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The Road to Nong Khiaw

On the morning of my trip from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw, I am running late, and in my haste to order breakfast, I do not think to specify that I want my egg hardboiled instead of soft. I do not think to question why the server hands me a tiny spoon, or why myContinue reading “The Road to Nong Khiaw”

Finding Freedom in Laos

Although I’m told that Laos is an “off the beaten path” destination, flight QV 634 from Bangkok to Luang Prabang, features a disproportionate number and variety of foreigners from young backpackers and couples to retired seniors. I have no idea what to expect. I have come off a hectic work schedule, don’t speak a wordContinue reading “Finding Freedom in Laos”

My Jaipur Auto Rickshaw Adventure

As I leave my last Jaipur Literature Festival event, I get a frantic phone call from my friend Shampa. We had come to the city together, along with her family and had split for the morning to pursue our respective interests. She tells me they are stuck in traffic and cannot come get me onContinue reading “My Jaipur Auto Rickshaw Adventure”

Papa

Last week, I made half my staff cry with this story (unintentionally of course) – an adaptation of something I wrote 6 years ago when my grandfather passed away. I guess some emotions stay buried, but as it is the 6th anniversary of his passing, I figured I would share it on here: In April 1984, whenContinue reading “Papa”

Wanting It All

Now and then I pace my place I can’t retrace how I got here I cheat the light to check my face It’s slightly harder than last year And all at once it gets hard to take It gets hard to fake what I won’t be Cause one of these days I’ll be born andContinue reading “Wanting It All”

Memories of the Big Move

Exactly a year ago today, I was up till 4am Eastern Standard Time, battling two bursting suitcases. I was yanking out random clothing and possessions, discarding a few items at random and re-stuffing the baggage, till finally both weighed less than 23 kilograms. I collapsed into an exhausted sleep, dreams of logistics, unsold furniture, pendingContinue reading “Memories of the Big Move”

Breaking The Fever: Holding Out for the Delhi Monsoon

There’s a hotness that builds in Delhi, slowly, steadily, and painfully. It starts in April, burning, simmering, slowly into May. By June it rises to a fiery peak, scorching anyone that dares roam the streets at noon. The monsoon, in comparison, is the break of this chronic fever. After three months of what feels likeContinue reading “Breaking The Fever: Holding Out for the Delhi Monsoon”

Confessions of a Trypophobe

This post may make many of you question a) my sanity and b) why you are friends with me or read my blog. But in all seriousness it is a real thing, and is as absolutely insane and weird as it sounds. I’m not sure when it started but my earliest memory of it wasContinue reading “Confessions of a Trypophobe”

Muscle Memories of Bikram Yoga

We are in Pune for the weekend. I discover the studio at lunchtime as we stop for burgers. I excuse myself from the rest of my family and race up the escalators in a shopping centre that probably holds the world record for least amount of actual retail outlets per space occupied. As I clamberContinue reading “Muscle Memories of Bikram Yoga”

Key Crime-Solving Tips You Can Only Learn from C.I.D.

I had the pleasure of watching my first C.I.D. episode today. Although I didn’t make it through the full episode, I allowed myself to be led through a fascinating series of plots twists and turns, each packed with ulterior motives, secret meetings, and gory bodies which are often examined in the most unusual ways. C.I.D.Continue reading “Key Crime-Solving Tips You Can Only Learn from C.I.D.”