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 

Back to School!

Writings on the board,

The saree clad teacher spoke,

The marvel of edification,

How we pick to acquire what we know.

Treaded back in time,

Amongst beings thirsty for culture,

There sat some captivated listeners,

Ready to embark on a new endeavor.

Back to school I go,

Brain needs to feed some more,

To add value to my life,

To witness the world with new eyes.

Har Har Mahadev!

There is something about Shiva that intrigues you. I mean he is the most kick-ass, a stoner, super chilled out, rock and roll-ish God of Indian mythology and especially after reading Meluha series, I think I've fallen for him pretty bad (in the godliest of ways of course), but I have. Shivratri is celebrated in so many ways and it is quite a revered festival. There are so many ways to observe it and since it being an all-nighter affair (in which we binge watch old Hindi God movies), it pretty much is awesome (and I don’t mean it because you get to feast on bhaang after).

I’ve been attending Shivratri since I was five and I’ve never really written about the experience of it. I mean imagine that you get a movie marathon and authorized weed after an all-night party, could it be any cooler? I think not! As we all know, there are four prehars, in which Shiva is worshipped and basically prepped up to get married by the third, when married women pray for their husbands and single women pray for a husband like Shiva. The entire process of the puja, where I attend it is done as per vedic protocols and that my friends is so tranquil. So, we have the start of the puja (each prehar has a different name of Shiva that needs to be recited), which is followed by a havaan and then pushpanjali and aarti. This happens the entire night as per the mahurat timings and finally after the last prehar we technically open the fast with bhaang drink and bhaang pakoras.

For me, Shivratri began from understanding and learning about the process of celebrating it. The feeling is amazing because frankly I haven’t seen anyone else do this in such a large scale except big temples so I guess I am lucky that I get to undergo it first hand and share this knowledge and event with others. So much of what our traditions are made of is being forgotten and if there is knowledge out there about it why shouldn’t we absorb it and use it for our benefit.

Adieu!

When you associate with a person or an organization, you undertake a journey. Anything that lays an imprint on your heart will leave a scar or a mark (pleasant or otherwise) on your mind. I’ve always been the one who used to opt for small projects, finish them and move on to learning new things that gave me a different perspective. In more than 9 years of my working life, I have realized that I have made more human connections as well as gained knowledge, seems kind of lucky right. 

Farewells are not an easy part of life yet we are aware of how important new beginnings are, even though many a times they bring along with them a sense of discomfort and anxiety. The constant push of life is experienced truly only when you embrace change. Human beings are programmed to find structure in things, be it in relationships or life in general. The hardest part still remains that we end up not spending time and physical proximity with the people we have bonded with. 

At the start of this year, I promised myself new beginnings and all for better causes. I didn’t imagine the impact of my resolution will bring forth a sense of heartache yet again. Saying goodbye to someone is the hardest thing to do, even though you know that you will remain associated with them for all your life. Five years, I guess is the period of change that life forces on me every single time. Even though it always is the hardest to cope with, I left another home today and my heart broke again. All of that strength just tumbles and you are overwhelmed with emotion when you realize what you mean to someone and what they mean to you. 

My recent ex- job (heh) had been such a home for me for five years, even though I’ve loved every minute of this crazy journey, and found people who will always hold a special place in my heart and a permanent place in my life, but sometimes you just know you have to move on. Personal growth maybe great but it leaves you with a sense of the strength you need badly in order to branch out in your life. Five years of hard work, laughter attacks, smiles, so much food and alcohol, tears and even anger, all was brought out again with the memories that people shared with me on my last day at work. From people who I never thought were close to me, had tears in their eyes, and it left me overwhelmed. The gifts and the hugs and all the special treatment by every single member of my office was heart warming.

My immediate boss (ex), gave a heart wrenching farewell speech that brought tears in all our eyes. I will never forget how she held my hand throughout, kept kissing my hand and blessed me. You don’t really need an accolade when your work is appreciated by others who know and encourage you and know that you are deserving of much more. It's so rewarding to know how highly they think of you as a person. It touches you, that all your gestures, however minuscule, they were accepted and acknowledged and will be missed immensely. 

All the good wishes, small gestures like any gift that they give as per their capacity or any short speeches delivered about you, or lunches given to you or hell made you feel special in any way, they all make a difference. It truly makes a difference knowing that your presence will be missed. It need not be said at times though but shown in how hugs linger a little bit longer or when people go out of their way to make you know how they feel about you. It changes you when you know that you’ve earned love and respect, you've earned your place in their lives. And this my friend is worth remembering.

Talent Reloaded

Kids these days are smart, smarter than we were when we were their age and I guess we all agree with that statement. I'm that crazy aunt, I've realized who is so proud of her kids (more than their parents I think). I'm very very fond of kids and there is something about us, we click with each other too and after raising so many I feel so proud when any of them does well. 

The feeling is so amazing when they randomly declare that they love you, when they see you and how they run to you, kiss you with both their hands on your cheeks and hug the lights out of you or when they especially invite you to see their performance in their school sports day. For one, you are proud to see your child learning new things and excelling at them and on the other hand at least I was in complete awe of all the young and emerging talent that put a brilliant show for us. These weren't even big kids but nursery to 5th grade and the amount of talent that emanated from this ground was spectacular. 

And you know the best part, is the smile that catches their lips and hands that frantically wave when they spot you in the audience knowing that you are watching them and at that very moment the happiness that engulfs you is am very sure every parent's or guardian's one of most cherished memories which they experience at some point in their life or more. A truly enriching experience!

A Day of Love!

Well, I'm a fan of being thoughtful and this day is just one of those days where you show someone how much they mean to you. People keep saying that it's no big deal or whatever but I say that it's a chance for you to share or express how you feel about a person. We often in the run of life forget to do that and this day just as quickly becomes a passé.

This day I wanted to spend with the people who really, truly love me and me them. They love me for me for all the quirky things I do, for all the days I'm insufferable and for all the days am down in the dumps, or loving and living my life like a crazy person, these guys are the ones who are there. It was the best day, to be treated by someone who you know has no hidden agenda behind loving you. They are not after anything, no illusions, no lust just plain unadulterated blissful love. This is the kind of love we all hope for.

Everyone I met today made me feel special in their own way by (gifting stuff, flowers, a great dinner and company) and the best lesson that they leave you with is the validation that you need to keep such people in your life who help you grow and love you for who you are. The honesty in all that love is what takes away every hurt that is ever delivered to you. You end up realizing that such lessons are necessary as they help you become a better version of you. Look at all the effort everyone did to just see me smile, how is THIS not a perk, to be surrounded by people who matter so much to you and you to them. So, thanks cupid for bringing me such an amazing set of people.