CN Tower - Toronto

History of CN Tower
The CN Tower, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a communications and tourist tower standing 553.33m (1,815 ft 5 in) tall. Since its completion in 1976, it has been the world's tallest free-standing structure on land; however, its status as the world's tallest building is contentious. It is considered the signature icon of the city, attracting more than two million international visitors annually.



CN originally referred to Canadian National, the railway company that built the tower. Following the railway's decision to divest non-core freight railway assets, prior to the company's privatization in 1995, the CN Tower was transferred to the Canada Lands Company (CLC), a federal Crown corporation responsible for real estate development.



Comparing the heights of other tall structures with CN tower.

KVLY-TV mast is the tallest structure on earth with 628 meters located on Traill County, North Dakota, USA. This structure is supported by cables.

Petornius platform standing on water is taller than CN tower at 610 meters located in New orleans, USA.

Sears tower is the tallest sky scraper with antenna at 527 meters located in Chicago, USA.

Eiffel tower is merely 324 meters, but truely a master piece located in Paris, France.
If these facts interst you, read more about worlds tallest buildings and structures

Road to CN tower
It was a 150 Kms 2 hours drive for us. take a look at the satellite image of the CN Tower.

Glass floor
You can look down 342 m(1,122 ft) right below your feet. Many people experience acrophobia when they walk on this glass floor. It also has a cafe in this floor.
At 1150 feet height 360 restaurant takes a full rotation once every 72 minutes. You can take a look at the whole city in about an hours time sipping your coffe.



Skypod
Skypod at 447 m (1465 ft) is the highest observation deck in the world. On a clear day you can see up to 120 Kms, including outline of lake Ontario and mist rising from Niagara falls.
Skypod gives a spectacular view of the high rises of the city.
Visitors love to spend most of their time here.



Facts

CN Tower is world's tallest free-standing structure on land. Made a detailed study on this claim and CN tower isnt the tallest free structure on earth (as i was told) its Petornius platform standing on water.

CN Tower is alomost twice as tall as Eiffel tower is.

this building is used in various games like Simcity 3000, Ace combat 5

CN Tower experiences lightning strikes 40 to 50 times a year

CN Tower is listed in Guinnes world records as tallest free standing structure.

This is one of the most important tourist place in Canada.

Sony Cybershot DSC-N2 - Migration from 3 to 10 MP

Switched from 3 Mega pixels to 10 Mega pixels Sony DSC N2



Read the full review of Sony Cybershot DSC-N2 - Migration from 3 to 10 MP

All photos (well almost) that you saw on my blogs so far were clicked by this camera. Probly Niagara trip was its last journey with me.

Niagara falls

This is one travel destination for which we had been waiting for months together.

History of Niagara falls -
Niagara Falls are a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York State.
While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide. With more than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falling over the crestline every minute in high flow, and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average, it is the most powerful waterfall in North America.



Niagara Falls is renowned both for its beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power for Ontario and New York. Preserving this natural wonder from commercial over-development, while allowing for the needs of the area's people, has been a challenging project for environmental preservationists since the 1800s. A popular tourist site for over a century, the Falls are shared between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.



Nothing is more thrilling than to watch Niagara falls roaring infront of you. Ferry services like "Maid of the Mist" does exactly this. It takes you close to the falls. Raincoats are provided to keep you safe from loads of mist and water that falls on you when you go closer.



It was a 182 Kms, a 3 hours dirve for us. Here is a google road map that we used to reach Niagara.

Satellite view of Niagara falls

View a live camera on Niagara falls

Niagara looks equally bright and lit up in the night (check out the schedule on their site) with colorful lights. To add more to the beauty you can see wonderful fireworks display on friday and sunday nights at 10 PM. Check the schedule on their site as the timings vary throughout the year. Its another not to miss event in Niagara.



Some interesting facts about Niagara falls

The first person to go over the Falls in a barrel and survive was a 63 year old female schoolteacher.

Niagara falls is 12,000 yrs old.

Every year over 12 million tourists visit Niagara.

Marilyn Monroe starrer "Niagara" was filmed in Niagara Falls in 1952.

In 1960, Roger Woodward was the boy who had survived a descent over the Falls after a boating accident above the Falls.

Niagara Falls Ontario Canada is known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world.

Until 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was erected, the Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America and the New World.

Visitors from all over the world targeted Niagara as a must-see during a visit to North America.

To conclude,
We had a wonderful time in Niagara. Its a must visit place if you happen to visit north american continent.

Lion Safari in Cambridge.

Watching captive animals in the cages is much different from watching them freely roaming around in safari.
Lion safari is an attaractive travel destination to see more than 1000 exotic species of animals and birds. Its specially enjoyed by young ones.

It was 60 Kms drive for us to the LionSafari from Stratford.

Entry fee for adults is $22 Cad. which almost covers everything. Map is provided to you so that you can drive through the park by yourself. You can also choose to see the park in Safari tour bus. Check the lion safari website for details and timings.

First animals you will find are Asian elephants swimming in the lake.


You will find Baboons climbing on cars to get whatever people offer them. Be careful & do not to open the windows. You are not allowed to feed any animals in the safari(Although many people do feed them for the sheer fun of having the animals around their vehicles).



Then there were Lions sleeping lazily in the sun. These are not bothered about humans as none of the visitors feed them.



This zebra was just looking around visitors as if its a waste of time.


Herd of deers (i do not know the sub species of it)


Few peacocks were walking between visitors. One of them was dancing with its beautiful feathers open.


Apart from these animals you will also find African Macaws, Different types of parrots, Eagles, hawks, Falcons, Emu, Owls, Cheetah, camel, Yak, American Bison, Rhino, Shetland Sheep and Horse.

Safari also includes demonstration of
Parrots paradise, Birds of prey and elephant round up (this is much like our old days animal circus)


Apart from animals and birds, safari also has Misumu Bay Wet Play area. We were running short of time and could not see this.

Driving experience in canada.

I had to completely unlearn my indian driving habits and start afresh. Most important one was driving on the opposite side of the road and lot of driving rules which must be followed so that others wont honk at you.

Here are some of the driving behaviours that we learnt over a period of time from others who shared the roads with us in the past.

we use to pass through pedastrains even if they are crossing (it was also a confusion and scary for pedestrains). And this is nothing new & is very common.

Cover all valid lanes by pushing your vehicle where ever it fits (thats how all bikes fit in between all lanes of cars)

Not bothered about speed limits as you will never exceed them because

1. Sufficient traffic on the road does not let you speed up but follow them.

2. Roads have enough speed breakers & Traffic signals to see that you do not reach good speed.

3. Curves and people crossing the roads

Right hand drive (Driving on left side of roads)

And over here the driving is 180 degree different.

Pedestrains get the highest preference to cross the roads.

Change the lanes with precaution and proper signaling.

Speed limit violations get you fines delivered right at your door steps :p Roads are good enough to go at 200Kms speed anywhere so you got to control it as the signs tell you.

Left hand driving of vehicles. Initially for a few days its scary to see vehicles crossing in opposite directions.

Learning driving in canada
Previous driving experience will definitely give you confidence. Do not think of driving from the first day itself. Here are few tips to get you started.

1. If possible get local driving license. You need to go through proper formal training for this. In Canada it costs up to$40 a class of an hour.
2. Take your time to see the traffic behaviour and signals.
3. Read through Drivers handbook for complete listing of traffic rules & driving instructions. Some of the rules change from state to state (applicable to US also) so be watchful.
4. Do not drive if you do not have valid license. International driving Permit will also do as long as it is valid and in English or French language.
5. Do not drive without insurance. It is illegal to drive without insurance, fines are up to $2500.
6. Do not think of driving on highways if you are not very comfortable to drive at high speeds of 100-120Kms.



Finally
Its a great feeling to drive on good roads with greenery all around. I enjoyed every bit of driving on Chrystler Sebring 2007 model. Respect all rules of traffic, have fun and enjoy a wonderful drive.

Swans of Stratford - Avon river

Last weekend we went on lakeside drive. We started at 6:30 - Just incase you are wondering that it will be dark,it wont be. Summers have relatively longer days and it gets dark at about 8:APM here.



Some history..
In August 1918 a pair of swans was released in this river and their population has grown considerably over the years.
White swans (in the picture) are called Mute swans. The Stratford Waterfowl And Nature Society (S.W.A.N.S) Group is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping waterfowl along Avon river (also called Lake victoria)



Swan facts

Swans can live upto 25 years.

Swans are vegitarians.

Male swan is called a Cob.

Female swan is called a Pen.

Baby swan is called cygnet.

Group of swans is called a herd.



Its common to see some swans crossing the roads and the car drivers waiting patiently for them to cross the road. It was a wonderful evening spent with these swans.

Swan emergency in stratford.
If you see a swan in need of help call 519-271-0250 ext 243




Official website of the swans in stratford

My footprints in Canadian snow

Its wonderful to see snow again after a gap of a year. Last time it was in Netherlands ,

now its in Canada. Its an ever exciting thing to step on snow for people like us who come from dry lands where we dont see snow.

Nature looks beautiful and gets painted with white color all over when it snows. Playing snowball is fun for kids & audults equally. We enjoyed it :)

Early morning walk gets you some wonderful glimpses of the nature. You get to see the small bird chirping around, Water droplets that got frozen trying to drip from corners, Lakes frozen and lot more.

Whenever i saw my own steps in the snow i grin'd..."My footprints in Canada!!"

Since this is almost the beginig of summer we may not find this snow for long.

I hope summer will be far more exciting when we can walk around places freely.

Happy new year 2007

Wishing you all and your family members a very happy new year 2007.



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Stamps of 2006

Stamps are one of the best ways to remember a year. These stamps are some of memorable events of 2006 in my life.



2006 was a year with lot of events happening.

Worked in Netherlands. Spent close to 2 months there. This picture was taken in the open greenery near my house.

Visited Paris, France – Went on exciting paris trip with friends. What a romantic place it was :d, Eiffel tower and Louvre museum are two most memorable places in Paris.

Nikhil was born. My nephew (301). Its great feeling to watch these tiny tots making noise around.

Aditya was born. My nephew (302). It was fun watching him grow from day one.

I got married: Preethi became my life partner.

Fashion show : Participated in fashion show in Honeywell. Although didn’t win anything in this event, it was really a memorable experience to be a part of it.

If you want to create a stamp too of your own events, shoot me a mail to get the template of these stamps (Created in photo shop 5).

Shiroda beach

Lush greenery with palm trees and coconut trees will welcomes you to this small not so famous village called Shiroda. Shiroda beach has long stretch of clean sparkling beach.



I love spending my holidays in coastal areas. Shiroda is one such romantic spot. Shiroda has a delightful view of the sea and white sand. This is a perfect holiday destination for sun, fun and clean beach.

How to reach there :

Shiroda beach is located about 508 K. M. from Mumbai and 57 K. M. from Panji.

Nearest Airport is Dabohli (Goa) 92.K.M and nearest railway Station is at Sawantwadi.


You wont find regular crowd and shops hence beach is clean and attractive. It has a beach resort. Local people are very friendly and hospitable.

Dolphin's Nose - KodaiKanal

Dolphin’s nose is one of the most important locations for forest explorations around KodaiKanal. Local tourist agencies offer Dolphins nose as a part of the one day forest trekking package.

Your way to Dolphin’s Nose: It’s about 8 Kms from the city. Need to walk about 3 kms downhill to reach Dolphin’s nose. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you walk in the forest area. You will get lot of small shops on the way selling eatables, tea/coffee and soft drinks. On the way you will find lots of exciting views of the forest with clouds covered. We went in August; weather may not be the same all the year. I am sure it will be more pleasing during October to March as Sun peeps through these trees adding a new dimension to its beauty.

It’s a breath taking experience to stand on the edge of the rock. You will find it both thrilling and scary to go close to so called Dolphins nose. Clouds pass through your body and fresh air through your lungs. Mountains around you are most of the time covered with clouds.
A must visit location if you go to KodaiKanal.

Thippagondanahalli (T.G. Halli) dam

Thippagondanahalli Reservoir also known as chamarajsagar is located at the confluence of the rivers Arakavathi and Kumudavathi. This is a great place for picnic and bird watching.



Lush greenery around the dam attracts everyone specially on sunny days. Lots Trees, flowers and calm environment soothes our senses and is an ideal getaway for weekends. This kind of picnics is a must in everyone’s life to get a break from our busy city life.


General public is not allowed to enter the dam or guesthouse without prior permission.

Location : 35 Kms from Bangalore towards Magadi.
Best time to visit: September to Febrauary.



Dam was inaugurated in 1933. Sir M Vishveshwaraiah supervised the construction work.



We enjoyed playing in the water, and could also spot a snake chasing a water bird. Large fishes can also be found here.

It was a memorable outing for all of us.

Madurodam - Miniatures of Netherlands

Watching that Amsterdam miniature caught our eyes like magnet. We could appreciate how beautifully they had taken care of each and every detailing of the miniature of those buildings.

Madurodam is located near Hague. city buses will take you there in 15 mins.
These miniatures are of exactly 25 times smaller than actual buildings/structures. If you plan to visit or travel in Netherlands make sure this is your first destination. Madurodam miniatures will introduce you to all important buildings and structures of Netherlands.

These are built in open air and amazingly they have been standing against all odds of nature's fury (snow, rain and sun)

We visited Rotterdam bridge after having a look at its miniature (although it was already in our must see list) We were eagerly looking forward to see the original large bridge. Only me and shyam could dare to face the chilling wind on the bridge.


Highway miniatures were so neatly arranged/automated that its hard to make out that its a miniature. Take a look the the video clip :)

Overall A must see place of Netherlands.

Pony tails - The cute little horses

These small sized horses are called ponies (or pony). These adorable ponies are quite rare (in many parts of the world) as they cannot be used for commercial purposes.

I found these in many parts of Netherlands used as pets. They just keep grazing all the time.. and its so good to watch them

Many breeds of these ponies are found all over the world. Here is a list of them with good details about ponies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pony

First snow of the year.

This was first snow of the year. Nature looks beautiful when it snows... White snow all over the place..

Thanks Koen for clicking all these beautiful photos..

Windmills of netherlands

Some of these windmills were started way back in 16th century when electricity wasn’t there. Many of these windmills are still in working condition. You can find these windmills throughout Netherlands.

Ice hockey on frozen lakes

Frozen lakes are fun to play. But be careful, they could turn out to be fatal if you do not know about them before stepping on. Wait for the weather to be below zero degrees for a week (This helps the upper layer of water get frozen and a thick layer of solid ice forms on water).

Its an amazing experience to play on the lake that was water few days back.. and will be melting again in a few days.

Happy new year 2006 - Bonne année

New year wishes to all of you. May all your wishes come true this year.

Bonjour :) Welcome to French language

Training had never been so much fun for me. Thanks to Satyam SLC for conducting the French language course. It is said that French decended from Latin, but for us it resembled English. Although spellings and meaning of many words remain same in French, prononciation was different, so it was little bit of un-learning english.

étudiants de française

From Left to Right : Me,Dinesh Thyagaraju, Sreeranjini, Amitha, Kruthika, Soumya, Sandhya(Our Teacher),Sarath, Aman, Rohit, Shridhar, Shambhu, Kripal, Srinivas, Divya prasan,Bindu , Shilpa, Venugopal, Jyothi, Shweta.

Facts related to French

French is one the second most influential language next to English.

Spoken as a native language in 5 continents.

Official language of about 60% of African countries.

More than 40 countries use French either as first language or second language.

Most people in Canada and Europe speak French.

More than 250 million people speak French as their first language.

Some resources

Why should we learn French

http://www.bonjour.com/- An excellent resource for every beginner or traveller planning to visit any French spoken country. This website has audio clips in a very easy to use interface with categories like greetings, numbers, asking for help, finding your way etc.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/lj/challenge Very good fast track tutorial by BBC. Checkout other detailed topics too.

http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901a.htm Detailed tutorial at about.com

http://www.frenchassistant.com Another good tutorial with audio clips and lot of stuff on grammer.

A Song.
Alouette is a very interesting nursery song of french language. A link to Alouette song

And finally Translators are invaluable resources to Translate your words/sentenses from/to any of the popular languages. You can even translate a website.

http://www.worldlingo.com

http://www.appliedlanguage.com/free_translation.shtml

If you have gone through enough resources and prepared for a test, www.French-Chat.com lets you apply your learnings and chat with people in french. Most of these people are also fluent in english.

I have tried all above resources and I am sure they will be useful for you too. Suggestions?.. Any useful resources that can be added here..? shoot me a mail.

Jugaad - Vehicles made from waterpumpsets

Abhishek & his father were fascinated by those open vehicles made of water pumps (These are called Jugaads). At last they caught hold of an orphaned one and started trying their hands in it. Interestingly I had seen a documentary on these vehicles on a news channel few months back. These vehicles are called Jugaad. These are made locally and they cost around Rs. 40,000 (That's $1,000). They have poor brakes and cant go beyond 40 kms per hour. They run on Diesel (They are just ordinary water pump sets converted into engine)
Arun added that very often brakes of these vehicles fail and one of the passengers jumps down and applies a manual wooden block as a brake.

We found these vehicles only in Rajasthan just like camels only found in this part of India.These vehicles didn't have any registration number (obviously they are not registered with RTO) hence they end up not paying any tax.

Interesting story of how these jugaads came in to existance.