Balloon Art & Fashion

There are a few things in life that tend to bring a smile to most people. Having grown up and forcefully distanced myself from balloons , I still envy the "free balloon policy" to kids at fast food restaurants. Once at KFC, I saw a bunch of them available for the taking, was about to leave with one when the sales staff said: "Excuse me, those are only for kids!". What is the "official age" for not being able to freely carry a balloon on the streets as a grown-up and get a few raised eyebrows in the process?  Whatever it is, I still cherish and admire them. Balloons are items that though extremely simple in matter, can really be turned into something spectacular and intricate. Here are a few great pics to please the eye!

Rome and its culture

After much deliberation, Roman Toga has been officially decided to be the theme for my birthday party! On that note, I fondly started recalling my history lessons and how much Ancient Rome in all its grandeur fascinated me. I had to do some research for the party, and subsequently started looking into Roman art, culture, fashion yet again. Here are some of the collected images!

Moroccan Nostalgia

I vividly remember the first brush with the arid and fragrant winds of this unique nation. Upon stepping out of the plane,  the heat, the smells and even the air infused my senses and left me intoxicated with the excitement of new horizons to explore and the promise of exotic wonders. I smiled, and thought to myself "This is it, the place I've always been looking for". Strangely (or not so strangely), having traveled extensively this was the most unusual feeling. While traveling I've always felt like I was passing by, yet while arriving in Morocco I truly felt I had reached my final destination. Many years since having spent that magical week where everything about this country fascinated and enticed me, I still have fond recollections and a greater desire to return. From its extremely generous inhabitants, to the spectacular architecture, the colorful and never-ending souks (markets), the nourishing cuisine and overall magical atmosphere, every single moment was an eye opener. I left with deep sadness and a sense of melancholy... and a promise to return! :)

De Paix Yatra

After a sunny outdoor shoot in the premises of an eclectic design store, I caught up with the man of the hour and photographer Nitesh N Nitesh (Nitesh Square) who had previously enlightened me about his upcoming cross nation journey in favor of peace. Let me fill you in on the details:

What & Why

De Paix Yatra is a motorbike journey from India to England to promote the message of Swami Vivekananda, Indian Wisdom and Global Peace. This journey has been supported by more than 19 organizations like United Nations India, Indo British Trade Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs, PETA India, ASSOCHAM, US Consulate General, GCCI, FICCI, INSAF etc. It's a mission to unite 8 nations with an ideology of peace, non-violence and kindness and to get connected with the doers, change-makers and revolutionaries of 8 nations of the world through collecting of stories and experiences.

How

• De Paix Yatra will be the unique bike journey that will travel 8 nations, 50+ cities and will connect more than 300 million youth to spread the message of oneness, unity, love, peace and justice.

• De Paix Yatra will be flagged off from Mumbai in April and will travel on decided route for 65 days and will finish at London in June’12.
• This Yatra will have team of 4 people (2 Riders, 1 anchor, 1 Peace & youth Consultant) who will be taking the message of Swami Vivekananda and India to the world.
• De Paix Yatra will travel 50+ cities and will organize peace talks, kindness shows, Free Hugs campaigns, Music show and Youth Exhibitions in schools, colleges and universities of respective cities, states and nation.
• The entire Yatra will be documented via collecting unheard stories, photographs and documentaries.

Material

A book of all collected stories will be published.
• The journey and experiences will be documented in form of short film.
• Extraordinary efforts to connect 8 nations with Peace, Kindness, and nonviolence to be made via music shows, organizing Peace talks and kindness shows. http://www.depaixyatra.org/
• Unique initiative- Letters of love will be launched with this Yatra.

With such a positive and creative initiative involving traveling and connecting with people, I can only say how wonderful it would be to take part in this journey. Perhaps  this is only the beginning and such peace movements will be further developed worldwide to strengthen overall understanding and communication.  In the meantime, here in stationary Mumbai we can support the cause. Post shoot, I happily posed away showing support and enthusiasm for the same!

Wishing Nitesh and the team a wonderful and exciting journey! J

For more info:

http://www.depaixyatra.org/

http://www.facebook.com/DePaixYatra/info

Funky Kitchen Utensils Design

Another day, another post on one of my many passions....design and decor!