Deutsche Bergbau Museum, Bochum

                            

It's been 3 years in Bochum and we hadn't visited this museum. Just having our thought about how boring museums could be as it wasn't our type of fun. We always skipped museum visits because of our Lil one, but this year since we had purchased the "Ruhr top card" and this museum was listed(Entry free) in it so thought why not just go and have a glance.

This is one of the mining field which has been converted into a museum, Already from afar you can see the large green winding tower, here you can enjoy a great panoramic view over the Ruhr Area at a height of 71.4 m rises above the museum building. The actual events take place underground, the tour of the museum takes place in the demonstration mine underground at a depth of 20 meters. The rope driving simulator gives you the feeling of driving 1,200 meters deep into the earth. Once you have reached  below, the warm temperatures will give you a realistic impression of the conditions underground and the guided tour through numerous tunnels, along large drilling machines begins and the tunnel is around 2.5 kms with wonderful exhibits. 

Tunnel

The cutting machine.

It's interesting to see how actual mining takes place, under parental guidance the kids will love it too.
The exhibits in the upper sections might not be very interesting for kids, my 4 yo enjoyed going below ground level and seeing all the giant machines but eventually got bored in the upper section of exhibits which is also interesting.

Overall it was a good learning experience for a good price. 

How to reach: The museum is well connected with the public transport, one can take U35 towards Herne from Bochum Hbf.

Availability of food: Museum has a fast-food junction, and nearby quite few places are available. Carrying water might be helpful! 

How much time one can spend: Ideally 2-3 hours.

Entrance fee for adults:5 € 

Kids: Below 6 years is free.
Guided Tours: on Sat & Sun- Duration 1 hour 

Museum is closed from 1st January- 1st May.

For more information on charges and opening hours you can go through their official website. https://www.bergbaumuseum.de/en/

Attention, fun and chaos

Sorry guys for not constantly writing ....And so the time is passing such rapidly that i am already waiting for my little one's arrival.It's been an amazing journey in the past months as i mentioned in my title that attention, fun and chaos....

Attention because for obvious reasons :-)..... attention and care from all over.... parents, friends, husband and his relatives and most importantly in-laws especially my mil :-D, i meant to say they always did but this phase was different and its a lovely feeling to get pampered from all over and when all your needs / desires are fulfilled without even giving a second thought. I know all this is for sometime but who cares let me enjoy this for now ;-) and it was fun to go through the experience of the fact that you are actually having a baby in you which you still wouldn't feel in your first trimester and once your little one starts its movements... ahhh no one can describe the feeling of happiness and joy within... it's that amazing and a blessed feeling for a would be mom.
After a months stay at mom's place during my 1st trimester i had to return to routine life back to Bangalore and was very excited.Since my parents were to drop me to Bangalore it wasn't a big deal to travel. The biggest task was to clean my house which was untidy for a month, everything  was in a mess from grocery to dust etc.... and it almost took a fortnight for me and mom to bring back things into proper condition. I had to get back to Sweet Indulgence also as many of my customers were awaiting for my return. I had already entered my second trimester and issues regarding health seemed totally normal, my concerns over thyroid and sugar levels which i had mentioned earlier were also under control.In Fact, i had no problems of thyroid it's just that during the early stages of pregnancy the level would rise up a little which is totally normal during the initial days and so it was the case with me. My gyno assured me it was normal and nothing to worry but i had to maintain a regular time and controlled diet with proper exercise and walking for the rest of period till delivery which made sense.
My food intake was getting more now... i had to eat for two of us and at regular intervals. My 3 course meal was now divided into 5 course meal and in a required quantity. Overeating wasn't a good option, big mugs of milk, more of citrus fruits, fresh fruit juices, tender coconut and lots of water was added into my diet  intake of less salt,pickles and fried food was also taken care to maintain the BP levels which is most important during pregnancy. And all my favourite junk food had to say a big good bye and santosh was a strict instructor towards me.In my case there was nothing as such for cravings i liked and enjoyed everything and anything that i got to eat but with right amount and correct time.Staying relaxed and keeping yourself busy helps a lot during pregnancy, lots of physical activities, household work,climbing stairs, lots of walking are all a good add on's for a normal and safe delivery which was my aim. Also there are many other good options available like yoga for pregnant women, swimming, aqua sports etc which i didn't prefer and its totally personal choices to be made and i didn't prefer them....
Time was passing so fast, and so was the level of nervousness, excitement,eagerness and all sort of other feelings were going through within me... my bump was growing big now and slowly the speed of my regular activities was going through a slow mode but then i hadn't stopped working... early morning walk and evening walk had become a practise, which i had to do alone. Mornings my husband didn't accompany me because he would sleep and i was getting less sleep because of the heaviness and would end up waking up early, in the evenings he would work late and so i had to go alone both the times which i didn't like at all. I met many other expecting mothers accompanied by their spouse which made me feel bad... Attention,love,care of your spouse towards you during these days are the things that you need badly which practically sometimes may not be possible.... i too like any other women would crib, argue or even fight with my hubby for not being with me ;-) but then for a person like me for whom it is  "raat gayi baat gayi " types it didn't matter much and would move on with the regular routine.
My parents and my in laws accompanied me in my later stages i personally felt there is a need of some older/experienced women company is required as you're nearing the due.In my case i started feeling the movement of my baby during the 7th month (which vary in each individual)the experience is magical which only you can go through . Too many new things pop up which you cannot deal alone sometimes. Proper intake of food is very necessary, avoid eating outside food, maintaining a proper time schedule for meals,sleep and rest is very important. Indigestion, acidity, urinating frequently (sometimes you get tired going to the loo that often ;-)...) tend to happen as days pass.
It was already June and soon it was time for me say temporary good bye to Bangalore for another half year because my delivery was to happen in Hubli ( my native ) and my 8th month "shreemanta" ceremony was going to take place and the function was conducted by my in laws where the ritual says the pregnant women is made to feel special with all her favourite eateries, desires, cravings, new clothes,presents etc are taken care and guests are invited to bless the expectant mum... It wasn't over yet there was also something known as "Khelawan" in Marathi and "Byki Oota" in Kannada where friends and family invite you to their houses for Breakfast/lunch/evening snacks/dinner anything of your choice and serve you with your favourite delicacies or cravings and thats the actual period when you start gaining weight. Too many invitations, too much eating, enormous varieties of food are all add on's.... but you cannot say no at times ;-).......Overall my pregnancy was fun and i had best time of it... !!


                                                                                                       to be continued.... :-)

Pyramid valley international Bangalore.

                  It was a regular not so happening weekend for us.  My pregnancy being a barrier to travel had stopped me and my husband travelling long distances, and so the search for short trips in and around Bangalore started and this time we visited The Pyramid valley international which was quite affordable for our travel permits.

                  Located near kebbedoddi village,harohalli hobli kanakapura road Bangalore, this place was somehow missed out from our travel list. Since we stay on Banerghatta road it was quite easy for us to travel at our convenient time. We drove from our place with our family friends all together 4 adults and 2 kids ( plus a lil one inside me ;-) )  around 4 pm over a sunny weekend. The distance was close to 35 kms from Arekere banerghatta road - Pyramid valley via Nice road Kanakpura junction. So it took us approximately an hour on a average speed, we could even travel via kanakpura main road but wanted to avoid traffic congestion. It so happens at times that you travel that way so many times but still you fail to notice certain locations and the same happen with us too, we had traveled via kanakpura route many a times and yet failed to observe this place. But this we noticed that there are quite a number of sign boards/ hoardings about pyramid valley which help you find the location in case you aren't using your GPS. You need to take a left diversion from the NH209, and drive 1.5 kms to reach the valley where the road passes through a small village and is not in a great condition. We reached the place in 1 hour 15 mins and entered the serene valley amidst lush greenery and noise free surrounding which was very refreshing.
                Pyramid Valley International : Founded by Brahmarshi Patriji(Guruji) is a huge meditation pyramid where awareness for meditation, vegetarianism and the pyramid power is highlighted,open for all age groups and caste/religion not being a barrier. There is a man made pond with Gandhiji's statue at the center and a giant Buddha's statue which welcomes you on the way to pyramid. We were delighted to see this huge pyramid which is generally seen on TV as a Egyptian pyramid and this one tends to be a totally amazes with a different prospect. The kids will love the surrounding and the pyramid which some of them would have studied about, as we enter the pyramid all you can find is cool temperature and a huge meditation hall inside the pyramid calm and quite. The pyramid is divided with two sections one with the normal meditation hall and the second one is at the center of the hall known as the main Kings chamber connected with a spiral stair to the tip of the pyramid where kids are not permitted. You can either choose to meditate in the meditation hall or climb the kings chamber to feel the cosmic energy stored in the pyramid which you tend to gain during your meditation. We were told that it is a good practice to meditate for a duration of your age after 30 years i.e if you are 30 years old then meditate for 30 minutes and so on which was interesting and is beneficial in many ways. We were in the meditation hall for some time, if you take kids along they wouldn't let you stay for a long time for sure because of the environment inside.... you'll end up being embarrassed by their screaming and screeching and automatically tend to come out to maintain silence in the hall.Near the exit a guy was giving away free meal coupons, the ashram provides free meals both for lunch and dinner everyday and since we were present close to dinner time we thought of having dinner which was supposed to start by 7 pm to 9 pm. We had just a little time until dinner and so we thought it was the best to go through the ashram premises. There's art gallery with buddhist themes , hills,valleys, water bodies, wide spread lush green garden, amphitheater,and also conference halls for various purpose and seating arrangement. And more to add there is also accommodation with cottages, luxury rooms and tent style camps with a well maintained canteen  for visitors. There is also a neat and clean dining hall where the meals is served with enough seating arrangements. And so we were done with seeing around the ashram premises it was time up for dinner, we walked to the dining hall where one could see the sevaks waiting to serve.Since it was a buffet system for dinner we had take our plates and walk in the queue for the dinner to be served. The food was simple and at its best with the menu listed with rice,rasam, subzi and butter milk. With unlimited dinner served we enjoyed the meals served, we had to clean our own plates and place it back in the rack provided. There are also facilities for donations where you can take a receipt or place your offerings in the hundi.
                Pyramid valley is a paradise to relax,meditate or just to be one with nature or experiment by learning new life skills where the spiritual and emotional needs are met. It is also a place to encounter the experiences of the world spiritual masters and develop a holistic approach to life a learning. We drove back having a good and memorable time spent in the valley with a soothing climate accompanied by drizzle making the climate even more relaxing.

PS:- For more information related Pyramid valley you can go through their website www.pyramidvalley.org/

Anniversary celebration- Bhadra river tern resort

Sigh!! Finally after a lot of encouragement i start off writing with my first blog....

It is our second wedding anniversary and we wanted to have a memorable trip (as me and my husband loving travelling ).After a lot of research and reviews we found this interesting and amazing place close to Bangalore, Bhadra river tern resort it was !! And so on a Saturday morning start our drive around 6.30am with all excitement. The distance from Bangalore to Bhadra river tern resort is close to 275 kms via Bangalore - Tumkur-Tiptur-Arsikere-Kadur-Birur and a diversion from birur towards Lakkavalli dam. It took us 5hours drive with 2 breaks for breakfast and rest. Reaching Kadur,we couldn't afford to miss the very well known Preeti Canteen about about which we often heard and wanted to try it out,this canteen is opened fro, 7am-11am and only for their simple and yet scrumptious breakfast with South Indian menu with a reasonable price tag this place is a must try if you plan your trip via Kadur. Taking a diversion from Kadur towards Lakkavalli our speed of driving reduced because of the bad roads till we reach a small village Rampur, after which the roads are manageable till the resort. Reaching the resort around 10.30 am we were warmly welcomed at the reception and were asked to relax for sometime since our reservation was from 11am. The serenity of the resort make you feel so refreshing as you enter its zone birds chirping, calm Bhadra river and a wonderful climate are all add on. We were escorted by the helper with our baggage towards our cottage, the helper vanished in few minutes  towards our cottage while we were enjoying the nature around us until we realise our cottage was on the other island which was connected by a cable bridge, the view is stunning and our excitement knew no bounds... 

Cable bridge connecting to the Island.

The island with cottages. 

The walk from the reception lounge to our cottage was unimaginably fun, both of us thought it would be an easy way to reach the place but it was a lil tiring for the first timers with too many ups and downs and uneven paths. These rooms are not very advisable for old and weak people. We reached our room with me panting most of the time :-) and when we entered the room... Lo!! It was stunning,with a beautiful view from our balcony after which all my panting stopped at once.

Our cottage with a huge French window facing the beautiful river and many other small islands.

 The room was undoubtedly perfect with a big king size bathroom which was nice and clean. We were told that the lunch hours would be from 12pm-3pm in the dining room which was again near the main entrance. We refreshed and rested for sometime until we realised we were damn hungry and so we were set to walk all the back towards the dining hall which was fun now because we were getting used to it and were mentally prepared for the walk. 
The dining place was very neat and nice with enough seating arrangements, there was buffet arrangements  with a wide variety of food options for  both veg/non-veg. Since we were vegetarians we loved all the options available, the food served here was too good. During our lunch we were informed that tea would be served with light snacks from 3.45pm-4.0pm and after which we would be taken for our wild life safari ride from 4.15pm-6pm. Now, with  a heavy tummy walking back to our cottage was a task ;-)
We arrived at the right time for tea and there was a jeep already waiting for us for the safari ride. We were accompanied by a group of  8 old ladies who were all collage friends and were having a reunion!! All of them aged close to 60 years , was amazed to see their zeal and excitement and for the next two and half hours our safari ride to Bhadra wildlife sanctuary begin with lots of laughter,fun and spotting animals here and there. My whole purpose of visiting wild life sanctuaries is to see the tiger,which always turns into a big disappointment and end up spotting few regular sightings.. 

Sambar Deer

The Gaur

Pea-hens

After a joy ride with our new friends GOG ( Gang of girls ) and a good guide Mr Girish who gave us all important info about the forest and the animal activities we were dropped back to the resort followed by the evening snacks, few documentary movies and the campfire which was an perfect relaxing evening. We with our new friends  stayed back in the dining hall until our dinner time and to avoid  unnecessary walking. 

Dinner was served hot sharp at 8.30pm ,after a delighted dinner we parted from our new friends back to our cottage walking through the calm and quite river with a fun filled day and dozed of early to bed. Next day on chilly early wake up call was knocked on our door sharp at 6.0am and we were asked to be present for tea/coffee followed by the boat ride sighting birds,we started off at 6.30am spotted quite a good number of amazing birds. 

Woke up to this mesmerizing sunrise

Brahminy Kite 

Pied Hornbill also known as flying banana.

Multi storeyed apartments... such a treat to watch

Add caption

Flying brahminy kite

it was so relaxing to see everyone minding their own business... despite our intrusion in their territory.... the guide was really helpful in switching off the boat and creating a serene atmosphere.... we could have such beautiful sights....

And after a two hour boat, we headed back towards the resort for breakfast after which we went back to our cottages for some refreshing and relaxing and couldn't stop sitting in our balcony enjoying the peaceful environment, simply sitting quite and not doing anything is such a bliss sometimes in our life.... !! 
Packed our baggage and we were ready to move out of the cottage where the helper was waiting to take our luggage and like i mentioned initially he vanished in no time and both of us again enjoyed the last tedious walk from one island to other. 
This trip was a memorable one and will be remembered always and would suggest this resort for all the nature and peace loving people.

PS- All the required details are available on the internet regarding Bhadra river tern resort.

My First Trimester

I believe everything has a first time, from starting my own venture "Sweet Indulgence " to having successful stalls from my venture to writing my first blog to me soon going to be mum:-) Yes!! indeed as i've mentioned the post title its my first trimester of pregnancy.

After two years of our marriage we thought it was right time to plan for a baby, say it for age concerns,family pressures,knowing each other better (which is so important), spend some quality time together or what ever may be me and my husband had decided to have a baby after we complete our 2 years of togetherness. 

After few attempts, finally i find out that i have missed my regular menstrual cycle  and so from here starts all the fun part. First thing done was home pregnancy test (HPT) when i did it the results were negative, i like any other person was wondering what went wrong ?? All sort of questions revolving in my mind " i have missed my periods and the test is showing negative"? So my husband tells me lets wait for a fortnight and check again, this time again the results were negative. I wasn't feeling very good about it though, and so i suggested we visit a good practitioner(Gynecologist) which was in our mind even before we plan just for regular checkup. So we had a appointment and were asked all the necessary questions and the doc also thought it was a possibility of pregnancy but asked me undergo few tests which were to confirm. So the next day, on a empty stomach blood and urine samples were collected and we had to pay a big amount to get the results :-) later that evening we collected the results and found out that close to 15 tests were conducted and everything new to me and my husband not knowing the purpose of these tests but once we visit the doc it becomes unanimous,later on the gynco said i was diagnosed with thyroid plus prolactin which was slightly higher than required and which would be like this in case of pregnancy. But again the results were showing negative, and so even the doc was a little confused about what to decide, she suggested me to do only thyroid and prolactin test again in some different diagnostic center. Now ,this was getting a little nerve wrecking because no one in the family had thyroid problem as doc had told it might be genetical or even because of our lifestyles for which thyroid issues have been increased drastically to a mountains height just in past 2-3 years and especially in women rather than men for which medication for lifetime and proper diet are the only options to control it to normal level. This really made me upset, because hospitals doctors medicines treatments etc were not my cup of tea and no matter how common may be the problem but still it remains in your mind and feel stressed about it. So i had to start my medication  for thyroid which is one tiny tablet everyone morning empty stomach, it was still a sad thing for me but i had to take care of it. 
Soon, me and my husband were to travel to our native and it was a good chance for me to meet up my regular ayurvedic practitioner who was aware of my health conditions. She went through all the medical reports and said the same thing as my earlier practitioner had told and she asked to once again do a HPT on basis of the result she would start my treatment. The very next day with a tensed state of mind i wake up and did the HPT and it turned out to be positive!! I was in mixed state of mind happy,surprised, nervous and couldn't wait to tell my husband he was kinda happy i guess but more nervous as i could see it on his face when i told him my result. I don't know why both were in a different state of mind once we got to know about the result where as i've seen people jump with joy and excitement and the case was opposite with us, which made me think are we normal ?? *Smiles* 
Since i was staying with my in laws my husband went ahead and told the news and then i could see the happiness, joy, excitement on their faces followed by hugs and kisses my in-laws joys knew no bounds it was so obvious for them to happy. And soon i had to inform my practitioner about it for which she congratulated and suggested me to visit a gynecologists for further checkups. I had to get an US scan done which said that my sac was very small and so not spotted and it was a case of late conception. I was prescribed with few vitamins and folic acid tablets and was asked to do the scanning again after 15-20 days and to avoid travelling since the first three months are crucial and so i had to stay back with mum.But my mind i say, was never in peace i wanted to know what exactly was happening i waited for a week and insisted we visit the doc again, i couldn't wait for 15 more days to know the matter this time again i had to do US scan and LO!! there was my baby,when the sonographer noted down the details of the yolk sac and its placement,crown rump length (CRL) being 7W+5d which was the size of my baby.The sonographer showed me my tiny bud and its heartbeat, my happiness was endless it was a wonder for me seeing the baby inside me.  I was 10 weeks then i.e starting of third month and the due is in August 9-12th, and now i was satisfied the doc guided me with basic precautions on food and regular routine,few do's and don'ts and rest seemed fine. 
I had to stay back at my mums house for a month till i complete my first trimester as they didn't want me travel and avoid unnecessary risks. Its fun to be in your native/parents place for few days until you start going crazy because you have been distracted from your regular routine, with me i was missing Sweet Indulgence and the events which were to happen back in Bangalore and my regular orders. I had nothing good to do here, no friends (Since all were married and few moved out of town because of work ) no moving around here and there, it was just early morning walk( which i had started early of third month and made it compulsory in the near by park,prepare breakfast/lunch etc, watch TV,sit in front of the computer for sometime, eat, sleep, again go for a walk in the same park in the evening meet people (mostly senior citizens ) have dinner and sleep. This was my routine now and i was getting bored of it, i asked my husband to courier all the books which i liked to read and also he suggested me to start up with general blogging and which i've been enjoying doing it. Meanwhile i was suggested by few friends who were new moms to read a pregnancy guide called " What to expect, when you're expecting " by Heidi Murkoff which seemed to be a good help till date.Luckily i had been passing through my third month where ladies usually have few pregnancy symptoms like vomiting, nausea, morning sickness are a few to mention and i didn't have any of these instead i was feeling hungry like crazy i was having 4-5 short meals during my third month and was waking up early morning which was the biggest surprise and a change in me because i hardly woke up before 7am earlier  ;-) The only thing which bothered me for a week -10 days was dry cough which was unbearable may be during normal conditions it would have been manageable but during pregnancy it was making me tired and i would strain my tummy i was feeling i was hurting my lil bud since it is still tender, no medication was permitted i had to reduce my cough through home remedies such as taking warm water and haldi,chew candied sugar for some relief, Jeshthamadh aka mulethi which is a root and needs to be chewed till its juices are produced which in turn reliefs the throat.I was having sleepless nights because once i go to sleep after sometime suddenly i would wake up coughing which used to continue for almost 10-15 mins which was irritating, i had to consult my doc for some remedy and she suggested i take a syrup named Grilinctus which was a pleasant tasting composition and anti allergy cough syrup and safe during pregnancy. I had stopped taking milk products, oily stuff, no outside food etc to reduce cough and slowly i could feel the difference of reducing and suddenly one day it stopped , i was even told that few ladies would have cough during whole period of their pregnancy which again depends on person to person and had safe deliveries.
Soon, there was a custom to be performed during my third month for known as Kall Kubsa in Kannada/chor choli in Marathi for which a good muhurat was finalised. Here in this custom the pregnant women is made to sit in front of god and given oodi/ooti by her mother which consist of Green color blouse piece, some flowers, fruits, beetle nuts and leaves, haldi kumkum and dakshina. This custom is said only to be made as a secret ritual where only the would be mom, her mother and the god is believed to be present and after which you can officially disclose the good news among relatives and friends. All this was new to me and also a lil funny because am not a person with customs and rituals it hardly goes in my head because there are unlimited customs and rituals in Hindu religion which is a amazing thing but difficult for a person like me to follow all of them. But i have the desire to learn and know more...
And so i was on the verge of completing my first trimester hassle free and was enjoying all the care and attention from all my near and dear one's and the excitement was on to return back to Bangalore!!
I hope you guys enjoy reading my blog of my experience and might find helpful in anyways.... I've been writing my next blog " My second Trimester".