Kategorie: Traveling

Welcome to the travel section of my blog, where I share my adventures and experiences from around the world. I’m a passionate traveler, and I believe that exploring new places and immersing oneself in different cultures is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have.

Through my travels, I’ve discovered some incredible destinations, met fascinating people, and had some unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s exploring the temples of Cambodia, wandering the colorful streets of New Orleans, or enjoying the local cuisine in Portugal, each trip has left me with a new appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world.

In this section, I’ll take you on a journey through my travels, sharing my favorite destinations, tips for traveling on a budget, and stories from the road. I’ll also share insights into the local culture, food, and history of the places I visit, giving you a taste of what it’s like to explore the world through my eyes.

So come along and let’s explore the world together!

Indian business etiquette: Do’s

  1. Do bring along lots of business cards – everyone will ask for one and everyone will offer you his or hers.
  2. Do start your conversation with “namastay”. That is the local form of greeting. Follow it up with “kaise hai”. (How are you?)
  3. Do try and remember the names of the people you meet and address them by name – most of the Indian businesspeople use the first name right away.
  4. Do study up on the companies you visit before you get there – it is very impolite if you are not well prepared.
  5. Do dress modestly if you are female – even when it’s hot! Form-fitting clothes on women are seen in nightclubs only.
  6. Do keep an open mind – you may be frustrated by the apparent contradictions you face every day, but this is an ancient country with a very complex history.
  7. Do carry with you a box of sweets or at least a chocolate bar for the children, if somebody has invited you home for dinner.
  8. Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate the greeting. Indian men do not generally shake hands with women out of respect.
  9. Do use titles wherever possible, such as “Professor” or “Doctor”. If your counterpart does not have a title, use “Mr.” or “Miss”.
  10. Do always remain polite and honest at all times in order to prove that your objectives are sincere.

Chronicle: Terrorism in India

India is like an outpost of the West in the East: global, modern, open, democratic, capitalist, a country of stock markets and the Bollywood dream factory. Terrorism in India apparently want to strike two enemies at once.

The terrorists want to strike a blow at modern India, to revenge their suppressed fellow Muslims. But they want also attack the West, as evidenced by targeting of famous luxury hotels where German, British and American citizens stay.

October 29, 2005

At least 58 people were killed and more than 250 people injured in a series of bombs in Delhi just three days before the popular Hindu festival of Diwali. (read more on Times Online)

July 11, 2006

Seven bombs exploded on packed commuter trains and railway stations in India’s financial capital Mumbai (Bombay). Nearly 200 people lost their lives and more than 600 were wounded in the repeated blasts. (read more on New York Times)

February 19, 2007

A terrorist attack on a train killed 66 passengers. The so-called „Peace Train“ was travelling from Delhi to the Pakistani city Lahore. An estimated 80 people were injured by the two homemade bombs. (read more on The Age)

August 25, 2007

Two bombs exploded in a street restaurant and at a laser show in a popular city park, killing 42 people also injured a further 80 people in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. (read more on The Independent)

May 13, 2008

At least 80 people including 10 children were killed and another 200 injured during a terror attack Jaipur. Seven bombs were detonated within minutes in the city center of the popular north-western tourist destination. (read more on Telegraph)

July 26, 2008

Sixteen bombs exploded in Ahmedabad’s crowded old city dominated by its Muslim community killing at least 29 people and wounded 88. (read more on International Herald Tribune)

November 26, 2008

Terrorists killed at least 101 people and took hostages during a series of attacks in Mumbai. Hundreds of injured were sent to hospitals. The Islamist organization Deccan Mudjahideen claimed responsibility for the attack. (read more on The Times of India)

Le pot pourri de l’Inde

2009 ist schon fünf Tage alt und wie üblich stehen in den kommenden Wochen wieder Klausuren an. Von den Klausurvorbereitungen gibt es wenig spannendes zu berichten – abgesehen davon, dass es meine letzten sein werden.

Damit mein Blog währenddessen nicht verhungert, habe ich für euch noch ein paar Beiträge mit Wissenswertem über Indien aus der Schublade geholt:

  1. Chronicle: Terrorism in India
  2. Indian business etiquette: Do’s
  3. Indian business etiquette: Don’ts
  4. India’s interesting trivia

Das Material ist zwar auf englisch, aber who cares? 😉

Palm Jumeirah Grand Opening

DubaiHat da jemand „Finanzkrise“ gesagt?

Unser Ausflug nach Dubai liegt schon etwas zurück. Schon damals war ich von der künstliche Insel Palm Jumeirah sehr beeindruckt. Viele Hotels und Luxusvillen waren schon im Bau. Ziemlich genau ein Jahr später, an diesem Wochenende, fand nun das Grand Opening statt.

1,5 Milliarden Dollar kostete der Bau der künstlichen Insel – eines der weltweit spektakulärsten Bauprojekte. Das Kernstück der palmenförmigen Insel, das Hotel Atlantis The Palm, kostete nochmal ebenso viel. Dagegen wirken dann die 20 Millionen Dollar für das größte Feuerwerk aller Zeiten schon fast wie Peanuts! 😉

Der Anblick der 100.000 Feuerwerkskörper ist jedenfalls grandios…