Bendi Bhaga

Ingredients

1) Tomatoes - 3
2) Onions - 1 large
3) Ladies fingers - 25 (cut into pieces)
4) Coriander powder - 1 table spoon
5) Cumin powder - 1 table spoon
6) Chilli powder - 1 table spoon
7) Gharam masala powder - 1/2 table spoon
8) Turmeric powder - 1/2 tea spoon
9) Ginger paste - 1 table spoon
10) Garlic paste - 1 table spoon
11) Fresh cream - 1/2 cup
12)  Oil as needed
13)  Salt as per taste
14)  Coriander leaves for garnish
15)  Water - 1/2 cup


Procedure
1. Take 1 spoon oil in a pan and heat it.
2. After oil is heated add sliced onions,ladies fingers and fry them until they turn into light brown color and  keep a side.
3. Now Prepare the tomato pury and keep a side.
4. Take 2 to 3 table spoons of oil in a pan add ginger and garlic paste.
5. Add the tomato pury and mix well.
6. Add coriander powder,gharam masala powder,cumin powder,chilli powder,turmeric powder into it and mix them thoroughly.
7. Cook the mixture  until it becomes very thick paste.
8. Then add the cream and water and mix thoroughly for 3 to 4 miniutes.
9. Now Add the fried onions and ladies fingers,salt into it and mix it well.
10. Close lid and boil it for 10 miniutes.
12. Remove the lid of the pan, the mixture gets little thick and add coriander leaves and mix it well.
11. Bendi Bhaga is ready and serve hot.
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Gongura Rice

Ingredients

1) Gongura(sour leaf) - 

2) Onion - 1 large

3) Green chillies - 8

4) Rice

5) Cumin seeds(Jeera) - 3 grams

6) Chana Dal - 4 grams

7) Salt - as per taste

8) Fenugreek Seeds - 3 grams

9) Oil - as needed

10) Coriander leaves for garnish

Procedure

1. Initially, prepare the rice and keep it ready.

2. Take one table spoon of oil in a pan and heat it.

3. When oil is heated add feugreek seeds and add sour leaves.

4. Fry the sour leaves in a meadium flame until all the sour leaves are becomes soft.

5. Once cooldown grind these soft leaves into a paste and keep aside.

6. Now take a pan and add 3 table spoons oil to it.

7. After oil heated add cumin seeds,chala dal and fry them until they turn into golden coulour.

8. Add the onions and fry them(don't fry too much because the crunchyness is needed).

8. Add the sour leaf paste and mix thoroughly and let it heat for 5 minitues.

9. Now add the cooked rice to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

10. Add salt to it and mix it well.

11. Saute it until color of rice changes slightly, now switch off the flame.

12. Garnish with coriander leaves.

13. Gongura(sour leaf)Rice is ready and serve hot.

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Spicy Chana Masala Curry

Ingredients

1) Chick peas
2) Onion - 1 large
3) Tomatoes - 2 large
4) Bay leaf - 1 leaf
5) Cumin seeds - 3 grams
6) Cloves powder - 1 table spoon
7) Chana Masala powder - 3 to 4 table spoons
8) Salt-as per taste.
9) Coriander leaves - 6
10) Oil - as needed
11) Turmeric powder - 1/4 spoon
12) Chilli powder - one table spoon

Procedure
1. Soak chick peas in water for whole night.
2. Prepare fresh tomato pury and kept aside.
3. Take 2 to 3 spoons of oil into pan.
4. When the oil is heated add cumin seeds,cloves powder,bay leaf and fry them light gold colour.
5. After that add finley chopped onion to it and fry them until they turn into light brown colour.
6. Now add tomato pury to it and cook for 2 to 3 miniutes.
7. Then add turmeric powder,chilli powder and mix thoroughly.
8. Add chana masala powder to the above mixture and mix thoroughly.
9. After adding all ingrediants cook for sometime until the oil and mixture is separated(like a thick paste).
10. When it becomes thick paste, add soaked chick peas to it and add 1 cup of water and mix well.
11. Now close the pan with a lid and let it boil for 10 miniutes.
12. After 10 miniutes remove the lid and add salt into that mix well.
13. Again cover with lid and boil for 5 miniutes.
14. Then remove the lid and mix once.
15. Add some coriander leaves to garnish.
16. Spicy chana masala curry is ready and serve hot.
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Virginia Safari Park

We went to Virginia Safari Park on 4th July.

Brief Summary
Place: Virginia Safari Park.
Location: Virginia.
Distance: 184 miles.
Members: Me and my wife.
Transport: our own car.
Duration: 2 hour 50 mins.

Experience:

On 4th July we started around 8:30 am from home.Had our breakfast in the car. We reached safari park around 11:32 am.The ticket counters look like toll gates,we got our tickets. There are two parks to see ,those are safari park and village park.In both parks we can feed the animals. At the entrance of safari park we saw some different kinds of animals(name-Llama)which we never saw. After that we saw many Ostrich,some of them are too big.

They come close and put their neck into our car for food. We saw peacocks,different types of pigs,camels and other different animals which we never saw before.After that we saw many and different types of deer. Some deer have stripes on their body,some have dots,some have big horns,some have different colours and some are too big compared to regular deer and some are too small.There are Bisons also along with deer .Bisons are big and strong animals. This is the first time we saw the Bisons too close and they came near to our car and put their neck into our car,trying to eat the food we got for them. But they do not harm, we just enjoyed it. In the safari park there are deer everywhere,we will be seeing them throughout the safari. After the Bisons we saw Zebras,they are 5 to 6 in number not more than that. Next we saw Yaks and Watusi.

They have big horns which are too strong and they are almost similar to cow. We can touch their horns they do not harm. They tried to put their head into our car but not  possible for them because of their long horns. After Yak ,Watusi we saw Scotch Highland cattle. We never saw them before and they are also similar to cows,they dosen't have horns but they have big tails. We also saw White Rhinos. This is the end of safari park. we enjoyed a lot with animals. Next we went to see village park. Village park is almost like a zoo. we saw little deer and Elks.We saw various types of monkeys and penguins. Monkeys are very active and they are  doing stunts with using ropes and grills. After that we went to see Budgies Adventure Aviary.

There we saw so many varieties of Australian budgies. They are like parrots but so small and cute. They are in various colours. There we can feed them with bird sticks.The budgies fly onto your hand and eat food if you have bird sticks. That was very interesting. After the budgie adventure Avairy we had our lunch at 2:00 pm in the cafe at village park. Next we saw Bengal tiger(khan)and white tiger(leela). After that we saw wolves and Giraffes. Giraffes were so long. Some baby Giraffes were also there. Two of them came close to us. we fed them. Then we went to reptile house and saw various reptiles. Next we saw penguins. Being very hot the penguins were sliding down into the water and were swimming.

That was so much fun to watch. Penguins are so funny creatures. We liked Penguins and also they are so adorable compared to other animals. It was 3:15 pm we completed entire park. Virginia Safari Park, we enjoyed a lot and saw many crazy and funny things animal's do. We liked it very much. Next, we started from safari at 3:15 pm to Zoo. Around 3:30 pm we entered Zoo. There were mountain tiger,bears,crocodile and also Bengal tiger and white tiger,different types of deer in the Zoo.

First we saw mountain tiger then tigers, crocodile and deer in the same order. Being afternoon all animals were sleeping. But we are lucky in other ways as that was the feeding time of white tiger and mountain tiger.At last minuite we saw the caretaker with plates of meat going to feed them. We saw feeding the tiger. The white tiger takes 12 pounds of meat per day and mountain tigers take each 4-5 pounds per day. At 4:15 pm we completed the Zoo and started from there. Around 7:30 pm we reached home. Safari and Zoo are very good places. We enjoyed a lot and had lot memorable moments. All is Well.
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Spicy Aloo Mutter

Ingredients
1) Potatoes (Aloo)- 2 large
2) Green Peas (Mutter)- 1 1/2 cup
3) Tomatoes - 2
4) Onion - 1
5) Ginger - 10 gms
6) Garlic - 4 loves
7) Cumin seeds - 5 gms
8) Red Chilli Powder - 1 tea spoon
9) Bay Leaves - 1
10) Cinnamon stick - 1
11) Coriander Leaves - 6
12) Gharam masala - 1 tea spoon
13) Green chillies - 6
14) Cloves - 5
15) Peanut Powder - 1 tea spoon (Grind Roasted Peanuts)
16) Turmeric Powder - 1 tea spoon
17) Oil - 2 Table Spoons
18) Salt - as per taste

Procedure:
1. Take Oil in a pan and heat it. Add Cumin Seeds to it. Once they splutter add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick and heat it for a minute.
2. Add finely chopped Onion pieces to it and heat until they turn into light golden brown.
3. Add Ginger, Garlic and then mix properly and heat.
4. Prepare Tomato Puree from the tomatoes, add it to the pan and heat until the mixture gets thick and oil starts oozing out.
5. Add to it Turmeric powder, Red Chilli Powder, Peanut Powder, Salt and mix thoroughly.
6. Add Green Peas to it and genetly mix them and pour some water for easy mixing.
7. Add Potatoes(cut into small cubes) along with water until the potatoes are just immersed and ready for boiling.
8. Slit the Green Chillies along their length and add to the above mixture and boil until Potatoes and Green Peas become soft. It might take 12-15 minutes , keep the flame in medium for uniformity.
9. Add Gharam Masala and finely chopped Coriander to the boiled mixture and mix thoroughly.
10. Hot Spicy Aloo Mutter is ready to Serve.
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Masala Dal Fry

Ingredients
1) Toor Dal - 1 cup
2) Chana Dal - 1 cup
3) Tomato - 2 large
4) Onion - 1 medium
5) Ginger - 15gms
6) Garlic - 4 loves
8) Red Chilli Powder - 2 tea spoons
9) Ghee - 1 tea spoon
10) Oil - 1 table spoon
11) Red Chillies - 1
12) Gharam masala - 1/4 tea spoon
13) Coriander Powder - 1/4 tea spoon
14) Turmeric powder - 1/2 tea spoon
15) Cummin seeds (Jira) - 15 gms
16) Coriander leaves - 6 leaves
17) Salt - As per taste

Procedure
1. Wash Toor and Chana Dal and boil them in pressure cooker along with salt and turmeric powder and keep the mixture aside.
2. Take oil in a pan and heat it. Once the oil is heated add 10gms of Cummin Seeds.
3. Once the seeds splutter add chopped Garlic and fry until the garlic pieces turn light brown.
4. Add Chopped Ginger and fry the ingredients for 2 minutes.
5. Add finely chopped Onions and close the lid and fry them until the onions turn white colour.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and mix the ingredeints thoroughly and fry them until the tomoatoes become soft.
7. Add coriander leaves , mix them well and close the lid for 2 minutes.
8. Add red chilli powder, salt, gharam masala and coriander powder. Mix them throroughly , reduce the flame and heat them for 3 minutes.
9. Add boiled Dal(toor and chana) and mix well.
10. Add ghee to a small pan and heat it. Once heated fry red chilli in it.
11. Add the rest cummin seeds to the ghee and once they splutter add it to the dal mixture.
12. Hot Masala Dal Fry is ready to Serve.
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Riverbend Park

     We had done hike to Riverbend Park on 1st July . It is located in Great Falls, Virginia State.

Hike Location
Name: Riverbend Park
Distance: 20 miles from Herndon(approx)
Total hiking distance: 4.5 miles.
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Hike Team:  my wife and me.

Hiking Experience: Started around 8:36 am in the morning. Reached our destination around 9:06 am. It was a small hike of 4.5 miles and decided to complete soon and reach home by noon.It was cloudy when we started the hike.

There were so many cars in the parking lot as this trail was famous around the region and it passes by the side of the potomac river. The trail starts through the picnic area and then slowly leads to the jungle. the trail is very narrow and covered with small trees on both sides. There were so many Virginia native trees along the trail and their names were also put up on the boards. We could see the potomac river to our right and tall huge trees to our left. Soon the trail got wider and then we were in the middle of the jungle.The steep of the trail increased. Slowly we hiked further and reached a small wooden bridge. we continued our blue blazed trail and then took left onto Red blazed Bootlegger trail. We crossed a pond (almost looks like a Moor) to our right. The trail has so many bends and curves and ups and downs. We climbed small wooden steps on our trail. The path led us to Meadow and it has bird houses to its left. we saw a deer in the meadow running into the midst of the farm.

We then reached the entrance of the park , crossed the road and continued hike on our trail. There were pink ribbons on the trail which guided us on the trail. We hiked down further and reached the intersection of another trail where there was a beautiful farm house. We came across many trails on our hike. We had biscuits and grapes around 10:20 am  and then resumed our hike around 10:38 am. Sun came up and could feel the heat even though the path was covered with trees. We then completed the loop and reached the entrance of the park and retraced our steps back to parking lot.  We have met many fellow hikers along the trail and thoroughly enjoyed the hike. We reached the parking lot around 12:00 pm. Done some exercises and left for home around 12:10 pm. Reached home around 12:45 pm. All is well.

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Wolf Run Shoals

We had done hike to Wolf Run Shoals on 17th June . It is located in Clifton, Virginia State.

Hike Location
Name: Wolf Run Shoals
Distance: 20 miles from Herndon(approx)
Total hiking distance: 4.3 miles.
Elevation Gain: 550 ft
Hike Team:  my wife and me.

Hiking Experience: Started around 8:30 am in the morning. It was very near and reached our destination around 9:04 am. This was our first hike of this summer season and wanted to start off with a small and easy one and decided to take our time and thoroughly enjoy the trek. There were couple of cars at the parking lot. we started our hike around 9:10 am throug a narrow blue blazed trail which is at the end of the parking lot and it lead us to the jungle.  The trail was wet due to the rainfall on the previous day.  It was a cloudy day with not much sunshine and wind. The trail slowly descended down into the midst of jungle and reached an intersection with Bull Run Trail.

We continued on our trail. There were huge trees on both sides of the trail. Even though it was drizzling we had not experienced any rain droplets as we were covered with tree branches and leaves. There was a reservoir to the left of our trail and we traversed around its canal. Slowly the steep increased and we continue further. We reached a wooden bridge to cross the canal. The trail slope increased and we continued. Soon we were walking on path which felt like as though we were walking in a valley. On our hike, we found many fellow hikers along with their pets, some hiking twice on same day. As we walked further the trail got wider and we walked on couple more wooden bridges. We reached an intersection with an yellow blazed trail. We took the yellow trail. There were two huge white farm houses to our left. we continued on our trail. We then again joined the blue trail again after completing the loop. we had some food and then retraced our steps back to the parking lot. The scenery of the jungle with bright leaves and various types of trees was beautiful. The trail was having ups and downs and enjoyed hiking on it. Around 11:46 am we reached the parking lot. We have done some exercises for muscle relax and then reached home around 12:25 pm. It was a wonderful experience and we thoroughly enjoyed. All is well.
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Potato Pan Cake

Ingredients:
1) Potatoes-3
2) Onions-1
3) Besan-1 cup
4) Maida-1 cup
5) Green chillies-4
6) Black pepper
7) Red chilli powder-1 spoon
8) Salt-as per taste
9) Oil(to sallow fry)

Procedure:
1.  Firstly shred the potatoes and finely chop the onions.
2.  Soak the shredded potatoes for 10 minutes.
3.  After that you have to completely filter the water from potatoes.
4.  To that potatoes add all the above ingredients except oil.
5.  Pour little water into mixture and mix thoroughly.
6.  Now take some oil in a pan and heat it.
7.  Take 2 spoons of above mixture,place them into the pan and quickly make it like a biscuit shape.
8.  Turn the cakes into upside down and shallow fry them until they turn into light brown.
9.  Until all the mixture is done follow the step number  7.
10. Now drain the oil and take cakes into separate plate.
11. Hot Potato Pan Cake is ready to serve.

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Cabbage Vada

Ingredients:
1) Cabbage - 200gms
2) Besan - 100gms
3) Onions -1
4) Chana dal - 2 table spoons
5) Ginger - 5 grams
6) Curry leaves - 5
7) Green chillies - 4
8) Coriander leavs - 5gms
9) Salt(as per taste)
10) Red chilli powder - 1 spoon
11) Cumin seeds - 1/2 tbl spoon
12) Oil(to deep fry)

Procedure:
1. Firstly chana dal should be soaked for 15 minutes.
2. Take water in a bowl and boil it.
3. Add finely chopped cabbage into that boiling water.
4. After 5 minutes when the cabbage is completely boiled,take into a bowl and drain it.
5. In that boiled cabbage add above all ingredients except oil.
6. Pour little water into mixture and mix thoroughly.(don't add too much water as the mixture should       be in thick).
7. Take small amount of mixture and make it as a small flat dumpling.
8. Make flat dumplings from all the mixture as per step 7.
9. Take some oil into a vessel and heat it.
10.Now place dumplings in the oil one by one ,deep fry them until they turn into light brown.
11.Then drain the oil and take dumplings into a separate plate.
12.Hot cabbage vada is ready to serve.

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Orlando - Florida Trip (Part III)

We woke up around 5:30 am in the morning, got refreshed, packed our breakfast and left for Disney world's Magic Kingdom around 7:30 am. We reached the parking around 8:15 am. The park is huge and very amazing. We went to the entrance of the park through boat which is 15 mins ride. We have the Disney world app in our mobile through which we booked the fast pass for the various rides and shows. We first went to Pirates of Caribbean, which is a boat tour of the set of Pirates movie. It was spectacular. Then we watched a 3D show of spiders. It was scary and creepy but was very thrilling. We did Buzz Lightyear's space Ranger spin which was sort of shooting game on a coaster and was fun. We then went to a ride,Its a small world which a tour of small carton characters on a boat. We then did a ride, Barnstormer which was not so fast though. We watched the Mickey's Parade around 12:00 pm. It was an amazing parade by various Disney Characters. There was a troop with each character and they performed show during the parade. Around 12:30 pm we went to Animal Kingdom through the Disney shuttle. It was 20 mins journey. We had our lunch around 1:00 pm. We went to Kilimanjaro safaris. There was a huge line for the ride. Finally after standing for one hour in the line we were able to do the ride. It was an amazing ride.

We saw many different species of wild animals and learnt about their habits from the guide. With the help of fast pass we were able to do the next rider Kali River rapids with just 10 mins waiting in the line. It was a very good family water ride which sprinkles water to our surprise. It was almost evening by the time we came out of the ride. Then watched a 3D show,Its tough to be Bug which showed the hardships of a bug. Then we watched the live show, Festival of Lion King. The show was good. We then came back to Magic Kingdom through the shuttle. IT was around 8:00 pm we reached the Magic Kingdom. We had our dinner(buffet) and reached the Cinderella Castle and stood in-front of it. The castle located the center of the park and erected as the crown of the park. The fireworks started around the castle and the castle was marvelous with the lighting's of the fireworks. It was marvelous and feast to the eyes. We thoroughly enjoyed the various shades of the castle. The fireworks lasted for 20 mins. It was very cold in the park and there was cool breeze. We then decided to do the last rider for that day i.e Tomorrowland Speedway. It was a car race. It was very exciting and fun. Being tired and getting frozen by the winds, we decided to call off for that day. We took the train to reach the parking. It is a magnetic mono rail and very spacious. We then left the park and reached the hotel room around 10:35 pm. Planned to Sea World next day and retired to bed.

Next day morning woke up around 6:00 am, checked out the hotel and then went to Sea-world. It was a chilly weather with cool breeze. We reached the Sea-world parking around 9:30 am. It was a good park with various shows and rides. We went to the Dolphin show first. The Dolphins were amazing and they performed a splendid show with splashing water over the spectators. After that we watched the Sealion show. It was very humorous show and sea lions were so big and cute. We then went to Killer Whale show. These dolphins are very huge in size. They performed spectacular stunts and it was like rainfall when they splashed water. We then went to the Animal Pet show. It was a very great and fun filled show. All the animals are so cute and well trained.

We then went to the playing zone, where we enjoyed walking on the rope nets, crawling in the tunnels. We played couple of skill games. Then watched the turtle trek. It was a fantastic 3D show and could experience the life under the vast ocean waters. We walked along the antarctic regions in the park we then left for our new hotel and order food on the way. We reached the hotel around 10:00 pm, had our dinner, then decided to go to universal next day early and went to bed. We woke up around 5:30 am in the morning , got ready , packed breakfast and left for universal. It was a very huge park and weather was sunny. We parked the car around 8:00 am. The entrance is very far off from the parking. We went to Islands of Adventure first. It was a huge park and there was huge crowd. we first did  Spider-man. It was very exciting and great. Then went to Harry Potter Magic World. Amazing, Astonishing was the attraction. It was same as we read in the books and seen in the movie. We did the Harry Potter ride the most famous ride in the park. The ride was awesome and had a great experience. We then did Kingkong ride. It was a great ride. Took us to the ancient times and could watch the fight among the extinguished predators. Some of us have done other small rides which are specially for kids like Cat in the hat, Trolley ride. We then watched Poseidon show. It was about ancient temple and the then fight between Evil and the God. The effects shown are very good and made us feel as though we were part of it. We then watched Sindbad stunt show. It was a live show and the performance was nice. We went to Universal studios using Hogwarts express. The train was superb and had great experience and felt as though we were in the movie. Reached the Diagon Alley part of Magic world. We had done another Harry Potter ride which was also very good. Then we went to Transformers. All the rides have around 10-20 mins waiting ride, thanks to the fast pass which saved a lot of time for us. Soon it started getting cold and there was drop in temperatures due to cool winds.

We then did Despicable Minion. It was a fantastic 3D simulator ride which showed the minion movie and made us feel as though we were minions and part of it. After that watched the Shrek 4D show. This was another highlight of the park. One of the best shows we ever watched. We then did Moon Journey ride. It gave the experience of riding a cycle. All the rides and shows are fantastic and we had great fun. We watched the Macy's parade. It was very lively. All the various characters(huge balloons) marched across the streets of the park. We then went to Islands of Adventure again in the Hogwarts express and then left the park around 11:30 pm. Being 31st night we rushed to hotel to be in the room by midnight. We reached the hotel parking around 11:55 pm and then we just entered our room exactly by 12:00 midnight. We wished each other happy new year and then gossiped about all the rides , shows and our entire tour. we slept around 2:00 am . Next day we woke up around 8:00 am, got ready , packed our lunch from Indian restaurant and went to Orlando airport around 12:15 pm . With this our trip almost came to an end, Sister's family and we parted for our own destinations. We checked in, had our lunch and then boarded the flight. Reached Baltimore Airport around 4:40 pm. Took a cab and reached home around 6:00 pm. With this our tour came to an end but we still have the memories of it. It was a wonderful,fantastic and excellent memorable trip. We thoroughly enjoyed. This would not have been possible with all the members who came along. Thanks to everyone who came and those who were omnipresent and supported from within. All is Well.
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Keywest Kennedy - Florida Trip (Part II)

We went to Miami airport around 9:25 am to pick up rental car. We could still feel that we are in cruise and in middle of the ocean. We never felt even slightest jerk while sleeping. It was a very smooth sail. we took brand new Ford Expedition which has only 6 miles on it. The SUV is big and has 8 seats but little conjust in the back. It was 11:30 am by the time we got rental car and packed our luggage in it. We then set off to Keywest. The road from Miami to Keywest is awesome having backwaters, bay waters on one side and ocean on the other side. We had our lunch around 3:30 pm and then continued our journey. We could see so many small jet boats, finishing boats on the waters as we are reaching Keywest. Having lot of traffic it took us almost five and half hours to reach Keywest. we reached our hotel in Keywest around 5:45 pm. It was drizzling by the time we reached and so we could not plan any activity for that day. The hotel room was very spacious, well maintained and could see the ocean from the balcony. we then gossiped about the cruise experience, about the hotel room and then ordered dinner from a Chinese restaurant. The food was ok and then discussed what to do for the next day. We thought of many activities and finally decided to wake up early and go to different tourist centers to see what better packages were available and then went to
bed. Woke up around 6:30 am in the morning and then got ready, had breakfast and then around 8:00 am went in search of the tourist guides. We could not find the correct locations of the Guide's Offices and then returned home but still trying to reach them by phone. Around 11:00 am we got one of the guide, Sunset Water Sports and we reached there by 11:15 am and confirmed to do Dolphin tour along with Snorkel and Para-sailing. We then came home, checked out the hotel around 11:30 am and rushed to the yard from where we started our Dolphin tour. The tour started around 12:00 noon.

we sat on the outer seating off the boat. The boat raced into the ocean waters and we could hear the sound of splashing waters and also experienced water drizzling while the boat is cutting the waves of the water. The captain of the ship was humorous and knowledgeable and shared his knowledge about Dolphins and other sea creatures. Soon we reached the spot where we can see some Dolphins. We were looking all over the waters to see if we can find one. To our luck we could see couple of dolphins swimming very fast . The Dolphins were swimming near the boat as thought they are playing by ducking under the boat. It was very delightful to watch the real natural Dolphins swimming faster than the boat. We could see the round black eyes of the dolphins and their grey fins and waggy tails. We then sailed further to shallow waters and the boat was halted for us to Snorkel. They gave us the equipment for Snorkeling. The water was cold but we still went to see the life under water. We could see various small fishes, sea urchins, crabs under the water. It was wonderful experience Snorkeling in ocean shallow waters and watching the life under it. we then got into the boat and headed for the yard. On our return we met the family of the captain along with his two cute dogs who live on a boat near the yard. We saw many other islands and private villas which are on water. Around 1:30 pm we reached the yard. Our next activity, Para-sailing is around 2:00 pm. we quickly had our lunch at one of the restaurants on the yard and then set out for Para-sailing on another boat. The captain of the boat took us very far into the ocean and then we started Para-sailing. WOW it was amazing to fly so high over the huge ocean. We could see the vast blue waters of the ocean. It was thrilling to do and could experience the rapid winds. We were dipped into the waters in between to get even better experience. We completely got drenched in the waters. We took turns and did Para-sailing, took the cd of our Para-sailing, having video and pictures, from the captain as memory and then returned to the yard. Finally happy that we were able to do some activities and then set off to Orlando. We started around 4:45 pm from keywest and reached our hotel in Orlando around 12:00 midnight. We took break couple of times and ordered dinner from one of the Indian restaurants at Orlando. We planned to visit  Kennedy space center next day and slept for that day.

Woke up around 6:30 am , got refreshed , packed our breakfast and left for Kennedy Space Center around 8:00 am in the morning. There was huge traffic at the entrance of the space center. We reached there around 9:00 am. We took a two hour shuttle ride which took us to the Atlantis shuttle launchpad and also through the various centers where the parts of the Rocket are manufactured. It was great to see those gigantic and excellent structures and the huge carrier vehicles used to carry those to the Launchpad. We saw many alligators in the ponds on the way beside the road during the tour. We then saw the Atlantis discovery show and then had our lunch around 12:30 pm. Then we went to the movie theater which gave us the real experience about how the Shuttle was launched and how the controls are checked. After that we watched a 4D show about the Shuttle which showed us the life of Astronauts in the shuttle and purpose of shuttle. It was a spectacular show and really felt great to know about the evolution of technology in aeroscience. We then took the Simulator ride of the Shuttle. It was fantastic ride, we felt as though we are going into space. We then went to the Rocket Garden where there are prototypes of various rockets. We took photographs over there and then then went to the open air theater where there is a Rocket prototype and a video was projected on the rocket. The video is all about how the rocket went into space and how it ignites. There were visual effects as well and at the end of the video there were fireworks which were amazing. The fireworks lasted for 10 minutes. With that we finished our Kennedy space center tour and left around 8:30 pm for hotel and picked up dinner from one of the Indian restaurant near to our hotel. We had dinner around 9:30 pm and then discussed about our next day's plan i.e Disney World. Then retired to bed around midnight. Had a Wonderful trip so far and everything went as planned. Stay tuned for last and wonderful part of the Tour !!
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Bahamas - Florida Trip (Part I)

We went to Bahamas and Florida from 22nd December to 1st January

Brief Summary
Place : Bahamas, Miami, Key West, Orlando
Location : Florida
Distance : 1080 miles from Herndon
Group: Parents, Me and my wife, Brother in law, Sister and their two kids, Shrenik and his wife.
Transport : Nissan Altima, Ford Expedition
Duration: 11 days.

We started our trip on 22nd December around 8:28 am in rental car. we packed all the food for that day and necessary items. we decided to take break every 4 hours. Journey was very smooth and enjoyed the climate, road and music in the car. Had our lunch around 2:16 pm at one of the service area on the way. Continued our journey around 2:55 pm. It was a long drive and we got stuck in traffic for over an hour and half. We crossed states North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and finally reached Florida. We decided to stay in hotel for the night and reached Days Inn hotel around 11:00 pm. We had our dinner and then called off for that day. Next day we got up around 5:00 am in the morning, got refreshed and checked out the hotel around 5:45 am to reach Miami. On the way we saw the sunrise , it was very beautiful to watch with Sun in golden colour and rays of the Sun crossing the clouds. We reached Miami around 9:50 am in the morning. We went to hotel which has already been booked by sister and it was a sweet surprise to my parents to meet my sisters' family. we then returned the rental car, had our lunch and went to the Miami Port to board the Cruise around 12:45 pm. Our Cruise is Enchantment Of Seas from Royal Caribbean. We could see our huge cruise standing right in front of us. we were so excited to see such a huge ship and felt thrilled at the thought that we would be boarding it soon. How would it be inside, how the rooms are going to be what things are awaiting us.. all these thoughts are going on in our minds and made us more and more anxious. We gave our luggage for check in to the crew personnel and then stood in the line for boarding pass. An electronic card is given to each of us which servers as our room key, credit card for on board expenses. We took a nice family photograph after we got the passes and then finally boarded the cruise. WOW.. it was indeed a big spacious ship with wonderful decoration and lights. We then entered our rooms which are at lower deck(floor is referred as deck in ship) of the ship.

We booked two interconnecting rooms. The rooms are small but spacious enough for 4 people. Each room has a queen bed , two hanging beds and all are well maintained. We have got Ocean-view rooms from which we can view the ocean through the big glass window.The ship has 11 decks and we were at 2nd deck. By 3:30 pm we were inside the room and got refreshed. We checked through the pamphlet kept in the room to see where is what in the ship and what activities are there for the first day. We then quickly went to 10th deck to have a quick glance. the entire deck is for food, swimming and some games. From this deck it is an open view outside the ship. we returned to our room. Around 5:30 pm we got an announcement there was a mock drill and we need to go to the 5th deck, station 8. From this deck also we could see outside the ship. We saw the other cruises leaving the port and slowly sailing towards Atlantic Ocean. Around 6:30 pm our cruise also started from Miami Port and soon sailed into the ocean waters. Being first time on the cruise we could feel head spinning and not able to walk steadily. Around 8:00 pm we went to explore the 10th deck and what food options are available. To our surprise we have all continental dishes, drinks, ice creams and desserts. at one corner of the deck. On the other corner also we have food which opens around 11:00 pm. We walked slowly with spinning heads and sat on the table to have dinner. The food was very tasty. The crew members were very helpful and their service was too good. We had ice creams after having dinner and then enjoyed the cool breeze of Atlantic Ocean ,took a round around the deck and went to room. The cruise picked up speed and slowly we have not felt any sensation of head spinning. Around 11:00 pm couple of us went to 5th, 6th deck to explore. The deck's decoration was amazing and they have auditoriums, shops, art Gallery, cafe, huge central hall with Dias. We returned to room, gossiped about the ship, room the ambiance, food, waves in the ocean and finally retired to the warm cozy bed.

Woke up around 6:30 am in the morning and could see some islands through the window. We got ready by 7:30 am an by that time the cruise reached the island. It is Coco Cay island. We got off into a small boat from the cruise and reached the island around 9:15 am. It is Royal Caribbean's private own island. The island is full of shops , food and beaches for some water sports. We did shopping for water activities. We had mixed fruit juice given in pineapple and it was very delicious. We went on Glass Bottom Boat Tour and saw the life under water. It was amazing experience. we saw huge varieties of fish, corals, and other living things under the waters. Also we touched few of the sea creatures. The tour was good. We had our lunch on the island around 1:15 pm. The food was prepared the by the Cruise Crew and it was delicious and wide varieties were there. We took rest on the beach beds under the shadow of trees for a while and then decided to snorkel. Got the equipment from the nearby store and did snorkeling for almost 2 hours. Then we left on the small boat to board our cruise. Around 4:30 pm we boarded the cruise, went to our rooms and then got refresh. we went to 10th deck, by that time the ship started sailing slowly and again we felt head spinning. we had ice-creams, drinks and then sat at one of the tables and enjoyed the view of the ocean and said good bye to the parting island. Around 8:30 pm we had our dinner. Food was hot, fresh and tasty every time and different varieties. We had dessert. The service was too good and the crew literally brought anything that we asked for with smiling face. It was Christmas Eve and we saw the Christmas tree decoration and the prayers and Jingle Bells song. It was spectacular. The Ship was stopped and the prayers continued. Being tired we went to our rooms. Around midnight we few of us went to 10th deck and could see people dancing, singing and welcoming Christmas. we had hot cheese Pizza. We roamed around the dark and could see the stars, the bear clearly in the sky. The wind is so high that we were not able to speak. It was pitch dark all around. we saw the day care room, spa, fitness, wall climbing, bungee jump etc. The lights glow more and more as the darkness increased. We went too our rooms and slept for that day.

Woke up around 6:00 am in the morning. We could see the shore of Nassau(capital city of Bahamas). We got ready around 8:30 am. Had breakfast in the cruise and then left too explore Nassau. We took a local van and went to Atlantis. It is a very beautiful place with buildings on one side and beach on other side. The culture and history of Bahamas is reflected in these structures. We took a tour of Atlantis. It was lengthy walk tour. We saw various sea mammals in the aquarium. Had lunch at Atlantis. and then continued our tour. We completed the tour and reached the Nassau port around 4:16 pm. We boarded the cruise and went to our rooms. Being last night on the cruise we decided to roam around all the decks and enjoy the Christmas evening. We first went to 6th deck. Explored the deck. Visited the auditorium, did some shopping. Participated in the lucky draw to guess the weight of the diamond. Of course we didn't win. Then went to the 5th deck and enjoyed the live show along with the captain of the cruise. All nations flag show was conducted and honoured all the crew members of the ship. It was a great feeling to see the all the flags. We then went to 10th deck and had our dinner around 8:30 pm. Then walked around the deck exploring the stars in the clear sky, while the cruise racing on the waters of the ocean. We returned to our rooms. Around midnight couple of us went to the 10th deck to have the pizza, breathe the cold air and take the pictures for the last night of our cruise tour. Being tired we returned to our rooms and slept.
Woke up around 6:00 am in the morning, got ready  and meanwhile cruise reached the Miami port. We got off the cruise ,collected our luggage and completed the immigration around  9:15 am. It was a fantastic experience being the cruise for 3 days. We could still feel that we are in cruise in middle of the ocean. We never felt even slightest jerk while sleeping. It was a very smooth sail. Overall it was a wonderful experience
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