Shoma Abhyankar
Travel Writer and Blogger
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A travel writer and blogger, my stories are bout history, heritage, culture, food. I have been published in national dailies, travel magazines, in-flight magazines and other web portals.
I had the most amazing view of the magnificent Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the world’s largest mosque, shimmering bright white across the sea, directly from my room at Hotel Bab Al Bahr. 5000 intricate geometric and floral patterns inspired from Islamic art and Arab iconography adorn the huge hall. The golden and blue theme of interiors continues at the Presidential Banquet hall with golden arches and contrasting blue upholstery of the dining chairs. A huge golden oval calligraphic art piece depicting a quote by late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, holds center-stage just outside these halls and becomes the photography frame for the visitors.
Things to do in a day Start your day with a visit to the Grand Mosque, enjoy thrilling roller coaster rides at the Ferrari world and end the day with the grand tour of Presidential palace and the light and sound show! Conceptualized by founder of UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan and designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, the mosque prides itself for being one of the the world’s largest. A grand hall of 100 meter width and 100 meter length which boasts of the world’s largest dome of 37 meter diameter is the most prominent feature of the palace. , Fairmont Bab Al Bahr sits with its glass facade welcoming visitors to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of Emirates.
Arunachal Pradesh celebrates a unique festival Sangken or the Water festival which is celebrated in April. Folk- songs epitomize Radha -Krishna love and the holi that they celebrated- Radha requests Krishna to color her soul with his love so deep that she would never need the frivolous external colors of her clothes. But when its time to play with colors, men and women come together and are mindful of their behavior towards opposite gender. Tesu’ (also known as Palash or Butea Monosperma) flowers that bloom in abundance during this time were boiled in water to make a pleasant smelling yellow tinted water to drench each other with on Holi.
On the lanes at Candolim, Goa amongst the array of shacks selling cheap beach wear, sea shell trinkets and frilly sun-hats, what stands apart are three larger than life pot bellied fishermen riding cycles outside a brightly lit store’s glass façade. The three gentlemen that greet me as I walk through the glass door are but Mario Miranda’s cartoon characters with their large bulging eyes, blob of a nose and large hands. Mario’s cartoons pop out from reprints of his popular drawings, tiny moulded figurines, variety of décor items and other curios. Mario Miranda left behind a rich art legacy that finds lighter moments in everyday struggles of cities that are overflowing with people and desperately seeking happier times.