Etihad Airways - NEVER AGAIN

The National Airlines of United Arab Emirates! Traveled by Etihad from Toronto to Cochin and had the worst experience ever. In comparison, United Airlines trip to Singapore was luxury. I was happy with my flight until the time I landed in Abu Dhabi. Due to security breach, we were booted off the aircraft (Abu Dhabi/Cochin) and cordoned off in an area with no washrooms, drinking water and supremely unfriendly crew. The passengers included infants, older people and couple of men in dire need of medication. "Bathroom" breaks were restricted and an airlines staff informed me in a condescending way that I was fortunate to get a one! I protested on behalf of the unusually quiet passengers and the police asked me for my passport. I couldn't believe this was happening. Taking care of security is understandable and paramount, but treating everyone (including new born infants) the way Etihad did, was unforgivable. After a long wait, we were finally lined off to board the flight. As the plane took off, I began to wonder if the passengers would have been treated the same way, say if the flight was from UK and predominantly "white". Apparently, the security breach was a box of chocolates the unfortunate Etihad employee passed on to one of the passengers traveling on the flight to Cochin. My heart goes out to him.

Aotearoa – Long White Clouds | Your Big Break

Aotearoa – Long White Clouds | Your Big Break

This will be my first break in filmmaking and I need your votes... Thanks for your support...

Venice - You don't have to break your bank!

Venice, like Gius says is a Living Museum.  It can be however, formidably expensive.  Well, if you are not too worried about your skyrocketing credit card bills, you could really enjoy the city like a Venetian noble.  But if you are anywhere as broke as us, you may want to read a few tips on how we saved some precious pennies while enjoying this beautiful city.  

First of all, hotel prices around Venice is expensive.  Follow the Shoestring rule and find a place in Mestre.  For a short bus/water taxi ride, you will save tons on your hotel stay.  Moreover, you will be in midst of authentic Venetian life as Venetians have moved out of Venice for the aforementioned reason - skyrocketing prices.  You will also find excellent food, shopping and nightlife in this area.  Someone suggested Padova, but I would skip it if you are short on time.  


BUY a 12 hour vaporetto ticket, which will cost you 13 Euros.  This will allow you to ride the water taxi to your hearts content (To max out on the romance take the vaporetto at night, while cuddling up with your honey bunny).  This ticket will also allow you to visit six churches, 50 palaces, four bridges and the open air markets of the Grand Canal.  

Ditch the tired pizzas and try out Chicheti treats (delicious skewered treats) - Best places to try these treats are Pronto Pesce Pronto, Osteria I Rusteghi or at Alla Vedova.

Sip a glass of wine (2 Euros) at Un Mondo Di Vino, Improntacafe, Aurora Caffe, while watching the world go by.  Happy hours at these place comes with free (did someone say FREE?) nibbles between 11am - 3pm and 6.30-8.30pm