Owner: Sanjay kattimani's explorations URL:http://sanjay-explores.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:22:31 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: My Travel experiences around the world. Site statistics:Click here
Sumo wrestling in stratford 2007-08-26 20:04:00 Although sumo wrestling
is played by professionals in Japan and other eastern countries, We dont need to be professionals to try out with special outfits for fun. This one was organized in Stratford and found it when we were out for an evening walk. FactsSumo wrestling is Japan's national game.Rules -(1) The wrestler who either first touches the floor with something else than his sole (2) leaves the ring before his opponent, loses. The fights usually last only a few seconds and in rare cases up to one minute or longer. More details http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo This is a video footage of my wrestling with one of the participant.
Ontario place - Toronto 2007-08-14 18:23:00 Ontario Place is a multiple use entertainment and seasonal amusement park owned by the Province of Ontario. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, just south of Exhibition Place, it is approximately 4 km west of downtown Toronto
.Opened in 1971, it consists of three artificially constructed, landscaped islands. Attractions are spread throughout the parkThis was 148 kms drive for us. I have a backup driver now, so mostly sit and guide(not yet relax) ;) Parents can enjoy water slides with their family, while kids are the stars with all the rides open for them. Even toddlers have a seperate area where they have their own mind games. In the evenings chinese lanterns are lit and it looks awesome.Checkout this small video clip from ontario place, taken from digital cameraFacts related to Ontario place March 17, 1969 - started construction of Ontario place May 22, 1971 - Operational $29,000,000 CAD - spent for ontario place development. Ontario Department of Trade and Development owns this park Read more:Ontario
CN Tower - Toronto 2007-06-30 17:18:00 History of CN Tower
The CN Tower, located in Toronto
, Ontario, Canada, is a communications and tourist tower standing 553.33m (1,815 ft 5 in) tall. Since its completion in 1976, it has been the world's tallest free-standing structure on land; however, its status as the world's tallest building is contentious. It is considered the signature icon of the city, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.CN originally referred to Canadian National, the railway company that built the tower. Following the railway's decision to divest non-core freight railway assets, prior to the company's privatization in 1995, the CN Tower was transferred to the Canada Lands Company (CLC), a federal Crown corporation responsible for real estate development. Comparing the heights of other tall structures with CN tower. KVLY-TV mast is the tallest structure on earth with 628 meters located on Traill County, North Dakota, USA. This structure is supported by cables. Petornius platform s
Niagara falls 2007-06-17 15:48:00 This is one travel destination for which we had been waiting for months together. History of Niagara
falls -Niagara Falls are a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York State.While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide. With more than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falling over the crestline every minute in high flow, and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average, it is the most powerful waterfall in North America. Niagara Falls is renowned both for its beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power for Ontario and New York. Preserving this natural wonder from commercial over-development, while allowing for the needs of the area's people, has been a challenging project for environmental preservationists since the 1800s. A popular tourist site for over a century, the Falls are shared between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Fal
Lion Safari in Cambridge. 2007-05-16 22:20:00 Watching captive animals in the cages is much different from watching them freely roaming around in safari.Lion safari is an attaractive travel destination to see more than 1000 exotic species of animals and birds. Its specially enjoyed by young ones.It was 60 Kms drive for us to the LionSafari
from Stratford.Entry fee for adults is $22 Cad. which almost covers everything. Map is provided to you so that you can drive through the park by yourself. You can also choose to see the park in Safari tour bus. Check the lion safari website for details and timings.First animals you will find are Asian elephants swimming in the lake.You will find Baboons climbing on cars to get whatever people offer them. Be careful & do not to open the windows. You are not allowed to feed any animals in the safari(Although many people do feed them for the sheer fun of having the animals around their vehicles). Then there were Lions sleeping lazily in the sun. These are not bothered about humans as none of the vi Read more:Cambridge
Driving experience in canada. 2007-05-16 10:07:00 I had to completely unlearn my indian driving habits and start afresh. Most important one was driving on the opposite side of the road and lot of driving rules which must be followed so that others wont honk at you.Here are some of the driving behaviours that we learnt over a period of time from others who shared the roads with us in the past. we use to pass through pedastrains even if they are crossing (it was also a confusion and scary for pedestrains). And this is nothing new & is very common. Cover all valid lanes by pushing your vehicle where ever it fits (thats how all bikes fit in between all lanes of cars) Not bothered about speed limits as you will never exceed them because1. Sufficient traffic on the road does not let you speed up but follow them.2. Roads have enough speed breakers & Traffic signals to see that you do not reach good speed.3. Curves and people crossing the roads Right hand drive (Driving
on left side of roads) And over here the driving is 180 degree differen Read more:experience
Swans of Stratford - Avon river 2007-04-23 12:51:00 Last weekend we went on lakeside drive. We started at 6:30 - Just incase you are wondering that it will be dark,it wont be. Summers have relatively longer days and it gets dark at about 8:APM here. Some history..In August 1918 a pair of swans was released in this river and their population has grown considerably over the years.White swans (in the picture) are called Mute swans. The Stratford Waterfowl And Nature Society (S.W.A.N.S) Group is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping waterfowl along Avon river (also called Lake victoria) Swan factsSwans can live upto 25 years.Swans are vegitarians.Male swan is called a Cob.Female swan is called a Pen.Baby swan is called cygnet.Group of swans is called a herd.Its common to see some swans crossing the roads and the car drivers waiting patiently for them to cross the road. It was a wonderful evening spent with these swans. Swan emergency in stratford.If you see a swan in need of help call 519-271-0250 ext 243Official website of the swans
My footprints in Canadian snow 2007-04-09 15:41:00 Its wonderful to see snow again after a gap of a year. Last time it was in Netherlands , now its in Canada. Its an ever exciting thing to step on snow for people like us who come from dry lands where we dont see snow. Nature looks beautiful and gets painted with white color all over when it snows. Playing snowball is fun for kids & audults equally. We enjoyed it :)Early morning walk gets you some wonderful glimpses of the nature. You get to see the small bird chirping around, Water droplets that got frozen trying to drip from corners, Lakes frozen and lot more.Whenever i saw my own steps in the snow i grin'd..."My footprints in Canada!!"Since this is almost the beginig of summer we may not find this snow for long. I hope summer will be far more exciting when we can walk around places freely. Read more:Canadian
Happy new year 2007 2006-12-24 07:25:00 Wishing you all and your family members a very happy new year 2007. codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" WIDTH="648" HEIGHT="429" ALIGN=""> View Full screen Read more:Happy
Stamps of 2006 2006-12-24 06:53:00 Stamps are one of the best ways to remember a year. These stamps are some of memorable events of 2006 in my life. 2006 was a year with lot of events happening. Worked in Netherlands. Spent close to 2 months there. This picture was taken in the open greenery near my house. Visited Paris, France – Went on exciting paris trip with friends. What a romantic place it was :d, Eiffel tower and Louvre museum are two most memorable places in Paris. Nikhil was born. My nephew (301). Its great feeling to watch these tiny tots making noise around. Aditya was born. My nephew (302). It was fun watching him grow from day one. I got married: Preethi became my life partner. Fashion show : Participated in fashion show in Honeywell. Although didn’t win anything in this event, it was really a memorable experience to be a part of it. If you want to create a stamp too of your own events, shoot me a mail to get the template of these stamps (Created in photo shop 5). Read more:Stamps
Shiroda beach 2006-10-25 11:00:00 Lush greenery with palm trees and coconut trees will welcomes you to this small not so famous village called Shiroda. Shiroda beach has long stretch of clean sparkling beach. I love spending my holidays in coastal areas. Shiroda is one such romantic spot. Shiroda has a delightful view of the sea and white sand. This is a perfect holiday destination for sun, fun and clean beach. How to reach there :Shiroda beach is located about 508 K. M. from Mumbai and 57 K. M. from Panji.Nearest Airport is Dabohli (Goa) 92.K.M and nearest railway Station is at Sawantwadi. You wont find regular crowd and shops hence beach is clean and attractive. It has a beach resort. Local people are very friendly and hospitable.
Dolphin's Nose - KodaiKanal 2006-08-27 04:28:00 Dolphin’s nose is one of the most important locations for forest explorations around KodaiKanal. Local tourist agencies offer Dolphins nose as a part of the one day forest trekking package. Your way to Dolphin’s Nose: It’s about 8 Kms from the city. Need to walk about 3 kms downhill to reach Dolphin’s nose. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you walk in the forest area. You will get lot of small shops on the way selling eatables, tea/coffee and soft drinks. On the way you will find lots of exciting views of the forest with clouds covered. We went in August; weather may not be the same all the year. I am sure it will be more pleasing during October to March as Sun peeps through these trees adding a new dimension to its beauty. It’s a breath taking experience to stand on the edge of the rock. You will find it both thrilling and scary to go close to so called Dolphins nose. Clouds pass through your body and fresh air through your lungs. Mountains around you are most of the Read more:Dolphin
Thippagondanahalli (T.G. Halli) dam 2006-05-13 08:51:00 Thippagondanahalli Reservoir also known as chamarajsagar is located at the confluence of the rivers Arakavathi and Kumudavathi. This is a great place for picnic and bird watching. Lush greenery around the dam attracts everyone specially on sunny days. Lots Trees, flowers and calm environment soothes our senses and is an ideal getaway for weekends. This kind of picnics is a must in everyone’s life to get a break from our busy city life. General public is not allowed to enter the dam or guesthouse without prior permission.Location : 35 Kms from Bangalore towards Magadi.Best time to visit: September to Febrauary. Dam was inaugurated in 1933. Sir M Vishveshwaraiah supervised the construction work.We enjoyed playing in the water, and could also spot a snake chasing a water bird. Large fishes can also be found here.It was a memorable outing for all of us.
Madurodam - Miniatures of Netherlands 2006-03-30 12:20:00 Watching that Amsterdam miniature caught our eyes like magnet. We could appreciate how beautifully they had taken care of each and every detailing of the miniature of those buildings.Madurodam is located near Hague. city buses will take you there in 15 mins. These miniatures are of exactly 25 times smaller than actual buildings/structures. If you plan to visit or travel in Netherlands
make sure this is your first destination. Madurodam miniatures will introduce you to all important buildings and structures of Netherlands.These are built in open air and amazingly they have been standing against all odds of nature's fury (snow, rain and sun) We visited Rotterdam bridge after having a look at its miniature (although it was already in our must see list) We were eagerly looking forward to see the original large bridge. Only me and shyam could dare to face the chilling wind on the bridge.Highway miniatures were so neatly arranged/automated that its hard to make out that its a miniature. Ta Read more:Miniatures
Pony tails - The cute little horses 2006-02-24 13:47:00 These small sized horses are called ponies (or pony). These adorable ponies are quite rare (in many parts of the world) as they cannot be used for commercial purposes. I found these in many parts of Netherlands used as pets. They just keep grazing all the time.. and its so good to watch them Many breeds of these ponies are found all over the world. Here is a list of them with good details about ponies.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pony Read more:little
First snow of the year. 2006-02-02 12:44:00 This was first snow of the year. Nature looks beautiful when it snows... White snow all over the place.. Thanks Koen for clicking all these beautiful photos.. Read more:First
Windmills of netherlands 2006-01-31 13:07:00 Some of these windmills were started way back in 16th century when electricity wasn’t there. Many of these windmills are still in working condition. You can find these windmills throughout Netherlands.
Ice hockey on frozen lakes 2006-01-31 12:32:00 Frozen lakes are fun to play. But be careful, they could turn out to be fatal if you do not know about them before stepping on. Wait for the weather to be below zero degrees for a week (This helps the upper layer of water get frozen and a thick layer of solid ice forms on water). Its an amazing experience to play on the lake that was water few days back.. and will be melting again in a few days. Read more:hockey
Bonjour :) Welcome to French language 2005-12-20 12:08:00 Training had never been so much fun for me. Thanks to Satyam SLC for conducting the Frenchlanguage
course. It is said that French decended from Latin, but for us it resembled English. Although spellings and meaning of many words remain same in French, prononciation was different, so it was little bit of un-learning english.étudiants de françaiseFrom Left to Right : Me,Dinesh Thyagaraju, Sreeranjini, Amitha, Kruthika, Soumya, Sandhya(Our Teacher),Sarath, Aman, Rohit, Shridhar, Shambhu, Kripal, Srinivas, Divya prasan,Bindu , Shilpa, Venugopal, Jyothi, Shweta. Facts related to FrenchFrench is one the second most influential language next to English.Spoken as a native language in 5 continents.Official language of about 60% of African countries.More than 40 countries use French either as first language or second language.Most people in Canada and Europe speak French.More than 250 million people speak French as their first language.Some resourcesWhy should we learn French http://www.bonjo Read more:Welcome
Jugaad - Vehicles made from waterpumpsets 2005-11-25 09:06:00 Abhishek & his father were fascinated by those open vehicles made of water pumps (These are called Jugaads). At last they caught hold of an orphaned one and started trying their hands in it. Interestingly I had seen a documentary on these vehicles on a news channel few months back. These vehicles are called Jugaad. These are made locally and they cost around Rs. 40,000 (That's $1,000). They have poor brakes and cant go beyond 40 kms per hour. They run on Diesel (They are just ordinary water pump sets converted into engine)Arun added that very often brakes of these vehicles fail and one of the passengers jumps down and applies a manual wooden block as a brake.We found these vehicles only in Rajasthan just like camels only found in this part of India.These vehicles didn't have any registration number (obviously they are not registered with RTO) hence they end up not paying any tax.Interesting story of how these jugaads came in to existance. Read more:Vehicles
Lotus Temple - Delhi 2005-11-13 12:23:00 Lotus temple is a meditation hall built by Birlas.Absolute silence maintained inside gives you a great feeling and helps you meditate peacefully. Light effects (Just the light coming from the top) are good. Ironically no one came there to meditate. Lotus temple has become a monument and people just come there to visit it (mostly first time visitors). As usual Abhishek didn’t forget to have his share of fun with Lotus temple. Read more:Lotus
, Temple
Sisodiya Garden – Rani ka bagh (Queens garden) - Jaipur 2005-11-13 12:17:00 Sisodiya Garden – Rani ka bagh (Queens
garden) - Jaipur
As the name suggests this was built for the queen. It has typical Rajasthani style buildings. There is only one significant thing about it, you get traditional Rajasthani dress (just for the photos) and get the snaps instantly.
Jantar Mantar - Jaipur 2005-11-13 12:14:00 Jantar mantar is a famous open air observatory built by Maharaja jai singh II. Jantar mantar is located right beside Jaipur
city palace. It has lot of astronomical information related observatories like planets movement, clocks.Abhishek was wondering at one of those observatory as one of BeyBlade grounds (that’s what he told me when he saw that first :p )
Hot air balloons in London, ON 2007-12-22 06:15:00 Brief about Hot air balloonsHot air balloon is one of the oldest technology to carry humans in air dating back to 1783. It consists of a bag that holds the heated air, and a basket and heating sources are carried along with passengers/pilot. They can also come in a variety of shapes and sizes.Balloon festival was going on in London On August 4 2007, Saturday. It was 1 hour drive for us from Stratford.View Larger MapIt takes place in Harris Park at the forks of the Thames River during Simcoe Day(first Monday in August) weekend. After having some food and roaming around the groud that had some amusement games, slowly the crowd started gathering and a few balloons started inflating. First ones were a maple leaf and Canadian Flag hot air balloons. Crowd cheered with pride. There were other participating balloonist from USA. More than 20 balloons were launched from this location one after the other.Then there was a diano which was inflated but never took off. It finally bent over the crowd
Stamps of 2007 2008-01-03 18:40:00 Wow yet another year with amazing memories. Best way to remember these events is by making stamps of important events. Since most part of 2007 was spent in Canada, almost all the stamps of 2007 are of Canada.Driving in CanadaDriving at 120KMS speed on the highways was exciting and memorable event. Read all about my experience of driving in Canada Created Kannada-Greetings.comOne of the most important task that i did during my stay in canada was the contribution to kannada lanugage on Internet - A Kannada greetings website. Lots of people use it now, 2500+ hits a day sometime.CN Towervisited CN Tower on June 30 read the full details of CN Tower travel experienceNiagara fallsvisited most beautiful water fallsNiagara Falls A must visit place on the world map. Dont forget to read my reivew of Read more:Stamps
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