• Making a desert bloom

    Most of my country is green these days with the monsoons in full swing . But there are parts that will forever remain dry and arid like the natural desert sands of Rajasthan and Kutch.  We  also have a high altitude desert in Ladakh. Like many Indians, I first saw this in a Bollywood movie called “Lakshya”.

    Since then, it has been on the tourist trail for  many tourists  who are attracted by the pristine, splendour of  this high altitude desert.

    However, beautiful as this desert is, the land is getting drier and more arid by the day . Food and water is getting scarce and day to day living is getting harder. But Sonam Wangchuk, (who has been immortalised as Phungsug Wangdu in the iconic movie 3 Idiots) is an engineer, activist and innovator who has decided to green this valley and stop, if not reverse ,this alarming trend.

    Tackling climate change

    Ladakh which is nestled in the Himalayan ranges has a topography quite unlike any seen in India.

    This is a land of extremes, where rainfall is scarce and temperatures range wildly from torrid to far below freezing.
    The locals say it’s the only place in the world where a man, sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade, can suffer sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.
    It’s the Ladakh region — meaning “land of high passes” — sandwiched between two of the world’s tallest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Kunlun.
    Rainfall is rare here. Water, essential for irrigating the farmlands that are the lifeblood of the local population, mostly comes from melting snow and ice.
    But climate change is making this land even drier, leaving farmers without water in the crucial planting months of April and May, right before the glaciers start to melt in the summer sun.
    One man’s solution to the problem? Make more glaciers.
    Read more about  this story by CNN  here 

    “We wanted to integrate traditional practices and beliefs with innovative technology, because climate change cannot be handled by engineering alone,” says Sonam Wangchuk.

    Why I admire this person

    I admire this Sonam Wangchuk because he is one of the few people who actually put his money where his mouth is.  Climate Change is much talked about but very few people do anything about it. Sonam actually p;ut his engineering skills and knowledge to good use among the people who could use it most – his own . And yet, not content with greening his valley, he continues to improve the lives of his people through his venture The Students Educational and Cultural Movement Of Ladakh.

    Now isn’t this a remarkable  and inspirational story?

    Ciao,

  • There are many things you need to inform yourself about before you start to book Mumbai to Singapore cheap flights. Before the 1800’s, Singapore was just a fishing village and a colony that was passed on under the rule of the British, the Japanese and finally, it was decided it would be a part of Malaysia. However, breaking free from this association the people of Singapore build one of the worlds’ most developed nations in no time, setting a common example.

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    One of the main reasons for this is the islands strategic location in the southern Indian Ocean. Deep blue waters and the ideal tropic temperatures don’t just confer a naval, financial, and strategic advantage to the country. The ocean around this inspiring nation is its pride, its beauty, and its support system. To do justice to the ethereal beauty of its oceans, you need to dive deep and explore its inviting silences.

     

    There is no point visiting Singapore if you do not plan to explore the allure of its deep waters; and here are few reasons why –

     

    1. Natural Geography

    Though small Singapore has its own highly complex and diverse range of ecosystem, Especially, its marine and coastal ecosystems, which are worth paying attention to. Coral reefs are known as the tropical forests of the underwater world. They offer a haven of shelter, food, and comfortable breeding to a plethora of beautiful species.

    With snorkeling or scuba diving you get to witness different kinds of coral flora like the flat reefs, crest reef and the reef slope.

    On the contrary to the accepted assumption that Singapore’s coral reefs have been destroyed, they are alive and thriving. It supports thousands of mesmerizing and rare species of animals that are on the verge of extinction. This is a natural heritage that every person in Singapore treasures and values.

    Apart from the coral reefs, there is a wide inter-tidal area covered with a generous growth of sea grass and sea weed that supports the herbivores of the underwater kingdom, which indirectly lead to intensePisciculture.

     

    1. Technology and Advanced Gear

    Singapore is known for its awe-inspiring aquifers and aquariums. With underwater tunnels that take a right through the middle of a busy underwater ecosystem. This setting lets you enjoy as well as learn more about the natural habitats of these animals along with their natural behavior. From larger sharks and small whales to tiny crustaceans and amphibians – you get to witness it all in its de-facto setting.

    Apart from this excellent infrastructure, you can try out trending underwater sports originating in the Singapore like the underwater rugby and underwater hockey. You might feel a little skeptical about this absurd concept; however, once you and your friends try it there is no going back. There are legitimate tournaments conducted by clubs for these sports that are rewarded handsomely too. Hence, it is one of the things that you should give a try before taking off from Singapore.

     

    1. Safety 

    With great passions for underwater sports come great dangers. The tides, the large unpredictable waves and the threat of poisonous flora and fauna are some of the constant perils of this thrilling activity. However, experience, advanced technology, and intricate knowledge about the ecosystem of the island; there have been many measures that have been taken to avoid such mishaps, especially to the tourists that visit the country every year.

    With advanced gear, speed boats, resurrection, and emergency kits you can rest assured that your adventures will not have any regretful repercussions.

     

     

     

  • Image for Cleaning Up

    I’ve been meaning to put this up on Monday but I got so caught up in cleaning up that I lost track of time . Cleaning up always makes me feel good.

    Why does a good clean-up make me feel good ?

    Is it because I’ve finally picked up courage to throw clothes that don’t fit ?

    Or because I’ve thrown out papers that aren’t relevant any more – laundry receipts of clothes collected, warranties that have expired ?

    Perhaps I’ve found a long forgotten lipstick that got lost in the bottom of the pile ?

    Or was it come some photographic memories that brought a huge, big smile?

    May be it is the stash of cash that I’d hidden for a rainy day?

    If you’re a busy mum  ( like  me) rushed off her feet every single day

    Who stuffed things randomly in the cupboard, safely but in any way.

    Then once in a while you need to step back and tidy up with a real deep clean .

    With order in my life restored is it any wonder the I’m satisfied like the cat who’s licked the cream .

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    We all need order in our lives don’t we? But somehow, life takes over and order becomes something to be tackled later on. Well today that day has come and I’ve decided to bring order to my life once more. And the first place to start is the cupboard.

    Actually I’ve lost some keys ( which I NEVER DO) and the cupboard purge was largely the need to find the keys. Sadly, they still remain lost but in my mind, I’ve kept them in a SAFE PLACE. So safe that I can’t remember where.

    Do these things happen to you? Do you have any special tips on how to remember where you’ve kept things? 

    Would love to hear your thoughts on bringing order to your life.

    Have a great week ahead.

     

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    Join me and other bloggers share their #MondayMusings hosted by Corinne of EverydayGyaan

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