Travel
THE KERALA STATE OF MIND
Mesmerized by her experience with the Kerala Blog Express, Tsvetelina Tsankova from Bulgaria shares the highlights of her trip to God’s Own Country
Photos & Words by Tsvetelina Tsankova
Kerala, for me, is the place where you truly come alive. Everything here, especially the people, reminds me that to be happy, all you need to do is just smile, open your heart and love, be close to nature, eat healthy and tasty food, feel with all senses, connect and be responsible to each other and finally, to find happiness with what you have and that you are here, to live today. Kerala is like a big heart, where everyone will find a place and peace for themselves. I often felt like a child during my trip – free, happy and making the most of each moment. I hope to come back here to share this fairytale-like experience with all my friends, because the land of the coconut will always be part of my life.
The people
When there is eye contact, words are not needed. The advantage of travelling solo is that you meet so many new people and learn their life stories. The face and the eyes of a person speak every language. The friendly smile connects you no matter their nationality and it is the best advertisement for each destination. The happy people of Kerala are the heart of the state. They will make you feel at home and make you return for more.
Backwaters sunset
I will always remember the boat trip in the backwaters of Kerala. The boats used to be a transportation vehicle for tea in the past, but now you can stay on it overnight. I got to see the real life around the backwaters, the people, nature, and unforgettable sunsets. The colors of the sunset looked so unreal at times; it may as well have been paradise.
Stay with a local family
Thanks to the hosts I stayed with at Wayanad, I learned more about the daily life, the culture, the food and the traditions in Kerala families. Surrounded by coffee plantation, for breakfast we had authentic coffee made by the host.
The food
When I arrived in Kerala I couldn’t handle spicy food. But after two weeks, I surprised myself because I needed all food to be spicy for me to enjoy it. Kerala is the place where you will taste healthy food as all dishes are prepared with a lot of vegetables and according to Ayurveda requirements. I got the chance to try some fruits I had never even heard of for the first time. The desserts were also completely novel to me, but I enjoyed many bites of them. And the simplest act of eating with the hand, made the experience completely new.
The Handicrafts
If you travel to smaller villages, you are bound to see locals involved in creating handicrafts. They use everything from coconut leaf to bamboo to make woven carpets, to pencil bags, jewelry, boxes, and more. This promotion of crafts is part of a responsible tourism project by the Kerala Government, which gives work to local women in Wayanad.
Tea plantation
Tea plantations are a Kerala tradition which the locals have kept alive for a long time. When I walked into a tea plantation, I didn’t expect to see tall trees. But later I learnt that they are planted there to create shadow for the tea plants when the sun is too strong. You can find white, black, green and all the different kinds of tea here. When we ordered tea while at the plantation, they served it with milk and sugar and flavored with cardamom. The ginger tea they have is a must try for anyone.
Nature and Wildlife
Kerala is home to every kind of terrain. In a single trip, I got to see paddy fields, hills and mountains, backwaters and beaches, even national parks and forests.
I had the chance to immerse myself in so many different activities like hiking, kayaking, and even climbing a coconut tree, all in the span of a single trip. I never imagined that I would get the chance to climb a coconut tree! If you are lucky enough to visit Kerala, you will also get to see a lot of different wildlife like beautiful birds and elephants in their natural habitat. There are so many great memories from my trip.
Spices
The spices are the taste of Kerala. If you wonder how the food comes to be orange, ask if it was cooked with turmeric or masala (a combination of different spices), curcuma or something else. I learned a lot of new things about the different kinds of pepper, the local spices; this being one of the few things which I brought back to Bulgaria. I had the chance to plant a cinnamon tree in the yard of Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady, and I hope, after 5 years when it is big, I can come back to see it.
Kerala is truly the place to be if you want to bring back balance to your life. A trip here will help you find inspiration, recharge your pool of positivity, and one wouldn’t even want to go back. Life is a journey and after this trip I understood why the locals say: Happy journey!
Travel
Travel Wellness: Staying Healthy and Fit While Exploring
Travelling is an enriching experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories. However, maintaining your health and fitness while on the road can be a challenge. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets, lounging on a beach, or embarking on an adventure, staying well and fit is crucial for enjoying your travels to the fullest. Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy and active while exploring new destinations.
Plan Your Travel Meals
Eating healthy while traveling can be challenging, but with a little planning, it’s entirely achievable. Research local cuisine before your trip and seek out restaurants or markets that offer nutritious options. Opt for meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, consider preparing some of your meals to maintain control over ingredients and portions.
Stay Hydrated
Travel can easily disrupt your hydration routine. Always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. Drinking enough water helps with digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you’re traveling to a place with different water quality, consider bringing a portable water purifier or sticking to bottled water.
Incorporate Physical Activity
Finding time to exercise while traveling can be tough, but it’s essential for maintaining your fitness and energy levels. Here are a few ways to stay active:
- Use Hotel Gyms: Many hotels offer fitness centers. Utilize these facilities to keep up with your workout routine.
- Explore on Foot: Walking or biking around your destination not only provides exercise but also allows you to experience the city’s sights more intimately.
- Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of local outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or even a beach workout.
Maintain a Sleep Schedule
Adjusting to new time zones can disrupt your sleep pattern, which affects overall health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule by setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to calming music, can also help you wind down and improve sleep quality.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Travel can be exciting but also stressful. Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. Many travel destinations offer wellness retreats or classes where you can participate in mindfulness activities.
Pack a Travel Health Kit
Prepare a travel health kit with essentials like vitamins, medications, and first-aid supplies. Include items such as hand sanitizer, travel-sized disinfectant wipes, and any prescription medications you may need. Having these on hand can help prevent illness and manage minor health issues.
Stay Active During Travel
Long flights or car rides can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Take breaks to stretch or walk around every few hours. Simple exercises like seated leg lifts, neck stretches, and shoulder rolls can help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Adopt Local Wellness Practices
Explore and embrace local wellness practices and traditions. Whether it’s a traditional Thai massage, Japanese hot springs, or Ayurvedic treatments in India, incorporating local wellness practices can enhance your overall travel experience and contribute to your well-being.
Avoid Overindulgence
While it’s tempting to indulge in local delicacies, moderation is key. Balance indulgent meals with healthier options and be mindful of portion sizes. Enjoying treats in moderation allows you to savor local flavors without compromising your health goals.
Stay Social and Connected
Social interactions and maintaining connections with loved ones can boost mental health and overall happiness. Make time to connect with fellow travelers, locals, or family and friends back home to keep your spirits high and your travel experience fulfilling.
By integrating these wellness tips into your travel routine, you can ensure a healthier and more enjoyable journey. Staying active, eating well, and managing stress will help you feel your best and make the most of your travel experiences. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Travel
Real House of the Dragon Location You Want to Visit
Returning to Westeros for the battle between the Blacks and Greens in “House of the Dragon” season two. A civil war within the House of Targaryen over who should inherit the Iron Throne is the subject of the television drama series, which is based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and takes place two centuries before Game of Thrones. Along with other important members of the season one ensemble, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen are returning for the presently running second season.
We can’t wait to explore all of the amazing filming locations that this series has brought us. Considering how rich the universe is, it makes sense. Rather than depending solely on computer-generated scenery and soundstages, several of the actual filming locales contribute to the world of Westeros’ distinctive atmosphere.
Here, a guide to House of the Dragon filming locations you can visit:
Castleton, Derbyshire, England
In the first season of the show, Castleton, a village in high-peaked Derbyshire with one of the oldest lead mines, was transformed into The Vale of Arryn. Those who watch Game of Thrones would recall this as the location of House Arryn and the Eyrie, a stronghold where adversaries can be driven to their deaths via a moon portal. The region, which was once inhabited by Celtic people, is well-known for its traditional English hamlets and the limestone valley of Cave Dale, which is located inside the national park.
St. Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England
St. Michael’s Mount is a rocky tidal island with a 12th-century mediaeval church and a small, intimate village connected to the island of Marazion by a causeway that visitors can cross on foot during low tide. Blackwater Bay, a sizable body of water at Kings Landing’s edge, is home to House Velaryon, the fictional Driftmark of House of the Dragon, which is housed in the island’s main fortress. A prior appearance of Driftmark occurred in the Battle of the Blackwater in Game of Thrones.
La Calahorra, Granada, Spain
Reimagined as Pentos, one of the cities bordering the seas of Westeros, the imaginary continent at the heart of the world of Game of Thrones, is the municipality La Calahorra in eastern Granada. At the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the solitary hill in the region, lies a mediaeval fortress known as Castillo de La Calahorra, one of the region’s most iconic monuments. The exterior of the castle, which serves as the seat of House Targaryen on House of the Dragon, defies the rules of Gothic design, making it one of the first buildings in Spain to be influenced by the Renaissance between 1509 and 1512. Its exquisite split-level interior features a centre courtyard, four corner towers, and marble.
Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
The province of Cáceres, in western Spain, is a veritable time capsule. Ancient structures that date back hundreds of years nevertheless look substantially the same, displaying a variety of architectural influences, such as Roman, Moorish, and Gothic. Several locations in the region were used to film the King’s Landing sequences, including the walled city of Plasencia in season one, Trujillo in season two, and the capital city of Cáceres in both seasons.
Bourne Wood in Farnham, England
Bourne Wood was the location of one of the largest fight scenes from season two of House of the Dragon. Large clearings in the forest make it perfect for expansive combat scenes and large film crews, while the absence of newer, more contemporary buildings or power lines gives the location a timeless sense. According to London Cult’s documentation, the forest was outfitted with a tent camp and certain areas were covered in artificial snow. The woodland is about an hour’s drive away, making the setting very handy for films like House of the Dragon that are headquartered out of the Warner Bros. Leavesden studio.
Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country, Spain
An island in Biscay called Gaztelugatxe has a hermitage that goes back to the tenth century. The iconic stone bridge was used for filming House of the Dragon. In season seven, the islet served as a stand-in for Dragonstone during filming for Game of Thrones. the location of the initial season’s encounter between Rhaenyra and her dragon on Dragonstone Bridge.
Travel
Essential Summer Travel Bag Must-Haves
As the summer sun beckons, it’s time to dust off your travel bags and embark on exciting adventures. Whether you’re jetting off to exotic destinations or exploring hidden gems closer to home, packing the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey. Join me as we explore the must-have items to pack in your travel bags for a memorable summer getaway.
Sun Protection Essentials:
Beat the heat and safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays with sun protection essentials. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses to shield your eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. Additionally, lip balm with SPF and aloe vera gel can provide relief from sunburns and keep your lips hydrated.
Lightweight Clothing Options:
Embrace the spirit of summer with lightweight and breathable clothing options that keep you cool and comfortable on your travels. Pack versatile pieces such as cotton shirts, shorts, flowy dresses, and swimsuits for beach outings. Opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics to minimize the need for ironing and save space in your luggage.
Hydration Essentials:
Stay hydrated on the go by packing a reusable water bottle in your travel bag. Fill it up whenever you have access to clean drinking water to quench your thirst and reduce plastic waste. Consider packing electrolyte packets or tablets to replenish lost minerals during outdoor activities or hot weather.
Travel-Friendly Toiletries:
Streamline your toiletry bag with travel-sized essentials that meet TSA regulations and save space in your luggage. Pack items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and moisturizer in leak-proof containers. Don’t forget to include a compact travel towel and wet wipes for quick refreshment on the go.
Tech Gadgets and Accessories:
Capture unforgettable moments and stay connected with essential tech gadgets and accessories. Pack your smartphone, camera, or GoPro along with chargers, power banks, and adapters for international travel. Consider investing in a lightweight and portable Bluetooth speaker for impromptu beach parties or outdoor picnics.
First Aid Kit and Medications:
Be prepared for minor emergencies and health-related issues by packing a well-stocked first aid kit in your travel bag. Include items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets. Don’t forget to pack any prescription medications you may need during your trip.
With these essential items packed in your travel bag, you’re ready to embark on a summer adventure filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. From sun protection essentials to tech gadgets and first aid supplies, being prepared for every situation ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey wherever your travels may take you. So, grab your bags, soak up the sun, and let the summer adventures begin!
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