Hyderabad, India

Sights from Hyderabad, India.

Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, US

Over the past weekend, winter storm on the east coast had dumped a good two feet of snow on the ground making this Christmas morning a very white Christmas. Morning traditions included unwrapping presents, exchanging greetings, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa and preparing for a short road trip to observe a unique American event. The annual commemoration of Washington crossing the Delaware River in historic Washington Crossing park. 

George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware river on Christmas day in 1776. It was a first move in the surprise attack and win against the Hessian forces of Trenton. 

The 900 acre park in New Jersey and Pennsylvania is separated by the narrow Delaware River and is about a 1.5 hour drive from New York City.

As you drive to the park, one observes participant actors of the event beginning to assemble in small groups with their costumes. There are troops, oarsmen and cannon crew. A family event, parents explain the historic event to children, take pictures and listen to interesting stories with the costumed participants. Actors are friendly to share their roles and contributions during the event.

Re-creation of the event began at 1pm after speeches by the park authority and a congressman. Announcement of a grant of $400K from Lockheed-Martin to the park is applauded by the crowd. I learn later, the event was on the brink of cancellation because of lack of funds and current recession.

With the crowd standing in chilly weather behind red, white and blue ropes (yes, it is symbolic) actor portraying George Washington arrives with his troops. Apparently there is a selection process a la American Idol to chose "George Washington" of the year.  Observers nearby whisper how demoralized the troops were during that time and there are references to Thomas Paine and Common Sense.

George Washington after initial consultation with his officers addresses his troops...

".. These are times that try men's souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph... " 

Source: Thomas Paine - American Crisis

Upon completion of his address the troops along with their cannons cross the Delaware River in their Durham boats.

Some points of interest in the park....Johnson Ferry House believed to be where Washington and his officers discussed the strategy, now has artifacts that represent 18th century life. Durham boat house nearby has replicas of heavy wooden 50 ft boats, which were originally used to transport 5-15 tons of products including iron ore and McConkey's Ferry inn, a guards post during Continental Army's 1776 camping in Bucks County.

Year after year, this traditional enactment attracts visitors from around the country. Great commemorative event to reflect on events this day in American history.

    

Car festival - Mangalore, India

Nested between Arabian sea and the western mountain ranges is west coast city of Mangalore. Tropical climate, canopy of coconut trees, clay tiled roofs and backwaters of two major rivers completes this picturesque laid back city.



With the pleasant spring season nearing its end in the last week of January, the city prepares for an immense pomp and show of the renowned car festival (called "Rathothsava" Rath=Car, Utsava=festival/celebration) lasting 6 days.



The "car", a wooden chariott, decorated with flags, seasonal flowers and bright colored lights is pulled by hundreds of devotees along the main street.







A religious festival for the Hindus, the car festival attracts over 100,000 people from the neigbhorhood cities. Bronze and silver idols/statues of the worshipped deities are carried on the shoulders using a gold jewelry decked palanquin.


Worshipping devotees present their offerings of flowers, fresh fruits, and "aartis" (lighted lamp or camphor) accompanied by ringing bells as a hindu ritual with spiritual significance.



People, old and young, converge at the temples to celebrate this unique annual festival with extreme enthusiasm.

Streets are lined with vendors selling all kinds of interesting wares and coastal cuisine. It is also an occasion to meet with friends and extended families.

A tradition that began in 1735 A.D. thrives amongst ongoing cultural, political and economic changes

Ibirapuera Park - Sao Paulo

One of the things you hear constantly from Paulistanos (people from Sao Paulo) is complains about being in traffic. Rightly so! Driving in Sao Paulo is like driving in Mumbai or in New York City with a twist.. large number of motorcyclists driving between lanes. Adventurous for some, business as usual for the locals .. and fatal accidents waiting to happen.

After all the hectic driving and a day at the office, Ibirapuera (EE-bee-Rah-Pooh-era) park is a welcome escape. It is Sao Paulo's version of Central Park. Spread over 400 acres, the park has several 2-4 mile walk/bike trails, bicycles to rent and pickup soccer games to interest the Pele in you.

A flying saucer shaped planetarium and a newly built auditorium gives visitors avenues to explore with traveling exhibits and outdoor concerts on Sundays. An outdoor library lends books (some in English) for park reading.

Park is within walking distance of major hotels in Moema area.

Bridge over Pinheiros - Sao Paulo

Driving into city of Sao Paulo one can see this tall X-shaped steel structure from several miles away. As you get closer the 450ft tall bridge over river Pinheiros looks imposing.

I find out later that it is the longest curved suspension bridge in the world.

Opened just over a year ago, it has quickly become a tourist attraction.

Officially named the Octavio Oliveira bridge in memory of a newspaper tycoon, locals prefer to call it Ponte Estaida - "suspended bridge", in Portuguese.

At the Hilton Morumbi (Av. das Nações Unidas), East/North side (and higher floors,15 and above) has great views of the bridge.

During the holidays the bridge is lit with large star shaped lights.




Grand bridge in a great city !

Praca de Republica - Sao Paulo

After a long cab ride from the hotel, my friends and I reached Praca de Republica. A Sunday market in Sao Paulo for local traders to share their wares and is quite busy. Concierge at the hotel advised us on pickpockets, bustling local populace and all that.

I have found some parts of Sao Paulo very alike to Mumbai, India particularly the residential areas of Moema, Villa Madelena and others. These areas are pedestrian friendly and are generally very safe. I digress.. back to Praca..

Streets near Praca de Republica ("Republic Square") did not appear very safe .. just a perception. You will find everything here, fast food (mostly from Rio area), brazilian music, merchants selling art that could easily fetch $500+ in NYC or Chicago for a hundredth of the price !

We were ably guided by a friend who is local to the area and she was brilliant in explaining us history, helping us negotiate price (ok, haggle!) and help us choose local spicy delicacies.

If you have the patience to walk the streets in busy areas and check out local artifacts in a bazaar, this may be the place on a Sunday morning.

Delicious seafood in Sao Paulo

My Brazilian friends introduced me to a variety of seafood. Two of my favorites are :

1. Cassaon or Casaun - a local fish that is absolutely delicious

2. Casquinha de Siri - a Rio preparation of soft shell crab meat in a spicy mix

Loved both of them, will try it again

Beleza!!

Old City Jerusalem and Yad Vashem

Hotel concierge offered 3 different day tours of old city Jerusalem and museums, returning by 4:30pm local time to the hotel. Ideal for me as I catch a late evening flight back to the United States. I picked one of the guided day tours for about $100. Personalized and comfortable air conditioned van, only 4 other tourists and a loquacious tour guide. Perfect !

We drove for about 45 minutes from the hotel and through modern city of Jerusalem stopping at Mount of Olives before we reached the parking area of Old City. On way the tour guide explained that we were driving about 10 miles away from Israeli border with Jordan.




The panoramic views of old city from Mount of Olives is picturesque. The thought of visiting Jerusalem has been on my mind for a long time now and I was visibly excited. The fortified ramparts of the city could be seen as we approached the Jaffa gate.

As we walk through the Jewish and Armenian quarters, one notices changing cultural and architectural features.

Past the Zion gate, we walked to Mount of Zion. Here is the location of the house where Christ held his last supper. The large room about 15ft X 30ft has a combination of architectures indicating changes to the structure through the centuries.



We then walked to Mount Moriah and Western Wailing Wall (most sacred Jewish site). Men and women need to cover their head, knees and and shoulders to visit inside as sign of respect. Tour guide explained the wishing wall and suggested we make a wish and insert wish notes in cracks of the wall. Done ! Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock was next.



In the Christian quarters, I saw several groups of pilgrims walking the Via Dolorosa carrying a large cross. I must say the weaving thoughts from Passion of the Christ movie and traversing Via Dolorosa was a once in a lifetime experience due to the proximity of the original events here and reflection.



Chapel of flagellation and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre were next.




The atmosphere at Holy Sepulchre (tomb of Jesus) was surreal with pin drop silence as waves of crowd walked in and out with reverence. We exited through Lions gate.





Stopped for a quick bite of Shawarma at a restaurant in the alleys with a bazaar nearby presenting an opportunity to pick a souvenir or two.

I strongly recommend you walk the ramparts (close to Jaffa gate) for amazing views of both old city and new city, the alleys, the mysticism surrounding this historical place and a perspective of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Armenian confluence in this area.

Put on your walking shoes before you embark on this tour. You may walk for little over 5 hours.

We then began driving into the New City and stopped at Yad Vashem the Holocaust Museum on our return segment. I will write next on my tour and experience at this amazing place.

Our tour guide Gilli was outstanding! She was very well compensated in tips for a super effort.

Tel Aviv - David Intercontinental hotel by the sea

Nice view of the mediterranean sea from my room. Should be a nice stay; have to prepare tomorrow for an important Client meeting. Looking forward to enjoying the cultural richness of the city !

Tel Aviv - Ben Gurion international airport

Reached our hotel David Intercontinental after my flight from the US into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion international airport. As advised, I had signed up for the VIP service to be escorted from the arrival gate to the waiting limo outside the airport via a quick stop at customs. Typically this takes about 4 hours if you do not avail the special service; was worth the $.

Impressive airport !

Surprised to hear from the customs officials that US citizens have an option to get their passports stamped (or not) from Israeli authorities when you enter the country.

I carried mixed opinions about the city while traveling from airport to the hotel. Quite a juxtaposition of modern architectures co-located with delapidated houses and stores. As it was a weekend, there was minimal traffic. Limo driver was courteous and quite engaging in explaining the city, history, areas to visit etc.

Did you know all Israeli citizens have to undergo 2 years of mandatory armed forces training once they are 18. Isn't that an interesting concept?