Google Maps

Google sure knows how to organise the entire world's information. I just came across Google Maps recently, and it was impressive. It has a very neat user interface, which assists you in viewing a map of the world. It has a very high level of zoom - you could zoom into a country, then a state, then a city and then even into a street. It can even help you search for a location in a particular area and provide directions. Viewing satellite images of the area is also another option. The speed at which Google renders the zoomed section of the map is quite phenomenal.

These were my first few map searches:

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Central Park, Manhattan, New York City

Wall Street, Lower Manhattan, New York City

London, United Kingdom

The only drawback of Google Maps is that their database covers only North America and Europe as of now.

Tour de Singapore

On the eve of Good Friday, the bikers headed back to Kit Runners cycle rental at East Coast for their second mission. The response was enthusiastic and turnout was impressive. The 37km scenic route comprised of ECP, Changi Airport T2, Changi Village, Loyang, Pasir Ris, Tampines, Bedok Reservoir and then back to ECP. The pit stops at Changi Village and Bedok Reservoir provided an adequate break for the amateur cyclists to regain their momentum. The end of the trip marked a sense of victory beyond expectations for most cyclists.

These are pictures taken at ECP early in the morning after sunrise:

Back to the grind

It feels better than ever to be back in office after a 2 week vacation. All the batteries seem to be charged up, the engines ready to move on, and all systems up and running. This trip home was much better than those in the past. The pampering at home was as good as ever and I took a week long trip to Kerala, which was a fantastic experience. Munnar's hills almost resemble those in Switzerland, Periyar wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady has an exotic mix of animals, and the backwaters are a unique natural waterway of its kind.

To view the pictures, click here.