The Adrenaline Rush – Sebastian Vettel - A Bio

Apart from producing great beers, Germany also has a legacy of producing fantastic racing drivers; like the current Formula 1 World Champion from Heppenheim, Sebastian Vettel. 

Born on 3rd July 1987, while other kids were still figuring out how to spell ‘kart’, Vettel was behind the wheel of one. His first major success came by winning the Junior Monaco Kart Cup in 2001. He may not have bagged his drivers’ licence yet, but in 2004 he stomped his authority by winning 18 off 20 races in the Formula BMW Championship. 

Sebastian Vettel at the autograph signing session at Sepang, Malaysia, for the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. For more photos on Formula 1, check My Third Eye.

In 2006, BMW Sauber gave him his ticket to Formula 1 as a Test Driver where he went on to become the youngest driver to set fastest lap time, during Friday practice. His maiden race came with BMW Sauber in 2007 when he substituted for Robert Kubica at the US Grand Prix and ended up scoring points; again the youngest ever to do so. 

His talent was identified and nurtured by the Red Bull Team who gave him a drive thereafter in 2007. He justified their faith when he stormed from 16th to finish fourth in the Chinese Grand Prix. With consistent results in 2008, he then did the unthinkable; grab pole and victory at the Italian Grand Prix. That was good enough to get a promotion to the Red Bull Racing team for 2009, with whom he finished runners up. 

Sebastian Vettel takes lead in his Red Bull Racing car at Sepang, Malaysia, for the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. For more photos on Red Bull Racing, check My Third Eye.

Behind his boyish charm, jovial nature and witty humour lies a fierce competitor who wants to excel. The hunger within him saw him win 3 off the last 4 races of the 2010 season with Red Bull and become the youngest ever Formula 1 World and Double World Champion. In a short span, the charming heartthrob has an envious track record that makes him nothing but a prodigy at 24! 

Congratulations to him on winning the 2011 F1 Driver’s Title. 

The Adrenaline Rush - Indian Ministry is run by Jokers

‘Have you ever been involved in, supported, or encouraged terrorist activities in any country? Have you, ever been a member of, or given support to an organisation that has been concerned in terrorism?’

Visa forms for plenty of countries require you to answer this question; and I guess honestly. Though I wonder if a terrorist is ever going to tick Yes, but that’s another story altogether. What appears from the regular terrorist attacks on people in India is that India on the other hand seems to thrive on taking challenges. May be they do receive such applications with a Yes and also end up approving them. That seems to form the intelligence; the guys then probably pass that information to the police, who of course fail to take diligent action and ‘BOMB!’

So what happens when you tick ‘No’; well that’s something Nico Rosberg of Petronas Mercedes GP and half of the Formula 1 teams would know because they just learnt it first hand. It is ridiculous and embarrassing for India and we as Indians that visas are denied and/or rejected for sports persons, media, journalists, musicians and people of similar acclaim. Yes, we might be amongst the rare commonwealth nations to deny direct entry to British passport holders, but that’s just a fair and square protocol. No doubt, the visa should be required and must be issued with appropriate documentation, but can it and should it not be better facilitated for people who’s biography is easily available on Wikipedia coming for an event half the world knows about?

Nico Rosberg of Petronas Mercedes GP at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. For more photos on Formula 1, click here.

 

It is also pathetic of the customs department to levy an INR 400 crore import duty for the equipment being used for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which is supposed to be held in Greater Noida in October 2011. They would refund the same with a 2% deduction after the goods leave India, but that is just such an opportunistic way to get some money off a privately managed event. Why; just because the government hasn’t been able to make money and mockery like the Commonwealth Games last year?

This lame, irresponsible and shallow behaviour of the Indian Ministry is not going to help an international event of the magnitude of the F1. It may be a private event, but it is going to fetch the government hoards of money in form of taxes and tourism. In any event, it is certainly not a way to spread India’s name across the many first timers who are simply excited and delighted to be coming and participating in India. 

It’s time to wake up and take a step forward and assist Jaypee in putting up a smooth and successful event rather than causing embarrassment to the entire nation. If the Jokers in the Ministry don’t wake up, we’ll be a global laughing stock for the second year in succession!

The Adrenaline Rush - 20 Years of Adrenaline Pumping!

20 years of adrenaline pumping. G-force sustenance. At the highest level. Consistently. And still going strong.

I’ve been itching to write on one of my greatest passions for a very long time; yet today when I’ve begun, I am out of words. On the other hand, there could not have been a better way and a more symbolic occasion. One of the greatest sportsmen and achievers of all time, Michael Schumacher completes 20 years, 26th August 2011, in Formula 1 today. 

Michael Schumacher, up close in his Petronas Mercedes F1 car. For more photos on the Petronas Mercedes F1 Team, click here.

Schumacher began his career with karting before progressing to Formula 3 and ultimately Formula 1. His first wheel came behind the Jordan Formula One team as a replacement driver in 1991 at the Belgian Grand Prix. His hunger to excel at the pinnacle of the sport made everyone take note. On a circuit he never drove before, Schumacher cycled his way around the track before qualifying a stunning 7th. He didn’t start the race with a clutch failure on the grid, but it was enough for Benetton to quickly sign him up. And there was no looking back. A couple of seasons later he won his first world title and the living legend today has 7 world titles, 5 of them being consecutive, 91 race wins, 68 pole positions and 76 fastest laps to name a few; and he still hasn't lifted his foot off the gas pedal.  

Schumacher has records to boast and ones that might never be broken. The debate on whether he is the all time greatest can go on forever, but even the antagonists cannot deny that he is one of the all time greatest, if not the greatest. The late great Ayrton Senna once remarked, “By being a racing driver you are under risk all the time. By being a racing driver means you are racing with other people. And if you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver because we are competing, competing to win. And the main motivation to all of us is to compete for victory, it's not to come 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th.” Michael too has always gone for those wins. In the bargain, he has faced criticism several times for his dangerous driving and tactics, but you cannot take away the stunning drives he has relentlessly produced over the years. 

Schumacher in action in his Petronas Mercedes GP car at the 2011 Malaysia Grand Prix. For more photos on Michael Schumacher, click here.

He is an absolute rain maestro and is sublime on the corners. He joined Ferrari when it was in the dumps and took the team to great heights. His colleagues and race engineers report him as great team player who continuously works with them to get that extra bite of the car. Yes, there have been times when he has had a superlative car with no competition, but the domination he showed in those times makes him the legend he is. Not to forget, the times when there was no hope in his slow moving car and Schumi, as he is popularly known, produced magic to take pole position by half a second. You cannot ignore the Schumi touch and resolute fitness levels, evident that there was minimal change in him when he got off the car after a gruelling race, while younger counterparts looked exhausted (he ran an astounding 20 km daily as part of his fitness regime). 

It was my greatest dream and desire to meet my idol in person, which almost went off the window with his retirement in 2006. However, when he made a comeback at the age of 41 in 2010, the spark to meet him was back. Yes, the dream did come true for me when I met him in person in 2011, a feeling I will treasure all my life. And if you thought what a 42-year old is doing driving in Formula 1, he just went fastest in the first practice at the Belgian Grand Prix. 

Schumi, as he is popularly known, has lost no hunger in racing. Here seen racing Force India F1's Paul DiResta. For more photos on Formula 1, click here. 

I’m going use a line I so love – If they ever tell my story, let them say that I did not walk with giants. Men rise and fall like the winter wheat, but these names will never die. Let them say I lived in the time of Michael Schumacher, one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all times!

If Formula 1 is religion, Schumacher has to be God!

Wherever I May Roam - What makes a Traveller – A Beginners' Guide, Part 2

If you are already inspired by my story on ‘how I became a traveller’ and want to jump on the bandwagon, or want to know how you could go about a Travellers route, I recommend the following 5-step approach:

1. Change in Attitude: This is right above everything else simply because of the dramatic difference there will be and you will need to make as a traveller. You would need to start feel like Christopher Columbus who’s on his mission to find India. And be content even if you reach America. Savour the thrill! Needless to say but the road won’t be an easy one so prepare to rough it out. Long walks, bag-laden shoulders, nights on transport stands, staying in budget accommodation and managing within resources. To comfort you, I am not saying that travellers do all of that always and that you’ll do the same on your first voyage, but be geared up!

Be prepared to rough it out! For more interesting photos on my travel, click here.

2. Shortlist Destinations and Check for Costs: Yes, you can get adventurous by picking your bags and taking off impromptu, but in 10 years even I’ve been able to do that just once, well almost not! So, you need to pick 2-3 destinations and set a side a random cost that you would like to manage them within. Then, you should check what local or online tour operators offer on your shortlisted hotspot in terms of total costs, travel, accommodations, meals, taxes, sightseeing, visa, insurance, entry fees, exclusions and any other entity that might be applicable. This is killing two birds in one stone. One, you get to know a whole lot about the places you are planning to visit and two, the market costs. It is important to check all fine print and inclusions and arrive at the final cost. For example, there was an ad from a leading tour operator offering Thailand for just Rs 8000 (~$ 175) ex-Mumbai. It included accommodation, transfers, sight-seeing, 2 nights each in Bangkok and Pattaya and Air fare. Works? Well, it did not have airport taxes, visa, insurance, meals, only half day sightseeing, no entry fees, which eventually will work out to ~Rs 22000 (~$500). When you compare with other operators, you’ll find similar rates. Also, you’re made to believe that Thailand is just Bangkok and Pattaya!

3. Comparing with your interests, costs and days: You’ve got your base ready! The next step would be getting information about the place you’ve shortlisted. A great place to start off with would be WikiTravel; it tells you almost everything you need to know in a very easy-to-use structure. Also, if you have access to and can shell out some money, nothing beats Lonely Planet. And just in-case you’re still stuck, you always have The Lord. These would help you associate with the destination and also help single down your areas of interests. Putting all of it together, you should then be the best judge as to how many days you would need and how much you could be spending for a given place. After all, freedom and flexibility is the essence of a traveller. Don’t forget to add your travel, accommodation and other costs as mentioned earlier. Sum up and you should see that not only are you going to be saving your hard-earned money (yes, by sacrificing on a few luxuries) but you could be doing a lot more than what you would via a tour.

By doing it yourself, you are likely to get to exotic locations that tours wont cover. For more interesting photos, click here.

4. Do Good Research - Get Reviews and Information: I learnt this the hard way and therefore though it seems trivial, always do good research on the place you intend to stay and places you want to visit. After a fun-filled but hard day you don’t want to be in a room that doesn’t have water, stinking sheets, have bed-bugs and/or pathetic service to name a few. Nor do you want to plan your itinerary, a little neck-to-neck, and realise that the place you intended to visit is shut on a particular day, needs advance booking, has long queues for tickets so an e-ticket is highly recommended and so on. And you certainly don’t want to have missed out on tourist warnings be it in the form of monkey menace or fear of thugs.

5. Planning and Booking in Advance: This certainly is not a must do and is not always possible; but it always helps in extracting that extra bit on your travel. For long travels, a 3-month advance planning always helps you get reservations and better deals for train, air, bus and accommodation. You’ll easily find budget airlines and accommodation almost everywhere today and these fill up quick. There is no dearth of Web sites that’ll help find these but I do recommend cross checking with the official sites as well. For example, Air Asia offers excellent airfares on their Web site but you’ll probably not see them on a Travelocity. If you’re travelling abroad, you could need that advance planning to get visa and permits. Even for a short local travel, I do suggest a 45-day advance booking especially if it is a long weekend or holiday season.

Sure, there is a lot more to the adventure and I’ll fill that in with my next post. For now, if your travel instinct has come alive, the weekend is right round the corner.

Get going to a travel destination nearby. For more photos on my travel, click here.

Wherever I May Roam - What makes a Traveller – A Beginners' Guide, Part 1

Before we cut to the chase, I have a little story to narrate. Way back in December 2004, on my way back from Agra to Mumbai, I met a guy named Alex, then a management student from the US. He looked very simple and seemed to be savouring every bit of the journey that I seemed to hate; to add a little perspective, it was winter and we were is a typical 2nd sleeper compartment of an ordinary train that generally people would use as their last resort to travel between the two cities.

The intersting path of the Raja Ki Mandi railyway station in Agra, India. For more interesting photos on my travel, click here.

We being of the same age group easily struck a conversation. I learnt that he was originally on a project trip with his college but took a detour to see a lot more of India. We spoke for hours; he included many details that he’d discovered and learnt on his already 20-day trip to India. I must admit, I didn’t know about 40% of them myself. He also mentioned how he travelled and what all he did to pursue his greatest passion – travel!

I had always been someone who was very keen to go to new places, and yes, even go see places abroad. I was just a few years into my job and hadn’t saved enough to take trips that I would have liked nor had I ever taken the effort to discover a place on my own or with a small group of people, except the one instance in Goa.

However, what changed from that day was my perspective to see things as far as visiting new places goes. If there is intent, you can save up bit-by-bit, every month or now and then, and plan for the trip you always wanted to take. And if you really want to discover a place, do you need your world to travel with you? Do you need all the luxuries? Should you care too much on how you’re managing with a limited number of supplies? At the end, what should matter is the satisfaction you get of having visited a place, the joy and thrill of travelling and taking paths that may less comfortable, but experience the absolute bliss and soaking up the journey you’ll treasure and cherish forever.

What started off as desperate and seemingly boring journey, took an interesting twist that changed my travel perspective. For more interesting photos on my travel, click here.

I have never met Alex thereafter but we’ve remotely kept in touch via e-mails. However, the remarkable thing is that whenever he travels, he ensures that he updates his friends and people who he has met on this travels, like me, about his travel experiences; and his e-mails are always a great read.

That’s my inspirational story that may have seemed to gone a little off topic for those expecting tips or pointers on taking a Travellers route. But then, if you read this again, you may realise that an inspiration is half the battle won. I won’t forget the guy who inspired the traveller within me for his great journey’s and his love for the Indian Potato Triangles!

The chase, ‘What makes a Traveller – A Beginners' Guide’, continues here.

Wherever I May Roam - What Works Better, Traveller or Tourist?

There is little doubt that experiences as a Traveller are far greater than those as a Tourist. Simply because of the freedom, luxury of time and the opportunity to connect with the culture; for more details check an earlier post. Having said that, by no means would I say that being a Tourist is not the best way to travel or something I would never do. Ultimately, it is always the experience that counts and which is what you have forever to cherish!

Taking a Travellers path can get you to some very interesting locations that are not frequented by other people. For more such interesting photos, click here.



I have seen both worlds and have come to a conclusion that you should consider a few points before deciding which way to go, that is, if you ever want to take a Travellers’ approach. The top points for consideration, for me, would be:

• Occasion and Purpose of Travel: Congratulations, you’ve got married. No matter what, you (or at least your spouse) probably would not want to do a backpack or gruelling honeymoon. On another day, you’re drained out and desperately need a break; probably again a better idea for someone else to take the headache and set out for a more comfortable trip.
• Destination: You’re off to a location you’ve always wanted to go to but neither do you follow any of the languages spoken in that region nor do you fancy the food; more common with the Asian continent. Alternatively, you could be off to a destination that has some unrest or is notorious for having left unpleasant experiences for visitors. In these cases, again you might be better off as a Tourist.  
• Time on hand: So you’re destination is set but for some reasons you’ve had to cut it down in terms of days but the show must go on! Here again, if you haven’t made your bookings already, it might be worthwhile to get hold of a tour operator to manage it for you so that you at least cover all the ‘must see/do things’ at ease. Also, there are scenarios and cases that even while doing the trip as a Traveller, you do a portion of it as a tourist. A recent example, from my own trip, – you’re in Hong Kong and have an extra day on hand and wouldn’t mind doing Shenzhen, which is across in China. You’re you can get a take the train and get there and discover the place yourself, but it would make more sense to get hold of a local tour operator for that day – saves a lot of time and energy, and may be money as well, and the experience over a day may not be too different as a Traveller or Tourist.  
• Travel company: You’d normally only travel with people of choice but you’ll need to be considerate of the entire groups’ opinion; the Travellers style may not go down well with all. Also, the fact whether you have you parents or kids; though I’ve surely seen Travellers with little kids as well. 
• Budget/Costs: Before, making a final call, it is never a bad idea to check some early bird and/or last minute online deals, after you’ve worked out the costs. Often, you get some good discounts or companion pays 50% – in short some excellent bargains. They may not cover all you had originally chalked out, but worth weighing the options, or adding extra days apart from the Tour if possible.

At times, it is good to be on a guided tour, especially, if language can be a barrier. You can always travel like a Traveller and just opt for a one-off Local tour. For more photos, click here.

These are my recommendations, which you may want to consider the next time you plan out a trip. Moreover, it is also probably a good idea to mix and match the two, in proportions you’re most comfortable with to work out that best case scenario for yourself.

Wherever I May Roam - Traveller or Tourist?

So you like travelling? And, you’ve already been to more than a dozen countries and a hundred cities across the globe. Needless to say, you’ve posed in-front ever possible monument, shopped from the streets and stores and stayed at the nicest sounding hotels, and yes, took photos of those too!  

On the other hand, you do love travelling, but have been on a budget leash or despite the budget, you never fancied most of the decorative mentioned earlier. You’re one who sticks within a budget, would explore more, take pictures but not necessarily with you posing in it. You’d shop, but not give a damn about the stores and settle for something cultural right off the street in a bargain deal.

What we have are tourists and travellers! There must already be over 456,123 articles online on this, tips and why being one’s better than the other, so here’s the deal in five short points –

Tourist:

• Very conservative and play it safe – will generally go via a guided tour and preferably with a group
• Will want the very best of comforts so as to not make it very tiring; after all ‘I’m on a holiday’
• Literally have a schedule to follow, of the guide, and stick to that
• Will rarely know more about the place apart from what the guide would show and tell; and probably won’t bother for things outside it
• Are always forced to see/do what the guide says or the larger group of people want to do

A Tourist hot-spot - The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more photos of the Petronas Towers, click here.

Traveller:

• Love the thrill element and will plan an itinerary for themselves; but along with the tourist attractions, they would end up seeing a lot more interesting places
• Will travel light and wouldn’t mind putting up in basic accommodation; after all ‘I’m here to see and explore the place and not sleep and rest’
• Have a schedule and plan in mind but are flexible and open to deviations
• Would have done some homework about the place, people and culture and would probably strike up a conversation with locals to know and learn more
• Would generally keep a spare day or two to allow the freedom and luxury to move at their own pace – so it was a waterfront with a monument beside and people spend normally spend 20-30 minutes; I loved the surroundings so much that I sat for a couple of hours at the nearby café!

En Route Manikaran - The scenic beauty and religious spots at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, India, is something rarely covered in a standard Tour. For more photos on Manikaran, click here.

Being only a slightly better than novice traveller myself, my personal observation is that people from the West are a lot more independent and end up being Travellers. On the other hand, people from the East don’t prefer or fancy this way of seeing places and go the old school Tourist way. I can only attribute that this trend is largely because of the fact that people from the East (and I happen to be one of them) are brought up in a conservative manner and lack that great degree of dependence. To add, we tend to play it safe and do not take unwarranted risks. Finally, communication and food forms a great barrier forcing people to take a conservative approach. The largest groups that one sees during their journeys are those that have Indians (largely due to food habits, being vegetarians) and Chinese (largely because of the language barrier).

Having said that, I’ve come across and known people from this side of the planet, whose travel journeys could impress the best from the West. Nonetheless, at the end it’s not West vs East nor is it Traveller vs Tourist. It’s the journey you embark upon and the experience you keep forever. 

Still confused what’s better – Traveller or Tourist? Read more here.