Its dancing time @ Cecar Village Flores- Indonesia

Upon reaching Flores Island, we realized the popularity of Caci dance of Cecar village. Cecar Village is in Manggarai district in Flores Island.
On second day of our visit, we were supposed to visit Cecar Village. It was a cool breezy morning up the hills. Surrounded with picturesque greenery and beautiful views of sea, Cecar village is a beauty in its own. As we reached the venue, there was a traditional welcome ceremony. Dancers group leader welcomed our group leader and there was a pleasant exchange of dialogue between both leaders.

Welcome by the leader

Then we were served sopi drink of palm tree as a welcome drink. 

Exchange of dialogues between our group

This was followed by the most popular Caci dance. There was a balcony area set for us to view the dance. But we were so engrossed with the whole concept of dance and costumes and drum sounds of dance that we sort of got hypnotized and stood where we were to see the magnetic performance.

Caci Dance at Cecar Village

It was a very synchronized performance. After a dialogue, a dancer would stand with vado( chabuk) in front of another dancer who would defend himself with 'Koret' and 'Toda'. This dance symbolizes the harmonious togetherness in a family where the vado signifies the problem and Toda signifies Mother and Koret signifies Father.

Rangkuk Alu Dance

Tiring Mawo Dance pose

Overall a fantastic experience leaving memories of lifetime. It was a great show and one should never miss it. Specially, if you want to know about traditions and culture. I strongly recommend to see this dance performance to everyone visiting Flores Island, Manggarai dostrict

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Nidhi KM

Have you ever tried Crocodile Meat?

When I went to La Vanille Crocodile Park, there were many exotic things to see and experience like whale skeleton, model of Dodo bird, interaction with tortoise, baby crocodile and baby tortoise and many more.

The most interesting thing that we got to experience was crocodile meat. Yes, I am saying crocodile meat. Have you ever tasted it? Or even thought of tasting it in future?

You know first of all, I have always thought of crocodiles, lions, tigers etc as wild untouchable beasts that can harm any common man. But the idea of eating the meat of animals at the top of food chain brings a different feeling altogether. Although I limit myself to only mutton and chicken but tasting the crocodile meat is too adventurous to me. But my colleagues- Jia Singh of Wandering for Wellness and Anurag Mallick of Red Scarab in the FAM were really appreciative of the taste and flavour of it. They said it tastes like chicken. Flavours of it were fantastic. I could actually relate to them as the presentation of crocodile meat was very appealing. I almost ate it. It was clear that there can be many ways to prepare an enticing full meal of crocodile meat.

Crocodile Meat

Crocodile meat is a delicacy in Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. Indian crocodile curry in UK is served as world's hottest dish as per Deccan Chronicle. Crocodile can be had in form of steak, fillets in burgers. There are varied relations to taste - for some it tastes like chicken , some say like crab and some pork. But all in all, its delicious.

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Nidhi KM

Do's and dont's for water sports on beaches

As we love to travel to beach sides, we also need to ensure we take care of our well being. So, try to follow these tips and let us know how they worked for you.

Do's and Dont's of water sports

Do's and Dont's of water sports

1. Know yourself and the sport you are indulging in by checking out videos of the same to get the virtual experience.

2. Its not necessary to know swimming for some water sports like snorkelling, underwater sea walk, subscooter, speed boat and sea karting.

3. Wear swim wear for water sports. Any cotton slacks with shirts would also do for girls. Don't forget to carry your floaters.

4. Know all the required steps of a sport and pay attention and follow instructions of guides.

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Nidhi KM

Sunset @ Flores Island Indonesia

I have seen many memorable and picturesque sunsets in my sojourn as a traveler . Each Sunset has its own beauty. The sunset I saw at Flores Island is mesmerizing specially since it happens by the sea. We had gone to Paradise Restaurant and Bar to witness this mind blowing sunset @ Flores Island. I had not expected such hues that I saw and made memories of lifetime.

Viharin.com- Descending sun

When we reached Paradise Restaurant and Bar, the sun was quite high up in the sky and soon started showing its magic as it started descending. The whole restaurant was full of tourists who had come to see magical sunset.

Sun kissing the sea

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Nidhi KM

Radisson Blu MBD Noida surprises with Privé Collection

Radisson Blu MBD, the only luxurious 5* property in Noida raised people's eyebrows upon launching its Privé Collection. I was curious to see its collection and how differently it will attract people. So, when invited for its launch, I got an opportunity to have a glimpse of the collection.

As I boarded the cab and reached the hotel, authorities took me to see yhis collection on the second floor. There are total 33 rooms under the 'Privé Category'. As I reached the second floor, royalty of luxury was speaking to me. All green and golden coloured traditional epic style carpet and furniture of 1800 era welcomed with its bespoke comfort and regality.

Privé Collection corridor

The first room I saw was a suite with a drawing dining and work desk with eclectically designed with ethnic style furniture of French and Venetian tradition blending with contemporary interiors. I loved the curtains and elegantly embroidered draperies, cushions. Carpets too had royal touch. Overall ambiance of room was speaking out loud of utmost comfort and luxury. The room inside was beautiful and had a strong regal touch.

Prive Suite

Next room Privé Premium was no less. It reflected the Kingdom of grandeur and opulence. Oh, I so wished to stay in that room then and there. I was informed about the white glove dinner service, signature morning tea service and turndown service with signature aroma in bathtub provided in the room. The bath tub was full of rose petals.

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Nidhi KM

Privé Premium

Play with fishes on Underwater Sub scooter, Mauritius

I was thrilled at the thought of going through underwater sub scooter. It was really fascinating. Not knowing swimming, I was a bit afraid but yet was re assuring myself due to trustworthy authorities in Blue - Safari.

Underwater Sub scooter

In a sub scooter drive, the scooter has a cabin with oxygen cylinder fitted. Water covers you till neck when the sub scooter is immersed in water in sea. Cylinder provides continuous oxygen for us to be able to breathe normally. We are made to wear life jackets and special shoes.

Underwater Sub scooter drive

My experience of Underwater Sub Scooter

Before we boarded our sub scooters they were being washed and sanitized by staff. Seats, windows and everything was being closely checked by staff. All life jackets and shoes were put in a drum containing water so they get washed and sanitized.

I was quiet impressed by these procedures. Now it was our turn. We all were told to move to the deck where all four scooters were parked.

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Nidhi KM

Tips to keep kids busy while traveling

When you are travelling with kids, you would alwasys ensure their happiness and that they are all time entertained. Here are few tips from us to make your life a bit easier. I am sure you must be already doing some of these but thought to share as some things become a re enforcement and can be used more frequently.

Activities for kids

Tips to keep kids busy while travelling

1. During your journey, give kids some story books full of pictures so they are excited and also learn new things.

2. Keep magnetic board games like chess, Ludo , snakes n ladders and cards so they can play without any hassles of crowns being misplaced.

3. If in a private vehicle, engage them in  riddles, songs, verbal stories, games like blinking eyes.

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Nidhi KM

Mauritius is one destination that bags the second place on earth to have the most fresh air in the world. The cool breeze, fresh air, greenery and most attractive- sea and beaches together make Mauritius a phenomenal destination.

Peter Both Mountain in Mauritius

When I landed at the airport, airport has got a design on the theme of a bird. Roads are very neat and clean. Very well organized city in terms of routes. Greenery by the side and beaches along create a scenic and refreshing drive.

Top 10 things to do in Mauritius

1. Under water Sea Walk  A mindblowing experience under water sea walk. You have to experience it to enjoy this once in a lifetime. One gets to play with fishes. Underwater walk is a distinctive in nature. You would be worn oxygenated helmets which are heavy when you wear them but have to simply immerse in water as soon as it is on your shoulders. Good sign language is used by instructors as no one can hear underwater. So, one must carefully listen and understand instructions. Dont worry at all if you dont know swimming. You get to wear life jackets plus there are two three instructions under sea. You actually get to walk on the sea bed which is not so deep.

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Nidhi KM

Top 10 Road Safety tips by Viharin.com

We all travel either by train, by air, by sea and by car. While all means of transport have got their own charms but drive on the road has its unique characteristic of its own. We can always not choose to drive depending join our personal situation or even whether conditions. However, whenever we plan to drive , to ensure we have a safe and happy journey, we should take care of some important things. Although I wrote an article earlier on highway driving but that was more oriented towards healthy and safe driving. This article gives you an angle to behave in an emergency situation.

Top 10 Road Safety tips

1. Always start early in the morning. Preferably not before that as most of the crimes happen in odd hours. 4am is good as you get to avoid traffic and also there is enough traffic on the road so chances of mishaps are less
2. Never open the window till its day light because you never know who can suddenly take advantage of it

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Nidhi KM

When Sun set and Moon rise together @ Cherapunjee

Cherrapunjee that records highest rainfall in India is a place not to be missed. I have read
about it in my geography books during my childhood. I Used to wonder about the beauty of this place. When we decided to travel to the North Eastern part of India, it was a wise decision that we took to visit Cherrapunjee. While I will be writing a separate article on Cherrapunjee this article is about spectacular views in sky when sun set and Moon rise together. Cherrapunjee being a place of stunning views of magnificent mountains, it was actually an awe inspiring scenery when the sun was setting and moon was rising. We were fortunate to have experienced those divine moments.

Sun set

This was the first scene during Sun set. By thus time we had not realized that Moon too is smiling on the other end.

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Nidhi KM

Orangish Hues

What a beauty!!

How to prepare Wicked Vanilla, a twisted dessert

This time when I went to Mauritius , I was trying varied adventurous things including water sports, zip line and even food thrills. Food was one of the important focus as I was eating Japanese, Mauritian and more. I was never disappointed whenever I savoured desserts. One of the unique things that I tried was Vanilla scoop with chillies. I liked the concept. Immediately I thought of experimenting this dessert further by augmenting it with a dash of salt, sourness and some sugar syrups.

Upon coming home, I tried some thrills with Vanilla ice cream and the final creation is named as Wicked Vanilla.

Wicked Vanilla

Recipe of Wicked Vanilla

Ingredients required

1. 4 scoops Vanilla ice cream
2. 1/3rd spoon salt or salt to taste 

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Nidhi KM

Madrid Spain to host IIFA 2016 Awards

I always look forward to IIFA awards. Whole of my family gets glued to the TV during IIFA awards. The 17th Edition of IIFA, IIFA 2016 is all set to celebrate with multiple festivities across Cinema, Fashion, Dance and Music From 23rd-26th June 2016 In Madrid, Spain marking the 60th anniversary celebration of India & Spain diplomatic relations. Announcement of the celebration was held at ITC Maurya Delhi. 

IIFA 2016 Celebrations announcement

IIFA 2016 in Madrid, Spain is a much awaited event. Specially, Spain as a destination is one of its kind in the world with lovely beaches, splendid hills, breathtaking desserts and chilling snowey areas. All in one at a single destination! Wow! Indians are going to enjoy its views while sitting at home! Lovely. While our stars Anil Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Sonakshi Sinha went to Madrid, it was a mob of crowd awaiting to see them.

Madness in Madrid as shown by IIFA

As our stars rock the show at IIFA, Spain gets to know about the Indian culture and variety of movies. It will be an amalgamation of culture, showbizz and diversity.

IIFA 2016 to witness power-packed performances by Bollywood superstars- Salman Khan Photo IIFA Photo by IIFA

An opportunity to mingle. As the Tourism authority of Spain Mr. Luis Cueto, Coordinador General de la Alcaldía de Madrid mentioned, we are friendly people and looking forward to the glorious event. He said, we are thrilled to host IIFA 2016

Mr. Luis Cueto, Coordinador General de la Alcaldía de Madrid

Agenda of IIFA 2016 @Madrid, Spain

So, looking forward to the show! Wiz Sabbas Joseph- Director – Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd formally welcomed Indian Audiences to the IIFA 2016.

Wiz Sabbas Joseph- Director – Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd

Friends of IIFA, Anil Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar invited all to enjoy IIFA 2016 Awards to Spain. The show will be telecasted on one and only Colours TV. The agenda is going to be like this.

Agenda for IIFA 2016 as shown by IIFA

Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor will co host the IIFA awards ceremony in Madrid Spain.

IIFA Awards 2016 Hosts Charismatic Bollywood Actors Farhan Akhtar & Shahid Kapoor - Photo Courtesy IIFA

Videocon d2h IIFA weekend 2016 festivities will include the FICCI - IIFA Business Forum , IIFA Stomp in collaboration with MULAFEST Urban Trends Festival

There would be jaw dropping performances by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha, among others

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Nidhi KM

Bollywood stars ; Photograph courtesy IIFA