Monday 18 August 2014

Creative ideas for success, an example - Wind catcher, an amazing traditional indoor temperature maintenance system!

Those who have traveled middle eastern countries might have noticed such tall cylindrical structures on top of buildings especially the old ones. These are actually 'wind catchers', they as the name suggests, literally 'catch' wind to direct the flow of it towards the interior of house creating a uniform airflow throughout, thus maintaining the temperature inside at a very cool level even in the hottest summer times when the temperature in the desert can go well above 50 degree Celsius. A marvelous traditional architectural innovation by the old generation that worked well effectively and is still relevant. Nowadays you will find many firms worldwide providing similar systems based on this unique concept to make our homes 'green'.

This system is very much environment-friendly.

Modern technology modified the traditional concept by adding solar powered fans to direct the flow inwards in a much more efficient manner. There are many technical things involved in the design of such wind-driven air management systems.

Well, I am not going into the technical details of this awesome innovation. Those who would like to know more please check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windcatcher

I googled to collect more info about wind catchers before posting this, wow...there are effective methods to remain 'cool' inside our homes during summer. In Kerala, day by day atmospheric temperature is going up, humidity levels are rising and rains becoming less. It is high time to conduct more research to find out 'greener methods' to make our life better.

We all have to learn a lot from our pasts; we have much more to learn from our ancestors. There is no denying the fact that they had more creative talents than us. Limited resources, the acute necessity to do things for survival, the day-to-day struggles to live life well, all made them work hard combined with the good human values that the society had at those times. Most of the innovations were made not with commercial eyes but with much better intentions for the betterment of human lives in general.

Things are possible, there is nothing like impossible! But the first step is always important. Start... action! We cannot learn to swim in water without getting into the water.

Be cool!
  • Our ancestors, with limited resources, were able to invent many things that made their life simpler. Wonder, how they could come out with such great innovations with very primitive technology at their disposal. Hats off to such creative minds!
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Saturday 16 August 2014

Relaxation - Enjoy seabreeze

'Abras', the traditional boats that ply the Dubai Creek
Enjoy sea breeze! Go to the beach and let the breeze unwind yourselves.

'Dhow', a sailing vessel, gliding through the waters!


An exhibit at the Dubai creek during the Dubai shopping festival 2011 - 12. Interesting attractions like these from many countries will be showcased like this during the festival time.

Entrance to Burdubai souq from the creek. Replicas, shawls, spices...you name it, it is all available here.

The famous Dubai dhow cruise. All illuminated dhows will be cruising here at night most of the days. Music, delicious food, dance, onboard magic shows etc. it is all fun! A must enjoy activity while in Dubai!!

Dubai creek at night during the DSF.

Enjoy these videos too :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYDfpv7lGjo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp_koY8-o1k

A cool place to unwind after a hectic day of work, a peaceful spot to chill out, a hang out to sit quietly reading a book...wow...! We need such things in life to live well. Natural methods to chill out bring everlasting wellness. Identify such cool spots and visit often. Allow some time for Nature to calm us.
  • Recreational activities like music, dance and good food are good stress busters. The most important point to remember is to enjoy the present moment, thoroughly.
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Friday 15 August 2014

Relax - Peringalkuthu reservoir, amazing natural beauty of Kerala!

Thank you guys for the beautiful comments about the posts of Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls.

This post is about the Peringalkuthu dam reservoir along the Chalakkudy river, a short distance from the Peringalkuthu dam and hydroelectric project. This dam is situated deep in the forest; it is not open for visitors.


You will reach this reservoir spot within half an hour drive from the forest check post at the Vazhachal waterfalls on the way to Sholayar and Valparai. This road is right through the middle of the forest.
We spent a lot of time here clicking pictures. Beautiful :)

What a beautiful spot!
  • Feeling stressed out? Just browse through such pictures of natural beauty to cool your mind, body, and the soul.  
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Wednesday 6 August 2014

Hypnotic sights - Athirappilly waterfalls, beauty of Kerala

Athirappilly is an exotic destination in Kerala!

Awesome waterfalls, full of greenery all around, wonderful trekking, some wildlife...it is amazing!

Athirappilly is in the district of Thrissur (Trichur), near Chalakkudy about an hour's drive from the Kochi International Airport in South India.

Chalakkudy river originates from Anamudi in the western ghats, a mountain range in the western border of South India. This river runs through the Vazhachal forest division and at Athirappilly it runs through massive rocks resulting in spectacular waterfalls.

After plunging down from a height of nearly eighty feet it runs a turbulent course for some more distance before acquiring a smooth flow until Thumburmuzhi dam. An interesting fact is that we can view this falls from two locations, upper part from where it falls through a massive row of rocks and lower down - the spot where it plunges. We have to trek through the forest to reach this spot. This spot gives us the opportunity to view it from the front at a close range, a perfect chance to get a close-up view!

Trekking from the entrance to the falls was really fun. Plenty of monkeys all over the place😊 This is the only place where the unique, rare species of birds like Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found. Great Hornbill is the official State bird of Kerala. Such an ecologically important spot!

We visited here during the summer time. This place attracts a lot of tourists during monsoon when the waterfalls spread the whole of the rock bed instead of the three plumes we see in summer.

Be prepared for trekking right from the entrance to waterfalls. It is a little bit tiresome, but you will surely enjoy it😊

It was an unforgettable weekend!

Check these videos of waterfalls that I have uploaded in my Channel on YouTube :)
Please add some comments there too and 'like' :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1dHR9unE04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KOeLckloDg

It is scientifically proved that the sights and sounds of waterfalls stimulate our brain to produce good chemicals that better our mood. Listening to self-hypnosis tapes of waterfalls and the like operate on such theories. Spend some time near the falls to enable the brain to assimilate the visual and auditory stimuli and allow the effect to kick in. This is important when you listen to such tapes too; it takes some time to get the desired effect.

Wait patiently and allow Nature to relax you. Remove the mental barrier that we are keeping, drop the guard off, and allow the Universal energy to engulf us.
  • Nature...lush greenery, the lullaby of the flowing river, sound of music of the forest, waterfalls, nothing else will recharge the tired mind, body, and soul in a natural and better way!
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