TRAVEL TIDBITS - Run For Your Bun Café, London

Work it to earn it—that’s how you’ll get your meal at this unique café in London. Launched with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle, Run For Your Bun Café offers nutritious meals for which customers have to pay in the form of exercise.

Photo by David Lloyd Clubs

Once you arrive at the cafe, you place your order at the counter and receive a receipt with all the exercises you need to do as part of your assigned workout. The six-minute HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout includes exercises that range from sit-ups and lunges to squats and jogging on a treadmill. There are personal trainers at the cafe that check if you've completed the exercises; only then do you get your meal.

Photo by David Lloyd Clubs

Far too many people today are leading sedentary lives; eating junk food and being a couch potato. This café is a great initiative in encouraging people to focus on maintaining good health and well-being. 

Free meals, healthy food and fitness—do you really need more reasons to visit?

Explore Hua Hin Hills Vineyard in Thailand

I am not a wine drinker, but I know it would certainly be unusual to put Thailand and wines in the same sentence. I’ve heard of French wines, Indian wines and even South African wines, but I wouldn’t peg Thailand as a wine producer. So imagine my surprise when I found a vineyard in a place that’s claim to fame is its endless seaside and vast expanses of pristine beachfront. However, don’t dismiss Thailand’s foray into wine production just yet. While they haven’t entered the league of top winemakers in the world, they have definitely proved that they can produce good quality wines in a region that the world couldn't imagine to be conducive to grape cultivation.

The discovery that wine production was possible in Thailand came about over 30 years ago, when a royal project under HM the King began experimenting with grape plantation in the region. That’s when they realised that Thailand’s Mediterranean climate would aid the successful cultivation of grapes. This eventually led Siam Winery to give Hua Hin its first boutique vineyard. Today, Hua Hin Hills boasts of growing over 30 grape varietals that include the Colombard, Summer Muscat, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Hua Hin Hills’ on their loamy sand and slate terrain.

Spread over 560 acres, the vineyard is also home to the Sala Wine Bar and Bistro—which contains a wine bar, retail shop, wine cellar and a meeting facility—where you can learn more about oenology, viticulture, and the detailed story behind the conception of latitude wines in Thailand. Sala, also known as an open pavilion, is a facet of Thai architecture that is meant to be open on all four sides and provide shade, while protecting people from climatic conditions like rain. The bistro is designed using materials like bamboo and red bricks and looks over the lush green rows of grape-bearing vines.

The menu here not only allows you to sample their fine wines, but also offers delicious local food prepared with ingredients grown within the property. You can also request the staff to help you pair your food with their selection of wines. Those who don’t drink alcoholic beverages can choose from alternative grape-based concoctions such as the ever-popular red grape juice, grape smoothie and hot grape tea. People with a sweet tooth must try their grape sorbet and grape yoghurt cheesecake.

However, what makes this vineyard truly ‘Thai’ is the surprising element of elephant rides. Imagine being able to explore a grape plantation seated atop an elephant. Where else but Thailand can you think of doing this?


The activities here include wine tastings, elephant rides, cycling, jeep tours and wine and tapas pairing. The vineyard is open from 8:30am to 6:30pm. For more information, check out their website.

If you’re planning a trip to Hua Hin, do check the official Thailand Tourism website before you go so that you can prepare your itinerary in advance. As for flight tickets, I quite like Thai Airlines. The service is always good and the tickets are fairly reasonable.

P.S.  My visit to Hua Hin, Thailand was at the invitation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Drip coffee on the go

Photograph: Starbucks.com

One of the things I look forward to most when travelling is seriously good coffee. I like mine to be intoxicatingly aromatic, so strong it wakes me up and smooth like silk on my taste buds. But instant coffee powders find it hard to match up to the magic of filter coffee. Lucky for me, I found the perfect coffee companion to take with me when I travel. Meet Starbucks' Origami--a single serve personal drip coffee alternative. You simply need to place the filter on the mug, pour hot water over it and voila! Strong, aromatic drip coffee in an instant.

While they aren’t yet available in India, hopefully you can find them on your travels. I found these in Thailand, and I hear they are available in Japan as well.

Why you should NOT quit your job to travel

Two years ago, at an interview, I was asked “If you love travelling so much, why don’t you travel full-time? Why do you want a desk job?” I answered “Because I enjoy the balance of working in an office with a stimulating team, and travelling a few times a year. I love working with a team; brainstorming ideas; the camaraderie of working together. I thrived on the pressure of crazy timelines, and the results we got in the end.” But the interviewee wasn’t convinced. I don’t know why; considering he himself was working in an office, running a travel-related publication sitting at a desk.

People who love travel always assume that quitting your day job to get on the unpredictable road is somehow going to be as glamorous as all the articles online say it is. But it’s not. There are several writers/bloggers who have managed to travel full time successfully. And they deserve our respect because this shit isn’t easy. The reality of it is very different from what you imagine.

Perception VS Reality
It isn’t all about meeting new people, living in rooms with mountain views or cottages that open right at a beach. Being on the road means being alone a lot. You will be leaving behind your family and friends; not seeing them the for months at end. And unless you have access to unlimited wealth, you’re going to need a lot of money to sustain yourself.

If being passionate to travel is all it took to hop on to the next plane off to see the world, then everyone would do it. But they don’t. And they have their reasons. People stay in soul-sucking jobs to provide for their families or to save for a life they’ve dreamed of living, or to simply make ends meet. Many have debts and numerous responsibilities towards their families that they can’t just leave behind. And money isn’t the only factor stopping people from quitting their jobs to travel full-time. Not everyone is in prime health to stay away from home for months, trekking up mountains or walking down cobbled streets.

And even if you had all the means to travel long-term, who is to say you would want to? You need to be a certain kind of person to travel. It isn’t for everyone. It’s not like taking a vacation or clicking picturesque landscapes to share on Instagram. It’s a lot harder than you envision. You will face many unexpected challenges on the go, and you need to be prepared before taking the plunge. Being on the road means being alone. A LOT. I truly enjoy travelling solo, but it isn’t always fun. The loneliness can get to you. There will be so many moments you wish you could share with someone. You’ll make friends, but eventually you’ll move on to the next destination and be by yourself again. You won’t be able to fill the void of your family and friends back home. You may miss birthdays, weddings, babies, and may not be able to pick up where you left off. Travelling solo can be quite a struggle.

You may not always find a great place to stay. You’ll have to make do with whatever you can find, which can mean just a bed to sleep on sometimes. On my first trip to Kerala, my hotel room booked well in advance was given away to someone else. I had no choice but to find a last-minute alternative. You don’t always get lucky. And you will have to find a way to earn a living to sustain your travels. Even though I worked as a freelancer for a while, it didn’t pay well enough; and the payments never came on time. Your career may even take a backseat while you’re gone, and you may have to start from scratch when you return. Or you may get lucky and find your calling on the road.

To each his/her own
I don’t intend to discourage anyone trying to leave their cubicles for greener pastures or snowy peaks. But before you do, manage your expectations and have a plan. Be prepared for the experiences you will have, and find a way to be financially secure. I know many travel bloggers who have successfully managed to travel for months at end and have no intention of returning to their full-time jobs. But they’ve crossed many obstacles in their path to get where they have and it hasn’t been a tough journey. They endured a lot before they became successful.

If you love to travel and want to leave your life behind to chase rainbows, do it. Just remember, setting off on the endless road is tempting, but it comes with bumps and cracks; so be ready to embrace it all. 

Fort Kochi - Confluence of culture

This was my first solo trip; I planned everything from scratch as I was determined to take this trip, no matter what. And I did exactly that. I got onto the train on an RAC ticket, in the General Sleeper compartment and lost the room I had booked two weeks before I left from Mumbai, but this remains one of the best trips I've ever taken. Read on to find out why...

I was lost. It was an ecstatic feeling. I had been craving for this feeling since so long I couldn’t even remember. It’s hard to describe it in words, but it’s like I didn’t want to be found, I wanted to dissolve into the crowd and become inconspicuous and at the same time feel free. Free to do what my heart desires, free to follow the unknown path. No phone calls, nobody you know—it sparks you to explore; it’s like writing on a fresh piece of paper, to fill it up with stories of exploration. So, I set out simply to explore a new world full of unknown pathways.

A forgettable train ride
My journey undertook a twist 24 hours after I was in the general sleeper compartment without a confirmed ticket (to think this would have been the problem!). According to the extremely ‘efficient’ Indian Railway website, my train was meant to reach Ernakulam at the end of 24 hours. So I deftly packed my bag and waited for the station to arrive. With a broad and rather relieved smile, I ask a co-passenger, “How long till Ernakulam now?” He calmly replies, “Another 12 hours.” I was dumbfounded. This wasn’t what I had bargained for. Grumpily, I consoled myself to sleep hoping this twist of fate is for the better.

I reached Ernakulam at four in the morning and since it was too early to check in to my homestay, I ended up at the Santa Cruz Basilica at 4:30 a.m. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 1500s, this cathedral was later destroyed by the British and rebuilt towards the end of 19th century. It was only at dawn, as the sun slowly peeped through the windows, that the frescoes across the walls and ceiling began to tell their story. My long silence was broken by the priest who started the mass in the local language, Malayalam.

The Santa Cruz Basilica

Ideal accommodation
At 6:30 a.m. after failed efforts to comprehend this unknown language, I started walking through the empty by-lanes of this harbour town. As the cool wind swept my face, I noticed the fluffy clouds above. Have you ever noticed how the clouds are different in different places? I always do. Closer, clustered together or spaced out wide and far, clouds look different in different cities. I also observed that Fort Kochi is overflowing with homestays; it is said to contain more than 100 homestays to fit every budget. A homestay is one of the best accommodation option to choose when visiting Kerala. Though I was fairly tempted to book one of the many Wayanad Resorts and tree houses I found online. Reason being, as I soon discovered, the locals whose house you live in are the most valuable source of information—unlike any travel guide—to see the town. In addition to that, you’ll be lucky to savour the local cuisine straight from their kitchen!

I picked Sithara homestay as my home for the next few days. The family’s warm hospitality and yummy delights made my stay truly wonderful. I specially recommend a homestay for women travelling alone; it’s the best and safest option.

A walk in the crowds
The next day I set out to explore this ancient Portuguese-influenced city. The best way to discover Fort Kochi is on foot. Walking along the many by-lanes allows you a glimpse at the string of colonial homes, vibrant cafes and restaurants that add to its cosmopolitan culture. One such café was the Kashi Art Café on Burgher Street. Started with the aim of creating awareness for art, the café displays paintings from various artists and also promotes exhibitions and festivals. A must visit for art lovers, the café offers brews from different parts of the world, in addition to a delectable platter of pastries and savouries.

Kashi Art Café

Another unique eatery is Teapot at Peter Celli Street. The cosy little joint speaks the story of a tea connoisseur: shelves with over 100 types of teapots fill the place, over 15 types of tea, ten of them flavoured, are served, piping hot or iced and besides Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiris, the house blend features local teas from the region, even the tables are made of authentic tea chests with their stencilled writings proudly proclaiming, ‘Produce of India’. Pancakes, orange cake, chocolate cake and more scrumptious delights are served, along with the tea of your choice, making it a complete tea experience.

Teapot

From here, I headed towards the Old Harbour Hotel on Tower Road. Built in Dutch architectural style with Portuguese influences, this was the first hotel in Kerala. Later, it became a residential home to employees of English tea-broking firms, until it was left unused for a period of time. But proprietor Edgar Pinto decided to give people the chance to relive a glorious past and refurbished this heritage structure with the help of German architect Karl Damschen. The uniqueness of this colonial-style hotel lies not only in the architecture, but also in the way the rooms are named. The rooms are named after the many streets in Fort Kochi, such as Princess Street, giving it a homely touch.

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Old Harbour Hotel

In nearby Mattancherry
The next day I set out to visit a nearby town, Mattancherry. The pleasant weather prompted me to go on foot, as the distance wasn’t too much to cover. Mr. Harry John Bernard, owner of Sithara homestay, suggested I visit St. Francis Church at Parade Road. St. Francis church was the first European church to be built in India, in 1503. Vasco Da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and was originally buried in this church for 14 years, before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. His gravestone can still be seen here. Another reason to visit the church are the unusual, antique hand-operated fans inside that comprise a plank covered with canvas and suspended from the ceiling, which works when pulled by ropes on either side.

Walking ahead, by the seaside promenade, I was intrigued by the famed Chinese fishing nets that work on the principle of balance. As the fisherman laid out these massive fishing nets, with the multi-hued sunset creating a wondrous sight, it made me think of the innumerable number of fish it can trap!

Chinese fishing nets 

After an idyllic walk through the many by-lanes, where I was greeted by smiling kids running around and chatting with me, I reached Jewtown. Swarming with tourists and locals alike, the market is lined with curio shops selling myriad kinds of items such as antiques, lamps, statues and more. Jewtown is the centre of the spice trade in Fort Kochi, so spices like cardamom, cloves and pepper are available in abundance. Shopping aside, you can also book a houseboat or a country boat and visit the backwaters in the market. You can also visit the Jewish Synagogue here, but it was my bad luck that it was closed, as it was a Monday. In Mattancherry, you can visit the Mattancherry Palace Museum, where nearly every relic has an interesting story to tell.  

The Jewish synagogue at Jewtown

A brief performance of Kathakali provided an insight into the rich culture of Keralan history. I also found out that Fort Kochi has a cultural bent as several new musicians, and the myriad facets of music they represent, are encouraged and given the opportunity to display their talents.
My trip certainly ended on a musical note, and I came back with several new friends as well as a set of new experiences, but the best part about it was that it turned out completely contradictory to my expectations and that’s what made it so memorable.

Fact file
By air: Airlines like Air India and Jet Airways offer daily flights to Kochi from across major cities. 

By rail: There are three stations in Kochi namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, and Kochi Harbour Terminus, which are well connected to all major cities across India.

By road: Private and public transport services connect Kochi to all major cities. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation runs the bus service in Kerala and it has a central bus stand near the Ernakulam Junction railway station.

Accommodation:
Sithara Homestay, House No. 1/308, Lilly Street, Fort Cochin, Cochin 682001, Kerala, India.
For more information, call 91 484 2215065 or e-mail: mail@sitharahomestay.com

For more information: www.keralatourism.org