Musing over Melbourne

When I was a little girl, whenever my dad asked me where outside of India I wanted to go, I'd always say "Australia". I don't know the reason myself. I might have seen glimpses of the country in some sitcom or maybe they did an episode on "Lonely Planet". We used to see Discovery a lot in my childhood.

It grew off somehow over the years and now, a couple of days back, when Indiblogger announced the "Fly to Melbourne" contest, I decided to go look up places in and around the city!

So here are a few places I'd like to check out if ever I get to visit the country's capital!

Royal Botanic Gardens

Have heard that these gardens provide an Alice in Wonderland sort-of experience which gives one enough reason for one to go and experience it. A walk in these gardens would be heavenly, if there indeed are naturally wondrous things to see and feel.

Not too fond of display gardens, I would like to spend most time in the nature sanctuaries. I would consider signing up for the Aboriginal Heritage walk though, if it means knowing more about these sanctuaries!!

The Shrine of Remembrance

The shrine is interesting, in it, it has stories of the war. Originally built to commemorate the men & women of Victoria who served in World War 1, it's now for all Australians who served in war.

They say that there is a marble stone inside on which is engraved "Greater love hath no man", which, quoted from the Bible is a version of "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". On November 11, also called as Remembrance day, at 11 a.m., an opening in the roof lets out a ray of sunlight on the word "Love".

The Great Ocean Road

I'd like to go for a drive on the Great Ocean Road, stopping over to see the 12 Apostles, then maybe for a short walk, to see the Bay islands and experiencing the food culture in the many towns here.

Wouldn't want to miss out on seeing historic lighthouses, the ancient rainforests.. I think a good trip on this road would last atleast two days.

Brighton Beach

When I saw the picture of this beach, the bright houses immediately lit me up!!

I don't know if I can stay in one of them, but they sure look inviting..

Australian Centre of Contemporary Art

I think I'd like to make a trip to the ACCA to view international as well as Australian artwork.

I kind of like how oddly shaped the building is!!

Besides Melbourne, if I do get a chance, I'd like to go visit the Daintree Rainforest, in Queensland.

I looked at the pictures, and the lush green is too inviting!

I like green places.. and on a lighter note, this also reminds me of "Honey, I shrunk the kids" for some reason!

To be honest, I wouldn't say I love Melbourne but this just gives me a chance to go, explore!

And now for a small surprise - there's something in this post for all of  you readers. Aside from me taking part in a contest, you can also take part by telling me which of the places in Melbourne you'd like to visit from amongst the ones that I mentioned, along with a reason why!! The last date for doing so is the 4th of January, 2015 and you stand a chance to win a shopping voucher worth INR 500.

So, go on, tell me.. :)

Feeling free and making mistakes.

This year has seen a lot of movements and a struggle of a certain kind.
As it closes, I can see it better.

Fixing my life up to achieve some sort of perfection has been an obsession - the right way of living life, the imagined "ideal" state to be in, pursuing an imagined definition of  a relationship / career..

At times, I have found it necessary to give in to my fears. And in that, I have found some freedom. It felt like I was making a mistake and yet I didn't want to stop myself from doing it. People might deem me stupid but I see it as - I was trying to live with making mistakes.

Maybe that's what we all need somewhere. Freedom to make mistakes - freedom from our own judging selves.

Festival of Lights

Haven't been coming here too often because I have been running out of things to write about..

Not because my life is *full* but more so because it has been mostly passing by me, much like a movie .. I watch it but often find myself unable to get involved.

Today, after a long time, I felt the warmth of the light within me - what people like to call "faith" or "belief".

The questions stopped. Felt comfortable with myself. It wasn't magical or something - it was very normal, yet so good. And it stayed on for most part of the day.

It's been five years now since this light has been flickering - my faith has been shaky. I like the times when it stays. It gives me strength to act. Too bad it doesn't stay too long but every now and then, it comes back to give me hope.

Happy Diwali one and all - let the light in you always shine and shine bright.

The blog awakens!!

People have been asking me why I haven't been updating my blog of late.

I have no clue as to why myself but I can say these past four months have been very different. I have done everything new and nothing of the usual.

So much has happened in life I don't know where to begin.

It's like a sudden dash of everything new.

Shooting for the 'Happy' video (which is still not done!!), joining a workplace, meeting new people at both, making new friends even outside of these worlds, considering a relationship, considering going abroad and the likes. And oh yes, I also went on holiday.. almost forgot!! (That needs another travelogue though.)

A lot has begun and a lot has been left half way.
Things left half way clutter up in the head.
The empty time I find in between is also quite restless. Yes, I find empty time in between that I manage to spend in tasks that drain me out even more.

So, I'm putting on weight, eating at improper times, sleeping at odd hours for odd durations, struggle to work and still don't manage to get things done well. Also, I end up late for everything.

Making decisions is the hardest ever. I am bored of the familiar and not ready to take in the unfamiliar yet. I need something that drives me to the unknown. No clue what. So a lot of times, I just move around in circles. It gets tiring after a point and I feel like nothing is important. Nothing at all. As if all that I am doing, I am doing just to pass time and that I haven't found anything worthwhile to spend time on yet. Even that brings so much restlessness!!

Amongst all this chaos, I do find dashes of 'happy'.

I don't know how long I'll keep going in circles. This restlessness sometimes seems endless. And life just feels out of sync. But moments like these make life bearable and fill me up with hope. Wish for more of such and want to see fuller times again..  I'm hoping it'll all fall in place one day.. and till it does not, I'm hoping I'll always find hope.

Until next time.

The Lil Flea

Food, live music, pop up shops, workshops, short films and all the hippy-ness, it was a well spent Saturday (6th of April) at The Lil Flea, a flea market on Bandra Reclamation grounds.

We reached at around 6pm though I wanted to get there sooner.. it was too hot to leave home before 5pm, I doubt if Bombay has been as hot before as it is now.

We were surprised to find a long queue outside and sure enough, the place was crowded inside..

I managed to take some pictures:

There was so much colour everywhere..

And yes.. kids!!

This one looks a bit tired.. but I was told she is usually a great poser!

Ah.. hair accessories <3 comment-3--="" nbsp="">

We had cupcakes and then at The Lil Flea Cafe, some yummy dessert (Mango Cheese Cup) by The Bell Pepper.

As it got darker, the live bands were more active and people gathered to sit & listen..

They were also showing short films in a tiny part of The Lil Flea cafe. I liked this part the most. It was nice and cosy. The films were funny.

It was fun seeing so many different artists, some taking pot painting workshops, some selling & teaching how to make dream-catchers. There was a Poi artist who was demonstrating poi but wasn't taking a live workshop. She explained there is going to be a workshop later (look up Mad Poi if anyone's interested).

We really had fun at this place where they made boards of different hash tags. Lots of people were seen clicking pictures with these.

I clicked a few that represented different expressions.

Clicked one of Rahul that said "Follow Me"!

I liked how they did up every corner of the place with bottles, flowers and fans..

... made the place all the more colourful !!

Small Fry Co. along with Visual Disobedience is coming up with another such fun event tomorrow at Kala Ghoda- Arty Party. Check link for more details! :)