Zorba CafeSpeak Culture

Rush ... You might miss the bus to Goa

2008-01-09T03:19:00.001-08:00

Everyone is going to Goa for the celebrations. Whether its to Anjuna or Baga or Calangute, the experts seem to have the latest hotspots roll off the tips of the tongues as if they are native to this beautiful place. Every travel magazine is writing about Goa, this tiny little place which promises endless days and nights of clubbing, mushrooms and raves. ‘Are you going to Paradiso, No I think I might be going to Titos, Oh no… I think Mambos is the place to hang out’, is a rich one. Whether you have actually been there or not is trivial. For the uninitiated, these are the most written about and visited hang out joints in Goa, party place of the world, in India. I think the best one I like is that all these people go to Goa to escape the mundane lifestyles of their own cities and who do they meet at the Bar counter, lol! The next door neighbour. Ever seen ants climbing onto an ant-hill. Come to Goa for the year end celebrations.

And what is it that these party boppers from across India do in Goa. Jammed streets, blaring horns and never ending traffic dramas. Clothes and jewelry better suited to the hoity-toity five star resorts of metros rather than beaches (or perhaps this is a new fashion statement saying that stilettos should be caressed with sand everyday for that better look and feel) and eccentric fetishes for catching the one ‘happening’ party while forgetting to enjoy current moment. Its become so that you become a social outcast if you don’t make the journey to Mecca (or the party-hoppers Mecca equivalent).

What does this mean for the true Goan, the one who was born here, owns land here and has dreams to support here. The roads are no longer his to maneuver on. Though forget about him, the roads are unmanageable for anybody these days. The beaches are drug, sex and much worse havens, completely avoidable for the god fearing Goan. It is true that the Hippies had made Goa home for many years but even they are now running away. The Hippies were manageable. They wanted to be left alone and did not dream on invading onto the locals world. The true myriad cultures co-habited quite happily actually. About 8 years ago came the Indian desi, who insisted on Punjabi Bhangara or Bollywood music every minute of the day, who wanted Chowmein rather than goan sausages (Pork is bad, you see) and who would visit the beaches fully covered from head to toe (sun makes one dark you see) only to gape at everyone sun bathing in beach friendly attire. And for all those who have had the misfortune of trying Indian Chowmein, I hope you like oil and Cabbage.

And what do all these destination gurus actually know of Goa, you ask yourself. The Goa as it used to be. When people could leave their doors unlocked, or shopkeepers understood the concept of loyal customer and it was completely safe to venture out at night. There were no lounges and clubs but there was music in the air for no household is complete without each child being ingrained in the mysteries of the instruments right from childhood. There were strains of the violin or a guitar or the melodies on a piano, practiced at home and played at the church. No ear drums damaged, no egos hurt, just pure appreciation of good music. Grannies would sit on the pathways, gossiping about this and that and many days would pass without a vehicle in sight.

Ever wondered why we see the Delhites, Mumbaites, Punjabis and the not to be forgotten Malayalis but no Goans at any of these ‘hang-out’ places today. I am not talking of the odd hotch-potch of Goans who work at these establishments or better still have learned how to make the fast buck at these annual dos – the rich and savvy of metros ‘Watch out for the purse strings’. I am talking about the knowledgeable and learned Goan who knows how to have a fabulous family celebration. No loud noise, garish lights for this Sauvé Goan (Mumbaites wake up to true living). He goes to Church, comes home, there are family meals amongst many toasts and then when its time to party, the violins and guitars come out and the neighbors visit under the stars, just as it used to be. Call me romantic or whatever, but having had more than my fair share of head banging music, I still feel that its only an unplugged instrument that can make the hairs on your arms stand out in salutation to the musician.

Does the rest of India really have to descend on Goa for the seasons celebrations. Don’t their own cities offer enough entertainment options with each outlet vying with the other for prize of place. What is it that drives people to this peaceful, little, sleepy town year after year. It can’t be the beaches because Indians (black and white) all like to be fair and hence sun is tabboo, it cant be the drinks (nothing exceptional about these) and partying can be as expensive here today as in any metro. It definitely cannot be the food and music (today sorry copies of whatever you get anywhere else). What would the magazines take to stop writing about this over exposed place.

Perhaps its time to give the Goans a break. Let them enjoy their own place on this world without invading it like ants. Let them listen to their own music, eat their own food and most important – have some rights on their roads. Catch a bus for elsewhere. Discover the unbeaten track. Do something different this year. For after all, there is life after the year end celebrations, even if you don’t make it to Goa.

The Middle East Peninsula – Every Architects dream come true but inhabitants nightmare come home

2008-01-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

Khaleej Times Online recently reported 97 new hotels are likely to be added by 2010 in UAE with a combined capacity of more than 30,600 rooms. In the same period, Qatar is expected to add 39 new hotels (9,835 rooms), Kuwait 19 hotels (4,115 rooms), Bahrain 15 hotels (3,615 rooms) and Oman 4 hotels (766 rooms). The report was based on an interview with Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions, who will be organizing the prestigious Equip Hotel Middle East in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from December 14-16, 2008.

According to Theux, "Currently the total hotel room capacity in the above countries stands at 33,925. Abu Dhabi is planning to increase hotel room capacity to 25,000 by 2015 and develop over 100 hotels in the next ten years. The Emirates is investing over Dh367 billion in the next 5 years in a combination of projects that include upgrading the UAE capital's airport, building a new port, establishing new townships and tourism development. The ADTA is implementing an aggressive tourism development strategy including the establishment of world class tourist attractions such as the Louvre and Guggenheim museums on Saadiyat Island and the hosting of a Formula 1 Grand Prix on Yas Island in 2009”.

The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) stipulated that the number of hotels and hotel apartments in Dubai is set to rise to 554 by 2016 from 439 currently, with the existing room capacity of hotels and apartments expected to nearly triple. Every other day we hear of major ego massage projects being announced in Dubai. The 50000 m 2 ski dome, the world islands and the 360 degrees rotating tallest building only the latest to add to the list . All these in a long list of never ending wants and desires. To the extend that Dubai is no longer constructed on land but has conquered the oceans with a world map that can be seen from space. A virtual Disneyland for grownups which has helped Dubai brand itself astonishingly fast and well. Is this going to be the end of achievements. Is everyone satisfied and ready to call it a day. Somehow I don’t think so. 2006 saw 6 million tourist visiting Dubai and 2010 is slated to have over 15 million visit. The worst dilemma today seems to be finding the newest and best WOW factor to construct.

And what does this mean for the people residing there, for the environment and for the future generations to come. Spending power is fast becoming a sickness, here where everything available must be bested, no matter the cost to man and nature. The oil money, ensures that Dubai is a safe haven for the rich and spoilt, a paradise on the Persian Gulf. How does this affect the common man except for further bridging the gap between the haves and the have nots. And what happens when the oil money runs out. Are they suitable ‘other’ trades available to satisfy the masses flocking to these cities. Perhaps not.

There are artificial islands, artificial trees and artificial air – enough to make one wonder if anything is real anymore. There are buildings and more buildings and then some buildings which perhaps got left out previously by some stroke of luck. It’s a virtual concrete jungle with the people stressed, stretched and uneducated with what is real. The roads of Dubai are fast running out of moving space, water is scarce and housing is a very real nightmare for the common folks living there. And from the looks of it most of the children are not going to get educated since the waiting lines for admission seems endless, one that the best of references nor money can fix. Eking out a living, a laughable term there since Dubai is the fast bucks Mecca, can ensure that where money is plentiful, sharks tend to prey. Everyone is interested in this business called money. Buying and selling are religions in themselves, and serious ones at that. You are only as good as your previous sale or purchase. The unshakeable belief in the Gold Souks of Dubai ensure that all citizens, rich and poor, are prone to hoarding this invaluable currency. Anyone ever wonder why prices are escalating?

Governance, minimum wage bills, elections, parliament, employment protection laws, tenant protection statements all seem to have taken a back seat in this city of mega enterprises. It is norm to deposit your passport at the work place for the duration of the contract, bans from Dubai for life are commonplace. Should someone be trying to terminate these archaic, barbaric and totally unacceptable rules in today’s world of freedom – I would say definitely yes.

According to Theux, the exhibition is slated to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will support the rapidly expanding hospitality sector in the GCC region. Equip Hotel Paris is well-established and considered the leading international hospitality show primarily targeting the European market. Taking a page out of the artistic world, I guess the show must go. But it would have been nice if the sheikhs of the big dollar spends could spend a moment of thought for the common Middle East Resident. If they could carry the masses along with them on this journey of prosperity and development rather than leaving them to cope with issues which though perhaps not poverty linked can be as devastating as a plague. If they could spare a thought for the needy and perhaps apply even 5% of themselves to charitable causes.

There is light at the end of every tunnel and we can only hope that the Middle East construction mania does not decide to try and conquer the entire world’s natural wealth in its quests. We have created enough damage on the planet to last a few generations after us and it would have been nice to have at least left the seas and oceans untouched by the damaging hand of man. Does the corrupting influence of money, only paper after all, enable the rest of the world to forget principles as it stands by and watches Dubai and the Middle East encroach on what is after all Gods gift to entire mankind and not a chosen few.

Excerpts Source: Khaleej Times Online

Incredible India - How does India compare with China

2007-10-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

India is not just a place, India is not just a peopleIndia is celestial mystic, And inside that mystic Is the true meaning of life! Legend has it that the Devas (Gods) enacted the battle with the Asuras (evil) as a performance for Brahma, the God of creation. So enchanted was Brahma that he commandeered Bharata Muni to compile it as the Natya Shastra, to be performed in eternity on the Indian Peninsula. Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline, surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities – enough and more for us to say ‘Mera Bharat Mahaan’... The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is an interesting synonym for the contrasts of India. At dawn the marble as a delicate bloom in shell pink, by noon she glitters majestically white, turning to a soft pearly grey at dusk and a ghostly white on a full-moon away against the star-spangled sky. Monsoon clouds give her a moody blue tint and she plays hide and seek in the drifting winter mists. The Taj can be solid and earthbound, fragile and ethereal, white, amber, grey and gold – as is our culture and heritage.

From the moment we set foot into India to be greeted by a graceful namaste, a gesture that denotes both welcome and respect, to when we bid adieu with a strange tug in the heart, the Incredible India journey is a myriad play of cultural experiences brought to our doorstep. But while we applaud each other on the back, I have to ask - Is this enough? What is the story for the future? India has received much attention as the economy has performed exceptionally well by most standards and shall continue to grow in the coming years. Market-oriented reform has brought visible success and economic transformation.

However, we only have to take a look at our nearest neighbor, China and the self-congratulations wan thin in the comparision. Like us, China is forever linked to its ancient civilization, friendly people and world revered tourist treasures. Though with a small head-start on us, China today is recognized as the worlds 2nd largest economy. Since the early 90’s, China has been in the middle of a building boom and infrastructure turn-around that has brought its tourist industry upto international standards overnight. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to China to see its great economic pulse, distinctive attractions and the omni-present blend of West and East. In the eyes of Westerners, China has a special Oriental Charm while in the eyes of the Chinese, China has a fresh western style. The old say that China is modern and fashionable, the young say that China is old and reminiscent. Today you can tour China with ease and safety, stay in comfortable 4 & 5-star hotels, try new Chinese delicacies, enjoy familiar Western cuisine, shop in modern designer boutiques, or explore centuries-old markets and shopping arcades. Hotels have gained international reputations for their exquisite decor, international gourmet dining, and first-class service. Tourist facilities and transportation are almost on par as of the United States. You can tour the countryside in modern motor coaches, relax in superfast first class train compartments, or speed to the next destination by jet while exploring one of the oldest cultures of the world, and seeing some of the most extraordinary sights anywhere. The tall skyscrapers, the ultra modern train systems, well-maintained roads, airports, heritage architecture all bespeak modernity. And yet the cultural values remain - widely evident in the cuisines, language, people and hospitality. The favorable national policy, the efficient administration, the regular market mechanism, and a large number of talents all come together to form a relaxed background murmur to a fast paced and busy life. There is a calm air of cleaniless and quiet efficiency on the busy streets. A concept of Queues or rush missing though the population must equal ours if not surpass. Wide open roads and infrastructure ensure smooth traffic running on the busiest highways, the earlier era of gloomy, dark dinginess as if completely erased forever. The only blemish to this picture perfect canvas is perhaps the almost total lack of English communication skills. Having yourself understood can be a tedious and daunting task at the best of times. India in contrast can mix beauty and horror in liberal portions.

Travel to India is like paradise for those who know her and a surprise for those who do not. She is a land of cultural diversity with stunning variations – a myriad play of cultures. And yet there exists a subtle binding force which flows from one end of the country to the other that underlines her enduring mysticism. After spending only a day here, it is easy to see why many people fall in love with India to return time and again, and why many others run away never to return again. To the casual observer, the engine behind the world’s largest growing economy might well be the noveaux-riche beggars, the bureaucratically correct (or incorrect) baksheesh system and the ubiquitous present dirt, grime and animals. Every day there is a new hurdle to tackle, from the indolent jobs-worths working for Indian Railways to the opportunistic and sly touts and rickshaw drivers to the mad horns blaring chaos of travel on our almost non-existent roadways. The disarray of our heritage sites, poor infrastructure, lack of quality of cultural programmes and poor knowledge of our culture are additional issues plaguing our country. The Indian bureaucracy is well-showcased in the Indian rail system, a facility that makes most Indians proud. The system not unsurprisingly is filled with rules, counter-rules, idiosyncrasies, jobs-worths and people who simply don't know what they are doing, as perhaps most things inherited from the British are. More than fifty years of independence has only improved the bureaucracy and further entrenched the red tape. The famous waiting list system only adds to the disarray and is enough to confuse most but the most tenacious. Is this the incredible experience we would like to impart to our visitors? Is our total concentration on how to make a fast buck or are we doing enough to ensure that the next generation is entrusted with our true heritage instead of a convenient fusion of short-cuts? Has tourism actually killed original art-forms? Are images of poorly maintained, crowded, dirt-strewn, animal inhabited heritage sites, the sights that we would like to send our visitors back home with.

There is an urgent need for the private and public sectors to join hands for the protection of our heritage and culture. Each and every one of us should be proud of this inheritance which has made India renowned across the centuries. Efforts should be made to ensure world class infrastructure available across the country. Authentic cultural experiences should be our endeavour while we try and sustain the cottage industries in their originality.

I always think that God was magnanimous when he created India. This is a land where everything is same and yet different - A mosaic of people and cultures with an identity unmatched in the world. This deep-souled land has a fragile yet colourful vibrancy and it is only we who can protect our heritage for the future generations. An Indian Experience should promise Joy, Serenity and a deeper understanding of the unknown, compelling one to return time and again.