Why Pune? Part I

Usually people decide to move back to the same city that they were brought up in. Of course, the parents/family and familiarity; are the key reasons for choosing the same place.

Since Brinda is from Mumbai and myself from Delhi, friends find it odd that we chose Pune.

So why Pune, India?

Top 5 Reasons to Retire at 35

The title of this post should be “Top 5 Reasons to be Financially Free at 35” instead. It is okay to continue working if you love your job or the business that you’re in. The problem is that most of us don’t even know whether we have an option of retiring early. That’s what the corporate world does to us; it can kill the Creative, Imaginative and Adventurous side of us if we are in it for too long.

But what’s the big deal if we retire at 35 or 40? What’s in it for us?..one may ask.

I have prepared top 5 reasons to retire early in current landscape: in terms of economy, our lifestyle, relationships etc. They say we only live once. With that in mind, let’s see if we have anything to gain by dropping out all of a sudden…of course with careful planning behind the scenes 🙂 .

Cashing in on the Corporate Dream: How to Retire at 35

I got the inspiration to write this post after reading a book titled “Cashing in on the American Dream: How to Retire at 35”. This book was written by Paul Terhorst about 25 years back. The main idea is to save enough from a high paying job in the US and then move overseas (cheaper location) to live off your investments. And you do this while you’re young, living life to the fullest and doing what you really love.

 

Paul used to work for a major accounting firm when he retired at 35. Once quit, he never looked back. He still travels and blogs; you can get the latest updates and some tips from his blog at this link.

I’m surprised that even 30 years back, people were thinking of an Extreme Early Retirement. I guess the “Desire to Break Free” has been in our blood since time immemorial 🙂 .

Liposuction and Love of God

It was a short flight from Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) to Kuala Lumpur. As flight attendant catered to special meal requests, the gentleman seated next to me was also served a vegetarian meal. This person was none other but Dr Soma, the renowned Plastic Surgeon. He happened to glance over while I was reading Bhagavad Gita and doing my Japa Meditation.

After I was done with my reading, we chatted. I was taken aback when Dr Soma told me about his profession. What appreciation would a plastic surgeon have for spiritual matters?…I thought. I mean here is somebody engrossed in the bodily concept (dull matter) and I’m shooting for the highest goal of Human Life i.e. Going back Home (or reawakening our Love for the Almighty) which is purely a matter of Soul/spirit.

Ta Prohm and Angelina Jolie

Cambodian tourism got a major push after Tomb Raider movie was shot at Ta Prohm. I’m sure many of you will be familiar with these pictures.

Apart from Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon are the most visited temples in Siem Reap. I was very impressed with Ta Prohm, the sight is really unique.

Click here for more pics of Ta Prohm and other magnificent temples of Cambodia.

The people of Cambodia in B&W

I don’t think B&W pics require any explanation but I was able to capture some of the most desired shots/moments in B&W.

Here is the reminiscence of my most favorites that require few words:

Though I took quite a while taking few shots but the expression remained same

There were few musicians playing but this gentleman was totally immersed in the joy of Music

Favorite pic of mine

Love the Expression of Amazement that lasted less than a second

A young father with his little one in mid day heat

After a while, the little one convinces his father to carry him on his back

 

Click here for more B&W pics of Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat, Great Temples but no Soul

Ever since I saw the first pic of Angkor Wat, I imagined visiting this Wonder of the world some day. A westerner might feel like Indiana Jones here but being from India where you have such wonders at every corner, I was disappointed as far as the temples of Cambodia are concerned.

It is a lost civilization, the country has thousands of other temples that are neglected. Only Angkor Wat and few others drew world’s attention in recent times.

Though Cambodia is a Buddhist country, Angkor Wat and other temples originally are of Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva that were built during Vedic period. These temples are just ruins now, no elaborate worship or meditations are going on in the premises. You just notice a deity or two of Lord Buddha, mostly for tourists to offer prayers and to facilitate an experience of a different culture/religion.

I still love Cambodia, the fact that majority of the country is still raw. I love its people and the beautiful countryside.

Click here for more pics/virtual tour of Angkor Wat.

Compassion, Non Violence and Buddhism

Prince Siddhartha (young Buddha) taking care of injured Swan that was shot by his royal cousin

 

During my recent visit to Siem Reap, I stayed at Golden Takeo, a family owned guesthouse. It is run by Prom: a professional, friendly and kind gentleman. No wonder, it repeatedly gets the best reviews. This place is centrally located and makes a perfect base for exploring Angkor Wat and other historic temples.

Son of Billionaire who became Monk

I wanted to experience Cambodian countryside so I decided to take a bus from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap (Home of Angkor Wat temples). The city outskirts are still raw and basic with continuously changing landscape, not much affected by urbanization. The journey proved to be a refreshing experience for the soul!!

I met Mr Tan, a businessman from Malaysia whose seat was next to mine. He was also visiting Cambodia for the first time to do some sightseeing but mainly to explore new business opportunities. He was a Chinese Buddhist and must be in his 50s.

I was doing Japa meditation since it was an early morning bus. Some time later I opened Bhagavad Gita and immersed into it as the feeling of gratitude overtook me. What have I done to deserve this? To be fortunate enough to be in a strange, new land surrounded by people from different countries, all on their own journeys but still sharing a common bond!!

Phnom Penh – An Introduction to Cambodia

Angkor Wat is what really attracts people to Cambodia.  But I highly recommend spending few days in the capital city: Phnom Penh before heading to Angkor Wat.

Phnom Penh is a lovely city to stroll around. It has more of a small town feeling and gives a perfect opportunity for getting accustomed to the laid back lifestyle of Cambodia and its people.