tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387457532024-02-07T05:02:12.454-08:00Juss some blah..“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-10199978723759281132022-06-28T21:49:00.002-07:002022-06-28T21:49:51.108-07:00Mid year already!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Its 6 months into 2022 already. Its been an interesting year. I lost many colleagues to attrition. January we all went to Tirupati for Darsh Mundan 2nd time. Had booked a TT and many family members joined. Feb after a lot of soul searching i realized , i work at a good place which supports my current life needs. March i took time to read. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But May was a blockbuster month , It was my best friends wedding. She is like my sister from other mother. I have been waiting for this sometime. I was super happy and the event was in Mysore. It was super religious ceremony , the bride and groom looked radiant. The happiness i felt was really indescribable. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then there was Darsh 5th birthday celebration. It was super fun, with limited friends invited. My nephews also had come down. I had taken a week off to just chill with them. It was a very good week where i relaxed and forgot about work. So far the year has been good , hoping to continue it.</span></p>Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-13839295736690865032021-09-30T02:29:00.003-07:002021-09-30T02:29:22.696-07:00 Made to stick : Sticking to core message<p> I came across the book "Made to stick " by Chip Heath and Dan Heath . I typically do not pick such long non fiction book easily . But a work discussion lead to a requirement of keeping report simple and creating a story based report. While i have presented and given my messages in ways which were simple or compared some data with something drastic. But never have i heard about story based report. While i like the concept, its not something that comes easily. I felt story lining a compliance report will make it a fluffy attempt on a serious issue. I am converted, while i might not go ahead with story, i might take a few principles from this book. I am still midway through it. There are so many stories in it about advertising and other fields which makes it interesting otherwise it would have been easily forgettable. </p><p> It basically goes over the principle of success to make it sticky. Sticky ideas are easily understood and remembered. And they're able to affect people's opinions and behavior. They spell like <b>SUCCESS</b>:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Simple</li><li>Unexpected</li><li>Concrete</li><li>Credible</li><li>Emotional</li><li>Stories</li></ol><p></p><p><b>Simple: </b></p><p>If you argue ten points, no one would remember any, even if they're good. To make you idea sticky, you should make it simple and strip it down to its core. Its gives example from military where main intent is to "break the enemy's will". It gives leaders and soldiers the ability to improvise tactics as needed, while adhering to the common intent. </p><p>Southwest Airlines is a very successful airline. One reason for that is having a core: We're the low-fare airline. It's a simple idea, and it helps guide employee actions. If you're an employee who is asked to decide whether to add a pricey chicken Caesar salad to the airline's menu because customers requested it, you'll reject the idea because it doesn't help being low-fare.</p><p><b>Unexpected:</b></p><p><b> </b>Unexpected ideas stick to our minds because it surprises us and gets our attention. Basically break an expected pattern what people are expected in a boring story , when you do something very unexpected it sticks to people's mind. I can think of many controversial advertisement in India which follow this principle. I recall the neighbour's envy owners pride even today despite that brand becoming less popular. </p><p> Then once you the attention, the key is to keep that attention. Even in new articles or while teaching if we follow this principle then it gets easier to remember for readers or students. Sometimes letting the message unfold like a mystery works well. Instead of showing report numbers in my case on page one, i try to build a story around it on what exactly is it about. To be honest still trying to map it to "unexpected report" in my case. Then then is "Gap Theory" . To make your Gap Theory work even better, make people commit to a prediction! The simple act of committing makes people more engaged and curious about the outcome. To know if they're right or wrong!</p><p><b>Make it concrete:</b></p><p> If you want your ideas to be sticky, avoid being very generic! Language is often abstract and generic, but life is not! As an example there was story about Sony making transistor radios. One thing that made Sony successful is the pocketable radio idea. It was simple, unexpected (at the time, radios was like furniture), and concrete. It gave Sony engineers a clear and ambitious goal to achieve. </p><div>Kennedy said to the American people: "our goal is to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth". It's simple, unexpected (people didn't walk on the moon), and concrete.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Make it credible:</b></div><div> </div><div> We people create rumors to make it credible they add things like FDA to fix and suddenly the rumor seems believable. Another example was if you have textile which is free of hazardous substances , you can say you have edible textiles. Though it seems funny, it will make it more credible and remembered.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Make it emotional:</b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b> </b>This can be related to a typical donations case. Example when you hear an emotional story you tend to make a donation than just a report or even medical terminology. Thats why they start with a family intro and build from there. Than start with an intro to the disease. The idea is to tap into the things people care about. </div><div><br /></div><div> In an Indian context i see Narendra Modi using this tactic. He appealed to the nation to let go of the LPG subsidy for people who still had no access to it. The advertise featuring a mother using the traditional wooden stove was coughing and child was shown to be affected as well. And if you let go of your subsidy then they will benefit. You literally in that moment felt connected and it created such an impact that people let of subsidy in a nation where we went on dharna for onion prices. Another was wearing masks and making it seem like we want the lockdown, the emotional appeal for the doctors and health care worker. While the developed nations had people opposing masks, lock down, vaccine. We had people preaching each other to wear masks and to follow lockdown and then go get vaccine. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Use stories: </b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b> </b> In today's world we all know about story telling. We probably have read and attended soft skills training on it. Below is an example from the book.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jared had a serious weight problem. He wore size XXXXXXL shirts. Motivated by Subway's "7 under 6" campaign, he tried a sandwich and liked it. So he developed his own "Subway diet". After three months, he dropped almost 100 pounds. The story was written in a student magazine article. The story caught the attention of Subway's marketing team, and they turned it into one of their most successful ad campaigns. These days similar stories are marketed on twitter and instagram. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-43280248963175668992021-09-27T02:38:00.000-07:002021-09-27T02:38:06.299-07:00Reflection<p> Its exactly 4 month since me and my husband were discharged from Covid hospital. It was nightmare of time. It made me realize the importance of living life. There were countless mortalities in that month, that was really distressful . I wasn't that worse, but my husband was quite worse. But fortunately we survived. It has changed my perspective on so many things that i myself didn't realize it. It was when a good friend and a colleague L asked me about my post covid reflection's , that I paused and really thought back on myself and my husband's behavioral changes. </p><p> Purging away the noise, kuch to log kahenge , logo ka kaam hai kehna. I used to get bogged down by this even though you pretend to not believe it. I truly now don't give a shit about what random people think about me. My friend Y was always the one telling, why do you care what anyone thinks? So thanks to her and Covid, i finally can say i really just don't give a damn. The culture of accumulation, i truly never subscribed to this in past and it reinforced me to live a minimalistic lifestyle now.. I gave away lot of stuff the first month back. I restarted reading books, as i realized nobody can be a better friend than them. </p><p> The what if syndrome is something we all suffer. My husband too was going through it, post his father's demise. I too was suffering from career and personal what if's . On hindsight, those were so trivial that we never appreciated who we had in our life and what we had. It was such a moment of truth. I have great job, great family. I now thank god everyday for what i have. Its a drastic change, if everyone appreciates what they have than what they think they should have.</p><p> In the end the only thing that matters is who you helped and how you lived your life. No self help book or lecture, but reality of losing someone we love gets you this realization. I am probably a happier and contented version of myself from the days before covid to now. I reinforced my belief and my love for my country. Despite all the venom internationally, the health care crunch was everywhere, but still the doctors and nurses cared about you than being waitlisted like in other countries.</p><p> Oh well, i restarted my love for various things i did in past. Here and i come BSE/NSE :) . Instead of crying about things i have no control over, i decided to excel in things i can control. I hope this drive in me remains for years to come . I have let go of many many things, people who don't want to talk to you , friends who ghosted you no longer faze me. You truly need to change your perspective about life to live it to fully. </p>Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-25162233820619892302021-08-12T03:13:00.000-07:002021-08-12T03:13:08.751-07:00Life is transient<p> A family tragedy has made me re-evaluate my priorities and rethink on what i want from life. My cousin who is younger than me lost her husband suddenly. The transition of person one minute present and gone next is really hard. Even though i am thousand of miles away from her, i am feeling her pain. I hope i can soon meet her and share some of her grief. Her husband Amit was a great guy. We all always found him a happy go lucky guy. He was there for everyone in their moments of joy and grief. He and my cousin Mukta were first to come see me when i fractured my ankle , first to see when i gave birth to Darsh. All i can say is , he is gone too soon. God takes away the good ones early.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d1-2LK91YaK1xC-af0LUZnNzqBHUzLpU4g8f4ZOlB5nTvH2XbcPZz5_AFUmXTXZ1Rt9-FMNBuKYslXoAhGmMGVdc5ZqICp-DrqyyVvdT_fdvXpPzoLxVIZxWEKy7LOxdIQf02A/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="722" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d1-2LK91YaK1xC-af0LUZnNzqBHUzLpU4g8f4ZOlB5nTvH2XbcPZz5_AFUmXTXZ1Rt9-FMNBuKYslXoAhGmMGVdc5ZqICp-DrqyyVvdT_fdvXpPzoLxVIZxWEKy7LOxdIQf02A/" width="159" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-31795227023715545852020-08-09T02:24:00.002-07:002020-08-09T03:13:42.153-07:00A new challenge<p> Pandemic times and reflection is something all of us are going through. Sometimes the time and thought we are going through makes us take unusual decisions. I had a cushy job with a great manager and a great team. I was all set to probably becoming a director in few years if i continued contributing and working hard. But i always felt i wasn't being too creative in what i do or just felt i can do something more interesting. I started scouting for a job with no real intent of changing but maybe just to see whats out there. Interestingly got 2 opportunities to work on something totally different. I had my moment of doubt due to pandemic times and fear of change. However, after a holistic review of my liabilities and interest areas i decided to bite the bullet. Being a conformist is what i have been my whole life. Sometimes being a non conformist makes you achieve a lot in life.Excellence only comes when you do something which truly resonates with your soul. In last year i let go of many things like buying a house, moving abroad and now letting go of the cushiness of great job. I was conflicted and did look for answers from friends , online motivators, spirituality, but ultimately you need to do whats best for you. To be or not to be is only we can do by looking within ourselves. We should not out ourselves in ceilings and those limit us. </p><p>I am prepared to learn , unlearn, leave fear and give it my best shot . Hope it works out. My love for Oracle continues, but sometimes we breakup for our own good :) .</p>Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-78713400500208483002020-04-27T01:28:00.000-07:002020-04-27T01:28:15.264-07:00Boomerang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everything in life works like a boomerang.You throw something at it and it comes back to you.If you do good, you get good stuff.If you do something illegal or immoral , you get it back soon.There is no ideal way of life, there is just life.We reflect on life somedays when we are in introspective mode. I am from past one week.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-79973108467089235002020-04-26T04:01:00.002-07:002020-04-26T04:01:54.071-07:00Been a while<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its been a while since i penned something here. I was busy being away from all social media fallacy on humans. But like everyone else, who is locked down in corona times. I am also finally getting back on social media, but with tad bit caution. I am also trying to update my knowledge as there is nothing much to do on weekends. I am trying new recipe's , new books, new shows, new technology and new possibilities. But, its reset my mind to an extent that i realize the mistakes i was making in my everyday life by being in the rat race. There is a lot we can self realize when you have left with less choices. No wonder people choose those isolated vacation to think in obscure places. But the corona virus has given us that time to think without actually leaving your house.<br />
There are people in bad situations, stuck in places they did not want to be in. There are people who have problems to feed their families. I know the government is doing a lot, but there is so much they can also do. Lot of people have stepped up to help each other. Its like we have hit a reset and people actually care about each other, where we just barely acknowledged each other. Like everyone else i too have friends and family who does not talk to me for various reasons from past. That's story for another day, i do hope all of them are hale and hearty. I also distanced myself as it was too much heartache and too much calling on my emotions .But the lockdown made me wonder if i just dial then and talk to them. But, somehow it is hard after so many years. I really have grown into a different person from few years ago. The things that bothered me no longer bothers me. I would have been really scared to make some life changing decision in past, but now its easier to think and decide. I have made some decision and just hope it turns as i expect, even if doesn't i will have a satisfaction of trying it out. Until then be safe and take care of yourselves.</div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-65573321218436243572019-12-08T22:38:00.001-08:002019-12-08T22:38:37.079-08:00Last year of decade!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This year is marks the start of last year of a decade. We all do the 10 year challenge and try to recall what did we think or do 10 years ago! 10 years is a long time. We lose people, we meet some people , we learn something new, we unlearn something. The list of things and emotions we went through will be a long list. Overall, whether we achieved what we set out to or on a total different path, we should always be grateful.<br />
Personally, i have grown to finally live for today and let go of the grudges or whatever we call them. One thing which helped me was to let go of social media from life. Basically uninstalled the facebook app. I also sparingly use whatsapp to express myself. Though that has become a necessity and cannot be completely removed. This has purged some noise and i get some additional time to look at something beyond "what everyone is doing on social media".<br />
I no longer have a new year resolution in life , though i do have bucket list of things i want to do, which again is flexible and i don't hinge my life on completing these. It does need a lot of control to stop using social media. I do use quora a lot, to read. The leading innovative change course i did from UC berkeley helped me look at work problems slightly differently as well. I no long hinge my decisions on what i think, i really try and ask questions more and arrive at solutions.<br />
That doesn't mean i am some know it all, i have good and bad days. But, it could be life experiences which make you slightly wiser as you grow old. I have also decided to just let things take their course in few things which are not in our control. I no longer second guess what others think and align myself to it. People will think what they think , unless i am harming someone or someone is harming me, i just let it be.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-1011106144417573642018-12-16T09:46:00.002-08:002018-12-16T09:46:46.498-08:00Secular state<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lately i just see important leaders getting news coverage for visiting temple, posing with lota and folded hands. When it started sometime back, it was good to see them. There was a felling of secular state that, we can showcase everything we do and feel. We need not be afraid to practice our faith. But, when this became a broken record every other week. It really didnot go down well with public.While people what changes at ground level, we have enterprise level national projects running. And as well know enterprises takes years to work.By then, things move on, people change.<br />
This could be the reason why the elected party is now losing all over the place. They have forgotten the instant gratification, which people expected from them. They become too long term and futuristic. While we do need a bullet train, its the poverty and farmer issues which people really need help on. They don't care if they travel by ox cart or bullet train when they are hungry.They only care about hunger and instant food. I hope the next 6 months are enough for them to redeem themselves. I am not supporting anyone at this point as opposition too is mired in caste-ism and family politics.<br />
I just hope that we reach a level of secular state where secularism is not about religion alone, but also is about how we run and showcase our personal lives to public. Our leaders need to stop showcasing and really start working on ground level. </div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-22747825344068467892018-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:002018-12-16T09:38:22.468-08:00Tripping to reality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its been a hectic week, i had a complicated training and usual office work past week. On top of that , the traffic is a killer of time in Bangalore.I took my son to park today, to give myself a break and burn off some extra calories.We walked , played and enjoyed the breeze. Then when i was exiting i heard some music, it was 3 people singing something on loudspeaker. There was a difference that these people were blind. In my hurry to walk and looking at them i tripped on a wire. I basically turned off their power to speaker. So, they were singing but there was no music. I just ran and connected their speaker again.<br />
Just made me realize that with my working eyes i tripped, how do they manage in life. I see everyday blind people going about daily business. I see one near KR puram railway station.He walks with such confidence, that without his stick you wouldn't know that he cannot see.I know a regular one who takes a bus from Ramiaah bus stop. I have spotted them from years now. But, what do i mean you must be wondering. I only wonder that with so many people dying in accident , suicide ,you would think that they will get eye donations.But, looks like the pledges are just pledges. I have told my spouse strictly that , once i am gone , i need some working parts be donated. I have pledged my organs, but the key is that my near and dear ones recall this, when the time comes.<br />
Why did i end the sabbatical of blogging with this? Well, i also had a donation ad appear on my facebook feed. It just made me sad that, we all pledge, but do we have anyone who will follow through when the time comes? I just hope so .I would love to live on in someone :).</div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-53843886084799166342018-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:002018-05-13T10:17:26.115-07:00Mothers day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I really did not dedicate a facebook post to my mother today. I meet her and can tell her, so its strange to appreciate her on facebook, which she doesn't even use:D . I am trying to make her net savvy, but alas. I did turn a narcissist and update my profile pic with kid . I think i deserve to wish myself.The important bit is women appreciate themselves sometimes and do a self reflection on their life. Its tough being a mom, you choose everyday good or bad, you are responsible for someone (tough job). Somedays now i am unable to crack that issue at work, i just feel quite depressed.I just blame it on busy life which makes me unable to be super updated on technologies or just plain forgetful. But, i do understand i need to do justice to my work, my child, myself and family. To strike a balance is something you can only learn as you evolve.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #718fa4;">You are the moon I see far away.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #718fa4;">You are the tree I lean upon.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #718fa4;">You are the one that makes troubles be gone.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #718fa4;">You are the one who taught me about life,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #718fa4;">You are my love, my life, my mom.</span></span></div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-53415443222032478142018-04-02T00:26:00.000-07:002018-04-02T02:29:14.149-07:00Positive vibes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My last post probably had lot of negative vibes, though its not easy to be in corporate world . I have till date never played the women card, which most women are accused of playing at work. I do agree many of the women do it majorly. Neither i had ever taken the advantage of being the "lady". Well, times have changed thankfully and nobody cares of your gender at work.<br />
I did get that promotion , i was a bit taken aback. Not because it was undeserved,but came at a time when i had reset my goals . I took few days, to inform my family and friends, after few years working , nobody really cares about your designation. Though times have changed, its no longer about designation but about skills now. So, nowadays, nobody cares if you are VP or SVP, you just need to be with right skills. Well, its certainly some positive vibes back at work. </div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-62037835541516142492018-02-24T10:09:00.000-08:002018-02-24T10:09:18.089-08:00Ah! Wish i was a man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All the women/girl however strong and independent, they have atleast pondered, once in a while what is it to be man.And just wished that they were sometimes , out of sheer frustration "a man".Now all those feminist out there , i am one of you.But sometimes it hard to keep up the front.Trying to recount some of those for fun.<br />
When you realize that menstruation is something which will come every month, and all the boys in your class will not get it.When you suddenly have curfews to return home as you are adult now.You just wish you were a boy.<br />
Then when you are over the moon due to getting a engineering seat , someone telling anyways you will end up leaving your job and cooking (Thanks to that Aunty, i never ever considered to marry a NRI !#careermatters) .Then there are instances when your Career choices are based on community advices (:D) .<br />
I had a friend who dreaded pay raise as she would become less sought after by supposed groom. I recall coaching her on this bullshit mentality. Would you imagine being unhappy on getting a raise? Would a man think like this? No wonder women in world over get paid less than their male counterpart.<br />
I myself was quite apprehensive of a 6 month maternity break. I wondered if i will lose in touch with my skills. However, this early realization led me to read and think. I binge watched TV and documentaries when i could find time. I read on things irrelevant things, basically let it go.Yes, the break impacts things, but i accepted it and moved on. It might have impacted the promotion i hankered after last year, but i have moved on from it and a realization that i really dint want that .I would sealed my fate in management forever :) . Would a man thought anything about career or baby? They probably just look at it as 5 days break! <<just kidding="">></just><br />
And the men bonding in the smoke breaks are classic, I sometimes in my early career used to just pull my hair out of sheer frustration. A teammate and manager discussed something with smoke and assumed we all knew what they discussed. Well, let me tell you, these breaks did help that colleague in the long run. But, yeah karma is a bitch, hardwork matters in the end. I would believe this till my last breath. I do have my super pessimistic days where i feel universe is out to get you :).<br />
I lived in NCR , i never really felt unsafe in real sense travelling alone etc..But, i my mind i was always cautious with cabbies, or just cautious. Do men have this subconscious need to be extra safe? We hesitate to travel alone, well times are changing . I have interacted with super strong women who travel alone to amazing places.<br />
A relative had a 2nd girl .Imagine how they were congratulated, ah well, its in destiny another girl.But , the family was celebrating , i was happy to see.I just hate this suppressed congratulations. I had all girl names listed when i was expecting , so we scrambled to find a boy's name when he was born .Hope the boy doesnt read and feel depressed :P<br />
All i mean is , on our bad days we hanker to be a man. But, we are all happy to be what we are. Men need to give us space, respect. Times have changed, world is a better place i am happy to say.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-42178114999512438492018-01-01T09:29:00.002-08:002018-01-01T09:29:39.022-08:00Another year <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2017 is a year where i experienced the joy of waking up at midnight to appease a baby :P, was also a year of extreme reflection.We just need to purge the negativity from life and move on .There are things we can and cannot control. A fractured ankle is what reset my equilibrium and mental status. I was in a mode of extreme tension wrt to work. I just realized nobody really cares , work goes on , things don't stop. There will always be office politics. People will always be there to take advantage of your disadvantage , but that's just life.<br />
A baby certainly adds up to the equation called life. In the moment of extreme wonder , i just ponder on nature, how a tiny being gets your mannerisms and habits. You just cannot plan things to minute details as the baby is ever ready to change them for you.<br />
Career wise things were going great. Then the baby happened , despite all the feminist , all are equal-ism talks , i realized that they are just that. It certainly impacts , in my case it is a good thing. I am hoping 2018 to be a year of some major change.I need to focus on getting new skills .One of my mentor once said to have a secondary skills which can sustain you in life, i always wanted to do this. I did relearn trading and crypto trading during my break, made some money and plan to continue this.<br />
I am as usual thankful for the things i have, i am thankful to have a wonderful family and friends. I am thankful to my some wonderful colleagues. My mentors, who constantly make me think. To that unknown entity called god, who pushes to rocky paths for testing you and making you a better version of yourself. A year passes by and we become more wiser and older . I hope i can strike the right cord on the things i planned, else there is another year :)</div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-38909540057312512572017-10-30T23:28:00.000-07:002017-11-07T23:55:02.520-08:00Life in time of social media<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yes,, trying to copy from love in time of cholera.But mine seems less morbid title.But, i am not anti social media.I am on all active platforms and hooked on them.I was into facebook when it was new and exciting.Then followed google+, blogger, twitter, quora, wordpress, snapchat, watsapp etc etc..But, we move on from one to other , as there are too many options. Its easy to mindlessly get addicted to these. I however have become addicted to quora lately. I do update or look at facebook sparingly. I see now people have realized that they don't need to provide live update of their lives. Just new places, new additions, new dedications need to appear on social media. Some of my friends who posted almost everything have disappeared from social media.I have deactivated my facebook for couple days sometimes. But, just giving it up is too much! I do have subscribed to some fun pages and groups. I get a ton of information there, on things like fashion, food, charity, travel! So it has its own uses. However, few use it to copy others or stalk exes.<br />
I have been mindlessly been shopping online almost everyday, owe it to unable to go anywhere as i find it hard to travel with baby and India still doesn't even have space for feeding baby in restrooms.God forbid public breastfeeding ! I have been inspired by a person i follow on facebook (a CEO and avid traveller), who hasnot shopped the entire year ! Even when her last pair of running shoes were torn!I have vowed to not shop anything for next 30 days(ofcourse diaper and baby stuff is excused :P ).<br />
Also, i read this inspiring story where a lady decided to not treat the children like "king and queen" on watsapp.Basically most people buy children specific things like umbrella, small this , small that (all useless stuff).Why can't the child use what we use??Also, i had told my husband not to mindlessly get clothes for bub, which is good, few pairs of clothes and toys will get him to value what he has. I have lately seen children breaking expensive toys within seconds of getting those. I am not talking about breaking while playing, but just breaking for the sake of breaking! I can't say how bub will turn out, but i will try to steer him in right direction.<br />
Then there is another friend in Canada, she admirably is making organic stuff herself , she has a 4 month baby, works and has no help like in India! So, again people like these inspire you be a better version of yourself. So, social media has its own uses. Some people's post give you joy when you see their travel photos, children photos or their achievements.<br />
I can't forsake social media to make a statement.I have seen people giving it up and then going on and on how they gave it up! Nobody cares, it your choice.Also, these days birthdays and festivals are no longer time to call and talk. Its just forward a photo and you are done with wishing someone. How i miss catching up and calling on festivals and birthdays. I did call until last year, i realized most people respond as if i am wasting their time :D, so i too just forward now. Some don't even call back and just message on some app, that too in times where voice calls are all time free! Sigh , maybe i was being to much of a relic of olden days, i am trying to change to modern times. </div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-29603498048464000152017-10-29T11:31:00.000-07:002017-10-29T11:31:43.265-07:005 months!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Life has been hectic to say the least. I was oversimplifying parenting. I assumed my 6 month maternity break will be filled with baby sleeping peacefully and smiling when coaxed.I had a to do list of hobbies and career enhancing certifications (LOL).But, a baby is a baby (i was a ignorant oaf, owing to have nothing to do with babies ), who has a distinct personality from day 1. Day 6 , i still recall with fondness now.It was a classic case of me going by the book, the discharge summary was like "if baby is sleeping and is not pottying from hours, reach out to emergency" .The bub hadn't pottied that day and looked very lethargic and off we ran to the hospital. The nurses had the last laugh, as he had pottied on the way to hospital( i did smell something , but assumed its the usual Delhi stench ). And day 13 again bub was screaming like banshee whole night, next day too . Finally , i couldn't take anymore and off we ran to hospital again. It turned out to be gas in tummy, which again was something we had no clue on. I did google and google, which just showed colic or "run to doctor. By week 3, we were pro in not panicking.<br />
After that somehow i settled in a routine. But my leg in cast was a big hamper in day to day life. I was just a couch potato and had to rely on others to lift and shift the baby. But the fourth week of bub, i finally got a all clear to get the cast removed and all sort of "do not try and run" instructions!Though i smiled and joked through out it(save for few bouts of crying) , it was a real tough time which just shifted my thinking to "value what i have" "health is wealth" .Overall a jolt which steers you in right direction. I needed that as i was working until one day before the C -section.<br />
Today the bub is 5 months already and i am like , where the time has gone! I did find time to cram one certification in these 5 months . I disclose to someone and they assume i have cheatsheets to pass them. I really did read and pass it(barely)! I am trying to cram another one, all this as the whole technology has shifted to cloud in last 6 months and i might have to try and run a different type of team/projects when i join back. I need to know things before i expect to lead. Since, i dont sleep more than 7 hours per day, i cram in reading in between or late nights. I really value knowledge, its something believe is the only earning in life.I also crammed in new books which were on my list , that was easy , feeding bub and reading (multitask :P). I also constantly keep in touch with friends , easy to become singleminded with a baby, but friends matter !<br />
I have accepted that i no longer can have a to do list and expect it to become "all done" list easily.But, life is more interesting as its unpredictable small moments now.</div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-21899566270512196472017-09-07T06:22:00.000-07:002017-09-07T06:22:28.303-07:00Simple Vanilla eggless cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Since i am on maternity break, i have taken up baking again.I have tried many cakes , but nothing beats a simple vanilla cake. Below is the simplest recipe.<br />
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1 1/3 cup - maida<br />
3/4 cup - Butter or mix of butter and cream of this quantity<br />
1 - tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 - tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 tsp -vanilla essence<br />
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- Mix maida , baking soda, baking powder<br />
- Mix melted butter (mix of butter and cream)+ sugar + vanilla + some milk<br />
- now fold the maida mix in the 2nd step mix slowly.<br />
- keep adding milk, the mixture should fall in ribbon constituency .Ensure its not too runny or thick.<br />
- Pre heat oven to 180 degree<br />
- now put this mix in a greased container and put in oven for 20 minutes at 180 degree.<br />
- check by inserting a knife or pin , if it sticks then bake for some more time, else take out.<br />
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This was simplest and best recipe i used so far! Can make it chocklate cake by substituting half maida by cocoa powder<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-190521778670144632017-08-17T10:37:00.001-07:002017-08-17T10:37:41.508-07:00A baby on one leg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You must be wondering on the strange title of this post. Well, i did break my ankle on 8th month of my pregnancy and had a pretty rough time of it. I think i will put down things which kept me sane and i sailed through it. It was an abrupt start of maternity break or rather , unplanned. However i did work with my plaster and pregnancy to close any loose ends(it was for my own mental peace).Once the doctor suggested for C-section considering my leg, it started the typical discussion on when and when ? Finally we went ahead with 29 May. The comical part was i was pretty excited and not really scared , i was trying to look somber ;) . Things went fine and i met my baby boy Tashvik .<br />
I was pretty surprised that people go through labor pain and all. As the C section turned out to be 15 mins work. I was conscious and could hear the baby. Since it was quite foggy headed , i still wanted to jump up and see him.But , alas i couldn't move a muscle.<br />
I had discovered Quora during my ankle fracture as i had to be on bed rest mostly or walk with the walker.I read through some books, when i wasn't working. Quora is pretty quirky place where we read all sorts of discussions.I also focused on what i will achieve during my break.I still have most of those things on my to do list. I plan to soon get that moving. Overall , where there is will there is a way. I will never take mobility for granted now. Basically , i reflected on life in that period. You find real friends and family from false in time of crisis. Despite the tough time, i feel i felt empowered in a way .And now the motherhood experience deserves a separate space.</div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-78949641259412796672016-11-23T05:49:00.000-08:002016-11-23T05:49:08.154-08:00Days of reflection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every new year, birthday, anniversary or days of importance make us stop and think "is so much time passed already". The life these days is very fast moving.You celebrate new year and you are already in middle of it and next thing you know it has ended.Sometimes, some eventful day makes you reflect on your life and wonder, what if?We all have such days sometimes where we have some free time to just reflect :)<br />
Even some days where you lost someone makes you wonder.You need to reflect and take time out of your schedule to think on things that matter.Else, life will pass you by and only regret will be left in life.We need to purge negativity and embrace positivism in life.We really need to do things we want to do.I do make a to do list every year, try and stick to few things, but generally they reappear next year too.<br />
I ensure to keep in touch with friends by taking time out to connect or call them.Its easy to just get into a trend of updating facebook status.But, you need to make an effort to keep in touch, else life is just about apps and nonsense.</div>
Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-31015894283090214552016-11-23T05:43:00.001-08:002016-11-23T05:43:31.968-08:00Hiatus from blogging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had been so busy generally that i have had no time to read, write , blog or travel lately.Work has been like pouring in.Also, news keeps me busy in my free time these days, with so much happening.While i am enjoying the workload, as its on new technology and challenges.I did miss reading, so planning to catch up this December as hoping my evenings will be free from office work.<br />
With world is trying to make sense of Trump winning elections to demonetization, common man finally is debating each day and finding it exhilarating to be in middle of all this excitement.I had really not watched news regularly in past, i used to catch up on news online or on mobile app while travelling.Now, its exciting to see news everyday and there really is no time to do anything else.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-13916848558101703932016-08-23T09:26:00.001-07:002016-08-23T09:26:52.387-07:00Kasauli<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Kasauli is a small town which is in Himachal.Its close to Delhi and one can reach there by car .Also, a train to Delhi to Kalka can also be taken.From there we have to take a taxi or bus.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-6377816476382536072016-07-26T05:33:00.000-07:002016-07-26T05:33:16.775-07:00Rishikesh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its a destination which is a must visit.Delhi to haridwar there are many trains available .From there a bus or a Taxi will take you to Rishikesh.I had booked Anandam resort which turned out to be in amazing location and a good deal!.It was walkable distance from Laxman jhoola.So we walked around a lot.We did do river rafting, though it was not as thrilling as when riven is overflowing.Due to low tourist season, we ended up 3 in the raft and i had to work very hard :). However will do it again when the river is flowing.Its an amazing feeling.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-14452589925158620432016-07-21T23:32:00.000-07:002016-07-21T23:32:29.814-07:00Compromised Indian<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We as Indians are used to compromise in life.We have innate sense of being adjustable , as a race Indians are very adjustable.We use the word "adjustable" very easily.We do this when we seek a job, arranged marriages, children, behavior of others towards us.I was just thinking if this makes us susceptible to lower standards ,when we should be seeking greatness.We see that we tend to become lazy in our self behavior and expect the same from others.In professional life too we have constraints of behaving well and accepting nonsense as we are bound by protocols and its too common in India to accept the unacceptable.</div>
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I just decided this week to raise my voice now onwards if find anything odd or don't like.I recently got into a dialogue with someone where i was told "i must suffer from inferiority complex".I was amazed at this.The reason was i didnot seek something which eveyone looks for "gaadi ,banglaa and paise"(i do like good life, just don't make it all important).I am still grappling with this amazing deduction the other person came up with , the reason was my decline to move to USA and getting married to a non IIT and IIM guy.If only life was that simple, where we deduced people's character based on these simple things.I was being<b> pompous in my greatness of my goodness</b>.It was a fast crash to earth.Also, obviously made me wonder on few past decisions. Umm..i am human ,what can i say.</div>
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Even in relationships i have seen some friends personally compromising a lot as according to them being female is all about sacrifice.I am amazed at such self professed theory.In India a female from any strata of sphere is told to be subservient, we do all the festivals where we worship husband.But, is the other way around true as well? Do, we really believe that "swalpa adjust maddi" as they say in Bangalore a real mantra to live by? I think social demons need to be voiced and we should be strong enough to maintain dignity when dealing with social morons.</div>
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-58996395622598227072016-07-21T23:26:00.002-07:002016-07-21T23:26:31.644-07:00Manali<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Manali is a good break from Delhi.If you have a 3 day weekend, then its best place to visit.To get away from Delhi's heat people just run to the hills.The only way to reach is either Taxi or bus.Most people from Delhi take a bus, its an overnight journey.The Woodrock hotel had good reviews online and found a super deal, so booked.Then booked the bus tickets.The volvo are very comfortable rides.The weather turned to be chilly and amazing for March.Just walked around the place and visited few must visit places like Hidamba temple etc..Did a bit of skiing (really, its just pretending).All in all a place where you would like to keep visiting.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38745753.post-21069571654754569022016-07-21T23:06:00.001-07:002016-07-21T23:06:51.531-07:00Goa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is no describing Goa, the serenity and fun of the beach.The hotel Le Seasons is good , found it on TripAdvisor and rating was good and so booked it.Its close to private beach, but this turned out to be shabby and scary as was lonely piece of land.The Calungate area is most popular with tourists.The calungate and Baga beach are the places to visit there.The Aguada fort is where Dil chahta hai was shot.People come all dressed up for wonderful photo op.Also, on the way the beach adjacent to Taj is also great.Though the waves get crazy in afternoon.Old goa is also reachable either by a rented bike or can hire taxi.If weather is good, then bike ride is a good option.<br />
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Rachanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12445421589027694851noreply@blogger.com0