On the Place de la Defense,the "Arche de la Defense" is a skyscraper, a government office tower. All buildings around this are skyscrapers only.
Located in the modern business district, La Defense, a few kilometers west of Paris, the Grande Arche was built by Danish architect Otto van Spreckelsen in 1989 for the 200th anniversary of the 1789 French revolution.
The Grande Arche is white. It is a 106m high cube and has a pre-stressed concrete frame covered with glass and Carrara marble from Italy. Its spectacular architecture was a daring technical achievement when it was designed and built by the Bouygues French engineering company.
From this place you can enjoy a fantastic view of Paris, Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees and the historic axis through the capital and its outskirts. All important places in Paris are through this axis only.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Saturday, October 30, 2004
ArcTriomphe
Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, it was not finished until 1836. Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are to found on the inside walls. Beneath the Arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and eternal flame commemorating the dead of the two world wars.
Here every Armistice Day (11 November) the President of the Republic lays a wreath. On 14 July - the French National Day - a military parade down the Champs Elysees begins here. The view of the Champs Elysees and all the 12 roads that view..oh my god its breadth talking one..
Here every Armistice Day (11 November) the President of the Republic lays a wreath. On 14 July - the French National Day - a military parade down the Champs Elysees begins here. The view of the Champs Elysees and all the 12 roads that view..oh my god its breadth talking one..
Tour Eiffel - Click here
The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen.
At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930.
The tower has three platforms. A restaurant (extremely expensive; reservations absolutely necessary), the Jules Verne is on the second platform. The top platform has a bar, souvenir shop, and the office of Gustave Eiffel.
There the wax models are kept in such a way u see them as they are discussing about it.
From its platforms - especially the topmost - the view upon Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best, and during this visit of mine I was there exactly at that time.
At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930.
The tower has three platforms. A restaurant (extremely expensive; reservations absolutely necessary), the Jules Verne is on the second platform. The top platform has a bar, souvenir shop, and the office of Gustave Eiffel.
There the wax models are kept in such a way u see them as they are discussing about it.
From its platforms - especially the topmost - the view upon Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best, and during this visit of mine I was there exactly at that time.
NotreDame
Proceeded by a Gallo-Roman temple to Jupiter, a Christian basilica, and a Romanesque church, construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII. Pope Alexander III laid the foundation stone. Construction was completed roughly 200 years later in about 1345.
In 1991, a 10 year program of general maintenance and restoration has begun, and sections of the structure are likely to be shrouded in scaffolds for the foreseeable future.
During its history, Notre Dame has been the site of numerous official and other ceremonial occasions. In 1430, Henri VI of England is crowned here. The 2nd December 1804, after the anointing by Pius VII, Napoleon seizes the crown from the pontiff and crowns first himself, then Josephine. The 31st May 1980, after the Magnificat of this day, Pope John Paul II celebrates Mass on the parvis in front of the Cathedral.
The most important about this place is, All roads distances in France are calculated from the "zero kilometer", point located on the square in front of Notre-Dame
In 1991, a 10 year program of general maintenance and restoration has begun, and sections of the structure are likely to be shrouded in scaffolds for the foreseeable future.
During its history, Notre Dame has been the site of numerous official and other ceremonial occasions. In 1430, Henri VI of England is crowned here. The 2nd December 1804, after the anointing by Pius VII, Napoleon seizes the crown from the pontiff and crowns first himself, then Josephine. The 31st May 1980, after the Magnificat of this day, Pope John Paul II celebrates Mass on the parvis in front of the Cathedral.
The most important about this place is, All roads distances in France are calculated from the "zero kilometer", point located on the square in front of Notre-Dame
Friday, October 29, 2004
You send it
This is a very nice site to send big files to friends. Here is how it works...
Choose who you want to send a file to. Select a file to send. U r file will be stored by YouSendIt without ever filling up your recipient's mailbox. The file will be there for 7 days.
Happy Storing
Choose who you want to send a file to. Select a file to send. U r file will be stored by YouSendIt without ever filling up your recipient's mailbox. The file will be there for 7 days.
Happy Storing
Thursday, October 28, 2004
the cherry the french left behind
Don't miss out on the second page commencing Father Ceyrac...
I keep wondering why is it so?
I keep wondering why is it so?
Friday, October 22, 2004
Whats all about Algebra...
Teacher Arrested
At Phoenix Sky Harbor airport today, an individual later discovered to be a public school teacher was arrested trying to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a setsquare, a slide rule, and a calculator. At a morning press conference, an FBI spokesperson said he believes the man is a member of the notorious al-gebra movement. He is being charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.
"Al-gebra is a fearsome cult," the spokesman said. "They desire average solutions by
means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute value. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle'."
When asked to comment on the arrest, one of the arresting officers said, "If God had
wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have
given us more fingers and toes."
At Phoenix Sky Harbor airport today, an individual later discovered to be a public school teacher was arrested trying to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a setsquare, a slide rule, and a calculator. At a morning press conference, an FBI spokesperson said he believes the man is a member of the notorious al-gebra movement. He is being charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.
"Al-gebra is a fearsome cult," the spokesman said. "They desire average solutions by
means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute value. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle'."
When asked to comment on the arrest, one of the arresting officers said, "If God had
wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have
given us more fingers and toes."
Wish you all a Happy Dushhera
Dandiya Dances
Once again it's that time of the year when night turns into day and the city reverberates to the beat of countless drums. It’s Navratri time as we all know. It was Narasimha who met Sanjay and had an invitation to join the Desi group to discuss the plans for one Dandiya night in Grenoble.
But in a land where food, finance and fun have held sway there is a small population of likeminded people who are hell bent on stemming the rot and preserving the cultural heritage. So went of to discuss on what we should be doing for eating on that day during the get together and on for the event. Let me explain how this dance evolved.
Among all the dance forms, Raas Garba is the most well known outside Gujarat and is the most ancient one too. The lasya nritya performed by Krishna approximately 5,000 years ago is still intact. The love of Radha for Krishna has become immortal and the dance performed by Krishna with the gopis was Raas which is the all-time favourite dance style of Gujarat.
Ideally, two circles formed by men and women move in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions with two sticks called dandiyas held in their hands. The song sung on the occasion is essentially an amorous one. Raas is a very energetic, colourful and playful dance providing opportunity for acting and exchanging messages through eye contact. It is no wonder that many romances bloom during Navratri and hence the popularity of the dance among the younger generation. I’m missing this fun in Grenoble and going to Paris. We had just been to the practice session last Sunday. I wish the function a grand success.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Chamarousse
This forest plateau located at 1500 meters on the Belledonne range offers beautiful tracks for either classic or skating cross country skiing. You can discover the beauty of the mountains in two ways --> Thanks to snowshoe tracks and also 40 kilometers of cross country skiing tracks are maintained and made safe on the plateau de l'Arselle. We took the snowshoe track with the travel from Grenoble by car to the family skiing Roche Béranger at Chamrousse 1750. So we went there and played a while in the snow. That’s how the Saturday came to and end.
The photos are uploaded here
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Facility to retain one mobile number across operator in Pakistan launched
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to introduce mobile number portability (MNP) to enable cellular mobile subscribers to retain their mobile phone numbers when they change mobile operators.
An official of PTA said that the introduction of this facility would foster effective competition and establish competitive telecom regime with multiple players offering innovative, high quality and cost-effective services to the consumers.
"This service will also strengthen competition by lowering the barriers for customers who wish to change operators," the official said.
The facility would also enable the mobile users to keep their contacts intact even after they change the operator.
The cellular mobile operators (CMT) would be asked to implement the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) from the first week of May 2005. In order to implement this policy, PTA is planning to prepare a consultation paper to suggest the best technical solutions for its implementation.
A draft policy will be formulated and issued after detailed study and seeking comments from the stakeholders especially on technical, administrative and financial solutions, by the end of January 2005.
The PTA has asked the specialists on the subject that they may convey their views and suggest appropriate solutions.
Are people in India hearing this….This for sure shows the positive side of Pakistan
An official of PTA said that the introduction of this facility would foster effective competition and establish competitive telecom regime with multiple players offering innovative, high quality and cost-effective services to the consumers.
"This service will also strengthen competition by lowering the barriers for customers who wish to change operators," the official said.
The facility would also enable the mobile users to keep their contacts intact even after they change the operator.
The cellular mobile operators (CMT) would be asked to implement the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) from the first week of May 2005. In order to implement this policy, PTA is planning to prepare a consultation paper to suggest the best technical solutions for its implementation.
A draft policy will be formulated and issued after detailed study and seeking comments from the stakeholders especially on technical, administrative and financial solutions, by the end of January 2005.
The PTA has asked the specialists on the subject that they may convey their views and suggest appropriate solutions.
Are people in India hearing this….This for sure shows the positive side of Pakistan
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Points to ponder
Gradual improvement is inevitable for Success, so here goes the words of Bollywood icon Rajkapoor, A performer is termed to be successful only when he is successful in breaking his own record. If he fails in giving better product than the previous one, people corner him saying his time is over. So the gradual improvement is inevitable to continue the success graph.
Let me give u some Corporate Management Tip
When there's nobody around, you must to get approval from superiors to do any task. But when the superiors are around, you need to take initiative and do stuff pro-actively, without waiting for approval.
So don't blame me next time.... :-)
Let me give u some Corporate Management Tip
When there's nobody around, you must to get approval from superiors to do any task. But when the superiors are around, you need to take initiative and do stuff pro-actively, without waiting for approval.
So don't blame me next time.... :-)
This secret was bound to be leaked at some point
Uh-oh. This secret was bound to be leaked at some point.
The authors of the new book "Crap Jobs" took an unscientific email survey
among people in the United Kingdom, asking them to list what they thought
were the worst jobs in their homeland. And, as one might imagine, the
Brits came through with some rather candid responses.
When all the ballots were counted, there it was for all to see: Listed
just below phone sex operator (No. 1) and ferry cabin cleaner (No. 2), was
being an IT manager (No. 3). No surprise to you, right?
The poll also placed database builder at No. 14 on the list of bad jobs
(just behind landfill executive); Internet consultant came in at No. 72,
just behind maggot farmer. It wasn't immediately clear if the results
reflect the perceived difficulty of a job in IT, or whether they simply
indicate a lack of respect for technology.
The authors of the new book "Crap Jobs" took an unscientific email survey
among people in the United Kingdom, asking them to list what they thought
were the worst jobs in their homeland. And, as one might imagine, the
Brits came through with some rather candid responses.
When all the ballots were counted, there it was for all to see: Listed
just below phone sex operator (No. 1) and ferry cabin cleaner (No. 2), was
being an IT manager (No. 3). No surprise to you, right?
The poll also placed database builder at No. 14 on the list of bad jobs
(just behind landfill executive); Internet consultant came in at No. 72,
just behind maggot farmer. It wasn't immediately clear if the results
reflect the perceived difficulty of a job in IT, or whether they simply
indicate a lack of respect for technology.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Chambery'ille Chennai vasigal (Lot of people are from chennai who came to this trip)
The last weekend trip started with Venkat & Vijay coming to Grenoble on Friday night. We all had a nice food for the night and then planned for the next days. The next day in the morning Narasimha, Gayathri and Dalareen joined us and we had Rava masala dosa with Sambar and lemon rice. After that we started to Chambery by train from Grenoble, without Dalareen as she was sick. Dalareen we missed u a lot on this trip. We reached there in the late afternoon. The origins of the town of Chambéry are to be found in the Roman history. Chambéry plays an important part in the history of Western Europe in their capacity as "doorkeepers of the Alps", and made the name of Savoie famous all over Europe. After the French Revolution period of large-scale urban works gave the town most of its contemporary look. A new page was turned for Chambéry in 1860 when Savoie was reunited to France following the treaty of Turin of March 24, 1860
Chambéry then became a mere county town, nevertheless retaining from its glorious past a natural pride, a few institutions, strong juridical and commercial traditions, a picturesque center with narrow streets and alleys, and rich mansions below the ducal castle...
Until the end of WW II, the town hadn't changed much, but in May 1944, an air raid destroyed one-third of the historic center. The reconstruction that followed gave the town a new appearance, and low-cost housing developments were built in the suburbs.
Today the town intends to take the best advantage of its history, traditions, and firm commitment to culture to assert its role as Alpine heartland of Europe.
Chambéry is situated between the Bauges massif and the Chartreuse mountain range, in the cluse that bears its name. To the south the town stretches out to the vineyards on the hillsides of the Combe of Savoie ; to the north it almost reaches the shores of Lake Bourget — France's largest natural lake. This is the biggest lake that covers Aix-Les-Ban & Annecy. I think I need to post on those visits also …let me do that soon.
We came out of the Gares (Railway station) and saw the Velo Station (cycle stand in our local bashai) . Then we went Inside and hired the cycles. We had to pay a deposit of 1500 Euros, but finally managed to pay Euros 1000. Then after with the map we asked him what is the best place to go around.. he suggested that Lake Bourget which would be like 1 hour drive from that place. It was like already 3.30 in the afternoon and we had to return the cycle back 7.00, So after the initial adjustment we decide to go on the way suggested. We went in the opposite direction. When we started reading all the places which are supposed to come in the right was coming in the left and places which are supposed to on the left are on the right…then the best things struck our mind 2 option ..one either we turn the map or we better turn..the first one was best. After this we started taking pictures of all the nice landscape and this delayed our journey further. On the way we discovered that this lake is out of Chambery. So we left the city roads and then joined the Main roads.. It was nice traveling in the cycles in the Auto Bhan (these are highways) .. all the cars were going in slow speed because of us. After some nice spaghetti turns we landed on the other side of the roads and joined the beautiful corner. This is where all begun. I have loaded the movie of the path we took. Kindly have look at that also. Then we went cycling all the way blocking the road where ever we felt like..I know those people would have been cursing us. After a long drive with 2-3 halts we reached the lake. Oh what a sight. The best thing about the entire trip was the weather. This really helped us to keep going. After reaching there all the effort are paid. We had an excellent view of the place and that reminded again about the “Shabari malai”. After this we had to rush back ‘cause we had to return the cycle. On the way we stopped, u know why. We saw a APPLE tree. Vijay was the one who spotted this and we all came back. Like Manga adichifying we did Apple adichifying and enjoyed the apples. This is a first time for a few who saw the apple tree. It was a green apple tree…and we did what best could be done there and then no stopping on way back. After we retuned the cycle we went in search of Quick or Mac D. Most of the old town is now a pedestrian area, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around and visit. So we went on and finally stopped in Monoprix. Grabbed a few chips and croissants and finished the dinner and came back.
We planned to go Alps-de-heuz, but the weather god wanted us to take some rest.
That’s the way the weekend came to an end.
Chambéry then became a mere county town, nevertheless retaining from its glorious past a natural pride, a few institutions, strong juridical and commercial traditions, a picturesque center with narrow streets and alleys, and rich mansions below the ducal castle...
Until the end of WW II, the town hadn't changed much, but in May 1944, an air raid destroyed one-third of the historic center. The reconstruction that followed gave the town a new appearance, and low-cost housing developments were built in the suburbs.
Today the town intends to take the best advantage of its history, traditions, and firm commitment to culture to assert its role as Alpine heartland of Europe.
Chambéry is situated between the Bauges massif and the Chartreuse mountain range, in the cluse that bears its name. To the south the town stretches out to the vineyards on the hillsides of the Combe of Savoie ; to the north it almost reaches the shores of Lake Bourget — France's largest natural lake. This is the biggest lake that covers Aix-Les-Ban & Annecy. I think I need to post on those visits also …let me do that soon.
We came out of the Gares (Railway station) and saw the Velo Station (cycle stand in our local bashai) . Then we went Inside and hired the cycles. We had to pay a deposit of 1500 Euros, but finally managed to pay Euros 1000. Then after with the map we asked him what is the best place to go around.. he suggested that Lake Bourget which would be like 1 hour drive from that place. It was like already 3.30 in the afternoon and we had to return the cycle back 7.00, So after the initial adjustment we decide to go on the way suggested. We went in the opposite direction. When we started reading all the places which are supposed to come in the right was coming in the left and places which are supposed to on the left are on the right…then the best things struck our mind 2 option ..one either we turn the map or we better turn..the first one was best. After this we started taking pictures of all the nice landscape and this delayed our journey further. On the way we discovered that this lake is out of Chambery. So we left the city roads and then joined the Main roads.. It was nice traveling in the cycles in the Auto Bhan (these are highways) .. all the cars were going in slow speed because of us. After some nice spaghetti turns we landed on the other side of the roads and joined the beautiful corner. This is where all begun. I have loaded the movie of the path we took. Kindly have look at that also. Then we went cycling all the way blocking the road where ever we felt like..I know those people would have been cursing us. After a long drive with 2-3 halts we reached the lake. Oh what a sight. The best thing about the entire trip was the weather. This really helped us to keep going. After reaching there all the effort are paid. We had an excellent view of the place and that reminded again about the “Shabari malai”. After this we had to rush back ‘cause we had to return the cycle. On the way we stopped, u know why. We saw a APPLE tree. Vijay was the one who spotted this and we all came back. Like Manga adichifying we did Apple adichifying and enjoyed the apples. This is a first time for a few who saw the apple tree. It was a green apple tree…and we did what best could be done there and then no stopping on way back. After we retuned the cycle we went in search of Quick or Mac D. Most of the old town is now a pedestrian area, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around and visit. So we went on and finally stopped in Monoprix. Grabbed a few chips and croissants and finished the dinner and came back.
We planned to go Alps-de-heuz, but the weather god wanted us to take some rest.
That’s the way the weekend came to an end.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
WHO DOES WHAT
A very nice one...I had a hearty laugh
A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning.
The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to
wait as long to get our coffee." The husband said, "You are in charge of cooking around
here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee."
Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should
do the coffee." Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me." So she fetched the
Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it
indeed says..........
"HEBREWS"
A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning.
The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to
wait as long to get our coffee." The husband said, "You are in charge of cooking around
here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee."
Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should
do the coffee." Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me." So she fetched the
Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it
indeed says..........
"HEBREWS"
Annecy
Annecy trip details...
Let me start with this old update on Annecy trip, and then I will go on back and share all other weekends later on the trips to Aix-Les-Bains and my second trip to Chamonix and on the Secessaney ones.
It was in the month of August, We had a crowd of around 50000 people in Annecy. This is the first time I have ever seen a crowd in this place, No I saw a bigger one when I was in France on 1-May-2002 Oh that as the election time and the same coupled with the May day celebration …my god I can’t imagine what it was like.
Ok now the festival of the lake d'annecy is the major traditional event of the festival season which takes place each year first Saturday of August. During the evening, while the sun laying down, tens of thousands of spectators gathered on Pâquier, vis-a-vis with the lake to attend a gigantic spectacle "Pyromelodic" which mixes during more 1h30 without interruption the fireworks, the music and the text, the lights and the lasers. It’s a event to watch. We just drove to Annecy that evening. We took a pedaling boat and went across the lake. We just go the ticket to watch it from a long distance. Then we went to the place designated for us to watch the firework and other laser shows etc.
The magic of water, the music and pyrotechny make Festival of the Lake each summer a famous event: many tickets of entry are sold by advance (platforms and lawns) while 150 000 people attend the event since banks of the lake, surrounding mountains or hundreds of boats gathered behind the zone of shooting of the fireworks.
Organized by Annecy Events, it is held each year according to a different topic ("Songs of Europe" in 2003, "film Musics" in 2004). This year very nice movie numbers are played. The best thing is the fire works are designed to be in sink with the music. The origin of the festival of the lake d'Annecy date of 1860, from the 28 to August 31 of this year, Emperor Napoleon III and l'empress Eugenie are the hosts in Annecy at the time of the festivities for the fastening of Savoy in France. To honor of their majesties, the city organizes a festival of lake night which marks the origin of traditional “Fête of the Lake”. Average the techniques deployed are enormous: lt’s the space of the spectacle: 700 meters points of shooting of the fireworks: 4 large punt forms of 250 m2 each one, 21 punt forms of 25 m2, 20 mobile rafts of shooting. This device ensures a perfect vision of the spectacle for all the spectators. An approximate number of projectiles:2305 candles, 16 500 bombs, 750 pots with fire a number of points of wiring for sound: 14 autonomous electric output: 1250 kcVa including 450 helped (emergency lighting of the site and wiring for sound).
I was just sitting on the banks with my legs dripping in the water, and after a while moved to a boat there and started lying down and having an aerial view. This event I will never forget in life.
The pictures captured during the visit are stored here.
Let me start with this old update on Annecy trip, and then I will go on back and share all other weekends later on the trips to Aix-Les-Bains and my second trip to Chamonix and on the Secessaney ones.
It was in the month of August, We had a crowd of around 50000 people in Annecy. This is the first time I have ever seen a crowd in this place, No I saw a bigger one when I was in France on 1-May-2002 Oh that as the election time and the same coupled with the May day celebration …my god I can’t imagine what it was like.
Ok now the festival of the lake d'annecy is the major traditional event of the festival season which takes place each year first Saturday of August. During the evening, while the sun laying down, tens of thousands of spectators gathered on Pâquier, vis-a-vis with the lake to attend a gigantic spectacle "Pyromelodic" which mixes during more 1h30 without interruption the fireworks, the music and the text, the lights and the lasers. It’s a event to watch. We just drove to Annecy that evening. We took a pedaling boat and went across the lake. We just go the ticket to watch it from a long distance. Then we went to the place designated for us to watch the firework and other laser shows etc.
The magic of water, the music and pyrotechny make Festival of the Lake each summer a famous event: many tickets of entry are sold by advance (platforms and lawns) while 150 000 people attend the event since banks of the lake, surrounding mountains or hundreds of boats gathered behind the zone of shooting of the fireworks.
Organized by Annecy Events, it is held each year according to a different topic ("Songs of Europe" in 2003, "film Musics" in 2004). This year very nice movie numbers are played. The best thing is the fire works are designed to be in sink with the music. The origin of the festival of the lake d'Annecy date of 1860, from the 28 to August 31 of this year, Emperor Napoleon III and l'empress Eugenie are the hosts in Annecy at the time of the festivities for the fastening of Savoy in France. To honor of their majesties, the city organizes a festival of lake night which marks the origin of traditional “Fête of the Lake”. Average the techniques deployed are enormous: lt’s the space of the spectacle: 700 meters points of shooting of the fireworks: 4 large punt forms of 250 m2 each one, 21 punt forms of 25 m2, 20 mobile rafts of shooting. This device ensures a perfect vision of the spectacle for all the spectators. An approximate number of projectiles:2305 candles, 16 500 bombs, 750 pots with fire a number of points of wiring for sound: 14 autonomous electric output: 1250 kcVa including 450 helped (emergency lighting of the site and wiring for sound).
I was just sitting on the banks with my legs dripping in the water, and after a while moved to a boat there and started lying down and having an aerial view. This event I will never forget in life.
The pictures captured during the visit are stored here.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
La Grave- La Meije
On Friday evening I went and meet Narashima to ping him to know about week-end plan. I was staying late from office as there was some activities to be completed before the week comes to an end.
Then we got to know we could go to this place called Le Grave. On Saturday we had nice food at home and went to the railway station to enquire as to how to reach La Grave. We got to hear that we should be able to reach there by bus. So the next day we where all set to go there.
As soon as we landed there we discovered that this place is a unique resort offering wilderness skiing and breath-taking slopes.
La Grave - La Meije is one of the world’s great skiing places and one you just cannot miss. For years, the sheer beauty of the place, the quality of the snow and the off-piste ski area have attracted people in the know from all over the world. We didn’t go there to Ski …we just wanted to see the glacier. We where banking on the La Meije Glaciers Aerial Tramway (Téléphérique) provides the sole access to this high altitude glacial terrain, and carries passengers to the Ruillans Pass at 3200 meters in 30 minutes. But we got the information that its close in autumn.
So we just went around and got the information as to how to go there. To our surprise we came to know it would take some good 3-4 hrs by walk to reach to the peak to see the glazier.
So a walk in the town reveals here you won't find any wooden chalets. The rarity of wood as well as some spectacular fires in the past centuries have discouraged the local population from building with wood. Traditional architecture in the La Meije area is exclusively stone.
Blocks of tuff (a volcanic rock) or shale are sealed together with an earth-based mortar. Rooftops are two-sided and covered with slate or flagstones, here again for fire protection. Houses are built on the natural rock foundation and set into the hillside in a cascading terrace formation. Numerous traditional passageways called "trabuc" link the houses together to create a tight network that visitors often lose themselves in.
Here there are no luxury accommodations. Its not a huge holiday centers. No ugly clusters of lift structures invading the landscape, only the La Meije Glaciers Aerial Tramway and a few drag lifts. No shopping center, just a few traditional shops.
The La Meije community does not experience the huge tourist invasions common to conventional resorts, and the population varies only slightly throughout the year. There are just over 600 inhabitants, made up of both locals and former French and foreign vacationers who fell in love with the site and settled there permanently. Although the La Meije area draws its resources today mainly from tourism, it has never sold its soul, and proudly preserves its authenticity.
So we just started our trek at around 11.30 am and reach the 1840 meters by 1.30pm. U can find a picture of mine taken there. So we just spent a little time there and decided to come down. On the way in the near some place where there was a lot of Blocks of tuff we sat there and had our lunch. There after once we where about to reach the village we took a break near the place and enjoyed playing in the cold water. Missed taking picture in both the places.
The best thing of the entire trip was we were listening to the some devotional songs while we were going in the bus. Oh what a combination…In the Alps with the songs ..it was a very nice thing. As we got down we forgot to collect the cassettes. Narasmiha was saying if we are destined to get it we will get it. So on the way back we got into the same bus and the cassettes were there. It was really a lucky trip.
Check for the picture here
Friday, October 01, 2004
Swiss entry
After so many trips to Europe my dream of going to Switzerland has come true. The thing I saw there was the private banks. That's really a big story..the first train from my place leaves at 6.05 am ... I had a discount ticket which would get me 50% for weekends...But to my dismay I had to buy the ticket from the counter...which open only at 6..Finally managed to get the ticket at 6.02 and rushed to the platform. So with this first tension was over...later we got into the train and left for Swiss...
When the train reached the platform at Swiss we had to go through the immigration..nothing big.. but it gives the same feeling like when ever u enter some other country how the inspection is done...So similar setup was there... both the countries office was there in the same building ..first clear the French one and then next is the Swiss one...after doing so ..then u r allowed to enter the country...
Geneva is Switzerland's third-largest city, but surely the most international: a third of the population is from elsewhere. The city is crowded with museums, has a rich cultural calendar, lot of activities, a plethora of mouth-watering cuisines, Mac D is one best things with veg burger available there along with Onion rings from Burger king.. and is ideally placed for excursions into the Swiss and French Alps.
Basking in the sunshine of its peaceful setting on Lake Geneva's banks, this acclaimed neutral territory displays an obvious self-confidence.
First thing we need to money Swiss franks ...I didn't have Swiss francs..so we had to wait in the station and get the change...
After that when we went to tourist office we discovered that it is close for sunday. So went into an hotel and got a map..What an idea ??? Venkat logic Venkat login Kalaku..I'm patting on my back
And then after we went into Mac D and wanted to have the veg burger...its a things which u will never get in France..So got hold on one and had my bite...later went to another tourist office and even that was closed but there we could c a detailed map and a Geneva guide was kept there...
Got hold of one guide and then we discovered that we could get free cycle there in the town...Went to the office and deposited some security money and then took the cycle and moved to all around the city. Its a seven gear cycle..with 3 mode what not in that cycle.
The first thing is the big park we went to and there we saw the Chess board drawn on the floor with big coins...there played a quick game of chess and then moved to the heart of Geneva..The first one we saw first the Water jet...that's the main attraction of this city...
The iconic Jet d'Eau, the world's tallest fountain, shoots water into the air with incredible force (200kmh/124mph and 1360 horsepower) to create a 140m (469ft) plume. At any one time seven tonnes of water is in the air and much of it can fall on spectators on the pier. The Jet is shut off during gusty weather.
Then we just went on the cycle and covered the entire northern part of the lake-side...and then after...we went into the old town...this had lot of nice places like a swiss corner..this is one of the oldest joint in Europe, it seems..and then after that visited some church and then another garden...soon it became afternoon and then we went and visited the UN office / WTO office and other places. The Broken chair reminds one about the people who are not willing to sign the treaty for banning land mines.
Then again to the northern side of the lake...we just took the cycle and where just driving thru that...
After all this tiring trip in the evening went to Burger king and had onion rings...Burger king is another place which u will not find in France..
Its really strange that u don't get onion rings and Veg. burger in France...Why so..
I eat good food man..I will have to write on that little later..
Then way back to France again u will have to come through the customs and immigration ....Even for the french people..All u need to do is just show u r identity..that all...nothing big this time unlike the one which is a detailed one when u enter..back to France
Wanna have a go around Geneva … Click here
When the train reached the platform at Swiss we had to go through the immigration..nothing big.. but it gives the same feeling like when ever u enter some other country how the inspection is done...So similar setup was there... both the countries office was there in the same building ..first clear the French one and then next is the Swiss one...after doing so ..then u r allowed to enter the country...
Geneva is Switzerland's third-largest city, but surely the most international: a third of the population is from elsewhere. The city is crowded with museums, has a rich cultural calendar, lot of activities, a plethora of mouth-watering cuisines, Mac D is one best things with veg burger available there along with Onion rings from Burger king.. and is ideally placed for excursions into the Swiss and French Alps.
Basking in the sunshine of its peaceful setting on Lake Geneva's banks, this acclaimed neutral territory displays an obvious self-confidence.
First thing we need to money Swiss franks ...I didn't have Swiss francs..so we had to wait in the station and get the change...
After that when we went to tourist office we discovered that it is close for sunday. So went into an hotel and got a map..What an idea ??? Venkat logic Venkat login Kalaku..I'm patting on my back
And then after we went into Mac D and wanted to have the veg burger...its a things which u will never get in France..So got hold on one and had my bite...later went to another tourist office and even that was closed but there we could c a detailed map and a Geneva guide was kept there...
Got hold of one guide and then we discovered that we could get free cycle there in the town...Went to the office and deposited some security money and then took the cycle and moved to all around the city. Its a seven gear cycle..with 3 mode what not in that cycle.
The first thing is the big park we went to and there we saw the Chess board drawn on the floor with big coins...there played a quick game of chess and then moved to the heart of Geneva..The first one we saw first the Water jet...that's the main attraction of this city...
The iconic Jet d'Eau, the world's tallest fountain, shoots water into the air with incredible force (200kmh/124mph and 1360 horsepower) to create a 140m (469ft) plume. At any one time seven tonnes of water is in the air and much of it can fall on spectators on the pier. The Jet is shut off during gusty weather.
Then we just went on the cycle and covered the entire northern part of the lake-side...and then after...we went into the old town...this had lot of nice places like a swiss corner..this is one of the oldest joint in Europe, it seems..and then after that visited some church and then another garden...soon it became afternoon and then we went and visited the UN office / WTO office and other places. The Broken chair reminds one about the people who are not willing to sign the treaty for banning land mines.
Then again to the northern side of the lake...we just took the cycle and where just driving thru that...
After all this tiring trip in the evening went to Burger king and had onion rings...Burger king is another place which u will not find in France..
Its really strange that u don't get onion rings and Veg. burger in France...Why so..
I eat good food man..I will have to write on that little later..
Then way back to France again u will have to come through the customs and immigration ....Even for the french people..All u need to do is just show u r identity..that all...nothing big this time unlike the one which is a detailed one when u enter..back to France
Wanna have a go around Geneva … Click here
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