Niagara Falls!! In my Experience...

   Seeing Niagara Falls is a dream to many,but that dream came true to me and I am very pleased to say that I am among the many who have traveled to see this amazing spectacle which nature has given to us....One of our friend organised a trip to Niagara .we started our journey around 4 pm.On the way we stopped at one of the rest areas.Quiet Amazing!!After that break, we resumed our travel.It took us another couple of hours from there to reach the Niagara. By the time,we reached there it was close to 12.30 am.After reaching the destination we checked -in the hotel Howard Johnson.

        Next day Morning we had our breakfast from the hotel we stayed .Then we headed towards the falls.I always had a childhood dream to visit Niagara Falls in my life.I learned it in my 6th Standard about this place beauty.

        Niagara Falls is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Over one million gallons (4 million liters) of water per second pour over a 180 feet (60 m) high cliff that is nearly 0.6 miles (1 km) wide. Niagara Falls is located about 15 miles north of Buffalo, New York, 150 miles south of Toronto, Canada and about 350 miles northwest of New York City.

Niagara Falls Visitor Center

       No trip to Niagara Falls State Park would be complete without first visiting the park’s Visitor Center to pick up a Niagara Falls souvenir. In addition to maps and information, the Visitor Center houses the Adventure Theater, a gift shop and a variety of Niagara Falls restaurants, including specialty coffees, ice cream, a patio grill and a deli snack bar.Then we stepped outside to view the 1.5 acres of lush floral gardens that depict the Great Lakes region above the falls, including grassy areas in the shapes of Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie, as well as a walkway that follows the course of the Niagara River.The Niagara USA Discovery Pass was our admission ticket to the following Niagara Falls State Park attractions:

Niagara: Legends of Adventure Theater,Aquarium of Niagara ,Cave of the Winds Trip,Discovery Center Maid of the Mist.When you purchase the Niagara USA Discovery Pass, you will have the ultimate Niagara Falls Experience - all while saving money..

Made of the mist

Made of the Mist Boat tour

It was a very big boat which could accomodate at least 200 people on board and and the ride was supposed to be for a 15-20 minutes and we would be on the Niagara river, going towards the horse shoe , into it and back. It is the Niagara river which seperates the US state Buffalo and Canada, There was a huge bridge which connected these two across the Niagara. The boat takes you past the American Falls, Bridal Falls & then closer to the Horseshoe Falls.The last point is the highlight of the ride for me.Some 6 Millon Gallons of water falling down each second.You can imagine the mist & noise it would create.Simply a moment to remember.There must be very few experiences like riding on Maid of the Mist & being in the middle of the Horseshoe falls.Obviously you get completely wet but then they give complimentary raincoats to protect you.. 

American Falls

Rainbow Bridge At Niagara Falls that Separates US And Canada

Horse Shoe Falls

                   Afterr alighting from the ride, we went up the Observation Deck & surrounding areas to enjoy the Falls & its beauty.From every angle, it appears more & more beautiful!!

All the area around the falls, has been declared as National Park with nice little paths for pedestrians, cars & cyclist.So after that exhilirating experience, we cooled down in those lanes.One of those trails takes you towards the Horseshoe Falls.Again here, onecan walk upto feets away from where the water falls down.One of the things that I observed while walking there, is majority of the visitors there were Indians.

Observation Tower

Cave of the winds

        An elevator takes you to the rocks at the base of the American falls where you can walk within 25 feet of the cascading water and feel the tremendous power of the wind and spray.Waterproof outer clothing is provided.Also walkways along the rim of the gorge and on Goat Island offer many scenic overlooks to view the falls from the top rim..The best experience at the Falls!! 
Adventure Theatre 

          Legends of Adventure immerses you in the history of Niagara on a new 45-foot screen with Dolby Digital surround sound technology.Located on the lower level of the Visitor Center.Adventure Theater is proud to present the 40-minute show that has been viewed by more than 14 million people worldwide. We can learn about the explorers and settlers that put Niagara on the map and the daredevils who have tried to tame her waters at this fun Niagara Falls attraction. 

View the Falls at Night

As it is getting darker,the crowd is growing and we came to know that Each night, various-colored lights shine on the falls. Blue, yellow, purple, green, and pink light up the falls, creating a flowing rainbow of water for all to see and at 10.00 p.m fireworks ..After that fabulous event we went back to our hotels as we tired very much of the day journey..

Next day morning again we headed to Niagara falls.It was amazing to see the falls again and again...

Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley

It explore Niagara Falls State Park in the comfort of the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley. We Enjoyed an overview of the park in half an hour as a knowledgeable guide shared the history of the park with us along the three-mile route.The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley is a favorite because they allow you to see the park while you relax and enjoy the ride.

Discovery Center

     Showcasing the natural and local history of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is a hands-on learning experience for all ages. In this amazing Niagara Falls tour, you can enjoy interactive displays, take a virtual elevator trip into the gorge, experience 12,000 years of the Niagara River in the 180° multi-screen theater, or climb a 26-foot rock wall that resembles the walls of the gorge, complete with fossils and geological formations.

Aquariun of Niagara 

     Though it sits just outside the Niagara Falls State Park, the Aquarium of Niagara is still an essential stop during your trip to the falls.More than 1,500 aquatic animals are on display at the Niagara Falls aquarium, representing ecosystems ranging from the Great Lakes to coral reefs. Every 90 minutes you can watch sea lions perform and penguin and shark feeds happen regularly. Other crowd favorites include the piranha, seal and eel exhibits.

    Outside of the aquarium was a sight to behold – the Whaling Wall by famed environmental marine life artist Wyland, which will take you into the magical dreamland the animals inside the Niagara Falls aquarium experience every day.

       

Return journey was 7 hours back home.So we decided to wind up.By now we have everything worth seeing in Niagara National Park.Return journey was also enjoyable.We reached home at midnight safely & with lot of memories of our first outing abroad ;-) 

This is for you ..Mom!

Mom..you are so special
And i love you so...
There is nothing as pure as your love
You are the one who cares for me
You are the one that makes troubles be gone
You make me feel like a VIP
You are the one who knows me best.


Mom..You are my friend ,my heart and my soul
You hear my heart and you hear my screams
You are the greatest friend i know
Your arms are always open when i needed a hug
You protect me from all the evils of the world
You give a secure shelter in your lap
Nothing can destroy your love or take that away.


Your little girl is growing up..
But your baby girl will always remain deep inside me
I saw the tears you tried to hide when i walked away
We are together though we're apart
Thank you for believing in me
Thank you for being the one person i could trust
Mom..I am so proud to Claim..I love you..


With love..
your daughter..

The beginning...തുടക്കം

Hi my dear friends...

    This is a special place for me to reflect my thoughts. Thoughts are best expressed in our mother tongue and mine happens to be malayalam. NO surprise if you find "manglish" script at many places :) 


Thanks,
Saranya

Akshaya Tritiya

          Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day after new moon in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. The word Akshaya means ‘that which never diminishes’ and the day is ideal for beginning new ventures as it is believed that all investments on this day appreciates. In 2011, the date of Akshaya Trithiya is May 6.

         As per Hindus, This day is ruled by god Vishnu. It is also traditionally celebrated as the birth day of the Hindu sage Parashurama, the sixth Avathar (incarnation) of the god Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta yuga began and the river Ganges, the most holy and sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven.According to the Puranas, On this day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata.

       The day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is believed that if you do a charity on this day you will be blessed and will receive blessings many fold. Nowadays jewellers have turned the purity into a marketing gimmick. The day is particularly considered auspicious for starting new ventures. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. Hence, it is normal to see many of the new ventures, like starting a business, ground breaking for construction on the Akshaya Tritiya.

Vishu

    Vishu is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala on the first day in the Malayalum month of Medam (April-May).. Vishu is generally on April 14 of the Gregorian calendar.

       The most important event in Vishu is the Vishukani, which literally means " the first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up". The Vishukkani consist of a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, yellow flowers konna (Cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called uruli in the puja room of the house. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This arrangement is completed the previous night. 

            On the day of Vishu, the custom is to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the Vishukkani is the first sight of the new season. Reading verses from Hindu Holy book Ramayanam after seeing the "Vishukkani" is considered auspicious. It is also believed that the page of the Ramayanam to which you open up will have a bearing on your life in the coming year. Devotees also visit temples like Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple to have a "Vishukkani Kazhcha" in the early hours of "Vishu" day.

           "Vishu" is celebrated with much fanfare and vigour in all parts of Kerala.Bursting crackers is part of the celebration especially for children. People wear new clothes (Puthukodi) for the occasion and elders of the family gift money, called Vishukkaineetam, to children, servants and tenants.

        Vishu is also a day of feasting, wherein the food consist of roughly equal proportions of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items. Feast items include Veppampoorasam (a bitter preparation of neem) and Mampazhapachadi (a sour mango soup).

Note;Images from Google

How to cleanse gently

1.Wash your face in warm-not hot! water to loosen clogged pores and stimulate blood circulation to the skin

2.Wet the face ,then squeeze a dime-sized dab of  cleaner into your palm ,rub your hands  together,and gently move them in circles around your face.

3.Rinse with cool(but not icy) water to tighten the pores.Water that is too hot or too cold can cause broken capillaries.

Note ;Images from Google

What’s your colour personality???

Your color preference speaks a lot about your personality , it can reveal who you really are…Check what does your favourite colour say about you??..

WHITE : Symbolic of purity  and innocence. white has strong connotations of youth and purity . It may also symbolize a desire for the simple life.

BLACK: Dignified and impressive , Black people give the appearance of mystery , their preference suggests hidden depths and rich inner substance.

GREEN : The color of harmony and balance ,green symbolizes hope , renewal and peace , and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens are generally frank , community-minded people, fairy sociable but preferring peace at any price.

BROWN : A brown person has stamina and patience ,tending to be very solid and substantial , conscientious ,dependable , steady and conservative . Browns love responsibility and are reliable and kindly.

RED: The color of strength , health and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing aggressive , vigorous and impulsive or someone who would like to be ! Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures , with zest for life.

BLUE : Soft, soothing , compassionate and caring ,Blue is the color of deliberation and introspection , conservatism and duty . Patient , persevering , conscientious , sensitive and self controlled, Blues like to be admired for their steady character and wisdom.

YELLOW: The color of happiness, wisdom and imagination , Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous , searching for novelty and self-fulfillment. Yellow usually goes with sunny and shrewd personality , with a good business head and a strong sense of humor.

ORANGE :This color of luxury and pleasure appeals to the flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social round.Orange is the color of youth , strength, fearlessness, curiosity and restlessness.

PINK : Pink people are affectionate and in turn like to feel loved and secure, a part of them is delicated and fragile. Pink People tend to be charming , gentle and fairly light hearted.

GRAY:  The color of caution and compromise , diligent Grays search for composure and peace and work hard at evertything they do . Grays often have good business ability and tend to work too much.

PURPLE : Purples are highly individual, witty and sensitive , with strong desire to be unique and different. If you chose purple , you tend to be unconventional , tolerant and dignified , likely to achieve positions of authority .

MAROON : Life experience has probably matured the maroon person into someone likable and generous. It indicates a well -disciplined personality- one who has had ups and downs in life ans come up trumps.

Note ;Images from Google

Woman's day

     March 8 is International Women’s Day and this is a global celebration for all women around the world.The first International Women's Day event was run in 1911.2011 marks the 100-year anniversary of International womans day. The annual holiday has roots in the American Women's Suffrage Movement and is now celebrated by individuals, organizations and nations around the world.

      International Women's Day is a time to honor women and raise awareness about the unique obstacles they face around the world. This year's theme is "Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women."

Here i have added pictures and information of some great womens.
1.Cleopatra

Cleopatra was the ambitious last ruler of the Macedonian Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. In her struggles to win the crown and keep her country free, she sought the support of Julius Caesar, bearing him a son.she was was highly educated and possessed an impressive intellect, being a student of philosophy and international relations.
2.Victoria(Queen of England, 1819-1901)

Queen Victoria's rule was the longest in English history. Called the Victorian age, it was a time when Britain was at the height of its colonial power. Victoria became a symbol of British expansionist foreign policy. She insisted on taking an active part in the decisions of the government, and forcefully backed those ministers she liked. She herself was most proud of her role as wife and mother - she had nine children.
3.Nur jahan 

Nur Jahan was one of the most influential women of her day. As favorite wife of the powerful Mughal emperor Jahangir, she found herself uniquely positioned to brilliantly utilize her skills in administration, politics, economics, and culture.
4.Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister of India,1917-1984)

As daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, politics was always a part of Indira Gandhi's world. She joined her father's Congress Party in 1938 and was jailed for awhile by the British for her support of India's independence from Great Britain. After her father's death, she was elected to Parliament in his place, becoming Prime Minister herself in 1966. In 1984 she met a brutal death at the hands of Sikh assassins in retaliation for her forceful actions to halt disturbances in a sacred Sikh temple.
5.Mother Teresa

she was a catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian citizenship.She founded Missionaries of charity in Culcutta,in India in 1950.For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries.Following her death she was beatified by Pope john Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
6.Kalpana chawla

she was an Indian-American astronaut with NASA. She was one of seven crew members killed in the Space shuttle columbia disaster.
Note ; Images from Google

10 Steps to Real Beauty

1.Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

2.Take a high-quality multiple vitamin every day.

3.Fat-in moderation-is a well-kept but invaluable beauty secret.

4.Drink atleast eight glasses of water each day.

5.Exercise atleast 20 minutes a day.

6.Dont drink too much coffee,tea,or alcohol.

7.Dont smoke.

8.Use sun protection everyday.

9.Get your fair share of shut-eye.

10.Laugh.Relax.Enjoy life.

Home remedy for wrinkles

• Take 1 spoon of milk cream and add 4-5 drops of lemon juice. Mix well and apply it on your face.leave for 1 hour.( or over night).And wash it with luke warm water.

• Massaging with Almond oil.Always remember the movement of your hands and fingers should be in a direction opposite to the progress of the wrinkle.

• Massage you face with pappaya for 5 minutes. Leave it for 10 minutes. And wash it with luke warm water. Papaya pulp will reduce aging effect.

Note; Images from Google

Attukal Pongala

                     Today is Attukal Pongala at the Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Attukal Pongala is the main festival of this temple. Millions of women gather every year in the month of kumbham around this temple and prepare pongala (rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, cocnut as well as other ingredients) in the open in small pots to please the Goddess Kannaki. During the festival nearly five kilometres around the temple become covered with smoke from the 'aduppu's (temporary hearths made of 3 to 9 bricks). A holiday is declared in the city on that day. Tourists from other countries also participate in the festival.

                  The festival has gained international attention since it was listed by the Guinness book of world record as the "largest annual gathering of women" in the world. The record was based on the number of pilgrims on 23 February 1997, when 1.5 million assembled to offer pongala to Attukal Devi. It is estimated that 3 million women attended the 2010 edition of the festival.

                   Fifty years ago the Pongala ritual was a small festival celebrated by the families in and around the Attukal village. Slowly, the power and fame of the Devi started spreading around as people started to find solace and peace in the Devi. This incarnation of Shakti soon started to attract thousands of Shaktis .

Improve skin complexion

• Take two spoons of gram flour and 3 spoons of milk. Apply it on your face and leave for 15 minutes. Wash your face with luke warm water. You can always use this paste for washing your face instead if any soap.
• Take 8-10 almonds and soak it over night. And grind the almond with milk to make a thick paste. Apply it on your face and leave for 30 minutes. Wash your face with luke warm water.You can make more quantity and keep it in refrigerator for 5-6 days.

Note; Images from Google

Care of dry skin

• Milk is a good cleanser for skin. Take 1 spoon of  milk cream . Use this to rub on your face. Leave for 10 minutes.Then wash with luke warm water.
• Take 10 tspn of wheat flour and ½ tspn of turmeric powder. Add 8 tspn of almond oil and add milk to make a thick paste.Apply it on face,neck and hands. Leave for 10 minutes. Remove it by rubbing with your hands. Then wash your face with luke warm water. It will be useful in cold weather when the skin gets dry.

Note; Images from Google

For removing facial hair

Take 10 tspn of gram flour and ½ tspn of turmeric powder. Add 8 tspn almond oil and add milk to make a thick paste. Apply it on face , neck and hands. After 5-10 minutes start removing by rubbing with your hands.And wash with lukewarm water.

 This will make your skin clean,soft and silky.

Note; Images from Google

Care of oily skin

Take 1 ounce of cucumber juice in a bowl.Add  ½ tspn lemon juice and ½ tspn rose water to it. Mix well. Apply gently on face and neck. Leave it for 30 minutes. Wash with luke warm water and then with cold water.

 This will make skin smooth and glow.
Note; Images from Google