Xi'an Terracotta Army

The Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang never did things in halves. Not satisfied with building the Great Wall, he spent his final years roaming the fringes of his kingdom seeking an elixir for immortality. And when he ironically died during his quest, his body was returned to the capital near Xi'an and buried in a massive underground, city sized mausoleum.

Thus wrote the historian Sima Qian, almost a century after Qin Shi Huang's grandson was overthrown and the Han dynasty was established in 206 BC. Nobody knew how authentic the account was until some peasants digging a well found Qin Shi Huang's guardians in the afterlife: three massive rectangular vault containing more than ten thousand life sized terracotta warriors in battle formation.

The Terracotta Army is renowned for its shockingly human attributes and features; each of the artifacts is different - from the hairstyles, facial expression, postures and clothing.  The individualism is such that you can't help but feel they are real people who got fossilized by some natural disaster. This is especially true in places where the excavations are incomplete; giving the impressions that the earth is gripping on to their half buried busts.  Even the horses are so finely sculpted that archaeologists have been able to identify every single breed.

At the end of it, there is just one lingering question, will they excavate a life sized statue of Qin Shi Huang who is leading the ten thousand warriors.

If you are planning to visit the monument, the best bet would be to search for online bus tickets from the city center. There are also numerous agencies that do bus ticket booking to the spot.

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Travel Etiquette’s – Dos & Don’ts

Most travelers will be familiar with that sinking feeling when they find themselves against a less than desirable flight partner – the one who hogs the armrest and pushes his over sized duffel bags into your leg space. Here are some tips to help you transform from being a passive sufferer to a street smart globe trotter who handles any situation with suave.

Missed flights: - Be prepared to pay a re-booking fee. Most airliners will charge a fee for you to be booked on another flight. Also, try to make a run for it – some airports close the gate as late as 15 minutes before departure.  Once the gate closes on you, immediately call up your airlines. The sooner you do this the better your chance of being assigned a seat on the next flight (if there is space).  Make sure you have checked multiple portals for cheap flight tickets before making an online air ticket booking.

Noisy hotel neighbours: - Call the manager, who in turn can summon the security. Also, he will know when your hell-raising neighbors will be checking out. If its only mildly irritating, ask for ear plugs as most hotels expect some kind of noise pollution in the form of traffic, birds and toddlers. Don't expect the other guests to be moved; if you want some peace and quiet, you will have to shift rooms yourself.

Space hogging seatmate: - Claim your territory (overhead space, underseat space and armrests) early on. Try to be sensitive to the size of your neighbor, also try to discreetly inform the flight attendant if you can get a change of seat.  Aggressive nudges and dirty looks only escalate the situation and is best avoided. Be aware of airline etiquette that the middle seat occupant has rights to both the armrests.

Photographing locals: - Do ask for permission, if there is language gap, point to your camera and wait for a reaction. Try to strike up a conversation with the subject, ask for a tip or even better, share a laugh.  Don't be too pushy or aggressive, if they refuse, just leave them alone and find someone else to photograph.

Inattentive waiter: - Try to get the attention of another waiter and ask them for help to track down your server. If everything else fails, be ready to speak up and ask for the manager. Don't snap your fingers or wave your napkin  or resort to similar flagrant methods to draw their attention. Also, don't assume it to be bad service, in certain cultures it is customary for waiters to be obstructive as possible and will be attend to you only when called. 

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India - Travel Experiences for 2014

The New Year is truly exciting for travelers – new experiences to try, new people to meet, new food to taste and new horizons to explore. To all those who are reading this piece, resolve to try something new this year and experience a facet of India you have never witnessed before.

The International Kite Festival in Gujarat: - Start the year by gazing at the colour studded sky in Gujarat. Kite flying is serious business in the state, last year; more than 40 countries took part in the Sankranthi kite flying competition. There is a market selling solely kites in Ahmedabad and even a museum dedicated to the sport. With local families making their own versions, the skies are covered in a vibrant flood of colours rendering it the perfect way to ring in the New Year.  Make sure to compare fares in multiple portals before you make online bus ticket booking to Ahmedabad.

Star gazing in Thar: -There is something truly mesmerizing about spending the night in the midst of rolling sand dunes under a canopy of glittering stars. Watch the sun go down and the moon rise while the soulful Sufi singers keep you company.

Riot of colours in Goa: - Come spring and the whole of India erupt in colours to celebrate Holi. But if you want a different take on the festival, head to Goa to experience Shigmo. It is a vibrant village festival replete with revelry and celebration and best part is anyone is welcome to join. Make sure to make your bus ticket booking to Goa well in advance.

Hemmis Festival in Ladakh: - Every summer, travellers come to this icy paradise and on the must visit list is the Hemmis Monastery. However, if you make the trip in June, you can witness the charming festival that the monastery organizes. It is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava and the celebration includes mystic mask dances in the courtyard of the monastery.

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland: - Every December the tribes of Nagaland come together to showcase their culture and arts in a vibrant pageantry. The sheer amount of colour that fills the ground is a treat to the eyes and is a moment you will remember for a long time to come. Book well in advance as the seats get sold out quickly. 

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Cocktails, Beneficial for Health, If Consumed in Right Dose

You would find the internet remain stuffed with articles claiming high about the negative shades of intense alcohol drinking. Most of them target the medical domain that concerns human life. With all grey, the authors’ straight way directs to stay away from consuming alcohol! This article however, targets a whole new phenomenon where your intense desire to party and drink surely sets to get the best booze!

Heavy drinking always affects you brutally taking you down close to the oblivious death. But, what we miss out is its medicinal value. I wonder why people miss out this aspect of alcohols! Yes, you heard it right! These do boost your health if you know the way to deal. For this you don’t need to go to a doctor and get a prescription ready for proper usage. Your limit of drinking will ensure your health get the fit dose!

Alcohols vary in kind and genres. The most popular ones are for obvious reason is the cocktails. On the other hand these special kinds also vary by taste and manufacturing. You would find astonishing to know that cocktail re also prepared from natural extracts making it more herbal and safe. Flowers, fruits and even maize do form an integral ingredient in the manufacture of specialized trendy cocktails.

Cocktails vary in category like that of Pepino Diablo Margarita, Flower Power Sour and Lime in the Coconut. Out of these special kinds Pepino Diablo Margarita takes you back to that sunny beach vacation. So, look no further! The perfectly balanced all natural cocktail with 6x filtered premium coconut infused vodka, tart lime juice and real cane sugar fills the spot of being the true signature cocktails!

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Explore Seychelles with Cheap International Flight Tickets

Seychelles is easily one of the most alluring and magical of the Indian Ocean islands. While its tag as 'millionaire's playground' kept many prospective travellers away, it is slowly shedding its image thanks to the numerous affordable hotels, restaurants and lodges cropping all over the island.  Here are some of the must visit spots in the island. Whats more, increased competition has resulted in numerous carriers offering cheap flight tickets Seychelles.

Praslin :- This is one of the larger islands (12 kilometers long and 5 km wide) and is home the world heritage site,  the Vallée de Mai National Park. Life strolls through the island  at an unhurried and gentle pace, you will witness brightly colored shops selling sailfish sandwiches and banana bread,  villages basking quietly in the afternoon sun and flocks of Bulbuls sing in the trees above. Whilst the island wears a sleepy old town vibe, there is no dearth for activities here. The Vallée de Mai National Park is crisscrossed by numerous walking trails which lead into secret coves and secluded beaches. The reefs surrounding the island is home to scores of jellyfishes and sweetlips. Before you book international air tickets, make sure you compare fares on at least 3- 4 online portals.

Mahe Island  :-   The largest island (27 km long and 8 km wide) in Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria. This dramatic island is dotted with granite outcrops and majestic mountain ranges rising out of the sea. This is one Seychelles island you will never tire of – from secluded beaches, hiking trails, vibrant markets and quaint creole restaurant, Mahe has tons to offer to keep you going.

Denis Islands :- A tiny, flat island that is barely 2 kilometers long where you can bird watch, snorkel,
dive, fish, kayak and parasail amidst stunningly beautiful vistas. It is located some 95 kilometers from Mahe island and is right at the edge of Seychelles bank. The waters surrounding the island is protected by offshore coral reefs which plummet to almost 2000 m which render them perfect for a tranquil dive.

La Digue :-   The island is perfect for a relaxing sunbath, a quiet walk across the beach shore and snorkeling. Though relatively small, the If you seek extreme solitude and seclusion,  you can easily hire a boat and travel to any of the nearer islands.

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