Trick or Treat, Watch Out and Decide Wisely. 

Trick or treat. It's Halloween, the time of year when varieties of sweet candies fill up our cabinet space. And if you are in the US, I bet you won’t be able to say no to seasonal specialities such as pumpkin spiced coffee, pumpkin cake or pumpkin pie. 

Oh, yummy! But, if you are still not convinced, how about a pumpkin spiced chai latte, pumpkin beer or pumpkin ale? I must admit, before having tasted some of these, the only other form of pumpkin I really enjoyed was the sweet-and-spicy south Indian curried pumpkin.  

Frankly speaking, Halloween is not a huge influence in the Asian part of the world, where I am from, but the tricks and treats in all forms are.

You hear this all the time – Sale, sale, sale! Prices discounted by 70%! Buy one, get two for free! Get a second at 90% discount! Hotels at slashed prices! What a treat! How many times have you said that it must be your lucky day to bump into such a blast? 

But hang on – how many more times have you felt misled afterwards …  

I am a compulsive travel site surfer. That's a red flag. Before my café-hopping days, I'd spend much of my free time searching for good travel bargains. Statistically, I am a proud winner, but with a shamefully narrow margin. Payment transfer records to Uncle AA and Uncle Malindo's websites for unutilised bookings are evidence of my poor choices. My most recent purchase was a one-year unlimited travel pass on a local carrier. My friend BE would be chuckling when she reads this, because she hinted to me to be cautious back then. Today, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven’t even considered using it – not even once. So, watch out for the treats in disguise. 

Early memories. It was always during the wee hours due to lack of sleep when my mind would get hyper and go on a high. During one of those nights, I stumbled upon a combined hotel and flight deal, which I was rather pleased with. Did I wait? No. I mean, come on, it was a chance of a lifetime, right? Did I discuss it with Doc? No, good deals get snapped up fast. So, ta-da – Hainan here we come! I was super excited. This would be my first-ever trip to see the Red Dragon. 

Like an auto-replay of a YouTube clip, the hasty bookings repeated and the list increased. In case you haven’t realised, I have a soft spot for promotional travel brochures and offers in print. I'd buy the local paper just for their advertisements. As Doc would bluntly put it, I was a dream come true for the marketeers. 😉 

"So, it's Hainan, you said, 5 days, 4 nights?" 

"Yes?" I was exhilarated, I had a deal of the century up my sleeve. 

"Where did you say we were staying?" 

"Sanya. Check this out. The hotel has not one but two heated Roman baths for their guests. According to guest reviews, the massage services offered here is of exceptional quality!" Uh-oh! Wrong selling points for Doc. He disliked both. 

Doc scratched his head. “Come here.”

We both looked at our huge wall map. We would be flying into Haikou late at night, and we’d paid for cheap but grand accommodation in Sanya, which is 300 km away. Our flight out was a darn early one, at 6 am. Keep in mind, we always followed the be-at the airport-3-hours-prior-to-check-in rule. 

With punctuality in mind, I did the hour-math, which I should really have done before making this purchase. I realised it would take approximately four hours to get to the airport. That would be seven hours in total. This meant one thing. I had to forego two paid nights and two trips to the heated Roman baths. 

"Blimey Uma, how much coffee did you have when you made this reservation?" Again!

It turned out that clicking the buy button was a hasty decision. After adding the additional costs à travel visas, accommodation in Haikou and round-trip taxi charges, the wisest next option would be to say adios to this trip. Trick or treat – trick!

Next… Manila, Dumaguete and Boracay – the Malaysia Airlines deal of the year. Tickets booked for Doc and me. But hey, Uma, did you tell your travel partner about the plan? Ops, no – and another trip gone south. Trick! Trick! Trick! Silly you, don't you ever learn? 

I did learn. Although I didn't stop searching for deals, I got a lot wiser at making decisions. Who would have thought a promotional offer to Bandung would turn out to be such a humbling encounter with a breathing volcano? Treat! I read once that everyone should see the grand Angkor at least once in their lifetime, thanks to pressing the buzzer, I had one more. Treat x 2!

So, watch out! If you are a budget traveller like me, there is a lot of pressure to ensure your plans turn out as treats, not tricks. Anyone can buy a cheap ticket, but not everyone can put it to use. Talk to me, I will tell you more. 😊 

There are so many contributing factors, such as the ones I mentioned earlier; time, distance, commitment, pet sitter, health, price, dietary options – these are just a few of the deciding factors. Consider the tricks and treats carefully before making those crucial decisions. Which would you find more pleasurable?

Trick or treat, you decide, but be cautious. While deciding, remember to continue wearing a protective face mask, sanitising your hands frequently, and practising safe social distancing wherever you go. 

What I have learnt:

1. No one forces me to choose trick or treat. How I handle it is all within my control.
2. When faced with a trick or treat, to get the best treats, make objective decisions instead of impulsive ones. If it still turns out to be a trick, then at least you tried. 
3. Avoid impulsive decisions. Wait a day or two. If you still feel the urge to grab that deal, then go for it. If it’s still available, it's yours. Otherwise, know that there will soon be another one. Don't panic.  
4. It’s handy to have a map close by to see where your destination is, and how much time it will take to get there. 
5. A calendar with time zones is essential. 
6. Be punctual; get to the airport early, or if you’re taking a bus, don’t be late. It's no treat to keep others waiting – in fact, it's inconsiderate.
7. Enjoy the seasonal offerings, such as pumpkin-everything and Oktfest, because these are available only for a limited time. 
8. Avoid stocking up the cabinets with chocolates if you are not going to consume or give them away. That's a form of hoarding disorder. Just get more next Halloween.
9. Trick or treat – smile but watch out!  

Footnote:

Regardless of whether you are a business traveller or vacationer, a one-time or frequent traveller – if you travel, you are exposed to risks. It’s important to understand that some of us are easier targets than others.

Doc was a sensible traveller, while I, quite the opposite. Through Watch Out! Travel Mishaps from Reaching Delphi Travellers Alert series, I will share some of our travel misadventures with you. My aim is to create the awareness of such incidents and some useful suggestions to reduce the occurrence of unpleasant events. 

This series is dedicated to Doc - SV Narayanan, who constantly reminded me and many others to 'Watch Out!. 

 Follow Coffee Trail – Counting Stars, Reaching Delphi for travel updates and tips.

 

Also in the WatchOut! series:

Watch Out! Keep Your Eyes on the Passport

Watch Out! Watch Those Pryfing Eyes

When a Stranger Offers You Something

Watch Out! When It Sounds Too Good to Be True

Hopscotch, Hopscotch, Hop Your Way to the Entrance.

Hickory Dickory Dock, What’s with the clock?

To know or not to know… yours truly, Confetti

Trick or Treat, Watch Out and Decide Wisely.

Watch Out! What the Heck! You told me you were close by!

Watch Out! Excuse me, say that again - No reservations?

Watch Out! Secure Your Belongings Before You Leave the Room.

Watch Out! The Banquette Seat Ride  

 

Tips for Trekking – Push Yourself to the Max!

A short exchange with a friend about his backpacking trips along the Manistee River in Michigan and to Quandary Peak in Colorado prompted me to look for my long-lost hiking shoes. Hidden in a dark corner, I found my dusty pair still usable. Next was a seasonal call to my friend Fauziah, a regular trekker who by now was used to my I-want-to-join-but-will-ultimately-not-show-up calls. My bad, Fauziah. 
 

Here’s the catch. My last trekking trip happened a while ago. Fours years ago, to be precise. I explored what I termed the “deep, black forest".  Images of Little Red Riding Hood seeped into my thoughts as I looked out for wild beasts. Fortunately, there was no need to fear the Big Bad Wolf when you are accompanied by three friends in dark shades and hoodies. 👇👇👇

 

Today, four years later, I explored a bit of the local neighbourhood greenery with Fauziah and her friend Anis. Since I had not stressed my quadriceps and knees for climbing hills in ages,  I begged Monday to have mercy on me. So, if you are new to trekking or a bit rusty like me, here are a few handy reminders for your inaugural trip. First, grab some coffee, and look - that's us here 👇👇👇.

 

Tips for Trek and Trail.

• Get real and know your limits. 

If you feel faint, or experience lack of oxygen or feel a cramp while climbing, pause for a bit.  Don’t be shy to seek help from other trekkers close by. 

If you are a first-timer, you may want to explore several warm-up trails before you aim for one as high as the Everest. 

 

At the same time, push yourself one step at the time to the max. Only you have the power to do anything you set your mind to. Remember, the views are often breath-taking!

 

• Rest when you need it. 

Your body knows the best. Rest when you need to, and drink plenty of water. Listen to your body, no one else can hear it. 

 

A cup of coffee at this point would certainly be fitting, wouldn't you agree?

 

 

• Be on time. 

Time spent waiting is time wasted. There is so much life to explore in nature, so don’t hold your fellow trekkers up from experiencing it.

We hiked up this mini hill  👇 a bit too early. Lets just say we were lucky that morning (we didn't get locked-up). 

• Have a light but good meal (and some coffee). 

Roti goyang, or eggs on toast, is a perfect start to a trekking day.  And some coffee, naturally.

 

• Not everything is edible. 

Even if you find something that looks tasty on the trail, don’t put it into your pasta dish.

 

• Wear a pair of good, comfortable shoes. 

Good climbing shoes need not be expensive, but they should have anti-slip/anti-skid threads. I also found having short toenails makes a mountainous descent less painful.

 

• Bring a cap. 

It usually gets hot (sometimes cold) as you climb, so it’s always handy to have a sun hat or cap  (or a jacket) with you. Here is a handy packing checklist.

 

• Stop the spread of coronavirus. 

Wear your face mask and practice social distancing while you have fun!

 

• Respect nature. 

We only have one Earth. Respect and protect her for us and future generations. Here are other ways you can be a conscientious traveller.

• Protect the streams and rivers. 

Avoid being a litterbug and protect the streams. 

Do take note that you may not be able to take a dip in all the rivers/streams. 

 

• Watch your step. 

You never know when a crocodile is around the corner. Did I tell you that I fell into the river during one of my trips? Well, I did and so did my camera. Clumsy me. After that incident, I took up swimming classes. Well, this was probably one of the last few shots from that camera. (Bonus Tip: Hold on tight to your camera and phone [and selfie sticks] when you take photos.)  

 

 

• Knock to see who is at home. 

It looks like Red Riding Hood left a few years earlier, don’t you agree? You cannot stay here either.

 

• Not all open doors welcome visitors. 

The tenant occupying this space may not be pleased. Think twice about putting your hands or face into something like this.

 

• Use a map. 

Stairways to nowhere … 

Now, now, don’t panic. Your map can tell you where the path leads. If you don’t have a physical map, snap a photo of the trail path at the trailhead. If that's not available either then the next best option would be to hire an experienced guide. 

  

I am rewinding a couple of years to the past to this picture below. Over here, we were in the good hands of a professional guide at the Mount Kinabalu National Park. We made it through the dark rainforest, to the peak and back safely. Hola!

 

Every time I push myself on one of these trips, I am reminded of my dear friend Malcolm, who encouraged my friends and me to keep climbing. “The peak is just around the corner,” he’d say, and told us so for hours! Here’s one from Snowdonia National Park, Wales with him. Definitely a keeper.

You'd notice that the reminders here are not all from the regular trekker's guide. You can get those from many other websites and blogs. What are your favourite reminders?

 
I survived Monday and every other day. I am here today. And so are you. Have faith in your abilities, push yourself to the max, and reach for the highest star as we embark great life journeys. Remember that struggles are temporary, but the sweet smell of achievement lasts forever. Counting Stars, Reaching Delphi.
 

* The pictures posted in this article were from six different trips, spanning across many few years. 

** Inspiration quotes on Earth have been imprinted onto my original images.  

Three Days in Amsterdam, Netherlands: The Essentials.

Hallo, Welkom in Nederland! I am travelling back in the time to take you on a journey to the beautiful tulip capital of the world, the Netherlands. Amsterdam is where we will start. If you are familiar with this part of central Europe, you probably can relate to what I going to share with you today.

I have a long list of silly but rather complicated quests that I’d like to complete in life. I guess you could call this my version of a bucket list. But no matter what you call it, my list of wants got slightly shorter after this visit.

My earliest recollection of Amsterdam is breakfast with my parents next to a canal with windmills in the distance. The fresh smell of hot toasted bread and taste of sweet marmalade feel so real I can hardly believe I was only eight then.

When I grew and began to understand the world around me more clearly, I read the memoirs of a child named Anne Frank, and her experience of hiding during World War II saddened me deeply. I yearned to pay tribute to her and the many like her who had gone through such ordeal. Starry nights and sunflowers reminded me of the great painter who had off cut his ear of because the world didn’t understand him. I felt a connection with him, some days, for I feel the world doesn’t understand me either. I was eager to see his work. Finally, I fancied a nice hot brew and some Ams-cake to go with it. All these opportunities only existed in Amsterdam.

Our trip was a short stopover on our way back from the United States, and it involved carrying a few heavy suitcases, which are usually a no-no for us. But these rules can be broken from time to time, especially for precious occasions like little Shruti’s wedding in Detroit. Just to side-track a bit – a couple of pointers to remember if you haven’t been to an Indian wedding yet. First, the music is never too loud, so enjoy the variety you hear. Everyone from young to less young can dance, so let your hair down, let go and join the fun. Second, make sure you have the right clothes for the events. In other words, pack ’em right! We did, but what we brought wasn’t exactly what you’d like to wear in late-autumn-early-winter Amsterdam. So, there was only one thing left to do. Stuff in the rest. **

How We Got to Our Hotel From Schiphol

Picture this in Amsterdam: Early morning, rain, strong winds, jet lag, heavy suitcases. Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Cobblestone-paved streets, the wind almost lifting our umbrellas. Watch out! Bicycles in all directions but you can’t see them because of the rain gets in your eyes. Find the hotel. Found it! No lift? OK. Don’t panic. Time to build those muscles! Ugh. Hotel room! Phew!

Did I learn anything? Yes! Would I do it again? Naturally! Would I change anything? Add a pair of goggles to the packing checklist, and most importantly, while in Amsterdam call my dear friend Stephan! *

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wide array of hotel options to suit any budget. We stayed at a very decent budget hotel approximately 300 metres away from Amsterdam Centraal Station. This turned out to be the perfect choice for our trip.

Cycling Around Amsterdam

About bicycles: Amsterdam is the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. There are approximately 400 kilometres of bike lanes and paths in the city. I had been warned to watch out for the bicycles, which are ridden in both directions. Every resident knows how to cycle. It’s the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to get to any place in the city, rain or shine. The Dutch are very eco-conscious by nature.  It’s even common for riders to hold umbrellas or have young children strapped on child-size harnesses on the front or back of their bikes. It’s hard to comprehend, but driving in Amsterdam is not a convenient option.

 

Did You See the Dutch Canals?

While cycling or walking around the older part of the city, you’d notice stretches of canals – in fact over 100 kilometres of them. These canals were constructed in the 17th century mostly for residential development, defence, and water-management purposes. Today they are used for tourism, recreation, and private transportation. 

The waterway you see in the picture below and, at the beginning of this article is Prinsengracht, which is close by to Anne Frank’s house.

Amsterdam was originally a fishing village but became an important port in the 17th century, setting the stage for becoming the centre of trade and finance it is today.

 

Popular Dutch Beers

Heard of Heineken? It’s a popular Dutch beer sold internationally. Other popular brands include Pale and Grolsch. Cheers mate!

 

Tulip Season in the Netherlands

Since our visit was in early winter, we didn’t get a chance to see the summer tulips. Below are beautiful pictures of them and the spring daffodils taken recently.

Dutch Windmills!

Windmills are another Dutch icon. We didn’t have enough nights planned out for this trip, so we decided to visit only Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum, on the outskirts of Amsterdam. 

Getting to Zaanse Schans was a short and comfortable ride – just a 17-minute train ride between Amsterdam Centraal and Zaandijk and then a 15-minute walk in the chilling wind to the museum centre. We surrendered to the strong winds and took a bus instead. I am not sure if we were just there too early or if others were more sensible and decided to stay indoors, but Zaanse Schans was not very crowded during our visit. On the warm side of winter, I didn’t have to wait at all to get into these gigantic clogs.

Over at the museum, we got to see many historical windmills. Did you know that there were once around 10,000 windmills in the Netherlands? One thousand of these mills are still standing today. Some are opened for the public to visit, and others are actual homes! I wouldn’t mind staying in one. The windmills were particularly an important aspect of farming in the country. The mills were used to pump the water out of the canals and send it back into the rivers.

 

Where Can We Get Cheese in Amsterdam?

Are you a cheese lover? Yes? Then no trip to the Netherlands is complete without visiting a cheese farm. Gouda cheese the most iconic cheese of the region. Doc loves cheese, but since I prefer the grilled version of it, we compromised on this: gouda from a cheese speciality store for Doc and a Dutch grilled cheese sandwich for both of us. Oh, yummy, yummy, yummy. Both of us were pleased. Thumbs up!

 

Coffee in Amsterdam

The Dutch love their koffie. But do remember, if you want some coffee in Amsterdam, you should go to go to a café or coffeehouse.

And look, here is coffee from a coffeehouse from Stephan. Splendid! We are even happier now!

The Dutch first brought coffee to Indonesia (then known as the Dutch Indies) back in the 19th century. They restructured the plantations and implemented a cultivation quota for coffee to be exported to the Netherlands. The Netherlands then and still is an important influencer in the international coffee trade.

You’ll also notice coffeeshops throughout Amsterdam, but note that there is a difference between a coffeehouse and a coffeeshop. At coffeeshops, people can legally buy soft drugs in addition to coffee.

So, if you just want a good caffeine fix, get one at a coffeehouse. And that’s exactly what we did to complete our trip to the Netherlands.

 

Sitting there at Schiphol airport on the way back, I couldn’t recollect whether Zaanse Schans was where I had first seen the Dutch windmills. Nevertheless, I was happy to see these once again. Over the past few months, I have come to accept that time is limited. Time waits for no one. When I do visit Amsterdam again, I would visit the same places all over again, taking back with me even more cherished memories. 😊 Counting stars, cherishing the pleasant memories in search Delphi…… ReachingDelphi.

* Thank you for the lovely photos Stephan. 

** for more an Indian wedding experience, join me in Nashik, India.