It’s all about the heart anyway, right?

I've been writing about heart since a while now and even though I try to digress from the topic I end up getting a glimpse of a heartfelt act or a picture that takes me back to it. 

You learn a lesson after you get your heart broken to about a million or more pieces. Yes, you do and I'm not denying that you become wise after an experience like this. But no one talks of the suffering only you have to go through. It's like you can feel each piece crack and shatter slowly. After its done that, it doesn’t end there, you feel the prick of each piece. Over and over. Every day till the day you survive. Sometimes old wounds are pricked again and they bleed twice as much. Sometimes some wounds have been pricked so much that there is no skin on them left to pave way for a scar. That's when you become numb to the pain, not the pricks. They still continue. 

Sure, writers write about their painful journey and you connect with it and find solace in the fact that you're not alone to feel this way. But then it’s forgotten when you encounter a happy moment of your own. Even though you felt what the writer wrote through your veins, it stays with you for a few minutes, hours, days and maybe some months. It might imprint your mind but then so will many more but that written note, that expression of an emotion, will forever be etched as a beautiful note in someone's history. It may one day be forgotten but not by that one person. The one who wrote it, who felt it, who struggled through it, who freed his/her pain through it. And it will go on living till the writer lives. I don't know who becomes immortal as a result of it, the writer or their journey!

#WorldPoetryDay

Like the final page of a book is the toughest to turn,

Like the path a child chooses away from the comfort zone,

Like the wave that leaves the ocean stretching towards the coast,

Like the dead leaf that falls off its branch slayed alone,

Like the sunlight disappearing into the dusky terrain,

Like the moonlight withdrawing into the dawn's spell dazed,

Like the soul that departs the body bellowing to the world,

Like the tear that imprints the skin on its way to the floor,

Like the hold that you let go in a moment’s breath,

Like the love that swiftly renounced the core and wept,

All these metaphors sound so astonishing and impressive,

You think this is how I feel but do you know that this is just what I've seen.

@Image Courtesy Google

Locution!

T.S Eliot once said 'You write because you feel the need to free yourself of something' and he totally gets me! 

It isn't necessary that any learned person can be a writer. The way how you translate your feelings into words that flow from your heart via your fingers, with all that you feel as your ink, is almost a spiritual activity that you participate in. It takes a lot of courage and brevity to reveal your inner most thoughts and stand naked in front of the world. Thoughts of love, pain or divinity are abstract and don't usually fit into the concrete structure of the world. 

Words can be superficial, yet they can be everything you need at some point in your life. This is a matter which is always up for debate but what we really get out of anything scripted is a connection. A connection that helps us reconnect, helps us face the truth, breaks us or maybe one day heal all the wounds that words of others inflicted upon us. As I stare at a blank space, I wonder that it's only when what we think and feel gets inscribed on a sheet of paper, without any dilution, without any trimmings is when we really write. When the emotions of contentment, intimacy or intense pain that only the one who feel gets is written, it may just strike a match but imagine the intensity of that emotion felt by that person for them to be capable of effectively putting it into words and then just putting it out there. 

This world is fake but then you find people who are real, that's the kind of connection you want to hold on to. At that point words don't matter. That depth is what we all seek, what we all need. Funny how in a materialistic world all we need and look for are intangible things that matter. It's like they are two sides of the same coin. On one side words cage you and when you turn sides that's when they free you and that liberation my dear friends is more precious than anything money can buy. It isn't everyday that you are gifted with the depth of words and have that translated into actions that will eventually lead you to establish faith in all the things that have failed you in life. Is that the beginning of happiness? Maybe not or maybe just maybe yes.

Pipe Dream!

Like a hope that pours from the core,

A little lick that illuminates the soul,

Eyes shut screaming in anticipation,

Tension builds and so does exhilaration.

Just a simple taste of skin,

That leads to a whole lot of trouble within,

The need to inch a little bit closer,

Hearts meld and bodies mingle.

It’s a bliss to find a heart they say,

One that give yours a start again,

So, you end up kissing a million lips,

Just to find that one which brings you eternal bliss.

The Grapple!

Who has more power? Mind or Emotions?

I guess that I’ll never know,

For some days, my heart rules,

And some days, my mind blows.

Every day I wake and think,

The path I walk on or run in,

Often when I overthink,

I dig another layer of my grave yet I live.

My heart speaks in whispers sometimes,

When my mind shouts and yells,

My heart whimpers in silence,

While my mind takes charge of life again.

But I didn’t know they really are friends,

Not the enemies I thought, so I’ll stop belittling them,

Because my mind heeds warning to my heart,

To be careful or I'll fall apart.

Image courtesy Illustrarts

A Heart's Voyage!

The heart wields like a sword,

From left to right it wings,

How it crusades into stone,

Only to be lured by desires into sin.

The heart is like that thundering cloud,

Aching with the need to let out,

Onto the earth and create mayhem,

Instead ends up breathing life into barren.

The heart is like that floret in spring,

Ready to blossom and caress your skin,

Till the day it withers covered by silt,

Blooms bright till it falls into ruin.

 The heart is like a quiescent volcano,

Spurts or hisses with each rumble,

All that inferno seeking the ocean,

To unearth tranquility whirling in surrender.

Sula Fest!

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it a rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven and to the soul." ~ Angela Monet

Nestled among the valleys of Nashik, located approximately 230 kms from Mumbai, Sula Vineyards present you with the perfect opportunity to celebrate life in all its glory. The ride from Mumbai to Nashik is really smooth and beautiful, once you are out of the hustle bustle of crazy town, you find yourself in the arms of nature. 

The drive to Sula Vineyards is very picturesque and the route is pretty well marked and hence should not present any challenges. The only thing you need to keep in mind is not to miss the service lane for Ambad MIDC exit, if you skip that then you get into town and delay your arrival. From this exit, the vineyards are about 7kms into the village countryside which gives you a divine scene with fishing ponds, cute street kids, cows and all that Indian jazz.

It is just a glorious place to hold a music festival! Sula festivals is held annually in the month of February and is a must visit if you are a music freak. A celebration full of music, wine, food and fashion is what a perfect day cradled in the lap of nature feels like and Sula fest brings that experience right to you.  

This luxurious property is built in over 30 acres and house amphitheater, large grounds which provide an excellent open space, some great restaurants especially their rooftop restaurant, lush green grape plantations, a factory as well as a tasting room. If you are there what you must do is take a tour of the wine making. There are a lot of options available so you can choose whatever you feel is good for you. We took the entire tour and boy were we glad that we did. 

The passion that emanates from the employees who work here rubs off on you or maybe it's just the wine. The logo of Sula itself is the epitome of amalgamating the beautiful sun ripened grapes with a Rajputani Moustache and a tilak on the forehead just to bring some Indian culture to it. The guided tour is brief but covers mostly everything there is to know about the wine making process as it takes you move along from the winery, to the barrel room and finally to the Tasting room.

The wine tasting involves a brief explanation of all the varieties that Sula has to offer as well as discussion on wine etiquette, temperature, aromas, swirls and combinations of food each goes well with the range of Sula. I'm personally quite fond of Shiraz but it was amazing to see that India is catching up to the wine culture.

Do yourself a favour and load up on the wines that Sula has to offer and head upstairs to the roof top restaurant that gifts you a scenic view, the memory of which that you will cherish for the rest of your life. The vast expanse of grape plantation with murmurs of people all around you is the apt place to chill and kick your heels for a bit to relax.

The place is full of memorabilia and great food that you can enjoy as you browse through the numerous food buses, kiosks as you swim through the crowd. It being an event, we were lucky to taste some of the best food and alcohol around. You can pick up some unique presents for loved ones which may be slightly heavy on the pocket but very light on the heart. 

Of the activities that Sula fest has to offer like tarot reading, foot massages, caricature artists etc. you must try the grape stomping or "Pigage", the traditional Roman wine making method of macerating the grapes by foot. Just carry soap. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Now comes the best part - M.U.S.I.C! Okay so I'm not going to get into the who's and the what's..I'm just gonna say enjoy the clips as you do let me reminisce a little here myself. 

This first group - Kabir Cafe sing the poems of Kabir and they do a fabulous job of it. I officially am a fan!

The thing with music festivals is that crazy and sometimes obnoxious people like us get enough chances to capture moments which make you laugh for the rest of your lives. So, here are some... (not trying to me mean Ok!)

 

Anyway the groups came coming and going and the energy was insane!

The fillers were okay but everyone of us were waiting for Raghu (just heard the group for the first time and kept cheering so loud that people thought we were their groupies..he he he) anyways, these guys were so amazing and totally left us wanting more.

Since we were only there for a day we couldn't wait till the end and we regretted it but that's how music influences you. It always leaves you wanting more like lust of the skin. It becomes a language we all speak, we all read and we all breathe. Music helps you speak your heart without even uttering a word from your lips. It brings tears when you are hurt, or it makes you feel jubilant. Music gives you life, it charges every cell in your body. It helps reunite you, or give you company when you feel alone. Music is the best companion you will ever have and anything that helps commemorate how grateful we are towards music must be celebrated. What better way to appreciate music and that too with people who indulge in it, revel in the joy it brings along with a whole lot of alcohol.

As you leave with that experience, music fills your heart, sometimes in place of love!

Grasp!

The pitter-patter of ponderous raindrops, softly tapping on her glass door early morning is what woke her. 

Limbs tangled with him, she looked at his contour through her sleepy eyes, sheet draped just underneath his waist. She moved in to get a whiff of him, clinging to get warm just as the weather was turning cold. Not wanting to wake him from his slumber, she inched a little bit closer still and kissed his neck softly when she felt his hands caressing her thigh. He turned to her and snuggled into her warmth, each craving a little more of each other. There wasn't a more perfect time as they lay as together deeply inhaling the scent of each other. All that she felt at that very moment was peace. That's when she felt him inch closer to her ear, she snuggled in to take his weight and just then he whispered "I Love You", in the wee hours of the morning. Nothing was more perfect, nothing more was needed except a declaration in return at that very moment. She smiled and replied "I Love You too"bringing his lips closer to hers as they celebrated each other!

That's the power of rain, how a long lost memory became a story for her to remember on this very similar day. 

Mum-Bhai!

OH MY DEAR LORD, I needed this vacation blog to be completed. There has been so much work recently that I don't have time to sit and think, from handovers to deadlines and settling in a new space, it has been crazy. It's a good thing actually because I don't get time to overthink but the sad part is that in all the humdrum and chaos I didn't get enough time to really plan and enjoy this much longed for vacation in the first place. This is my second attempt at a detailed travel blog (after a whole month), and maybe I haven't done it justice since I just wanted to write everything down before I forget it. 

So, our vacation destination, Mumbai came to plan because of the insane need to:

1. Celebrate my bestie's birthday in the best way possible because I was leaving and because she deserved this gesture from my end for being my rock.
2. Attend the Sula Fest (mutual wish, which shall be covered in the another blog). 

Last time I went to Mumbai, it was in such a frenzy (I guess that's the trend now) that I wasn't able to explore the place. Just before travelling, if you have a gigantic load of work, every bit of your planning goes for a toss. Also, Pro Tip : Never EVER book a morning flight during Winters, even though the weather man or app says otherwise. I mean of all the days, that particular week saw such dense fog that by the time we were supposed to land in Mumbai, we were still taxiing.

Yeah! I know!

I mean all that planning and time distortion and not to mention waking up the entire night, since I was already working on bare minimum of 4-5 hours of sleep since the past week and a half, led to such an exhausting and aggravating start to our trip that our spirits were a little low. Thankfully, the crew was fantastic and I had good company so we ended up having lots of fun and could finalize the details. So, I guess it was a blessing in disguise like most things in my life now. 

And yeah, you'll be snapped!

One thing that you need to take into account while travelling in Mumbai (I loved the name Bombay, God knows why they changed it) is the travel time and the traffic. In case you get stuck you end up wasting so much time and energy that it leaves you exhausted to pretty much not do anything else. Anyway, the day was planned as per schedule and as usual our exploration caps were on. We headed straight to Kanheri Caves but no matter how much you research, there are somethings which are out of your control. The caves themselves are nestled deep into the Sanjay Gandhi Forest (closed on Mondays) which conveniently most travel websites forget to mention. Since the distances are pretty far off in Mumbai, we opted to go around by Uber and not hire a car because it IS exhausting driving in Mumbai. The drivers themselves are pretty new and have trouble figuring out the ways that are a bit tedious so keep google maps handy. 

Anyway, apart from that fact here is certain information which should be provided to my readers in case you do (which means you should) visit these caves. Keep lots of change with you as there is an entrance fee for the park and at other places. Since no personal taxi can go in, you can either opt for private taxi available inside or the regular bus that runs there covering approximately 7 kms to the caves. There is a provision for bikes as well but let's face it, no one really opts for that. The management of the transport is done horribly and there are hidden costs everywhere. My recommendation - take your own vehicle when you are visiting the caves as they are worth a visit. The bus charges around 45 rupees per person one way, will drop you 1 km away from where you have to walk it (which we did thanks to all the Jai Mata Di chants :p) and keep a stick with you as there are a lot of Monkeys. Your personal vehicle will drop you near the entrance of the caves hence the recommendation. There is a small little canteen that serves all of Mumbai street food so you can pretty much binge on Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji and Misal Pav and gulp it down with a cool drink. You gotta pay an entrance fee again before entering the caves and charges for any photographic equipment is extra so keep change ready. There on it's not so bad but there is a lot of ground to cover so wear comfortable shoes. I guess we went at a wrong time and the supposed Podhis or water cisterns, used for water storage but they were all dried up. The place itself is so beautiful that you cannot, rather should not miss visiting. Be careful of couples who are caught getting naughty in and around various spots. 

There are close to 100 caves which were primarily Buddhist caves but locally known as Kanhaiya caves and are about 2000 years old. Mentions of these caves can be found in 16th Century Portugese and European texts. The word "Kanheri" seeks its root from the word "Krishnagiri" or "Kanhagiri" which refers to black mountains since its made of black basaltic stone or volcanic rocks and its correlation with Krishna's skin helped name it. Since 1st Century BC to about 11th Century AD, as researched, these caves have distinct excavations built out of a single hill. There are a lot of individual rooms were Viharas or monasteries, simply constructed to help meditate, study and enjoy the simple life and had simple stone plinths as beds. These caves were also used to deliver lectures on Buddhism and have connections to other cities like Ujjain, Nashik etc. which served as trade centres in ancient times. There are enclosures known as Chaityagrahas which served the purpose of prayer halls which have huge stupas pertaining to Bodhisattvas and habour 34 pillars which act as a division. All the later excavations were adorned with decorations primarily consisting of Buddha Statues. You can finish the entire trip say in about 3-4 hours maximum and choose a good weather because the heat kills you. The last bus, in case you want to travel in it, departs at 5:30 p.m.

Our next agenda for the day was to head to the ocean (of course). BandStand in Bandra is one of the best places to enjoy the  calm sea and a good cup of coffee. You can pretty much just chill there and enjoy the city rush and lovers. In case you are a Shahrukh Khan Fan, Mannat is right around the corner and you can pass by it or click pictures or wait day and night to catch a glimpse, either way, choice is yours. As for me, when close to the sea, everything else just seems so minuscule. There isn't a beach to relax but you can just chill at the Barista or CCD (whichever you fancy) and soak in the peace that each wave brings with it.

Whenever in my life I need a little bit of clarity, I rush to the sea. I don't know for what reason but hills never do it for me. No matter how brilliant a vista the mountains provide, the sea is very dynamic. I guess that is what enthralls me, the surface of it is calm at times or creates havoc underneath or vice versa. How it holds an entire world inside, gives life, nourishment and gifts and also has the power to destroy. Mountains on the other hand are so very static, they just stand tall and hold foliage but that's all there is, they just stand still and suffer the brunt of nature. I guess in many ways I relate better to the sea and it always gives me the answers that I need assistance on. Anyway, Bandstand will pretty much give you a pleasant view of the sea to reflect on and I suggest you milk that opportunity to the maximum.

When in Mumbai, how can you stay still and not party? This place is always on the move and is so alive. Since we were closer to Bandra, we decided to hit one of my favourite party places there - Radio Bar. This place goes crazy during party time and the food is to die for. The food in Mumbai is delectable and when there you must try Burmese cuisine. It's contesting very closely to Mediterranean food in my book now.  

In case you feel like pub-hopping (which I suggest you should), head to Monkey Bar or Bar Stock Exchange to have a good time. The ideal days would be Friday - Sunday but hey you just might get lucky in a weekday as well. Both these places have decent djs and you can party till about 3 in morning.

Often times we forget to be thankful for things we already have or to even seek blessings and I now really feel that there is a superpower and if you hear about such a place where you're going, do visit. Now we anyways have this thing among our group that we always start our trips by visiting a temple and since we couldn't do that on our first day, Day 2 started as a holy affair. One of the best ways to cover a lot of places as a tourist is to use google maps. Mahalaxmi temple (very lovely temple), is next to Haji Ali and since both are closer to Gateway of India from where had to visit Elephanta Caves, the travel plan was perfectly laid out. Just a simple and a humble offering to the God can often be fulfilled in ways that you can't fathom. My mum always says that never ask for anything because you end up limiting what he wants to give you, instead pray for his blessings and everything will follow, if not immediately then eventually. It doesn't matter which God you pray to but it must be done from the heart, you will be heard when your time is there. 

Also don't forget to check out giant dosa :p

Moving along, a lot of our history is right here for us to see and to absorb in its true essence. Elephanta caves may be a tourist spot but in retrospect I suggest you visit Kanheri Caves for a holistic and exciting experience and the crowd is less and the caves are far more detailed in terms of the artistry. You need to travel via the sea to reach the Elephanta Islands and entails a journey of about 45 minutes. One good thing about the Ferry ride to the caves, which is a round trip of 150 rupees per person (don't lose the ticket), you get to travel towards the Elephanta Islands (which derives its name from the colossal elephant statue that was discovered here and is currently can be seen in the Mumbai Museum), is the company of some seriously hungry and greedy sea gulls. The Ferry ride is quite boring unless you look like us, act like us, so you end up having fun. When you reach the island, you have two options, you can either walk it like a lot of people do or there is a mini train service (5 rupees per person round trip), and chug a long at snail speed to reach the entrance. At the entrance there are local kiosks of some seasonal fruits and snacks (I noticed that Maharashtrians are quite fond of cucumbers  - wait, this did not come out right), any ways these local treats should be enjoyed in my opinion. The path to the caves are full of little shops of clothes, jewellery or souvenirs that you can buy for keepsake.

As you reach the caves, (keep change handy again for govt tax and the cave entrance fee), you will see about seven caves which were excavated circa 6th-7th Century A.D. Frankly, the only cave that really impressed me was cave 1 which houses a gigantic statue of Shiva carved in stone highlighting the brahmanical rock cut culture. The beauty of the cave and the detailed artistry is definitely worth a watch if you can manage to click a shot without a bunch of people posing next to them. The caves can be covered in a matter of 1/2 an hour, as the others are practically empty structures but if you take time to click pictures keep that time frame as an hour. It isn't the most picturesque place but you do get to indulge in history.

As you reach the shore, have coffee at Taj or just head to Colaba, which for me is one of the best places to shop, enjoy a good meal and pretty much just chill and have fun. So that was what we did.

You do get exhausted trying to catch up and living your life as well have fun on a trip but I guess that's the best part of it. The great thing about vacations is that you get to spend 24 hours with the people you really have a good time with. The days pass and now that I look back I miss it, so much. Late night talks with desserts or alcohol, the getting dressed part and helping each other with it and all the laughter attacks, honest and deep conversations, all of it strengthens your bond. Anyway, so since we had to head out of town to attend the Sula festival, we had a nice and a quiet dinner at Alfredo's after spending some nice time at Juhu. Food in Mumbai has impressed me, I must admit that and there are so many choices to choose from which is delightful.

There is this place in Mumbai, called Khao Gali, that is a must visit if you are a foodie..the crazy crowd that is there to get a taste of Mumbai leaves you in SHOCK. You get swept in to this sea of hungry people and the hardworking, multitasking workers inspire you and the food of course is amazing.

Now, for the main reason of why we came to Mumbai - MY BESTIE'S BIRTHDAY! I have known her for more than 14 years now and I could never imagine that I will be this close to her as I grew up. I've seen her at almost all stages of her life, in college, when she worked with me in a hospital to when we started working together again, to her getting married, her being pregnant and now as a mother. So much history is there between her, she has seen me at my best, my good and my worst. We know each other inside out, even complete each other's sentences and I think in a little while all three of our period cycles will also sync. This is how close we have gotten. I don't know if it was the good times or the bad or maybe both that we have bonded and they are almost like my psuedo sisters and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who are filled with love, laughter, wisdom and care. I feel so grateful and that somehow gives me strength everyday. I wanted this day to be very special for her, I tend to do that for people I really love, to go that extra mile and make sure that they have the best time of their lives on the day that they came to this earth and thankfully into my life. So, I decided to be her fairy godmother and fulfilled all of her wishes from attending a music festival, to seek blessings, to shop, to have a birthday to remember, midnight snacks and to party till dawn. I did manage it thanks to my peeps and it was a night I hope she will never forget. It was the least I could do for her after all that she has done for me.

I have realised that the most important lesson I learn from such vacations is that even though you get to explore a place, and each other, you really get to know yourself. This journey of self discovery need not be alone.

The next trip is already in the works, hopefully a third travel blog shall follow with our crazy adventures.

Music!

Pick out your beloved ballad,

Ponder on that rudimentary sound,

Etch a few senseless librettos,

Chant what you want to declare right now.

Clasp your hands and strum a symphony,

 Enthralled and near your throbbing heart,

Make music just out of some plain old chords,

Hum a melody that brings magic to a song.

Open your lungs and croon uninhibited,

Shut your eyes as you believe in the night's ditty,

Sway as you cavort with the sky covered in starlight,

Open your arms wide to welcome this seraphic sight.

Image courtesy pinterest