on his way home to the South, with a day and a half in the train. He helped me order my lunch. We ate on our lap, rice with lime pickle, bean curry, sambar and curd (which I didn’t drink). He talked at length about his mixed heritage, his daughter’s wedding and his grandchild, his love of Country music, and visited me a few minutes here and there during the 12 hour train ride.
Others who came and went included a young woman and her daughter, then a man and his toddler. The relationships were beautiful to watch. I took some pictures during the ride. I find the kids to be generally well mannered and very happy. The adults are generally very polite.
After lunchtime, the train car got very quiet and people drew their curtains to have a snooze. It looked like a scene from “Some like it Hot”. It was quiet except for the sellers walking by with their calls, “Tea-tea”, “Coffee-Coffee”, or “pakora-pakora-primri-primri”.
The express to Goa stopped every once in a while for 10 minutes or so at either a station or to wait for track changes.
Halfway to Goa, my cellphone receives an automated text message “Welcome to Goa and Maharashtra”. My T-Mobile GSM phone is working fine now that I know which codes to dial. No one at the hotel could advise me of the codes. But when we stopped for the tire change in the slums, the Vodaphone/cigarette seller told me to dial 00 for outside and one 0 then the local number for India.
I was reading quite a bit during the train ride, but once in a while would take a peek outside to see the lonely palm tree, or the groves, the women and men tending to their crop in perfectly square patches of cultivated land.
At 8:30pm, our dinner was delivered and it was light sambar (soupy lentils with cubed veggies) with four pieces of fresh chapatti for 27 rupees (which is less than a $1).
I disposed of my trash in the tiny bin on the far side of the car (if you can call it a trash bin). The railway engineer came to say hello and I told him I enjoyed my dinner. He assured me I would dine very well in Goa and must try the prawn curry. So maybe in Goa I will release myself of the “veg” and alcohol free diet?
The train was a few minutes late, and there was an hour’s drive into Candolim a small town near the Arabian Sea. My package includes breakfast and two half day tours here. My room is very colonial looking with some amenities (TV but no TP). There was a small bottle of local Porto (this is a former Portuguese region after all).
I had breakfast and went to search for an internet café.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Mumbai City Tour
Saturday, November 1, 2008
This morning I got up from a sleepless night – I had rested but not slept. The crows got me up at 7am and I had a small breakfast. I was hungry but had no appetite, which is a weird thing to say.
I went back to bed to rest, and was woken up by the reception. Mr. Sunil, my guide had arrived. We went straight to the Gate of India, which was built to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911, and caught the one hour fairy to Elephanta Island. This visit was highly recommended by friends of mine so I did it. I believe it was worth it. We spent an hour on the island visiting the caves, rested briefly with refreshments, then another hour to get back across the bay.
A quick visit of the old and new Taj hotel, and we were off to lunch. We had talis. I tried gujarati first but found it too sweet so I switched to Maharashtra. The tali was all you can eat, with pakoras and several types of fresh baked breads with molten ghee poured on top. I ate very well, but not wanting to burst I didn’t finish everything. My guide devoured all in site with double the rice.
After lunch we went to the Jehangir art gallery. Then around Marine Drive and up to Malabar Hill and the Jain temple there. Our visit in that part of town also included the Hanging Gardens and the Kamala Nehru Park (a children’s playground and botanical garden).
A flat tire after visiting the washers at Dhobi Ghat gave us a 20 minute delay but I was able to do a quikh dash thru the Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s residence/museum.
Tomorrow morning I will go to the old Victoria Terminus, built in 1887, and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list a few years back. It is the busiest train station in Asia, and it’s where I will take my train for Goa.
This morning I got up from a sleepless night – I had rested but not slept. The crows got me up at 7am and I had a small breakfast. I was hungry but had no appetite, which is a weird thing to say.
I went back to bed to rest, and was woken up by the reception. Mr. Sunil, my guide had arrived. We went straight to the Gate of India, which was built to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911, and caught the one hour fairy to Elephanta Island. This visit was highly recommended by friends of mine so I did it. I believe it was worth it. We spent an hour on the island visiting the caves, rested briefly with refreshments, then another hour to get back across the bay.
A quick visit of the old and new Taj hotel, and we were off to lunch. We had talis. I tried gujarati first but found it too sweet so I switched to Maharashtra. The tali was all you can eat, with pakoras and several types of fresh baked breads with molten ghee poured on top. I ate very well, but not wanting to burst I didn’t finish everything. My guide devoured all in site with double the rice.
After lunch we went to the Jehangir art gallery. Then around Marine Drive and up to Malabar Hill and the Jain temple there. Our visit in that part of town also included the Hanging Gardens and the Kamala Nehru Park (a children’s playground and botanical garden).
A flat tire after visiting the washers at Dhobi Ghat gave us a 20 minute delay but I was able to do a quikh dash thru the Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s residence/museum.
Tomorrow morning I will go to the old Victoria Terminus, built in 1887, and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list a few years back. It is the busiest train station in Asia, and it’s where I will take my train for Goa.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Mumbai arrival
The flight was great. I was very comfortable flying economy with Continental’s direct flight Newark to Mumbai.
I arrived safe and sound with an hour’s flight delay due to head winds.
The suitcase arrived intact. I went thru customs and found an exchange booth where I exchanged $100 (48.7 exchange rate). The Thomas Cook outside in the main hall had the same rates.
It was 30 C and almost 10pm local time.
Within 15 minutes of exiting from customs area, contacted the TNI contact person who was apologetic that a greeter should have been there. Two hours after my landing, standing in the Meet and Greet area, a young clerk finally arrives with my name on a sign, no English, and no package in hand. He drives me to the Bombay Heritage Comfort Inn, a modern clean place that would make my interior design friends jealous.
I took a shower and went to bed, hoping I can reach my representative early in the morning. They have my hotel vouchers and train/plane tickets.
I arrived safe and sound with an hour’s flight delay due to head winds.
The suitcase arrived intact. I went thru customs and found an exchange booth where I exchanged $100 (48.7 exchange rate). The Thomas Cook outside in the main hall had the same rates.
It was 30 C and almost 10pm local time.
Within 15 minutes of exiting from customs area, contacted the TNI contact person who was apologetic that a greeter should have been there. Two hours after my landing, standing in the Meet and Greet area, a young clerk finally arrives with my name on a sign, no English, and no package in hand. He drives me to the Bombay Heritage Comfort Inn, a modern clean place that would make my interior design friends jealous.
I took a shower and went to bed, hoping I can reach my representative early in the morning. They have my hotel vouchers and train/plane tickets.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Itinerary in India 2008
31st Oct - ARRIVE IN MUMBAI
1st Nov - Mumbai city tour
2nd – Train to Goa arriving late afternoon
3rd - City tour and day at leisure on the beach
4th – Overnight train to Cochin departing in the evening
5th – Arriving Cochin (Kerala) at 10:00am – city tour
6th – Cochin Alleppo city tour
7th – Kumarkom city tour and train to Chennai/Madras at 19:30 hrs
8th – Arrive Chennai 06:05 hrs and transfer to hotel where other Armenians are staying
9th - Attend reconsecration ceremony, visit sites with group and depart for Kolkata
10th – Attend Hrashapar service at Holy Nazareth Church and evening events
11th - Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Tangra
Built in 1867, the church was renovated by the Armenian Church Committee of the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth in Kolkata and was re-consecrated by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on February 28, 2007
Opening ceremony of the newly constructed Tangra Community
Welcome ceremony of the 300th anniversary celebration
Guests will return to Kolkata via St. Gregory’s so that they can see that church as well
12th – Take flight to Mumbai to connect to International flight back to the US
13th - Land at Newark International in the morning.
14th - Back to work :-(
1st Nov - Mumbai city tour
2nd – Train to Goa arriving late afternoon
3rd - City tour and day at leisure on the beach
4th – Overnight train to Cochin departing in the evening
5th – Arriving Cochin (Kerala) at 10:00am – city tour
6th – Cochin Alleppo city tour
7th – Kumarkom city tour and train to Chennai/Madras at 19:30 hrs
8th – Arrive Chennai 06:05 hrs and transfer to hotel where other Armenians are staying
9th - Attend reconsecration ceremony, visit sites with group and depart for Kolkata
10th – Attend Hrashapar service at Holy Nazareth Church and evening events
11th - Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Tangra
Built in 1867, the church was renovated by the Armenian Church Committee of the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth in Kolkata and was re-consecrated by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on February 28, 2007
Opening ceremony of the newly constructed Tangra Community
Welcome ceremony of the 300th anniversary celebration
Guests will return to Kolkata via St. Gregory’s so that they can see that church as well
12th – Take flight to Mumbai to connect to International flight back to the US
13th - Land at Newark International in the morning.
14th - Back to work :-(
Friday, September 26, 2008
Armenians in India
Armenians in India: From the Earliest Times to the Present Day : Work of Original Research
By Mesrovb Jacob Seth
Published by Asian Educational Services, 1992
Post Script --
I visited Mr Seth's grave at the Armenian Cemetery adjacent to Saint Gregory Church in Calcutta on November 11, 2008 = LK
By Mesrovb Jacob Seth
Published by Asian Educational Services, 1992
Post Script --
I visited Mr Seth's grave at the Armenian Cemetery adjacent to Saint Gregory Church in Calcutta on November 11, 2008 = LK
New trip planned
I will be going to India next month. I've arranged for vacation for 10 business days and booked my flight to Mumbai.
Today, I received my first short for Hepatitis B immunization. There are three shots in total to be taken within a six month period. I will also need to take malaria pills once again.
In the past decade, The Lonely Planet guide to India has grown by another 200 pages totalling about 1200 pages.
The World Heritage list for India is quite long. I will have to plan my visits around these:
Agra Fort (1983)
Ajanta Caves (1983)
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) [This is in Mumbai] (VISITED)
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) (VISITED)
Elephanta Caves (1987) [Near Mumbai] (VISITED)
Ellora Caves (1983)
Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004) 1
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
Kaziranga National Park (1985)
Keoladeo National Park (1985)
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005,2008)
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
Red Fort Complex (2007)
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
Sundarbans National Park (1987)
Taj Mahal (1983)
Today, I received my first short for Hepatitis B immunization. There are three shots in total to be taken within a six month period. I will also need to take malaria pills once again.
In the past decade, The Lonely Planet guide to India has grown by another 200 pages totalling about 1200 pages.
The World Heritage list for India is quite long. I will have to plan my visits around these:
Agra Fort (1983)
Ajanta Caves (1983)
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) [This is in Mumbai] (VISITED)
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) (VISITED)
Elephanta Caves (1987) [Near Mumbai] (VISITED)
Ellora Caves (1983)
Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004) 1
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
Kaziranga National Park (1985)
Keoladeo National Park (1985)
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
Mountain Railways of India (1999, 2005,2008)
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
Red Fort Complex (2007)
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
Sundarbans National Park (1987)
Taj Mahal (1983)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Top Ten Travel experiences to think about
1. Sip Arabic coffee somewhere in the Middle-East
2. Drive the autobahn (fairly quickly.)
3. Learn to scuba and dive the Great Barrier Reef
4. Walk on a Glacier in Alaska
5. Rent a villa in Tuscany and learn the art of Italian cuisine
6. Hike the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu
7. Indulge in a fresh crêpe from a stand in Paris
8. Watch the sun set in Santorini from the deck of a tall ship
9. Kiss the Blarney Stone and get LUCKY
10. Visit Hiroshima and ask forginess from Humanity
2. Drive the autobahn (fairly quickly.)
3. Learn to scuba and dive the Great Barrier Reef
4. Walk on a Glacier in Alaska
5. Rent a villa in Tuscany and learn the art of Italian cuisine
6. Hike the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu
7. Indulge in a fresh crêpe from a stand in Paris
8. Watch the sun set in Santorini from the deck of a tall ship
9. Kiss the Blarney Stone and get LUCKY
10. Visit Hiroshima and ask forginess from Humanity
Friday, November 30, 2007
Day 9 - Caracas
This morning, we went to my sister-in-law's painting class. Artist Gertie Páez Pate has a beautiful home and garden, where several students setup their stretched canvas and paint brushes and worked until past lunchtime.
The outside world was lost to us. For nearly three hours, I worked on a drawing of heliconias. Gertie was kind enough to present her book to me as a gift.
After lunch we did some shopping. I am cooking a farewell meal tonight.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Days 7 & 8: Road trip to Coro and back
On Wednesday early morning, my sister-in-law and I drove to the historic city of CORO in the state of Falcón. This was about 5 hours each way. We stayed in a hostel in the middle of the Zona Colonial and went to grab a quick sandwich before starting our walk around.
Coro was established in the 16th century and was the first capital of Venezuela. Walking around you get a sense of what has been lost due to human neglect or natural disasters.
The center of the city has two churches and a cathedral in close proximity. Several of the old homes have been turned into museums. Unfortunately the museum of ceramics was closed for renovations.
We finished most of the tour in the evening, got some dinner and then returned to rest. In the morning, we completed our tour and started the drive back. We stopped to look at some sculptures sold by artists along the highway.
The state of Falcón has many natural beauties including mountain ranges, palm tree groves and cacti. The fauna made the road trip very interesting.
We returned to cool and breezy Caracas in time for dinner and a much needed rest.
Coro was established in the 16th century and was the first capital of Venezuela. Walking around you get a sense of what has been lost due to human neglect or natural disasters.
The center of the city has two churches and a cathedral in close proximity. Several of the old homes have been turned into museums. Unfortunately the museum of ceramics was closed for renovations.
We finished most of the tour in the evening, got some dinner and then returned to rest. In the morning, we completed our tour and started the drive back. We stopped to look at some sculptures sold by artists along the highway.
The state of Falcón has many natural beauties including mountain ranges, palm tree groves and cacti. The fauna made the road trip very interesting.
We returned to cool and breezy Caracas in time for dinner and a much needed rest.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Day 6 - Caracas
This morning we visited the Galeria de Arte Nacional, and the Museo de Bellas Artes, where I photographed quite a few portraits from the 19th century and some very recent paintings. I liked very much the works of Antionio Herrera Torro, Cristobal Rojas and Arturo Michelena.
Unfortunately the contemporary galleries were mostly closed and there was little to see. The museum shop was closed for a two hour lunch.
The weather was not nice enough to ride the teleferico, so we went up to El Hatillo, a lovely neighborhood where I did some serious souvenir shopping. Afterwards, we stopped by for groceries and some chocolate to take back home.
Unfortunately the contemporary galleries were mostly closed and there was little to see. The museum shop was closed for a two hour lunch.
The weather was not nice enough to ride the teleferico, so we went up to El Hatillo, a lovely neighborhood where I did some serious souvenir shopping. Afterwards, we stopped by for groceries and some chocolate to take back home.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Day 5 - Leaving Canaima
As expected, the moon was bright again on Sunday evening, and we had a lovely dinner of local fish and vegetables.
On Monday, we all slept late and regained some strength after the 12 hour expedition, and decided to turn down the two hour tour of more waterfalls.
After breakfast we walked around the village and checked out the souvenirs. I picked up a lovely handmade basket and a wooden box with a ceramic tile on top.
After a quick lunch, we checked out of our campsite, and were given departing gifts of a necklace each and a musical instrument. We arrived at the airport and boarded a six seater plane which took us to Puerto Ordaz (Ciudad Guyana) an hour and a half later. We encountered some rain for a short while in the air and some wind but the flight was otherwise comfortable.
At the Puerto Ordaz airport we met up with the same folks who had taken the flight with us to Canaima and got to know each other better as inclement weather delayed our flight to Caracas. Luckily traffic back to the city was a breeze.
On Monday, we all slept late and regained some strength after the 12 hour expedition, and decided to turn down the two hour tour of more waterfalls.
After breakfast we walked around the village and checked out the souvenirs. I picked up a lovely handmade basket and a wooden box with a ceramic tile on top.
After a quick lunch, we checked out of our campsite, and were given departing gifts of a necklace each and a musical instrument. We arrived at the airport and boarded a six seater plane which took us to Puerto Ordaz (Ciudad Guyana) an hour and a half later. We encountered some rain for a short while in the air and some wind but the flight was otherwise comfortable.
At the Puerto Ordaz airport we met up with the same folks who had taken the flight with us to Canaima and got to know each other better as inclement weather delayed our flight to Caracas. Luckily traffic back to the city was a breeze.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Canaima
Our 12 hour expedition started prior to dawn. We were in the boat when the sun broke through.
Day 4: Expedition to Salto Angel
I couldn´t sleep a wink because of the noise from the waterfalls. My face had small bite marks from some bugs. Yikes!
A nice caffe con leche and crackers, and we left the camp promptly at 5:00 am. After an hour´s boat ride, watching the sky change to dawn, we stopped for breakfast in a hut. We returned to the boat, and continued for another two hours through some rough waters.
We started hiking for 30 minutes through the savanna, then another hour uphill, to a spectacular view of Salto Angel or Angel´s Fall. It is the 70th anniversary of the discovery of these falls, which are ONE KILOMETER in drop. Jimmy Angel crashed his plane nearby in 1937 and ¨discovered¨ the falls.
After another 90 minutes or so, we were back to ground and had a delicious pit grilled lunch of chicken, rice and potatoes.
After a short rest, we thought we were in for the 3 hour ride back or so, but our boat stopped at a lovely spot called Poso de Felicidad, or Happinness Falls, where I had a swim. It was lovely, and the water temperature was just right.
During the final hour, we got soaked wet to the bone, as the boat hit some turbulences.
We made it back to the camp hoping to see the moon rise again over the lagoon.
A nice caffe con leche and crackers, and we left the camp promptly at 5:00 am. After an hour´s boat ride, watching the sky change to dawn, we stopped for breakfast in a hut. We returned to the boat, and continued for another two hours through some rough waters.
We started hiking for 30 minutes through the savanna, then another hour uphill, to a spectacular view of Salto Angel or Angel´s Fall. It is the 70th anniversary of the discovery of these falls, which are ONE KILOMETER in drop. Jimmy Angel crashed his plane nearby in 1937 and ¨discovered¨ the falls.
After another 90 minutes or so, we were back to ground and had a delicious pit grilled lunch of chicken, rice and potatoes.
After a short rest, we thought we were in for the 3 hour ride back or so, but our boat stopped at a lovely spot called Poso de Felicidad, or Happinness Falls, where I had a swim. It was lovely, and the water temperature was just right.
During the final hour, we got soaked wet to the bone, as the boat hit some turbulences.
We made it back to the camp hoping to see the moon rise again over the lagoon.
Salto Angel
My brother and I at the tallest waterfalls in the world, celebrating the 70th anniversary of its discovery.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
3rd Day - Trip to Canaima National Park
Due to inclement weather, our small 20 seater plane ride was delayed, but we landed safely after 25 minutes in Canaima National Park and made it to the lodge in time for lunch. I have a lovely room in this posada, clean with simple amenities and lots of charm.
Most of the people in the plane are not staying in the same camp, Parakaupa, but are worth mentioning, especially the ecotourist man from Brooklyn who has brought tele-medicine to the natives. Somehow I expected a certain level of detachment and not so much modern technology.
We had a delicious lunch, then a siesta -- mine was in a hammoc -- before leaving for Canaima lagoon. The boat ride was very pleasant - we were six plus our guide. We got to see vultures flying all over the place, some termites in trees and iguanas.
After arriving on the other side of the lagoon, we walked up Isla Anatoliy. After a 25 minute hike uphill, we went down to our first waterfall, Salto el Santo. We removed our outer clothes, down to our bathing suits, and walked behind the waterfall, came out the other side soaking wet. It was quite a high. We took some pictures, rested then walked back through the back of the waterfall once again. We then hiked up to see where the waterfall shoots down.
Another 25 minutes hike took us the second waterfall, Salto Hacha, where the walk through was even more incredible. There were beautiful tiny flowers growing inside that hidden chamber of the fall.
We took the boat back in time for a shower and shared a bottle of red wine while watching the moon rise. It was magical; it had a yellow colour at first, then turned white with a light aura around it.
We turned in early, because our expedition has a 4:30am wake up call.
Most of the people in the plane are not staying in the same camp, Parakaupa, but are worth mentioning, especially the ecotourist man from Brooklyn who has brought tele-medicine to the natives. Somehow I expected a certain level of detachment and not so much modern technology.
We had a delicious lunch, then a siesta -- mine was in a hammoc -- before leaving for Canaima lagoon. The boat ride was very pleasant - we were six plus our guide. We got to see vultures flying all over the place, some termites in trees and iguanas.
After arriving on the other side of the lagoon, we walked up Isla Anatoliy. After a 25 minute hike uphill, we went down to our first waterfall, Salto el Santo. We removed our outer clothes, down to our bathing suits, and walked behind the waterfall, came out the other side soaking wet. It was quite a high. We took some pictures, rested then walked back through the back of the waterfall once again. We then hiked up to see where the waterfall shoots down.
Another 25 minutes hike took us the second waterfall, Salto Hacha, where the walk through was even more incredible. There were beautiful tiny flowers growing inside that hidden chamber of the fall.
We took the boat back in time for a shower and shared a bottle of red wine while watching the moon rise. It was magical; it had a yellow colour at first, then turned white with a light aura around it.
We turned in early, because our expedition has a 4:30am wake up call.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Day 2 - Flight to Ciudad Guayana
On my second day in Venezuela, we took a very early morning ride back to the airport, to catch a 10:30am flight of about an hour, South to the province of Bolivar, and the boom town of Guayana. We are spending a night here before taking tomorrow´s early ride to get closer to Canaima and Angel Falls.
This afternoon we had rhum and lemon poolside while reading about petropolitiks. There is a beautiful river alongside the hotel, parrots and palm trees.
The talk of the country, as represented in the media, on graffiti and official papers, is the Dec 2nd vote to reform the Constitution. Major changes benefitting the current president which would allow him to stay on... forever.
This afternoon we had rhum and lemon poolside while reading about petropolitiks. There is a beautiful river alongside the hotel, parrots and palm trees.
The talk of the country, as represented in the media, on graffiti and official papers, is the Dec 2nd vote to reform the Constitution. Major changes benefitting the current president which would allow him to stay on... forever.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Day 1 - JFK to Caracas
I woke up at 1:30 am to get to JFK in time for a 5:30 am flight. The plane was very full and overstuffed with overhead baggages that could have been checked. This caused a bit of a delay, but we made it on time to Panama City, where after an hour´s rest, I caught another COPA flight into Caracas. The second flight was less crazy. My brother and sister in law picked me up, and after a short coffee break, we drove into one of the craziest traffic jams I have ever seen.
A late meal, introductions to the new cats, and reacquainting myself with the older cat, we all went to bed for an early ride back to the airport and our trip to CANAIMA NATIONAL PARK.
First impressions of Caracas: noisy, 6 million inhabitans, lots of shanty towns, and most of all unsafe. I doubt very much I will be able to walk around town or visit the city university which is in the world heritage site.
My brother and sister in law´s apartment is in the Alta Mira section of town, with private security, high on the hill. We dined al fresco with a beautiful back drop of the city as our view.
A late meal, introductions to the new cats, and reacquainting myself with the older cat, we all went to bed for an early ride back to the airport and our trip to CANAIMA NATIONAL PARK.
First impressions of Caracas: noisy, 6 million inhabitans, lots of shanty towns, and most of all unsafe. I doubt very much I will be able to walk around town or visit the city university which is in the world heritage site.
My brother and sister in law´s apartment is in the Alta Mira section of town, with private security, high on the hill. We dined al fresco with a beautiful back drop of the city as our view.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The World Heritage List (UNESCO) -
This is what I have seen so far. The year in parenthesis represents the site's election to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
To view the complete list, click this link
Armenia
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots (2000)
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley (2000)
Australia
Greater Blue Mountains Area (2000)
Sydney Opera House (2007)
Austria
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn (1996)
Historic Centre of Vienna (2001)
Belgium
Flemish Béguinages (1998)
La Grand-Place, Brussels (1998)
Historic Centre of Brugge (2000)
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) (2000)
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex (2005)
Canada
Rideau Canal (2007)
Cyprus
Paphos (1980)
Egypt
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (1979)
Historic Cairo (1979)
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur (1979)
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (1979)
France
Palace and Park of Versailles (1979, 2007)
Paris, Banks of the Seine (1991)
Historic Site of Lyons (1998)
Germany
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (1990, 1992, 1999)
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin (1999)
Greece
Acropolis, Athens (1987)
Archaeological Site of Delphi (1987)
Medieval City of Rhodes (1988)
Holy See
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura (1980, 1990) * 11
Vatican City (1984)
Italy
Historic Centre of Florence (1982)
Venice and its Lagoon (1987)
Historic Centre of San Gimignano (1990)
Historic Centre of Siena (1995)
Japan
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) (1994)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) (1996)
Shrines and Temples of Nikko (1999)
Jordan
Petra (1985)
Lebanon
Anjar (1984)
Baalbek (1984)
Byblos (1984)
Tyre (1984)
Luxembourg
City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications (1994)
Morocco
Medina of Fez (1981)
Medina of Marrakesh (1985)
Historic City of Meknes (1996)
Archaeological Site of Volubilis (1997)
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) (2001)
Netherlands
Defence Line of Amsterdam (1996)
Portugal
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (1983)
Historic Centre of Évora (1986)
Cultural Landscape of Sintra (1995)
Historic Centre of Oporto (1996)
Alto Douro Wine Region (2001)
Spain
Works of Antoni Gaudí (1984, 2005) 23
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona (1997)
Syrian Arab Republic
Ancient City of Damascus (1979)
Ancient City of Aleppo (1986)
Turkey
Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church (1987)
Tower of London (1988)
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh (1995)
United States of America
Grand Canyon National Park (1979)
Independence Hall (1979)
Redwood National and State Parks (1980)
Statue of Liberty (1984)
Yosemite National Park (1984)
Yemen
Old City of Sana'a (1986)
Historic Town of Zabid (1993)
What I hope to visit before end of my trip in Venezuela:
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Coro and its Port (1993)
Canaima National Park (1994)
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (2000)
To view the complete list, click this link
Armenia
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots (2000)
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley (2000)
Australia
Greater Blue Mountains Area (2000)
Sydney Opera House (2007)
Austria
Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn (1996)
Historic Centre of Vienna (2001)
Belgium
Flemish Béguinages (1998)
La Grand-Place, Brussels (1998)
Historic Centre of Brugge (2000)
Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) (2000)
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex (2005)
Canada
Rideau Canal (2007)
Cyprus
Paphos (1980)
Egypt
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (1979)
Historic Cairo (1979)
Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur (1979)
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (1979)
France
Palace and Park of Versailles (1979, 2007)
Paris, Banks of the Seine (1991)
Historic Site of Lyons (1998)
Germany
Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (1990, 1992, 1999)
Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin (1999)
Greece
Acropolis, Athens (1987)
Archaeological Site of Delphi (1987)
Medieval City of Rhodes (1988)
Holy See
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura (1980, 1990) * 11
Vatican City (1984)
Italy
Historic Centre of Florence (1982)
Venice and its Lagoon (1987)
Historic Centre of San Gimignano (1990)
Historic Centre of Siena (1995)
Japan
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) (1994)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) (1996)
Shrines and Temples of Nikko (1999)
Jordan
Petra (1985)
Lebanon
Anjar (1984)
Baalbek (1984)
Byblos (1984)
Tyre (1984)
Luxembourg
City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications (1994)
Morocco
Medina of Fez (1981)
Medina of Marrakesh (1985)
Historic City of Meknes (1996)
Archaeological Site of Volubilis (1997)
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) (2001)
Netherlands
Defence Line of Amsterdam (1996)
Portugal
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (1983)
Historic Centre of Évora (1986)
Cultural Landscape of Sintra (1995)
Historic Centre of Oporto (1996)
Alto Douro Wine Region (2001)
Spain
Works of Antoni Gaudí (1984, 2005) 23
Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona (1997)
Syrian Arab Republic
Ancient City of Damascus (1979)
Ancient City of Aleppo (1986)
Turkey
Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985)
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church (1987)
Tower of London (1988)
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh (1995)
United States of America
Grand Canyon National Park (1979)
Independence Hall (1979)
Redwood National and State Parks (1980)
Statue of Liberty (1984)
Yosemite National Park (1984)
Yemen
Old City of Sana'a (1986)
Historic Town of Zabid (1993)
What I hope to visit before end of my trip in Venezuela:
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Coro and its Port (1993)
Canaima National Park (1994)
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (2000)
Monday, November 12, 2007
Immunization shots for Venezuela
As my trip will include the states of Bolivar and the Canaima National Park (to see Angel Falls), the state of Falcon (to visit Coro), and of course, Caracas, I have received shots for Yellow fever, a polio booster, a tetanus booster, malaria pills and a shot for Hepatitis A.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Plans for Venezuela
Properties inscribed on the World Heritage (UNESCO) List for Venezuela include:
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (2000),
Coro and its Port (1993),
and, the Canaima National Park (1994), which surrounds Angel Falls, the tallest waterfalls in the natural world.
I am hoping to visit all three.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (2000),
Coro and its Port (1993),
and, the Canaima National Park (1994), which surrounds Angel Falls, the tallest waterfalls in the natural world.
I am hoping to visit all three.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Next trip: Venezuela
On Thanksgiving Day, I will be flying to Caracas to visit my brother, sister-in-law and the cats. I am looking forward to an interesting 10 day visit.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Montréal, Que - September 2007
Four AM Wakeup
It was dark when my taxi arrived. Arriving at LaGuardia, I found the Air Canada section still dimmed. At 5:05 AM, the agents arrived and lit the stations. Twenty minutes later, I was having an "everything" bagle with cream cheese and hunting for a copy of the NY Times. Unfortunately, I was notified, the paper doesn't get there until 7:30 AM!!
We boarded the plane on time, a new Embraer 190, a beautiful and comfortable interior, with a small screen with video and audio capacity including XM radio at every seat. It was a great flight and the weather was exquisite.
Taxiing at LaGuardia, I had a full view of the bay, and the red sun rising above Manhattan.
It's amazing how my mood changed as soon as I boarded the plane. I had a big smile on my face -- right at home in the plane.
Pierre Trudeau airport in Montréal
It's been a little over a year since my last visit here; there was a long line at customs/passport control. I took a taxi to Laval, where I am staying. The reason for the trip is my dad's exhibit.
Soon after landing and joinining my parents at the hotel, we went to the Armenian center to see the exhibit and meet the visiting students and senior citizens. I was introduced to the editor of HORIZON, Vahakn Karakashian, and, poet Panos Jeranian. Both presented me with copies of their books, which I will use as research material for the Armenian Poetry Project.
We went back at 6:30PM for the TV interviews, and the formal reception. The Montréal cousins, my aunt and uncle were all there. I met poet Sonia Sanan, and a slew of acquaintances and former school mates there. Photos to follow.
It was dark when my taxi arrived. Arriving at LaGuardia, I found the Air Canada section still dimmed. At 5:05 AM, the agents arrived and lit the stations. Twenty minutes later, I was having an "everything" bagle with cream cheese and hunting for a copy of the NY Times. Unfortunately, I was notified, the paper doesn't get there until 7:30 AM!!
We boarded the plane on time, a new Embraer 190, a beautiful and comfortable interior, with a small screen with video and audio capacity including XM radio at every seat. It was a great flight and the weather was exquisite.
Taxiing at LaGuardia, I had a full view of the bay, and the red sun rising above Manhattan.
It's amazing how my mood changed as soon as I boarded the plane. I had a big smile on my face -- right at home in the plane.
Pierre Trudeau airport in Montréal
It's been a little over a year since my last visit here; there was a long line at customs/passport control. I took a taxi to Laval, where I am staying. The reason for the trip is my dad's exhibit.
Soon after landing and joinining my parents at the hotel, we went to the Armenian center to see the exhibit and meet the visiting students and senior citizens. I was introduced to the editor of HORIZON, Vahakn Karakashian, and, poet Panos Jeranian. Both presented me with copies of their books, which I will use as research material for the Armenian Poetry Project.
We went back at 6:30PM for the TV interviews, and the formal reception. The Montréal cousins, my aunt and uncle were all there. I met poet Sonia Sanan, and a slew of acquaintances and former school mates there. Photos to follow.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Booking upcoming flights
In September, I will briefly visit Montreal where my dad is having an exhibit. Dreams of Lebanese food (both good and cheap) abound. Coming back with a suitcase full of goodies, perhaps.
In late November, I am visiting my brother, his wife and the KATS, in Caracas, Venezuela. Should be fascinating!!
In late November, I am visiting my brother, his wife and the KATS, in Caracas, Venezuela. Should be fascinating!!
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