Rangilo Rajasthan

Every city in Rajasthan holds a colour within Jaipur is pink, Udaipur is white, Jodhpur is blue and Jhalawar is purple. Rangilo Rajasthan captures the vibe of a hidden jewel, Nawalgarh. There is so much drama in rustic backdrops and timeless art. 

Life Hack: Every wall has 2 stories, a story they tell and a story they hide

I am fascinated by arches, doors, floors and wall paintings. Rajasthani architecture is a blend of Hindu and Mughal cultures, this photoblog is a visual narrative of my travelogue.  I am taking a risk by introducing a hidden shade of Rajasthani heritage through their frescos. They are gorgeous and full of life, you just need to have a “bawli”(crazy) imagination. 

Welcome to Rangilo Rajasthan - Watch Photoblog

  

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.

  

Gold Rush - Amritsar

Most frequently asked question - How do you fund your travel?

Me - My ‘To Be’ but now ‘X ’ Louis Vuitton

The logic is simple I invest in experiences and not things, its much more comforting.


Our Story is going viral on leading travel websites.

Sasriyakaal Punjab! Our next pit stop is the land of “Khet”, endless fields.

Life Hack: Amritsar is known for Parathas, Patiyala pegs (everything large*, especially whiskey) and Patolas (attractive women). 

Sprinkled with history this city is an absolute colour burst and a foodies paradise. If you ask for black tea, they are convinced that you are unwell. “No Doodh”, is tragic. 

Welcome to Golden Temple through the eyes of miss sunshine - She will insist you have the halwa (dipped in pure ghee, tastes divine) and is quite diligent with her duty (Sewa), one cannot escape her enthusiastic strides. Everyone serving (age 4 onwards) at the Golden Temple is doing it out of faith in humanity. 

No one checked my bag, I wasn't asked to leave my cell phone and camera in a locker, no one tried selling me flowers and offerings, no VIP queues.

The Langar / Free Kitchen at the Golden Temple is worlds largest community kitchen serving upto 1,00,000 visitors every day. Their faith encourages them to dismantle social barrier and insists that everyone eats, cooks and serves food together irrespective of gender and caste.

The way you choose to absorb a new place is totally your imagination, everyone visiting Amritsar makes a customary visit to the Golden Temple, I stepped in as a tourist and returned with gold, which for me is a feeling of being blessed by simplicity. 
  

Feature Link: http://linkis.com/paper.li/DrAlfOldman/4ElPm

Desi Road Trip - National Highway 1A Jammu

First rule of any road trip is to have an open heart, currently on National Highway 1A exploring Jammu. One of the places I visited on this route was Vaishnodevi. Not religious but I believe in the power of positivity and spirituality

Life Hack: This post is a personal interpretation. Don’t judge my words dive deeper into the context, there is a hidden message.

Every North Indian child is taken to this holy shrine at some point in life, my first memory was as a 6 year old who was made to climb on a Pithoo (a human carrying kids/luggage)As a child I loved the ride, it gave me a better view of the valley but when I think of it now, seems quite unfair!

Devotees trek for 4-7 hrs, one way(depending on your speed)in extreme weather conditions. Nothing stops them, each one is convinced that they will complete the journey and surprisingly they do. Human spirit is challenged and the winner is each ones “will power”. What if we focused all the dedication towards overcoming the hurdles within our mind. She will guide you if you are willing to be brave.

As I stood in front of the devi, I was numb. Everyone around me was zoned out, as if they just met her, but in my head I was fighting a conflict. On the way back, I decided to trek to Katra alone and unlock this mystery within. I could feel how different parts of my personality which had baffled me at times were in fact her manifestation in all human beings. Every time I decided to stand for myself irrespective of the consequences (Durga). When I decided to take up my new journey fearlessly (Kali) and thats when I felt a real connection. 

• After completing the trek, grab some hot rajma chawal. It is the ultimate carb load, like you earned it!

• Organic almonds and walnuts available in the local markets are a must buy.

• There is no signal for prepaid sim cards, so make sure two of you in the group have a post paid card, for safety purpose.

• If you love animals, your heart will break on how horses are treated. They lead a real tough life carrying humans and construction material.

She would never want you to suffer, to reach out to her.

She stands for strength that guides every decision you take, she is within you. #BetOnYourself

Road Tripper's Perspective

For those who do not know the mythological connect

Located on the peaks of Trikuta, the holy cave of the goddess has an interesting legend. It is believed that several centuries ago, a selfish demon known as Bhairon Nath started chasing a young girl named Vaishno Devi, who was the reincarnation of the mother goddess and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. She meditated for nine months in a cave known as ‘Garbh Joon’ before being disrupted by Bhairon. She was then compelled to take the form of Kali and behead the demon.
  

Am'Bitchious by choice

You are too Ambitious! 

First Reaction - I do not want to be judged,  its very unsettling (back foot)

Second Reaction - Screw you, I refuse to be an invisible woman 

Our Society is averse to change. This is not a gender issue we are intimidated by someone who challenges life, probably a reflection of our own fear.

#Life Hack : You will grow, only if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Before setting out on my own every time I went for an interview, they asked me "where do you see yourself 5 years from now". I tried having a standard answer but the interviewers attitude changed my response, I did not see myself working with him. My interviews were on the borderline of being tagged as rebellious, I had too many ideas that challenged their rules.

30ish and an entrepreneur is a deadly combination, you just challenged the entire universe to have an opinion about your life.  Not that I care, but when someone tells me to ‘slowdown’ I want to punch their face. Keeping this post short, giving you time to think of how every time you thought 'out of the box', you were shoved back in the box and locked.

I write this post to all those friends and readers who at some point felt judged for dreaming big. Be stubborn about what matters to you, it feels great to prove everyone wrong. Sometimes you have to be fierce to protect your sparkle, its justified.
  

'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.
  

Australia you are such a BEACH!

If you ask any of your friends, what’s your hobby they will pick a couple of these options- reading, listening to music, dancing, watching TV, travelling, playing cricket. If you ask an Aussie, the same question their reply will be surfing, skate boarding, making gluten free cookies, beach volley ball. That’s the difference between us in the most non controversial way. Everything they enjoy is outdoor.

#Life Hack : A day without the Sun is a waste of soul, if you need some vitamin “SEA” head to Australia.

Australia is a place  where everyone expresses them selves exactly as they feel. I spent lot of time in Sydney, it has almost 100 beaches. Even though it was cold I did make a brave attempt to try surfing and boy it’s a sure adrenaline rush. You HAVE TO TRY SURFING. 

To make life simpler I am going to compare 3 of the most popular beaches in Sydney.

Bondi – I was the most excited to visit Bondi but the first sight was enough to shatter my dreams. ‘Bondi’ I am sorry but you disappointed me. I was all set to buy my Bondi Hoodie and flaunt for the blog cover page but the crowd scared me. It is very busy and very unlike anything you would imagine an Australian beach to be. Think of a beach called “Bindu” in Mumbai, Flash Flash Flash .. thats it, don’t imagine further. The only nice place is a restaurant called Ice berg club, great view and coffee.

Manly Beach – It’s a 45 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, the whole atmosphere is very calm and relaxed. Manly hosts a surfing for beginners tutorial. You can learn how to surf with a professional instructor and hire the surf suit and board at a very nominal rate. The turquoise water currents are good for a swim. Pick your “Fish and Chips to-go” and chill on the beach, true Aussie style.

Tamarama Beach – This is for the fancy swimmers and sun bathers. Its very down town LA, where you assume every couple belongs to hollywood.  Tamarama is all about  glamorous bikinis, branded sunnies, models, gays, house music and gorgeous waves. Carry you own wine and food, they have very limited options to eat.

Most important tip, before you plan a trip down-under, make sure you are in great shape. Everyone is good looking and super fit. To avoid heart break, run extra, cross train, lift some weights, eat healthy and you are good to scream, "Australia, you are such a BEACH".

My travel photo blog has been awarded the 'Blogger Badge of Honour' by Vir Sanghvi and Blogmint', so excited :D

Wish you sunshine and smiles

xoxo, PhotoblogHER

  

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.  

  

Work Smart @30ish

The first rule of working smart @30ish is to make sure you have spent enough time working hard in your 20'ies. There’s no substitute to hard work, but once you have learnt and absorbed the necessary be brave enough to move on to bigger dreams.

There are 3 primary orientations towards work.

• Job - Your main focus is financial rewards.
• Career - You are driven by prestige, power and growth.
• Calling - Work as your ‘purpose for life’. 

Know what works for you and use that orientation to work smart.

#Life Hack: They call us dreamers, we are the ones who do not sleep.

I have personally spent insane amount of time travelling to work, and having a monotonous desk job. No doubt the security is very important, but there comes a point in life, when you want to drop everything and start working smart and challenge yourself. 

Some of us stick to our jobs , because according to them 30ish is too late to take a risk. A few of us, jump the bridge and scream 30ish still gives me 20-30 years to experiment and live happier. Its all about your perspective.

Read how I talk to myself when things seem difficult
Work smart, work quick. Have more time for family and yourself.
Its not about how much you earn, its about how much you save. Sort your finances.
Invest in experiences, this will give you lot of ideas about smart life hacks.
Learn from others mistakes, will save you effort and time.

30ishblogging.blogspot.com is a classic case of working smart@30ish. I am using the digital interface to connect brands with their target audience and create love marks. I use my personal experiences of travel, fitness, lifestyle, photography and relationships to write stories that make me a part of your life... (Tight hug to my readers)

If you like what you do, you will find smarter ways to action it. 

Thanks for believing in me and following every post, love 30ish.