8May 2017.DAY 2 - PART TWO - Kotoubia Mosque.- MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.

08 MAY 2017.DAY 2.- PART TWO - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.

This is the screen shot of Marrakesh Map.

It shows places we saw yesterday & ones we will see today.





To see interactive map go to https://goo.gl/fxaMBb. How to navigate through interactive map has been explained earlier.
























After finishing the tour of Minara Gardens we stared for our next destination which was Kotoubia Mosque.

It is quite close to Minara gardens and so we walked . The walk was through Lalla Hasan park and quite pleasant so we did not mind at all.





THE KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE ,MARRAKESH

The Koutoubia Mosque.

The Koutoubia Mosque is also known as Kutubiyya Mosque is the biggest mosque in Marrakesh. Kotubiyyin means bookseller. So the Mosque is also known as "Bookseller's Mosque as there were more tan 100 odd booksellers stalls adjacent to the Mosque. It was completed in 1157.Its 77 meters(253 Feet)high Minaret with its spire and four golden orbs or spheres make Kouyoubia Mosque most prominent land mark,visible from anywhere in Marrakesh.For its time it was a great achievement and inspired and influnced building of many famous minarets eg Giralda of Sevelle, Hassan Mosque of Rabat and Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

Decorative arches , colourfuldesigns by cieamic tiles add to the beauty of the mosque. It is one of the two World Heritage sites in Marrakesh , the other being Jemaa El Fna Square.( Square of the Trespassers.) 

Its courtyard borders Jemaa El Fna Square very prominent market place .

Initially there were only three orbs or spheres on the spire.There is a legend about how the fourth orb came about . It is said that the fourth golden orb was  made from melted jewelley of the wife of the Sultan and the offered by her as penance to be added to spire as she had broken Ramadan fast by eating one grape !

To reach the Mosque we had to walk through Lalla Hasna and the mosque gardens. With fountains and colourful flower beds they presented preasing and beautiful sight

​

On the way to Koutoubia Mosque .Walking through Lalla Hasana Park.

On the way to Koutoubia Mosque .Kesari Group walking through

Lalla Hasana Park.

Ruins of the earlier Mosque near Koutoubia Mosque.

Selfie at Koutoubia Mosque.

On the way to Bahia Palace .

Photo from moving coach.

After Koutoubia Mosque ,we proceeded to see Bahia Palace.














To see all the photos of Day 2 ,8 May 2017  go here.

(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/kHPoGDxM1szHRt667 )

08 MAY 2017.- PART THREE - Bahia Palace. - MARRAKESH, MOROCCO.

08 MAY 2017. DAY 2.- PART THREE - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.

This is the screen shot of Marrakesh Map.

It shows places we saw yesterday & ones we will see today.

To see interactive map go to https://goo.gl/fxaMBb. How to navigate through interactive map has been explained earlier.

​After we had completed tour of Koutoubia Mosque. We boarded the coach and were taken to see the Bahia Palace. We were dropped near Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel.

​Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel or Zaharada Park is a Square ,lined with palm trees . All around the square there are shops selling metal handicraft and other gift ,souniver items .                           

We had to walk through this Square to go to Bahia Palace,thourgh a crowded and bustling humanity with lot of interesting sights.

​Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel or Zaharada Park Square.

Top 2 photos.Interesting sights on way to Bahia Palace .

​                          

We had to walk through ​Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel or Zaharada Park to go to Bahia Palace,thourgh a crowded and bustling humanity with lot of interesting sights.

​Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel or Zaharada Park Square.

Top 2 photos.Interesting sights on way to Bahia Palace .

After a short walk through this steet we reached Gate of Bahia Palace. Must have been one of the many gates for entering the Bahia Palace.

Gate through which we entered Bahia Palace. Must have been one of the many entrances to the Palace.

Bahia Palace is surrounded by huge gardens. It is full of fruit trees,flowering trees,flowering plants and big shade trees. The garden is spread over more than  eight-hectare garden where visitors can literally lose themselves in the beauty of the place.Once you have reached the gate you have to walk along the garden path, quite a distance before you reach the Palace proper.



Walk along garden path amid flowering trees.

So after meandering through the garden path we finally reached the Palace Proper.

BAHIA PALACE

There are 160 different rooms in the palace,It is said that the size of the room occupied by particular wife indicated to what degree she was favourite of the Sultan !

The rooms are interspersed with reception halls. Private quarters are lavishly decorated and there are several tiled courts , often complete with water features like fountains etc. that serve as open air areas where the women could have washed and rested themselves.

All construction & buildings sprawled out in an open, rambling fashion.

Decorations of the rooms, verandahas,etc take the form of subtle stucco panels, zellij decorations,(or zelige is tilework made from individually chiseled geometric tiles set into a plaster base. It consists of geometrically patterned mosaics, used to ornament walls, ceilings, fountains, floors, pools and tables). tiled floors, smooth arches, carved-cedar ceilings, shiny marble (tadlak:traditional Moroccan plaster technique), finishes and zouak(painted woodwork) ceilings.

Crdar carved zouk cielings.

The tadak walls and cielings.

Engraved latticed marble panel on veranda walls,

The Arches,beautifully designed ,carved and painted cedar

wood lentils on arches & veranda columns.



Progress through this rambling and spread out Palace is from one veranda to reception room with decorated walls, carved colourful cedar wood ceiling to a room with better decorated walls, better decorated then the Reception room, presumably, of one of the wives, from there, exit through another door to veranda again with decorated walls and ceilings, to a common garden through richly decorated arches.

In fact once you have entered the palace, every veranda, every room, every arch, every ceiling is intricately carved, decorated, colourful, painted and are things of arresting beauty.

Typical Palace room. Intricate tilework made from individually chiselled geometric tiles set into a plaster base.on lower walls.Mirrors on all walls.

Do not miss out miooor reflection of painted woodwork panels and

carved & painted ceiling.

Yet another room.Marble panels with religious engravings,beautifully panted and engraved marble panels, famous painted wood work and wonderful cedar ceilings.

One of the many Arched door.Intricate tilework made from individually chiselled geometric tiles set into a plaster base, latticed marble panels, arches in balcony, you name it ,it is there.

 Thus you progress from one beautifully decorated room to varandah,through arches to another room, so on so forth finally reaching the best place, the inner intricately designed and paved beautiful courtyard which is fairly large with fountains. This courtyard is bounded on all sides by arched verandah. I remember this courtyard from Tom Cruise movie “Knight and Day” which I had seen recently. It is said that Bahia Palace, including this courtyard has featured in quite a few Hollywood movies.

This covered veranda goes all around the Courtyad.

The famous Bahia Palace rear Courtyard.

The courtyard was the last place to be seen in Bahia Palace .

 During return journey from courtyard again it was feast for the eyes.Through different rooms this time.














To see all the photos of Day 2 ,8 May 2017  go here.

(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/kHPoGDxM1szHRt667 )

08 MAY 2017. DAY 2.- PART ONE - Minara Gardens - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.

08 MAY 2017.DAY 2.- PART ONE - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.



This is the screen shot of Marrakesh Map.

It shows places we saw yesterday & ones we will see today.

To see interactive map go to https://goo.gl/fxaMBb. How to navigate through interactive map has been explained earlier.

After break fast Started our Marrakesh sightseeing. First place to be visited was Minara Gardens.

MINARA GARDENS, MARRAKESH.
 



Minara Gardens, as per wiki, are botatanical gardens. I defer. I will explain  as I go along.
The Garden is spread in a large area with a Water basin(artificial lake) and a Pavilion with Pyramid shaped Green roof.The garden derives it name from this Paviloin, as the Pavilion is called Minara.Actually Minara means "Light House". There is no light house ,but locally ,any tall building, building on high ground or tall structure is called Minara. As the Pavilion is built on relatively higher ground,hence the name.
Original Gardens were established in 12 century. The lake is to irrigate the gardens and surrounding grounds. Water is drought to the lake by under ground canals from Atlas mountains, some 30 odd KMs away by an ingenious and innovative hydraulic system. Quite an achievement for those times.
Paviloin and some other structures were added in 1869 by Sultan of Morocco who used to stay here during summer season.
During our visit what we saw were rows and rows of Olive Trees. Some Palm trees along the boundary of the garden. We did not see wide variety of trees or plants of different species or variety.There was no well laid garden with  manicured lawns with fountains nor any types of flowering trees or palnts with riot of colours expected of a "garden". To me it was only Olive Orchards planted for commercial purposes,by no stretch a"Botanical Garden".

Panoremic view of lake and the Pavilion.

The Minara,(Pavilion).

Atlas mountain in the back ground.

Board at the main gate.In pretty poor state.

In languages we did not understand.

 Kesai group on long walk from main gate to the central Pavilion

Both sides of the road rows of olive trees.

.........And more olive trees........

Finally reached the Pavilion.

Viewing stands and the baths.

On opposite bank from pavilion.

One of the valves to control water flow from the lake.

 Water collection and distribution pond near the valve,

Sales outlet of a local Artist. Minara Gardens.

Out of the Garden, by road side we saw plenty of

Malta trees laden with fruit.

Out of the Garden, by road side we saw plenty of

Malta trees laden with fruit.

On exit, near the gate saw this Victiria. Source of livelihood for locals

and joy rides for the tourists.

To see all the photos of Day 2 ,8 May 2017  go here.

(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/kHPoGDxM1szHRt667 )

07 MAY 2017.- DAY 1 - SPAIN,PORTUGAL,MOROCCO TRIP.



SPAIN,PORTUGAL,MORROCO -TRIP AT A GLANCE 

07 May 2017 To 20 May 2017



The Map gives complete Trip from 06 May to 20 May 2017.

This is a screenshot of that map.It shows complete Trip from 06 May to 20 May 2017. Unfortunately it does not open by clicking on it nor is it an interactive one . To open,interactive map 
OR  copy and paste following link in address bar:
Htpps://goo.gl/YJ33iT

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
To navigate through this map use the left vertical panel on the map :

1. The panel gives contents of the map which are self explanatory.Placing the cursor  on any item in the panel will highlight that item in the map .
2. Click on the item in panel will open an information window in the map giving information about that item. If photos about that item have been uploaded they will also show in the information window.
3. For example placing the cursor on Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport will highlight Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport , Mumbai  with a circle. Clicking on the same , will open a information window in the map  giving information Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport .
The writing in these panels is faint. Unfortunately I have not been able/ do not any thing about how to make it dark and easy to read . Any help on that will be most welcome . To navigate through the info panel,use the Up/Down arrows given at top & bottom in the right margin.

2. There are various layers .Sequance of the layers is from top to Bottem.So,First layer is the start of the trip. Air routes from (1)Nagpur to Mumbai,(2)Mumbai to Doha and (3)Doha to Casablanca in Morroco. 

3. Each successive layer shows the progress of the trip.

4. Last layer shows final leg of air travel travel on the return trip.

Future blogs will cover the trip " day wise " giving details of activities for that day and description of what all we saw.

Going through the map will give you more than fair idea about the whole trip.

Hope you enjoy the trip .

Genesis. SPAIN ,PORTUGAL,MOROCCO TRIP.THE GENESIS.

Genesis . SPAIN ,PORTUGAL,MOROCCO TRIP.THE GENESIS

Ulka Kulkarni is very dear neice of Priti . They had planned a trip to Mrocco , Spain and Portugal during the month of May 2017 with Kesari tours. 
In March 2017 one day when they were chatting on the phone,Ulka informed Priti abourt their forthcoming trip  and said why don't we also join them . Priti readily agreed . We went to Kesari office the same day and booked our trip . 
That is how our Mrocco,Spain and Portugal Trip came about.

The Costs .
1. Cost per head ................... 175000 . Total for 2 = 3,50.000/-
2. Insurance P M V..................................................      4312/-  
3. Insurance Priti..........................................................1753/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Total ...................3,56.065/-
4. Taxes.................................................................. 16023/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total tour Cost for both of us *.................................................... 3,72,088/-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discounts :   1. Loyalty , Senior Citizen discounts of ₹4000/- per head                                      (2000+2000)was also available .
                    2. Discount of ₹ 18,000/- per head was offered if payment was                          made in one lump sum .
This costing:-  Includes Euro component of 3060 /- euro .

*This costing is AFTER a discount of ₹ 36,000/-availed by us .

For reasons beyond their control,Ulka had to cancel their trip at a later date.There was not enough warning to ask any of our friends whether they would like to join us. So unlike two previous trips, on this trip we did not have any of  our air force friends with us.
As per itinerary given to us we were to meet tour Manager Sagar Dhumal,on
06 May 2017 at 10:00 PM at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport,near magnificently tall and majestic Tri Colour.Our flight to Doha was at 04:10 Am on 07 May2017.After the tour arrival back at Mumbai was at 02:40 AM on 19 May 2017.Hence tour duration from 7 to 19 May2017. As we were starting from Nagpur,effectively we were away from home from 6 May to 20 May2017. 
Sagar Dhumal turned out to be a good human being and an exceptionally good Tour Manager and Guide.The best so far in all the international trips we have done with Cox & King , Thmos Cook and four with Kesari we have done since 2009. 

There were 35 people in this trip.Most of them good company. Some with big heart and equally big pockets to match 😊. Vivel Palkar, man after our heart, deserves special mention. A man with as big a heart as a house 😄 . 
A group photo was taken at Santuactury of Our Lady Fatima, at Fatima,in Portugal.We have not got copy of it from Kesari as yet . However I have snapped a photo of the Ladies of our Group.

This is the first blog on the trip. Future blogs will give you the complete trip at a glance through Google map. Future blog will then cover tour progress day by day.

               

LADIES OF OUR GROUP !!!

Our Kesari Group.Spain,Portugal and Morocco Trip . 07 May To 22 May 2017

Photo taken at Sacctuary Of Our Lady Fatima , Fatima , Portugal.

Hope you enjoy the trip as much as we did doing it.

DELHI - PHUKET - SINGAPORE TRIP . 11Jun - 18 Jun , 19 Jun - 24 Jun , 25 Jun 25 July 2016.

DELHI - PHUKET - SINGAPORE TRIP- 11 June to - 26 July 2016 .

11 Jun-18 Jun . Delhi.
19 Jun- 24 Jun . Khao Lak , Phuket.

25 Jun - 25 July 2016 . Singapore. 

Google Map of Delhi - Phuket - Singapore Trip .

This is the screen shot of google map stored in My Maps of google maps my google account, Giving all possible information about the trip .

To see interactive map , go to This link .

OR

copy the link Below and paste it in URL bar.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=18pT8oU-nrO1frHrG5_tcR1mrYgU

This will open interactive map.Any clarifications about how to use this map , just send me a mail

THE TRIP

This was purely a chillout trip with family. No sightseeing , no running around , no no shopping , no hassles at all. Nothing but laze around at home and play , spend time with drand daughters. 
 It was pure bliss and heaven.

END if trip detais from first to last day :-)

Photo

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP0laSFyC52wlA_xPHtzG8uOuNQbn2m6PfWI50yUfZ3304wL3zgMTswo-BPa26DSw?key=akwweW5jS05sLVQxeG1qb3hNRDBqVlA5ZXlGSUhR

14 + 15. DAY14 +15 - 21+22 MAY 2015.14 + 15. DAY14 +15 - 21+22 MAY 2015.SHANGHAI - HONGKONG - MUMBAI - -NAGPUR.

  14 +15 , 21+22 MAY 2015.SHANGHAI - HONGKONG - MUMBAI  -NAGPUR.

14 + 15. DAY14 +15 - 21+22 MAY 2015.SHANGHAI - HONGKONG - MUMBAI - -NAGPUR.

MAP OF DAY FOURTEENTH+FIFTEENTH - ROUTES AND PLACES :  14 + 15. DAY14 +15 - 21+22 MAY 2015.SHANGHAI - HONGKONG - MUMBAI - -NAGPUR. 21+22 MAY 2105 .

This is the screen shot of the map of places seen and routes followed on day

 12and 13. of the trip . 

To see interactive map GO HERE.

OR

Copy this shortened URL in URL bar:https://goo.gl/DXV2JD

This will open interactive map.Any clarifications about how to use this map,just send me a mail.

To see the complete album of photos on day FOURTEENTH+FIFTEENTH,CLICK 

HERE.

21+ 22  May 2015

Thie was our last day in Shanghai and also of Japan - China Trip.There was no plan to visit any place or go sight seeing . Got up leisurely and had breakfast . As usual took some photos from the room.Blue painted square roof of the building visible from our room is also clearly  visible in satellite view of the goole maps (31.323137N, 121.431145E) .

There were some real diehard shoppers who found some good shops and bargains in the neighbourhood of our hotel,finally ran out of dollers but not the desire for more shopping,they asked us and as we had not done almost nil shopping we lent them some and were paid back in ₹.

Left hotel around 1200 for Cool Docks Kebabs On The Grill and lunch.

There after it was to the airport wait for flight board the flight rech next airport wait and wait and wait , board flight reach next airport .............

Thus from Pu Dong Airport we left for Hong Kong Airport , from Hong Kong Airport reached Mumbai at 0115 hours on the 22 May 2015.

Madhuri's brother Hemanta Josh insisted that we spend a comfortable night at their place . They would drop us at airport for our flight to Nagpur .

So all of us , the Joshis, the Mandpes and the Velankars went to Hemant's place . 

Next morning it was revealed that Dilip Mandpe's reina was partially detached and every one was tense , still, Hemant dropped us at the airport . Very very decent and hospitable of him and the Joshi family .   

Took Indigo flight to Nagpur and reached home by 1330 hours 

AND SO ENDED YET ANOTHER MEMORABLE TRIP OF OURS.