10 Things - Must Do

Based on personal travel experiences in USA, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Australia till date. 

1. Get wet in the "Maid of the Mist" under the Niagara Falls. It is "Divine". No other word can define the feeling. 
2. Never miss an Air Show. (Specially when F22s are flying. Boy! they are something). I am not much into aircrafts, but F22s are some flying machines that won my heart. 
3. Go to any famous Temple in India and "feel" the faith people have. Its unlike anything you would ever see. I first had this feeling in Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in Ajmer (not a temple technically) and I still feel goosebumps thinking about it after almost 15-17 years. 
4. Walk and walk on the streets of Manhattan. Don't miss the night walks specially in winters. (Its strange how you don't get tired unless you stop to eat/rest). 
5. Spend Christmas in a small town of mid-west or northern states of US. Its the most amazing festival experience. 
6. Hike in a Canyon. (I personally loved the Bryce Canyon in Utah). Rock formations are mystical and you feel like being in a different age of time. 
7. Stay on a small island (The smaller the better) and watch the sun set in the sea. My favorite - Langkawi Island, Malaysia. 
8. Take a "small plane" (2-4 seater) ride. They are scary but in a fun way. (Better than any coaster you would ride). 
9. Kayak in the open sea. 
10. Welcome the New Year, Sydney Style, on the Harbor with fireworks from the bridge. Most amazing celebration. 

My list is a lil longer than just 10. But these are few things, I wouldn't think twice before doing again. Anyday, anytime. Do it if you can (and afford. Too bad, such things burn a hole in the pocket). 


And the journey continues..

This is it?!.

Ever since I came to Sydney, and believe me, the very first day as I got off the plane and cleared immigration, I had this feeling - "THIS IS IT". This is it. 

I had been traveling a lot in the past 5 years. A LOT. Four different countries, Seven different cities, and countless stopovers (not to mention, amazing holidays. In fact the whole phase was a big holiday). Not that I mind it so much, until last year. I always took it as a beautiful journey (if you leave the 'moving' part out, that sucks, totally). I loved going around the world, living around some of the most beautiful cultures, meeting the most amazing people, and getting to eat awesome food (Oh! I miss the American Mexican and the Malaysian Idli). 

Last year when I had to spend about 6 months in Delhi (out of a bag), I realized I needed a halt. More like a stop (not a stopover). I realized I would love a vacation once in a while but I needed to put my roots down. And then I moved again. To Hyderabad (which turned out to be just another pause) and I moved 'again'. This time to Sydney (Couldn't have asked for a better one). 

As I was packing I had this fear, this dilemma of whether or not this was the right decision (never felt that way about any other move).  Probably because in my heart, somewhere, I had the feeling that I might call this place a HOME (God! Have I longed for a place to call home for the past FIVE years!). And sure enough, this feels like Home. :) 

I liked Sydney from the day I landed but I started to LOVE her when I realized that the place has made me so much more positive. I don't want to guess the reason but I am a happier person here. No matter what goes around I seem to come out of it quicker than earlier. It hasn't been perfect, of course, but it has made me more - Satisfied? Umm..Yes. That would be the word. Satisfied. I care less (Some of you might not like the idea of caring less, but trust me, I have cared enough. A lil too much. So I like the change). Oh! and yes, the weather is just "BEAUTIFUL", all the time. :) I found my fortress of solitude, here, at the Sydney Harbor. 

I would hate to conclude such post with some strong/hopeful/fact based/philosophical statement. I would like to leave it open. Sydney has so much more to offer, I believe. So I would let it keep coming. Until then, I am Home (Happily)!! :) 

Invictus.

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

- William Ernest Henley