3 Peaceful Days in the Land of Dalai Lama

 

“I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are”

                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                             -Anonymous

I always believe that one should go on a trip every year and do things that they like. Traveling gives you a chance to be yourself, where you can connect with yourself and explore new places. I am saying this because I do the same. Living in a metro city like New Delhi as an outstation person gives you a lot of stress as you are always on the run. I feel the need to escape that starts with an urge that does not let me live in peace. It was more than 2 years that I did not take a trip; that was quite a long time. I remember it was a weekend of Dussehra in October 2018 when I decided to explore McLeod Ganj.   

 

Dharamshala is a peaceful place that is close to nature, situated in Himachal Pradesh. I went there to experience the serenity and witness the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. The moment I stepped into Dharamshala, I pinched myself whether I am dreaming or is it actually true that I am already there (I was excited to see mountains after a long time.)

 

Dhauladhar Range

 

I was accompanied by a friend, we both headed towards Hostel Lavie that was our accommodation. Seeing the mountains after a long time I could not stop myself from making Instagram stories and capturing every moment. The hostel has dormitories with beautiful interiors. McLeodganj is a peaceful place that is next to the Dhauladhar range. Throughout the village, you can experience Tibetan feel with numerous monasteries.  

After the room was allotted to us we made an itinerary of what we will be doing that day. Later, we decided to explore nearby places on foot. We left our dorm and took a walk till Bhagsu Waterfall, which is one of the most famous spots of McLeodganj. The waterfall is situated in the Bhagsu village at a height of 20m. You can reach there by trekking a few miles. The route is easy to trek. Nearby there is Bhagsu Nag temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. We stayed there for a while, got wet in the waterfall, and get soaked in the sun. 

Bhagsu Waterfall

After visiting this place, we headed to Shiva Café which is quite famous among travelers. To visit this café, you need to trek a little from the waterfall. The patch to reach the café is quite rough; but, it is worth it which you will realize after reaching the café. It is beautifully constructed and the vibe is relaxing. The café serves delicious food. You must try their Israeli breakfast, pasta, and juice. 

The same day we came back to our accommodation to take rest for a while. I could not stop myself from going to the terrace as I am an evening person. I went to the terrace of the café to enjoy the evening view, clicked some pictures, and came back. 

For dinner, we went to Tibet Kitchen. It is one of the most sought-after restaurants in McLeodganj as it serves traditional Tibetan dishes. This place will get crowded; hence, you must try visiting here early in the evening. I really enjoyed sipping steaming thukpa and indulging in Tibetan feel. It was really going well to be in McLeodganj as I was enjoying to be a guest in the home of Dalai Lama. 

Because of some personal issues, we could not make it Triund; but, thankfully there was so much to explore in McLeodganj that when we made itinerary we had enough places to explore. After having breakfast we headed to Namgyal Monastery. It was a different feeling to see the monks living such a simple life. You must visit this place to experience Buddhism culture and learn their simplicity.

The next we headed to Indru Naag for some adventure as we could not make to Triund. I was willing to try an adventure activity so that I feel that I did something exciting. Indru Naag is almost 4 km from Dharamshala Main Market and is mainly famous for paragliding. I was very much interested in paragliding as I never did it before. Trying new activities is what I always like. Seeing other people going for paragliding was a mixed feeling of thrill, fascination, and fear at the same time. The weather conditions were ideal that day all I was a little scared of how will be the feeling of flying across the mountains. After wearing the coveralls and helmet and checking all the gears, I was ready to take off. After running a few steps down the slope, I found myself swinging in the air. I was flying and I could see the mountains around me. It was difficult to control my emotions as one moment I was feeling scared and the other moment I was enjoying it. I enjoyed every moment of it as there was silence. It was indeed a beautiful time and I wish I could capture it. I wish to keep flying; but, unfortunately, all good things come to end. After fifteen minutes, we began the descent. The landing was exciting as I was told that on touching the ground, I must run a few steps. On reaching the ground, I was worried about landing; but, it went smooth. After reaching the ground, I found a field a few steps away from where there was a herd of sheep. It was not less than a Bollywood movie scene, I wish I could capture it as I was not carrying a camera at that moment. 

 

Later we headed to Illiterati Books & Coffee to have lunch. This is one of the favorite cafes of McLeodganj where you can indulge in some good music, delicious food, and read books. You can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Dhauladhar range. You can enjoy a wide range of cuisines from French to the Mediterranean. I would definitely recommend visiting this café to have a satisfying meal. 

 

Our next destination to explore was St. John in the Wilderness, an Anglican church in McLeodganj. This church is located amidst the deodar trees in a spooky surroundings. It has a story that dates back to the British period. The place has little eerie vibe; also there is a graveyard on the other side of the church. The place is near to the bus stand. We then walked back to the market had some snacks and then, we headed to our homestay to unwind for the day. Later, we went walking through the streets to explore the local shops where I bought some souvenirs. 

As I mentioned earlier, we could not make it to Triund so we decided to visit Dharamkot which is a quaint village near McLeodganj. Here, you can indulge in spiritual vibes and disconnect from the outside world. If you want to just relax and do not want to go hiking, then you must visit this place. My friend and I found a house with a small garden area where we had a nice time clicking pictures as we were enjoying the privacy. 

The next we headed to the famous Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. This stadium attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the country, and why not cricket holds a special place in the heart of Indians. The place is picturesque and I would definitely love to view a live match there. It was the third day and on that day we had to return to Delhi. We immediately left to the bus station so that we can reach there timely. 

Final Thoughts

Dharamshala is a calm place that is close to nature. Not only gorgeous views and monasteries, but you can also find here ample food options such as Tibetan, Italian, and Punjabi food. There are also a number of shops where you can buy handicrafts, woolen clothes, and jewelry. You can easily explore this place on a 3-day trip and can visit nearby hill stations like Bir Billing, Palampur, and Naddi. You can visit this place at any time of the year. 

It was 2018 when I visited this place, and of course, I would love to visit again; but, I only wish that its beauty should be preserved. With heavy tourism, most hill stations have lost their charm. I do not want this to happen with McLeodganj too. This trip had mixed emotions, as I experienced serenity, adventure, and felt really close to nature. It was indeed a memorable trip and I wish if I visit McLeodganj again I would visit Triund.  

Do you love to travel and have experiences of this place? Share in the comments below. 

Andaman & Nicobar Island: The land where everything is blue!

With sand in my feet and wind in my hair; I was fascinated by the beauty of this place comprising of 572 islands that make Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

What happens when you get to travel after ages? Your soul is filled with glee and you are on cloud nine. Hell, yeah! The same feeling was intrigued when my father planned to take all of us to Andamans. It was 2009 and I was done with my boards. It was a complete family trip and a proud moment for me to announce it in my friend’s group that I am traveling to Andamans.

We traveled on leave travel concession for 7 days in which we also covered the Tirupati Balaji temple. This comprised of return trips, accommodation, and sightseeing. Although, the best time to visit the Andamans is between October to March; but, we went in June. We had no other option but just to explore this exotic place.

Here is the mentioned-below day-wise itinerary of the trip.

We left from Lucknow in the morning and flew to New Delhi. Then, we traveled to Chennai as New Delhi was just a halt. After reaching Chennai we traveled to Tirupati where we went to Tirupati Temple for darshan. Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, this temple needs no introduction. To get inside you need be a part of the long queue. After entering into the queue we got the chance to get darshan. The vibe of the temple was so divine. Unfortunately, that day was so crowded that we didn’t get to do darshan comfortably. After darshan we went to our hotel took rest for a night as the next day we had to fly to Port Blair.

Our first destination at Port Blair was Viper Island. This place is a must-visit if you are traveling to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is named after a vessel by the name of Viper who carried Lieutenant Archibald Blair to this island. This was the palace where the political prisoners were imprisoned and tortured until they were hung. Viper Island was abandoned when the Cellular Jail was created. The ruins of this place got even worse after tsunami destruction in 2004.

The next day we headed to North Bay Island. The most valuable thing about this place is the marine life. The pristine blue waters, incredible corals, and the multiple creatures that live in the vast ocean will leave you mesmerized. North Bay Island is mainly known for snorkeling. You can get your costumes and buy equipment on the beach on rent. Delving into marine life with activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling will provide you an enriching experience. If you are scared of going underwater, then you have the choice of viewing the coral reefs from the glass bottom boats. Make sure to wear life jackets while on the boat and going for swimming. After visiting this place, I really felt close to nature.

My next destination was Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Pani is considered as a commemorative to mark the sacrifice of the freedom fighter. The prisoners that have been sent to this jail are forced to work hard and they have gone through torture. They cannot escape from this jail as it is surrounded by water on all sides.

Every evening there takes place a sound and light show, an initiative taken by the Andaman and Nicobar tourism that depicts the agony of the prisoners and history of this spot. This jail today stands as a mark of respect for our ancestors.

The next destination we headed to Corbyn’s Cove that has beautiful blue water and coconut trees. This place was calm as there were few very people present on the beach. You can take a dip and play in the sea waves.

The different beaches have their beauty and a sense of serenity that can make you fall in love with this place. The next most awaited destination in the trip was Radhanagar Beach which is situated on the east side of Havelock Island. This is known as Asia’s best beach and the 7^th most beautiful beach in the world. You will find white sand and turquoise blue water. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and the twilight before the sunsets. The beach is not at all crowded; but, yes you will find some people if you are visiting during the peak season. You can visit this place by ferries or private cruise. The boating services start from 6 am to 2 pm so that visitors can reach this place early. You can get some beautiful sunset clicks from this place.

Traveling and exploring Andamans gave me immense happiness. Now, when today I look back and remember those times I only crave to travel Andamans again. I do not have many pictures from this trip, but the memory is still fresh in my mind. Whenever I see pictures of the place I get the feeling that the water of the sea has become bluer. Maybe that is my vision of being a traveler or this place is calling me again. I do not know when I will get a chance to travel again; but, yes this place has a special place in my heart and memories.

The trip that was a life-changing experience for me

My first ever solo trip!

I have always been fond of traveling since childhood. I have traveled extensively in India, and of course, I wish to travel more. Exploring new places and disconnecting from the outside world has always been my thing. I am the kind of a person who likes to interact with different people, but at the same time, there comes a time when I like to recharge my soul. I am a writer and loves to see different parts of the world. During my school days whenever I was refused to go for trips, I promised myself that I will give myself the life where I will not do just a regular 9 to 5 job, and I would travel whenever I want to. Just like everybody, when I started to work I started taking trips with my colleagues.

"Some journeys can only be traveled alone"-Kein Poirol

The trip that encouraged me to travel more often: The Story

Juggling between the regular 9-5 schedule and living in a crowded city Delhi, I always feel like running from the chaotic life. Listening to the boss, meeting deadlines, adjusting with personal issues, my life became chaos. For quite some time Kasol has been on the bucket list of most travelers. This place has never disappointed anybody who has planned a trip based on the suggestion of fellow travelers, friends and travel bloggers. Those were the days when I was single and the only thing that goes on my mind was where I should travel next. It was 2015 when the earlier months of the year has been harsh on me. After going through a rough patch in a relationship and looking for a new job, hardships took a toll on my mental health. A Facebook update by my college junior caught my attention. A travel group named ‘We Travel Solo’ was organizing a 3 day trip to Kasol. I was convincing a lot of people to come along with me saying it will be fun. But, nobody got convinced. Then, I decided to go alone all the way from Delhi to Kasol.

I started my journey on 21^st October, 2015, it was a long weekend of Dussehra. The bus was full of people from the age group of 18-25. Everybody was unknown to each other. I was meeting people from all age groups, listening to their stories, what they do, what made them decide traveling to Kasol. Deep inside, I was wondering how my trip will be.

I do not know how many of you have felt that something inside you was about to change. But, for me, it was a life-changing experience. Somewhat like looking back in the later part of life that makes you say, “Yes, that was the moment when it all changed.” My first ever solo trip to Kasol was one such moment in my life. 

Until that solo trip, every trip I did included staying in lavish hotels, taking a beach walk and dining at plush eateries. Those family trips were exciting, but honestly, they never triggered the joyful feeling I now feel whenever I travel.

It was on Wednesday on 21st October when I started my journey. I was curious to stay awake and see the route until I reached Kasol. The transition from roads to mountains was beautiful. I was capturing every moment that came my way. Passing through all the small villages, the way en route Kasol was not less than a treat to my soul. Trust me, I didn’t regret for a second why I traveled alone. Instead, if I would not have decided to travel it would have been a bad decision. That was the most wonderful ride to the hills I ever had. Driving down the slopes of hills through the open windows and capturing the mountains, it was the freedom I believe. It was a wonderful feeling, and I feel the same every time I travel to a new destination.

We reached in the evening of 22^nd   October, tired and with no energy left. We finally headed to The Evergreen Café for some snacks and coffee. This café is one of the oldest cafes in Kasol. It has options for both indoor and outdoor seating making it an ideal spot for fine dining.

The view from The Evergreen Cafe

After the camps were allotted everybody decided to sit for a bonfire. Bonfire in a winter evening is always a good idea. I interacted with a lot of people and exploring the nearby places. Our camp was located beside a river. The gushing sound of the flowing river and the tranquility of the mountains was a joyous experience that I have been craving for.

                                                                             

Waking up the next morning in the tent to the sound of birds and the fresh rays of the sun were pure bliss. I took a camera in my hand and head to trekking through the nearby hills. I made friends with a couple of people who came from Delhi. Some people decided to explore Tosh, while I headed to Manikaran. I went to Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, a pilgrimage for Sikhs and Hindus. It is mainly famous for hot springs and beautiful views. 

The view outside Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib

The next day, I along with the fellow travelers headed to Chalal. The trek was extensive and tiring. But the in-between views of the village, listening to other people’s experience and gazing at beautiful sunsets took away all the fatigue.

Travel memories are forever  

Trekking to Chalal village was one of the places I fell in love with. I realized it was the place where spending an entire day was less. It was a quaint village surrounded by splendid beauty. I clicked a lot of pictures wherever I found a spot. I along with my fellow travelers walked along from Chalal to Choch village. In between, there was away from where the river was flowing extremely close to the rocks. Soaking my feet into the cold water gave me immense pleasure. I am a Pahari, although I have been brought up in North India I never got a chance to explore hills extensively. Therefore, I am doing that now.

Seeing the gushing flow of the river, I feel like touching its waves. That moment, I felt like a different version of myself. I want to indulge in this feeling often. 

Final thoughts

"I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say 'yes, women can"-Dilma Roussef

In this place I found my inspiration to travel the world. I realized how much I love traveling. For those three days, everything seemed to be perfect. This trip changed me for good. It made me realize that there was so much to do in life: exploring beautiful places, meeting interesting people and above all not depending on anybody else. It was altogether a great experience. I have traveled to so many places since then, it changed me altogether as a person and helped me to figure out what I want in my life. I am grateful that I took a decision to travel to Kasol alone. This trip gave me so much knowledge about how people are living their lives, it made me open-minded and broadened my perspective about life. This trip helped in figuring out things on my own, and it made me confident about life.

Well, that was one my first trip that was an overall good experience. Is there any such trip that has changed your perspective about life?  

Do you wish to run away from reality? Head to Leh-Ladakh for a mesmerizing experience!

Till now, whichever places I have explored in India, there are two of them that I have found the most beautiful like no other in the world. Kerala is one such among beaches and Leh-Ladakh among hills, in terms of beauty, culture, and serenity. I undertook the memorable journey to Leh-Ladakh in June 2019. Well, being honest a trip to Leh-Ladakh is not easy as it is an unconventional destination. 

It was 1975 when tourism began in Ladakh. Today travelers from all over the world visit this place to enjoy the breathtaking views of this place. Surrounded by snow-covered barren mountains, Ladakh offers pristine views of nature. 

I took a holiday package through Oyo Rooms for 6 days. This comprised of return trips from Delhi, accommodation, and sightseeing. Here is the mentioned-below day-wise itinerary of the trip.

Day 1-Leh: Our flight reached Leh at 8 am. The Leh airport is governed by the Indian Army. We were attended by our travel guide who accompanied us to our hotel Dimbir Regency. Our few hours were spent in acclimatizing to the climate and high altitude. 

In the later part of the day, we went to Shanti Stupa, a white-domed stupa located on a hilltop. Located in Chanspa, this stupa is a symbol of harmony and peace. From this place, you can enjoy panoramic views of Leh and witness the beauty of both sunrise and sunset. 

To satisfy our palettes, we gorged onto some local food such as momos and kehwa at Shanti Stupa Restaurant. This restaurant has a cozy ambiance where you can feel the warm vibe of the city. Travelers can visit this restaurant if they wish to unwind after a hectic day. 

Then, we headed to the local market of Leh, known as Leh Market which has shops selling different products such as artifacts, jewelries, and pashmina shawls. You can collect as much souvenirs you want from here for your loved ones. 

Day 2: The next day we headed for an excursion to Sham Valley that includes the confluence of Indus and Zanskar, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pather Sahib. 

The sight of witnessing the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers was not less than a dream. The green color stream of Indus River meets the muddy water of Zanskar is an extremely beautiful sight. The glorious view of the confluence is a ­must visit for all the travel enthusiasts who are looking for a photographic view. This site is definitely worth it.  

Then, we headed to Magnetic Hill which is located somewhere in the Leh-Kargil highway. I heard a lot of interesting facts about this place so I was curious to experience it. There are several theories with respect to the unique phenomenon of magnetic force theory. As per this theory, the hill transmits some amount of magnetic energy that pulls the vehicle that is within its range. To minify our curiosity, our driver put the car in neutral we noticed the vehicle going uphill. For bikers, this place can give them an overwhelming experience. 

Any trip is incomplete without visiting a religious shrine. One such beautiful shrine located in Ladakh is the Gurudwara Pather Sahib that is located at an altitude of 12000 ft. This gurudwara is devoted to Gurunanak Dev Ji. There is a famous legend associated with this religious place that makes it a famous pilgrimage spot. Paying homage to this pilgrimage gave us a feeling of divinity. 

Next, we visited Hall of Fame­ which is a museum dedicated to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the India Pakistan war. It is not merely a museum comprising of weapons and souvenir shops. It is a place that gives you a glimpse into the history of the struggles faced by the Indian Army and the conditions in which they work. 

Image courtesy: tourmyindia.com

Hall of Fame is something that you should not miss when you are in Ladakh. You will surely feel patriotic after visiting this place. 

Day 3: Well, if you are talking about Ladakh and you haven’t seen snow, then your trip is incomplete. The next destination in our itinerary was Khardung La Pass. This place is located at an altitude of 17,582 ft. above sea level. It is considered as one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Visiting this destination through a bike is an inspiration for every biker. Reaching Khardung La pass is not less than a task. But, the beautiful view on the way to the destination makes the journey worth experiencing. Surprisingly, I got see snow in the month of June. Traveling altogether from Delhi to Leh made me view extremities of both the temperatures. 

Since it is situated at such an altitude that you might feel altitude sickness. Hence, it is advised to carry a Diamox in order to avoid such situation and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. While, on the way to Khardung La, I felt sensation in the lower part of the face. But, it was temporary as it lasted till that day only. 

In the evening we headed to Nubra Valley where we stayed at Hunder Village, which is a remote village. Snuggled in the heart of sand dunes, Hunder village appears like a marvel of nature. We went for ATV ride and camel ride which was quite a thrilling experience. You will get to see double hump Bactrian camels that you will see nowhere in India. This place is at least 160 km from Leh and you have to cross Khardug La Pass. During the night we stayed at camps with basic facilities. Later on, we indulged in bonfire sessions with our co-passengers. 

Then, the next day we returned to Leh as per our itinerary. 

Day 5: On 27th June, we left for Changla Pass and from there we were supposed to go to Pangong Lake as per our itinerary. Changla Pass is said to be the third-highest motorable pass in the world. This spot was named after a famous sage named Sadhu Changla Baba. A temple has been constructed at this pass that is dedicated to him. 

Some places to see around are Pangong Lake, Hermis Gompa, and Nubra Valley. You will get to see picturesque views of this region. While on our way to Pangong Lake, our driver halted at a field where a herd of yaks were happily grazing. The place was so beautiful that I cannot describe it in words. The picture below would do justice. 

Our next destination was the ‘3 idiots lake’ also known as, Pangong Lake which is situated at an altitude of 4350m. The lake is at least 160 km in length of which 1/3rd part is in India and the remaining 2/3rd belongs to China. It is said that this lake shows seven different shades of blue. The water is so pure that you can easily see the reflection of clouds in the water. The child winds was suppressing my feelings to spend time in the lap of nature. I was in no mood to stay indoors but the biting cold of Pangong Lake made me rest indoors and enjoy the view through the windows. 

We had a night stay camp at the Spangmik village. It took at least 5 hours from Leh to reach Spangmik village. The blue water of this lake looks so serene that we were spellbound by its existence. No doubt, the Ladakhi people consider this lake as holy water as its water is pious. It is believed that the view of sunrise at Pangong Lake is mesmerizing. So, I got up early around 6 A.M. to view the sunrise. 

On the same day, we returned to Leh and on 28th June it was my last evening in Leh. After visiting and looking at the geography of Leh, I realized that I never took geography as a subject so seriously. Each place has its own charm, history and a story to tell. Ladakh is not a luxurious destination, rather it is more of an adventurous destination. Traveling to Ladakh may make you ditch the luxury of staying in a suite and skip fine dining experience. Ladakh is a hill station that is so beautiful that its beauty will stay in your memories forever.  

With every passing year, this place is flourishing as the favorite destination among travelers. I only wish this place should not lose its charm and become just another tourist destination. 

Is a girl’s virginity a sure sign of marital happiness?

Image courtesy: Broadly.vice.com

From long back, a woman’s virginity is considered to be her owner and prized possession. Even today in the Indian society, virginity for girls is considered a big hype. But with the changing time and for a large number of young men and women, sex is not a taboo anymore. And for our generation, pre-marital sex is not a problem. Nowadays, couples who are in a relationship do not hesitate about getting sexually intimate with each other even after knowing that the relationship might not result in a marriage. However, when the question of marriage arises (more in the case of arrange marriages), a woman with a sexually active history is always questioned. How come virginity is a big deal then?

Being a virgin in the 21^st century

In today’s time being a virgin is like being a unicorn. With the recent time, India has gone through a dramatic change that has made people quite open-minded when it comes to sensitive topics like sex and virginity.

Whether you are married or not, to be sexually intimate with somebody you need to be comfortable with the person and on your own. But somewhere we all are afraid of being judged. Can’t help it, we Indians are judgemental. 

Being a virgin depends on your choice. Yes, it’s your decision. No matter how people take it, but for people who are in love, it’s the first time you give your body to someone. In the purest of intentions, it is the most you can give to someone you love the most.

Is virginity a must for a happy married life?

Virginity of a girl has always been synonymous with her character. On the other hand, this is not the case for men, to judge whether he is virgin or not. Since old times, men are told to marry a virgin bride. This kind of mentality is prevalent because of the traditional values that are embedded in Indians. Most men ask how can know whether their girlfriend of a wife is a virgin or not? If people are not okay with accepting the fact the girl is not a virgin, and then they should not accept or indulge in the trend of pre-marital sex as well (makes sense).

Image courtesy: Hatebeingsingle.com

Moreover, in a relationship, it is very important for a couple to give priority to things like honesty and trust. If a woman admits to her being sexually active in the past, then it should not be held against her. Instead, she could have hidden it; it clearly means that she is being honest.

Always remember that virginity is not the measure to base a happy marriage.

Everybody have their first time

You get only one first time. You should always wait for your first time with the perfect person and in the perfect moment (the intention here is good). Young women should be persuaded to not have sex with men who do not value them. Or even if a woman decides to stay a virgin until her marriage, her decision is entirely based on her faith and personal experiences. It is not a big deal to be a virgin until your marriage. Remember, your identity does not lie in being a ‘virgin’, ‘single’ or ‘married’, but as a human.

Image courtesy: India.com

Closing thoughts

Virginity is not something you brag about nor should you be ashamed of your own choice. There should be no guilt associated when it is about a female’s sexual desire. So with virginity, just like everything else, nobody else is going to decide for you. Above all, your body is all yours.

Men and women both want love, intimacy and commitment based on respect. Always look for something meaningful in your relationship and life choices.

How the Idea of Love has Changed With Time?

What is love? Just like we see in movies a boy meets a girl, eventually, they end up falling in love, walking down the aisle and living happily ever after. But this is not the same anymore. With fast paced lives, working to live up our dreams and aiming for the best – we seem to have forgotten to do this one thing that is as special as life, ‘love’. To be honest, love is not so easy; it needs a lot and lot of work. But our generation has left behind the concept of love. We definitely can have a long lasting relationship, but the reality is that we often give up before standing in the test of times.  Our generation, though slowly, is losing faith in love.

Where has all the love gone?

What is the idea of love? Two people come close to each other realising that everything around them is just so beautiful. Indulging in long chats and the phase of discovering each other seems to be just perfect. If everything goes well, you gradually become a couple. But now, things are different. You meet someone, exchange numbers, go for a date, make out, have sex and then lose interest. Everything then ends.

The reality is that in today’s time the idea of love is totally screwed up. Most of us are in love and still fail to understand its meaning.

Our generation is so obsessed with materialistic things, today we would rather want to have an iPhone than a partner. Secondly, we are afraid to get into a commitment, afraid to move out of it (if a relationship doesn’t work for a couple) and even afraid to be dumped. Earlier we used to crave for a relationship but now we do not want to get into a trouble of labelling relationships.

Dating apps like Tinder, TrulyMadly and OKCupid have made all of us available for parties, late-night conversations and casual hook-ups. But hey, what next?

The idea of love is not that complicated. If you decide to put equal efforts in a relationship, then things would definitely get into something more meaningful. Try to overcome differences and work together to find the lasting love in your relationship.

Are Bollywood movies fair in portraying love?

It’s true that Bollywood films have romanticised love stories to such an extent that they can become love goals for all of us. Movies like ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ had some of the beautiful love stories that teach us a lot about love and romance. But now, as a 25-year-old matured person, after watching films like Love Aaj Kal, Shuddh Desi Romance and Befikre, I am perplexed, what is the definition of love in today’s time?

Image courtesy: bollywooduniverse.in

Bollywood has come a long way in showcasing love stories in today’s time when there is no such thing called love. Considering these two films, DDLJ and Befikre, both are way too different from each other in terms of characters, storyline and most importantly, the ‘love’ element. DDLJ’s Simran and Befikre’s Shyra are poles apart from each other. From 1995 to 2016, this change in the attitude is a reflection of not just Bollywood but also a change in generations.

Closing thoughts

Just like these movies, people today are living their lives in the same manner. They crave for love but run from commitment. Agree to it, love in real life is as pious as described in books. Don’t expect love to be perfect, it makes you laugh and makes you cry as well because love is crazy, with no conditions and expectations.

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I would say, delete Tinder, go out and meet people (instead of those you met on social media), indulge in conversations and give a chance to love! Love will surely find its way.

Love Thy Skin

Who does not want a glowing skin? Some people are blessed with flawless skin and some go to depths to do that glow. Sometimes we feel that why our skin does not have a mind of its own? It looks normal one day and the other day it looks dull. Summers are around and monsoons are here, now the heat continues to be unabated. You need to take care of your skin when the mercury is very high.

  The most basic skincare routine that anybody would suggest is to follow a step by step basic routine. Some of the skincare tips are:

Drink plenty of water: In summers, your body tends to lose moisture so it is important to refresh your skin by having lots of water. Drink a lot of water and let your skin stay moisturized.

Cleansing: The most basic skincare routine is cleansing. We often do injustice to our skin, that we under-cleanse and over cleanse it. Experts suggest that we should cleanse our skin twice a day, once in the morning and once in the night. Cleansing at night is important as you feel to get rid of all day’s ingrained dirt. One should avoid very cold or hot water to wash one’s face.

                         

Exfoliating: Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the top of skin. One should exfoliate once in a week. Use a skin friendly scrub and use a little amount of it to clear dead skin cells and hidden impurities. One can even try to make home-made scrubs and exfoliate to get a glowing skin.

Toning: Toning helps to close the pores on your skin and makeover to avoid dirt. Skin experts suggest that one should be strict in choosing toners as they come in various brands. One should use toners for some days and then decide whether to use it as a skincare routine or not.

Moisturizing: Moisturizing is most basic step for skincare. Depending on your skin- dry, normal or oily choose a moisturizer that suits your skin. During daytime, you can use moisturizer with SPF that works a s a sunscreen as well. For night, you can avoid using sunscreen and allow your skin to breathe.

Avoid Aerated drinks: In the scorching heat and humidity, people have the tendency to drink cold aerated drink to quench their thirst. It is better to drink fresh lime, juices, coconut water to stay hydrated. These aerated drinks contain lots of sugar, one should avoid caffeine too.

          

Apply sunscreen: Between 12 noon to 4 pm, sun rays are the strongest. One should not forget to apply sunscreen before you step out. You can choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more.

Eat Healthy and sleep well: The holy mantra for a glowing skin throughout the year. Apart from following the above tips, one should take a balance diet, exercise and should take a sound sleep at least 7-8 hours. Drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day.

                                    

So, enjoy summers like other seasons and stay beautiful.