VFS Global COMPASS (UAE Edition) November 2019 - January 2020

Free Copy For Visa Applicants. Not For Sale.

Volume 2 | Issue 5 | November-January 2020 TM

Expo 2020 Dubai: The World’s Greatest Show Explore VFS Global’s Services for Business Travellers Celebrating the Season With Good Food and Wine Feast Your Eyes on the Best Travel Photos shared in Compass

a c i r f A h t u So ers d n o fw o d l r Wo

CEO Message

ENHANCE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE Dear customer, Welcome to the latest edition of 2019 of VFS Global COMPASSTM, created exclusively for our customers visiting VFS Global Visa Application Centres. In this edition, you will find useful information on the visa application process, as well as other interesting news on travel and destinations around the world.

The year-end festive season is upon us and people across continents and cultures are busy making travel plans. Our cover story in this issue is on a destination which is on the ‘bucket list’ of travellers across the world – South Africa, with its bountiful natural beauty and eclectic culture, can be irresistible!

Zubin Karkaria CEO, VFS Global Group

Australia too has been seeing a rise in tourism, and High Commissioner of Australia to India, H.E. Ms Harinder Sidhu gives us insights into why this is so. You can read about how easy it is to get lost in the beauty of destinations like Porto, Thailand and Copenhagen, and don’t miss our Christmas and Thanksgiving feature, which also offers dessert recipes from top chefs.

Expo 2020 Dubai, one of the biggest cultural events in the world, is scheduled to take place in the UAE in 2020, and preparations are underway to make it a stunningly captivating and inspirational mega-event. VFS Global is an official ticket reseller and we give you a glimpse into what is planned for Expo 2020.

We also received an overwhelming response to the travel photo contest featured in the last issue – we thank our contributors for the beautiful images of tourist spots they have captured.

Business travellers will find it useful to read the feature on innovative visa services designed to set them off to a comfortable start. From visa application at your doorstep, to Premium Lounges, to the convenience of walking-in to a centre without an appointment – these services have transformed the traditional visa application process for applicants and go a long way in enhancing the convenience and overall experience of the process.

Please do feel free to take this issue home for a more leisurely read. I hope you find it interesting and wish you an excellent travel experience – wherever you may be headed!

South Africa is fast emerging as a bucket-list destination for travellers A Christmas market in Europe

Nov-Jan 2020 / 1

Contents

Volume 2 | Issue 5 | November-January 2020

Contents

Pg 12 Pg 16

Pg 20

Guide to Visa Application 06 Get assistance with last-minute

visa requirements 08 Be aware of the scammers posing

as associates of VFS Global 10 Simple tips to follow while

submitting your visas to ensure

seamless application experience

Pg 36

People & Places 30 Her Excellency Ms Harinder Sidhu Australia’s High

Commissioner to India, highlights

the reasons why one should

travel Down Under

Cover story

12 More than just wildlife From adventure sports to walks in vineyards, there is so much to explore in South Africa

Spotlight

16 Expo-nentially Dubai

Expo 2020 is all set to welcome

people from all genres

Food 20 Wine and dine

Celebrate the festive season with

good food and wine

Shopping 24 ‘Tis the season

One stop destination for all your

Christmas shopping

Pg 30

Pg 32 Pg 24 Pg 40

Photo Contest

28 A picture speaks a thousand words

Win a chance to get your photos

featured in Compass

Outdoor

32 Tropical wonder

The continent of Australia is a land

quite like none other

Hotspot

36 The land of smiles

Beaches, adventures, temples...

Thailand is a country for everyone

Leisure 38 New year star style List of shows that you can binge on while travelling

Cityscape 40 72 hours in Copenhagen From art to architecture and design to dining, Copenhangen has it all

About VFS Global

48 Get a Privilege Program card

and enjoy ease and comfort of

your application process 50 VFS Global encourages employees to contribute to

community initiatives 54 VFS Global Network

Globetrotter 46 Best events across the world to

make you plan ahead

Nov-Jan 2020 / 3

Volume 2 | Issue 5 | Nov-Jan 2020 TM

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CIN No U22229DL2006PTC152087 Compass magazine is printed and published by Prakash Johari on behalf of VFS Global and published at Maxposure Media Group (India) Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL), #TheAddress, Plot No. 62, Okhla Phase III, New Delhi-110020, India. Compass is published bi-monthly. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of MMGIPL. MMGIPL does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, transparencies or other materials. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or VFS Global. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. For inquiries | MMGIPL Tel: +91.11.43011111, www. maxposuremedia.com.

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guide to visa application

Hectic business trips?

Make sure your planning isn’t!

Get assistance with last-minute visa requirements to make the planning process more comfortable

T

he world’s biggest business hubs are also one of the most desirable travel destinations. But business trips can be exhausting with back-to-back days of countless meetings and working

VFS Global has designed a wide range of services for business travellers, frequent flyers, or high net-worth individuals to ensure comfortable visa application processing. Here are a few of the top services you can avail:

Visa at Your Doorstep This is an increasingly popular, useful service for senior business executives or corporate professionals who may be constrained for time due to their schedules, while travelling for business meetings and conferences.

breakfasts and dinners. At times, this travel may not be planned in advance.

Any assistance with travel formalities, especially for last-minute visa requirements, can make the planning process more comfortable.

As the name suggests, VFS Global representatives visit a location of your choice, such as your office premises, to facilitate visa application submission and biometric enrolment, eliminating the need

for customers to visit a Visa Application Centre and allowing them to complete visa application formalities in the comfort of their surroundings.

The Visa at Your Doorstep service is also available on weekends and public holidays.

Premium Lounge Seeking a customised touch with your visa application process? VFS Global’s Premium Lounges are designed exclusively to provide customers bespoke customer service, with personalised attention by a dedicated staff member who will guide the applicants through the entire application procedure.

The lounges have been built with elegant interiors and well-equipped modern amenities for a smooth visa application experience. The Premium Lounge facilities can be availed for select countries at VFS Global’s Premium Lounges across some 13 cities in India.

Complimentary photocopying or photo-booth services, regular SMS and email alerts and courier return of passports, are included in the Premium Lounge services package.

Priority Visas Priority Visa service is extremely popular with frequent flyers and business travellers who have sudden business plans that require them to travel on short notice. Currently offered only for UK visa applicants, the Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa services are the perfect solutions for any urgent/unplanned travel requirement.

While the Priority Visa process takes three to five working days, for Super Priority Visa applicants, processing gets done in just a single working day. The Super Priority Visa service is available at the VFS Global’s UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

Privilege Program The benefits of frequent travel need not only be the collection of air miles. Frequent corporate travellers can sign up for VFS Global’s Privilege Program and gain access to several benefits, including Premium Lounge access, a 24x7 Global Travel SOS helpline, a Privilege helpdesk, great deals for insurance, international SIM cards and forex cards among others.

The next time you need to travel on business, opting for one of VFS Global’ s premium services to make your visa application a breeze on vfsglobal.com.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 7

guide to visa application Warning signs that indicate you may be getting duped: Scamsters usually request for advance payments to personal bank accounts with the threat of visa application rejection or deportation They seek personal information under the pretext of re-validating information in the application.

Emails about job offers or immigration are sent from fabricated email IDs, usually via commonly used personal email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo.co.in, etc.)

Pixelated and out of proportion VFS Global logos are used on fabricated documentation (such as job offer letters and contracts) All communication stops with the scamster once a payment has been made.

of the organisation and embezzling innocent applicants.

Don’t fall for fraud.

Be Cautious Beware of the scamsters looking to embezzle innocent applicants

T

ravelling to foreign shores, be it for further education, or new job opportunities, has long been an aspiration for several individuals. As the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services company for visa processing, VFS Global observed a steady growth in all manner of travel to traditionally popular countries as well as emerging markets.

The flip side to this dream for several gullible youngsters and job-seekers, though, remains the threat of fraud.

Over the last year, VFS Global has continually faced the issue of scammers posing as employees or associates

Always remember: As a visa services provider, VFS Global does not guarantee jobs or immigration prospects to any customer. Furthermore, individuals are urged never to publish their passport or visa application numbers on public domains or social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook, as scammers are constantly on the lookout for this.

Customers are advised that VFS Global has extensive safeguards in place to protect personal data of its customers.

The company is compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and has put in stringent security systems to abide by the legislation.

Misusing VFS Global’s trusted name in the visa space, such scammers lure unsuspecting aspirants with the false promise of overseas settlement. An alltoo-frequent modus operandi involves a scammer using new software and other technology, to clone VFS Global’s web page and mask their phone numbers, so it appears that the call has indeed come from an official VFS Global line. The victim is then asked to verify the number on the official website, leading him/her to further believe the caller.

The initial call is backed by fabricated job offer letters and official looking documentation sent via email. To show acceptance of the job offer, or immigration opportunity, the email states that the applicant will have to make an up front payment and share personal information to take things forward.

VFS Global warns members of the public against falling victim to such scams that prey on their hopes of receiving an easy job or immigration opportunities.

guide to visa application

Smart

TIP 1

TIPS FOR EASY

VISA APPLICATION! While an upcoming trip out of the country can be a ‘mixed bag’ of emotions, there are a few handy tips you can use to smartly submit your visas and ensure seamless application experience. Here are a few of them that ensure you have a pleasant experience in getting your visa processing done - in time!

TIP 5 DISCLAIMER *Some of the above-mentioned services may not be offered in some countries, or for specific missions/ embassies/consulates. To check if any of the above services are available in your country, or if they are offered for a specific embassy/consulate, or to book any of the above value-added services, visit the country-specific website via www. vfsglobal.com. *Availing any of the above mentioned optional value-added services does not affect the processing time or decision of your visa. These remain the sole prerogative of the Embassy/Mission/Consulate. The services are charged in addition to the visa application fee. *Locations where the Visa At Your Doorstep service is offered may vary, depending on the city or country where the service is offered. Please check with the VFS Global representative in your city or country for details.

Apply early Just like you apply in advance to watch the latest blockbuster movie at the cinemas (PS: Avengers Endgame is the greatest film ever!), you can do the same with your visa applications as well.

So why wait till the last minute when you can apply as early as possible keeping in mind the average processing times and the intended date of travel.

Did you know that most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before the date of travel?

This will ensure that relaxation is the only thing on your mind when you submit your applications on time.

Know the turnaround times A major worry that usually plays on your mind once you submit the documents is “What is happening to my visa application?”, especially when the travel date is nearing.

TIP 2

VFS Global ensures that your official documents are passed on to the concerned consulate/embassy

within 24 hours of submission. But it is important to bear in mind that each country has a different timeline for its visa processing.

You can check these timelines with a host of other important information on their websites, thereby helping you to plan

Check off the documents list Did you know that you can access a comprehensive checklist of the documentation required for visa applications for each country served by VFS Global on our website (www.vfsglobal. com)?

TIP 3

To ensure a smooth submission process, be sure to carry all the requisite documentation to submit along with the duly filled application form. It always helps to check your passport’s validity on regular basis as many countries require a valid passport six months beyond your return date.

Be on time for your appointment ‘Better late than never’ was a phrase not meant for your visa application appointment!

TIP 4

Some of the countries you plan to apply a visa for require you to schedule an appointment with the Visa Application Centre to submit an application.

Once you have scheduled the appointment, we highly recommend being at the centre 15 minutes prior to the appointed time to avoid

missing your slot.

If you need to travel urgently, or have missed your prebooked appointment, you also have the option of using the Prime Time Appointment service that allows you to book an appointment outside the normal working hours in select centres.

Please check with the Visa Application Centre if this service is suitable for your visa application.

for your visa application well in advance.

Another factor to consider is that during peak travel season, visa processing can take longer than anticipated due to the large amounts of applications submitted.

Bonus tip: Optional services In today’s fast-paced world, where almost everything you seek is at your convenience and comfort, why should applying for a visa be any different?

VFS Global has the perfect solution for all its customers with its host of innovative and pioneering optional Value-Added Services. From applying for a visa at a location of choice with the Visa At Your Doorstep service to enjoying personalised assistance while submitting applications in the comforts of a luxurious lounge with the Premium Lounge service or even Walk-In Without an Appointment or avail Form Filling support; a seamless experience awaits you at our centres with theses optional Value-Added services provided that is customised as per the individual’s visa requirement.

Please note that these services are optional in nature and customers are not compelled to subscribe to them. We recommend you read the Disclaimer section as well before opting for these services.

So, what are you waiting for?

Track your visa application Once your application is submitted, you can track the progress through VFS Global’s online tracking service.

The status will be updated as and when your passport is ready for collection/delivery.

Please also note that once the application is submitted, VFS Global cannot track the status while it is at the embassy/consulate, nor does it have any influence on the application’s progress.

If you are facing issues with your visa application, we are happy to help you. Please drop us an email at customercare@vfsglobal.com and we will address the issue as soon as possible.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 11

Cover story

Cape Town and the Apostels

More than

Justwildlife

Yes, the ‘big five’ -lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo -- appear intriguing if gaped at from a jeep but there is much more to explore in South Africa Words: Ben Meck

Know about the history of South Africa in the Apartheid Museum through photos, artefacts, newspaper clippings etc

A winery in South Africa

B

eautiful cities, gorgeous beaches, the

European Hangover

Colours of Cape Town

rugged coastline, the mountains and

Being colonised by the Dutch and British in the past, nearly half of its cities here have Dutch names (Johannesburg, Bloemfontein et al). Cape Town, which has hitherto served as the interim port for European ships to Asia, flaunts distinctive architecture resembling Amsterdam. The rainbow nation is also home to a large number of wineries, like the Boschendal – one of the oldest wine farms in the country.

You can also opt for the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a hop-on-hop-off tour, the best way to explore Franschhoek Valley’s vineyards.

Arguably the most vibrant harbour city in the world, Cape Town offers a fascinating blend of African, European and Malay influences. Climb the Table Mountain for spectacular views of the city. You can either take the cable car or go for a hike, depending on your energy. Next on your agenda should be Kirstenbosch, where the Tree Canopy Walkway provides an elevated spot perfect for bird-watching and selfie-snapping. Greenmarket Square is a popular flea market selling crafted artefacts from around the continent. Zeitz Museum

forests, the vineyards and African wildlife – there is something for every kind of traveller in South Africa. Being a huge country – its north-eastern border is over 1500 kms from the craggy Cape; the golden beaches of the subtropical east are over 1200 kms from the semi-arid west coast, pounded by an icy Atlantic. There is so much to do here that you will need several visits to see it all. However, Africa is not just about jungle safaris and wildlife, it has much more to it.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 13

Lighthouse at Cape Point

Game Meat

of Contemporary African Art features the largest collection of contemporary African art on the continent. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; Boulders Beach, the main draw where is the colony of wild African penguins, are few other places that will keep you busy.

Specifically hunted and delicately prepared game meat is a unique local treat you must try in South Africa, with ‘biltong’ (cured beef/ostrich meat, spiced and dried) and the springbuck (antelope), being easily available. However, if you are looking for something as wilder varieties like smoked crocodile meat or charcoal-grilled zebra, try at restaurants such as Carnivore in Jo’burg.

The nightlife in South Africa is enormous too with pubs, hipster bars and lounges found in every big city. Try Long Street in Cape Town or visit the clubs in Jo’burg.

Dig for Gold in Jo’burg Affectionately called Jo’burg, Jozi and E’Goli, the city has quickly transformed from a stopover destination to a vibrant arts and culture centre, thanks to the opening of contemporary museums and art galleries. Know about the history of South Africa in the Apartheid Museum through photos, artefacts, newspaper clippings, personal accounts and film footage. The Constitution Hill is a former prison, where former prisoners include Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. For adventure junkies, the Gold Reef City offers thrilling theme park rides and historical exhibits.

The biggest attraction here is the gold mine tour that takes you several metres down a shaft to tell the story of gold mining in South Africa.

Adventure Drives

Visit Boulders Beach in Cape Town where the main draw is the colony of wild African penguins

No trip to South Africa is complete without a road trip around Cape Point Peninsula, a part of the Cape Floral Region. Inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004, the drive will take you through some of the most scenic places in South Africa. Halt along the way at Hout Bay, a lovely suburb of Cape Town known for its beautiful sandy beach and a nice harbour.

You can also go on a boat tour and admire the marine life there.

spotlight

Expo-nentially

Dubai

Touted as ‘The World’s Greatest Show’, Expo 2020 Dubai is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore technological advances, culture and cuisine, and inspirational opportunities you simply cannot miss

T

here are always reasons to go to Dubai, of course, but we are going to tell you why 2020 is special. After years of preparation, the highly anticipated cultural extravaganza, Expo 2020, is just around the corner.

Starting from October 2020, spread over 173 days, Dubai is going to play host to more than more than 38,000 suppliers from 151 countries who are registered to do business at Expo 2020. But it’s far from all work and no play.

Expo 2020 is also a celebration.

The emirate is all set to welcome

artists and academics, pop stars and pioneering thinkers, culinary wizards and corporate gurus, tech ninjas and tomorrow’s leaders, all in one grand event. In short, Expo 2020 Dubai will have something for everyone.

Want a sneak peek into this cultural extravaganza?

Every day, there will be over 60 live events, ranging from music, dance and art to poetry slams and live talks.

You can also indulge in various cuisines at over 200 food and beverage outlets. Treat your taste buds to more than 50 global cuisines.

How do you get yourself a ticket to the Expo?

VFS Global will be offering single or three-day tickets, and range of specially curated packages for the Expo, designed on the theme, event or date preferences from March 2020 on www.vfsglobal.com.

In due course, customers can visit the VFS Global Dubai Travel Shop available in select Visa Application Centres to purchase their tickets and get information about Expo 2020 Dubai.

Customers who opt to submit their visa application through the Premium Lounge at select VFS Global Visa Application Centres, or hold a VFS Global Privilege Program membership will also be able to enjoy discounts on the packages they purchase.

A view of what awaits visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai

For the more serious culinary enthusiasts, the Expo will also showcase the latest culinary technology and delicacy tours.

The centrepiece of the Expo is the unmissable Al Wasl Plaza. Named for the Arabic word for ‘connection’, this is where the major ceremonies and celebrations will take place. What’s more, the 360-degree projection dome constructed over the plaza will provide an unmatched immersive experience.

For the environmentally conscious, the Opportunity Pavilion will encourage visitors to make a meaningful contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainability Development

Goals (SDGs) through interactive exhibitions and activities.

Another great experience will be the Mobility Pavilion, built to let visitors explore the movement of people, goods, ideas and data, and showcase how mobility has long been the driving force of human development.

Where is all this happening?

Measuring 4.38 sqkm, Expo 2020 site is located in the Dubai South district. It is close to Al Maktoum International Airport and within easy reach of Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminals. The

site will also have its own Metro station, with the capacity to transport 40,000 passengers per hour.

Co-located at the Expo site is the Dubai Exhibition Centre, which is the ideal place for MICE groups to stage worldclass events. Major events have already been confirmed at the DEC, including the BlockExpo and World Blockchain Summit 2020 which will explore the revolutionary technology. The venue will host the next World Government Summit – welcoming 30 international organisations, 600 experts, 10,000 highprofile officials and 100,000 participants to Expo 2020.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 17

Leisure

Star New Year

Style

If you are looking for ideas about where to celebrate Christmas, or New Year, some suggestions from our glamorous film stars may just give you ideas…

Words: Aarti Kapur Singh

I

t’s that time of the year again! The holiday

Kareena Kapoor Khan

season is round the corner and everyone

“Gstaad is our annual pilgrimage as a family and we really can’t get enough of it!

Both Saif and I love this piece of heaven in Switzerland. Shopping aside, Gstaad exudes old-world charm and is just breathtakingly gorgeous. It is straight out of a fairytale. I so wish someone would take me there for every film! You have to try the Gstaad nut cake and Pavés de Gstaad here! Charly’s has these sinful pastries and accompanied by a large mug of hot chocolate, it is the second best thing to heaven! Having all key settings for the quintessential Bollywood romantic setting - the sights of meadows, the plains, lakes, chalets - Switzerland is all so beautiful and otherworldly.”

is busy planning getaways, vacations and holidays. The stars from tinseltown are no different. While their final plans will always be under wraps (obviously, they are supposed to be getaways, after all!), there are always some favourite destinations that seem to please celebrities and they make a beeline for

*Few photos have been taken from the official Instagram handles of the mentioned celebrities

their favourite destinations. Shah Rukh Khan, for instance, chooses either Dubai or London to ring in the New Year. His pal Karan Johar favours New York.

Bipasha Basu “I am a total beach bum! So any beach destination works for me. Whether it is Goa or Mauritius or the Maldives - give me the sun, sand and sea and I am sorted. I would love to ring in the New Year in Greece. It would be my ultimate luxury and dream come true! I love the peace and calm of Santorini. The pristine white houses carved into cliffs are spectacular against that gorgeous shade of blue ocean. Not just the views, even the party scene is just so cool! The place is buzzing with life and energy – you have to be on the streets in the night to believe this. If I had my way, I would certainly build a house there.”

Ayushmann Khurrana “There are few places in the world that for me are veritable refuges. I am in love with the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary - at the intersection of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is the most peaceful place on earth. The protected area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species, including elephants, tigers, bison and leopards. The Moyar River, running through the dense forest, is an ideal place to cite animals when they come to drink water along its bank.”

Arjun Rampal “I might sound clichéd, because possibly the entire world goes there, but I am in love with Phuket. Obsessively. It is just so picturesque and serene that it seems like the place belongs to another era, another world. While I do like the occasional busy buzz of cities such as New York as well, but Phuket is my go to place when I want a relaxed, chilled out, put your feet up kind of a holiday. The calm scenery, the sun, the sand and the amazing landscapes – it just refreshes me like nothing else can. I just go so trigger happy with my camera there. My spot boy perpetually had my camera with him while we were shooting for Ek Ajnabee – and I would purposely go location scouting with the crew, so I could get opportunities to take pictures of

my own. Also, Thailand really is the most hospitable country in the world! The people are forever smiling – and ready to extend a helping hand.”

Hrithik Roshan “Vacations are a time to rejuvenate, to look and feel better. I binge a lot. Usually, in the hotel, they ask for how many people I’m ordering, and they get shocked when I say one, because I have ordered for four! I just cannot fathom the idea of vacationing minus my family! We do all sorts of crazy stuff and have a total blast, wherever we are. Vacations are mostly about getting

away from noise. I’d either go to the top of a mountain or the edge of a beach. A few things remain the same, like I will still be as physically active. I love London as well, for its ancient beauty. Other than that, Phuket islands are also a favourite with my family.

Chaweng Beach is the favoured location in Phuket but we often choose the quieter side for a real getaway from the crowds.”

Emraan Hashmi “The moment I think of going on a holiday, the first thought that comes to my mind is locating an ideal beach getaway. The Maldives tops my list of frequently visited places. Besides the scenic beaches, it is the natural beauty of the place that I am a fan of. The beaches are not just breathtakingly beautiful, they are unbelievably clean and well looked after.

It is good to be in a place where people appreciate and value the bounty that nature has blessed them with. My wife Parveen and son Ayaan also love the Maldives.”

Malaika Arora “I love water sports. I am a very adventurous gal who does everything from deep sea diving to bungee jumping and jet skiing. Goa certainly tops my favourite holiday spot. It’s chilled out, not much hustle and bustle. I don’t think there’s any better place to holiday than Goa. I love it!

I always dreamt of owning a home there. I love the place, people and food. Goa, also because it is close to Mumbai, is my go-to

holiday place. That and Mauritius! You have to see the way the sun literally emerges from the ocean at dawn and you will believe in God! I would love to go to the Caribbean islands – I am more of a beach person and am not fond of colder climates, so I’d rather explore the entire coastline of the world.”

Nov-Jan 2020 / 19

indulge

Wine & Dine This Festive

Season With Thanksgiving and Christmas upon us, celebration with good food and wines is on everyone’s mind Words: Mini Ribeiro

T

here is something special about Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, to say thank you for a good year of farming and a great harvest. Originated in the 18th century in the mid-west of the United States, it is also widely celebrated in North America, Canada, and across the globe.

The famed roast turkey, a variety of stuffings, cranberry sauce, are usually always eaten. But there’s more to a Turkey dinner with all its trimmings. Authentic country-side ingredients, such as sweet corn and pumpkin, are a must in some form on the table. One of the most important parts of the Thanksgiving feast, is the wine selection.

Food tastes better with wine, because wine offers another set of aromas, flavours, and textures that act as a shield to those of the food.

Since roast turkey is a must on every Christmas lunch menu, try a Bordeaux red Sparkling wines add the right element of festive flair to the Thanksgiving meal. Pinot noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel are best options for red wine lovers and Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Viognier, are apt for those who prefer whites. Wines with fruity flavours, pair well and enhance the meat dishes, especially Turkey.

Yet another feast, synonymous with food and wines is Christmas. A Christmas lunch, albeit a family affair, is bound to be heavy and indulgent, so start your meal with a light wine, perhaps, a light-bodied, Pinot Grigio.

Since Roast Turkey is a must on every Christmas lunch menu, try a Bordeaux red.

It goes well with Turkey, which is a delicate meat. This red, maybe powerful, but does not overshadow the flavour of Turkey. Even Pinot Noir or a Rioja Reserva red, can be sipped with Turkey.

acidity on the palate, complements the sweet preparations. Finish your meal with a Chenin Blanc as you dig into your Christmas pudding.

Good food and the perfect wines to match, go a long way in making a meal memorable.

The crisp acid generally, teams well with poultry, so a Sauvignon blanc and Beaujolais, are apt. If it is roast beef, lamb or duck, include the powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, as it brings out the flavours.

Many feel, a light red Zinfandel works well with Turkey, but generally, this dark and intense, fruity Zinfandel, is best enjoyed with mince pies or dark chocolate.

Delicately flavoured Italian Whites and Muscadet, pair well with shellfish and seafood.

A Riesling with its mineral, floral, fruity aromas coupled with intense

Nov-Jan 2020 / 21

indulge Thanksgiving Recipe Pumpkin Pie Recipe by Chef Paul Kinny, Director of Culinary, St. Regis, Mumbai Baking temp: 180’c Baking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Pumpkin puree - 250 gram Whole egg - 1 Egg yolk - 2 Condensed milk - 200 gram Cinnamon powder - ¼ tsp Ground ginger - ¼ tsp Nutmeg - ¼ tsp Sweet paste - 200 gram

Method • In a mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, whole egg and egg yolk.

• Add condensed milk; keep whisking until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture.

Transfer this mixture into the pie mould and bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes.

• Cool and serve.

• Add cinnamon powder, ground ginger, nutmeg in to the above mixture. Fold the mixture properly.

• Line pie mould with the sweet paste.

Christmas Recipe Christmas Cake Recipe by Chef Stephenson Simson, Executive Pastry Chef, Leela Ambience Gurugram

Ingredients Flour - 450 gram Salt - 25 gram Cinnamon - 1 Tsp Ground Nutmeg - 25 gram Butter or margarine - 350 gram Soft brown sugar - 350 gram Lemon Rings - 1 piece Eggs - 6 Currants - 350 gram

Sultanas - 350 gram Raisins - 350 gram Glaze Cherries - 100 gram Chopped Dates - 100 gram Almonds Blanched 100 Gram Candied Peel - 75 gram Fruit Juice - 30 Ml Molasses - 30 Ml Sherry or brandy - 30 Ml

Method Sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. In another large bowl cream the butter or margarine with the sugar ring until light and fluffy into a bowl. Preheat the oven to 140 degrees add the egg to butter mixture, one at a time, beating thoroughly. Then fold in the flour with the washed and deseeded fruits the

nuts peel, fruit juice. Mix them together to form an even, thick mixture. Grease a 23cm cake tin and line it with a double layer of grease. Proof paper place the cake mixture in the tin and bake for 5 to 6 hours or until it is cooked thorough.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin and then turn it upside down onto a rack with a

skewer, make several holes in the bottom of the cake and drip the sherry or brandy into place the cake right way up when the liquid is fully absorbed. The cake may be kept for a week in foil or an airtight container, until two days before it is required. Decorate with almond paste ad icing if required.

shopping

Season ‘Tis the

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to mean battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains. These markets are one-stop destinations for all your needs Words: Bindu Gopal Rao

I

t is that time of the year when there is a palpable sense of cheer as well as a nip in the air and if you hear hard, a tinkle from Santa – yes it’s Christmas season and here is a roundup of the best Christmas markets across the world.

Austria The Christmas markets in Vienna will happen from November 15 to December 31 and interestingly dates back to 1298 when Albrecht I allowed Vienna’s citizens to have a December Market or

Krippenmarkt as it is called locally. There are over 20 official Advent Markets today that retail a large variety of seasonal gifts and decadent treats. Check out Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, at the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, Christmas Village Maria-Theresien Platz, New Year’s Eve Village, Christmas Village in the Former General Hospital, Christmas and New Year’s Market at Schönbrunn Palace and Christmas Market at Spittelberg. Set against stunning historical buildings this

is where you can discover stunning local treats as well as lots of souvenirs to make your shopping experience good fun.

Poland

A Christmas market in Vienna

The Polish Christmas markets have a great emphasis on food, so if you love eating, this is for you. Krakow’s Christmas market is one of the best in Poland that is filled with delicious food and interesting trinkets and usually happens at the central square, Rynek Glowny, alongside the famous Cloth Hall. Try the smoked cheese, Pierogi stalls, grilled meat stations and mulled wine. This is where you can buy Matryoshka (Russian) dolls, wooden toys and kitchen gadgets too. Wroclaw is another wonderful location that also has many international stalls that sell Hungarian langos, Dutch pancakes, paella, hot apple cider and hot chocolate.

The smaller and prettier cities like Gdansk,

Poznan and Lublin also host Christmas markets that are worth a visit. Most markets are on from November 29 to the end of December and some continue into January for the Epiphany festival.

Germany The German Christmas markets typically start at the end of November and run into the first week of January.

The Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom at Cologne is the place to stock up on handmade gifts, wood carvings, tree decorations, soaps and regional organic foods. Dresden’s Christmas Market, the oldest Christmas market in Germany, is where you can pick traditional handcrafted nutcrackers and the Dresden Pflaumentoffel, a small chimney sweep made with dates. Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace has a market filled with wintertime treats, roasted chestnuts, carousels and toy train rides is all things fun.

New York

A Christmas market in Basel, Switzerland Christmas fair goodies in Krakow, Poland

​ he Bank of America Winter Village at T Bryant Park complete with a free ice skating rink is a European-style open-air market in New York with 170 plus kiosks that sell handicrafts from across the world. This is the best way to usher in the holiday spirit as you navigate through the artisanal markets, rink side food hall and outdoor beer garden.

Spread over a whopping 170,000 sq ft, the market is a scene of bustling activity and is on from late October to early March. There will be a host of discounted or free games, several holiday events like tree lighting, performances and lots of shopping to indulge your retail cravings.

Switzerland The Basel Christmas Market has two different sections at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz and starts on November 28 and lasts till December 23. The markets have over 180 stalls and you can indulge in fun activities like gingerbread decorating and Christmas decoration-making. The Basel Christmas Market will also tickle your taste buds with delectable waffles, glühwein, Swiss raclette, Basel Läckerli and grilled sausages. The stores will have local handicrafts, toys, jewellery, Christmas related crafts and artists who showcase their craft.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 25

shopping

Grandest

Upside down Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Christmas treeS Across the world

Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York The Christmas tree of White House

Christmas tree in Prague

Christmas tree in Dortmund, Germany

photo contest

Speaks A picture

a thousand words...

A chance to get your photos featured in CompassTM! Thank you for the overwhelming response to the photo contest we featured in the last issue. Feast your eyes on the winning entries featured here that are sure to capture your imagination. And watch out for more photos in the next edition of CompassTM!

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by Letitia M ed atthews, So uth Africa Nov-Jan 2020 / 29

people & places

‘Australia offers

Unforgettable

experiences’

From iconic destinations, scenic beaches, and world-class restaurants and wineries to incredible landscapes and wildlife, and captivating cultural events, there’s a plethora of things to experience in Australia. In an exclusive interview with CompassTM, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Her Excellency Ms Harinder Sidhu, highlights the reasons why one should travel Down Under

There is much more to an Australian holiday than experiencing our well-known cities. You can dive into an ocean cage to swim beside great white sharks in South Australia; swim with Darwin’s biggest crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove; take a trip to see bubble-gum pink lakes in Australia’s Golden Outback; discover the magic of Australia’s ancient Aboriginal culture near Cairns at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and witness one of the world’s most breath-taking light shows at Uluru.

diaspora in Australia - all these factors have led to an exponential increase in Indian travellers to Australia.

What would you say is the most extraordinary attraction in Australia as a tourist destination?

There are many reasons why one should travel Down Under. There are several unforgettable experiences Australia has on offer—from iconic destinations, scenic beaches, and world-class restaurants and wineries to incredible landscapes and wildlife, and captivating cultural events. It is difficult to point to just one attraction in Australia.

How important is India as a market for Australia tourism?

What kind of outbound numbers have you observed?

While Australia has always been a ‘bucket list’ destination, it is in recent years that travel has really increased exponentially. Would you agree and what is the reason for this shift?

India is now Australia’s eighth largest market for tourism and also the fastest growing. Australia’s geographic proximity, its offerings of pristine environment and exotic natural experiences and close economic and cultural ties with India have contributed immensely to the growing number of Indian tourists visiting Australia.

India is the world’s fastest growing large economy and the country has a middle class that is also growing strongly. Add to this the phenomenal growth of the Indian

India is a very important market for Australian tourism. In the past year, Indian visitor numbers increased by 15 per cent to 342,694 people. By 2035, the number of Indian tourists to Australia is expected to grow four-fold to hit nearly 1.2 million.

Tourism is also recognised as one of the lead sectors that holds great promise for the Australia-India relationship in Australia’s India Economic Strategy—an ambitious roadmap to transform Australia’s economic partnership with India out to 2035.

Are there any new or off-beat destinations you would like to recommend for travellers to Australia?

There is much more to an Australian holiday than experiencing our well-known cities. You can dive into an ocean cage to swim beside great white sharks in South

Australia; swim with Darwin’s biggest crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove; take a trip to see bubble-gum pink lakes in Australia’s Golden Outback; discover the magic of Australia’s ancient Aboriginal culture near Cairns at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and witness one of the world’s most breath taking light shows at Uluru. There are many hidden secrets travellers can find far off the beaten track.

What tips can you offer to Indian nationals applying for Australia visas, and how is the air connectivity to Australia?

Currently, Air India is the only direct flight provider, with eight flights to New Delhi per week. However, there are regular, onestop flights from key cities in India to key ports in Australia including via Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad and Emirates. With regard to visitor visas, people should apply online as that is the fastest way to get an Australian visa. Most online visitor visas are finalised within 14 days by the Australian High Commission in India. Also, tourists can apply up to a year ahead to save themselves the last minute rush. So, apply in advance.

What do you enjoy the most about India?

I have travelled extensively around India, seen some amazing sights and scenery, and really enjoy the food. But the best thing about India for me is its people. I always enjoy meeting and speaking with people from all walks of life and background.

Every person has a fascinating story to tell.

Meeting the people of India is what has made this such a rich experience for me.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 31

Outdoor

Adventure unfold

Where amazement and

Located at the far eastern corner of the southern hemisphere, the continent of Australia is a land quite like none other Words: Rashmi Gopal Rao

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ith a remarkable coastline, pristine beaches, magnificent deserts and sunshine all year through, Australia is home to some unique flora and fauna and offers visitors some truly stunning attractions. With the Great Barrier reef being the largest ecosystem in the world, Tasmania having the cleanest air in the world and the Great Ocean Road being the world’s largest war memorial, there is never a dearth of interesting sights when in the land of Oz. Apart from the northern, southern and western regions, Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are other distinct regions in this country that is also the sixth largest in the world.

Western Australia Perth, the capital city of western Australia, with its scenic beaches, parks and unique street art, is a great way to start your exploration of this part of the country. Kings park in central Perth, which is larger than Central Park, New York, the eclectic neighbourhood of Leederville that boasts of a distinct bonhomie vibe as well as Perth’s cultural centre, are just some of the things you can see and do while in this vibrant city. If you are a culture buff, take a walking tour to trace the city’s Aboriginal history.

Kangaroos in Kangaroo Island

A shopping arcade in Perth, Australia

Koalas are found in the wild in South Australia

Travel tips If you are travelling as a couple, or with friends, travel friendly homes can be a good choice.

Tipping in Australia is not a common practice. You are not expected to tip in restaurants, bars, or taxis.

A little away from the city is the town of Freemantle with distinct colonial influence and the car free island of Rottnest Island replete with beaches, coral reefs and of course the friendly marsupial quokka.

One of the oldest wine regions of the country, the Swan Valley is also situated in western Australia.

Apart from Perth, the Pinnacles, which are the large limestone formations in the middle of the desert, is arguably one of the most popular tourist attractions of this region.

The Karijini National Park, the Shark Bay, the Dolphins at Monkey Mia as well as the Esperance Bay are havens for naturelovers. The beach resort town of Broome known for pearling also makes for an unforgettable experience.

Southern Australia When in the southern part of the country, start your sojourn by visiting the exciting city of Adelaide known for its museums, Nov-Jan 2020 / 33

Outdoor

People visit Ayers Rock in northern Australia

famous Botanical gardens as well as wildlife parks. Famous for its cultural festivals, farmers’ markets and heritage buildings, Adelaide is a city you do not want to miss. Just about an hour north of Adelaide is the Barossa Valley, an ideal place for a wine connoisseur. One of the oldest grape growing regions of the world, Barossa is known for its artisan food and wine. With a distinctive influence of the German and English immigrants who originally settled here, this region is known for its European style cuisine and heritage buildings.

Natural wonders like the Flinders Ranges, Limestone Coast and the Murray river offer spectacular scenery as well as abundant wildlife, sheltered valleys and rich vegetation. Probably the most sought-after destination of southern Australia is the Kangaroo Island, which is not just about

kangaroos but also a place rich in natural beauty all around. If seafood and swimming with fish is your cup of tea, do not forget a visit to Port Lincoln located on the Eyre Peninsula.

Immersive experiences in the Northern Territory The north-eastern part of Australia includes the Queensland state, which has a coastline of about 7,000 km. Apart from the Great Barrier reef, which is a living masterpiece and a treasure house of coral reef systems and marine species, the capital city of Brisbane and the glorious beaches of the Gold and Sunshine coasts are just some of the things to experience in Queensland.

With tropical towns, a distinct Aboriginal culture and magnificent beauty, the northern part of the country showcases

a totally different side of Australia. It is synonymous with the desert monoliths found in Uluru. This giant sandstone rock is a fascinating spectacle that is best viewed during sunset. With creeks, cliffs and semi-arid deserts, the West MacDonnell Range as well the unique Mataranka Thermal Pool are other key sites of interest.

If local art is on your mind, head to the Tiwi Islands for authentic wooden sculpture and traditional painting.

Located off the southern coast of Australia is the island of Tasmania that is known for its wilderness, mountain and lake scenery, all of which are protected within natural parks and reserves. The charming capital of this region Hobart, is known for its distinctive vintage vibe. The museum of Old and New art aka MONA must be on your list if you are a fan of art and architecture.

Hotspot

Smiles

The land of

Popular for its breath-taking beaches, adrenaline adventures, stunning temples and the modern urban sprawl, Thailand is a country for everyone Words: Sonya

T

he number one tourist location in South East Asia, Thailand is best known for its breath-taking beaches, its spectacular temples and street food. From the moment you step out of the plane to the time you leave, you will be surrounded by some of

Tourists enjoying in Kho Phi

the friendliest, down to earth and genuine people that you could want to meet. It’s easy to see why Thailand is often called the ‘Land of Smiles’.

The Grand Palace Out of the innumerable bucket list of places one would want to visit, the Grand Palace has to feature right at the top. The spectacular palace sits right in the middle of the city, spanning across 2.35 million sq ft, proving to be the busiest spot in this country. Built in the year 1782, it has been home to the Thai King for the last 150 years. The palace stands up due to its intricate detail and marvellous architecture, portraying the fine craftsmanship of Thai people. The palace witness attendees in large numbers due to its spiritual significance as the Emerald Buddha – Wat Phra Kaew – considered to be the most important image of Buddha in Thailand.

Fascinating Koh Phi Koh Phi Phi has been featured in countless movies and for some, it is the only reason to visit Thailand. The sheer beauty of this

The Thai food culture is lively and experimental, offering fantastic feisty dishes. It forms a quintessential part of your Bangkok experience

island compels you to defer all your plans in Phuket and take a deep dive into the crystal clear blue water surrounded by lushgreen mountains. This scenic destination hosts six exotic islands of fine white sand and turquoise waters. The second-largest island of Phi Phi archipelago gets the most number of international traffic offering an astounding view of Loh Sama, a small bay renowned for snorkelling. When in Phi, do

not miss the Viking Cave, which features ancient paintings figures.

Floating Markets Sitting about half an hour away from Bangkok in the Ratchaburi province, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a 100-year-old floating market, selling all kinds of lip-smacking dishes and local produce. The market offers affordable trinkets, great hospitality, a wonderful setting giving major selfie clicking opportunities to travellers. It is best advised to head to this boat ride early morning, taking the heat out of the equation and witness the Damnoen Saduak at its liveliest.

If time permits for the day, one should venture beyond the market area where the quaint residential canals sits peacefully at a minimal cost of 100 bhat.

Night Markets Thailand’s main nighttime attraction is undoubtedly the night bazaar of Chiang

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Mai boasting the legacy of the original Yunnanese trading caravans that stopped here along the ancient route between Simao (China) and Mawlamyaing (on Myanmar’s Gulf of Martaban). There is also a huge collection of antique and handicraft stores selling their clothes, jewellery and more to the tourists. This oldest evening market in the country is well-placed on the east side of Chiang Mai’s old-walled city, centred along Chang Klan Road between Thapae and Sridonchai Roads and spreading onto smaller alleys and side streets. Shop those funky t-shirts, housewares, dresses, art, elephant pants, jewellery, shoes, bags, Muay Thai shorts, toys, antiques, knockoff sunglasses and all your shopaholic ambitions are taken care of.

Food Culture The Thai food culture is lively and experimental offering fantastic feisty dishes and forms a quintessential part of your Bangkok experience. Street foods in Thailand are readily available in umpteen choices, in carts parked in sideways off the road. Vendors are mostly spotted serving diverse food items such as pounding papaya, grilling meat skewers or boiling noodles. Take a stroll deep in the street and you can come across local dishes, Som Tam – Papaya Salad, Khao Pad – Fried Rice, Pad Thai Kung – Noodles with shrimp.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 37

leisure

Must– watch

shows while on the move Give these gripping shows a try during your long hours of travel Words: Vinod Advani

Barry Two Seasons of this comedy series has catapulted its creators to worldwide fame. Bill Hader (who acts and directs) and Alec Berg (who writes and also produces) have created a thoroughly accomplished series. Did I say comedy? Yes, it’s deadpan funny. But it’s also a thriller that goes into unexpected dimensions like Ozark and Breaking Bad, two awesome series that are NOT comedies.

Barry Berkman is an ex-army man who served time in Afghanistan and survived those killing fields. But not without health repercussions. He tends to go catatonic when he kills people for a fee back home in the USA, now that he

is a killer-for-hire! He shoots, kills, feels nothing whilst in this hypnotic state and makes a lot of money. Till a chance encounter inspires him to become an actor! So Barry (Bill Hader, such a major talent) enters a conman’s acting school, discovers his love for theatre and another aspiring actress Sally (Sarah Goldberg). Now he wants to give up his career of professional killer. But will his mentor and manipulator Fuches (Stephen Root) or the Chechen gang allow him to just leave? A series of endless catastrophes follow that will hold your attention all through the 16 episodes of the two seasons. Think of Terminator meets the Hangover in a Coen Brothers film and you get an idea of this dark tragi-comedy. Viewable on HBO.

Narcos Mexico

Schitts Creek

Season 4 of the highly riveting Narcos series now moves from Colombia to the inside story of the Mexican drug cartel. The series makers continue to do a great job of staying faithful to the real story, without any unnecessary additions to embroider for higher ratings. Unlike Colombia (where the drug trade was controlled by only two cartels), Mexico had a number of cartels, who conducted their illicit hash and marijuana trafficking. Each drug lord had a massive ego and trigger-happy tendencies.

Therefore, the story of how a single man, ex-cop Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo (superbly played by Diego Luna) aka Felix, could come in from the outside and bring them all under his umbrella, makes for fascinating viewing. Obsessed with arresting Felix is American DEA agent Kiki Camarena (Michael Pena in another bravura performance) whose bloodhound character just won’t give up. Does he succeed? Two other noteworthy performances are essayed by Tenoch Huerta as Rafa and Joaquin Cosio as Don Neto. There is a lot of violence and bloodshed in the series. But they are all true stories and with strong acting, great background music, this series is unmissable. Viewable on Netflix.

Don’t get put off by the title! It’s an unexpectedly funny series and with each episode being less than 30 minutes, you can binge watch the five seasons without feeling guilty. The Rose family - Dad Eugene, Mom Moira, Son David, Daughter Alexis - from Los Angeles have lost their millions and have been evicted out of their grand villa. Undeterred they pack their furs, designer clothes, jewellery and move to a motel in a small ugly town called Schitts Creek, somewhere out there in heartland America. One would expect bankrupt ex-millionaires to feel like fishes out of water. But no, each Rose member has a remarkable resilience and how they spend their days is a series of side-splitting comedy skits. Mum Moira (Catherine O’Hara) is the wig wearing matriarch who participates in town activities as if she was Chairwoman of the Metropolitan Opera!

Dad Eugene (Johny Rose) is determined to build a new business empire, often with disastrous consequences. Son David (Daniel Levy) is pansexual whose clothes and raised eyebrows finally finds love for the first time. Sister Alexis (Annie Murphy) transitions from a Paris Hilton lookalike to a successful businesswoman. Hilarious and unmissable five Seasons. Viewable on Netflix.

Fleabag Every once in a while, an unknown with a lot of talent turns up from out of the blue and impresses the world with unexpected expressions. Comic actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one such talent. She has written and acted in this brilliantly funny and very British tragi-comedy played out in two seasons. It takes a couple of episodes before it all starts to come together to make sense of the intended narrative. Fleabag (Waller-Bridge) is what she calls herself, trying to bring balance into her life by sleeping with strangers! Her father has married a second time to Godmother (Olivia Coleman, Academy Award winner) a self-absorbed bragger, her sister Claire is compulsive - obsessive and her brother-in-law is constantly feeling her up. All of this makes Fleabag’s huge lack of self-confidence take even more of a beating. And then as if it wasn’t complicated enough, Fleabag falls in lust with a man of the church, called Sexy Priest (Andrew Scott, big heart throb).

Conflicts and bondings are displayed with humour and emotion, the writing is inventive and this is today’s normal for a single woman navigating her life in London. Viewable on Amazon Prime and BBC One & Two.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 39

Cityscape

72 hours in

Copenhagen From art to architecture and design to dining, Copenhangen has it all

Words: Vinod Advani

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hy does Copenhagen regularly top the list of the world’s happiest city?

Smile at a Copenhagen citizen and chances are that you will get a welcoming smile back.

The Little Mermaid

The most photographed model in Copenhagen is Langelinje, aka the Little Mermaid, created by Edvard Eriksen & put up in 1913. In summer, at least 10 large tourist buses disgorge wide-eyed camera clicking hordes. A five-minute walk away in the same garden is the Kastellet - The Citadel, a pentagonal fortress, which is Europe’s oldest functioning barracks.

Time has stood still here since 1660! I was entranced by the gaggle of noisy, bossy geese marking their territory.

Tivoli Gardens Commissioned by the King of Denmark, the garden gates first opened on August 15, 1843. Among the awestruck guests was Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote The Nightingale, a fairy-tale inspired by the elegant gardens. Such was its fame that Walt Disney paid several visits to copy the atmosphere and ambience for Disneyland. Today, food stalls satisfy all food cravings. But the world comes for one or all of the daredevil 28 rides that pump up the adrenaline to the maximum.

sits inside a big garden. In the summer, an outdoor café serves drinks and light lunches in this courtyard, which also has a permanent stage where theatre goers watch classical plays and modern dramas.

Different rooms exhibit designs dating 2000 years back to the present cuttingedge stuff. Another wing houses a fine collection of furniture, jewellery, silverware and textiles, all extraordinary.

National Gallery Built in 1896, Statens Museum For Kunst is funded by the Danish Royalty’s private collections and private donations from art patrons. Flemish, Dutch and Danish Golden Age painters have a lot of wall space here.

Stuck in my memory is the exhibition of woodcuts, which traced its history from the 15th century (Leonardo da Vinci was one of them) to the present time of contemporary artists.

Free Walking Tours www.copenhagenfreewalkingtours.dk.

Their local guides are knowledgeable, funny, professional and dedicated to providing you with a great experience every day of the year. It is free because there is no cost to join but you are welcome to leave your guide a tip at the end.

Museum of Art & Design Tivoli Gardens

Set in the former Royal Frederick’s Hospital, this beautiful rococo building

The Little Mermaid

Rosenberg Castle Each year, two million people – locals and tourists alike – play petanque and croquet games, hold picnics, swill champagne, watch puppet shows in its landscaped grounds. The Rosenberg Castle inside the same garden, built of red sandstone bricks, was commissioned by King Christian IV in 1606. In the basement is the dimly lit Treasury where the crown jewels glitter and dazzle like a thousand stars.

Botanic Garden Even by global standards, the 10-hectare Botanic Garden is a standout. Sounds of rush hour traffic disappear among the tall and majestic cypress and gingko trees, rockeries, Austrian firs and other plants.

The icing on the cake is the Orchid nursery, Nov-Jan 2020 / 41

Cityscape

Facades of old houses and ships in the Old Town

which opens to visitors only for an hour every day. There are nearly 500 species on display here.

Glyptotek The Glyptotek reflects the founder’s (19th Century brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen) passion for French and Danish artists. In other rooms, works by Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin and Auguste Rodin abound. A lush internal garden enhances the covered courtyard with a café famed for its pastries. I ate a Truffelkugle and a Fragilite, both covered with truffles.

Food & Drink Guide Michelin Nordic Cities 2019 awarded 22 stars to 17 restaurants in Copenhagen. Geranium tops the list with three stars, while AOC, Kadeau and Noma hold two stars. Their success stems from chefs being daring to be different and the fresh produce abundantly available. Nordic produce such as sea buckthorn, cicely, glasswort, wild watercress, sweet shrimps find their way onto plates in trendy restos.

Glyptotek Museum

Cityscape

Night view in Porto

Northern jewel

Portugal's

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hat difference does a three-hour train ride can make! That’s the short time it takes to travel 300 kms from Lisbon northwards to Porto, a wonderful tourist destination that combines history and heritage with progressive attitudes and a buzzing atmosphere.

Porto is Portugal’s second city but ranks first for global wine merchants and connoisseurs who can’t get

enough of its world-famous product.

It’s almost as if someone has sprayed the town with Port wine! It’s an impression enhanced by the cheerful faces one sees in the hundreds of open air cafes, bars, wine shops and restaurants. So convivial is the atmosphere that opposing camps in courtyards and squares watching the Football World Cup amiably buy each other drinks even when their favourites are losing.

Narrow cobbled streets, stately bridges, port wine, welcome to Porto, an underrated city with charming vibes Words: Vinod Advani

Porto lies on the north bank of the River Douro just before it gushes into the Atlantic Ocean. Its oldest sections is called Ribeira and is a fascinating maze of narrow streets and really ancient buildings. On the south bank is Vila Nova de Gaia, comparatively younger town now merged seamlessly with the former.

Several bridges across the river facilitate easy movement. The Ponte Luis I bridge is the most iconic, inspired by Gustave Eiffel (who also partly contributed to

The Lello Bookstore is reputedly the inspiration for the Hogwarts library.

The interior is lined with wooden handcrafted panels Traditional wooden barrels with wine in Porto

The exquisite Lello Bookstore

the design) and bearing reference to his famous tower in Paris! Comfy benches that line the esplanade of the south bank offer breathtaking views of Porto’s gentle hillscape on the opposite bank.

Ponte Luis I Bridge

Up to the mid-18th century, England bought only French wines till a dispute broke out between the two countries. In search of newer wine sources, British merchants sailed to the Iberian Peninsula.

For wines to survive the long journeys back to England without going acidic, they were stabilised with Brandy. That’s how Port wines were born and the rest is history.

Both banks throb with high touristic density all day long and well into the night. On the Porto side, many restaurants and bars offer Portugal’s most famous twist culinary creation. The Francesinha is a Cholesterol Bomb, but you must eat one. This working man’s snack is a massive sandwich of cured ham, beef, sausage cipoletta and cheese, doused in a sauce made of beer and tomato puree. Classic Portugese dishes served are corn bread and caldo verde soup, rojões (stewed pork with potatoes), Bolinhos de Bacalhau (cod fish fritters). Porto’s most famous dish is tripe (intestines and guts and innards of pigs).

Wooden sailing boats that once brought wine casks from the northern vineyards to the mouth of the ocean, now offer twohour-long rides up and down the river for us to click memorable photographs. These boat tours depart from the Ribera district and provide either short (1hour) or whole day tours of the Douro River.

History is also imprinted on the outstanding architecture of many monuments. One such example is the 18th century Igreja dos Clérigos, a baroque church. Climb up 250 steps to the top of the tower for fantastic panoramic views! Next, the Igreja de Sao Francisco, whose bland gothic exterior hides Portugal’s most extravagant Baroque

interiors. Gold leaf is used to striking effect and covers almost every surface of this overly ornate church. The Igreja de São Francisco is by far Porto’s most impressive church. The Se Cathedral is Porto’s most important religious building and is an elegant blend of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic architectural styles. Its cloisters are lined with beautiful Azulejos (blue glazed) tiles.

Harry Potter fans visit the most beautiful bookshop in the world. The Lello Bookstore is reputedly the inspiration for the Hogwarts library. The interior is lined with wooden handcrafted panels, has a stained glassed roof and a charismatic stairwell connecting the two levels. No wonder this exquisite building left a permanent impression on JK Rowling, author of Harry Potter, who lived here in the early 1990s.

No wonder that Porto also leaves an impression on all those who visit this charming town.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 45

Globetrotter

Event planner

1

Iceland Airwaves November 6-9, Reykjavík, Iceland Iceland Airwaves is an eclectic festival in Reykjavík.

Similar to the famed South by Southwest, this festival showcases hundreds of acts ranging from unheard-of up-and-comers to headline status stars.

2 3

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix November 29-December 1, Yas Marina, UAE The FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 will be hosting the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Offering four days of entertainment, ticket holders have access to Yas Island Parks: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld & Warner Bros.

Check out what’s on around the world in the months of November to January

Le Guess Who? November 7-10, Utrecht, Netherlands Le Guess Who? is a Dutch music festival featuring independent music from avant-garde, jazz, hip hop, electronic, experimental, noise rock, indie rock, etc. The festival takes place on various venues such as theatres, club venues, churches, galleries and warehouses across the city.

Dubai Airshow November 17-21, Dubai, UAE The 2019 show will build on the overwhelming success of the last event, which drew 79,380 trade visitors from around the world, 1,200 exhibitors from 63 countries and 1,603 international and regional media.

4

5

Lights All Night December 27-28, Texas, USA

Strawberry Fields, November 29-December 1, Victoria, Australia Strawberry Fields was set up by music lovers without any industry connections, and the vibe is loose and relaxed, but with ambitions; among installations of visual art you’ll find international DJs as well as intimate, hidden spaces to relax.

7

Magnetic Fields Festival December 13-15, Alsisar Mahal, India A festival set in a 17th century palace with ornate gardens in the remote Rajasthani desert, the artists who have played before are Four Tet, Bicep and Joy Orbison. Accommodation is in rows of peaceful white tents with beds, toilets and washbasins included.

This December, Lights All Night celebrates 10 years of fun with its loudest two-night lineup to date. You have Skrillex, Bassnectar, Porter Robinson’s hardcore alter ego Virtual Self to UK dubstep dynamo Zomboy, Las Vegas DJ 3lau, candycoated beat-maker Slushii.

6

8

Lantern Festival November 11-13, Across Thailand Thailand’s most legendary festivals, Yi Peng and Loi Krathong, people release thousands of paper lanterns into the sky, often adorned with written messages, prayers and wishes.

10

Wonderfruit, December 12-16, Pattaya, Thailand Wonderfruit features immersive light installations in secret valleys, trees and on sustainable stages. All of which creates a sumptuous setting for an eclectic international musical line-up.

9

Rhythm & Vines December 28-31, New Zealand Set up by three university friends and run on a family vineyard, Rhythm and Vines now runs five busy stages, and hosts 20,000 partygoers every year. It’s attracted big international names too, like Mark Ronson, N*E*R*D and 2manydjs.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 47

about VFS Global

Experience the

Privilege

Pick up a Privilege Program card for your loved ones, and enjoy ease and comfort of your application process •

•

•

•

A

t VFS Global, we have a variety of wellcrafted and personalised packages for visa applicants in the UAE and India to ensure the first step to travel is seamless.

Getting a visa is the first step to your international travel plans and we are here to make this first step smoother, convenient and memorable for you and your family and friends. Put all your anxiety to rest as the VFS Global Privilege Program* understands the unique needs of travellers and works to assist them in making the pre-travel

Silver Privilege Membership: Offers access to Premium Lounge on two visits, two courier service, relationship manager and benefits like free Forex Card and so on.

Gold Family Privilege Membership: Offers access to Premium Lounge for all members on two visits, two courier service, relationship manager and benefits like free Forex Card and so on.

Student Privilege Membership: Valid for entire course duration and comes with two Premium Lounge visits and two courier service besides relationship manager and other benefits.

Senior Citizens Privilege Membership: Comes with a single Premium Lounge access and one courier service, privilege helpdesk and relationship manager and other benefits.

Optional membership programmes in the UAE: • preparations a delightful and stress-free experience. You can access a range of meaningful benefits and privileges and simplify your application process.

Optional membership programmes available in India: •

Gold Privilege Membership: Comes with unlimited Premium Lounge access, courier service, relationship manager and discounts on UAE Express Visa, free Forex Card and attractively priced SIM Card.

•

•

Platinum Privilege Membership: One mobile biometrics/on demand visa service/visa at doorstep (up to two persons) or two Platinum Lounge visits, unlimited Premium Lounge visits beside other benefits.

Gold Privilege Membership: Single mobile biometrics/on demand visa service/visa at doorstep (up to two persons per use), single Premium Lounge visit and other benefits.

Silver Privilege Membership: Single Premium Lounge visit, form filling assistance, courier service and so on.

Doorstep visa services in the UAE for Platinum & Gold members The Platinum tier members in the UAE can opt to submit their applications in the ultra-luxurious Platinum Lounge in Dubai or at a location of their own choice anywhere in the UAE. Gold members in the UAE also enjoy the exclusive benefit of opting for VFS Global’s doorstep visa services. VFS Global is with today’s global citizens in their quest for a simplified and speedy travel solutions and service. Our multi-dimensional approach to travel-care and travel facilitation caters to this evolutionary change.

•

Each membership plan has been designed to meet the unique requirements of the user by ensuring that convenience, personalisation and exclusivity are maintained as top priorities at all times.

VFS Global wins Best Visa Outsourcing Company at the Arabian Travel Awards, held at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, on 22 October 2019. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group Chief Operating Officer, VFS Global, seen here receiving the award from Mr. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

FREQUENT users of VFS Global Privilege Program include: • Corporate Executives • Families travelling together

Assistance you can count on Privilege Program members in both India and the UAE enjoy a consistent access to the ‘Always On’ services without any cap during the entire period of membership.

You can reach out to the dedicated global Privilege Helpdesk number for all the information around the range of membership services available. Besides this, members can seek guidance on any documentation and visa-related queries, secure assistance to book an appointment or receive help with any other possible travel-related queries.

• University students who travel during mid-term breaks

Relax! Be at ease as we process your application Once you walk into the Visa Application Centre, you will be welcomed by dedicated Relationship Managers to the world-class Premium Lounges. You will be assisted with a personalised touch during the entire application process. While you enjoy the luxury of the lounge, experts will swiftly manage each and every aspect of the submission process from document

checking and sorting to biometric enrolment (if required) to ensure an enhanced customer experience.

Find all your pre-travel requirements under one roof Besides visa, you need a variety of products and services for your travel needs. For your convenience, a host of useful services such as Insurance, Forex cards, SIM cards and travel concierge services, among others, are available for members. VFS Global has partnered with a range of organisations to offer members value deals from leading service providers. Moreover, complimentary services ranging from courier services, photocopying and printing to SMS status alerts, are offered to take care of a member’s every travel-related need as a one-stop solution.

The VFS Global Privilege Program** envelopes the diverse needs of every kind of traveller and offers greater peace of mind to its members before they set off on their journey. To enrol and for detailed information on the programs and applicability to your region, please visit www.vfsglobal-privilege. com. You can also call 1800 266 9720 (India) or +971 4 205 5908 (UAE), or email us at enquiries@vfsglobal-privilege.com or visit your trusted Travel Agent for details.

*VFS Global Privilege Program services are currently available in select countries and for select missions. **Membership tiers and benefits vary as per the region.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 49

initiative

Charity:

Our priority

VFS Global’s Champions of Change – our troupe of helpful volunteers from across the world, embarked on some great initiatives in the last few months to help the needy. Here are some of the activities led by the teams in China, India and Russia VFS Global South China team partnered with Warm Plus Organisation to provide care packages for their ‘homeless neighbours’. The activity witnessed enthusiastic participation from employees, who volunteered to distribute the care packages, and assist with basic hygiene, of more than 150 beneficiaries.

VFS Global employees in China conducted a Children’s Book Donation drive across the Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing offices. More than 250 books were collected from the drive, which were sorted by our employees and donated to the Chuanyang Library of Children and Adolescents Service Center in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province.

The used shoes donation drive in Mumbai, India, witnessed enthusiastic participation from employees. With the collection of over 130 pairs, the drive had a two-fold objective - conserving the environment and saving a life! The collected shoes were upcycled by Greensole (www.greensole.in) and distributed to the needy.

As part of the campaign to promote ‘Pro Bono’ engagement, VFS Global Russia conducted several activities that served 600 people across 12 cities.

Held in September 2019, the activities offered free services, including consultations with lawyers, translators, makeover artists, as well as stationary for school and hygiene kits to the beneficiaries.

VFS Global employees from Russia and Baltics volunteered to collect food, medicines and other essentials for homeless animals, as part of the month-long celebration around International Homeless Animals Day. Volunteers also visited shelters to spend time with the animals as they experience an acute lack of attention. Together over 4,500 kg of feed was collected.

Nov-Jan 2020 / 51

guide to visa application

Planning for

Hajj & Umrah?

Get travel vaccines at the VFS Global Medical Examination Centre Hundreds of UAE residents are visiting clinics ahead of the pilgrimage and summer holiday season for vaccinations and medication required for visits to various countries. VFS Global has made mandatory travel vaccinations – including vaccinations for meningitis, yellow fever and polio – available at its Medical Examination Centre located at the Ibn Battuta Mall in China court.

The meningococcal vaccine to guard against meningitis is mandatory for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Travellers are required to inoculate themselves within 10 days before their journey.

Furthermore, depending on the recent travel

Under the Express service, customers receive priority queuing at the centre and medical test reports are made available the next working day

fitness test for UAE Residency Visa Expats residing in the UAE must clear a medical examination to apply or renew existing residency visas. For busy individuals and corporate customers, VFS Global has recently introduced an Express service at its Medical Examination Centre located at the Ibn Battuta Mall in China court.

VFS Global Medical Examination Center at Ibn Battuta Mall has a welcoming ambience with 6 counters and can accommodate up to 200 customers in a day. In addition to conducting medical fitness test and providing results, the centre also provides typing assistance for Medical & Emirates ID application form.

Under the Express service, customers receive priority queuing at the centre and the medical test reports are made available the next working day. VFS Global has revealed plans to extend this service to its Dragon Mart and Wafi Mall centres in the near future.

Medical Examination Center at Ibn Battuta Mall: Business days: Sunday to Saturday Business hours: 09.00AM – 09.00PM. For Saturdays 09.00AM – 04.00PM T: +971 4 8804762 / +971 56 5059204 E: Mec.ibn@moh.gov.ae

history and nationality of the pilgrim, yellow fever and polio vaccines are also mandatorily required to prevent influenzas.

Travellers may also opt for elective flu vaccinations to protect their health while traveling to other countries.

VFS Global Medical Examination Centre is accredited by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and is authorised to issue travel vaccinations in addition to providing end-to-end medical fitness test services for UAE Residency Visa.

Get medical test reports the next working day Express Service introduced for medical Nov-Jan 2020 / 53

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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BERMUDA Hamilton

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Las Palmas

Algiers Constantine Oran Batna Tunis Nador Djelfa TUNISIA Trip Rabat Saida Casablanca El Oued MOROCCO Ghardaia

Miami BAHAMAS Nassau

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MEXICO

MAURITANIA Noaukchott

ST. LUCIA Castries BARBADOS Bridgetown Caracas Port of Spain Barranquilla TRINIDAD & TOBAGO VENEZUELA Georgetown Medellin Paramaribo GUYANA Bogota SURINAME Cali COLOMBIA

VFS GLOBAL NETWORK

MALI

NIGER

Dakar SENEGAL Bamako Ouagadougou Niamey Banjul GAMBIA Gusau Sokoto GUINEA-BISSAU Kano BURKINA Minna Bissau GUINEA NIGERIA Yola FASO Conakry Abuja Bauchi GHANA IVORY Ilorin Accra COAST CAMEROO Lagos Abidjan Douala Port Harcourt Ya

Quito ECUADOR Guayaquil

PERU

Recife

Lima

BRAZIL

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Brasilia

La Paz

Belo Horizonte Santiago de Chile PARAGUAY CHILE Asuncion

Rio de Janeiro Sao Paulo

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Information Service

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DOMINICAN CAYMAN ISLANDS George Town HAITI REPUBLIC JAMAICA Santo Domingo Montego Bay Kingston Port-au-Prince GUATEMALA

Guatemala City Tegucigalpa HONDURAS EL SALVADOR NICARAGUA San Salvador Managua COSTA RICA San Jose PANAMA Panama City

Identity and Citizen Service Centres

Copenhagen SW Stoc Rotterdam Kaliningrad The Hague Karlovy Amsterdam Got Antwerp Hambu Brussels DENMARK Duss Berl O NETHERLANDS PO Pozn Bonn Leipzig GERMANY Frankfurt BELGIUM CZECH RE Pragu Strasbourg LUXEMBOURG Zurich Mu FRANCE SWITZERLAND AUST Bern BO Salzburg GenevaHERZ Lyon MONTE Villefranche MilanPodgor Bordeaux Marseilles Bologna Saraje ITALY AL Barcelona Rome SPAIN Banja Luka Madrid

UNITED KINGDOM Bradford Belfast Dublin

Physical Presence

URUGUAY Montevideo

Cap

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pe Town

George

Port Elizabeth

NAURU

Tarawa KIRIBATI

Honiara SOLOMON ISLANDS SAMOA Apia

VANUATU Port Vila NEW CALEDONIA Noumea

Lautoka

AUSTRALIA

FIJI

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Nuku’alofa TONGA

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Queenstown

Dunedin

Nov-Jan 2020 / 55

Answers: Placement of the vase, Placement of the sock, Colour of the bow on the cat, Foot of the cat, Lenght of the tie, Colour of the dog’s ear, Mark on the dog’s face, Length of the window, Green object missing from the rack, Polka dots on the dress

Find 5 Differences sudoku

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potpourri

20 OCTOBER 2020 - 10 APRIL 2021 The world’s big thinkers, foodies, fun-seekers and pioneers are invited to Expo 2020 Dubai, a destination where you can welcome the future and enjoy the amazing.

See the best of the world in one place.

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