Even before I learned to read/write, books were my sanctuary, my safe haven. The former years of my childhood were spent in a big Marwari joint family. My mom was almost always in the kitchen. She would make a circle of magazines and books around me and make me sit in the center. Even if she was occupied for hours at a stretch, I would keep turning every single page of those magazines patiently and make my way from start to finish of the circle. I think I was around 1-2 yrs old at the time. She …
Why Kashmir is my happy place?
Kashmir became my home in just one visit. And almost the whole of it is because of these people. I went on a solo trip to Srinagar and stayed with Insha and her beautiful family for 6 nights. I've never stayed/seen such a huge property and also lived with a joint family. The place is stunning with big rooms, wi-fi, power backup, a fully equipped kitchen, open grasslands of the size of the mansion, an orchard, a cave, and even a water stream opening to dal lake. I was …
Dogs, beach and friends – Go Goa!!
I was more terrified to go to Goa alone than Kashmir. Why? Because I am really really scared of dogs and I don't know how to drive a 2 - wheeler yet. Goan dogs are really territorial and they keep barking all the time which further heightens my fear and anxiety. There is this duality of enjoying such serene surroundings while trying to act brave with multiple stray dogs barking and running around on beaches. Every cafe, beach shack, or supermarket will have multiple stray dogs lying around at …
Happy Birthday Sara
Dear Sara, My cute little princess, Happy Happy Birthday. Just the thought of you makes my heart explodes with so many emotions. I really wish I could freeze moments with you forever. Precisely why I keep annoying your mom for more pics and videos to the point that she has to share a screenshot of her camera reel. It is impossible to explain the joy you have brought to so many lives - it is too big, bright and burly for words. What is it that I love about you? I could go on …
My Solo Trip To Kashmir (Part 2) – The Mughal Gardens
The sightseeing tour took me to the iconic and gorgeous Mughal gardens - the famous Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. Situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, these gardens look absolutely enthralling with a vast variety of the most vibrant coloured flowers, sky-high chinar trees, amazing fragrances and the mesmerizing Zabarwan hills forming the backdrop. It’s just surreal. I really had to cross-check multiple times, if I had my camera filters turned on. Nopes. Maybe the concept of filters originated …
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My Solo Trip To Kashmir And A Brush With Kashmiriyat (Part 1)
Terrorism and Jannat are the two words that come to your mind when you think about Kashmir. The magical valleys as I had only seen in photographs and movies were calling me for a while now. It has always been on top of my bucket list. But the constant horror stories of curfews, crackdowns, terrorist attacks, blasts at Lal Chowk, locals undertaking yet another war with the armed forces and my motion sickness with mountains always made it really daunting to travel solo. Kashmir, hands down is one …
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