tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74393447142015749812024-03-19T10:08:00.773+05:30The Little Princessthe little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-10813287357570630432023-11-25T10:41:00.003+05:302023-11-25T10:41:39.823+05:30A Paradox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-50292155127411048192023-10-10T14:09:00.009+05:302023-10-10T14:14:55.181+05:30Hues <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTtk-6sTDqxVkPsJxuEIvzJA355plHLSy3PZWUnnlJImcSiH70Uf_n1AF-4Au__etm_F84izVUta015hFWu5wHpnubPvTrBnUqCTyE3jByZUJEWi-PkxWCR11JC6M9wyZfgcPHJtUehQ9l7ZDFnVTLoa_3-PE4__0y0FamC4OTCISrVOZ5yT7CKRYf7E/s3882/IMG_20230929_195946_729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3882" data-original-width="3106" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTtk-6sTDqxVkPsJxuEIvzJA355plHLSy3PZWUnnlJImcSiH70Uf_n1AF-4Au__etm_F84izVUta015hFWu5wHpnubPvTrBnUqCTyE3jByZUJEWi-PkxWCR11JC6M9wyZfgcPHJtUehQ9l7ZDFnVTLoa_3-PE4__0y0FamC4OTCISrVOZ5yT7CKRYf7E/w320-h400/IMG_20230929_195946_729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic Courtesy: My little one!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h3 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I w<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">onder what He was thinking, </span></span> <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">As he stood contemplating brush in hand, <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Wisteria, lavender or iris, <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>What hue'll make my canvas grand?<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>A swish of crimson, a splatter of carnelian, </span> <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">And a swirl of coral will do, <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps a scumbling of fuschia, a smudge of rouge, <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">And a stroke of fiery tangerine too!<br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Better still, let me create, <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">A new masterpiece each day, <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">For how else will man see beyond, <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The porpoise and graphite and gray?</span></span></div></h3></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h3 style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="yj6qo ajU" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; margin: 2px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; text-align: center; width: 22px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18.72px;"><br /></span></div></h3></blockquote>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-79299614784571498942023-07-27T13:17:00.005+05:302023-11-25T10:49:05.353+05:30Why do I run?<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpulKt4S8BOFDizZbCstRCqYp36qako7RVuE3wyds1NFevI-ezOU1_rm-nd4v9O5Jd9dmu4f6tQoigGPhCtHCvM38IhbUevbfWSa9v7mq7DYR5JV61mKeLTVBmM-itQCif3etX669X02M95FXp8sjNpyPHf1kdWZmMDa1QoKt0b_s3Za_SRpeXszJxEiw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpulKt4S8BOFDizZbCstRCqYp36qako7RVuE3wyds1NFevI-ezOU1_rm-nd4v9O5Jd9dmu4f6tQoigGPhCtHCvM38IhbUevbfWSa9v7mq7DYR5JV61mKeLTVBmM-itQCif3etX669X02M95FXp8sjNpyPHf1kdWZmMDa1QoKt0b_s3Za_SRpeXszJxEiw=w296-h201" width="296" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Why do I run?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The mile long track,</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Seemingly smooth</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And yet</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Filled with hurdles</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">At every block</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Why do I run?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-a5974f0f-7fff-e707-07b4-2d24019c79bf" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For that ten second race,</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I train</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">For years, for days,</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Not counting the hours</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That I spend</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pulling muscles till they are sore,</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Breaking bones till they heal no more,</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And yet I run.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That sweat, that blood</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Those tears, those fears</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">That I chose to overcome </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Just so that I may run</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Is that a mere illusion?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">There's no medal at the end</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">No one to hold me if I fall</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Must I run? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Or should I just stop in my tracks?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Mid way, give up,</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And choose not to run at all.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-29559407450521331462023-06-15T10:47:00.001+05:302023-06-15T10:58:43.029+05:30Future of digital publishing in India. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cVRGtvsZ0DUyFWr6GuGnwb8yFSaUfxbkGqSv9-FQfYn-9crLTdw_Rl0Cls27iKjIDzFuR39Kp9cFqMrXO1yhx14yGeVmzP9J9d5HcVM98HVoodSXR78S6ptC4SQtGDYF8nOINztf0Ps/s1600/1686806914895605-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cVRGtvsZ0DUyFWr6GuGnwb8yFSaUfxbkGqSv9-FQfYn-9crLTdw_Rl0Cls27iKjIDzFuR39Kp9cFqMrXO1yhx14yGeVmzP9J9d5HcVM98HVoodSXR78S6ptC4SQtGDYF8nOINztf0Ps/s1600/1686806914895605-0.png" width="400">
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:35.3pt;mso-add-space:
auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;
mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:
EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Peter Drucker, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria, serif; color: black; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;">the famous Austrian-American
management consultant, educator, and author, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">once said, that the
enterprise that does not innovate, ages and declines, and in a period such as
the present, the decline will be fast.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">In an age and time
when people are not only increasingly consumed by concerns of space but also
seem to constantly look to slake their thirst for information through their
devices, digitalisation has been the much needed answer. The digital content is
so rich and dynamic that traditional content unfortunately pales in comparison.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Traditional
publishing involves printing, transportation and distribution costs, in
addition to the other costs, which make it expensive as compared
to digital publishing. In addition, printing out the material for evaluation,
is an added waste of paper, money and time. With the emphasis today being on
going green and obtaining gratification at the touch of a button, would there
be any takers for traditional publishing?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Contrast that with
digital publishing where a good software, computer and internet connection is
all it takes to add value to the writer’s effort, and it’s easy to see why it
is becoming such a favoured medium. With the wide reach that internet provides,
the editing that is possible even after publishing, and the instant user
feedback that analytics can provide, there is very little reason to forsake
digital publishing. The cheese that got moved due to COVID also created a
sudden need to search for cheese elsewhere - shift to a medium that was safe
and affordable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">That being said, the
question remains whether this is a passing fad or does it actually have a
future in India. Technavio, a leading market research analyst, has predicted
that digital publishing is one of the fastest growing sectors expected to show
a phenomenal growth rate and the key countries expected to contribute to this
growth would be US, China, India, UK and France. The report can be read </span><a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-publishing-market-size-to-increase-by-usd-105-96-billion-apac-to-account-for-42-of-market-growth---technavio-301746288.html"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:
major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">here.</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:
major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> India
definitely seems to be geared up to rise to the occasion, with consumers
rapidly devouring content published by digital media.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The Indian publishing
industry itself is predicted to be a $800 million industry in just a year’s
time and several thousand million dollars in the next ten years. Today, the print media occupies a large share
of publishing market in India with a much smaller market share for digital
publishing. However, with technology entering our lives like never before, the
increasing awareness of technology irrespective of class divides, the
affordable cost of internet along with the constant need to stay updated are
all expected to boost the consumption of digitally published material. There is
a lot of push for digitalisation from the government too, which is slowly
translating into more consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Authors are turning
to self-publishing, as it is simpler, easy to market, target and reach readers
and obtain user feedback easily. Audio books have also begun to gain a lot of
traction. Online retail, services such as periodic subscription, and open
access to various resources, are added bonuses as well. Development in
technology has made digital content much more immersive, interactive and
provides a great viewing experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The future of digital
publishing in India seems to be very exciting and full of yet unexplored
opportunities. It no longer remains a
question of whether we have a choice to embrace digital publishing, it is more
a question of how well we do it!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"> </span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-836769318225951452023-05-20T23:53:00.005+05:302023-05-27T11:35:58.552+05:30Paradise Island -Bali<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A vacation by the ocean has always been my idea of a relaxing holiday. The waves gently rolling before crashing on the shore, the briny wind blowing through the hair, messing it up, and the unending expanse of various shades of blue stretching far and beyond what one can see - is truly what sets my mind free! One can almost hear the song of the sea, melodious and soothing. A vacation to Bali promised all this and more as we packed our bags to the land of idyllic charm and glorious sunsets. </span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b295acc6-7fff-cdda-2e2a-08abf98707d9" style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix4O_QDqr_80inp0uohKse1H_D0p3MRt0dWyo2YO7HnY43FhW09u6mMpxO8o55UKylxKgT3SBZ9QQqI0F-YqCiRWcTBqo-js9LukRfUh-7wMmKSHn6yC6xazv5NXIP47gXLYi9oRKEbWf-cRySjzEMHQmwkfLjzF9vclZC0qG7j9DgXzEoTq8mvvCG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="876" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix4O_QDqr_80inp0uohKse1H_D0p3MRt0dWyo2YO7HnY43FhW09u6mMpxO8o55UKylxKgT3SBZ9QQqI0F-YqCiRWcTBqo-js9LukRfUh-7wMmKSHn6yC6xazv5NXIP47gXLYi9oRKEbWf-cRySjzEMHQmwkfLjzF9vclZC0qG7j9DgXzEoTq8mvvCG" width="320"></a></div><br><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Negotiating the distance:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are no direct flights to Bali from India. Almost all carriers have one-stop flights and the duration of flight can vary from 8 hours to 11 hours depending on your layover time. Flights aren’t cheap, but if you book in advance you could save a few precious bucks. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Visa:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can easily get Visa on arrival in Bali. It cost us about 32 euros for each Visa. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A copy of the certificate which shows that you are fully vaccinated against COVID</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is also mandatory. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can complete the e-customs declaration before you start your journey and carry the bar code generated as a printed copy. That way you'll avoid standing in line for immigration for too long. Here's the link to it: <a href="https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/cdonline.html">e-customs </a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Moving around:</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once you arrive in Bali, it is best to hire a local taxi service to take you around. Taxis could cost upward of IDR 7lac or INR 4000 per day. Our driver Nyoman was an amiable fellow, who did his best to talk to us in English, patiently answering our queries and driving us for well over 12 hours per day. The roads are narrow and hence navigating takes hours. But the best thing I noticed was that no one ever broke lane discipline nor did I hear a single vehicle honking. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Currency: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwX5swXyyTLGG6peFh_cOBPP3YAW6E5VxEHrVqwaCuTJlrjrVc0xjEfARxLNLBpbTP7CaqFHTd1NcdBsoQ9qHcyUJXgGSM9aAHrGmQbrf8DZ99dwbGoElu8Gd1ARVntNbTjO6MW77ocA/s1600/1684605643564139-0.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwX5swXyyTLGG6peFh_cOBPP3YAW6E5VxEHrVqwaCuTJlrjrVc0xjEfARxLNLBpbTP7CaqFHTd1NcdBsoQ9qHcyUJXgGSM9aAHrGmQbrf8DZ99dwbGoElu8Gd1ARVntNbTjO6MW77ocA/w113-h200/1684605643564139-0.png" width="113">
</a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IDR or Indonesian Rupiah is accepted for transactions but you could also use Euros or Dollars as easily. We, however, did not find the best rates for Indian rupees, and hence decided to exchange our Euros for IDR instead of INR. The smaller traders prefer to deal in cash. Many places like restaurants, entrance to various temples, parks etc., supermarkets and malls however, accept credit cards. You will be paying an entrance fee to every single place you visit. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It made me feel like a millionaire, paying for things in lacs! One T-shirt? 1lac IDR - which is roughly INR 550! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Places to stay:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhllHUrFJe5GihWrhpDupuSTzV9rdf4z4Y9ep1lvMxZaodiAGnJR58ykHrZqzYHzAnn8pnptdW5zooGlAoevHOrcHxF3BBdTnsPYW31fax2-2vt9qLrmUJfReChqe_HOC9dK-3GF2VyfsLSjCy1qMgPXs6y-NS3CUESKb7NbHM9rs3J6QhenTCHbq8w" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="493" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhllHUrFJe5GihWrhpDupuSTzV9rdf4z4Y9ep1lvMxZaodiAGnJR58ykHrZqzYHzAnn8pnptdW5zooGlAoevHOrcHxF3BBdTnsPYW31fax2-2vt9qLrmUJfReChqe_HOC9dK-3GF2VyfsLSjCy1qMgPXs6y-NS3CUESKb7NbHM9rs3J6QhenTCHbq8w" width="180"></a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvFWh6Se4n63IORktHWZlrRM6y9EEYq0UGU71MeW9oFtBw54J_Sa7guBk7XfntGy4Dt5Vs5GRm2nbg_9QX2ndXwk2cDuiereyKIQBqCZUl_7d6X3xmGoGrDvPSEcT1z7rAfLd-GSDT3H1bwv82S_ivoUmPjI3q3BO9M8drvhWX30f6a2_k6wn6RkF4" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="876" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvFWh6Se4n63IORktHWZlrRM6y9EEYq0UGU71MeW9oFtBw54J_Sa7guBk7XfntGy4Dt5Vs5GRm2nbg_9QX2ndXwk2cDuiereyKIQBqCZUl_7d6X3xmGoGrDvPSEcT1z7rAfLd-GSDT3H1bwv82S_ivoUmPjI3q3BO9M8drvhWX30f6a2_k6wn6RkF4=w200-h150" width="200"></a></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></p><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We stayed at a villa - Villa Lautan Biru Bingin, with a private pool in South Kuta that we had booked through Airbnb. Kuta is closer to the airport but Ubud is the hub of tourist attractions. Many places of tourist interest are near Ubud. Travelling can be a lot slower staying so far away from the city. However, if you are looking for a relaxing vacation, Kuta is the right place to be. <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Food:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bali</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has plenty of Indian restaurants. You also get Jain and vegan options at most restaurants.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a working kitchen at the villa, so we carried ready to cook meals for breakfast and dinner, and ate at Indian restaurants in the afternoon. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cruising around Bali:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 1:</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tanah Lot temple:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnFSxKDQf6pBE7T6YY9DZqRaoNkO-AUVoZ1DZbZbC6n3btanj0xMTSm0zs8wVssPFPlx_aAA7rZ1lk0A_lqjyKzOLD5GKS1fDrokya08RPIfn4IKaUDuw7CncMOPIS_DouCx5Mai7LD4/s1600/1684605639506743-1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnFSxKDQf6pBE7T6YY9DZqRaoNkO-AUVoZ1DZbZbC6n3btanj0xMTSm0zs8wVssPFPlx_aAA7rZ1lk0A_lqjyKzOLD5GKS1fDrokya08RPIfn4IKaUDuw7CncMOPIS_DouCx5Mai7LD4/w154-h229/1684605639506743-1.png" width="154">
</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We visited this historic temple on the very first day of our stay in Bali. We were out of the Ngurah Rai Airport at Denpasar by afternoon and decided to visit Tanah Lot before retiring to the villa. </span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tanah Lot is one of the best places in Bali to capture the beautiful sunset. The temple or ‘pura’ as it is called, is dedicated to the Sea God. The temple itself is atop a rock formation, about 200m into the sea. You must wait for the waves to recede and quickly crossover to the temple. The sun looked like a huge reddish-orange ball as it painted the sky crimson before diving into the waters! I have never seen a sun so big! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are plenty of shops dotting the way where you can buy plenty of stuff. Make sure to bargain to one-third the price quoted! Go early by around 3.30 pm so that you can shop till you drop, capture beautiful pictures in daylight and finally walk to the temple by 6pm to view the sunset. Shops close by 7pm. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 2:</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">White water Rafting at Ubud: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLTyrbsAqji6bizpvySrWBaXoIQcgJgPMF2elTMwMdjosx9LofjJh5MGUjEwayoTpb44QPLxvpOtENIbbetUjbi_PaIsQSmA7RrHU_INJ1G1FqZczSL0JgX9IphMlifu-zSgSPKkAcbM/s1600/1684605635274561-2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLTyrbsAqji6bizpvySrWBaXoIQcgJgPMF2elTMwMdjosx9LofjJh5MGUjEwayoTpb44QPLxvpOtENIbbetUjbi_PaIsQSmA7RrHU_INJ1G1FqZczSL0JgX9IphMlifu-zSgSPKkAcbM/w320-h214/1684605635274561-2.png" width="320">
</a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was undoubtedly quite an adventure rafting at the Ayung river at Ubud. The 10 km stretch takes anywhere between 2 to 2.5 hours to cross and is interspersed with a lot of beautiful scenery to soak in. It has medium rapids for most of the parts. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We went rafting on the second day of our tour but realised that it was a huge mistake. One needs to descend about 500 unevenly spaced steps of varying depth and my legs almost gave way even before the rafting began! Climbing up another 250 steps after rafting is certainly not what I was prepared for! I spent the rest of my tour in Bali limping. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not miss this wonderful activity at any cost, but schedule it on your last day so that you minimise the strain on your legs. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carry your swimwear. There are changing rooms to get into and out of your sporting gear. They also provide clean towels, a meal and pictures taken on the way for a price. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bali Swing: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVkExqux1yMY4NCXYeVVfcupxXZhfvgPohWXwO5TnHeUUdsmRxQ3cNhkSk0a8SO4_sel1AwzzNvvVsF15En-_MOCrrHkpKFvfTdsbyY2J465Lr_ZT6sgW8tJoiw8p6ffAYeSNeHt_vys/s1600/1684605631204694-3.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVkExqux1yMY4NCXYeVVfcupxXZhfvgPohWXwO5TnHeUUdsmRxQ3cNhkSk0a8SO4_sel1AwzzNvvVsF15En-_MOCrrHkpKFvfTdsbyY2J465Lr_ZT6sgW8tJoiw8p6ffAYeSNeHt_vys/w113-h200/1684605631204694-3.png" width="113">
</a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bali Swing is another wonderful attraction! You can enjoy swinging across a carpet of lush green from a considerable height. You can get on the swing alone or with your partner. You can also hire a dress with a long trail and capture the lovely moments on film as you swing in the breeze! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You can stop to interact with the Luwak and buy some expensive Kopi Luwak, which in case you are wondering, is prepared from coffee seeds ingested and pooped by the Luwak. It is said to give the coffee a unique aroma. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are plenty of other attractions in Ubud like the Ubud Palace, Rice terraces and monkey forest. We decided to skip all of that as the rafting and swing took up our entire day. If you have an extra day to spare, you could go back to Ubud and enjoy the above and also shop at the market-place. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEhM-U-uz3PyDH3GaouBHGf6Mov7ceseEagboiiU27YTh61CnZhOBbhmLmDz9YQck2LiLpSHkx0qPkh56xVeZuAgcFeOuYdG5scMiymsjl8c8pCEEodePj84op4uZuvN4utSNMoVw8FkexL0qwzNmV8uEFCM0VEqMToI7M8ojRHi9MtQnB3ldX8vqq" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="493" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEhM-U-uz3PyDH3GaouBHGf6Mov7ceseEagboiiU27YTh61CnZhOBbhmLmDz9YQck2LiLpSHkx0qPkh56xVeZuAgcFeOuYdG5scMiymsjl8c8pCEEodePj84op4uZuvN4utSNMoVw8FkexL0qwzNmV8uEFCM0VEqMToI7M8ojRHi9MtQnB3ldX8vqq=w150-h200" width="150"></a></div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Mall:</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">We ended the day shopping for souvenirs at the Krishna Oleh Oleh mall on our way back to the villa. The mall has a huge and beautiful statue of Krishna at the entrance. You can find a lot of gifts to carry back home to your loved ones. <br></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 3 : </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water sports at Nusa Dua: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQNMBAonRlKLAY-RL0n9Yrkh3tbTE5PjkSNNRmkSLNukFmBEzUyekTbsnZq1V9l2Q-quZqE_FxZjjpGbFg7b8E4LYmdS-8VX6PQ9CXgqqSCMD3ybh9rRODYogYLnLyCjkN4TsCrJvTUU/s1600/1684605622074028-5.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQNMBAonRlKLAY-RL0n9Yrkh3tbTE5PjkSNNRmkSLNukFmBEzUyekTbsnZq1V9l2Q-quZqE_FxZjjpGbFg7b8E4LYmdS-8VX6PQ9CXgqqSCMD3ybh9rRODYogYLnLyCjkN4TsCrJvTUU/w200-h150/1684605622074028-5.png" width="200">
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr1t9qqZkQCv3kYTR_YB5NNC0xbSJPL4qSR5NC2Or0G3zDCGBGrnkINPvO38JpbnwnVEgzCfGBSDNKeNQCz7wZiFTSp0Uzd7Nos3BEcv08uA4yDN1krNao3L9M1N5YCtLzOjZp2jx_-M/s1600/1684605626719370-4.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr1t9qqZkQCv3kYTR_YB5NNC0xbSJPL4qSR5NC2Or0G3zDCGBGrnkINPvO38JpbnwnVEgzCfGBSDNKeNQCz7wZiFTSp0Uzd7Nos3BEcv08uA4yDN1krNao3L9M1N5YCtLzOjZp2jx_-M/w200-h150/1684605626719370-4.png" width="200">
</a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water sports is huge in Bali. You’ll find surfers coming in from Australia and other places enjoying the breeze and the waves. You’ll need at least half a day if you choose to enjoy all the sports. Bargaining </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is a must here too. To give you an example, we bargained a $75 parasailing experience to $30 and were successful in landing it at $35! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7ipQ35CPgmdkBYWBO0YsC0q9JK0JV45buh_0IkkqzbcRSPj0O37HSTXS4s678ocx8qJ87qXVh_CHGqrdIgq_bjd7AuqkUrqxvWc0Ci1OIG1dSdOXVhB70to4zquyEP1xmaEEBH0dCg0/s1600/1684605613769108-7.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7ipQ35CPgmdkBYWBO0YsC0q9JK0JV45buh_0IkkqzbcRSPj0O37HSTXS4s678ocx8qJ87qXVh_CHGqrdIgq_bjd7AuqkUrqxvWc0Ci1OIG1dSdOXVhB70to4zquyEP1xmaEEBH0dCg0/w200-h150/1684605613769108-7.png" width="200">
</a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="text-align: justify;">You can ride a jet-ski, or a fly-board, go scuba diving ,or </span><span style="text-align: justify;">snorkeling</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> or if you are afraid of going deep into the sea, choose a dive walker which is great for beginners. You can ask for an instructor for all sports at no extra cost, if you are scared to go alone.</span>
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHjMjiwxbBwTLNSDo6Md0kNJTbhsMtA2axEogHFz0NWCdpnx765gkzJiSDfyHFsMSIJ-LwX1_MmMn7vevHuT-sGmBYIrndNmPTXGJudABYUaPIJGDzwGTYKe3BKmfoIc2MVR70JXssAvDEVZsS3jC5p2Rbnv1DuzzZd9rP3R-OTGeGiYRsMJbuSx0S" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="876" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHjMjiwxbBwTLNSDo6Md0kNJTbhsMtA2axEogHFz0NWCdpnx765gkzJiSDfyHFsMSIJ-LwX1_MmMn7vevHuT-sGmBYIrndNmPTXGJudABYUaPIJGDzwGTYKe3BKmfoIc2MVR70JXssAvDEVZsS3jC5p2Rbnv1DuzzZd9rP3R-OTGeGiYRsMJbuSx0S" width="320"></a></div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Uluwatu temple:<br></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is another great spot to capture the sunset. The temple is dedicated to Rudra and sits atop a cliff with waves crashing at its feet. It is believed that the powers of the trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - merge here. You can take a climb up to the temple and click pictures but entering the sanctum is prohibited except for worshippers. Short clothing is prohibited and one is required to cover themselves with a sarong given at the entrance if the clothing is not suitable. . </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3-ZuXJRWiVxzRLNtFJbDhbZQw6rHhr9P669cwjxNjynIkPRbxz8mWct0m6OxKcporS0KuARkrZaU_8Nv4GjopQd3U3yFY4cx7Hqm94AB9HN3eioYMiskvvSsS_pksw-Q-HNULoTPD9RYpmF5W_Op98KqWtzyyyLnkAm9ETslIxFBZ-VCfGbj2Ze5V" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="493" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3-ZuXJRWiVxzRLNtFJbDhbZQw6rHhr9P669cwjxNjynIkPRbxz8mWct0m6OxKcporS0KuARkrZaU_8Nv4GjopQd3U3yFY4cx7Hqm94AB9HN3eioYMiskvvSsS_pksw-Q-HNULoTPD9RYpmF5W_Op98KqWtzyyyLnkAm9ETslIxFBZ-VCfGbj2Ze5V" width="180"></a></span></div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br>Kecak dance: </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same premises as the temple, you can also watch the acclaimed Kecak Fire dance. There are two shows at 6pm and 7pm. Buy tickets for the show before you explore the temple and get in line for the show just as you finish exploring.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This dance is an enactment of the Ramayana. Amidst chanting by a troupe of 75 male dancers, you can witness the golden deer Maricha ensnare Rama, while Sita gets kidnapped by Ravana. Though it is a story we are very familiar with, yet watching artists dressed elegantly as Rama, Sita, Ravana, Hanuman, Jatayu, Lakshmana and other characters, takes you to another world, enthralling you with their dance and expressions. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 4:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GWK or Garuda Wishnu Kencana cultural centre:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgclqzkqMC03dpQIzei4g-bJ3hCLtU9wuYVz0Ht_UCn-O3iwJ-OHYaKqfjpvg_gnsrnAh49oXV3-0IMvOklHwlpscEOnWybFtB_ZmZQ4GPtH_qjwDT5VLeSW3Lu1GBxC7W3iQ3RKfP11oxCzURJ6Rzrvs76fc4cxKXPQgz8iRS5H8-SU-fD1OQuoqoZ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="876" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgclqzkqMC03dpQIzei4g-bJ3hCLtU9wuYVz0Ht_UCn-O3iwJ-OHYaKqfjpvg_gnsrnAh49oXV3-0IMvOklHwlpscEOnWybFtB_ZmZQ4GPtH_qjwDT5VLeSW3Lu1GBxC7W3iQ3RKfP11oxCzURJ6Rzrvs76fc4cxKXPQgz8iRS5H8-SU-fD1OQuoqoZ" width="320"></a></div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This temple dedicated to the Kencana or Vahana (transportation vehicle) of Vishnu - Garuda, is a must see spot. You can spend at least half a day here clicking amazing pictures of the huge Garuda statue, rock formations and natural beauty. </span></span><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6nNtiitlGLgH76mT4ltv97O37mdHZPaJPEjgdKYbOQA33QBq_l4PJzqLJYR4LPRAsw-YzC-z6ei3U8HzZynejF7dpeURNP3IradKDZff7lSlARjhIgXzM1iHKdEvpE20CAs9ypyr_Vw/s1600/1684605603973958-9.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6nNtiitlGLgH76mT4ltv97O37mdHZPaJPEjgdKYbOQA33QBq_l4PJzqLJYR4LPRAsw-YzC-z6ei3U8HzZynejF7dpeURNP3IradKDZff7lSlARjhIgXzM1iHKdEvpE20CAs9ypyr_Vw/w196-h200/1684605603973958-9.png" width="196">
</a></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hire a buggy which will drop you at the cultural centre and then take another buggy to the museum.</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSWoIRwHJZX5oSCodtPmsQwB2Zgl5yTYR3xmvMGy35UilMjjesNBAr0In7-Rcy0P52TFuVjrE72Gzuzgl3MEd0VmNqAxtuuxr1pDYYmtz_elWzaZgrENedBVlzKz2wfPem19zcdbaQirIsFPatQH1OdjwpHjoCaFS1FQIaHWZDu5QS-tr8Vezs0XHR" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="986" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSWoIRwHJZX5oSCodtPmsQwB2Zgl5yTYR3xmvMGy35UilMjjesNBAr0In7-Rcy0P52TFuVjrE72Gzuzgl3MEd0VmNqAxtuuxr1pDYYmtz_elWzaZgrENedBVlzKz2wfPem19zcdbaQirIsFPatQH1OdjwpHjoCaFS1FQIaHWZDu5QS-tr8Vezs0XHR" width="320"></a></div> </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can take couple photographs by professional photographers, dressed in Balinese costume or family pictures by professionals captured in specially designed studios. You can also watch up to 15 performances if time permits and enjoy lunch at the in-house restaurants. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><br><br></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br><br></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6D6s9dLj5FQwMx47e_SMi7TNjUINzCLMf-u8Ije7Ti2gU8To3EuY8ua0MI7H5A0BRyWsMI9WtBTjR4e4pX3AL5l71N2ev70nUaVrsz4yGHgrJWvm8N7YOK9iuBKGc0ogt7fZJu6fEE3F8mv3viMuQefQ-c7_Z1TC4hZ6i37YQ8IgE8q13voMF07fJ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="493" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6D6s9dLj5FQwMx47e_SMi7TNjUINzCLMf-u8Ije7Ti2gU8To3EuY8ua0MI7H5A0BRyWsMI9WtBTjR4e4pX3AL5l71N2ev70nUaVrsz4yGHgrJWvm8N7YOK9iuBKGc0ogt7fZJu6fEE3F8mv3viMuQefQ-c7_Z1TC4hZ6i37YQ8IgE8q13voMF07fJ=w150-h200" width="150"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="text-align: left; white-space: normal;">Kuta beach: </b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="text-align: left; white-space: normal;"><br></b></span></p>After GWK, we headed to Kuta, to relax at the beach and also street shop. The entire area is filled with shops. We found a 100% cotton store selling pure whites. It was quite a find and we splurged on all kinds of white clothes that had an amazing feel and wear quality. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 5</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We decided to do nothing except relax on our last day in Bali before heading back to the airport. The villa was amazing and we could have happily spent another day or two simply idling in the villa. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I loved about Bali:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What’s not to love! Every bit of Bali was amazing, the experiences were varied and fulfilling. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkWQ7EY3XGOdAbvwH4cMCMsBK_V4ZI3QckgcOZ2r2rFXD9NRxzHUMKY_g0KGbdG6FKwTmMk4VREa32vqZi5FXFA71TIhC3bWIyFsn99IRUzdlUR-vPIrzMWOmm0h6lmKmD2AiVzGh4Jw/s1600/1684605595168395-11.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkWQ7EY3XGOdAbvwH4cMCMsBK_V4ZI3QckgcOZ2r2rFXD9NRxzHUMKY_g0KGbdG6FKwTmMk4VREa32vqZi5FXFA71TIhC3bWIyFsn99IRUzdlUR-vPIrzMWOmm0h6lmKmD2AiVzGh4Jw/w119-h200/1684605595168395-11.png" width="119">
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta4ycAaKHnwwbHL4cN192pHfKczPyvnsfiHSPXZ9aqmFzAAKwQfouaKlPPwqWlowkmMn8UcOKkohucMKFrBrjhrSbe6xAaLLgoUX8ls6opXCsrSdr85XMsEbjeusdQMYJHAayonfc06E/s1600/1684605599699349-10.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta4ycAaKHnwwbHL4cN192pHfKczPyvnsfiHSPXZ9aqmFzAAKwQfouaKlPPwqWlowkmMn8UcOKkohucMKFrBrjhrSbe6xAaLLgoUX8ls6opXCsrSdr85XMsEbjeusdQMYJHAayonfc06E/w142-h200/1684605599699349-10.png" width="142">
</a>I noticed that most houses had a huge Ganesha Idol at their doorstep. The in-house temple called pura is usually placed in the garden or outside the house and consists of a tall pillar with a seat for the deity. Every morning, the housekeeper, named Made, brought in a plate with a daily offering called canang sari - a small square shaped box made of tender yellowish white coconut leaves, containing wild flowers in various colours, rice, leaves, some fruit, biscuits and a cigarette. She would light an incense and offer it to her deity along with the canang sari placed on top of the tower, another one at its feet and one outside the main house door. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nyoman, our driver and tour guide told us that Balinese people both men and women have just 4 names based on the order of their birth, Wayan or Putu -the first born, Made - the second born, Nyoman -the third born and Ketut -the fourth born. If there's a fifth born - the order repeats! Wayan Balik or Wayan again/repeat and so on! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like I mentioned before, people maintained lane discipline and there was some unspoken, strictly no honking rule. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bargaining was fun! Everyday we got bolder, bargaining for prices as low as we could go.We kind of became an expert by the end of our trip or so we thought!</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The weather was beautiful! I expected it to be hot and humid as it is a coastal region, but the month of May was pleasant and not once did we feel itchy and sticky. In fact it was cloudy and rained too! But don’t skimp on sunscreen, because you are outdoors all day. Wear comfortable loose clothing or better still go with an empty suitcase and buy stuff there. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bali does not have tall skyscrapers like other Southeast Asian countries, but the old houses, narrow streets, huge statues of Hindu gods everywhere you see and culturally rich heritage gives this place an old world charm that can only be experienced. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt our duration was shorter and I would have liked another couple of days to just leisurely go around the place a little more. We could not cover all the tourist spots, especially the Goa Gajah Caves, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and the Ubud Palace for paucity of time. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But Bali truly was one of my most favourite vacation spots. The long sand beaches, lush greenery, deep blue waters, glorious sunsets and wonderful people, all made Bali a quintessential paradise island! </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you visited Bali? What was your favourite spot? Tell me in the comments below. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-49710574851443490542023-03-26T22:38:00.002+05:302023-11-25T10:47:37.712+05:30A prisoner <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A prisoner of my past</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I looked from behind the rusty bars</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">At the cell holding me captive</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For years on end</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Scared to look beyond</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The dimly lit space</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And the cobwebs at the corners of my mind</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">At what the world holds</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The thoughts scamming me to believe</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">That my past was a life sentence</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When in reality all it was</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Was a life lesson.</span></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-86389227273051680492023-02-15T22:08:00.001+05:302023-02-21T17:03:59.351+05:30Survivor<div>Buried under the rubble</div><div>In nature's worst fury unleashed</div><div>Rocks and metal, ash and dust,</div><div>Nothing from death to shield.</div><div><br></div><div>She lets out a cry, a feeble call,</div><div>Nothing except darkness around,</div><div>Lungs filled with dust, yet chords so sharp,</div><div>Death and destruction surrounds.</div><div><br></div><div>Barely is she a hundred days old,</div><div>But a hundred hours she's breathed,</div><div>Covered in debris, blood and pain,</div><div>In a thin baby wrap she's sheathed.</div><div><br></div><div>Big brown eyes, the slightest smile,</div><div>Her hands raised out to the world,</div><div>Despite the looming gloom outside,</div><div>'Fighting' say her fingers curled.</div><div><br></div><div>Strong hands save her tiny frame,</div><div>Rescue from where she was trapped. </div><div>A survivor she is, she's beaten all odds,</div><div>Sans the ability to think or act.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweet child, where did you find?</div><div>That spirit to keep ticking still,</div><div>When time weighed upon your little bones,</div><div>How did your soul bear the chill?</div><div><br></div><div>Would I have that courage when,</div><div>I'm fighting against all odds,</div><div>At the dust and debris trapping me,</div><div>In a world that hurts, defrauds?</div><div><br></div><div>Or would I rather give up the fight,</div><div>And bid the world adieu?</div><div>Without the faith in those strong hands,</div><div>Which are waiting to reach me and rescue.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-9966943651553957922022-11-20T19:54:00.001+05:302022-11-20T19:57:18.289+05:30Searching for you.Sitting on the seashore,<div>I looked at the fiery orange orb,</div><div>As it took it's plunge into the deep depths,</div><div>Of the ocean-</div><div>All, but gone.</div><div><br></div><div>And unknowingly my mind,</div><div>Dives into the deep recess of my heart,</div><div>Searching for you.</div><div><br></div><div>I grab a fistful of sand,</div><div>And hold it out</div><div>Watching it escape my fingers,</div><div>Just like your silky mane.</div><div><br></div><div>I can feel those lustrous tresses,</div><div>Assault my senses as I,</div><div>Try to entwine them between my fingers.</div><div>But just like the sand, </div><div>that slips through,</div><div>Your silken locks are gone.</div><div><br></div><div>A little girl selling flowers,</div><div>Beckons me to buy some,</div><div>And I see your favorite white flower,</div><div>That so made you smile.</div><div><br></div><div>The mild fragrance of the fresh bloom, </div><div>Invades my heart, driving it wild,</div><div>An epithet I'd since conferred on you,</div><div>Mild and yet so wild.</div><div><br></div><div>Then there's darkness, </div><div>As I sit alone and ponder, </div><div>Will the sun set on my feelings? </div><div>Will the fragrance wither away? </div><div>Will my desires fly away,</div><div>Like those sea gulls? </div><div><br></div><div>Or will they find a new dawn, </div><div>When the florets will bloom again,</div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">And the orb will majestically rise,</span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Making me whole again.</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-11926636223092548202022-10-31T21:48:00.001+05:302023-11-25T10:45:49.066+05:30Chaos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-43093640055867153442022-10-30T20:17:00.002+05:302023-11-25T10:42:10.336+05:30Black and White <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-69611978662755330282021-06-13T17:03:00.004+05:302023-11-25T10:45:26.526+05:30Time...<div class="mail-message expanded" id="m#msg-f:1702449790038900735"><div class="mail-message-content collapsible zoom-normal mail-show-images"><div class="clear"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can never know when,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You've had the last conversation,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With people you love...</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When those final words,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Are all you will have,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To cherish and behold,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the rest of your lives.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Words that replay on loop,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every time you think of them,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Making you realize, yet again, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That this fleeting time,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is all, but slipping away,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like grains of sand,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From the palm of your hand.</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="mail-message-footer spacer collapsible"></div></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-39927276206097742342021-02-17T12:56:00.003+05:302021-02-17T12:56:41.681+05:30Two sides of the coin...<p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa3L8fVWXi5bwuMEDCG1C9IN0R4CCjP7e7ebdB2zgq4Bfq_O-WfVQoCRiVNwXGfvNmRVpuOyO75byaryHGVWOrIs5i5BoCak4GDbNCqI4kvbihATP9zBEc-PWWkTCueLvpR12gXXM74g/s2048/coin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="2048" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa3L8fVWXi5bwuMEDCG1C9IN0R4CCjP7e7ebdB2zgq4Bfq_O-WfVQoCRiVNwXGfvNmRVpuOyO75byaryHGVWOrIs5i5BoCak4GDbNCqI4kvbihATP9zBEc-PWWkTCueLvpR12gXXM74g/w202-h139/coin.jpeg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have you ever heard the saying, “</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Having one child makes you a parent, having two, makes you a referee!</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">”</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are one of those, left blowing the whistle all the
time, frantically pulling out strands of hair from your own head each time
there’s a fight, you’d probably be nodding your head in agreement with me! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Has it ever occurred to you that the first one to complain, always meticulously tips the odds in their favour? How you are almost inclined to
believe everything that they say, coming to a speedy conclusion that the other
one is most definitely wrong? What do you do then? Do you pounce on the other one
who hasn’t been giving a fair chance to put their side forth? Or do you make an
attempt to listen to both sides of the story and then draw your own
conclusions? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a parent, we are sometimes forced to come to a decision –
who’s right, who’s wrong? And many a time, we succumb. We look at it from the
angle that looks best to us and pronounce our verdict. But that’s where I want
you to pause and reflect. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is coming to a decision that important? What impact does
pronouncing your verdict have on the morale of the one whose side you have
forsaken? Will it ruin relationships in the long run? If you don’t want to
take sides, is there anything else you can do? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, I have been tempted to prove myself to be a fair judge when
it has come to resolving quarrels between my children. But over time, I’ve
found that I have also managed to hurt the other one unwittingly. That’s when I
choose to pause and reflect. And the more I reflect, I also realise that this
applies to every aspect of our relationship – be it a quarrel between spouses,
between family members, between friends, or even at the workplace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why should there be a quarrel or fight between two
people? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve always heard my mother tell me, that just as all five
fingers on our hand are different, so are people and their opinions. We are
conditioned differently, we have learned differently, we have different experiences
about life, and we have faced our struggles differently. How then can we think
alike? We are bound to disagree. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But just because we disagree, does one person become right and
the other wrong? Each one is right from their own point of view. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When it comes to siblings, we may argue that they have been
brought up in similar environments, and have had similar life experiences and
struggles, then why the difference? While that is true, how can we forget that they
still continue to be different individuals? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do personal biases creep in when we are the judge?
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We may say, that as parents, we really do not have favourites,
when it comes to our children. While we may not have favourites, we do tend to go
by previous experiences when dealing with our children. The one who has
frequent temper tantrums, the one who habitually lies to escape punishment, the
one who has anger issues, automatically finds odds against them even before the
entire issue has been listened to! How often have we jumped to conclusions like
- ‘The younger one is naughty, it is possible that he broke the vase’, ‘the
elder one is always bossy, it is possible that he hit the little one,’ ‘he is
well behaved all the time, he couldn’t have screamed at his friend.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we solve fights between our children and their friends,
the bias becomes pronounced. <b>It is easy to take sides when we know just one of
them</b> – right or wrong, be damned (pardon the language). It is equally true when
are dealing with two people having a disagreement, the weight always tips in favour
<b>of the one we know better</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are our one-sided decisions ruining relationships?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Definitely. Hearing only one side of the story, means we have
no understanding at all. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember reading somewhere that, ‘<i>Too many people speak
after hearing just one side a story. Judging a situation without being there
and knowing the actual facts, ruins lives and relationships. So it is best to
know the full story before attacking someone and making false accusations</i>.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Profound, right? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found that whether it is a fight between my children or between
adults, the first storyteller always modifies the story to suit their own agenda
or for their own benefit. In a fight, everyone wants themselves to look innocent
or good. Hardly anyone is going to own up to their own goof-ups. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The little one will sometimes come to me and say, ‘Dada hit me.
I was completing my work, I didn’t do anything.’ Now I know the elder one is the
stronger one, and he has bullied the younger one on some occasions, so do I
lash out at the elder one based on the version given by the younger one? Do I take
him to the task? Would I be right to judge without hearing the other side of the
story? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Accusing someone takes a second, but the impact it has on
their morale is immense. It leaves one with a feeling of <b>not being trusted
enough</b>. It leaves them with an impression of <b>being alone</b> in an unfair world.
And this is as much true for adults as it is for children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is being a judge so important? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Children do keep quarreling all the time. the disagreements
are bound to happen. Are we going to be pushed to take on the role of a referee
all the time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Though thousands of books have been written on parenting,
nothing teaches you to be a good parent except your own experiences! We learn
from our errors and lapses in judgment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being a parent has taught me certain things. I’ve learned to
listen to both sides of the argument without any bias in my mind. But most
importantly, I’ve realised that only listening is important; a judgment is totally
unnecessary. I only end up hurting one child if I support the other. No matter
what the situation is, both have their own reasons why they did what they did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What children need is not to tell them who is right or who is
wrong, but to talk to them about their actions and see if anything could be done
differently. Toning down my angry voice and talking to them calmly, resisting
the urge to say, ‘<i>You shut up and listen to me first</i>,’ and letting them see how
the same situation could have been handled differently, are some things that
have helped me bring a sense of peace in the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just listening to them, or maybe giving them a different perspective,
has worked wonders. In the end, my goal is to make them love each other and
respect each other’s boundaries without overstepping their own. By judging
their actions, by holding them accountable, by hurting their feelings, or by
punishing them, I realise that they are more likely to drift apart, hating each
other rather than knowing that despite the differences, they should have each
other’s best interest at heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can we agree to disagree?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whether it is at home or at the workplace, it helps to
understand that not everyone can agree with you. They are as entitled to their
opinions as you are to yours. Not agreeing with you does not make them a bad
person, unless someone is doing it out of malice. Is it not possible to coexist
being individuals with diverse opinions, each as unique as the person having
them? Are our opinion and judgment so important that we place them above our relationships
with others? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can we just agree to disagree? Can we realise that there are indeed two sides to a coin?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-70968136191759707942020-12-09T21:59:00.002+05:302020-12-09T21:59:09.332+05:30Oblivious...<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> He tugs at her sleeve, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Excitement bubbling on his face, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A sheet of priceless art,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hidden behind his back, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A smiling sun, rays flying about, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In an azure sky, with v-shaped birds, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Trees laden with apples,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Flowers strewn on the ground,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A meandering river, making its<br /> way,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Through mountains with sharp peaks,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A misshapen hut, and at its door, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Smiling parents, and a child.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGqHMrQYUTUO21Nky1MgDDq5OoiY78N0Wk2pd5fBdNIwnMzodMYhBPIBJgMNanV4TZUL5-I69s2CLvpqDKDAhPu9Nox2XPzvInCpHwoC61lUFdNyHNzlUlU91EG4wdMQHzHV9ZZ_Y9L8/s1280/WhatsApp+Image+2020-12-09+at+20.44.03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="987" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGqHMrQYUTUO21Nky1MgDDq5OoiY78N0Wk2pd5fBdNIwnMzodMYhBPIBJgMNanV4TZUL5-I69s2CLvpqDKDAhPu9Nox2XPzvInCpHwoC61lUFdNyHNzlUlU91EG4wdMQHzHV9ZZ_Y9L8/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-12-09+at+20.44.03.jpeg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He tugs at her sleeve again, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She glances over her digital screen, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He smiles, talking animatedly,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">About the cow that had almost been. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She listens, hardly hearing, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She looks, hardly seeing, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Engrossed in her world,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She misses the wistful look in his eyes, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He retreats, head bowed, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The sheet of art, crumpled in the crook of his arms, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She taps on, oblivious to life, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That has just passed by, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Memories that could have been made, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The artist who might have been born. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">All sacrificed, at the altar,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">All in vain.</span></p>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-19663663899240928842020-12-07T18:11:00.003+05:302020-12-08T22:22:29.766+05:30In search...<p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfkEBkqw64A_-QEUloKOpvdt2zPGtJQ4yJqlaogkc9L0QSAOk-bT9KweS9nrDP__dL6zUEMaqwZch7Ju18_0IBiz5OkCDFK9fxWQM8cs0dKhs3Rr9aeOhoHMpNhaTpiUBYprShTbg-G4/s1280/WhatsApp+Image+2020-12-07+at+14.02.31.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfkEBkqw64A_-QEUloKOpvdt2zPGtJQ4yJqlaogkc9L0QSAOk-bT9KweS9nrDP__dL6zUEMaqwZch7Ju18_0IBiz5OkCDFK9fxWQM8cs0dKhs3Rr9aeOhoHMpNhaTpiUBYprShTbg-G4/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-12-07+at+14.02.31.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PC: <a href="https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/vine/bougainvillea/">Better Homes and Gardens</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A quaint door painted blue,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Through which I'd quietly slip into...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> A silent world of magical words, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Interspersed with flowers and birds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rocking on a wicker chair,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Warmth and serenity everywhere!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bougainvillea, so exuberant and wild,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Demurely resting among thistles, leaving me beguiled! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The tranquility soothing my soul, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mirroring my spirit, making me whole.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(This pretty picture inspired these lines...) </span></div></div>the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-38624021961810000442020-07-07T14:07:00.001+05:302020-07-07T14:07:41.758+05:30The chosen one?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXtgxsQ0AD1qkCafmGeW9HNOaAWVK0WQ-mo6AmHY2RJZLoicd-HqDiDFoXYBf2EEHSy2rghWWlJcaJqDoNiQHNKR06bBOnSv15F6RmWG_dUxNGJyXoAyXazuRrWIje7PzCSWOoc471QE/s1280/american-1298751_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1098" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXtgxsQ0AD1qkCafmGeW9HNOaAWVK0WQ-mo6AmHY2RJZLoicd-HqDiDFoXYBf2EEHSy2rghWWlJcaJqDoNiQHNKR06bBOnSv15F6RmWG_dUxNGJyXoAyXazuRrWIje7PzCSWOoc471QE/s320/american-1298751_1280.png" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A pair of big brown eyes peered from behind the chariot
watching the Kuru princes make their way back to their quarters, after a long
day of arduous practice in the sun. Heavy footsteps accompanied by garrulous
laughter, filled the air. A few paces behind, the soft crunch of footsteps and
quietude could be heard, in stark contrast to the ones in front. In the second
lot, the eyes spotted Arjuna, walking with his head held high. After all, wasn’t
he the chosen one? The other four brothers looked at him with pride as the Guru
continued to shower flowery praises on his favourite pupil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After they could be seen no more, he emerged from his hiding
place. An imprint of the sun marked his forehead and a bright sun-shaped
pendant dangled from the gold chain around his neck. A pair of golden
‘kundalas’ adorned his ears and a magical armour was rumoured to bedeck his
chest when he was in danger. He was merely twelve and yet was wise beyond his
years. His face shone with unexplained radiance, yet the sadness in his eyes
was unmistakable. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Kuru princes were in training under the tutelage of Guru Dronacharya,
and Radheya had been watching them hawk-eyed for days. He had approached the
Guru requesting to be taken under his wings but had been turned down on account
of his lineage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today, Arjuna was hailed as the greatest archer for having hit
the bird’s eye. The Guru could not stop admiring him! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What a gift that was! Radheya longed to be recognised. Only if
he had been chosen to showcase his talent!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Where one would expect anger to burn within him, he was
unexpectedly calm. Was it the calm before the storm? One could never tell. But
at the moment, the only fire that burned within him was that of fulfilling the
challenge. Of showing that he was no less a warrior. Of proving that he was as
great an archer as Arjuna. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He hurriedly picked up his bow and quiver of arrows and marched
to the forest. Climbing the tallest mango tree, he hung a toy bird from the
highest branch. Then he climbed down and took aim at the bird’s eye. He hit it
without as much as batting an eyelid! It seemed too easy a target! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Arjuna? The greatest archer?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> He
smirked.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I could do this blindfolded, he told himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He studied the bird’s position for a minute and then loosened
his ‘angavastram’ and tied it around his eyes. He took aim and again, easily
achieved his target! He beamed with joy!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But it didn’t seem enough. Restlessness filled his heart and
he paced around, eyes devoid of satisfaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He looked around searching for ideas to challenge himself. His
eyes fell on a broken earthen pot lying a few yards away. An idea struck him. He
filled it with water and placed it under the tree such that the reflection of
the bird, fell into the water. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He looked down at the bird’s reflection in the water below and
aimed upward at the bird without even looking at it. Concentrating on the
bird’s eye, he shot a swift arrow piercing the bird’s eye in one masterful
stroke. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes! he pumped his fist in jubilation. But there was no one
around to applaud. The happiness was short-lived. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, he did not see Guru Drona observing him from his
quarters. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What an amazing archer!” the guru found himself saying. “It’s
a pity I cannot teach him!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Only if Radheya could have heard that! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Suddenly, the skies turned fiery. A streak of lightning cracked
up the sky and thunder roared in the distance. Was it reflecting the agony in
Radheya’s heart? Was an achievement still worth the same, if there was no one
appreciate it? Was the longing to be the chosen one, the only gift he desired? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Soon, the skies opened up. A slow trickle gave way to a huge
downpour soaking Radheya to the bone. He started to hurry home, as the trees
shook uncontrollably in the gust of wind that followed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was then, that another idea crept up his head! He walked
back to the tree and looked at the reflection of the bird in the earthen pot
below. The bird shook violently in the storm. Radheya, strung his bow and took
aim again. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Would he be able to hit the bird’s eye looking at
its reflection in water even when it was moving?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He wanted to test if he could.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He patiently observed the bird and after a lot of
deliberation, he released his arrow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To his pleasant surprise, the arrow hit the bird’s eye, once
again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His eyes shone in the darkness and he puffed up his chest in
pride. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He held his bow high above his head and thundered, “Who’s the
greatest archer now, guru?” oblivious to being watched by the Guru himself. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Guru nodded his head in approval. There was no doubt that
he was equal to Arjuna in every way, maybe better. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yet, he could never be the chosen one. That was one gift, he
would have to crave all his life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> ******************</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p>Written in response to the prompt "</o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Being chosen is the best gift you can give someone." </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">#Blog-A-Rhythm</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl oo9gr5id gpro0wi8 lrazzd5p" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/prebarathon2020?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZUsypACRixvmY9XpqOL35HT_RYCtKEpVZ1NkhZXapJsieknTRSLtSw0xm6IPuORpYf2O2RXw8_vssrvG-EBlGrD5jvAoYs3E_KMVt4J4yl6rDtcka3q_DjlMSm5kyj7hRpdkhkBhGwUAQU7gvJ7UljBNVShur9eINMLSOnvuJqW82mM7F5w8CoiKqvL3UWDPo4&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="0">#PreBarathon2020</a> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br />the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-64039600865879483762020-06-16T15:36:00.006+05:302020-06-16T19:34:09.952+05:30"I'm just a call away!" - Really?<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt786HAlikMKEf437beeFAnBJLg3UHfHUNxRNM7ZnjnYwSUTts0Ila6aueLWX57uF088wBn3hpa2gOMs4HsrlaKj0w9awZ3aSTpwl3qzpHQVmuHCjUcEoAT8-x3m2s6udxDLykPv-qVHk/s1280/people-1492052_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt786HAlikMKEf437beeFAnBJLg3UHfHUNxRNM7ZnjnYwSUTts0Ila6aueLWX57uF088wBn3hpa2gOMs4HsrlaKj0w9awZ3aSTpwl3qzpHQVmuHCjUcEoAT8-x3m2s6udxDLykPv-qVHk/s320/people-1492052_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Every time we hear that someone has died of suicide, there’s
suddenly a lot of palpable interest in the subject. People gather actively on social media, the status of
the deceased is discussed – was wealth or the lack of it, the cause of this extreme
step? Was it relationships? Was it failure? – the curiosity to know what drives
a person over the edge. Maybe, they are genuinely concerned too. But often, we
forget that even in death, people deserve their privacy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Then, there are the speculators – blaming circumstances, and
people for the tragedy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And last but not the least, there are people posting statuses like,
‘<i>I’m just a call away’</i>, ‘<i>Call me if you need to talk’, I’ll be there
for you.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Noble. Very noble. But pretty pointless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Wait, don’t fly into a rage, yet!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Because a few days into this tragedy and all is forgotten! It takes
another tragedy of this proportion to get people talking about mental health
and depression, again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Georgia, serif">If you are one of those who want to help someone who is depressed so that they don't do something drastic, maybe this post could help. </font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Georgia, serif">But first, the question that we often have in our mind...</font><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Is depression real?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes! Depression is as real as any other illness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t belittle someone who is feeling depressed by saying, <i>it’s
all in the mind</i>, <i>why don’t you try meditation, stop thinking about your
problems</i>… no, it doesn’t work that way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Depression <i>can</i> push people into a state of hopelessness. And when
there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, they might give up. It’s often not just
their life that they want to end, it could be the trauma they are undergoing,
or a feeling of guilt that has overtaken them, or maybe a feeling of
worthlessness that has washed over them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We live in a society and rejection is something we cannot face.
We want to be accepted in our respective groups. We look for approval, for
appreciation. Being isolated could make one depressed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">How would you know who is depressed? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We could perhaps never put a finger as to who could be
depressed. Depressed people try really hard to look happy in public, so we
wouldn’t know for sure unless we know them personally. Rather they would not
have us know that they are depressed. So that is why I said, putting up statuses, and making
yourself available to talk, is pointless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t put up a status offering help and consider your job
done. No one is voluntarily going to approach you for help. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Imagine you are worried about something. Whom would you talk
to? Some random stranger who had offered to talk to you if you need an ear? Would
you do that? No? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Then what is the possibility that a person who has had enough
of life, so much that they are contemplating suicide, will call you and talk to
you about it? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So back to the question, you want to help but how would you
know someone is depressed? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Depression does not strike in a day. It’s not like, someone who is
fine one day will suddenly become depressed the next day. Events and small
incidents keep piling up over months, possibly years. When it stretches beyond
tolerable limits, they break down. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Is there anything you can do to help? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Definitely! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Look out for people in your circle. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We don’t have to look at strangers asking them if they need
help. I don't mean that you shouldn't help strangers. Strangers are not going to open up to anyone randomly. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But, there are enough people around us – our family, our friends, our
employees, our colleagues, our neighbours. Look out for them. Are they going through
a difficult time? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Is there a student at home or in your neighbourhood who is
writing an important exam and feel they might not succeed? Is there a relative
or friend who has lost near and dear ones recently? Is someone facing a financial
crisis? Has someone lost their job recently? Is someone going through post-partum
stress? Has anyone in their family been hospitalised for a long duration? There
could be many more triggers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Many people do handle all or some of these issues in life and they
do pretty well too. But not everyone is sailing in the same boat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Keep the door open for them. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When someone is already dead, it’s easy to say, had I known, I
would have done something. But, most of the time, we turn our backs to them
when they are struggling. Maybe it is the fear that we might be asked for financial
assistance and we might not be able to provide that. But, there are several
ways to get financial assistance, and we could at least show them the way. They
just need to know that we know their pain.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If we are dealing with a student who fears failure, they need
to be counseled. They must know that the parents will continue to support them
no matter what. Extra coaching can be given to help with understanding the
lessons. But it is the family who has to anticipate what the child’s
requirement is and hold hands from the beginning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If someone is unable to cope with the loss of a loved one, give them time to heal. Hang along, even if they don't want you to. Cook them meals, take care of their children, or buy them groceries.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you find they are susceptible to self-harm, help them to get counseling
– either from a doctor or from an understanding family member.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t quote examples from your own life, as tempting as it
might be! It is very demeaning to the person who is already suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you can’t be bothered to help when there’s time, then don’t
lament when it’s too late. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Spend time with them. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have committed yourself to help a person during
their tough time, you must know that it is long term commitment. It might take
years of your time. No one can get better in a day or two. So think before you offer help. Don't disappear after promising to be there. This is one major reason why a depressed person will not open up to anyone. It's important to have their trust.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Often, when someone’s depressed, life seems dark. It is
difficult to look at the bright side of life when all your mind wants to do, is see the dark side. Listen to them. Don't talk to them about your experiences!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">They could need to be
reassured that they are good at what they do, they could need to be urged to let go
of things that are hurting. You'll know what they need, only if you listen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Teach them to face adversity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Life is never going to be hunky-dory. All will never be well. There
will be phases when there are bound to be failures, or heartbreaks, or loss, or
grief. Teach them to be brave and tough during such times. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Facing adversity has to be ingrained in children right from childhood. Many parents don't realise this. They get over-protective of their children. They don't let them fall. They use yardsticks to measure success. As a result, the child never learns that it's okay not to succeed all the time. It's important to let our children know that they are not going to win all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To that jittery teen, you could say, ‘Put in your best effort. But
despite that, if you fail, it’s ok. We will pick up the pieces again. we will
try again. We will do something else if this is too difficult.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">A woman going through post-partum stress needs to know that she’s not alone. You could let her know that you understand and will be there to help in whatever way possible instead of ridiculing her for being difficult, or acting weird or telling her that she is more fortunate than women unable to bear children, or wondering what’s wrong with her that she cannot enjoy motherhood! Tell her,</span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> ‘It’s ok to not want to hold your baby. I’ll help you take care of it. You eat healthily and take care of yourself.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">5. Avoid the urge to put people down. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Many a time, we might not be able to invest so much time with
a person, especially if they aren’t your close relative or friend. Yet, there’s
a lot that you can do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you think you talk down someone at the workplace? Do you talk
behind the back of your family members? No? Think again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Everyone is in a game of one-upmanship. Everyone wants to be
in the good books of people who matter to us – like a parent, an employer, a teacher, or
even the mother-in-law! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subconsciously or purposefully, we might be belittling people all the time. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">'X committed this mistake, I rectified it.’ </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">‘Z is such
a bad parent.’ </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">'You're not going to fit in that dress!' </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">'Your brother is smarter than you!'</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">It may seem insignificant, but over the years, you end up
effectively turning your ‘perceived power center’ against the other person. So much,
that it starts affecting their confidence, their self-respect, their perception
of self-worth. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">You would have no idea
that you have silently been gnawing at their mind while being blissfully unaware
of it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Curb the tendency to talk bad about someone. Stop isolating
someone because they don’t fit into your ideas. Open your mouth only if you
have something good to say about someone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If someone has committed a mistake, let them know it upfront. If
your motive is to help them learn from their mistake, then, it is them you should
directly be talking to, not everyone else. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There’s a saying, ‘Criticise privately, appreciate openly.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To summarise…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Pick up the signs. Don’t ignore possible triggers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Keep communication lines open. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Spend time with people you care about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Keep them ready to face failure. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Be kind…to everyone. Don’t put people down. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="georgia, serif">(This is <b>not</b> a self-help post for people suffering from depression. It is for those who want to help, but don't know how to. I hope this helped.) </font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Georgia, serif">*Disclaimer: <i>The opinions expressed in this post are mine. This post is not a substitute for professional /medical advice. </i></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><br />the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-85629228693939126852020-06-13T15:00:00.001+05:302020-06-13T15:00:27.649+05:30Spotlight - Arjun's Penance by Sundari Venkatraman<pre style="text-align: left;"><p class="Body" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></pre>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Print Length: 168
pages</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Publisher: Flaming Sun (Indie
published)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Publication Date: March 1,
2020</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Language: English</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Genre: Romance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Young Arjun feels betrayed and heartbroken
when his girlfriend of two years dies in an accident. In a moment of agony, he
does the worst thing possible...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Ten years later, Kiara walks into the office
of the Mathur Group of industries, falling for its managing director, Arjun
Mathur, who is a ruthless businessman nowadays, and also completely sworn off
women.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">While the ethical hacker gathers evidence
against the ex-finance director of the company who has been swindling money
bigtime, she tries to woo the MD into falling in love with
her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Will Kiara be able to persuade Arjun to break
his penance?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Add this book to
your TBR!!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read the
Excerpt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Sundari Venkatraman is an indie author with forty-five titles
to her credit, which have sold more than 1.75 lakh copies around the world. Her
books consistently feature in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon in both Romance
and Asian Drama categories. Her latest romance novels have all been on the #1
Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">As a child, Sundari loved to read books with ‘lived happily ever after’ endings. They were all about good
triumphing over evil. As a teenager, her favourite books were romance novels
from Mills & Boon. She was fascinated by them, so much so that she
began to visualise the stories set in India.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Sundari was forty when she began her writing
journey, completing the first draft of her first novel in thirty-five days. She
has not looked back since.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://author.to/SundariVenkatraman" target="_blank">Click here to check out all the titles by the
author...</a></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">You can stalk her @</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.sundarivenkatraman.in/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSundariVenkatraman" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarivenkat" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sundarivenkatraman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><i>Grab Your Copy
From</i></span></b><br />
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the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-53808205610455062842020-05-26T18:22:00.001+05:302020-05-26T18:22:15.236+05:30The Book Thief By- Markus Zusak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Buy The Book Thief (Definitions) Book Online at Low Prices in ..." height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91pZEozf9qL.jpg" width="254" /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Plot:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Set in Nazi Germany, during the
World War II, The Book Thief is a classic Historical fiction, that follows the
journey of Liesel Meminger. The book is narrated by Death, taking us through
the horrors of the world war and the lives of those affected by it. The book
thief, Liesel finds solace in the books that she steals, and later goes on to
write her own book which leaves behind in the rubble of destruction and death. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The story:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The story begins with death –
the death of Liesel’s little brother – in a train carriage, as she travels with
their mother. As they bury her brother, she steals her first book – The Grave
Digger’s Handbook, that she finds on the snow. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Unable to take care of her
children, Liesel’s mother leaves her daughter at the footsteps of foster parents,
Hans and Rosa Hubermann, in the fictional town of Molching in Munich. The girl
is traumatised, yet she finds love in the warmth of Hans’ abundant care and
Rosa’s fiery temper. Hans helps her read her first stolen book. The book
becomes sacred to her as it is the last thing that connects her to her mother
and brother. Every book she steals has some connection to her life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She also befriends Rudy, her
neighbour, who falls in love with her. Their adventures together and how they
stick to one another is emotional, yet fun-filled. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another interesting part of the
story is when Hans takes in a Jewish fist-fighter, Max, whose father happens to
be Hans’ friend during the war. Giving refuge to a Jew might have been the
biggest risk ever, yet Hans shelters him and hides him from the Nazis. Max and
his sketchbooks help Liesel develop as a writer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What I liked:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Book Thief is close to 600
pages, that is how voluminous the book is! Yet there’s never a dull moment in
the book. It is not only Liesel, who manages to steal your heart along with the
books she steals but every other character manages to wind themselves into your
heart too! Whether it is Hans, reading a book to put the scared Liesel to sleep
or Rosa, who calls Liesel ‘Saumensch’ – a pig – whenever she’s annoyed and yet
it becomes a term of endearment for the little girl, whether it is Rudy who
never gives up on trying to get a kiss out of Liesel or Max, who shares an
affinity of words with Liesel - we never get enough of these characters! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The narration by Death is
gripping, and the book itself is a treasure! As you move along the book, you contemplate the fragility of human life, on the futility of wars, on compassion, on stolen pleasures, and
death. The book is not a grim or depressing read though, the narration and
characters are lively and make you smile. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are delightful expressions
like – “The sun – looks like a pat of softened butter – melting into a warm,
creamy mashed potato cloud – in the middle of a bottomless powder blue bowl”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sample another, when Rudy
introduces himself, “Have you ever seen a lemon? That’s what my hair looks
like.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Or Death’s account of what
remains after a war, “So many humans. So many colours. They keep triggering
inside me. They harass my memory. I see them tall in their heaps, all mounted
on top of each other.</span>”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All the little details that the author has put in, the melodrama, the delightful words, and phrases, the mellifluous
language, all make it a reader’s delight. In fact, if you are a Grammar Nazi - pardon
the unsavoury coincidence – you would find the book peppered with adjectives
and sprinkled with adverbs, and phrases that paint a virtual rainbow of words on
your page! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Final words:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are two ways people enjoy
food – the fast food lovers and the ones who like an elaborate dining
experience. If you are the former, this book is definitely not for you. But if
you are the kind that would take time to take in the flavours, and relish every
single morsel at your own leisurely pace, then, this book is a must-read. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It made me cry, it did! And rarely
does a book do that to me. I think you get it, right? <o:p></o:p></span></p><br />the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-88763174720749135392020-05-25T00:00:00.005+05:302020-05-25T08:11:46.689+05:30Book Review - Love.exe by Manju Nambiar <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmv9g7jteXuFlabeS-x64aX1K1r2TIGoD6kEVzwKCVNwzTAYPPx3RolPeJFg1rvlBcC-U4ZfK0Wwl6M9XV_t2cDjjccPWzkKtfAPnb_mWGvYpB2Uwvaw5s-speNziZbACIWJfRZHcuY/s1600/banner+for+the+tour+.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmv9g7jteXuFlabeS-x64aX1K1r2TIGoD6kEVzwKCVNwzTAYPPx3RolPeJFg1rvlBcC-U4ZfK0Wwl6M9XV_t2cDjjccPWzkKtfAPnb_mWGvYpB2Uwvaw5s-speNziZbACIWJfRZHcuY/s640/banner+for+the+tour+.png" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The Plot:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is a sweet romantic tale by
Manju Nambiar, which details the protagonist, Nitya’s journey into finding the
love of her life. The book delicately balances Nitya’s ambitious nature while
she seeks to uphold her family values and traditions. It could be the story of
every middle-class Indian family ever – be it the familiar coterie of aunts,
uncles and cousins influencing family decisions, or the moms and aunts taking
TV serials literally, the banter over wedding ceremonies or the travails and
frustrations of keeping up with your heart – it touches the chord in all the
right places.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The story:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Nitya is an intelligent girl
and is accepted into the prestigious Stanford University, in the US of A. But
like all traditional families, hers too will not let her get away unless she’s married.
After all whoever’s heard of a single girl living it up in a foreign country, right?!
Nitya, therefore, decides to stage a marriage of convenience with the groom chosen
by her family. But due to certain twists in the story, the wedding is called
off. Yet Nitya manages not only to fly away to her dream destination but also to land a plum job there. Life takes an unpredictable turn when she bumps into her
ex-fiancé at her workplace but will she be able to forgive him for the broken
marriage? What happens next in their lives is what the rest of the story is all
about. <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What I liked:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I liked the story – it’s predictable,
but who doesn’t like a mushy romance? The ending left me feeling good and with
a smile on my face. The story flows well and the narration kept me hooked to
find out more. The setting and conversations feel natural and I could identify
with the characters, especially the members of Nitya’s family. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I also liked Nitya’s character –
it’s strong but not arrogant, giving yet not subservient. It’s difficult not to
fall in love with her. <span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What I would have
liked:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t intend to be a grammar
Nazi, but I felt the editing could have been better and errors in grammar and
punctuation could have been avoided. Also, certain passages were described in
too much detail and I found myself unwittingly skipping those which seemed to
stretch too long. Other than that, the narration was flawless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Final words:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This is a nice little story
with relatable characters and familiar family values. If romance is your genre,
this could be a good book to snuggle in bed with, on a beautiful, rainy day! <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Go for it! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>LOVE.EXE: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Sweet Romantic Comedy Making You Fall in Love by </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>Manju Nambiar</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40727193-love-exe" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="43" data-original-width="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfLHXH63RBkatlZ0-uS3vXox992zjEVD42-7CagQgBnPtxNBxEg-jjn-GoQbS-m0NmwDhHaszXhCLmTu-_J-8GhEoD-Pqls-0As5Jq2QVA375g3EWyzEcRsoojNhuw40ajRyT4v0PKQnc/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button3.png" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Blurb</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">If you are looking for a feel-good heartwarming love story with a happy ending, this is your right pick!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Nitya Balakrishnan, a young girl from Kerala had it all planned out. She was going to live the life of her dreams in the United States of America. And she thought she had nailed it when she was accepted into one of the best universities in the world. But the cosmos had other plans and conspired to drop love.exe into her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">He came with a bang and stole her away in a breath. Love was not quite there in her agenda, but her heart wouldn’t hear of it. The human heart has its own little brain with its strange logic that remains elusive to our reasoning. For once, she just let it be, only to realize that there is no undo button.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This coming of age, a beautiful tale of love, relationships, and dreams would prick your soul, bring a smile to you, and tear up your eyes. A must-read!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>Grab your copy @</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07F911NYB" target="_blank">Amazon.in</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F911NYB" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F911NYB" target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk</a> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"My work is mostly reflections on society with a satirical flavor. The characters in my book are people you can easily connect to and have met all your lives. I try to make the read entertaining, light, and pleasant. To me, writing is a medium to spread comfort, positivity, and good humor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have had a racing mind since childhood, which does all kinds of analysis, interpretations, and conclusions of everyday mundane events but have always held my tongue tight for fear of sounding politically incorrect. I found writing to be a perfect platform where I got to finally vocalize my thoughts and ideas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Manju Nambiar hails from the southern state of Kerala, India. A computer engineer by profession, she now works in one of the leading firms in San Jose, California where she lives with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, playing with her daughter, and catching up on the latest technologies and trends in the Valley."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>You can stalk her @</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://manjunambiarblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorManjuNambiar/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/getmanjunambiar" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/manjunambiarauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></span><br />
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the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-2466701032526173702019-08-12T13:15:00.001+05:302020-12-07T18:11:29.334+05:30Her Saviour <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi2nyyO_jtxw_QcvMru53lRPvipaWPt8ICwJGhSpy4FT-8mSObG72iZ6RMKG-0EaRFMGrpppBnG_9fY8eBl2byJxtGIRyNGzbtbg7737cu7J1e9VzurTIwxCHMSxjDrPlkMFXrz7oaR8/s1600/IMG_20190812_131410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi2nyyO_jtxw_QcvMru53lRPvipaWPt8ICwJGhSpy4FT-8mSObG72iZ6RMKG-0EaRFMGrpppBnG_9fY8eBl2byJxtGIRyNGzbtbg7737cu7J1e9VzurTIwxCHMSxjDrPlkMFXrz7oaR8/s320/IMG_20190812_131410.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
The water that was knee deep,<br />
Had begun it’s ascent again,<br />
The lifeless bodies floating outside,<br />
Made her heart scream out in pain.<br />
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There was no one she could call out to,<br />
She stood before her Lord,<br />
Panduranga, hear me out she cried<br />
Clutching the metal God.<br />
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She felt a kick within her womb,<br />
A tear escaped her eye,<br />
Would her unborn live to see the day,<br />
She looked askance at the sky.<br />
<br />
The lamp in the small temple,<br />
Flickered and dwindled and died,<br />
Her hopes refused to die out though,<br />
Vittala, Vittala, she cried.<br />
<br />
Eyes closed, and heart chanting,<br />
Her ears strained to hear some sound,<br />
In this watery, slushy graveyard,<br />
Would she ever be found?<br />
<br />
Then she felt strong arms,<br />
Wrapped around the small of her back,<br />
Famished, and tired and fraught ,<br />
The world around her turned black.<br />
<br />
It was bright when she opened her eyes,<br />
The world nothing like she’d seen,<br />
But Her Lord had saved her, he did indeed,<br />
Her Vittala in military green..</div>
the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-17641196370832024452018-12-31T00:56:00.000+05:302018-12-31T01:18:00.003+05:30Bidding goodbye to 2018! *Gratitude Circle*<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjKEVmge6zCQkwVw9NTryDzyBNWaNjITqllBpavxicMnmXzDNbmbDh2TavUCxeAUbQ9HCyi2rIYspJC22iWvS17Vc9q9QGZ96Vi-n9lAZdMjMMymXUeb8H9nra0pU3H375WHY5gjPNJY/s1600/grat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjKEVmge6zCQkwVw9NTryDzyBNWaNjITqllBpavxicMnmXzDNbmbDh2TavUCxeAUbQ9HCyi2rIYspJC22iWvS17Vc9q9QGZ96Vi-n9lAZdMjMMymXUeb8H9nra0pU3H375WHY5gjPNJY/s320/grat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2018 has been a mixed bag of sorts. But I guess, every year is like that – a little sweet, a little sour. Looking back, I realise that true happiness is not about having everything your way but being thankful for whatever you have, no matter how much! It is always the little things that count – small, yet bringing us unbridled joy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m thankful for all that caused my cup of happiness to overflow – some despite bringing sadness and grief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here’s - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To New Beginnings!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It took more than a nudge and a push from two of my staunchest cheer leaders – my sister, Aarti, and my son, Shusrith - to put me on to the track to new beginnings. I’m grateful to have these two indispensable gems in my life. They seem to believe in my capabilities more than I do, they know how to shake me out of my slumber and do and say (scream at me, if need be!) whatever it takes to propel me to act. If it were not for them, I’d probably still be deliberating my every move without acting on any! Thanks to their encouragement, I’m gainfully employed doing something that gives me immense satisfaction. A job that doesn’t feel like a job but rather like an extension of myself – something that I was born to do! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To family and love!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dad celebrated his 70</span><sup style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> birthday this year. I’m grateful to my entire clan for showing up for the celebrations! More than three generations of the family, from different parts of the country, gathering under one roof to show their love to us, was more than overwhelming. In this day and age of digital communication, it was heart-warming to have the family take time out from their hectic schedules and to be present physically to share in our happiness.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bheema Rathi Shanti homa!</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To Friends!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m grateful for friends who are my backbone. Friends, who didn’t keep count of whose turn it was to call. Friends, who kept listening to me even if I managed to chew their ears off with the same beaten track over and over again. Friends, who ensured I stayed sane even in the midst of insanity. Friends, who I've turned to at any time of the day or night. Aparna, Smitha, Ajay, Deepthi, Deepak, Sanchita – thanks for being there! You rock and I love you all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMFWHI8q3UeTkZ4tx0RuqGnaN0yWjBy65ORipzRy1A4s_DoPuEOrXrlRpoSBHcO541WHN4j52Tf9wnC2ekQ_JxnKyxlpdLSmUdyrCzQn3SiwewKVnbPVaDv0QjSNCZ1MmIN6mF1t_BhI/s1600/IMG-20181228-WA0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMFWHI8q3UeTkZ4tx0RuqGnaN0yWjBy65ORipzRy1A4s_DoPuEOrXrlRpoSBHcO541WHN4j52Tf9wnC2ekQ_JxnKyxlpdLSmUdyrCzQn3SiwewKVnbPVaDv0QjSNCZ1MmIN6mF1t_BhI/s320/IMG-20181228-WA0046.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To sickness and health!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Two extended family members got diagnosed with the dreaded ‘C’, but I’m grateful that they stayed strong and fought back. I’m grateful that they came out victorious. The will they showed to stay positive in the face of adversity, the grit they exhibited while dealing with the pain of the disease and the treatment, became a source of inspiration for all of us. They did not let themselves or others feel sorry for them. It was truly a lesson we all needed to learn. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hubby turned diabetic, I had turned obese, but, I’m grateful for the support and strength we found in each other to get fit. We walked together, pushed each other to eat healthy, (sometimes, literally!) but by the end of the year, I’m glad we made a happy turnaround and how! I lost oodles of weight, hubby has his sugar in control and now we do happily splurge on an occasional treat!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To grief and loss.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve lost far too many dear ones this year. Yet I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know these wonderful people. I’m grateful they were a part of me growing up and had a role in making me what I’m today. Two of my dearest - Giri Dodappa, and Doctor Upadhyaya - you will be missed but thank you for being a part of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m grateful for the people I have in my life today. I’m grateful for those who keep me in their prayers every day. I’m grateful for their unconditional love and hope they know I love them as much. I’m also grateful for the ones that have slipped away. They must have come into my life for a reason, they taught me what they had to and left when the lesson was learnt. I’m grateful for opportunities and things that fell into place like a huge jigsaw puzzle! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To conclude, here's a quote from Zig Ziglar, that I find to be quite true!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How has 2018 treated you? What are the things you are grateful for? Do share in the comments below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wish you and your families a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2019! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-64678583899510175782018-12-07T00:30:00.000+05:302018-12-07T00:30:08.688+05:30Book Review: The Fisher Queen's Dynasty by Kavita Kane.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnTLO5ECMQUJaeVgSfKXbAbSo3nW62nN47DMSncFfhu93M2BtzMud7sdBkuym-xwIlHBVUFBaRAzI9kXPMjS8aAlYYd4lNMCUii2V1OhE498A6m0egBhtsjJU13k18hesjzIvE6L0bKQ/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnTLO5ECMQUJaeVgSfKXbAbSo3nW62nN47DMSncFfhu93M2BtzMud7sdBkuym-xwIlHBVUFBaRAzI9kXPMjS8aAlYYd4lNMCUii2V1OhE498A6m0egBhtsjJU13k18hesjzIvE6L0bKQ/s320/book.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Plot:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This mythological tale by Kavita Kane is set at the beginning of the Mahabharata and traces the life, the history, the ambitions, and the travails of the woman who is the grand matriarch of this epic story. It is an extraordinary story of Satyavati and how the lineage that originates from King Bharata ends up being carried forward by her alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The story:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mahabharata is not an alien subject for the lover of mythology but the story of the Fisher Queen Satyavati sure is to many. I had read about her in a passing reference in most books but never a complete book devoted to her. The story of Satyavati and her meteoric rise from the daughter of a chieftain to the queen of the most powerful dynasty and later the realisation of how all her ambitions and struggles have been in vain form the crux of the story. Whether you love her for being a strong woman and a person who fights to get the best out of her life or you hate her for being the beginning of the end, you sure cannot ignore Satyavati. Her story needs to be told and to be read, for it holds a mirror to the modern day dynamics of purpose, prestige, and power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What I liked:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The author has an innate sense of language that is delightful to read and satisfying to devour! Her choice of words are immaculate and her characters are strong with a mind of their own. The research is exhaustive and it is amazing to see how far back the author has travelled to make this account truly belong to the woman she wishes to chronicle. Many parts of the story were new to me and I had not heard of some of the characters. At the same time, the familiar bits of the story were delivered in a fresh package making this novel a page-turner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What I also liked about the story is that the author makes no attempt to judge any character and leaves that decision to the reader. To not lead a reader to the conclusion you have in mind can be very tricky and it is commendable that the author manages to stay away from shaping your thoughts for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What I would have liked:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It can be quite a balance to not let research look like it, but the strain of the research did start to show in certain parts. I found myself unwittingly skipping few passages which seemed to stretch too long. Other than that, the narration was flawless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Final words:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is a beautiful story, with an great portrayal of a not-so-well-known mythological character. I have read all of Kavita’s previous books and have become a huge fan of her writing. Strong female characters and adept retelling of familiar tales are her forte. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’d strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story, not just of mythology. Go for it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘I learnt to love like a man—to love without feelings. And I shall never forget this lesson.’</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Matsyagandha, Daseyi, Yojanagandha — the queen of Hastinapur, Satyavati. Abandoned as a baby, preyed on by a rishi, she hardens herself, determined that the next time she is with a man, she will be the one to win. And win she does: the throne of Hastinapur for herself, and the promise that her sons will be heirs to the kingdom. But at what cost?</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">In a palace where she is disdained and scorned, Satyavati must set aside her own loss and pain if she is to play the game of politics. She learns to be ruthless, unscrupulous — traits that estrange her from everyone around. Everyone, except the man she cheated of his birthright.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">A piercing, insightful look at the grand matriarch of the Kuru family, the woman who set off the sequence of events that ended in the bloody battle of Kurukshetra, The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty will re-align your reading of the Mahabharata.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-13078055086178630512018-12-04T19:56:00.000+05:302018-12-04T19:56:14.473+05:30The end of an era...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today marks the end of an era…if I may call it so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our ‘family doctor’, Dr. Upadhyaya, passed on to the other world leaving a void that will remain unfulfilled for eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this day and age, the concept and idea of a family doctor might sound ridiculous and even sneer-worthy, not so in those days. Today, we have specialists and super specialist. Someday we might have super ‘super’ specialists who would specialise in your left nostril alone or the cornea of your right eye! But no sire, not in those days! The family doctor would be a specialist for every part of your anatomy, every age, and gender. And we did pretty well together, without ever having the need to visit a specialist!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every family would have a family doctor – a doctor, friend, philosopher, basically, a know-it-all person whom they’d trudge to in sickness and in health. Yes, in health too! Someone who would know you and your entire family inside out. To whom we would happily pay a visit should we be sick. A person who would be by your bedside regardless of the time of the day or night. A person who would attend your family functions like a family member. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dr.Upadhyaya was our family doctor. He has treated me since I was a three-month-old baby. We never called him doctor, he was always doctor uncle to us. He would always know what ailed us. He would know if our problems were due to stress, hereditary, real or imagined. He would offer us much more than medicines. Sometimes, it would be a friendly advice, sometimes a joke shared over a cup of tea, and sometimes a sterner warning to follow what he prescribed. The one thing that he had was – time! Time for us…time that he would spend with his patients. Time spent talking to them. Time, that was rewarding in more ways than one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember the night my mother suffered an acute attack of abdominal pain. It was 11pm when my dad frantically rang up doctor uncle after debating whether he should disturb doctor at that time of the night. Doctor uncle had just reached home after wrapping up a busy evening. But unmindful of the distance and time, he drove straight to our home and attended to my mother. What simple times we lived in! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When my granny passed away, he chose to counsel my mom instead of administering her antacids for her acidity. She was cured without a single dose of medicine! He knew that her misery was due to stress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He knew our birthdays and we knew his! He never forgot to wish me even after I had shifted to Bangalore. And I never forgot to wish him or pay him a visit whenever I’d go home. His association with my parents has been over 4 decades long! He was not just a family doctor to us but to all our family friends too! Can such associations be even imagined today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With his demise, the era of family doctors has come to an end. As much as I tried, I haven’t found anyone like him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace doctor uncle. Om Shanti. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-81776252402557624532017-10-30T12:39:00.000+05:302017-11-04T12:52:49.534+05:30Uniquely Singapore!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;">Travelling to Singapore cannot be anything short of exciting!! While all our previous travels have been with travel agents, the limited time they give us to visit pre-selected attractions without the leisure and relaxation we expect on a holiday, was a big let down. So, we decided to do Singapore by ourselves this time! The journey, they say, is far more exciting than the destination, especially if you have been involved in planning every step of the journey. By that measure, our journey began six months ago.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Planning:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Duration of stay:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most people told us 3 days would be enough, but since we had planned to explore the city on our own, we decided to give it 5 entire days!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Getting there:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can get the best airlines deals if you book really early. Be that early worm and block your dates as early as you can! Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly with but there are local airlines like Indigo, that will fly you for a much cheaper fare. Also, flights from Chennai to Singapore are economical than from anywhere else, and domestic flights are dirt cheap if you book several months in advance. So if you are on a budget, get a domestic flight to Chennai and fly out of Chennai.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Accommodation:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU-mAE2GECcMVTnjfVbub9lf4QaL-rhAhO5bcFtqnI318Cit9f3nVwmrDtCfYrtTE8bzjq-FLnZ3n1JNyXM0Q95NRbN_ZgdGL06mqXa2A-A78ZJC5z1jm-D7tjW5A4fQX2TVNlZHyUlU/s1600/20171019_112909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU-mAE2GECcMVTnjfVbub9lf4QaL-rhAhO5bcFtqnI318Cit9f3nVwmrDtCfYrtTE8bzjq-FLnZ3n1JNyXM0Q95NRbN_ZgdGL06mqXa2A-A78ZJC5z1jm-D7tjW5A4fQX2TVNlZHyUlU/s320/20171019_112909.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were a group of 3 families, all of us vegetarians, so we zeroed in on Little India and areas around it for our accommodation, just so food shouldn't be an issue. While we were trying to get info on various hotels in that area, a friend who is a local, suggested that we try serviced apartments as an option. Though we were initially sceptical, we fell in love with the apartment when we saw the pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That apartment in the background was where we stayed. With three bedrooms for the three families, a small kitchenette, and an amazing terrace pool overlooking the city, it was way private and cosier than any hotel room could have afforded.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Visa :</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Applying for Visa is quite an easy process. Once you have your flight tickets and accommodation confirmation, all you have to do is submit the application locally, a month in advance. That's all about it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Money exchange:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Of all the exchangers we inquired with Cox and Kings offered the best rates, but we found a local guy whom we convinced (read : bullied!) to give us better rates than C&K.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Destination:</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7chiMfgY2SjJLzn42066pLDNGWR37BskUHp-vn9cvOTk7lgFNVkAMA_X3WVkYV9x2FtogZkxW6tv6QlrTPseLw07wAXqwiu_hw2qVxObN-taCuvCAA5Dhb9RW0JUotPiu6j7KO7Aq5A/s1600/20171019_215106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7chiMfgY2SjJLzn42066pLDNGWR37BskUHp-vn9cvOTk7lgFNVkAMA_X3WVkYV9x2FtogZkxW6tv6QlrTPseLw07wAXqwiu_hw2qVxObN-taCuvCAA5Dhb9RW0JUotPiu6j7KO7Aq5A/s320/20171019_215106.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The guy who said that the journey is more exciting than the destination perhaps wasn't talking about Singapore, because, could this wonderful place be any less exciting? Because the destination was as exciting as the journey!! We visited during Deepawali week and my! what a scene greeted our eyes! The entire Little India area was decked up for the festival of lights! In fact, we got to enjoy an amazing South India festival thali on the morning of the festival, much to our delight!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-GMEQe679U-PazRpewVPO7IeemB_3VdLwCnD6R1ouxuPqvkUR3zLt64uEdYKECtFpRSdVmLX-l-F8J4Rgc0qI8RWjpBLU9aEoH8MUvSqA3bZr5YEmvkg3o5-f1hKB0vj8IxT79x-ZNc/s1600/20171019_114649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-GMEQe679U-PazRpewVPO7IeemB_3VdLwCnD6R1ouxuPqvkUR3zLt64uEdYKECtFpRSdVmLX-l-F8J4Rgc0qI8RWjpBLU9aEoH8MUvSqA3bZr5YEmvkg3o5-f1hKB0vj8IxT79x-ZNc/s320/20171019_114649.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Getting around:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The city is well connected by MRT and getting around is quite a breeze! And then there were the 11 seater taxis that seemed tailor-made for us! We alternated between these two means of transport according to the ease of travel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The amazing part of travelling by MRT was that other than English and Chinese, Tamil was the third language of announcements!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlcKRMkk2TiSqf4cnXk8eSl7Tak-N3WinyeET22ZmB3ymKr7gsFi7iQUvDRQ_7WLrShboP3rUzSH5DAH4WROwOe8_4EQw0Mv7l0L1p4eq6GXaqzVIDMfXFK2-kzGzIrbnHGNU-lK84kc/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlcKRMkk2TiSqf4cnXk8eSl7Tak-N3WinyeET22ZmB3ymKr7gsFi7iQUvDRQ_7WLrShboP3rUzSH5DAH4WROwOe8_4EQw0Mv7l0L1p4eq6GXaqzVIDMfXFK2-kzGzIrbnHGNU-lK84kc/s200/IMG_0316.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecTpeGOIZtys0v-_bfjPpPD17xDsFClIKOOHo4tmwT5abyyw9BCmIIZlflUliVZoCylw91cV0PwAF59xf_e7FTLroUG7tBEN_i95IEVzyYi5cUwgRayuW76PrgC1I9roqU-4erlkQa8I/s1600/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecTpeGOIZtys0v-_bfjPpPD17xDsFClIKOOHo4tmwT5abyyw9BCmIIZlflUliVZoCylw91cV0PwAF59xf_e7FTLroUG7tBEN_i95IEVzyYi5cUwgRayuW76PrgC1I9roqU-4erlkQa8I/s200/IMG_4038.JPG" width="132" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our first stop was <b>Gardens By the Bay. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>Super Tree Groves</b> is a big attraction. By night, they look even prettier! They are like these huge canopies, towering above you. They are quite a sight at night time when they come alive with a sound and light display!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMn_o_7EJWrUfwHTZ1rmr9ZOD-kmyJz5M5mhg5O8w30xeC_aPswIFfhQ2IS_-BtiS2j1RYlmNugqwPMtXJ2ClA-JRbQs1xPunmIOB9C2_GW5oBRE6JmA693gQEpQNaNsBicq5AHj8dhk/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMn_o_7EJWrUfwHTZ1rmr9ZOD-kmyJz5M5mhg5O8w30xeC_aPswIFfhQ2IS_-BtiS2j1RYlmNugqwPMtXJ2ClA-JRbQs1xPunmIOB9C2_GW5oBRE6JmA693gQEpQNaNsBicq5AHj8dhk/s320/IMG_0721.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">The </span><b style="text-align: left;">Cloud Forest</b><span style="text-align: left;"> is another amazing attraction enclosed in an airconditioned dome. It takes you all the way up in an escalator and you can walk your way down enjoying the view of the bay and the park below. If you do not want to get on the Singapore Flyer, this would be your best way to look around the place. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw4ZL2T2_A49U6z31ON2Dg8phYXif4wXs0ASCSXebGONBQKBY1L6gb2Y22QIL31fC4SLzVnTi5j_Jwz-vp8jocOF3nR2EW7635xMeJ2ppV30PHjyIVtRgUwhwxrPBomSZfGWQ44ICWX0/s1600/20171018_154616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw4ZL2T2_A49U6z31ON2Dg8phYXif4wXs0ASCSXebGONBQKBY1L6gb2Y22QIL31fC4SLzVnTi5j_Jwz-vp8jocOF3nR2EW7635xMeJ2ppV30PHjyIVtRgUwhwxrPBomSZfGWQ44ICWX0/s320/20171018_154616.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>Flower Dome and the Kids' garden</b> is another great place for all your photo ops! Have a leisurely stroll enjoying flora in all its glory! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgttE7B0szQlb-rPTULMquPnMAHmzWNJ_QkgFM4CfnpXYKTZ6gee_OuCMwFdKPVYq7mf_xeEdRutUAUpB_o9hQ0bZ6B1G39y-5e9f4C7uHUqWipS23-z_D_5gAByIX3Cz7db46M4jqhE/s1600/20171022_211631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgttE7B0szQlb-rPTULMquPnMAHmzWNJ_QkgFM4CfnpXYKTZ6gee_OuCMwFdKPVYq7mf_xeEdRutUAUpB_o9hQ0bZ6B1G39y-5e9f4C7uHUqWipS23-z_D_5gAByIX3Cz7db46M4jqhE/s320/20171022_211631.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The <b>Marina Bay Sands Skypark</b> is just across the Gardens and is a climb of 57 levels above the city! Once you get to the top floor, you can enjoy an unending view of the city and sample some amazing food. Best viewed at night, this place also has an Infinity pool if you fancy swimming on top of the world! Across the Bay is the<b> Clarke Quay riverside </b>which is beautifully lit at night time. You can stroll around the place and grab a bite while soaking in the view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The symbol of Singapore, the <b>Merlion</b> is also by the bay and makes for some memorable pictures standing on the deck. You can also take a ferry ride on the river which we skipped as we were dead tired to do anything else!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hXQQ4tw0yi3_hKM8RtUFsuTmMnpAgphUr4nWGO29USXNVl-64Hr3t8jnIAxujB6ptbOcQmgkkQuqTPY9E7VFTvSlK9pMZbuUjJV4h1J-HddzsytwiPUOhnpmDInJrWedcU6zNJB9jMc/s1600/20171019_125342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hXQQ4tw0yi3_hKM8RtUFsuTmMnpAgphUr4nWGO29USXNVl-64Hr3t8jnIAxujB6ptbOcQmgkkQuqTPY9E7VFTvSlK9pMZbuUjJV4h1J-HddzsytwiPUOhnpmDInJrWedcU6zNJB9jMc/s320/20171019_125342.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had planned <b>Sentosa Islands</b> on Day 2. Do not miss the cable car ride to the island. You can take the Sentosa express too but I'd recommend the cable way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would also recommend that you keep a separate day for Universal studios though both are in the same place. Because combining the two does not let you enjoy everything that is there to see and do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My top five things to do in Sentosa are the <b>Luge ride, S.E.A aquarium, the Trick Eye Museum, Sentosa Merlion and the Wings of Time.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And yes, don't forget to munch on the <b>Garette popcorn</b>. It is Yum! I don't have a picture because we ate it all at supersonic speed before anyone could think of clicking it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixKzPfCmXeevvGTZAO6RrF3Bv0xPtJVUdT_WS4cuQfip3BYvZ8dAe6lwOxm2a_6uHyXSBtNIxVG6C6v0s2mJyLWd9__yrwRrk4l4MA6pIyZqGG-HWJB-7IOTc8xVM1lMIM-sPOV0gnpc/s1600/20171019_133354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixKzPfCmXeevvGTZAO6RrF3Bv0xPtJVUdT_WS4cuQfip3BYvZ8dAe6lwOxm2a_6uHyXSBtNIxVG6C6v0s2mJyLWd9__yrwRrk4l4MA6pIyZqGG-HWJB-7IOTc8xVM1lMIM-sPOV0gnpc/s320/20171019_133354.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>Luge Ride</b> is a two-part ride where you go down a hill in a Luge and come back in a Skyride. Didn't seem too exciting at first but trust me, one ride will not be enough! Don't be surprised if kids ask for a second and third round!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>S.E.A Aquarium</b> is one of its kinds with over 800 different species of marine life and more than a lac sea animals! The jellyfishes were my favourite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>Trick Eye Museum</b> is one of the most amazing places we visited! You could not tell adults apart from kids! Before you go in don't forget to download the Trick Eye Art Cam app on your mobiles. You'll miss most of the fun if you don't. You don't need mobile data to use the app, so freak out clicking the most amazing pictures of your trip! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZRCypyya5Wn07PeRah5ZXOsk1ivLX7RRnDs2OyOAkk-L7fKcI21SvCMdC7Gsb09DeV0VIM1z-0vRpq3qpx2C-LZvZ9cM0WWBcxR5USfE17Pq0k8loPWqIRZh4doTIiFz-AjLtHOBzGA/s1600/ArtCam_2017101917409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZRCypyya5Wn07PeRah5ZXOsk1ivLX7RRnDs2OyOAkk-L7fKcI21SvCMdC7Gsb09DeV0VIM1z-0vRpq3qpx2C-LZvZ9cM0WWBcxR5USfE17Pq0k8loPWqIRZh4doTIiFz-AjLtHOBzGA/s320/ArtCam_2017101917409.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The illusions are a lot of fun and we had a field day clicking pictures like never before! Only when our legs refused to carry us anymore, we reluctant carried ourselves outside!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>Wings of Fire</b> is another lovely show by the beach. Using lazer and colourful strobe lights, it tells you an absorbing story of a bird finding it's way back home. It is assisted by two kids who learn the deeper meaning of friendship as they undertake this journey. It is mesmerising, colourful and one of a kind. Make sure you don't miss this one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Day 3 we toured <b>Universal Studios</b> which is by far the best on the Island (have I used that phrase already? :-P) If you take the cable ride to Sentosa, you could try the Sentosa express to Universal Studios the next day. That way you get to enjoy both the rides.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My top five for Universal Studios would be:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1) <b>The Transformers show</b> (you just cannot miss this!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2) The <b>Galactica twister ride</b> (But avoid if you have a weak tummy and/or fear of heights, being hung upside down, speed etc etc)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3) The <b>Jurassic Park water ride</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4) <b>Lights, Camera, Action @ Water World </b>(Straight out of a Hollywood action movie!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5) <b>Shrek 4D</b>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfcq1SzxucEWfYWFuqYAQDATcmHQJEKyPl19DrL9Ol-hai4IaGYTKqgXbmxfS7qFH6Z9qZ3Ar0A5wokZH_Kex_ngKx5CkzFn1I_MTKdovB3GNv00b7ocpRKRHoO_9-FSfyNtwBRQUd88/s1600/20171020_141025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfcq1SzxucEWfYWFuqYAQDATcmHQJEKyPl19DrL9Ol-hai4IaGYTKqgXbmxfS7qFH6Z9qZ3Ar0A5wokZH_Kex_ngKx5CkzFn1I_MTKdovB3GNv00b7ocpRKRHoO_9-FSfyNtwBRQUd88/s320/20171020_141025.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You could avoid <b>Madagascar</b> unless you have really small kids who'd enjoy the show. <b>The Mummy</b> could get a bit scary for the weak hearted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There's a lot of waiting time before every ride and the long queues and the unending wait could sometimes get torturous. But the wait is worth it, especially for the Transformers Show! If the queue wasn't so serpentine, we'd have gone in for a second time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrmu8EJ0xYUt3-rvfXzuUxZ1TzutWOh62ynu9KqIGOjB5AQZeHoJXL_yjHH6F3AAG-7zta4VupUBEVO2ESxwRbDhQ4D3NMC5uK844FSiO3zYOzvMY1zNnlCdYpJjJ9uBz8bStbqDHFbM/s1600/20171020_151332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrmu8EJ0xYUt3-rvfXzuUxZ1TzutWOh62ynu9KqIGOjB5AQZeHoJXL_yjHH6F3AAG-7zta4VupUBEVO2ESxwRbDhQ4D3NMC5uK844FSiO3zYOzvMY1zNnlCdYpJjJ9uBz8bStbqDHFbM/s320/20171020_151332.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is on the sets of <b>Lights, Camera, Action</b> at the <b>Water World</b>. With live action, gunfire, pirates, fires, and a lot more, you get the feel of being in the center of a Hollywood action flick being shot! The energy of the cast is mindblowing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The boys are sure to enjoy this drama!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you want to have the best of Universal Studios start early. You will need an entire day if you want to enjoy all the shows.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6j4OaLbKUcIvZCxl7bzT1EALB0hiIYj6LwcpLvhKb4CE5-5Y7Fyo7rlACWWUqC8s8SiMQ60x7fDZkaAFhE_UCL2WQnbnHJbi8GQrbZdkGOxnZFwsFpNm82OUwiOWjut7ucGd0g1jcEx8/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6j4OaLbKUcIvZCxl7bzT1EALB0hiIYj6LwcpLvhKb4CE5-5Y7Fyo7rlACWWUqC8s8SiMQ60x7fDZkaAFhE_UCL2WQnbnHJbi8GQrbZdkGOxnZFwsFpNm82OUwiOWjut7ucGd0g1jcEx8/s320/IMG_0925.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We spent Day 4 at the <b>Jurong Bird Park. </b>Get in by 11am and you can enjoy the Bird show at the Pools Amphitheater. The kids loved the singing parrot, the trained to perfection macaws, hornbills and flamingoes as they went about their tricks!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't forget to include the tram ride in your ticket. Walking through the entire park isn't such a great idea! You can hop on-hop off the tram and have a look at the birds. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO7WKySESLle5052KlR8TLXqQ514uSLodBJDOkvB2W_j1imXWfR8g2_e8hyDX7ayup6aUnjzK4sUWsypmo-V0RWTIitrJ4EbG20SV21tSbXEHyxRNMNop1saYs0ZlRgYQTu4mUOvP_P0/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO7WKySESLle5052KlR8TLXqQ514uSLodBJDOkvB2W_j1imXWfR8g2_e8hyDX7ayup6aUnjzK4sUWsypmo-V0RWTIitrJ4EbG20SV21tSbXEHyxRNMNop1saYs0ZlRgYQTu4mUOvP_P0/s320/IMG_4905.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the Tram stops is the <b>Lori feeding</b> station. Buy a cup of bird feed and the colourful Loris will flock to you, sit on your head, shoulders, where ever, making for a delightful time with the kids and for the kid in you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> We visited the<b> Singapore zoo</b> too. But I'd strike it off my list if I'd known it wasn't quite worth the visit. Book a tram ride ticket here too as walking can get your nerves. There's not much to see and our very own Mysore Zoo is way better!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The <b>Night Safari</b> on the same premises promises to be better, but it is quite a farce with the animals being put up on display under lights.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Sea Lion show was the only saving grace at the Zoo. There are some more feeding shows but at specific times which don't really fit into the schedules of tourists.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since we stayed in Little India, we hopped on and off into <b>Mustafa's</b> the mall every now and then, when we had the time. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs. You can also shop at China Town and Bugis and the MRT will take you wherever you wish to go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A local friend recommended the Laska noodles, but I can't say I enjoyed it. I guess it had more to do with our tongues being accustomed to the Indian version of Chinese food which made the authentic Chinese taste tricky!! But there are tons of Indian restaurants in the Little India area if you are missing home food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And before we said our goodbyes to Singapore, we treated ourselves to a visual delight at Changi Airport. We took an MRT to T2 to witness the amazing <b>Kinetic Rain</b> - a synchronized movement of over a thousand tear shaped brass droplets forming different patterns. Our terminal T4 had the <b>Enchanted Garden</b> where we clicked our last few memories!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Did you enjoy reading this? If you have visited Singapore before, what was your favourite part? Tell me in the comments section below. </span><br />
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the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439344714201574981.post-66257026497079510732017-06-17T18:07:00.000+05:302017-06-17T18:59:51.242+05:30The Fault in our Stares.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ah! The thrill of spotting a rainbow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like, it had chosen for her to see it, not the other way around.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46h82hF_g2s1p0-XwV_kUsPStPZSJNgi2BmBR63btHn4J0pRPVT7dkM3VP23pGWceB9RY3t8o-HxZDANismBStkXR6_gEBabBXyFAA7vKshb-Zo5HFDvxPZETymQ2YiDoLAmX4QcHqz0/s1600/rainbow-1445337690d8q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46h82hF_g2s1p0-XwV_kUsPStPZSJNgi2BmBR63btHn4J0pRPVT7dkM3VP23pGWceB9RY3t8o-HxZDANismBStkXR6_gEBabBXyFAA7vKshb-Zo5HFDvxPZETymQ2YiDoLAmX4QcHqz0/s320/rainbow-1445337690d8q.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She had drawn umpteen rainbows while in school. Finely arched lines on a blue sky, seven colours beautifying its outlines, slanting rain drops in the background, a smiling orange sun, its rays scattered all around, birds flying across the rainbow and a few puffy clouds to add to the theatrics...it was always the same. As she had grown up, the smudging had given way to cleaner lines, the blue sky got speckled with grey tones, sometimes, orange and pink too, the clouds became ill-defined and natural, puddles and umbrellas dotted the scene and a whole other paraphernalia came into existence on paper. But the seven coloured rainbow was always a staple on the rain scene.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBc1snLZ7KbE9_mWTjzuWDT6J7SMh_fHkKpf2ILJhgBtP8N-DIWl_8E_tlU-SBfU7VzwKjWp_Q5JorYRJhzEe0vsBgkDdK7T2BrwP2hBPvQitrpTdQfr52Ws6ldLpx4VSawPEoLxeM_g/s1600/rainbow-509500_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBc1snLZ7KbE9_mWTjzuWDT6J7SMh_fHkKpf2ILJhgBtP8N-DIWl_8E_tlU-SBfU7VzwKjWp_Q5JorYRJhzEe0vsBgkDdK7T2BrwP2hBPvQitrpTdQfr52Ws6ldLpx4VSawPEoLxeM_g/s320/rainbow-509500_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As she looked at the rainbow today, she noticed for the first time how faint and indistinguishable the colours were from each other, how sepulchral the sky looked even in face of such a joyous moment sweeping across it, how life seemed brighter on one side and darker on the other side of the rainbow and how the rainbow was the brightest just after the rain. There was no orange sun smiling from behind the puffy clouds - just a subtle trace of its presence somewhere, no slanting rain drops and no birds flying across the rainbow. And if she looked closely enough, she could even spot a twin-rainbow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The reality was so different from what she had been imagining all along! That a rainbow could give her such a deep and defining moment, was not something she'd have thought. The fault had really been in her stare! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> **************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Join me and fellow bloggers as we run a fortnight of blogging marathon madness at <a href="https://blogarhythmblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/17/barathon-2017-day-1-blogging/">BlogAThon</a>!! </span></div>
the little princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04712703931411283046noreply@blogger.com13