Euro 2008 cracker!

Croatia v Turkey

If you were watching, you know what I mean by a cracker. Goal-less for 90 minutes, then Croatia scores in pretty much the last minute of extra time. I was about to change the channel, secure in the knowledge that Croatia were going to face Germany in the semis, when out of nowhere, Turkey score in 'extra time' of the extra-time. How crazy was that? Vienna erupted with the wild cacophony from the Turkish fans, and the subdued groans of the Croatian camp.

Penalty shootouts - you have to love them for sheer suspense, but it just isn't a fair way to end a game. Then again, all is fair in love and war. And this was a war. I have to hand it to Turkey; they didn't miss a single shot, and their goalkeeper, Rustu, who wasn't even supposed to come on had the regular goalkeeper not been red-carded for the previous game, was exceptionally good tonight. Final score: Turkey 1 Croatia 1 (Turkey won 3-1 on penalties)

So it's Turkey vs Germany in one of the semi finals. Check this website or the widget on the right to find out more. Matches are broadcast live on the ESPN channels.

La Porte des Indes, London

This is a charming and upscale Indian restaurant in the heart of central London. Seconds away from bustling Oxford St, but you would never have guessed it. La Porte des Indes specializes in Indian food with a French twist. The cuisine in the former French colonies of Pondicherry in the south, Chandannagore in Bengal etc, is heavily French-influenced. So this figures prominently in the menu. However, other popular dishes are also available. Entrees from the a la carte menu are a tad on the pricey side. A three course set menu is around 34 pounds. But you pay for the exquisite colonial ambiance, the immaculate service, and the chance to eat on tables with pristine white and starched tablecloths, laden with silver plated cutlery.

Aah, but there is a more affordable option, without having to sacrifice your exposure to any of the above. Sundays is buffet lunch day, when La Porte puts on a lavish 'all you can eat' extravaganza for only 25 pounds per person. You start downstairs where there is a delectable range of mouthwatering appetizers, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. You then walk up the strategically-positioned spiral staircase, allowing you to spy on the other customers, before you begin to sample the entrees. Don't forget to try the fresh coconut juice, which you drink from the coconut directly. It is unbelievably refreshing!

The place is usually full on Sundays with families celebrating birthdays, friends celebrating an engagement, or simply the single diner who wants to have well prepared Indian food. There is also a live jazz band to entertain you while you enjoy the food. The band was excellent the last time I went. However, my family have been entertained by an Indian Elvis on one occasion, who was reported to have been pretty good too.

There you have it - if you're in London on a Sunday, and would like to try different and delicious Indian food in a lovely setting, make a date with La Porte Des Indes. It is best to make a reservation beforehand. Click here for more details.

Tips for a wonderful stay in Couples San Souci in Ocho rios, Jamaica

Remember these things, and you'll have a great time:

• Attend the Orienteering session to acquaint yourself with the resort. A lot of people skip this, but that's good, because only you'll know about the little hideouts

• Always ask for Appleton Rum for your rum-based drinks

• Go for a massage or facial. These services are excellent, and what better way to relax than to have your muscles massaged outdoors to the sound of the waves

• Try at least one included water sport. I recommend the catamaran sailing with a qualified instructor. You don't have to sail it yourself; just let the staff know and you can just sit back and relax

• Eat at the Bella Vista if you can - the food here is better than at the other restaurants

• Grab a bike and ride around the resort pond

• Go the 'Au Naturel' beach at 5:30 to view a stunning sunset ( people are/should be covered up by then) - see below

• Buy souvenirs/blue mountain coffee from the duty free shops in the airport instead - they are marginally cheaper than at the hotel shop.

• Be nice and friendly to the staff - they will gladly go that extra mile for you!
  

Have a great stay.

Couple San Souci

Another day in Ocho Rios

This morning, Abhijit and I decided to hit the glass-fronted gym. It was 7 am, the sunlight was dappled, and the resort belonged just to us. The soft light and breeze held promise of things to come.

Never has 30 minutes on the treadmill been so soothing. At first I was disappointed that the treadmills faced away from the glass windows and the beach view. However once I started, I could just as easily enjoy the vista by looking at the mirror in front of me.

After a quick shower, we made our way to the breakfast room. People were starting to trickle in. Everyone seemed to be moving in slow motion, relaxed, reflective and content. Freshly prepared 'Blue Mountain' coffee and orange juice set the scene. Banana bread and danish pastry followed by exotic tropical fruit and smoked salmon left us more than satiated.

When we finally retired to our lounging chairs under the umbrella, I was in heaven. This is what dreams are made of. Remember those holiday ads, where a sultry blonde is lying on a beach, and gets multi-colored cocktails served to her by smiling waiters in Bermuda shorts? Apart from the blonde bit, everything else was just like that ad. I looked around to observe the other sun and aqua worshippers.

In spite of being in the middle of paradise, some still looked ultra miserable. There was a perfectly tanned and toned Italian couple in front of us, partners of considerable age difference. The trophy 'wife' began to look increasingly agitated as the husband waved his arms around. People pretended to read while staring at them discreetly through their oversized sunglasses. A septuagenarian couple rubbed sunblock lotion on each other with warmth and love. A huge woman treaded gently into the ocean with her rake-thin man. A young English couple next to us read for hours without saying a word to each other. Who needs a book when there are all these dynamics to scrutinize? Oh, here comes my Pina Colada...