Lima: Photoblog

I visited Lima last month, and here are some of the pics from the city!

Kennedy Park - One of the prominent hangout places in Lima for the tourists.


We encountered this cliff, en-route Pachacamac. Notice the man dressed in a white cape. He makes a living by diving from the cliff to amuse visitors.


Pachacamac- Remains of an ancient temple,built by Mayans and other Latin American civilizations. Sadly the place was destroyed by colonial powers, so as to make the locals change their faith.


Another one from Pachacamac. Pyramid of a different kind

Break Unbreak!

Some decisions are just random. Like the one I took almost two years ago. I decided to take a break from work and explore the options for myself. The break lasted seven months, and as it turned out, it was just a break for me from work. Time and life both moved on, and neither stopped to teach me lessons. 
Meanwhile, I started spending time reading books, I learned to swim (completed a certificate course in swimming). I also used to sketch sometimes. One of the things on my mind was to set up a business. I always felt that owning a business will give me necessary flexibility to manage my life and time. So I started working with an acquaintance who was running his own business. I came up with some great business ideas, researched on these ideas, and tried to build more understanding on what it takes to start a business.I worked on the business ideas for around 2 months, during the break. At that point, I realized that I should go back to work for a few more years, and keep trying for business simultaneously. 
It was then that I started to look for jobs. After reaching out to many companies, and placement agencies, I finally got interview calls from two firms and that too, within a span of two days, while I was at home. Both the jobs were based again in Mumbai. It felt like, no matter how hard I tried to get away from Mumbai, life was trying to keep me stay put in the crazy city.  So I came back to the city, gave both the interviews, and surprisingly got through them both. 
One of the profiles dealt with wind energy, and it clearly asked me to travel in the remote areas of the country. The other profile, on the contrary, was related to market research and strategy consulting. After elaborate discussions with family, ex-colleagues and friends, and I decided to take up the market research job as it appeared a logical continuation of the work I had been doing. To my surprise, and rather a pleasant one, I was asked to travel overseas, the very first day I joined the company. 
Its almost two years, that I took a break from my job and one and a half years I joined the new job. I have travelled to lots of places including South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, UAE and China. I might travel a lot many in future. In addition, the work I am doing has got me more closer to understanding the business environment. Looking back, it does feel like the random decision did work out for me! I have to say, it was an interesting turn in my life. Hoping for some more, going ahead! 

New wake up alarm

They come every morning,
With the dawn of light, always on time,
"Just give us the food, and let us sing"
Is what they say, in their very own sweet way,
I kindly oblige, and get up, rubbing my eyes
Fetching them a fistful of grains, I bid goodbye to the night gone by!

Made my day!

This blog post is the outcome of a fairly simple event, and I shall keep it that way.

My maid didn't come in the morning. The day in office was unusually frustrating. An 80 year old client has become the albatross around my neck! I couldn't find anything to lift my spirits throughout the day. Even the office junta was constantly cribbing about work, or about their plans to change the job.

Done with work, I came back home all low and tired. I wondered how to manage my food. Being depleted mentally, I had almost given up, and was just about to crash as is. 

Just then, the door bell rang. It was my maid, who appeared unannounced. She said "I thought I should check if you are home, since I didn't come in the morning" I was delighted. I got her to make Pyaz Pakoda, along with dinner. 

This was it, my mood changed, and I was happy again! And so I thought that there should be something, which I must find every day, that would make my day, every day! 

Bulbula!

Aadmi bulbula hai pani ka,
Aur pani ki bahti satah par,

Tootta bhi hai, doobta bhi hai,
Phir ubharta hai, phir se behta hai,
Na samandar nigal saka isko,
Na tawareekh tod paayee hai,
Waqt ki mauj par sada behta,
Aadmi bulbula hai pani ka!

Golden lines by Gulzar! 

Still Falling

"I wonder how high have I been flying, that I am still falling down!"

Read this line somewhere and it stuck to me. I thought may be I should just post it here :) 

The 21st Century Oasis

I had a chance to visit Dubai this January. The city is extremely safe, organized and well administered. Unlike the other gulf states, Dubai has a very open culture with majority of inhabitants being foreigners. Dubai metro can take you to most of the places, and even car rentals are not so expensive. The food is affordable, and there are lots of good places to eat, such as Pappa Roti (you must try the buns here)! 

The entire city is characterized with huge skyscrapers and endless malls.

Dubai

I was also lucky to witness rains here, which is otherwise very uncommon in this desert city. If you are looking for a quick foreign trip, to unwind and enjoy, Dubai definitely must be on your list :)