Beyond the Taj Mahal: Unveiling the real India

 

The Bada Bagh

India is a highly enigmatic nation, the cradle of the oldest civilization, the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism, and a hub for trade. For generations, Indians have engaged in some startling customs. The unique blend of old temples and magnificent palaces with busy bazaars and run-down shacks surprises many tourists visiting the nation.

 

Beautiful scenery, such as beaches, jungles, and mountain peaks, provides a backdrop for all of this diversity in India. Additionally, India is home to chic resorts that draw visitors from around the globe. Every year, more and more people are choosing to travel to India, a nation with a distinctive culture, philosophy, and centuries-old customs.

 

It is a country of stark contrasts, with impoverished neighborhoods situated close to the most opulent resorts in the world, which can enthrall even the pickiest tourists with their elegance and coziness. 

A journey to India is an incredible adventure that will leave you with fresh and fascinating experiences because of the country's rich cultural and architectural legacy, its warm sea with sandy beaches, its subtropical landscapes, its friendly population, and its distinct national atmosphere.

 

The potential to learn more about the world and oneself can also be greatly enhanced by a vacation to India. Ancient architectural monuments, numerous museums, the well-known Golden Triangle route, the majestic Himalayas, the holy Ganges, the enigmatic Tibet, the Western Ghats' jungles, and numerous coastal resorts are just a few of the many attractions that make up this wonderful nation's pride.

 

Geographical location

 

Situated on the Indian subcontinent in the center of Asia, India is encircled by the Indian Ocean, which includes the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. India is more than 3,000 kilometers long in both directions, and its land boundary is more than 15,000 kilometers long. In terms of total land area, India ranks seventh globally. The nation shares borders with Burma and Bangladesh to the east, Pakistan to the northwest, and Nepal, China, and Bhutan to the north. It is separated from Sri Lanka to the south by a narrow strait.

 

The population

 

India is home to more than a billion people, making it the second-most populous country in the world. The people there are welcoming, amiable, and open-minded. They treat every visitor with sincere curiosity, consideration, and care because they think that any deity can come to Earth as a guest.

 

Characteristics of the mindset

 

Indians are not accustomed to publicly expressing their emotions. For instance, it is improper for couples to touch hands in public, much less embrace and kiss. You may see the image of Indian males walking hand in hand at the same moment. This represents friendship and is regarded as the standard. 

Strangely enough, locals are quite emotional and restrained; if the other person begins to raise their voice or make aggressive gestures, the Indian can just stop the conversation.

 

Women cover their long, loose hair with a headscarf or tie it up in a ponytail since it is considered improper. Indian women should wear loose garments to conceal their legs as well. At the entrance of a house, temple, or hospital, shoes must be taken off. In India, joining the fingers of both hands is a common welcoming gesture.

 

Religion

 

Here, practically every major faith in the world coexists. Over 10% of the population is Muslim, and about 80% of the population is Hindu. Buddhists, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, Jains, and adherents of various religions can also be found in India.

 

Language

 

English and Hindi are the official languages, while some governments additionally recognize regional tongues like Bengali and Tamil.

 

The best time to visit

 

After the monsoon rains have subsided, September is thought to be the ideal time of year to travel to India. Since the weather is perfect for traveling throughout the nation and taking a leisurely vacation, November and December often see the highest visitor traffic.

 

Where to stay

 

All of India's major vacation cities have hotels ranging from two to five stars. Nonetheless, lodging in a so-called guest house—a hostel or "non-star" hotel that offers only the bare necessities of a bed, a kitchen, and a shower—can result in cost savings. Ashram communities offer nearly free lodging and meals to unassuming tourists, but it's vital to remember that the surroundings are somewhat spartan.

 

In India, as in the majority of other nations, tips typically represent around 10% of the overall bill. Although they are included in the final bill in large hotels, it is nevertheless common to pay porters about five rupees and maids two to three rupees.

 

The capital

 

New Delhi, a subdivision of Delhi, the world's third-largest city, serves as India's official capital. More than 11 million people call it home. All of the nation's differences may be seen in this capital city: fancy vehicles and bullock carts coexist, modern skyscrapers merge with old ruins, and trendy young people live side by side with devout hermits.

 

Tens of thousands of internationally recognized historical and cultural landmarks that span thousands of years can be found in Delhi. Among the city's most important tourist destinations are Humayun's Tomb, the Gateway of India, the magnificent Agra Fort on the banks of the holy Yamuna River, the Nizamuddin Dargah, the largest mosque in the country, the Lodhi Gardens, the magnificent Lotus Temple, and more.

 

In the capital, buses are the most widely used form of transportation, making up over half of all traffic. From the railway station in Delhi, you can travel to any part of India.

Beach resorts

 

Indian resorts are well-known for their beach vacations, and travelers frequently travel to Goa, the state that is most renowned in this regard. It is situated on the Arabian Sea coast in the southeast of the nation. In addition to its quaint cafes and restaurants, this region is well-known for its serene and charming bays and flat-bottomed coves. Well-known local diving schools provide a wide variety of equipment for diving in the ocean waters.

 

Goa is separated into two regions, even though not the most affordable by local standards, the southern portion is a cozy resort with first-rate hotels and sophisticated infrastructure. There are affordable options for young people in the northern portion of the state, which is home to bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment establishments.

 

The Arabian Sea washes the state's beaches, which are the most visited in the nation. Every beach has a distinctive kind of sand. Palolem and Anjuna beaches, for instance, are renowned for their white sand, Kolwa beaches for their silver sand, and Arambol beaches for their vivid yellow sand that gleams in the sunlight like gold.

 

The sand on the majority of the other beaches is fine and light. Vagator Beach provides the chance to dance to the beats of the well-known Goa trance all night long, while Calangute, dubbed "the turquoise" for its remarkable hue of coastal waves, is well-known for its pop discos.

 

Mumbai offers both a beach and restaurants serving a wide range of dishes, from South Asian exoticism to European cuisine and fast food, as well as discos where Bollywood stars enjoy themselves, if you want to experience both the excitement of a big city and a beach vacation.

 

The beaches of the Bay of Bengal will appeal to people who have been to India to see the mangroves, coconut and eucalyptus forests, and who like to see national parks and reserves in addition to relaxing on the beach. Every beach in India is open to the public and free.

 

 

Excursions

In India's capital, Delhi, there are a lot of fascinating excursions. The city is home to numerous historical landmarks and architectural wonders, including beautiful arches, abandoned strongholds, and old royal complexes. Numerous churches of different faiths may be found in Delhi, including a Hindu temple and a Muslim mosque with minarets and a cross-shaped dome.

 

The capital is also the location of several mausoleums, which include sultan tombs, saints' shrines, and monuments honoring J. Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The Great Fort, the Mughal capital of Agra, with its expansive palace, park, and temple complex, the renowned Taj Mahal, the Pearl Mosque, opulent tombs, and a stunning water park, is a fascinating place to explore.

 

The Majestic Fortress of Agra

 

The holy city of Mathura, where Krishna is said to have been born, is a stop on the route from Delhi to Agra. Travelers often take the Golden Triangle tour, which covers Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur Sikri, and Vrindavan. Another intriguing destination is the Ellora Caves, a collection of 34 rock-cut caverns devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

 

Kerala, a state in the southwest of the Indian subcontinent, is well-known for its stunning beaches, canals, palaces, and temples. The Dutch Palace Museum, which houses the St. Francis Cathedral and the oldest synagogue, is located there.

 

Traveling to the Himalayas, which are home to communities of Buddhist monks, will leave visitors with unique sensations. Many people travel here to see the sacred sites and reflect alone on the mysteries of the cosmos and the meaning of life. For meditation and prayer, such seekers of truth and self-awareness should go to an ashram-abode, which can be a whole city block or a mountain cave.

 

Purchases

 

India is a wonderful place for a comprehensive shopping trip, since you can make a lot of successful purchases because costs are cheap and negotiating is always acceptable. In India, carpets are the most widely used and reasonably priced product. 

In addition, there are several premium materials available here at competitive costs, including cashmere, chiffon, brocade, cotton, wool, and silk. Silver and precious stone jewelry (pearls, sapphires, diamonds, rubies, and moonstone) are also taken by tourists.

India's delicious foods

 

Many people are aware that the use of a lot of spices and condiments is fundamental to Indian cuisine. Curry, a blend of ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and nutmeg, holds a unique place among them. The use of spices in national cuisine is regarded as a true art form and has a special meaning.

 

Particularly well-liked in India are vegetarian meals and desserts prepared with paneer (homemade cheese), yogurt, almonds, and fruits. On the seaside, seafood meals are also well-liked. The most popular side dishes are rice, chapati and puri, and dal, a type of bean.

 

One Indian food is palak paneer, which is spinach with cottage cheese.

 

Chocolate can be a wonderful present from a guest to the hosts because it is fairly pricey in India. The revitalizing "masala tea, "tea flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, is the primary beverage in India. Another well-liked beverage is lassi, a yogurt-based concoction made with water, sugar, salt, spices, fruits, and ice.

 

Transportation

 

Roads in India are very narrow, and traffic is on the left. Additionally, during periods of strong traffic, cows, oxen, and even elephants may cross the highway. You can hire a motorbike rickshaw, a bicycle rickshaw, or a taxi in any city. The majority of transit options have comparatively cheap costs.

 

It's crucial to pay attention to the meter and the fare when using a cab, though. The price of transportation goes up by 1.5 to 2 times at night. Although taking the metro is preferable in the nation's capital and taking the train is the most convenient way to travel to another city, it makes sense to purchase a return ticket as soon as possible, particularly during the busiest travel times.

Currency

 

The rupee is the country's currency. The import and export of Indian rupees is prohibited. Using a currency exchange agency is the most practical way to convert dollars into local currencies. Traveler's checks and international credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the majority of stores and eateries.

Holidays

 

India offers a vast array of holidays, many of which are worthy of consideration. Religious and state festivities are quite important. The nation celebrates August 15 as Independence Day, commemorating the day it was freed from British domination.

 

All government offices and organizations are closed on this important national holiday in India, and the majority of private businesses also give their staff members a day off. Every city and town commemorates the gaining of sovereignty with a variety of rituals and cultural activities. In the evening, hundreds of lights are ignited, and flags are used to decorate the streets.

 

One of India's biggest national holidays is Republic Day. It is observed on January 26 of each year. The capital city's celebrations are especially opulent and patriotic. Officially, Republic Day is a public holiday. On this day, hundreds of thousands of people travel to see relatives and acquaintances.

 

Hindus celebrate Ramanavami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. In India, Navaratri is one of the biggest and most elaborate celebrations. It is observed for nine days and three times a year. The Cobra Festival is among the most vibrant and spectacular celebrations on the planet. It happens in July and August, when these icy animals come out of their underground lairs. A deity who wears live snakes as necklaces is honored at the celebration.

 

Security measures

 

Drinking raw water, rinsing your mouth with it, or purchasing chilled beverages on the street are all discouraged in India. Additionally, raw vegetable salads and dairy products (such as ice cream) manufactured from unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Avoid swimming as much as possible in nearby lakes, rivers, and ponds.

 

It is best to keep valuables in the hotel safe and to pay special attention to items while in transit because pocket theft and luggage theft are widespread in India. Avoiding contact with animals is also advised. Any cuts, even minor scrapes, need to be cleaned right away.

 

Recommendations

 

It is customary to approach all structures, religious buildings in particular, from the left. Additionally, before you enter, you should remove your shoes. Indian hotel sockets are not in line with European or even other state requirements. Asking the hotel personnel about the network data is preferable. 

Explore the top tourist spots in Ghana, Cape Coast Castle and more!

 

On July 11, 2009, US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, took a tour of Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. SHAWN THEW/EPA

 

Every year, thousands of people from all over the world, including African-Americans, travel to Ghana to take advantage of the greatest tourism experience the nation has to offer. Are you considering traveling to this friendly nation on Africa's west coast as well? As a writer from Ghana, this article will provide you with enough information and make your visit to that West African hospital joyful and fulfilling.

 

One of the most easily accessible and secure travel destinations in West Africa is Ghana, which offers a wealth of historical and cultural activities, as well as several outdoor experiences, stunning hotels, dining options, and fascinating sites to see. It takes more than one day to tour Ghana; in addition to Accra, there are other regions to visit.

 

Learning more about the people's culture, traditions, and legacy can be facilitated by engaging in an enjoyable experience. There are many locations to explore, including the Aburi Gardens, Atimpoku, and Akosombo, where you may learn about plants and how the inhabitants use them for medicinal purposes. Other enjoyable activities that tourists can partake in while exploring include boat cruises, kayaking, swimming, shopping, and sightseeing.

 

Traveling doesn't always mean unwinding; some trips immerse you in the past. Cape Coast Castle, which stands steadfastly on Ghana's Atlantic coast, is one such location. Every visitor to West Africa should see this scene at least once in their lifetime; it is both tragic and beautiful.

 

Swedish traders constructed Cape Coast Castle in the 17th century, and the British later strengthened and enlarged it. It developed into one of the most well-known locations for the transatlantic slave trade. Even though slavery was abolished decades ago, the hushed echoes of suffering, fortitude, and survival reverberate through its walls. The remnants of slavery are still visible in Ghana today.

 

The "door of no return” is the last point of the dungeon where the journey of the transportation of slaves begins. Thousands of enslaved Africans were shipped from Africa to the United States of America. Today, people from all over the world come to visit the place where their ancestors were illegally and forcefully captured and taken to wealthy nations to work as slaves. 

 

It is not a lighthearted experience to see the Cape Coast Castle, as the tour guide leads you through gloomy, oppressive dungeons where hundreds of people were crammed together without hope, light, or fresh air. Additionally, you will see the governor's quarters, the women's dungeon, and the castle museum, which houses documents, relics, and photographs from the time.

 

Cape Coast Castle, however, is about more than simply grief; it's also about remembering, overcoming, and rediscovering. It serves as a site of spiritual meditation for many tourists, particularly Africans and persons of African origin. It is a sobering and transforming experience to stand on those stones, listen to the waves crashing, and tread the same trails as those who were taken.

The Kakum National Park

Tourists who do not visit "The Kakum National Park," a 360-square-kilometer semi-deciduous rain forest located north of Cape Coast in Ghana's Central Region, will find their trip to the country meaningless or lacking. With its well-known canopy walk that offers an aerial perspective of the rainforest, the park is a good choice for backpackers seeking a distinctive experience.

 

Although there is a good chance of seeing monkeys and interesting bird species during the stroll through the lush forest, large game is not to be expected. You may enjoy the peace because admission is affordable. There aren't many camping alternatives, and there aren't many inexpensive places to stay; you might have to commute and stay in neighboring towns.

 

Previously administered by the Forestry Department to harvest timber, the park is today a popular tourist destination. Thanks to the Scientific Research Team that carried out wildlife studies and determined that the location is suitable for tourism, bringing the timber harvesting to an end. Elephants, bongos, duikers, antelopes, and a diverse range of birds are among the stunning species that can be observed.

 

Taking part in the canopy walking at Kakum National Park

Nearly four hundred species of butterflies have been discovered by the nation's natural scientists, and two that are unique to the country have been found. Join folks strolling along the Kuntan route in the forest. The park of trees, plants, and traditional medicines is reached by following the trail. The Kuntan tree is one of the trees discovered. The tree's skin is used to heal broken bones. "Uapacca Guiniensis" is its scientific name.

 

Other materials include "Bediwunia" (incest) for pomade and fumigation, and Kaku, the wood used to build railroad lines. The guides meticulously explain the meaning of each tree as you traverse the two-kilometer guided walk around the park. Please don't worry about where to take a rest when you're worn out and overworked.

 

There are resting points that have been thoughtfully constructed using some of the forest's wood. One crucial element is that nothing on the trail may be removed, no matter how lovely it may be. The trail walk often lasts two hours because of the explanations given to the tourists by the guides.

 

The administration block features a wonderful display of the elephant's skull, the bongo's horn, and several butterfly species. Restaurants and the African gift shop, which features local artwork, are open to travelers. The drive to Kakum National Park is not complicated. Immediately behind Jukwa, a tiny rural community, the enormous signboard proclaims, "You are welcome to Kakum National Park."

WHY VISIT JAMAICA IN YOUR LIFE TIME

The lead singer of reggae group Culture, Joseph Hill

Many people call Jamaica a paradise on earth, the diamond in the sea, and heaven in the Caribbean. There is magic in Jamaica, but listening to the great reggae tunes isn’t enough until you visit this great country in the Caribbean, which has attracted millions of tourists worldwide.

The mere mention of Jamaica brings to mind great reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Joseph Hill (Culture), Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Decker, and other artists, but there is more in Jamaica that makes it unique than the sweet coconut-water reggae.

Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles and is the third-largest island located south of Cuba and west of Haiti. The island boasts of beautiful, exotic nature, vibrant, distinctive, magnificent mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, and miles of first-class beaches.

The natural beauty of Jamaica attracts travellers from all over the world. The most visited places of the island include the Blue Mountains, where one of the most popular and top quality coffees in the world comes from, and Dunn's River Waterfalls.

In the northwest of the island, there is a huge resort area of Montego Bay, where half of the best hotels in Jamaica are located, including Half Moon Resort, where Queen Elizabeth II stayed, and Round Hill Hotel and Villas. 

It is understandable why the island boasts of beautiful, exotic natural beaches, places untouched by humans, good infrastructure, and beautiful locations, such as Font Hill Nature Reserve, Cockpit Country, a limestone platform with many caves and valleys. 

Montego Bay is famous for its magnificent beaches, old mansions, and plantations, as well as many attractions of historic and entertaining attractions. Tourists enjoy their visit by rafting along the rivers Marta Brae, Black River, taking a tour of the Blue Mountains, or play golf on the best fields of the island.

Negril is one of the most environmentally friendly resort areas in the world. It is located in the west of the island, revealing its natural beauty of the seven-mile sandy beach of Kaliko Jack, Bladi Bay, 18 reefs and islands in Bubi Bay, Yas waterfall, Joseph caves, Anansi Park, and picturesque fishing villages.

It's intriguing to know that Jamaicans also call inconsistent or untrue stories 'Ananse stories.'

The resort of Ocho Rios in the north of the island is famous for its chic tropical vegetation, as well as the 180-meter-high Dunn River Falls, fruit and coffee plantations, and the viewing platform of Murphy Hill with a height of 670 meters. 

The famous Blue Lagoon, where the filming of the same name (The Blue Lagoon) took place, can be visited in the north-east of the island, in Port Antonio, and in the south-east of the country. It is worth visiting the Spanish town, the former capital and one of the main attractions of the island. 

Diving in Jamaica gives the chance to see the diverse and mysterious underwater world. The waters of Negril have great visibility with a rich variety of fish, turtles, eels, and dolphins. At a depth of 19 m reveals the so-called Throne Room is revealed, a cave filled with yellow sponges. 

On the territory of Jamaica, there are 10 excellent golf courses, because Jamaicans love this sport very much. In Kingston, the capital, you can also enjoy the sight of historic, beautiful buildings, paintings, and products inspired by Rastafarians.

Amazingly, today, Jamaica is no longer known as the reggae kingdom, but also an athletics country, thanks to good athletes, such as Melene Ottey, Asafa Powell Usain Bolt, etc.

Joel Savage's interview with Joseph Hill

 MY FULL INTERVIEW WITH JOSEPH HILL

Joel: I have to call you, Sir Joseph Hill. Let’s rally round Jehovah’s throne. I have a few questions to ask you today.

Joseph: You are welcome. (Then he smiled)

Joel: It was in the seventies, I heard of Culture. Can you please tell what has inspired you to be in this hard music industry for all these years?

Joseph: It’s Jah (referring to God) that gives me the strength. Always feel that there is something to watch out for. For myself, I love to play for the people. They are also part of my inspiration. These are what have inspired me throughout these years.

Joel: You have been singing all your life about corruption, oppression, war, poverty, discrimination, crime, and so on. Were you a victim of such things in any circumstances?

Joseph: There are people I saw in comparison to various countries. Yes! yes!! Yes!!! I have seen people die, and not a word of justice has been said. Think of a person’s life. It is priceless. The last grief I had. There was this woman in Afghanistan, separated from the land. They treated her so badly that she and her child were eating grass.” G R A S S- grass”.(Joseph moved with sorrow, spelling the word grass)

Joel: Your lyrics and beats in every song of Culture touch and move everyone on the road of trials and tribulations. Where do you get such wonderful rhythms and lyrics from?

Joseph: The big man who rules the earth. He is the governor. (He laughed)

Joel: You were in Sierra Leone when the war was at its peak, with the brutal fighting activities of the rebels. Did your visit create any impact or bring a change to the suffering masses?

Joseph: Yes, my visit brought a change. When the people saw me, they didn’t know what to say. They just cried and cried. You know the rebels told the government that “You should be glad that Joseph is here. If he weren’t here this place would be destroyed within 24 hours. Imagine. I just came back from there a few weeks ago.”

Joel: I learned that at the capital, Freetown, at the guest house you lodged, there is a tree nearby, and every morning a bird came to sing, and out of the song of the bird, you composed a song from it.

Joseph: Yes, it's true.

Joel: I ask the same question of any reggae artist I interview. Reggae music is loved by everyone. But why is it that the music is given less attention?

Joseph: Because the truth is God’s friend. But not a lot of people are friends of the truth.

Joel: You have been following the Palestinians and Israeli conflict for a very long time and have even visited the Gaza Strip. Who do you think is the stumbling block to this peace everyone is seeking?

Joseph: Greed, greed, greed. Because there is enough to satisfy every man’s need but never enough to satisfy no man’s greed. So greed is the stumbling block.

Joel: In one of your songs, you played a song against Yasser Arafat, as the stumbling block.

Joseph: He made himself like that. He has to change his ways, and the other man would change his ways. There is something called “Repentance”. When repentance meets their hearts, we shall have a beautiful world.

Joel: You successfully came out last year with the remarkable “world peace” album. What message do you still have in mind for your numerous fans worldwide?

Joseph: You know, people should respect one another. To be used, abused, refused, and our hearts trampled by fea and living in doubt, thinking we are living on top of the world. No, we shouldn’t live that way. We have to seek happiness, love, mutual respect, joy,, and justice of God around us, and peace would find its rightful place.

Joel: Thank you very much for this interview, Sir Joseph Hill.

Joseph: Thanks be to Jah

Read other interviews of Anthony B, Andrew Tosh, U-Roy, Prince Malachi, Alton Ellis, Gregory Isaacs, Junior Murvin, Julian Marley, ASWAD, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Tutu Puoane, and many others in ‘The Passion of Reggae and African Music. 

 Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Joel-Savage/e/B008SCTYI6/

A MYSTERIOUS ROCK BEARING THE SIGN OF CROSS DISCOVERED IN GHANA

Mr. El Aridi Choaki Youssef, the Quarry Operations Manager, gave a brief talk about the mysterious rock.

Wonders will never end, as a mysterious granite stone was discovered at Gomoa-Ojobi in the Central Region of Ghana.

The miracle granite stone, bearing an engraved picture of the cross of Jesus Christ, was discovered by Sarcon Quarry Ltd, working in the community.

The black and white granite stone, with the brown and red cross color, releases fragrance when water is poured on the cross.

The huge rock also bears the marks of long ropes, which seem to have been used to erect Christ's crucifixion cross.

The mysterious rock exhibits an exact representation of Christ's crucifixion, which occurred over two thousand years ago.

Mr. El Aridi Choaki Youssef, the Quarry Operations Manager of the company, speaking in an interview with Modern Ghana, said:

"I discovered the stone in November during a process of breaking the rock with machines."

" A greater force," he said, "pushed me when I was processing the chippings to where the granite stone was."

He hints that the machine, which is used for cutting the rock, couldn't break it; therefore, he had to use his manpower to remove the stones from the area.

“I do not have much knowledge about the Christian religion, but what I can say to Ghana and the world at large is that we need to wake up again to know exactly where we are going, and this is a good sign for Ghana.

“What we found in November was a big miracle. God has really blessed Ghana.”

News video about the mysterious cross-embedded rock

The site, Choaki, is believed to serve as a place similar to the Biblical artifacts in Jerusalem, Israel, where Christian tourists could visit and offer prayers to God.

WHY IT WORTH TO BE A MEMBER OF THE FLEMISH JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

The 

Flemish Journalists Association end of year's end-of-year general meeting at the famous Basilica of Koelkelberg. Behind the table are some of the active leaders, Eric Braeken, Ronald Libin- treasurer, Eric Of Kutsem-Co-chairman, Kristin Spiessens, etc. Photo credit: @JoelSavage

The Vlaamse Journalisten Vereniging (Flemish Journalists Association) is one of the skilled independent journalists' associations in Belgium, for ages improving the working conditions and profession of journalists serving various media in the country.

Kristin Spiessens, Eric Of Kutsem, and Walter Van Den Branden: Photo credit @JoelSavage

The active force behind the association: Raoul Maria De Puydt, Hilde Van Gool, Walter Van Den Branden, Eric Braeken, Ronny Of Kutsem, Ronald Libin, etc, and other members successfully held this year’s general meeting in the magnificent building of the Basilica of Koekelberg, in Brussels, on Saturday, December 3, 2016. 

Joel Savage and sports journalist Dominique Dongo

The Flemish Journalists Association meets twice in the middle and end of the year, but the end of the year’s activities call for the entire members since the main item on the agenda is the discussion of the new statutes and the elections, which were approved by the assembled members.

Members of the Flemish Journalists Association at the Basilica's restaurant: Photo credit @JoelSavage

Every year, new locations are suggested for the general meeting. The venue this year was the famous Basilica of Koelkelberg. The history behind the Basilica is intriguing, like its architecture and paintings. Basilica is a unique and one of the most important tourist attractions in Belgium’s history of tourism.

Joel Savage and members of VJV at the Basilica's restaurant

Some years back, it wasn't in my interest to attend the Flemish Journalists Association end of year's end-of-year general meetings, but things have changed completely as journalism in the country broadens and disciplines. 

The friendly atmosphere and the interaction of the open-minded members are some of the qualities worth make being a member of this journalism group.

A Glance At Antwerp Under The Administration of Mayor Bart De Wever

The Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, and the writer, Joel Savage Photo:@Kouablan Dominique

Not quite long in Belgium, but fifteen years in Antwerp is enough to write a narrative essay, whenever I meet this challenge at an examination hall. 


Even though, Antwerp is a famous city, known for its rich diamond collection and flourishing sea-port, in the early 2000s, the city was very rough and unsafe for both tourists and citizens.

It was this period Leona Detiége, a Belgian politician and member of the Flemish social-democratic party, then mayor of Antwerp, did her best to tackle the problems destroying the reputation of the city of Antwerp, as a tourist attraction center.

She swung into action, focusing on the notorious places, such as De Conincksplein, a neighborhood that harbored all criminal activities, including drug peddling, prostitution, bag snatching, pickpockets, pimps, etc, and De Falconplein, another notorious neighborhood, serving as a red light district for prostitutes, pimps and drug couriers.

Her undertakings weren’t just a bluff, it did really crippled the prostitution industry. Many prostitutes were arrested and deported to their countries of origin and the pimp industry collapsed. 

The Antwerp police received a letter from a group calling themselves ‘The Nigerian Mafia,’ threatening and ready to fight the police to death, for taking their prostitutes off the streets.

Leona stationed a mobile police van at the center of Conincksplein 24 hours daily, and all the nefarious activities and crimes subsided. Apart from that Leona made it uneasy for landlords that stole money from tenants. 

It was a period, criminal-landlords was known as ‘huismelkers’ were making a lot of money from tenants. Like a farmer milking his cow, they steal the three months guarantee paid by tenants. Her actions worked and totally reduced this menace which had taken over Antwerp.

Unfortunately, all the hard efforts of Leona came to a fruitless end, when she left office and Patrick Janssens, a member of the SP.a, succeeded her, as the next mayor of Antwerp. 

Patrick Janssens probably thought the best way to serve Antwerp, is to be friendly with everyone. It was his time drug peddling, which Leona had fought to subdue, increased significantly.

There was time, Moroccans in Antwerp, believe or thought the city is for them. They drive, stop on the street, talk to friends, with a long queue of traffic behind them. Who dares to talk? You will be surrounded and if the police are not around, you will be beaten mercilessly.

At Schijnpoort, a neighborhood in Antwerp, a Belgium driving, stops and asks a Moroccan for help, as he couldn’t find a street he was looking for. 

As soon as his window came down, right in front of me, the Moroccan accumulated a thick saliva in his mouth and spits onto the face of the driver. He picks up a tissue paper, wipes the saliva from his face and drove away. My heart ached when I witnessed this scene.

Under the administration of Patrick Janssens,   the situation in Antwerp grew from bad to worse. More drug trafficking at coffee shops run by foreigners. By the time he decides to take drastic action, it was too late. The people in Antwerp are fed up and really want a change.

I will always remember Patrick Janssens for saving the citizens of Antwerp from the dog’s waste explosion. It was a period one always comes home with a dog’s waste because they are everywhere. He did well to impose a fine against dog owners that leave dogs’ waste in the city after excretion.

The coming in of  Bart De Wever, the leader of N-VA party, as the mayor of Antwerp, took many by surprise. As a politician who has dreams including the creation of an independent state for the province of Antwerp, many don’t like him much, but that didn’t prevent him from winning the seat as mayor of Antwerp.

The man knows that coming into office as a mayor is not all that is important but one’s achievement. De Wever is destined to carve his name as one of the best or probably the best mayor in the political history of Belgium. Since he assumed office, De Wever has done a lot within the shortest period many past mayors couldn’t achieve.

In regard to security and safety, Antwerp is now a safe city at any time of the day, including night. Conincksplein, which used to be a dangerous place in Antwerp is now a safe community for citizens.

The newly completed library adds glamour to the beauty of the area. Antwerp also remains clean since the administration introduced fine for litterers. Alcohol forbidden zones are now in force within the city.

Despite all his achievements, many still don’t agree with him. Some say he is a good man or bad man, others think he is wicked, but whatever name they call him, there is no doubt that Bart De Wever is the best mayor Antwerp has ever got or probably the best in the political history of Belgium.