It has been the longest since I have written my travel diary. Since there has been a couple of exploration after moving to the US, I would love to share in my experiences with the readers. If you are not in the habit of writing one, it is an amazing activity to relive the vacation days, and keep it in your memory log. There is no best time to pen down your thoughts, but the fresher it is, the better. I would suggest taking some time off and writing while you are on the trip or as soon as the holiday gets over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without further delay, the first one for me has to be about my first ever-camping trip. This one was at Northern Cascades, an alpine landscape, around three hours away from Seattle. After heavy breakfast, we left for our trip .Since everyone was an experienced camper, had taken care of all the provisions and requirements that were required. The car was full, so were the seats with the passengers and other supplies we picked on our way. The last hour of drive was pretty with scenic view.

 

There was no room at all in the vehicle making it super fun. We were a group of five and with the conversations that were, flowing and music played; we did not realize how fast we reached our campground (Newhalem), which was booked online.  We were located in the central and near the washroom area, which was convenient, for us if we were to use in the night. The visitor center was around the corner and there were lot of school kids who had come for the camp. I found this to be such a perfect outing for the kids.

 

There were various campsites around the area and as soon as we reached, we started putting up the tents. It was such an interesting experience to learn how to make one and reminded me of my tiny camp that I made when I was in school. On the other side, the lunch was being prepared. It was super fascinating to see the different types of utensils that we were using to make the meal. The hammock was up, the greens looked beautiful and the weather was perfect. I was warned that it would get cold in the night, especially while sleeping on the sleeping bags. After lunch, with some quinoa and veggie sambar mix, the most delicious meal, we went out on a River loop trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An hour of walk was splendid, seeing hundred types of leaves, to big bark trees, I was mesmerized seeing the greens and at the same time blessed that the nature has so much to offer. There were some trees, which had algae on them, yet looked pretty and some affected by lightning. We saw some wild mushrooms and berries on our way as we reached the riverside. The water was extremely cold and we could not stay with our legs dipped for more than couple of seconds. As we walked, we saw an amphitheater, in the middle of the park; as we discovered that different activities are held in the morning. We sat on the benches and closed our eyes; we could hear the river gushing and the sound of the leaves swaying clearly. We were so close to nature and there was so much calm. Everything was perfect in this nature world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cellular network was down and it was a bliss. I feel in our everyday life the way we have been addicted to our phones, this seemed to be the best way to connect to nature and ourselves, get answers for many questions that we are looking for. We did not miss our cellular connection for a bit, as we were connecting to something more humongous.

   

 

After getting to our campground, we started playing some board games and doing the things that we love doing. It was time for dinner and I witnessed the best barbeque ever under the stars so bright. We ate variety of peppers, corn, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, potatoes for the night with the peanut achar on a perfect-lit campfire. With conversations over a game, we did not realize how four hours passed by quickly. We did not gather it was getting colder, as we were next to the campfire but as the night passed, the air was becoming chillier. We put all the food materials back in the car, as the bear loves eating them if kept outside.

 

There was a couple trying to figure out where to keep their remaining food that they wanted to carry with them on their backpacking trip since they did not have a car. That was interesting. With all of this stories, I almost started wandering if the bear does come in the night, what would the repercussions be. The night passed by fast as we snuggled into our sleeping bags and we were up for yet another adventurous day.

 

We started the day with some crisp bread with bukunu. After disassembling our tents and keeping our supplies back in the car, we set ourselves for more exploration. We reached Lake Diablo, which was gorgeous. It looked like one from the postcards, turquoise blue water and a fleet of ducks passing by, green trees all around the hills and the lakeside covered with pebbles. It was the best place for each one of us to immerse in natural surroundings. After spending about an hour, it was time for us to leave.

On our way back, we wanted to grab some huckleberry ice cream (which is the best-est ice cream I have ever eaten), but ended up raspberry picking. That was a lot of fun, as we went inside the farm and chose our own raspberries. The scorching sun made it more exciting as it was our first time. We did not realize the amount of berries we had all collected, and it turned out to be much more that we had to think of alternatives about the berries.The clock was way past our lunchtime and we wished we could teleport ourselves to the restaurant. We were an hour away because of the traffic and started running our imagination guessing different objects formed by the cloud. We finally reached, enjoyed the best South Indian at Chilies and as tired as we were, we set to explore a little more of Seattle in the night. To one of the best experiences and perfect camping trip !

We have all been over phases, moments and situations where we have high level of emotions going on in our mind. It could be through an experience that we pass or it could be through a startling situation in our lives, something that we never anticipated.  There are many thoughts in our mind when this happens that it is hard for us to comprehend by ourselves. Some of us like venting our feelings through writing, while some like to divert our mind to different other activities. There are many of us who so, like to talk about it to our best friends or closest family members while there are some of us who find solace in talking to a person who has experienced the same whereas there are a few of us who would not mind conversing with a stranger. Which category do you belong? After answering that question, just give in a thought on “Why do we need someone to just listen”?

Firstly, there are times where we all know what the right thing is and the most practical decision be during many positions, yet we look for that push. We want to discuss with someone who has the same wavelength and would think on the same page while taking any resolution. We seek for validation at the place, at that point in time. Secondly, there are heaps of sentiments in our hearts and we would want to let it out and get off our chest, express and say things aloud. Herein, there are no judgements, no reactions, but only the act of listening that we seek. Similarly when we talk to someone that we hardly know and are going to part ways in no time, there is no exploration in whatever we share and there definitely will not be any connection further. Thirdly, the most basic need of all humans is to communicate, be understood and the best way to do is to listen.

 In these circumstances, many of us who are on the recipient side do not know how to react. There is no clear indication on what is required from us and what we are supposed to do. Are we here only to listen, or are we to give our expertise, proficient advice? There can be lot of confusion over it if the motto of the talk is not clear. My best mantra to these situations are people are smart and mature enough to make their own choices, and they do not really need an advice, unless they seek. What they need is a hand to hold, ear to listen and a heart to understand them.

They had the silence talk,

Each day during their walk,

The evening breeze and the fresh air,

Made interesting conversations for the pair.

They had a wonderful chemistry,

For others it would seem like a mystery,

One loved gardening and recycled everything old,

The other enjoyed eating peanuts together, when it got cold.

Their love was unconditional and pure,

The journey of thirty years felt near,

As they were always a call away,

This time it was different, no other way.

What are left is memories to smile on,

There is no measure on how you feel mom,

He misses and wants to meet you more than you do,

Wishes he could be back to say those last words he wanted to.

 A reader had asked me to write on this topic many months back. I was procrastinating on the same since a long time. The delay was because of two reasons. Firstly, it would require me to time travel to a future me and secondly this blog was not going to be a normal one. It needed enough introspection and self-examination. Not to adieu further, the subject matter was a eulogy. A part of it could include the moments that I would cherish when I am at the last threshold of my life.

It needed a lot of rationalizing and thinking. There are some things that I have completed, and some, which are happening now, while some are in plan.  It was difficult to assume on what will happen in half a century, what all situations will I be going through but most importantly is the question, will I be alive or not till the time that I am thinking of writing an eulogy for. Will my existence be as healthy as I imagine it to be? What would be the ideal summary of my life?

As I recap my life at the last minute of my existence, I would love to write a eulogy for myself as of today. I am ready for one, as I have been doing the things that I love each day, in some or the other form. The beauty of it has always been that nature of mine, which keeps thinking what if today being the last day of my life, how I would want to live.  This is a strange yet blissful feeling. Since we all know how life is unpredictable, there is no harm in believing in it strongly.

So, instead of writing after years to come, let me write the circumstances that I have cherished as of today. The most important one in my life would be the times I have inspired, helped and my presence as a whole has made an impact in others life. It could be because of a few words, or a smile, or could be a long ended conversation.  I would cherish the constancy that I have for different hobbies and interests. I would treasure being happy in the smallest pleasures of life. I love the fact that there is a small world in my mind, which is chill about any situation that comes in life. The heart, which does not stop dreaming and keeps that spark alive, the mind, which always has a gratitude note. Overall, I appreciate who I am, what I believe and aspire to become, a good human being. I value that I have understood the broader importance of my presence in the universe. Lastly, this would not have been possible without the continuous support of friends and family. So blessed with these amazing souls in my life.

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
― Bruce Lee

Can you relate to this quote? Do you think that we as humans expect a lot? Do you think that learning to accept than to expect will leave us with few disappointments? Do you think that living without any expectation is possible? Do you also think that we expect from our near ones and not from strangers? Do you think keeping an expectation on ourselves is healthy?

All these thoughts came to my mind, as I was doing a show on radio on expectation. While I was talking about this line, “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed”, it made me realize that the quotes on expectations are mere words, and it is not practical to implement them in everyday life. The human nature does not permit us not to expect. We do and will expect, no matter how much we discuss over it.  The nature to expect is rooted in us because of the way we have been raised. The level only increases as we stay around people and we live in a society.

We expect a stranger to be in a good behavior as much as we expect the person that we have hired for a service. These are two different situations. One that we do not encounter on an everyday basis and the other one is when the individual is bound to finish work. Our level of expectation might be different but we do expect.

We not only expect from a situation or people around us but our careers too. Imagine a scenario when you have worked hard, you would expect to be appreciated in the office. Expectations when fulfilled is a win- win situation for both parties. The only problem that comes is when people do not have the slightest idea of what they are expected of. Some individuals work to their best to fulfill the expectations of their seniors while some just work without any expectation, though, it is always nice to receive when you are not expecting.

While we discuss, we expect that the sapling that we have planted grow to be a big nice tree. We expect from ourselves, we challenge ourselves in many situations. There can be no two ways about expectation but the level of it can be lesser or more. Even saints expects us to follow their preaching. Their expectation is a bit different. They want people to follow their learning and the return here is not for themselves, but they do expect.

No matter how much we think not to expect, we just can’t help it but expect a lot from people around.

 

I overheard a conversation while waiting for my turn at the salon. Those ten minutes of talk got many questions in my mind. You all must be wondering what was the chat about and why was I interested. Firstly, I could not stop myself from eavesdropping because they were very loud; secondly, I had forgotten my earphones and thus, could not listen to music. Irrespective of that, the thought that got me thinking since yesterday was why are people not happy with the beautiful life they are blessed? How hard is it to cherish what they have? Why do they crib about moments when so much be done in 24 hours?

The beauty of life are the challenges that we face every day and handling different conditions. Isn’t it? Then, why was the woman who was in her mid-thirties so miserable that she thought there was no point in living? Why did she sound so sad? Why was it a problem for her to be taking care of her house and her own children? Had she forgotten that she was once a child and taken care of? Does she not need food to survive that she detest cooking for her family?  What I analyzed from the whole scenario was that, these were not problems of life. At least, not the ones that one could crib for 15 minutes straight. There was negative space and I marveled how many people might be in that space as of today? This was just one person’s reflection on life; there might be many others like her.

Have we forgotten the amazing people around us that we call family and friends? Do we not realize that we have a body perfectly functioning? Do we not value the principles and values that we have embedded? Why are people adverse and pessimist about circumstances? Why do humans blame others for the decisions that they have made in their life? Everyone has difficulties and each individual goes through a rough patch, and sometimes, least expected. There is a solution for situations and the responsibility of finding the answer is on us. If it is not under our control, the best remedy is to leave it to fate. We can be happy that we tried our best to make the best of what we had.

Fortunate are the ones blessed with good health and wealth. If you are ever in that space, think about people who do not either have them, or have only one out of both. Think about the little kid, who plays carom and has that smile on his face, when both his hands have been lost because of electrocution. Think about that little girl who has never seen her parents, and does not know when she was born.

There are many complications, but we have the power to amend it. We need to get our magic started, as we are the magician for our own life.

P.S:- I think a lot of my positivism, happiness and understanding of life has come from THE KTM DRIVE.

All of us grew to the saying “Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise”. The first set of saying is very hard to follow by this generation; while many concentrate on the second part, which is being healthy. It is never too late to be mindful of being healthy.

Being fit and healthy is not only an hour of workout but also the impact of the food that we intake in the entire day. The number of calories that we consume is very important and so is the portion that we eat and the time of eating.

Working out is not only about losing weight, but it is about gaining strength, endurance and stamina. Being involved in a physical activity for more than five years, until now, I feel rejuvenated each day after an hour of intense exercise. The body feels light and it is the best way to start my day. Undoubtedly, it is a pain getting up in the mornings to exercise, but the result after an hour is worth it. Nothing better than a good morning workout to begin a refreshing day.

The workout could be anything that your body enjoys, could be a sport that one loves, or a new game that one wants to learn or it could be a combination of cardio and weights at the gymnasium. Some people run, some do Yoga, Pilates while some stay pumped up by taking up an aerobics class or Zumba. I think we owe some form of exercise to our body; it could be as lesser as fifteen minutes every day.

If we are trying to reduce weight, we need to burn more amount of calories then we are consuming, which means heavy workout sessions. One of the best workout form is kickboxing, and one of the best trainers that I have met is Eezy. The dedication for his trainees, the style of teaching, and the consistency of the level of workout is remarkable. He pushes one to the limit that one cannot imagine and the mixture of different combinations in an hour does not make the workout monotonous. There is a slight change in the form of exercise every day.

“One need not require fancy equipment’s in a gymnasium; rather the motivation is what is needed.” I like his saying and I have experienced this by myself. Using the staircase for pull-ups, chairs for power squats, he loves making the most of the things that is around. He also quotes that “People pay to eat more food with calories, and pay double to lose weight”. This is an irony that all of us are living with.

If you have been procrastinating that walk, or working out because of the cold, challenge yourself and you might just be surprised on how far you can go.

We were having a discussion on birthdays and the topic led to how celebrating dates are the most important. Some did not care about the dates while, planning for the same was vital for others. All the discussion led to the conclusion that rejoicing did happen in yester years too but with time, the thought behind the celebration has changed. Some prefer calling thousands of people for their kid’s birthday while some do not like the idea of the gathering as it only gets tiring for the child. Some love lavish anniversary parties, while some love celebrating the love amongst them. Having said that, the ways of merriment has always been a personal preference, one celebrates it as, and how they want.

Some would love all the pampering and attention and some would not care if they were wished on the special day or not. The nature of women, in particular, love the feeling of festivity on the day of their birth.  It is special when others put a lot of energy to make their day extraordinary. The same perception might not be true for men.

While there are, many days and dates that one needs to remember, be it anniversaries, birthdays, many of us do not leave an opportunity to party.  There are many who want to celebrate their day with the underprivileged and share happiness with them. That is a noble idea while some have debated that this only makes the children miss all the privileges that they are not blessed with.

We need to understand that the short – term enjoyment is not making the less privileged kids miserable. The intention should be right and that is what matters. There could be another approach to this, which is called a shared birthday, wherein one makes merry on their birthday along with celebrating the birthday of all the kids, or finding a child whose birthday falls on the same date. Celebrating both their birthdays together is a win-win situation for both.

My personal experience on this: – Since couple of years, a part of my day on birthday has, been spent on the act of giving. It could be at the old age home or with the differently able kids or giving out Rs.500 to the people who have a hard time; earning Rs.500 in a day. This time I thought of celebrating it with the kids at Chahari. When I reached, I asked these 15 girls when their birthday was, many of them did not know when they were born. So what we did was,  celebrate the day with them as they sang the birthday song and wished themselves. It was such a special feeling when they sang: – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME~

~And as we wish for our birthdays, I hope all their wishes come true~

Birthdays have always been special; it is another day to make us realize where we are in life, an introspection to our beautiful journey until date and yet another chance to fulfill our resolutions and crazy ideas that we have had for the year. Turning another year older is marked beautifully, as we turn sixteen or twenty-five, and with time, the numbering of oneself in every point making us anxious.  As much as we do not like it, time does pass by and in no time, our next birthday is back again.

Having gone through the most difficult phase of my life at the start of this year, to be losing the most important person in my life, my superhero, I am proud of what situations has molded me to become and what I am today.

With many years of experience in various fields, and doing the things I love doing, I have realized how satisfactory and content my heart is. Believing that there is no tomorrow (in terms of following ones dreams, it would not be bad in literal sense too, as I have experienced it) has made me experiment so many things.

The switch from numbers to the creative side has been great, so has the solo trip to Scotland. That trip gave me different outlook towards life. It was the best feeling ever. The writings have helped me express my thoughts and nothing better than words read by the world when put out. I still feel happy reading my published articles as I did on the first day. Early morning radio shows has been the best antidote and there are moments when I still get jitters before I am starting the show. All this has led to start a podcast named castmandu.com.  Taking every chance to make a travel series has made the channel “Travel with Shikha” reach up to 150 videos and the wanderlust in me still dreams and hopes to be travel host some day.

Crossing of ten adventure sports on my list has always made me want for more. The remaining added to my PLAYBOOK. Learning different sports has made me try my hands on kickboxing and squash. The starting of KTM Drive(www.ktmdrive.com) has been one of the greatest feat, the hundred events have been amazingly perfect and when I look back at the pictures and the memories with thousands of lives that have been touched I feel so gratified.

The very difficult challenge in all of this was to be consistent. None of this has happened speedily, I still remember sending articles for months and after a year, one published. How can I forget the time I realized I did not want to deal in numbers forever in my life? I was not sure of what I wanted but I knew what I did not. The travel videos started with phone cameras, with zero editing; now it has become much better, with fun content.  The permission for all the travels and rounds of discussions and planning to explore a new place were not that easy, these memories are etched in my heart. For the best experience with KTM Drive, it started with giving out free tree saplings, an idea thought over a cup of coffee has come to a project called #teachwithktmdrive.

I was so scared of death, as most of us are. I am blessed that I got the strength to see the last of my favorite man, as I did his last rites. I am happy to be around so many wonderful people in my life, who make the voyage even more interesting,

With this, there are so many stories shared, lessons learnt, mistakes made. There were decisions taken after sleepless nights, the ones that did not matter after five years, some taken at the spur of the moment. All of this has worked out perfectly well as I start the new era of my life at a new destination in the best companionship.

 ~Life can be capricious, grab the opportunity that you get, execute the ideas that is on your mind and never wait for the right time, because this is the time, which is RIGHT~