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  • Here’s how to protect yourself from Delhi air pollution

    Here’s how to protect yourself from Delhi air pollution

    Visiting Delhi in November can be a challenging experience due to the poor air quality, when a phenomenon called the pollution cloud takes over the landscape. That phenomenon has been in the Finnish language news headlines a lot in the last few days, because, for example, there has been many restrictions in Delhi due to the pollution cloud as the air quality there has been bad. This was not the case one month ago, when I myself traveled to Delhi. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you are traveling to Delhi in November. I will also help you understand the causes of this phenomenon and its possible prevention measures.

    Protect yourself from Delhi pollution

    Here’s how to protect yourself from Delhi air pollution –

    • Monitor Air Quality: Stay updated with Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI). Websites like the Central Pollution Control Board or mobile apps can provide real-time updates.
    • Limit your outdoor activities: Reduce your exposure to polluted air by limiting the amount of time you spend outdoors, especially during peak hours.
    • Wear masks: Use N95 or N99 masks, which effectively filter fine particles from the air.
    • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins that have been absorbed into the body.
    • Indoor air purification: If you stay in a hotel or other accommodation, consider using an air purifier.
    • Health Precautions: If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before traveling. Take all necessary medicines with you.
    • Plan indoor activities: Check out indoor attractions in Delhi and Delhi NCR, like museums, art galleries or great shopping malls.


    Delhi pollution cloud and its causes

    These factors cause Delhi’s pollution cloud –

    • Crop burning: Farmers in neighboring states often burn crop residues after harvest in October and November, which significantly increases air pollution.
    • Vehicular emissions: Delhi has a large number of vehicles, which increases air pollution through exhaust emissions.
    • Industrial Activities: Factories around Delhi emit pollutants, which degrades air quality.
    • Diwali Fireworks: The festival of Diwali is usually celebrated in the month of November, when many people use fireworks extensively which release a large amount of smoke and pollutants.
    • Geographical factors: Delhi’s inland position and cooler temperatures in November trap pollutants, leading to smog formation.
    • Construction Dust: Construction activities in and around Delhi add dust and particulate matter to the air.


    Pollution Prevention and Mitigation in Delhi

    How to get rid of Delhi’s pollution cloud –

    • Crop Management: Promoting alternative methods for disposal of agricultural crop residues, such as using it as livestock feed.
    • Better public transport: Making public transport more efficient to reduce dependence on private vehicles. Metro lines already exist and are being built in Delhi and Delhi NCR. Electric rickshaws are also being used. Unfortunately we see bicycle rickshaws less than before.
    • Strict industrial regulations: Implementation of stricter emission standards for industry.
    • Improving green cover: Planting trees to improve air quality. The trees prevent the pollution cloud from descending on the buildings below them. It is also very common for households in Delhi and Delhi NCR to have lots of greenery on their verandahs and balconies, which improves air quality.
    • Promoting clean energy: Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources.
    • Fireworks Regulation: Setting restrictions on the use and sale of fireworks, especially during festivals.
    • Building standards: Implementation of dust control measures at construction sites.

    So if you’re visiting Delhi in November, when the air has started to cool down, it’s important to remember to protect yourself against possible air pollution. I say possible because, for example, I photographed the crosswalk view of Delhi in the title picture 13 years ago in November, and I don’t remember any pollution cloud from that time. But in January 2019, Delhi’s winter and poor air quality hit me already at the airport. That’s why I chose to wear a mask in Delhi at that time, even though corona hadn’t been invented yet. You can watch my video from Delhi winter 2019 in the link attached.

    Delhi traffic and air in October 2023

    However, it is good to remember that despite the environmental challenges, there are beautiful and interesting destinations in Delhi and Delhi NCR. And its modern shopping centers are excellent attractions in their own right. Also, if you can stand the heat, Delhi is at its most beautiful right after the monsoon, when the air is clear. The accompanying picture shows Delhi traffic last month, in the middle of a clear day in October 2023.

    Useful links:

  • Exceptional Indian Restaurants in Vienna; insight with my video

    Exceptional Indian Restaurants in Vienna; insight with my video

    Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is globally revered for its contributions to classical music, architecture and a multifaceted culinary landscape. While the city is a bastion for traditional Austrian gastronomy, it also serves as a melting pot for diverse international cuisines. In this plethora of culinary choices, Indian restaurants have emerged as a distinctive segment, promising an authentic gastronomic experience characterized by a symphony of spices, flavors, and textures.

    To appreciate the prominence of Indian cuisine in Vienna, it is essential to understand the multicultural evolution of this cosmopolitan city. Vienna’s openness to diverse communities has fostered a receptivity toward various global cuisines. Indian cuisine, with its compelling depth and complexity, has thus found a dedicated audience that transcends the Indian diaspora, and includes Austrian nationals as well as international tourists like me.

    The Diverse Palette of Indian Cuisine

    Indian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, showcasing a brilliant array of spices including, but not limited to, cumin, coriander, turmeric and cardamom. The culinary techniques are as nuanced as the spices themselves, offering everything from intricately slow-cooked curries to expediently prepared tandoor dishes. The cuisine is a harmonious interplay between sweet, sour, spicy and savory elements.

    Exceptional Indian Restaurants in Vienna: A Curated List

    1. Bella Santi: A neat and clean, well-decorated restaurant serving delicious Indian food as well as pizzas. Atmospheric and almost like a fine dining restaurant with good service.
    2. Ganesha: A little far from the center of Vienna, the restaurant Ganesha provides a very Indian ambiance with all the decoration, serving also good Indian vegetarian food. In summertime the restaurant has a terrace outside, in their inneryard. Watch the full video of my trip to restaurant Ganesha in Vienna.
    3. Om Restaurant: This restaurant is also a cocktail bar, entertaining people as such. So not everybody will be dining there, which is good to take into account. It is a small restaurant, which also has a terrace by the street. Visit Om Restaurant
    4. Madame Curry: Standing out for its fusion approach, Madame Curry elegantly combines traditional Indian recipes with modern culinary innovations. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience and has a big outside terrace.

    You can see all these Indian restaurants and their food in the following video I made made with English subtitles –

    Indian restaurants in Vienna

    Vegetarian and Vegan Culinary Options

    Consistent with contemporary dietary preferences and trends, these establishments offer a broad selection of vegetarian and vegan choices. From the lentil-based dal to an assortment of vegetable curries and plant-based adaptations of traditional dishes, the options are both abundant and satisfying. You can request your naan or roti served without butter, and most likely they can do it for you.

    Vienna’s Indian restaurant scene

    Vienna’s Indian restaurant scene serves as an illustrative example of the city’s multicultural ethos, offering an international dining experience steeped in authenticity and culinary expertise. Each of the mentioned establishments epitomizes this harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, presenting diners with a gastronomic expedition that is pretty much authentic, except Madame Curry, which goes for fusion. Whether you are an uninitiated explorer of Indian cuisine or a discerning connoisseur, the Indian culinary offerings in Vienna promise a memorable and enriching experience.

    Useful links:

  • Finnair celebrates its 100 years fashionably

    Finnair celebrates its 100 years fashionably

    *Ad for the finnairxmakia beanie

    A Traveller’s Dream Wardrobe

    In a remarkable milestone, Finnair, Finland’s flag carrier, celebrated its 100th anniversary one week back, on 1st November 2023. Over the past century, this Nordic airline has not only excelled in connecting continents but also in innovation and customer service. To mark this special occasion, Finnair has joined forces among others with Makia, a Finnish fashion label renowned for its durable and sustainable designs, to launch an exclusive clothing collection aptly named finnairxmakia. Among the intriguing offerings are trousers, a beanie, and, notably, a multi-pocketed vest ideal for savvy travellers.

    A Blend of Heritage and Functionality

    Marrying Makia’s minimalist design aesthetics with Finnair’s signature blue hues, the finnairxmakia collection is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a tribute to Finnish heritage. The ensemble seamlessly blends style, comfort, and functionality. Whether you’re commuting between European cities or embarking on a long-haul flight to the Orient, each piece in the collection could make your journey comfortable.

    The Multi-Pocketed Vest: A Traveller’s Best Friend

    The standout piece in the collection is undoubtedly the multi-pocketed vest. This ingeniously designed garment is essentially a wearable carry-on, a boon for travellers who prefer to travel light. With pockets designed to hold everything from your passport and boarding pass to a compact camera and even a small water bottle, it’s an efficient way to keep your essentials close without lugging around a cumbersome bag. In times when airlines are increasing charges for checked baggage, this vest comes as a godsend to save those extra euros.

    Not Just Practical, but Stylish Too

    While the vest scores high on the utility front, it doesn’t compromise on style. The sleek design and tailored fit makes it versatile enough for casual outings. You could easily walk off a plane and into a café or a conference room without feeling out of place.

    The finnairxmakia beanie
    The finnairxmakia beanie

    Additional Offerings

    Other equally noteworthy item in the finnairxmakia collection is the beanie, which provides warm comfort in a chilly weather or even possibly a cool airplane cabin, whereas the trousers, designed for traveller style, will look good on a long journey to any country. I got to try and test the beanie at home, and it keeps your head warm and feels very nice to your skin as it is made of 100% merino wool. The beanie is made in Finland and designed in Helsinki.

    Finnair 100 years

    Finnair’s centennial celebration is not merely an occasion to look back on a glorious past but also an opportunity to forge into a promising future. The finnairxmakia collection encapsulates this spirit beautifully, making it a worthy investment for travellers who appreciate quality, comfort, and functionality. As airlines and fashion continue to influence each other in fascinating ways, this collaboration sets a new standard, taking the very concept of travel gear to new heights—quite literally!

    Check also next the video I made from Finnair pr-event celebrating Finnair 100 years and introducing their new business class.

    Finnair pr-event celebrating Finnair 100 years

    See also my numerous trips and flights I’ve made with Finnair – You will find the videos in my INDIVUEtv Youtube channel. Watch and follow my channel for more flight and other travel videos!

    Safe travels!