Poonam Parihar | You're the Adventure, Go Seek Yourself.

Its Time To Explore Something New...Seek Another Adventure.

2016-01-03T23:35:00.004-05:00

the beginning and the end... the ultimate truth?

Its been a decade almost, since I started blogging. I fail to recall what exactly was my motivation. I believe it would have been almost the same thought that every blogger in that time began writing with. I started with random musings, which is now micro blogging and mostly done over twitter. Over the time, I wrote about lot of things, and ultimately about my adventurous escapades, world over.

Its been a great journey, re-living those moments through scribbling over these long years, and of course sharing. a public platform to pen your thoughts is the best way to let go of your fears, insecurities, not just because you put yourself to open criticism but sharing a part of you, which be introvert-extrovert, everyone wants to do, and medium hardly matters. besides a character assassination, publicly done will only make you stronger, and refine you, if taken positively.

I learned so much in past 10 years about life around & me myself, and now I would want to take it to the next level. some new projects. something different. I have one lifetime, and I want to do lot of things, many things. my interests are so scattered, and finally I see myself at a point in my life, where I can explore those untouched areas of life. I still may sound like I don't know what I am talking about but honestly, if I roll my eyes from left to right in my room right now, and just look outside the window, I see 'em everywhere.

There is always good and bad parts of opening up in public. I have always kept my writing simple, but at many times I have seen people forming opinion about me, my lifestyle which, btw, can not be concluded by the social media or what i express or say search on google, is probably just one percent of who I am as a person. the sad part, most of the times its not the online readers but those people around me. that aside, social media these days is one full marathon in itself that you keep running and just can't stop or rest or quit from. One thing is to learn how to begin something new, the other to understand when to put a full stop, and not to turn in to a never-ending soap opera.
It could be the grown up me, now, who's ready to prioritize and perhaps is able to do the same. - I shall test her now.

This is my final post here, and it goes with out saying I want to thank everyone who' ever visited this page, and read a line. I am not going to stop writing so there will be more from me in the future, hopefully, not here though. This blog is not going down, or pulled out i.e. all that past articles will remain available publicly, just no more new posts.

with the blog, there are few other active platforms, I am saying goodbye too, much to the pressure of keeping them active on the daily basis, which is no longer possible for me, here is the list of what stays and what goes out.

All changes in affect 01/11/2016

Hindi Blog : I admit I could never focus much on this. But I am keeping the language alive in my whatsapp I promise.

Facebook Page : will be out in one week from now. 01/11 I'll share some updates on my profile page, from time to time, but mostly I'd like to keep my musings private and perhaps come up with collective work over the time instead.

Instagram : talking about private, I have had 3 instagram accounts in the past, and that is because, its not easy to not get addicted to social media, and miss it or wanting to be back. I know i have done the same with facebook page as well, perhaps twice. so I am keeping the instagram @parienyc active, but mostly Private, let see. ( I am a moody virgo, sorry)

Flickr : Its been so long since I posted anything on flickr, and it has pretty much become my dumping ground for the images. so keeping online archiving in mind, you may seen the uploads there, the current gallery is going nowhere.

Smugmug Portfolio : is and will be my main photography website, and If not per images, I'll be uploading projects there. the images are currently on - request to buy - may change in future, but anything up there, you can send a request to me on indigypsi@gmail.com if you are interested in buying a print.

Blurb and iTunes : My photography books are available to view and buy on both platform. no changes.

and

Twitter : You will not be seeing many updates on my personal twitter handle @poonamparihar ( now private ), perhaps a few forwards from instagram, and occasional tweets. I'll see if I can find someone appropriate to run @travelindiachat in future, both accounts remain alive, and low activity.

Ecstatic, so many platforms and logins to even list, But I believe I have covered all the regular important ones. if any else, will remain on hiatus.
My going offline, isn't really mean, you cant reach me. it is just that, I may not regularly update where I am off to and what I am up to. I have personally always hated the word "follow" and tried to avoid asking for the same. but if you wish to keep a tab on me you have options - so reach out, I love talking, and thats all I'll conclude it with.

again, a heart felt thank you to blogger platform, and all the readers and i dont know "universe"? for giving me this chance to reminisce my moments with you all.

Thank you all.
Its a goodbye.

you can reach me at indigypsi@gmail.com

2015 : The Fairy Tale of My Life

2015-12-06T21:41:00.002-05:00

Have you always known what you want'd and supposed to do in your life, all your life?

I had this one mason jar that I filled with some lettered chits earlier this year, or past december I believe, sort of wishlist, resolutions or let say my goals for 2015. Only a few weekends away, I poured 'em out, and looked at each of them thoroughly. pretty much none of them felt as important as I wanted them to be, in other words, I hardly could connect to my wishes emotionally, it so felt like, I was just chasing some materialistic goals.

Here is the funny thing though, none of those had characteristic any close to being rapacious.
All of those chits are lying on my table currently. I still have the mason jar, sitting in the temple, with 2 chits in it. I think I want those. for clarity, this time I have dated 'em. w/ a when, perhaps the why will show up, right.

Since this year is almost over, and if nothing, I do have few goals in mind, that are made of ten percent of planning, and 90 of spontaneity, as always, I thought its a good idea to scribble, considering I haven't for most part of the year. This domain is about to expire, and I am not motivated to renew it. which is exactly why I am writing honestly. if I am able to publish it successfully, perhaps I'll hit the 10 years renewal button. The writer's dilemma, well.

To begin w/ I thought I'll pick up form where I left, this is considering, I hardly finished anything this year. as my focus was shifted. and while I mention that, I realized I no longer want to log it all. hey, but this is a review of course, and much needed at that. so right now I have these two letters from december 2014, one was to Santa of course, and other to TS Elliot, on not really, It was a feature for the three photography books that I published. this year unfortunately, there has been none.

Each of these articles are delighting me a little right now, and in rhetorical way, so to say. seeing the books, I am feeling accomplished. ( like hey come on, I did published a lot in 2014 so its okay if nothing in 2015) and the letter to Santa, which is more of a wishlist, gave me another reason to smile, because, fortunately, few of those wishes were fulfilled if not all.

1.

2015 in the traveling part of my life, started with a storm. and yes, literally. probably the most ambitious of the 4 days plan, now I am contemplating, would have been landing in the Salt Lake City in the times of Sundance Festival and Travel Expo and of the Southern Storm. I think I wrote a little a about it earlier this year, so will skip the details. thrilling to the core, but exhaustive is the word, I'll use for this trip.

2.

As the reds and whites of utah canyons were getting blurred in my mind, I took some brain tease challenge. its not easy to study at this age, my favorite excuse these days, I took the certification, I passed, and scheduled 3 more, in the excitement. Here is what is happening right now, so far I have rescheduled them in counts I can not recall myself, and all three are currently scheduled for earlier next year. well, I was busy. Okay, No one is perfect alright.

Incase you're wondering those are all Cisco. Go figure.

3.

The highlight of "how I spent my summer'

I was alone.
You thought wilderness?
No It was a floor in the Gotham City.

I was talking to machines.
Literally.
But no I still haven;t been able to figure out Time traveling.
Specially since jumping out naked every time, and first thing I need to do is to look for clothes, isn't really an option for me, nah.

There was noise, tunnel or waterfall size?
No, It was definitely not Niagara Falls.

In reality, I was working my tail-off in Manhattan, walking couple of miles almost everyday, and eating the same food, from the upstairs cafe, and well I had no internet.
Yes this place does exist. in New York City.

So when I again got drained out, I in a haste booked my tickets for New Mexico. Well, everyone was going somewhere, and I was stuck. The news is I have postponed the trip twice, and the current plan is for end of January next year. which again is going to get ultra crazy, because, I' kind of will just be back from Los Angeles then. But Hey, why worry about the future right now, the good thing was, I booked Florida as well, and I made it. Yes.

4.
I just realized, many of you would be thinking, domestic travel, big deal or not. I mean, I have nothing to blabber really, if thats the word for the review these days. It'll be 3 year since I visited India, not really missing, India came to visit me and how good is that. As I said before, I am still figuring it out, and on the go that is.

Those 2 Back-to-back trips to California came at perfect time, if not, I would have gone to depression I now think. One brought me a 'close to nature' experience, the other made me realize, no matter who comes and goes, I have to keep walking.

bioluminescence, the word I probably hadn't heard until mid this year, suddenly was all over my google browsing history. The month of July isn't really the ideal time to see it, and a full moon, never. But well, we got lucky. and we weren't even in Central America or Mauritius, feels so good, even now, just going back to that moment in the memory still so fresh.

5.

And there follows Lalaland, i.e. Los Angeles. I don't know what I wanted to do, or I perhaps did but couldn't convince a bird. but for one thing, I really wanted to visit Channel Islands national park. Now thats one contradictory statement of the day. I could have made it, but I stayed confused, and not to let my weekend end up in ruins, I took a trip down-south, from Ventura ( which is one of the hubspot of National Park) and to all the way OceanSide, about 40 miles from San Diego. That drive, on US-1 sort of strengthen my love-and-hate relationship with California.

temperature in 3 digits, and crowded beaches and downtowns, I can go on ramble about it all night I think. To cut it short, there is no part of LA left, that I'd like to explore, Yes, I'd be there often in future, but I think I'll have churn out some alternatives, yup, wait, tell me who all loves LA. I think we have a handful of cards to throw, lets have a slumber party, shall we? oh wait, Are you 30 yet. Kids ;)

6.

Tropical Storms, Hurricane, Erica, Mad rains, 'I want to dive but I cant', Birthday Weekend, 'Oh You're solo?', My brother is going to Burning Man, Ghostbusters : some words I could use to define late August of 2015.

I think I loved florida nonetheless. Miami a little less, perhaps. The place is beautiful, and as much as I was stunned by the colors of the ocean on my trip to Key West, and my time at Bahia Honda, I dint find the drive as pleasurable as I thought it would be. I think winter perhaps is a great time to be there, and so is to all 4 national Parks & Preserve down south. I missed Dry Tortugus, but covered a good part of Biscayne, Everglades and Big Cypress. and considering there was Hurricane warning and all, and never stopping rain, until I did fly out, and I could still cover, key Biscayne and Fort Lauderdale and all the parks and party in the middle, not literally the party part, all by myself, I thought I could pat myself on the back a bit. but there goes the sarcastic me, did I have another option but to keep driving alone?

7.

So Its First week of December, New York City, The temperature is in 50s and wind is less than 10mph, fall colors are faded, and there is no sign of snow yet, and this is when last two years have been so on the other side of the equation, How I could ever forget my first winter in NYC, the famed antarctica boot camp, as i call it. but then, if not snow, it was excessive rains all past months, and i could feel it worst no time but in my Tomorrowworld Festival trip. from the time, that I missed the festival bus, and traveled 14 hours in a cheap & disgusting local bus, to reaching the muddy festival site, and losing my iPhone, and then again missing the right bus back home, because well, I had no magic.

The amount of negative publicity that Tomorrowworld Music Festival in Atlanta gained this year, at one hand it is nothing less appalling, but Inside the site, I feel if it wasn;t raining it would have been perfect, and it really wasn't "that bad" except, well, above. For me, I was only experimenting.
I think my ears can tolerate much more than my eyes can, but 3 days of raving was a little too much for me. still I enjoyed it, and luckily dint have any sad incident to come back home w/ except of course my phone, but thankfully I got the upgrade later.

For one reason, that I took the expensive festival bus ticket was to meet some fellow new yorkers and make some friends over the weekend, but how strange is that, I couldn't even meet any of them while on my way back. so a 50,000 big crowd, few conversations, most of them me very carefully avoiding the stretch and I pretty much came back home friendless, penniless well, not really, but its no thrift.

Now Whether I am going again?
The Answer is not to Atlanta. Think I'll try some local ones I could drive to.

8.

Come again, New Mexico in October, and How i feel this place doesn't really want me there.
I took a quick trip to Austin, in the ACL fest weekend, and now that I mention it, I should scribble it down somewhere in next years' calendar perhaps. Again, Exhaustion is the word, I couldn't get myself together for another solo. so I skipped, and rested all weekend. North Carolina happened in Mid November just before thanksgiving, so I rested again. and I am still resting I guess. bless my old soul you all. I am still writing and to the point to exhaust you all. Haven't this been a perfect revenge strategy. But hey, I haven't written anything since April I have earned it.

Come December, and the time for reviews and resolutions and Xmas - that I have 2 days i.e. One long weekend, and I am somehow not complaining. So far, I haven't cooked no plans. My evernote may say otherwise, but you wont be able to see it. I think I'll keep it a mystery for now.

Having said all that, I feel this year has given me a lot than I am giving it credit for. It my not reflect perfectly balanced on my exhaustive travel accounts, But it just reassured my belief that all I am always up for is experimenting and seeing and doing something new. I was never up for repetition. and I always hated the records. The achievements are always per say. I have been away from twitter for all this time, logging in once in blue moon, and whenever I did, It just looks liked the same as if I didn't miss anything. everyone is standing right where I left them, talking about the same thing, although I am sure, everyone feels they have moved up, high, far ahead in life. I guess thats how the God's eyes must be seeing us, going in circles. That line perhaps was enough of a contribution here today, from my unapologetic philosophical other side. She should go sleep.

If not the tradition, I would like to conclude this post here, But Santa may get upset, as I may not be back very soon. So I am thinking now, what is that my exploratory, wild, adventurous side, want me to do this next year?

Did I mention I bought a new mountain bike this year, and dint even put enough miles to respectfully count on it yet, such shame, I did drive enough though, if I am to take in account the 100 miles I do almost everyday for work.

1.

So for one thing, I think my plan is to go local as much as possible, and put miles on this bike of mine, instead of my air miles accounts.

2.

I think my purest of the wish for the next year is to get myself qualified as an athlete. Doesn't matter what sport, in wilderness or in the city. Future as I see it, lot of weekend exploration, camping and hiking it seems, is on the cards. and Hopefully it will happen, if not how else I would have the heart to avoid my impulsive 4 days circled out national parks pursuits.

3.

The will and opportunity to try some different things here, things that i think I can not do.
for once I have realized today I have still many layers of fear to peel off of my skin, the journey with in is still thousands of miles long and I haven't touched the surface yet.

4.

Publications, Book Writing, New Skills, Lot of Photography, more money in my bank account, I think this will all go on as it always have been. For one, having a wish list is setting out a path to work on for the time to come, and if not, have an open mind to accept the ideas as they pop up in your brain, from time to time, for two, not having a long list is to indirectly say, you're right now comfortable in your own skin and ready for the future for whatever it may be.

Its long time Since I felt that way.

New Mexico - Here every true adventure feeds the soul.

2015-05-01T12:37:00.004-04:00

As much I am excited right now, it breaks my heart to just write about this possibility that I may not be publishing anything that I planned for this month. But If it comes to choosing between adventure and writing/photography. I'd always take up the hours in the wilderness. you'd too I am sure. Its been three months since my trip to Utah-Wyoming-Idaho concluded, and I have got itchy feet, so before my senses could go wild, I booked my tickets, and not for one trip but two. Happy First of May of to me.

True Adventure that feeds the soul, that's all I ever seek. and this time I am seeking it in New Mexico. I have been to the border states of Utah, Arizona & Also Colorado & Texas, though I haven't explored the latter two much yet. It'd be my very first trip to NM, and of course I'd be exploring National Parks, like always. Here is the tentative plan.

Albuquerque
White Sand National Monument
El Paso
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Carlsbed Cavern National Park
Santa Fe and the Las Vegas.
Albuquerque - http://www.nps.gov/state/nm/index.htm

Also Great Sand Dunes If Possible | Time Permits.

Map Link - https://goo.gl/maps/5bBNU

If you browse the nps website link that I posted above, you'll know that there are 14 national parks in total, most of 'em are national monuments including the 'White Sand', and 2 national historic trails. I doubt I can cover everything in a short duration of 4-5 days, But the parks that I've marked in the map, and the City of Santa Fe & Albuquerque are on top of my list, and why not, where else I'd witness the old charm, and explore the enchanting American Indian Culture & Artistry, right here.

Quite weirdly, All my trips unknowingly end up on a full moon days. I don't check the calendar and book my tickets in a haste, and so I did couple of days back when I did the bookings, and right now is only when I see both the trips are on full moon. i.e. no Milkyway for me again nope. Got to do something with my name I think. But this time I think it may turn out even more better than the death valley - bad water basin in white, at White Sand NM if the weather is with me. If not, since I'm calling all these 'circles of 4 NP' trips my national park recce. I'am okay with just knowing the place enough for coming back again. Another point, this is going to be a solo trip. I know you hear a lot about this hashtag #solo on twitter and everywhere else, and I am the last person who cares much about it, as I have done it enough to give any footage but just to make my travel partner a little J, she's actually busy with a marriage right now, and most likely to miss it, and one of the reasons I am posting the trip plan in advance is to let this post play the catalyst role, fuel her a bit, so she cant resist but join. i hope you're reading this Nanditha.

Check out more about NM on New Mexico Tourism Website.

The Next trip, is to Florida end of the summer, and again a state I haven't been to yet, will be another national park recce, solo or not, I don't know yet. For now, this month, I'd be busy with 3 exams back to back and lot of running and walking around for work. But We have #travelindia chat back on twitter Monday next week, and with a very fun topic #Bollywood ( Details Here) So I hope you enjoy that. The June 1st chat, I'd most likely be joining from the road.

Also, Instagram is deleted, for those who followed me there, Please add me on twitter or facebook instead, I'd posting lot more images there directly rather than through Instagram, and with out filters. I am kind of done and over with the Square Crop and Mayfair. The Blog as you can see has a new look, a little work to do on the Sliders and Index pages still, But this is for the first time I bought a theme and edited it as per my taste. Called it the Groom for my Blog Bride, as she finally chose one for herself after 8 long years of blogging. I hope she keeps him. Hindi blog though nothing new posted yet, would have better read with a simple dynamic view for now. So poke around, and if you have any suggestion, do let me know.

Image Description : I shot it in Joshua Tree National Park. I was carrying this beautiful red piece of fabric, but had not planned any shoot, in fact reached this location by accident, but I' loved the morning light and this Palm Oasis was something I dint imagine to see in park, So thought will make something memorable here. This may represent a flower, a butterfly or you spreading your wings, ready to fly. full Size on flickr