Chai Point at Indira Nagar

November 22, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Chai Point

Another tea joint in the Indira Nagar locality. In no-time after it opened, this place has attracted the usual motley crowd of young tea aficionados and casual tea drinkers. So, does this make tea a hot business idea!

One more thing I noticed is the absence of yesteryear prominent joints like CoffeeDay or Barista. A new crop of shops like TataCha, Chaipoint, Matte Coffee, etc has taken the pole position in brew business.

Is there space for a New Player?

Suppose someone comes to you and says about launching a new business on the lines of selling coffee or tea, what will you say? How will it position itself in this space and how can it be different?

I bet there are still many ways to stand out in this coffee business and it would be interesting to brain-storm and come with different ideas.

Here’s three wacky plan I have thought!

1) Serve tea in mud cups ( kuland) and after the tea is done, give customers a chance to smash it on the wall.

2) Give an opportunity for customers to buy brew to random strangers. I might appear a bit tacky! However, with planning and some restriction this could be implemented – say one day in a week

3) Sports bar is there, what about sports brew. A place where dart competition keeps happening or a corner space for armatures to play vintage video games like Mario.

4) Tea joint where there’s a photo booth to take insta pic! Probably use a polaroid or a cheaper print facility to give a print for Rs 49

5) .

What say!

P.S: I have another idea about tea business – a larger brand, based on a theme. I feel, if it’s genuinely implemented, it can brew to be a million dollar company. Any venture capital fund here!

Resting Place in Trivandrum

November 21, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Wagon Used to carry the dead person

Pattor Cemetery

LMS Cemetery

These are pictures of two cemeteries in Trivandrum – One is the LMS Church Cemetery and other Palayam Church Cemetery. Here lies my uncles, auntys, cousins and also my dad. When I think of my dad, I can’t forget the moment and song ( Samayamam radhathil njan swarga yathra cheyyunnu ) sung by the church members when his body was taken to his final resting place. And after that incident, it’s a song that has an air of melancholy.

Many years has passed by, but memories of my uncles and aunts still flashes in random times, causing me to think of those surreal lost moments of my life. This song Who knows where the time goes – Fairport Convention seems apt to think of those bygone moments of life.

Stories and History of these Cemeteries in Trivandrum

I wish I know about the old tales, how it functioned, who started it and when it was started. One of the thing I know is about a place called Themadi Kuzhi. It’s a part of the cemetery, where the dead bodies of people who have committed suicide is buried.

I assume, such a practice is discontinued.

Treat at Pankayam

November 12, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Menu at pankayam

Malayalam Menu

Slice of sear Fish

Puttu chicken, Beef and Rice

Every new shop or business is someone’s dream – a vision, a step towards fulfilling that vision. From outside, it may sound easy and we might even just pass it as a venture by a cash rich person. However, the picture may sound different.

We know it’s not easy to spend lakhs on a shop or a show room. The initial capital either comes from savings or it’s loan. Whatever it’s, any business involves time, money, dream and planning. After the shop or business is live, the owner has to keep an eye on the quality, service and value addition. Best said, it’s not an easy hat to wear.

I have seen many places that has opened in our locality and many that has closed it’s shutters. In Kumarapuram itself, there are many flourishing business, while many are just barely surviving after spending the money on overheads.

Conventional shops like vegetable shops, hotels, tea stalls, medical stores all follow a typical template. There’s nothing much they do to differentiate themselves.

On the other hand, Siji’s Pizza and Pankayam, the recently opened Dermatology and Pran fertility clinic are some ventures that is making a mark in this locality.

So, what are your plans to stand out on the business front?
How do you plan to be different? A shop with a different value proposition!
Or, are you the kind who’s happy to invest in a Margin Free Shop or in getting dealership for Muralaya Milk or something else which is hot in the market?

——-

Pankayam ADDRESS
Opp Canara bank, Pazhaya Road, Medical College,
Trivandrum, India

Pankayam Home Delivery : 9495029029

St Antony’s Shrine Lourdes Church at Cambridge Layout

November 2, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Our Prayers Answered

This is our parish in Bangalore – Lourdes Church, Cambridge Layout. At the time when we were salaried employees, we were regular for the Sunday mass at this church. Also, we put staff during church events like church feast. At one time, my partner made candles for baptism. Also, in another church funding event, we made cutlets and cupcakes. So, much for the memories in this church.

This short video is from a recent visit to this church for a Sunday mass. Though, we have been visiting this church for the last 10 years, we hardly know the parishioners. Blame it on our irregular visits, our long absence from Bangalore and our invisible stature in things related to the church.

Wish we knew more people in this church so that we get more connection, more joy and share.

A Question about Church service!

Which was the best sermon you have attended?

Junction Where I stay!

November 1, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Kumarapuram Junction Signal

Veggies at the store

Plantain of all types

SRM – Hayat Lodge Kumarapuram

Here’re few pics of the recently opened vegetable store at Kumarapuram. It’s almost opposite to South Indian Bank branch at Kumarapuram.

There’s nothing special about this shop – only that it’s more airy, hence inviting.

3 Point of Interest at Kumarapuram, Trivandrum:

1. Photostat shop in the same building – Aive Communication
2. Beauty Parlour – Also in the same building
3. Hayat Lodge ( Daily rent and longer stay)

What are the point of interest in Kumarapuram?

1. A baking and cooking class in Kumarapuram ( Menna’s Delight)
2. Siji’s Pizza
3. Pran Hospital
4. Biverah Hotel

Lodges, Hotels, Homestay in Kumarapuram Area

1. Ruby Arena
2.

Fishes Available in Trivandrum

November 1, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Crab Masala Curry

Fish Heads

Indian Scad ( Rounded Scad)

Ribbon Fish and Mackeral

Anchovy with the fisher ladies

Crab – who’s picking it?

Are you a sea food lover? If yes, then you got company!

I picked up the liking towards sea food early on and even now it sways my taste buds. As a typical sea food lover, I find it hard to stand stale fish! One look at the fish and people like me can fairly guess the freshness of the fish.

I look for the sheen on the skin, the eyes, gills, and also the tell-tale signs on the stomach part of fish, especially small fishes like sardine.

Fish Purchase in Trivandrum
I prefer to buy fish from stalls close to my house in Kumarapuram. Most often I end up buying from the ladies who sell fish by Rs 100 or Rs 50 or rarely at Rs 200. Sometimes, I skip this place to visit another fish stall after AJ Hall. It’s run by two guys who sell fresh catch from Shangumugham beach.

Of late, I keep buying Indian scad ( popularly called Koyala in Malayalam). It’s cheaper than mackeral, having similar or close taste.

One thing that is lacking in Kumarapuram locality is a hotel which sells varieties of fish curry. I bet there will be takers of fish curry in the evenings. Just imagine a takeaway counter which sells 8 types of fish every day ( Sardine, Anchovy, Tuna, Mackeral, Sear fish, Prawns, Crab, scad, etc). Also, if there’s a fish grill option for buyers? Imagine, having sardine grill or mackeral grill at affordable price!

Well, the idea of this post is this – start a fish grill unit where customers can order different fish grills, fish curry and fish in kudampulli prepared a day earlier!

Two useful link

1. Fish name and images
2. How to clean sardine
3. Learn popular fish curry recipes

Buy Perlite Online from abtec.in

November 1, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Perlite

Vermiculate

Abtec.in, based in Kottayam, Kerala which manufactures and sells various items for gardening. I had once bought perlite from them through Amazon.in. That’s how I came to know about this small business based in Kerala.

Address:

Agro Bio-Tech Research Centre Ltd
Industrial Area, Poovanthuruthu P.O
Kottayam – 686012, Kerala , India

Phone :
+91481-2340211, 2341894, 6531339

Website: http://www.abtec.in/index.php?route=common/home
( Home page)

After, I visited their Facebook Page, I sent them a few suggestions. Here’s what I felt the areas of improvement.

1. Facebook page require regular posting
2. Add more information about each item posted on FB. It’s not enough to post the image of the product and the link to Amazon or website. Add more information that will help the buyer.

3. Make posters with details on how to use each item and the benefit of using them in soil mix.

4. Add a product page on FB.

5. Why is home page link having an addition of idex.ph….

I hope they take these suggestions positively to improve and better their marketing.

And, finally, they should have a dedicated staff to promote and post on social media. If they can hire a full time employee, they should look for an intern who has background in journalism or anyone who can write well.

How to be a Remarkable Hotel Waiter or waitress

October 23, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Very long ago in Trivandrum, somewhere in early or mid 2000, I used to visit Residency Tower roof top dining place with a group of friends for beer and chit-chat. One of the good thing that made things easier for us a waiter who welcomed us.

We were not the high-profile dinners, still we were treated well, especially by this waiter whom we had acquainted over our visits. The good thing about him, was the gentle smile, and the readiness to find us a table – somehow, making us comfortable.

Later, in one of our visit, we couldn’t find him. Later, we found that he got hired for a job in Gulf. It seems a regular customer who liked his service, hired him.

After he had left, I haven’t found anyone close to this waiter. All those who came after him were the stone faced people, who have such difficulty even in giving a smile after the service.

I bet it’s a shame the way most waiters perform at their job. Probably, they are not trained or they are not given any incentive to be good with the customers. So, what’s missing?

—————————

what are the instances you felt completely taken care at a restaurant? What was that special think that make you felt special about the place? Is it just the food, or the ambiance, or the knowledge or friendly waiter who made you feel this.

So, no guesses, this blog is about and for the thousands of foot-soldiers in every restaurant, tea shop and cafes who takes orders and makes our life a little easier.

Good communication skills
Experience in handling and serving
Good sense and knowledge of food that’s served
Trained in soft skills
Polite in serving customers

– Responsible for cleanliness and neatness
– Must have a wide Angle Vision
(Always scan the floor to see if customers require any serving). This is one thing that’s seriously lacking with most waiters. They appear to see through you – even when you raise your hand to get their attention. Why is this happening? Are they not properly incentivized?
Sometimes, I wish there was a button in each table to call out to the waiter. Not a loud one, but a sound that will be audible to the concerned water. It will make things easier for the customer to get the attention of the water. so, till then, a waiter should ideally have the heart and mind to see the requirement of the customer, even when the orders are thick and fast.
– Provide the information of portion size, spice levels, etc

Green Holiday Budget Friendly Hotel Home Candolim Goa

October 23, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Green Holiday Home

Swimming Pool

Goa, always amuses me for various reasons – Goan fish thali, cheap beer, beaches, lime white churches, open fields, the old Portuguese architecture influenced houses, etc. So, on one of our holiday during Thanksgiving season, we stayed at Candolim, away from the busy Baga side.

This holiday, our first stop was at Canacona, South Goa. We stayed at Bridge and Tunnel shack/lodging at Palolem beach.

Bridge & Tunnel, Palolem
Website: http://www.bridgentunnelgoa.com/
Address: Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Call Us on : +91 9822177450, +91 9420429819
email: info@bridgentunnelgoa.com

At Tunnel and Bridge shack, we stayed had a sea facing room – absolutely stunning view of serene bay. I wish I could stay here for a week, doing nothing but reading, watching the sea, and occasionally dipping for a splash.

Another Shack at Palolem Beach
Fernandes Wooden Huts
Address: Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Phone: 070306 52114

Secret Garden Resort
Address: Palolem, Canacona, Goa 403702
Phone: 098509 25668
Budge hotel at Palolem – Around Rs 1,000

Stay at Candolim – Lodging with Swimming Pool at Green Holiday Home, Candolim

Google search landed me to Green Holiday Home. At first I was skeptical of the pics seen online. They usually tell a better pic than what they are. Fortunately, Green Holiday home turned to be better than what they showed. This facility constitutes of four apartments blocks. And in the middle there’s a small well maintained swimming pool.

Highlight of facilities at Green Holiday Home:

A room with T.V and two chairs ( front room)
Bedroom with a with double cot and small balcony
Clean bathroom
A kitchen with gas stove with fridge
( Two plates, few spoons, a frying pan and a tea vessel)
A small balcony ( covered with iron grill) to sit and relax

Situated at Candolim, this budget stay is just 5 mins ride to Candolim beach. I felt it’s best for budget travelers and those who love to prepare coffee/tea or make some slight preparations. Daily, the staff will come to clean your room.

With a daily rent of 1,400 ( November) , I consider it to be a fair price.

As rent varies with season, please contact Mr Seby at #9822155326, or Anthony at 9850474073. And if you meet Mr Seby, tell him you found the place through a blog. 🙂

Additional links:

– Stay with cooking facility in Baga Road – Martin’s Guest House

Guest House at Calungute Baga Road

October 23, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Martin’s Guest House

Relaxed Morning

Are you looking for stay in Calangute / Baga area? Heart of North Goa

Affordable / Budget Guest House at Baga Road
Here’s one place right in the middle of Calungute Baga area in Goa. It’s Martin’s guest house at Baga road. I’ve stayed in his guest house on two occasions – Nov 2009 & September 2010.

Location of Martin’s Guest House – Baga Road
Martin’s guest house is located on the Baga road. It’s adjacent to Subway on the Baga road, very close to Our Lady of Piety Church. It’s mid way to Calungute & Baga beach. This guest house is located on the Baga road, which leads to the night party joints like Mambos and Tito’s.

Daily Rent for Martin’s Guest House Baga
In September it’s around 700/800 Rs, and in November I think it hovers around 1,200Rs and in peak holiday season December it crosses 2,000 Rs. For longer stay, I’m sure you’ll get rooms for less price. Call Mr Martin for the current price.

Facilities at Martin’s Guest House North Goa
Each room has attached loo, with A/C and non A/c option. Daily Mr Martin personally cleans the rooms. This gives more safety to your valuables. He stocks the refrigerator with beers and few aerated drinks. Coffee/tea are available on request. He can arrange two wheeler rental through Mr John, who has couple of Honda Activa and other motor bikes.

Before you hire bike in Goa, ask the terms clearly. Some fellas give for the day’s usage, some allow 24 hr usage.

Guest house with Cooking Facility at Calungute – Baga North Goa.
Best part of Martin’s guest house are the two rooms with cooking facilty. It’s equipped with gas, refrigerator, frying pans, pressure cooker, utensils, plates, spoons etc. If you’re the culinary adventuresome kind, then I suggest this place. Calangute market is 5 min drive form this guest house and you can buy fresh fish, meat, vegetable to prepare your food on a holiday.

Enjoy hot cuppa under Goan sun
Rooms with cooking facility comes with your private portico. You can read books, play cards or get into a siesta. Or this parlor is ideal to savor endless cups of coffee or drown chill beer or watch the passing Goan beauties & life.

Holiday Cooking at Martin’s Guest House
If you are coming to Goa as a larger group, then you can take up one room with cooking facility. You can save money and have fun with group cooking. There’s extra charge for room with cooking facility. But then it’s worth to have you cuppa at your time.

Baga Road Martin’s Guest House ( Highs/Lows)
(+) side of Martin’s Guest house: Easy access to Baga/Calanute beach, cleanliness, safety, road access, affordable rent and good service.

(-) side of Martin’s Stay – Road noise, leaky pipes( during our visit), fixed rent (no room for bargain) 😦

Contact Martin’s Guest House
Contact Mr Desmond or Marlette Martins : Phone #: 0832 – 2277306 or 9822184621. Or email at martinsguestrooms@rediffmail.com. Ask for room availability, room rate, facilities and more.

NB: Details is the blog post is from my personal observation. I’m sure, he’ll get few equiries from this blog post.

Amen
——————-
In 2012, I discovered yet another budget place to stay in Calungute, Baga Road, Goa. Check this post:

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NB: To whoever it may concern

If you’re reading this post, it’s because Google (search engines) pulled this post on a hotel in Goa.
Now, I’ve a question to travel marts owners, small guest house owners, or hoteliers or resort owners.

Do you like similar publicity for your resort/hotel/guest house/?

If yes, mail me at ( bcc2charles@gmail.com) & get familiarized on hotel blogging. Get more booking, calls from people searching for travel destination.

Did you know most travelers search internet to know more about the destination, lodging facility etc. If you’re there in the web, they’re coming to your place.

Here’s the big opportunity to use blogs for your hotel PR or to get full-house booking!!

Here’s how I can support you: I can…

Write blog post for your travel biz or guest house
Write interesting blog post about your travel outpost
Write about your hotel/resort/tour packages/facilities/tariff
Publicize contact information: Phone #, email address, website
Promote your biz in related travel directories
Optimize content with location specific details or destination, package
Benefits of hospitality biz blogs:
Get online visitors/ publicity and inquiries from your blog
Get more booking without investing heavily on traditional marketing
Get higher ranking in search engines
Create online visibility to your place
Cost-effective method to promote your biz
Get more publicity than your competitors

………………..
It’s your take.

Are interested to heighten your travel biz through online channels? If you’ve any doubts, questions. Email me . or call me at my # 99.00.11.49.82.

I appreciate the chance to offer my service to your business. Don’t hesitate to explore the power of blogging. Get more exposure to your business with your online presence.

Your’s through blogs : )

Charles