Destination Infinity's Blog, page 4

Chennai: Refugee Food Festival (Oorum Unavum): June 24,25 – 2023

The Refugee Food Festival (Oorum Unavum Unavu Thiruvizha) is all set to happen from 12.00 P.M. to 8 P.M. on June 24 & June 25 (Saturday & Sunday), 2023.

Venue: Semmozhi Poonga, Cathedral Road, Chennai (Google Maps link for Location)

At this food festival, people can expect to see select food delicacies from Srilanka, Burma (Myanmar), and Afghanistan. These food items will be cooked and presented to you by the refugees of the above-mentioned countries, living in Tamil Nadu.

This two-day festival has been organized by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the occasion of World Refugee Day, 2023.

There is no entrance ticket to enter this festival. If you want to pre-book Special Sri Lankan Tamil Meals, contact – 9176483735. (Veg Meals – Rs. 160, Chicken Meals – Rs. 260, Fish Meals – Rs. 280).

To buy and eat other food items, you can buy tokens at the venue directly.

The Architect & Interior Expo 2023 (Jun. 23-25)

The Architect & Interior Exhibition 2023 edition is all set to happen at the Chennai Trade Centre (Hall 1 & 2), Nandambakkam, (Google Maps link for Location) from June 23 to June 25 (Friday to Sunday), 2023.

Timings: 10 A.M. to 7.30 P.M.

This B2B expo organized by Big3 Exhibitions is for all the professionals related to the Architecture, Construction, and Interior industries.

Expected Visitor Profiles:

VISITOR PROFILEBuilders & DevelopersArchitectInterior DesignersConstruction companiescontractsCivil EngineersFabricatorsFacade & Windows ContractsDealers & DistributorsProject ManagersBuilding MaterialSuppliersProperty InvestorsDecision MakersEnd usersManufacturers Industry ProfessionalsGovernment Officials, etc.

More Details: Official Expo Website.

Saving Electricity?

A few years ago, I was passionate about saving electricity. I considered that as my way of greening this earth and giving back to society – back then.

Inspired by such great thoughts, one fine day, I decided to save electricity by switching off a fan when it would have been On otherwise. On that day, when I wanted to take a break from work, I went to the hall from the room and sat on our swing.

Generally, I will switch On the fan and relax for some time on the swing. But on that day, I realized that I was actually sitting on a SWING. That meant, instead of using it like a chair – as I generally did, I could swing it forward and backward!

Since I would automatically feel the wind due to the forward and backward swing motion, I figured that I didn’t need to switch On the fan. I just need to keep rocking the swing with my legs for as long as possible.

What an Idea Sirjee, I told myself and executed the idea to perfection – maybe for around half an hour. After 30 minutes, I looked at the fan above – it was Off.

With great satisfaction of having contributed 30 minutes’ worth of electric power to the nation, I held my head high and marched into my room.

In the room, to my shock, I found that I had forgotten to switch off the fan when I initially left for the hall after finishing my work.

That meant, all the time I was slogging in the hall to save electricity by switching off the fan there, the room fan was running wastefully with no one under it!!

I don’t know why, but I felt this was the essence of life. ?.

Destination Infinity

Cordelia Cruise: The Most Luxurious Cruise in India

Cordelia Cruise is a premier cruise line that offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and exploration on the high seas. With its fleet of modern and elegant ships, Cordelia Cruises provides a wide range of amenities, exceptional service, and exciting itineraries to cater to the preferences and desires of its guests.

Cordelia Cruise takes pride in its exceptional dining experiences. Onboard, guests can savor a diverse array of culinary delights prepared by talented chefs. From international cuisine to regional specialties, every meal is crafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer a formal dinner in an elegant restaurant or a casual meal by the poolside, Cordelia Cruise offers a range of dining options to cater to every taste.

Cordelia Cruise from Chennai, India offers an exquisite and luxurious travel experience on the high seas. Departing from the vibrant city of Chennai, Cordelia Cruise provides a convenient and opulent option for travelers looking to embark on an extraordinary journey.

Cordelia Cruise ensures that passengers are treated with the utmost comfort and elegance. The ships are designed with meticulous attention to detail, boasting elegant interiors and modern facilities that create a luxurious and stylish environment throughout the voyage. From well-appointed cabins to spacious suites, guests can enjoy a serene and relaxing atmosphere during their time on board.

Cordelia Cruise: Chennai

Cordelia Cruise From Chennai is an extraordinary maritime adventure that offers passengers an unforgettable experience on the high seas. Departing from the bustling city of Chennai, this cruise promises a luxurious and captivating journey, allowing travelers to explore breathtaking destinations while enjoying the comforts and amenities provided by Cordelia Cruise. Chennai, Cordelia Cruise sets sail on an enchanting voyage. The ship’s elegant design and state-of-the-art facilities create a sophisticated and inviting ambiance, ensuring a pleasant and indulgent experience for all passengers. From spacious cabins to opulent suites, guests can choose accommodations that suit their preferences, providing a haven of relaxation and tranquility throughout the journey. The Cordelia Cruise from Chennai also includes a wide range of amenities, such as live performances, Broadway-style shows, and captivating music in the onboard theatres and lounges.

Cordelia Cruise: Chennai – Visakhapatnam – Puducherry – Chennai

Cordelia Cruise offers a captivating itinerary from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and Puducherry before returning to Chennai, providing passengers with a delightful and memorable voyage along the eastern coast of India. This cruise journey allows travelers to explore diverse destinations, indulge in luxurious amenities, and create lasting memories. The journey begins with a visit to Visakhapatnam, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. Passengers can explore the iconic RK Beach, take in panoramic views from the Kailasagiri Hilltop Park, or immerse themselves in history at the Borra Caves. Visakhapatnam offers a delightful mix of nature, culture, and history, providing an enriching experience for travelers. Next, the cruise takes passengers to the charming coastal town of Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry. With its French colonial architecture, quaint streets, and serene beaches, Puducherry offers a unique blend of Indian and European influences. Travelers can explore the French Quarter, visit the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Promenade Beach. Puducherry’s tranquil ambiance and cultural allure make it a captivating destination.

Cordelia Cruise: Cochin-Colombo-Trincomlee-Chennai

Cordelia Cruise offers an exciting itinerary from Cochin to Colombo, Trincomalee, and Chennai, providing passengers with a remarkable journey through the scenic landscapes and vibrant cultures of India and Sri Lanka. This cruise voyage promises unforgettable experiences, luxurious accommodations, and a chance to explore captivating destinations along the way. The journey commences in Cochin, a vibrant city in Kerala, India. Passengers will embark on the Cordelia Cruise ship and set sail toward their first destination. The ship’s elegant design and comfortable cabins create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant journey for all travelers. Guests can choose from a range of accommodations, from cozy cabins to spacious suites, tailored to meet their preferences and needs. The first stop on the itinerary is Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling markets, Colombo offers a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Passengers can explore the historic sites of the city, such as the Colombo Fort, visit the bustling Pettah Market, or unwind on the beautiful beaches along the coastline. Colombo provides a fascinating introduction to the cultural diversity and natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

Cordelia Cruise: Chennai-Jaffna-Chennai

Cordelia Cruise presents an exciting and enchanting itinerary from Chennai, India to Jaffna and back, offering passengers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural richness and natural beauty of these captivating destinations. This cruise voyage promises a memorable and immersive experience, blending luxury, comfort, and exploration. Being from the vibrant city of Chennai, Cordelia Cruise sets sail on a remarkable journey to Jaffna. The ship’s elegant design and luxurious amenities create a serene and inviting atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable experience for all passengers. From well-appointed cabins to spacious suites, guests can choose accommodations that suit their preferences and provide a relaxing haven during their voyage. The first destination on the itinerary is Jaffna, located in the northern region of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is known for its vibrant Tamil culture, ancient temples, and pristine beaches. Passengers can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the city by exploring iconic landmarks such as the Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and the vibrant local markets. Jaffna offers a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and traditional arts, providing a unique cultural experience for travelers.

Annanagar Tower: Now, Walk to the Top!

After 12 years, people can once again walk to the top of the Annanagar Tower and enjoy the city view from the top of the twelve-storied spiral structure (Tower).

Location: Google Maps link.

Nearest Bus Stop: Annanagar Roundtana.

Nearest Metro Station: Annanagar Tower.

Timings: 7 A.M. to 6 P.M. (When people are allowed to climb)

Parking: Free, available around the Tower park premises.

I remember walking to the top of the above Tower structure many times when I was young. Our school was behind the tower and we used to come here frequently with our cousins. But after I started to work, I went to the tower very rarely and it was sometime during this period that people were disallowed to walk to the top of the twelve-story tower structure. I think people jumping from the top triggered this move.

Anyways, Annanagar Tower is not open to the public and anyone can walk to the top of the tower structure. I remember this activity being ticketed when I was young, but now there are no tickets or charges to climb. So, that’s what we did during our recent trip.

The administration seems to have beefed up the security measures and now it’s next to impossible for any falling accidents to happen from here. As you can see in the above photo, all along the path an extra row of metal railings have been installed over the one that was already there. So the path has been completely secured. On the top, there is an extra layer of metal railings that extend very high.

The view from the top is as beautiful as it always was. Now, there are many high-rise buildings around. Sample this, for instance –

Not just the view, even the space on the top of the tower has been beautifully painted – for our visual pleasure. But, as before, people have started writing their names and other slogans all along the path and even over the paintings.

It was raining (slightly) on the day we went and hence it was cool on the top of the tower. In spite of some water flowing on the floor, we did not once skid. But older people and small children might want to be more careful while walking up during rainy times. Altogether, it was a nice experience to relieve our childhood memories!

We found a nice little cafe called, “Halt”, just outside the Tower – in the lane opposite the Iyappan Temple. We had hot chocolate and marshmallows there – it was good

Destination Infinity

Insider Tips for Travelling in India: Dos and Don’ts for a Memorable Trip

Planning a trip to India? Get ready to immerse yourself in a land of vibrant colours, rich traditions, and incredible diversity. From bustling cities to the serene countryside, India offers a multitude of experiences that will leave you captivated. To make the most of your journey, it’s essential to be aware of some insider tips that will help you navigate this fascinating country with ease. So, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind to make for a memorable trip to India.

Do Embrace the Cultural Diversity

India is a melting pot of cultures, languages, religions, and traditions. Embrace the diversity and open your mind to new experiences. Engage with the locals, try regional cuisines, and participate in festivals or celebrations. This will not only enhance your understanding of Indian culture, but also create lasting memories. If you can’t wait to get started with your adventure, learn more about the visa application process here.

Don’t Underestimate the Size and Distances

India is a vast country, and distances between cities can be considerable. Plan your itinerary accordingly, allowing for travel time and considering regional flights or trains for long journeys. Be realistic about the number of places you can visit within a specific timeframe to avoid feeling rushed.

Do Dress Respectfully

India is a conservative country, and it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially if you are visiting religious sites or rural areas. Women may want to cover their shoulders and avoid wearing revealing outfits or short skirts. Men should also avoid wearing sleeveless shirts in religious paces.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

To stay healthy during your trip to India, avoid drinking the tap water. Stick to bottled water or choose to drink water that has been boiled and filtered. Plus, it’s important to be careful if eating raw fruits or vegetables that may have been washed in tap water. While eating street food in India can be a delightful experience, choose stalls that are popular and look clean to minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Don’t Forget to Try Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is renowned around the world for its flavours and variety. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the local delicacies. From mouth-watering curries to street snacks like samosas and dosas, there’s something to please everyone. Be adventurous and try regional specialities for a truly authentic experience.

Do Prioritise Your Personal Safety

As with any travel destination, it’s important to make your personal safety a priority when in India. Avoid walking alone or in dimly lit or isolated areas, especially at nighttime. Stay alert to your surroundings, keep your valuables secure, and use reliable transportation options. It’s also a wise idea to have emergency contact numbers and know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.

Travelling to India can be an enriching and unforgettable experience. By keeping these insider tips in mind, you will be better prepared to navigate the cultural nuances, make meaningful connections with locals, and create lasting memories.

Our Visit to AVM Studios Heritage Museum (Vadapalani)

In the above photo I took at the AVM Studios Heritage Museum, Vadapalani (Google Maps link) you would have noticed that I have embossed my logo. Besides, this is the only photo I am going to display in this blog post. There is a reason for that – I will let you know at the end.

AVM Heritage Museum is in the same AVM Studios premises where you would have seen the iconic AVM Globe from the Arcot Main Road, Vadapalani. They didn’t collect any parking charges for our two-wheeler, but the entry ticket price was somewhat high at Rs. 200 for adults, and Rs. 150 for Kids (Why??)

The best thing for me about this museum is the collection of well-maintained heritage cars. These heritage cars are shining and as good as new! Even the replicas of the first automobiles ever invented (at the entrance) look so good.

There are a few movie set props used in actual movies – but don’t expect anything close to Ramoji Film Studios @ Hyderabad. The museum premises are quite small but they’ve packed quite a punch within that small area.

Another good addition to this museum is the vast collection and display of large-sized printed photos from the various movies produced by AVM productions over the last few decades. That will take you on a nostalgic memory trip.

A few statues are there but we took a selfie only with thalaivar – Rajnikanth’s statue. There is a good collection of old studio production gear – like movie reels, film editing consoles, old projectors, audio editing equipment, cassettes & tapes, etc. There are a few vintage bikes and scooters as well.

Their notice makes it mandatory for visitors NOT to use the pictures taken in the museum premises for commercial purposes – including Youtube. I guess that includes displaying them on this blog as well. Special permission is required to do that.

Instead of taking all the effort to get that special permission, I have decided to use just one long-shot pic, that too with a watermark. If the management deems even this to be too much and in violation of their strict photo rules, they can just request me, and I will take it down immediately.

Readers, tell me something – You’ve all seen infinite pictures of the Taj Mahal both offline and online. Did that ever deter you from visiting the monument directly? I hope the museum management will think about this point and reconsider their strict photo-sharing policies. After all, word of mouth gets around visually through social media nowadays.

Destination Infinity

PS: Yes, my health is getting better nowadays and I am able to visit places like these, at least the ones near my house.

Puppy Bites for 3-4 Months: Don’t Give Up

Every puppy bites during the first 3-4 months, and then they stop – well, almost. That’s what our Chikki (Shih Tzu puppy) also did.

Since this is the first time we are living with a dog, I almost gave up on our puppy a couple of times during the first three months. It was biting us so much. Actually, we were not the exception as it was biting anything and everything it was able to get hold of, as well.

Frankly, the bitings didn’t pain much, but I panicked considering how much more its teeth (and the biting intensity) would increase during the coming months. Both of us were injected with rabies vaccine due to small puppy biting marks.

If not for Ramya, I probably would have returned the puppy. I even made a call to our kennel (from where we bought the puppy) to enquire about returning. Fortunately, they were patient enough to explain to us that every puppy has this teething issue initially and keeps biting everything. It seems that’s how they feel things around them.

They told us that the puppy will stop biting once it’s 3-4 months old. And it did. It’s also much more patient with everything and everyone nowadays

Fortunately, we didn’t return our adorable puppy. I don’t know about other breeds, but Shih Tzu’s especially are so attached to their pet parents. We are even walking the puppy outside our home and it’s interacting quite well with people – even kids.

Our new minimalistic visiting card with our family pic

Destination Infinity

Chennai Flower Show 2023 (Semmozhi Poonga, Jun. 3 to 5)

The Chennai Flower Show 2023 is all set to happen from June 3 to June 5, 2023 at Semmozhi Poonga, Teynampet (Near Gemini Flyover, Opp. American Consulate). This exhibition is organized by the Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu.

Dates: June 3 (Saturday) to June 5 (Monday), 2023

Timings: 9 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Venue: Semmozhi Poonga (Google Maps link)

Buses: 11G, 23C, 29B EXT, 60 H, 88K, AC-E18, B29N; Metro Train: AG-DMS (Teynampet) Metro Station.

Ticket Prices: Rs. 50 for Adults, Rs. 20 for Kids.

Parking: 2-Wheeler & 4-Wheeler Parking is available, at extra cost.

Online Ticket Booking: Horticulture Dept. website.

Here is a short video with photos taken by us from Last Year’s Chennai Flower Show,

Jubilee Web Series – Review

Jubilee is a new Web Series on Amazon Prime OTT directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. It’s available with Hindi and Tamil audio, among other languages.

The name of the director is the reason why I decided to watch this series, and I was not let down. The first 8 episodes were sheer class. The last two episodes are a disaster – not technically, but with the type of message it propagates.

I know I ought not to expect a message from a work of fiction, but I expect some sort of an aspirational feel from drama. I got that aspiration in both the lead characters – Jay Khanna and Madan Kumar (and even other actors) abundantly.

Jubilee is a web series based on the movie industry (dominated by studios) set in Bombay during the late 40s and early 50s, just after India attains freedom. It’s about aspiration, stardom, over-confidence, and the eventual downfall of a new Indian industry (then) – Cinema.

The first eight episodes are a treat to watch. The characterization is as brilliant as the cast selection and acting. There is ample interconnectedness between characters and they were portrayed realistically. The story and visual treatment are just too good. This movie just brings the bygone era to life.

I found myself rooting for Jay Khanna, the underdog, who battles multiple hardships to make it big in the movie industry in spite of being a refugee from Karachi just after partition.

But once the main characters become successful, they develop overconfidence and start thinking they are infallible, just like what happens in real life. The series does a great job of bringing out the greys in all characters. There are no good guys and bad guys – everyone is good and bad, just like in real life.

The problem starts at the end of the show. I don’t get why they had to make it so depressing by making everyone lose everything – well, almost. There is no one to root for, but the end of the first season. It’s realistic alright, but difficult to digest – at least for me.

Do yourself a favour and watch the first seven or eight episodes because they are brilliant. The moment you feel depressed, switch it off and don’t watch the remaining. I just wish the ending was very very different.

Destination Infinity