tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52536320162440392242024-03-14T01:10:46.588+08:00Manoj Sugathan's WlogA much delayed update of my Coast to Coast walk in England.Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-78000899004719063832010-08-25T22:12:00.001+08:002010-08-25T22:12:07.097+08:00Singapore Youth Olympics Football Match (Bronze Medal)<p><strong><u>Singapore 4, Montenegro 1</u></strong></p> <p><font style="font-size: 9.7pt"><strong><u><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/THUkGwoFllI/AAAAAAAAA74/9xxdcHHj3_M/s1600-h/1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/THUkHmn6ghI/AAAAAAAAA78/pv-C77KmRMY/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="216" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/THUkIp6wxTI/AAAAAAAAA8A/39t6KKK6kMQ/s1600-h/P8253737%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; 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border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="1[5]" border="0" alt="1[5]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd7Nu3JX-I/AAAAAAAAA7s/xo0_C_pCNmw/1%5B5%5D_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="94" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-2298164874457950542010-08-15T13:25:00.001+08:002010-08-15T13:25:02.130+08:00Singapore Youth Olympics Inauguration Day<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd59-SBq0I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/luFTxrMXA-4/s1600-h/1%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd5-oUd1OI/AAAAAAAAA5c/XondOTTHNmc/1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="238" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd5_cYfk4I/AAAAAAAAA5g/x083jLujw_w/s1600-h/P8143484%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143484" border="0" alt="P8143484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6AD6A7fI/AAAAAAAAA5k/slOlhNBx9JU/P8143484_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="128" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6A4ADbPI/AAAAAAAAA5o/Bcaw-ibJGf8/s1600-h/P8143486%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143486" border="0" alt="P8143486" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6BhutyhI/AAAAAAAAA5s/wb9M9BwOgWg/P8143486_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="701" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6Cgz6AjI/AAAAAAAAA5w/w0fZj29TCe4/s1600-h/P8143489%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143489" border="0" alt="P8143489" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6DdWkgnI/AAAAAAAAA50/gg6CInhDhLg/P8143489_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="253" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6EK1-X6I/AAAAAAAAA54/4mwwZcF1g-k/s1600-h/P8143495%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143495" border="0" alt="P8143495" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6FEjTA9I/AAAAAAAAA58/hwgCBy-87OE/P8143495_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="247" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6GRU3h6I/AAAAAAAAA6A/j8NiDCZYY9A/s1600-h/P8143510%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143510" border="0" alt="P8143510" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6Gwy-BII/AAAAAAAAA6E/QBWWS_UJCL0/P8143510_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="429" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6HqDiYjI/AAAAAAAAA6I/QQB9BTvJV10/s1600-h/P8143515%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143515" border="0" alt="P8143515" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6IIq3BVI/AAAAAAAAA6M/ZY5oG6Biixg/P8143515_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="218" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6I5cH9lI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/ANn1PRYkr5w/s1600-h/P8143520%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143520" border="0" alt="P8143520" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6Js-lUjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/FYAUpkP48Lg/P8143520_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="218" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6Kc1k00I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Pra2oYJwsRY/s1600-h/P8143525%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="P8143525" border="0" alt="P8143525" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/TGd6LMUmnHI/AAAAAAAAA6c/vbjmbcz_ZMk/P8143525_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="266" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-28782912825647540432010-04-25T14:08:00.001+08:002010-04-25T14:08:01.362+08:00The Helix and Marina Bay Sands<p><strong><em>The Helix</em></strong>, a pedestrian walk way connecting Marina Centre to Bayfront are opened yesterday (24/April/2010). The vehicular bridge, <strong><em>Bayfront Bridge</em></strong> is opening today (25/April/2010) evening. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcHLhjAJI/AAAAAAAAA30/ePxmWLPXQHw/s1600-h/P4252006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252006" border="0" alt="P4252006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcHk_LWDI/AAAAAAAAA34/z9-25Phcf14/P4252006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="281" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcIr1wAJI/AAAAAAAAA38/q7s2yZ-4das/s1600-h/P4252012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252012" border="0" alt="P4252012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcJJC8e_I/AAAAAAAAA4A/Aj3ndJJ09aQ/P4252012_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="276" /></a></p> <p>Marina Bay Sands Integrated resort is partly opening next week. I have no clue how. The whole site is still a construction site with full of cranes and cement mixtures. I really don’t know who want to stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel or go for an event there at this point!   </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcJ4Yh3FI/AAAAAAAAA4E/nKaTbA3CpD0/s1600-h/P4252020%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252020" border="0" alt="P4252020" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcKphigDI/AAAAAAAAA4I/tCYDyLPNFm8/P4252020_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="299" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcLUjayAI/AAAAAAAAA4M/H5hdxT2Pb0w/s1600-h/P4252023%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252023" border="0" alt="P4252023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcLwB8_YI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/XTwsfOG4djQ/P4252023_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="239" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcMtGDDwI/AAAAAAAAA4U/omn0NJc8xho/s1600-h/P4252030%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252030" border="0" alt="P4252030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcNfVeGMI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/DiPpqCVTTEM/P4252030_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="302" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcN9m2vgI/AAAAAAAAA4c/jNfR7eFA_cE/s1600-h/P4252036%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252036" border="0" alt="P4252036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcOqyXboI/AAAAAAAAA4g/BClEp2EUgHE/P4252036_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="270" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcPYqvcII/AAAAAAAAA4k/5Eqn_QQt3ys/s1600-h/P4252048%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4252048" border="0" alt="P4252048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S9PcQH7f4eI/AAAAAAAAA4o/oxkKcG_FNcs/P4252048_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="293" /></a> </p> <p>When all the pieces of the puzzle fall together, Marina Bay will be a magnificent place to visit. And I think it will take at least until the second half of the year.</p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-13962916334978813472010-03-21T18:30:00.001+08:002010-03-21T18:30:20.830+08:00Universal Studios Singapore<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6XzwYD4LfI/AAAAAAAAAy4/59rTmoWcjJU/s1600-h/P3210372%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210372" border="0" alt="P3210372" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6XzxJ9RzXI/AAAAAAAAAy8/pKoYR-kKzLg/P3210372_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="178" /></a></p> <p>Pictures from today’s visit of Universal Studios Singapore. Too much walking, too many rides and too tired to write any text!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xzx8_HMeI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Ma0CP5ZTntg/s1600-h/P3210048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210048" border="0" alt="P3210048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6XzzFTuY0I/AAAAAAAAAzE/wPsFCljpoRM/P3210048_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="192" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6XzzznqPgI/AAAAAAAAAzI/xLUcBAabM3s/s1600-h/P3210066%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210066" border="0" alt="P3210066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xz0nyzwtI/AAAAAAAAAzM/Q-gDBQMEHEw/P3210066_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="217" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>Madagascar: </u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xz1J_GmrI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/mTOQYHIKaS0/s1600-h/P3210068%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210068" border="0" alt="P3210068" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xz28WtHHI/AAAAAAAAAzU/__m-eimRdxU/P3210068_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="321" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xz6JCBwLI/AAAAAAAAAzY/qAO-pVV5-94/s1600-h/P3210339%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210339" border="0" alt="P3210339" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xz9Gh6DhI/AAAAAAAAAzc/PYOh73HsAMs/P3210339_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="309" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6Xz_DfpkqI/AAAAAAAAAzg/iUvcZRPc5rI/s1600-h/P3210069%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210069" border="0" alt="P3210069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0A9Q_aSI/AAAAAAAAAzk/QO_rDRzTxV4/P3210069_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="288" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>Far Far Away:</u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0CtEcQKI/AAAAAAAAAzo/N28JUCQ9w6c/s1600-h/P3210091%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210091" border="0" alt="P3210091" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0FZMVn2I/AAAAAAAAAzs/8foVNij2QGE/P3210091_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="308" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0GdBu8eI/AAAAAAAAAzw/SXam4t2Kyqw/s1600-h/P3210099%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210099" border="0" alt="P3210099" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0HHIS9eI/AAAAAAAAAz0/JMUaZM0lUFw/P3210099_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="314" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0Jx7_X_I/AAAAAAAAAz4/R6KXPOovmus/s1600-h/P3210105%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210105" border="0" alt="P3210105" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0KoPq8mI/AAAAAAAAAz8/QcPANfFEsBs/P3210105_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="276" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0LeIRUhI/AAAAAAAAA0A/zb0iXViremI/s1600-h/P3210117%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210117" border="0" alt="P3210117" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0Opc-vZI/AAAAAAAAA0E/oZDVdNCSQ8o/P3210117_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="558" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0Q9CAWlI/AAAAAAAAA0I/RPNzQgLwZqI/s1600-h/P3210126%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210126" border="0" alt="P3210126" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0RoC4f9I/AAAAAAAAA0M/iJ9kBUwkc_o/P3210126_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="312" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>The Lost World:</u></strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0UbhAtXI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1We4hVCy66w/s1600-h/P3210130%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210130" border="0" alt="P3210130" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0VOcrHnI/AAAAAAAAA0U/oxUxzR9Aw2k/P3210130_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="277" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0VyhEE2I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/dpD_52eec8w/s1600-h/P3210131%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210131" border="0" alt="P3210131" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0Wnj4dxI/AAAAAAAAA0c/JXkgpBGpZKM/P3210131_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="241" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0XSAEd1I/AAAAAAAAA0g/50SYJZy0FE4/s1600-h/P3210135%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210135" border="0" alt="P3210135" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0YK4OdaI/AAAAAAAAA0k/cvvJBF82XO0/P3210135_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="270" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0aeFyQrI/AAAAAAAAA0o/B5WgNXPhV7I/s1600-h/P3210226%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210226" border="0" alt="P3210226" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0a_6CHJI/AAAAAAAAA0s/wUKpSlOwoxg/P3210226_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="191" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0cyG3nVI/AAAAAAAAA0w/VdFE9ASrSgU/s1600-h/P3210138%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210138" border="0" alt="P3210138" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0edbi41I/AAAAAAAAA00/SqRLmf7PSTE/P3210138_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="280" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>WaterWorld:</u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0e7euN3I/AAAAAAAAA04/zOrUeieUNOA/s1600-h/P3210156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210156" border="0" alt="P3210156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0fvqJsfI/AAAAAAAAA08/wxRmsliH7w4/P3210156_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="264" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0ghiiH8I/AAAAAAAAA1A/N39KYA6tEXY/s1600-h/P3210164%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210164" border="0" alt="P3210164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0iYip84I/AAAAAAAAA1E/pnkjny9RKMo/P3210164_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="171" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0kqCw70I/AAAAAAAAA1I/MdhYam3bbe4/s1600-h/P3210167%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210167" border="0" alt="P3210167" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0lBOQeiI/AAAAAAAAA1M/1LbNYRGYuko/P3210167_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="312" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0mYEA36I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/vEk086xHL8Q/s1600-h/P3210170%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210170" border="0" alt="P3210170" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0myApHfI/AAAAAAAAA1U/Z669ZGwHR7w/P3210170_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="247" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0n1JY8NI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/p4GJDkh5ThA/s1600-h/P3210183%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210183" border="0" alt="P3210183" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0p479B9I/AAAAAAAAA1c/2BbmO60jlGg/P3210183_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="283" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0qmHFwAI/AAAAAAAAA1g/BD7aUI8JJNQ/s1600-h/P3210192%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210192" border="0" alt="P3210192" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0rY5bAKI/AAAAAAAAA1k/rYhKhtdIWZw/P3210192_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="225" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0tTb0hZI/AAAAAAAAA1o/g8a42ZhRFZc/s1600-h/P3210195%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210195" border="0" alt="P3210195" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0uPRMmLI/AAAAAAAAA1s/uB9uXOloZbA/P3210195_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="288" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0vIXyG9I/AAAAAAAAA1w/U0wJVSbN7gU/s1600-h/P3210209%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210209" border="0" alt="P3210209" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0vyZJhSI/AAAAAAAAA10/FdqYYq_9Qm8/P3210209_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="221" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0xsn6oPI/AAAAAAAAA14/GIWBrltF3Gg/s1600-h/P3210215%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210215" border="0" alt="P3210215" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0zWRE7tI/AAAAAAAAA18/J0a1yn4Leg8/P3210215_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="291" /></a></p> <p><strong><u>Ancient Egypt:</u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X01s4ROaI/AAAAAAAAA2A/YLWboB8DTPI/s1600-h/P3210235%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210235" border="0" alt="P3210235" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X02GUp9MI/AAAAAAAAA2E/ofg8zhLB8sg/P3210235_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="266" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X020zyRsI/AAAAAAAAA2I/-5vh0jg-p2k/s1600-h/P3210269%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210269" border="0" alt="P3210269" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X04SjrcII/AAAAAAAAA2M/LeFdDeu-rWc/P3210269_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="246" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X05I0P26I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/s7lMMCmZVy4/s1600-h/P3210361%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210361" border="0" alt="P3210361" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0506DnxI/AAAAAAAAA2U/8az07c7tvJ4/P3210361_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="280" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X071cGEAI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/EaKYgnWm_dQ/s1600-h/P3210278%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210278" border="0" alt="P3210278" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X08rBSDrI/AAAAAAAAA2c/14EkdgIwS4k/P3210278_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="254" /></a> </p> <p><u><strong>Battlestar Galactica:</strong></u></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X09NaRRHI/AAAAAAAAA2g/EmbOwKz-kjM/s1600-h/P3210280%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210280" border="0" alt="P3210280" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X0-jFe1jI/AAAAAAAAA2k/bHAxRcMk9H0/P3210280_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="341" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1BbfVwdI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Wr-tjFBjAso/s1600-h/P3210253%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210253" border="0" alt="P3210253" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1COSWvTI/AAAAAAAAA2s/EAIz7vegFyY/P3210253_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="262" /></a> </p> <p><strong><u>New York/ Hollywood:</u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1DOk8kaI/AAAAAAAAA2w/B8tSlf-xaXY/s1600-h/P3210301%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210301" border="0" alt="P3210301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1EnN8xpI/AAAAAAAAA24/hrmVrCaWa_Q/P3210301_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="253" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1FsIcbhI/AAAAAAAAA28/6edLdb7IND4/s1600-h/P3210324%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210324" border="0" alt="P3210324" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1GSZ22dI/AAAAAAAAA3A/v4E6WJsEsPQ/P3210324_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="289" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1HNi6Q1I/AAAAAAAAA3E/DC76vl9hA_I/s1600-h/P3210327%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210327" border="0" alt="P3210327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1ItlK7VI/AAAAAAAAA3I/_Gs0rDIL7VI/P3210327_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1KrMkNTI/AAAAAAAAA3M/2l3KbUOigqs/s1600-h/P3210329%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210329" border="0" alt="P3210329" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1LeROs6I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/7ZhK1T8d4dw/P3210329_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="257" /></a>    <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1OPenuAI/AAAAAAAAA3U/FMBEgaHodFI/s1600-h/P3210379%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3210379" border="0" alt="P3210379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S6X1O8EFdZI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/aslWKhD9xXo/P3210379_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="301" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-66962255309284577242010-03-07T19:13:00.001+08:002010-03-07T19:15:14.929+08:00Pinnacle @ Duxton<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKEKguYhI/AAAAAAAAAxw/OOW5E9-G1FY/s1600-h/P3070015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070015" border="0" alt="P3070015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKE_fgQgI/AAAAAAAAAx0/j4NXGhXN2-w/P3070015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="309" /></a></p> <p>Following are the pictures from a visit to Pinnacle @ Duxton, the tallest Housing Board flats in Singapore and a small stroll there. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKFvuDrzI/AAAAAAAAAx4/RfT8pC1NSrw/s1600-h/P3070033%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070033" border="0" alt="P3070033" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKGihy5mI/AAAAAAAAAx8/3vbeUFWOa5M/P3070033_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="299" /></a>        </p> <p>The Sky Park on the 50th floor offers a 360 degree view of Singapore from the top. From the 50th floor you can see the Resorts World at Sentosa, The Keppel Ship Yard, Bukit Timah and even some Indonesian Islands.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKHWMI-mI/AAAAAAAAAyA/BJ3BKGvQEfk/s1600-h/P3070052%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070052" border="0" alt="P3070052" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKICuC8HI/AAAAAAAAAyE/kkm9UVecJuE/P3070052_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="248" /></a></p> <p>One important thing, it costs S$5 for non-residents to go up and the number of Visitors per days is restricted to 200 a day. The website <a href="http://www.pinnacleduxton.com.sg/">http://www.pinnacleduxton.com.sg/</a> shows how many have already gone up this day!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKI6JXo1I/AAAAAAAAAyI/1IZj7MtSwUg/s1600-h/P3070067%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070067" border="0" alt="P3070067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKJqduOgI/AAAAAAAAAyM/0njoinp3Rj4/P3070067_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="269" /></a></p> <p>You must have a CEPAS compliant EZLink card to “buy” a ticket (non, NETS card won’t work and Cash or Visa also does not work!). If you are lucky (like us) the security guards may have S$15 EZLink cards to sell (with S$10 loaded).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKKcDHBwI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/0L0l09SloAc/s1600-h/P3070070%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070070" border="0" alt="P3070070" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKLcvlm3I/AAAAAAAAAyU/3OcSQD8Ftkk/P3070070_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="249" /></a></p> <p>The view is magnificent and of course at S$5 it is cheaper than the Singapore flyer @ S$ 29/-, which we visited a few weeks back. You also get 60 minutes to see the skyline compared to the Singapore Flyer’s 30 minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKMcQvbDI/AAAAAAAAAyY/myqzflA_zYQ/s1600-h/P3070071%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070071" border="0" alt="P3070071" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKNEBXLUI/AAAAAAAAAyc/ssoBIPh1FF8/P3070071_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="259" /></a></p> <p>Still feels odd that one must pay to “visit” a HDB block. This is probably a first in Singapore. On the other hand if this fee wasn’t there the place would have been over crowded and the Pinnacle @ Duxton residents would have been fuming.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKOPPVvuI/AAAAAAAAAyg/z1nflbicEyk/s1600-h/P3070100%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070100" border="0" alt="P3070100" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKOiCxunI/AAAAAAAAAyk/QcBovnpY_zE/P3070100_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="278" /></a></p> <p>Few years down the line, with many tall HDB blocks the novelty may disappear and no fees would be required. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKPmQ0VMI/AAAAAAAAAyo/4RWJ-CKl4Zg/s1600-h/P3070120%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070120" border="0" alt="P3070120" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKQbkFzPI/AAAAAAAAAys/jyinKjpYqDA/P3070120_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="262" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKOPPVvuI/AAAAAAAAAyg/z1nflbicEyk/s1600-h/P3070100%5B4%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p>From the top you can see many older HDB blocks and you get an idea how far has HDB come in 50 years!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKRWpbiqI/AAAAAAAAAyw/aG0CsIRjHmg/s1600-h/P3070078%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3070078" border="0" alt="P3070078" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S5OKSqrcc7I/AAAAAAAAAy0/wVW19uN0LvQ/P3070078_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="254" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>In summary, it is a nice way to spend a weekend morning.</p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-70116783796952735922010-02-16T11:27:00.000+08:002010-02-16T11:29:39.620+08:00Day 4: Lake District, William Wordsworth and The Daffodils<p><strong>Today’s Walk: Grasmere to Patterdale (09/August)</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPXoRUP8I/AAAAAAAAAwE/cgnN8oM35SM/s1600-h/P80901209.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="P8090120" border="0" alt="P8090120" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPYoI4bhI/AAAAAAAAAwI/TTHuYXl91ww/P8090120_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="142" /></a> </p> <h4><a name="_toc184"></a><u></u></h4> <h4><u></u></h4> <h4><u></u></h4> <h4><u></u></h4> <h4><u></u></h4> <h4><u>Daffodils</u></h4> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">I wandered lonely as a cloud</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">That floats on high o'er vales and hills,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">When all at once I saw a crowd,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">A host, of golden daffodils;</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Beside the lake, beneath the trees,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Continuous as the stars that shine</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">And twinkle on the Milky Way,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">They stretch'd in never-ending line</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Along the margin of a bay:</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Ten thousand saw I at a glance,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">The waves beside them danced; but they</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">A poet could not but be gay,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">In such a jocund company:</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">What wealth the show to me had brought:</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">For oft, when on my couch I lie</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">In vacant or in pensive mood,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">They flash upon that inward eye</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Which is the bliss of solitude;</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">And then my heart with pleasure fills,</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size:85%;">And dances with the daffodils.</span></i></p> <p><strong>William Wordsworth (1804)</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPZsxaVBI/AAAAAAAAAwM/QNe85Uvnmtg/s1600-h/P52213014.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P5221301" border="0" alt="P5221301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPadzpQYI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/IakDS9X2Y6c/P5221301_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="248" /></a></p> <p>During my school days I used to hate poetry – simply because the teachers insisted that I had to learn those poems “by-heart” and reproduce word by word during exams (which I was bad at). Of course there were mathematical and scientific formulas which also had to be remembered and reproduced in its entirety ; anyway there were no choice for formulas, but there were tricks to remember them! As I hated poetry I put an extra effort to un-learn after the exams. For everything else other than poetry, you just need to remember the key points and then you can reproduce it in your own words (which I was good at). In spite of all the hatred toward poetry, I still remember a few of them - at least some part of it – and Daffodils is one of them, because I could visualize <i>a host of golden daffodils, beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze</i>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPa9RhBaI/AAAAAAAAAwU/YdQgeBYRIR4/s1600-h/P80900813.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8090081" border="0" alt="P8090081" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPbtctvwI/AAAAAAAAAwY/KouboH7C-Q4/P8090081_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="276" /></a></p> <p>A few years back when I visited Lake District with my family, I saw in real life what Wordsworth said, and it was much more beautiful that what I thought. This time there were not many – Daffodils bloom during spring season and not in the fall.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPcc4m3jI/AAAAAAAAAwc/5K68o5x2ek8/s1600-h/P52212983.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P5221298" border="0" alt="P5221298" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPdZg3fCI/AAAAAAAAAwg/1p35S6Dny44/P5221298_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="313" /></a></p> <p>Lake District in the North West is one of the most scenic spots in England – the other being Cotswold. Lake District is a part of the largest of British National Parks (or is it the other way?), and is famous for its beautiful and exotic scenery. National Geographic picked this as one of the <i>must visit</i> 50 places in your lifetime. The hills and mountains (why a hill or mountain is called a “fell” in this part of the world?) rise from sea level to heights of over a kilometre (not difficult as climbing Everest, but more difficult that climbing Bukit Timah, the highest point in Singapore – 150 meters), and are intersected by expansive landscapes often containing some of the most stunning lakes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPeRVW8cI/AAAAAAAAAwk/RC_yx0qlij4/s1600-h/P52212463.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P5221246" border="0" alt="P5221246" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPeyAraLI/AAAAAAAAAwo/S0LJla0_80o/P5221246_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="212" /></a></p> <p>Everything one associates with the romantic notion of an English Country side is also there in the Lake Districts. Rolling meadows, grazing sheep and cattle (let me not describe in detail the not so romantic thing – sheep droppings) quaint villages besides beautiful lakes (many of them aptly named like Elterwater, Loweswater and Ullswater), expansive landscape, streams, rivers and wonderful inns and pubs – it is all here in the Lake District. And of course this is where the largest national park in England as well.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPfwUE7MI/AAAAAAAAAws/AFs8iXopNFI/s1600-h/P80900953.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8090095" border="0" alt="P8090095" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPgn5KZ4I/AAAAAAAAAww/7TvuncUp3Zk/P8090095_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="266" /></a></p> <p>With the exotic mix of lakes and mountains (and mountains reflecting on the lakes), it is very natural that this beauty of the Lake Districts has inspired many poets and artists – William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, Beatrix Potter (of Peter Rabbit Fame – my son’s favourite), Shelly and Keats were some of them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPhalCEeI/AAAAAAAAAw0/etYvOdotRv0/s1600-h/P52213073.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P5221307" border="0" alt="P5221307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPiFLyO9I/AAAAAAAAAw4/I7SzRbA1I6Q/P5221307_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="240" /></a></p> <p>Like many other places in England, the most famous being Stonehenge near Salisbury, Lake District too has its own stone circle, the Castlerigg Stone Circle. I wonder what is with the prehistoric Englishmen and their love of erecting stone circles at very odd places!</p> <p>It is also interesting to note that it is generally mentioned (where else, Internet) that William Wordsworth walked some 280,000 kilometres (175,000 miles) in his lifetime, mostly in the Lake District. Though it gives me great pleasure to know that the great poet was a “walker” like me, I think it is just a story as it is unlikely Wordsworth carried a pedometer to accurately measure it. It also works out to 9.5 kilometres of walk a day, for every single day of Wordsworth's 80 years on this earth. However I have to admit that it is still plausible. I have just covered 1,000 kilometres in 10 months, just 279,000 kilometres to go to beat Wordsworth’s record and I have 40 more years to do so…</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPjCeG85I/AAAAAAAAAw8/7LdZN8ikv38/s1600-h/P5221321%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P5221321" border="0" alt="P5221321" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPkKNC4CI/AAAAAAAAAxE/xVBr72CR1vU/P5221321_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="301" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong><u>Today’s Walk (Simple and straightforward, climb up a hill and climb down):</u></strong></p> <p>Last night the stay was at <strong>Ivy Dene</strong>, a very new bed and breakfast place in Grasmere, not even many locals knew where it was. Very nice and comfortable place, it is very small as well, probably could take only a couple of guests. A two storied house, the landlord occupied the lower floor and the two rooms on the top floor was rented out. Breakfast is served in the morning in the landlord’s dining room. And that sums up a bed and breakfast arrangement in the UK.</p> <p>The only problem with Ivy Dean was it was on one extreme end of Grasmere. The pubs, hotels and all the touristy places are on the other end – which means a kilometre and a half of walk to the pub and then walk back the same distance after dinner. That was the last thing I wanted to do after a day of walking – but there was no other choice. </p> <p>Being a popular place, Grasmere has many pubs and hotels – including some high end expensive ones (which all walkers tend to avoid). Went to Lamb Inn which a part of Red Lion hotel (one of the many Lions on the Coast to Coast route). Excellent ales and some ordinary food (which is the theme for most pubs in the UK). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPkwSOifI/AAAAAAAAAxI/twv456nBdVw/s1600-h/P80900653.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8090065" border="0" alt="P8090065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPlhq9sdI/AAAAAAAAAxM/lb_IQ36fAKE/P8090065_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="262" /></a>Started very early next day. It is slightly drizzling and is somewhat cold – both nothing that I cannot handle after so many days of walk. As I lived on the extreme end of Grasmere there was a choice of taking a short cut by walking by the side of the A591 highway, but decided not to do so. Instead I back tracked to Goody Bridge and started the walk for the day. After all that was a much charming route instead of walking by the side of big vehicles whizzing past. </p> <p>Then come the climb and after a tiring climb to the <strong>Great Tongue</strong>, one gets two options – a further climb towards the left via <strong>Little Tongue Gill</strong> or another climb via<strong> Tongue Gill</strong>! Strangely Little Tongue Gill seems to be tedious than Tongue Gill (some one needs to pay more attention when naming routes).</p> <p>After the climb(ing up) for the day, on the way down is Ruthwaite Lodge, a stone house, where once Wordsworth’s poems were carved on a rock tablet there. There are many such stone houses on the way, some still in use, and some abandoned. The stone houses, mostly in the middle of no where, is an awe inspiring sight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPmlf6HnI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/eN-ZoKbRERs/s1600-h/P80901054.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8090105" border="0" alt="P8090105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPnWr5n_I/AAAAAAAAAxU/fQI48z6UPHg/P8090105_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="277" /></a></p> <p>Walking by the Grisedale Beck (river) one doesn’t need to look at the maps anymore – the path to Patterdale is straightforward. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPoMAZkMI/AAAAAAAAAxY/_nBbUlMylkA/s1600-h/P5221245%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P5221245" border="0" alt="P5221245" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPo0ZymeI/AAAAAAAAAxc/HDOtA-u2oS8/P5221245_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="249" /></a>The walk of the day ends at the White Lion Pub - remember it ended yesterday at Red Lion Pub.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPpsOxaLI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ZFp8REbnEMU/s1600-h/P80900558.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8090055" border="0" alt="P8090055" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S3oPqX8yKjI/AAAAAAAAAxk/f3ZKe8dyjBw/P8090055_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="290" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>*NB: A few of the photos above were taken during my last trip with my family a couple of years back.</p>Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-67286934454473302722010-01-24T15:50:00.001+08:002010-01-24T22:00:06.464+08:00Resorts World Sentosa – A View From Inside<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7c4CXyQI/AAAAAAAAAuc/aJPtwuZljY8/s1600-h/P1240130%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240130" border="0" alt="P1240130" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7dlggROI/AAAAAAAAAug/53eYI-zugtc/P1240130_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Had a quick walk inside Resorts World Sentosa today. Here are some snaps. Except for the hotels, it is work in progress. Construction is happening all over the place. Might take a while before everything is ready. </p> <p>However from the first look, Resorts World Sentosa is going to be wonderful place for a break when everything is ready.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7ffA1iLI/AAAAAAAAAuk/6aLFM2T-fUg/s1600-h/P1240182%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240182" border="0" alt="P1240182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7gKScL-I/AAAAAAAAAuo/Cepeff9pcjA/P1240182_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="305" /></a>  </p> <p>The first surprise came in when the Sentosa staff waived off the $6 entrance fee for the Taxi we took, even tough we told him we are not guests at the hotel.</p> <p>The taxi ride was very smooth. After turning to Sentosa neat Vivocity (still constructions are on going at the entrance) and going around Universal Studios, in a couple of minutes we were at Resorts World Sentosa. The taxi driver mentioned that he had been to an “induction” at Resorts World Sentosa, but seems to be lost momentarily when we drove in. However very clear signs all over the place and one is unlikely to get lost.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7g0EluOI/AAAAAAAAAus/vtXnPH9zGo0/s1600-h/P1240140%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240140" border="0" alt="P1240140" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7h3KQ7bI/AAAAAAAAAuw/yf-AoYl1em4/P1240140_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="183" /></a> </p> <p>A very noticeable things is that the staff are all well trained and very friendly. Looks like Resorts World Sentosa has put a special emphasis on customer service (which is sort of very rare in Singapore). Thumbs up for that. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7iouWcMI/AAAAAAAAAu0/dBnStPV6KRY/s1600-h/P1240148%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240148" border="0" alt="P1240148" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7jQzlWDI/AAAAAAAAAu4/RfRkvBs7tw4/P1240148_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="298" /></a></p> <p>I was expecting a huge crowd at Resorts World Sentosa – after all it is just a week old. Surprisingly there was only a reasonable crowd – even Vivocity across the bay had a much bigger crows. When we entered Sentosa the parking display board said that 1,200 card parks are available! I am guessing everyone is waiting for the Universal Studios (and Casino's) to open before going into Resorts World Sentosa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7kGPT9cI/AAAAAAAAAu8/gItB1RS6uVI/s1600-h/P1240152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240152" border="0" alt="P1240152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7k0cJVWI/AAAAAAAAAvA/kaeAXxOJbnQ/P1240152_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="316" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7l4SCxZI/AAAAAAAAAvE/1ytsIgMyPAE/s1600-h/P1240154%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240154" border="0" alt="P1240154" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7mgeEnAI/AAAAAAAAAvI/vkz-FgxK1NU/P1240154_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="315" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7nWhc0zI/AAAAAAAAAvM/jEXx9mS4iR0/s1600-h/P1240156%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240156" border="0" alt="P1240156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7oBsRPNI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/go0awmsGo-0/P1240156_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>The Casino is a couple of floors below the ground. One has to take two escalators down with surrounding illuminated with a futuristic blue and a series of TV screens showing colourful fishes swimming around. However just in front of the casino, there is natural light as well. There are electronic gates for the casino – never seen such an arrangements at other Casinos I have been to.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7pGt2hjI/AAAAAAAAAvU/HPci8tN-DRI/s1600-h/P1240162%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240162" border="0" alt="P1240162" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7px2VTCI/AAAAAAAAAvY/t8EI1_ij_6w/P1240162_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>Even though constructions are all around the place, the four hotels that are open seems to be fully functional with hotel guests streaming in an out. The cafes and restaurants in the hotels are busy. Saw Minister Mah Bo Tan, Minister of National Development, at Resorts World Sentosa today.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7qkER7PI/AAAAAAAAAvc/7vkAFznejwI/s1600-h/P1240164%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240164" border="0" alt="P1240164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7rWsUBjI/AAAAAAAAAvg/GRWWDQRETww/P1240164_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="302" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7sTUgUMI/AAAAAAAAAvk/3h_Rya4hv0E/s1600-h/P1240165%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240165" border="0" alt="P1240165" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7tPCQ7QI/AAAAAAAAAvo/2sH4mlbAsEY/P1240165_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>A large number of high end shops are all around Resorts World Sentosa. Most well known brands are all there. Orchard Road is going to have serious competition. By the look of it, many of the shops are ready to open anytime. Few like Victoria Secret is already open.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7tp6jxQI/AAAAAAAAAvs/jjT445gJQGQ/s1600-h/P1240167%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240167" border="0" alt="P1240167" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7u1BuYGI/AAAAAAAAAvw/w9wIJMus3NA/P1240167_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="306" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7v9PZetI/AAAAAAAAAv0/WyMLw8HUeS4/s1600-h/P1240174%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240174" border="0" alt="P1240174" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7wnmsFlI/AAAAAAAAAv4/mgzlXA-ZRME/P1240174_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="309" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7yIEU1GI/AAAAAAAAAv8/HHBSovzIltE/s1600-h/P1240180%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1240180" border="0" alt="P1240180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/S1v7zOw9snI/AAAAAAAAAwA/xeOkSNkgAfc/P1240180_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="313" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Many might want to wait until Chinese New Year to go and see Resorts World Sentosa. However my suggestion will be to go in and have a look before it gets too crowded and thus get a in-depth and relaxed view of the place.</p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-59743985926861501702009-12-07T11:06:00.001+08:002009-12-08T14:37:32.522+08:00Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009<p><strong>22nd July 2009:</strong> <br />I get an invite for joining the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. All charged up preparing for the Coast to Coast Walk in UK, I decided to go for the full one. <br /> <br /><strong>09th September 2009:</strong> <br />My organization’s “Road Runner Co-Captain” gets worried and urges me to rethink. He gives me an option to downgrade to half marathon or 10K race. The thrill of completing the Coast to Coast walk (as well as ego) prevents me from doing it. <br /> <br /><strong>September to Mid-October:</strong> <br />Nothing done and no practice. Plans to start practice on 7th October, becomes lazy and postpones to the following weekend. <br /><strong> <br />Second half of October:</strong> <br />Falls sick with a terrible chest infection and was bed ridden for a few days. And still no practice. <br /> <br /><strong>1st December to 4th December: <br /></strong>Panic kicks in. Even though chest infection is not fully gone, starts with short walks after office hours. <br /> <br /><strong>5th December, 8:00 AM:</strong> <br />Goes for a 4 hour 20 kilometer walk. Clearly legs are refusing to cooperate. Why did I let this happen? <br /> <br /><strong>5th December, 7:30 PM:</strong> <br />As I have to wake up at 3:00 AM tomorrow, goes to sleep early. Frequent nightmares during sleep. <br /> <br /><strong>6th December, 3:01 AM:</strong> <br />Alarm rings, jumps out of bed in panic. Realizes the D-day is upon me. Water heater doesn’t work. A cold water bath takes drains away whatever confidence and energy left. <br /> <br /><strong>6th December, 4:00 AM:</strong> <br />Taxi arrives. Driver is amused (putting it simply) that I am going for a full marathon this early in the morning. <br /> <br /><strong>6th December, 5:00 AM:</strong> <br />Arrives at the start point at Esplanade Bridge. Loads and loads of people are walking in. Everyone looks energetic (and well toned). Cool weather. Everything looks perfect for everyone (except me). Different sections for different abilities – people who can complete marathon in less than 3 hours, less than 4 hours, less than 5 hours. I join the last group, greater than 5 hours. <br /> <br /><strong>6th December, 5:30 AM:</strong> <br />Kick off. I am realizing 7,500 people running generate a lot of heat. The cool morning suddenly becomes a very hot an humid morning. I started walking slowly (yes, I decided to walk!) and get pushed to one side by the large number of eager runners. Starts walking in the foot path not to get run over. <br /> <br /><strong>3 kilometers:</strong> <br />After a U turn, I cross the start point (on the other side of the road). 3 kilometers in 25 minutes not bad! <br /> <br /><strong>5 kilometers:</strong> <br />Still walking through the main streets of Singapore (which is shutdown for traffic). I get to see places I haven’t ever seen in Singapore. <br /> <br /><strong>7 kilometers:</strong> <br />Hears the shout “100 Plus, 100 meters ahead”. What a nice marketing. 100 Plus is an isotonic drink (and I am assuming a co-sponsor) <br /> <br /><strong>8 kilometers:</strong> <br />Just crossed the lead runners (on the other side of the road) who are coming back. These folks have covered 34+ kilometers while I have just covered 8! <br /> <br /><strong>12 kilometers:</strong> <br />Walking through the East Coast Park is much more fun than walking on the roads. But sand keeps going into my shoes - which is very irritating. So I have to clean my shoes. Looking down for the first time, I started realizing my legs are paining. <br /> <br /><strong>15 kilometers:</strong> <br />Feeling hungry I eat a banana. Toss the banana skin carefully to one side. The whole route is littered with banana skins and water cups. Feels terrible about the student volunteers who are putting an extra effort in cleaning up the litter. <br /> <br /><strong>18 kilometers: <br /></strong>Who ever said that a marathon is “Mind over body” was exaggerating. It is just “Mind over Calf muscle”. Calf muscle is paining and started almost having muscle cramps. Eat another banana (potassium in banana is supposed to be good to avoid cramps). Knee also starts paining. <br /> <br /><strong>20 kilometers:</strong> <br />Still not half way though. Thigh muscles, calf muscles and heels are all paining. I am also wondering when my knee will give up. The only encouraging sign is that there are still people behind me! <br /> <br /><strong>21 kilometers:</strong> <br />What a relief. Half way though rather unceremoniously. A race official is happily snoozing off at the half way mark. The chip tied to the shoes beeps, ensuring that I have covered 22 km and did not cheat. <br /> <br /><strong>22 kilometers: <br /></strong>Gets a free Power Bar, an energy gel. The only thing noticeable was the not so good taste and a note which said it had too much caffeine. This stuff gives an amazing boost to your energy and starts walking faster and faster. The pains are forgotten. <br /> <br /><strong>25 kilometers:</strong> <br />Power bar boost is gone like a balloon that went bust. Pain returns with amazing vigor. It is also becoming very hot. Funniest thing – some are distributing hot dogs to marathon walkers! But I was hungry and I ate one! Anything to keep the mind away from the pain was welcome <br /> <br /><strong>27 kilometers:</strong> <br />Wife calls wondering why I haven’t come back. She is not very happy when I mentioned that I plan to walk the entire distance (and I did not believe I could do that) <br /> <br /><strong>28 kilometers:</strong> <br />Organizers step in the way and suggest the few of us (trailing few) stop walking as it is “too late” and the roads will open soon. They also carefully mention that last year “many people were admitted in the ICU”. Some panics, decides to stop walking, but for some of us, it was “having walked this far, I am not giving up”. We get warnings about “be careful about the traffic and don’t get hit”. <br /> <br /><strong>31 kilometers:</strong> <br />Out of East Coast Park and back on the main roads. Roads are half opened (just one direction) for traffic. <br /> <br /><strong>33 kilometers:</strong> <br />A boy jumps out from the corner saying “You are my hero. I would have died if I walked this long”. I am sure he was trying to motivate me – but suddenly words like “death”, “accident” and “faint” comes to my mind and doesn’t go away. The heat becomes unbearable on the main roads. <br /><strong>34 kilometers:</strong> <br />Crosses the National Stadium. A bus stops nearby and a guy gets out and says “You can get into the bus and we will drop you just before the finish line. And YOU WILL GET YOUR CERTIFIACTE”. The last part of the offer makes many of them get into the bus. Cheating…. Cheating… Suddenly there are only 3 or 4 people behind me. <br /> <br /><strong>37 kilometers:</strong> <br />Meets Chan, a 79 year old marathoner who has completed 18 already. Feels ashamed of myself and start moving faster along with him. Walking along with a person who is twice older than you is a better boost than the Power Bar. <br /> <br /><strong>39 kilometers: <br /></strong>We now have escort as we are the “final batch”. Half a dozen vehicles are behind us with all the light and sirens. A few of them behind me “falls off” (in fact one person just fainted and actually fell). Suddenly the prospect of being the last person to complete the marathon becomes a reality. No way would I let this happen. Started walking fast will all the energy left and managed to overtake a dozen people. <br /> <br /><strong>41.5 kilometers:</strong> <br />Can hear the music and noise at the finishing point. Very, very thrilled. An MC catches me, spells my name wrongly, and then praises me with hundreds watching. Not sure that I felt happy or sad! <br /> <br /><strong>Finishing line:</strong> <br />The clock flashed 8 hours 51 minutes but I should have taken lesser time. The clock started (I believe) when the first person crossed the start line. I was behind in the start line and would have started 3-4 minutes or so later. <br /> <br />Collects the medal and T-Shirt. The person who gave it to me wasn’t very comfortable when I told him I finished the marathon (I wonder why)! Goes to my company’s tent and found it empty. So heads back home. <br /> <br />I wasn’t the first or I wasn’t the last, but I completed my first full marathon!</p> <p></p> <p><strong>T+1:</strong> <br />Every part of the body is paining. Strangely there is upper body pain also.</p> <p><strong>T+2:</strong> <br />Surprisingly pain is gone. Wondering whether it is really gone or will it make a comeback on day 3, like other runners mentioned. Also saw the timings on the website. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sx3yhfauxaI/AAAAAAAAAuM/gPPO1Y6e4Vo/s1600-h/Singapore%20Marathon%20Results%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Singapore Marathon Results" border="0" alt="Singapore Marathon Results" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sx3yiHuV3NI/AAAAAAAAAuY/79elut-BFDs/Singapore%20Marathon%20Results_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="206" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-86878729535146939442009-10-11T19:32:00.001+08:002009-10-11T19:33:40.532+08:00Day 2: Preparing for a Coast to Coast Walk<h4><font size="2">Today’s Walk: Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite (07/August)</font></h4> <p>Stayed at Fox and Hounds, Ennerdale Bridge. Rating Expensive rates (food at the restaurant also was expensive) and an average stay – together not a good combination. Co-walkers mentioned a nearby pub which offered accommodation as well was a much better and cheaper choice. </p> <p>Before I describe today’s walk, let me start with my 8 step planning process for a Coast to Coast Walk.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHBzp3BaFI/AAAAAAAAAqE/KIUSCIeHooI/s1600-h/P8070712%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070712 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070712 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB0rE3fcI/AAAAAAAAAqI/CYh7flQq1u0/P8070712%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="272" /></a></p> <h4><a name="_toc239"></a>Step 1: Find a reason</h4> <p>Everyone goes for a long walk for different reasons. Some does it for getting away from the rigors of life. Some does it to enjoy nature and explore new places. Some does it as an exercise. Some does it to loose weight. And some does to drinking all the beers that are available – like <a href="http://www.travelwithachallenge.com/England-Coast-to-Coast-Walk.html">Dr. Steven Sullivan</a>.</p> <p>What is your reason?</p> <a name="_toc244"></a> <h4><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB1k-jwkI/AAAAAAAAAqM/7BdCooE8KdE/s1600-h/P8070831%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070831 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070831 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB2mlIFhI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/mZhlavJQRto/P8070831%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="261" /></a></h4> <h4>Step 2: Check out your personality</h4> <p>What sort of a personality do you have and what sort of a holiday do you want? On one extreme are people who would you like to sit on the beach quietly and read a book. On the other extreme are the skydivers who needs the adrenaline rush. If you are neither one of this, and is in the middle, walking/ trekking may be for you. Here is a low strain activity (at least I thought so, but wasn’t the case), that helps you to enjoy new sceneries every minute of the walk (and meet a few like minded people each day). Last thirty minutes doesn’t look like the next thirty minutes (like being on a beach) and the fun doesn’t just last 30 seconds (like the skydiver).</p> <h4><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB3ktcugI/AAAAAAAAAqU/5pJg-wn7AGk/s1600-h/P8070815%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070815" border="0" alt="P8070815" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB41fvMSI/AAAAAAAAAqY/hrIoCDf26tw/P8070815_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="285" /></a>       </h4> <h4>Step 3: Look at the mirror (That’s where I started)</h4> <p>If walk for you means walking from your cubicle to the meeting room or from your car to the supermarket, Coast to Coast walk isn’t for you (yet). You need at least 3 months of preparation (don’t be disheartened – I needed 10 months of preparation). You must be physically prepared where you can walk 20 kilometres each day on a weekend for this walk. Make sure you have worn (“broken in”) your trekking shoes for a few weeks and there are no more cracked skins and blisters. </p> <p>If you are a “good walker” you can easily cover the Coast to Coast walk 10 days - some one has run the whole distance in 36 hours! Ordinary mortals like me need 14 days. Some take 15 with a day break in the middle – after all you need time to wash your clothes and do a foot massage. </p> <p>Despite all these advices which I am giving out like an expert, on day two of my walk all I can think is <b><i>My Foot - it pains. Why did I get into this?</i></b></p> <a name="_toc256"></a> <h4><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB5rf3cCI/AAAAAAAAAqc/LQ19WGdfLLc/s1600-h/P8070724%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070724" border="0" alt="P8070724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB6td-lMI/AAAAAAAAAqg/cAyQVOP8jYk/P8070724_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="277" /></a></h4> <h4> </h4> <h4>Step 4: Where to start (Look at Wainwright and Web)</h4> <p>In this 21<sup>st</sup> century, there are a lot of web resources available to help you prepare for this trip. But every one should to start with <a href="http://masug.blogspot.com/2009/02/review-of-coast-to-coast-walk-by-alfred.html">Alfred Wainright’s book</a> before anything else. Though the original book is many decades old, it has been refreshed to keep up with times (and ever changing landscape and land zoning rules). A very good amount of information is available in the web as well which is continuously being updated by walkers all around the world.</p> <a name="_toc260"></a> <h4><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB7mHyFGI/AAAAAAAAAqk/5rSTJ8gfgc0/s1600-h/P8070735%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070735" border="0" alt="P8070735" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB88JTsfI/AAAAAAAAAqo/CqFf2V4yAMc/P8070735_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="282" /></a></h4> <h4> </h4> <h4>Step 5: When to Walk</h4> <p>Britain is defined as a country with <i>Four seasons in one day!</i> Even then try not to do this from November to March unless otherwise you are from the poles. It is way too cold. July and August are peak periods (but still there is too much of land area to make you feel lonely), so book the hotels in advance. </p> <a name="_toc264"></a> <h4><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB-C1VFjI/AAAAAAAAAqs/Y-hFOAFsMRM/s1600-h/P8070773%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070773" border="0" alt="P8070773" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHB_VUNUjI/AAAAAAAAAqw/r1g6NljOm24/P8070773_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="257" /></a></h4> <h4> </h4> <h4>Step 6: Groupie or Solo</h4> <p>In a group of friends and family you find happiness and safety; being alone you finds solitude.</p> <p>I would have loved to walk with my family. But until my kids grow up it is not going to happen. Yeah, my 5 year old son can walk 5 kilometres. After that I have to carry him (I tried it once). </p> <a name="_toc270"></a> <h4><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCA5L3LFI/AAAAAAAAAq0/pp-z39hvN30/s1600-h/P8070703%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070703" border="0" alt="P8070703" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCBz5rrUI/AAAAAAAAAq4/KUBI635PKxU/P8070703_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="264" /></a></h4> <h4> </h4> <h4>Step 7: Accommodation</h4> <p>Here you have three choices:</p> <p>1) A well planned trip with accommodation pre-booked is the safest option (like me)</p> <p>2) Get accommodation on the fly when you reach a place which you like is for the courageous. However it is not advised during busy periods as all accommodation on route will be fully booked and you will sleep in the car park – if you can find the car park.</p> <p>3) Carry your accommodation (tent) in your back pack is for the stronger ones. Camping sites are available on route for nominal fees. Enough wild space too is available!</p> <p>I am sure I am not strong enough to carry heavy backpacks of 20Kgs and walk for two weeks or so - like some of the people I meet on the way – they make it look so easy. So I decided to use the Sherpa Van service for this (other services like packhorse is also available). Each day they move across my luggage from hotel to hotel (or more accurate Inn to Inn) for about £7. I just need to carry my backpack with essentials – Netbook and its cables, a notebook and some pens, a book to read, Vado HD, Digital Camera, extra memory for camera, extra power pack to provide juice for my phone, snacks, painkiller (just in case!) and water, water and more water. </p> <a name="_toc280"></a> <h4><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCCzX61wI/AAAAAAAAAq8/J1_O15-aYqM/s1600-h/P8070802%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070802" border="0" alt="P8070802" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCDmxvqaI/AAAAAAAAArA/Tw0kivLVZ8A/P8070802_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="254" /></a></h4> <h4> </h4> <h4>Step 8: Plan your expenses</h4> <p>Expenses for this trip come in 6 forms:</p> <p>1) Stuff to buy in preparation for the trip. This includes waterproof bags, rain coat, trekking shoes, compass, books, maps and other accessories</p> <p>2) Airfare. Thanks to all those Frequent Flyer miles, I just paid taxes – which also costs as much as the price of a low cost air ticket!</p> <p>3) Rail tickets. I definitely would recommend a 4 day Britrail England flexi-pass which allows 4 days of (unlimited) travel within 2 months. This allows me the following trips - Heathrow to London Paddington on Heathrow Express (day 1), Euston station in London to St Bees via Manchester (day 2), return to London from Robin Hoods bay (day 3), London to Heathrow airport (day 4). This pass works out much cheaper than the individual tickets and also offers much more flexibility (want to get down on the way and take a short break before continuing?).</p> <p>4) Sherpa Van luggage mover service (£7 x 14 days) + Hotel booking service.</p> <p>5) Accommodation charges – on an average £30 a night for a single en-suite (bathroom and toilet attached) room. Prices starts as low as £20 and can go up to £60. Directly paid at the hotels/ inns/ farm houses. </p> <p>6) Food and drinks – typically come to £10 a stop. Breakfast is generally included (after all it is called B&B) as a part of accommodation</p> <a name="_toc291"></a> <h4> </h4> <h4><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCEt_MrbI/AAAAAAAAArE/ncoayZniQns/s1600-h/P8070792%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070792 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070792 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCFdB09UI/AAAAAAAAArI/Id1NGbs_p9A/P8070792%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="315" /></a></h4> <h4>Day so far: </h4> <p>Last evening at the end of the walk, I met a couple of fellow walkers, Gary and Peter. It is astonishing how walkers form a quick bond among themselves even though they have never met before and know very little of each other. After all, there are only a few of them crazy enough to do such long walks, it is natural that they bond together. After a couple of beers, three of us, one from England, one from New Zealand and one from Singapore decide to walk together the next day.</p> <p>Early morning we started from Ennerdale Bridge to reach Ennerdale Water which is the first of many lakes on the way. The first view of the lake itself is breathtaking and gives you an idea how beautiful would the upcoming walk in the Lake Districts be. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCGDRYCRI/AAAAAAAAArQ/5Eq76ScbOAU/s1600-h/P8070719%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070719 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070719 (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCHFhQC1I/AAAAAAAAArU/nOA9_mmIPnI/P8070719%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="277" /></a></p> <p>The walk along the south edges of the lake is tough, with some serious climbing on rocky tracks. But the beauty of the place takes your mind away from that effort. Somewhere near the highest point as you walk besides the lake, is the <strong><em>Robin Hood’s Chair</em></strong>, which is a rock that juts out.</p> <p>Robin Hood’s Chair is just one of the many Robin Hood connections on the way (remember at the end of the walk is Robin Hood’s Bay!). There is even a Robin Hood’s Grave on the way. Folklore, mythology and walker’s imagination is a lethal combination and is not surprising such Chair’s and Grave’s exist.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCIBuhdqI/AAAAAAAAArY/FuN7Yn7puEU/s1600-h/P8070741%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070741 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070741 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCJJbbLLI/AAAAAAAAArc/cROcE_dTwe8/P8070741%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="266" /></a></p> <p>After the climb down on the south end of the lake is River Liza. After crossing the river, and a long walk parallel to the river comes Black Sail Hut (Black Sail Youth Hostel).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCJ8VcTCI/AAAAAAAAArg/AaPTO5omYso/s1600-h/P8070739%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070739 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070739 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCKlf58CI/AAAAAAAAArk/TeLPamhQBC4/P8070739%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="265" /></a></p> <p>In between very tall hills (or was it mountains?), Black Sail Hut lies in a dramatic location. Sitting down in front of the hill with a few other walkers and having a relaxed snack, I didn’t have a clue what the next few hours held for me. That was the good thing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCLa-FwQI/AAAAAAAAAro/e_Szd-OKJxM/s1600-h/P8070783%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070783" border="0" alt="P8070783" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCMCgk2UI/AAAAAAAAArs/EE-AyteCIkw/P8070783_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="287" /></a></p> <p>Then came the steepest and most dangerous climb of my life.</p> <p>In absolute terms, it wasn’t a big climb, just 650 metres. In fact during the rest of the walk, I did climb even higher hills. But this being the first serious climb I wasn’t prepared for it.</p> <p>For a while the climb is through randomly laid out rocky steps. Occasionally the track fades away and one needs to be careful about every step (and not to miss one). </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCM1bwAwI/AAAAAAAAArw/eGHwBokiA00/s1600-h/P8070773%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070773 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070773 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCNpwnN8I/AAAAAAAAAr0/5Oz87bohzFQ/P8070773%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="261" /></a></p> <p>Half way through the walk many things went wrong. Very strong and cold wind was hitting my face, while my body is overheating as I was wearing a thick jacket. Being the second day of my walk (and due to my inexperience) I had all sort of things in my bag. The weight wasn’t an issue on the first two days, but during this climb, it was a <em>real</em> issue; it was dragging me down. And the most terrifying part is that the climb was very steep and has no safety barrier. One wrong step and it is half a kilometre fall straight down from the hill and having fear of heights also did not help!</p> <p>I was really stuck half way through. Too tired and terrified to climb up and absolutely now way to climb down. All of a sudden, ten months of practice meant nothing. </p> <p>I came for a Coast to Coast Walk, and not a Coast to Coast <em>Climb</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCORLmKYI/AAAAAAAAAr4/5g3GEXa3WsM/s1600-h/P8070800%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070800 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070800 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCPEDRcTI/AAAAAAAAAr8/Efrn9Q1nJMY/P8070800%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="264" /></a></p> <p>That’s when the amazing thing happened. Along from Gary and Peter, half a dozen walkers whom I haven’t ever met before today, was encouraging and motivating me to climb up further and further. Tips like “take the jacket off”, “sip a little bit water”, “don’t look down”, “breathe steadily; breathe in through your nose and breathe out thorough your mouth”, “you are almost there” came in quick succession. Gary even offered me to carry my shoulder bag. Within 45 minutes I am at the top!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCQLpbkGI/AAAAAAAAAsA/BVDzjDWOAaU/s1600-h/P8070748%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070748 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070748 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCQ5ung0I/AAAAAAAAAsE/rK18KRy6Ylw/P8070748%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="269" /></a></p> <p>The sense of achievement has never been greater. And the views of the sea shore at St. Bees from the top, though many miles away, was an adequate compensation for all the effort. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCR9kFumI/AAAAAAAAAsI/2mvIUcjbQ3o/s1600-h/P8070818%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8070818 (1)" border="0" alt="P8070818 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/StHCSm-lXnI/AAAAAAAAAsM/BCC-iziwUro/P8070818%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="274" /></a>After a few smaller ups and downs comes the Honsiter Slate Mine still producing high quality slates. Then comes a steep climb to Longthwaite and a short gentle walk by the side of a small river to today’s destination, Rosthwaite. </p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-57348624868591277172009-09-28T21:26:00.001+08:002009-09-28T21:26:20.231+08:00A much delayed update<p>Is this blog dead?</p> <p>Far from it – at least that is what I believe myself.</p> <p>First the good news…</p> <p>Over a month back I completed the Coast to Coast walk. I was religiously updating the blog for many months before the walk and for the first few days during the walk. I was so committed that I carried my Netbook in my shoulder bag during the long walks even though the extra 1 kilo weight of the Netbook made the walk more difficult.  </p> <p>Now the bad news (plural)…</p> <p>As the walk got tough, I took longer and longer than expected to finish the walk each day. Even after starting at around 8:00 AM each day, the walk completed around 6:00 to 7:00 PM most days even though my hope and plan was to complete before 4:00PM! . After the walk each day there was barely enough time to have a quick dinner and a few pints of beer (correction - there is always time for beer) and just crash! I was too tired to blog! WiFi connectivity became harder and harder to obtain. Many villages did not even have mobile signals so WiFi was too much to ask. As soon as I reached back London, my Netbook crashed (it is a long story, details to follow). So I decided to continue updates after I am back in Singapore. </p> <p>However I landed in Singapore in the middle of a house renovation/ house move. Things were so much tougher than I thought initially. And of course there were boxes, boxes and more boxes to be packed and moved. A month and a house move and a family emergency later, things have stabilized and I will start the updates next week.</p> <p>Though my memory is not very good, I took notes, pictures and videos diligently throughout the walk. So I am hoping I can recreate the lengthy journey in finer details even though it has been a while since I completed the walk.</p> <p>Updates start next week.</p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-80441528022452585852009-08-13T01:31:00.001+08:002009-08-13T01:31:51.735+08:00Day 1: Real Start<h4>Today’s Walk: St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge </h4> <h5>Stayed at Stone House Farm: Rating – Very Good</h5> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8E0K-H8I/AAAAAAAAAok/C63HlH-33uE/s1600-h/trial%20markes%20%281%29%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="trial markes (1)" border="0" alt="trial markes (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8Gidr1PI/AAAAAAAAAoo/ME3mg276zCo/trial%20markes%20%281%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="171" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">After the tiring walk followed by a wonderful sleep I was eagerly looking forward towards Day 1. Most places in the UK, where you stay, provide you with a big breakfast, typically what is called an English breakfast (also nicknamed <strong><em>Cholesterol on a plate</em></strong>) consisting of sausage, toast, bacon, eggs, beans (all with lots and lots of oil). There will also be fruits salad, cereals and yoghurt. Once you have it, you will need a few hours to recover before you can even move. So I skipped the English Breakfast that and just had some toast and coffee. </p> <p align="justify">The stay at Stone House Farm was very good. They had all the facilities including an option to cook (none of which I used). This place is very next to the St. Bees station and thus wasn’t difficult to get the luggage to the place of accommodation. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to stay at St. Bees. A couple of pubs and hotels are also very next to this place. </p> <p align="justify">And now on to the walk. After retracing last days route back to the Village, I joined back the Coast to Coast trail. </p> <p align="justify">Few steps later and has happened previously to me, the footpath disappears - but a board saying footpath is still there! <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8JEx6BmI/AAAAAAAAAos/K9e6A2-4jQ8/s1600-h/P8060522%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060522" border="0" alt="P8060522" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8J-EjJiI/AAAAAAAAAow/NNmSdVET-J0/P8060522_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="143" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8L-HQyjI/AAAAAAAAAo0/c7OgINLF5MI/s1600-h/trial%20markes%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="trial markes" border="0" alt="trial markes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8M0YqWfI/AAAAAAAAAo4/N-5scNnALy0/trial%20markes_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="137" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">However the maps in the book I am following (by Terry Marsh) is excellent (though the markers on the path are not). The one below, written on a card board was facing the wrong direction and I realized it only after a few 100 metres.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8OpKV2UI/AAAAAAAAAo8/U6rJFbSLwf0/s1600-h/trial%20markes%20%284%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="trial markes (4)" border="0" alt="trial markes (4)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8QPj89vI/AAAAAAAAApA/zK9156tRv6Y/trial%20markes%20%284%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="303" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">The Terry Marsh book clearly shows all the landmarks and directions and has some high resolution maps which came in handy for me to find the right direction. </p> <p align="justify">Around me everything looks picture perfect – I am in the middle of a a huge farm land with lots and lots of lambs and cows grazing with no worries and ignoring me totally (though this will not be the case in the coming days).</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8R9DWqQI/AAAAAAAAApE/S29A5wosUa0/s1600-h/P8060561%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060561" border="0" alt="P8060561" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8SrPeTbI/AAAAAAAAApI/8-l3FouhYs4/P8060561_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="216" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">There is also railway line that goes across this field which I have to cross before I walk further. Here I hit my first snag. The map in the book and the real world doesn’t seem to match. There is no way to cross the line at the gate as it is locked. Am I supposed to jump over the gate? Or is there a way to open the gate? </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8Tx17I_I/AAAAAAAAApM/O1NNz6aucdg/s1600-h/P8060576%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060576" border="0" alt="P8060576" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8U4K52aI/AAAAAAAAApQ/fnQi88h3R_8/P8060576_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="236" /></a></p> <p align="justify">With no one around for miles and now I realize decision making throughout this walk is going to be a tough task! Instead of jumping the gate, finally I decided that I will go a kilometre further away from my planned path, and cross the line through what looked liked a rarely used underpass. I am now half an hour behind schedule - not that I have anything urgent to do at Ennerdale Bridge. </p> <p align="justify">On to Moor row, Cleator Moor and then on to Dent Fell. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8Wi4I-uI/AAAAAAAAApU/9cETOfV4aZE/s1600-h/P8060595%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060595" border="0" alt="P8060595" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8XvTw9TI/AAAAAAAAApY/NKZyvvQPEWg/P8060595_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="348" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8ZVQ1C2I/AAAAAAAAApc/llNghpyPmxg/s1600-h/P8060624%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060624" border="0" alt="P8060624" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8aYiuV4I/AAAAAAAAApg/tifHsGPd42g/P8060624_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="281" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8bRcFqwI/AAAAAAAAApk/O19IrJL4iyQ/s1600-h/P8060620%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060620" border="0" alt="P8060620" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8cMSG6GI/AAAAAAAAApo/FLb62Hrw3n0/P8060620_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="347" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Dent Fell became the first physically tiring part of the walk. It is a reasonably tall hill with a climb of <strong><em>reasonable</em></strong> inclination. As all my practices in Singapore was about climbing Bukit Timah, a hill that is 150 metres tall, Dent came in as a big shock. I had to really struggle to get on top of Dent (I had no clue it was many of such hills/mountains to come).</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8cz2q94I/AAAAAAAAAps/uxyTCbTziTw/s1600-h/P8060659%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060659" border="0" alt="P8060659" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8dR8Gi9I/AAAAAAAAApw/Y3IzEFV8H8Q/P8060659_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="251" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">The descent from Dent posed another major challenge. With no laid out routes and with a very steep slope, simply put - it was frightening. One wrong step or one slip I will be going down a few hundred metres. This is not what I wanted to do.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8eRtF_DI/AAAAAAAAAp0/7PmxVjXucaY/s1600-h/P8060669%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060669" border="0" alt="P8060669" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8fc6iSJI/AAAAAAAAAp4/cWMaFY6buyE/P8060669_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="257" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">Once Dent is covered, and after a long walk besides a stream it is the climb down to Ennerdale bridge.</p> <p align="justify">And then at Ennerdale bridge, a pint of Ale is waiting at the Fox and Hounds, the pub where I would be staying.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8geE_UyI/AAAAAAAAAp8/UrbLhVUMHtQ/s1600-h/P8060697%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8060697" border="0" alt="P8060697" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SoL8ht4abWI/AAAAAAAAAqA/qSnzCeVS3po/P8060697_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="224" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">After walking the first day alone, I was happy to meet a couple of fellow walkers – Peter and Garry – who will be with me for a few more days…</p> <p>NB: This posting is a few days late – three reasons </p> <ol> <li>WiFi is patchy and non-existent in some places</li> <li>The walk took too long and I managed to reached my place of accommodation only after 6:00 PM (against my planned 4:00 PM)</li> <li>I was too tired!</li> </ol> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-73810057000566998092009-08-10T16:24:00.001+08:002009-08-10T16:24:02.395+08:00Day 0.5: Back in Time…<p>I have just realized that my mobile cannot get any signal as I left St. Bees for the circular walk. It is progressively getting worse as I moved away from St. Bees. I don’t even dare to ask for WiFi as I got come cold stares when I asked for it the first time.</p> <p>I am editing this post offline - if you are seeing this post online I some how managed to get a patchy connection somewhere.</p> <p>There goes my plan to post each days walk as it happened. See you in a few days.</p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-69647448855226856092009-08-10T16:19:00.001+08:002009-08-10T16:19:21.355+08:00Day 0.5: Quick Start!<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X1FBeC1I/AAAAAAAAAnA/ceXTI1KrCVs/s1600-h/P80503411.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050341" border="0" alt="P8050341" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X1u-OPcI/AAAAAAAAAnE/4xrg6P3YyDU/P8050341_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="93" /></a><font size="1">An excellent place to start the walk</font></p> <p align="justify">Day 0.5? Day 0 was done. Day 1 hasn’t started. So it has to be Day 0.5!</p> <p>Three ironic things:</p> <ol> <li>One of the classic nature walks, Coast to Coast Walk, starts at St. Bees Village, a village which is sandwiched between a nuclear power plant and chemical works factory! </li> <li>The west to east direction Coast to Coast walk starts in the west direction! </li> <li>After an year of planning, I started the Coast to Coast walk a day ahead of schedule! </li> </ol> <p align="justify">After an early start from London, I reached St. Bees on Wednesday afternoon. The initial plan was to take rest for the rest of the day getting ready for the 14 day walk. However my land lady had a different suggestion. According to her, the weather hasn’t been this good for such a long time, and I should not miss a walk today. The suggestion was to cover the first 8 kilometres or so of the walk and then return to St. Bees. And on the next day, start from St. Bees again and rejoin the walk where I left it off the previous day. Sounded like a good idea. This will also give me an opportunity to see St.Bees head (a hill with steep cliffs facing the Irish sea) and the St. Bees light house leisurely without being worried about the long walk ahead on the first day.</p> <p>So I started around 1:00 PM for the first part of the walk. So it is Day 0.5.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X2HtbUDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/QWyqZcAJZUE/s1600-h/P80503481.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050348" border="0" alt="P8050348" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X2pgBYUI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Nyx0lCjkd5Q/P8050348_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="281" /></a></p> <p>St. Bees is a small village with the biggest attraction being that it is the start point of the Coast to Coast walk. There are also a few shops, a few pubs and some B&B places for the walkers. A typical quiet English village.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X3aqujoI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/3EkH2FcqVqM/s1600-h/P80605161.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8060516" border="0" alt="P8060516" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X37AixaI/AAAAAAAAAnU/-pbhLMj2uys/P8060516_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="287" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">St. Bees Village</font></p> <p align="justify">Apart from that there is a very old church (and some mythology around it, as always) and an equally old school. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X4YztSoI/AAAAAAAAAnY/DVeERGTrYj4/s1600-h/P80604941.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P8060494" border="0" alt="P8060494" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X4xnou0I/AAAAAAAAAnc/Q4V3_YpQsgg/P8060494_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="294" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">St. Bees Church</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X5V6rI5I/AAAAAAAAAng/oEScN7phqhE/s1600-h/P80604841.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8060484" border="0" alt="P8060484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X57euZJI/AAAAAAAAAnk/NGu3U6j8m1U/P8060484_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="279" /></a><font size="1"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">St. Bees School</font></p> <p align="justify">The actual starting point of the walk, the St. Bees beach is slightly over a kilometre away from the village (and that walk doesn’t count!). The beach was very crowded – and I am hoping everyone in the beach did not come for a Coast to Coast walk – if so it will be a crowded walk! Fortunately most weren’t there for the walk – they were just having a picnic and some fun. I saw only a few walking up the St. Bees head.</p> <p align="justify">As a ritual, I too dipped my foot in the Irish sea and started the walk.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X6_phKjI/AAAAAAAAAno/cIl2nr014Cw/s1600-h/P80503611.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050361" border="0" alt="P8050361" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X7R25YnI/AAAAAAAAAns/8VUzGf4cIO8/P8050361_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="286" /></a><font size="1"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="1">The start of the C2C walk – Beach at the Irish sea</font></p> <p align="justify">As I start climbing up the St. Bees head reality kicks in. Things are very different compared to what I practiced in Singapore. The climb to the top of St. Bees head is steep, walkways are non existent at certain points, and there is no fences on the sharp edges – one wrong step and it is a few hundred feet down! This is going to be much tougher than what I thought! </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X8fYivrI/AAAAAAAAAnw/D1D-S1xd1wI/s1600-h/P80503811.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050381" border="0" alt="P8050381" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X8heEUhI/AAAAAAAAAn0/3m6DNMnMTL8/P8050381_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="288" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">View of St. Bees from St. Bees head</font></p> <p align="justify">As you climb up the St. Bees head, there is a magnificent view of the entire Village, that of the Irish sea and the farmlands in the background. After a couple of kilometres, I suddenly realize there is no one walking with me anymore, the few who were walking with me have disappeared, and the long path is front of me is deserted. And then the path almost disappears among thick growth of ferns. Time to get the map out and brush the map reading skills!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X9IedIaI/AAAAAAAAAn4/vAZGPOGTBus/s1600-h/P80504321.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050432" border="0" alt="P8050432" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X9k6R4UI/AAAAAAAAAn8/qrXF-JyAMKo/P8050432_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="284" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">The red cliffs at St. Bees head</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X-H4SYDI/AAAAAAAAAoA/-hqrbswMxZY/s1600-h/P80504401.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050440" border="0" alt="P8050440" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X-gQhtpI/AAAAAAAAAoE/PsoBELv-VQs/P8050440_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>After crossing the St. Bees head, the must view thing is a few centuries old light house. I am not even sure whether it is operational. There seems to be no one around, even though there is a decent road leading to the light house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X_DgUQHI/AAAAAAAAAoI/4KM-LShj31k/s1600-h/P80504461.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050446" border="0" alt="P8050446" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_X_VF7XWI/AAAAAAAAAoM/b2xvjLnaVqg/P8050446_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="304" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">St. Bees light house</font></p> <p align="justify">Once the St. Bees head is covered it is a long walk back to St. Bees village. The walk back to the village is more than 5 kilometres. There goes the saving. I just covered 8 kilometres and to do that I have to walk an extra 10 kilometres.</p> <p align="center"><font size="1"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_YAIr19II/AAAAAAAAAoQ/eQztUU2ooCo/s1600-h/P80504521.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050452" border="0" alt="P8050452" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_YAomUEXI/AAAAAAAAAoU/PJ0oM1PoVII/P8050452_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="303" /></a></p> <p>I was back at the village around 6:00 PM. A quick bath and it is dinner time at a crowded village pub. </p> <p>      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_YBBa1uLI/AAAAAAAAAoY/cSHpKeOSDNw/s1600-h/P80503441.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050344" border="0" alt="P8050344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Sn_YCI3gvuI/AAAAAAAAAog/vZDc0BNi2qc/P8050344_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="280" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1">First night accommodation at Stone House farm</font></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-26569933621440988562009-08-06T14:29:00.001+08:002009-08-06T14:30:38.161+08:00Day 0: Train Ride to St. Bees<p>Today early morning I took a train from London Euston station to St. Bees. This involved two transfers, one at Preston and one at Barrow in Furness. There was only few minutes between the transfers. But everything went like clock work!</p> <p>British train system has lot of bad press. But is not as bad as what people and press say. In fact after reading such articles, I had such low expectations of Britrail, they exceed expectations most of the time, which turns out to be a pleasant surprise for me. </p> <p>My family and I have used the British rail service a few times in the past. Without doubt I can say trains are the best mode of transport when you travel around with young kids. They can move around (and run around), play with other kids, they can sleep comfortably lying down when they gets tired, the scenery keeps changing, try different food, get out an explore stations on the way – it has got all that can keep kids engaged and educated. After trying many types of trains in many countries in Asia and Europe it is my favourite mode of transport as well – even though I not young any more.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp3692GJmI/AAAAAAAAAl0/MMcIqC8iHIw/s1600-h/P80502893.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050289" border="0" alt="P8050289" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp38I9zfZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/BGyN1lGCBlQ/P8050289_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="287" /></a></p> <p>From London to Preston it was a Virgin Express train with all the bells and whistles, like in seat dining, Wifi and mobile repeaters. Unfortunately the first two were for business class and I wasn't in it. At Preston I changed to a TransPenine Express Train – with just two compartments. At Barrow when I changed the trains again, the new train just had one compartment!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp3-eh4eZI/AAAAAAAAAl8/kO1fmZqf4as/s1600-h/P80503233.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050323" border="0" alt="P8050323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4AKC35VI/AAAAAAAAAmA/u8szEw_KAKs/P8050323_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="289" /></a></p> <p>20 minutes from London, the scenery changes to the country side. Grass lands, yellow and purple flowers, canals and boats, sheep, sheep and more sheep. There is so much sheep in UK, it will make New Zealand look bad. Strangely lamb is such a small part of restaurant menus in the UK, I wonder what is done with all these sheep's?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4A1IM1_I/AAAAAAAAAmE/v2vEhsYPLFs/s1600-h/P80503363.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050336" border="0" alt="P8050336" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4CY-jRRI/AAAAAAAAAmM/4b-4hxPOoBY/P8050336_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="295" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4EWg0UTI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Le1BFqca96A/s1600-h/P80503213.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050321" border="0" alt="P8050321" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4GfVV5AI/AAAAAAAAAmU/3KkDonStUxE/P8050321_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a></p> <p>All of a sudden it started raining heavily. Along with rain and the mist the outside initially it looked like “Middle Earth”, but as the rain became strong the outside scenery completely disappeared. I turned my attention to a few magazines I bought at the station about walking and trekking (there are quiet a few!). In one of the magazines they were describing how to go for walking in summer at the end of each day after work, camp and be back to the office the next day morning on time!</p> <p>30 minutes later and after change of trains the rain has completely disappeared and everything looks bright. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4HV_kW7I/AAAAAAAAAmY/VsYHCqwrbTE/s1600-h/P80503313.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050331" border="0" alt="P8050331" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4IROXuCI/AAAAAAAAAmc/PosjrPMuHBc/P8050331_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a></p> <p>At Preston Station while I was clicking heavily one of the station attendants insisted (nicely) that I have to see the Plaque unveiled by the Queen. Here is a picture of the Plaque. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4JhEZ0tI/AAAAAAAAAmg/8EUB4f3-zhE/s1600-h/P80502763.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050276" border="0" alt="P8050276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4KecPNQI/AAAAAAAAAmk/4Nh6KHkhh78/P8050276_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="352" /></a></p> <p>The Station itself looked grand with its bright red and green architecture. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4LgWeUYI/AAAAAAAAAmo/4MNDTOVSF_0/s1600-h/P80502723.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050272" border="0" alt="P8050272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4MsjaFJI/AAAAAAAAAms/_jFC1vkFhyk/P8050272_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4PRBpSxI/AAAAAAAAAmw/EMkQ0OHwnuM/s1600-h/P80502773.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8050277" border="0" alt="P8050277" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4RdSX3tI/AAAAAAAAAm0/Y0k8MhMUnZA/P8050277_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="303" /></a></p> <p>Finally after almost 5 hours of train journey I reached St. Bees station – as expected a very small train station.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4S-qEozI/AAAAAAAAAm4/6V0mC0cdinI/s1600-h/P80605134.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P8060513" border="0" alt="P8060513" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snp4TvqwKcI/AAAAAAAAAm8/l3RQ0iRsXS4/P8060513_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="304" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-67520216688332426052009-08-05T01:03:00.001+08:002009-08-05T01:03:34.844+08:00Day T-1: London<h4>Today’s Walk: London</h4> <p>Planned distance: Unplanned, Actual distance: 21.44 km; Time taken 4 hours 10 minutes</p> <p>Whether you fly a A380 or just a normal plane, a 13 hour flight is tiring. Two movies, few hours of sleep, a supper, a snack and a breakfast later I am still dazed.</p> <p>In the morning 7:30 itself I managed to get an early check-in (at no cost!) at my favorite Rhodes hotel in Paddington. I have stayed here 4 times in the past, and is very impressed with this hotel. It is relatively inexpensive, has all facilities including Free WiFi and I even got free calls. After freshening up I did the best thing to avoid a jet lag – go for a long walk.</p> <p>London is my favourite <i><b>city</b></i> for any holiday. After been here more than half a dozen times and after spending considerable amount of (holiday) time, I still find something new (which itself may be very old!) every time I come here. And, I <i><b>have</b></i> to say this, is the best city for pedestrians. There is so much to see by just walking.</p> <p>There are very few cities in the world where the old and new mix so well. As a prominent financial nerve center of the world, cutting edge innovations happen (including some of the now disastrous financial products) in some of the buildings that haven’t changed even a bit over centuries.</p> <p>Yes, the city has its problems of over crowding, crawling traffic (complemented by a wonderful underground train network), violence, pick pocketing and what not. But don’t most cities in the world have all of those?</p> <p>As always today I went for a long and directionless walk with only one objective – come back to where I started after few hours.</p> <p>The weather was terrible – it was dull, dark and damp – with frequent rains. So by British standards just a normal day. See the attached photo. No, it is not a black and white photo – that is how London looked today.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhphFzLghI/AAAAAAAAAjs/G4YNlsMmJcY/s1600-h/P8040190%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040190 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040190 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhph3snwGI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-UcvxUC9pRw/P8040190%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="295" /></a></p> <p>The weather motivated me to do some quick shopping for a <i><b>better</b></i> weatherproof clothing other than what I was carrying. I managed to get a Goretex jacket (which guarantees to keep me dry) , almost one third the price in Singapore. I am surprised!</p> <p>In the evening I am going for a guided walk - what do you expect out of me anyway? </p> <p>London has a variety of informative and educational walks like British Museum Walks and Tower of London walks where a knowledgeable guide takes you for a couple of hours of walk at interesting locations and tell the stories behind it. But who cares about such walks when there are Jack the Ripper Walk, Harry Porter Walk, Da Vinci Code Walk, Sherlock Holmes walk, Ghost Walk and Pub Walk which is much more fun!</p> <p>Net connection is going to be choppy in the coming days. So you may not hear from me everyday.</p> <p>Here is a collection of random photos from today trip.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpiwvF3ZI/AAAAAAAAAj0/KFdsw441HVE/s1600-h/P8040046%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040046 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040046 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpjSrTP4I/AAAAAAAAAj4/O_h5W-cJB00/P8040046%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="208" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpkdYaBHI/AAAAAAAAAj8/IjfFqxzmxjc/s1600-h/P8040056%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040056 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040056 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhpk7OdjCI/AAAAAAAAAkA/x7M4YkGDkz0/P8040056%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="249" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpmM72fpI/AAAAAAAAAkE/HyzuzLbizOk/s1600-h/P8040061%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040061 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040061 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhpm7IxCaI/AAAAAAAAAkI/oqIWKUnTI7o/P8040061%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="389" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpnqDb0UI/AAAAAAAAAkM/1672_3D9Sd0/s1600-h/P8040073%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040073 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040073 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpoQRe3PI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/Bn1L9N4o5qg/P8040073%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="216" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhppTuT_2I/AAAAAAAAAkU/WqSnWZYFGhI/s1600-h/P8040091%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040091 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040091 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpqMWf-cI/AAAAAAAAAkY/tXVYt8GpV04/P8040091%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="297" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhprMO2JbI/AAAAAAAAAkc/F7bhdYYJ4XE/s1600-h/P8040093%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040093 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040093 (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhprvPz9bI/AAAAAAAAAkg/kZfGH_Gky-8/P8040093%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpsfGbZRI/AAAAAAAAAkk/SywRSpxTANs/s1600-h/P8040120%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040120 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040120 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhps_W0TLI/AAAAAAAAAko/TAalKj6KeTE/P8040120%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="299" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhptm1drwI/AAAAAAAAAks/-eO4TlygXT0/s1600-h/P8040129%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040129 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040129 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpuEdIjGI/AAAAAAAAAkw/S_zcc-54AbI/P8040129%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="305" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpuxUINyI/AAAAAAAAAk0/-v0sY3DOtxs/s1600-h/P8040137%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040137 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040137 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpvVQ_VdI/AAAAAAAAAk4/25tviKh5Tgs/P8040137%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="305" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpwQ6slcI/AAAAAAAAAk8/D1T5Vu1lpQo/s1600-h/P8040147%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040147 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040147 (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhpw8FS4eI/AAAAAAAAAlA/q_cXPt8Cdpo/P8040147%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="306" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhpx1_qEJI/AAAAAAAAAlE/fciNcTgvdwc/s1600-h/P8040153%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040153 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040153 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhpy4PVJ5I/AAAAAAAAAlI/OaZyECV3xJk/P8040153%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="304" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SnhpzkccZMI/AAAAAAAAAlM/LE2XQYQJnk8/s1600-h/P8040209%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P8040209 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040209 (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp0F1wUwI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/WaRQ4Fu_eO4/P8040209%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="354" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp0oOkyOI/AAAAAAAAAlU/ktcu3IY_PmI/s1600-h/P8040210%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040210 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040210 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp1arZ5HI/AAAAAAAAAlY/sc_NPzhm71Q/P8040210%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp2J5sMpI/AAAAAAAAAlc/ODnvwZkfWrw/s1600-h/P8040219%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040219 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040219 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp2gwFvrI/AAAAAAAAAlg/shQXOxhWGes/P8040219%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="299" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp3XjejsI/AAAAAAAAAlk/lVUfIJdxuc0/s1600-h/P8040226%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040226 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040226 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp4PLKwVI/AAAAAAAAAlo/P43egFXRpVY/P8040226%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="304" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp46LADlI/AAAAAAAAAls/oq4OvTrZZo4/s1600-h/P8040238%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040238 (1)" border="0" alt="P8040238 (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Snhp5W5BkDI/AAAAAAAAAlw/_49aLnl45pc/P8040238%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-34921557827727512492009-08-03T22:08:00.001+08:002009-08-03T22:08:59.774+08:00Day T-2: In the beginning…<p>May be it is the mid-life crisis. </p> <p>Early in 2008 I realized, that in 2009 I will be 40 years old and I want to do something worthwhile, something tough, something inspirational and something I can tell my kids with pride when they grow up. Looking at myself then (and weighing around 77 Kilos) I decided if what ever I do has to be a tough task, there should be an element of fun in it, otherwise I cannot motivate myself to do it anyway. After a little bit of research I come to a conclusion, I cannot climb Everest, I cannot do a Triathlon, I cannot swim the English Channel and I cannot even run a marathon. The only thing I could do worthwhile is a long distance walk (and that too listening to music). </p> <p>I chose the “Coast to Coast” walk in the UK devised by a gentleman named Alfred Wainwright. “Cost to Coast” walk is a 308 kilometre walk across England starting at St Bees in Cumbria, the west coast of England, and ending at North Sea coast at Robin Hood's Bay, the east coast of England and can be done in about two weeks. It had all the elements I was looking for – a reasonably long and tough walk, English country side, Moors, Lakes, Nature parks, Inns and of course pubs. </p> <p>I started practising lightly towards mid of 2008, and started taking it seriously by November 2008 when I started this blog describing my walks and my plan to do a Coast to Coast walk. Once you go public on a blog (with 4,582 unique visitors from 100 countries/territories to date) you cannot go back on your word. So I have taken my walks more serious and have covered 829.5 kilometres in the last 8+ months and in the meanwhile as an added bonus, I have lost around 5 kilos. The details of my every single walk to date is <u><a href="http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/user/profile.do?u=masug">here.</a></u></p> <p><u><b>The Perils of Travel:</b></u></p> <p>Terrorism, Bird Flu, SARS and now H1N1 (Swine Flu) - the world is becoming a more dangerous place. The effect of all of this on travel is significant. It makes all of us worried, especially when UK has now become a hot bed of H1N1.</p> <p>What if you get quarantined in the UK (I have heard horror stories about NHS, the National Health Service)? Isn’t the weather this year “bad”? Isn’t the British Pound strengthening? Isn’t this a bad time to travel? Questions? Questions? My take is - after all when is it a good time to travel? How would one know if tomorrow is a better day to travel?</p> <p>I had decided the dates for this trip well in advance, as early mid last year. Even though the travel scene has gone from bad to worse (Singapore Airlines is likely to post a full year loss for the first time, even worse than the SARS period) I have decided I will not change the dates of my trip, even after a health scare 10 days back (not H1N1, just a throat infection, but the doctor who treated me had H1N1!). I felt it is a risk worth taking. Thankfully my family is also very supportive of this walk – they have seen me practicing for this walk for a long time. I would miss them a lot, especially the two young kids. I have never been away from them this long, ever.</p> <h4><u>Singapore to London:</u></h4> <p>Tonight (03/August, around 10:15 PM Singapore time) I am posting this blog entry from the Silver Kris lounge at the Singapore airport (benefits of being a frequent flyer) waiting for the A380 flight to London. 3.5G is great (and I hope UK will continue to offer me either 3.5G or at least WiFi). And after a very long trip to the east saving me 7 hours (which I loose promptly when I fly back) I will be in London tomorrow morning.</p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-2568019742554243182009-08-03T14:17:00.001+08:002009-08-03T14:17:45.318+08:00Day T-2: Recap – Coast to Coast Walk Distances<p></p> <table border="3" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="397"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="87">Day 1</td> <td valign="top" width="228">St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>22.5 km</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 2</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>22.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="90">Day 3</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Rosthwaite to Grasmere </td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>14.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="90">Day 4</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Grasmere to Patterdale</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>13.0 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="90">Day 5</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Patterdale to Shap </td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>26.0 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 6</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Shap to Kirkby Stephen</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>32.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 7</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Kirkby Stephen to Keld </td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>19.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 8</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Keld to Reeth </td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>17.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="88">Day 9</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Reeth to Richmond</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>16.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 10</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Richmond to Ingleby Cross</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>35.5 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 11</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>20.0 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 12</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>29.0 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 13</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Glaisdale to Littlebeck</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>13.0 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Day 14</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Littlebeck to Robin Hoods Bay</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>18.0 km </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="89">Total</td> <td valign="top" width="228">Coast to Coast walk</td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p>300 km</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-28204481263181489362009-07-07T22:02:00.001+08:002009-07-07T22:02:18.849+08:00Raffles Hotel – The Video<p>And here is a video version of my earlier blog entry.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cb129431-6e02-484b-a0db-425868ca9c5b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="395" height="329"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_V9q-qA9i68&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_V9q-qA9i68&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="395" height="329"></embed></object></div></div> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-84519489545704220212009-07-02T07:12:00.001+08:002009-07-02T07:12:03.777+08:00Raffles Hotel<p>Raffles Hotel is possibly<b><i> the</i></b><i></i> most famous landmark in Singapore. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SktvXvlQG-I/AAAAAAAAAfw/T0-adUU0SxY/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SktvgPoK9PI/AAAAAAAAAf0/nUCz2KSS2mc/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="269" /></a> </p> <p>Last weekend I spend time with my father and my son walking around the hotel and spending a bit of time at one of the famous establishments in there (more on it later). </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SktvjDHl05I/AAAAAAAAAf4/JmX0IQUE5U4/s1600-h/2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SktwIfFzR0I/AAAAAAAAAf8/v-P3KW_KSK0/2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="327" /></a>Nestled among the modern skyscrapers, Raffles Hotel preserves quiet a bit of the history it has been associated for more than 120 years. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Skvs-YEHAKI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ljw4L4D-7BU/s1600-h/33.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/Skvs_d8xylI/AAAAAAAAAho/hw_7iZnk-uE/3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="304" /></a></p> <p>It is interesting to note that this Singapore icon was owned by many non-Singaporeans (in the traditional sense). The founders of the hotel, Sarkies Brothers were Armenians, and the owner of the building, Syed Mohamed Alsagoff was an Arab trader. Even the latest owner, Colony Capital, is a California based company. It all shows the position of Singapore as an important trading centre than anything else (as well as the importance of having enough money). Strange, it may look today; Asian’s weren’t allowed as guests in the hotel until the 1930’s.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtAKyEBhI/AAAAAAAAAhs/hAP4aR-SsSY/s1600-h/43.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtA4J2bZI/AAAAAAAAAhw/EZ9fibJglzg/4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="299" /></a></p> <p>What is the most important part of Raffles Hotel – Expansive rooms? Tropical Gardens? No. It will be the Long Bar and its famous Singapore Sling. This cocktail was invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the earlier 1900 is a concotation of equal parts of gin, cherry brandy, and Benedictine shaken and then filled with club soda. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtBsG1jDI/AAAAAAAAAh0/MKu6go8lnzE/s1600-h/P628088927.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P6280889 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280889 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtCLHaj3I/AAAAAAAAAh4/g0Tlo9e-4k0/P62808892_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="372" /></a></p> <p>Generations of world famous and not so famous must have drunk Singapore Sling and must have eaten the unlimited servings of peanuts with it at Raffles Hotel! For non-alcoholics there is also a Virgin Sling (does it indicates Singapore is not a virgin?)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtBsG1jDI/AAAAAAAAAh8/f3h54aZLg6w/s1600-h/P628088923.jpg"></a></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P6280871 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280871 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtEVp8-kI/AAAAAAAAAiE/dpReBO70u24/P62808712_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="209" height="325" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtFXfTVkI/AAAAAAAAAiI/rfEosBuIDOQ/s1600-h/P628084328.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P6280843 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280843 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtGEdZggI/AAAAAAAAAiM/CNvUTdiMgRU/P62808432_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="311" /></a>At S$23 + taxes, Singapore Sling (with a free “flow” of peanuts) at Raffles Hotel is an expensive drink. No choice – we too had to try it out! Three generations tried these world famous drinks – except the youngest one just tried hot chocolate.  It is interesting to note that loads of foreign tourists are hurried in to be fed with one of these drinks.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P6280854 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280854 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtHJK9o3I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Vc-EUxAkl70/P62808542_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="387" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtIZJBBzI/AAAAAAAAAiU/RhwmbiZ-vbU/s1600-h/P6280860211.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P6280860 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280860 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtJds5TTI/AAAAAAAAAiY/59_uq0e0pNs/P62808602_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="310" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtKD0-dKI/AAAAAAAAAic/jgUW4HvUGa8/s1600-h/P628088729.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P6280887 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280887 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtK8pit7I/AAAAAAAAAig/lF9uT2rvr6w/P62808872_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="300" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtLh4nyZI/AAAAAAAAAik/sXzhX8p1zZQ/s1600-h/P628086727.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P6280867 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280867 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtMckOM9I/AAAAAAAAAio/oLnOsh5e7EQ/P62808672_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="348" /></a> Another curious thing to notice is that Raffles Hotel faces the Beach Road – but there is no beach or sea in sight! Land reclamation over time has literally moved the sea and the beach half a kilometer away. Raffles Hotel facing the sea - what a sight it would have been!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtNpmgIfI/AAAAAAAAAis/U9NJckL-Yo4/s1600-h/P628094627.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P6280946 (2)" border="0" alt="P6280946 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtOWn-VpI/AAAAAAAAAiw/JkSCWHaFAKk/P62809462_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="302" /></a></p> <p>Here is some more interesting information about Raffles Hotel:</p> <ul> <li>Raffles Hotel’s famous guests include Charlie Chaplin, Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham (who called it “the legendary symbol for all the fables of the exotic east”), Queen Elizabeth and Michael Jackson. </li> <li>The last known wild tiger in Singapore was shot at the hotel more than hundred years back. In spite of the name “Singapura” (“Singa” means Lion) there were no wild lions in Singapore. </li> <li>The hotel was scheduled for demolition in the 1980’s. But sense prevailed. Presidential suites now go at S$ 3,000 a night! </li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtP61yrJI/AAAAAAAAAi0/NK3T84bJeTg/s1600-h/58.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SkvtQp2f9VI/AAAAAAAAAi4/8XKmv7K8eCc/5_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="302" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-25493388545341046772009-06-30T22:11:00.001+08:002009-06-30T22:11:02.582+08:00My Nokia Widget<object width="400" height="280"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.onlineasithappens.nokia.com/flash/WidgetContainer.swf?id=18mv2rf8&embedid=9ffk6rj9&layout=large" /><embed src="http://www.onlineasithappens.nokia.com/flash/WidgetContainer.swf?id=18mv2rf8&embedid=9ffk6rj9&layout=large" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="280"></embed></object> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-71202914839133694602009-06-23T10:59:00.003+08:002009-06-23T11:06:43.716+08:00Nokia N97 review: After One Week*Likes: Nokia Music Store where I could download millions of songs (and I have downloaded thousands already)<br />Dislikes: Music store takes ages to load, terribly slow, poor search capabilities and frequently crash<br /><br />Likes: Nokia Music Store where I was able to download wonderful long forgotten songs which I could not get anywhere else<br />Dislikes: Norton 360 antivirus thinking Nokia Music Store (or some component) of it as a Trojan.<br /><br />Likes: Lock button on the phone to lock key board. The screen goes dark instantly saving battery.<br />Dislikes: The screen does not lighten up when it is unlocked. Lock again and unlock and it works fine<br /><br />Likes: USB cable that can charge the battery and sync contents<br />Dislikes: Some times it does not charge the battery. Still haven’t found out the reason<br /><br />Likes: Auto-sync between the computer and phone<br />Dislikes: Has to press OK twice to start this process<br /><br />Likes: Voice recognition<br />Dislikes: Does not work with any reasonable accuracy<br /><br />Likes: Handwriting recognition calculator<br />Dislikes: Nothing here, it works!<br /><br />Likes: Pre-loaded with applications to grab news, stock quotes etc.<br />Dislikes: Dislikes – no way to measure or control data downloads<br /><br />Likes: Nothing about Ovi store<br />Dislikes: Everything about Ovi store. When comparing with Android Marketplace, Windows Marketplace and Apple store, Ovi store is a disgrace<br /><br />Likes: Able to play lots of music when going for a walk<br />Dislikes: No Sportstracker for N97<br /><div align="right"><br />* Are the dislike due to a bug or is it a feature? Only time will tell!</div>Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-66721986056277358532009-06-14T19:14:00.001+08:002009-06-14T19:14:42.899+08:00Nokia N97 Review<p><strong><em><font color="#800000">And how Nokia lost the PC/Internet integration plot…</font></em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SjTbmvi41rI/AAAAAAAAAfI/_UJc7PFQ-z0/s1600-h/P6130564%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6130564 (1)" border="0" alt="P6130564 (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SjTbnNt9unI/AAAAAAAAAfM/ui5tD2YEkSs/P6130564%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="371" /></a> </p> <p>I got hold of my new Nokia N97 yesterday. The telco, Starhub delivered it at home (though I have put in a Singtel SIM card!). I was eagerly looking forward to getting this phone.</p> <p>Closely following the latest mobile trends, I believe there are three distinct technologies fighting a big battle for the dominance of mobile world – iPhone with it coolness and infinite number of third party applications, Android Phones (like HTC magic) with its open architecture and user extendibility and Nokia (and few other players) with the updated Symbian OS and its stability.</p> <p>I always loved my Nokia phones – my first one was a Nokia 6110 - probably the best phone ever (may not be a smart phone, but it was a great phone). Except once when I tried a HP Windows mobile, all the other phones I always used was a Nokia model. Every one of them was better than the previous one. </p> <p>Then came the period where the Nokia phones started talking with PC’s and Internet for the firs time. Nokia started loosing it. Every time I tried using Nokia software on a PC it misbehaved. The Nokia Ovi website is too slow and many times down – so are the other websites like <a href="http://sportstracker.nokia.com/">http://sportstracker.nokia.com</a>, which I use to track my walks. The great phone was not able to work with PC/Internet properly. The Nokia application on my Vista PC started hanging frequently.</p> <p>The height of the problem was when I found out that Nokia has started quietly uploading the music I am playing while walking to its website. No way to switch it off – and my emails to Nokia went unanswered! Some much for privacy!</p> <p>I also have different names and passwords to remember – one for ovi.com website one for my Nokia music website and … can’t remember!</p> <p>I still stuck with Nokia and applied for the latest N97 phone. After all it has a better display, for me to see my maps better, and even a digital compass a saving grace for someone like me who is directionally challenged.</p> <p>And today when I got my N97, the first thing I want to add to the phone is the Sports tracker tool – oops – Nokia Sports Tracker does not support N97 (or vice versa). Yes, Sports Tracker is beta, but when I upgrade my phone, I am expecting an “upgrade” and not a “downgrade”. There goes the plan to use the new phones to track my walks.</p> <p>On installation, Noki Ovi Store does not install properly as download failed. However the rest of the components did install correctly. I had to reboot the machine and try again to make it Ovi store work (and it did). Even from the phone Ovi store worked just 2 out of 4 times I tried. </p> <p>Having said all that, leaving aside Internet/PC integration, the Nokia N97 is a wonderful phone. Looks cool, very customizable (it also comes with a lot of re-learning on how to use a Nokia phone). A 5 mega pixel camera with a lens protector, 32MB memory, slide out keyboard, lots of pre-installed applications including Facebook and Straits Times. Well, if you want technical review, there are hundreds of reviews already online.</p> <p>The biggest plus for me is that the phone “Comes with Music”. Millions of songs waiting to be (legally) downloaded – that itself is worth the price of the new phone! I have already downloaded hundreds of songs. The collection is amazing – equally amazing is the fact that all the songs downloaded, can be kept even after the free subscription (for one year) is over. I just can’t believe it. And yes, the music plays in one PC also.</p> <p>And of course the new phone comes with a new power connector tip, ensuring that all the old Nokia power cables are all obsolete! When is this going to end?</p> <p>In summary - a wonderful phone with a lousy PC/internet integration…</p> <p>Just one thing, I haven’t made a call with the phone yet. Let me try to find out how to make a call….</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SjTbn-cU_ZI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/BvItuaOc4-8/s1600-h/P6130561%20%281%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6130561 (1)" border="0" alt="P6130561 (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SjTboSZUyvI/AAAAAAAAAfU/zObSI7Y-UkY/P6130561%20%281%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="363" /></a></p> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-20591674400490821372009-06-05T20:36:00.001+08:002009-06-05T20:36:18.222+08:00Little India<p>There are certain things in life which a picture or even a video cannot capture. The sights, smell and sounds of Little India is one of them.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SikROLJOL8I/AAAAAAAAAe4/N5tES48KnUw/s1600-h/PA180022%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SikROp5LhYI/AAAAAAAAAe8/yNBwWBCh_aI/PA180022_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>Even after heavy “sterilization”, Little India still give you some clues on what Singapore was like in the earlier days - scenes that are fast disappearing from the Singapore landscape. </p> <p>The “Little India walk” (my version, in fact most people’s version!), is a walk from Mustafa Shopping mall to Tekka Mall through narrow lanes besides packed shops selling everything Indian (and few non-Indian stuff). </p> <p>Sights: There are hundreds of shops selling Indian spices, groceries, and a huge collection of saris, wood carvings, bangles, jewellery, books, cheap souvenirs and what not.</p> <p>Smell: It is filled with scents of Indian food (North and South), spices, vegetables, jasmine garlands and even raw meat!</p> <p>Sound: Temple chants, street side vendors inviting you to their shops (there are at least 3 “Cheapest Shop in Singapore” in this stretch), people bargaining (increasing this is becoming extinct), sound of Indian music blaring from music shops.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SikRPhp-bKI/AAAAAAAAAfA/p4U9wq7ZkB4/s1600-h/PA180018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QcmWD82ere0/SikRQdC8xoI/AAAAAAAAAfE/boW32XWWb1Q/PA180018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="222" /></a> </p> <p>Little India offers so much to visitors and locals to see, hear, smell, taste and experience!</p> <p>Here is my effort to catch Little India on video. The 9 minute 58 seconds long (youtube.com has a maximum of 10 minutes) Little India walk video is somewhat headache inducing because of the shaking of the hand held video camera. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:582c5079-47d8-4156-a26b-731831266fb6" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="411" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gvpGboNkdho&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gvpGboNkdho&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="411" height="344"></embed></object></div></div> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5253632016244039224.post-86038029195768600202009-05-25T17:40:00.001+08:002009-05-25T17:40:13.898+08:00My Walk Number 101<p>And it is also the first (Google) Map on my wlog.</p> <iframe height="350" marginheight="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108779329919756697604.00046ab937172c33feab0&ll=1.310349,103.792305&spn=0.060066,0.072956&t=h&z=13&output=embed" frameborder="0" width="425" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <br /><small>View <a style="text-align: left; color: #0000ff" href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=108779329919756697604.00046ab937172c33feab0&ll=1.310349,103.792305&spn=0.060066,0.072956&t=h&z=13&source=embed">Walk 101</a> in a larger map</small> Manoj Sugathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14186706819372089066noreply@blogger.com3