Apr 18 2013

Walk on Water – Sydney Harbor Bridge

Constructed till19th January 1932 and opened since 19th March 1932, Sydney Harbour Bridge has been used by countless people on foot as well as by other means including bicycle. The bridge was designed by a British firm called Dorman Long and Co Ltd. Still standing tall as an icon it was also known as “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design.

New year is Sydney is spectacular and the bridge is an integral part of it. Also the more adventurous souls can try to climb this bridge and get an amazing view of the city. I was walking home one day and while crossing the bridge thought of clicking some pics of the bridge that I would like to share with you.

Now that you have already seen the pics lets take a look at some very interesting facts about the bridge:

It a 1439 steps climb to the top of the bridge
A very interesting fact is that the pylons are only decoration! They don’t really hold it up
Fact shared by Lyn (http://theencouragingscribe.wordpress.com) – Actor Paul Hogan, of Crocodile Dundee fame, used to be a rigger on the Sydney Harbour bridge and spent his days painting the iconic landmark.
It is the second longest single arch bridge in the world after the Bayonne Bridge in the US (70 cms longer than this)
Average traffic has increased from planned 11 thousand to 160 thousand till date
The Bridge is painted grey because it was the only paint they had enough of at the time!
The area it takes to paint it is the size of 60 sports fields.
The payment (20 million dollars) of the bridge took 56 years to be made.

Some more typical facts about the bridge:

The Length of each arch span is 503 metres
The Height to the top of the aircraft beacon is 141 metres above mean sea level
Width of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s deck is 49 metres
Clearance for shipping and vessels is 49 metres
Height of the Bridges pylons are 89 metres above mean sea level

Also refer the below link for more information on the same:
http://sydneyharbourbridge.aussieblogs.com.au/facts-about-the-sydney-harbour-bridge/

Apr 14 2013

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Identity Unknown – Picture perfect or simple defect

Identity Unknown - Picture perfect or simple defect

I saw this plant in Pokhara, Nepal and havn’t been able to identify it yet. Does anyone want to give it a go? May be lets just give it a new name. I took the picture because it looked nice with the background color. Tell me first thing that comes into your mind looking at this picture.

Apr 14 2013

Bhaktapur – A city of festivals and celebrations

Bhaktpur is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Many people who go to Kathmandu miss this place. But I would really recommend to visit this 1427 A.D. town that is rich in culture and gives you a feel of the life style at that time. It is called a city of festivals because here people celebrate festivals each month starting from new year to the end of the year.

I would love to live at this place but I only had a day to visit this beautiful enchanting place so I would love to share the pics of this place for your pleasure. I hope it will provide you a window to seek into the past and dream about the life at that era on this part of Earth.

Let’s take the journey through the magical world of Bhaktapur

One regular day in the life of the people living in Bhaktapur

House with a lot of stories to tell

People gathered to play cards – Simple life

Walls older than few hundreds of generations

Temple can be a place to hang out as well

Lets take a look at the other places now – I love the narrow lanes here as well

Symbol of the security at the door of Kingdom

Temple

History speaks through these houses

Thinking about the life they have lived and enjoying the evening

Plenty of space to play

Window to the soul

Other ways of entertainment we miss in the modern world today

Looking into life

Old but gold

Colorful houses

Beautiful isn’t it…I can’t imagine how creative the people were at that time and how much effort they put into making something like this a reality

Do you want to go up there?

Did I just disturbed somebody at lunch time?

Lord Shiva

Sky high Tower

That the way you feel in here…all colorful and cheerful

Wo…some of them were creative in a bit scary way I felt…what do you think??

Welcome

Lord Ganesha …just in a different role here

Would you like to decorate your house with these?

High as sky

Gallery of amazing things

That’s the main square now

Love these pieces of art, used to fill water in old times, and here still are

Apr 12 2013

We could have been the meal of the tiger that day – Lesson: Rice Terraces can be way bigger than they actually look

The lesson from the story seems to be a bit weird when it comes to survival in the jungle, I know. But you would soon realise why this seems more appropriate rather than saying that don’t try the treks that you are not aware of when tigers can be around at the same time.

Sarankot (1610m) – day hike – 5/6 hours from the town called ‘Pokhara’ in Nepal

4^th Day in Nepal, we had successfully climbed up this day long hike but one problem was that we started a bit late. It was the day after Shivratri so me and my friend were of course not in the best state of our mind but we had been thinking of being more active and lose some weight in the holidays that we had gained from the various cuisines we already had so far. We anyways got determined to do this trek which didn’t look very threatening looking at our level of fitness and it was around 1 PM when we started. It was very sweaty but still refreshing to get to the top. We took our time to take some nice shots and admired the beauty of the town from there.

I have already posted some really nice pictures that I was able to take the same day of sunset (only that I didn’t mention that it was half an hour before we were getting our new lesson in life https://talkingexperience.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/a-magical-evening-from-nepal/

Soon we realised that we have been descending for quite a while via road and it does not seems to take us anywhere near the town hence I pointed out to a trek that was near the road and looked like a short cut. My friend agreed with me and we both started following this trek more quickly than we had thought as the sun was on its way home much too quick. We heard few kids laughing and saying there are tigers in the forest but their tone didn’t seemed to be serious hence we assumed it to be a common joke around the locals.

Soon we had arrived the rice terraces with no one left around and we are still descending. We could see the town somewhere far away below but it was still a long way to go. Now there was no clear trek so we started jumping one rice paddies at a time. Then we spotted a farmer winding down his day and thought it as a good idea to ask him for the direction. He looked a bit amazed looking at us, two girls, in the middle of nowhere and keen to make our way in this wilderness into the dark. But he anyways pointed out to the right side and said good bye. As usual we obeyed to any guidance provided by this so called only available local expert in this foreign land but soon we realised there was no way that we can go ahead in that direction, else we will end up being in the very dense forest. And if we try to climb down the rice paddies then it was as high as the wall of an average room so there were quite a few chances of breaking our legs in case we jump from there. We thought that we were following the easier trek earlier (before we took the promising direction guidance from the farmer) so we might want to go back (to the left). So we thought of backtracking our way a little and successfully did half of it in one direction. But now there was no staircase like paddies left, all we could see were high walls all around and it was getting harder to imagine ourselves climbing down those with any success to getting close to the city. We scrambled few bushes and tried to follow the water streams between the gaps of two rice terraces vertically but then it was getting dark all too soon.

Then we made an unsuccessful attempt to cross the rice paddies horizontally via the water stream and got ourselves into a very steep rock soon and back tracked the same to reach the top of the paddy. My friend was brave to say that it’s ok if we have to stay in the forest and back of my mind I started counting the resources we had to stay there – none. No tent, no water, nothing to eat, nothing to cover ourselves and no torch (battery of my mobile was also dying). She was confident to an extent that she was telling me to climb the tree if an animal shows up and here I was not trained in all these traits of climbing trees, living in the forest with nothing. Ouch, I felt a bit scared and my mind started racing to find a way out. I asked her if she is ok to back track the way up and go back to the street from where we descended at least that way we will be close to civilization and will be able to get a ride home if nothing. Thankfully she agreed and my heartbeat got a bit normal. Then next challenging task was to lead the way and I volunteer to do that. Soon I felt as if I had eyes of a cat (people used to say that I had catlike eyes – hazel), but joke apart, It really helped because I was able to see my way in very dim light from the moon.

Finally after 30 minutes of struggle we were able to see few people sitting near the farm. I can’t explain how relaxing it was as if we found the lost treasure there. Now I was more hopeful thinking that we would definitely be safe and alive now. But there you go, a guy from the group said that he can help us to go back to the same rice paddies and show us the proper track that we have just missed. This was not happening, as it was really dangerous to go back but he tempted us with the time it would have taken to get home through this short cut. And a moment later we were following him through the same path. Annoying – yes it was at that time but survival was more necessary than any other emotion at that point of time. My friend snapped at him once as well when he started doing the small talk by asking where she is from. She replied – ‘How does it matter at this time?’ and it was true we were there stuck in the middle of nowhere and not at all in the mood of this kind of conversation. But after a while we became more relaxed as we realized that he knew where he was taking us. My phone was of some help with the light to show us the way as well.

But the happiness of being found didn’t last too long. There it was – he said it. He started telling us that there is a tiger or may be a few in that forest and he even confirmed the path we had taken after being guided by the farmer few hours ago was where they saw the tiger few days ago. I gulped and didn’t know how to react. I was not sure to look ahead or look back to make sure no tiger is following me. Not that I would say that I am afraid of dying. But at least I wanted to be ready. My friend wanted me to take her picture looking into the eyes of tiger in case she encounters such situation and put it on Facebook (lol). But now that looked like a really bad joke when in the dark I was not sure where to look for this dangerous creature. It was not even like going into a national park to spot one…here we were not willing but still in risk of seeing one in the middle of nowhere. I wanted to shout or cry not sure what but I had to man up and focus on the way.

Soon when we were just able to gather our calm and cool again he threw another piece of information on us about a Japanese girl who got lost there like this almost a year ago. I was expected some kind of horror story now. But thank God it was alright. He told us that she gave him a lot of money to save her life, not that he fought with the tiger and all. But it was when we were ready to follow the track at our own when he asked if he can stay with us. Now that was awkward. We told him that we can give him money but he should find his way back home after that. There was a little discussion now on this as I preached this guy about morality and pointed out that we are happy to pay for what he is doing for us and we really appreciate his help. We realised that he was more risky to be around than the tiger then we decided to pay him money and track our way back home from there. We did that and finally got to the main road and took a deep breath. Our first reaction was a little shock realizing that we are safe and alive but we had a laugh soon when we started walking in the middle of road and my friend said that it would look very bad if after surviving through the forest we got hit by a car there.

We stopped for dinner on the way home in a nice looking restaurant, not that we were looking very good to enter there but we stopped anyways. We really needed some good food after no lunch all day (just late breakfast) and all this adventure. I liked a quote from my friend that we should be really good friends that we didn’t fight during this crises today. I really felt relaxed after all this and the meal tasted as if I never had that good a meal in my life. It was a meal after you just got another chance to live 😉 Now I think I am exaggerating it.

Thanks for reading dear friend. It was one of the experiences I will always remember and I am glad that you lived it with me again.

Apr 11 2013

My journey from a thinker to an observer

I used to keep thinking about ‘stuff’ all the time whether in train or bus on foot. I never realised that there were so many things happening around me all the times that I kept missing because I was too observed in myself most of the times.

Since I have started travelling and taking pictures I realised that I have changed – changed from a thinker to an observer. No matter where I am – in a bus, plane, train or street, I observe most of the things around me. Is it good or bad? Good of course as I am able to appreciate my surroundings and feel more aware. And how does that help? Yes, it does believe me as this way I am living in the present rather focusing my energy either on past events or future plans.

This does not mean that I have stopped thinking but only when needed and not like a lost soul in her thoughts all the time. It is amazing as I don’t feel sad about things in past and I don’t feel pressurized but the future plans. All I am doing is just live the present and accept things as they happen. It feels very different as I am the kind of person who is more indulged in past and future than present usually. And not to mention it always makes me feel either frustrated/sad/hasty/excited/pressurized thinking about stuff that I could have done differently or things I have to do in near future. Where the truth is I can’t change the past and future is yet not there. All I can do is planning for future in an organized way possible and then leave it for the time being till it become present to actually execute it.

I feel freer as well as living in the present means only to deal with things that are there in front of you and not to burden yourself with everything else in the world. This is what Mahatma Gandhi said that one should live his/her life as if he/she is going to die the very next day. And I think travelling has changed my habit in such a way that I am indirectly living my life that way only.

Apr 11 2013

Flying High – Journey that is Captured in Unusual Manner

Here are few pics that I took from plane. Hope you like them.

Apr 9 2013

Versatile Blogger Award

I’m very honored to receive the Versatile Blogger Award. I’ve been on here for only 3 months so I’m kinda amazed! It means a lot to me and it inspires me to keep going!

My very special thanks goes to Evez (http://gesundheitsuze.wordpress.com). She is a very talented blogger. I want to say a massive thank you to her. If you haven’t been on her blog yet, please have a look as she has amazing posts on it!

The rules:

Thank and link back to the person who awarded you. – Thanks again Evez (http://gesundheitsuze.wordpress.com)
Nominate 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award — include a link to their site

I nominate the following blogs for the Versatile Blogger Award because they are creative, thoughtful and simply worth a visit. Please note that I can only pick 15 otherwise I could see creativity everywhere to be honest 🙂

Many congratulations to all 🙂

Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

Here are few random things about me:

I love adventure in the sky, for example sky diving, bungy jumping, flying
I am one of the crazy people who usually go to another two countries (Singapore and Bangkok) even on 5 days holidays and travel 9 cities in a new countries in 7 days (Sri Lanka)
I am lovely to talk to and easy to be friend with but don’t like very showy people as in who think very highly of themselves
I like learning new things and very open to new ideas in life whatever can make life better and more adventurous
I want to hold few citizen-ships around the world although not sure how as it will make me feel more global 😉
I would like to own a plane one day – this is one of the dreams so don’t you dare laugh 😉
Last thing is that this award took me by surprise as it was like a icing on the cake when I received it after being liked by a good amount of audience as a new blogger

Apr 9 2013

Hug Award

Thank you so much Michael (http://eyedancers.wordpress.com) for nominating me for this award. It’s amazing to know that some one really appreciates your writing and motivating you with such a nice award. I highly encourage everyone to visit her wonderful website!

HOPE UNITES GLOBALLY -The ‘Hug Award’

Following is information on the HUG Award . . .

Hope Unites Globally – HUG Award Guidelines.

The HUG Award© was initiated by Connie Wayne at A Hope for Today at http://ahopefortoday.com,which promotes hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people.So far I have been nominated for this award twice but could not mention it on my blog before as I was travelling and had no proper connectivity to internet. Hence I will be posting the same soon. I am so happy to get this award that I never ever had any idea that existed before started blogging. It is such a good way to show your appreciation for the blogs we like. Once again thanks a lot dear Michael (http://eyedancers.wordpress.com).
The HUG Award©

is for people with an expectant desire for the world, for which they: Hope for Love; Hope for Freedom; Hope for Peace; Hope for Equality; Hope for Unity; Hope for Joy and Happiness;Hope for Compassion and Mercy; Hope for Faith; Hope for Wholeness and Wellness; Hope for Prosperity; Hope for Ecological Preservation; Hope for Oneness
recognizes and honors those who help keep hope alive in our current world, which is plagued by war, natural disasters, and economic recession. They nurture hope, in any of the above areas (in italics), by the work they do, or in their personal lives with things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc.
is for people who, without giving up or compromising their own religious, spiritual, or political beliefs, are able to nurture hope and respect the dignity of all people.

is for those who, without bias or prejudice, use their resources and gifts to make the world a better place for everyone.

is for people who have a hope or an expectant desire that the work or talents they use in things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc., will make a positive impact on the world.
These people do not have to actively use the word “hope” in their work or creative talents. They only need be conscious of their desire to make the world a better place for everyone.

These people use their available resources–a smile, a hug, a helping hand, a listening ear, a voice, time, money, possessions, education, personality, talent, websites and blogs—to make a positive impact on the world and make the world a better place to live.

I would like to nominate the following websites for the HUG Award. Each of these blogs, in their own unique way, brings something worthwhile and special to the world. I very much hope you will settle in and browse through their sites!

http://fortravelssake.net/
http://sonuduggal.wordpress.com/
http://pflead73.wordpress.com/
http://jesterN2yx.wordpress.com
http://halfeatenmind.wordpress.com/
http://mybeautfulthings.wordpress.com/
http://sanctuaryatbilgola.wordpress.com/
http://parth893.wordpress.com/
http://louisepack.wordpress.com/
http://pinkandfreetobeme.wordpress.com/
Here are seven things about myself . . .
1. I am a traveler by soul
2. I used to be a competitor and now am just a lover of life that does not compete with any one but herself if required, but that does not mean that I am lazy 😉
3. I have been trying to find a world of meaning as of now and will post you once I find it
4. My beliefs have changed and now I think its important to live one day at a time
5. I come from India and live in Australia so have taste of both world. From heart I am still and India but my love lies for Australia
6. I love people but like to have my own company as well at times because I know I am smart and can handle things at my own at times, still would say there are many souls who have guided me in my life and have supported me during different phases of my life
7. I love scuba diving, bush walking, movies (love of my life), music and many other common things

Also here are some more things about me that I have posted in my blog as part of another award (https://talkingexperience.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/sunshine-award-thank-you-cristi) and ‘About Me’ section in my own blog (https://talkingexperience.wordpress.com/about/)

Thanks once again to all for all your support and visit to my blog!

Keep blogging!

Apr 9 2013

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Sunshine Award

Thank you very much Cristi (http://cristimoise.wordpress.com/) for nominating me for the Sunshine Award.It is great to have someone recognize your blog like this. It is very inspiring and motivating. Cristi brought sunshine in my WordPress life.For that and your support i want to thank you, my friend !

To accept the award, the rules are:
-Link back to the person who nominated you : Thank you again Cristi !! Also I would recommend to check out her awesome blog (http://cristimoise.wordpress.com/)

-Post the award image to your page – Done

-Tell seven facts about yourself – here they are
As of April, 2013:
I like think that my life is like an open book where people need enough courage to open it and read
1. I love to live every moment of life and from last two years I am trying my level best to make every week count in my life (not writing day as sometime I am so busy that when I realise my day is gone). For example going for Scuba diving, meeting friends on regular basis, writing the posts in this blog (https://talkingexperience.wordpress.com), are travelling around the world, and learning new skills.
2. I am a personal trainer by qualification as I did my Cert III and Cert IV in 2011-2012. I still do need to get into the industry though (once I have some spare time from my current job as Software Engineer as it is pretty demanding).
3. I love dancing, but hard to dance in public unless until I am drunk enough to ignore the audience…lol
4. I can cook but not my favourite pastime, although in 2013 my resolution is to get into fitness so might start cooking more from this year on.
5. I have been travelling since last three years and have travelling in 8 countries and taken thousands of pictures.
6. I am a movie buff and have watched thousands of movies (mainly Hollywood) and want to expand this to the other language and culture as well now
7. I love travelling as you can see from my posts and I am a crazy and adventurous person in nutshell.

-Nominate 5-10 other blogs and let them know they are nominated :

http://gesundheitsuze.wordpress.com/
http://traveloops.com/
http://aniketsalviphotography.wordpress.com/
http://mysuccessisyoursuccess.wordpress.com/
http://eldinsmilleart.wordpress.com/
http://mybeautfulthings.wordpress.com/
http://teenfaith777.wordpress.com/
http://andreiplimbarici.wordpress.com/
http://tishmaels.wordpress.com/
http://ourcloudlounge.com/

Congrats and thank you for your support all as without you this would not have been possible!!

Apr 3 2013

What will be my gift to the world…

What will I give back when I have taken so much from the world?

I came to this world with nothing (empty handed and naked baby) and had nothing but fortunately today I have everything one can live his/her life comfortably with. Give and take is like action and reaction. I am writing this post while sitting idle in the airport, waiting to go home once my friend confirms that his night shift at work is over. And makes it 2 AM in the morning. SO any mistake in spelling or grammar might occur looking at the time. But I don’t intend to edit this as its not about my knowledge of English language or anything so we can ignore it for now.

A thought regarding death has made me think while reading this book – ‘The Last Lecture’ by Randy Pansen. And I have just read 18 pages of the book so far. Sometimes we try everything to avoid the inevitable question. And this is the exact moment when I am confronting myself with the question – What have I given back to the world that offered me so much of everything I needed in this life so far. It might not be like taking a loan from someone where you are bound to pay back. But moreover it’s our moral responsibility . Its like when someone does something good for us and we feel grateful to them and want to do something in return. And at times we do something good for someone else if given the chance to show our gratitude towards the world and good souls living in it.

It is our moral responsibility that we can easily ignore if we choose so as no one is going to point a finger on it. It is one of those duties that we do when no one forces us to do. I think I have tried to do few things in life although I am not sure how many of them were selfless tasks and how many of them were performed in order to fulfil the need of self satisfaction within the limits of my comfort zone.

I can write a book if I start on this topic so I should better summarize it. Things that I have done so far for society:

1. Volunteer in Red Cross for a year in Visitor Scheme.
2. Opened an youth organization – ‘Prabhat’. We used to provide people suffering from leprosy with clothes donated by the people in town. Also by spending some time with the kids in orphanage and provide them some food or fruits during our visit. Although it could not go a long way due to the politics around the area and also because of lack of determination on our part where we chose our career in different city over this when time came. As it needed our sacrifice to stay in the town to grow the organization as we were just not ready for this.

These are just two main tasks that I can remember and other than this I think I do small acts of kindness at times but nothing really big. Oh that reminds me of my own thought of sponsoring a kid in some of the developing countries if I get another job (that obviously indicates that I am going to be jobless in next two days, resigned from my current employer).

And also here are few more things on top of my mind that I would like to do in near future:

=> Volunteer in Red Cross again after a year break for longer time once I am back in Sydney
=> Help someone personally and not just financially

Oh yes I am already giving back the money to society I have earned so far by travelling around 😉 (It was a joke). See I can still crack a poor joke at this time of the day with a coffee in my system. But joke apart I am going to give it a serious thought though and may write the findings here as part of self realization. Till then you might also find it interesting to do some analysis.

Please share your thought and views on this or the things you think you have done to contribute. I would love to hear back from you my friends.

Goodnight for now. Time for me to get a taxi home and get few hours of sleep before attending to the needs of regular like in India again (as I have just arrived in Delhi from Colombo, Sri Lanka).

Sweet Dreams,
Kavita

Apr 1 2013

Hard to travel alone being a girl – Interesting experiences in Sri Lanka

Yes at times yes pretty much specially in the male dominating culture. In places where not many local girls are seen in the beach, you will feel a little bit harassed as you are the only eye candy there as a tourist. I am leaving Sri Lanka today. I would love to say I would miss everything here but can’t specially because of one question being asked repeatedly – ‘Are you married or do you have a boyfriend’, even by the Auto-rickshaw driver. I end up lecturing one on last day telling him that it’s rude to ask such questions when you don’t even know the person well.

I headed to the airport and the same story there in the shops or at the security gates. Its one thing to be nice and another to be able to avoid such things. I had no issue with the person trying to snatch my bag on my way to hotel first day in Sri Lanka. I also could tolerate that somebody stole my sandal when I was visiting the pilgrimage place in Pulunawarava. But when it happens so often that even the person doing work in tourism pester you when you say hello, then its a bit too much.

I would love to come back to Sri Lanka but these things make me think how to avoid this frustration when you meet such guys around here. And one more thing I can’t understand that they need to know their limits and let the others enjoy their holidays. It was not totally a bad experience and I would say 90% locals I met very amazingly good to me. I met a family that made me feel home, a local restaurant owner who helped me in getting a hotel as a friend. I did make many friends here so hopefully I would return one day. Still I would say it was a very interesting and spicy experience where I also got angry at few people which I usually don’t due to their behavior (repeating themselves after getting totally drunk). And my heart melt when the lady at my home stay offered me tea expecting no money after days of paying extra money for everything. And many people who helped me in getting from one place to another with directions and local information.

Sri Lanka – A very beautiful country as per the geography and very interesting because of the culture. Loved it, hated it, got angry at but will still miss it

Mar 31 2013

World’s End in Sri Lanka

Yes that exact expression I had as you have reading the title of this post. No wonder I had to risk my life and see this place to show you my friend as well in case I survive through it 😉

Good news is that I am still alive and you can enjoy the pics of this beautiful place in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Its kind of a national park but just a little high. And you can view East Sri Lanka from there and as deep as 870 meters from the top straight down.

The town Nuwara Eliya is breathtakingly beautiful I would say. Some of the best views in the country you can find here. Once I get home afyer finishing my travel I would write more details about travelling in Sri Lanka including some tips. Also you can always reach me for information in case you travel there.

Mar 24 2013

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A magical evening from Nepal

Love in the air -passion

Mar 22 2013

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Awesome days doing River Kayaking – Thrishuli River, Nepal

Loved the thrill, fun, fear and adventure

Mar 10 2013

Road less travelled but memories much cherised

I am back with some more pics of Almora …hope you like it 🙂

: Almora town

: Stadium

: Playground

: Radio station campus

: An old but traditional looking house

: View of the road around sunset

: House just above my house

: View from the road

Mar 6 2013

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Almora – Heaven on Earth it seems

Mar 6 2013

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Taj Mahal – Seventh Wonder of the world (just for you)

See Gurgaon, India from a common man’s eyes

Awesome ‘Parathe’ made by Monika…She is an expert when it comes to food…Loving it 🙂

Another bright day in Delhi – View from Balcony

Street view in Delhi – Pahar Ganj, where my friend from Australia is staying

Ready to start the day – Lets roll

I would take the Auto-Rickshaw now – True Indian….lol

Waiting at the crossing – Road shared by the rich and the poor

All dressed in suit but traveling by Auto - Unique combination

All dressed in suit but traveling by Auto Rickshaw – Unique combination

Rising city – Gurgaon

Now that’s a bit difficult to cross but I will try any ways

What else could give my day a finishing touch – Delicious food by Monika dear again, she is a pro

I am enjoying my stay with Monika so much…Thank you Monika and Avdhesh for making my visit to India so much fun

Feb 26 2013

Little things can make big difference

Little things can make big difference.

Feb 26 2013

Will I ever live again?`

Will I ever live again?`.

Feb 24 2013

India (Sweet Crowded Home) – Mixed feeling while coming home

Last day in Sydney was not as I was expected. It was a mixed feeling of leaving the place that I felt home for two years with a hope to come back one day. It was the bitterness of leaving the loved ones and sweetness of seeing the family back in homeland. I was not sure what exactly I was feeling as it was not one clear feeling but mix of a lot of emotions. I was supposed to be happy like other times when I fly as it starts a new adventure. But this time it was more like leaving some unfinished business and not knowing what future has got in store.

Saying good bye to each friend personally with lunch or dinner was like bidding your last good bye. But I am sure I will be healthy and wise to come back and many more dinners and lunches will follow. I was more emotional to leave my new place which was home for less than 2 months as it became like the peaceful place where I could retire after a tiring day or feel safe when feeling frustrated from everything else. I had a lovely evening walk with my friend/flat-mate the day before I was leaving. It was first time in 2 years while living in Sydney that I had a family in form of friends. So in total it was like when you are a kid and you have to leave your friends and known surroundings when your parents move to a new town or new country. Although the child was my inner self and adult in this case was my higher self.

Anyways flight boarded with the same attitude of a traveler – old habits die hard. All rough and tough look on my face as if saying – ‘Who Cares’. It was an evening flight so right time for dinner. First flight was from Sydney to Singapore where I quenched my thirst of movies with two new movies. It was only towards the end of the flight when I was falling asleep. A jolt woke me up and before I could behave as if the plane hit a disaster, I soon realized that we had landed in Singapore. I walked out like a Zombie but still trying to look super cool, being the single girl travelling. A staff person helped me with the next flight details to New Delhi and I killed an hour doing some window shopping which made me feel sick as I am usually never in mood of shopping when I travel (because I travel light and with only one carry on back pack, excluding this trip, and this usually doesn’t allow me to buy anything extra).

Following other fellow passengers I boarded another flight for another meal and few entertainment shows to keep me awake. It was 2:40 AM in the morning, people were trying to continue their sleep and I felt the pressure to follow everyone else. I had one extra vacant seat next to mine where I got the luxury to keep my body in horizontal position in last 20 hours.

It was funny how a little bit of space can make you so happy at times where you can spread your clumsy body parts and feel yourself for some time. But it was not supposed to continue for long and I woke up by the menu offered by the air hostess to the passengers in the seat ahead. Anyways I felt compelled to eat for what I had paid hence I got up and tried to open my eyes to see till where the crew had made progress in asking for menu preference. I thought of using the entertainment unit to help keep me awake. I soon got indulged into a movie and then it became easier to keep an eye on the staff serving food. I ordered vegetarian food although I was not sure whether I was hungry 3:0 AM in the morning or not. I gave myself the benefit of doubt thinking that it might be morning back in Sydney. So I threw another plate of unwanted food into my stomach. I felt like an eating machine as since yesterday I was up and eating and walking and sitting and many other routine tasks but sleeping. I think this is exactly what happens – you lose track of time and also the capability of making the right decision, when you are so tired and sleepless. Reminds me of Sleepless in Seattle 😉

Two and a half movies on the way to India and time to land in New Delhi now. Again my traveler spirit jumps at the right time when almost everyone in the plane had left; I bid my farewell to the nice staff of Singapore Airlines knowing that they had been serving me especially when I was the only passenger awake all through the flight. One time the air hostess actually handed me over the full can of juice when she realized I was demanding water or juice every twenty minutes.

Now time to get on high alert as I was entering New Delhi airport. It is an old habit of being aware of my surroundings (don’t confuse it with spirituality) as this has more to do with making sure I do not become a victim of any pick pocketing or theft. It was only when a lady tapped on my shoulder and asked if I had an iphone. It made me feel a bit anxious as to why she is asking such question but she soon answered my silent question by telling me that she wants to inform her family that she has arrived here. I quickly emailed her family regarding the same. Custom clearance was easy and spotting my checked in luggage didn’t take me long either. I was now on my way outside the airport when I realized that taxi and other services don’t accept any card. I had to request the security in the airport to let me in to change currency. I know right I should have done it before but I learn this new rule when you can’t take your luggage in the premises of airport once you check out. After changing some money I was on my way to get a transport home when I simply asked a guy outside airport if the metro services have started from airport. Good news was that it was up and running for a month now. I paid 30 Rupees (way cheaper than hiring a car or taxi that is 350 to 450 Rupees) and went to Sector 21 (near my destination). It is advisable to check where you are going to stay as you can always take the metro from the airport. It is cheaper and very convenient air conditioning option.

Journey home was not very simple but it was nice to be in India with friends and family. As no matter how much different India is from other countries but it is the warmth of people that makes you smile and feel good. And now that I am in India be ready for many interesting posts to come from this colorful and spiritual culture. Also soon here we will be celebrating one of the biggest festival – Holi (festival of colors) in March. Hence I will update you with the same.

Feb 22 2013

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Sunset at Sunset Beach with Amazing Creatures, Hawaii

Serenity is the word that pops in mind when you see them 🙂 So calm and relaxed.

Feb 18 2013

Beautiful Sunset in Hawaii – Waikiki Beach

Nature has beautiful way to start a day from Sunrise to Sunset – Here are some clicks of the sunsets in Waikiki, Hawaii. No matter how many times I see Sunset or Sunrise, it still amazes me how beautiful it is. Nature never stops surprising me with its wonderful way of presenting everything in the world.

Feb 18 2013

Hawaii – Day 1 (Started with a stranger and ended up with bunch of friends)

I made it just in time and it was first time I suppose that I did not have to wait in the queue and got myself checked in quickly. As usual I was travelling with my backpack that makes for the carry on as per its weight (less than 8 Kilogram). Now had to grab some snacks before my flight as it was 6 PM and I didn’t want to end up eating something in the flight that I might not like. Thats it, plane is flying to Honolulu, Hawaii finally. My holidays started and I am more than relaxed thinking about it. My co-passenger is a girl and we have the seats at the very back of the plane. It’s the first time I was sitting this close to the toilet. Although it was not that bad as I was thinking. Rachel, the girl sitting next to me started talking to me and we had an initial introduction. Not sure it is the usual me or the travelling thing as I went on and on with her and we discussed a lot of things, enough to be friends in future. Also we shared some snacks in the seat between us where fortunately no one was sitting. It was really cool to meet her as we didn’t feel that we were travelling on our own as we couldn’t stop giggling. And than we watched a movie on her laptop with shared pair of headphone. Overall we both cherished the experience we had and start planning to hang out in Honolulu as she was staying there for 3 night. coincidentally we both were staying in the same place so that was easy. We both caught the bus to our place. Shuttle bus is 13 USD since the regular bus is 2.5 USD and you can reach almost all the places in Honolulu. So you can choose the option accordingly.

I was staying in ‘Hokondo Waikiki Beachside Hostel’. The staff is very friendly there and they helped us with our backpacks by storing them for us, when we reached there early (directly from the Airport). It was only then when I realized that my card was not working. New travel card that wasn’t activated yet which was very embarrassing. But the people in the backpacker were friendly and let me check in while I was checking with my bank about the issue. Meanwhile we headed to the beach when I realized it will take few hours to resolve. And there it was the most breathtaking view of the day – beach. Crystal clear blue water..just the most awesome feeling I had that time. We soon jumped into the water for a swim. It took some time before I was able to sort out the issue with my travel money card. Tip – If you are going to buy the travel money card for travelling then do register and check the status and all online to make sure it’s activated by bank as in my case they had forgotten to do so. Finally I checked into my room and met my new roommates including Rachel (girl from the flight). Now it was time to socialize in new place. Fortunately all my roommates (few were missing from the room) were very good and friendly so I didn’t have much trouble making friends. After few hours we headed to get some good food.

Time in Hawaii is 10 hours behind Sydney which makes the next day also 31st January (same day I flew for Hawaii). It is cool as it feels like you have time traveled into the past. You keep thinking that it should be the next day but time wise it is not. It took me a while to get the confusion of date and time out of my system.

We had dinner in Lu-Lu’s, a famous bar and restaurant among backpackers and they have special Tuesday nights in Waikiki beach with 10 USD entry fees. You can go there before 9 PM and get the band for yourself for free and then you don’t have to pay the entry fees when you enter after 9 PM. Few friends of mine did this. I was too busy hanging out with other sets of friends to carry out this. But any ways we had dinner with blue Hawaii cocktail and Pina Colada.

Then after returning to the hostel our new roommate shared some very funny and interesting stories of his friends which made it even more fun. A new girl came to share the room by now (we were in the 8 people room, two rooms each with 4 beds). She joined in the discussion and we just loved the evening. After few more drinks we bid goodnight and had a peaceful and relaxing night.

Feb 18 2013

Little things can make big difference

Life is struggle and fun at times. Sometimes its hard to live each moment when stuck in hardship, whereas its fun living a day or week when happy. But the most important thing to remember is that little things can make a big difference at times. I felt it so many times. For example waiting for the plane for two hours in Hawaii and then came to know that the flight is delayed for another two hours. I was tired and exhausted as had to wake up 4 AM in the morning to catch the flight and now it was cold and long wait in the waiting room. Could not get enough sleep as was worried to wake up this early and now extremely cold in the airport so can’t sleep any ways. Then finally came close to board and got a compliment from the security that you have got beautiful eyes. Don’t know whether my eyes were partially closed or open but I think that made a big difference at the start of my day and brought a smile on my face.

There was a guy sleeping on the floor as we were boarding the flight and I felt that he hasn’t realized that the flight has started boarding so I shook him to wake him up and asked if he is waiting for this flight and if yes then the flight has started boarding. He was a bit dazed (may be too tired) and then gave me a grateful smile and thanked me that I woke him up as otherwise he would have missed the flight. I met him again in Sydney in the airport and he thanked me again for waking him up. It was just a small thing but it made a big difference in his day.

I met the fellow passenger in the plane sitting next to me. I started talking to him and he informed me that he is sponsoring a child in Philippines for last few years. He pays 50 AUD every month and it pays for the school fees, clothes and other necessary things for this kid. It was amazing how 50 Dollar each month made such a big difference in some one’s life.

It is true that we shall never ignore that one small act of kindness can make a huge difference is some one’s life. Its not only money but even a smile can give some one else a reason to smile. So lets start every day by one simple act and if we practice every day then we are actually making difference in 365 lives at least. And this is a big number. I will try to do this and lets see if you can try as well. Let me know what did you do different as it will inspire rest of us as well.

Feb 15 2013

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Best Birthday Gift – Swimming with Manta Rays

This gallery contains 13 photos.

Day started with a bus ride from Hilo to Kona Big Island, Hawaii. Excitement was at par to see few Manta Rays and to dive in one of the best sites in the world with them. Fear was also surfacing … Continue reading →

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Feb 14 2013

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Close encounter with Green Gecko

This gallery contains 9 photos.

These Gecko were living around Caryl’s house where I was staying for the night. They come around the table laid outside every morning and love the yogurt and fruit for breakfast. Thanks to Caryl, I got to enjoy their company … Continue reading →

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Feb 11 2013

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Nature claiming its assets back – Volcano in Big Island, Hawaii

This gallery contains 10 photos.

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Feb 10 2013

Gallery

Maui, Hawaii from up in the Air

This gallery contains 6 photos.

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Feb 9 2013

Bagel to beach in Hawaii

Spent the day to get to the beach, starting with bagel and eggs and then waiting for the bus for an hour which didn’t let us in as it was already full. Walked 2 miles only to find that the beach we heading was way too rough to swim. Took a bus to better beach and loved the 2hours window that we got there due to the already spent time wandering off…came back to Thai food then had a really good laugh watching ‘An Idiot Abroad’ show on a friends laptop. Loving Hawaii for its fun, frustating, adventurous and all sorts of experiences.

Feb 8 2013

Lost in Hawaii

Jan 31 2013

Hawaii Here I Come….Here begins the adventure

How does it feel when you have planned a holiday but were so busy that didn’t even have time to enjoy it. I am most of the times in this situation even today, when I have been heading to one of the most beautiful tropical place, Hawaii. I have always wanted to go this trip but never got a chance. It was only before New Year that I saw this offer and it about to expire in one day (of course I saw it at the tenth hour), so it made me decide quickly that before I head to India I must visit Hawaii. It all happened in 5 minutes as I thought of booking the flight and sent my boss an email for leave. I was so excited. But then by the time my leave got approved which I was not sure of, the offer had already expired. I cursed myself under the breath thinking why I didn’t take the risk and booked the ticket as it was a good offer. I regretted this for two days and started thinking of cancelling my leave as it was two good weeks that I had to spend with no plan. I was in train and uselessly searching for the flight rates again and guess what I got the same price (650 AUD) from Jet Airways as I saw in the offer whereas the normal fair is usually 1000+ AUD. I almost jumped with excitement. I booked my ticket in next few minutes and felt the happiest soul on Earth (yes I know it does not take much to make me happy).

Since that day when I booked my flight, I didn’t get chance to rejoice the whole thing. Now today I am finally flying and I hope I get all my travel bugs cuddling me soon. I am all packed with lots of advices from friend and this might be a life changing trip of my life. As I have resigned from my job and now have to serve extra two month in India and after that I am a free soul. I have never done anything this big in my life – I mean in terms of leaving a job without getting another one. But there is a first for everything. Now I have two choices either look for a job or go travelling with whatever savings I have as this opportunity will not come again when I am single, no mortgage and no liability so far. Then once I am done travelling for months then I can plan to settle down and buy a place to leave etc.

Now today is a big day – of course I am not getting married but after managing all my stuff in Sydney (as I am living here for two years so I do have a lot of stuff and believe me girls usually do have more than usual), I am finally going to Hawaii, the dream destination at this point of time. I will keep you all posted about my trip and once I am there I will be able to tell you exactly where to go and where not to 😉

Jan 30 2013

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Sweet-tooth….I can Understand

Who doesn’t like a candy or a lolly? At least most of us have some time in our life have savored an ice-cream or desert. I have taken a picture of my plate in Sydney Tower restaurant. I know this is too many but being a sweet tooth I could not resist but try all kinds of deserts available. Have you ever wondered how the custom of sugar started? There is almost 100 pounds of sugar consumption in United States every year. It was also called ‘White Gold’ once and the recipe was a well-preserved secret. It is a native product of Southeast Asia. Brazil produces the most today although Portuguese had brought it there in 16^th century.

It was very interesting how Sugar played a major role in slavery as well. It was like a three-step cycle. Slaves would be sent to work for it, once the product is made it will be sold to Europe and then more products would be brought to Africa and slaves would be bought with them.

Britain is also argued to have lost their colonies to independence because the military was protecting the sugar islands. So the same sugars we eat almost every day in various food products have made its way to different culture and nation with a lot of stories. It was identified and used in the form of sugarcane very early in India. No wonder I have so many deserts to enjoy the evening today being an Indian 🙂

Jan 28 2013

Terrigal, Sydney – Give me some sunshine!

Jan 27 2013

Wanaka Lake – South New Zealand (Heaven on Earth)

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Its serene Beauty is breathtaking. I would recommend if you are travelling in Asia Pacific then I would recommend to cover New Zealand.

Jan 26 2013

Sydney Tower Eye_Walkway

Jan 26 2013

An evening in Sydney – Happy Republic Day

Jan 25 2013

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Love Locks – Legends & Superstitions

It was a beautiful day in Mt Keira Lookout, Sydney, when I saw these fancy padlocks and the names/messages written on them. It got me curious to find out how it started. I think you might have seen such love locks at places as well.

As per an old story it started before World War II when a schoolmistress names Nada fell in love with an officer named Relja. But then Relja went for war in Greece and fell in love with another local girl and broke his commitment with Nada. Nada could not recover from this and as a result she died very soon. Afraid from this incidents the local girls started this custom of writing the name of their lover and themselves on a lock and affixing them to the railings to protect their love.

There were many controversies and people expressed their concerns to remove these padlocks from the public properties. For example in Florence, Italy, they posed aesthetic problems and scratches on the bridge. But still we have many places where we can see hundreds of love locks.

There are many legends and superstitions attached to this custom as well. Example: there is a fountain in Montevedeo, Uruguay where it is said that if a lock with two people’s name is placed there then both will return to the fountain and their love will last till eternity.

There are some other stories as well. But it made me think how fragile the pure emotion of love has become. We fall in and out of love so quickly. Or in other words its not love just lust.

It was a better time when people used to spend their life with the only person they fall in love or wait for them forever. Now there are so many choices available, not just around but also through online channels that the relationships have become very fragile. I am not sure I like this as we have lost the meaning of true love. We don’t stick to each other much as partners. First we fall in love very quick and then we realize he/she is not the one. And at times this search is like never ending process.

I wish we can be more true to ourselves and not get into relationships too quick but look for true love. But the society is made of more individuals these days as we don’t live with our families anymore. And that leads to the loneliness when we try to find it with somebody. Many would be happy when they have choice to change their partners when ever they like. But I don’t think its a very good thing as life is too short to keep searching ‘The One’, rather than share the precious moments with the one we love.

I would love to hear your views on this.

Jan 24 2013

Will I ever live again?`

I get up, have something to eat, leave for work, come back home and at times I do pray

Maze is the word I would give to this life that keeps my brain working

My heart is not heard most of the times and it keeps asking

Will I ever live again, in this complex emotional rain?

Its killing me like this and giving so much of pain, Will I ever live again?

I console myself by saying it’s going to be different every night I go to bed

I mishear my heart and think it’s happy again whereas it’s not what’s being said

Why we do this to ourselves why we make our soul cry

There are no tears left, even the eyes gone dry

Will my soul ever see the sun again in this foggy life?

My inner voice makes me shiver by asking if it will ever be heard again.

But then that’s life, is what I think every time I get tired

When there no hope and no one to make me inspired

Not even a single thing I get that I ever desired

Life is life and no matter what it does, I think it still needs to be admired

So I have almost ,stopped asking this question whether I will live again

But I am not sure how long I will sustain without asking – Will I ever live again!

Jan 24 2013

Snoozing Period – Quiet before the Storm (What’s going to happen)

You must be thinking I started my blog with all the self realization stuff and more regarding spirituality and now here I am only with reviews for movies and old travel stories. What happened to the self awareness journey? To be honest I am thinking the same as I was so happy for constantly 16 days since New Year or should say even from Christmas Eve when I went to my friends place for a celebration. But the truth is I am going through a negative phase now. It was the peak time to feel so light and now I am gone to the other side where I am again stuck with real life problems. Although it does not feel as bad as it used to may be because I am still aware of what’s happening so not much impacted by it. But being happy is not being easy really. There are times when I look at the world and it all feels the same and that is because inside it’s a storm that’s taking its toll.

I was seeing everything clearly only few days ago and now again it’s the fogginess that has taken over. I can’t see or feel anything all I can do is to save myself from feeling sick or bad about this phase. I am fighting with the negativity around me. And again to remind myself it’s just me nothing else has changed. It’s funny the same things that were source of happiness have turned into cold frozen objects today. Why, why I am going through this? I have so many questions. My soul sometimes wants to cry out loud and ask the universal power to come and merge into me. May be I am not completely ready that’s why it’s only in bursts that I am able to get the knowledge. For few days it was like a smooth stream of energy that was flowing in me from that universal powerful source and now I feel I am getting drained.

I have been seeing something floating in my room in the night for last couple of days on infrequent basis. I wake up in the middle of the night and see this image of an object or seem more like condensed white energy in my room that is floating around and feels like trying to get my attention. I know I might sound a bit weird but I promised to share all I am experience in life at the moment and here I am. Astonishing fact is that this energy is not scary at all. It has happened 5-6 times so far. I wake up in the middle of the night see this energy and go back to sleep and it feels like as if it’s just there and not to hurt me but just to be with me. Its white and I remember seeing some floating things last month and that was all black and it scared the hell out of me. I prayed in my heart and I was almost sinking in my heart all scared. But this time this energy is all white and it feels so pure. I am not sure whether it’s the lack of sleep as I have had enough for last few days at least or my sleeping pattern or the new place I moved into. But I saw the black energy/object in my old place whereas I can see the white ones here in the new place. I am not sure what is it all about really but my gut feeling is giving me an indication that my life is going to change and something big is going to happen and I am just getting prepared for it.

I am a science student and like to have a proof of everything that is real but I think I have also opened myself to see the truth and to be able to see beyond the obvious in the world. So I want to be ready for everything – if there is something I need to learn to achieve the peace and freedom in life. I told some of people I know at work about it and they laughed it off, not sure why I talked about it though may be because I didn’t believe it myself. Then today morning I told my flatmate and she advised me to throw anything that I might feel can carry some negative energy. I threw a teddy bear and few more things from my old place. Teddy I threw because the person who gave it to me was very depressed in life and often used to talk to the bear. And it might sound stupid but I thought maybe this might be carrying all the negative energy from that person to me. And when I don’t talk to the teddy (not many people do really) so it might be trying to get my attention. I know it sounds so odd and I can’t believe I am thinking like this as if it’s a script from a scary movie. But I like and respect my flatmate so I did as she suggested. She calls me an action girl as I act upon any suggestion very quickly if I think that can make any difference to make my life better. And I think that’s what I have learned in life to change things as soon as possible to make your life better as sometimes it gives you more pain not to change. Anyways I am hoping not to see anything anymore if it was because of those things. But part of me says that it was not the things it was something more that is trying to tell me something. Bigger than anything I have ever experienced. And it is only when I am sleeping I can see it because then only I am able to connect to my sub-conscious mind that knows it all. When we are conscious we think from our brain and decide on the basis of our most recent experience whereas when we are in sleep our conscious mind doesn’t interrupt the process of thought formation. That is also the reason we dream as it’s the sub-conscious mind that take over and starts working. I think this is enough for now. Let’s see how I go now and whether it was just a little malfunctioning of my senses or something real. I will keep you posted.

Jan 23 2013

Fiji – Another name for ‘Freedom to Live’ (Part 3)

Next day another adventure was waiting for me. Being a naive to sea and swimming I was having a ball with all the water activities. Now it was time for some cave diving. It sounded so exciting that I could not stop myself from booking next day trip to another island to do the Cave Diving. Although many questions started bothering me after I booked for it – Will I have to stay underwater too long, do I need to be a good swimmer to be able to do that, will it be scary, will I be ok after doing it. But I was rest assured that I will be fine as there were two guides and all the fellow travellers knew how to swim so to be honest I had more trust on others than myself.

Next morning I was even more thrilled thinking – here I was in the middle of this big island with strangers doing stuff that is another name of peak adventure. Best thing ever, I told myself. We were all geared with the swim suit and a life jacket after boarding the boat that was going to take us to this another island. We arrived at our destination. The water was crystal blue and the view was breathtaking. It made me feel envious of the people who were living there, thinking that they are able to live in paradise every day.

Finally we climbed the steps towards the Qara ni Bukete (Pregnancy Cave), named so because it does not allow any woman who is trying to hide she is pregnant. It was a bit dark in the cave but we could see some light coming through the slits. I jumped into the water in the cave after a little bit of hesitation with my life jacket on of course. I thought maybe this is it? It was easy. But nope there was another cave through this bigger cave where we could only go through a narrow passage under water.
Two guys went in with the guide. We did not have any proper equipment for diving so we had to hold our breath for at least 30 seconds and the guide was supposed pull us underwater towards the other cave. Once on the other side the guide will go back and bring another person. Now it was the test as I could not go under water without my life jacket. Guide was back and wanted one of us to go with him. Everyone in the group started staring at each other as no one was sure how risky it is in the dark. I was scared but excited and didn’t realise when I got voice and said ‘I will come’ to guide. He stared at my life jacket and asked me to take it off. I told him that I am not a good swimmer and he smiled (maybe he was thinking I must be joking as I had come for a cave diving after all) and assured me that I will be fine. I took off my life jacket and the guide took my hand and asked me to take a deep breath. I followed his instruction and he pulled me under water and I felt all I can do is trust him. I could feel my body moving through this narrow tunnel, touching the walls of it. Soon when I was still in dazed state I was on the other side of the cave. He looked at me and smiled again and asked me where I am from. He must have sensed my fear. I told him that I am from India, living in Australia for few months and have just started to learn swimming. He looked amazed but asked me to leave his hand as he had to go to bring other people now. I was scared again as I was in this cave in dark and with no floating device to hold on to. I quickly swam across the cave with my breast stroke techniques and tried to hold the holes in the wall like a lizard.

Other girls also came to this side after seeing me. They must have thought that when a non-swimmer can do it then they can as well. After few moments when my eyes got adjusted then I realised most of the people in the group who chose to come were here and we had to swim to the other side where the guide was taking us. There was a small area where there was some light coming from a slit and it felt very nice to see few rays of light as they were like rays of hope. It was an amazing experience of my life. We came back and I was still dazed with the whole day adventure. Next day I had to leave the island and head back to home. I was overwhelmed by the welcoming behaviour of the people in Fiji. I left but the memories stayed with me forever.

Jan 22 2013

The Impossible – Made Possible by Mankind (Story of what it is like to be Human)

Amazing cinematography and more amazing realization about what human is capable of. A very emotional but yet story of courage and compassion. It has got all the core qualities of a movie and yet it is so real and touching. I almost cried towards the end of the movie. It takes you through a journey and if you start living it then it will make you think how fortunate you are to live a good life and how courageous, compassionate and kind some people are to care for others even when they themselves need the most help to survive.

Maria Bennett (Naomi Watts) is at her best in this movie. From acting to makeup, everything seems to be perfect in the movie. She is a mother of three boys and staying at a resort with her husband, Henry (Ewan McGregorHenry), in Khao Lak,Thaliland for holidays when the tsunami hit the place and engulf everything on its way. It is a story of surviving through the odds of nature but still keeping in touch with humanity. It is a story of families where everyone is taking care of each other. It is a story of a boy, Tomas (Samuel Joslin) who is only 8 years old but takes the responsibility to look after his 6 years old brother, Simon (Oaklee Pendergast) when his father decided to go and search his mom and his elder brother.

I was thrilled and emotional while watching this movie. I was even more awake around 2 AM in the morning after finishing the movie. It was an odd time to watch a movie but once I started I could not stop. The best part was when the Naomi (mother) was injured and had found his eldest son Lucas (Tom Holland) but still was willing to help this little boy stuck under the bushes. Even when the chances of their own survival were very less, she did not lose the dignity to help other human being. Lucas then in turn learned from her mother and obediently listened to her mother and helped this little boy and many other people in the hospital later. It is a story of selfless love, sacrifice, fear of losing someone close, courage to live through the worst, compassion for others in pain, strength to bear the physical pain and overcome all the odds to live for another day being human. I am in loss of words to describe what I felt after watching this movie. It is very moving and I would advice to watch it at least once. It has got some fierce and scary scene as happens in any natural disaster so it’s advisable that you be careful if small kids are with you while watching this movie.

It is a great example how mankind stand higher in the time of need. It is a reminder who we are and what we are supposed to live like. Not that we expect such disaster to happen to make us realise it but it is important that we do not surrender our core values when living this mundane life. And when time comes we should be ready to help the mankind. I salute the people in Red Cross and many such organizations who are helping the people survived through natural disaster and many other life threatening situations. It is our duty to help others as we are all part of one family and that is called mankind.

I don’t want to ruin the movie for you by disclosing more about the story. But I would recommend watching this flick as it takes us closer to ourselves and teaches us about mankind even more.

Jan 21 2013

Fiji – Another name for ‘Freedom to Live’ (Part 2)

Beachcomber – It was the first island where I was supposed to stay and after listening enough about it I decided to stay there for 3 nights and then move to the northern islands. Leaving the land from Denarau, a very beautiful and well planned place to live was a nice experience. I had some pictures clicked in water before jumping into the express boat to island and had a fun trip with some of the fellow travelers in the boat. Travelling alone being a girl gets you enough flirting there I would say. But the guys are really nice and gentleman I realized as they would flirt with you but will not cross the line and that made it easier for me to travel alone. Now here I was in the famous party island called Beachcomber. The food is awesome and the backpackers here have bunk beds in open area with no walls which was a bit different from my imagination. But it was so warm that you don’t want it anyways. My first day was nice with some snorkeling and sun bathing. I met few other fellow travelers and chatted the evening away. It was after dinner I realized that the island was really small and you can walk around it in less than 20 minutes. When travelling alone I try not to drink too much or not at all. Or it was something I told myself. But who tells you that there is peer pressure at times. So I got drunk on the very first night in the resort. What happened after that – I was told the next day. I was swimming in the sand and was telling the people that I would swim and go back home. Wow that was new for me and I was getting to know more about drunk myself. That was the day and I promised myself that no matter what I am not going to drink anymore.
After two days of fun and a little bit of boredom (as I was not drinking and the whole island is about partying), I hopped on to the boat and started for my next destination – Nabula Island. There were amazing views on the way and first time I realized that there are bigger island than Beachcomber around Fiji. I got my hopes up after seeing so many beautiful islands. Nabula Island is almost at the top so you have to cross almost all the islands except Blue lagoon, where the movie Blue Lagoon was shot. It was refreshing as well as relaxing to come to this island. There is a tea shop nearby where you can get the most delicious cup cakes to eat with your evening tea. It’s open till 6 PM only so I missed it on first day but was able to get on second day. Although the electricity was not available after 8 PM but no one seemed to mind it and it seemed like travelling back in time when there was no electricity. Unlike Beachcomber there is no buffet system here. The people in the resort here serve you whatever they cook (you can choose vegetarian or non-vegetarian though). It’s like going to some one’s place where you will taste the food as per the host’s wish. It was not bad on first two days being vegetarian and only on third day everyone was looking at my plate when I was served with noodles and a boiled potato for lunch. I would not say that food was the best part here but the welcoming people here make up for that. I loved the village tour and met so many nice people that I didn’t want to leave this place for long time. Although the reality was that I was here for 3-4 days only.
I planned to do some reef Jumping now as there were some very cheap tours available here. I was the only one in the group doing it which I wasn’t aware of till everyone got dropped on the way for island sightseeing and I was the only one left with the boatman. He was a nice guy and helped me with the life jacket when he realized I am not good at swimming. It was the most adventurous things other I did till that day – snorkeling in the middle of two very big island where there was no one to see till many kilometers. I was a bit hesitant but then jumped into the water trusting my life jacket. I snorkeled for 30 minutes and you won’t believe but I couldn’t believe what my eyes were witnessing there. One of the most beautiful reefs is found near these islands and I was able to see them just few meters below my nose. There was a sense of happiness, fear (when the fishes were coming too close to my face) and excitement all in few seconds at times. Then I got a bit tired and called the boatman. He didn’t move and I could only see his boat a few meters away so I swam across to the boat. I was so tired that I could feel it in my arms, my legs and on my face as well. Finally I climbed to the boat and he told me there are three reefs that I am supposed to visit as part of the tour. So we went to the other reef. I had another amazing time jumping into another place. But by the end of second reef, I was almost dead but he insisted that the third one is the most beautiful and I must visit it. I mustered some courage and literally pushed my limits by jumping for the third round. Then the boatman told me that the island is not far and I should better swim towards it and he will go and check on others while I snorkel here. That was it; I couldn’t believe he just asked me to swim towards that far looking island. And before I could recover from the news he was gone. What’s now, I was here in the middle of nowhere surrounded by this marine life I was not sure I could trust. I had no choice but trust myself and submerge into the water to enjoy the beauty down there and forget about my tiredness completely. Having no other option I started to focus on exploring the reef and soon I was encountering a bunch of small fishes teasing me on my face as if they are asking me what I am dong in their territory and I had no choice but look at them innocently as if I am pointing to the boatman who left me here without my own will. I somehow covered 70% of the distance towards the island. Now during rest 30% I was bloody tired and felt like crying. I covered the last 25% distance and I was overwhelmed by the swimming. The water was only knee deep now and I realized that I can rather walk now. But my will power had given up so I kept swimming till my face was rubbing against the sand and there was not enough water to swim. I somehow managed to stand up and walked towards the shore. I didn’t want to see that boatman just now due to my anger for what he did so I walked towards an isolated place on the beach and sat there for a while. I didn’t even realized when I lay down there and slept till a little girl woke me up by asking to buy a bangle. I then realized that it was the best sleep I had in ages. I felt that a surge of relief flooded me after that thinking that I am still alive and I have witnessed the most beautiful place on earth (as this was the first time I had done reef jumping). I had no anger left in me but sheer joy.

Jan 21 2013

Fiji – Another name for ‘Freedom to Live’ (Part 1)

If I would be asked to choose how I would like to live then I think I would like to live like Fijian. People in Fiji are the most happy and content I have ever experienced. They are happy with what they have and live life to the fullest. No pressure and no regrets. I fell in love with the place and the people in the very first visit. It was my first trip to another country at my own. It was not that I was not old enough but it was moreover the culture I came from (India) that people thought that I am mad when I told them that I am going on holidays by myself. But it was the best trip of my life so far. It was adventure, fun, exhausting, risky, and emotional and a lot more in one package.

When I landed in Fiji I was welcomed by the very authentic music at the airport so I took it as a good sign. First mission was to find the cab sent by my backpacker in Nadi. Oh yes I forgot to tell that it was the first time I had decided to backpack while travelling, may be that was another reason people from work find it weird that why I was interested in living with strangers as in India it’s not that common at the moment. But living in Sydney for 8 months had made me a little bit Aussie I would say 🙂 So there I was on my first backpacking adventure in a foreign country. But my looks gives me some advantages when travelling to such countries as people think I am one of them as long as I don’t open my mouth of course.

I was picked by the cab on time and I arrived to my backpacker, already booked for 2 days as I had thought of travelling the land and book the accommodation as I go. I had to be a bit brave to hand them over my passport and expensive things to put into the safe when I was living there. But then I realised that it was common. I had no clue how I shall start the conversation with the strangers while having my dinner in the backyard of my place. So I just smiled at couple of fellow backpackers and finally retired to my place for a good night sleep. The next day I wanted to take the public transport so I asked a guy working in the backpacker and found he was interested in telling all about himself while showing me the way to the bus stop. I found it very moving the way the people there trust you and tell you about themselves.

I loved the ride in the bus as there was some pop music being played in it. There was a natural air conditioner in the bus as there were no windows in it. It had got a bell attached to a long string that goes along from the front to the back on both sides of the bus to help people signal the driver to stop it. It was just amazing how things were working here. Then unfortunately our bus broke down and gave me an opportunity to talk to some locals who were very excited to talk to me making me feel special. We waited for 20 minutes and got another bus to get us to the market where I was planning to do some shopping for fruits and possibly few other articles as I was just travelling with my carryon bag and no more. And the limit is just 7 KG hence I usually carry just some essentials and few clothes when on holidays. I will explain some more adventure related to this habit in other post. I was touched by the courtesy of a lady who in the bus realised that it is the first time I am in Fiji and showed me around the place and stayed with me for 2 hours. I was thinking that she might be a guide and thought of offering her some money. But she told me that she was just helping. It was amazing how she took so much time from her day and helped me to get all the things I needed from the market and showed me around.

After two days I shifted to another backpacker as I was not very happy with the first one. This new place was more like home as there was a Kava ceremony arranged here and I end up drinking enough to go to sleep after some time. I met two girls here who were very friendly and first time I was talking to someone also travelling like myself. Next day my opinion was changed to travel the land by my experience of getting into bus and sitting there for few hours to get to Lautoka from Nadi in hot and sweaty weather and I end up booking a tour to the islands in Fiji.

Jan 20 2013

Floating Market in Bangkok

Jan 20 2013

Going to Singapore, end up in Bangkok – Holidays turned into Adventure

It was a sunny and beautiful day. I had packed everything I need. I was sure that I am going to enjoy this well deserved break as I reached Sydney airport. I was so excited to go to Singapore for the first time for 5 days. I was flying with this airline also for the first time. All arrangements were done – accommodation booked, sightseeing pass was booked and I had all the required documents with me. This time nothing is going to be wrong – no delays in reaching airport (as I missed the plane few months ago when I was going to Brisbane due to relying upon the public transport), no paper missing and all is good. Now it’s time for holidays. Hurrah!!

But I didn’t know that there is a surprise waiting for me. I handed over my passport to the person behind the checking counter. She looks at the passport and looked at me quizzically. Now what could go wrong I thought? She told me madam you cannot fly. What she said, I repeated to myself. She sensed my confusion and answered without any delay that I haven’t got the appropriate visa to go to Singapore. But a friend of mine informed me that we can get visa on arrival. I told her about the same but she then informed me that I hold an Indian passport hence I should first apply for visa and she can postpone my flight. I was not sure how is that going to work as I have got leaves for 3 days and 2 days over the weekend and no way was I going to get visa before that. I had to leave the counter any ways to decide what to do now.

There was a moment when I wanted to let the tears trickle down my cheeks thinking here goes my holidays and I should not be preparing for my own travel now onward But then a voice came into my head and said – You are not giving up. You are going to fly today to Singapore. I instantly ran to check internet in the airport to see if there is a way I can get some help in this situation. I called the embassy but they said it will take at least 4-7 days process and that too in Canberra not like I could drive to some office in Sydney for immediate assistance. And I couldn’t postpone my holidays due to the deadlines I had to meet at work in next couple of weeks. But I was determined to get out of the country and have a well deserved break after working almost 4 weekends in a row.

I went back to the checking counter and asked if they have any alternative in my situation. They didn’t want to take risk of flying me to Singapore just in case I can’t get visa in Singapore so they gave me an option if I fly out of Singapore and go to some other country then I can get transit visa in Singapore maximum of 3 days. She asked me if I want to go to India from Singapore. It sounded like a joke as I wasn’t sure whether she was familiar with the geographical distance from Singapore to India and that too when I had only 5 days of leaves. It was like having a holiday in the air, touchdown India and come back to Sydney. Although I didn’t express my amusement to her, but I knew I am never going to forget her suggestion.

I checked the available options with them as they could fly me to Japan, Bangkok and few other places. Suddenly I decided to fly to Bangkok and asked them to book the same. I lost money on the return ticket from Singapore to Sydney and paid extra money for the flight from Singapore to Bangkok but the money didn’t matter now as I need to do this. Although in the first place I made this plan because of the available deal on flights. So it was getting funnier when I was paying even more than regular price of flights. But somehow I had to make a choice between the holidays somewhere nice or back to work behind my desk. So I chose the holidays. I checked in with the new itinerary and a new destination – Bangkok. I always wanted to go to Thailand but not in this manner. I had dreamed to go there for at least 2 weeks and enjoy and now I was going to be there for 2 days.

But no worries I am on the plane and its going to be awesome I told myself. Although the story doesn’t end here. There was more to come. I had booked a flight to Bangkok but not from Bangkok to Sydney yet which means I can go to Singapore but not Bangkok without having a return ticket. I thought that I can manage as I will book that online. And I am good at finding good deals anyways. So here I come, Singapore – city of beautiful buildings I felt. I loved the idea of going to Singapore as I have always admired the well planned cities not that I don’t like the old cities. I felt a sense of triumph after landing in Singapore as I had passed the first hurdle – flying to Singapore. And now I had to deal with another one – Flying to Bangkok. But that can wait as I have 3 days here and I don’t want to muddle that. I was given strict warning in the Airport saying that I should not be staying in Singapore for more than 3 days. I was alright I thought, no big deal. But I was not aware of what’s there in store for me still.

I checked-in in my place and explained that I have to leave in 3 days and not 5 so asked them to charge me only for 3 days. With a little bit of discussion and explaining my situation that got settled. Now it was time for dinner – It was late in the evening so I went out and had a quiet dinner and came back to check internet in my place with a strong feeling that I will book the tickets for Bangkok now. I searched various options and the price first blew my mind as I was paying fortune to go there for two days. Still I muster some courage to book it, now what’s that – A message saying that a security code is being sent to my mobile to confirm the ticket. Bugger, I haven’t activated international roaming on my phone. I never do when I travel so that I have some quiet holidays without any interruption from the people I know. I never had to book anything from other countries either so I never found out the options to do that otherwise I could call my bank and deactivate the phone security for some time. Now I felt that I was in soup. It was 2 AM already and I had to visit many places next day. I checked Facebook no one from my inner friend circle was online who could help me with the ticket. I had no choice but sleep.

Next day I told myself to forget about the ticket and focus on visiting the places I have got the pass for. I started my day very enthusiastically and cover 3 places in a day with my excellent management. I know the other matter doesn’t show much of that but things happen and there is first for everything. So any ways I was back in my place all tired. I chose internet over food and got some fruits that I could binge upon while trying to book the tickets again. I saw one of my friends online today. I felt it’s my lucky day. My friend was working in Europe at that time. I felt a bit embarrassed but came to the point very quickly and asked him to book my ticket explaining my situation. He was so nice that without much fuss he started booking the same. I gave all my details but then he pinged me on Facebook chat back that the payment page is leading him to another page saying that the site can’t be trusted. Now it was new. He tried couple of time but the same message and I didn’t want to trouble him anymore. Now I had one more day and it was too late. I send an email to another friend of mine explaining the situation and went to bed thinking about the next day.

I woke up bit uneasy thinking about the ticket and checked my email first thing in the morning. A reply from my friend was waiting for me giving me few options with flight he could book for me. A sense of relief flooded me. I quickly replied to him and started for another day’s adventure more carefree today as I was going for the forest adventure that was going to tire me physically. I had an amazing day even the rain in the evening didn’t touch my excitement and I did the night safari in the zoo. I came back and saw that the ticket was waiting for me. I could fly on time to Bangkok now. I utilized the last day in Singapore to explore a toy museum which was nice as it brought back the memories from my childhood. Although it was another adventure to go to Bangkok without much preparation but I loved my holidays and saw more things than I could imagine in 5 days. It was tiring but full of adventure I would say. Thanks for reading this. I am looking forward to my next holidays now.