That evening in Kolkata, my aunt gave us the news of her plan to take us for a visit to a hill station Darjeeling. It was a routine that they left us to stay with granny when schools were closed. We were all excited by her unexpected visit and fantastic news.

I knew by the end of the next day; I would have seen the famous mountainous area that I always saw on travel magazines. I would visit the most suitable place to view Himalayan peaks.

The following day, we set off using my aunt’s dusty peugot. It was in the mid-day when we started hitting the road constructed on a hilly side. I kept watching the beauty of the rocky sides, the railway line on to the right which was constructed along the highway and other vehicles already exiting the eastern Himalayan area.

We finally arrived in the town of New Jalpaiguri and the occupants seemed quite busy like a usual city. Unlike I expected, all kinds of businesses were available. The buildings were ancient but looked strong and beautiful. Suddenly, an old steam engine train running on an engine aged for over a century passed. People were calling it Darjeeling toy train. We bought two rooms in order to accommodate the six of us. It was a tranquil moment for me.

We all stood in the distance on the next Sunday morning and saw a golden like feature of the third highest peak in the world, Kanchanaganga hills. Although it was cold at 4 am, I felt so close to nature after experiencing the tiger hill sunrise which gave us the experience to see the sun rising over the world’s tallest Mount Everest.

I had really admired to use the steam engine locomotive and my wish was granted. We used the noisy trains to access the hills through the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The train would stop momentarily to add water to the engines. It was fun to experience how it must have been in the old days.

The view of the town on a hilly and forested area looked fantastic. A thick white cloud appeared far from the town showing the snowy peak of Himalayas. We also saw the Mountaineering School of India which was started by the British. Kanchanaganga hills are clearly from any point in Darjeeling. We visited only once but I intend to take another trip again. I will have my camera and a pair of binoculars with me for a better experience.

By Winnie

Birthdays are the most awaited days and talking about mine, I start the countdown a few months earlier. Every year I celebrate my birthday with my family and this year was no exception. I woke up early morning with all my family member gathered around to wish me. During the breakfast I ate my favourite pancakes and talked about my first birthday when I had put my face on the cake.

Later that afternoon my parents organized a Pooja, which is a ritual followed in everyone’s birthdays. All my cousins and relatives were there so after the Pooja, we all had the lunch together, after which I slept for a few hours.

In the evening when I woke up my mother asked me to change into my birthday dress and come downstairs. As I went down I saw a lot of colourful balloons, lights, streamers and a big cake in the centre of the room. Everyone sang me a birthday song while I cut the cake after which we all danced for many hours and played a lot of games. It was almost night when my parents asked everyone to have dinner after which they left handing me my gifts.

When everyone had left, I opened all my presents with my parents and elder brother after which we went for a long walk to have ice-cream. It was one of my best birthdays and I am grateful to my parents without whom it would have never happened.

By Revaa

When we talk about house and home, we can surely have an endless duration of the philosophical conversation. To state in easy terms, a house is a building with four walls and one room. Whereas a home is a place where a person belongs and stay a happy life with their loved ones.

Happiness and love is the only thing which can make a house a home. You can stay in a big palace and still feel unwanted and lonely, but when you are at home you will comfortable, happy and a sense of sacred feeling. There are many people who stay in a big house, but are still not satisfied and there are many people who live in a one-room house with their whole family, but are still happy and satisfied.

Hence we can say that a house will remain only a structure of building till the time we make it a home with the presence of family, love and memories.

By Revaa

A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, and makes reasonable and relevant information out of it then gives it out. It is a programmable device that is used in so many sectors of life, and they prove to be efficient.

The uses of computers in different fields

In education

The education system incorporates the use of computers and students have seen excellent advantages as well as improved performances. A lot of students have laptops that they use to research on the internet, access academic resources, and so much more. Computers make learning more straightforward and enjoyable because of their level of engagement.

In Business

Computers are crucial in business. They are excellent at storing customer data, processing information such as financial data, and more. Through the computational activities and the many computer programs available for businesses, they can also help in making forecasts that led to sound decision-making processes. Computers even minimize mistakes and improve efficiency.

The security industry

The security industry is also reaping massive benefits of using computers. They are used to monitor premises, homes, and the world at large through various connections to various devices such as cameras.

Transport system

We have a generation of vehicles that are computerized. It means that the computer system does a lot concerning the safety and movement of the vehicles. Other than that, through computer systems, you can be able to know departure and arrival times of buses and flights. Consequently, a person can also be able to book travel tickets remotely in preparation for a journey.

In defense

For scientists to design, develop, and maintain missiles, computers are the primary tools that they turn to for this work. Other than these, there are different types of defense equipment that computers help create. When soldiers are on the field, these devices are used to communicate. Other than that, war and criminal records are also stored on computers.

In medicine

Hospitals also use computers for various purposes in hospitals. They keep patients records and history; make the conducting of specific procedures possible. A perfect example is a radiotherapy procedure and ECG’s.

Computers are valuable in all areas of life and will always be.

By Lorah

Did you ever try and know the meaning of wall clock? We all know what a wall clock looks like, but a wall clock is defined as the clock that gets mounted on the wall. It is a timepiece that shows us the time during day and night. Though wall clocks were once used for the only purpose to know time, these have now become a part of modern day home décor. One can get to choose from various styles and designs of wall clock. If you have a niche for vintage, you can even find the best of vintage wall clocks that have their very own grandeur.

Wall clocks are liked and are preferred by one and all. Mentioned below are some of the advantages of the same.

1. Whatever your budget is, there is a wall clock waiting for you. There are various styles and designs available to suit the interior of every room.
2. Wall clocks are very easy to install and as it is already installed to the wall, you really need not worry about its adjustment.
3. Wall clocks are known to have a longer life when compared to the other clocks. And there is also a very less chance of breaking.
4. Wall clocks these days come with a number of great features that some of them also include a calendar, an LCD display and one can even adjust the time zone.
5. Wall clocks are also available in different styles and hence you can choose the one based on your taste and its usability.
6. Decorative and vintage wall clocks are treated as a style statement in today’s modern world. Antique wall clocks can be bought from auction websites at affordable prices.
7. You can even buy theme based wall clocks that are also perfect as gifts.

Wall clocks are much more than devices we use to know the current time. They are prized possessions which are indeed worth the flaunt.

By Maanasi

A bicycle is a human-powered and pedal-driven vehicle. The basic design of a bicycle has two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. Some people refer to the bicycle as a cycle or bike. A bike rider is called a cyclist or a bicyclist.

Bicycles were first introduced in Europe towards the end of the 19^th Century. By the early 21^st Century, over one billion bikes have been produced globally. In some parts of the world, bicycles are the primary means of transportation. They are also used for fitness purposes, racing, recreational purposes, and courier services. Currently, there are many types of bicycles that are available on the market. The selection depends on the preference of the cyclist and the purpose for which they intend to use the bike.

Types of Bicycles

There are several types of bicycles, based on the design and use:

• Road bike. This bicycle is designed for fast riding on smooth pavements. It is skinny and has a lightweight design for enhancing speed.
• Mountain bike. This bicycle is suited for rocky rough off-roads and steep trails. It is one of the most preferred bicycles.
• Hybrid bike. It has both features of road bikes and mountain bikes. The hybrid bike is relatively comfortable, and it is capable of tackling off-road tracks and trails with ease.
• Triathlon/Time trail bike. This bicycle is built precisely for time trial or triathlon events. Its special design maximizes on the bicycle’s aerodynamic properties.
• BMX/Trick Bike. This bicycle is most popular with kids due to the small size. It is also suitable for the trick and stunt riding.
• Folding bike. This bike is ideal for those who travel with their bicycles as it easily fits in a trunk or a boat. It is also suitable for riding to work.
• Tandem bike. It is a bicycle for two. Riding this bicycle does not require any special skills, and it is delightful to use with a partner.

Benefits of Cycling

There are many benefits of cycling including health and environmental benefits. They include:

• No carbon dioxide emissions. Bicycles do not require fuel to operate therefore cycling eliminates carbon dioxide emissions.
• Fuel economy. Fuel is costly, and it is an energy pollutant. Cycling saves on fuel costs and conserves energy.
• Cycling improves the cardiovascular health thus reducing mortality rates.
• Saves on the money. Those people who use public transportation like buses can save money by use of bicycles.
• Traffic congestion. Cycling reduces traffic congestion, especially in the big cities.
• Increased muscle strength. Peddling strengthens the muscles and increases flexibility.
• Decreases stress levels. Cycling can be done as a recreational activity to reduce stress.

Conclusion

Bicycles have many benefits beyond transportation. They are very easy to use and come in different sizes and at very affordable prices. Compared to cars, they are more economical and environmentally friendly. Bicycles are also portable meaning you can carry them along as you travel or go for vacations. Cycling is an enjoyable and healthy sport that has become internationally recognized through biking competitions.

By Winnie

When I think about who is an ideal person, some attributes cross my mind. For all of them, I have learned from my role models including teachers. My parents also keep emphasizing on the importance of being an ideal person. As for my grandmother, she keeps reminding me of this particular thing. She tells me that one has to be an ideal person to live in harmony with others. Since no man is an island, it is apparent that one cannot afford to be short of that. Using this piece, I will take you through some of the attributes that would make you that person that everyone is advocating for. The ideals may differ from one person to another, but they are worth learning.

According to mother, a smile, every day can make you an ideal person. It makes you not only composed but also confident. As a result, you will be easily approachable and comfortable to approach someone. In addition to that, one should be grateful. If things are tough, positivity can be enough to keep us going. One source of that is being contented with what you have.

My teachers insist on hard work. It is always rewarding. Equally important, one should have also had a goal. Once a person has it, he or she should aim at achieving it. Regardless of the barriers, no one should give up. Patience and perseverance can help a person to overcome them and emerge as a winner eventually.

Grandma cannot stop talking about respect for elders. That will earn you blessings and save you from curses and misfortune if you disrespect the elderly. Honesty is yet another attribute. It makes you not only accountable but also reliable. It also avoids lies and betrayal that can make someone evil.

There is another one that is more than obvious. It is about being kind which is one of the characteristics of an ideal man. For example, if you help someone at the hour of need, it is apparent that you will be the best person the needy will have ever met.

Selflessness despite being rare is also a characteristic of an ideal person. It also avoids many vices and promotes the likes of truth and kindness among others. Punctuality is also vital. It avoids disappointment and other inconveniences that come because of lateness.

I can’t thank the parties enough. They are the reason why I associate with friends and classmates well. As much as no one is perfect, striving to be an ideal person is good enough. Fortunately, there are tips on how to become that precisely.

By Winnie

When dad got home from work that day, he came bearing good news. Our family had a chance to make a visit to a historical place – Red Fort, eventually. It wasn’t our usual vacation style. In the past, if it weren’t a park, we would go to the beach. However, this time would be different. For me, the desire to set my foot in that place was undeniable. I had watched the Prime Minister not only address the India nation but also hoist the flag year after year from this site. Why was it that special? Only a visit could make me understand.

This monument that lies on the bank of river Yamuna is among the most critical of India’s monuments. Some call it Lal Quila while others refer to it as Red Fort. Regardless of the term, its significance is undebatable.

Upon setting my sight on its impressive Lahori Gate and the wall surrounding the site, I was already curious about what lies behind it. Once I saw the red sandstone structure, I knew that I had made the right choice. The breathtaking scene caught my full attention.

I was lost until someone patted me. It was a guide who must have read the curiosity written all over my face. He started explaining how such a magnificent construction came into existence. It came into existence in 1648 under the leadership of Shahjahan. The Mughal King is also the man behind the famous Taj Mahal. With the shifting of the capital from Agra to Delhi, Red Fort became the new capital.

With the help of the guide, it was hard to miss any single prominent site. The first destination was the Chatta Chowk. Then we went through the huge crowd that was buying. I came across the Naqqar Khana. It was a music stage which explains its moniker, drum house. As of now, it is a war museum.

There is the Diwan-i-Am as well. The exemplary craftsmanship was apparent thanks to the spectacular columns and arches. From this spot, one can also see the ornate throne-balcony. On the other hand, there is the Lal Purdah gateway.

Other incredible sites were the royal bath, the mosque, Nahr-i-Behisht water channels that cover the mosque’s pavilions and the Shar Burj tower. The beauty of the Palace garden is indisputable. The Rang Mahal palace wouldn’t go unnoticed either. At the end of this bazaar street was the Delhi Gate. It looks fantastic as well.

By mid-day, we had concluded the visit. The experience of each of my family member may have been different. Nevertheless, we all agreed that Red Fort was a place worthy of our time. It is a visit to a historical place – red fort that will always remain in my mind for sure.

By Winnie

Just like any average man, saving a few bucks is something that I appreciate. It is that same thing that led to my latest discovery. Thanks to it, a scene at a railway station is something I am quite familiar with now. Since the holidays were over, I had to go back to school. Therefore, I had to leave for home. However, my friend insisted that I take a train. She emphasized that it is comfortable besides being cheap. The money I had in my pocket was not that much, and I also wanted to buy souvenirs. My friend and I bought them and then headed to the railway station.

What I saw first after entering a scene at a railway station was a fleet of vehicles. They included rickshaws, Tongas, scooters as well as taxis. Despite the large number, there was a traffic jam. That was starting to intrigue me when I spotted several traffic police officers. They were doing a commendable job of controlling vehicles coming in and going out.

The next scene was the waiting hall. The area was full to the brim with people from all walks of life. Then, there were long queues at the booking windows. I saw one that had a relatively short line. As I was heading towards it, my friend grabbed my hand from behind. That’s when she told me that we had to stick with the current one since it was for the second class booking.

I also noticed a constable. His responsibility was to ensure that people form lines and there is no pushing at the same time. In addition to that, he stays alert in case of a pickpocketing case. Thanks to that, it was already our turn to buy tickets within a short period. We headed for the platforms after that.

The noise was too much. Some sat on the benches while others stood beside the stalls making some purchases. Everything came to a standstill after a bell rang. With the staff standing in a line, passengers started running towards the train. Everyone must have been struggling to get into the compartments’ doors. Those coming in and out definitely have a conflict of interests as far as the doors are concerned. Being young, tiny and energetic, I was inside the plane. I started waving at my friend through the window.

Then, the guard blew the whistle. N soon had he done that than the carriages’ doors closed. Since it was during the day, the guard used a flag to signal the train. It started moving. Surprisingly, a scene at a railway station was no longer noisy. It had turned to a quiet and deserted place where you could find utmost tranquility. I really have a lot to tell my classmates once the school resumes.

By Winnie

If there is something that I dread, it is a hot summer day. That is why I don’t like that season even for a bit. There is this particular one that is hard to forget. It was extreme to the extent that even a cold shower only helped for a second or two.

On that particular day, everything looked normal. At least for a hot summer day. The sun was bright as usual and calm too. However, it wouldn’t fool anyone since it was only a matter of hours and it could become unbearable. After about one or two hours, we had started facing the wrath of a hot summer day. The past days had been better than today. The reason is that at least the fan was helping. On that day, there was a power outage. For that reason, the house was no longer an oasis.

A scorching and burning day! I would say that it was raining but instead of rain that must have been fire. Each ray penetrated deep into the bones. At one point, I thought that they would melt. My parents were not at home. They had gone to visit my grandparents. I was in my early teens, and I felt that I was too old for that. However, considering the conditions at that time, I wished that I had accompanied them. I was stranded. Neither the house nor outside felt good. What about the gardens?

I headed towards the garden hurriedly. If somebody had seen me, he or she would have thought that I had made a great discovery. As I moved towards the direction of the garden, I didn’t know that I was in for a rude shock. There was no cold breeze. In fact, the wind was not only silent but also motionless. Consequently, the trees were stationary. Without swaying their leaves and branches, how would the garden feel any better?

The temperature was becoming hotter and hotter. Each second that passed meant more torture. The overhead sun wasn’t sparing its burning rays. I couldn’t find a place to buy water or ice either. For that reason, I decided to get back home. When I entered the house, the electricity was back. I turned the fan on. I also took a shower. With the two and a glass of iced water, it felt a little closer to paradise.

After a few hours, it was already evening. The temperature went down to favorable levels. It was also possible to visit the market. I went to buy groceries while I waited for the rest of my family members to get home. That hot summer day was the worst. What I still wonder is whether the loneliness made it worse than it could have been. After all, mystery loves company. My younger sister battling the heat as well would have been a great consolation no doubt.

By Winnie