Ahmedabad Expat Travels to Kutch, India

old coins

Our Boat crew

Fishing Village

The boat

Recently, Ben and I traveled to Kutch, India. This is what I thought India would look like when I first arrived. It is nothing like Ahmedabad and for this Ahmedabad Expat it was a nice break. We went to to private beach in Mandvi, which was so quite and beautiful. I could have never dreamed that it could be so peaceful. At this beach there are "tents" that you can rent, kinda like hotel rooms, for the weekend. There are just a few of them and get this they are air conditioned! The bathrooms are big and clean. Showers. It was truly amazing that someone could do that with a tent. It is nothing like I had thought it would be. Also, we seen were they were building wooden boats by hand. These are not boats, these are actually ships. It takes them 3 years to build. Check out the pics ....enjoy.

Rickshaw drivers may strike work on Tuesday

To protest the price rise by Adani Energy, autorickshaw drivers’ assn threaten to go on a three-day strike from Tuesday

Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau

Posted On Monday, October 18, 2010 at 02:20:50 AM

Auto drivers will stay off the city road from Tuesday if Adani Energy does not roll back Rs 2.10 price hike which has come into effect from Sunday midnight. The members of the Ahmedabad Autorickshaw Drivers Sangarsh Samiti have threatened to go on a three-day strike if its demand to withdraw the hike is not considered. Adani Energy has increased the fuel price five times in last seven months which is very unfair, alleged the association members. “The company has introduced the hike suddenly, without intimating us which is quite unjust. This is for the sixth time that the prices have been raised without taking us in confidence. We survive on our daily earnings. If the prices will soar like this, we will not be able to make both ends meet,” said Raj Sirke, vice- president of Ahmedabad Autorickshaw Drivers Sangarsh Samiti. Moreover, the price has been increased after election. It means that it was pre-decided, he added. “We do not want to hassle commuters but this is too much. Every two months, we face price rise. But this time, we have decided to protest,” Sirke added. When contacted, an official of Adani energy said: “We have to hike prices of the gas because Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) has increased price. The GSPC officials told us that the decision was taken earlier but was held back due some reasons. They will also be raising their prices now.”

Ahh.. back to work

Hello, I have decided that I need to get back to blogging. I have missed it actually. I have done some traveling and have had a lot of fun, lately. Seems that in next weeks we will be traveling to close to the Pak border. That will be so incredibly cool. I will make sure I get lots of pictures and post them. I would love to go inside Pakistan just to get a look around.

For Christmas I will be hosting a Christmas party in which I am very excited about.

Things here in India have been pretty calm not excitement to speak of. The weather is pretty nice as well. The last day of the festival was today. I must say thank goodness because the music was so loud or I am just getting old. The Diwali holiday starts soon and that will make for some excitement as well. Just as a warning look out because everyone will be asking for money.

Business seem to be doing well right now here. I will post some articles in the next few days about how Ahmedabad is booming.

Anyway, that is all for now. I will be writing again really soon.

U.S. Embassy New Delhi

American Citizens Services Unit

Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India

Telephone: 91-11-2419-8000; Facsimile: 91-11-2419-8407

E-mail: acsnd@state.gov website: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov

April 16, 2010

Dear American citizens:

We bring this message to your attention so you can carefully consider the information it contains. Please pass along the information below to the American citizens in your area or put this information on your notice boards for dissemination. This message and other important travel information can be found at www.travel.state.gov. Thank you for your co-operation.

For travel information, call 888-407-4747. Internet Address: http://travel.state.gov

Travel Alert

United States Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Washington, DC 20520

INDIA

April 16, 2010

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing security concerns in India. The U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. The February 2010 bombing in Pune and the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provide a vivid reminder that hotels, markets, trains and other public places in India are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. This replaces the Travel Alert dated January 29, 2010, to note the February 2010 bombing in Pune, and expires on May 30, 2010.

U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad."

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). U.S. citizens are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website and on the Department’s website.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11- 2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-11-2419-8000.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363- 0350. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-22-2363-3611, ext. 0.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-44-2857-4000, 91-44-2811-2000, or 91-44-2811-2021.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91- 33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. For after-hour emergencies, call 91-99030-42956 (cell) or 91-33-3984-2400, ext. 0.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-90-0060-4234.

Misc pics

He was so good he got a rock?

Look at those cheeks!

Monkeys?

Ben doing Nana's hair

Cutest kids ever!

Just some pictures of Ben's 8th birthday and some from our recent trips.

Ladies Coffee

Tomorrow 12, noon, at Barista on Drive In opp of Drive In Movies. Please call me if you need a ride or have questions. 9909717031

Also, check out our Facebook group "Ahmedabad Expats" for any expats that are thinking of moving, currently living or visiting Ahmedabad.

American Citizens Services UnitU.S. Consulate General78, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400 026, IndiaTelephone: 91-22-2363 3611 ext. 4306; Facsimile: 91-22-2367-7026E-mail: mumbaiacs@state.gov website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov Date: December 31, 2009Dear American citizens:We bring this message to your attention so you can carefully consider the information it contains. Please pass along the information below to the American citizens in your area or put this information on your notice boards for dissemination. Thank you for your cooperation.Travel AlertU.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEBureau of Consular Affairs This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 31 11:42:48 2009.India - Security Issues December 29, 2009The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to continuing security concerns in India. The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. In addition, there continues to be a possibility of violence in the south-central Indian state of Andhra Pradesh over the contentious issue of creating a separate state within Andhra Pradesh. This Alert replaces the Travel Alerts dated October 29 and December 9, 2009, and expires on January 31, 2010. The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that hotels and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues. There is also the possibility of violence in the south-central Indian state of Andhra Pradesh as civil unrest continues over the contentious issue of statehood for the Telangana region. The Department recommends that U.S. citizens defer all non-essential travel to Telangana and certain parts of Hyderabad (especially the Assembly and Secretariat, Osmania University, Panjagutta, and Ameerpet areas). The Telangana Region includes the districts of Rangareddi, Warangal, Medak, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar. There has also been sporadic unrest in the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, most notably in the cities of Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Ongole, Kurnool, and Chittoor. Andhra Pradesh continues to experience episodic civil unrest as pro- and anti-statehood political groups rally supporters to their respective causes. A number of strikes have shut down schools and businesses, making it at times difficult to obtain essentials such as gasoline. Protesters have targeted public transportation, attacking trains and burning numerous buses. Public transportation networks have been forced to shut down several times. There have been repeated clashes between police and protesters, damage to private property, and a number of deaths and injuries associated with the disturbances. Government security forces have been augmented in many parts of the state, especially in Hyderabad and in the Telangana region. U.S. citizens resident or traveling in Andhra Pradesh during this period are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and large crowds of any kind. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio and via the Internet.U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad." For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Consulate’s website, Embassy's website and also at the Department's website.

American Citizens Services Unit
U.S. Consulate General78, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400 026,
IndiaTelephone: 91-22-2363 3611 ext. 4306; Facsimile: 91-22-2367-7026E-mail: mumbaiacs@state.gov website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov
Date: December 24, 2009

Dear American citizens:We bring this message to your attention so you can carefully consider the information it contains. Please pass along the information below to the American citizens in your area or put this information on your notice boards for dissemination. Thank you for your cooperation.Travel AlertU.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEBureau of Consular Affairs This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 24 08:35:10 2009.India December 23, 2009The Department of State wishes to alert U.S. citizens with Indian tourist visas about new regulations that may affect planned travel. Travelers are urged to review travel plans in light of these new regulations. This Travel Alert supplements the Travel Alerts for India dated October 29 and December 9, and expires on January 21, 2010.
Foreign tourists departing India with visitor (T) visas will now receive a stamp in their passports at the port of departure that indicates that the bearer will not be allowed to reenter India for two months, regardless of their length of stay or validity of the visa. Tourists who wish to return to India before the two-month period has passed must visit an Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate abroad to present their case for reentry, and must provide documentation in support of the request. If approved, the traveler will receive a letter authorizing reentry to present at an Indian port of entry. Only one request for reentry may be made during a two-month interval. Tourists who have been granted permission to return to India may also be required to register with the nearest Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days of their return, regardless of the length of their stay. The procedures and requirements for registration can be complex. Travelers are advised to follow directions as stipulated on their visas regarding registration procedures irrespective of the visa category. To date, these changes have mostly affected tourist (T) visa holders, but the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have also received reports pertaining to other visa types and about inconsistent implementation of the new rules, which have not been widely publicized and are subject to change. Prior to traveling to or departing India, Americans who may be affected by these changes are urged to contact the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate overseas or Foreign Registration Office in India to determine proper procedures to follow. U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad." For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, including the existing Travel Alert for India, can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Consulate’s website, Embassy's website and also at the Department's website. U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information: -- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300.