New York Skyline

When visiting New York a trip on the Staten Island Ferry is a must.

And no matter how many times I'm on that ferry, it's always a big thrill to see the New York skyline fade or appear.

Here is a pic of the skyline taken from the ferry as it pulled out of Manhatten.

Southern Hemisphere's largest wooden building

The Old Government Building, Wellington, New Zealand that now houses the Victoria University's Law School, is the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world.

It is also the first building in the world to have a smoke free policy. Because of the threat of fire, workers were not allowed to smoke inside the building.

This picture was taken from 16 floors up. Wasn't sure if the pic would turn out clear enough but just took a chance.  (click on the picture to enlarge)

Links:  Old Government Building

The Steepest street in the world

Dunedin is a pretty city with spectacular views, the home of New Zealand's Cadbury Chocolate factory, Larnach Castle and Baldwin street.

This is Baldwin Street, Dunedin, considered to be the steepest residential street in the world.

Links:
Baldwin Street, Dunedin

FMTSO - Handmade - the Paan

Recycling an old post for this week at Friday My Town Shoot Out - Handmade


Making the perfect paan (betel leaf) is an art.

An Indian meal usually ends with a paan, the most popular being the Meetha Maghai.

I am not a fan of the paan (probably the exception to the rule) but those who love it truly Love it.

Here is the legendary Paanwalla (betel leaf vendor) creating the Meetha Maghai outside the Joss Restaurant in Mumbai.

 

Wellington's Te Papa

The Te Papa is the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington.

There are some amazing exhibits at the Te Papa but the one that I find the most interesting is the base isolator

Here is a picture of the Te Papa taken from Queens Wharf .

Links:  Te Papa Wikipedia      About the Te Papa   



Also check out my other Wellington posts:
  Beautiful Wellington      The Coolest Little Capital in the World

Mumbai's Sealink

Mumbai is a fascinating city. I love it and I love going back to visit.

But the traffic is chaotic and driving from the suburbs into the city is a nightmare.  

Not any more. Thanks to the Sealink.

This photo was taken as we drove over the Sealink. I took this picture for the kid.

The mini whiteboard

A mini whiteboard is extremely versatile and a handy thing to have.

The kid amassed a mountain of paper while revising for exams.  So many trees were destroyed  :(

A mini whiteboard came to the rescue.

Paper saved and Maths learned. And the kid got great marks too  :)

The Rose

Flowers are so pretty. But the rose is beautiful.

I love roses. And this one appeared on Valentine's day this year (picture was taken a few days later).

Red roses mean sincere love and respect, passion and courage.

Red roses say "I love you".

One rose means "Love at first sight. You are the one".

So is this a gift and a message from the Universe?  I hope so 'cos I love it!

Links:  Roses - colours and numbers

Check out my other blog   Someday Somewhere

a blog on my life experiences, quotes, inspiration, the universe, spiritual, poetry etc.

The Bay Bridge

In my previous post I had mentioned the kid's fascination with bridges.

Here's another one in San Francisco - The Bay Bridge.

Strangely enough, the kid loved this one rather than the Golden Gate Bridge.

This pic was taken from outside the military base - Treasure Island exit.

Golden Gate Bridge

The kid is fascinated with bridges so everywhere we go, we take pictures of them.

Here are some pics of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

The mists often roll into the bay but we were so lucky. Both the days in San Francisco were sunny and clear.

This one is taken from Telegraph Hill.

The Coolest little Capital in the world

Lonely Planet named Wellington "the coolest little capital in the world" in its "Best in travel 2011" guidebook.

Check it out here

How cool is that!

This pic of Wellington is taken from Mt Victoria.

Beautiful Wellington

Known as the Harbour Capital, Wellington, New Zealand is the most beautiful city in the world (that's what I think).

And the Cable Car in Wellington is a "must do".

It takes you on an interesting ride from Wellington's main street, Lambton Quay, to the Botanical Gardens.

And from the Botanical Gardens you get some spectacular views of Wellington.

This picture is taken from the Botanical Gardens as the cable car heads back to Lambton Quay.

Links:  Cable Car 

George Washington Bridge

I love visiting New York.

It's a fascinating city of bridges and tall buildings.

The George Washington Bridge connects New York and New Jersey across the Hudson River.

This photo is taken from Yonkers at dusk.

I wasn't sure how this would turn out as I had to zoom quite a bit.  But it turned out pretty good. Well I think so anyway.

Washing Windows

I guess washing windows can be fun.

The kid had a blast doing this window.

I now have an ever ready window washer.

India's Big Ben

India's Big Ben is Mumbai's Rajabai Tower built in the late 1800s during British rule in India.

The British built many beautiful buildings in Mumbai. I'll post some more pictures at a later date.

I love this photo as it captures not just the tower, but the Oval Maidan and the beautiful Palm Trees that surround it. I think that Palm Trees are just so elegant.

This photo was taken from the car as we stopped in traffic. 

Links:  Rajabai Tower   Oval Maidan

A Beloved Classroom

On a recent visit to my hometown, I went back to school to re-live some amazing moments.

35 years later, my classroom looks pretty much the same except that it's back to front now and blackboards have been replaced by whiteboards.

Here is my beloved classroom - a place that is filled with beautiful memories and great times.

Mumbai's iconic monuments

The Taj Mahal Hotel and the Gateway of India are two of Mumbai's landmark monuments.

The Taj Mahal Hotel holds many memories of yesteryears and is a place I visit each time I'm in Mumbai.

This picture was taken from a speedboat on my way back from Alibaug.

Links

Gateway of India   The Taj Mahal Hotel    Alibaug

The Santa

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year.

This Santa provided tons of fun for all of us.  It was a special gift to my dad from his grandchildren. It brought a smile to his face each time he watched it go up and down.

This is a special pic. A reminder of the last Christmas I spent with my dad. He passed away soon after.

Sunsets

I love sunsets.

There's something magical about the moment the sun dips into the ocean.

The sunsets in Mumbai are just spectacular.

Here is my favourite Canon sunset moment in Mumbai.