My far East..

Two years ago, I had the most wonderful opportunity to go and holiday in the North East of India for two weeks. Today, as I sat cleaning my computer I found pictures and wished I could go back. One of the ways I could is right here. 
As an "army brat", I have been fortunate and have seen places that some Indians don't even know exist like 'Rajouri' (Not the West Delhi one!), 'Harchura' and so on. It has been spectacular!

I was only a couple of years old when my father was posted in the North East and I had heard about how beautiful it was, how green and how peaceful. I had no Idea what they were talking about. A few faded photographs don't do much. 

So, we started out on the 28 hour train journey from New Delhi, and cynical mini me kept saying 'I've seen Jammu and Kashmir, NOTHING beats that! Come on!". But nevertheless, I was jumping off the ground because I had just procured my first ever DSLR, the "photographer camera". (I would sleep with it next to me fearing someone would steal it. Yes, I have done that.)

So, there I was in the train with my truck load of books, the DSLR of course and cynical state of mind...And then things just changed...
 We were cutting across three states to get to our destination and each state showed me the diversity and yet the unity of this nation called India. What lay ahead of me was much more spectacular than I could have ever imagined. 

What I found was that a lot can happen for a person with a camera and two weeks of holiday!

A Sadhu at the Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam

The Bramhaputra River as seen in Guwahati, Assam

NathuLa,  India-China Border.

Enroute Shillong, Meghalaya

 The food. Oh my God, this coming from a vegetarian. Unlike the "dhaba culture" all across these days, the Eastern half of India caters to all the Punjabi's and South Indian food maniacs, but what good is it if you don't try the local cuisine. 

It is spectacular to see little eateries with good music and an even amazing array of food. The Tibetan influence is very much there, but the culture fuses so well that you don't really question what you are being served and the history of it. 

Shillong, I must say, had one of the best bakeries I have come across. Sweet people serving up some delish cookies and cakes. 

But, Gangtok requires a special mention. The cobbled streets and no pollution made me want to live there forever. The food was great! And the women dressed up traditionally in their Bakhus. What a delight!

If you are EVER in Darjeeling, visit this place. It is a must.

She made my trip worth it with just a smile.

We could walk on and on..

Kachenjunga as seen from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling.

This last image of the Great Himalayan Trail, Kanchenjunga has made me bow my head and praise the Lord. Nothing is more awe inspiring and beautiful than the Himalayan Range. 

These were just a few of the many hundred photographs I took while out in the East. But trust me when I say this, no camera can capture the feeling of being there. No instrument, no gadget, nothing. 

It is you and the nature. And most importantly, the people. Sweetest lot I have EVER seen and boy, what a fashion sense! I loved it ALL. 

I fell in love with my far East and I have just seen three states of the Seven Sisters! The cynic in me is no more. Yay!

All I can say is that there are two heavens in India not just one. 

This country is no less than Europe or America or Australia, all you need to do is step out and just keep on going. 

Next holiday destination, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

That's it folks.

Peace Out.

xoxo

The vastness envelopes your worries and petty problems only to make you shed a few tears and smile like a goof. All at the same time. 

Sniff Sniff..

I am not a wonder dog writing a blog. Or a dog owner who has a blog for his dog. Ah, yeah so, okay. 

This blog post is about something very serious and I thought I should put it out there in the universe. 

I sniff my food before I eat it. 

There, I said it. Everybody thinks that I am a bit of a wonky doodle do but I just can not eat my meals until I have sniffed it. And its not even the, "Oh, let me take in the aroma." Nooooo.. Its more like "Sniff sniff..Sniff some more". 

I believe, I was a dog in my past life. Or that I am a dog trapped in a human body. 

No, I am not crazy. I really think that way. 

Now, the biggest bane for someone like me is having a sore throat and a cold. I can NOT sniff anymore! You know how brutal that is? *hangs head*

Being sick then brings out the whole antibiotic guns. Blazing! So, today, I am sending out a little hate to all these drug companies who could not come up with medicines tasting like gummy bears. 

What is technology if you can't achieve that?!

Grumpy little sniffing girl signing off on that note. Here's hoping that the medicines do there work for all the sick people out there as grumpy as me. And that all you fellow food sniffers feel liberated! 

Peace out. 

xoxo

The list in the bucket!

As I sit here typing I see a lone star winking at me. I take that as a 'Hello' from the universe. Well, Hello right back!

So here goes, What do I want to do? I want to live, breathe in every moment and not repent later. Straight out of some movie? YES! So what?

I am corny, cheesy and a romantic. Boo yeah! 

Life IS too short. I use to think that I won't die anytime soon, I have all the time in the world. (Ha!) Reality check, that is not true.People who would do anything to live a happy life just fade away without so much as a chance at seeing the world! And here we are, living everyday like we have the rest of our lives to make up for it.

This is certainly not a pity party or a "message". Everyone talks about it, I am just writing the same stuff. 

How long has it been that you have seen the sky turn that beautiful shade of pink at twilight? Its the darnest thing, but is just so mesmerizing.

The world is a beautiful place! And life is not as long and boring as we make it to be.

Make a bucket list. And not just some lame "when I am old and have enough money I will go there" list. And if you are not a 'list' person, then just jot it down in that superb brain of yours. Everyone deserves to live as they want. And there is never "enough" of money or time. 

And with that, I check 'preach it, sister' on my bucket list. Yay. For me. For you, not so much. Oopsy. 

Lordy, just remembered another thing to put down on my bucket list. Off I go.

Peace out!

xoxo

Ps. Bucket list in hindi would be 'Balti Suchi'. Made me crack up. Laugh a little bro. Lame it is, but laugh. 

Heartbreak Town!

I am a big Sabyasachi fan. At least, I was up until I realized all his designs are similar, they are. But they still manage to look pretty darn good. Sadly, my love for him took a nose dive once I saw Vidya Balan at the Cannes Film Festival. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, Sabyasachi?!
Ms. Balan is a very fine actor and all that but did you have to make her look like a marm? And oh boy, she did look like one.
Its the French Riviera, for heavens sake!

• Clothes, a man made disaster!

The woman has a hourglass figure, why cover it up from each angle and make a sari or a lehenga look dowdy? Why the high neckline blouses of hosiery? Why the full sleeves? Why? WHY?!
If the plan was to make her look like a Saint, you have succeeded. Or was it glorifying the stereotype that Indian women cover up every inch and then only can be seen as "dignified"? That's low, bro.

• Tresses, no more.

DISASTER. Why the chignon? And even if the chignon, why in every look? How bored was the hairstylist? Was she having a bad hair month!?

• Make-up, flushed!

Mud pack was it? Genuine koschan!

• Accessories, because we do it weird!

That nath has given me nightmares. And I am not even being dramatic. Wonder how she was talking with it on? Must have been a task. The fugly studs, blue beads (BEADS!), red on red neck piece, bindi AND the nath. Why not add a head gear and a couple of flowers too? How about Marigolds?

Her entourage was overwhelmed me thinks and an EPIC fail. She is a quintessential Indian Woman! Make her look like one for Pete's sake! If only she had dressed up like a woman instead of an old maid.

This is stereotyping ladies and gentlemen. This.

I just had to write about this. Not being over critical but just putting the questions out in the universe. Its fun, plus I was bored.

Brr.. Until next time.
Peace out.
xo

Climbing the wall..

The past 20 years have seen a huge spur of literature regarding the international trade impact on the American economy. Since the early 1990’s, when the term 'Emerging Markets' became the focal point of discussions in the circle of the who’s who of business and finance, economists have been working on what is it that drives these Economies?

Some economists believe that the reason behind the growth story is control over the labor market, especially as there is significant wage inequality in the American market. Thus, it is simply cheaper to outsource not only skilled manufacturing labor but also hire skilled technical aspirants.

The shift has been steady and quite prominent over the years. Now, there is something called a 'Trade Theory' which sounds complicated but simply means that a low wage country can affect the high wage country. Why? Simply because the cost of manufacturing is cheaper, which has added to the US market woes.

The rise of china has been extraordinary for US economy is no new news. The situation has changed remarkably. In 2000, the low-income-country share of U.S. imports reached 15% and climbed to 28% by 2007, with China accounting for 89% of this growth. The share of total U.S. spending on Chinese goods rose from 0.6% in 1991 to 4.6% in 2007.

Today China is the largest Investor in the US market and some believe this as being the beginning of the end for American Market. The reason though not backed with sufficient data suggests that with China holding its reign on the free trade market and not allowing the dollar rate to change has managed to control its economy that may prove dangerous to the American trade market. The Chinese way of conducting business is in the form of country first, which simply implies that the American firms do not actually deal with Chinese counterparts but deal with the government who controls these firms to some extent!

The case of prominent car manufacturers who alleged that Chinese firms had stolen there designs without permission is clear of the fact of how China influences its firms. The case was dismissed, as the Judiciary did not see the resemblance between the two products. This case and many such has reaffirmed China’s aggressive take on its firms and economy.

Now the question that arises is how long will this aggressive posturing continue, and what can be done?Does the US government take charge and step in to counter the growing Chinese influence, and if so how? Because, America is a free economy the government has very limited options, apart from diplomacy and military options, only thing they can do is hope.

The problem can even get worse, as I said before, that this might be the beginning of the end as the US economy starts to get smaller and smaller each year, the Chinese market gets more lucrative to foreign investors and Companies. Slowly and steadily, we will see a large amount of immigration of ideas from the free markets to China as it becomes more economical. The potential of US market is not under question, but the question truly is when it comes to price can they compete with the Chinese on Labor and Skill development?

We will see a definite migration of think tanks and shot callers from free markets to a controlled environment.

This should be an interesting future!

Peace out!

xoxo

Just one chip!

I yam back!
You don't care!
But I will act like you do!
*yay*

Since my blog is a space where I rant and rant and then some, it is a perfect place for me to talk about my recent "melt down" or as my dear mother puts it "ye ladki apne peeche padi hui hai". For those who don't understand Hindi, why??? I don't have a English (firangi) audience, but that is a touchy and separate blog altogether. *sobs and yays* So for those, elite few, my Mother says "This girl is after her own life".

Why? Because I am on the weight loss trip. Thus.

Now, people who do know me also know that I am relatively tall. Thus, I don't look "fat" and whenever I do crib about being fat the quick revert is "Oh, please!". I understand that kind of a reaction, I do. Some people think I am just being a drama queen and just ask me shove some chocolates down my throat. Which, I do. Happily.
All this was in the past though. My tragic dramatic story started six months back when the winters came calling. Now, Delhi winters just force you to eat the gajar ka halwa, matthi, barfi, pakodas and samosa's and what not. Added to that, one too many pizzaz and fries! Oh, the fries. *stomach grumbles* One is forced to eat all that just to celebrate the winters! Okay, so not forced but come on, when you are wearing four layers of thick clothing all is covered and you can indulge in all that the fried and fattening goodies.
That is what I did. Of course.
Result? Ha! I started finding my jumpers a bit too tight on on the stomach area. That my friend, is the worst kind of shock, the most loose thing is tight. I died a little, but did not stop eating. Must commend my diligence towards the sweets and savories. Five months into this happy journey of happy eating came Summers! (there is no such thing as 'Spring', in Delhi)
Summer clothes give away all the winter splurges. And so did mine! I was in shock for a few days. Oh, I was. And then I began the whole "I will exercise and shed it all". Easier said than done. I walked and ran and walked some more. Result? I was introduced to every part of my body by the aches. I gave up on day two.
Bad feeling, that.
One night I had a dream that I was being rolled around because I was round as a ball. BAD. BAD. BAD.
Next day was all about salads, exercising and walks.

Now, if anyone read this, they would definitely say "posh! what does she know about weight issues or she is just being dramatic". In all seriousness, I don't. I have never been too healthy nor too thin. What I am trying to convey via this blog is the fact that healthy living is super important. It is, bro.
I see women in their thirties eating with caution. I understand it now. As a kid I could gobble up a whole pizza and not worry about the consequences. Now? I have problem areas.

Look, I am no one to preach. I am just sharing my "experience". I have learn't to live healthy and exercise my ancient bones. I eat a bowl of salad everyday and not go on crash diets. I know I would fail. I don't gorge on    pizzas as I use to. I eat fries in a limited quantity, ME! I eat everything but I eat things in small portions. I use to laugh on women who would say that to me, now I don't.
Healthy living, bro. It is good. I like it.
I have a long way to go to achieve my "abs" but I am on my way.
How do I get by?
Just one chip.

Until next time.
Peace out!
xo

Cringing Soul o' mine!

Today, I feel no fear. I do not feel threatened. I  do not question why I was born a girl.
Today, I feel Shame.Shame, for the Nation. A Nation where women are idealized and worshiped. A nation where women are considered to be a symbol of care and a nurturing figure. Where women are put on a pedestal and in one go are brutally thrown off. A nation where girls are anything but safe!
Today, I do not feel unsafe. I have been feeling that since the day I was born. The day I stepped out of home to attend school. The day I went for tuition. The day I stepped out of the house to buy a loaf of  bloody bread! The day I decided to meet up with friends.
Feeling unsafe and being on my guard has always come naturally to me.
Ignore, the man singing a cheap song the moment you pass by. Ignore, the cheap whistles men seem to have a talent for. Ignore, the staring man who seems to be undressing you with his eyes. Ignore, the leering. Ignore. Every. Goddamn. Thing.
And if you do not ignore, you will either be harassed, molested or raped. And if anyone comes to protect you, he will be beaten up or killed.
So, we ignore. We think, its  not worth all that.
We ignore and the "Society" decides to put restrictions to "safeguard" our interests and how!
They take the route of ; The mighty Don'ts.
Don't, wear provocative clothes. Don't, roam around late at night. Don't, open your hair or cut it short. Don't, wear lipstick. Don't, have a boyfriend since they are all first rate scums. Don't, bloody live!
And if you go against these very many Don'ts you are bound to be in trouble.
Gee, its so convenient.
I am sickened today. So very sickened.
I feel helpless for all those women who go through this IN and OUT of their house. Who live through the horrors and most importantly, with them..
Where are we "safe"? Can we ever be? Is safety for women even possible?
God, I hope so.
Respect women you low lying creatures born to unfortunate mothers! R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

But today, I feel shame.

An Indian.

Ps. No moral policing. This was just a product of frustration and helplessness.