4 Books

Before starting this post, I must confess that I am not a big time reader. Specially past 2-3 years were my non-book-reading years. So these book may not be gems, but I like them very much... 

1. Its not about the bike: My journey back to life (Lance Armstrong)- Its autobiography of Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, one of the best book I read in my life. This book is not stop journey in a life of a guy who never gives up. This book amazes me sometimes about the spirit that Lance has, and also a big inspiration source for me. 

2. The motorcycle diaries (Che Guevara)- As wikipedia says "The Motorcycle Diaries is a memoir that traces the early travels of Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara." I picked up this book after reading its synopsis on some website, being traveler I like to read travelogue and this one was much more than just another travelogue. It was a window in Che's life, his early days before he became famous. 

3. The Bhagwat Gita for daily living (Eknath Easwaran)- I am not a religious person, I saw this book first when I was in my final year of Engineering. I started reading first part of this book (it is a three book set) during breaks and free lectures from library, and after graduation I purchased all three parts. Though I have never finished these books but still they are in my favorite list. Whenever I am down or want to have some space for self, I spend some time with it. I think that is one of the reason that I have not completed it, as I want to keep it in my reading list as long as I can. I must say that I am impressed with the modern world illustrations and discussions given in this set of books. 

4. Shantaram (Gregory David Roberts)- Its about an incredible journey of a convict from Australia who escaped prison and went on to become entrepreneur in Australia, but this novel covers a part of his life when he come to India and joined underworld and also about hardships of life. A story inspired by life of author is one of the most addictive novel I have ever read (apart from Angles and Demons). I can't wait to read its sequel coming mid of 2012. 

 

5 Foods

For a foodie like me, I got to say picking five dishes ain't no fun. The easier way out was I mention the name of countries but that would be cheating. I am a vegetarian, but never compromised on my taste buds. I have tasted food from almost 20 countries and I think my interest in food makes be a good judge (though little biased one). So here are some of the dishes that I likes most among the once I have tested so far- 

1. Eggplant Ravioli (Italy) - Eggplant known as brinjal in some parts of the world. First time I have tasted it in Macaroni Grill (Columbia) and since then I have been a big fan of it. If you love cheese (as you will be all cheese after you eat it) and you are a fan of ravioli this is one dish that you should not miss. 

2. Burrito (Mexico)- The father of all rolls! This is one dish that I have tasted in many form, be it fresh burrito at Chipotle or some refined once of any local Mexican restaurant, they always something to offer. My personal favorite once are from Chipotle and Chevy's along with freshly prepared Guacamole. I liked the once with stuffing of black beans, rice, lettuce, and super spicy salsa along with regular ingredients. 

3. Dal (lentils) Bafla (wheat doughnut like food) laddoo (sweet dish) (Indian)- Indore in capital of Indian food, and the king of food in Malwa region is Dal Bafla. Sometimes simple is simply beautiful and testy as well. The best test comes when they are prepared with traditional method on 'kande'. This is a food with lot of fat content and equally awesome taste. 

4. Pat Thai (Thailand) - These are noodles prepared with fresh vegetables (if you have ordered the veg version of it). The real taste comes when it prepared with right amount of sauce(s) mixed at right temperature. I tasted it first at The Bangkok Garden and following it, I have tasted it at many outlets, and still I can't avoid its temptation. 

5. Pizza (Italy, America)- Be it traditional Italian pizza, Brooklyn style pizza, Chicago's famous pizza, or a pizza from that unknown shop in Utah between Moab and one of the canyon that I can't recall (that was by far the most delicious), I am a big pizza fan. There is a reason that my friends say that Domino's next door is running because of me ;). A fresh crust, good amount of fine quality cheese and some good toppings like jalapeno, green papers, and onion can make may day! 

Apart from these five dishes, there are lot more that I like. I would love to invite you all to my restaurant (once it is open) to come and lost in world of food.     

6 Places

Wow! Now I am loving this... This list includes both, the places that I have already visited and places that I want to visit. 

1. Siberia- I have never been there and may be I will never be... but I have some special place for Siberia in my heart, there is something special about this place that connects me to it. I don't know much about it, and I really don't want to know apart from watching some pics and I will be more interested in going there personally and explore more about it. 

2. Greenland- A beautiful country with very less population and lots of ice, except for some of the shore parts it is very less or almost unexplored. It as got that enigma, that touch and feel that will pull me from anywhere in the world. 

3. Yellowstone and Grand Canyon- Keeping these two places together is intentional, I just missed these two by few miles last time due to limited time. But I promised myself that in my next visit to North American continent I will visit definitely be there... both have got a distinct identity and distinct beauty. 

4. North East India- Beautiful land and beautiful people, be it evening in Darjeelin, a great day out at Changu lake, warmth of people of Sikkim, crazy drives on the roads of ‘seven sisters’ or local dances. This part of India is a whole new world to explore and visit. Once you are here, you will never want to leave this place. 

5. Leh Ladakh- A place in far north of India with sheer beauty and elegance. It has memorable landscapes, magnetic hill, Buddhist temples and monks. One of the best place for road trip on bike. 

6. Europe- I definitely can't pick a country, be it romantic place like Italy or fun filled streets of Spain, the grass fields of Scotland or beauty of Sweden and Denmark or fashion filled Paris... Its totally worth it to spend some time in Europe and enjoy the life!      

Though list needs only six places but there are other places as well that I would love to visit. 

7 Wants

Wants! Just opposite to my previous post, where I had to think a lot about fears, this one is more like selecting from a list. Some of the wants are listed in 10 Secrets, so I will try to exclude them in this post. As picture above says, I am a greedy guy and all I want is everything (Just in case anyone remember tag line of movie "Bas itna sa khawab hai"). 

1. I want to write a fantasy fiction that includes some Sci-fi and some mythological elements. 

2. I want to direct a movie, no matter it is 2 min short flick or a 3 hours movie. But it got to be a good quality work. 

3. I want to sky dive from at least 14,000 ft. 

4. I want to run a global multi-cuisine restaurant chain. 

5. I want to visit Siberia and Greenland, there is something over there that always attracts me. 

6. How about a dinner with Eva Mendes and Salma Hayek! 

7. Finally, a techno-house with at least a patio, hot tub, jacuzzi, mini theater, indoor games arena and a beautiful organic garden.

8 Fears

F.E.A.R.S. interesting word, it is. I don't know what fear me most, but just putting some random experiences that I might put under category of fear. I didn't know it is going to be so hard to find my fears...

1. Reptiles- I am not sure if it is hate or fear, but I just can't stand those animals near me specially small ones like lizards, and snakes. The big ones like crocks, alligators usually attracts me.

2. Chatter box- There are some people who just talk, talk and talk. Just can't stand them though there are few exceptions in this category.

3. Traffic/Pollution- Story of most of the Indian cities, but I try my best to avoid it. 

4. Crowd- May be this is effect of Columbia or my inherent nature, I just can't stay at crowded places. It makes me uncomfortable to the soul. 

5. Monotonicity- I can't live a predictable and same day in and day out kind of life. I love living on the edge, So slow, monotonous life is not for me and among my fears. 

6. Authority- I am a rebel, given a condition that I have to live under other's authoritative rules, may not be so pleasant experience for me.  

7. Kids- That is a damn big one! I am scared of lil ones, specially the dirty crying ones. They really scare a hell otta me. 

8. Fear of unknown... I don't know what it is but it is there!