Dede Sophie

It was an important trading center for pepper, cassia and nutmeg between the 16th and the 19th century. It has stood the test of time in spite of countless battles. While there are many theories regarding its exact history, it is clear that it has seen the rule of Vijayanagara kings, Bijapur sultans, Keladi kings, the Marathas and the British. I am talking about the laterite rock structure called Mirjan Fort that is located by the banks of the Aghanashini river between Kumta and Gokarna in the Uttara Kannada region of Karnataka. While this 16th century monument enjoys a rich past, I like it for its vibrant green colour that it dons during the monsoon season. The high humidity, the bright sunshine and the consistent heavy showers ensures that moss takes over this reddish brown laterite rock structure and turns it into a green paradise that is surrounded by even more greenery. The swaying coconut palms, the tropical forests and the Western Ghats in the background complete this magical gr...

The all-new, all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV will shortly be available to order in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.  Seventh generation in a series whose history dates back to 1972, this first all-electric Maybach is a super luxurious passenger car with champagne goblets and drinks cooler.  Commenting, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland said: “This car redefines exclusive motoring at the highest level. It comes in a two-tone colour scheme with customers having the option to choose gold or silver as the predominant colour.”  Its many interior features include ‘cocooning effect’ rear seats and a driving mode that delivers maximum on the road comfort – with rear axle steering for an even shorter turning circle.  The seamless dash-wide glass ‘Hyperscreen’ combines the next generation MBUX to provide what Mercedes-Benz calls ‘magnificent navigation and exclusive animations’.  Armchair-like front and rear seats, discreet soft digital lighting, an air balan...

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all the terrific people I’ve had the privilege of knowing, working with, being friends with and generally sharing my life with via this blog – a very Happy New Year! READ ON… ——————————————————————————– If you like this post, then please consider subscribing to my Full Feed RSS . You can also Subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.

Chronicle Books, ages 5 and up, 42 cards in drawer box This fun and easy-to-play card game featuring Bob Barner’s colorful and lively animal characters is sure to be a family favorite. Players try to gather as many of the same cards as possible to create sets of each animal, including panda bears, lions, elephants, and more! The oversized cards come in an elegant drawer box with a ribbon drawstring, making them durable for years to come. Cards are always fun to play with whether sheltering inside from blistering heat, traveling somewhere or just driving. I’m not comfortable with introducing my kids to the traditional card games, but these animal cards are just the right alternative. Read more »