Tag-hour (part1)

Really, an irresistible tag this one! Its almost like giving an interview where the interviewer asks only your favourite questions. What's even better - there are only 3 questions! Thank you SG for tagging me. Read his post here.

Two cities you love and why

Bangalore was going to be my obvious first, but since it is just so predictable, I will list some others.

1. Hyderabad - This city has an old world air about it and in the six months I lived here, I couldn't help savour all that this wonderful city has to offer and long for some lot more time. A true melange of the glorious Nawabi culture with present day trappings. I have such fond memories when I think about Durgam cheruvu, Maharaja chat, Minerva cafe, Meena Bazaar, the other usual touristy spots and even Kacheguda rly stn!! They have the best airport in the country (my humble opinion) and driving in Nehru ORR (especially during the rains) is a magical experience. Although I only picked up a smattering of Telugu, I really enjoyed this movie 'Dookudu' which went on to become a superhit. When in Hyderabad, be Hyderabadi. This is where I learnt to make pesarattu and alam chutney and still love it, a tad more than the world famous biriyani. Here is also where I had my first baking lesson, baked my first cheesecake, made a chocolate mousse and got hooked to baking. Hyderabadis, do visit Labonel in Banjara Hills if you want to have some of the best pastries ever. Drool!

                   I was lucky enough to get a chance to spend an evening at the enchanting Taj Falaknuma Palace in Enginebowli. It was the Nizam's palace, now a heritage hotel. Falak-numa in Urdu means 'mirror of the sky' but it feels like a piece of heaven literally. There ought to be a grander word than palace to describe this. It is really the jewel among all palaces. I cherished every moment I spent in Hyd and was in tears when it was time to leave. Some cities do that to you. 

2. Kerala - I cannot name one place in this state that hasn't entranced me. I have visited more than 5-6 and it leaves me so alive and recharged after every visit. Each time I have stayed in different settings and enjoyed ALL experiences. Be it the food, people, places - it has such a calming effect on me. One of my most favourite getaways at any time. They simply have it all. Munnar with foggy mountains and a picturesque lake is the only hill-station in the South that comes close to experiencing Shimla without actually going there. The backwaters of Kumarakom-Alleypey make you immerse yourself in the surroundings and make the most of the moment. Every Keralite ought to be very proud as it is without doubt, God's own country. My favourite artist, Raja Ravi Varma also hails from this beautiful state. 

I wish I could write more as I struggled between Kerala and Udaipur(Rajasthan) for my choice of second city. Since I spent a very little time in Udaipur, I decided to pick Kerala. But do visit the very 'under-rated' Udaipur and take a moonlit private boat-ride on Lake Pichola! ;-) Trust me, you'll be spouting poetry.

Two professions you love and why

There are tons I like but I am choosing two off-beat ones. Not really sought after, atleast in India. Hope to see more of them though. 

1. Travel show host - Looks absolutely glamorous, period. Stunning locales, exotic hotels ... in short a paid vacation around the world. For years, 'Lonely Planet' used to be my favourite program on TV. When I travel around, I now see the dark side of these professions. You have to be so flexible, so careful in new surroundings, adjust instantly to changes in schedules and make it all seem like a breeze. Add to the fact that it can get pretty lonely. I am sure most of us like a vacation with company where one can relax and unwind. That is just one of the bleak spots. All told, it still is a fascinating job for as they say -  " if you haven't traveled, you haven't lived at all ". Cheers to these cheery people for showing us the world within the comforts of our sofas and couches. And making us to yearn to globe-trot.


2. Professional swimmer - Right, this is due to the Olympics. I have been a fan of the games and love watching all the swimming events. I was rejoicing when Phelps finally struck gold in London this July. Being a professional sportsperson requires so much grit I sometimes suspect they are born with something different than the rest of us. My neighbour used to be a state-level swimmer and she used to be training from 5am in the morning. After school, it used to be back to training or exercises. It all seemed grueling and no doubt it is, but you get much more than you give. I had read an article some years back about the training schedule of a swimmer and retrieved it for you to read if interested, click here to know more about how they train.   


This tag continues in my next post. I will describe how I spend my day from morning to night and then list my 3 questions for others.