DocDivaTraveller: March 2017

My 2017 has started with roadtrips. I know...for an ardent traveller like me who rarely goes on roadtrips, this is quite a change. Who's complaining though. If I can't fly to far off destinations (which seems to be distant this year thanks to serious investments) I can take the road anytime I want! After a road trip to Vrindavan last month, I was once again on the highway; driving through the state of Haryana.

It all started with my batchmate's wedding. It was in Kaithal, a town in Haryana near Ambala. I am mentioning Ambala as its the most prominent city near Kaithal. In India, a wedding is a silly cause to reunite with friends and travel. Therefore I planned with other friends of mine (batchmates of course) to turn this wedding of our dear friend into a weekend extravaganza. We started at around 12 noon and hoped to reach by the evening.

The trip started with a bang. We stocked up on chips, cold drinks and other knick knacks that are great accompaniments for the road. We also had a delicious cake with us as it was our friend Nishant's birthday. But that was ought to be an surprise.We started from Hari Nagar, Delhi and took the GT Karnal Road. It took quite a while to cross Delhi as the traffic was crazy; even on a Saturday. As we exited Delhi, the road became clearer. Our Toyota Etios Cross zoomed across the National Highway 1.

Few things to be kept in mind while on a road trip.

The car should be checked properly so that there is least possibility of breaking down while on the go. You may never know how the road would be and whether services would be available.

Petrol should be full.

Tyres should be checked for proper air pressure. My husband prefers to keep air pressure of the tyres a bit on the lower side on a long drive. The Stepney should be checked for air pressure. It should be fully functioning. Ceat makes great tyres and I feel that Ceat Tyres are best for long drives.

Always fasten your seat belt when driving. This applies for everyone in the car and not only the driver.

Don't drink and drive. Never ever mix alcohol with driving even in the minutest quantities. Its unsafe not only for you and the people inside the car but also for all the other people on the road.

Always overtake from the right side. Its actually a nuisance driving on the roads of Delhi when no one believes in lane driving. But once you step out on the Highway, these rules are imperative. Lane driving is sane driving.

Last but not the least, always obey traffic rules!

Kaithal is around 200 km from Delhi. The roads are wide and nice, promising a nice drive. That means it would have been a journey of around four hours. However when crazy people like us are in the car, the journey can last for an indefinite time! We took so many pit stops on the way that at one point we started thinking whether we have to attend the wedding in the casual outfits we were already donning.

After driving on the NH 1 for about a couple of hours, we took the National Highway 44 which led to Ambala. I and my friend Srita were looking out for a beautiful location for the cake cutting ceremony. After a while, we found a small strip of land with rows of trees overlooking a canal. We decided to look no more and stop the car. While I and Srita lit candles, Srita's husband kept Nishant away so that we could surprise him. Srita borrowed matches from a sugarcane juice seller nearby. And then by the waterfront in midst of nowhere we shrieked Happy Birthday! It was a surreal feeling! After smearing cakes on the birthday boy and gobbling it to our heart's content along with other beverages and snacks, we roamed around for a while. We took crazy pictures on the streets much to the amusement of the villagers.

Our next stop was a wheat field. We have been mesmerised by the vast lush green wheat fields on both the sides throughout the drive. There was a point where we found parking space and there were both wheat and mustard fields. We did not waste time in deciding and immediately pulled off the car.

Our third stop was rather strange. It was my wish actually. The straw huts and the cow dung cakes enticed me for an editorial shoot. What followed thereafter was utter craziness. Somehow there was so much freshness in the air filled with cow dung reek.

Finally we decided that we won't stop anymore. We blindly followed the GPS and headed straight towards the wedding venue in Kaithal. We completed the 4 hour journey in 6 hours! But what we had is an epic road trip. We had woven unforgettable memories!

A road trip is never about the destination but always about the journey!

‘I’m chronicling my road trip adventure for CEAT Tyres in association with BlogAdda.’

3/17/2017 52 comments

A very Happy Holi my lovely readers! Holi does not need any introduction for my countrymen. However for my international readers and friends I would like to explain briefly. I of course won't go to Hiranyakashipu and other mythological stories. I have seen Holi celebration in other parts of the world (by non Indians) like Germany and South Africa. They however celebrate it at any time (summers). But Holi has a specific date. Its the 'Poornima' of the month of Phalguna or the first full moon of spring. Usually its during the second week of March but it can vary depending on lunar positions of that particular year.

The day prior to actual Holi, we lit a bonfire. We believe that it burns all the evils. The next day we smear each other with dry and liquid colours, eat sumptuous snacks (gujiya et al) and drink Bhaang (stimulant). We play drums and dance and make merry like there is no tomorrow. Its usually cold on this day but who cares? People are usually found shivering, drenched in coloured water but that does not deter anyone from playing.

I love playing Holi. I have a playful side of myself that likes to be unleashed during such festivals. However for the past few years, I was unable to play. One year my daughter was born during this time and other years I simply did not have companions or courage to go ahead. FIY the husband does not play. So the last time I played was way back in 2010 when I was at my Grandma's place. My cousins and me had a crazy, unforgettable time.

Look at the colour of the water!

Pakodas being fried!

The society in which I have been residing for the last five years organize a great Holi celebration. The swimming pool is filled with coloured water and everyone jumps into it to play wildly. Music blares in the background and the residents have a merry time. I usually watch the entire play from upstairs.

This year too I was in no mood. Even though I wanted to go, it meant leaving my daughter away. Her father is unable to manage her all alone. And if I dragged her along with me, she would have got scared seeing those crazy faces. Also it would be a Herculean task to clean her up. I was contemplating whether to join or not when my dear neighbour called me and coaxed me to join her. I was really enticed, Hubs tried to stop me but I did not yield to his order. I set a Doraemon movie for my daughter and snuck out.

What followed afterwards was pure madness. Since I was clean when I reached downstairs, I was any easy target. I became a coloured mess within no time! Then we danced, drank Pepsi and gorged on piping hot pakoras. When I started shivering in cold, I decided it was time to go back.

As I entered home, my tiny munchkin was rather petrified. She kept on saying '' Mumma please wash your face''. She was unable to look at me yet unable to leave my side too! Poor little thing! During the entire shower time she stood by the door and kept on pestering to wash my face. I assured her hundreds of times that my face is clean but she did not have the courage to look at me. Finally as I stepped out, she was satisfied and immediately jumped into my arms!

I clearly had a blast today. This is the last Holi celebration in this society as we would be shifting to a new locality soon. I would remember this day for years to come!

Some more crazy pictures...Join the madness!

I clearly look like a fat buffalo! (husband's words) I need to lose weight! 😢

3/13/2017 6 comments

Last weekend I went on an incredible road trip with my friends. Its quite unusual actually. Firstly, I hardly ever go on road trips. Okay my year started with a road trip to Vrindavan. But then, how many times have I actually gone? Secondly, I have seldom travelled alone. In my twenty eight years of exploration (which is quite a lot) I can literally count on my fingers when I have been let on my own. My first tryst was in the first year of my medical college when after days of persuasion my father finally let me go to Jim Corbett with my friends. Then after passing out, I went to Ajmer with my friends but it was for an exam. Thirdly I had been all by myself in Dehradun for 15 days for my Post Graduate exams. This period was particularly tough in 2014 as my daughter was just 5 months old. In 2015, my munchkin was older and I too was stronger to live without her for a fortnight, studying. These two episodes in Dehradun can't be called 'breaks' with any reason as they were purely for studying. So in all, I had travelled alone only once for pure pleasure purpose!

Last Saturday, it was my batchmate's wedding. I had confessed earlier too that this season (2016-17) I have a attended a record breaking number of ceremonies! His wedding was in Kaithal, Haryana, where the bride belonged. Me and my friends were close with the bride too; so there was no reason that we would not attend. After a lot of persuasion, my parents and my husband finally let me go with my friends for the weekend. My joy knew no bounds!

We had a blast at the wedding and a phenomenal roadtrip. On our way back to Delhi, we stopped at Kurukshetra to explore. If you are remotely acquainted with mythology, then Kurukshetra holds a big position in your mind. Its the historical place where the battle of Mahabharata took place. Well God knows how much of it is actually true. There are many tourist spots here but the most interesting one is the Bheem Ghat or the Brahma Sarovar. Mythologically, its the place where Bheema kills Duryodhana!

Whatever be the historical significance, the place itself is heavenly! There is a vast man made tank and there are temples on all the sides. There is a huge Indian Tricolour which flutters beautifully. The breeze is simply mesmerising. We pranced, walked and hopped all around the place. It was too peaceful and too pleasant to leave.

Coming to the outfit, the weather has been rather strange for the past few weeks. In the morning its really chilly while it gets burning hot in the daytime. I chose a blush coloured trench from Zaful.com to beat the morning chills. Its a really light trench, not to be worn in winters or during the rain. But it did protect me from the cold breeze!

P.S Is my hair too short? Its actually the shortest length I have had in the past 12 years! 😢

Here is a fun video that I made with a new feature on my friend's phone!

Trench: Zaful.com

Skirt: Levis

Shirt: Jabong.com

Stockings: Forever 21
Sunnies: Fastrack

3/11/2017 10 comments

The most colourful time of the year is here. Yes, its Holi! So what does Holi remind you? Crazy colours and Bhaang I bet! However these must be memories of the past. I am sure for the past few years you don't get much time to sit and chat with your friends; forget going berserk on Holi! But you know its time to slow down a bit. What's the use of earning if not spent wisely? Youth won't stay foerever. As much as its important to be serious at work, its important to slow down and relax too. We have got only one life and we better live it to the fullest!

So this Holi, gift yourself and your loved one an experience that you both will never forget! Leave the planning to xoxoday and enjoy the rest!

Holi High: Location is Bengaluru. Enjoy eight hours of non stop fun. Groove to foot tapping music of DJ Suketu and other DJs and indulge in sumptuous food and drinks.

Rang Munch: What is better in Holi than a riot of colours? Colours and Rain dance! In this event you get to enjoy for 12 hours non stop. Live Punjabi Dhol will ensure that you don't rest even for a second. Also a number of famous DJs are there for non stop grooving. So you get to wine and dine with organic Holi colours with live music under rain drops! Talk about experiences to remember!

Rang Ki Banga (Girls Only): Girls does Holi scare you? I mean you want to play but scared of rowdy guys misbehaving with you? Then this is for you! A Holi extravaganza in Bengaluru just for the fairer sex! Girls you can have 10 hours of non stop fun grooving to the thumping beats of the country's best DJs in the rain! Not only that but an unlimited supply of food, beaverages and organic colours to play with your gal pals.

Three Course Experience in Lodi the garden Restaurant: Its not a secret how romantic Lodi, the Garden Restaurant is. Its is one of the best places to fine dine in Delhi. This Holi if wild colors are not for you or if you want to treat yourself and your beloved to an exquisite meal, then this is for you. Choose three courses from the menu. Get to dine amidst the romantic ambiance!

So go ahead, ditch material shopping at malls and gift yourself and loved ones unique experiences with xoxoday.

3/10/2017 No comments

After a disastrous start on our very first day in Rome, we were determined to make the most of Rome on our second day. The first metro ride was at 5 30 AM, so we made sure to board the very first ride. We grabbed an Italian breakfast from the station (croissant and cappucino) and headed for the metro that went to the Spanish Square or the Pizzza del Spagna. It was not much of a long ride; a gentleman in our compartment warned me against my unzipped purse. That was really sweet.

It was a short walk to the square. The sun had just risen and the weather was lovely. We hastily walked towards the beautiful fountain that was in front of the Spanish Steps or the Scala di Spagna.

Lo! The Spanish Steps were closed. Too sad. It opened at 10 AM. Now what? We took pictures from the outside only. The square was surrounded by luxury boutiques. Celine, Dior, Prada, Gucci, you name it, its there! Then we made a place beside the fountain to enjoy our croissants. There were few sinister looking people roaming around. Then a young Oriental guy came and sat beside us. He asked from where we got our croissants. He seemed sweet and we immediately struck a conversation. He was of Philippine origin who was born in Spain but had lived in United Kingdom his entire life. He called himself an Asian gypsy. He was returning to London from his trip to Greece and Rome was a quick stopover. Hubs gave him a quick guide as to what all was possible in half a day in Roma.

After taking pictures at the pretty fontana (I slipped badly once), we proceeded to my dream location in Rome.

I had been dreaming about the Trevi Fountain or the Fontana Di Trevi ever since I had watched it in a million movies. I also knew that it gets crazily crowded so I wanted to reach there early. It was seven in the morning and still crowded!

I was mesmerised by the beauty of the place. It had been renovated in 2015 for a good amount of 15 million euros. The fountain looked even prettier than in my dreams. Everyone there were busy shooting. There were professional shoots going on too. Hubs wanted a picture of the model but they denied permission as the designer dress was not launched yet. At the end of the shoot hubs took a picture of the entire team and I captured him doing so!

I wanted to stay at the Trevi Fountain forever! Hubs however had other things on his agenda. Before we left after clicking a thousand pictures, we went to the extreme right end of the fountain. It was deserted as tourists were flocked in the centre. I knelt over the ageless sculptures and was getting clicked. Suddenly we heard a shrill whistle. A couple of policemen gave us a stern look and said something in Italian which we could not decipher; but got the message nonetheless. Do Not Touch!

The warning marked the end of our Trevi Fountain excursion. We proceeded towards the next famous Square that had the Pantheon and the St Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica. A Punjabi man was selling souveneirs. He seemed to be too depressing to be guided by in Rome by his pessimistic attitude. The Pantheon was a smaller version of the Parthenon of Acropolis.😆 The church was magnificent, We rested there for a while before we made it to our next stop.