Holiday Regrets

When on holiday, our inhibitions are inevitably low. Afterall, isnt that what being on holiday is all about - trying something new? For example, would you get in your car and not wear a seatbelt? Most people would agree that the answer is a resounding 'No!' So why then do we freely get into a rickshaw, leaving common sense behind and often risking not only our lives but those of our children – simply for the experience of riding a rickshaw; to try something new and to try anything once?

So let me ask another question. When we are home, we go to great lengths to support humanitarian and animal welfare organizations. So why then when on holiday do we turn a blind eye to some of these (often obvious) violations?

I’m not by any means trying to imply that every person goes wild on holidays and makes conscious decisions to support an activity they would otherwise strongly object to. But there is no denying that sometimes we do – often regretting the decision once the euphoria associated with the activity is gone and the reality of our contribution to the consequence sinks in.

I for one have made many decisions while on holiday which I have later grown to deeply regret. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am an animal lover. Although I’m still discovering for myself what that means to me, it hasn’t always been the case.

When I was younger, animals to me were the cute, cuddly, generally domesticated beings. I loved cats, dogs, rabbits, tigers, elephants – but not snakes, crocodiles, sharks and stingrays. I’m ashamed to say that as I’ve grown older, I haven’t always grown wiser.

Indonesia

Photo Credit @stylefrizz.com &
@forwallpaper.com

When I was 15, a friend introduced me a back alley shop that specialized in made-to-order shoes… of genuine snakeskin.

As you enter the shop, the first room stocks all available shoe styles. Once a style is chosen, you then take this with you to the back of the store which stocks a few (small) aquariums over-filled with snakes. At this point, staff measure the customer’s foot size, examine the shoe style chosen and point out the snakes that are ‘long enough’ to provide enough skin for the shoes.

I bought nothing from this store. Not because of my beliefs in animal welfare (at the time, I had no strong opinions), but because the snake I had chosen was not long enough to provide enough skin for the style of shoe I had selected. Lucky escape for the snake I thought. But realistically, all I did was delay the inevitable.
I did end up helping my friend make a purchase... A choice I regret. 

Sri Lanka

Of all the animals in the animal kingdom, elephants are by far my favourite. When I see an elephant, I have a strong urge to grab onto its trunk and give it a big hug! So why the heck did I agree to ride an elephant at an ‘orphanage’ in Sri Lanka? On the surface, the place seemed fine to me – the elephant I was to ride seemed happy and healthy. We went for a short stroll around a nearby village. Sitting on the elephants back, I noticed others. One elephant was swaying side to side with her head hanging low; looking rather spaced out. When I asked the handlers about this, their answer was even more chilling, “She’s just dancing Madam – don’t worry.”

Why didn’t I ask more questions? Why didn’t I insist on walking around to see the elephants before paying the ‘donation’? These are questions that will haunt me for a long time.

Australia

Now, I know what you’re thinking – first world country, full of animal lovers, all very vocal about animal rights. I have just two words – animal farms.

A couple of years ago, on a holiday in Australia, I went to visit a crocodile farm. In fact, if you read down to previous blog entries, I even recommend visiting it!

"We are a business"

One would think the name itself would tell me about what’s going on inside. Frankly speaking I had no idea and this was largely due to my own laziness. I had no strong love for crocodiles. After all, they would kill absolutely anyone on a whim – even their own!

Although I still have no love for crocodiles, I do feel guilty about visiting the farm and by extension, supporting it? If I am claiming to be an animal lover, I cannot in good conscience support an organization that breeds creatures for the sole purpose of providing designer shoes, belts and handbags.

Still don't believe me? Google Greyhound Racing Animals Australia. 

Thailand

Al Jazeera recently ran a documentary on the business of animal trade in Thailand. One of the businesses it discussed was the Tiger Temple; a place I have visited. Previous to visiting the Tiger Temple, I had done a lot of research on the wellbeing of these tigers. I felt satisfied that they were well treated and well looked after. I did read a few negative reviews about the place. But the language used in those reviews led me to believe they were an odd case and perhaps maybe had held a grudge about something.

Photo Credit @dailymail.co.uk

I went to the Tiger Temple feeling quite satisfied that I was giving my money to a good cause.

When I got there, I got to see and touch a gorgeous little tiger cub. He seemed happy and quite playful. However, as more people stepped up to touch the tiger cub and have a photo taken, the cub became restless and agitated. At this point, its what the handlers did that angered me. They gave the cub a slipper to chew on while they severely shortened the metal chain which tethered the cub to the ground.

I started to question everything I had read about this…sanctuary. As I walked around the grounds, I noticed that the cubs were out in the open – seemingly innocently playing. The adult tigers themselves are locked up in small ‘rooms’. Rooms that I felt would be small even for me was I to live there day in day out – and I’m less than a third of the size of an adult tiger!

In hindsight, I should have researched the place a lot more. I should have listened to the negative reviews and recognized them for passion rather than aggression. I not only regret having visited the Tiger Temple but I also regret convincing my previously skeptical friends into visiting it with me.

To anyone considering visiting the Tiger Tempe, I would strongly urge you to watch this Al Jazeera documentary.

I’m not here to be a vocal advocate for animal welfare. It is something I feel strongly about but I do not claim to know it all and jam that down anybody’s throat. I have only one request. If you feel strongly about an issue when watching it on TV from the comfort of your own home, whether it be personal safety, animal welfare or human rights, do not abandon this sentiment just because you’re on holiday. Its tough to stand up for what you believe in. Having said that, what would be tougher? Talking to the next generation about the way things used to be or telling them about a generation that fought hard to provide a great way of life? 
This is my lesson learnt from my holiday choices. And i'm slowly learning to ask some simple questions like, what is this article made from? How are these animals cared for? It's not someone else's problem. It's everybody's concern.

What are some questions that you ask when you're out and about?

To My Darling Namira

Namira when rescued

You came into our lives unsure of your new environment; growling at your foster brother and generally keeping to yourself. You had no idea that from the moment you jumped into the car, you had taken up a home in our hearts and I in turn had no idea that in time, we would be your family - to be loved whole heartedly by you.

As your foster mum, I thought my goal was to get you out of a most dire situation, bring you back to good health and bring out your crazy Saluki personality. My job was to help you put your best paw forward so we; your extended foster network could help you find your forever home.

I tried to give you all the love I had. It was never a 50:50 love to be shared between you and Gibson. For me, it was always 100% love for Gibson and 100% love for you. That was always my intention and I hope you felt that too. I never intended to fall in love with you my darling - but over time, you made that happen. And I didnt even realize!

Namira catching up on sleep

I have slowly watched you become the dog you are today. You have amused me with your, "It's way to early to get out of bed mum?" and amazed me with your, "I think I need to pee mum - but dont get up. I'll ask Gibson where to go" looks. Its been an absolute joy watching you confidently meet new people and new dogs and its been wonderful watching you discover the beach.

I was never too sure how you felt about us. You always seemed so aloof. I remember taking you on your first trip to the beach. I was so worried you were going to run away - and I was going to loose you! From the moment you jumped out of the car however, you surprised me. You stayed close and came right back when called. My friends tell me thats very rare. That's when I knew - we were your family and you loved us.

I know what you're thinking. If you're so happy and I'm so happy, how could I ever let you go and give you up? The answer is painfully simple. Its my job. Its my job to find you the most perfect home - one that is even better than mine! I do this so I can continue to take in other dogs in desperate situations - and help them as I do you.

Namira and Gibbs - Making friends

Namira,

Please dont think you weren't good enough
Please dont think I gave up on you
Please dont think I abandoned you

Please do love life
Please do love your new family like you love this one
Please do remember us - but please dont miss us.

Please know that I love you and no matter what, you will always have a home with me - but I hope you will never need it.

After almost 9 months with me, you will soon be going to your new home and getting to know your new family.
I know you will have a fantabulous life and even though I cant be a part of every day, know that I will always be watching over you.

Until that day comes, lets share lots of cuddles, lots of runs, and many many "mummy may I please have a treat" big brown eyes moments.

Lots of love,
Your doting foster mum

I dont know what you're talking about. I didn't do it...

Nam in a playful mood

Cuddle time - Feeling needy =o)

Personal Space?

There has been a lot of hype in the media recently about arguments developing 30,000 feet in the air - mostly due to invasion of personal space. Most people have an understanding of personal space -they value it and they respect it. But as the airline business continues to cram more human bodies into essentially the same aircraft size (aka “the tin can”), while it struggles to maintain it's profit margins, the concept of personal space and good service onboard is fast becoming a distant memory. 

Remember these? British Airways kids goody bag
Photo credit @ ebayimg.com

Gone are the old days when children used to get a goody bag upon embarking the flight. Remember the blue British Airways bags with colour book and pencils? Now when you board, you get a “welcome onboard” greeting with a smile…. if you’re lucky!  

Lets put the fish on the table. Businesses by nature are not set up to make you feel good. Good businesses are there to generate profits for the shareholders in an ethical manner. In case of the airline industry, that translates to increased capacity which isn't necessarily proportional to the size of the aircraft. 

Lets take the example of my flight home from Doha to Perth. The easiest route is with Qatar Airways; direct in just under 12 hours. I know what you’re thinking; its not an easy flight (and to a degree, I would agree). There are however, longer legs out there. Unfortunately, I was stuck in the very last row of economy; in the middle seat with seats that did not recline. To top it off, it was an overnight flight. How is this fair Mr Airline CEO? I paid for a standard reclining seat with the ever decreasing width and leg room (no different to everyone else in the cabin). I understand its a business and you have to make profits; but could you at the very least attempt to think of making the travels of your poor customer minutely comfortable and try and schedule long haul flights to daylight hours? Alternatively, do not sell seats in the last row for long haul flights - they do not recline!

We as the general flying population, complain about the changes and the ‘lack of service’ but we also endorse it. We do it every time we purchase a red-eye economy / budget economy seat. Unfortunately, the financial divide between economy and business seat is so wide, it automatically takes the average man out of the affordability equation. Again, lets take the example of Doha to Perth. An economy seat costs $1700 while a business seat will cost me in excess of $8000. Does the extra leg room, bigger tv, fully reclining seat really cost 4 times as much?

Its not just the airline that makes life difficult for travellers. Sometimes, its the passengers themselves! Since we are going to have to keep travelling for business and/or for pleasure in increasingly smaller seats, here are some golden rules I would like to share with every passenger out there. 

Smruti's Golden Rules for Flying:

Surviving the middle seat
Photo Credit @elliott.org

1. Have a shower before you board the flight. If you’re a transit passenger, carry a small can of deodorant or if you really want to be good, also carry some body wipes and give yourself a dry bath before you board your flight. Seriously, nobody wants to smell your holiday and know you’ve recently been trodding through some cow manure while running through the streets on a hot day to catch your train. 
2. Middle seat. Now we all know this one sucks! Nobody wants to sit in the middle - particularly between 2 strangers! The person in the window seat has a little extra room as they can lean on the window. The person in the aisle can stretch their legs slightly into the aisle. But the poor middle seat guy is stuck in the actual allocated seat space. Dont be stingy - give him both the arm rests. Thats all he has. Yes, I’m talking to you - lady who sat next to me on a recent flight from Oslo to Stavanger!
3. Get to your flight on time. Its hard enough sitting in that small seat during flight. We dont want to have to wait for you to saunter in (or your bags to be unloaded) at the gate just because you were living it up in Duty Free at the airport and ‘forgot’ the check the departure monitors.
4. Depending on the carrier, you’re allowed about 20+ kg in check in and 7 - 10kg as carry-on. Thats a total of nearly 30kg! Try and keep to taking 30 kgs of your most precious holiday clothing and gadgets. If you cannot do that, my suggestion would be hiring a Pajero and going on a road trip. Seriously though - what could you possibly need that you cant take in 30 kgs?
5. Do not stuff all your carry-ons into the overhead lockers. If you spread 10kg of your carry on across 4 bags, it is  not fair to put them all overhead and take up valuable real-estate. You’re entitled to half a section of the overhead bin. If you have more stuff, sacrifice your own leg room and put it under the seat in front of you. 

   

   Overhead realestate is dear
   Photo Credit @http://si.wsj.net/public/resources

6. When the call for boarding is announced, dont rush to the front if your seat number has not been called. If you’re seated in row 5, you will be one of the last ones to board. Dont be a douche and block other people from getting past you to board. Look on the up-side. You’ll be the first to disembark! 
7. Dont keep kicking the seat in front of you. Flying is hard enough without having to deal with someone kicking the back of your seat every 5 minutes.
8. Dont try to block the person in front of you from reclining. Everyone has paid for the same privilege of legroom and a reclining seat. If you have a good reason like you’re working on your laptop, let the person in front of you know. They may be cooperative in giving you some time. If not, shut down and enjoy the flight. Most people will be polite enough to at least give you a few minutes to save your work and shutdown. Why should anyone else have to pay the price for you having to work? 
9. Keep toilets clean. There are in excess of 100 people onboard the flight and less than 10 toilets. If you have dropped a particularly smelly one, use the spray mist provided in the toilets before you exit and spare the next person the gag reflex. Better yet, have a light, healthy meal the night before your flight and avoid any uncontrollable gaseous and effluent toilet incidents. Remember - wearing headphones only makes your farts silent to YOU!

   

   Skip the Chickpea Salad before a flight
   Photo Credit @raesofcolor8 and @cookieandkate

10. Last but not least, be nice to the Cabin Crew. They’re doing their best. They deal 300 of their closest strangers day in, day out and they are responsible for every individual’s safety. It cant be easy.

Smruti's Notes for Cabin Crew

Safety is no laughing matter
Photo Credit @workplaceinsight.net

1. Dont laugh and fumble through safety demonstrations. It is not comforting to passengers. Safety is and should always be a serious issue. Putting your life jacket on backwards during a demonstration and not realising you have done this, is no laughing matter. Ofcourse, when someone points this out to you, dont laugh it off either! Yes, this actually happened!
2. Dont blame / handball problems to other members of the team.
   On a recent flight, a number of entertainment systems were not working. The cabin crew simply agreed to re-set the affected systems. Good. It took them an hour to go flick the right switches. Bad. Upon reset, the entertainment system was still not working so the cabin crew apologised. Good. Then proceeded to tell me that someone else re-set it the first time. Bad.
   If there is a problem, get onto sorting it out asap. Not an hour later.
   For information, the entertainment system never got up and running. I was given magazines to read on that flight and ironically, they were all about travelling luxuriously. 

What about you? Any other suggestions for your fellow passengers or cabin crew? Leave your suggestions in the comment box below. =O)

Personal Space
Photo Credit @thebrianahansen

Sri Lanka

Overall, I felt Sri Lanka is most beautiful and oh so young! It has a gorgeous coastline and amazing greenery inland. The culture is rich and the food is finger lickin good! Now lets not forget the tea -- oh the tea!!

In my view, Sri Lanka has the potential to develop into the best of Bali and Singapore. The timezone is just right for it to be able to develop into a financial hub and be an economic gateway into the sub-continent.

The natural beauty of the island is perfectly poised to develop into a tourist hub. Over the coming years as Sri Lanka ramps up its development, it will be treading a very fine line between over commercialisation and an ideal tourist haven.


In the future, we will look back and pin point this as a time where Sri Lanka made a decision - to either follow in India's mistakes or in Singapore's success. Either way, Sri Lanka brings its own individuality to the table and I for one, feel priveledged to have seen Colombo and greater Sri Lanka during its youth. I cant wait to see how the nation develops and progresses over the coming years!