Tej Kohli Personal Blog

Tej Kohli brings you a checklist of all the essential things which you must carry while traveling abroad.

Luggage and Belongings

    * Suitcases, bags, luggage ID tags, luggage locks
    * Travel alarm clock
    * Camera, batteries, memory card
    * Mini sewing kit, scissors*
    * Laundry bag, plastic bags, soap packets, Travel iron
    * Book, magazine, playing cards, games, walkman / ipod
    * Sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, earplugs
    * Laptop, power plug adapter, modem plug adapter
    * Torch / flashlight, batteries
    * Binoculars

Clothing

    * Keys, phone, watch, wallet, purse, handbag
    * Socks, underwear
    * Trousers, skirts, shorts
    * Shirts, blouses, t-shirts
    * Swimming costume, goggles, mask, snorkel
    * Jacket, raincoat
    * Shoes
    * Pyjamas
    * Dress, suit, tie, belt, cufflinks
    * Cap, sun hat, sunglasses

Toiletries

    * Comb, brush
    * Shaver, razor, shaving cream
    * Aftershave, perfume
    * Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, lipbalm
    * Deodorant
    * Cotton buds
    * Soap, shampoo, towelettes
    * Towel, blow dryer, hair straighteners / curlers

Medication

    * Personal prescriptions
    * Personal hygiene items
    * First aid kit, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes
    * Paracetamol, aspirin, vitamin tablets
    * Cough Syrup, cold and flu medicine
    * Indigestion tablets, diarrhea medicine, laxatives
    * Motion sickness medicine
    * Insect repellent
    * Sunscreen, after-sun lotion
    * Glasses, contact lenses, contact lens solution

Food and drink

    * Sandwiches, sweets, chocolates
    * Water
    * Tea bags


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Tej Kohli is an avid traveler who had backpacked around all the continents. To make your travel experience happy and pleasurable Tej Kohli blog brings you general travel tips that will make sure that you don’t get any bad surprises later.

The success of any trip or vacation depends on the adequate preparation. When packing for a vacation it’s important to organize your itinerary, hotel reservations, documents, clothes etc. in a proper way. So, if you’re planning a trip do check out these travel tips :

Preparing for a vacation

There is no doubt that traveling widens our perspective of the world we live in. Traveling to places abroad gives us an exposure to various cultures, foods and languages. A lot of countries promote international tourism to boost their local and national income. But there are still many counties which foreigner tourists with disbelief and are not too welcoming. There are some very popular travel destinations where one can easily be robbed or cheated. Thus, when traveling to such places its best to be alert and avoiding traveling alone to an unfamiliar place. As they say when in Rome do as the Romans do, so make sure you do a little bit of research on the customs and traditions of the place you want to visit before leaving on the journey.

Travel Arrangements

Making arrangements for your trip involves a lot of planning. While a travel agent can help you prepare a certain things like itineraries, passport, visas etc. there are a lot of things that you need to organize on your own. First and the foremost, organize you travel documents. There are some countries that require only a passport, but there are others that require both passport and the visa. If you don’t have a passport, don’t wait to apply for it at the last moment as it it is a long process which may require several weeks. If you want to get the best deals for your hotel accommodations and transportation make your reservations in advance. If you want to get the best bargains make reservations during the off season when demand is low.

Due to the increasing terrorist activities, airports have made the security checks more stringent. Make sure you reach the airport well in advance so that you have plenty of time to manage the check-in rush. Also, try not to exceed the container size limits of carry on fluids, gels, aerosols etc. or the customs might confiscate it.

 In the next post Tej Kohli will provide you a checklist of important things which you must carry while traveling abroad.

Tej Kohli Blog brings you the latest news and happenings around the world. The recent mudslinging between China and the United States took a new twist, when China denied allegations of internet hacking attacks on Google.

Tej Kohli brings you the detailed report:

The government of China, on Monday, denied any association with internet attacks and defended its internet censorship, after the US urged Beijing to investigate accusations of cyber trespassing. This dispute has added tension to the bilateral relations.

“China’s policy against internet hacking attacks is transparent and consistent”, stated the ministry of industry and IT, around two weeks after the search giant Google Inc. warned to pull out of china after discovering that the emails of activists had been interfered with.

“Any accusation that the Chinese government participated in cyber attacks, either in an explicit or indirect way, is groundless and aims to discredit China” said an anonymous ministry spokesperson. “We are firmly opposed to that.”

China’s cabinet and the state council, defended the nation’s internet regulation and said that its legal and that other parties should not intrude in Beijing’s reports affairs.

The remark came after the Google threatened to pull out of china unless the government eases censorship laws. The final warning came after Google stated it had exposed a computer attack that tried to plunder its software coding and the email ids of human rights activists protesting Chinese policies.

Although Google attributes the attacks on its system to hackers in china, but hasn’t directly alleged Chinese government or its agents.

Questioning the Google’s allegations that its servers had been attacked by hackers based in china, a Chinese internet security official said that the search giant had yet not reported its complaints to the China National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team.

“We have been hoping that Google will contact us so that we could have details on this issue and provide them help if necessary,” said Zhou Yonglin, the team’s deputy chief of operations.

He also said that majority of cyber attacks on Chinese servers originates from the US, witch hackers infecting systems with malicious software like Torjans, which that enables outside access to the target’s computer system. During last year, nearly 262,000 IPs in China were infected by Trojans planted by approximately 165,000 overseas Ips. Nearly 16.6 percent of these attacks were from the US IPs.

China was the biggest victim of internet attacks. Last year more than 42,000 websites were hacked, while 18 million computers per month were attacked by the conficker worm virus, that slow-down computers and steal personal information.

A week earlier, the US secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized nations involved in internet censorship and pleaded China to look into computer attacks against Google. In a recent speech, Clinton
mentioned China as one of those nations where there had been “a spike in threats to the free flow of information” over last one year.

Chinese Foreign ministry, on the other hand, accused the united states for straining the relations between the countries. A Chinese newspaper even said that Washington was trying to impose ‘information imperialism’ on china. Internet control is a crucial matter of state security, and Beijing shall not offer any sort of concession in the discord with Google.

For more interesting information on gadgets, interior-exterior, travel, keep checking back the Tej Kohli Personal Blog.

Tej Kohli Personal Blog brings you the latest updates on gadgets like iPhones, iPods, Laptops etc. Check out the latest iPod Touch, a fully loaded multi-media device, which is not just an iPod!!

Tej Kohli summarizes its incredible features for you….

Want to get rid of that old drab mp3 player, or do you long for something that has more features than your regular ipod? If yes, you must check out the just out Apple Ipod Touch, because it features everything you want and in fact more!!!

As obvious from its name apple iPod Touch is a touch screen device , which is quite a contrast from the traditional iPods that feature a click wheel and a normal screen. Ipod touch features a 3.5 inch touch screen with a protective glass cover. Thus, this makes it easier to navigate, broader screen to watch movies or play games, and last but not the least a better operating system.

A far cry from the other models of iPod, the iPod touch is not just a music player but a palmtop (small computer), which runs on an operating system, just like an iPhone that lets you run applications and play games. To download the applications you may visit the online apple store and get them running on your iPod in a matter of minutes.

Like any other iPod, this version also utilize the iTunes software to transfer media on and off the device. Even those who’ve never used iPod before,will find it extremely easy to use, and at the same time powerful enough to perform some advanced stuff. And as with any apple product, if you’re facing any software problem, you may resort to any of the host of websites out there offering every possible information on how to use apple products efficiently.

The iPod touch has a storage capacity 8Gb, which is the lowest as compared to other apple products. However, this shouldn’t prevent you from purchasing this product, because even with only an 8 Gb capacity, iPod touch can store around 1700 songs, 10000 photographs, or approximately 10 hours of video footage. Unless you’re a complete music buff who keep his/her iPod glued to your ears day and night, you will probably not exhaust the that much space.

What’s more, the device is quite reasonably priced for the type of features it offers. You may expect to pay around $500 for a fully loaded gadget of this sort. But surprisingly, the actual price of apple iPod stands nowhere near this cost.

So, if you’re looking for a portable multimedia device, you must definitely consider the new iPod touch. Buy one and you will see this gadget is incomparable both on terms of feature and price. There is no other music player in the market that comes even close to doing all the incredible stuff this small product does. So, why wait, I’ve got one today, have you?

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Tej Kohli is an avid traveler and has travelled across the world. Recently he was in Dubai for a business cum leisure trip, and was quite impressed with the city’s magnificent architecture and natural scenery.

Check out Tej Kohli’s 7 most favorite places to visit in Dubai:

1.Dubai City Center: An outstanding shopping, entertainment and leisure complex, Dubai city center is one of the hottest destinations for visitors. Also famous as Deira City center, it is one of biggest shopping malls with a variety of shops, restaurants and a kids’ entertainment zone.

2.Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum: One of the Tej Kohli’s personal favorite is Al Fahidi Fort and Dubai Museum. The fort, which was built in 1878 in the center of Old Dubai to safeguard the seaport, now houses the famous Dubai Museum where you can see a collection of weapons, traditional boats and a wind tower, an air conditioner of the olden times. To the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard housed within wind towers.

3.Dubai Creek: The natural sea water inlet cutting through the center of the city is called Dubai Creek. Visitors can watch the traditional dhows loading an unloading their goods and setting out to places as far as India and Africa. Take a trip across the creek in Abra, a small water taxi or yachts. You can also walk along the creek or take a boat ride to watch Dubai’s spectacular skyline while passing by many of the city’s historic and modern landmarks. The inland end of the creek has now been turned into a wildlife sanctuary where you can see migrating shore birds, including the spectacular flamingos.

4.Heritage and Diving Village: Explore and experience Dubai life and culture before the discovery of oil. It is very interesting to see the daily life of fishermen and pearl divers. A marvelous recreation of the famous Bedouin village, this place gives potters and weavers a good opportunity to display their art. Relish the lip smacking traditional Dubai food and visit the souk to buy fascinating souvenirs for your near and dear ones back home.

5.Hatta Rock Pools: Another of the Tej Kohli’s most loved sites in Dubai is the Hatta Rock Pools. A 1.5 hour drive from Dubai city towards east will take you to Hatta, nestled in the Hajar mountains. Some of the major attractions of this place are its cool climate, the mountain scenery and the bursting water falls, which invites you to swim and enjoy the landscape.

6.Jumeirah Mosque: It is one of the largest and most exquisite mosque in Dubai. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, this mosque is a perfect example of modern Islamic architecture, which also allows non Muslim visitors. The mosque looks amazingly alluring especially during night when its is brightly lit.

7.Tower of Arabs: Dubai’s most important landmark and one of the most luxurious hotels across world. At 321 meters, it stands as one of the tallest hotels in the world. Shaped like a dhow, the traditional sailing vessels, Burj Al Arab or the tower of the Arabs is built on an artificial island and is a part of the Jumeirah beach resort.

Tej Kohli has recently been to Italy with his family. Italy is not like every second tourist destination. This place has a distinct appeal and swathes a rich heritage of culture.

Dare il benvenuto all’Italia ( Welcome to Italy) - Tej Kohli
When in Rome you should always do as the Romans do. This may be a cliché of sorts but it also applies to any Italy travel that you may undertake n the near future. Italy is not extremely strict on what outsiders coming in do, but they will not thank you for any disruption to their customs or way of life either! This is why it is important to do a little research before you go!
Italy travel can be a whole lot of fun, but not if you flaunt your own beliefs if they are completely different to the Italian way of life. Italians are extremely proud people and will not tolerate any form of outside interference. For example, family is extremely important to them and if you show disrespect they will protect their own interests and call you on it. Always be respectful, no matter what. Italy is a very traditional country and the man is still responsible for the household. This will become apparent in restaurants if you dine as a couple. The waiter will always speak to the man and not the woman!
You will find that Italy has an extremely laid back way of life, which is perfect for a holiday but bear in mind that there is a siesta time. Although you can still be out and about at that time during your Italy travel, do not expect any help from people until it ends. This is more in the south than the north because of the heat. However, no matter where you go, there are little customs that you should be aware of so do your research in advance.

Tej Kohli brings to you some wonderful gadgets of 2008 that will mark a new epoch in technology:

1. FM Hands-free Car Kit for iPhone
Another FM transmitter for today, this is the iPhone FM Hands-free Car Kit. Transmit range will be 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz and comes with an adjustable neck and also charges other devices such as music player, mobile phone, GPS or others with 5V, 1A USB external socket. It is powered by the cigarette lighter outlet in your car. It’s available for $34.78.

2. Wobbling egg-shaped speakers
It would be fun to try out these wobbling egg shaped speakers by Brando. See if they really work just as well as a regular one. They also totter, but don’t fall, if you flick them.
“The speakers come in black or red, twist open for enhanced bass output, and run for several hours off of a USB-rechargeable battery. Available at Brando for $15 a piece.”

3. RCA intros three new Small Wonder budget camcorders

• Small Wonder MyLife, EZ200 (black) - 1.5-inch flip-out display, microSDHC with with 1GB microSD that does up to 30 / 60 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $89 and due this summer
•  Small Wonder Pocket, EZ205 (white) - 1.5-inch flip-out display, microSDHC slot with 1GB microSD that does up to 30 / 120 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $100 and due this summer

Tej Kohli is back with latest news about VoIP!

Balancing Act CEO Russell Southwood says although Botswana and Cape Verde recently moved in the direction of legalising voice over IP (VOIP) services in Africa, they are still part of a small group of African countries to have done so.

‘There are only 10 African countries that have legalised VOIP,’ he says. According to an ITWeb report, VOIP is the Internet Protocol (IP) technology that allows voice information to be sent in digital form, rather than using the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network. A major advantage of VOIP and Internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone services. However, Southwood says the lack of a legal framework for VOIP to operate shows incumbent telecommunications players in Africa, be they fixed or mobile, want to retain their stronghold on the market. As to whether VOIP is automatically illegal if it is not specifically legalised, Southwood says: ‘In Anglophone countries, law relies more on custom and practice, and it has tended to be argued that gateway licences make VOIP illegal for all but those operating under the licence.’

Tej Kohli misses everything about India. On he last visit to India he manged to steal some time from his busy schedule and visit Taj Mahal. Here on Tej Kohli personal blog is an elaborative account of his visit to this ‘Mecca of Love’.

Although, I have traveled to a lot of places, but when it comes to monuments, the allure of Taj Mahal is beyond comparison. An icon of beauty, Taj Mahal is rightly termed as ‘Mecca of Love.’
On my recent visit to India in April this year, I took a trip to Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located. Built by Shah Jahan  as a mausoleum for his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years and 22,000 people to complete the Taj Mahal. This huge monument of love, built entirely of white marble, is indeed the most beautiful building ever made. What that adds more to its beauty are the precious stones engraved on it. Perhaps, it is this mesmerizing beauty as well as historic significance that have pushed me to Taj Mahal over and over again.
Taj Mahal is beautiful both inside and outside. Interiors of Taj take you into a world of everlasting splendor. From Architecture viewpoint Taj Mahal is an avant-garde in its own ways. It stands on a raised, square platform with its four corners tapered, forming an unequal octagon. The design is Italian inspired, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. The principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements has been used in formulating the whole set up. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration. The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy from Qur’an, using precious gems such as agate and jasper.
The whole architecture of Taj Mahal comprises of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque, a guest house, and several other palatial edifices. The glance of this mesmerizing tribute is further enhanced by the presence of the mighty river Yamuna. The most significant part of the Taj is that when ever you plan a tour to Taj Mahal and at whatever number of times you visit, you will find different aspect of Taj. The Taj at noon, the Taj at sunset, under the full moon, against the setting sun, and against the rising ball of fire, each time the mausoleum acquires a different accent and tells a different story.
No one person conceived the Taj Mahal. It is the collective creation of different people who contributed to the project at various times over the course of two decades. The design is ever evolutionary. However if you want to witness the full glory of this heart touching architecture, the best time to visit is between March to April and October to mid December, as the weather is quite soothing during these months. So rejoice your Taj Mahal trip to the utmost leve, like i did.

Tej Kohli brings the follow up on Cyclone Nargis that swept through Myanmar on May 2 and 3, 2008.

Now when UNICEF has some into action things may improve in the cyclone struck city.

UNICEF has urged the Malaysian corporate sector and individuals to act quickly and donate towards the UNICEF’s Myanmar Children’s Cyclone Appeal 2008 to avoid a second wave of disaster from befalling the country’s impoverished children.

Observing that the children of Myanmar have already suffered enough and that their lives are at stake, UNICEF’s representative in Malaysia, Youssouf Oomar said this is the time to act and to prevent a further tragedy.

“We cannot afford to waste a single second and we cannot afford to politicise the issue as efforts to save lives must happen now if we are to prevent a further tragedy,” Youssouf said in a statement here today.

The agency called on the Malaysian public who wish to support UNICEF’s emergency work in Myanmar to do so through a donation to the ‘Myanmar Children’s Cyclone Appeal 2008″ by bank transfer or cheque.

The agency said donation in US dollars can be made by credit card online through UNICEF’s global website (www.unicef.org).

The United Nations estimates that 2.5 million people have been severely affected by the violent and unexpected storm, 40 percent of whom are children.

On May 2 and 3, Cyclone Nargis swept through Myanmar devastating the lives of around one million children and their families.

The government’s official death toll had soared to 77,738 while 55,917 are missing with damage estimated at US$10 billion.