Living In Interesting Times

It finally happened, India is under a complete lockdown for 21 days. Today happens to be Day 5 and unlike the voluntary Janta Curfew of last Sunday, this is the compulsory kinds. Stay at home! China, Italy, Spain, England, the US, practically every country around the globe is doing it or on its way. So,…

Pompeii Calling

For me Pompeii always had a mystical aura around it. To think, it was obliterated when it faced the fury of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan himself and then it rose like a Phoenix from its ashes and lava to become a legend. Honestly, my imagination had run wild ever since I heard its…

Sleepless In Stockholm

Four memorable days in Stockholm was not a tall order but I was determined to make every hour count. So you can imagine my excitement as I sat peering through the aircraft window for my first glimpse of the city. "Venice of the North", was what my classmate had called it. I could see why.…

Perched On A Roof In Milan

“Milan is the fashion capital”, Ms Teen chirped. The Knight of course had to counter, “ San Siro Stadium- AC Milan- the gods of football.” Both good choices but I stuck to the Milan Cathedral. I should know because I was astounded when I saw it for the first time. You see, no amount of…

Chasing Art On Streets Of Italy.

Honestly speaking, street art was the last thing in my mind while visiting the land of the Old Masters. Florence was picked because of David, the one that Michelangelo carved. Well, he was spectacular but then so were Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners/Slaves that really don't get the attention they deserve. Anyway more of that in another…

Training lens on Napoli.

Everything I knew about Napoli/Naples could be summed up in three points- * Napoli Football Team * Neapolitan pizza * A seaside town I couldn't wait to check it on my way back from Pompeii. Only I didn't realise that at the end of a long day clambering among the ancient ruins, I would get…

Wooing Lady Luck Across Italy

I could not think of a better way to commence my Italian Adventure during the summer break, than by seeking Dame Fortune's blessings! I had heard Trevi Fountain was the place to go to. Things one does while visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome during peak tourist season:- a) Steel yourself and push your way…

La Dolce Vita in June

Growing up, Cliff Richard songs were a favourite and come June, the ditty 'Summer Holiday' use to take a life of its own. " We're going where the sun shines brightly We're going where the sea is blue We've seen it in the movies Now let's see if it's true." I literally lived the song…

The Water Trail Of Kumalda Village

Nestling among the mountains, Kumalda Village beckoned me like a siren's song. People spoke of its breathtaking beauty during the rains, the nearby River Song would swell in size and water cascade down in sheets. Well, I missed my chance during the monsoon but when my favourite walking group Been There Doon That announced another…

October Bytes#4: Cave walk At The Thousand-Fold Spring

We call it Sahasradhara, the Thousand Fold Spring. With a name so lyrical, the place is famous for its natural beauty and the sulphur springs. I remember it from my childhood, a quiet picnic spot, surrounded by tall limestone hills, a sparkling stream, the sun shining, birds chirping and the gleeful shouts of the local…