Have a Blue Christmas with Zegrahm Expeditions

Zegrahm Expeditions is offering a break from the traditional holiday season vacation. Spend December 17, 2011 to January 3, 2012 cruising from the Indian ports of Chennai and Kochi to the Sri Lankan harbours of Trincomalee and Colombo and explore India's Lakshadweep Islands and the northern Maldives. Highlights of the expedition include snorkeling, diving, shore walks, birding with naturalists, and a visit to a 16th-century palace.

Since the holiday season is a time to share with family and friends, Zegrahm is offering a special group discount for this voyage. Groups of four travelers or more receive a 10 percent savings on the brochure rate for each member. Groups of eight or more travelers receive a 15 percent savings. Travelers that are unable to join the 2011 voyage can participate in the 2012 voyage, which takes place December 1-18, 2012.

To learn more about the India and The Maldives voyage please visit www.zeco.com or luxury adventure cruise experts The Cruise Line.

Bales Worldwide launches its new 2012/13 programme

Book before 30 September and save £100pp

Bales Worldwide has launched its new 2012 Escorted Small Groups and Tailor Made Holidays programme for 2012/13. The new brochure covers 40 countries (with an additional 10 included online) throughout Asia, Africa, the Far East, Latin America, Egypt and Arabia, India, Canada, Alaska and Australasia. There are a few countries making a welcome return as well as an increased offering in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Morocco and throughout Africa. In addition to countless Tailor Made travel ideas and suggested itineraries there are seven new escorted small group tours with prices starting at just £1,095 for the 10 day ‘Wonders of Ancient Egypt’ tour and 11 new select frequent departure tours.,

To celebrate the launch of the new brochure Bales worldwide is offering an exclusive early booking offer. For bookings made before 30 September 2011, Bales is offering £100pp off all new bookings from the 2012/13 programme.*

Exciting features of the new programme for 2012 include:

Back to Myanmar (Burma, ) Egypt and new beginnings,  India Inside Out, Four new Antarctica itineraries and a New ‘Brazilian Wildlife Odyssey’ Journey 

For more information visit www.balesworldwide.com or The Cruise Line

Spices in India?

Well I don't actually know what these are. They were on one of several stalls in Ahmedabad's main market area. I don't think they're spices so maybe they're some sort of incense powders? The stall holders didn't speak English and it's really getting to me that I didn't find out. Can anyone tell me? Have great day now.

Wedding Party in India

Well here we are somewhere on the road between Ahmedabad and Jamnagar in Gujrat, North west India. It was really strange to be the centre of attention! The people here don't see that many tourists so practically the whole of this wedding party on a coach wanted us to have our photograph taken with them!

Really nice, generous people and a lovely, fascinating country

Take care now and have a great Christmas and New Year wherever you are.

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary

This a group of top birders at sunrise in the Khijadyiya Bird sanctuary, near Ramnagar, Gujarat, India. I had a great day there getting loads of life ticks including Uperts Warbler. I wouldn't have known what it was but using my eyes and their knowledge. You have a great day now.

Mar Girls in Gujarat

These girls are from the Mar people. A semi-nomadic tribe of cattle herders in northern Gujarat, India in the Katch region. I just thought the colours were stunning. Have great day now.

Off to India

Hello everyone, ha, that's optimistic!   Am now away travelling and wont be posting again until my return on December 6th. Hope life treats you well during that period and you get what you hope for.