Magnificient MALTA

Malta is an island country comprising of an archipelago of seven island in the mediterranean sea. We were on a cruise on Equinox Celebrity and Malta was one of the halt on the itinerary. It is surrounded by Sicily (Italy) Libya and Tunisia .The country is one of the smallest countries covering only 316 sq.km. Malta with its warm climate is a popular tourist resort as it boasts of number of recreational,historical and architectural monuments. Valletta is the capital of Malta. 

The islands were first reported to have been populated by the stone age hunters and farmers around 5200 BC. They were the Sicani tribes from Sicily .Valetta is the capital of Malta. It is also known as the Fortress city, or city by gentlemen for gentlemen. It has narrow streets, shown above,fabulous palaces ,beautiful churches and lot of history.

In 1798 when Malta was a British territory, Napolean invaded the country. Horatio Nelson beseiged Valletta and compelled the withdrawal French Forces in 1799. Malta became a free nation on 21 Sept.1964.

Named after Jean Parisot de la Valetta, Grand master of the order of St. John, the city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras . It was built between 1566-1581.It has most concentrated historic areas in the world garnished with Baroque architecture,finest art works,grand churches and palaces and majestic monuments like the one above.

Shown above is the Birkirkara elevator which brings down to the lower road near the harbour. It is a super speed elevator and one has to pay 1 Euro per person.Birkirkara is one of the oldest and heavily populated town in Malta .It has a beautiful Church called the Helen Basilica built around 1727. It has the largest bell which was installed in 1932

There were couple of Indian owned shops in Valletta. The other was Ramachand which was little away from the shop shown above. There was one more in the vicinity. It appears that people from Sindhi community have come here as traders.

This is the entry to Mdina.Mdina traces back more than 4000 years Mdina had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role.It is an ancient walled city known for its medieval and baroque architecture.It was called Maleth but the Arabs who conquered it about 1000 years ago named it as Medina(meaning fortified Palace).The Arabs built 19 fortified walls around it for the defense of the city.

This is Mosta Dome.It is one of the largest unsupported Dome in Europe and known for its blue gold and white interiros.There is a replica of a bomb inside near the alter signifying the original dome which landed here during World War 2 but remained unexploded.

 Upper Barraka Gardens Once the private gardens of the Italian Knights they offer a grand view of the Grand Harbour down below.Situated near the Castille Place the origin of the gardens goes back to 1661.It was opened for public in 1824.The paths of the Gardens are lined with busts,statues and plaques which trace the history of various personalities and events of Malta.

Malta has often been called the " Fortress Island" due to great mass of military architecture due to its strategic location with deep safe harbour.Below is the picture of Fort St.Angelo,the Fort which stands on the site of fortified Roman settlement.The Fort became the seat of the Grand Master of the Order and played a heroic role in 1565 when the Saracen armada laid a siege to it.In 1912 it was officially listed as a Ship first as HMS Egmont and then St.Angelo in 1933.Recently it was granted the Order of the Knights of St.John.

The Grand Harbour.

Malta sightseeing buses are with open top,hop on /off with audio commentary in 8 languages. One trip takes around  2 hours-45 minutes.

My daughter who meticulously planned the itinerary and recommended the places to be seen in Malta, Greece, Italy and Turkey. Her suggestions are valuable.

Restoration of Monuments in Italy

These monuments deserve restoration and if  preservation is done in time, like the one above, the monuments live  longer and are an asset to the mankind. Rightly said that these monuments do not belong only to the Romans or the Italians, they belong to the entire western world  because a large part of western civilization started here. A few months ago the Italian culture Minister announced tax deduction to encourage private sector donations for the restoration and preservation of museums, heritage sites, and archives. Deigo Della Vella the founder of Tod's donated $34 million for the restoration and improvement of the Colosseum. Tod's logo can be seen around the Colossuem, on the scaffolding and on the admission tickets to the 2000 years old monument. There was criticism that the Tod group has been gaining great publicity from these repairs and the longer it takes, the more of the publicity is gained for the "Tods" 

When we visited Rome this June (2014), we could not see many heritage sites like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish steps as many of them were under restoration and covered by scaffolds or plexiglass.

There are  innumerable heritage and  other  sites in Rome and elsewhere in Italy ranging from museums, archives,  to countryside churches which need restoration and the Italian Govt. besides doing something on their own is keeping the doors open to philanthropists and donors to add their name to the Italian  monuments. A couple of Luxury groups and corporate world are joining the ranks to restore the ancient glory of Rome and Italy so that the hordes of tourists who come from the world over do not return unhappy. 

This is the picture of world renowned Trevi fountain.

The Trevi fountain is a imposing fountain that served as a display of an ancient roman acqua duct system

The  acqueduct is the Virgo - Virgin in English - Acqueduct constructed by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa around 19 B:C: Agrippa was the son-in-law and the favorite general of Emperor Octavian Augustus. The acqueduct was 21 km long but 19 were underground.

The fountain is 26,30 m high (85.28 feet, 118 roman palms), 49,15 large (160.72 feet, 220 roman palms). Every day it spills 80.000 cubic meter of water (2,824,800 cubic feet).

The Trevi is now being restored with the help of Fendi a fashion Brand of Italy which has contributed $ 4 million.

These are the pictures of Spanish Steps.They are a set of steps (136 in all) located between Piazza di Spagnna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti. The first few steps cover the drainage system. They were built  with the bequeathed funds of French Displomat Etienne Gueffier and were completed in 1775.They were made famous in the 1953 movie "Roman Holiday'starring Gregory Peck ands Audrey Hepburn.
The Steps needed restoration and the Italian Govt. facing stagnant economy and mounting public debt was unable to do anything but in came the help from the 135 year old jewellery giant Bulgari which donated  1.5 million Euros to clear the staircase from undergrowing weeds and plants  and refurbish it.

Shown in the background is the Rialto bridge in Venice (Italy) a landmark bridge of the City of Venice. While some groups like "Save Venice Inc." have footed the bills for repairs of various monuments in Venice, Renzo Rosso, the founder of brand "Diesel" pledged 5 million Euros for repairs of this famous bridge. This picture was taken by me in 2010 when we lived in the Rialto Hotel which is located just touching the bridge. 

The restoration of the monuments from the money from philanthropists and business houses has been an eye sore to some historians, writers of art history and the Italian public. While the business houses have claimed that they are supporting these projects out of their love for art,national pride and giving back something to their land of birth, the people feel that these monuments are sacred and should not be used for commercial advancement by the donors . A unique case of criticism was holding of a dinner by Morgan Stanley in a 14th century chapel in Florence for a rent of $54,000. It is not known that a deal proposed by Saudi Arabia to create a special fund for the restoration of art in Italy has been finalized or not.It has been felt that though money may be accepted for such projects, there should be people's trust to manage and oversee the management of such monuments which are dear to the core of the Italian living. It has been accepted by the Govt. and the people of Italy that many monuments like Pompeii,the Mausoleum of Augustus which if not repaired would become like open wounds and eye sores. A lot of money is required and it is through these donors and business houses only, that it can become like a free flow (of funds).

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The New National Security Adviser: A Man with a Vision by Suresh Mandan

The New National Security Adviser: A Man with a Vision by Suresh Mandan

Misr Carsisi

Initially known as New Bazaar this Egyptian Bazaar (Turkish name:Misr Carsisi) of Istanbul got its name Egyptian because the New Mosque foundation got funds from the Ottoman Eyalet (Province) of Egypt in 1660, to build this market.

The Bazaar was constructed around 1665 and is a part of the Mosque Kulliye(complex). There are 85 shops selling spices, saffron, jewellery, dry fruit, nuts, and the most important Turkish delight(sweet).

The Bazaar also sells varied variety of Tea, in all its forms viz black tea, Rose tea, herbal tea, dried tea brought from the all tea growing countries like India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, South America etc. 

The structure of the Bazaar was designed by court architect Koca Kasmim Agha but the construction began under the supervision of another Ottoman Empire architect Mustafa Aga.It was built by Sultan Mehmed IV for his mother Vallide(Walida) Sultana Turhan Hatice.

In spite of almost 400 years of its existence, the Bazaar looks clean, well maintained and sprite. The things exhibited are well presented and the owners of the shops who are renters are themselves  polite and transparent. Haggling is prevalent and it is upto the buyer how much he can bargain

The Bazaar is located in the downtown area of Istanbul, close to the famous mosques of Istanbul and is a part of the Asian Istanbul. It is an international bazaar and one can see buyers and tourists with their cameras, webcams, iphones looking at each of the beautiful stores. It is cool inside away from the heat of Istanbul in summers.Overall the bazaar is a visual delight.

 We were here on June 18, 2014. Besides this Bazaar there are other Bazaars in Istanbul like Grand Bazaar and Arasta Bazaar. All Bazaars deserve a visit.They have a history and a culture of their own.

Golla Konda

We thought of Going to see Golkunda Fort during our trip to Sri Lanka, Chennai and Hyderabad in Dec. 2012-Jan 2013. We went to see the fort on 2nd Jan.2013.We were staying in Best Western Hotel which is located on an Extension Road of Kuvuri Hills, near Jubilee Hills, just 2 kms short of Hi-tech city.This was a new place and hence very comfortable. We got a good deal at Rs.4500/- per day which included breakfast and lunch or dinner. We took an auto rickshaw from the trijunction for Rs 200/- which was parked at the Fort gate  when we went to see the Fort.It was my wife Anu's deal and worked cheap and good.
Initially the Golkonda was built as mud hill by the Kakatiyas kings  around 945-970 CE.Thereafter it went under the control of Tughlak army but was recaptured by Musunuri Nayaks and re-strengthened. Around 1507 the Fort became the capital of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty and in the next 60 years it was converted into a massive fort of granite,built on a granite hill which was 400 ft high.

The Fort area covers about 5 kms in circumference, covered by outer wall measuring 7 kms.The Qutb Shahi moved the capital from here to Hyderabad in 1590 and in 1687 it was conquered by Aurangzeb the Mughal Emperor. Qutb Shahi's were Shias by faith and hence this area became the seat of Shia clerics. Golkonda consists of four distinct forts,eight gateways and four draw bridges.It is known for accoustic effects.A hand clap at any point below the dome of the fort at the entrance is heard clearly at the top of the hill near "Bala Hissar"pavilion.



From a part of steps going to the top of the Hill, one can see the Hyderabad city,growing into a huge metropolitan,now becoming joint capital of Telegana and Seemandhara (Andhra Pradesh), a new modern airport,a metro, and the growing IT hub. 

Much of the area is falling into disuse and hence wild shrubs are growing all over.A place once renowned for Koh-i-noor,Regent and Darya-e-Nur diamonds has lost its shine now.Kollur and Paritala diamond mines were the only diamond mines in those days of Kakatiya kingdom and thereafter.Golkonda was the center of diamond trade though Golkonda mines yielded fewer diamonds.The ruling Asaf Jah /Nizams got much of their richness from this diamond trade.Hyderabad became a state in 1724 after independence from the Mughals. It was annexed by the Indian Forces in 1948 ,thanks to the brinkmanship and determination of Sardar Patel much to the chagrin of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Graffiti,broken rocks,trash and general apathy is visible around the ruins

Architecturally Golkonda represents different set of culture, different from the blend of Central Asian and Persian architecture of Northern India. South India in days bygone was far from the influence of Northern India and hence the architect here combines the influence of Muslim and Hindu culture.The carvings on the doors and presence of lions,peacocks lotus etc on the stucco and elsewhere displayed a different culture.

There are still some green spots which refresh the eyes. Since we had gone here in the winters, the dryness was not felt but in summer heat this place becomes dry, reflecting heat from the stones and rocks around. We do not know what has happened to water reservoir system of the Kingdom which supplied water to all the areas and residents in this huge complex. Water appears to be scarce here and hence there is little to attract tourists here.

Local visitors keep coming to see this Shephard's Hill and see the sculputured jaalis and frescoes.

Golkonda is a part of history and gemology and whenever there would be mention of Forts,koh-i-noor etc, Golkonda would be on the top of the list. Study tours by school children is a regular feature here besides the Sound and Light show which is available in the evenings at or around 6 pm depending upon the Season. The show has a voice-over of legendery Amitabh Bacchan.

We were happy to see these young boys and girls at the Fort, getting a lesson or two of the past, when life revolved around Rajas and Sultans. Many of them may return as Architects,Teachers, or IT engineers looking to the fact that Hyderabad is a hub of Silicon India.

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Hong Kong Airport

Hong Kong airport is one of the busiest airports in Asia and the 12 th busiest in the world for passenger traffic.It is world busiest cargo handler and  handled more than 56,557,751 passengers in 2012. There are 60,000 employees on this airport handling almost 100 airliners and watching flights taking off for almost 180 cities of the world. Since we frequently travel to India by Cathey Pacific airlines, we have a lay over at this beautiful airport a number of times.Here are few of the pictures which I captured on 23-24 Jan.2014.

Landing at Bagdogra

Our spice Jet flight from Guwahati took off at 9.am on 23rd Dec.2013 and within 40 minutes we were hovering over the hinterland of Bagdogra airport. Bagdogra airport is 16 kms from Siliguri Town and is the gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim,Kalimpong and other parts of North East India.

• The hinterland looks beautiful situated as it is in the Himalaya plains.Siliguri and Bagdogra are at a  Junction of Nepal,Bhutan and Bangladesh. Nepal is 10 kms from Bagdogra , Bangladesh is almost on the borders of Fulbari which is few  kms from Bagdogra, and Bhutan is about 40 Kms.Druk Airlines, national airlines of Bhutan operates flights from here.There is also a connection for Bangkok from here which is operated by Druk airlines

The flight is gradually descending and thank God it is not foggy.Hope Delhi  which is our destination has a clear weather.Because of its scenic beauty and closeness to  Darjeeling,Kurseong,Kalimpong,and the extensive tea gardens, Bagdogra and Siliguri get large number of tourists.This area is known for 4 Ts i.e. Tourist,Tea,Timber,and Transport.

We are just about to touch the runway and we can see the boundary wall of the airport terminal.

And the flight has landed safely. Spice jet has good planes on this sector. This was our first journey on Spice Jet.Bagdogra is an Air Force station permitting civilian flights.Bagdogra is connected to Delhi,Kolkotta,Bangalore,Mumbai and Guwahati.Since many tourists visiting Darjeeling,Kalimpong,Siliguri,and Sikkim take the flight from Bagdogra, our flight became full from here. Siliguri also gets many people visiting the Tea Gardens.