Kunzum Travel Cafe launches a weekly music film club – screenings every Wednesday evening

The union of sound and vision almost always produces a magical experience – helping you watch with your ears and listen with your eyes. To pay homage to when two forms of art join forces to alter our mindscapes, Kunzum Travel Café brings to you our weekly film club, focusing on when musicians take on the big screen. Screenings will take place every Wednesday.

And we are excited with the first screening for the club with Saba Dewan’s critically acclaimed, award-winning film ‘The Other Song.’ In ‘The Other Song,’ Dewan traces the rich history of India’s courtesan culture through a lost song sung in 1935 by Varanasi’s Rasoolan Bai.

Schedule: Wednesday, May 30, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The film is 120 minutes long.
Venue: Kunzum Travel Café, T-49 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Entry: No entry fee, open to all. Tea, Coffee and Cookies will be served before the screening – Pay what you like for the same.
Call: +91.9650702777, +91.11.26513949

About the Film
The Other Song, 2009 : In 1935 Rasoolan Bai the well known singer from Varanasi recorded for the gramophone a thumri that she would never sing again – My breasts are wounded, don’t throw flowers at me. A variation of her more famous song – My heart is wounded, don’t throw flowers at me, the 1935 recording, never to be repeated, faded from public memory and eventually got lost.

More than seventy years later the film travels through Varanasi, Lucknow and Muzzafarpur in Bihar to search for the forgotten song. This journey brings the film face to face with the enigmatic figure of the tawaif, courtesan, bai ji and the contested terrain of her art practise and lifestyle. To find the lost other song the film must understand the past and present of the tawaif and  unravel the significant transitions that took place in late 19^th and early 20th century around the control, censorship and moral policing of female sexualities and cultural expression.

About the Filmmaker
Saba Dewan is a documentary film maker based in New Delhi, India. Her work has focused on communalism, gender, sexuality and culture. Her notable films include ‘Dharmayuddha’ (Holy War, 1989), ‘Nasoor’ (Festering Wound, 1991), ‘Khel’ (The Play, 1994), ‘Barf’ (Snow, 1997) and ‘Sita’s Family’ (2001) and have been screened extensively in India and at international film festivals.

Kick off this weekend bright and early with lots of conversation, coffee, tea, cookies and vicarious travelling with Kunzum Travel Café and Westland books. Join us on a journey to Chennai, a city often referred to as India’s Detroit.

Fusing our love for books and travel is Bishwanath Ghosh, writer and Assistant Editor of The Times of India, Chennai, and his sharp wit. On his visit to the capital, Ghosh will spend some time at Kunzum, discussing his latest book Tamarind City, the erstwhile city of Madras and the pleasures of travel on May 26th at 11am.

Where: Kunzum Travel Café, T-49 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
When: Saturday May 26th, 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Entry: Open to all
Call: +91.9650 702 777

About the Book
With mordant wit, this biography of a city spares neither half of its split-personality: from moody, magical Madras to bursting-at-the-seams, tech-savvy Chennai. And, a minute into the book, the reader knows they are inseparable—and Bishwanath Ghosh refuses to take sides. And yet, he tells us, while Chennai is usually known as conservative and orthodox, almost every modern institution in India—from the army to the judiciary, from medicine to engineering—traces its roots to Madras’s Fort St George, which was built when Delhi had only just become the capital of the Mughal Empire, and Calcutta and Bombay weren’t even born. Today, the city once again figures prominently on the global map as ‘India’s Detroit’, a manufacturing giant, and a hub of medical tourism.

About the Author
Bishwanath Ghosh is a journalist who worked for eight years in New Delhi before joining the New Indian Express Group and is now an Assistant Editor with the Times of India at Chennai.

We invite you the world premiere of ‘The Owner,’ a unique collaborative effort by 25 filmmakers across five continents. The film follows the adventures of an old backpack on a journey around the world. The bag is passed from character to character, country to country, on its way back to its owner.

The first-of-its-kind CollabFeature film, ‘The Owner’ will premiere around the world on Friday, May 25, 2012 – Come and be a part of the Journey at its Delhi premiere. More about the film at http://www.collabfeature.com.

Schedule: Friday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Kunzum Travel Café, T-49 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Entry: No entry fee. Tea, Coffee and Cookies will be served – Pay what you like for the same.
R.S.V.P.: https://www.facebook.com/events/228022480646867 or +91.9650702777

The much awaited Bollywood comedy, ‘Love, Wrinkle-Free’ releases across India on May 25. Its director Sandeep Mohan is dropping in at the Kunzum Travel Café ahead of the release for a discussion with movie buffs, and for the screening of the trailer.

Schedule: Wednesday, May 23, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Venue: Kunzum Travel Café, T-49 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Entry: No entry fee. Tzinga, Tea, Coffee and Cookies will be served – Pay what you like for the same.
Program: Screening of the trailer of the film followed by a discussion with the film’s director, Sandeep Mohan, who will be present to address any questions, queries or comments.
R.S.V.P.: https://www.facebook.com/events/153044454820834 or +91.9650702777

About the Film

Set in Goa, “Love, Wrinkle-free” is a slice-of-life comedy about a dysfunctional family and the idea of love spreading beyond superficial barriers. It is the story is about Savio, a 38-year old senior area sales manager who works in an innerwear company. Savio’s mundane life is thrown out of gear with the unplanned pregnancy of his 46 year old religious wife Annie. Complicating matters further is how their adopted teenage daughter Ruth (with Asian/ North Eastern features), reacts to this pregnancy and a chance meeting Savio has with a sensual travelling photographer Natalie, who wants him to do something “unique” for her.

At its heart, “Love, Wrinkle-free” is an off-beat, light hearted story about love going beyond cosmetic barriers – a universal theme that finds resonance across the world.

For further details on the film, please visit: http://www.lovewrinklefree.com

The Kunzum Media Lab offers you a unique workshop in New Delhi to cover the following through one day of theory and practical field shoot in Hauz Khas.  

* Basics of Photography
* Shooting Landscapes
* Shooting in Evening Light and Setting Sun

BLOCK THE DATE: SATURDAY, June 2, 2012

SIGN UP FAST – LIMITED SEATS!!!! And don’t miss any workshops. Check updates at http://kunzum.com/medialab.

THEORY WORKSHOP
We will teach you the skills needed to shoot the subject of the day. This will include:

* Essential technical skills and tips including: Composition, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Depth of Field, ISO / Film Speed, Exposure and Light
* Advanced tips to help you shoot in Hauz Khas.

FIELD SHOOT
After the theory class we will go around and shoot around the Hauz Khas lake. It provides a good setting to shoot landscapes – you have a water body, greens, some buildings and the setting sun. The lessons learned here will come be valuable when you travel and shoot landscapes.

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Theory Class in Hauz Khas Village
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Lunch
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Back to Class
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Field Shoot
6:00 p.m. onwards: Participants may stay on for as long as they like. The mentors will leave at this point.

COST
Rs. 2,000 (Does not include lunch)
Sign up in groups of 3 or more: Rs. 1,800 per person
SPECIAL RATE FOR CLUB KUNZUM MEMBERS: Rs. 1,500

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Beginners to mid-level users. No age or other restrictions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CARRY
Your camera. You can carry a point and shoot if you don’t have a DSLR. If you have a tripod, get it along but not essential.

VENUE
Kunzum Media Lab, 1-A, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016

HOW TO REGISTER
The registration process is complete only after we have received the payment. The same can be made by cash or cheque favouring ‘TCP Media Pvt. Ltd.’ and sent to:

Kunzum Travel Café
T-49, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Mobile: +91.9650 702 777 Email: wetravel@kunzum.com
Timings: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Mondays Closed

Are you ready for an adventure, and to explore the wilds of Kenya? Then read on…

Climb Mt. Kenya with this once in a lifetime opportunity. Often eclipsed by the popularity of neighbouring Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya is no less spectacular. With lower crowd density, stunning landscapes and challenging climbs, it is rated as one of the most satisfying summit climbs in the world. This route uses the gentlest ascent track on the mountain and with an additional day at 4,200 m for acclimatization offers high chances for a successful summit conquer. This combination of routes is rated as one of the most spectacular. Passing up through montane forest, bamboo and heather zones to glaciers, then down past spectacular chasms, jagged peaks and the glaciated “U” shaped valleys and waterfalls and with additional splendor of viewing the high peaks from different angles while doing the acclimatization trek along the peak circuit trail.   After the rigours of trekking for 6 days, embark on a classic short safari taking you to Lake Nakuru and a few nights in the famed Masai Mara National Reserve.

Group Departure: July 19, 2012
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Download the brochure with all details – http://kunzum.com/docs/fleetfoot-kunzum-mountkenya.pdf

FOR BOOKINGS / QUERIES CONTACT US AT +91.9818137037 / +91.9650 702 777 / wetravel@kunzum.com.

The trip has been curated by Fleetfoot  and Club Kunzum (Special offers for members – More about the club at http://kunzum.com/club)

You are invited to a screening of Dr Parvez Imam’s acclaimed film, The Waterfall on May 20th at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in New Delhi. Join us as The Waterfall makes a pit stop at Kunzum, on its journey across the universe.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director, Dr. Parvez Imam, who will be present to answer any questions, queries and comments.

VENUE: Kunzum Travel Cafe, T-49, GF, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
DATE & TIMING: Sunday, May 20 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
ENTRY: Open to all, no charges. You may order tea / coffee and cookies before the screening starts and pay what you like in the box provided. Feel free to carry your own coke and popcorn.
CONTACT: +91.9650 702 777, +91.11.26513949, wetravel@kunzum.com

~
THE WATERFALL

In times of conflict, five travellers from Isreal and Palestine find a way to connect while trekking to a waterfall in the historical South Indian village of Hampi. They trudge across the surreal landscape, happily disconnected from their routine lives. To recharge their energies after walking for sometime they stop under a rock shelter. An innocuous discussion begins to change the trajectory of their thoughts.

Meanwhile, in yet another part of Hampi, an Israeli photographer is searching for peace through meditation when most other backpackers choose drugs. In another part of the world, a young Palestinian doctor has travelled half the globe to a small country in South America, hoping to make others understand the routine challenges of life in her homeland.

‘The Waterfall’ is a journey that brings together all these people, as they share their hopes and angst while searching for answers.

This film is shot by a one-man unit. More info on the film is available at www.facebook.com/thewaterfall1

~
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Parvez is an award winning filmmaker, musician, writer and traveler with a background in Psychiatry.  He constantly experiments with form and style taking up different genres from Ads to fiction and from music videos to documentaries or an experimental mix of styles, to tell his stories. For more on the Filmmaker, visit http://www.kalpana.it/eng/film/parvez_imam/parvez3.htm

Kunzum has been one big happy community of travel lovers for a while now – it is time we strengthened the ties further. With Club Kunzum.

CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CLUB KUNZUM.

What is the club all about? It is a paid program where members go on trips together, exchange travel stories, shoot pictures and more! And get great deals along the way. Members get to participate in exclusive events and activities including heritage walks, photo workshops, cycling tours, food walks, film screenings, photo walks, travel talks, weekend drives and more. We have already ties up with over 100 quality hotels and travel companies – many more are expected to be added to the list.

Why did we set up this club? Individually, we often fall short of holiday ideas and company to go with. The club would provide an opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together, make plans and head out on trips. And since there are only so many days in a year that our schedules allow us to travel, the club will keep members engaged in travel related activities (including city excursions, and weekend getaways) so the itch to travel is satisfied somewhat. Regular activities also mean you get to socialize with other travel enthusiasts, in a way even Facebook cannot do for you. The club could also be a great stress-buster, motivate one to give their best at work, and be at their happiest self at home.

At Kunzum, we love to come up with new ideas and get super excited about these. It started with Kunzum.com as a travel blog on India in 2007. We went on to publish travel books ourselves, and in the process created a new template for this genre. And then came the Kunzum Travel Café - a successful example of a unique concept that became popular only because of you, the travel community. And we have the Club Kunzum now – it is early days yet but we can already feel a tingling in our bones.

Join us. We promise you travels will never be the same again.

CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CLUB KUNZUM.

The 8th edition of the Kunzum Travel Mag is here. And as usual, it’s FREE.

How do you subscribe for FREE
CLICK HERE to access the Subscription Form. It is a simple, quick process and you will automatically receive the links to the current and back issues. And we will mail you the links for new issues as they are published. No payments, no credit card details required.

Or you can subscribe to the mag and read it online on Issuu. No downloads required. Click here to start.

Download Directly
Would you rather read the magazine first before you decide to subscribe? Sure – we have no problem. But we do recommend you subscribe to the same to ensure you don’t miss out on any future issues. Click on any of the following to download the format of your choice.

• PDF (to be read on any computer, tablets and other devices including mobile supporting a PDF reader). Click or copy and paste the following link: http://kunzum.com/docs/kunzum-travel-mag-may12.pdf
• For iBooks on the iPad: Or for any e-reader supporting the .epub file format – COMING SOON
• For the Kindle – COMING SOON
• On Issuu: For online reading with the option to download.

Do write to us at wetravel@kunzum.com if you are facing any problems.

For more on the mag, visit http://kunzum.com/mag.

CONTENTS – ISSUE 8, MAY 2012

Something more for you to consider:

* Our weekly e-newsletter: Click here to subscribe.
* Join our Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow us on Twitter
* The Kunzum Travel List: Great Holiday Ideas to choose from
* Sign up for photography and other creative workshops at the Kunzum Media Lab

And do join us for a coffee at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi, India.

There is excitement building up at our end – Club Kunzum is all set to be launched. And you are invited to join us on the big day. Feel free to bring along family and (travel loving) friends.

What is this program all about? We are bringing together all travel lovers in a community of sorts where they travel together, share stories, discuss plans, shoot pictures and enjoy great deals along the way. More when you come over.

Venue: Kunzum Travel Cafe, T-49 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016, India
Time: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
R.S.V.P.: +91.9650 702 777 / wetravel@kunzum.com

Look forward to having you over – travels will never be the same after this Sunday!

A dinner cruise on a restaurant built on a raft and pulled by a motor boat in Kanchanaburi in Thailand

The Kwai river in Thailand sure is a beautiful one. And especially inviting for tourists in and around Kanchanaburi, located about 130 kms (81 miles) from Bangkok.

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You can walk or picnic along its banks, or go for a boat ride. You can also book a dinner cruise – these are usually in restaurants built on big rafts pulled by a motor boat gently. You can also drop in for a meal at one of the many restaurants along its banks. Sunrise and Sunsets are particularly picturesque.

And make sure you check into a hotel that overlooks the river. Why would you go all the way only to look out into some fields or buildings?

Something more for you to consider:
* Our weekly e-newsletter: Click here to subscribe
* Check out all books published by Kunzum
* Join our Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow us on Twitter
And do join us for a coffee at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi, India.

Restaurants on the banks of the River Kwai in Thailand overlooking the famous World War II bridge

A restaurant on the banks on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi in Thailand

Dusk on the River Kwai in Thailand

Dusk on the River Kwai in Thailand

Hotel Felix on the banks of the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi in Thailand

]]> http://kunzum.com/2012/04/29/postcards-from-thailand-10-enjoying-the-kwai-river/feed/ 0 http://kunzum.com/2012/04/27/postcards-from-thailand-9-the-world-war-ii-cemetery-in-kanchanaburi-near-bridge-over-river-kwai/ http://kunzum.com/2012/04/27/postcards-from-thailand-9-the-world-war-ii-cemetery-in-kanchanaburi-near-bridge-over-river-kwai/#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:51:32 +0000 Ajay Jain http://kunzum.com/?p=8744

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand

The Commonwealth Graves Commission has done a commendable job in honouring those who gave up their lives in World War II. They have set up and maintain cemeteries with graves of those who perished in the great war. Visiting any of these in no less than a moving experience.

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I visited the first such site at Kohima in Nagaland in India, and then in Kanchanaburi in Thailand. The latter is located on a plot of land donated by Thailand, and close to the famous bridge over the river Kwai. It is also not too far from the ‘Kanburi’ Prisoner of War camp where most prisoners passed on their way to other camps. They are all those who died during the construction of the Death Railway (Click here to read about it). The Army Graves Service transferred graves from camp burial sites and solitary sites along the southern half of the railway and other sites in Thailand. There are two other such cemeteries in Chungkai and Thanbyuzayat.


More than 5,000 Commonwealth (British and Australian) and 1,800 Dutch casualties are commemorated at the cemetery as are some 300 men who were cremated after dying of sickness in Nieke and Changaraya. The ashes of the latter are buried in two graves in the cemetery and their names appear on panels in the shelter building. Another 11 Indian soldiers are honoured with their names inscribed on a tablet in the entrance building.

This site is one of the many maintained by the Commonwealth Graves Commission in about 150 countries. These are all dedicated to over 1,700,000 members of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two World Wars.

Also visit the ‘Thailand – Burma Railway Centre’ located across the cemetery. It is a well curated interactive museum about the Death Railway and the history of the same.

Something more for you to consider:

* Our weekly e-newsletter: Click here to subscribe
* Check out all books published by Kunzum
* Join our Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow us on Twitter

And do join us for a coffee at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi, India.

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: Entrance

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: A sign at the entrance

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: A sign at the entrance

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: Honouring Indian soldiers who died during the war

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: The grave of a Dutch soldier

The World War II Cemetery in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: The grave of an Australian soldier

Qawalli Session at Nizamuddin Dargah in New Delhi

The Kunzum Media Lab offers you a unique workshop in New Delhi to cover the following through one day of theory and practical field shoot. And in the process explore the historical Nizamuddin Dargah (mosque).

* Basics of Photography
* Street Photography
* Shooting Monuments
* Shooting Crowds and Events

BLOCK THE DATE: SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

SIGN UP FAST – LIMITED SEATS!!!! And don’t miss any workshops. Check updates at http://kunzum.com/medialab.

THEORY WORKSHOP
We will teach you the skills needed to shoot the subject of the day. This will include:

* Essential technical skills and tips including: Composition, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Depth of Field, ISO / Film Speed, Exposure and Light
* Advanced tips to help you shoot at Nizamuddin Dargah.

FIELD SHOOT
After the theory class we will go around and shoot at Nizamuddin Dargah. It is always a lively place, full of people out to shop, eat and pray. With a motley on interesting characters around. And if we are lucky, we will see a live music session of Qawallis that takes place after sunset on some days. The mentor will help you shoot the subjects with some creative touches.

READ MORE ABOUT THE DARGAH AT http://kunzum.com/2012/02/29/delhi-101-8-qawallis-fairs-prayers-shopping%E2%80%A6-hazrat-nizamuddins-dargah.

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Theory Class in Hauz Khas Village
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Lunch
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Move to Nizamuddin
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Field Shoot
6:00 p.m. onwards: Participants may stay on for as long as they like. The mentors will leave at this point.

COST
Rs. 2,000 (Does not include lunch. Includes transport from Hauz Khas Village to Nizamuddin; participants return from there on their own.)
Sign up in groups of 3 or more: Rs. 1,800 per person
SPECIAL RATE FOR CLUB KUNZUM MEMBERS: Rs. 1,500

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Beginners to mid-level users. No age or other restrictions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CARRY
Your camera. You can carry a point and shoot if you don’t have a DSLR. If you have a tripod, get it along but not essential.

VENUE
Kunzum Media Lab, 1-A, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016

HOW TO REGISTER
The registration process is complete only after we have received the payment. The same can be made by cash or cheque favouring ‘TCP Media Pvt. Ltd.’ and sent to:

Kunzum Travel Café
T-49, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Mobile: +91.9650 702 777 Email: mail@kunzum.com
Timings: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Mondays Closed

The Death Railway built by the Japanese during World War II: The wooden bridge here is an original as built by the Japanese at Wampo along the River Kwae Noi

The infamous 415 kms (259 miles) long Death Railway is a reminder of one of the worst tragedies of World War II. It was partially played out on the silver screen in David Lean’s 1957 classic, ‘Bridge over the River Kwai.’

The railway was built by the Japanese to keep the supply lines going for their troops in Myanmar (earlier Burma) during the war. They needed a more secure supply route than the vulnerable sea lines between Singapore and Myanmar. Work started simultaneously in southern Burma and Thailand in October 1942. The two ends met in Konkoita in Thailand on October 16, 1943.

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The line was used to transport over 220,000 tons of military supplies between October 1943 and August 1945 before being bombed by the Allied forces. Of course, the Japanese surrendered soon after that. About 130 kms (81 miles) of the line is still in use between Non Pladuk and Namtok.

Locals and Allied Prisoners of War (PoWs) were used as labour; they were all made to work for up to 18 hours a day, with only enough food served to keep them alive. The hard work, extended hours, meager nutrition, brutal treatment, inadequate medical facilities and unhealthy conditions only meant few could survive the ordeal. Meals comprised small portions of rice, dried vegetable and dried fish. Workers got food only on days they worked. Starvation and weakened bodies led to spread of diseases like beriberi, pellagra, malaria, dysentery, cholera and tropical ulcers. Workers stayed in overcrowded huts, with primitive cooking and sanitary conditions. Close proximity and lack of clothing and footwear further caused spread of diseases.

Conditions became even more severe after April 1942 when the Japanese stepped up the pace of the work to meet their August deadline in the same year; this period was known as ‘Speedo’ and the worst for workers. This was also the wet time of the year when diseases spread more easily. ‘Disciplinary’ beatings were a norm all through. Of the 60,000 PoWs working on the railway, about 12,399 are estimated to have died; between 70,000 to 90,000 of the 270,000 civilian labourers also perished. It is said that each sleeper on the tracks cost one human life.

Little modern equipment was used for the construction making it even more punishing for the workers. Earth and rock were broken by shovels, picks and hoes and carried away in baskets and sacks. Embankments of earth and stone were created by human labour. Cuttings through rock were driven by hand. Most of the bridges along the line were timber trestle bridges made from timber cut from surrounding forests.

If you allow yourself to think about the events of past, you cannot but feel overwhelmed in the heart and the mind. One can only pray such ghastly events do not recur in the future.

Something more for you to consider:

* Our weekly e-newsletter: Click here to subscribe
* Check out all books published by Kunzum
* Join our Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow us on Twitter

And do join us for a coffee at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi, India.

The Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: The fun train going over it

There is actually a river called Kwai. It’s in Thailand, at Kanchanaburi located 130 kms (81 miles) west of Bangkok. And there is a bridge over it that was built by the Japanese during World War II. And it was partially destroyed by Allied Forces. You can still see a part of the original, and the rest restored later. Real trains and ‘toy trains’ still run over it.

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The bridge was made famous in David Lean’s film, ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ in 1957. While much of the real events were reconstructed in the flick, the silver screen version showed a wooden bridge whereas the present one is a metallic one. And the film was actually shot in Sri Lanka, not on the river Kwai.

The bridge was a part of what came to be called the 415 kms (259 miles) long Death Railway. Click here to read more about it.

If you allow yourself not to think of the tragic events of the past, you cannot help admiring the picturesque setting of the bridge. Go on a cruise on the river over dinner in the evening. Or have lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the bridge.

Travel Tips:

* Check into one of the many resorts along the river for picturesque views of the Kwai and the surrounding mountainous landscape. There are some in Kanchanaburi overlooking the bridge.
* A ‘toy train’ big enough for people runs over the bridge for a joy ride a few times a day – take the trip.
* An old man is often seen playing the signature tune from the movie, ‘Bridge over the River Kwai.’ Go and sing along – and give him a tip.
* You may want to visit the River Kwai Bridge Festival held in late November or early December every year.
* Visit the ‘Thailand – Burma Railway Centre’ in Kanchanaburi. It is a well curated interactive museum about the Death Railway and the history of the same.
* Drop in at the War Cemetery across the Railway Centre with graves of British, Dutch and Australian soldiers who died during the War.

Something more for you to consider:

* Our weekly e-newsletter: Click here to subscribe
* Check out all books published by Kunzum
* Join our Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow us on Twitter

And do join us for a coffee at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi, India.

The Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: A musician playing the signature tune from David Lean’s classic film, “Bridge over the River Kwai.’ The fun train can be seen coming along.

The Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: The fun train after dropping passengers at the end of the day’s last journey, each lasting about 15 minutes

The Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi in Thailand: The rounded metal arches were those built by the Japanese; the ones in the centre are restorations after the end of World War II

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Playing with water in Ayutthaya in Thailand. Elephants are spraying water on everyone, and people are also enjoying themselves under a makeshift shower!

If it’s Songkran, you must be in Thailand – all prepared to get wet!

The festival marks the Thai New Year, and is a time for fun and prayers over extended holidays. Water is used during this time as a symbol of cleansing for the new year. Mornings see everyone washing their temples, houses, schools and offices with water for a fresh start. Thais go to monasteries to offer alms to Buddhist monks and to listen to their preaching. They also seek blessings by sprinkling water on images of the Buddha, and by building small sand pagodas. Scented water is sprinkled on family elders to get their blessings too.

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And then the fun begins – mostly with water. ‘Gangs’ of mostly children and youth are to be found all over throwing water on each other and on passers-by. They can be seen standing at one spot, or moving around in small trucks, cars and bikes. All armed with water pistols and drums of water. You also have elephants joining in – spraying water with their trunks! The big mammals are also hired by youth to take them around as they splash water on others perched high up. The intensity of ‘warfare’ varies. Since Songkran falls during hot weather, no one minds getting wet. Some people also apply a white harmless paste on each other.

And you have fairs too with food stalls (Thais love their food. Who wouldn’t? They offer terrific cuisines!), games and folk performances. Floral and religious processions and parades can be seen all over the country. It is time for fun all the way!

Travel tips during Songkran
* Be prepared to get wet. Even though no one is supposed to throw water on you without permission, don’t be surprised if someone does.
* Wear clothing that will not spoil with water. White shirts are avoidable for those concerned about their modesty.
* Carry money, cameras, mobiles and other valuables in waterproof covers. In fact, go around with as little on you as possible.
* Don’t get upset or angry if someone wets you – take it in your stride.
* Since Songkran means extended holidays for Thais, book hotels and flights well in advance as most are sold out.
* Songkran is celebrated on different dates around Thailand. Check for schedules as these can also change every year. It is spread over a few days at each location.

Happy Songkran!

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Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A cart decorated with flowers outside Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Decorations at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Making sand pagodas at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A food, games and folk performances fair at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A stall selling handicrafts at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A folk performance at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Buddhist monks at the prayer ceremony at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A truck decorated outside Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Children throwing water on passing vehicles and pedestrians in Ayutthaya in Thailand

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Young monks charging to throw water inside my car at Ayutthaya in Thailand

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: Children outside their home near the floating market of Damnernsaduak near Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A girl ‘shooting’ a water gun on passing boats near the floating market of Damnernsaduak near Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A family having a good time at home near the floating market of Damnernsaduak near Bangkok

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A vendor at the floating market of Damnernsaduak near Bangkok - she has a water gun to look like an umbrella!

Celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year: A procession passing along the floating market of Damnernsaduak near Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand: Views just after sunset from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

Go to any city, or landscape for that matter, and they all look different from different altitudes and planes. As also at different times of the day and night. You can be forgiven for not recognizing your home city when you see some of the photographs. Here’s looking at Bangkok from the 64th floor of Hotel Lebua, located just off the Chao Phraya river.

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Make sure you for a drink to the bar on the 64th floor of the hotel. And make a reservation (well in advance)  at their restaurant there if you want to dine at one of the most exclusive places in Bangkok. Ladies may wear anything, but gentlemen need to wear long pants. And no flip flops and open sandals for anyone; even ladies may wear open footwear with heels only

Something more for you to consider:

* Our weekly e-newsletter: Click here to subscribe
* Check out all books published by Kunzum
* Join our Fan Page on Facebook
* Follow us on Twitter

And do join us for a coffee at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi, India.

Bangkok, Thailand: Sunset views from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

Bangkok, Thailand: Sunset views from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

Bangkok, Thailand: Sunset views from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua

Bangkok, Thailand: Sunset views from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua

Bangkok, Thailand: Views at dusk from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

Bangkok, Thailand: Views at dusk from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

Bangkok, Thailand: Views just after sunset from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

Bangkok, Thailand: Early morning views from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua

Bangkok, Thailand: Early morning views from the 64th Floor of Hotel Lebua. The river here is the Chao Phraya

You are invited to a DOUBLE FILM SCREENING TREAT on April 20 & 22, 2012 at the Kunzum Travel Cafe in New Delhi. Take your pick from one or both of these multiple award winning films by Gaurav Jani.

INTERACTION WITH GAURAV JANI: The film-maker will be available for an interaction with guests at both the screenings.

ENTRY: Open to all, no charges. First come, first served seating. You may order tea / coffee and cookies before the screening starts and pay what you like in the box provided. Feel free to carry your own coke and popcorn. You can also confirm your attendance at the Facebook event created for the screenings. We strongly recommend you come on time to secure a seat.

CONTACT: +91.9650 702 777, +91.11.26513949, wetravel@kunzum.com

These award winning movies will leave you astounded and ask for more!

FILM 1: ONE CRAZY RIDE, Friday April 20, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

A motorcycle expedition on uncharted roads across the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, situated in North-east India.

But more than an expedition, it’s a film on friendship, camaraderie and the “never say die” attitude of five motorcyclists in the face of unforgiving terrain and unfriendly locals. Shot without a back-up vehicle or film crew, in parts of India hardly seen, filmed or explored, the documentary captures the interactions and experiences of the riders who are trying to chart a route, which according to everyone does not exist.

One Crazy Ride is about the travails and triumphs that come while chasing a crazy idea.

FILM 2: RIDING SOLO TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD, Sunday April 22, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

‘Riding Solo To The Top Of The World’ is the unique experience of a lonesome traveler, who rides his motorcycle all the way from Mumbai to one of the remotest places in the World, the Changthang Plateau, in Ladakh, bordering China.

Situated at an average altitude of 15,000 feet, Changthang covers almost 30,000 square kilometers of Ladakh A land devoid of roads and with temperatures which dip to minus 40 degree Celsius in winter.

As a one-man film unit, he astonishes you, filming the landscape he passes by and the people he interacts with, capturing moments of beauty, pain, love, hardship, self doubt and spiritual triumphs.

As a city slicker, his interaction with the nomads of the region, the Chang pas, who live at the highest altitude used by mankind in the world, teaches him a new perspective on life, as does the religious fervor he encounters.

The Hemis festival that comes once in twelve years, the Tashi Choling monastery where the Chang pas pray to the Rain God and the ever-changing life of the Chang pas, have all been shot in all their splendor and festivity.

The man and his camera travels even beyond the realm of practicality as he films the monastery at Chemur, the very first time a camera has ever entered the said monastery.

Riding Solo to the Top of the World, in essence, is a film about a journey that begins as an adventure and ends with the man, Gaurav Jani, seeking the person within.

FOR MORE ON THE FILMS AND THE FILM-MAKER visit http://dirttrackproductions.com.

Odisha, or Orissa, is one of the most under-explored regions in India. And yet full of attractions for the traveller.

Grass Routes Journeys, practitioners of responsible tourism, share their experiences travelling and working with rural communities in Odisha. The Australian-Indian duo behind the company specialise in ethical adventures in Odisha and will be presenting spectacular photographs peppered with stories from the road and sharing some great local insights into community based tourism from a Grass Routes perspective. This will be followed by a discussion on the importance of ethical tourism. Grass Routes will also screen a selection of short films that capture the spirit of Odisha.

For more on Grass Routes, visit http://grassroutesjourneys.com.

Event Date: Friday, April 13, 2012
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Entry: Open to all, no charges. You may order tea / coffee and cookies and pay what you like in the box provided.
Venue: Kunzum Travel Cafe, T-49 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Contact: +91.9650 702 777, +91.11.26513949, wetravel@kunzum.com
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/342980919083131

Setting Sun over Tsemo Monastery in Leh, Ladakh

The Kunzum Media Lab offers you a unique workshop to understand essential post-processing to enable you to bring a new life to your photographs. The workshop will cover:

* Basics of Color Correction via Levels and Curves
* Working with Layers
* Adjustment Layers
* Masking techniques
* Filters

BLOCK THE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012

SIGN UP FAST – LIMITED SEATS!!!! And don’t miss any workshops. Check updates at http://kunzum.com/medialab.

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Classroom session
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Classroom session

COST
Rs. 2,000 (does not include lunch)
Sign up in groups of 3 or more: Rs. 1800 per person

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Beginners to mid-level users. No age or other restrictions.

MENTOR
Arun Paule’ Verma (Scroll to the end to read more about your mentor)

WHAT YOU NEED TO CARRY
* Your computer with Photoshop installed (Version CS2 or CS3 at least)
* Some photographs you may have clicked and would like to process
* Optional: Your camera in case you want to shoot on the spot and process images

VENUE
Kunzum Media Lab, 1-A, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016

HOW TO REGISTER
The registration process is complete only after we have received the payment. The same can be made by cash or cheque favouring ‘TCP Media Pvt. Ltd.’ and sent to:

Kunzum Travel Café
T-49, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Mobile: +91.9650 702 777 Email: mail@kunzum.com
Timings: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Mondays Closed

You can also pay online at Zomato – Click here.

About Arun Paule’ Verma

Better known as madpaule, he describes himself as a photographer, illustrator and manipulator. And he is very creative at all of these. And hence the right choice as a mentor at the Kunzum Media Lab.

madpaule has worked as an Art Director with River Orchid in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam; as a photographer with Melon Rouge in France and Cambodia, and also with WMR in the UK. He has also worked as an independent creative resource for Maxim magazine, NuN, Mova1, Upasana Design Studio, and designer Anupama Dayal. And he is the man behind many of wonderfully designed books published by Kunzum.

He has exhibited his works in solo and group shows in India and overseas. madpaule holds degrees in Fine Arts and Literature. You can see some of his work at www.madpaule.com.