EDITORIAL:

Welcome, It is a great pleasure to introduce

Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote nations in the
world; this unspoiled corner of the Pacific offers a peaceful, and
non-commercialized environment that is ideal for rest and
relaxation. The spectacular marine environment consisting of a
vast expanse of ocean interspersed with atolls, magnificent
lagoons, coral reefs and small islands all provide a unique
ambience.
to you – ‘Poco Hablar’, The In-House
Magazine of Star Destination Management
Company, Chennai. Poco Hablar is Spanish
for Small Talk. Why Spanish? Coz it’s the
third most spoken language in the world after
Mandarin and Hindustani and just above
English. Talking small isn’t a bad thing if
you dream Big and Aim for the stars ...
Poco Hablar is a fun, informative way of
talking about Work and Office. It’s about
New Places, Fun Facts and Laugh-Out-Loud
Jokes.

In Tuvalu you can discover a distinctive Polynesian culture of In this First Issue, We Bring to you Tuvalu,
atoll island people who vigorously maintain their unique art, An island nation fighting for space.. An
crafts, architecture, music, dance and legends. exclusive interview with Mr.Tanveer Hussain
on his Travel and Life. Also in this issue are
Location Tips, Facts and Jokes that are sure to
entertain.
Tuvalu lies west of the International dateline and 1000km north of
in the central Pacific just below the equator and is 12 Hrs Ahead of GMT.

Tuvalu is one of the tiniest nations in the world with a land area
of a mere 25 square kms. The Capital is Funafuti

Currency : Tuvalu has no currency of its own but uses Australian

currency. Credit Card services are not available anywhere in Tuvalu and
hence so visitors are advised to travel with traveler’s cheques

Climate

Tuvalu has a pleasant tropical climate, usually with little

variation between day & night .The Average is around 30° C

Economy

Import is high, as there is very little manufacturing on the

Island due to the lack of resources and water. Some marine
Resources and coconut products are exported but it isn’t much.

1
 History

The ancestors of Tuvaluan people are believed to have arrived on th

islands
about 2000 years ago.

Tuvalu (Then Ellice Islands) first came under British jurisdiction

1877. In
1892 Tuvalu became a colony. In 1975, following over-whelmin
support
for separation, the country became an independent constitution
monarchy

Getting there

Getting to Tuvalu is in itself an adventure. Not many options are available.

The Fijian domestic carrier, Air Fiji, operates between Suva (Capital of Fiji) and Funafuti twice a
week (Tuesday & Friday).

About 3-4 times a year, the government-owned ships Nivaga II and Manu Folau travel between Suva
and Funafuti.

Attractions

Firstly, There are no mountains; waterfalls or natural

streams, but there are number of features that are of interest to
visitors. In fact, the very lack of such features, along with the
smallness of the land area, is an attraction in its own right. The
vastness of the ocean interspersed with atolls, magnificent
lagoons and small islands; all provide a unique ambience that
makes the country exceptionally attractive.

Apart from the landscape, other sites worth visiting are

remanants of World War II. Large numbers of American
troops were stationed here. An old runway exists on the
northeastern side of Nanumea and the remains of World War II planes are
visible in the scrub. A wreck of a landing craft can be seen on the reef near the
village on Nanumea. There is another World War II airstrip on the islet of
Motulalo in Nukufetau, along with the remains of plane wrecks.

Funafuti atoll was the main base and remains of World War II debris can be
seen along the main island of Fongafale. A well-preserved underground bunker

2
is found on the islet of Tepuka.

(Continued on Page 4…)

Carrot, an Egg, or a Coffee

Bean
A daughter complained to her father about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know
how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one
arose.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.
Soon the pots came to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in the second he placed eggs, and the last he placed
ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes he and turned off the burners. He fished the carrots out and placed them in a
bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them a bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a
bowl.

Turning to her he asked. "Darling, what do you see.”

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.

She did and noted that they were soft.

He then asked her to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee.

She smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.

She humbly asked. "What does it mean Father?"

He explained that each of them had faced the same adversity, boiling water, but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting.

But after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior.
But after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique however.

After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you," he asked his daughter.

3
"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?
Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

(Continued from page 2)

On Funafuti, the site of the drilling by scientists to prove Darwin's theory on the formation of atolls can be found. Darwin's
theory was proved to be correct and evidence of submerged volcanoes was found after drilling to a depth of more than 1000
feet.

The Funafuti Conservation Area (FCA) covers 33 square kilometers of water and land on the western side of the Atoll. It
includes reef, lagoon, channel, ocean and islands habitats. There are six uninhabited islets with native broadleaf forest and
coral sand beaches are located within the protected area and are home to coconut crabs, nesting seabirds and turtles. A variety
of colorful fish can easily be seen through the clear blue lagoon while coral reefs and bommies provide for excellent
snorkeling and scuba diving oppurtunites.

Entertainment

Traditional dancing is performed on special occasions, such as

when opening a building, greeting special visitors, or
celebrating holidays.

The national game is te ano (the ball). Two teams line up facing
one another; one member throws the heavy ball toward the
other team, who must hit it back with their hands. Points are
scored if the opposite team lets the ball fall and the first team to
reach 10 ponits wins.

Tourism in Tuvalu

Visitor numbers are small. Of the 1,200 arrivals in 2005, it is estimated that bona fide holidaymakers
totaled a mere 100; with the remainder being comprised of expatriates returning home to visit friends and
relatives. The travel and tourism industry relies heavily on business/government-related travel and people
visiting friends and relatives.

Tuvalu has limited resources. Marketing objectives are undertaken through the umbrella function of the
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), based in Fiji. Much of the marketing focuses on Tuvalu’s
year-round warm climate, relaxing atmosphere and the friendliness of its people

The travel and tourism industry has many serious factors that have to be overcome if it is to develop.
Tuvalu has a small landmass, with dangers of overcrowding if the population and visitor numbers grow.
Waste and garbage disposal is a major problem and Tuvalu has a very fragile environment, both on land
and at sea. If there is to be tourism development, then it needs to be small-scale, low-impact development.

Tuvalu continues to lose land to the rising sea levels caused by global warming. Tourism is therefore
under threat. The prediction is that the island nation will be submerged in 30-50 years.

4
The prospects for this wonderful land look bleak. Visiting Tuvalu is not easy but its now or never for Tuvalu, because
for future generations Tuvalu will be just another ‘Paradise Lost’ …

KNOW YOUR BOSS

Poco Hablar got chatty with our General Manager, Mr.
Tanveer Hussain. The following is a transcript of the
interview:

PH: Firstly, What do you think about the name ‘Poco

Hablar’?

BOSS: Sounds Good, Sounds Different! Will be fun to

ask
others if they read Poco Hablar.

PH: What was your First Job and how was the
experience?

BOSS: My first job was as a reservation assistant at Hertz India. I handled a fleet of 30 Drivers. It
was tough and Risky. (Smiles) You know how crude drivers can be . I literally had to run out of there.
I worked there for only 3 months.

PH: What did you do with your first salary?

BOSS: My First salary came in College where I used to teach French to African students. I was paid
800 Rupees. I bought a saree for my mom ( which PH thinks is sweet! ) and loaned some to my
friend, which incidentally I never got back.

PH: Favourite Sport and Why?

BOSS: Basketball. (PH: Why?) …Laughs. Probably because I was the tallest in the class. I played
Basketball at District Level.

PH: Who was your First crush?

BOSS: I was in my 7th Grade. She was my neighbour and dance-mate.

PH: Where did you go on your first Date?

BOSS: Ah, That’s an unforgettable experience. We were in college. We ran to Pondicherry for 2 days.
It had created quite an issue then.

PH: Something that No-one in the office doesn’t know and you’re willing to share it first time on
Poco Hablar?

5
BOSS: I dance well. I’ve learnt Dance. I learnt Ballet and Salsa …I’ve performed shows (smiles) Not
sure if I’d be able to do that now

PH: Your Ultimate Ambition in Life?

BOSS: My Ultimate ambition (thinks…) would be to have seen the whole world. I love traveling and
seeing new places.

PH: First Memorable vacation?

BOSS: (Laughs) My First Date is the most memorable one.

PH: Your Dream Destination?

BOSS: It’s got to be Greece. I just love it but never been able to get there. I planned it a few times but
it never worked out

PH: Who is your Favourite person in SDMC?

BOSS: PH regrets that it could not get the BOSS to name anyone. He said he isn’t particularly close
with anyone.

PH: Best Moment in SDMC

BOSS: (Laughs) The Day I got my appointment letter was the best moment for Star (& For you @
star?) The Best moment was when I received the Cheque from Star Aviation. It was a result of hard
work and we literally had to fight for it. Lots of competition. Our presentation was good. I really
cherish that moment

PH: How do you define Success without using the words Hard Work, Perseverance and Dedication?

BOSS: Success means doing things right for the right reasons at right time, without comprising
integrity, sincerity and living upto (your) commitments. It is just like looking in the mirror and liking
what you see.

PH: Any message for the Staff of SDMC that you want to give through Poco Hablar?

BOSS: They’re not my staff, nor my subordinates. They’re my colleagues! My message would be:
Guys, Work Hard and Be Honest
And Success will fall to your feet.
Be yourself. I am where I am today because I’ve been honest.

6
 (PH warns its readers that BOSS has confessed He can tell a liar by looking him in the eye. So
beware and be Honest! )
SERIOUSLY InsAnE!!
Optical illusion
The World’s best Pick-up
(Good or Evil)
Line! The World’s Worst Pick-up line

Guy: Excuse me, do you

have any raisins? Can I buy you a drink or do you

Girl: Yes / No? Just want the money?

Guy: oh, How about a

date?

d You Know ?

Tipping at a restaurant in Iceland is considered an insult!

Bird droppings are the chief export of the Pacific island of Nauru
There are no rivers in Saudi Arabia.
Switzerland attracts the most suicide tourists in the world.
There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos!

LAUGH-OUT-LOUD (LOL)! Keep Your BRAiN! Occupied !

Two men got out of their cars after they
collided at an intersection. One took a flask
from his pocket and said to the other, "Here,
maybe you'd like a nip to calm your nerves."
"Thanks," he said, and took a long pull from
the container. "Here, you have one, too," he
added, handing back the whiskey. "Well, I'd
rather not," said the first. "At least not until
after the police have been here."
Quote:
“People travel to faraway places to watch, in
fascination, the kind of people they ignore at
home.” - Dagobert D. Runes
Three people check into a hotel. They
pay £30 to the manager and go to their
room. The manager suddenly
remembers that the room rate is £25
and gives £5 to the bellboy to return to
the people. On the way to the room the
bellboy reasons that £5 would be
difficult to share among three people so
he pockets £2 and gives £1 to each
person. Now each person paid £10 and
got back £1. So they paid £9 each,
totalling £27. The bellboy has £2,
totalling £29. Where is the missing £1?
Source :brainbashers.com

Unquote:
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the next morning you will
have a flat tire. – Cannon’s law 7
 Let’s Talk Trade !
Better Days Ahead
Economist and former Reserve Bank
Governor has said that the economy will
recover in the second half of 2009 and
there would be distinct improvement in
growth in 2010-11.
Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in
2008-09 was below 7%, down from 9 %
recorded in the previous fiscal, he said
while speaking at IIFT.
"As regards India... we will see signs of
recovery in the second half of 2009. Fiscal
2010-11 will see improvement in growth,"
Rangarajan said.
Source : Businessline
15-20 per cent discount packages to
Indian tourists
According to a PTI report, the Mauritian
government has come up with various travel
packages offering 15-20 per cent discounts,
in order to attract tourists from India this
holiday season. The packages are being
offered in association with Air Mauritius.
The all inclusive discount packages for six
nights/seven days starts at Rs 40,000 with
return airfare, and have various options for
accommodation and sight-seeing. The offer
is valid till September end.
Source : Travelbiz Monitor
E-Visa for Indians
The Embassy of Arab Republic of Egypt in
New Delhi and the consulate in Mumbai
have started issuance of electronic visa in
view of facilitating and encouraging more
and more Indians to visit Egypt, the land of
Pharaohs. This was informed by Dr
Mohammed Higazy, Ambassador of Arab
Republic, Egypt.. The Embassy is looking
forward to double the figure of the
outbound flow from India to Egypt which
touched one lakh visitors in the year 2008.
Source : Travelbiz Monitor
Kingfisher Keys on Agent Sales
Kingfisher Airlines, the India-based startup carrier, is keying on
travel agents as it builds its business in the US, according to Atul
Kumria, head of sales for North America.
Kingfisher, which in January introduced Heathrow-Bombay and
Heathrow-Bangalore service, is paying US agents 8% uncapped
on Kingfisher First and 5% uncapped on Kingfisher (economy),
according to Andy Bhatia, regional sales manager - Eastern USA.
"The travel agent distribution network is very important to our
strategy in North America," said Bhatia, a long-time airline
executive in the US
Kingfisher, established in 2005 and already India's largest
domestic airline, is laying the groundwork to enter the US and
Canadian markets, The airline already has won renown for its
inflight service, which is rated 5-Stars by Skytrax.
In the Kingfisher First Class compartment, there are only 37
flatbed seats, plus a cocktail bar and lounge area. The first class
service also includes such unusual touches as spectacle cleaning
and steam pressing of jackets, in addition to what Bhatia calls
"seven-star" foods service.
The Kingfisher A330, which Airbus officials call the best the
company has built and showcase when they are making sales
presentations, is designed for long-haul comforts, noted Kumria.
The executives added that the airline's nomenclature tells of its
emphasis on service. In fact, Kingisher's ‘guests’ are given the e-
mail address of company chairman Vijay Mallya, who personally
reads and responds to guests' emails.
Source : TravelTrade.com
Travel bookings to South Africa for DLF IPL pick up
Travel bookings to South Africa for the Indian Premier League
(IPL), which were initially, slow, have seemed to increase.
“Nearly 70 per cent of bookings have come from corporates that
are either sponsoring the teams or looking to combine IPL with
business meetings or offsites for their employees
Source : Travelbiz Monitor
Editorial Team :
Elavarasi .C (Creative Editor)
8
Tanveer Ahmed Sait (Content Editor)