On Your Own: 1-Day Trip from Vancouver to Victoria

If you are there in Vancouver for a few days and planning to have a compact 1-day trip on your own to Victoria - assuming your interest in Butchart Garden and Royal BC Museum - Yes, you are at the right place.

Please be mindful that there are 1-Day trip packages are available through a number of service providers there, but I found it expensive and hence, writing this piece to save some hassle for others.

Let's begin!!!

Reaching Victoria

The scheduled services can be one option, but they are quite expensive (~66 CAD one way). 

Below is the relatively cheaper public transport option which I used and found it enjoyable because of the ferry ride and amazing weather. It is divided into three parts and takes around 4 hours to reach (yes, the effort and time is the cost here :P).

Train

Board the Canada Line from say Vancouver City Center station heading towards Richmond Brighthouse/ YVR Airport and board off at Bridgeport station. This will take around 20 minutes. You can buy a compass card day pass ($10) at the station through the vending machine.

Bus

From outside the Bridgeport station transfer to the bus service #620 going towards Tsawwassen (pronounced as Ta-waa-sane) Ferry Terminal. This will take around 35 minutes to reach the terminal.

Ferry Ride

Board a ferry towards Swartz Bay terminal. This will cost around $16.5 one way and takes around 1.5 hours (excluding the waiting time which can be around half an hour). The ferry has eating and shopping joints inside. You can go to the top floor to enjoy the open skies and do some photography. Free wi-fi is available on the ferry.

Bus

From outside the Swartz Bay Terminal, catch a bus #81 or the combination of  #70/72 and #75 for Butchart Garden. You can buy a day pass for $5 (or a single ticket of $2.5) from the driver while boarding. Please keep some change with you or he will make you run to the ferry terminal to get it. This leg of the journey will take around 1 hour. But, you can enjoy some very beautiful gardens and houses on the way.

Butchart Garden

The gardens are really beautiful, however, it doesn't take too long to have a complete look around (say 2 hours at the maximum). The entrance ticket is around $33 and can be bought at the counter near the entrance. The gardens are categorically themed and some parts of it are so picturesque. There are multiple souvenir shops and eating joints.

Royal BC Museum

#75 Bus service will take you to Royal BC Museum which I think shouldn't be missed as they have some really astounding exhibitions available. The Natural and Modern History exhibitions may be covered first to be followed by First Peoples Galleries. The now past exhibitions like Terry Fox, Gold Rush and Family: Bonds and Belonging were very touching.

IMAX

The same precinct also has the IMAX with some always available documentaries and a few latest movies. I watched the documentary Wild Flight: Conquest of the Skies - and it was completely worth it. The combo cost of Museum and IMAX was around $27. There are different shows available at different times - so you might not have many options by the time you reach and pack again to return.

Return Journey from Victoria to Vancouver

This is simply the reverse of the onward journey. Take a bus #50 or #70 towards Swartz Bay Terminal to board a ferry towards Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. From there take #620 towards Bridgeport Stations and then Canada Line towards Waterfront to deboard at Vancouver City Centre Station. Please be careful about the timings of ferries and the connecting buses, though they are synced with each other, the frequency is still limited.

I hope this guide was useful for you. If there are any comments or suggestions, please comment!

Cheers!!!

Free Download Password Protected or Private Vimeo Videos from Chrome - NO software, tool or extension required

The information provided here is meant only for those actually have an appropriate right to use the content of those videos. It is reader's responsibility to make sure that he/she is not misusing the content.

I recently dug into the process of downloading password protected videos from Vimeo (of course he had the password and was allowed to download the content, being a part of the closed group community for which the video was uploaded). I have attached some screenshots as well for convenience.

You do not need any other software, tool or extension for downloading. I have only tested this approach for Google Chrome, but this should work similarly well for other browsers as well with only a slight modification.

Enter the Password

Once you type or copy the web link in your browser, it will first ask for the password (which you would know), with a message displayed - "This video is private". Enter the password and the video will start playing.

Inspect the Page

Now, while the video is playing, you can either right click on the page or the video and select the option "Inspect". Alternatively, you can press "Ctrl+Shift+I" to do the same.

This will open a side-panel or another window showing developer options.

Please make sure that you select the "Elements" tab in this display.

Search the Target

Now you need to search the url which will lead us to the direct download of the video. For this, press "Ctrl+F" and type "config-url" in the search bar. When you press the "Ctrl+F" key the search bar opens up below the Elements tab. It will highlight the searched term (in yellow) as shown below. You need to copy the url provided there starting from "https:// .... 1751" in this example. (Do not copy the inverted commas, when you double click on the url, it should automatically copy highlight the url and you should be able to simply press "Ctrl+C" or copy by right clicking.).

Choose the Resolution

Now open the url which you just copied in a new browser tab/window. You will see some text. Now again press "Ctrl+F" to search "mp4" in the page. You will see different versions, like, 720p, 360p etc. near the highlighted keyword. Choose what resolution you need to download. Let us say you want 360p version (as shown below), now copy the url (highlighted in yellow below) corresponding to this version and you are almost done.

Download the Video

Now copy the final url you just copied in a new browser tab/window. It will now start playing the video in your browser after you press the play button. You can now right click and save the video as you like as shown below.

I hope this information will help you. If you have any comments or suggestions, please comment below.

Happy Downloading! Cheers!!

China Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance is 40 Kg

Setting the Scene

If you were booking a flight with China Airlines using any third party website and are muddled by the discrepancies between baggage allowance mentioned on the China Airlines website and your ticket, please continue reading. Else, you can still read and it might solve any other related query. ;)

The ISSUE

China Airlines has a clear mention about the Baggage Allowance on its website as shown below which states that Economy tickets have a Checked Baggage Allowance of 30 Kgs without any limit on the number of units. However, any single bag should not exceed 32 Kgs even if extra luggage allowance is purchased. (I am not considering the Americas, USA and Canada trips.)

Image Source - https://www.china-airlines.com/au/en/fly/prepare-for-the-fly/baggage/baggage-rules

Reality Check

Now, most of the travel websites will actually show a Checked Baggage Allowance of 40 Kgs for Economy and Premium Economy Bookings through China Airlines.  The allowance is real and indeed great, but how do you know for sure?

EaseMyTrip DisturbedMySleep

I had booked my ticket from New Delhi to Brisbane through EaseMyTrip website. After several failed attempts to get in touch with EaseMyTrip Phone Customer Care followed by some email exchanges, they gave a final word that my Checked Baggage Allowance is 40 Kgs but limited to only 1 unit. Despite quoting the 32 Kg rule and the 30 Kg allowance from the official website, EaseMyTrip customer care representative decided to stick to his final verdict of Single 40 Kg unit.

Skype - The Saviour

Finally, the query was resolved when I made a Skype Call to China Airlines headquartered in Taipei. And they confirmed that the allowance was indeed 40 Kgs without any limit on the number of units, though they didn't confirm why their website has gone nuts.

Reflection

I think all the tickets booked in India for China Airlines are somehow the "Special Price" tickets and have this extra Checked Baggage Allowance. The fact that it is nowhere explicitly stated whether it is a Special Price Ticket or some other Business Gimmick Ticket along with its corresponding effect on the Baggage Allowance, it became too hard to figure out what the actual allowance was.

Verdict

China Airlines immediately needs to update their website with proper details.
EaseMyTrip needs to revisit its HR policy and employ people who might actually care for the customer.

Note

If you landed here and it proved useful, please add a comment.

Any suggestions, corrections, doubts, concerns and queries are most welcome.

Have an Awesome Journey! Cheers!

Completely Online Marriage Registration in Uttar Pradesh (UP) @ INR 10 and in 10 minutes

I am putting up this post especially because this information is so hidden on the internet that I had to realize it the hard way (that is by visiting the registrar's office and reading the notices on wall - not that hard a way, but still ;-).

I think it is mainly because there are too many organisations, lawyers and third parties making easy money out of registration process (INR 5000 is kind of standard price) and Google bombards you with such search results. Secondly, government after once introducing this technical advancement didn't put in efforts to advertise it - again this could be attributed to previous reason. Lastly, UP is relatively more fond of Hindi language and their official website for marriage and property registration is completely in Hindi - and this doesn't really go hand in hand with Google search.

Getting to the point now:

Marriage registration in Uttar Pradesh is possible if and only if - either place of marriage is UP or one of the applicants' residence is in UP.
The website - http://igrsup.gov.in/ provides you with two methods of complete and partial online marriage registration (हिन्दू विवाह पंजीकरण).

Completely Online

• Aadhaar Based - Registration is based on Aadhaar Card - so if both the applicants (the couple I mean) don't have their Aadhaar IDs or registered mobile number for receiving OTP, they can reconsider reading this post further. I would still suggest opting for this method of registration, as getting Aadhaar is way too easier these days.
• Direct link - http://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/userMarriageRegistrationMenuSub  - Most of the information is available on the website itself and I won't rewrite here. A few extra pointers follow though.
• Language - The marriage certificate that one gets after completing the registration process is delivered in your e-mailbox in both Hindi as well as Englilsh. If one of the applicants' Aadhaar Card has regional language instead of Hindi (along with English version) in Aadhaar information, for example, Punjabi for Punjab based Aadhaar Cards, then the Hindi version of marriage certificate will have Punjabi written in the auto-filled spaces, which ideally doesn't make any sense, but one still gets the English version right which is widely accepted.
• Photo Upload - Despite following the criteria of 40KB photo size limit and file format as jpg/jpeg, I faced issues in making the website accept the photo upload. It ultimately worked with the photos which I borrowed from the Aadhaar card pdf - which were quite low resolution and low size.
• Stamping - The certificate delivered online over email doesn't require any stamping as is also mentioned on the certificate itself. Due to limited publicity of this online registration process, there is a lack of acceptance of this online certificate as it doesn't bear a physical stamp from marriage registrar. This is really crazy but yes it is truth. Even, the immigration agents create doubts in using this certificate instead of the one with the stamp.
• Costs INR 10 - This is really important to know that marriage registration costs only INR 10, which one can pay through SBI internet banking (this is the only one that works as of now). Hence, it saves you from getting fleeced by the lawyers and third parties who charge at least INR 5000 for the same.

Partially Online

• Office Based - The applicants' information is updated online along with the scanned copies of DOB and Address proofs and photos. The applicants then need to visit the registrar's office as selected in the online form along with the original documents and some forms.
• Direct link - http://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/userMarriageRegistration - Most of the information is available on the website itself about application process, hence won't be repeated here, a few pointers follow though.
• Application Number - The application number one gets after completing the online form is important as it is required for editing/completing the form at a later stage.
• Form A and Witnesses - Though, it is not mentioned anywhere in the online application form or the guidelines regarding this, but a duly filled Form A  is required along with other documents. We got to know this at the registrar's office and the form was available nearby there. The form also has a column that requires two witnesses which can be applicants' parents or any known person.
• Request Application - We are also asked to put in an application request for marriage registration. Again, this doesn't have any mention online, but the office bearer asked for the same.
• Gazzetted officer attested Affidavit - An affidavit on stamp paper that with the marriage details - attested by a gazzetted officer - is also required.
• Partially hire a lawyer - For the last three requirements, I would suggest taking help of a lawyer or ask someone who knows about this stuff. They shouldn't be charging more than INR 10-50 for all of these. Lawyers sitting near the registrar office are always aware of all these requirements. If one gets the whole application process done through them, they are definitely going to fleece you.
• Bribe - This wasn't obvious for me as I thought people in India would have improved now, but yes the sub-registrar did ask for bribe. 

Online Verification of the Certificate

Thanks to Pratyush's comment below, there is a web link available for online verification of the certificate:

http://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/userMarriageRegistrationVerify

As some people had a doubt regarding online verification of the certificate in the comments below, hope this information helps.

How does the certificate look like?

Here is how the Aadhaar based marriage certificate looks like. I have added this as some people were curious about what all is mentioned in the certificate. I have blackened the personal information and added the comments in the image. Hope this helps!

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Peak - Brain Training Mobile Application

It is indeed a consequence as well as a proof of advancing technology that we now have easy means to not just train ourselves physically, but mentally too. Human brain is a piece of art, its complexity has yet not been understood completely and might not get revealed for another few decades - such a wonder it is.

One of the mobile applications which has gained a lot of popularity since its launch is Peak - Brain Training app. I won't do much talking about it and straight away suggest you to download the app and start using it for a first hand experience. And yes, let some lazy and passive neurons start shooting.

But wait, don't just go empty-handed, use this link to get a one week pro version free subscription. This will obviously give a week's free subscription to me as well - one of the reasons why this blog post exits, but yes it will also let you get a taste of its scope of training your brain to a greater extent.

Once you get your hands on this, try Elevate - Brain Training app as well. This is another wonderful app solving the same purpose and offering even more variety to your daily workouts.
No, no more referrals now. :-D

Happy Training and Happy Gaming!

Cheers!

TransferWise - Best money transfer portal

TransferWise is a recent startup that works on a peer-to-peer based money transfer method. The reason for posting about this is 'mutual benefit'. I personally like it and use it for my international transfers. It made sense to put its unique features which I appreciate here and along with that put my referral code to share the benefits.

• Mid-Market Rate: It offers rate which is generally displayed on Google and other websites and is called mid-market rate. This is the best rate usually available on any website.
  
• Transparent Service Charge: There is no other hidden fee and they charge a fixed amount for the transaction and you can do the maths after the transfer to see that no extra charges deducted unlike banks and other websites.
  
• Easy to use: It is very easy to use offering both the web and mobile app service. Hence, once you get a hang of it, it is only a few clicks away to make the transfer.
  
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Control: This is more like a safety measure. The service allows you to put an x% cap on the allowable fluctuation in the exchange rate. If the exchange rate falls below the cap you choose, the transfer will not happen and wait for 5 days for the rate to fall, else will cancel the transfer automatically.
  
• Guaranteed Exchange Rate for 24 Hours - Recently, Transferwise started providing a 24 hour guarantee period for the exchange rate subject to reception of money from your bank account or debit/credit card.
  
• Accessible and Available: The transfer service is available in all the major countries and the count is continuously increasing.
  
• Safe: It is safe to use this website and there are enormous other review websites that verify the fact that it is one of the popular choices.
  
• Referral Benefits: The company offers you certain gift amount if 3 people use your referral code to sign up and make a transfer. You choose the currency you want the reward in. This is also the point where I share my referral code and the purpose of this post is therefore met. But why should you do it? Because it gives you first transfer free of service charge which means that you don't pay any extra charge and get a transfer done at the mid market rate.
  
  Use this link to sign up and get free first transfer- https://transferwise.com/u/72c7b6
  
  Happy Transacting!

Applying Online for Australian Visa through ImmiAccount

I am writing this to get and give more information related to the online application of the Australian Visa. I tried searching for the same, but unfortunately couldn't gather much information for the doubts I had.

I had applied for the Student Visa: Postgraduate Research Sector Temporary Visa (Subclass 574) for my PhD studies in Australia from India. But most of the things mentioned here are in general applicable to all the visa classes.

Depending on which country you are applying from, there are different ways for making the application. In India, one can apply directly to the Australian High Commission, through an agent, through VFS or through ImmiAccount. The last two aren't same though are online methods (I wanted to apply through VFS which I thought earlier to be referring to the ImmiAccount and both being the same thing, but that wasn't the case).

Applying through ImmiAccount, as mentioned on the DIBP website, is handled with top priority while paper based application being the last. The other methods of online application are faster too, that is, through a registered agent or through VFS but it is just that they take some consultation charges. VFS is quite cheap in that sense, while agents can ask for any charges they feel like based on the scale of their organisation/company. ImmiAccount doesn't need any such charges as one handles his application by himself without any third party. The charges being mentioned here are not related to the Visa Fees but just the consultancy charges.

For applying through ImmiAccont, all by yourself, you will be going through these steps:

• Find the exact Visa you will have to apply for your purpose of visit. The tool is available on the official website.

• Register yourself on ImmiAccount and start an application.

• Complete the application and submit it with the corresponding Visa Fees.

• You will be assigned a case officer and he will send you the document checklist.

• Upload the required documents in the ImmiAccount portal under correct heads/categories.

• Complete health requirement test (status for that is directly available in your ImmiAccount).

• Once the checklist is complete, you can press the "Complete Request" button and then confirm.

• It will then show the status of your application as "Assessment in Progress" which earlier would have been showing "Request for Information".

• I am currently at the above step, so I will be updating the post as time passes.

• Now you have to wait for the case officer to respond back or the notification of acceptance of visa.

The average processing time for TU 574 subclass visa is 14 working days through ImmiAccount with Assessment Level 1. It has taken longer than that for me, and might take more than month varying from case to case.

The information I have provided, part of it and details of most of it is available on the official website. But there are certain things which are not known prior like:

• The response time for an email is 7 days for onshore and offshore email addresses for querying about visa and it might take longer than that.

• Sending email to the department in India guided me to connect to the onshore case officer.

• Sending emails to the department (SVCSA offshore) returns with an automatic reply with all the necessary details, and also implying that only thing I can do is wait for them to respond instead of spamming them with query emails.

• Australian High Commission in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi cannot help you with information regarding your visa, so no need to waste time going there. I couldn't also get any of my phone calls received there.

• Making phone calls at onshore (Australia) office also didn't help as no one picked the call.

• The average processing time as experienced by one of the consultant companies is 2-4 weeks for student visas.

The above efforts were made after the average processing time had passed. Querying before that might or might not get entertained.

Things might have been simpler if I would have applied via VFS or an agent, but it was worth exploring. However, I was least interested in throwing away money for agents, but VFS is definitely a good option. Their services as experienced while contacting them initially over phone seemed absolutely fine.

I hope I added some useful information on the www, if there is any suggestion, correction or doubt please do comment. I seek more information and personal experience of applicants.