Month: August 2013

Heralding the rains in the desert

Published by Anita

After experiencing the abundance of the monsoons in Kerala and Goa this year, it was a welcome invite when I got an offer to experience the magic of the monsoons in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. And I know exactly what you might be thinking. Monsoons in the desert? But then stranger things have been known to happen. So filled with anticipation and lots of hope, I hopped onto a plane to Jodhpur, which is the closest connection to Jaisalmer from Bangalore. It was a long journey but the thought of the destination was enough to keep the spirits high. Besides air travel has become quite pleasant these days, thanks to all our swanky airports (well, okay not all of them!). At Mumbai airport, I met with Neelima and then with Anuradha (who I hadn’t met for years) and we killed some time chatting and catching up. After a short wait, it was time to board the flight to Jodhpur. A couple of hours later, we finally touched down in Jodhpur and our welcome party was there outside …

Heady infusions at the MBar

Published by Anita

We’re getting options these days! From a place which people looked down on (you live where?), to a happening suburb, Whitefield has come a long way. In fact, today it’s a bit of a boast to say, “I live in Whitefield”. Not only do we have 5 malls within striking distance, we also have the Marriott, Whitefield in our backyard. I recently tried the brunch at the hotel and was quite impressed by the spread. This time around, it was to check out their lounge, Mbar and the impressive selection of cocktails they have on offer. Their secret behind the potent mix that goes into the cocktails – alcohol infused with different flavours and kept in large jars for around 3 months. So imagine a vodka infused with jalapenos, or a tequila and Malibu infused with pineapples, which looks and smells really heady. These infusions are then used to prepare their range of signature cocktails. A few of us had gathered around the table that Friday evening and the Food & Beverages Director, Vivin Kuriakose …

Girls just wanna have fun!

Published by Anita

From exotic foreign locations, to rural Indian ones – there is nothing that is out of bounds for the single Indian woman traveler today. And when I say “single” I don’t mean it in the literal sense. You could be a part of a couple, but wanting to travel on your own (the husband/bitter/better half for example, might not necessarily like going to the same places that you do), or you could be a mother and daughter wanting to do something together. You could just looking to have a good time with other like minded women. Or a traveler who likes the comfort of a larger group. A few years ago, this concept was unheard of. Today, we have quite a few options when it comes to “women only” travel. Recently, I met the enthusiastic and enterprising Malini Gowrishankar, who has started the outfit called “f5 Escapes” targeted at women. Her aim is to basically help women overcome their fears, doubts, hesitation about travelling and try it out. It’s easy to get pulled into things like paying …