Eleutheromania- What's your travel personality?

Suffering from Eleutheromania? check my column '30ish Slope' #LivingLocal 

http://www.livinglocalmag.com/andheri/suffering-from-eleutheromania/

Eleutheromania is an extreme desire for freedom. It is a state of mind when you experience yourself without any filters or judgment.

When I was asked, what’s your life goal? I only thought of a huge globe with travel stories. If you were not afraid of anything, where would you want to go? The answer is the key to your eleutheromania.

Life Hack: Invest in experiences and not things, it is much more comforting.

Every traveler has a unique personality. Observing fellow travellers is lot of fun; you can peep into their lives by just noticing their mannerisms. Each one has a different story, a different destination, and my wanderlust keeps pushing me to dig deeper.

Read my version of your travel personality based on your packing style.

The OverPacker – Believes in options

What if I go horse riding? What if I have to go for 3 fancy dinners? What if I plan to go running? They are constantly making hypothetical situations and end up packing almost their entire wardrobe.

The BackPacker – Always has a contingency plan 

They pack everything rolled neatly. No matter what the situation is, they always have a knife, scarf, rope, band-aids to sort it. I completely envy their precision.

Go Empty BagPacker – No hang-ups, go with the flow

This special breed believes in shopping at the destination. Just carry basics, wear the heavy jackets and boots on the flight, and shop without any stress.

The HackPacker – Geek chic who has an answer to everything

Their suitcases are like an engineering assignment, where each item has its own place. They have mastered the art of reading and applying every packing trick online. You have to be a genius to travel lighter than them.

As a travel blogger, I would easily tradeoff expensive labels for a trip worth remembering, because travelling has taught me how to live fearlessly and love with all my heart. Trust your eleutheromania; it could lead you to the greatest joy you ever experienced.

  

Intellectual Freedom, I am the change - Living Local

This article has been published in Living Local, August 2015 Issue

http://www.livinglocalmag.com/articles/patriotism-is-progressive-30ish-blog.html

Patriotism in 2015, expects us to lay the foundation of Intellectual Freedom for generations to come. India is striding towards a positive society, according to market trend studies India’s strength is our youth. Ever thought, what makes them so powerful? They are progressive.

#Life Hack: If each one of us accepts the challenge of progress being a personal responsibility then our nation will never have to look back. 

Earlier parents influenced our career choices, now they trust our decision. This generation is not waiting to join MNC’s, they dream about start-ups and building their future. They want to be entrepreneurs, and redefine their boundaries.

30ish is a cusp age group, You are well aware about the expectations of the previous generation, and still in sync with Gen-Y. This makes us more powerful and capable to drive change. Match this to a situation 100 years back, when our freedom fighters took the ownership of fighting for their rights. They did not wait for political leaders to take a step, instead formed power groups and chased every opportunity to stand for the pride of our motherland. A century back, they screamed “I am the change” now its our responsibility to own their legacy.  Endorse ‘I am the change’.

We have the capability and strength, there will be no modi-fication, unless you modify yourself. Collaborate and grow, there is so much talent around us, the first step could be to support each other. The virtual world gives us the liberty of time and space, believe in people.

Its not about big promises, but small steps in the right direction. Our Yuva* has the potential to take India to the next level, all we need to do is channelise their energy. 

Respect your individuality, its precious.

Jai Hind, 30ish

  

'Take Light', Hyderabad style

I visited Hyderabad like a first timer on my 20^th trip.  This time the only difference was that I followed their life motto ,“Light Le Re”. Everytime there was panic and delay, a random person walked up to me and said “kuch nahi hoga re, light tisco”. 

#Life Hack : No matter how old you are, they will call you Amma or Pottie (chick), can't decide which one is worse! Girls please take it light :D 

I was in Hyderabad for a photography assignment and what took me by surprise was their fascination for Wall Art. A husband-wife team of Vijaya and Swathi use graffiti as an expression of art. They love to showcase Hyderabad’s cultural vibe through these paintings. Vibrant colors in true Hyderabadi style gives you a feel of downtown LA. Please include this in your next itinerary.

Another unbelievable phenomena of this city is their love for Telegu Soup’er Stars. I experienced this, thanks of the release of a recent blockbuster. Tollywood fans dance, burst crackers outside the theatre and watch the same movie 3-5 times. If you ever wish to experience stardom then head to Hyderabad. An average Mumbaikar can pass off as an upcoming movie star, they are quite liberal about their beauty standards.

They experienced more bandh's than working days in the last couple of years, thanks to the political confusion but there's something very Nawabi about the locals. Stress is not what happens to them, its their response that takes them to another level. #HyderabadSWAG

PhotoblogHER went all out on street photography. 

Hyderabad has to be relished, like their Biryani. It belongs to the young at heart old timers, if you know what I mean.
  

Happy Hour For Yourself - Living Local

This post has been published by Living Local Magazine, July 2015. 'On the 30ish Slope' is going to be a regular feature for their upcoming issues. 30ish steps out of the virtual world, the joy of connecting with my readers in the real world :D is super!

Check the link and read the post online - http://www.livinglocalmag.com/articles/happy-hour-30ish-slope.html

Happy Hour For Yourself

We are so scared to live the life we love. Somehow, we seem to have accepted that it’s perfectly fine to shrink our ambitions and be mediocre.

Can you imagine a moment where you are neither thinking of the past nor future. Your present is the most important, yet ignored state of mind. You only live once, and 3/4th of the things we worry about do not even happen. In this world of crazy timelines, fast food, complicated relationships would you like to reserve a “happy hour” for yourself.

There will always be distractions and responsibilities, but you need to protect your magic. Think about it, if a person expects you to give up on the spark you are born with, then he/she is anyway not worth it.

#Life Hack - Every time you find humour in a difficult situation, you win. So SMILE

Few “Happy Hour “ cheat codes:

Create - We did this as kids, and as adults we just follow routine. Creating* is a self expression of things you like, your aesthetics and spirit. If you give yourself an hour to create something it will give you imaginary wings.

Activate - Age begins to show at 30, you will suddenly feel that all the late night madness is not working for you. Invest time in taking care of your pulse. You could try running, our hood has some great parks and running tracks. Any form of physical activity will help you focus and detox all your negativity. Compete with yourself, take a path that challenges your mind.

Learn something new - Make travel plans, go to a new place. Meet interesting people, know their stories. When you are in an unknown environment your senses automatically sharpen. The excitement of the unknown will make you think and and feel deeper. Everyone you meet, will know something you do not know.

Mental snooze - We ignore the importance of this magical activity, but trust me sleeping makes you forget all your worries and bounce back. Your happy hour can be all about “dreaming” and waking up with a smile.

30ish is a slippery slope, you are pushing yourself emotionally, mentally and physically. Everyone has their own way of coping with stress, and this article is not going to make you forget about your worries. All I wish is that it makes you realise that you can “do more, be more and love more.

Living Local, great effort. Our hood has tremendous potential. #LivingLocal
  

Warli - Art Attack

Art is never finished, only abandoned.

Leonardo Da Vinci

Art is not just a nice thing to have or do in your free time, it defines our lineage and provides an account of history to the next generation. Warlis is the name of the largest tribe found in western Maharashtra inspite of being in such close proximity to Mumbai, Warlis tribesmen shun all influences of modern urbanisation. 

#Life Hack: As humans, one of our strongest emotion is to empathise. I witnessed the most genuine smiles, hospitality and human spirit in this village. 

I decided to visit the village, for an average Mumbaikar its like a weekend get-away. 

Mumbai — (Train)Thane —(Maharashtra ST Bus)Taluka Bhiwandi —Ambadi Junction — If your bones are still intact after the bumpy ride, you will witness nature at its best. 

These villages do not need urbanisation, they need our support to retain their roots. Warlis belong to the villages. 

Warli is a pictorial language matched by rudimentary technique. The central motif in these ritual paintings is surrounded by scenes portraying hunting, fishing, farming, festivals, animals. In order to sustain they start moving to nearby cities, this is obviously leaving the Warli tradition hollow. If there could be a way to commercialise their art without hurting tradition we can do them good. 

Learning Space Foundation is the vision of Mr. Nitin Orayan, his team is investing phenomenal time and effort to restore the Warli culture. http://www.learningspace.org.in

The Warli umbrella(image above) is classic yet quirky, I am sure you won't mind ordering for one. If the artisans have a constant source of income, they will not have to leave their villages in search of a living. They are open to new ideas and challenges, just a little faith could do wonders.

Warli art form has been showcased by international fashion designers and art connoisseurs. All the fashion and lifestyle junkies following 30ish, give a shout to your communities and spread the word.

I love the good that others do, for their activity is an assurance that good stands for itself.

With gratitude and hope.

  

MBA - Master of Bag-pack Administration

To a man, ‘travelling’ is like that hot flirtatious babe who says "do what you like, I love everything about you".

To a woman, ‘travelling’ is the gentleman who looks straight into her eyes and says, "go chase your dreams, I am right here".

What appeals to both the sexes is an unbiased raw energy, exactly what a traveller experiences. 

#Life Hack: “I CAN”, is more important than “IQ”.

I think 20's is too early for us to pick a career and stick to it for life, but most of us anyway follow the norms and go for the kill. Sadly it’s you who’s being killed!

The Real world demands you to be sharp, street smart, easy going and always hungry to learn and grow. No classroom can prepare you for this, but real experiences surely do. 

When you travel alone, even if it’s to Ladakh, you plan everything from scratch, evalate multiple sites, pick the cheapest tickets, explore best deals, network with friends who have travelled to the same place, make an itenary, eat at random places, make friends on the way, learn about their life and culture.

If I could, I would exchange my 2 years of MBA with travelling, I can bet the traveller will have better finance skills, he will give you extra ordinary marketing ideas because he has seen so much and will definitely deal with people much better than any one of us.

Roughly the cost of preparing for these entrace exams and course fees comes to almost 8-10 lakhs (In India).What if some one gave you the same amount to travel for 2 years. Would you be wiser? At 30ish, when you have “been there, done that” does a Master of Bag-pack Administration promise you super powers?

What did my MBA teach me? RACE , do not look around just run. Run for placements, run for promotions, run against time… keep running.

What did travelling teach me? BREATHE, look around you, feel yourself, listen to your surroundings, smile, observe, trust.

In short if you consider this degree on self development, its stocks will only rise as you explore more. I am not saying chuck your job… but even if you do, it’s no big deal. 

As a travel blogger, I have come to a conclusion that the only thing you possess your entire life is yourself. So fly free.  

  

Bling is King, Punjabi Sunburn

I have entered a Punjabi rave party, it will put “Goa Sunburn” to shame. Instead of #Grass you will be fed #cholebhature. Effect is the same, insane energy levels followed by unconsciousness. I naturally repulse everything flashy but what is the option when there’s no escape? 

#Life Hack: The whole wedding scene starts with a ceremony called Roka, it basically is an announcement that the boy and girl have found their soul mates and will look no further for prospects! After a few years of marriage everyone is convinced, Roka was a Dhokha*

A Punjabi wedding will be incomplete without these stalwarts

*Oh I am so young Aunties, they flaunt all the latest brands and the most obnoxious outfits. The pallo (Saree) is going to fall if you dance like Daler Mehendi. It just takes one safety-pin to sort it, but they won't.

*Butterfly youngsters, they have their own underground scene, screw the bride and groom. Let's get into the car park..hmmm.. (ENVY)

*Chakde Phatte, "assi te tussi peyenge whisky type uncles" (You and Me can bond over a drink).They also believe in burping and sleeping in public.

* The Car-O-Bar gang, is very focused on getting everyone happy-high. Secret drinks for the aunties, patiyala pegs for the uncles and vodka shots for the girls

pal

Everyone is super busy, except me. My favourite part is the FOOD! Credit goes to Roshan, Roopak, Bittu, Shera, Haldiram and Pammi. Roshan di Kulfi, Bittu ke chole bhature, Haldiram ki chat and Pammi ke golgappe. I cannot count how many cups of green tea will have to be consumed to wash this out of my system, but as Punjabi’s say “ki farak penda hai”

But when you see a happy and gorgeous bride* all the bling makes sense. I wish the lovely couple a beautiful life. 
  

Confessions of an IPL superfan

Indian's have a PHD on our cricket squad. Everyone has a proven theory which makes complete sense to themselves. I challenge none of you. This post is based on my personal experiences.

With sheer luck and the case of right time right place I got this fab opportunity.The craze was obviously insane during the initial seasons with everyone wanting to know everything about cricket, cricketers, scandals, after parties, owners etc.

#Life Hack: You can question India's PM in court but not Sachin Tendulkar -Sidhuism

What has working on IPL taught me?

• No matter how cool and unaffected you pretend to be, the moment your favourite cricketer appears, you behave “juvenile”. Giggle, lose all your snobbish SWAG and behave like a retard. He (The Wall) asked me in the most charming voice, "No makeup, is it fine for the interview" and I just looked at him like an awestruck idiot. My reply “Oh you want me to wear makeup” EPIC Disaster.(And see how brave am I, to put it on 30ish)

• When he (The Spin Wizard) calls his lads in a thick aussie accent to the pool for a warm up, you drop everything and pretend to work.. “Obviously by the pool”. That man is charming in the most unconventional way and redefines brat.

• There’s a reason why after parties earned the “wicked party tag”. You have to experience them to be convinced that they were not required. Every team has their own mellow version of post game celebration which is quite acceptable.

• Cricketers are as human as us. They experience fatigue and disappointment, have post game show-downs and lose heart after a tough defeat but the next game is always a new opportunity. They party, have a drink, shop and chill by the pool and that’s absolutely fine.

• As young cricketers they are exposed to so much money, pressure and stardom. It’s really tough to stand still. That knock of glamour can blind your game. In the last 8 years IPL has seen so much talent appear and disappear.

• IPL will collapse without its support teams. So much heart and sweat goes into managing this giant logistics nightmare. The amount of work put in by the management teams is most unnoticed.

• 

Working on this project has been my careers sweet spot. I travelled to South Africa, Dubai, most of the home games and collected crazy memories. If you mention a cricketers name, I have an after party story/trivia ready to entertain you. T20 is not the traditional cricket format and lot of fans are very touchy about the dynamics of this tournament, but as an IPL superfan I love all the entertainment.

As I gear up for the coming season, stay tuned for my next post. My perspective is that of a fan who got lucky, nothing more than that. 

PS: I have left enough clues to guess the cricketer. Did I take any names?? Nah!! and the pics are of a fan with their fav cricketers, no big deal ;)

30ish wants to be your quirky friend, are we doing a good job? leave your comments, we have exciting official IPL merchandise for you.

  

When 30ish seems complicated - Yoddhas, a true story.

This post is a part of the #madeofgreat contest hosted by #indiblogger and tatamotors

Check their page: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com

#Life Hack: Nothing makes you feel more alive than your world turning upside down.                                                                                                Malcolm Gladwell.
Now keep this quote in mind as the story unfolds…

Title: Yoddha
Main Protagonist: Rahul Yadav
Supporting Cast: Wife and Close Friends
Actors in Negative Role: Cancer Myeloma, Chemotherapy & Emotional Turmoil
Statutory Warning: All characters are real and as inspiring in person. This might make you question your purpose in life.

Scene 1(2013) – Rahul has just got married, is in between jumping jobs and looking forward to a blissful future but is diagnosed with Myeloma Cancer at the age of 28. SCREACHIINNGG BREAK!
Scene 2 – Self-doubt, a feeling of the entire world sinking, uncertainty. He definitely did not plan this for his 30ies. So what happens if being 30ish seems complicated and uncertain?

"It was like being hit by a 300 mph train. I had never even heard of the name Myeloma before. I was lost and trust me at this moment the internet is the worst place to be in".                                                                                                                              Quoting Rahul.
Everyone looks up to Rahul as being a survivor, an inspiration to thousands but how does it feel to be absolutely vulnerable and scared. He faces the world like nothing happened, but trust me lots happened within. He challenged his fears, his tears, and his life.

Meet the Real Yoddha, someone who is as human as us, yet a terrific personality to learn from.

• Rahul is an IT professional. Believes technology should be used to simplify life, not complicate.
• Rahul is passionate about his social initiative, Yoddhas
• Rahul loves Bollywood, he gave me an example from the movie “Border” to explain his state of mind, and we connect instantly in true filmi style.
• Rahul adores his wife (A rare quality in husbands)
• Rahul is inspired by Lisa Ray, she not only fought the dreaded disease but also is actively supporting cancer survivors.

Meet the Super Hero

• Rahul recently celebrated his 100 days, post Bone Marrow transplant.
• Rahul won the People's Choice Award as well as the second rank for projects at the Unesco Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition for his efforts via Yoddhas.
• Rahul wants to be a pillar of strength by building communities that center primarily on promoting cancer awareness among the youth and providing a platform for Indian patients to connect with each other for information and emotional support

One of the main issues is, lack of “constructive emotional support”.  They want the right human touch and not a self-help mobile App. Rahul’s story has been covered by various publications and websites, he specifically asked me to not go the regular way. This is my humble attempt to write about a soul that deserves a standing ovation for his spirit and audacity. He is a survivor in more ways than we know.

Rahul is 30ish and a game changer, Respect! #WATCH Rahul's message to 30ish followers

If anyone of you would like to support Yoddhas being a donor or pitching in as a volunteer connect with me. You can also tweet and spread the word. 

Visit - Yoddhas official Facebook page

** Rahul Yadav, needs a matching donor for further treatment. Leave a comment on the blog, team Yoddhas will reach out to you.

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