Magnificent Prague, an unforgettable visit- my You Tube video

The iconic Charles Bridge, the stunning and legendary Prague Castle which thrives on the legend of Golem and so much more, our daily walks in the old town square, the midnight 

( and really scary) ghost tour, the trip to the Jewish quarter which brought a lump to my throat.

The food, the flowers, the smells, the glorious weather and most of all, the superb architecture of Prague made it an unforgettable trip.

I've tried to encapsulate all these in my You Tube video  and have succeeded to a point.

As to the rest, will leave it for another post on another day.

Would love to hear what you thought, so do tell folks!

The magic of Hauz Khaz fort, New Delhi

" Where journeys end, stories begin".

As a student of History in college followed by Mass Communications as a post graduate subject, I firmly  believe in this beautiful and intriguing phrase. And from the time I actually started writing fiction as a novelist, I've had a wonderful opportunity to have free reign over each of the characters, places and situations that I've first created in my head- then put on paper.

Have I tired of it? In two words, absolutely not.

So in this short piece where I focus on the oft neglected, yet popular with the college going crowd, the  Hauz Khaz fort, I'm going to use that same creative licence and hope you like it.

Emerald green waters, a mysterious walkway, boat rides for those who want to and a place to let your imagination run riot.

You never know who you might meet.

You see, some people claim that they have heard sounds of voices, tinkling of anklets and mysterious shadows in the deep of the night. And with that intriguing thought, its time to focus on the whys and hows of this fort.

Walking into the Hauz Khaz fort and marvelling at the magnificent trees

Established by Alauddin Khilji  in the year 1284, unfortunately, this fort hasn't been maintained or looked after with the respect it deserves. Sadly, the  walls are broken and many of the the engravings faded. 

Built in the ‘medieval history’ era, this fort marks the beginning of the rule of Delhi as the capital of the first Muslim rulers in India. The word 'Hauz' comes from the Urdu language and means a 'pond'.  The  King  of that  time, Alauddin, had commissioned a large pond in this area for the convenience of the inhabitants of Siri Fort, the second city of Delhi. Initially named 'Hauz-i-Khas',  later Firoz Shah Tughlaq got this tank rebuilt as the royal baths and renamed  it 'Hauz-Khas.'

Despite all the odds, and a degree of neglect, this fort still fascinates tourists and locals alike. Its wide lawns are great for kids to play on. With a host of alleys and secret passages, people absolutely love the feel and atmosphere of this fort. For photo enthusiasts, the fort is a great  subject, particularly during sunset and sunrise. The fort overlooks a wide pond which is home to many birds and flowers, adding to its overall charm. 

The beautiful pond

To get a real feel of the fort, please click on my You Tube video just below.

The stories these walls could tell- unending.

As I started by saying, "Where journeys end, stories begin."

The Christmas Market at Champs Elysees, Paris- A memorable moment in time from my Travel Dream Trail

"Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” said  Ibn Battuta and I couldn't agree with him more!

The joy of travel is something that was inculcated deep into my soul by my parents who used every opportunity and vacation time that my brother and myself had to travel. With them, we learnt to see, taste and experience the wonders of travel and in return we were rewarded  by a certain knowledge of our country and the world that far surpassed that which could be gained from regular books. 

Did we enjoy it? A definite yes! Those growing years left me with a deep seated conviction in the wonders of travel and soon after my marriage we moved to Oman where we then stayed on for over two decades, this passion for travel was only intensified as we used all opportunities that we could to travel ..and then some!

In fact, my very first book 'A Safe Harbour' was based in Oman as well as India and I was highly gratified when it received some very good reviews. My second book, 'Point of No Return' was set in Istanbul, Turkey after I'd visited it and realised that it made a fantastic setting for a crime thriller. And finally, my third book 'An Autumn Melody' was set in UK and India - another country that I've visited and grown to love over the years.

Art, culture, food and music - for me they are all very important, and since I'm an avid photographer as well, I try to capture all these moments and turn them into memories by clicking photographs and sharing them with the world.

And now, like Ibn Batuta, I'm going to turn into the proverbial storyteller and delve into my store of memorable experiences and share one such delightful  experience with all of you. 

     I succumbed and this sweet little elf is making my packet of Churros 

A  couple of years ago I was in Paris in late November and to my delight I learnt that the famed annual Christmas Market at the Champs Elysees was already up and running.

Without further ado, I decided  to make my way there and check it out.It was a cold, crisp and beautiful evening and the overall atmosphere was one of joie de vivre and good cheer. People of all nationalities mingled with each other and delightful and tempting fragrances floated from every corner possible.

If I was to choose one word to describe my feelings as soon as I got there, would be' Fabulous"! 

It was everything that I'd ever imagined a Christmas fair to be and then some!

The Champs Elysees was transformed into a 'winter wonderland' of sheer holiday fun and gaiety with twinkling Christmas lights, rows and rows of little wooden chalets selling a delightful array of  foods, sweets and all kinds of gifts. It even had a little amusement park with roller coaster and rides for kids. This Christmas Market is set up along both sides of the Champs-Elysées between Rond Point and the Place de la Concorde, but the atmosphere is festive all along the Champs-Elysées right up to the Arc de Triomphe.

The heady fragrance of of mulled wine, coffee, roasting chestnuts, crepes,  Shwarmas, hot dogs, burgers, cheese and anything else that you could possibly imagine hung in the air and it was that which proved to be my undoing. 

First it was the Churros that I  just had to eat, followed by a whole bar of real country made French chocolate. 

                    Christmas is in the air

Champs Elysees, the superb location 

                                       Spoilt for choice

Something to make all the kids happy

What I found particularly fascinating was how men and women come here from all over Europe  and set up their stalls. It was truly a representation of the very best that Europe could serve up on a plate! Must add here that it wasn't only food and drink that was being lapped up by all who were there, the array of Christmas gifts for friends and family was mind boggling as well.

Scarves, small homemade items, soap, cheese, bread, cookies, trinkets-I could go on and on and my list would probably remain incomplete. Sounds cliched, I know, but this is exactly where the term, 'spoilt for choice' is probably what comes closest to what everyone present was thinking. All I could see was people shopping, then taking a break to eat, then getting on with it ..

All over again!

The afternoon passed and evening dawned, I was still there and about 5 hours later, made my way back home, happy and content with the spirit of Christmas having warmed the cockles of my heart and staying right there....

Was I satisfied with just one visit? The answer predictably is 'No'. A few days later I was back there and this time, I had the advantage of knowing exactly what I wanted to check out. 

That particular trip to France also gave me the opportunity to check out some of the finest museums for art and culture in addition to the Louvre where the world famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci is placed. Thousands and thousands of people file past those beautiful places everyday and I can say with confidence that all of them go back to their own countries enriched by all the beautiful and memorable places that that they have been privileged to see.

Another quick memory of a delightful cafe in Paris  -A short walk brought us  to this very warm and welcoming scene, a Cafe restaurant la bucherie,  where a friendly waitress took our orders , promising to be very quick to serve.  

I loved the Menu

This little cafe was also the place where I saw the largest cocktail  I'd ever seen in my life and was just beginning to wonder if anyone ever drank something like this, when the guests at two adjoining tables placed orders for one each.Needless to say, two people shared one, but I am still surprised!

The Giant cocktail, a specialty of the house

                 My dinner,  a Croque-monsieur

I'd placed an order for a 'Croque monsieur', and was delighted when it was served !( the name is based on the verb croquer and the word monsieur)

 a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. Typically, Emmental or Gruyère cheese is used. Delightful delicious and very memorable

That was certainly one of the best meals I've  ever eaten! 

For me, travel is something which I treasure and enjoy totally. Whether it be a solo trip or one with my family, each of these is special in its own way and the rewards- manifold.

To close, all I'd like to say, " Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer"

“I am blogging about my dreams and passions for the Club Mahindra#DreamTrails activity at BlogAdda. You can get a Club Mahindra Membership to own your holidays!”

Taking my World With me in the Renault Lodgy- An exciting Weekend in Goa

Think about Goa and what does the mind's eye conjure up? Most likely the beach will be top of the list. However, the fact is that there’s a lot more to Goa than sun, sand and surf.Green and clean, rich in natural beauty, topped by stunning views, a relaxed way of life and  delicious cuisine, its always a good time to visit Goa.

Blue, Green and Beautiful Goa

(Image Courtesy-Wallpapers Brothersoft.com)

So when I checked BlogAdda site and found this very interesting opportunity to possibly spend some time in Goa during the amazing weekend trip for the #LiveLodgycal Drive from 19th to 21st June, I realised that its  clearly  going to be one experience that I just don’t want to miss! Topping it would be the fact that for me it would be a great way to experience Goa for the first time ever and come back with memories to last a lifetime.

Technically, our world is the Earth, but the definition of ‘My World’ differs from person to person. These are the things which matter most to a person and according to the brief for this campaign, I've been asked to talk about my Top 5 things, primarily those which I'd find difficult to live without.So keeping in mind the fact that its the peak of summer, I'm going to try and define them  accurately.

Inseparable- Me and my large handbag 

The first one on my list is this large brown handbag that you see me carrying in the photograph above. Its a travel staple and one that functions as a carry all. From my bottle of water to some snacks, my make up kit, a shawl or scarf as the case might be and even a change of clothes, this bag can do it all! The other factor that adds to its charm is that it looks smart, is highly durable and I can and have taken it everywhere I go on an outstation trip.

My I Phone 5S

Then we come to my trustworthy and 'always with me' I Phone 5S. If I was to be really honest, I really don't think that I could last even one 1
( whole) hour without it. With over a 100 Apps, and the ability to do just about anything I want to do, this phone has proved to be a lifeline for me more than once, Given as a birthday present by my husband last year, this phone gives me hours of happiness so I guess by now you aren't surprised as to exactly why  its a huge part of 'My World'.

My Sun hat and dark glasses

Last month I bought myself this new pair of sunglasses and a hat. Since then both these items have become indispensable. For those of you who are familiar with the wrath of the summer sun in New Delhi, its probably easy for you to understand. Must add here that I have a have a real problem with exposure to the sun, so while some of you who need a higher dose of Vitamin D might think otherwise, for me, both these items are 'must haves' in the very real sense.

Last but not the least on my list would be a pair of blue jeans. These are something that I can team up with any kind of shirt/jacket/coat/etc and make a new outfit each time. Can I do without them? 

Seriously  NO...

A pair of comfortable blue jeans

Now a little bit about the all new Renault Lodgy, a spectacular looking car which will redefine what comfort travel is all about.

The All new Renault Lodgy

(Image Source- Auto Gyaan.com)

The Renault Lodgy has a massive boot space of 207 litres, expandable to 1861 liters, and can carry a whole chest of books, a gaming console, a set of speakers and so much more. If it’s entertainment you can’t live without, then you can connect your phone to the Medianav System and have your fun on the go! Can’t bear to be parted from your smart phone for any length of time? The mobile charger will ensure that your phone never runs out of juice. And if your world resides in your family, you can take all of them with you with ease, courtesy of the 7-8 seater Renault Lodgy.

Of course, no journey is complete without food and drinks, so you can carry your favourite food and drinks without the fear of spilling with the cup holders and luxurious flight trays.

Comfort-You only have to open the door to see how practical the Renault Lodgy is. Very spacious with up to 7 full-size seats over three rows. Its modular loading volume is unbeatable with folding 2nd and 3rd row bench seats. With climate control to the 30 L of storage space located around the vehicle, comfort for all on board is ensured.

Technology-When it comes to equipment, the new Renault Lodgy has even more to offer. Enjoy fingertip control of the MediaNAV multimedia system thanks to its 7-inch touchscreen. Parking is child's play, with the rear parking aid. Keep control over fuel consumption with the Eco mode and zip off for a smooth and easy ride.

With overall safety and relaxation ensured, you can now - travel safely and let the new Renault Lodgy take care of you. Their  experts have done their utmost to ensure the safety of all.

I will conclude on that on that note but not before saying that I just cant wait for an opportunity to experience the #LiveLodgycal Drive in Goa as well as experience the all new Renault Lodgy up close and very personal. 

I’m participating in the #LiveLodgycal contest with Renault in association withBlogAdda to get a chance to be a part of the #LiveLodgycal Drive in Goa.”

The Myriad Shades of Magnificent Prague-My Video now on You Tube

The iconic Charles Bridge, the stunning Prague Castle which thrives on its legends, the legend of 'Golem, our daily walks in the incomparable town square, the Jewish quarter which brought a lump to the throat. I've tried to encapsulate all this. 


Not sure if I've succeeded but am happy that I tried.

More Travel Tales-This time from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Mashobra-A Sneak Preview

Barely three weeks after our trip to Europe, I have many more  travel stories to share.This time from the Gulf and India.

Covering Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Mashobra and Naldera this was a packed three week trip which just ended yesterday.

Home again, with all my photographs downloaded and safely catalogued, I thought it was time to get down to a sneak preview of what I will be writing about in this blog as well as my other one called 'Food For Thought'.

Our first stop, The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah

Breakfast, next morning

The fantastic interiors 

And the beautiful exteriors 

Tea at the Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, Hiton, Ras Al Khaimah

Exquisite interiors 

The Himalayas beckon- Sunset one memorable evening

Taking a real break- My favourite Coffee and reading corner

Refreshing the mind, body and soul

Here's hoping that you will stay and share my journey and the many, many travel tales that I will bring to you all through December....