a stupid's journal

Lately, I have been in the search of some place which can offer me peace. There are many places of that genre but I was searching for something that would charm me, tempt me to come again and again. Couldn't find any unless I came across this another "hole in the wall" of Delhi. 

First time backpacker? I've been to few places with my backpack and it was way better than carrying a duffle bag or a stroley. Well, it depends upon your own choice how are you travelling but a backpack gives chances to roam around the area on foot like locals. You don't really carry your suitcase in a local spice market, do you!!


Lately, I've been planning a lot for my future trips. Some to tourist places and other to normal routine places. Now being a student, I don't really have flights for those trips and I usually travel by trains. (cheap and best). After looking on too many options, I found that a backpack would be most suitable for my journeys.

Now, packing a backpack is an art in itself. You can't just throw your stuff in. You actually have to pack it. So here are few very simple hacks to provide you with a fully loaded bag that won't disappoint you.

First thing I would suggest is that "roll up your denims and shirts". It looks weird some times because you might want to fold your shirts in a very cliche method. That's just not for backpacks!
Rolling them up would occupy lesser space and keep them least wrinkled.

Second important thing that I felt is the space for water bottle. Always carry a light weight bottle and you don't need to carry those bulky, heavy and thermos kind of bottles.

No doubt you will get a wide range of mouth watering food to fill up your stomach but always carry food alternatives. (imperative if your are planning for some serious hiking). And that also lit the need of lighters and battery light.

Avoid putting your shoes into the bag. In fact, don't carry an extra pair of shoes. But just in case you have to, try hanging them somewhere outside of the bag. (it looks cool too). Same applies to your sleeping pad is you are carrying one)

If your bag doesn't have a attached rain protector, just carry a suitable sized plastic sheet or you can put a compact fold-able umbrella.

Place you money always in the interior of the bag so that it's hard to pick. Carry earphones instead of headphones if you like listening to music while travelling. Headphones are just too much wastage of space.

Lately, the term "backpacking" has become popular and have become a culture in the travelling genre. People are getting out of their houses on a backpack just to explore the unseen. They travel to places that are not "tourist places". We, the social humans, are now trying to explore our world like nomads. (something like people used to do in history)

So guys, don't you think we should also leave our studies and just leave!!

Sounds like so much but give it a thought what would matter more in the next 5 years. Share your thoughts and ideas on backpacking in comments.

Note: Just in case you liked what I said, do share this post with hashtags #stupidOnSunday and #bringPeace.

If you like traveling then there is no point cancelling your travel plans just because you are on tight budget. There are things you can keep in mind while preparing your itinerary that would help you cut down the expenses. No doubt, reducing the prices will reduce the luxury from your trip but at least, you are getting to go somewhere. And moreover, travel was never about five star hotels, it's about the most you can get to explore.



No going further into theoretical aspects, let's discuss some points on how one can travel even if he's broke or on a very tight budget.

1. Forget hotels and look for hostels

No doubt you can get a hotel after you get to a place by exploring the nearby areas. But you might end up listening "sorry sir, we are already full". To avoid that, you can always prebook your hotels and do check for them online. There are more chances that you can get hotels at cheaper prices. Other option is, forget hotels as you are on a tight budget and you do not care about luxury at all. Try finding hostels where rooms are shared by all those who are "broke"! It definitely increases the chances of making new friends and the experience is worth trying.

2. Indian trains are awesome

If you are travelling and you have enough time, choose trains over flights. Indian trains are awesome as you get to meet new people and more likely, you would meet some groups that are travelling to the same place. Stick with one such group if it allows and your further expenses are reduced. (Sharing guys!!) In the trains also, try travelling at night as that would eliminate the need of AC coaches. Regular sleeper class would be fine! (be daring enough and travel in General class, prices are lesser than a pizza)

3. Taste the local food, it's delicious

If you are travelling to some place and demands some "home like food", then you are just piling up your bills. Ask the locals about places where you can get their native food. Locate one such restaurant and have fun. Having their food would ensure two things, one your expense and other, a worthy experience. If you want to have some alcohol, try buying it from wine shops and have it at home. Otherwise you can go to a good bar, enjoy the hyped prices and get drunk. Then pay for the cabs and all because you would need someone to drop you to your hotels or hostel. Keep in mind that you are on budget.

4. Missing home? Text but don't call

This one is the least considered factor that introduces few hundred bucks to expenses and no one thinks about it. When we are not in home state or country, the roaming call rates are another hole in your pocket. But calling home is important, right? You can always find free wifi connections. Sometimes in hotels or hostels, a coffee cafe or at some public area (like in Cannaught Place in New Delhi, though for 20 mins) Use internet calling over normal phoning. Text your dearest ones and send them your photos over internet. This probably would lessen missing!

5. Always pack light

Get a good backpack and pack only those things which are necessary. Carrying too much clothes will not do any better. Just pack some basic clothes as per the required weather of the place. Apart from clothing, there are things like headphones which occupy extra space, so you better get earphones. A light and compact water bottle, canvas shoes, a smartphone (instead of a bulky camera) are some things you might want to carry. The point in carrying a light backpack rather than a bulky suitcase is that you can carry you luggage anywhere. It's much easier with a backpack.

I hope these things would sometime lower your expenses. You can share your ideas about travelling for less in comments. I would totally love that!

#StupidOnSunday
#bringPeace 

Looking into my laptop with a coffee on one side and a notepad on the other, is how I am usually spotted. I don't just make my eyes sore looking at the boring laptop but I keep looking for some really good photographs to feature them in my next blog post. 

Ever been to India or planning to visit? India is not impossible at all to travel, it's just little tricky at times. One might find it annoying and waste of time and money but in reality, it's paradise for the traveler souls. Countries like in Europe are crafted during the recent history while India is being crafted over the long time. So it had to be different.

While travelling to India, you might find handy the below points because these are the problems and joys I keep feeling being an Indian.

1. Beware of Google Maps 

Several times, I had been stuck in the crowded and narrow streets of the cities where cars can't even enter the way. No doubt, it tells you the shortest paths. I am not here to scare you of Navigation Services but just to inform you. Avoid the shortest paths as these may turn into single lane streets. If you are using such service, try travelling through the main Highways.

2. The public transit is crowded 

The cities like New Delhi, metro-cities to be specific, are equipped with a fast and dynamic metro. But other places where metros are not available uses buses, trains and cabs. Buses and trains being crowded leaves you with no choice but cabs. But it's all same sort of thing because of Traffic Jams.
So choose you outing timings carefully and avoid peak hour(office rush).

3. Select you shoes carefully

The weather of India is like a girl with mood-swings. It starts to rain and the very next moment, there would be bright and warm sun making a rainbow! On a day with chilling breezes you might want to wear your sneakers but on beach, the scenario would be totally different where "chappals" would be the best option. One can't predict which shoes he's going to wear the next morning!

4. Rain, it starts anytime 

In the season of spring, one simple just can't predict the rain. It rains anytime without any prior indication. Apart from spring, in some areas of the country, it's 12 months a rainy season. Today it would be rain and next day would be a simple warm and cozy sun.

5. India has a lots of festivals

Throughout the whole year, there happens to be some kind of festival in different regions of the country. And by festival, I mean the crowd. The streets are crowded and you might regret taking a car in streets. Just roam around on foot, click some good pictures of Indians celebrating the festival and go back to your hotel.

6. Bar culture is getting popular

One of the reason that Bar culture is getting popular in India is that Indian people are getting used to the concept of "try everything and regret nothing". This has made cities full of bars and lounges. Foreigners might find the booze cheap because of their "thick dollars"!! Avoid getting so drunk that you couldn't even go back to your hotel. Drink less and stay safe.

7. Time would Pass

People are often confused about how long their stay should be. They are worried that they would get bored here. But the reality is time would pass anyhow. One can't be bored in India. There are tones of places and one is never lack of places. There are many things that one can try here. Biking is one of such things following yoga, meditation, hiking, etc.

Note: You might have heard many things about India but in reality it's a great country to travel and awesome in people's hospitality. Have one thing in mind that you are India's guest and you'll be treated well enough to make you remember the trip throughout your lifetime. 


#stupidOnSunday
#bringPeace 

We all go to movies where superstars perform and we enjoy. Had you ever thought about the origin of film industry? It originated as theater where artists performs with rehearsals but no Retakes!

Such artists are performing in your city and probably you don't even have an idea. Worry not, here are some of the very beautiful plays that are around the corner. As it's Independence Day, so most of the plays occurring take us to the timeline of partition of the country. Here are the plays that I suggest that you watch.

1. Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai 

Details: 

Venue: Indian Institute of Technology, Safdarjung Development Area, Near SBA Market, Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
Date :   16th Aug, 6:30 PM to 7:45
Entry:   Free 

The play takes us back to Lahore to backdrop of 1947 Partition. The story is about an old Hindu women who fights against the riots and refuses to give away her property to a Muslim refugee family from Lucknow.

With the goons taking advantage over the situation, but however remain ignorant of the bonds of love and humanity.

2. Pakistan Aur Alzheimer's 

Details:

Venue :Alliance Francaise De Delhi, 72, KK Birla Marg, Loghi Estate, Near UNICEF, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (South)
Date    :16th Aug, 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Tickets: Rs.300-Rs.500 

Pakistan Aur Alzheimer's is a heart rending story presented in a very hilarious way. The story features 90 year old man who recalls the times of partitions and its repercussions in a funny incorrect manner as he suffers from Alzheimer's.

However the events proceed, the old man's funny memoirs question a range of stereotypes about the tragic event-its genesis, cause, worth and its effects.

3. Court Martial 

Details: 

Venue: Sri Ram Center, Plot No. 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House, Opposite Himachar Bhawan, Cannaught Place, New Delhi
Date: 15th Aug, 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Tickets: Rs.100-Rs.200

Court Martial is an intense drama story of a recruit, Ram Chander who is an Army Officer, born to low-caste parents and is denied to social respect by immediate society. Going through all this social discrimination, he is forced to become a murderer and is tried for killing an Officer and injuring others.

Court Martial represents a combination of legal and poetic justice.

So these are the few plays that are about to take place. Be quick or leave it!

Picture Courtesy: whatshot.in

#bringPeace
#StupidOnSunday

Like every year, this time also, Delhi is doing its part in celebrating the 69th Independence Day. The celebrations are done by organizing sundry awards for the artists and cultural performances. Such a cultural event brings together all the states of the country and people of other areas get to know the traditions and food (in short culture) of other areas.

So this is what we call as "exploring without travelling".(There's no such term, I just coined it myself). Talking precisely, there is an event called "Bharat Parv" going on in the city. The event is located in "Garden of five senses" which is located near Saket Metro Station at a distance you could walk or hire a ride.

The purpose of this event is to bring together all the cultures of the country through two main interests of the people. These two interests, I think, are food and music. And the event is doing well by putting forward these two things before the local public.




The details of the event are provided at the end of the post but I suggest that you go through the whole article. Being a "non foodie" kind of person, I hesitate try new dishes. So I just wandered around the garden at first. Passing by the food stalls surely attracts you with the mouth watering smell and you do want to stop for a while to taste it. So I did passed a few stalls and then finally decided to stop at the Bihar section. "Litti Chokha" was the only dish I've had earlier. So without taking any risk, I had "Litti Chokha". Believe me the taste was close to the taste of a friend's mother food.



Not just food, there is also a setup for the cultural performances of dance and music. A well decorated stage, beautiful lighting and calm audience waiting. What else does an Artist want!

The day I went there, they had like 9 different performances, all of different state and culture. I could watch only two of them but I'm sure all of them were awesome enough to get into your heart.





I liked the way people watched the dances. The breeze flowing and passing by your body by touching it along with such a beautiful music is quite a cocktail!

But I didn't like one thing to be honest. The audience mostly consisted of age group  40-60. According to me, this age group has seen enough of culture and traditions. Now it's our turn. But people of our age group are busy wandering around. I suggest that you do visit such events with your friends and family. And for those who say that they want to explore the world one day, I would rather say first explore your country while you are living here. And there's no such "one day" to explore the world but your life. Start with nearby locations.

The event is occurring in Garden of Five senses, Near Saket Metro Station.
Timmings: 5 PM to 11 PM.
Dates : 11th August to 15th August.
Entry : Free (only if you enter after 5PM)

#bringPeace
#stupidOnSunday

Randomly walking across the "select city walk", I got to see the very awesome 'exhibition' kind of setup there. In the front empty space, they have put some abandoned army vehicles, all painted with spray paints of different colors. The cars and trucks have been placed such that they easily catch eyes of people. 

This is what I say when I get a call for job for content writer. But honestly speaking, I don't want to work as a content writer, neither do I know what does it mean.



I am, no doubt, happy running this blog as I get to go many places (which I don't) and get a learn a lot (which I don't either). This particular post is about problems I came across till now after I have started this blog. As I said "problems" so this one is going to be little lengthy. So here it goes.

The first and very irritating thing about running a travel blog is you don't really get to go some place every time you decide to go. The reason sometimes is my college and other times I just don't feel like going. But there is a crowd of around 500 people (if you have just started) waiting for your blog. You can just skip few times but they have got many others like you. People move on very soon. So many a times it feels like stressing that someone is waiting and you need to go and write. But I believe that's what I started it for.

The next thing is being a student, I don't always have extra money to cover my travel expenses (as I am not earning from my blog yet). I, several times skip the idea of going to some place. And whenever I have money, I might not have 'mood' of going out in hot summer and rather spend that money on 'chilled' beer. (if you know what I mean). Read on Reasons why you shouldn't read my blog.

Apart from time and money, there's this thing called 'duties'. Sometimes eventually find yourself stuck in some work and not being able to go out and explore. Talking of my this blog, I planned to go out on every weekend and write my experience on it. But you might get to date someone, you might want to take break and visit home or simply, you might stuck doing your weekly laundry.

A very rare kind of problem only people like me would have faced is "you go to a new place and wanted to capture a couple of good shots for your blog, your battery runs out." The smartphones today are battery consuming and bloggers (small) like me don't posses good cameras. So, I have visited places and couldn't click pictures. And without pictures, believe me, you wouldn't read me. (There are very few chances that I would visit the same place again)

I have also felt lack of writing spirits many times while writing the blog. I am not saying that I lack passion or something but it happens that you just don't want to write sometimes. Just in case you want to read how do I think what to write, read this.

As I said, problems do have a count and I can keep writing down the things I've faced. But the thing is who cares! You can also tell me your problems in comments but what would happen out of it? Try finding solution and keep your blog running. Don't just stop writing because of these kind of little things that you can easily step upon and cross.

At this point I don't understand the relevance of this particular blog post. But as I've written the whole post out of my not so good English, I will post it.

#bringPeace
#stupidOnSunday

If you haven't went through previous posts, read Day 1 and Day 2.