Walking Through Old DeIhi

Enjoyed the movie Delhi6.The story is shown against the backdrop of the ancient city of Delhi (which is totally different from New Delhi). The city is almost a character in itself, representing the chaos of India, the people, their religions and their beliefs.
It reminded me of my recent visit to Delhi. I really enjoyed the visit especially to Old Delhi. If you fly into Delhi, you will inevitably end up in New Delhi. This section of the city is very modern with wide and organized roads. And you will not find the ancient Indian charm. But if you want to know and explore real India then you need to visit Old Delhi. Old Delhi is where the action is. Still surrounded by crumbling city walls and three surviving gates, the vibrant, bustling Shahjahanabad, built over a period of 10 years by Emperor Shah Jahan , is very much a separate city. The streets are a chaotic mass of markets with hundreds of people moving around. Old Delhi is inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population whose lives revolve around work and the local mosque, much as it was a century ago.
The best way to see Old Delhi is to catch an auto rickshaw to the Red Fort and then just start wandering around the bazaars and old markets. Or take the metro or taxi to Chandni Chowk. I took the metro. The metro is by far the fastest way to get anywhere in Delhi if you and your destination are near a stop. If you end up taking the metro get off at Chandni Chowk Metro Station. From there take a rickshaw to Red Fort. I found it surprising that they charge per person, Rs10 till Red Fort. So we paid Rs20(for myself n my husband).The Chandni Chowk is one of the busiest market in Delhi. It dates back to 1638. Walking through the narrow lanes you find gold and silver smiths,tailors, spicy street food vendors, sweet shops, gift shops....... just name it.
The Red Fort also know as Lal Qila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. It is a popular tourist site, as well as a powerful symbol of India's sovereignty. The Prime Minister of India raises the national flag of India on the rampant of the Lahori Gate of the fort complex every year on Independence Day(August 15).
Just opposite the fort is the Digambar Jain Temple, the oldest shrine of the Jain religion in Delhi. Initially built in 1526, much alteration and renovation have been made to the original structure. Erected in red sandstone, Digambar Jain Temple is commonly known as Lal Mandir. Located next to the Digambar Jain Temple, is 800 year old Gauri Shankar Temple. Even before you reach the temple you can smell it, literally, owing to the several flower shops in the vicinity selling flowers to offer to the deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses an approximately 800-year old brown lingam, made up of phallus stone. The Lingam is encircled by snakes and represents a "cosmic pillar, the center of universe, the life itself". There are bejeweled statues of Gauri (Goddess Parvati) and Shankar (Lord Shiva), standing beneath the silver canopy, inside the main shrine. Along with these idols, are the idols of their sons, Ganesh (the elephant headed god) and Kartik, (the god of war).Then you can stop at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. A Sikh pilgrimage, was built on the land where the Mughals in 1675 AD martyred the Sikh Guru,Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. In Sis Ganj Gurudwara you can witness the trunk of the big tree below which the Guru was martyred. You will be expected to hand over your shoes, wash your hands and feet, and if you are a lady, cover your head with a scarf before entering the gurudwara. A further ahead is parathewali gali, probably the most famous street in old Delhi, known for its stuffed parathas. A little ahead is the Town hall, built by the British and now the office of the MCD. On the street just behind the Gurdwara Sisganj and Sunehri Masjid on Chandni Chowk is Delhi's largest market dealing in wedding accessories. This is the Kinari Bazaar. Even if you don’t have any plans for marketing, just go for window shopping. You will love it! Then halt at Fatehpuri Mosque or Fatehpuri Masjid as it is popularly called in Delhi. It is on the opposite end of Red Fort across the Chandni Chowk. Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan's wives, built Fatehpuri Masjid in 1650. The majestic structure is primarily built of red sandstone, typical of all the buildings of that era. This is one of the oldest surviving mosques in India that has only one dome. The later Mughal architecture encouraged multi-domed masjid. The masjid has three gates. Khari Baoli is in the north end gate and Katra Baryan is the south gate. Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha is celebrated in a grand way in the Fatehpuri Masjid. If you want and have time you can stop at St. James' Church, also known as Skinner's Church. Built in 1836 by Colonel James Skinner, is one of the oldest churches in Delhi. The dome of the St. James Church bears a close resemblance to the dome of the Florence Cathedral in Venice in Italy. You are sure to get a lot of peace and solace in the quiet and serene surroundings of this church. Located amidst beautiful gardens, the St. James Church is not just an architectural marvel of historical relevance but it is an experience of the simple, the pure and the ethereal. Then stop at Khari Baoli. Khari Baoli is the Asia's largest wholesale spice market. It can be reached by taking the Khari Baoli road (towards western direction) after crossing the Fatehpuri Masjid on the western end of the main Chandni Chowk Road. It is very popular among tourist as they find it very interesting and unique. Keep going until you reach Dariba Kalan, the oldest and main market for jewelry. Don’t forget to bargain if you plan to buy. Don't worry. Go away, they will call you back and drop the price. Go south down Dariba Kalan to reach Jama Masjid, India's largest and best known mosque. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. I visited Old Delhi on December28, 2009. As it was Eid on that day, I was lucky to see the celebration in front of Jama Majid. Then you can head west down Chawri Bazaar for brass and copper icons and other souvenirs. Then up Nai Sarak, the linking road between main Chandni Chowk road and Chawri Bazar. It is Delhi's largest wholesale and retail market of school and college textbooks. Then head south to Churiwali Galli, the "lane of bangle-sellers," and make a final stop at Karim's to sample the authentic Mughlai cooking that has kept patrons coming back for over 100 years.
Just opposite Jama Majid , in the narrow lanes you will find many food vendors. It is unhygienic but I am sure you won't find such finest taste anywhere in the world. Just try it out!

Q8 ready to Welcome National Day n Liberation Day

The streets, government buildings n offices, private residences are all decorated with lights and national flag to celebrate Kuwait's 49Th National day and 19Th Liberation Day.
National Day, on February 25, marks the foundation of Kuwait as a country in 1961 and Liberation Day, on February 26, commemorates the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation. They are two of the most significant days in Kuwait's calender and is celebrated with much fervour in Kuwait each year. These two days are national holidays.
Plan to go out on these two days and see how Kuwaiti's celebrate. Will post more later.

Water Tanks, Q8

With blue and white stripes, they are another fascinating landmark in Kuwait. Don't be surprise, you will find lot of them in Kuwait.

Horse Racing Track,Q8

We had no plans to return home so soon, so decided to go to the Horse Racing Track. When Jeet, my husband suggested, I was delighted. It was my first visit to a horse racing track, though I had seen it in Hindi movies. It is on the 6Th Ring Road, just few minutes drive from the Hunting and Equestrian Club (which offers a long list of activities including bowling, basketball, tennis and swimming; but equestrian sports are a definite focus) and Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Armed Forces Hospital. The Equestrian Club is located near Kuwait's new golf club, the Sahara Club, which also houses a five star restaurant and spa. Now coming to the Horse Racing Track, surprisingly there was no one, though a car was parked in the parking area. No security guard, no people at the office. May be because it was lunch time. Anyway we explored the place. Took few photos. Just next to the track was the golf course where few people were enjoying their afternoon game. Near the track is a International Horse Care Clinic, Arabian Horse Center (which we visited and was greatly impressed by this oldest and versatile breed)and Military Equestrian Range.

Kuwait International Fair Ground, Mishref

Our next destination was the International Fair Ground at Mishref.Established in 1971, there is always some type of exhibition going on all throughout the year. For more information you can check http://www.kif.net/. We first visited Hall 4A n 4B where exhibition of cloths, accessories, toys and dry fruits were going on. When we reached the hall around 1pm,few stalls were already closing for lunch. By the time we came to Hall8 at 1.45, where the jewellery exhibition was going on it was already close. The security person informed that it will reopen at 5pm.We had visited Mishref many times but in the evenings. I never speculated that it will remain close like Kuwait markets in the afternoon for lunch. Anyway we learnt our lesson.

Riggae,Q8

Today decided to explore Riqqae and visit Hotel Ramada which is in the Riqqae area.Last few months we did hear a lot about the hotel....India Edu Fair, Indian Doc's Meet etc. Now its in news again for the ‘India Homes Fair’, an exclusive property exhibition for Non-resident Indians. We had never visited Riggae before. I found it like any other self contained area in Kuwait. Ramada Hotel, a five star hotel of Kuwait is 10min away from the Kuwait City and 10min to the Kuwait International Airport. The fair attracted lot of Indians and we met few friends.We visited few developers and gathered information on some projects.A total of 23 leading developers exhibiting over 100 projects from all across India including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Pune amongst other cities took part in the fair.

Thakkar Restaurant, Q8

I was eagerly waiting for the weekend to go to Salmiya. Guess why? I wanted to have chat. And where can you find the perfect Indian taste in Kuwait, other than in Thakkar. It is a very popular fast food vegetarian Indian restaurant in Kuwait.During weekends there is so much rush that you will have to sit in your car or pack and bring home.I could not find a place to sit so decided to pack three varieties of chat and have them leisurely at home. The prices are reasonable and the quantity is satisfying. Next to Thakkar is another Indian fast food restaurant, Amman. The restaurants are in the Essa Al Katami Street, Salmiya.

The Bedouin Craft

My visit to Al Sadu House, the home of traditional weaving of the desert, in Kuwait has reinforced my feeling that the world is a small place.“Al Sadu” is a term used by the Bedouins to mean their weaving process, the woven objects and the ground loom. Bedouins are the nomadic inhabitants of the desert generally referring to the nomads of Arabia (Saudi Arabia), Negev (Israel) and Sinai (Egypt). They are recognized by their nomadic lifestyle, specific dialect, social structure, culture and their weaving. The nomadic Bedouins live in tents that are woven by their women folk. These tents are special in the sense that it has to weather the harsh desert winds of summer and winter with extreme temperature conditions that raise dust storms from time to time. Hence they use a variety of materials for weaving which include sheep’s wool, goat and camel hair, cotton and man made fibers. These animals are part of their existence in the harsh desert environment. Wool weaving is one of the oldest crafts practiced by the Bedouins. They mainly use wool from their herds to produce many utilitarian items that suit the Bedu migratory lifestyle. Most important items are their black tent or “Bayt al Shaar”, dividers inside the tent, storage bags, clothes, camel seats, rugs, cushions, decorative piece, animal trappings etc. The goat yarn which is the most difficult to spin is used for weaving tents, because of its oily texture. Their crafts require a high degree of dexterity and skill. Their weaving skill is appreciated within the community and competitions among women are organized to find the best weaver who is given the title “Urfa” meaning victorious.
The Al Sadu house in Kuwait was established in 1979, to protect and preserve the Bedouin crafts from extinction in the wake of changes brought about by modernization. In Sadu House, experts work with weavers to better and preserve the craft. The house is beautifully decorated with handicrafts, potteries and weaving looms. There’s also provision to show a short movie to visitors about Bedouin’s craft. One can also purchase Bedouin textiles or wall hangings from Sadu House.
But what struck me when I saw the craft is its similarity with Naga handicrafts of India. Both the communities use similar patterns and geometrical designs. The Bedouins also uses patterns like camel insignia, desert utensils etc, that reflect the life of the desert. Wool is also extensively used in their weaving to protect them from the biting desert cold of the winter season. Again like the Nagas they also use the combination of red, black, white wool and cotton threads. Isn’t it strange that one community living in the Arabian Deserts and another in remote North Eastern hills of India have similar weaving techniques and patterns?The globalized nature of their work is also reflected by the resemblance of their work with Rajasthani handicrafts. The Bedouin makes extensive use of beads in their weavings which is similar to the handicrafts from Rajasthan. The ‘bisht (men’s cloak) embroidery’ of the Bedouins is similar to the ‘zardoji crafts’ of Uttar Pradesh. Just like the ‘karigars’ of zardoji weave gold, silver or base metal threads as silk threads, the ‘al mejaben’ hand embroideries threads of gold, silver or threads coated with gold in bisht’s neckline, front opening, sleeve seams and cuffs. The colored silk thread called ‘brisim’ is also used in the design or as a contrast to the zari. Once completed, the embroidery is hammered with a large iron punch to smooth any rough edges in the metal thread. If properly cared for, its glitter and shimmer will last for a long time.
Thus I felt a sense of identity with the Bedouin crafts as I moved around the Al Sadu House.

(The article was published in "The Eclectic" issue of May 2008)

The Dusky Mistress

Just few hours ago, I read an article on the dusky mistress. You must be wondering what I am talking about? Ya, I am talking about the traditional "shisha". The article reminded me about my rendezvous with the dusky mistress.

I was always fascinated by it and would wonder how one feels as one emitted rings of smoke from its hose.On an weekend as I along with my husband and few friends visited Khiren Resort, I was thrilled when I saw a “Hookah Bar”.We were captivated by the verdure of the resort. It's too beautiful,with all types of facilities for the visitors. As we explored the resort, we came across a hookah bar. I was delighted when one of our friends suggested that we should have a puff and experience it. The best part about it is that unlike the stinging smell of cigarette, the hookah filled the place with pleasant odour of fruit and honey. It is smooth and favorable. Originating in India over 500years ago, the smoking culture which was associated with aristocracy has recently become very fashionable and popular among the young generation of smokers. Perhaps it is its exotic nature or its claimed (but unproven) reduction in health risks as compared to other tobacco use that has seen a sudden rise in its popularity.

As we were enjoying the hookah, the manager of the bar shared with us his knowledge about this dusky mistress. He informed that depending on locality, hookahs are referred to by many names. "Narghile” is the name most commonly used in Lebanon,Syria,Iraq,Jordan,Israel,Albania,Bosnia,Greece,Turkey,Armenia,Bulgaria and Romania. “Shisha” is the common term for the hookah in Egypt and Arab countries of the Persian Gulf(including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia) and in Morocco,Somalia and Yemen. In the Arab world smoking Shisha is a part of their culture and tradition. Not only men but women too equally smoke it but in the privacy of their house or in a shisha cafe. In Iran, hookah is called “ghalyun” and in India and Pakistan the name most similar to the English hookah is used, ”Huqqa”. In Afghanistan, it is better known as “chillam”. They have their own hookah sets at home. It has long been a tradition to Afghans to smoke all together with family and friends on special occasions. In India hookah was only smoked in rural areas but in the last four years lot of hookah bars have come up in the urban areas. Similarly in Pakistan, although traditionally prevalent in rural areas for generations, it has become very popular in the cosmopolitan cities. In South Africa, colloquially known as “hubbly bubbly” is popular social pastime. In countries like Malaysia and Philippines it’s popular among its youths. It’s becoming increasingly popular in Spain, Moscow and other Russian cities, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. In United Kingdom, “Shisha Bars” exist in most major cities. So is the case in USA and Canada.

Certain methods are also applied to enhance the experience of hookah smoking, such as putting ice in the water or chilling of the hoses. To develop a special flavor, customers as well as the manufacturers mix tobacco with other flavors. Addition of fruit juice or wine in the water leads to enhance the flavor of hookah smoke.
Tips and Tricks for Smoking The Hookah
1. Try putting ice in the glass base of your Shisha/Hookah/Nargile and get the water ice cold before smoking. This makes a smoother more enjoyable smoking experience.

2. Try mixing lemon juice, orange juice, or some other flavor into the water in your glass base. It will enhance the taste of your Shisha/Hookah/Nargile smoking experience.

3. You can store your shisha tobacco at room temperature but it must remain in an air tight container (i.e. Tupperware, jar, zip lock bag, etc.). This will keep your tobacco from drying up and losing its flavor.

4. When you first start smoking your Shisha/Hookah/Nargile, try placing the charcoal on the outside of the bowl and working it around the edges of the bowl. The center of the bowl should be the last place your charcoal is placed.

5. Some people smoke the Shisha/Hookah/Nargile like you would smoke a cigar while other inhale the smoke. Neither way is more correct than the other. It's a preference thing.

6. For a sweeter and perhaps more flavourful smoke, you can add some wine to the top two inches of the water in the base of your Shisha/Hookah/Nargile. It's a happier smoke, and you can really taste the wine.

7. Because of it's consistency, shisha tends to clump up. Before you pack the bowl, crumble it up in your fingers to spread it out throughout the bowl.

8. Once you get the bowl packed, take a small square of aluminum foil, big enough to cover the open top of the bowl. Wrap the foil over the top so that the surface is tight. Use a toothpick or something else very small to poke a bunch of tiny holes in the foil. Place the charcoal on the foil once its lit. It will still burn the shisha, but it keeps any charcoal taste out.

9. When you place the foil tightly over the Shisha/Hookah/Nargile bowl, make sure the shiny side is facing down so it will retain more heat from the charcoal.

10. Try putting milk instead of water to make the smoke thicker.

11. Mixing and matching flavors is a very fun thing to experiment when trying to create the ultimate flavor. Mixing "mint" with other flavors provides for a cool refreshing taste. If you think you have the best flavor then email us your consistency so we can share it with the world.

12. After you're done poking your holes in the foil, cover the top of the clay bowl with the palm of your hand and blow through the bottom of the bowl, then release your hand and blow just a little longer. This prevents any sheesha from getting into the holes of the bowl and makes your Shisha/Hookah/Nargile pull better.

13. It's good to always blow out the smoke that collects in the glass base every once in a while so the smoke does not become stale. This gets rid of some of the harsh flavor from the stale smoke.

14. It is suggested not to run water through the hose. Simply blow air through the hose after/before each use to blow out the particles inside the hose. Occasionally, use a small amount of water/lemon juice and "swish" it around in your hose.

15. Never light your cigarette with the coals on your hookah.

16. Always leave your hookah at ground level.

17. Never pass the hookah directly to another person. Always first put in down and let the next person pick it up.

18. Invite your friends and family to share your hookah. To not ask is considered an insult.

19. Mix different flavors of hookah tobacco together to create your own favorite sheesha blend.

20. Clean your hookah regularly. This will ensure that you are always getting the best quality smoke and a superior smoking experience every time.

21. When placing the foil on top of the hookah bowl, make an elevated border to prevent the charcoal from rolling off.

Riqqa,Hadiya n Sabahiya, Q8

Just thought of exploring these three places. They are primarily Arabic areas, so you will find lot of beautiful villa's. I was captivated by the beautiful villas. It won't be wrong to say they look like personal castles.There were no apartment blocks where expatriates mainly lives. At Sabahiya we stopped at the co-operative society, which they call "jameya" in Arabic. Its quite a large one. I purchased few vegetables. The jameya had lot of customers.

Al Bairaq Mall, Q8

Had heard about a new mall at Fintas. So decided to check it out.Though a small country Kuwait has a lot of malls, but all unique in its own way. The Al Bairaq Mall has tried to be the first destination for children's fashion. With its four commercial floors, it is spacious and has large entrances which give the visitors a feeling of welcome, comfort and joy while shopping.The first three floors has shops of brands like Goelia,Noor Optical, Roche Noir, Riva, Lily, Guess, Mothercare, Motherhood, Splash, Juniors, Shoe Mart, Lifestyle,Wahran and Ajmal. The fourth floor has a cine scape and a food court where you will find Auntie Anne's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, BR and MacDonald's.
We liked the place and my one and half year old daughter too enjoyed.So if you have children and want some cloths or just hang out with them,then this is the place for you. If you find it difficult to find out, then remember,itz near AUM(The American University of The Middle East).

Dawat Restaurant,Q8

After a nice evening at Kuwait Towers we decided to have dinner at Dawat Restaurant.Its in the Gulf Road.Though a Indian Restaurant, you will also find Chinese food.The food is good,but i won't say excellent.Good and prompt service,friendly waiters,soft lights,menu bursting with Indian dishes makes it a nice place to visit if you want to taste Indian food in a romantic atmosphere.
And if you have kids then you can make them play in the play area outside the restaurant.

Kuwait Towers

The other day,descided to go to Kuwait Towers.Had been there many times, but the area is such,you will love to go again and again.The panoramic view of the sea and the city near the Towers are beyond words. One can spend hours in such spectacular atmosphere. The area remains bursting with activities. One can notice people swimming, catching fish, sailing around in the sea, leisurely moving around, taking pictures or having good time with family or friends. There is ample space for car parking so that visitors don’t face any problem. The date trees around and near the towers campus makes the place more enticing.It stands majestically and elegantly on the water front in the Arabian Gulf Road n are regarded as the symbol of Kuwait.Designed by Sune Lindstrom and Malene Bjorn from Sweden and built by Energoproject,a company from Belgrade,Serbia,it was opened to public in March 1979.The towers consist of two towers and a third pole feeding them with electricity. The tallest tower, 187 meters high, holds two spheres. The upper sphere at the height of 120 meters has a viewing point, a café and a gift shop. This sphere has a revolving observation area, with one full turn every half hour.The breathtaking view of the city from the viewing point is awesome.The photos of destruction of the tower by the Iraqi troops during the Iraqi invasion in 1990 are displayed in the walls.
The intention of the Iraqi troops was to destroy the very symbol of Kuwait. The towers were badly destroyed as they attacked it with missiles. But it was rebuilt and today’s towers symbolize the affection, devotion, tenacity of the Kuwaiti people for their country. At the height of 82 meters there are four food joints which include Al-Ufuq restaurant, Le Café, Waha and Al Joon cafeteria.Then there is the Dasman Hall where special parties and business events are held and on the ground floor is the Horizon Restaurant.So you need not worry about food when you visit Kuwait Towers.

The middle tower is a water reservoir containing 2 million gallons of water in two tanks. The third tower, which is 11.60 meters high, is a lighthouse which illuminates the architectural wonder with 96 concealed spotlights. The tops of these towers are finished in a needle shape and are made of flaring, plasticized aluminum plates which shine day and night, adding to their magic. With an entry fees of 1.5Dinar, the tower remains open to the public from 9am to 11.30pm.

Just adjacent to the towers is the Aqua Park,the first and biggest water park of the Arab Gulf Region

And at the distance of every 5-10mins near the tower, you will find numerous restaurants n cafes.