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Showing posts from March, 2005

Uganda: starting all over again

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When I learnt about my visit to Kampala, Uganda. Only two events could link me to this place. Entebbe airport rescue operations by Israeli commandos and Idi Amin. However Idi Amin was single most potent factor that made me relate to Uganda. With nothing more to except than abject poverty, hostile climate and lawlessness resulting from rampant corruption and non-governance, I boarded Emirates Flight from Nairobi to Entebbe. How wrong my perception was soon became evident as the plane started its descent to Entebbe airport. All around, I could see sprawling Lake Victoria encompassing string of lush green mountains and red soil. I was wondering if I was landing on Greek or Cypriot Island. Most of the visitors have no choice but to apply for visa upon arrival. Not many countries have Uganda embassy/consulate, at least UAE didn?t have. It was amusing to watch the immigration office take your passport to his room and put visa sticker from his visa book. One must carry US$ cash as there is no

Bangkok – city of contrast

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My journey to discover nuances of Bangkok city and its people started with my first trip in 97 and since then is continuing with almost once a year visit. This city is so similar in character to Mumbai or Calcutta. Every visitor in his first visit would be shaken by extreme social, economic conditions that nestle side by side in stark contrast. But slowly this contrast gets glossed over by subtleties of Thai people, their cuisine and most important their culture that is ingrained with hospitality and innocence. Bangkok brings images of pagoda, cheap textiles, massage parlous and atrocious traffic snarls. Over the years, traffic situation is somewhat eased with the introduction of sky rail. Nonetheless, going from downtown to airport at peak hours can make one nervous- no matter how early you start your journey. The sight of small shrine in front of every home reminds of ‘tulsi vrindavan’ in village home ‘aangan’. In India, ‘namaste’ is overtaken by western handshake. In Bangkok, it is