Tips to buy property in Finland

Sure, Finland features as the fourth best countries to live in. Interestingly, if you remember, Finnish policy even reduces barriers to employment by ensuring all families with young children have access to a subsidised childcare place. Attractive, isn't it?

A lot of European citizens invest in a holiday home in Finland, but living there permanently may need some adjustments to do -- for example, the extreme winters and days at length of ‘no sun’ or nights of only the white sun! But then I am sure you are already aware of all that, and are prepared to make that move.

So here you are, a few top tips to buying property in Finland

             Location.

The most popular locations to buy property in are its major cities, Helsinki, Tempere and Turku. Lapland, at the northern part of the country is also popular with a lot of foreigners, due to it’s vast expanses of green forests and for being renowned as the home of Santa Claus!

Solicitor/Lawyer.

It is advisable to make to of the services of a lawyer or solicitor who can go through the sale agreement or read survey reports and sign for completion of contracts. 

Fees.

Transfer tax must be paid and is at the rate of 4 per cent, and is paid at the time of registering the deed.

Tax.

In Finland, you are required to pay taxes on several heads, so it’s advisable to check where taxes are applicable. For example, there is a separate municipal tax on real estate, and so on.

Foreign nationalities.

Though there are no restriction anymore on foreigners buying property in Finland, they are restricted from acquiring property from the Province of Aland. Even this can be one, with a writ permission from the Finns to buy property int his province!

Days taken.

You may be pleasantly surprised to note that it take 14 days to complete all the required procedures to register a property in Finland.

It is indeed relatively easy and quick to buy property in Finland. 

Best wishes from this side of the world. 

Be sure to visit us to get a peek at homes across the world.

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Netherlands.

Tips to buy property in Belgium

Interested in Belgium, are you? Go for it, I would say. Buying a property is straightforward, more than anything. But be warned, it can be laborious !Living in Belgium is not an easy thing, say some of my friends in Brussels! The one thing that I heard most from those who I asked about life in Belgium, is ‘Be prepared to face bureaucracy!”There are three local languages -- French, Dutch (Flemish) and German, and it’s important that you do not speak the wrong language to the wrong people. Relax, the good news is that,  English is widely accepted and used. Ready to make that move?

Now for the tips

1. Choose and sign.
Once you have selected the property, it is important to sign an agreement to commit to purchasing the house. A final contract is signed a few months later, once the legal work and mortgage issues are done.

1. Notaire. 
All of the above happen via notaries, known as notaire. both the seller and the buyer have a notaire, each. Pick a notaire on recommendation and ensure that s/he is conveniently located. Also, find a notaire, before you find a house.

1. Price.
Assuming that you will do all the necessary research involved in buying a house, remember that the price that you agree with the seller and the price you finally end up paying will differ hugely. There are several factors contributing to this -- huge property taxes, notary fee, taxes on loans and so on. 

1. Structural Surveys.
These are not a legal part for getting a mortgage. You must do it for your own benefit. A must do before you sign up on that agreement.

1. Property Insurance.
You are liable for it from the minute you sign on that dotted line of that agreement. Be aware of these implications and stay alert.

1. Mortgages.
You have a whole plethora of choices in Belgium. make a wise one. What might help you is the services of a mortgage broker. Typically a  mortgage broker helps you find the best deal, the best source for a loan, etc.

Now, what you need, I am sure, is loads of luck! 

Be sure to visit us to get a peek at homes across the world.

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Finland.

Tips to buy property in Switzerland

Here is something you simply must know before you start property search in Switzerland -- the costs involved with property buying in Switzerland is higher than anywhere else in Europe. Not just that, general cost of living is also higher in Switzerland than in any other country in Europe. But then I assume you already know that, right? So here goes, some great tips to get that house you so want!

Some hot tips

1. Laws: Non Swiss citizen have several laws to abide by before a property is bought. You must obtain an authorisation from the Cantonal Authorities and from the Federal Department of Justice and Police, through a notary. This is because there is an annual quota for sale to non Swiss citizens. Also, it’s worth knowing that if either you or your spouse is an EU citizen, Swiss residency is most likely to give you almost all rights as a Swiss citizen.
2. Holiday home or permanent house?  It is very imperative that you decide what you are planning on buying. If it’s a holiday home, where you will stay on for a few months in a year, there are rules, and quotas. If it’s a permanent house, you will definitely have to show your stay permit, especially if you do not hold an EU/EFTA passport. However, this may lead you to a wild goose chase. Be warned.
3. Price payable: This is usually done in stages, which is specified in the purchase agreement. Do go through it thoroughly.
4. Location dependant. Remember the price you will have to pay depends on the location of your house. Of course, this is true in any part of the world.In Switzerland, the property market being small, the location of the property assumes greater importance.
5. Loans: Do remember that local banks can loan up to two thirds of the purchase price.
6. Agent: A piece of good advice -- identify and pick a good, trustworthy and experienced real estate agent early in this process. It eases out a lot of hassles and quickens the process, too.
7. Taxes and rates. It is important to do a thorough research on the property taxes applicable in each town/ canton.. It may serve you well to know that the Canton of Zug, for example, has the lowest tax, and therefore, highest property price in all of Switzerland!

Hope this has helped you in some way. Do drop in a line if you need to know more.. or simply visit our website

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Belgium.

Tips to buy property in Sweden

Here are some good news if you’re planning to buy property in Sweden:

• There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Sweden.
• House prices have fallen considerably in 2011. 
• The real estate transfer process is easy, swift and quick. 

So, looks like it’s the right thing to  buy property in the biggest Scandinavian Nation. However, you could visit there on a holiday and check out... After all it has been reported as the 7th best country to live in!

Here goes my tips for you...

1. Agent. Most house hunting, negotiations and preparing relevant papers are managed by real estate agents. It’s best you appoint one for your self.
2. Deposit. In Sweden, there is a norm that the buyer places 20% of the property price as deposit, as soon as the buying price is agreed upon. 
3. Conduct a survey. It’s a common practise in Sweden. A friend who had recently moved to Sweden recommends that it’s best to hire the services of an independent surveyor, who will do a profession job of it.
4. Hire a solicitor. Though it's is not a must, it’s definitely advisable to hire a legal person to carry out all your legal work. It eases your work and helps a great deal to have a professional work at legal issues.
5. Deeds of Title. You have to apply for this within three months of the sale transfer. the deeds of Title will need to be submitted for registration. 
6. Charges and fee: Stamp duty is charged on the registration of Deeds of Title at about 1% of the purchase price. Agent fees are approx. 3.5 % and are usually payable by the seller. You also have to pay the property tax, wealth tax and so on. Do find out and be prepared.
7. All the best

Hey, by the way, I assume you will follow my standard instructions diligently -- RESEARCH. It’s a must.

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Switzerland

Tips to buy property in Portugal

Welcome back. Portugal was Ninth on our list of Top Ten countries with a healthy work-life balance. If you are looking to relocate to foreign shores and are considering Portugal, here is what you will need to know....

Before I plunge in with the dos and the don’t and tips to live in this stunning country, you must know that just as in any other beautiful country, holidaying is all heavenly and fun, but living there is simply another ball game. You have to be practical and realistic about relocating to Portugal. No, No No... I am definitely not putting you off, or scaring you. Being prepared is a good thing, don’t you agree? And, who better than I, your good friend, MILO, to prepare you?

Here we go....

A few good things:

1. A great place for retirees. The government of Portugal has recently introduced a ten-year tax exemption window of opportunity for foreign retirees. Those who want to retire abroad to live in Portugal can enjoy a reduced cost of living. (Watch out this blog -- I will dedicate an entire post to retirement in Portugal, on a future date.)
2. Best golf courses in the world. So, if you are a passionate golfer, this piece of information might give you an added push to choose Portugal. Of course, you have to stock up on the money as well!
3. Fabulous Weather. It’s just for the beautiful weather alone, that Portugal is very popular, especially among Britons, to settle in.
4. Affordable property prices. Apparently, finding a good bargain for a property is easy in Portugal, if you are not looking at some mod luxury resort type of a house, that is!
5. Good health care systems. It’s easy to get medicines over the counter. The system is far more sophisticated than many European countries.

Now for the Hot tips:

1. Preliminary contract for sale. In Portugal, execution of this contract, called the Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda, is the first step. This initial agreement is a legally binding contract that sets forth the conditions of the sale. This is later legalised by presenting in the Notary Office. This contract is legally binding on both sides and breach of this, attracts a fine, or forfeit of deposit, as the case may be.
2. Important Documents: Ensure that the following documents are available:

• a) A Habitation License for property constructed after 1951
• b) Certified insertion in the records of the Land Conservatory
• c) A detailed “Caderneta Urbana” from the Tax Office

1. Government Licensed Estate Agent: Its very important to use a licensed estate agent. S/he is bonded by the state by means of an insurance cover and this proves helpful when there are disputes!
2. Always use a lawyer. This is true of property buying anywhere abroad. In Portugal, too, this is most practical in order to act for any legal matter on your behalf. A document named ‘Procuração Publica’ is prepared with all the required details, which is then signed by those granting the ‘power of attorney’ in the Notary Office, and registered in the Notary. This official document can also be created in the Portuguese language outside Portugal in a Portuguese Consul in a foreign country. It can also be created in a Notary in the language of the country concerned, in which case, the document must have the Seal of the Notary and an Apostil attached. An official translation into the Portuguese language will later be necessary.
3. Fiscal Number. In fact, this should be the first thing you have in place -- A Fiscal Number, also known as Numero Fiscal de Contribuinte. It’s a must for all nationals and foreign nationals, wishhing to buy property in Portugal. It’s easy to obtain from any tax office at a nominal fee. It’s also called a Tax Card.
4. State Payment. Just before the purchase, you will be required to pay the CEMI, a state payment which can be carried out in a local tax office, closes to your property. The amount depends on the nature of the property and there may be cases when the buyer is exempted from paying the same. Your estate agent and lawyer should be able to help you out on this.
5. Completion of Sale. Once the above procedures are complete, the act of sale can be done in any Notary office. You could also complete the purchase of your property at the Conservatória do Registo Predial (land registry office) through a fairly new system called ‘Casa Pronta’.The completion of sale is often called the ‘Escritura’ which refers to the title deeds of the property.
6. Registration of Property. Once the full payment is made and the documents are in place, you will need to register your property, in order to legally make it yours! Once you have registered, you might have to notify the local tax office regarding change of ownership. Your appointed lawyer will, of course take care of all these.
7. Final Touches. We have reached the end of the steps involved in buying property in Portugal. However, as I always say in all my posts, do your research well. Talk to locals, read up, make new friends, and... learn the language. Portuguese is rather complicated but it’s worth knowing, especially since you plan to live in the country.
8. Best luck to you.

Hope that was of use to you. I have taken loads of help from friends who live in Portugal, some informative websites and other reading material. A big thank you to all those who helped put this together. See you soon.

Much Love,

Milo

P.S: Coming up next: Property buying in Germany! Achtung!

Top Ten Tips -- Buying property in France

Welcome to my hot tips for buying property. Our chosen country is France, this time. Refer to our list of ten best countries to live in, and you will find France on the tenth!

My top ten tips:

Before we begin, I must tell you that buying property in France is fairly straightforward. Also, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership. Therefore the process maybe a simple one. Still, there are some things you have to bear in mind.

1.     Know your French. And know it well. Half baked knowledge of the language is dangerous. Better still, simply get assistance in translation.

2.     Select your region. France is a huge country. So narrow down your search to which region you might want to invest in. (for more info on regions, do look up one of our earlier posts --‘Knowing France’ - a three part series). Also, you must make up your mind whether you want a town house or a country house.

3.     First, only a verbal offer. Remember, not to sign any paper or hand over any money, till you are in front of the notaire to process the sale and purchase contract. If possible, do some research and appoint your own notaire. Do ensure you clear your doubts and ask for advice from your notaire. A notaire’s fee is fixed by law and is non-negotiable.

4.     Research. Do ample research about the property that is of interest to you. Ask questions, make a couple of visits before you get to the ‘notaire’ stage. It might also be extremely useful to go through all the taxes you might have to pay -- agent’s fee, notaire’s fee, land registrar’s fee, VAT, registration fee, and so on.

5.     Preliminary Agreements. Once you have decided on the property and agreed on the price, you will need to sign a preliminary agreement with the seller. You will also have a seven day cool off period, during which time, you have the right to change your mind. This time is best used for structural survey and other inspections, if required.

6.     Buying property with French mortgage. Mortgages are cheaper in France and offers a whole lot of tax advantages. If you do opt for mortgages, ask about conditional clauses and incorporate them.

7.     Vendor obligations. Be sure to know what the vendor has to provide to you before the sale. The vendor must provide a number of statutory survey reports. Get clarification and help from your notaire on this front and do not go by the report alone. The vendor is also obliged to make a number of statutory disclosures, which you must verify in front of your notaire. 

8.     Laws for unmarried, married and group of people. There are different laws and conditions, you must know and bear in mind. Ask friends, legal experts and read up.

9.     It’s all about wits.  It’s often noticed that when you buy property in your own country, you keep your wits about you, but when it comes to buying property abroad, you lose track of where you left it! Often, it’s your wits that come to your rescue or help you in a situation. Basically, you must remain calm and be able to think clearly without confusion.

10.   Loads of luck. 

Much love

Milo

P.S. A million thank you to several informative websites and my French friends who helped me draw out a comprehensive list.

P.P.S: Our next post: Tips on buying property in Portugal. See you there :)

Top Ten Countries to Live In

I scanned through several studies to bring to you, the ten best countried to live in. In what way are they the best? They are the ones that provide the healthiest work-life balance.

The OECD -- the International Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, drew up a cmprehensive list of countries that offer the healthy and safe work and life balance.

Here are the top ten from there....

Number 10: France

• Only 9 per cent of working people work very long hours, i.e., more than 50 hours a week.
• Employement rate of women between the ages 25 to 54 years is well above the OECD average.
• The study shows that there is enough quality time spent devoted to leisure, family and personal care.

Number 9: Portugal

• Only 6 per cent of working people work very long hours, i.e., more than 50 hours a week.
• High women employment rate.
• There was much time spent on leisure and personal care.
• Most families in Portugal were one child families

Number 8: Germany

• Gender pay gaps were well above the OECD prescribed average.
• Just 5 per cent of working people work very long hours, i.e., more than 50 hours a week.
• Again, time spent on leisure and personal care was well above the prescribed norm.

Number 7: Sweden

• People in Sweden spend 65 per cent of the day, i.e., about 15.5 hours in a day, on personal care (eating, sleeping, etc.) and leisure (socialising, entertaining, pursuing hobbies, etc.)
• Only one per cent of working people work very long hours, i.e., more than 50 hours a week.
• Women employement is high.

Number 6: Switzerland

* People in Switzerland work 1640 hours a year, lower than the OECD average of 1739 hours.

• Only 6 per cent of working people work very long hours, i.e., more than 50 hours a week.
• High rate of women employment.

Number 5: Belgium

• People in Belgium work 1550 hours a year, one of the lowest rates.
• Almost 16 hours a day are devoted to personal care and leisure.
• only 4 per cent of the working people work long hours.

Number 4: Finland

• As the report says, The Finnish model of work and family reconciliation stands out in international comparison because of the manner in which it provides choice to parents with young children. Finnish policy reduces barriers to employment by ensuring all families with young children have access to a subsidised childcare place.
• Approximately, 15 + hours a day are spent on leisure and personal care.
• High women employment rate.

Number 3: Netherlands

• One of the lowest rates in OECD, people in Netherlands work for about 1378 hours a year.
• In the past two decades, the rise in female employment in the Netherlands has been rapid.
• Only one per cent of the working population work long hours.

Number 2: Norway

• Only 3 per cent of the working people work longs hours.
• Again, people in Norway work about 1407 hours a year -- much much lower than the OECD’s prescribed norms.
• The employment rate of women with children: 79 %

Number 1: Denmark

• As per the OECD report, “Denmark ranks first in participation in childcare services and also boasts the lowest child-poverty rates.”
• Only two percent of the working people work long hours.
• The employment rate of women with children: 78%

A word about the OECD. It’s an International organisation with 34 member countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Northa nd South America.

So, the above study pertains only to those member countries. Nevertheless, it’s a good guide to decipher where we might want to live.

There we are! So, which country would you want to live in?

Watch this space. We will bring you tips on how to buy property in each of these countries -- the dos and the don’ts.

Enjoy browsing for homes across the world,homesacrosstheworld.com

Love

Milo

P.S: Coming up Next: Tips on and Process of buying property in France.

Tips and Advices - A day with a Kitchen Consultant (Part 2)

Milo’s day out with the kitchen consulant continues....

Okay, I can see you are back to know more about my day. Initial planning questions done, the in-depth aspects became more and more interesting. Are you ready to go?

The Work Flow Chart

You do remember I told you about the sequence and flow of work in a kitchen, right?

I know what you’re thinking... It’s all about basic activities in every kitchen --preparation, washing, cooking and storing! What other flow could be there! I had the same question too! So did our client. “The design has to make for the smooth integration of these basic activities,” explained JSK. “A good kitchen design ensures that one does not have to retrace the steps too often while performing normal cooking activities!”

That answers your doubt.

Okay, so there were a few points to be kept in mind:

1. Smooth functioning of activities without much to and fro.
2. No doors en-route to interrupt the flow.
3. Make the sequence of kitchen work, logical and economical.
4. Ensure minimum distance between work areas (platforms, sink, cook tops) and storage areas.
5. Oragnise clutter.

Once you understand these points, it’s rather easy to make a rough sketch of a design of sorts in your mind.

The Layout

Did you know that there are six basic types of kitchen layouts? With distinct features of its own, each design can function efficiently within the given space and size.

You kitchen consultant will be the best person to tell you which one you should pick. However, you must know what these layouts are.

The U shape:

1. Ideal for a large space.
2. As the name suggests, platforms run on three sides, forming a U.
3. Gives a lot of work and storage space.

The L shaped:

1. The platform runs along two perpendicular walls.
2. Very common in many parts of India, and cities like New York.

The Straight Line:

1. All the work area is set against a single wall.
2. Most suited for narrow spaces.
3. Looks sleek.

The Galley:

1. Work platforms on either side.
2. It is an ideal layout in terms of efficiency, for many.

The island:

1. Requires a lot of space.
2. The island can also be used as an informal dining area.
3. Works well in a commercial kitchen.

The peninsular:

1. Good for a large space.
2. It has a unit free on three sides.
3. One side is perpendicular to the wall or to the other kitchen units, which can be used as a breakfast counter.

That brings us to more important aspects like lighting, ventilation, storage and others. See you soon with more on these aspects in our part 3.

I’d love to hear from you...

Give me your comments, feedback, feedback and doubts, and I’ll get back to you...

                                                                                                                                                                            Milo

Tips and Advices - A day with a Kitchen Consultant

Kitchen designing is no child’s play. It involves meticulous planning, understanding needs and identifying wants, discovers MILO.**

I spent an entire day with a kitchen consultant. Just to understand what his job exactly entails. At the end of the day I was wiser, enriched and already had a plan in mind for my own kitchen.

I walked in just as JSK (The kitchen consultant - he does not want his name revealed!) was getting ready for his new assigment. He was visiting his client who wanted a designer kitchen. I joined him.

What followed was a complete run down of wants, needs, habits and lifetysles before a design could be conceived.

Here is the first part of the series...

MILO

PLANNING

A good design of kitchen must consider the family’s lifestyle, their eating habits and entertainment patterns. JSK first asked his client these questions:

1. What is your budget?

You have to keep a budget in mind. It’s important to then decide on the amount and kind of structural work, materials to be purchased, as also the appliances that need to be installed.

According to JSK, the ideal budget while making your your kitchen should be anywhere between 5 to 7 per cent of the value of your property.

2. What is your family structure?

Type: Nuclear, single person, a couple, or a joint family. This determines the storage requirements.

Age: Requirement change according to the different ages.

3. What is your storage pattern?

Some people buy and store for a full year, while others do their monthly purchases. Depending on your style, the shelves, cupboards and storage units have to be designed.

4. How often do you have guests over?

Don’t brush tis off as being a weird question. It has an important bearing on the design. This will determine the kind of appliances in your kitchen, the size of the refrigerator, kind of storage, counter area, and so on.

Once these basic questions were answered JSK had a fairly clear idea of what his clients wanted. The next few important aspects of information concerned the sequence and flow of work and the layout.

Watch out for these two aspects, soon...

(To be continued)

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** Milo is HAW’s mascot writer, who makes it his business to find his ways into people’s homes, heads and hearts to quench his thirst of knowing everything there is to know about  homes, real estate, properties, laws, designing, interiors.... Well... everything to do with homes!

Look out for his views, interviews, opinions and stories!

The Frozen Sea and Land Around

Black sea often gets frozen due to the sub zero temprtatures in that region. The scene is a spectacular one as the gushing sea stands still as if following the commandment of a higher order!

Here are some stunning pictures, and they really make an impact on you, you might want to invest in property near by. Just for info, the Black Sea borders six countries -- Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, The Ukraine, Russia and Georgia.

These pictures below are the coast off Odessa, the third largest city in Ukraine.

Very close to black sea, in Odessa, are fabulous apartments for sale as well as rent. Odessa boasts of providing several options to invest on residential real estate.

First, the fab pictures...

Black Sea frozen on the coast of Odessa

Odessa and Real Estate In Ukraine

Odessa and Real Estate In Ukraine

The city of Odessa, is said to be very different from most cities we know. With a nightlife that claims vibrancy, beautiful beaches and museums, one can safely say that this city is meant to be enjoyed completely. 

Reports say that real estate prices are now faling in Ukraine, making it the right time to invest in apartments. There are hoards of just completed residential houses, and also several under construction ones!

Ukraine has seen a real estate boom ever since the Orange Reveloution, way back in 1994. It has seen a lot of foreign investments in real estate in recent times, too. Ukrainian property can also be bought through some real estate agencies without the buyer's physical presence, through online services. Nevertheless, buyers, especially of expensive property, prefer to make the deal in person.

However, as is the case with real estate purchases in any part of the world, the buyer must excersice caution before finalising any deal. Thofough research is required to be done. Not just that, it’s important that foreign investors keep all necessary documents in order and take extra care and precaution before buying property/ renting property or even giving out own property on lease.

Property Buying Tips

Buying property? There is more to it than getting the finance and picking a reputed builder. Here is a quick run through of common sense tips. You already know it all, but the best of us, forget the best of things at times.

1. The Real Reason: Why do you want to buy the property? To have your ‘own’ home, for investment purpose only, a holiday home, a place to retire to, or to relocate? Once you know the reason, you will be more clear on what type of property to zero in on. This is especially important if you are buying a home outside of your city or even country.
2.  Research: This is very important. Before you set out, read up, browse through several websites, talk to people, use your network to know more.  And, yes... prepare a checklist of what you want.
3. Visit: Of course, you must pay a visit and check out the property or properties, as the case maybe. Go along with someone -- a relative, a friend, or better still, someone from the town/ country! This is because, that person may bring in a fresher perspective and probably see what you don’t! Ask questions. Click photographs and go through your checklist!
4. Repeat Visits: Try visiting the property several times before you pay up, and visit the place at different times of the day.
5. Facilities & Amenities: Look for what the builder-developer is offering you vis-a-vis the price you are paying. Also, its important to know how far the nearest medical care unit, school, railway station, airport, shopping mall, etc., are located.    
6. Language: In case you are relocating to another city or country, you must be prepared to learn the local language as also about the culture of that place.
7. Time: Be prepared to invest time into the project. You cannot expect to find your dream home the first time around!
8.  Insurance: Go through the due diligence bit and get home insurance done. It’s really a must!
9.  Solicitors: Pick someone you know. Avoid solicitors who have been recommended by agents. Find an independent one of repute.
10. Survey: Get a property survey done by a professional -- someone who is familiar with local construction processes and materials.

All this apart, enjoy the process. The journey is always more important than the destination.

Trinidad & Tobago -- The Indian Link!

Trinidad & Tobago -- The Indian Link!

With the First Lady of Trinidad & Tobago visiting India, the media is full of news about Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Indian roots and her attachment to our nation. Do the similarities between T&T and India end there?
Let’s dig deeper...





CUSTOMS & CULTURE
Apparently, people in T&T love to dance to Bollywood music. There’s more! Just like in India, there is always something to celebrate in Trinidad. Different ethnic groups have settled in these Caribbean twin islands, over generations, creating a rich mix of dance, music, art, cuisine and festivals. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and vigour, just as Eid-Ul-Fitr is.

May 30, celebrated as Arrival Day, commemorates the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad from India in 1845. The Indians brought a wide range of festivals, spices and food into the country, To this day, the influence of these early immigrants can be seen in the language, music, dance and customs of Trinidad and Tobago.
During the month of March, the colourful fest of Holi is celebrated to the tunes of folk songs and the sounds of the Dholak!



LANGUAGE
Interestingly, Trinidad, a multilingual region, has its inhabitants, speaking in Urdu and Bhojpuri, apart from English and Spanish! Language used in Tobago, is mainly English!

FOOD
Food is one way to trace the roots of any culture. A typical Trinidadian meal always has a generous portion of rice, curry, potatoes and Chick peas, as well as rotis (Indian Flatbread).

FUTURE CONNECT
The T&T PM seems to be thoroughly taken in by what she saw at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held at Jaipur. Like India, Trinidad and Tobago too have a rich and divers cultural heritage. This may form the basis of connect between the two countries for investment opportunities, as well as knowledge sharing.

We now need to wait and watch to see the growth in both countries through mutual benefit and exchange.

GIFT -- Will this be the best gift to India’s growth?

GIFT - The Hi-Tech city project in Gandhinagar, Gujarat is all set to catapult India onto the global realty map. Experts analyse that this may shape the future of Urban India.

GIFT -- Gujarat International Finance Tech-City is slated to be India’s test-bed for future cities. It is said to be the city for the next generation

Apparently, the new concepts tried out in GIFT, maybe widely used in smart cities of the future. Let’s find out more!

Salient Features of GIFT

* It is an international financial centre, which is developing near Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

* Area: 3.85 Sq Km

* Investments: Rs 78, 000- crore planned on infrastructure and buildings.

* Will use state of art technologies in IT, energy, waste management and other areas.

* Command and control centre: to monitor all buildigns and optimise use of energy as well as to respond automatically to emergencies and faults.

* District Cooling: Use of chilled water for cooling, This can be used easily with renewable energy and also requires less maintenance than cooling. This is already being tried in a few places like Toronto and Abu Dhabi. Its proponents say that this technology consumes 90% less energy compared with traditional air-conditioning.

* Automated Waste Collection: In this system, garbage is sorted out and then sucked away at high speed through underground tubes to a central location. It is currently being used in London, Montreal, Stockholm and Barcelona. No Indian city has these technologies yet. Automated waste collection can be combined with biomass energy generation systems, so GIFT will burn waste to generate energy.

Points to ponder

Work on the project has already begun and the project is expected to complete phase one in three and a half years’ time.

The stock exchanges of London, Tokyo and Singapore, as well as several Indian banks, have shown interest in setting up offices in GIFT.

State-of-the-art connectivity, infrastructure and transportation access have been integrated into the design of the city.