Friday, June 26, 2020

MOTHERHOOD - A woman's unique identity

A lot of times, I sit back and think what it means to have been born as A WOMAN. I read articles, eccentric articles, which state the boon and bane of being a woman. There are snippets of cover stories given by the influential women across the globe that inspire the rest of us. The fundamentals of feminism questioned every other day. The grave act of slavery on some, the rewarding and proud achievements of the other's in any form - it can go on and on.

But for me, off-late, as I have been maturing as a woman in her 30's, the one thing I round off to - is the beauty of MOTHERHOOD.

The divine power bestowed on a woman to create a life inside of her has been fascinating, intriguing, empowering, overwhelming and nurturing at the same time. The art of being able to caress a piece of flesh and blood as if it was your own is a feeling beyond expression.

I was having a chat with a friend who was in her 3rd trimester and was developing cold feet despite having a supporting family (from both sides), a caring partner and after reading the most recommended book for all the expectant mother's "What to expect when you're expecting" - 'Will I Be A Good Mother?', she asked. The most instinctive reply that I gave her was, "having a baby is a testimony of the love you share with your partner. The very feeling when you hold the baby in your hands for the first time, that's when you'll know what it means to be in love with your partner and having to create a life together. There is no rule book for being a perfect mother. It's the link between your emotional and logical side in a given situation which is right for your baby that will determine how good a mother you are and you'll be. It's an act of balance. You won't be right all the time, you won't be in the best of mood all the time - that's ok. Trust me, it will all be worth it."

That instinctive answer still linger's on my mind even to this day. There was one thing I realised that night when I spoke to her, the completeness of being a woman is in being a mother. Whether you're blessed to be a biological mother or you decide to adopt a child to provide him/her a home beneath your wings or lend yourself to surrogate a child - it's fundamentally the feeling of calling someone your own. That feeling when your baby reaches out to you amidst a crowd is most reassuring and warm which cannot be substituted with anything. There are times when I land into a situation, where I start to doubt myself in terms of making a right decision. At that moment, I try to think like a mother and have a role play in my head being both the mother and the daughter. More often that not, I tend to take the right decision. Maybe this is what a heart of a mother does to a mind of a woman.

Some experiences, be it your own that you go through or be it the one's that you hear of your close friends and family, shatter you from within. These are the ones, that make you or break you emotionally, so much so that, you start to question the fundamentals of right or wrong. At times, when you want to pursue what it right at the expense of those around you, tell you the righteousness of being a human. The grave mistakes that you do with your sanity in place, those are the hardest to get over with.

P.S: Dedicated to all the expecting mother's and all the mother's out there. Be proud of making and giving lives. It's a blessing! A Privilege!



Monday, January 6, 2020

Shukran Dubai

As a child, I grew up listening to the fascinating tales of The Arabian Nights. The incredible lavish lifestyle that was described in the tales of the history, the iconic Arabian Belly dancing and of course the famous story of Ali Baba and The 40 Thieves transcended me from the city nights to the dreamland of rich and varied heritage. Cut to 30 years later, when I finally had the opportunity to travel to this magnificent city, it was time to live and experience the childhood memories.

Dubai is the most glamorous and one the most progressive emirates in the UAE. Luxury lifestyle is synonymous to this city.  So when I decided to visit and explore this place, my excitement levels were at its peak. I had heard so much about Dubai that I really wanted to take it slow when it came to exploring the city.

The first pit-stop had to be the gorgeous Burj Khalifa. Standing tall at 830m high, this sky scrapper will for sure leave you spellbound with its architecture details and magnanimity. There are two pit-stop to Burj Khalifa  - One at the 124th floor and the other at the 148th floor which has an observation deck. Another interesting fact about the tallest structure is that you get to the 124th floor in an elevator in about 60secs! The entrance to Burj Khalifa is through the luxurious Dubai Mall. If you are a brand addict and do not mind in splurging, this mall is for you. The brands that you see on your favorite celebrities are available all under one roof.

Burj Khalifa - at the break of dusk


The parkland of Burj Khalifa has an artificial lake. Take a ride in the Abra at the dusk in the lake to witness the beautiful Dubai Fountain Show.

If there is anything adventurous that I have done in my life till now, then The Hot Air Balloon ride will definitely be on the number one spot. This was how I wanted to visit the desserts of Dubai, get a close look at the Falcon show and do the dune bashing. Whether you're with a partner, in a group or just a solo traveler; the hot air balloon ride offers the mesmerizing ride at the crack of dawn, seeing the sunrise from the balloon, float through the cool breeze of the dessert and finally landing on the dune - once in a lifetime experience.
Sunrise from The Hot Air Balloon

Visit The Gold Souks of Dubai if you're the type who loves jewlery. They have something in store for all age groups and the designs are infinite.

You can't not go to Atlantis  The Palm when in Dubai. This place is another world altogether. With a theme park, luxury residences; you can just go on and on about Atlantis. Luxury is an underrated term for this place. I just loved every bit of time spent here. The people, the place, the beautiful cars driving through the drive ways, the restaurants - my favorite Gordan Ramsay has his restaurant here; I could just go on with the list of delight.
The Atlantis


Getting around in Dubai is extremely easy and tourist friendly. There are the Dubai Rails that are very well connected to most of the tourist locations. The taxi's are also plenty in number although a bit heavy on the pocket. In case you plan to pub hop or stay out late, cabs are recommended as the traffic rules and laws are very strict in Dubai.

I left a little early before The Dubai Global Village festivities kick started. But if you can plan your trip around the next Global Village Festival to witness the culture and heritage of different countries in one place, you surely want to be in Dubai during this time.

I was also hoping to see Shah Rukh's residence in The Atlantis while I was there, but I was denied access (what a bummer!!).

My next trip to Dubai will definitely be around The Dubai Shopping Festival so that I can shop till I drop. Until then, Shukran Dubai!