Explorer of Experiences

In the past two years, I have met some famous and very interesting people in Dubai. It is not everyday after all that you can say you've met the world's happiest man or one of the world's most creative person. So I decided to jot down my brief yet treasured interactions with them, so you can read about it, and I can reminisce a few years down the line. SHASHI THAROOR  [Former Under-Secretary General, UN, Author and Politician] I met Tharoor shortly after I finished a heavy read of his book Inglorious Empire (read my thoughts on it here ) at the Emirates Literature Festival in February 2018. I patiently made my way towards him in a snaking long queue but it was worth it because I even got snapped with him. Tharoor is highly educated, articulate and has an impressive body of social work. But he also has a long list of things he has been criticized for and accused of. Yet, in his numerous TV interviews, I have never seen him frazzled but always patient and calm in ...

Who knew I'd learn about the Danes while vacationing in Zanzibar! I chanced upon the book 'The Year of Living Danishly' while scanning through the bookshelf at the resort during my African vacation. I traded my unread Paulo Coehlo 'The Winner Stands Alone' (no regrets there) for this book with its attractive blue color. Cover aside, I was curious to know what makes Denmark the world's happiest country. Scandinavian countries have always harbored my wanderlust-heavy fancy and this book held insights into what made one of these countries known for its happiness levels and living standards.  What's the deal with this book anyway?  'The Year of Living Danishly' is written by Helen Russell who used to write for Marie Clare UK, a job that was adding to the conundrum of her rat-race infused meaningless London life. A job offer from Lego for her husband signaled a move to Billund in Denmark, spiraling Helen into a Danish expedition, an exciting y...

These book cafes make sure that Pune’s reading culture doesn’t die out. The rise in cafes dedicated to their love for books as much as food is a reassurance that reading as a passion is still alive. Pune’s bookworms have quite a few options where they can sit in a cosy corner and enjoy flipping pages of their favourite books while snuggling up to a hot cuppa. Pagdandi Book Cafe, Baner, Pune Pagdandi – Books/Chai/Café ,  Baner When you have a backpacker and a yoga teacher bringing together their entrepreneurial minds, what you get is Pagdandi. The cafe has a library, comfortable mattresses to sit on, a small cafe space and board games if you want a break from reading. Live acoustic jams, storytelling circles and open mic are hosted regularly to bring together a group of aspiring writers. Their  kahwa  and hot chocolate with marshmallows are highly recommended. You can also tuck in a bowl of hot Wai Wai while reading your favourite book. Cafe Nook Café N...

On a lookout for a book to gift someone, after a very long day at the office, I decided to head to a bookstore. Upon entering, I was greeted with a big fat book sale! Just so you know I didn't find the particular book I wanted to gift, but an hour and a half of browsing later, I did walk out with three for myself. All books by my favourite author Alexander McCall Smith. One of the titles was 'The Importance of Being Seven'. Like the caption of the title says (A 44 Scotland Street Novel), it draws out for you days in the life of residents on a street in Scotland. If like me you've never visited Scotland but would very much like an insight into the place and its people, this one's a great handbook! Smith very vividly spins a tale about people who are in the pursuit of bettering their life, enjoying the little things, dreaming, planning their travels and of sometimes harbouring negative thoughts about others (even close ones). Bertie, the boy cutely illustrated on t...

I liked the typography, nothing else! Right this moment, I'm in a phase where I don't know what I'm doing nor do I know what I want to do. All I feel is overwhelmed with everything - from the lightest of issues to the heaviest. It's all bogging me down. There's just too much happening, too many things to do! I don't quite like the times we live in today. Never is there a day, when you get the opportunity to just sit back and relax. Instead, your note pad is just filled with things to do and more things to do. And each thing, is a mammoth task in itself. You struggle your way through the list and before you're done, pat comes another hundred tasks to be completed. There's work to do, formalities to complete, errands to run, it's a freaking rat race. And those darn phones! They just never let you simply be. There's too many things that need your attention but only one you. I get tired. It's draining.  Which brings me to my next thoug...