Travel Logs of the Somasundarams

Gatorland and Ferrari of Central Florida

2011-12-26T20:42:00.000-05:00

Gatorland and Ferrari of Central Florida

South Orange Blossom Trail and I-4

Orlando, Florida

Monday, Dec 26, 2011

In the morning we woke up and had some coffee at the hotel but that was not very good. So we drove couple of blocks from South Orange Blossom Trail to South Orange Road to a Dunkin Donuts and had breakfast.

Since we were planning to leave today itself for home we checked out of the hotel (it was NOT good anyway) and headed to Gatorland. Since we were Florida residents and the Gatorland offered a good deal until Dec 31, 2011, we bought tickets that were 1/3 price of the regular tickets.

Even though the day was cloudy and in the seventies (Fahrenheit scale) the gators were not interested in performing for Gator Jumaproo! So went ahead and looked at the leucistic gators (not albino gators) that have white skins with splotches of regular color but blue eyes. We saw several gators and some crocodiles, flamingos, South American parrots, cockatoos, Chester the big Gator, storks, pea cocks, pea hens and other farm animals. Then we participated in the Close Encounters show and returned back to Gator Jumparoo! This time the gators were biting.

Next we walked over to cages of other crocodilian species like Cuban crocodile, Nile crocodile, Spectacled caiman, and salt water crocodiles and occasionally witnessing the Gatorland Zip-line folks flying above us screaming.

We then took the train ride and looked the turtles. On the way out we got VTS and TSs caricatures drawn by the artist Ron.

Then we crawled in traffic for 20 minutes and reached the Ferrari and Maserati of Central Florida dealership at Interstate Park complex at Lake Destiny Drive. The sales person was very polite and extra nice and allowed us take some pictures and showed around their car collections. VTS was very happy to see all his favorite cars in one place.

Then by 4:30 PM we headed out for coffee and on our way home. We arrive home by 9:15 PM and went to bed.

Casselberry Hindu Temple

2011-12-25T20:40:00.001-05:00

Casselberry Hindu Temple

Hindu Society of Central Florida

Casselberry, Florida

Christmas Day, Dec 25, 2011

We left around 10:30 AM from our home and started driving in I-10 East and after about 90 miles we stopped for the rest stop and soon joined the I-75 South and drove via Gainesville and Ocala. We decided to skip the Orlando Turnpike and instead drove through Leesberg and Apopka to reach Orange Blossom Drive in Orlando.

On the way stopped just past Leesburg for lunch. Since we were traveling during Christmas day most of the restaurants were closed and only very few fast-food places were open. One among them was Burger King chain. Vivek had some lunch and we ate what we brought from home.

Then around 3:45 PM we arrived at the Hindu Society of Central Florida temple in Lake Drive in Casselberry, Florida. There was very little crowd which was good. We offered a simple pooja and offered donations to the temple. We spent about an hour at the temple and went to the temple canteen. Since they were closing at 5 PM they had only vadai and coffeee. We took some pictures of the temple and left for Orlando.

While driving on I-4 West on our way to the hotel, VTS spotted the Ferrari and Maserati of Central Florida dealership. We got out of I-4 West at Exit 88 on Lees Road. With a help of a nearby homeowner we were to locate the dealership. Since it was Christmas Day it was closed. We looked around the parking and headed to our hotel.

We checked into the Hotel by 6:30 PM and had dinner by 7:20 PM. We watched some TV and went to bed by 9:00 PM

Visit IISc Bangalore

2011-08-05T14:12:00.004-04:00

Visit IISc Bangalore

Friday, August 05, 2011

Today morning I woke up at 2:30AM and had coffee. By 4 am we left for Bangalore via SH 58 via Valajapet and Kanchipuram (1 hr). After Kanchipuram we joined NH 46 and went through Vellore (1:45 hrs). We paid tolls: 40, 90, 90, 75, etc in the Walajabet-Krishnagiri Tollways. Driver Kanniyappan and Jayakumar came with me.

We arrived at Electronic City Toll ways around 9:15 AM (after leaving Zuzuvadi, Tamil Nadu and entering Athibele, Karnataka (border cities)). We took the long route of Outer-Ring Road and went via HBR layout, toward Hebbal. Finally we reached Hebbal and took a left turn and arrived at Mekri Circle (the only place that was remotely familiar to me). From there we took a right turn and reached the second gate and entered at the Biochemistry department of IISc entrance.

I met Vasanthacharya and he took me to see BV Varma at MRC. We proceeded to SSCU and met KJRao, JG and all the office staff. I met Kannan, Jayaram, Thammaiah, Venkatesh, Kannan, and Saroja. Then Kannan, Vasant, two drivers, and I went to Faculty Club and had lunch. Then we went to Vasant’s residence and strolled around the campus. I met Arunan. We took pictures and left around 3 PM to SIL's place.

They were at GR Lavenya in L&T South City in Bannergatta Road in South West Bangalore. We located it and arrived there by 6 PM. The children came then so did BIL. We had dinner and slept. By next morning 3 AM we left for Chengalpattu.

Visit Pachaiyappa's College

2011-08-03T15:31:00.003-04:00

Visit Pachaiyappa's College
Chennai 600 030
Wednesday, August 03, 2011

This morning I went to Shenoy Nagar and from there headed toward the Poompuhar Shop at Anna Salai. On the way I stopped at Pachaiyappa’s college took some video, photos of the college, Chemistry department and hostel. I spoke to couple of current MSc Chemistry students and other faculty.

Then we went and parked at Spencer plaza had lunch and went shopping at music world. Then we went to Poompuhar purchasing. We left city around 2 Pm and headed to Chengalpattu. The smoke and city congestion was very bad and I had severe cough. I arrived at TTR house by 4 apm. Had shower, took Rx and slept for an hour.

Thangassery Lighthouse & Kollam Back water Boating

2011-07-31T18:25:00.002-04:00

Thangassery Lighthouse &

Kollam Backwater Boat Tour

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Kollam (Quillon), Kerala

Today morning Bhanu and Usha went to two temples in the neighborhood. Then all of us had breakfast. The plan for today was to go for boating in the morning and visit the beach in the evening.

Then I went to see the Thangassery Lighthouse located at Thangassery (near Mount Carmel School). Unfortunately, the visiting time was between 3 and 5 PM so I spent sometime in the Thangassery beach.

Then in the afternoon we all took an auto to the Kollam Bus Station Boat Jetty. Our plan originally was to take the transport boat and go around. But since it took too long for the transport boat to arrive at jetty, we changed our plans. Meanwhile, one of the Backwater Boat Operators approached us and offered take us (five) for one hour for Rs 550. This offer looked good and we all climbed aboard and after short problem with the motor we traveled through the Kollam back ward canals for about an hour 3:30 to 4:30 PM.

We enjoyed the ride. After the boat ride we went to the Supreme Bakery had coffee and cake and bought some knickknacks and went home for dinner.

Kollam Beach Trip

2011-07-30T08:40:00.001-04:00

Kollam Beach Trip

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Kollam (Quillon), Kerala

Since we had traveled a lot yesterday, we took it light today. We all took naps. Then in the afternoon we went to Jos Alukkas and bought some cloths. Usha and I rode the TVS 50 while others took the auto both ways. We came home and had coffee.

Then we took one auto (5 people 50 Rs) and went to Kollam Beach. Today was Aaddi Ammavasya and therefore the tides were strong and no one went into the water. There were police warning people not to go into the water. We spent about an hour there then took another auto and came to Annapurna restaurant and had dinner (north Indian style; Rs380) and walked home. We spent another hour before we went to sleep at 9:30 PM

Visit Kanyakumari

2011-07-29T11:19:00.002-04:00

Travel to Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu, India

Friday, July 29, 2011

We arrived at Chennai airport in the morning. We all had breakfast and coffee. We took Kingfisher flight IT-2882 to Trivandrum with a flight time of about 2 hours (turbo prop ATR 72-500).

Usha and Karan had brought an SUV and we boarded it traveled toward Kanyakumari via National Highway 47 (NH47). On the way we stopped and bought some honey and had lunch near a roadside stop. Due to the delayed flight we arrived at Kanyakumari around 4 PM and proceeded to take the boat ride to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. We met our friend who helped us proceed faster. We spent about 1 1/2 at these memorials and arrived shore.

We then headed to the Gandhi Memorial while the kids played at the park. Soon we wet our feet at the beach where three seas mingle: Bay of Bengal from the East, Indian Ocean from the South, and Arabian sea on the West. We also paid visit to the Kanya Kumari Amman Temple.

Then we headed back to Quillon (Kollam). On the way stopped at the Suchindram Temple ( தாணுமாலயன் திருக்கோவில்) where all three gods are present: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

2011-07-28T16:00:00.003-04:00

Visit Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) &

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

Thursday, July 28, 2011

In the morning slightly after breakfast time we took our driver Jayakumar and headed east on Tamil Nadu State Highway 58 toward Mahabalipuram (via Thirukalukundrum). It took us about 45 minutes to arrive at the location of Pancha Ratha (Five Chariots). We spent sometime there and then headed to the Arjuna's Thapa (Arjuna's Penance) after looking around that area we headed to the Mahabalipuram beach and the Shore temple. We took some pictures and bought some souvenirs.

We had our lunch that we had brought with us. Soon we headed toward Chennai (Northward) on the East Coast Road and arrived at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust within few 30 minutes. We spent about 1 1/2 looking around the place and donated money for the development and research of the bank.

Then late in the afternoon we headed back to Chengalpattu retracing the same path but without any stops.

Visit Vedaraniam

2011-07-26T18:00:00.001-04:00

Visit Vedaraniam

(Velankanni Monday, July 25, 2011)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tamil Nadu, India

Last evening after visiting Kumbakonam we stopped at the Velankanni Matha Koil (Shri ne Basilica of Our Lady of Health Vailankanni) and prayed for everyone's well being.

I woke up in the morning and around at 7:00 AM and we rode in his Jeep to see the salt works. We spent about an hour in the salt works looking at live work and the machine. Then we headed home and had breakfast.

Then I quickly went to my house and checked out everything and went and met Govindasamy. Then around 11 AM we went to KGKG training school. There I spent about 2 hours for the program where I was one of the chief guests. I had lunch there and went and met aunts the second time. Then we came home. I spent some more time at my house and at 4 Pm went to the temple with vivek, it was closed .

Then we took our car and drove toward Katharripulam (on the way we stopped at mariamman temple). There we my aunt’s house. Then we went to Sambu’s house. There we met periayamma, Then I went to big brother's house and met him and his wife . Then around 8:30 PM went to bed in Vedaraniam.

Visit Tanjore Big Temple

2011-07-24T15:06:00.002-04:00

Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, Siva Ganga Garndens,
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Sunday, July 24, 2011

We all woke up in the morning at Ambi's residence and spent sometime playing in and around the house. We had some breakfast. Athan from Kollam arrived and Vijaay athan went and picked him up. Soon Kollam athan had to leave for Trichy to meet his new tenant.

We all then got ready and traveled to Brihadeeswarar temple (Big temple, aka பெரிய கோயில், Peruvudayar Koil, ). . We parked our car outside the temple in the parking lot. We spent about 1 ½ hours. We saw the Lingam, the koil exhibition, the devi, and nandi. We learned about additions to the original structures by various rulers like Nayaks. We took some pictures.

The day was slightly cloudy but humid and bright. Then we went to Sivaganga Gardens. There we took joy train ride and kids went played in the play area. Then around 4 PM we left for home. All of us had shower since it was sweaty and hot.

In Chengal Pattu

2011-07-21T12:50:00.003-04:00

Chengalpattu, JCK Nagar

July 21, 2011

Kanchipuram District

Tamil Nadu

I have been in Chengalpattu for the past couple of days. Today I went and helped mom and dad in the morning . Thiyagu took me to Kavitha Photo studios to get passport sized photos (six of them) Then we had lunch. I visited mom again and waited until she finished her lunch.

I went to the bank in the afternoon. Then I came home and replaced the CFL bulbs in the main hall and the kitchen. An electrician had already put a holder for the CFL in the main hall and fixed the choke on the fluorescent tube. 11/207 Kurinchi Street.

Travel to Chennai via Frankfurt

2011-07-18T09:00:00.003-04:00

Charlotte-Frankfurt-Chennai

Monday, July 18 - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

We left home around 9:05 AM. Our flight US Airways flight from Tallahassee to Charlotte was delayed but the weather was very nice. Clear day both in Tallahassee and Charlotte. So we made-up sometime.

We arrived at Charlotte and at the main gate area we ate lunch. Papa John’s pizza and Burger King. Our flight US 704 to Frankfurt was delayed and arrived at 3:30 PM. Soon we boarded the plane and left for Frankfurt. The US Airways flight was not comfortable. There was very little leg space and the food was okay and we had to pay for our extra luggage and ear-phones (didn't buy it). The weather in Frankfurt was sunny and we arrived only 25 minutes late.

Early in the afternoon we left for Chennai. The LH flight was much more comfortable and had channa masala dinner and I watched a free movie Rio. We finally arrived in Chennai just before mid-night Tuesday. Thiyagu was waiting and there was light rain. By the time I arrived home it was almost 2 AM.

Visit the new Capitol of Florida

2011-07-08T13:40:00.003-04:00

Visit new Capitol of Florida & Black Archives Building

Tallahassee, FL

Friday, July 08, 2011; 1:00 PM

Today VTS and I as part of "Getting to Know your Hometown" of "Tallahassee" visited the Black Archives Blue Union Bank Building and the new Capitol Building in the downtown area. The first Black Archives Building but it was closed.

Then we visited the new Capitol Building. We looked at the Medal of Honor Wall, Music Wall of Fame, the great Seal of Florida, offices of the Attorney General, Lt and Governor of Florida in the first floor. Then from the third floor we took pictures of the seal, Florida's animals, birds, etc. Then we looked at the Senate (South side) and House of Representative (North side) chambers in the fifth floor. Finally we took the elevator all the way to the 22nd floor to capture the panoramic view of the East, South, West, and the North.

Visit war memorials

2011-07-03T10:00:00.002-04:00

Visit War Memorials
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Tallahassee

Today as part of "Getting to Know your Hometown" of "Tallahassee" we visited several war memorials in the downtown area. The first was Korean War Memorial which was next to an area where there were construction work going on. We found profound meaning in the memorial.

Then we visited the World War II memorial in front of Florida History Museum and found all 67 counties have been represented. The Copper Wreath was very poignant.

Then we visited the Vietnam War Memorial in front of the Old and New Capitol Buildings. The huge American flag was still waving. There was a picture of solider and a small American flag at the base of the memorial.

We couldn't visit the Medal of Honor wall since the New Capitol was closed.

Visit Tallahassee's Old Capitol

2011-06-26T13:33:00.003-04:00

Visit Tallahassee's Old Capitol
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
400 South Monroe Street • Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Sunday, June 26, 2011

VTS and I visited the Tallahassee's Old Capitol Building now called "Florida Historic Capitol Museum". It was part of VTS' class project called getting to know your "Hometown" Tallahassee. We spent about an hour visiting the building and reading about the renovation and checking out the Senate chamber (South side) and the House chamber (North side) in the second floor. We also saw Judicial chamber and the Governor's office in the first floor.

Once this building along with the portions removed during the building of the New capitol housed all three branches of the government of Florida.

Visit by Vasanth from Bangalore

2011-04-24T08:42:00.004-04:00

Visit by Vasanth

Thu - Sun, Apr 21-24, 2011

Tallahassee, FL

My friend Vasanth from Bangalore visited our family for few days on his way to a conference in Florida. He arrived late on Thursday night from Charlotte. VTS was away at Houston at a conference. We discussed about his research work and updated him with my current research in Biophysics.

On Friday we had a very busy day visiting IMB, Biology, Chemistry. We also stopped by his collaborator's office twice to meet with him personally. Unfortunately his collaborator was not available during our both visits. We left our telephone number and went to the Mag Lab. Since my friends interest is in the magnetic and electrical properties materials.

On Saturday we went to TKD, Lake Ella and finally to Wakulla Springs State Park. We had a reasonably relaxing day on Saturday. Then early this moring he left for his conference via Greyhound Bus Service.

Visit Baltimore-03 | First Cathedral

2011-03-09T10:30:00.002-05:00

Visit Baltimore-03 | First Cathedral

Tuesday, March 08, 2011; 9:00-9:30 AM

Baltimore, MD

This morning just before the session started I visited the first Cathedral (Catholic) in Baltimore, MD which was walking distance from the Conference site.

After my breakfast I walked to the National Cathedral in Baltimore, MD and spent about 1/2 hour inside and was shown around by a volunteer. After that I walked few blocks to see the Washington Monument and statue of Lafayette.

Then I took the Charmcity Circulator (Purple route) to the conference site.

Visit Baltimore-02 | Fort McHenry

2011-03-07T13:00:00.003-05:00

Visit Baltimore-02 | Fort McHenry

Monday, March 07, 2011; 11 AM to 12:30 PM

While attending the conference and during the lunch time I visited the Fort McHenry, National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, MD.

I walked around the National Monument and saw a short movie about Francis Scott Key and his inspiration in writing the National Anthem.

Visit Baltimore-01

2011-03-05T18:31:00.003-05:00

Travel to Baltimore, MD

Saturday, March 05, 2011

I started my travel to Baltimore, MD to attend the 55th Annual Biophysical Society Meeting at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD.

I left Tallahassee around mid morning via US Airways and traveled to Charlotte, NC. I was accompanied by another colleague. Our connecting flight to BWI was less than 45 minutes from the time of our TLH flight arrival. However, after rushing to the departing terminal we were told that our flight will not leave on-time anyway due to mechanical problems. We were then put on another flight after 1 1/2 h delay and arrived at BWI late in the afternoon.

We both took the MTA LightRail to the Convention Center and finished our Registration. I went around the Poster session checking out several interesting posters.

Back in Tallahassee

2010-08-10T22:38:00.001-04:00

Back in Tallahassee

Visit Grand Canyon NP

2010-08-09T22:36:00.004-04:00

Visit Grand Canyon NP

Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

We started from Flagstaff, AZ in the morning and took US 89N going toward Page, AZ since we wanted to shop at the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, AZ for some Native American handicrafts. The we drove to the Grand Canyon National Park. Along the way we stopped and looked at the Colorado river.

Once inside the Park we stopped at various vantage points and enjoyed the scenery. We were able to get some food at the Park's Fred Harvey Restaurant around noon time. Then we got some souvenirs. After that we left for Las Vegas, NV via I-40 and US93 N. While we were passing through Hoover Dam, there was heavy construction on the roads and that slowed us down quite a bit.

By late evening we arrived at Las Vegas and had some dinner at Del Taco, Mexican-style fast-food place before retiring for the day.

Petrified National Park

2010-08-08T21:25:00.008-04:00

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest, AZ 86028

Sunday, August 08, 2010

This morning we left Chinle, AZ and drove via 191 South via Apache Nation toward I-40. Once we joined I-40 we took I-40 West (going toward Flagstaff, AZ) until we arrived at the exit for Petrified Forest National Park.

Then we drove through Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert National Park. The whole drive was about 25 miles and we stopped at many places including the Visitor Centers on both the entrances. Then we left through second (South entrance) and took Route 180 West and joined I-40 W.

We exited at Exit 252 in Winslow, AZ and spent sometime in Winslow Downtown. We drove through the historic Route 66 via Winslow, AZ.

Finally we arrived at Flagstaff and stayed there for the night.

Glen Canyon Dam and Monument Valley

2010-08-07T22:07:00.006-04:00

Glen Canyon Dam, AZ and Monument Valley, NN

Saturday, August 07, 2010

This morning we left Kanab, UT after a nice breakfast at Best Western, Red Hills, Kanab, UT. We took Route 89 to Page, AZ. At Page we visited the Glen Canyon Dam. We couldn't go for the dam tour since there was big waiting line.

From there we took Route 98 to Kayenta, AZ. There we had some lunch at a Chinese Restaurant. While we were driving toward Kayenta, AZ it started to rain. After our lunch we took Route 163 to Monument Valley, NN. After about 25 miles of driving we arrived at Visitor Center. We paid $5/pp and went inside. There we drove couple of miles in dirt road to see many buttes.

Finally we came back to Kayenta, and continued on Route 160 toward Four Corners Monument. But by the time we arrived at the intersection of 160 and 191 we realized that FCM has been closed. So we took 191 to Chinle, AZ. We stayed at Holiday Inn, Chinle.

Bryce Canyon

2010-08-06T22:20:00.006-04:00

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon City, UT

Friday, Aug 06, 2010

This morning we started from Panguitch, UT after having breakfast at Flying M Restauarant. We drove via Route 89 and Route 12 to get to Bryce Canyon.

We picked the ticket and information at the Visitor Center. The day was prefect. Last night's rain has cooled the park nicely. It was in mid 80s the whole day. We first drove all the way to the end of the park (18 miles) and on the way back stopped at several places like Black Spruce Canyon, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point.

We ate lunch at the Park and went back to Sunset Point and climbed down the canyon going very close to the Hoodoos. The we drove via Orderville, UT to Kanab, UT and stayed there for the night.

Hoover Dam and Zion National Park

2010-08-05T22:14:00.007-04:00

Hoover Dam, AZ+NV
Zion National Park, UT
Thursday, Aug 05, 2010

This morning we left Las Vegas, NV and headed Southeast toward Lake Mead and Hoover Dam which straddles between Nevada and Arizona. We spent about 2 hours there and headed back in I-15 N toward Nevada.

Then we drove through mostly hot weather in Nevada and Arizona. But as we entered Nevada the landscape started to change to more green. Fortunately, it also started to cloud up and started to drizzle as we entered Zion National Park, UT.

We picked up the ticket and drove through Zion. We stopped at several places and continued through the park via Route 9 and Route 89 reahing Panguitch, UT that night. We stayed there.

Viva Las Vegas

2010-08-04T21:04:00.006-04:00

In Las Vegas

Wednesday, Aug 4, 2010

South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV

We left early morning from home and flew to Las Vegas via Atlanta, Ga. Our first segment of the flight was on time. But when we left Atlanta we were one hour behind schedule but the pilot was able to make up 30 minutes. We arrived at McCarran International Airport just before noon PDT. We took the car rental shuttle and by the time our rental car was ready and we left the airport it was another hour later. The weather was hot and dry it was different from Florida.

Finally we checked into the hotel and ate some lunch near by. After taking some rest we went toward "The Strip". Originally we wanted to make a quick trip and return in the night. But we decided to stay the whole evening. We saw Mandalay Bay, Luxor, MGM Grand, New York New York, Paris, Planet Hollywood, and The Bellagio.

By the time we decided to go back the night had fallen and we ate dinner at Planet Hollywood's Earl of Sandwitch shop. After dinner we walked around the Strip near the Bellagio Complex (The Bellagio, The Ceasers Palace and The Mirage). We also watched the dancing fountain in front of the Bellagio.

Launch of STS-131 Discovery from Cape Canaveral

2010-04-05T06:25:00.006-04:00

View the Launch of STS-131

Monday, April 05, 2010; 2:30-7:30 AM

Astronaut Hall of Fame

NASA Parkway

Kennedy Space Center

Titusville, FL 32780

This morning I watched the launch of STS-131 (Space Transportation System -131) Space Shuttle (Discovery) with a crew of 7 (Commander Alan Poindexter, Pilot Jim Dutton, and Mission Specialists are Rick Mastracchio, Clay Anderson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) depart for their 13 day journey to the International Space Station (the 33rd mission to the Station).

I arrived at the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHF) at 2:15 AM. Grabbed my lawn chair, cameras, snacks bag, and water bottle and entered the viewing area (outside AHF) with my ticket. Then I settled down in my chair on the SE corner of AHF building with the launchpad barely visible in the darkness. Soon former astronaut Bob Springer (STS-29 Discovery and STS-38 Atlantis) came out and spoke about his experience as an astronaut. Light wind blew and it was brisk and cold leading to dissipation of clouds in the sky, slowly around 3:30 AM the clouds were all gone, half moon was visible in the SW sky. NASA person drew tickets for viewing the launch from the balcony. I bought some snacks and settled firmly in my chair. Bob Springer came back again and spoke for half an hour.

Then around 6:00 AM the outdoor flood lights were reduced to a minimum in order for us to spot the International Space Station fly past Cape Canaveral around 6:15 AM. Then we spotted the ISS fly past from the NW to SE. As soon this excitement was over, it was time for the launch of the space shuttle itself. Just around this time they had announced there was problem (T-20 minutes) in communications. But soon the problem was solved and we went into T-12 minutes.

Then at the precise time (we were all counting 5,4,3,2,1,0) the shuttle's rockets fired and the 5 million pound shuttle was propelled by 7 million pound thrust. Since the day was dawning at that time we could see the bright orange glow of the rockets. The shuttle itself was visible slightly and the great plume of smoke was coming down fast.

Within a minute or so later we were able to hear the loud sound and the vibrations of the launch (we were about 7 miles out from the launch site).

Visit Orlando Hindu Temple

2010-04-04T15:55:00.004-04:00

Visit Hindu Temple of Central Florida

1994 Lake Drive

Casselberry, FL 32707

Sunday, April 04, 2010

I visited the Hindu Society of Central Florida's Hindu Temple of Orlando at Casselberry, Florida on Lake Drive. While driving past the intersection of I-4 and Semoran Boulevard East (also known as State Road 436; SR 436) toward University of Central Florida, I realized I was very close to the Hindu Temple of Central Florida (Orlando). I quickly called the Temple from side of the road and was able to reach there quickly (took a left at US 17/92 North going toward Sanford; then took a right at Seminola Boulevard; Seminola Boulevard becomes Lake Drive and the temple is on the right hand side at 1994 Lake Drive). While driving on Seminola Drive you will see Lake Drive by the side of the Circle-K, you can take this diversion or keep driving on Seminola Boulevard. If you took the diversion at Lake Drive you will eventually join the larger Lake Drive later (two way divided high-way).

Trip Abroad Asia Trip - 04

2009-12-23T11:15:00.003-05:00

Flight LH445

Atlanta Frankfurt

Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec 22-23, 2009

Somewhere between US and Europe

We left about 15 to 2o minutes late in time at Atlanta-Jackson International airport and flew from Atlanta toward Frankfurt in Germany via Lufthansa LH 445. Half way through the flight I had to take help of a cheerful and helpful air hostess to retrieve an ear-plug that got stuck in my ear and started to break. She very skillfully used her name badge to pull the ear-plug out of my ear. Thanks to her thoughtfulness and skill.

Then as we approached the airport we had to land outside the regular terminal since we were late. By the time we landed it was 9:10 local time and by the time the ladder was placed and boarded the bus to the terminal it was 9:35. Out connecting flight was supposed to leave at 10:15. So we hope and run through the terminal and security check only to find out our flight has already left.

We then had to leave the boarding area to get our tickets re-booked. We were rerouted via Qantas and Singapore airline via Singapore to our final destination. We then boarded our Qantas flight about 12 hours of stay at Frankfurt.

Trip Abroad Asia Trip - 03

2009-12-21T10:40:00.006-05:00

Getting Ready for the Trip
Monday, Dec 21, 2009
Tallahassee, FL, USA

We are getting ready for the trip to Asia. The packing is almost done and we checked with the one-way rental car. Due to heavy snow-storms (Saturday and Sunday) in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA we don't know how our flights will be affected. We are hoping that since ours is an international flight and we are leaving from weather wise unaffected airport in the southeastern US we will be okay.

We will know more details soon.

Trip Abroad Asia Trip - 02

2009-12-18T13:53:00.003-05:00

Travel Abroad Asia Trip 02
Travel Visa
Travisa Outsourcing

For our recent trip we need to get some visas for some Asian country and we have found out now that Travisa Outsourcing is handling the obtaining of the visas. We used to have some level difficulty in tracking about what was happening when we tried earlier to obtain some visas to other Asian countries. But this time we found that Travisa Outsourcing was very efficient.

They gave us a tracking number and from the secure website we could follow the status of the visa. From our experience we found it took about 5-8 days to get the visa with regular (no expedited service requested) from the day it was sent out using regular mail and received by us regular mail. We are very happy with the new service.

Trip Aborad Asia Trip - 01

2009-12-17T10:38:00.004-05:00

Trip Abroad Asia Trip -01
via Lufthansa Airlines

We will be off to Asia via Europe soon. We will be flying via Lufthansa Airlines, the German carrier based in Frankfurt, Germany. It has been several years since we flew in Lufthansa.

On my way back home

2009-10-09T15:43:00.002-04:00

Back to home
Fri, Oct 9, 2009
Tampa, FL

Finally I was able to get out of Houston, Texas. There was a delay of one hour+ from Houston. The flight carrier allowed me to change from NW to CO. I got a decent flight to Tampa International. But arrived 15 min later than my flight home. But fortunately, my flight home was delayed by 45 min. So everything seems to be working out OK so far.

At Tallahassee Airport

2009-10-07T11:35:00.002-04:00

At Tallahassee Regional Airport
Tallahassee, FL 32310

I am waiting at the airport for my flight to Houston, Texas. Fortunately, the Tallahassee Airport (TLH) gives the passenger free wifi access via a private company called DigitalCanopy. I actually using it to update my travel blog right now.

Travel to Houston 01

2009-09-17T10:11:00.000-04:00

Travel to Houston
Early October 2009

I will be traveling to Houston, Texas in mid October for a business open house.

Trip to Valencia Community College

2009-07-30T07:20:00.001-04:00

Technorati Blog Claim

2009-07-22T08:59:00.001-04:00

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Ponce de Leon Light House

2009-07-12T11:02:00.006-04:00

Ponce de Leon Light House
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
Sunday, July 12, 2009

Ponce de Leon Light house on the South end of the barrier islands off of Daytona Beach and Port Orange is a very beautiful light house. It is the tallest light house in the state of Florida. During summer time it is open from 10:00 AM and until 9:00 PM (visitors allowed until 8:00 PM). Since we saw it after closing time last night we came early (9:45 AM) and bought the tickets (adults $5:00 and kids $1:50).

We went up the red light house (all the 175 feet of it). The day was very clear with very little clouds. We could see all the way to the north Daytona Beach and beyond. On the South we could see past several miles.

We went around the top deck and watched the light house light mechanism rotate (with lights off, of course). Took some pictures and saw the surrounding area until 11:00 AM.

Visit Daytona Beach

2009-07-11T19:54:00.004-04:00

Visit Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Saturday, July 11, 2009

Since STS-127 Space Shuttle (Endeavor) launch was postponed due to bad weather on Friday night, we spent some time visiting the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex, bought some souvenirs, and had coffee.

Then we decided to head back to Daytona Beach, FL where we had originally planned to spend the night after the launch. We arrived there in the early afternoon and after checking into our Hotel, we headed toward the public beaches.

We went down on US 1 South and took Dunlawton Avenue and headed to the South Daytona public beach with life guard on duty with free parking. The beaches were open to the public and vehicles until 7:00 PM and the life guard was on duty until 6:30 PM. There were moderately strong currents so we stayed close to the shore.

Late in the evening we went and saw the Ponce Inlet light house. We decided climb into early tomorrow morning.

Preparation for trip to Cape Canavarel

2009-07-05T16:30:00.002-04:00

Preparation for trip to Cape Canaveral
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Tallahassee, FL 32306

Sunday, July 05, 2009:

We bought one more adult ticket. We were able to buy the tickets and use the "Print your Ticket at Home" option since the Space Shuttle launch is scheduled less a week from the purchase date. Ticket cost $40.28

Friday, July 03, 2009:

We got a reservation for a room. Due to the heavy booking in and around Titusville, FL we couldn't good room for a reasonable price. So got a room in Daytona Beach, FL about 25 miles away from Kennedy Space Center.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009:

We bought the tickets for Space Shuttle Launch "View from Space Center" option. The ticket cost was $40.28 and we choose the option "Print at Home".

Trip to Miami/Orlando Summer Camp

2009-06-25T08:44:00.004-04:00

Environmental Summer Camp Field Trip

Miami-Key Biscayne-Orlando, FL

Thu-Sat, Jun 25-27, 2009

The FAMU's Environmental Science Institute's 2009 Summer Camp Field Trip to Everglades, NOAA Research Lab started in earnest this morning. Everyone who wanted to go on the trip got on to the Astro Tours Bus early this morning and left for Miami around 7:10 AM from Tallahassee, FL 32307.

More updates will be posted as the travel progresses

Trip to Georgia Day 04

2009-05-08T09:21:00.000-04:00

Last Day in Atlanta

Trip To Georgia Day 03

2009-05-07T20:34:00.002-04:00

Trip to Atlanta, GA
Day 03, Thursday, May 07, 2009

Due to cloudy skies and prior commitment to the tickets we today did the Tutankhamen exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center in the morning.

Then we went to Johnny Rockets retro diner for lunch.

In the afternoon we did the Georgia Aquarium. We saw the shark feeding at 3 PM. Later we left the town and went to the Cumberland Mall Food court for dinner.

Trip to Georgia 02

2009-05-06T19:14:00.002-04:00

Trip to Atlanta, Georgia

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Atlanta, GA 30339

The day started with cloudy skies and rainy roads. Our original plan today was to go to the Stone Mountain Park on the Northeast of Atlanta. But due to the rainy and cloudy conditions we have decided to change our plans from outdoors to indoors.

So after a nice breakfast at the Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel we traveled to downtown Atlanta and went to Fernbank Museum. The Fernbank Museum houses one of the largest skeletons of a dinosaur. We saw the dinosaur exhibit walk through time in Georgia exhibit and watched an IMAX movie about the dinosaur excavations in Mangolia and New Mexico.

Then we stopped by Luckie Street and ate at Burgers and More. Bought group tickets to World of Coca-Cola (revamped in 2007). There we saw the exhibits and saw a 4-D movie (sound, 3D and movements of the chair).

Then we walked through the Centennial Olympic park and headed home by about 6:30 PM.

Trip to Georgia Day 01

2009-05-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

Travel to Atlanta, GA
Via US-27 through FL and GA
Tuesday, May 05, 2009

We started our trip around 9:45 AM in Tallahassee and took US-27 via FL and GA and traveled to Atlanta, GA.

Around 11:00 AM we stopped in Colquit/Donaldsonville, Ga for some snacks at a gas station. Then started driving slowly through some rain and arrived at Columbus around 1:00 PM and stopped Zaxby and Taco Bell for lunch.

Then we took I-185 and traveled to Atlanta, Ga and arrived around 4 PM at our destination.

Trip to Georgia Day 0

2009-05-04T16:37:00.001-04:00

Preparing for the trip
Monday, May 04, 2009
Tallahassee, FL

We are preparing for our trip to Georgia. We have started to pack the boxes with our travel amenities.

Visit Chicago 02

2009-03-31T12:06:00.000-04:00

Visit Chicago 02
Chicago-Midway Airport (MDW)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Visit Chicago 01

2009-03-30T20:04:00.003-04:00

Visit Chicago 01

Monday, March 30, 2009

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL 60611

Early Monday I left for Chicago via Delta flight getting a connection in ATL. By the time I arrived in MDW the weather from TLH to MDW has changed so much. It was a bright but blustery day with temperatures ranging from mid 30s to mid 40s. We picked a SUV (with a Garmin GPS Navigator) and exchanged the correct one at ORD and headed to Northwestern University, Downtown Campus, Chicago, IL.

Our host was waiting for us and we completed our official work well after our lunch time. Then we took some time for lunch. By the time we came back the host had some work to do and our work was complete and so we headed to Hotel Affinia Chicago, a block away.

Later that evening, we walked slowly on the Lake Shore Drive, two blocks from the University, toward Navy Pier. We spent some time at the Navy Pier and the surrouning park. After dinner we drove to Millenium Park and saw "The Bean" and the "The Face". Then later that night we went to John Hancock Building Observatory and saw the view of the city at night.

Trip to Chicago 01

2009-03-14T14:33:00.003-04:00

Trip to Chicago, IL
Preparation

I will be traveling to Chicago, IL in few weeks. I have booked my ticket using a traveling website for the cheapest price. Once it has been decided, I asked my host for suggestion for a place to stay. Since it is a big city and the place I am going is very close to downtown, I followed upon my host's advice and used maps.yahoo.com to plug the address and narrowed down the cheap hotel from the list provided by my host.

Travel to Orlando Florida

2009-02-28T20:17:00.005-05:00

Travel to and fro Orlando, Florida

I woke up early morning around 4:00 AM and started my trip to Orlando at 5:05 AM. I took first Florida US90E then I-10E toward Jacksonvillle then I-75S, Florida Turnpike, and finally on 408E. I arrived at Valencia Community College, Institute of Criminal Justice around 10:05 AM for my meeting.

It was a pleasant day with bit fog early in the morning. But otherwise it was a warm and sunny day (84F) in Orlando.

Since the meeting got over by 3:00 PM, I started my journey to back home around 3:30 PM from VCC and retraced almost the same path with few stops for coffee and dinner and arrived home around 8:15 PM.

Add Location in WikiMapia

2009-02-03T16:41:00.004-05:00

Add Vedaraniam (Thirumaraikkadu) Residence
Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I have added my old residence in Vedaraniam (வேதாரண்யம்) to WikiMapia. The residence is clearly visible in the North Main Road in Vedaraniam also known as Thirumaraikkadu (திருமறைக்காடு). The town center and the main temple, Vedharaniyeswarar temple is also seen.

Trip to Jacksonville Hindu Temple

2008-12-28T20:07:00.002-05:00

Trip to Jacksonville, Florida
Hindu Temple of North East Florida
Sunday, December 28, 2008

We visited the Jacksonville Hindu Society of North East Florida and the Ganesh temple today. We started around 8:00 AM from home and took Interstate 10 East and drove for about two hours and 45 minutes. The temple is now located in a new subdivision Greenland Road (4968, Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 (904-268-7630) www.jaxhindutemple.org (compared to the time when we visited the temple in 2004).

The temple construction work was still in progress with volunteers painting the driveway. We went inside and participated in poojas for Ram and Ganesh. We finished our meal in the temple and volunteered to set-up chairs for the upcoming New Year Services on Thursday, January 1, 2009.

We then drove to Rajan Indian Grocery store in Baymeadow Road and purchased some grocery items before heading toward Beach Boulevard and reached the Jacksonville Beaches. The water was cold and there were signs stating that there were rip currents and hence swimming was not encouraged.

The kids waded the water in knee deep water for about 45 minutes. Then we picked some coffee and donunts at the Dunkin Donut shop and headed toward home. We were home just before 8 PM.

Highlights and tips of our Japan trip

2008-09-01T09:45:00.003-04:00

Tips and ideas from our Japan trip

Monday, September 01, 2008

Tallahassee, FL, USA

We have visited couple of places in Japan and here I have given list of those places and highlights of our trip. Enjoy

Links:

Hirohsima and Himeji
Kyoto
Osaka
Nara
Nagoya

Travel back to home

2008-08-30T10:15:00.002-04:00

Travel Back to Home
Saturday, 30, 2008
Orlando to Tallahassee

After spending eight days in Japan, we were ready to head back home. Our almost 18 hour (9 1/2 hour to San Francisco and 5 1/2 hour journey to Orlando) journey and 13 hour time difference made us very tired. So we stayed at a Hotel last night.

Around 10 AM we got back in our car and headed toward Tallahassee. We stopped only briefly to pick up some lunch. We arrived around 3 PM.

Travel in Japan 06

2008-08-29T14:15:00.000-04:00

Toward Nagoya

Travel in Japan 05 - Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

2008-08-28T21:01:00.001-04:00

Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Kaiyukan
Thursday, August 28, 2008

I completed my morning session and came for lunch and we decided to see the Osaka Aquarium.

Travel in Japan 04 - Nara

2008-08-27T21:11:00.007-04:00

Short trip to Nara
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 2-4 PM
Nara, Japan

We wanted to do a short trip to Nara since it is close by Osaka and relatively a small town. So after completing my morning session at the conference we took the Osaka sub-way system to a station called Tennoji.

From Tennoji we needed take JR Yamtoji line to Nara. We wanted to do a short trip to Nara since it was close to Osaka, relatively a small town but had couple of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. So after completing my morning session at the conference we took the Osaka sub-way system. At Awaza station we caught the Chuo Line (Green) to Tanimachi 4-chome and at Tanimachi 4-chome caught the Tanimachi Line (Purple) to Tennoji station.

In Tennoji station we needed to go from the Osaka Municipal Subway system to Japan Railways' Yamatoji Line. The Yamatoji line runs from JR Namba Station to Kamo (three stops past Nara). Since the Yamatoji line is part of JR system we used our JR Pass and rode the train for about 45 minute. The scenery was very beautiful with lush green plants everywhere including rice paddy.

At Nara JR station we picked up a tourist guide and had lunch at the local McD. From Bus Stop Number One we took Bus Number two toward Kofuku-ji temple. On the way to the Temple we saw lots of spotted deer roaming the grounds. The Kohfuku-ji Temple complex has several structures and we saw the following: Kokuhokan (National Treasure House), Tokondo (Eastern Golden Hall), Nan-endo (Southern Octogonal Hall; open only one day in a year), and Goju-no-to (Five storied Pagoda).

From there we walked all the way along the Nara National Museum, Nara Prefecture Tourist Office to the Todai-ji Temple.

Todaiji Temple ticket is shown below:

Travel in Japan 03 - Kyoto

2008-08-25T18:46:00.014-04:00

Trip to Kyoto
Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple and Sanju-San Gendo Temple
Monday, August 25, 2008

On Monday we decided to do some site-seeing in the morning in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. So like Saturday, we got out of our Hotel Okuuchi Osaka and went to the near by Awaza Subway Station in Green Line and used three more individual tickets for ¥ 230 to get to Shin-Osaka (New Osaka) station. We first traveled to Hommachi station in Green (Chuo) Line and transferred to (Midosuji) Red line and arrived in Shin-Osaka.

From Shin-Osaka we took the Shinkansen Hikari Number 364 around 8:40 Am and going toward Tokyo. Kyoto was the very next stop for that train. We got out of the train and were looking for the Kyoto (Prefecture) Tourism department at the 9th floor of JR station building was not open yet. So we proceeded and picked valuable information from Kyoto city Information center in the second floor of Kyoto JR station.

Kyoto's tourist places are well connected by buses (in Hiroshima we found street cars or trams were convenient and in Osaka we found sub-ways were convenient). So at the Kyoto City Information Center we picked up the Kyoto City Bus Travel Map (aka Bus Navi Guide). Based on the places we wanted to visit the lady at the center asked us to buy City Bus All-Day Pass (for one day) at ¥ 500. At the end of the day we found that her suggestion was good.

We first headed toward Nijo Castle by taking the bus number 101. Our starting point was Kyoto Eki-mae (Kyoto_train-station_in-front). In Kyoto in city buses you board from the middle of the bus and disembark from the front (in Nara it was opposite). While disembarking you either pay ¥ 180 or get your All-Day Pass stamped once in the machine. Then you simply show the card with the current date on it. That was what we did. We got out at the Nijo-jo-mae (Nijo_castle_in-front) stop.

Nijo Castle Ticket is shown below:

The Nijo Castle is a huge place and we spent about 1 1/2 hour touring both the interior and exteriors. The castle floors still make squeaking noise when one walks on them. It was originally built that way to warn the Shoguns if somebody tries to get inside the castle with out their knowledge. We found common crows at the castle grounds and with loud mouths. There were beautiful blooming trees and a lily pond.

Then from Nijo Castle we took another bus (Bus-Navi actually lists what buses you need to take to go another location from any other location, a very convenient feature). We headed to Kinkaku-ji (and not the Ginkaku-ji Temple) Temple and took the same Bus Number 101 and got off at Kinkaku-ji-michi stop.

Kinkakuji Temple ticket is shown below:

The Kinkaku-ji temple has the beautiful golden pavilion. Even the tickets to the temple are so beautiful to look at. As you around the bend all of sudden you see the golden pavilion with a reflecting pond just next to it. Even though the day was cloudy we could still see the shiny gold color. In the pond there were several colored fish swimming around. The whole temple had a peaceful mood. Even the walk way out of the temple is so nicely done.

Then from there we went back to the Kyoto Station and had lunch at the McDonalds nearby the station. After lunch we headed to the Sanjusangen-do temple by another bus from the Kyoto JR station. In the main hall (where you have wear the shoes provided by the temple) you see 1001 Kannons. It is considered by one of the oldest and longest wooden structures in the world. Even the court yard outside with corridors filled with equally spaced orange pillars make this place really nice to visit.

SanjuSanGendo Temple ticket is shown below:

Travel in Japan 02 - Hiroshima and Himeji

2008-08-24T06:59:00.012-04:00

Travel to Hiroshima and Himeji

Saturday, August 23, 2008

After resting for a night we started our travel in Japan by going toward Hiroshima and Himeji. It was a cloudy day. We got out of our Hotel Okuuchi Osaka and went to the near by Awaza Subway Station in Green Line and bought a multi-use subway pass for ¥ 3000 and used it to get two more individual tickets for ¥ 230 to get to Shin-Osaka (New Osaka) station. We first traveled to Hommachi station in Green (Chuo) Line and transferred to (Midosuji) Red line and arrived in Shin-Osaka.

At Shin-Osaka (only here the Shinkansens Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama come and not to the Osaka station) we took JR Shinkansen Hakari #453 train at 9:11 AM going toward Hakata. In about hour and half we arrived in Hiroshima JR station. At the station we took travel guides from the Information station about Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome. Hiroshima tourist sites are connected from the JR Station by tram (aka Street Car). We took the tram number #6 and reached the Peace memorial park in about 20 minutes (Genbaku-dome-mae).

We spent about an hour going around the A-Bomb Building, Peace Memorial Park, and Eternal flame all located on either side of the Motayasu-gawa river. Then we turned back to the tram station and took the Street Car # 2 and got back to Hiroshima JR Station.

From there we took Hikari Railstar # 460 around 12:50 PM to Himeji and arrived there at 1:50 PM. At Himeji we saw one beautiful palanquin at the JR station. It looked very similar to the carriage that are prevalent in India for carrying deities from the Hindu temples. We walked out of the JR Station and it started to drizzle a bit. We quickly saw the special bus that took people to the Himeji Castle and paid ¥ 180 and took it the Castle. It was probably the fourth stop.

The rain stopped but it remained cloudy and slippery. We bought the tickets for the Castle and started to climb the winding path. We saw beautiful bonsai-like trees in the castle grounds. Almost all the important structures were made of wood. We stopped at couple of places to take rest since drinking (even water) and eating were not allowed. There was no electrical connection and hence no a/c or fan inside the palace. The raining and cloudiness in addition to the hot climate made it hard for us to climb all the way to the top. We stopped at three floors from the top most floor and headed back. We bought some souvenirs at the shop on the front of the palace.

We took another Hikari Railstar home that evening. The legs were bit sore at the end of the day. But it was well worth it. Another thing we noticed was that there were no public water fountains anywhere to be seen. They were not there even near the public restrooms. So if you are traveling during summer pack lot of water or buy them at the shops.

Himeji Castle ticket is shown below:

Travel in Japan 01 - Nagoya and Osaka

2008-08-22T20:00:00.005-04:00

Nagoya to Osaka

Centrair International Airport
Friday, August 22, 2008

We arrived in early afternoon in Nagoya International Airport also called CentrAir. After clearing our immigration, picking up our bags in carousel 3 we headed through the customs to train terminal in the airport.

The trains that connect from CentrAir to Nagoya are run by a company other than Japan Rail and is called Meitetsu Railways. We had to take this train to reach Nagoya station before we could reach Shin-Osaka (New Osaka) and finally Osaka proper and to our Hotel.

Since this train system is different from JR we had to buy tickets. We bought the tickets in the Limited Express Train (¥ 850) and took the first available train around 3:15 PM going toward Kanayama. We had to transfer to another train at Jungu-Mae station after traveling about 25 minutes. At Jungu-Mae station we took a train going toward Nagoya and the second stop was Nagoya.

After leaving the Meitetsu Railway station we transferred to JR Railway station. Went to the JR Information booth. At the information booth we gave our receipts for JR 7 day railway pass and showed our passport (JR passes are available ONLY for non-Japanese citizens) and got the shiny JR Railway Pass. From this point onwards we could travel in JR lines unlimited times for another 7 days.

By this time we were tired and hungry. We started to inquire people whether there is a place to eat. Since we were not yet sure where to eat we were looking for some familiar places to eat and found out that there is a McDonald's at the Nagoya JR station itself. We took our luggages and sat at Mickey D and had some coffee and hot lunch. The people were very nice. There were both Japanese and English menus with pictures. We showed them the pictures of what we wanted and they were able to serve us what we needed. Not many people could speak English.

Then we took the next available Shinkansen (Bullet train) headed toward Hakata (opposite side to Tokyo) and in our case it was a Hikari Railstar train. We boarded the train and sat there for about 1 hour 10 minutes before arriving at Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen station for Osaka). Since we were very tired by that time, we came out of the station and hailed a taxi to go our Hotel paying about ¥ 3000 for about 15 minutes ride through Osaka (it was worth it considering our baggage and our tiredness).

We checked into the Hotel Okuuchi Osaka and were ready to go to bed around 8:00 PM JST.

Travel to Japan 13

2008-08-22T05:00:00.003-04:00

On Flights to Japan
Friday-Saturday, Aug 21-22, 2008
United 51 and 831

We started out journey very early in the morning in Orlando, Florida. With tropical strom Fay still threatening the East coast of Florida (current location is around between Cape Canavarel and Jacksonville) we woke up around 3:15 AM prepared ourselves, checked out of the HoJo and headed toward the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Flights from MCO fortunately were not affected, but it was raining on and off.

We parked our car in one of the Satellite parking lots and took the shuttle (in rain) and reached the gates for the Untied Airlines. We checked our bags with relative ease and MCO was much more easiser to navigate than the busy ATL airport in Atlanta, GA. Since there was still time we grabbed some breakfast before the 5-hour trip to San Franscisco (SFO) International Airport.

Our flight to SFO was smooth. The weather in SFO was much better, cloudy but no rain. Even though we reached early, we had very short time before catching the connecting flight to Nagoya International Airport (NGO). The flight 831 was about 10 1/2 hours long. We saw Kung Fu Panda and Iron Man while traveling.

Finally around 1:40 PM JST (Japan Standard Time) ahead of our 2:20 PM scheduled arrival we landed at NGO. 15 minutes before we landed we had a beautiful view of Mount Fuji (no snow cover at the altitude of 14,000 feet) to our right of the flight path.

We were fingerprinted and photographed (all non-Japanese citizens are required to go through this procedure) and collected out baggage and needed find a way to get the Nagoya Japan Rail station.

Travel to Japan 12

2008-08-21T20:00:00.001-04:00

Trip to Orlando
Wednesday, Aug 21, 2008

Due to tropical strom Fay we had to start earlier on Wednesday afternoon from Tallahassee toward Orlando. So we picked up VTS around noon. Packed our bags and headed out of Tallahassee around 2:00 PM. On our way in I-10, I-74 and Route 4 there were rains on and off. Nothing torrential but constant cloudiness and continous drizzle greeted our trip.

We checked into the HoJo and went to the MCO airport to find out more about the long-term parking and United terminal. We retired early so that we will we well rested for tomorrow's journey to Japan.

Travel to Japan 11

2008-08-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

Short-term Cell Phone Rental for Japan
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Tallahassee, FL 32306

I have been researching for quite some time to a get a cell phone for my short-term stay in Japan of 10 days or less. I read the www.japan-guide.com forums and travel blogs. Finally I decided to go with www.rentafonejapan.com. This company is based in Kyoto, Japan and seems to be popular and favorite company to rent a cell phone in Japan. The Japanese cell phone system is unique and therefore most of the cell phones (both SIM based and non-SIM) don't work in Japan. Therefore, my global SIM Card from www.mobalrental.com won't work here.

So I contacted them about a month ago and told them that I needed more than one phone so that I could carry one and my travel party could carry another. They were quite happy to comply stating that they could even send one to my home (Florida, USA) for extra charge.

This company will charge me ¥ 3900/for a week/phone and additional days charges are ¥ 300/day/phone purely in rental fees. Additional charge of ¥ 1000 will apply for the phone that will be sent to my home address in the United States.

Besides the rental charges I have shown above, you will pay for usage just like a pre-paid phone. The company says that typical charges for calls in Japan is ¥ 90/minute (a cheaper rate of ¥ 35/minute is available if you put in a special code) and international calls range anywhere between ¥ 45-60/minute depending upon the country. The charges are taken out in 1/10 minute increments i.e., 6 second increments. There are no charges for incoming calls.

So I placed order for two phones. One to be delivered to my home address in US and another to be delivered to Hotel that I will be staying in Osaka. The first phone arrived today. It came with a Softbank Sharp 420SH type phone with a 1.3 Mpx camera, universal charger, instruction sheet, pre-paid return envelope (with Japanese stamps) and a pouch. I charged it and is ready for use when I travel to Japan.

Travel to Japan 10

2008-08-01T13:19:00.018-04:00

Japan Map with English Tags

Locating a place in Japan by Address or by Zip Code
Friday, August 1, 2008

I found the website www.diddlefinger.com to be very useful in locating an address on map in Japan. The website uses Google Maps API to display the underlying map, however, diddlefinger generate its own English name tags that are then superimposed on to the main map. Diddlefinger can be used to find a place if you know the postal address or zip code (it has other options but I find the listed two more useful). Let me explanin how I found a place.

I was looking for the location of Grand Cube Osaka (aka Osaka International Cenvention Center) in Osaka City, Japan. Of course, a famous landmark like this is easy to locate but I am going to use it as an example any way. The address for Grand Cube Osaka is:

Grand Cube Osaka 5-3-51, Nakanoshima Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0005 JAPAN

Explanation for the address is given below:

Grand Cube | Name of the place
5-3-51 | Door number {chome-ban-number}
Nakanoshima | Area {by itself or may end with -machi or -chu}
Kita-ku | Ward {ends with -ku or -machi}
Osaka | City {by itself or may end with -shi or -gun}
530-0005 | Postal Zip Code
[Osaka | Prefecture {ends with -ken; NOT needed}]

So I first started to find this place using the Zip Code. So I brought up the website and clicked on the Zip lookup feature and typed-in the Zip code 530 followed by 0005 and clicked the Go button. The website found the address and gave the following zoomed up image:

Now let us look-up the same place if had the address in English but without the help of the Zip code. First we start with Diddlefinger map and start with"English Address Search" feature. The first step is to start with the city name (Step 1.). In our case we start with Osa..., as you type these letters the program gives all the possible names and you just pick the right one.

Then continue on to Step 2, by typing the Ward Name Kita-ku and on to Step 3, Area Name Nakanoshima and finally the Door number.

Once it is done. You simply click the Map This button and you will get the zoomed up map of the location as shown below.

Travel to Japan 09

2008-07-25T15:09:00.000-04:00

JR Train Connections, Time table, and fares via Hyperdia
Friday, July 25, 2008

From the Japan Rai l website there is a separate link called Hyperdia Timetable that allows one to find out the possible trains that one can take from Point A to Point B with further information about the connection choices and fare.

I found it extremely useful to consult this link for deciding on which trains to take.

Travel to Japan 08

2008-07-16T08:59:00.002-04:00

Japanese Yen
Currency Rates
Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Before you travel to Japan you need to carry some Japanese Yen so that you could use it quickly to make a call or call a taxi. Since the upcoming travel will be my first trip, I wanted to carry some Yen.

I inquired a local bank and a credit union in town. The credit union didn't deal with foreign currencies and the local bank did but through another bank. The bank will only get a foreign currency if you are a member. Since I was already an account holder that was not a problem. I had to physically go to the bank (they won't do it over the phone or on-line, your bank may be different) and fill out an application and request a specified amount in Yen.

The bank will then calculate the amount in dollars and add handling charges (in my case two charges one for my bank and another for the bank that brought the Yen). The dollar amount will vary depending upon the day they calculate the conversion due to currency fluctuations. Then when the currency is ready they will call and you go and pick it up at the bank.

Travel to Japan 07

2008-07-09T08:46:00.001-04:00

Japan Travel Forum

Japan-Guide.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

I wanted to find out more information about travelling to Japan and check and see how individuals handled various situations like buying tickets, traveling in trains, handling the language barrier, visiting the shrines, and eating out. So I found out that http://www.japan-guide.com/ is one place to start.

One can simply go to this website and click the "Forum" tab and browse through vaious questions and answers posted by newbies and experienced folks. But if you wanted to post a question, like other forums, you have to register (for-free).

When you search certain terms one gets both forum answers and relevant advertisements for that item. Like if you search for "stay" you get results that give information about where to stay in various cities as well as advertisements for hotels. Similarly if search for "food" you get information about Japanese food, food habits, and resturaunts. I found this site very useful.

Travel to Japan 06

2008-07-01T15:43:00.001-04:00

Japan Rail Pass

Multi-day pass

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Since my trip to Japan was relatively soon, and I needed to go from one international airport to my conference site on the way in and the way out, I started to look for Japan Rail Pass. The multi-day pass (7, 14, and 21 days are available) is expensive in the hundreds of dollar range (due to exchange rate fluactuations, the exact cost will change unless bought it using Japanese Yen) but worthwhile, since couple of trip in Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet trains) is costly. So even if you are going to be traveling two or three days and take long trips it is worthwhile to get the Japan Rail Pass.

First the traveler needs to determine whether he/she needs Superior Class (Green) or Ordinary Class (Pink). The Green pass is about 1 1/3 more expensive but there are certain advantages. Then the traveler needs (assuming it is an adult; if not there are children's passes available too) to decide whether she needs it for 7-, 14-, or 21-day validities.

Then he needs to decide whether he will be traveling more than one or two regions of Japan or will travel extensively in one region only (refer to www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html for regions). Assuming she will travel more than one region (which is probably best bet if you are visiting Japan for a short trip) then go ahead decide on the General Pass rathern than Regional Pass.

I decided to go with the General Pass and so I contacted the travel agent to get the Rail Pass and purchased it. What I got was not really the Pass but receipt to purchase the Pass. Once you arrive in Japan take this receipt and passport and then you will get the real Pass at Exchange Office. At that time you have tell them when the start date and time of the pass will be. It Need NOT have to be immediately. However, once the start date and time is stamped it can't be changed. So plan ahead and get it stamped properly. Let us, say your first trip using the train will be a short one and you will not travel for another day or two. Then buy separate ticket for the short trip and save the pass for the extensive and long trips.

Travel to Japan 05

2008-06-05T16:00:00.002-04:00

Travel Tips and Advisories
Department of State

When you are traveling from the US to any other part of the world it is a good idea to check the US State Department's Travel Advisory Website to find out tips and advisories about travel to that country.

The site gives requirements for travel, tips about avoiding problems at the airports and advisories regarding new developments. I checked their website to see whether there any points I should look into before traveling. At this time everything seems to be OK.

Travel Tip 01

2008-05-29T09:41:00.004-04:00

Tracking Flight Paths
Real-time tracking
Thursday, May 29, 2008

While I was checking my itineraries both for Knoxville and Osaka I came across couple of websites that allowed me to track the flight paths and status of current and future flights. Some of the services, at least the basic and simple ones were free to the consumer.

I thought I will share these sites to those who read my blog. Only requirements you need are a web connection and some information about the flight you are trying to track. Easiest way to track is by the flight ID, that is airline abbreviation plus flight number. For example DL115 or DAL115 for Delta flight 115 or UA51 or UAL51 for United Airlines flight 51, etc. Of course, if you don't know the flight ID then you can go for the advanced search and start with a departure city and arrival city then select the air carrier name and time of departure or arrival.

The two sites I found useful are: www.flightview.com (top picture) and www.fboweb.com (bottom picture).

Travel to Japan 04

2008-05-09T13:00:00.001-04:00

Registration

21st Congress of the InternationalUnion of Crystallography

Osaka, Japan

I went ahead and filled out the registration form for the IUCr conference in Osaka, Japan and submitted via web. They were ready to take American Express CC to for the registration. Soon I received the confirmation of my registration and receipt of the payment.

Trip to Konxville TN 02

2008-04-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

Car Rental from Hotwire
Trip to Knoxville TN

After booking my flight and Hotel together using Expedia, I found out that if I booked car rental separately I would get a cheaper deal for my travel location of Knoxville for the specific time period of early summer. So I decided to do the car rental using Hotwire.

The difference between using services like Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia as well as car rental companies like Budget, Avis, National, Enterprise and Hotwire is that in Hotwire you have to book and purchase the reservation at the same time. There are no refunds or changes allowed which are routine and easy using other rental outlets. That means if you decide to book using Hotwire that should be your final itinerary and you should be fairly certain that you are NOT going change any plans.

The positive side of this means that you get a good price for the rental. They advertised in the $14 while I was searching for the location and time while other rental agencies that allow for cancellation modifications were advertising in the $20 range. The difference per day was substantial but the purchase had to be final.

Another point with Hotwire is that you won't know which rental agency your car is going to come from. But they will be from one of the big four or five agencies mentioned above. I was happy to accep these conditions and booked using Hotwire.

Travel to Japan 03

2008-04-01T12:20:00.002-04:00

Accommodation in Osaka
Near Grand Cube Osaka
Osaka, Japan

I needed to get some accommodation in Osaka for my trip to attend the 2008 Congress of the International Union of Crystallography. I wanted the accommodation to be closer to the conference site which is Grand Cube Osaka. I contacted the organizers and found out the first choice I had requested was no longer available.

However, I was able to find some accommodation in a nearby hotel called HOTEL OKUUCHI OSAKA, 3-8-8 Utsubo Hommachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka-city, Osaka. The price was reasonable running around 110 range. The Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd from Chuo-Ku, Osaka handled my reservations.

Once I reach Osaka I will find out the convenience of this place.

Travel to Japan 02

2008-03-28T13:41:00.002-04:00

Purchase of Japan Tickets
Tickets to Osaka via United
Friday, March 28, 2008

I have started to inquire about my upcoming trip to Osaka, Japan in late summer 2008. I first started my search using the regular websites like, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and OneTrave l. However, since I am leaving from a small town in the USA my flight options in late March 2008 for a trip in late August were not good. Several of them quoted prices in the 1500 range.

So I decided to modify my plans so that I will leave from a bigger city in the US and try to fly to Tokyo or Nagoya both of which have relatively larger International Airports compared to Osaka. In addition, since I will be traveling to Japan just after the Olympics in China gets over, I assume that may contribute to the high cost of the ticket.

Even after exploring the options I was unable to find good fares either through the above mentioned sites or even through airlines themselves like Delta, NorthWest, and Continental.

Then I spoke to people who are native of Japan and they suggested I contact Travel Agents who specialize in travels to Japan. One such vendor was IACE-USA Travels. They have offices in Orlando, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other places.

I sent out my plans and the next day they sent me an itinerary via e-mail. Then I spoke with one travel agent who helped me fine tune my departure and arrival as per my request. It turned out that if I traveled out of Orlando (MCO) and arrived Nagoya (NGO) they would offer me their best price. So I decided to go with that itinerary. This meant I had to travel to Orlando by car and take a train to Osaka after arriving in Nagoya. Another option would have been to arrive at Tokyo/Narita (NRT) International Airport and change to Haneda (HND) Domestic airport in Tokyo and arrive in Osaka. I preferred to fly to NGO and take the train rather than shuttle between two airports after a long journey.

Once I gave my selection they sent me the tickets in United Airlines. The tickets were reasonably priced in the 1300 range.

Trip to Konxville TN 01

2008-03-12T22:00:00.001-04:00

Annual Meeting of the American Crystallographic Association
Knoxville, Tennessee

I wanted to travel to Knoxville, TN to attend the Annual Meeting of the American Crystallographic Association at Knoxville Convention Center. Since Knoxville is served via Delta (I always start my searches with Delta, since Tallahassee is well connected via Delta than any other carrier), I tried to look for flights that left late evening and arriving their in before 10 PM (CDT).

I found couple of them and decided to book one of them using Delta's own website. But when I tried to book reservation for my stay and flight, Expedia turned out to give me a better deal for the combination rather than separate reservations. So I went with Expedia.

My flight routing was TLH to ATL and then ATL to TYS. The return journey was simply the reverse of the forward journey. When I tried to combine hotel, car rental, and flight that combination was more expensive. So I decided to do car rental separately.

Travel to Japan 01

2008-02-28T21:34:00.004-05:00

Japan Books and Travel Guide
Feburuary 28, 2008

I started to search for books and Travel Guides for Japan. I first started my search at my local county library (Leon County Library) and found couple of good books. But some of them were bit older and so I used those books for general information.

Then I selected the books I liked the most and went to Ebay, Half, Barnes & Nobles, Amazon, and Alibris, as well http://www.isbn.nu/ and searched for the titles and ISBN numbers (http://www.isbn.nu/) to get the newer versions or newer editions of the same books.

I was able to get some of the books through Ebay, Half and Amazon. The following are the books I liked the most.

Good picture book from Dorling Kindersley (aka DK) called Eyewitness Travel Japan (ISBN: 0-7894-9719-0 or 978-0-75662-876-5)

General information about Japan - Frommer's Japan by Beth Reiber, Edition 8, (ISBN: 0-471-763-91-8 978-0-471-76391-8)
If you plan to travel by train - Japan by Rail by Ramsey Zarifeh (ISBN: 978-1-873756-97-3)

Japanese Language Audio CD - Pimsleur Quick & Simple Japanese, 3rd Edition (ISBN: 0-7435-2351-2) 4CD set with 8 lessons.