Madd Hatters backpacking dreams

We always think we have enough time. Enough time to follow our dreams. We are just 20; we have the whole life to follow our dreams.

Then 20 turns to 21… 21 to 25… and you’re left wishing… if only I had done that.

I am turning 21 in a couple of weeks. I have a bucket list. And I keep telling myself I am a step closer to it. Every day I convince myself I am closer to it. But the truth is I am not. Every day that I am not living my dream, am a day further from being happy. Maybe I am being cynical. Maybe I am being overtly expectant of myself.

But the truth is there are 20 year olds out there jumping off cliffs, deep sea diving, watching a sunset, watching a sunrise, walking the beach, trekking up a mountain every damn day of their life. And they are doing it, some because they were born into a family of means. And then there are some, who are doing it all, because they chose to. Because they spent an entire year working their ass off, and then take that perfect 15 day break, with money they earn and enjoy the trip and literally live every moment, before they go back to the monotony of work whilst looking forward to the next holiday.

I don’t want the five star hotels or the big Jacuzzis. Sure they are fun once in a while. But they aren’t as good as crashing at a stranger’s house and meeting new people, or sleeping in the barn or under the stars. Shit I am talking like I have lived it all. I haven’t. I want to.

But I wish I had the guts or the ability to save enough to pack up a bag and leave. And run.

I have a wish-list of 25 places I want to visit. Apart from the things I want to do. So even if I start of visiting each place a year, I will be 45 by the time I am nearing completion of the wish-list. That’s old. And that’s if I start now.

Honestly, a part of me just wants to run. And be alone with the world and nature and everything else that there is to offer. I wish I had the guts to that. I wish I had the guts to do it alone, because I know I want to. There’s independence and certain fearlessness in doing things by yourself. Travelling by yourself. It’s so liberating, and strengthening. And requires courage.  Nothing can break you if you can travel alone and I firmly believe that.

As I turn 21, I wish for enough courage to take a trip by myself once in a while. And not have to depend on anyone. I am gonna wish to meet new people on my travels. Fall in love with people, places and do it all alone.

This 21^st birthday, I am gonna wish for courage to be alone.

 

Love,

Madd Hatter. >:P

Madd Hatters needs peace of mind!

Long time no words from Madd Hatters hat eh? Its been a busy time... Or rather there are only so many days you can use that excuse... So here I am! Back with words, memories and place.

You know each day goes by, and you think it was the same, yet everyday seems a little different from yesterday? A little further away from the people gone, a little closer to people there. A new memory to recollect, a new lesson to remember. Time goes so fast, and yet so slow.

I have had days, where my mind is overflowing. Too much in my head. All at once. And its in these moments that I have fallen in love. With the beach. In the morning or late evening.. Its my place of peace. My thoughts stop, my mind empties. Am a free bird at the beach.

The Juhu beach in Mumbai, to be very honest is not always clean, so no it doesnt have the clean, blue water. And yet, there's something about the beach. Maybe the easy accessibility, maybe the feel of sand in my feet. Maybe the sight of the endless albeit not blue ocean before me. Maybe sun going down in the horizon, maybe the beautiful moon overhead. Maybe the waves slashing at my feet, maybe the sight of waves meeting from a distance. Theres just something about them.

I have been to the beach too many times. I have lost count. Would you believe it I go to the beach at least once in a week? And I am yet to be bored? Maybe its my escape mechanism. Hell, why maybe, I know it is. But so what?

After all, I have some of my favourite memories on the beach, talking, walking, singing, dancing (yes dancing, just once but <3!) or sometimes just sitting. Alone and with people. I have walked and sat at the beach for hours by myself. And not felt like leaving.

I leave the world behind, and its just that moment, with someone or myself that matters. Time has stopped. Serenity. That moment. Its magic. Each of my moments at the beach, have been a new me. Each connection made at the beach. I cant put into words, the feelings felt.

There's just something magical about the beach. Or maybe its just a matter of my perspective. Its my place of peace and memories, so whats yours?

Headed to the beach already!

Ciao!

Love,

Madd Hatter >:D

Madd Hatters crusade for reason!

So what is your reason you wake up every morning? Whats the inspiration to keep you going? Whats the reason you shake yourself off that beautiful dream and put your foot into harsh reality? What keeps you up during a messy day? Whats the one thought, desire that makes it all worth it?

I was always curious about what kept people going. Its so different for so many people. Everyone. Someone does it for their better halves and special someones. Others for their folks and family. And yet someone else idea reason can be something as simple as a round of beer with friends. Some might find peace in a book, a walk by the sunset, cup of coffee by the sea.

You know what keeps me going? The dream. The ideal life. Thats what keeps me going every day. Every day I get a little closer to it. It keeps me going. Everytime I a little down, I probe my mind and for that perfect little picture and it all seems better. (Okay, I am lying. I create a ruckus, some drama, some tears and then probe my mind... But I get there! :P)

So whats yours? The one thing that you must must have? The thought that gets a smile to your face? Dont have one yet?

Time to figure it out buddies. Life is to short to live it without dreams. Life is too short to not have any broken dreams. Life is to short to take each day as it comes. There will not always be tomorrow. And you dont want to look back and think, 'I never did that'.

Its never too late to start, but its never too early. The sooner you start, the more time you have to get there, and the more time to live it. Push yourself to your limits, grow, reach for more. Dont stagnate. Dont wait. There may not be tomorrow.

So whats your reason? Do share in the comments.

This festive season, be inspired. :)

Happy Diwali people!! Have a Madd Madd diwali!! :D

Love,

Madd Hatter.
>:P

Madd Hatter shares a lesson.

I always prided myself on being a good talker. Orator rather. I talked with confidence, my language was good enough, and most of the time, I knew what I was talking about. However, in the past 2 months, as I work with an MNC (as a CA Article to all those wondering how old am I to already be working! :P) realised that I am not. I am a debater. Not a talker, not a conversationalist.

My senior had a very interesting remark to give me on my feedback. He said something that will stay with me for quite some time. "There are a 10000 people working in this company. That means 10000 different point of views. And 10000 different egos that you can hurt. Because everyone has an ego whether they admit it or not. So when you are talking to people you have to know how to talk to them to get your work done" Those were his exact wise words, amongst others.

A lot of us unconsciously know about this fact. Yet realisation is an entirely different thing from knowing. And I have realised how unsuitable my way of talking is. And I am sure a lot of you people out there who know me will agree to that fact.  Each one of us has a distinct way of talking. We talk in a certain manner - polite, soft, to-the point, not too much, brash, aggressive. And we talk differently with different sets of people, unconsciously.  Obviously the people we are comfortable with see our best and worse sides more often than others. People we don't like so much we don't talk much. People at work we talk differently.

What I mean to say is, that talking is an art that one learns or needs to learn when you are working as a professional. We need to consciously be able diversify the people you work with, your clients, your clients clients, and many other such diversifications. And we need to be able to hold a conversation with each one of them differently. Because we have different needs from each one of them.

Some of us, are blessed with that skill. Some of us need to nurture it. learn it. So be it, that has never stopped us from achieving our goals has it? J

Very interesting isn't it? Ah! The things you learn in a professional environment. Makes you rethink your own potentials and set a higher benchmark.

A lot of CA's out there in their articleships will have thoughts on this. As will others working as interns. Please do give me your feedbacks, I look forward to them.

And I know this very off topic but what the hell, right? Tell me what you think  about my off the topic topics too!  :D

Look forward to writing more often for the few readers I have! :P

A Bien Tot (See you soon)

Love,

Madd Hatter >:P

Madd Hatter hopes to inspire...

Amongst my blogging and writing skills (even if I say so myself) I write poems. I know I promised you a section of blogs on Mumbai, and I will standby it, but that doesn't mean, I cant foray into something else right? So here is one of my own favourite poems... I hope it inspires...

Don't Break Yet

Just when you think its over,
Just when you feel this is it,
Just when you think,
That no it cant get worse,
It does,
But don't break yet,
People you love and trust will go,
People who loved and trusted you will have to go,
You will hurt and be hurt,
But don't break yet,
You will lose sense of what's right what's wrong,
Of who is hurting and who is faking,
Who cares and who won't ever,
But don't break yet,
Because you are getting inly what you can handle,
every person who left, will bring two,
Who will stay,
Every person who doesn't love,
Will bring two who will,
So don't break yet,
There's a miracle waiting to happen.

Please feel free to criticise and appreciate. Also, do tell me your favourite line.

Here's to a stronger you.

Love,
Madd Hatter.
>:P

Madd Hatter's Vengeance.

Disclaimer : This is not a part of my series about Mumbai. Forgive and bear with me. Also, I dont wish to hurt anyone's sentiments. These are my own personal opinions.

We all know how Indians feel about weddings. Indian weddings are loud, colourful, humungous, and expensive. I have never liked weddings very much, though that might have something to do with the fact that in the past 5 years I have attended 6 weddings in my so-called 'Close family' and so, now I am utterly annoyed and irritated. And what better way to get my vengeance than by blabbering about weddings on my blog! *evil Barney laugh*

Before I start of my long-list of complaints, here is a Guide to attending an Indian Wedding (Reception Guide) :

1. Whose wedding is it?
This is one of the most crucial questions you need to ask yourself because you need to know how long you are supposed to hang out at the wedding so that you can gorge on the food before leaving.
If you are someone who knows the bride or groom’s father or mother (or is a relative of a relative) because you are in the same business, building, friend circle, you just need to greet them, sit for 5 minutes, eat and bounce. See, the bride and groom don’t know you and really couldn’t care less.
If you are someone whom the bride and groom personally know but not all that too well, you have to go to the stage and wish them, which takes 30 minutes on a good day and an hour on a bad day. Then you can eat and bounce.
If you are ‘close family’ I pity you. Sure you meet your relatives and cousins and family, but how much can you really talk to them? Unless of course, you are the typical Indian woman. No offense ladies, but our woman can talk (Read: gossip) to anyone, anywhere about anything under the sky. True story. Otherwise, you are doomed to be bored, hungry (because you cant eat before the guests) and tired (because you are left standing) till the end of the ‘party’ because you are close family.
2. What to eat?
Well, Marwari weddings have an assortment of food. And they have starter and drinks going around for the guests. Am not so sure about the other weddings. Is it the same people? Do let me know.
So if you are a relative’s relative, well, gorge. No one knows you and no one really cares. So eat to your fill. The starters are usually delicious and my personal favorite. And eat all you can at the buffet, its free food. And delicious. And no one is watching. Word of wise: Have a light lunch, so you can make most of the buffet.
If you are a relative and know some people, well, its not that bad for you. You are talking to someone, and you really want to have that starter, well, in that case, you just nod to what they are saying and pray harder that the server comes to your corner with that platter. Then you get to take one bite. Even if it maybe delicious, I generally advise don’t go for the 2^nd bite in the same platter. Makes you across as a foodie, and even though its not a secret its advisable to keep it to yourself, really.
Or you can pretend to look for someone and ‘bump’ into the server and have 2, maybe even 3 bites of that food.
The buffet, well, feel free. You can enjoy that one too, because all the people you know will be doing the same. 2 helpings is the maximum unless the group you are eating with mutually agrees to go for a 3^rd round.
If you are ‘close family’ then sad for you, because you are left greeting so many people you really don’t have a chance to eat those starters. You generally miss out on one or two starters. Because how can you eat food while you are talking to your guests? Which is mainly for them?
And since the reception gets over at around 12, you really don’t have that much if an appetite. But the food area is empty and there is generally something you really want to eat, so you get to enjoy that.
3. When to get there?
Again, if you are a relatives relative 1 to 2 hours after the time as given in the greeting card. You really don’t want to come in early and seem like a wannabe, and miss out on the food. Plus, if you come in later, you get an excuse to leave early, because its getting late! (In case someone asks)
Someone who knows the family, well, 1 hour late is okay. You are going to have to stay for 2 hours at least so you don’t want to get home too late.
Close family, 1 hour before time and leaves 1 hour after the time. Sorry, but such are the perks of being a close family.
4. What to wear?
This is mainly for the ladies and the girls since the men have a set theme.
A relative’s relative, must wear traditional, simple not over-dressed. You don’t want to look like close family. That’s embarrassing and spot-light stealing.
Close friends, dress up well. You are going to have to think about what to wear a week prior to the wedding date. But the good news is you don’t have to borrow stuff! You can wear your own stuff, because no one will remember what you wore.
Close family…. Oohh trouble. You have to all your sister and bhabhis to ask for that oh-so-pretty sari, and get the blouse altered and find the right jewellery, and the right footwear. Oh the sorrows! And then on the D-Day you lament to your husbands or better half’s about how you have nothing wear, even though you have 10 sari’s that you have worn only once each.
And the same for the girls. You are forbidden to repeat your dresses if you are close family. They have seen your dresses, so buy or borrow, but you have to wear something new, even though it might not fit you all that well.
And yes you can lament too, about how you have nothing to wear.

So this is a huuugggeee guide to an Indian wedding.  You see my point yet?

Allow me to tell you. They are a waste of time, money, food. Total, utter waste.
In the name of tradition, we waste so many resources which could have been put to better use. Why is a family’s reputation associated with the amount of money spent on the wedding? Why not with the people that form the part of the family? Why is it so important to have a big, grand wedding? What do you want to prove?

Indian weddings are no longer a tradition. They are now a burden on the families. They are an expense. They are a status-symbol.
And you know what’s worse? By the end of it, the bride and groom are forgotten. They are just an excuse. And sure they are treated as the prince and princess, but in reality they are just the face of the family for the night.

Give me one good reason to have such a huge wedding. Really.

You want to give blessings to the couple-call, text, drop-by.

You want to meet your family, have a family dinner!

The grander the wedding the more blessings the couple is supposed to have earned. That’s what my parents tell me and I am like “What the ****!” Because at the wedding, no one really wants to wish that couple. It might be a reason sure. But the main motive is sure as hell not that.

Status, Good and free food, or a chance to dress up and show off. Those are the motives. And then somewhere down the line maybe blessing the couple.

And you know what the cherry on top of this black, bitter cake is? It’s the fact that there will be so many of you guests who will eat and enjoy the wedding and then after leaving, complain about the provisions. Its really a sad state of affairs. You actually complaint about the free food and amazing service you got? “There were only 2 desserts, oh the Pizza wasn’t good, The drinks were so bitter” I mean really?? What gives you the right??

The amount of money spent on the caterer, venue, dresses, jewellery, gifts could easily buy the bride and groom a house in Mumbai. And the wastage of food, can feed so many people!

If I have my way, and I really wish I do, I want a smaller ceremony. Like a tiny ceremony. And I definitely don’t want the others I don’t invite to be offended. If they want to wish me, call please! I would love that more than anything.

I hope I got my point across about these weddings. And I really hope we can see a change around about the same.

Sigh..

On this hard-hitting note, This is Madd Hatter signing off.

Will be back with my series on Mumbai, I promise.

Love,

Madd Hatter.

>:P

P.S. Its long I know, but I hope you read it through.

Madd Hatter has a good day!

When you have the right company, you can have an amazing day.

Yes, finally I found company for my outing. Dint have to do it alone. An old friend agreed (albeit reluctantly! :P) to meet me and give me company. And it turned out to be a surprisingly amazing outing.

I have always loved Bandra and its atmosphere for some reason. I believe, it is well-planned and has some really amazing places to eat, hang-out, shop (more on that later!:D). For me, Bandra has also held a never-ending list of memories, each special in its own way.

So when I wanted to put up my next blog I knew it had to be out a place in Bandra. And one of my favourite spots over there is.... Candies!

Candies is a little cafe/restaurant in Bandra. And as unusual as the name may sound, its ambience in amazing and the place is great. Its a 3 storey cafe of sorts. Each floor opens to a new atmoshphere . The ground floor, is a tad crowded, not so well-lit and has the food counters. The 2nd floor is a more private place with a patisserie in a nook. And the 3rd floor, my favourite is a terrace of sorts. Its an amazing feeling, and you have to see it to believe it.

We ordered a cheese tomato sandwich, a potato chop and 2 coolers-Wild Berry Iced Tea and Bombay Blues. The food was good, fresh and new. The coolers though are my favourite there. Though that may have something to do with the heat, they are refreshing and well, tasty, unlike some coolers that don't seem to have enough flavours. And it doesn't burn a whole into your pocket either.

But what I look for in any place and I found here, is new memories to make. I have been here twice before, and each memory is amazing. Today too, my dear old friend was an amazing company, so thank you for a new memory.

So anyone of you out there looking for a place to go, hang out, even by yourself, or with friends, Candies is the place to be at. Even if you are looking for a place to take your special someone, this place should definitely be considered. I know I would love it! :D

I hope this new blog post acts as yet another enlightenment in my conquest to lead the Mumbaikars to discovering places about their very own city. :D

A special mention to 2 other school friends one of whom I met after 4 years-it was a delight to see you. You made my day even better.

Unfortunately, I have no enticing chocolates to offer this time, but I hope I have got you hooked on enough to read my next blog! :D

Till then,

Ciao,

Love,

Madd Hatter. >:P