Journalist
By Neena Bhandari
Melbourne, 19.04.2008 (IANS): Dizzying heights are not for the fainthearted, but if you can muster up the courage to be propelled to the 88th floor of Melbourne‘s Eureka Tower, the awe-inspiring 380 degree vista is an experience like none other.
As the lift doors slide shut, there is a sound of heavy breathing as some visitors squeeze palms with their eyes fixed at the red digital display. They are going up to the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform!
By Neena Bhandari
Diu (India), 22.03.2008 (The Australian): Characterised by its blink-and-miss inconspicuousness, little Diu is just a dot off the west coast of India. The island’s quaint blend of Gujarati culture and Portuguese legacy has long fascinated me, so there is good reason to break our journey in Mumbai and hop on a plane to explore this time-warp ingredient in the cultural melting pot of India.
After a 40-minute flight northwest over the Arabian Sea, we arrive at Diu airport, a small airstrip surrounded by sea and palm trees. With the propellers lazily spinning to a halt, we take a quick picture, only to be ushered aside by security staff. We are told photography at Indian airports is strictly prohibited. Sadly, we have to delete our prized first picture.
By Neena Bhandari
Wellington, 03.12.2005 (The Australian): In the freezing cold, a mellifluous voice penetrates the stillness as we are treated to a traditional Powhiri or Maori welcome ceremony before being ushered into the Maori Treasures complex near Wellington.
Powhiri is the protocol for establishing a new relationship with all the five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. The ceremony is completed with a Hongi or pressing of noses, which acknowledges sharing the same air and touching foreheads, signifying sharing the same knowledge. After this, from a visitor one becomes tangata whenua (people of the land).
