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3 days ago | 
rashminotes.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Although Switzerland is a small country by size, it sure packs a punch when it comes to varied sights. From majestic mountains and lush green meadows to quaint towns and fairy tale villages, there is never a dearth of interesting places to visit in this tiny land-locked country. Murten aka Morat located in the western part of the country and in the Fribourg region is one such place.
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5 days ago | 
indulgexpress.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Did you know that the Daruma doll of Japan represents perseverance? When one buys this doll, both the eyes are blank. Once you decide on something you want accomplish, you draw the left eye and make a wish. On completion of the goal, one must draw the right eye. Dolls are more than just artefacts; they represent a rich tapestry of art, tradition, socio-cultural values and human history.
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1 week ago | 
thehindu.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Bachelor pads aren’t necessarily lacklustre spaces with basics such as a huge TV screen, mismatched pieces of furniture, a tiny fridge and the (in)famous messy mattress thrown in. This ‘man cave’ stereotype is fast becoming a thing of the past with the latest boy apartment trend redefining the narrative with chic, thoughtfully curated spaces that prioritise style, comfort and class.
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1 week ago | 
indiacurrents.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
If you want to see the northern lights, there are a few strict conditions to be met: the sky must be pitch dark and cloudless, and there should be enough solar activity. So said Hassan, our guide in Tromso city, just west of the Norwegian mainland. Witnessing the famed northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, was on my bucket list for a long time. So, on my maiden trip to Norway, my husband and I had booked a tour to witness this wondrous natural phenomenon.
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1 week ago | 
rashminotes.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
If you are looking to experience something unique in Switzerland, Swissminiatur must be on your list. The brainchild of Pierre Vuigner, Swissminiatur is located in Melide which is just about 6 km from Morcote. The park is set amidst massive lawns, flower beds, mini water bodies and the setting is as natural as it can get. Here are some captures on a recent visit to Melide which I combined with the city of Lugano.
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2 weeks ago | 
thehindu.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Hyderabad-based fashion designer Gaurang Shah is known for his exquisite saris and embroidery techniques. This mastery over fabric has been visible in his home line too, introduced last year, where craft techniques such as shibori dyeing, batik patterns, Kalamkari hand-painting and block printing are showcased.
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3 weeks ago | 
rashminotes.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
An aura of secrecy, top class craftsmanship, customized drinks and an engaging yet intimate experience. Well, this is the true essence of a speakeasy bar. Inspired originally by the prohibition era and the success of global speakeasies in cities like New York, Tokyo, and London, Indian bars are embracing an artisanal approach, blending secrecy, sophistication, and immersive design.
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1 month ago | 
rashminotes.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Think Amritsar and it is almost synonymous with the divine Golden Temple. Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, this one is a highly revered site for the Sikh community and represents the core tenets of Sikhism which includes equality. But beyond the Golden temple Amritsar is a city that offers a kaleidoscope of sights spanning history, culture, architecture and more. Here are five places that are worth a visit when in Amrtisar.
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1 month ago | 
newindianexpress.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Thus, the book covers not only the historical aspects of each object but also throws light on the present-day relevance and context of each item, making it relatable and engaging for children. It does a great job of busting several myths that we considered to be facts for a long time. For example, growing up, we were always taught that the light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. But the fact is that he was not the first to either invent an incandescent bulb nor an electric light bulb.
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1 month ago | 
rashminotes.com | Rashmi Gopal Rao
Come March 12 and it is world Glaucoma Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about Glaucoma that is fast becoming one of the leading causes of blindness today. In fact, World Glaucoma Week is being observed from March 9-15, 2025. So, what exactly is Glaucoma? It is a set of eye conditions that can cause vision loss and damage to the optic nerve; glaucoma has no cure. Glaucoma is a common issue which damages the optic nerve of the eyes and happens slowly making it hard to notice.
