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The Hindu :

Taking the old Silk Road to Kashgar in a third class train compartment is an unforgettable journey

Trains are the mode of transport for the masses, and give you a sense of China you will never experience in airports or in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai

Photos: National Geographic and AFPMemorable sights Giant sand dunes in the Taklimakan Desert (left) and a picturesque moment on the Son-Kul plateau on the Silk Road.

For centuries, traders from China, India and Babylon lugged silk, spices and gold along this old road. From the old Chinese capital of Xian, famous for its terracotta warriors, the northern route of the Silk Road ran all the way across China to the ancient trading city of Kashgar on the country’s western frontier, and from there through the Himalayas to India, the Middle East and all the way to Damascus and Antioch.A trip to remember

I journeyed to Kashgar along this road, except I traded horseback for a rickety old train and the company of traders for Chinese farmers and students. As far as great train journeys in China go, this has to be top of the list.

Kashgar, quite simply, is unlike any other city in China you will ever see. For centuries, it has stood at the crossroads of Central Asian, Indian, Mongolian and Chinese civilisations. The city has the strange sense of being frozen in time and not belonging to any one civilisation. Even the people are hard to label — you see Han Chinese eyes, noble Afghan noses and hard Russian cheekbones.

A sprawling market of spices, fruits and goats that boasts to be the world’s largest Sunday market is the centre of the city — and has been so for centuries.

The railway line to Kashgar opened in 1990, and runs all along the northern boundary of the Taklimakan desert that stretches across China’s western province of…More

The Hindu : y>

Educational The new season of Galli Galli Sim Sim premiers today

Watch, learn and laugh with neighbourhood friends like Chamki, Boombah, Aanchoo and Googly as the new season of “Galli Galli Sim Sim” premiers on Monday at 11.30 a.m. on Pogo.

This season features Elmo playing host to words on a segment called “Word of the Day”, and Grover and Muppet Toto taking viewers on action-packed excursions across India.

The series is an attempt to provide a strong foundation for preschoolers to help them better prepare for school and life. The series promises to promote inquisitiveness and knowledge about the world.

The series also features an uninterrupted 11-minute story in each episode with the Muppet characters, using a storytelling format that is engaging for young children. The stories are complemented by foot-tapping songs and music inspired by popular Indian culture. For more information on Galli Gallli Sim Sim, log on towww.galligallisimsim.com.

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The Hindu : y>Kenilworth Beach Resort has a New Year getaway package

After all the hustle and bustle of New Year parties, start 2009 on a relaxing note at The Kenilworth Beach Resort and Spa, Goa. This resort has come up with a New Year getaway package for “3 nights and 4 days” between January 9 and February 28.

The charges for a couple (for the Deluxe and Garden View Rooms) are Rs. 42,000 (inclusive of all taxes); Rs. 9,000 for a third adult; and Rs. 4,500 for children (six to 12 years).

The package offers a whole array of activities, and includes transfers by a/c coach from airport / Margao railway station, a welcome drink, Goan wine, fruit basket, cookies and cashew nuts, and more.

Among the in-house activities are a half-day sightseeing trip by an a/c coach to Spice Plantations, Old Goa and Mangeshi Temple.

Tantalise your taste buds with an appetising buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner at The Palms restaurant. Also avail yourself of a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages at specialty restaurants.

The package also entitles you to live entertainment every evening, anda free drink on purchase of one house drink during Happy Hour at the Lobby Bar.

Each person is entitled to a free 30-minute Swedish massage with prior appointment. Children will get one ice cream coupon per day during the stay.

Children below nine years can stay free in the parents’ room without extra bed.

And, yes, you can laze about in the 17,500-sq. ft pool. For details, visitwww.kenilworthhotels.com

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Casablanca Goa is offering a Valentine package this February. The place offers air conditioned suites with terrace rooms. A three-day and four-night package is priced at Rs. 17,000, which includes “A/C accommodation with breakfast and dinner on a twin sharing basis” and a three-night and four-day package for Rs. 18,000 with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resort also offers Ayurvedic massage therapy…More

The Hindu : y>Sanjna Kapoor tells AYESHA MATTHAN she does not consider Prithvi Theatre a burdensome legacy

It just so happened that I was passionate about theatre and I have been fortunate to be a part of it

PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUMMood indigo Sanjna wants to make the audience more demanding

Sanjna Kapoor never watched television before or after the “Amul India Show”. In Bangalore to attend the Culture Asia Conference — Connecting Asian Cultural Actors organised by HIVOS, OSI and CSCS, the Director of Prithvi Theatre, says, “My father was switching channels when I saw this interesting programme. So when I auditioned, I knew what the show was about. I was glad I was chosen and I had a fantastic time hosting the show for three years in the mid ’90s.”

She states that the programme followed the format of a cultural magazine and that she had to “just sit and look pretty and interview people. Towards the end, things started changing in STAR with an emphasis on TRPs, fashion and cricket spoken in Hinglish. That is when I decided to walk out.”

In ’89, Sanjna attended a six-month workshop at the Herbert Berghoff School in New York for two semesters. “When I opened the doors, it smelt like Prithvi with memories and sensations when I stepped in as a 16 year old in ‘83. It was a unique place with a husband-wife team and a socialist set-up for mid-career actors.”

The tall and graceful Sanjna who has been living in Delhi for the last six years says, “Earlier, it was not easy to manage Prithvi. I was forced to organise systems but now I have a good team.”

Satyadev Dubey was honoured at the thirtieth Prithvi Festival this year. “It was fascinating as it was the first time one person was celebrated. Little-known facets of the most loved and hated man of modern Hindi Theatre were discovered. His contribution went…More

The Hindu : y>Punnamada Serena Spa comes up with winter packages

Water world At the spa

Punnamada Serena Spa, a backwater resort, has come up with attractive packages for the winter season. Apart from day and weekend packages, there are also theme-based packages such as the Green Escape package, honeymoon getaway and Ayurveda package There are also Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.

There are other deals that are a steal. Under the two-nights, three-days “Wind and Water” package, spend one night in a house boat and another in a resort. The package includes pick-up and drop from Alleppey, welcome drinks, fruit basket in room, accommodation and breakfast, lunch and dinner, half-an-hour ride on the speed boat, complimentary use of activity room, sightseeing, guided village walk, general body massage and a 10 per cent discount on Ayurvedic treatments and water sports. The package costs Rs. 24,999 (Garden Villa) and Rs. 28,999 (Lake View Villa). For an extra person, it costs Rs. 5,000.

The resort, with its typical Kerala-style architecture is set amid the lapping backwaters. Each room has thick wooden panels and antique-style doors, recreating the old-world charm of Kerala. The resort’s layout is that of a typical village with 26 well-furnished heritage style villas with a view of the Vembanad Lake.

The packages are valid from January 10 to March 31, 2009.

For details, call 093791-45323 or e-mailsales@serenaspa.com.

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The Hindu : y>Chose where you want to be this Christmas and New Year

PHOTO: MOHAMMED YOUSUFFun unlimited Festive cheer

Taj Vivanta in Whitefield is celebrating Xmas with Latitude offering a la carte menu with off the menu specials and beverages like mulled wine and egg nogg on December 24, gourmet wines and spirits by Brendon, the resident Australian bartender and Argentinean DJ Emi’s music at Rs. 1,650 inclusive of taxes per person on December 25 at Latitude.

Latitude is celebrating Christmas with a special brunch of across the latitudes inspired offerings from its five live kitchens at Rs. 1,800 inclusive of taxes per person and brunch on December 31 with pre-plated main courses, at Rs. 2,150 inclusive of taxes per person. There is dinner at the poolside at Rs. 4,000 inclusive of taxes per person. Tease offers canapés, gourmet wines and select spirits by Brandon and music by DJ Emi and Rs. 2,009 inclusive of taxes per person. Terracotta the Indian restaurant will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with unlimited kebabs, pre plated main course and a dessert buffet with a selection of wines and cocktails at Rs. 2,500 inclusive of taxes per person.

The beverage package for the New Year’s Eve celebration at Tease is available for guests, dining at Vivanta at an additional cost of Rs. 1,000 per person. For reservations contact 6693 3333 and ask for the festivity desk.

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The Lalit Ashok is organising Christmas Eve celebrations on December 24 with Christmas carols, and more from 8.30 p.m. with Christmas Eve buffet dinner and an exclusive menu and gifts for children at Rs. 2,000 plus taxes per person, with glass of sparking wine or soft drinks. Wine pairings would be on display at 24/7 terrace. Baluchi is offering a traditional meal of set menu with kebabs, curries and biryani from North-West frontier with a glass of wine at Rs. 3,000 plus taxes per…More

The Hindu :

T.S. Satyan’s stunning black and white photographs speak of a time, place and value

Photo: K. Murali KumarLACED WITH IRONY Each of Satyan’s pictures has a story to tell

The striking black and white photographs are intense. The people whom the camera captures live their lives just as intensely. Most of us learn of T.S. Satyan, the man behind these stunning pictures, well after we know his picture.

It doesn’t take you long to realise that the 86-year-old Satyan’s pictures are an extension of his belief. His outlook to life is deeply embedded in his pictures. The rich and mighty are left far behind — barring the few exceptions of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Maharani Gayatri Devi, Sarvapalli Radhakrishna and a few others — the poor, the marginalised, the voiceless, and the unglamorous are his true concerns.

Long Exposure at Tasveer art gallery is an exhibition of the legendary photographer’s pictures. Marked with a striking simplicity, most of them are shot far from urban landscapes. Every picture has a story to tell; they bare reality unambiguously, often laced with subtle, yet biting irony.

The picture that haunts you even as you enter the hall is that of the Gommateshwara in Karkala, on the lines of the mammoth figure in Sravanabelagola. The idea of a colossal Gommateshwara itself is interesting, but what makes this 1972 picture captivating is the scrawny man sitting on the yet-to-be-completed statuette, meditatively sculpting those chiselled features, filling our imagination. The picture sings paeans to the unknown sculptor, who, with his art, continues to ignite numerous creative minds.

Rajagopalachari called her a “brave lady” and Sarojini Naidu called her “Little queen of a fairy tale land”, and John F. Kennedy introduced her to the Americans as “the woman with the most staggering majority that anyone has earned in an election” — says Satyan of Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur in his memoir, “Alive and…More

The Hindu :

The actor elaborates on working with Aamir Khan and her role in Ghajini

Photo: V.V. KRISHNANIn focus Jiah Khan: ‘I always wanted to be the centre of attention

Jiah Khan, shot to fame with her Lolita portrayal opposite Amitabh Bachchan in “Nisabhd”. In town to promote “Ghajini” in which she stars with Aamir Khan and Asin, Jiah isat ease, despite the mad scramble as people snap pictures at the Tata Indicom store.

Talking about the film, Jiah says: “It was a great experience to work with Aamir. While he is fun on the sets, he is also a hard taskmaster, as he expects you to give 100 per cent to the project. He is a fantastic actor and is always willing to help. I have not been involved in any other movie, as I have been working on this project for nearly two years.”

In “Ghajini” Jiah plays “a medical student, who stumbles upon the case file of the character essayed by Aamir. She makes efforts to learn about the man’s past.”

Jiah reveals, “In real life, I a simple girl, like my character. I am a bit of a geek and love lazing around and reading books. I think I am not as adventurous. I am very different from my character in ‘Nishabd’.”

On her debut film, she adds: “I enjoyed playing the character. It was not a conventional role, and dealt with a very sensitive subject, but the fact remains that it had big names such as Amitabh Bacchan and Revathi. Moreover, it never went overboard and was very subtle in projecting the situation. It will hopefully be a benchmark for future films that deal with the subject.”

Jiah has always felt comfortable before the camera and admits, “I always wanted to be the centre of attention. I guess that attitude helped me get a toehold in the film industry and eradicated any fear of…More

The Hindu :

Slow down and enjoy life’s unexpected moments while on a holiday

Photo: K. AnanthanBonding exercise Get close to friends during a journey

It’s not often that life gives you an opportunity to press the pause button. Impossible deadlines and the fast pace of life make you want to run away from life as you know it.

And, travelling has always been one of the most time-tested ways of recharging your batteries. It allows you to re-look prior experiences and discover new angles to things you never gave a second thought to. Travelling is a sure shot bonding exercise — be it a group of colleagues taking off for the weekend, or a more intimate “Dil Chahta Hai”-esque experience with a small group of friends.

A little music and a little fun go a long way in strengthening relationships that you never knew you shared with someone; and creating new ones with people you didn’t know till now.

Living off a suitcase is not everyone’s cup of tea, though. Having to share a bathroom with several people, sleeping through the abominable snoring of a roommate, misplaced toothbrushes… they can put off some people. But then, having your friends chip in to help you find your things is something you’ll always remember.

Being away from home and office also brings with it a feeling of recklessness and irresponsibility — which, for once, is a good thing. Blame it on the fresh air.

What makes travelling a true delight is the unpredictability. You might have made elaborate plans to the nearest minute, but trust me — the more it deviates, the more fun it is. An early morning trek might have been on the agenda, but helping push and heave your bus that just suffered a break down in the middle of nowhere can be fun too.

Travelling is also a time for many firsts. The first time you rode…More

The Hindu :

The good-old Chandamama will soon wear a new look

Chandamama is a name that reminds one of school vacations and long train journeys, the highpoint of which was to read stories from the Chandamama series.

Chandamama continues to be there, and now plans to change with the times. It has a complete overhaul on mind. The comics will stay, but will be supplemented by a website, with story archives, illustrated books of mythological characters, to keep in step with the present.

The publishers of the children magazine range launched Chandamama’s “Ramayana”, where the epic is retold in a simple illustrated format.

The 400-page book comprises colourful, rich, hand-drawn illustrated sketches and manages to convey the story of Rama and Sita in a easy narrative style.

L. Subramanyan, publisher and CEO, Chandamama India, says: “Despite limited means in the early 1960’s, my parents used to make me read the stories from Chandamama.

“It was a part of their effort to ensure that I learn the good values of Indian culture, and basic life’s lessons such as the victory of good over evil and achieving goals after numerous sacrifices. That message continues to be relevant in these times also. A different style of presentation may be required, but the value system that the children need to imbibe remains the same. Even in dark times, we should ensure that our children are taught the correct values and live accordingly.”

Subramanyan says that the decision to start an online portal and other interactive features were necessary to evince interest in the children.

“Children now spend a lot of their time online or watching television. We believe that building an interactive platform will help build a wider audience. It is an attempt to reintroduce the concept in a contemporary concept.”

He clarified that the Ramayana has been presented in the most authentic manner.

“A great deal of research has gone into the book. No…More