Where do people go to pee when they travel? #Traveler #RoadTrip #TravelTips #IncredibleIndia

Many people are scared of road trips. And the reason is that it becomes frustrating to relieve themselves in the midst of nowhere. In India, we do not have well maintained, hygienic road side loos. The ones we come across are so filthy that it’s difficult to step in them, let alone breathe! Maybe it’s a good idea to start a business of installing loos alongside the highways and charging a nominal fee for its usage – but well that might get addressed in the next blog!

Coming back to our topic, while it’s simpler for the men folk, the ladies face a tough time in finding the right place to relieve themselves. However, be it the man or the lady, most of them would refuse to enter the public toilets. Then the question is, where to pee?

Food stops – On the highway there are various restaurants which will pass by. But we will wait till we find that decent looking restaurant which might have a decent toilet for the emergency. Here too, the Indian commode is preferred where one can squat and finish off rather than placing their bum on the seat of the English commode where a million other bums would have left their mark!

Forest – When we enter the forest regions, it becomes simpler. Just find that perfect bush along the road, go behind it, ensure its safe enough to not get bitten by bugs, and then relieve yourself.

Banks of the river – This one’s a common one, and it gives a splendid view of the river too. All you have to search for is that rock behind which you can squat comfortably to relieve yourself while enjoying the river flow alongside! By the way, in case you get other urges and need water, the river water will be readily available. And if you have forgotten to get your soap or sanitizer, rub your hands in the soil to clean them off. It might not be the best way, but it will suffice till you find your soap!

Road – Obviously this might get embarrassing. But if it’s the need of the hour, here is a way out. Give some dupattas / shawls / towels to your co-travellers, make them form a circle holding these at the edges so as to make a room wall, and relieve yourself in between this. To avoid complete embarrassment, please ask your co-travellers to face the other side so they don’t see you in a vulnerable position *wink*!

There are instances where we consciously or sub-consciously decide to refrain from going to the loo. We also avoid intake of water for the fear that we will have to pee at a dirty, filthy, unhygienic place. Please don’t let this happen to you. Staying hydrated is far more important than anything else. With the above ideas, you will be able to comfortably enjoy your pee.

In case there is a situation where you have had lots of water, but still you do not get the urge to relieve yourself, there are ways out:

Piss – You need to make soft pissssss pissssss noises. This will help you get your pee.

Rub stones – Strangely, when you rub stones, the action and the sound help in getting the urge to pee! You don’t need big sized stones. The regular pebbles and stones which you find on the road will do the needful.

Talk about pee – Its completely psychological. When a person starts talking about peeing, the entire group will get an urge to relieve themselves.

Hope all these nuske help. Relieving yourself is an important natural activity, so don’t go on a control spree. And don’t be scared of road trips. Have a fun-filled journey.

Print medium will not lose the battle #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #MediaMix

Digital is the third largest medium in India after Television and OOH says Zenith’s Media Consumption Forecasts report (Source: afaqs).

The media mix for most of the companies have seen rejig. Print is getting replaced by the digital media. And there are various reasons for it – its cost effective, catches audience at the right time at the right place (remember this is what our very own Philip Kotler also said about effective communication), gives relevant information, it’s a fun and young medium and hence there is a lot to innovate and explore. Digital has also provided a platform for many a talent to start their shop – be it the e-tailers, bankers, writers (bloggers as we call them), cottage industries, and educational institutions… the list is endless. Even the original print houses have got their digital versions. It’s true, this medium is growing by leaps and bounds and cannot be ignored in this age. It is estimated that this year, the ad spends on digital will grow by 15.5%, hence making digital the fastest growing medium (Source: Live Mint ).

However, digital media has some drawbacks – technology intimidates a lot of people, it strains eyes, many do not know how to use the digital platform. That’s why a national campaign needs a complete 360 degree media mix. While television tops this media mix, print medium cannot be ignored. Especially because it reaches to the people who are the decision makers and have the spending power.

Reading newspapers, magazines is an addiction. It’s a routine. It’s old school. Whether you read it with your morning cup of chai or when you are on the pot discharging the previous days worries (*wink*) or when you are travelling in the train.

Print medium is old school. It gives a sense of sophistication. When one is reading a newspaper, it gives a perception that that individual might be intellectual. However, when one is reading the same news on the mobile phone, it gives an impression that the person is a playing game or is a geek.

While a lot of digital content is becoming regional, it’s not very popular still. Nothing can replace the regional newspapers. It is often said that the consumer loyalty to a regional language newspaper is a lot more than the English newspaper.

Many avid readers have migrated to e-books, kindle and online books. This might be convenient, easy to carry, cost effective and stylish. But then again, there is a wide audience who is still a fan of the hard copy, who has a collection of books, and a book shelf in their home.

Hence in this digital age, where every person is connected to information, I still see that print medium is not going to go off the stands. Irony stands that this itself is a blog and not an article written in some newspaper or magazine!

Book Review: The Princess in Black! An unheard story of the Mughals.

Authors: Upendra Dharamadhikari and Changali Anand

 

There’s a threat to the security of India, and the target this time is the beautiful monument Taj Mahal at Agra. The ex-president of the USA is visiting the Taj and the Defence Intelligence Agency are on a high alert. Alongside there’s an artefact stolen at the Delhi Museum. This artefact will unlock the mystery of world’s biggest diamond, three times bigger than the Kohinoor – a diamond which was passed from generation to generation by the Mughal Emperors, and has a secret to it. 

While the mystery of this Mughal diamond Noor-e-Jahan gets unveiled by Professor Narayan Shastri and Saima Azmi, the terrorist, Major Salim Khan, gets caught at Agra too. We are often made to think that Major Salim Khan and his sister Safi are the lineage to the Mughal dynasty.

Overall it’s a good plot and has a dramatic ending. With big organisations like Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Princeton University, etc being spoken off, we expect the mystery to be a lot more intriguing. However, this mystery becomes quite predictable.

What’s missing in this book is the maturity in writing. The spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes and unnecessary elaboration of various scenes are a let-down. The research done on ASI, DIA and Mughal history is very basic – even school kids would know that much. It needed better proofing and editing.

Still, if you’re bored, if there’s nothing else to do, or if you’re a Mughal era fan, this book can be read! 

Mumbai Monsoons #Traveler #IncredibleIndia #MumbaiLover #AamchiMumbai #Foodie

If there is a mention of monsoon, the conversation would surely have a little bit of Mumbai in it. After all that’s one thing every Mumbaikar is proud of! And now that June has set in, we are all eagerly waiting for the pitter-patter on our windows and roofs.

Past behaviour says that right from the first showers, Mumbai makes a dash to the Sahyadaris. While that is good, and should not be missed, there are a lot many places to visit in Mumbai during the monsoons too. A true Mumbaikar would have visited most of these places. Since Mumbai has a long coastline, naturally some of the best places will be sea facing.

Nariman Point - Last year a few friends from Nagpur had visited us in the month of August. It was a rainy night and at 10 PM the plan was made to go to Nariman Point. They wanted to experience the high waves gushing to the coastline and get wet in them. That’s what’s shown in the movies and in the news channels right. Oh yes, this is true. But this does not happen daily. It would generally happen on high tide rainy day, especially if it’s the full moon or new moon.

A few places that will not get flooded in the harshest rains is Gateway of India. Experience the high waves that will drench you down. When you move towards the Radio Club, the waves get even better. And believe me, how much ever you will try to save yourself from the rains (umbrellas and windcheaters and raincoats), the rain will catch hold of you in any case.

Worli Seaface is another place where you can experience the gushing waves.

Bandra Bandstand – This is where the couples would get cosy under the umbrellas. It’s a very good idea to bite into the freshly roasted corn and watch the wild waves hit the rocks. While you’re here you can also visit the Mount Mary Church or the Father Agnel Ashram.

  

If you’re on the western suburbs, Juhu Beach is the place to be when it’s the high tide. Caution, do not venture into the waters as you can easily get swallowed. The rains on the beach is like cherry on the cake – it’s enough to make you forget what you were. There are chai-coffee vendors on cycles here and you can sip along with the rain on the road. If there isn’t anything else, simply go to Shiv Sagar and relish the Cheese Pav Bhaji.

Powai Lake has a garden alongside. During monsoons, the water in the lake overflows and the water falls at this garden. It’s a good place to experience the local waterfall. If you aren’t a waterfall person, you can enjoy the rains sitting on the bank. If you’re lucky you might be able to spot a crocodile.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park – While this park is beautiful on any other day, during monsoons it’s a completely different experience. The greens cool your eyes and you will easily forget that you are still in the city. To top it, there are waterfalls right here (no need to go to Lonavala for waterfalls at least). A visit to the Kaneri Caves completes the trip.

While all of this sounds exciting and refreshing, when there’s a high alert, ensure you and your family stay safe.

Monsoon Food Delights

There are a lot many joints spread across the length and breadth of Mumbai, which are simply beautiful in the rains. Here are some of them worth a try – right from the tapri to the air conditioned ambience.

• Sweet corn roasted on charcoal, with butter, nimbu and masala – you can get this almost everywhere, especially when you are by the sea.
• Wada Pav at Mithibai College – They even add butter inside the pav (am already salivating).
• Coffee and tea on the road side cycle-vendors – these are now easy to spot, especially near Juhu area.
• Shiv Sagar – Get wet at the Juhu Beach and then stuff yourself with the Cheese Pav Bhaji here.
• Pani Puri and all other chaat – These are all time favourites, the ones at Vithalnagar (Santa cruz west) and Five Gardens & DP’s (Matunga) go better in this weather.
• Pav Bhaji – Skip the regular joints and go to the Chatai Pav Bhaji at Kings Circle and DP’s at Matunga.
• Kanda bhaji and Mirchi bhaji – best prepared at home, however the ones near Dadar Station are also a treat.
• Kebabs, Grilled Sandwiches and Dosas at Worli Seaface.
• Pizza by the bay – Enjoy the Marine drive with a beer and the Mumbai Masala Pizza.
• NCPA Café – One of the best cold coffees, with cool breeze and sea to enjoy.

Your tummy is the most important part of your body, so take only that much that it can take.

Top things that fascinates the baby #ParentTalks #BabyTalks

You bought an expensive toy from Hamley’s for your little baby. And you are thrilled that it will entertain her and that she will love it. Its later that you realise how uninterested she is in it. Babies seem to be loving the random-est of all things. Its so funny to hear them baby talking, coo-ing, gurgling and giggling at things you don’t even care about. Here are the top 8 things that fascinates the baby more than that expensive toy you just bought.

1. Fan

It goes round and round, and its your babys’ first love. They love the fan, irrespective of which brand it belongs to. You might want to start their day by saying “Chalo beta, tell your fan good morning!”.

2. Curtains

It might not have been washed in a year. It might have faded. It might have holes. And it might even not look bright or attractive. But mind it, this is what your baby loves!

3. Lights

All kinds of lights. Be it the home tube lights or lights in their toys or the street lights on the road. Babies love lights and this one will surely help you ease their crankiness.

4. Ceiling

Since they keep staring at it in their initial few months, there is a bond between the baby and the ceiling. Again, the baby is unbiased, and loves it the way it is. The baby accepts the ceiling in all its flaws – water seepage, colour fade, cracks and spots – everything.

5. Wall clock

I feel it’s the ticking or the hands of the clock that catch their attention. Whatever it is, its ok till the time the baby is happy!

6. Teeth

Obviously you have taken the baby in your hands and made weird noises, and tried to talk to them in goo-goos and ga-gas. And they would have responded well too, with their endearing smile. But don’t be mistaken that they are understanding your silly talk. They are just simply getting amused by your teeth. Ensure you brush well before talking with the baby!

7. Photo frames

Not that they can make much sense of who’s who in the photo frame, but then who cares till the time the baby likes it. I feel that the baby thinks that she can talk with the photos. Let her be in that misconception if that’s keeping her happy. Right?

8. Clothes hanging behind the door

Especially when you close the door and the clothes that are hanging behind start flying like flags. Continue to keep them hanging till it amuses the baby.

Nathdwara – the home to Dwarkadheesh, its #Myths & #Beliefs

Nathdwara is a small village in Rajasthan. The nearest railway station is Falna, and the nearest airport is at Udaipur. Otherwise, there are plenty of buses from Ahmedabad, Udaipur and even Mumbai which stop here daily. If you always wondered that dhoti, kurta and kedyu are outdated and no one wears it in this age, you are wrong. This visit to Nathdwara will change your mind on not just fashion but also in the way you pray!

Krishna in Nathdwara is at his home. He is in the bal swaroop or in the child avatar, hence also called Bal Gopal. The priests and pilgrims also treat Krishna as their kid at home.

Krishna is known to play pranks and in this swaroop of Krishna, he has adorned many ornaments belonging to Radha. This can be interpreted as Krishna giving us the message that for him, both the man and the lady are one, without any prejudice and he not only accepts both of them, but is also in both of them. In today's talks, this could also be interpreted as Krishna being a Feminist (laughs). Krishna wears the nath, hair bun, necklace, baajubandh, toe rings and anklets that belong to Radha.

People here at Nathdwara, both men and women, call themselves as the Gopis and express their love for their Krishna. This is often visible when you stand in the crowded line for the darshan. The darshans are a little different here. The haveli isn’t open through the day. Krishna gives darshan in various time slots. Totally, there are 7 darshans which happen through the day. It is said that on a daily basis Krishna travels to Mathura in his rath to give the eighth darshan – Shayan.

1. Mangala
2. Shringaar
3. Gwaal
4. Raj bhog
5. Uthapan
6. Bhog
7. Aarti
8. Shayan

Its not compulsory to do all the darshans, and it is said that if a person makes it for the Mangala darshan which is generally around 5 am, it kind of covers all darshans! Its a sight at 5 am, the village is already awake and many will start their business post offering their prayers to Krishna. After you complete the Mangala darshan, you simply have to treat yourself to the garam garam poha, khaman and chai which is served in a clay glass (small matka glass).

The Shringaar darshan shouldn’t be missed as Krishna is the best dressed at this time. If you see the moorti carefully, you will spot a diamond twinkling at the chin. Many believe that in the olden days, the Kohinoor rested at the chin of this moorti of Krishna.

The Raj bog darshan is the chhappan bhog offering i.e. fifty-six food items offered to Krishna. It goes without saying that the Raj bhog prasad is the best of all!

Apart from Krishna darshan, Nathdwara has a lot more to offer. It’s a foodies delight! Its khau galli or chowpatty gives the most delicious purple yam (known as kand here) throughout the year. You will also find plenty of stalls making thandai, garam doodh, kanda kachori, jeera goli and chaat.

Nathdwara is also a shoppers delight – especially for women. You get a wide range of sarees, dress materials, kurtas, dupattas, mojris. The famous bandhani and lehriya sarees and dupattas are also available here. And the best part is, at a much reasonable cost. Even the clothes (known as vaagha in local language), ornaments and other accessories of Bal Gopal are available here, and these are really pretty ones. Apart from this, you get very good silver, wooden toys, and utensils.

When you visit Nathdwara, you are at Gods’ home. And you tend to forget all the dirt, cow dung and garbage. You embrace the divine village atmosphere in all its simplicity.

Jai Shree Krishna. Or JSK as its now called _/\_

Where are the NRIs shopping? #ecommerce #onlineshopping #ConsumerBehavior

That hep cousin or yours living in the UK and that aunt from Canada (pronounced as kaneda) who talks with a fake English accent, are all shopping. Splurging. And obviously showing off their sexy pair of orange Steve Madden loafers, white cut-work Zara dress and sequinned Mango pants!

Damn, they are rich! They can afford these brands. To top it, these brand stores have a better variety abroad.

However, the truth could be a little different though. The trend now is to shop in India. Many NRIs are now coming to India and shopping not just the Indian traditional wear but even the high fashion global brands.

What has happened that the NRIs now don’t mind shopping in India for these brands?

Simple. It’s cheaper here! Especially if they buy it online!! Yes that’s true, this is happening. We are becoming a fashion and shopping hub too (cheers to us *clinging the wine glass*).

There’s a reason why global branded clothes are a bit cheaper online in India. Several high fashion brands are taking the online route to enter India. They are taking the advantage of the absence of regulations around selling through third party portals and also other factors like lack of quality infrastructure and high real estate costs. Under current regulations, the global brands do not require a licence to sell in India through online portals if they do not have operations here.

A grey woollen overcoat from Dorothy Perkins costed 150 NZ $ in New Zealand (which is around Rs. 6,500). And its cost in India on a popular fashion website was approximately Rs. 3,100. It was cheaper shopping it online in India. It’s natural to grab these shopping delights and on the yearly travel to India, collect these and then show them off back home!

Sources:

 - Article named Top fashion brands take the online route to enter India by Anumeha Chaturvedi, published in Brand Equity, 02 May 2016

 - An NRI cousin J