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| The artist at work |
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| Sydney, San Francisco and NYC |
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| Delhi and Mumbai |
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| Africa (he hasn't been yet but we were being proactive) |
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| Barcelona and Dubrovnik |
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| The friendly skies |
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| The full effect |
Showing posts with label delhi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label delhi. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Where the Globe-Trotter Rests
In keeping with Karam's wandering lifestyle, we created a mural in his room to represent all his travels. Thanks Tom of Pied Piper Designs for making it happen!
Monday, May 10, 2010
India - General Travel Tips
1) Contrary to popular belief, travel to a third world country doesn't have to put you on high alert. Almost all baby products are available in India. Diapers can be bought at any local druggist and many local and domestic brands are available. I personally like the Saudi Arabian Pampers (they have arabic writing on them), as they are lighter and fit better. The Indian ones tended to cut Karam above the thigh.
2) Upscale stores like Just Moms on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Bombay and others in major cities stock all imported baby brands such as Mustela and Aveeno, in addition to Nuby and Avent feeding products. In addition, department stores stock brands such as Pigeon and Johnson and Johnson and local companies such as Himalayan Concepts do wonderful organic lotions and powders for baby that are well-suited for Indian weather. Unless your baby has sensitive skin, don't be afraid to try local!
3) Food-wise, it's always possible to get a butter naan, plain dosa, or rice if you need an emergency meal. As long as food is cooked, it's generally safe to eat. I would stay away from canned food because I have only seen Heinz available and they are usually not stored in a way that would preserve them well in the Indian heat. When all else fails, there's always chicken nuggets at McDonald's.
4) Always check the seal on your mineral water to ensure that you have a new bottle. In fact, whenever possible, I would boil Karam's water just to be safe.
5) Car seats are few and far between. Look around you: families of five are making their way around on scooters. Just hold on tight and avoid auto-rickshaws and trains if possible.
6) India is one of the cheapest places to buy books, from as low as 50cents. Toys are cheap too but if you're anal about plastic, be aware that this isn't the best quality material.
7) Always use a mosquito repellent when outside for extended periods of time. Malaria and other insect-borne diseases attack the unsuspecting in India.
Other posts in the India series:
Bombay (Mumbai), India - Most Baby-Friendly Club
Bombay (Mumbai), India - Public Parks
Delhi, India - Shopping
2) Upscale stores like Just Moms on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Bombay and others in major cities stock all imported baby brands such as Mustela and Aveeno, in addition to Nuby and Avent feeding products. In addition, department stores stock brands such as Pigeon and Johnson and Johnson and local companies such as Himalayan Concepts do wonderful organic lotions and powders for baby that are well-suited for Indian weather. Unless your baby has sensitive skin, don't be afraid to try local!
3) Food-wise, it's always possible to get a butter naan, plain dosa, or rice if you need an emergency meal. As long as food is cooked, it's generally safe to eat. I would stay away from canned food because I have only seen Heinz available and they are usually not stored in a way that would preserve them well in the Indian heat. When all else fails, there's always chicken nuggets at McDonald's.
4) Always check the seal on your mineral water to ensure that you have a new bottle. In fact, whenever possible, I would boil Karam's water just to be safe.
5) Car seats are few and far between. Look around you: families of five are making their way around on scooters. Just hold on tight and avoid auto-rickshaws and trains if possible.
6) India is one of the cheapest places to buy books, from as low as 50cents. Toys are cheap too but if you're anal about plastic, be aware that this isn't the best quality material.
7) Always use a mosquito repellent when outside for extended periods of time. Malaria and other insect-borne diseases attack the unsuspecting in India.
Other posts in the India series:
Bombay (Mumbai), India - Most Baby-Friendly Club
Bombay (Mumbai), India - Public Parks
Delhi, India - Shopping
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Delhi, India - Shopping
Delhi is one city in India that has the space for gargantuan malls and with the influx of global brands into the Indian market, you can be sure to find both Indian and designer names under one roof (or one sky) in this city.
Select CityWalk in Saket is one of the newer and more comprehensive malls in terms of its offerings: tons of mid-range stores for apparel and home, in addition to several baby options such as Mothercare, UCB and Crocs. The food court is reasonably priced and diverse and you can opt for a pasta or dosa for baby as non- spicy options. Bonus points to Select City Walk for being the only mall in Delhi with a nursing room. (Breast feeding in public is not common in India - you can do it, just be prepared for spectators).
A more upscale mall is the DLF Emporio in Vasant Kunj. If you are from the West and yearning for a taste of home, you will feel comfortable here amongst the Gucci and Jimmy Choo logos that we all know and love so well. The top floors house some of the best of India's contemporary designers and it definitely worth a look. There is nothing really for kids at this mall, but if you want to step away from the chaos into a seemingly more civilized environment for a few hours, this should be your destination.
Or you can sink your teeth into what Delhi does best when the weather is good: the outdoor markets.
In the fall and winter months, Dilli Haat is an open-air market and fair where producers bring their wares directly to the customers. You can buy gorgeous handwoven paper, silks and shawls, and handmade toys for a fraction of the price of regular retail. Plus when the weather is good, it's a very pleasant afternoon to spend with the kids. A small entrance fee applies and you should expect to bargain.
Another very popular outdoor shopping complex, and much more high-end is Santushti, deep in the heart of politically-heavy Chanakyapuri. This is not a place for bargains, and its 30 or so stores offer everything from jewelry to household treasures to clothing. Because of its location and exclusivity, it is a favorite with expats and diplomats and its well-maintained gardens can be a quiet sanctuary for the baby to nap while you do a few rounds.
The Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan at Baba Kharak Singh Marg offer a great opportunity to shop for Indian handicrafts and handlooms and although it is outdoors, the stores are located in a convenient line, connected by a shaded, dirt-free corridor. This means that you can actually push your pram down the street! (WOW!). Beware though: many stores have an upstairs or downstairs with no lift! This is actually one of my favorite places to shop in Delhi.
Finally, Khan Market is very popular for contemporary and trendy designers sporting the only ones in the nation of boutiques like Kavita Bhartia and Ogaan Closet, which specializes in Western wear. I am sad to say that Khan market is NOT a baby-friendly location with unpaved roads and most of its delightfully upscale treasures on second and third floors with narrow steps and no elevators. If you are a true fashionista you may want to get a babysitter, or give this one a miss altogether.
Select CityWalk in Saket is one of the newer and more comprehensive malls in terms of its offerings: tons of mid-range stores for apparel and home, in addition to several baby options such as Mothercare, UCB and Crocs. The food court is reasonably priced and diverse and you can opt for a pasta or dosa for baby as non- spicy options. Bonus points to Select City Walk for being the only mall in Delhi with a nursing room. (Breast feeding in public is not common in India - you can do it, just be prepared for spectators).
A more upscale mall is the DLF Emporio in Vasant Kunj. If you are from the West and yearning for a taste of home, you will feel comfortable here amongst the Gucci and Jimmy Choo logos that we all know and love so well. The top floors house some of the best of India's contemporary designers and it definitely worth a look. There is nothing really for kids at this mall, but if you want to step away from the chaos into a seemingly more civilized environment for a few hours, this should be your destination.
Or you can sink your teeth into what Delhi does best when the weather is good: the outdoor markets.
In the fall and winter months, Dilli Haat is an open-air market and fair where producers bring their wares directly to the customers. You can buy gorgeous handwoven paper, silks and shawls, and handmade toys for a fraction of the price of regular retail. Plus when the weather is good, it's a very pleasant afternoon to spend with the kids. A small entrance fee applies and you should expect to bargain.
Another very popular outdoor shopping complex, and much more high-end is Santushti, deep in the heart of politically-heavy Chanakyapuri. This is not a place for bargains, and its 30 or so stores offer everything from jewelry to household treasures to clothing. Because of its location and exclusivity, it is a favorite with expats and diplomats and its well-maintained gardens can be a quiet sanctuary for the baby to nap while you do a few rounds.
The Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan at Baba Kharak Singh Marg offer a great opportunity to shop for Indian handicrafts and handlooms and although it is outdoors, the stores are located in a convenient line, connected by a shaded, dirt-free corridor. This means that you can actually push your pram down the street! (WOW!). Beware though: many stores have an upstairs or downstairs with no lift! This is actually one of my favorite places to shop in Delhi.
Finally, Khan Market is very popular for contemporary and trendy designers sporting the only ones in the nation of boutiques like Kavita Bhartia and Ogaan Closet, which specializes in Western wear. I am sad to say that Khan market is NOT a baby-friendly location with unpaved roads and most of its delightfully upscale treasures on second and third floors with narrow steps and no elevators. If you are a true fashionista you may want to get a babysitter, or give this one a miss altogether.
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