March 2014- November 2016

The last post I wrote for this blog was two years ago. That certainly seems like a long stretch. In the past two years, so much has happened.

I decided that I wanted to stay back in Nepal- got a great job, got a great dog, learned how to make hummus, can make delicious cakes now, got a license, got lost in a foreign country, got stranded, got a big scar from a silencer burn, gained weight, lost weight, started kickboxing, went to Europe, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand in 2016 alone (woohoo), finally got the taste for good wine, realized that my fabvourite colour is yellow, interest in gardening, got another tattoo, got several haircuts, got a bright yellow laptop bag, explored beautiful places around Kathmandu and way beyond, camped next to a wild wild lake, swam in a wild wild lake, got into a small bike accident, survived it, met an old man in Myanmar who told me that I was the next Dalai Lama,  learned how to enjoy life 10* more, found future in Nepal, found love- several times, found happiness.

That is life right now in a nutshell.

Will Nepal survive?

Today, I noticed something interesting. This door- right outside Kumari Ghar, Basantapur is a busy  place. Thronged by tourists and locals alike, this place also witnesses many candle marches and silent protests. With interest in photography, I always make sure that events and instances are documented through photos. 

So, getting to the point-  I took a photo of this door two years ago. Then, the message scribbled over it was, 'Will Nepal survive?' It was a very good question I asked myself. Will Nepal survive all that it was going through? Would Nepal survive from the Political instability, war amidst the citizens, selfishness setting in? 

 Today it revolved around a similar line- murders, politics and names of a few districts with numbers next to it. This was an aggressive form of expression. People dying - probably the numbers next to the names of the districts signified so - never ending cycle of political parties and the making of the country. It exploded like a silent bomb inside me. What is happening? We are all so busy with our private jobs chasing after our selfish goals, the idea of unity is long lost. 

I have a billion questions to ask. Questions that do not have concrete answers. But it is interesting to see how this door has acted as a form of expression. Silently. 

Thapathali- The place I call home.

Local tourist in Kathmandu
The Week, My Republica

What is the first that comes to your mind when you think of Thapathali?

The usual traffic snafus amidst people and vehicles always in a hurry: that’s Thapathali, for sure. But this is also the place where I’ve lived all my life, a place I’ve come to associate with home. And I thought, this week I should give you all a glimpse of the place that’s so much more than just chaos. You just have to look beyond the façade. 

Narayan Mandir

Have you noticed the temple opposite KFC on the road that leads you to Tripureshwor? Located in one of the busiest streets of Kathmandu, Narayan Mandir is a perfect place for you to put your feet up and watch as the birds fly in flocks with clear blue sky as the backdrop. The temple’s courtyard was where I learnt the ABCs of playing badminton as a kid with my father as the coach. Today I don’t go there to play but to take in the surroundings. Children who live around the temple gather in the yard in the evenings and play hide-n-seek with their pet dogs scurrying behind them. One activity of theirs never ceases to make me smile – they stand in a queue to slide down the stairs of the temple. Built by Jung Bahadur Rana, the temple still serves as a guthi for the Ranas and has been well preserved till date. Keep an eye out for the omnipresent monkeys that keep a constant vigil on human traffic, especially those who carry snacks.
Bagmati Sweets

Another spot that my father introduced me to, Bagmati Sweets is a must-visit. A small place located behind the Ganesh Temple in Tripureshwor, this eatery can accommodate only 20 people at a time and has swarms of people coming in for piping hot jeri swari, chiya, pakauda, and paneer mo:mo. The paneer mo:mo, which is available only during lunch hours, takes me back to this spot over and over again and it’ll certainly take your taste buds on a pleasant ride.

Thapathali Bridge

The bridge that connects Kathmandu and Patan with the Bagmati flowing underneath isn’t a favourite spot for vehicle drivers waiting on the bridge for the traffic signal to turn green. But if you were not to consider the row of vehicles or the foul smell that permeates the air, this is actually a nice spot to look at Kathmandu Valley. If you walk toward the northern side of Kathmandu via the Thapathali Bridge, the Ganesh Himal Range that you can spot behind the smog is a sight to cherish. Apart from the mountain, my favourite spot to watch the setting sun is the bridge. If you ever get some time, watch the sunset with layers of green hills in the backdrop. The changing colours of the sky reflected on the river, despite its polluted water, is a stunning sight. Nothing is as blissful. I’ll vouch for that.

UN Park

The UN Park that stretches out for 0.66 kilometres is one of the better-maintained green belts in Kathmandu. Despite the at-times heavy traffic and the billowing dust from the street, the park is always quiet and pure, thanks to its varied vegetation. The park invites many fitness enthusiasts at the crack of dawn. The concrete pathway stretching out like a grey ribbon is used for a jog while the open space with soft green grass is crowded with people following the steps of an aerobics teacher who conducts these sessions free of costs. The benches that are painted green to match the foliage are often occupied. There are people who are just lazing around, enjoying conversations with friends or taking in the surroundings. A park like this right in the middle of the city is a wonderful asset. I suggest a run in the park someday – preferably in the morning.

Wind Horse Stable

A small stable that has room for 11 horses is located a little ahead of the Prasuti Griha. The old setting will make you feel as if you’re a part of a classic Western, and the only thing that may be missing is your cowboy attire. On entering, the smell of a barn – the combination of straw, horses, dust, even manure – adds to the ambience. One cannot help but feel excited at the dusty barn with plaid blankets hanging on the wall, the sharp smell of medication used to soothe sore muscles of the animals, the horses snorting, neighing, and kicking their stall doors. The stable is open for riding classes, and once comfortable, one can take a horse for a day’s trip to the outskirts of Kathmandu too!

Thapathali holds amazing spots that are well worth discovering. The ones I’ve mentioned are just a few examples. Venture out and discover other fascinating places for yourself. Believe me, my home area can surprise you at every bend of the road.

Patan Chronicles- Episode 3

Local Tourist in Kathmandu The Week, Republica

For a small city that stretches out to 15.43kms, Patan has a lot to offer - eateries, cultural heritage sites and places where you can just relax and spend a whole day without having to worry about anything. When I started writing about Patan in series, I never imagined I would come this far. There were a few places I knew of, while some were suggestions from friends and families - but I definitely got something out of it. I got a chance to appreciate the rich local culture that Kathmandu has to offer and I hope it gives you the same.

This week, a continuation of the Patan series I take you to places that are like hidden gems waiting for a discovery.

Mahabouddha

Expect to be greeted with a majestic gate that leads you to a small alley with shops displaying various items relating to Lord Buddha. On exiting the alley, I gasped. A shrine – a nearby shopkeeper proclaimed it at 100 feet in height - made of clay bricks had Lord Buddha’s statue engraved all over the towering monument. The terracotta structure is a fourteenth-century architectural masterpiece and is believed to be a model of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India. I asked the priest how many of the engravings were present - he told me the it was 9,999. I tried counting but soon gave up. The warmth of the hundreds of butter lamps kept me from the winter chill while I admired the majestic temple. Surrounded by residential and guest houses, the small platform on the back of the shrine is a fine spot to rest Visit Mahabouddha on a holiday and complete the task that I couldn’t - count the number of statues.

Almaya Fried Chicken

Located further ahead from Sundhara in Patan, towards your left is a small board that announces Almaya Fried Chicken. Let not the smallish entrance deter you from the delicious food on offer. Named after the Arabic word that translates to ‘floating in water’, Almaya is a family-run eatery and serves Newari dishes and delicious chicken. A place that is frequented by doctors, engineers, locals, musicians, and tourists, Almaya serves delicious, juicy fried chicken in kilos at pocket-friendly prices. Joni dai, the head of the kitchen is the one who revamped the menu –that stayed dominant for the past 22 years- with all the skills that he got during his diploma from Subway. Next time your stomach starts to rumble, visit Almaya Fried Chicken!

P.S. They are open to home delivery too!

Jyapu Museum

Living in a city that was a once a predominantly Newar community, you are bound to know all that the history has in plate for us to bring us where we are today. Jyapu Samajh, a social organization that aims at preserving and developing ethnic language and culture, opened the Jyapu Museum located toward the north-east from Patan Durbar Square. For a non- Newar like me, exploring this museum was a great delight. From life-size models depicting lifestyle, vocation and cultural events to the miniature handcrafted models of indigenous ethnic people of Nepal and major cultural festivals of the Newar community - all of it was exciting and educational at the same time. Ravin Maharjan, who looks after the museum complains about the lack of tourists who visit the museum. Even though the museum is aimed at tourists, how about we - the locals- visit this place?

Pimbahal

Need a spot to soak up the sun this winter? Pimbahal is the place you are looking for. The largest pond in Kathmandu Valley which is believed to have inspired Rani Pokhari’s structure, Pimbahal dates back to the 14th century. Thronged by the public all year through, Pimbahal was built to overcome the acute water problems in the city. A small shed that resembles a Newari falcha located in the center of the pond, this spot will give you a beautiful view of the pond. The best time to visit Pimbahal is early in the morning when the sun glistens against the water and gives you a feeling that cannot be explained in plain words.

As I end the Patan Escapade with this episode today, I hope the cold weather did not stop you from hunting out for these places that I have had fun exploring and sharing.

Patan Chronicles, Episode 2

Local Tourist in Kathmandu, The Week, Republica

For me, Patan resembles a place straight out of a storybook. With close to 1,200 temples, stupas,and bahals of various shapes and sizes scattered throughout the squares and the fascinating backstreets in and outside the old city, there’s something about Patan that just lures you back, time and again.

A continuation to last week’s column, this week too we explore the nooks and crannies of the small yet delightful city.

The Courtyard
With the winter setting in, the sun is a welcome change from grey skies and cold days. There’s really nothing more reviving than a cold, crisp winter day where the sun is high and bright. My favorite hangout to soak up the warm sun is the main courtyard of Patan Durbar Square. Snacking on local badam and oranges, I often sit on the long plank placed at the very entrance of the Patan Museum. Consider yourself lucky if you manage to find a seat here. Wait if you have to because it’ll be worth it. Watching the world go by as children swing on the chains placed as barriers to the quadrangle, while hearing elderly men chatting about how things have changed over the years, can spice up any ordinary winter day.


Honacha

A place that has managed to stand tall even after the Nabbe Saalko Bhuinchalo (the 1934 earthquake), Honacha has won many hearts. A family business started by Chori Kesh Lal more than a century ago, the thought of Honacha makes mouths water when your stomach starts to rumble if you’ve tasted their delicacies. Merina Didi, who makes up to 300-400 baras in a day, says, ‘The work is very hectic. But seeing people devour some thingsthat are from my great-grandfather’s kitchen makes me happy.’ 

The boy who has been employed at Honacha for over three years claims he walks close to 12 kilometers a day when at work. Wonder how? With the number of customers who visit Honacha during the lunch hour and evenings make him run up and down the tall flight of stairs delivering orders after orders, leaving him with no time to rest. He has enviable calf muscles that are every man’s dream.

Patan Museum

Home to the Malla kings in the 15th century which has now been turned into Patan Museum, it’s an address you must explore. This UNESCO Heritage Site, which is thronged by tourists, is famous for the Mul Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk and Sundari Chowk. Each chowk has something different to offer, and the intricate designs and carvings will make you wonder, like I often do, how our ancestors managed to build such intricate structures. After a tour of the Patan Museum, your trip isn’t complete unless you climb up to the top floor and look at the open museum. Have never heard of the open museum? Well, the view from the roof of the palace is nothing less than walking around the museum itself. A bird’s eye view of the buzz in the square and the most picturesque collection of historic buildings that are some of the finest examples of Newar architecture in Nepal is a must-see.

Tato yomaris

For a non-Newar like me who loves to gobble down the delicious dumpling made of chaku and khuwa, seeing photos of Yomaris all over Facebook during Yomari Punih was painful. Last year, while reaching out to my Newar friends to trade a few Yomaris with anything that my mother cooks best, a friend suggested The Village Cafe located in Pulchowk. A traditional cafe dedicated to Newar cuisine, The Village Cafe not only serves Chaku and Khuwa yomari but has also recently introduced chocolate yomari, which is equally good. The soft and smooth dough with variety of fillings that melts in one’s mouth is definitely my favorite dessert. One piece of information I learnt last week: Ever wondered why Yomari is shaped the way it is? According to our culture, the longer the tail, the shorter the winter chills!

Patan chronicles- Episode 1

A local tourist in KathmanduThe Week, Republica

Patan is a veritable treasure trove, a mine of hidden gems that need discovery. This week and in the next few I will revisit old memories and hope to take you along in my journey of rediscovery of the myriad cultural elements, open courtyards amidst human habitation standing cheek and jowl, eateries, art galleries, and places of worship.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple happened for the first time last week. Greeted by a simple entrance which had a beautiful Kalachakramandala carved into its ceiling I could never have imagined all that the small courtyard could hold- magnificent sculptures and elements of gold everywhere I looked. The temple is believed to been built during the 1400s. The low him of monks chanting in the praying room is as intoxicating to the senses. The long chains of gold plates that hang down the roof caught my attention and curious I asked one of the priestsabout them. He replied, ‘There are two versions of the story behind the gold chain. One say that these chains acted as a stairway to heaven and were constructed by the rich. The other story says that they are meant to invite the Gods from heaven. Which one would you believe?’ The Newarmonastery that gleams when the sun is up in the sky looks equally beautiful when visited in the evenings.

Rato Chowk

Rato chowk is the well-kept secret that is a seeming oasis in the midst of the bustling Banglamukhi. Located in the premises of Image Ark which is a creative studio with an exhibition space, Rato Chowk is a quiet place for art lovers to meet and find inspiration among artwork. A good cup of freshly brewed coffee best enjoyed with chocolate browniethat Asmita Didi bakes in her spare time should keep you good company. Image Ark is now exhibiting photographs byPaivi Wells that explores the rhythms of the city and its multifaceted expressions in her own unique style. This is great time to visit this smallish wonder.

Melting Pot

With rising in power cuts, my room usually smells of handmade Ama Candles that smell of lavender and rose. Not to forget the sweet pleasures of taking a few bites from the local chocolates that are made in Patan. Ama, the proprietor’smother makes candles and chocolates which are her original recipe. Apart from this, Melting Pot is a store that bustles with local handmade products - from hemp t-shirts to organic coffee beans and wild honey. This store promotes local artists and once inside, you can enjoy the good music playing in the background while browsing old track records on sale.

Special Chiya

I discovered this place last winter. Not easily visible to a passerby with a sign that reads ‘You get special tea here’ on a random wall, one does not expect much while entering the gate that is guarded by statues of lions on each side. The lions are silent sentinels to a courtyard that has a monastery, and a place that offers special tea. This is run by an old couple. The lady says that this is something that has been keeping her finances on the better side for almost a decade now. Settle on the low straw chairs in the courtyard surrounded by old mud houses and a view of the clear blue sky above. Sip on the hot chiya and while away time with friends - your must-do this winter.

This week I leave you with these four discoveries that will make your visit to Patan worth the while.

Remember me

How would people remember me?

As the girl with a mole on her lips? 

The one who never failed to keep her kajal undone. 

Maybe as the girl who was loud when she was expressing something unnecessary.

Or as the girl whose bob hair grew up to her shoulders over winter with signs of fringes by spring. 

The girl who sang along with her ringtone when it played Penny Lane. 

Probably as the girl who tried to hide her feminine moustache with her fingers when someone got close. 

Or the one whose boots echoed-her only pair of brown knee length boots- as she walked over concrete. 

The girl who loved travelling via public transport just to take in the chaos?  

Or as the one who never finished reading Haruki Murakami's The elephant vanishes? 

Would I be remembered as the girl who called herself an atheist but selfishly called out for God when she was in trouble? 

                                                                                            How would you remember me? 

Kathmandu today

I woke up at 5 30 AM today and marched straight to New Road. Took photos in between.

Motorbike in action.

This is how the plants are watered on the streets!

Oh he doesn't care!

Isolation

Run!

The stores are yet to open

Marching.

Fact: I have probably walked 5000 Km around Kathmandu- exploring.

I grew up in a house where walking has been regarded as the best form of exercise. Be it post lunch, dinner or a midday nap on a sunny Saturday, we have always managed to scrape out time from our busy schedules for a walk. This is how I learned to love Kathmandu amidst the walks with my father- which is hard to keep up with-, a stroll with my grandfather- who walks as slow as a turtle- or a one by myself.

I prefer walking to using any form of transports. With earphones plugged in deep, playing music and keeping me company as my footsteps match the beat of the song. When my shoes barely last a month, my mother often asks me, ‘Why walk so much?’ The answer to this is very simple- with walking, it is the journey that is the destination- and for someone who is best defined as a wanderer, nothing can be compared to the walk.  

Have you ever walked around Kathmandu and almost bumped onto a cow because you were too busy admiring the artefacts and the people all around you? I have, several times. I have almost been run down by speeding vehicles that explode past the zebra crossing like Olympic runners! Walking forcefully slows you down and lets you admire the beauty that a place holds- as of now, Kathmandu. It lets you notice the puppy chasing every bird in sight, the old cobbler sitting across the street with glasses shoved up high on his head, the flock of birds flying above you, the marvellous and detailed street art and other people walking down the street- close to a theatrical drama.

Had I driven through the city, where walking would take you from point A to B much more conveniently than being stuck in a traffic, I would have missed 90 % of what I found: the swarming life of the city’s backstreets, its parks and playgrounds, its outdoor and indoor eateries — all this would have remained invisible to me.

A quick question- how well do you know Kathmandu? If your only experience of crossing the city is a hectic commute, you're missing out.

Put on your fancy shoes and go out for a walk!

gloom

Seasons~

He said, “You make every season seem beautiful.

You are the warmth that makes me face up to the sky and smile as the sunshine brightens a cold day.

You are the rush of clouds that gives me shade from the blistering sun while lying low on the green grass.

You are the colorful flowers springing all around that make my heart scream with happiness.

And you are the leaves that cover Earth making a walk in the woods worthwhile.”

Incomplete post about my stay in India.

I moved to New Delhi, India temporarily almost 4 years ago. With a bright yellow rucksack and a red suitcase following my steps, I came to India full of dreams, fear and anxiety. All of the stories about India, the people, food, well- just everything about India made my heart quiver.

Back home in Nepal, we are used to making fun of India- well Indians to be precise. We would laugh at their accent, their head shakes, their food, etc. Of course nothing could beat how cool we Nepalese are- I will get back to this later.

India, Bharat, Hindustaan.

At first, I used to grumble about everything that came by my way. Food, people, transport, telecom, clothes- I was not happy at all. zero satisfaction- ZERO. I used to Skype with friends back home and cry. Cry until my eyes were bloodshot red. I had a hard time getting used to everything there- the internet was not as fast, the burgers weren't as cheesy as the TV commercials portrayed.

 However, with time I figured out that Chole Bhature was my soul food. Gurudwara BanglaSahib was my favorite hangout place, swearing in Hindi was the one thing I was extremely good at, my best friend loved me more than her Indian friend (Of course she has to, I am a cool Nepali! This information wasn't necessary. But just saying!). At one point of time, I managed to fool at least 5 people by telling them that I am the princess of Nepal. Haha. It seems strange how three years went by in an blink of an eye.

After spending so much time in India, speaking in Hindi, commuting for hours and hours just to get to work and eating all sorts of masalas and doing everything that an Indian would do, I came back to Nepal. And right now as I am typing this down- I am sad. I am very very sad. I miss India terribly. I miss speaking in Hindi. I miss rikshaws. I miss deliciously cheap food in each and every nook ad corner of the streets. I miss local lemon soda. I miss my roommate. She was the best thing that happened to me. Sneha, if you are  reading this- always remember that you are the best. I miss the lazy Sunday mornings with you. My mother would kill me but nothing can beat you in the kitchen. I love you. So much. You are more like a sister from another mother belonging to another nationality- always there for me. I wish I was there with you commuting  back home from work- eyeing every seat in the metro hoping someone would get up.

My eyes are all teary now. Bye.

P.S. I read somewhere about India's full form being I'll Never Do it Again.
Well, I would say- I will do India over and over and over again.

Extra colorful Rajisthan and Camels!

The excitement of being in a Desert and seeing the animal that was mostly known as “Ship of the Desert” – both for the first time was enthralling!

It started off as an office trip. (I have a cool office which often takes photo enthusiasts on expeditions.) This was the first trip as a company and there was so much work to do and my feet were barely on the ground. (Note: Anyone who knows me would easily see how excited I get with small things.) However, by the time the dates on our train tickets collided with that on the Calendar, I was worn out and so not looking forward to seeing a camel to say hello.

Excitement

Fast forwarding everything to me stepping out of the bus into the desert-- The excitement was back with a big bang! There was sand everywhere! It wasn’t as flat as I thought it would be but it was desert! And since we planned on a trip to the Pushkar Fair, there were colorful camels everywhere. The phrase, “Rajisthan- the land of colors” did justice to everything there. Men clad in big turbans and women dressed in sarees that had possibly all the bright colors on it- Rajisthan was a rainbow state!

The fair invited people from all over the world and was swarmed with charmers and performers. If I got to judge the Charmers and give a title to the “Best Charmer”, it would go out to a team comprising of a small girl, her master and a snake! The snake was just an object and the master had his hands around a microphone. The girl was on the sand, moving swiftly in the famous Naagin pose that has been depicted well in Bollywood movies. The story behind her acting like a retarded snake was this: The snake's soul/ Spirit had taken over the girl's body. This was absurd! Trust me. It was a funny sight- a very funny sight!

Moving on to the colorful camels- Some camels were so fashionable, that they still managed to follow the animal print trend on their skin. The light brown camels were fabricated to the extent that they looked like a version of Lady Gaga wearing leopard printed clothes and colorful hat/ accessories. Not to forget all the ladies had their noes pierced with the fanciest nose rings I could have imagined. Not humans, Camels!

Later in the evening, we visited one of Brahma(The creator of the world- according to Hindu mythology)'s wives' temple on top of a hill. And everything from there was beautiful, breath taking, alluring, mesmerizing, magnificent- well all the synonyms for beautiful. The whole city was lit up- from the Giant Wheels at the fair to the beautiful temple with its reflection on the pond nearby and all the houses decorated with lights for the great Camel Festival, it was all so magical.

Follow Gorillas Travel Photography Club for more!

Dreams

I landed in a new place- full of hopes and dreams of conquering the world. Expecting to get hold of that big dream I had been chasing since a small girl. Dreams- they are weird things. They almost look like you have it all and in a mere second you are back to reality- the whitewashed work station- staring into the computer screen hearing yourself type down words.

I still dream of making it really big someday. My personality gives people a different perception about my skills. Being loud and full of pent up energy does  not possibly mean that I would be bad at what I do. Sporting a big heart necklace with a turtle neck tee-shirt today, I decided to update my blog because a dear friend linked my own website- which seems so empty now.

Life these days follow the same pattern- Alarm, shower, oats, train, university, work, phone calls, train, home, dinner. Add on to plenty of Facebook in between. I cannot imagine a day without that social networking site.

Getting back to dreams, I recently got a comment about my writing skills. I do not write to impress anybody. I write for myself- because I am not a very good talker when the topic is my life. I have not yet decided what I want to do with my life- yet. Maybe I am young- still to decide anything. Soon, hopefully. But whatever I plan to do- I shall do it with all of my heart and energy and I will enjoy what I do.

Thats it. Chow!

World

Expectations kill you- this was my Facebook status a few months back.

I made a statement. I thought I understood the fact mentioned on MY status. But it seemed that it was just a thought that was fleeting momentarily like plenty of other thoughts that crowd my mind.  Right now, I sat down with my legs crossed, thinking I would be able to achieve what I tend to write. It is all so confusing.

Life itself is confusing. I wish I was happier, I wish I was living in the mountains with free Wifi and Instagram and a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows to burn later when the moon was us in the sky on bonfire. A nice dog- probably a Tibetan Mastiff and a hammock for warm days along with my favorite book underneath an apple tree. I am full of complaints. People who follow me on social networking sites think that I live an awesome life, with all the travelling, the new pixie haircut, and the photos that I share- but in reality I am like an empty shell inside. I love how the girl living in Thailand soaks up the sun under a big umbrella in the beach every day. I envy the guy who knows how to cook and posts pictures of delicious food every day. I wish I had a healthy body- not slim and skinny. I wished for so long time ago but with time I had to get used to the love handles that bulge every time I wear the XS underwear that I own. And I still can’t get myself to go to the Small or Medium sections of a clothing store. I landed myself in a new workplace. Full of warm and happy faces. Its amazing, keeps me busy and on my toes. I wish my lover boy living in the other side of the world would come, give me a hug and plant a kiss on my cheeks and tell me that we were together for once- for real. It is not a happy feeling- to be plugged into the walls.

This is just me rambling about everything that comes into my mind.

Tale about my shoe

Like you, I have stories to tell. From stories about how I managed to survive after swallowing a coin or  stories from the time I was obsessed with Britney Spear's "Hit me baby one more time"- I have plenty to tell. Today I choose to write about my shoes. 

I don't fancy wearing pretty shoes. As long as they take me from point A to B, which might leave them ragged and tattered but they love to be worn. I have around 12 pair of shoes, neatly stacked in the old rack I bought from a used furniture store last month. The variety might shock you- from boots to 6 inches heels and the comfortable converse; not to forget the floaters, plumps, deck shoes and my favorite slippers - plus much much muucch more. I might not sport all of them often enough but each one has a story to tell. A special story. We spend most of our lives walking. Even when you are typing a  "I love you too babbyyy" text to your lover or when you are eating the delicious burger from around the corner, the shoes have all the stories with them. As I type this, there are stories popping up in my head like mushrooms- giving me a pleasant smile . 

The shoe that gave me a blister, the one that was an inch loose or the one that made my ugly feet look pretty for once- they all have stories to tell. 

From the day my wallet got stolen in Chandni Chowk. One of Delhi's most crowded markets.

Cross legged.

You cant sit with your legs crossed.

You refrain from sitting on the floor.

You you you. 

There is no "WE" in food!

Maybe after I'm done with my share, you can have mine. If, my tummy feels full that is. Muhahaha. 

You are a lie

You are the one who sings me to sleep.
You will tell me truths and half-truths and things that are nearly lies, so that i will rest at last.
For some they are falsehoods.
For some, they are hope.

Tigerrrr.

Explains how I feel. 

Mogwai- Take me somewhere nice

Ghosts in the photograph
Never lied to me
I'd be all of thatI'd be all of that
A false memoryWould be everythingMy denial, my eliminent
What was that for?What was that for?
What would you doIf you saw spaceshipsOver Glasgow?Would you fear them?
In every aircraftIn every cameraAnd there's a wish thatWasn't granted
What was that for?What was that for?
Try to be badTry to be bad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luM6oeCM7Yw

Selfish world

People just need you when they have nobody else.

We live in a selfish world.

Sisterhood

They reminded  me of my sister.
I wish I could stay young, forever

Need more time.

I was forced to wake up this morning by the bossy alarm on my mobile phone.
You don't really remember the "To Do" list as soon as you are up. And as I laze around staring at the fan spinning round and round on my ceiling, I remembered about my test. Then I remembered about Alisha's birthday. Then about 20 artists I was supposed to talk to from work. Then I remembered about the write up I had to submit in my other work place.

Sigh. Right now, I am living my life to the fullest. Fun, work, Education (NOT!) Friends and amazing food. Although, I wish I had more time. More time to meet friends, more time to complete my assignments on time, more time to prepare for my test, more time to skype with my friends back home.

I need time. I feel like housefly with a lifespan of 15 days.

I need sleep now. Chow!

Letters.

I usually always choose to write than speak over something. There are some things that are best when spoken of while some things are better expressed in the plain words that appear on the screen along with thoughts that shoot up. My life today is 75% virtual, with my heart 1078.2Kms away while my feet are planted firmly in a temporary home that I built with time. So, getting back to the mail reason that made me write this post:  For all the sentences I wrote by bringing letters together, I wish you replied.

I wish you wrote back. Photo: deviantArt.com

hugmeplease

I want a hug.
Not because I’m lonely and miserable but I want a hug- just for the heck of it. 

Hugs are like the spring rain in the forest- comforting people, making them happy, turning teary goodbyes into promises to meet soon. I was talking to a friend about hugs a few days back. It was then I realized- I have never been hugged- or I just don’t remember them. A few taps on the back, a small hand gesture- well they are not hugs are they? Neither with lovers nor friends. Not that I stink and no one comes near me- well I hope not.

Right now, as I am living alone in this empty flat with literally no human contact for the past two days, I want love. I want someone to stand up and tell me, “Ey! Yes you, stop being miserable and get up for a big warm hug.” Maybe because right now I am emotionally unstable, I haven’t cooked in days or mopped my floor, been letting the mosquitoes suck into my blood, I stare at the colorful wires springing out of the unkempt bulbs. Well for all these reasons and more, I want a hug.

Tale about me and Sandwich.

I make amazing Sandwich.
The one that melts in your mouth making your tongue smack with constant mmhs & aahhs. The one that give you ultimate food-orgasm until you nibble the edge of it.

I was reading an article about relationships where a paragraph about men and their ego and how it relates with "Go make my sandwich". Then something in my brain went PING! I dont have anyone to make a sandwich for. Someone who is so talented in making sandwiches is not being asked to make one. Haha! Not that I am dying without a lover and I am taking my last breath as I am typing this article. But having been in a relationship for too long never did give me the freedom I have now. Obviously I do miss the cuddling and the cheesy love texts that woke me up every morning but right now, is the time when I assume is the time I am exploring myself. Getting to know myself better. Having someone would maybe help more but its not a loss either. After all, I came alone in this world and I cant leave it holding hands, hugging the love of my life with me. So, for now- I will make delicious sandwich with cheese, mayo, mustard sauce, lettuce, egg, garlic, onions,  bacon, salami and everything possible and make my tummy happy.

Thankyou for reading.
Now go make him a sandwich or ask her to make a sandwich!

:D

Tangled

Holi 2013. 

And in this world, where nothing else is true.

Here I am.
Still tangled up in You.
Still tangled up in You.

Bara~s

 A colleague who has been to Nepal 4 times was telling me about Bara-s today. Starting that very moment, I just cannot stop thinking about the batter that sizzles on the big griddle glistening with mustard oil. My mouth is literally watering right now. 

Nepali food.

I have not tried many cuisines but I can state that Nepali food is the best thing on Earth with a guarantee. Be it DDC’s strawberry flavored Lassi or like I mentioned above, Honacha’s heavenly Bara- they are all just ammaazziinnng. Every dish is flavored with special spices and has a distinctive flavor.

I am done eating the bland Indian food as of now. Dosa, Idli, Chole Bhature etc, etc just make me sick. There was this time when I couldn't differentiate between Roti, Paratha and Chapati- which I thought were the same thing until my 7th month here. The only two famous cuisines here in general are Indian and Chinese. It’s strange that they call everything that does not require Haldi & Masala spices in the cooking process Chinese.

I wanted to elaborate more but would just end here.
Chow Chow!

P.S. Please eat Honacha's Bara for me? Anyone! =)