Travel

Kerala’s Enchanted Waterways

Published

15 years ago

January 20, 2010

A-small-house-boat-Kollam-590x396

It is claimed that Kerala is the third most popular destination in the world. It has something special to woo every visitor— from lush green forests, beautiful blue hills, superb wildlife sanctuaries to clean, golden beaches and palm fringed backwaters.

The placid beauty of Kerala’s southern Backwaters is something you won’t find elsewhere. The luxuriantly verdant, somnolent landscape has mercifully not yet been assailed by the style gurus and transformed into a model of 21^st century chic.

The Backwaters are instrumental in shaping the life style of its inhabitants and in addition, provide an extraordinary means of transportation. Kerala’s ancient, unusual geographical legacy has remained largely unchanged over the slow passage of many centuries. It is a labyrinth of shimmering waterways consisting of countless dreamy lagoons, gently curving waterways, wet and vividly green paddy fields, swaying palm trees, and a singularly gentle, happy people.

I’m delighted to find a conspicuous absence of the hassle and aggression that invariably confronts most tourists in Northern India. The coastal Kerala I know is friendly, laid-back and fun, and its people have learned to harmonise with nature, and live off its generous bounty. I happily surrender to the siren song of this unique corner of India.

My cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha is an exhilarating eight-hour journey through a thousand shades of green. It is my first, fascinating encounter with a verdant Venice, where nature, instead of man, has created the glory.

I hire a small houseboat, which has a single bedroom with an attached toilet and shower, an open upper deck for lounging, and a kitchenette. For company, I have two oarsmen and a cook, who minister silently and unobtrusively to my needs. On enquiry, I learn that most Kettuvalloms or houseboats, are built in the nearby boat-building town of Alumkadavu. Originally, these were used as cargo carriers, but have since been ingeniously adapted to fashion some of the most luxuriously furnished means of transport.

A few of these giant crafts are 80 feet in length.

Constructed with great skill and care, these houseboats consist of two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, an open lounge, a kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and if required, a guide. The cuisine available on board is enriched with exotic tropical vegetables, fruits, cereals, seafood and herbs. The meals are garnished with the distinctive aroma of pepper, cardamom, chillies and cloves, — spices that lured explorers like Marco Polo and Vasco da Gama from across the seas. It is anholistic, natural fare and follows the tenets of Ayurveda, but is tailored to suit individual preferences.

Our little boat whispers through calm waters, along shallow lakes with shorelines thickly wooded with coconut palms. These are frequently dotted with cantilevered, Chinese fishing nets. I am informed that this system of fishing was imported into Kerala from China during the 13^th century, while Kublai Khan’s marauding Mongols were ravaging much of Asia.

I sit on a deckchair, a straw hat shielding my eyes from the sun. The soft, soothing murmur of calm waters and swaying palms gradually unwinds my tightly coiled nerves. As we move smoothly along narrow, sun-dappled canals I see coir, copra and cashews being loaded into boats. I watch peddlers in small canoes moving from canal to lake, to lagoon, to canal, vending their wares from house to house. I lazily observe and marvel at the lives of these happy people who fish, play, plant, harvest and sing in a seamless cycle of simple needs and simple solutions.

A small group of children swim near the shore. They wave to me and I wave back. I note that one of them is scarcely three years old. At my look of enquiry, one of the oarsmen laughs and remarks that here, life revolves around the water, and children learn to swim before they walk.

Often they learn to manage a small boat before learning to cope with a bicycle. I laugh in response, and throw a handful of cellophane wrapt sweets, onto the shore. The children whoop in delight and scramble ashore after the goodies. I chuckle and reach for the glass of chilled beer thoughtfully placed at my elbow by the smiling boat attendant. I convey my thanks with an appreciative smile.

While my eyes take in the rustic life passing by, my palate is pampered with backwater delicacies. The lunch consists of kappa, meen curry and rice. Cool, tender coconut water and a scoop of its soft white flesh are the perfect partners to the curry. The meal is rounded off with a generous helping of payasum, a sweet, rich milk delicacy prepared with vermicelli and dried fruits in a rice paste. It is Kerala’s favourite dessert. It’s prepared in scores of flavours and garnished with raisins and fried nuts. A brief half hour siesta on the deck, and I feel revitalized, with all the batteries of my body and mind fully recharged.

In quick succession we pass a church half hidden in a thick grove of coconut palms and, barely a minute later, a temple nestling close to a mosque. I have never really appreciated the fact that Kerala is a crossroads of various faiths where Christians, Moslems and Jews planted their first markers in India. Later I see a plethora of churches, mosques and temples. And in Kochi, an incredibly beautiful 16^th century synagogue. It is a remarkable lesson in happy co-existence.

Evening draws near and the western sky puts on a magnificent display of colour and light as the thin, scattered clouds, are tinctured with numerous shades of gold, crimson, coral, mauve and deep blue. As the sun sets in a blaze of colour, I realise that the magic of the backwaters reaches the pinnacle of its glory in the shimmering hours before dusk.

From somewhere not too far away the wind carries the rich strains of a boatman’s song. My heart joins in his song and, nursing a glass of single malt in hand, my thoughts drift in a euphoric half-trance of serenity. The world prepares for the night hours as the sky reluctantly relinquishes its rich palette of colours and the dark velvet of the night tiptoes across the firmament.

My mind is lost in wonder at the incredible numbers of stars scattered across the night sky and my heart is overwhelmed by the lyrical sounds of the night. Stillness blends with stillness, and the darkness whispers to itself. I feel overwhelmed by a sense of intense serendipity within and around me, as I continue my enchanted voyage.

Life can be so simple. And beautiful.

© DON ALNEY

Website www.donalney.com

Facts File

GETTING THERE:

By Air: Airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode link Kerala nationally and internationally.

By Rail: Connections are available from all important cities in India.

By Road: Services from all tourist centres in India. The Kerala Road Transport Corporation and private bus services provide transportation to just about anywhere in Kerala.

BOAT TRIPS

The normal State ferry leaves Kollam for Alappuzha daily. The State Water Transport Service Ferry also departs from Kollam at the same time.

For those who desire more space on board, the Alappuzha Tourism Development Co-operative Society operates boats that leave on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The backwater trip starts in the morning. It takes a little over eight hours. Shorter trips are also organised from Kochi.

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

Kerala’s unique shopping offers include the renowned Aranmula mirrors. These are fashioned out of metal and produced at Arunmula, a small town near Alappuzha. The mirrors are made with a special alloy of copper, brass, lead and bronze. Once upon a time, these were an essential part of royal households. However, today these ornamental mirrors are rare, and only two artisans and their families still make these priceless objects de art.

Other souvenirs include carved wooden figurines, bell-metal products, handicrafts, coir-products, and antique arts including paintings, brassware and wood works.

While shopping, do not forget to nibble at the piping hot banana chips sold straight from the frying pan, and available at most roadside kiosks.

Entertainment

UNO Goes Vegas: Mattel Bets on New Themed Club on the Strip

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Good Life Guide

It’s official — game night just got a glow-up. Mattel, the iconic toy company behind family favorites like Barbie and Hot Wheels, is bringing one of its most beloved games into a whole new arena: the Las Vegas Strip. In a move that blends nostalgia with nightlife, Mattel has announced it will open the first-ever UNO Las Vegas Club, offering an immersive space for fans of the classic card game to gather, compete, and unwind in true Vegas fashion.

Dubbed UNO™ at AREA15, the club promises to be a far cry from your average family living room game session. Think high-energy gameplay lounges, thematic cocktails, live entertainment, and larger-than-life installations inspired by the colors and chaos of UNO itself. It’s equal parts party, pop culture homage, and competitive playground.

According to Mattel, this isn’t just about playing cards — it’s about social play.

“In a world of digital everything, people are craving real-life connections. UNO is already a game that brings people together,” said Josh Silverman, Mattel’s global head of consumer products and experiences. “We wanted to take that spirit and blow it out into an experience you can’t find anywhere else.”

Beyond the Draw Four

The concept is part of a growing trend of brands transforming childhood favorites into experiential venues aimed at adults. The Barbie movie may have dominated the box office, but now Mattel is betting that adults want to step into the world of their favorite games — cocktails and LED lighting included.

The venue is being developed in partnership with IP2Entertainment, a company known for turning intellectual properties into entertainment destinations around the globe. Together, they plan to create a club that merges competitive play with the social energy of Las Vegas nightlife.

So what can travelers and visitors expect from an UNO Las Vegas Club?

Picture immersive, tech-enhanced gaming tables where groups can play UNO in themed rounds, surrounded by music, performers, and signature drinks (we can only hope for a spicy “Reverse” margarita or “Wild Card” mojito). Private event spaces and interactive zones are also planned, offering options for everything from birthdays to corporate team-building.

From Tabletop to Trendsetter

While it might seem like a bold move to launch a card game club in one of the most entertainment-saturated cities in the world, UNO has the kind of cross-generational appeal most brands dream of. It’s simple, social, and fueled by a touch of chaos — the kind of gameplay that sparks laughter, rivalries, and plenty of Instagrammable moments.

Mattel has been expanding its presence in the live experience market in recent years, with Barbie-themed pop-ups, Hot Wheels exhibits, and even plans for a Mattel Adventure Park in Arizona. UNO at AREA15 is the next logical — if unexpected — step in turning toys into immersive entertainment.

If all goes well, it might not be the last. Could we one day see a Pictionary-themed karaoke bar? A Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots fight night? Stranger things have happened in Vegas.

For now, Mattel is betting that a little nostalgia, a lot of neon, and a deck of cards might just deal them a winning hand.

Travel

Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Published

1 week ago

May 14, 2025

Good Life Guide

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.

Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.

Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.

3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road

1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.

Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.

2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.

3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.

Quick Tips by Age

Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.

Travel Smarter with Routine

Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.

Climate & Altitude Considerations

Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.

A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Safe travels—and sip often!

Entertainment

Cannes 2025: Star Power, Debuts, and Global Stories Shine

Published

1 week ago

May 12, 2025

Good Life Guide

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival rolls out its red carpet from May 13–24, 2025, the world’s most glamorous celebration of cinema is once again bringing together film legends, rising talent, and international storytellers in a lineup that feels both grounded in tradition and thrillingly fresh. For movie fans and travel buffs alike, Cannes is a destination worth adding to your list.

A Daring and Dynamic Official Selection

This year’s main competition showcases 22 feature films, each offering a distinctive voice. Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a stylized espionage drama, while Ari Aster’s Eddington blends Western tropes with biting comedy, anchored by stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone.

Julia Ducournau, who won the Palme d’Or in 2021, is back with Alpha, a provocative exploration of human transformation. Richard Linklater debuts in the main competition with Nouvelle Vague, a love letter to the French New Wave. And Carla Simón’s Romería completes her trilogy about rural Spain.

One of the most historic entries comes from Akinola Davies Jr., whose film My Father’s Shadow marks Nigeria’s first-ever inclusion in the Official Selection—an important milestone for African cinema.

Spotlighting First-Time Directors

The Un Certain Regard section is brimming with bold directorial debuts. Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great tells the story of a grandmother chasing her dreams in New York, while Kristen Stewart adapts Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir The Chronology of Water, a raw portrait of resilience.

British actor Harris Dickinson directs Urchin, a gritty, character-driven film inspired by his volunteer work with London’s homeless community. These entries highlight a growing trend: actors stepping behind the camera to deliver personal, genre-defying stories.

Star Power Returns to the Riviera

This year’s Cannes will not be short on red carpet heat. Tom Cruise is back with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, while Spike Lee screens his latest, Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington.

Robert De Niro will be honored with a lifetime achievement Palme d’Or, celebrating a career that has defined generations of cinema. Jury president Juliette Binoche leads a panel that includes Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong, offering an international perspective on the year’s top contenders.

A Global Lineup

From Iran to Japan, this year’s lineup reflects a deep commitment to stories from around the world. Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident and Sergei Loznitsa’s Two Prosecutors offer complex takes on justice and political morality, while Renoir by Chie Hayakawa bridges cultures through a French-Japanese biopic.

Expanding the Cinematic Experience

Beyond traditional screenings, Cannes 2025 includes an immersive competition of nine entries that experiment with virtual reality and collective storytelling. Meanwhile, the beloved Cinéma de la Plage program continues to deliver beachside screenings of both classics and contemporary gems—turning the Mediterranean coast into a community theater under the stars.

Cannes 2025 isn’t just a showcase—it’s a statement: the world’s stories, from the familiar to the unexpected, belong on screen. And there’s no better stage than the Croisette.