Ghumakkad in Hindi means 'the wanderer'. That is what I am. On the move any time anywhere!
This blog chronicles Ghumakkad's travels/teachings/learnings around the globe as picture stories. In addition, there are Picturesque Quotes (PQs) created using my pictures. Enjoy it.
If you have also been to the places/topics described here, please feel free to add to the content.
Your comments/ suggestions are welcome.
Continuing with the series of FDPs (Faculty Development Programs) conducted by me, here is a glimpse of a one day workshop on 'Making Classroom a Fun Place'. You may browse the previous story on bringing realism to the classroom by clicking here. Yes, this picture story represents Ghumakkad's different avatar अवतार as a 'Teacher's Teacher'.
About 30 teachers from three engineering colleges in and around Hyderabad attended the workshop. The thrust was on making the classroom a fun place. How to do it? Seven different teams brain stormed and presented their ideas. Glimpses.
Special thanks to Telangana Academy of Knowledge and Skills (TASK) for organising the FDP. Any reader interested in details of the workshop, may reach me on mail ID hbindia@gmail.com . Thanks for browsing - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/24th Oct 2016
We the Naval veterans decided to do snorkeling at Elephant Beach in Havelock Island in Andaman archipelago India. See the map below.
Speed boats ply between Havelock jetty to Elephanta beach. Charges: Rs 750/- per person. It includes a short complimentary snorkeling. Max 5 passengers in one boat. First boat leaves at 9 AM. Boat ride takes 15 minutes. You get two hours at the beach for all the activities you wish to do. Same boat brings you back. So, if you start early, you are back by lunch at your hotel.
If you have little more time, you can trek to Elephant beach and back. Nice one hour trek either way. But a guide is essential. Contact the tourism desk at Havelock jetty. I wish I had little more time to trek it!
We were the first set of tourists that day. So, on hearing the announcement from Boat Operator's Control Room, the boat operators ran to their respective boats. Soon, we boarded our boats and cast off.
We reached the Elephant Beach in quick time and anchored. With out-board motors (OBM) folded up, we de-boarded in shallow waters.
Forest department welcomed us with a sign post.
Yes, we brought back all empty water bottles and any other trash. Implementation at its best.
The Tsunami in 2004 had caused heavy damage to Elephant beach. Some of the uprooted drift wood trees are still there on the beach as a mute testimony. But it adds to the beauty of the beach and provides a ready backdrop for taking pictures.
It was time for action. Water scooter, glass bottom boat and of course snorkeling. We did it all. Pictures of water scooter first.
As young Naval officers in 1970s, we all bought two wheelers as our first vehicle. So, scooters hold a significant place in our life.
Focus now reverts to snorkeling where our story began. For those not fond of water, it may be a bit scary. But few minutes into the water and then you love it! Pictures.
If you feel like seeing the marine life 'live' in a short 4-minute video, click the link below. Video was part of Rs 1000/- fees for snorkeling per round. I remixed it with the banner and music.
Most of our group members did snorkeling. More pictures.
After one round, Neeta and Vinita were so excited that they wanted to do another round. This is how they looked after the second round of snorkeling.
Those who chose not to enter the water, could view the marine life from a glass bottom boat. We also took a ride. But frankly, it wasn't a patch on the thrill we got doing snorkeling. Rs 600/- per person for a 15-minute glass bottom boat ride is not worth it.
One activity which we could not do was 'Sea Walking'. May be the next time in Lakshadweep we will do it.
All good things must come to an end. Before we realised, our quota of two hours at Elephant beach was over. Time to return.
Here is a 20-second video clip of our return boat ride.
Next story will cover Radha Nagar beach famous for spectacular sunsets being on the western face of Havelock Island.
Bye till then.
-Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with inputs from Gipy and Neeta/ 11th Oct 2016
Postscript: Links to all theten storiesof our visit to theAndamansin 2016 are given below. Just click to browse.
Special thanks to Telangana Academy of Knowledge and Skills (TASK) for organising the FDP.
