Today Travel and Deal features ‘Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary’ a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of elephants in Thailand, bringing these beautiful giants back into their natural habitats and providing alternative livelihood for their previous owners. This sanctuary offers a unique experience for travelers to Thailand to contribute to the conservation of the bountiful flora and fauna of the country, by helping to rehabilitate elephants and experiencing the natural beauty of Thailand.
Here is what Kerri McCrea, Manager & Co-Founder of Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary has to say:

My journey started off with my studies – I spent 3 years studying Zoology at Queen’s University Belfast & spent my summers volunteering abroad. Due to my degree & volunteering experience, I was able to land a job working with rehabilitating captive elephants in Thailand. From working on the ground here, I was able to see the situation for captive elephants; being ridden & paraded around all in the name of human entertainment.

I decided I needed to know more; I carried out a lot of research on many types of elephant tourism during my 3 years here. What I found wasn’t what I exactly what I first thought. Although many of the conditions the elephants are kept in shocked me to my core and a lot of places just used these majestic creatures to make an income at any cost, I was also relieved to find hope. Many places and elephants owners want to do everything they can to give their elephants a better life, but just haven’t been given the opportunity or an alternative to do so.

This is when I decided to take action. I met Sombat, my Thai boyfriend through one of the organisations I worked for. He is part of the Karen Hilltribe who are the elephant keepers of Thailand and his family has had elephants passed down through their generations. His family care for their elephants very much, but due to the complex situation, they where forced to keep them in some of the worst conditions I have seen. Together, me and Sombat started working on an alternative. A way for his family to allow their elephants to live as natural a life as possible and still be able to make a living from them.

What makes our project different is that we bring elephants back to their home environment to live in semi-wild conditions with as little human interaction as possible. Due to huge deforestation in Thailand, captive elephants will always have a relationship with man, but our project allows us to keep this to a minimum so the elephants can have the most natural life possible. We also work with our community to provide them with an alternative & educate them on sustainable eco-tourism, that if spreads, will also combat illegal trade.

We need visitors & volunteers to come & help us take care of the elephants, keep them in semi-wild conditions, carry out research on their natural behaviors & help us educate our community. Volunteer’s day will start with hiking to find the elephants in the forest, feeding fruit, carrying out a health check & observing their natural behaviors as they roam through the forest. Afternoons & evenings will be spent carrying out community projects to both help & educate the locals.

You too can get involved through the following methods:

You can book a stay or find out more on the sanctuary website: www.kselephantsanctuary.org

Follow our updates on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/kselephantsanctuary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredspiritelephantsanctuary
Twitter: twitter.com/KSES_Thailand

Delhi Art Slam is a breath of fresh air in our post-modern world. Where art is a but a commodity within the white walled space of the gallery.
The group, who had their first event earlier this year, is a community for Artists, art-lovers, art-enthusiasts, aiming to localize art galleries and museums into everyday public spaces.
Delhi has a rich art scene, yet what is lacking is the current of underground talent and activity which can be seen in other metropolitan cultural cities. And this is where Art Slam comes in to shake things up.

No matter what medium of art you create, there is a space for you at Delhi Art Slam. Whether you’re an artist by trade, or have a casual interest, art slam connects all.
The group curate walk through exhibitions featuring the work of independent artists throughout Delhi, providing a platform for undiscovered talent throughout the city.

The first official event Slam #1 at Hearken Cafe, on 5th Feb was able to create an art gallery in a cafe with talented underground artists, photographers, illustrators and sculptors and everyone who loved their art. Slam #1 was a hit, and now they are back with Slam #2!
Here is what Art Slam have to say about the next event;

“Delhi Art Slam in collaboration with The Education Tree and antiSocial is curating an art gallery, a make-shift museum for all art lovers and enthusiasts in Delhi, with all the contemporary underground and upcoming artists, designers, photographers, illustrators and sculptors. All visual artists are bringing their work and putting it up on display for you. Thus, making our space, a walkabout art gallery. If you’re art enthusiast in Delhi, this place is for you.”

 

The event takes place at AntiSocial in Hauz Khas Village on Sunday the 7th of May. from 12:00 – 16:00.

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Slam #1 – photo credit: Delhi Art Slam

Slam #1 – photo credit: Delhi Art Slam.

Isla de las Munecas – The Island of the Dolls

I was casually browsing through Instagram one lazy Sunday morning when I came across a string of images of ‘The Island of Dolls’ in Mexico. I thought I was looking at the set design of some new horror movie, but to my surprise found this was a real world location and only a two hour canal ride away from Mexico City. Being an avid reader and viewer of all things creepy, I thought this would the perfect destination for a horror movie fan like me.

Doll Island. Photo credit – Bec Plumbe, Flickr.

The legend of the island involves a man by the name of Don Julian Santana, who lived on the island as a caretaker, having left his family to live out his years as a recluse. Upon arriving at the island Santana soon discovered the body of a young girl who had drowned in a canal, and later found a toy doll floating nearby which he believed belonged to the little girl. As a mark of respect, Santana hung the doll in a tree, to help the girl’s spirit pass along. Thereafter he was reportedly haunted by the spirit of the young girls ghost, and in an attempt to appease her restless spirit, he began collecting dolls and stringing them up in the trees and throughout the island.

Photo credit – Kevin, Flickr.

There are local legends that the dolls themselves were possessed by the spirits of the dead, and according to those close to him Don Julian Santana was moved by a mysterious external force which completely changed his life. Whether Santana’s actions were part and parcel of an occult mystery, or the innocent tribute to the young girl he had found dead, Isla de las Munecas remains a tourist attraction for thrill seekers, photographers and lovers of all things creepy. Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the tale is that after almost 50 years of collecting dolls in 2001, Santana’s body was found drowned in the same place as he had found the body of the girl.

Photo credit – Kevin, Flickr.

The island to this day remains shrouded in mystery, with visitors claiming they have seen the dolls heads and limbs move, even claims of hearing whispers moving through the trees. In the present day thousands of visitors flock to the island each year eager to catch a glimpse of the urban legend.

Time has left it’s mark on the Islands many dolls. Some have been there for decades, truly weather beaten and in varying states of decay.

Photo credit – Kevin, Flickr.

The island is just 28km away from Mexico City Visitors can catch a ferry there from the Embarcedero Cuemanco or Embarcadero Fernando Celada, and it’s about a four-hour round trip. However not all ferry’s stop at the island so be sure to ask ahead.

New Zealand: Untouched Paradise

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Like any responsible young couple living in a comfortable apartment in downtown Toronto, we have quit our jobs to travel the world, and New Zealand seemed like a good place to start. It’s basically on the other side of the world, but still familiar in terms of language and culture. And we like hiking. Turns out even the extended Lord of the Rings trilogy couldn’t prepare us for this amazing country. If you like hiking, skydiving, white water rafting, kayaking, or pretty much anything else outdoors, this country is for you. The views are so astonishing that you often have to pull over to really take it all in (please pull over to sight see – the roads leave little room for error). The landscapes change by the hour, from rolling meadows to deep rainforests without a noticeable transition. We often joke about the perfect, movie-like settings we find ourselves in, as they seem almost fabricated in their beauty.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Our trip started in Auckland on the north island where we rented a self-contained camper van. In New Zealand, the self-contained certification allows you to park in any of the ‘freedom camping’ sites scattered throughout the country. This freedom allows us to wake up in a new place every morning, sometimes seeing it in daylight for the first time. These sites aren’t obligated to provide toilets or garbage cans, so sometimes campers have to bring their waste with them when they leave. Yes, even that waste. You can find public dump stations and clean water in every town, regardless of its size. Most people in New Zealand seem to play by the rules when it comes to the environment, which gives you the impression that they truly care about preserving what they have. Coming from one of the biggest cities in Canada, we never would have considered drinking water straight from a stream, or parking a van in the middle of nowhere to sleep overnight, but that becomes the norm in New Zealand. Its beauty extends beyond superficial – there’s something pure and clean about this country that’s hard to really describe.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

However, this beauty is often complimented by some form of danger. New Zealand may feel like a movie set sometimes, but it’s important to remember that you’re tramping and travelling at your own risk. While the trails are often well maintained and marked, we have run into some washed out routes, or trails that seem to, well, just kind of trail off. Avalanches, river swells, rock slides, and high winds are just a few of the very real dangers hikers face in this country. In fact, we were lucky enough to witness an avalanche from a safe distance near Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain range. What we thought was thunder turned out to be two relatively small avalanches, high up in the mountain.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Before European settlers arrived, 90% of this country’s flora and fauna was found nowhere else in the world. Its isolation allowed for unique ground dwelling birds (such as the kiwi and kakapo) to prosper without predation. The introduction of invasive mammals throughout the 19th and 20th century has driven some of these native bird species to extinction. Because of this, the New Zealand government is making a concerted effort to protect the environment and its unique species. Many of the trails are dotted with rodent and wasp traps, and the Department of Conservation spends millions of dollars a year just keeping these populations in control. With no natural predators, possums and rabbit breed uncontrollably and decimate local vegetation. Just about every tourist shop will have possum fur clothing available, and the roads are sometimes littered with unlucky rabbits.

We’re learning a lot from living in a small van. One surprising challenge is resource management. Every day there is something we are searching for, be it water, food, reliable WiFi, or electricity. Luckily New Zealand is well equipped for road trippers and these resources are readily available. Campers are generally quiet and respectful, and it’s uncommon to see someone out and about past 10pm. Campervan culture seems to breed an early to bed, early to rise mentality, which usually suits us fine after a 5 hour hike up a mountain.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Unfortunately there isn’t much to write home about when it comes to the food. There is a strong British influence in the country, and a lot of the fare reflects that. You can expect meat pies, potato skins, fish and chips, and caramel slices. One interesting food option however was raw milk! It’s not easy to find as they don’t advertise it, but some small farms offering raw milk were frequented by locals buying up to 6 liters at a time. The milk comes from a vending machine and is probably the most affordable food in New Zealand at NZ $2.50 per liter. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to clean farming and environmental protection. All of the cows are grass fed because there’s so much room for grazing.

New Zealand is a great place to visit for anyone looking to be humbled. Although the country itself is relatively small, it somehow packs in elements of every kind of landscape. While driving along a windy road overlooking thousands of acres of dense forest, it’s hard to believe that parts of this country are completely untouched by humans. Tourism has spiked in recent years, due in part to a huge campaign in China, and the high concentration of tourist (even in the off season) reflects this. Don’t let this deter you though. It’s easy to find solitude just a short distance off the beaten track. If you don’t mind getting some mud on your shoes or climbing a few steps, New Zealand can be a life changing place.

Emily and Garrison 2017

instagram.com/emigari/

The Philippines

— Gen Santiago 

 Home of the many best beaches in the world, the Philippines boasts crystal clear and pristine waters, fine white sand, and a lot of virgin islands still waiting to be discovered. From the 7,107 islands to the newly discovered islands, there are now 7,641 islands up to date. From every corner of the country, it sure does not disappoint. You can reach the famous party island of Boracay for an hour flight from Manila. And if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you can reach the islands of Palawan for about an hour and 20 minute flight from Manila. Visit the Queen City of the South, Cebu City, for some adrenaline-pumping canyoneering experience in Kawasan Falls. And if that’s not enough, you can swim with the whale-sharks in Oslob and with a school of sardines in this beautiful, quiet town of Moalboal just 3-4 hours away from Cebu City. The Philippines indeed has it all. It has been on the tourist radar lately and people from all around the world flock these destinations all-year-round.

Boracay

Facing the blue green waters of Puka Beach in Boracay (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Dubbed as Conde Nast’ Travelers top Island in the world in 2016, you can never resist Boracay’s white powdery sand and clear waters. It caters to almost every type of traveller with a lot of hostels and 5-star hotels and resorts just a few meters by the beach. You will never run out of activities to do here; from parasailing, scuba diving, and island hopping or just lounging by the beach while you watch the sunset. The nightlife is very much alive as you stroll along the 4-km shore, you will see bands playing, fire-dancing, and people drinking all night long. Hence they call this the ‘party island’.

Tourists strolling along Boracay (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Palawan

If Boracay is Conde Nast Traveler’s number 1 island, Palawan is second on the list. Palawan alone has a total of 1780 islands. Eighty kilometers from Puerto Princesa City is where you will find the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the Underground River. Get ready to use your imagination as you make your way inside the longest underground river system in the world as you will see how the stalagmites and stalactites resemble certain animals, food, and even holy images.

One of the majestic lagoons in El Nido (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Six hours away from Puerto Princesa lies one of the best islands in the world, El Nido. One can tour around the islands for 2-3 days by renting a boat that will take you to lagoons and beaches with impressive limestone formations and turquoise waters everywhere. It also has several dive sites home to rich marine life.

But the more popular island for diving in Palawan famous for the WWII shipwrecks and coral gardens is Coron. The iconic Kayangan Lake is not to be missed when island hopping. Sacred to some ethnic groups in Palawan, the 360 view of the lake is as beautiful as it is with the rock formations underwater.

The iconic view on the way to Kayangan Lake (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Cebu

A place for adventure-seekers and a haven for divers, Cebu has a lot to offer. Nature lovers will surely enjoy hiking the peaks of Osmeña then traversing to the Gatorade-colored waterfalls of Kawasan. In Kawasan Falls, canyoneering is the famous activity where you will jump,slide,and trek the river of Badian until you reach the falls where you will jump from a 30,40,and a 50-feet point.

The Gatorade-colored Kawasan Falls (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

If that’s not enough, 1 and a half hours away from the falls is the town of Oslob where you can swim with the gentle giants, the whale-sharks. The town of Moalboal on the other hand offers one of the best diving spots in the province where you can swim with a school of sardines just right in front of the shore. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot some turtles too.

Swimming with the whale-sharks (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

And if you’re not up to adventures and you just want a quiet time by the beach, at the northern tip of Cebu lies the white sand beaches of Bantayan.

The virgin island of Bantayan,Cebu (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

I have only mentioned a tiny part of the Philippines. It has a lot of beautiful beaches yes, but what makes each of them worth visiting is the warmth and hospitality of the locals. This is why people keep on coming back. Contrary to the notion that Philippines is a dangerous country to travel to, I have to disagree as I have met a lot of foreign travelers who didn’t had a problem with their safety. It’s a matter of breaking the notion and finding it out yourself. So book that plane ticket and find your way to paradise. And as they always say: “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

Playing with the sardines (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

For more of Gem Santiago’s adventures, visit her Instagram account @gensantiago

A day in Taipei: Asia’s hidden gem.

–Jemima Pollitt

Taipei, without a shadow of a doubt, is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever come cross. Situated a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, The Philippines, Japan and even Shanghai, it’s a perfect place to discover if you’re in the Far East. If you’re into a fusion of nature and cities, locals and expats, peace and mania then Taipei really needs to be on your travel itinerary. In just one day, it’s possible to tick off some of the city’s best sights!

Photo credit – Jemima Pollitt

GETTING IN: One of the first things travelers will discover here is that it’s extremely easy to get to Taipei City and to navigate around it. Visas, cash transfers are clearly labeled, cheap and frequent. It’ll cost each person 150 NTD – 200 NTD (5-7 USD) to get a bus or train into the city centre. Taxi’s will cost more at 1200 NTD (39 USD) but they are legitimate, metered and comfortable if you have a lot of baggage.

Once in the city the MRT is regular, clean, safe and in English! It can take you to all of the major tourist attractions for 30 NTD (1 USD) and there’s people at every stop to help you if you’re lost.

10:00 Of course the first stop would have to be Taipei 101; the fourth biggest skyscraper in the world, the biggest Eco-friendly building, the largest sundial on the planet and home to the fastest elevator on the planet! Designed to look like a piece of bamboo, it towers over the capital and lights up in different colors daily. Not only is it a fun stop in itself; taking a tour to the very top and looking down at the tiny houses and massive mountains below, it’s also home to the highest Starbucks in the world and the top designers and fashion labels your money can get you. It’s easy to spend a day among the luxury and vistas.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

14:00 A few stops on the Red Line MRT would take you to Chiang- Kai- Shek Memorial Hall; it’s a national treasure that is often used as a concert hall and an ideal spot for Instagram-lovers to get their travel snaps (like myself!) Completed in 1980, this hall hosted many movements and events that lead to the democracy of Taiwan and has a museum and library dedicated to Chiang-Kai-Shek himself.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

17:00 Your evening would take you a short MRT or taxi journey to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) to watch the sun set and the city light up in the dusk. A mere twenty minute hike up the steps will be tiring but well worth the effort. There’s no better view of this city than from here. Teaming with locals on their daily cardio kick, teenagers being romantic and tourists alike it’s a great place to enjoy a beer and take in this majestic sight. If you go are into Geocaching too there’s one just past the main viewpoint! And if you’re not familiar with the term, download it; it’s the best traveler’s game on the planet!

19:00 After coming back down there’s no better way to reward yourself than with a meander around the local night markets. A small taxi journey to Roahe Night Market in Songshan will have all of your senses excited and your tummy rumbling. I prefer this market over the most famous one; Shilin, as the temple outside the market is awe-inspiring, it’s more local and easier to navigate.

There’s something to suit everyone here and was visited by Hugh Jackman a few weeks ago to try some of the local delicacies! Try the deep-fried mushrooms for a vegetarian favourite, the meat buns and even some foreign delicacies such as French pastries and rotis! There’s even some little arcade games and fortune tellers to keep you entertained in between your snacks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours to fully enjoy this market.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

If you have a shred of energy left feel free to let loose in one of the many KTV venues in city! Complete with all-you-can-eat-buffets, private rooms with toilets, English songs and beers there’s no

better way to finish up a night than belting out tunes to your heart’s content. With a group, expect to pay 600NTD (20USD) each for 3 hours with beers. This can fluctuate on how fancy your room is.

So there you have it; one full day in Taiwan’s capital polished off. There’s literally something for everyone.

If you have more time in Taiwan there are some mind-blowing destinations in store! Take a 2 hour train from Taipei to Hualien and visit the Taroko Gorge; home to a 19km canyon created by seismic activity and river erosion over millions of years. Nowadays it’s a fabulous retreat to enjoy walking, photography the breathtaking land of some of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

The most beautiful beach areas are in the south. Kenting National Park is at the southern tip of the island and boasts beautiful beaches, a great night market and a real holiday vibe!

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

With free 90 day visas to most countries, an abundance of shoe-string outings, splurge shopping, great weather, fantastic views and beautiful people, it’s hard to think of a more dazzling and interesting city to swing by.

Cheap flights are easily accessible from:

Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manilla.

And long distance direct from:

Paris, Amsterdam, London, Brisbane, Dubai, Los Angeles, NYC, Rome and more.

Facts:

Capital: Taipei

Currency: NTD (New Taiwan Dollar)

Language: Mandarin (although some people use Taiwanese)

Cars: Right side of the road.

* Give money to people with two hands.

* Cockroaches fly here and are wild.

* The ‘middle finger’ is illegal!

* Tremors and small earthquakes can be common.

Travel and Deal features budding freelance adventure photographer Colin Rex, born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.

Photo credits – Colin Rex, all rights reserved 2016

Glacial cave

Much of the scenery of this sparsely populated land looks like it could be straight from the set of a Sci-Fi movie!

Photo credit – Colin Rex 2016, all rights reserved.

Aurora Borealis

Iceland is one of the prime locations to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) as they illuminate the Icelandic skies from August through til April, and you’re just as likely to spot the dazzling Northern lights during any of these months, so long as the weather permits!  There are even Northern Lights tours dedicated to searching the skies for this natural spectacle, such as the 7 day Northern Lights Tour which involves a scenic drive down the south coast of the country.

Land of Magic

Iceland’s unique environment has given birth to a rich history of equally unique folklore, with tales of trolls, elves, sea monsters, ghosts and more. Surveys show that wonderfully, half of the nation believes  in elves or ‘hidden folk’ as they are called. So the rich folklore of Iceland is very much alive and kicking. Many of the landmark rock formations are named after trolls who are said to have suffered the fate of the sun and turned to stone.

Photo credit – Colin Rex 2016, all rights reserved.

Land of Waterfalls

The collection of water falls in Iceland rivals those of perhaps everywhere in Europe, and they are everywhere! Luckily these glorious aqua features are difficult to miss as you travel around the county, however some of the famous ones include ‘Kirkjufellsfoss’ (church mountain falls)  near the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Gullfoss Waterfall which is a main ‘Golden Circle’ attraction, a vast two-tiered waterfall which is partially obscured until you get really close. And Skogafoss, a former sea cliff, which is now situated between Iceland’s Highlands and coastal area. It is perhaps most famous for its rainbow which can be seen on most days provided there is adequate sunshine.

Photo credit – Colin Rex 2016, all rights reserved.

With the wealth and variety of caves being one of Iceland’s biggest attractions, there are several cave specific tours to choose from ranging from helicopter tours to photography workshops!

 

In this harsh climate, the fauna and flora in the country were largely introduced by viking settlers, such as the Icelandic Sheep, Icelandic Dog and Icelandic Horse. One exception however is the Arctic Fox which is native to the country. The variety of migratory birds draws many a keen bird watcher during the summer seasons also.

 

Photo Credit – Colin Rex, all rights reserved 2016

 

Photo Credit – Colin Rex, all rights reserved 2016

For more of Colin Rex’s vivid photo stories head over to www.colinrex.com 

How to travel to Iceland

Suggested connections from India are via Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Oslo, Frankfurt and Helsinki. Direct flights to Iceland are available from the majority of European countries, and it cuts down costs to take a stop-over flight.
Once you’ve arrived in Iceland it is relatively easy to travel around due to it’s small scale, and buses are available to all major cities. Popular options are renting cars, four wheel drives, and bicycles to travel around. Internal air travel tends to be a convenient option during the harsh winter months.

 

Goa’s biggest Arts festival is finally coming to Delhi this April. Serendipity Arts Festival is a cultural arts extravaganza originating in Goa, and is now bringing a small slice of the action to Delhi. The festival will be held at Bikaner House for 11 days, from April 6 to 16, 2017. The first edition of Serendipity Arts Festival was held in Goa in December over 8 days. It was spread across 8 venues in Panaji, had 14 curators facilitating dialogues and 53 projects in various fields. The Delhi edition of Serendipity Arts will include a crafts exhibition, photography exhibition, design installation, dance performances, storytelling session and a theater performance.

Photo Credit – Serendipity Arts Festival

Whether you’re an arts enthusiast who couldn’t quite make it to Goa for the festival, or just looking to do something a little different to kick-start the Spring season, this is a chance to get a taste of the inspiration that goes on on a huge scale each year in Goa. And with the Goan Serendipity Festival taking place in December, there is more than enough time to book your tickets for the full scale event if you feel inspired by Serendipity in Delhi.

Serendipity Festival is an arts event with a difference. Not only does Serendipity aim to display and celebrate the arts of national artists, it also sets out to forge new directions for the arts by challenging the norms and experimenting with the boundaries of art.This project is a true depiction of creative collaborations, and the productions have provided an opportunity for interdisciplinary synergy where literature and music within dance are emphasized. Through these projects, the Trust hopes to engage and reach out to artists and audiences from all demographics, and bring art back into people’s lives.

Photo credit – Serendipity Arts Festival

Photo Credit – Serendipity Arts Festival

There are various projects that form a part of Serendipity Arts Festival 2016 in 2017.  Indian Crafts: Traditions and Expressions, an exhibition by Manjari Nirula and Jyotindra Jain, explores the possibility of creating a contemporary environment for artisans by nudging them to explore their inherent creativity. These works on display will be on sale, where the proceeds go back to the Serendipity Arts Trust, and the funds will be used to support artisan communities. The Express/Aspire project with the Auxilium High School, Goa, explores photography and how a child looks through the lens. This project curated by Samar Jodha, begins a multi-layered inquisition into how to engage children with creativity and how it helps develop the child’s personality.

There is also exploration on the connectivity of Art and Design with Chakraview, which is curated by Rajshree Pathy with design by Sumant Jayakrishnan. This project represented India at the London Design Biennale. This project was added into the programming to bring these two communities together and to draw inspiration from their confluence.

This is just the tip of the plethora of events the Serendipity Arts Festival has to offer, the only way to get a feel of the core of this unique festival is to com and see it for yourself. With so much to offer across so many days it is convenient to catch at least a few of the events over the 11 days.

Storytelling ‘ Eight Moon Project’ by Sahil Mukhi. Photo credit – Serendipity Arts Festival

Photo Credit – Serendipity Arts Festival

How To Travel There

Bikaner House is in the heart of New Delhi with good road and metro connectivity. Bikaner House bus station is within walking distance of Bikaner House, and both Khan Market and Udyog Bhawan metro stations are within walking distance or alternatively reachable by Auto-rickshaw.

Amur leopards & a Spanish pilgrimage…

Just by way of introduction, my name is Jack Riggall, and I’m in awe of all things in the natural world – especially the ecology of wild mammals in the UK. In some ways this, along with the occasional adventures by bike, is probably all you need to know about me. When I was asked to write something for this magazine, it seemed a good opportunity to talk about cycling along the Way of St James in 08-09/2012 to raise money for the Amur Leopard & Tiger Alliance (ALTA). It took around two & a half weeks to cycle off the ferry at Santander to Logroño, before following the route West, first to Santiago de Compostela (the official end of the pilgrimage) and then to Finisterre (or Fisterra in Galician) on the coast.

Photo credit – Jack Riggall

Cycling South from Santander to Logroño took some time. I barely saw any people at all, but was treated to some incredible views. I think I earned them after cycling up that high!

The Way of St James (or El Camino de Santiago) is a Christian pilgrimmage. There are known routes from all over Europe, but they all end at Santiago de Compostela, a city in North-West Spain which has grown around what is said to be the final resting place of Saint James, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. For those who have seen ‘The Way’ by Emilio Estevez (I didn’t see it until I finished the trip), a film about a father who follows in his son’s footsteps by undertaking the pilgrimage, it is a fairly accurate portrayal of the route & what you might experience along the way – firstly, I remembered when watching the film, every albergue (the hostels specifically for hosting pilgrims, or ‘peregrinos’ in Spanish, often,but not always, affiliated to churches) invariably hosted someone who snored. Right above me. Every single night.

Photo Credit – Jack Riggall

Secondly, that James Nesbitt’s character (Jack, the Irish travel author with writer’s block) shows a habit you’ll probably find yourself doing (at least, I did) if you ever follow the Camino; namely, making mental notes on all the reasons why people are on the route & where they are from. If you do, you will undoubtedly meet people from all over the world & whilst it is a Christian pilgrimage, you will meet many people (like myself) who are not religious, or undertaking it for their faith. You might meet people who simply do a bit of the route each year as a family to reconnect with each other. You might meet people who feel they can pray better with their feet than with their words, and march to Spain from Poland as a result. You might even hear of the elderly woman who insisted on doing the pilgrimage by herself… in a wheelchair. I think you will be inspired by some of the people you meet, if you were ever to do this journey. This, in addition to the weather & the wildlife, was the highlight of the adventure. Albergues typically get Peregrinos to leave very early in the morning, so I covered enough distance by midday before resting at the next place & learning about all the worn out hikers as they began to arrive in the early evening. Few people do the journey by bike. It is, therefore, cheating; but it also means there’s no overlap – I moved fast, and rarely met the same person twice. Thirdly, almost everybody will great you with the phrase ‘Buen Camino’ regardless of their language – the journey brings people together.

Photo credit – Jack Riggall

Buen Camino!

I would like to hope that you will equally be inspired by the incredible wildlife in Spain. Personally, I would love to see the wolves, and will soon go back to repeat with this journey with a batch of remote wildlife camera, so fingers crossed. In 2012 I saw Egyptian vultures & Iberian emerald lizards among so much else, though it took a while to get round to identifying what I had photographed.

Iberian emerald lizard

Whilst the historical aim of the journey was to pay respects to Saint James, there was also a secondary journey that many undertook – to get to Finisterre/Fisterra (both derived from the Latin for ‘end of the world’) about 90km away. It seems, as I found out later, that burning your clothes at this spot is a recent tradition to complete a ‘cleanse’ at the end of the journey. The marks of previous peregrinos having done this were obvious. Wanting to join all those before me, but finding myself without a lighter and too impatient to go & buy one, I threw almost all my clothes into the nearest bin before enjoying a well earned rest on a beach for a few days, having cycled over 1,000km.

Photo credit – Jack Riggall

 Burning your clothes at this spot is a recent tradition to complete a ‘cleanse’ at the end of the journey

Photo credit – Jack Riggall

Cleanse

Photo Credit – Jack Riggall

Beach rest

Something needs to be said on behalf of Amur leopards (and tigers) in this article, since I set out on this trail for them as much as myself. They are among the most endangered big cat species in the world. They face extinction for a wide range of reasons; for example, poaching, habitat loss& persecution by livestock farmers (I have lost patience with livestock farmers for their lethal destruction of everything from badgers & foxes in the UK to leopards & tigers in Russia & China, and have refused to purchase any of their produce for years; if we must choose between meat/milk & wildlife, as insisted upon by those who kill off our natural heritage, is it not obvious what we must do?). Population estimates vary for this leopard subspecies, but it is likely there are fewer than 100 in the wild. The plan as described by the Amur Leopard & Tiger Alliance is to boost the wild populations with cubs born in captivity, helping to reduce the impact of inbreeding & the current genetic bottleneck. I wish those who intend on bringing these animals back from the brink of extinction all the luck in the world.

 — Jack Riggall

6 Best places to have a buffet in Delhi.

Is choosing dishes off the menu a difficult task for you and does the expensive bills at restaurants for just 2-3 dishes leave you unsatisfied?  Stop worrying eat everything like a king without burning a hole in your pocket. We have picked up top 6 buffet places in Delhi where you can have a hearty meal. Bon appétit!

1. Barbeque Nation

Source: http://www.barbeque-nation.com/themes/bbqn/assets/images/slider/1.jpg

Barbeque Nation is one of the most successful casual dining restaurant chains in India which has brought a buffet revolution. The snacks are totally lip smacking and the DIY concept of placing barbeque on each table is quite interesting. Each outlet promises to serve you the best.  You really won’t regret the kulfi kicks and other desserts. Barbeque nation is the restaurant which you should add on your bucket list.

• Where: multiple outlets across Delhi NCR
• Price: 677-800 per person

2. Pirates of Grill

Source: https://www.zomato.com/photos/pv-res-3077-r_MjUxNTEwNTU1MD

With a very convenient and accessible location this is the most popular restaurant,which has a buzzing atmosphere. It is a gastronomic delight having mouth watering dishes to die for. The USP of the place is the in- built tandoor on each table and the staff would not let it stay empty till your ‘tummy surrenders’. You won’t lack choices and the best part is you can order those unlimited times and that too at a very reasonable price!

• Where: Outlets in Noida, Rajouri Garden and MG Road
• Price: 680 per person (approx)

3. Indian Grill Company

source:http://www.cuisinelinks.com/images/restaurants/546/IndianGrillCompany_1169918_1434019653716.JPG

This place is a paradise for North Indian food lovers. The ambience has a classy and serene feel. Palak chaat and crispy palak leaf are not to be missed. The chef is there to entertain your custom requests. There is a variety of mocktails and bar being available to add to your experience. This can be a good place to host small parties.

• Where:  M-48, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi
• Price: 775 per person

4. The Ancient Barbeque

source:https://b.zmtcdn.com/data/pictures/4/308584/95c1ece9296b504a6b9404acb2bcdfe0_featured_v2.jpg

With a huge spread of counters from salads to desserts or from gol gappas to pasta not a single dish would leave you disappointed and is enough to satisfy your craving! Although it is located in an empty mall the place has a charm in itself with live music, beautiful interiors and outdoor sitting to hold you there.

• Where: 223 & 223 A, Good Earth City Centre, Sector 50, Gurgaon
• Price:750 per person (approx)

5. Made in Punjab

source:http://media2.intoday.in/btmt/images/stories/bhatti-murgh-kebab_505_120313033537.jpg

Punjabi cuisine is one of the finest and richest cuisines of India. Made in Punjab will give you the authentic taste of Punjabi food.You would want your plates to be refilled by the amazing mutton seekh, butter chicken, dal makni and all the other items served in the buffet. Not only does the place leave you with a drool worthy experience but also an insight to the Punjabi culture with its décor and music.

• Where: C 418- 419, 3^rd Floor, DLF Mall of India, Sector 18, Noida
• Price: 650- 1050 per person

6. Impromptu

source:https://b.zmtcdn.com/data/pictures/4/311104/3e57bb81224b71bdf5c6488443d04df1_featured_v2.jpg

Amidst the corporate offices of the Golf course Road, lies this hidden gem. With its amazing outdoor garden seating and live music, the place will make your evening special. You will not regret spending your money as they offer a huge variety in their buffet menu ranging from Vegeterian to some meaty delights to the desserts and also alcohol being a part of it.

• Where: Ground Floor, Vatika Towers Complex, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
• Price: 599- 1,699 per person

— Foodestrian.