NO, LOVE IS NOT IN THE AIR… IT’S EVERYWHERE!

NO, LOVE IS NOT IN THE AIR… IT’S EVERYWHERE! J

Okay, I admit it…I am a hopeless romantic, like Shifani also tells me many times. I can’t help it. It’s just the way I have always been. I love the idea of falling in love and all the romance that goes with it. I adore the feeling of being that ‘special’ person to someone and thoroughly enjoy the experience of being wooed. But I’m a difficult romantic to please, because I’m not one for clichés. I like my man to be original – to put thought and effort into everything he does to please me!! Don’t get me wrong…I’m not a hardcore feminist either. I just think I’m worth the effort, if you know what I mean.

Now, you might think that Valentine’s Day is perfectly suited for a romantic like me. Well, you’re right, but only in some ways. Honestly, I think Valentine’s Day is a tad overrated. But the one thing I really like about it is that it acts as a reminder not to take someone for granted and to let them know they are loved.

Also, for me, Valentine’s Day actually goes beyond ‘the man’ and involves everyone who is special to me. It’s a day when I also like to do something special for my brother, my parents, my grandparents, my friends…the people I love the most in this world.

Now, some of you might say that you don’t need to have one specific day to let people know how special they are to you. I won’t argue but I will urge you to look beyond the commercialization of the day itself and consider the emotions that it triggers and rekindles.

I strongly believe that you have to let people know what they mean to you on a regular basis which is why I believe that Valentine’s Day is like the icing on an already - baked cake! It’s the something extra that you do to make the ones you love feel special. I speak for myself when I say that irrespective of how many times my friends or family tell me that they love me, I get all warm & fuzzy when they do something for me on V-Day! And I’m sure they feel the same as well.

I loved it when my fried, Mamta gave me a rose on the Rose Day; when I got so many hilarious proposals on the Propose Day; when Pooja, Princy & many others gave me chocolate on the Chocolate Day; when I got cute teddies on the Teddy Day; when my closed ones promised to keep me happy on the Promise Day; when I got so many Jaduu ki Jhappis on the Hug Day (it was my mom’s birthday too, which made it extra special; also, Esha di came back from London ensuring that the day turns out to be fab!)

In our heart of hearts, I think we’re all romantic – in varying degrees, of course! The only advice I can offer is to enjoy the moment, enjoy the thought & the effort that someone special is putting into a day like this, enjoy the emotions and, most of all, appreciate that you have the privilege to love someone and be loved in return. Not everyone does!

Forget Valentine’s Day for a minute…we live in an unpredictable world and what will happen three minutes from now is anybody’s guess. All I can say is never miss any opportunity to express your love and get some in return. There is NOTHING more precious, more priceless, more rewarding and more fun than love…in all its forms!

So, keep loving…let yourself go…life is too short for holding on to grudges & regret…forget, forgive, and move on…Here’s signing off…

Love,

Ila Garg J

The Enchanting Trip to Goa

The Enchanting Trip to Goa  

I was working to make this Goa Trip happen since September. It was a bitter-sweet experience with loads to learn. Excitement was at its peak for this trip which gave loads of happiness and cheerful memories for a lifetime.

Commencing on 10^th December 2011, our train travelling was quite thrilling but long. We arrived at Madgaon Railway station, Goa around 5 pm the next day (11^th December) and then went to Peninsular beach Resort. After checking in, we had some snacks and were ready to leave for Calangute Beach. We had good rooms and food was good, too. Calangute beach was a walk away from our resort, we took the bus so as to reach the main market area of North Goa. It was bustling with tourists and locals alike, selling and buying all sorts of hats, chappals, bags etc. We spent almost an hour walking on the wet sand, cool breeze falling on our faces. The enchanting night ended with a little shopping and DJ night at the resort along with a very nice dinner, we had sea food, prawns etc which Goa is famous for.

Next day (12^th December), after our breakfast we left for Fort-a-gauda. The management did a great job in explaining to us the significance of this place in history and how till now the lighthouse stands tall, a symbol of Dutch rule in India.

After fort, we went to visit Baga beach, a charming combination of land and sea. This beach is surrounded by handicraft shops.

Then we went to St. Xavier’s church. The experience was very peaceful and educational, leaving a greater impact on our minds than anything else.

Having spent the whole day, we stopped by the Miramar beach to have our lunch. Our Cruise was scheduled for 5:30pm departure so we decided to spend the rest of our time shopping for cashews of different varieties and other things in the market of Goa.

Finally comes the cruise, around 5:30 pm we were at the dock, waiting eagerly for the program to go on board. At 6 pm, the traditional dances began on the cruise, the local girls and boys depicted the lives of fisherman and the Portuguese which came to India as traders. It was an hour long program, which ended with loads of activities, fun and dance. Day II ended with another DJ party organized at the resort where we were treated with exquisite food and fun music.

Next morning we woke up around 5:45 am to visit Calangute beach before sunrise and it was something ethereal. The little hint of sunrise, the sound of waves which was like soothing music to the ears, having an early morning ‘Sand-castle making competition’. The whole ambience around us was enchanting and totally divine, especially the sunrise.

It was an immense pleasure to walk on cold sand without any need to walk through the water. Waves were just kissing our feet.  

Back in our resort we packed our stuff and after breakfast were ready to leave for Madgaon Railway station, and after a 27hour long train journey we were back to Delhi. All we are now left with are the fun filled unforgettable memories which will be cherished throughout for years to come.