Dollops of sky

Our Indian festive season is ahead and we are pretty busy for its prep. Stealing a bit of our time from the busy weekend we drove 90 miles to Callaway Gardens. Though i never heard anyone speak of this place among my friends, thanks to Facebook which advertised about the upcoming Hot air balloon festival.

The event is held to mark the farewell of summer every year. We were excited to celebrate it in a new way and welcome the 2017 winter.
Starting early at 6am with the opening of beach gate and balloon inflation we chosed to drive in mid afternoon and enjoy the evening hot air balloon shows. But in case you wish to make the full of this event in budding September i suggest booking an inn in advance and plan for a good two days stay to enjoy the birds of prey show, movie demonstration and face painting.

Coming back to us we had a pleasant drive, leaving the city chaos behind and coming amidst the lush green grove. Before taking admission tickets for the event we circled the whole garden to explore the Mockingbird and Mountain creek lakes. Exploring the property gave us serene and tempting views with sights that was soothing to our souls.

Spending an hour and lot of instagramming we checked our watch and realized evening balloons inflation must have started. Driving backward to the event's gate or towards the amphitheater we purchase our event tickets and that was really quick. But yes the parking lot was so full to find our own space. So note it, make it early and get yourself parked real quick.

Before we enjoy the balloon ride we had to endure the long boring que. I was glad i brought with me water and snacks to munch on. As the que length shortened and the hot air balloons drew closer i could feel butterflies in my belly. We were given a brief guide of how and when to hop into the big basket and how to jump out of it. I made it real clear to Ani to help me both ways as my 5 inch size will only embarrass me.

Hot air balloon ride is all about good weather and gladly the sky was clear and sunny with crisp breeze sweeping us. Including the pilot there were total six people in a giant wicker basket while the burner send up heated air slowly lifting us all up. We were all waaoo and wooaa as everyone swayed and floated in the air. The buoyant motion of the balloon filled us with an exquisite, quivering joy. We had to be super quick foe selfie moments and had to be utter polite to ask someone to take our better pic.

Somehow we were little disappointed knowing later it was a tethered balloon ride which goes up to a low altitude remaining tied to the ground with ropes(preventing it to fly away). Well, for first timer and having fear of height it was not a bad deal for me and i felt real good to enjoy the 25 feet view at $10!

To the end of evening we walked towards the beach and enjoy the Moody band watching the sky growing pink and then dark. Just a warm cozy feel as we lay down on green lawn ignoring the twitching of twigs in our necks this was perhaps the best drive and weekend.

--Other things to do--

-If you're a photography buff, you can sign up for
"Mastering Night Photography" course.

-Enjoy the drink specials and sports on the televisions at the Beach Bar or dine at the Gardens restaurant.

-Watch the final balloon glow on Sunday night on Robin Lake Beach.

-Visit the IDA Cason Callaway memorial chapel.

-Walk the Azalea garden to enjoy the nature's best form in autumn.

Check out about the pricing and tickets here

Callaway gardens

17800 US 27 Pine Mountain GA 31822
Phone: 800-852-3810

Happy winter!

With early spring in its blossom sauntering in the Central park isn't just a choice but a must do when in New York. Located in the midst of Manhattan, Central park spans across 843 acres. If we start penning down the movies shot in this park the list will go on forever. From Home Alone 2 to Kal Ho Na Ho and Wall Street to John Wick this greenery has won unlimited attention.

We had little or no idea about where to begin from; since the park is segmented into various sub parks, countless attractions and ponds and meadows. At the entrance we had several choice either to rent a fancy carriage, bike on rent or ride in a personal tuk tuk. The horse carriage seemed bit expensive to us so we rather opt for tuk ruk since we were just two of us. Horse carriages are best if you are more than four people. Check out for Groupon for many deals and offer.

In case you are not in mood for tuk tuk you can walk your way too. there is central park map board stalled all over inside the park. you can download from net or buy from the vendors selling outside. I will suggest just download it and move on.

BOW BRIDGE

As romantic as the scene looks, the Bow bridge gathers lover from all around in real life. The bridge has been marked as the magnificent site in films like Manhattan, The way we are and keeping the faith. Even if you don’t want to spend $12 to row, walk over the gorgeous Bow Bridge for the best view of the boats.

CHERRY HILL

Named after the cherry blossom trees during spring this gentle slope hill overlooking the lake is a a beautiful spot to sunbath and picnic.

THE MALL

The name as it suggest is not actually a shopping mall but it is a walkway lined with American elms,(originally intended for horse-drawn carriages) leads to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace. When the leaves are changing, it’s hard to find a more picturesque place in the city.

THE BETHESDA FOUNTAIN

The most attractive landmark, The Bethesda Fountain! Our Bollywood king SRK was seen running in frenzy humming har ghadi badal rhi hai.... Ahem! i can almost feel the rhythm. The largest fountain in NY and well known as the Angel of waters standing on four cherubins representing health, purity and peace,carries a lily in her left hand .

Created by Emma Stebbins, it also marked the first time a woman received a public art commission in New York City.

BALTO

Not all heroes are men. Some are dogs!! And one such was was a sled dog that travelled 674 miles to deliver the medicine saving Alaska's children from diphtheria. In recognition of such bravery, the famed Brooklyn born sculptor Frederick George Richard Roth was commissioned to create a lasting tribute.

The funny part the driver had mentioned his tips helpline at your foot.

so we went with the third row....if you could give us some more ride may be could adopt you really.

After a long tiring day we decided to lay down on the grass and enjoy the smell of wet soil. While the noon sun played hide and seek with the gap in tree branches we talked and chat till we felt the urge to move.

Central Park can be enjoyed in any season all year round.
In spring and summer, it is a flower lover’s delight. But Central Park in Fall is utterly magical in falls. Beginning in October and continuing into early November, Central Park comes alive with the colors of fall. Some say that Central Park is at its most beautiful during this time, when the leaves turn into a light show of orange, yellow, gold, maroon and shades of red that can only be found in Mother Nature.
In winter you can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can also go ice skating at Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

-Remember John Lennon at Strawberry Fields – the black and white Imagine mosaic was created in tribute to the musician and peace activist.

Flowers are still offered regularly on it in memoriam of the late Beatle as a symbol of peace.

-Go ice skating in Wollman Rink dring winter.

-Go for picnic in Sheep meadow or right next to it is a row of sand volleyball courts, perfect for a pick-up game, or just to watch the super athletic people throw it down.

-Visit the Central Park zoo.

-Smell the roses in Shakespeare Garden

For more info on Central park the Central Park website is a super helpful.

Central Park

New York, NY

Phone:(212) 310-6600

Hours: Daily 6AM–1AM