Customer delight

"We are not talking to each other, but we don't mind posing for you" This could be one of the captions that I could think of after clicking this sunset picture at Colaba.

They were actually posing for me, because after clicking when I started walking, they too started walking with me. Sunset is a good opportunity to click good pictures, like these kids having a lively chat while the sun goes down.

While clicking I saw this lighthouse, which came into existence in  1770.  This is situated at the prong of Colaba.

When the Portuguese occupied the island of Bombay in the 16th century they built a watchtower on the Old woman's island (Colaba)

Later it was. modified into a lighthouse by the British in 1770. It was further improved in 1800 by a powerful wick lamp.This was the first major lighthouse in British India followed by one in Madras in the same year.

After many changes in the lamp, in 2008 it got its present 70 Watt metal Halide lamp.
Not much has changed in the Marinedrive area of Mumbai. Like this font from the 50s still stands as a sign board in the area.

Some of the buildings with rounded corners which I have seen in the early 60s, still stands.

The heritage structure next to Churchgate station stands in all its glory with the tricolour and the ever present yellow taxis of Mumbai justapositioned in the front. Incidentally I found that the taxis are cheaper than the Uber.

Years have gone by but the buying and selling power of this simple flower lady remains the same (not far from the Sensex office)

The bus service by BEST keeps improving as the years go by. Like they have seperate lines for gents and ladies (ladies from the front)

In the bus I was highly impressed by the conductor's interaction with the passengers, always jovial and happy, cracking a joke here and there. One lady did not know where to alight, but had the address on her phone. The conductor took the phone from her and had a look at the address. Then he opened google map on her phone and fed in the location on the map. From the route he got the stop which was closest to her destination and issued a ticket accordingly. All this with a smile. I would call this as customer delight.

When in Manipal

When in Manipal, you can have a relaxed cruise in the backwaters and witness the confluence of the Suvarna river joining the Arabial sea.

Or witness a mythological skit in action

But one must not miss the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum. This is not an ordinary museum but are houses that have been transplanted from various parts of the country.

It is not only the houses but artefacts too have also been moved.

A guide will accompany you explaining each and every item with some interesting stories.
For example here is a stone on which history was written, but then it is interesting to know how the stone had a transformation in between. You can hear it from the guide himself in the video.

Here is a table with chairs for the zamindar and the praja. It is worth noticing that the zamindar's chair is higher than the praja's chair

A cradle designed for twins

One of the oldest Harmonium where pedals helped in pushing the wind. I noticed that it is a folding type where it will fit into that box.

When you enter the Mudhol Palace Durbar hall, don't miss the water trough to wash your feet before entering the durbar hall courtyard.

The Deccani Nawab Mahal had a cast iron spiral staircase too.

I noticed that there was music playing in each house, but it was not piped music centrally played and common for all. The Mangalore Christian house had English music, whereas some other houses had carnatic music.

The Kunjur Chowkimane was built in the architectural style of Kerala based from the 15th century. The plan of the structure follows a Mandala. The basic house module is Nalukettu. (Nalu is 4 and kettu is Wings)
Noticed an old projector hanging on a wall in one of the houses, probably worked with a petromax.

Some houses had ergonomically designed seats that ventilate as well as ensure privacy on the first floor.

Trellis of windows were designed with a purpose

The dead body carrier for muslims is also preserved

We got a lot of information from our guide Mr Sushanth who was patient enough to explain everything in detail. I was also happy to see many school children visiting the place. This is the right time for them to learn history with the objects/houses in front of them.

This tree must have witnessed many changes that have happened in this museum during the course of time.

When watching the video, turn on the subtitles to understand better.

The Bhutan I saw

Bhutan has compulsory military training for one year, known as Gyalsung. All the young boys and girls you see in this orange dress are actually undergoing training.

The number of vehicles on the roads are very less. Almost all roads are alongside a river which has clean flowing water.

I never saw any vehicle exceeding the speed limit of 55. There are no traffic lights throughout the country and the zebra crossing is well respected by all drivers. There is a cop at every cross road.

Children returning after school. Girls are more when it comes to the boy to girl ratio.

A phone number is provided at the bus stop. Probably to ring and ask about the next bus?

Even if the roads are narrow, there is also a narrow footpath provided so that the pedestrians can walk safely.

If you visit the Post Office you can get custom made stamps which you can affix on letters/postcards and send to any part of the world.

Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. The constitution of Bhutan mandates the country to preserve at least 60% of forest cover at all times. (the actuals as of now is 71%)

A Guinness world record was achieved when they planted 108,000 trees in an hour to commemorate the birth of His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck by 100 volunteers in Thimphu.
Houses are well planned and with sloping roofs.

Almost all the houses are made of wood (wood obtained from controlled cutting of trees)

Farming is the common occupation (mostly rice and potatoes)

While having lunch, from the window I could see the farmers processing their rice grain. Could also see some tourists showing a keen interest in the process.

They conserve their produce to last longer like this guy was slitting the chillies to be dried which can be used during winter.

Dochula pass is an interesting place. They say that on a clear day one can see the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas. Unfortunately when we went it was foggy and misty. (and cold)

At the pass I saw an artisan standing on a scaffold and painting a perfect circle without a template

This Raven was posing for me as if to say "I am the National bird"

Scaling the Tigers Nest is not an easy task, but two from our group did it.

When in Bhutan one must not miss the black necked Cranes Karma and Pema.

Have made a video on them.
Plane landing in Paro is a highlight which one must not miss. Wrote a seperate blog on it.
Our guide said that during the Covid lockdown period when they were jobless, the King supported them by giving 10000 BTN per month.
Saw this message on a cross road in Phuentsholing and it says it all: "Where we live must be clean, safe, organised and beautiful, for national integrity, national pride, and for our bright future. This too is nation building."

I am sure all those who visit Bhutan must be going back home with one question "Why can't our country be like this?"