Let's go driving ... #vlog #chaiwithsuzy #SuzysIlation

Have you travelled down the same road countless times and then one day you suddenly see that route with different eyes?

Last week I did some filiming on a route to Wellington, a route I take for granted and hardly pay attention to. And until I played back the footage, I didn't realise how scenic this drive is. 

And it was a good test of the image stabiliser on my iphone. Verdict, not bad but could've been better. 

Anyway,  grab a cuppa and let's go driving. Watch this in full screen for best effects. 

On my youtube channel  https://youtu.be/t-yHc1DA9rA

Keeping the writing short today. Hope you liked my video.


Have a fab week.

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Character Traits ... #vlog #chaiwithsuzy #SuzysIlation #FridayReflections

I was a chubby, timid and shy child. At school I was quiet and academic and I was teased a lot. In some ways it undermined my confidence.

It takes a lot for me to take that first step into new waters. Probably at the back of my mind is the fear of being ridiculed. So when I decided to start vlogging it wasn't an overnight thing. It took months for me to take that leap of faith.

But now that I've done it, I'm truly enjoying it.

Courage is the ability to take a step without worrying about the outcome. So for those who are interested in vlogging, but are afraid to take the first step, just do it.

And now grab a cuppa and join me today on a glimpse of a little sand and surf.

 on my youtube channel:  https://youtu.be/1e7h8PWiLpE 

Sadly we didn't see Matariki the whale but there are a lot of youtube videos that you can check out. Matariki put up a spectacular show for those lucky enough to see him - displaying all whale character traits. Matariki got his name from the Maori New Year (Matariki) as his arrival coincided with that.

My friend and I went out on two different days but didn't get to see him. I guess we were not meant to. But I hope he will return or send his friends into the beautiful waters of Wellington.

I hope you enjoyed today's video. I will post some more scenic footage in the next few weeks.

Until then, have an awesome week.

Written for:
#FridayReflections hosted by Everyday Gyaan and Kohl Eyed Me
#LifeThisWeek

Linking to:
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Stressed? A Distraction Helps #vlog #chaiwithsuzy #SuzysIlation

Some weeks are stressful. No matter how well you organise and plan, things come along to derail them.

Last week was a stressful week. And by Friday I was starting to feel a little flustered. There seemed to be issue after issue piling up with no solution in sight.

There was a time in the morning when I was feeling so overwhelmed that my brain was running in many directions. I just could not focus.

Then suddenly a distraction ... The New Zealand Navy helicopter circling the harbour. And that was just what I needed to break that scattered, panicky, heavy feeling.

This week also had some other nice surprises. But for that you'll need to view my vlog.

So grab a cuppa and join me on a little helicopter distraction.

Btw a helicopter ride is on my "things to do" list. Someday Somewhere!

On my youtube channel:  https://youtu.be/wSUsA_b8Tvc

Hope you enjoyed today's vlog.  What nice surprises did you get this week? Share in the comments below.

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Trying Out a Voiceover For a City I Love #vlog #chaiwithsuzy #SuzysIlation

Having done a few vlogs with just music, I thought I should now venture into the voice-over space.

Was it scary?  Yes of course, but I thought if I really want to get serious about vlogging, then I had better start chatting.  So here it is, my tentative little baby step into a voiceover.

“ You’re never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
― C.S. Lewis

Today's vlog is a quick view of a city I love ... Wellington, which is the capital of New Zealand.

It is a beautiful city and has spectacular scenery wherever you go. So it's no wonder that The Lonely Planet described it as the "coolest little capital in the world" and 4th best city in the world to visit.

And for all you coffee drinkers, it is a coffee paradise. In 2014 CNN named it among the world’s top 8 coffee destinations.

So grab a cuppa and join me for a glimpse of Wellington.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hcCYZDLWGc

Trying to film from a car is not an easy thing to do and perhaps the focus was a little bit off. But nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed this video.

What's your favourite city? Share some information about it in the comments below, or make a post or vlog and post the link in the comments.

Written for:
#FridayReflections hosted by Everydaay Gyaan and Kohl Eyed Me
#WritingWednesdays at The Write Tribe

Linking to:
#MondayMusings


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Journey's are ... #atozchallenge letter J @AprilA2Z

My theme for the 2017 AtoZ Challenge is "Daily Thoughts".

Each day I will post a thought that comes to mind. The first word of the thought will correspond with the letter of the day.

So here is my thought for the letter J

taken on board Air New Zealand taking off from Wellington.

Journeys are as exciting as destinations

We are always excited to be going on holidays and look so forward to all the places we are going to visit. Destinations are so exciting.

So I sat back and thought about all the holidays I took and it hit me then that actually while I remembered the destinations, I also remembered the journeys there quite vividly. And the journeys were just as exciting as the destinations themselves. Here are some snippets from some of my travels.

When I was 11 years old we took a cruise to Hong Kong from Singapore.  I remember the cruise liner so well. I also made a friend on board. Her name was Sigrid. I wonder where she might be. I also watched the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's on board.

On a visit to the US, we were flying from Los Angeles to St Louis. It was a really beautiful clear day and we had such a fabulous view of the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. That's a sight I will never forget.

The White Cliffs of Dover are another amazing sight from the ferry from Dover to Calais, the little towns in Switzerland, Lake Como enroute to Milan and some of the personal interesting experiences we had on our Europe trip - like waving goodbye to Rome, pushing the van to start it up in Heidelberg.

Travels in India when I was young - stopping by the roadside to have a soft drink and watching the poor man trying to open up the bottles with a bottle opener and failing miserably, the first sight of the Himalayas - a breathtaking moment I will never forget, a trek on the Sonmarg glacier where my aunt's horse decided he wasn't going to behave and so many other incidents.

Train journeys in India travelling with extended family have their own story to tell - The Rajdhani Express from Mumbai to Delhi, Karnavati Express from Mumbai to Bharuch,  The Deccan Queen from Mumbai to Pune and many others are etched in memory.

Even short journeys can be interesting. On a clear day in Wellington, it looks spectacular from the air. The picture above was taken on my flight to Auckland.

Sharing a poem I wrote as an Ode To Places

In this life there are places I've seen

Wondrous, beautiful and so serene

The hills and mountains spiritual and grand

Valleys and plains all across the land

Woods and forests quiet and mysterious

But explore with care for they can be nefarious

Rivers and streams and babbling brooks

Crags and cliffs and caves and nooks

Meadows of flowers, shores and the sea

Any place where my spirit is free

These are the places in this world that I love

Breathtaking, amazing, and those I'm in awe of

~x~

Share some of your journey stories in the comments below.

If you do leave a comment, make it easy for me and leave a link to your blog / post.

Teaser for the letter K: Kite flying ...

Written for the #atozchallenge drop by and check out some awesome posts.

My posts so far
All roads lead to your destiny          
Be like the river       
Change occurs at every moment     
Do or do not                                    
Expectation              
Find the Fun
Great Minds Think Alike
Help Comes
Inaction can


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#September Challenge - Postcard from NZ - Wellington

I'm taking part in a September Challenge hosted by Corinne who blogs at Everyday Gyaan

My theme is postcards from around the world and this week I will start with New Zealand.

Greetings from Wellington the capital city of New Zealand.
It's one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.
And wherever you go, you get to see spectacular scenery.
I still remember the day I landed in Wellington.
It looked so beautiful from the plane.
Wellington is known as Windy Wellington and Coffee Capital because there's a cafe at almost every corner.
Wellington's Maori name is Te Whanganui-a-Tara (the great harbour of Tara)

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My Personal Journey with Travels

I am taking part in the Write Tribe Festival Of Words 8th - 14th December 2013

So today's personal journey is with "Travels"

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” 

― Anaïs Nin, The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 7: 1966-1974

Until about 4 years ago, I wanted to travel and see the world, even though I've seen a lot of the world and very grateful that I've had the chance to do that.

But after my dad passed away in 2010, my whole perspective on travel changed. The urge to see these places all over the world died and travel for me took on a new meaning. People rather than places became priority for me. Visiting family and friends that hold a special place in my heart are the places I want to go to.

I also got the urge to travel the length of my homeland of India. Perhaps because my life took on a very spiritual twist and my spiritual quest took me back again and again to India. But I won't go into all the details of the places I want to see there and why as I've already blogged about these and you can read them all in my 7 Journeys Series

I've always said I'm really so lucky to have the opportunity to live in two of the most beautiful countries in the world; India and New Zealand.

I have often wondered why I was born in India and why of all the places in the world I landed up in New Zealand. And after a lot of soul searching I came up with this answer.

 India for me is my spiritual home on Earth and a part of my soul lives there. It's great history and stories of yore in the form of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are somehow connected with my destiny, with my spiritual journey, with my life's purpose. The more I read them the more I learn and the more I delight in them. It would therefore be inevitable that this would be the great country I would be born in. But living in India for many years surrounded by poverty, I became quite apathetic to it. It's not that one doesn't feel for the poor it's just that one takes that condition for granted when it's all around you. I lost the ability to feel that unselfish compassion for people.

I am convinced that in order to fulfil my life's purpose, I needed to reconnect with that compassionate place in my heart and hence the Universe sent me along to New Zealand.

New Zealand is also a very spiritual country. When I landed here 25 years ago I could feel the high energy and vibration of the place. It was exhilarating. I saw compassion everywhere. There is a generosity of spirit and a kindness I have not seen anywhere in all my travels. Hence it was the perfect place for me to reconnect with my compassion and to become more heart centred. I am also convinced that it is here that my life's purpose will begin and take me where I need to be.

And so I give you in pictures, my 2 favourite places in the world that bring me great joy.

Mumbai, my hometown - the palm trees and the sunsets are spectacular. Pics taken on my various visits there.

Wellington, my adopted hometown - spectacular views wherever you go

(last 2 pics taken from my lounge)

Join me tomorrow on my next journey with some People

My Personal Journey so far:

Day 1 = Memories

Day 2 = Food

Day 3 = Books

Day 4 = Music

Check out some Day 5 posts and some Day 4 posts that I really enjoyed:

Jose's Musical Memories of Bandra - brought back some memories

Jyothi's Musical Roar - a different type of music

Cat's Christmas Music - something truly special and my favourite instrument too.

Have a fabulous day

Warm Regards


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UBC 17 - AtoZ - Oriental Bay

Day 17  of the Ultimate Blogging Challenge and the letter O  for the  AtoZ Blogging Challenge.

O is for ...  Oriental Bay

Having showcased Mumbai, I thought it was time to showcase Wellington as well.

Oriental Bay is a residential area of Wellington, New Zealand. Its one of the very expensive ones as it is so close to the CBD and because you get spectacular views of the city.

I'm going to let the pictures do the talking so here they are ...

Carter fountain at Oriental Bay and view of Wellington City

Oriental Bay

Oriental Parade 

Fisherman's table restaurant at Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay beach and Tugboat on the Bay (restaurant)

St Gerard's Monastery above Oriental Bay

At night the trees are all lit up - this is all year round

image source: google images.

A better view of Wellington probably taken from one of the buildings on Oriental Parade

image source wikipedia

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to see some spectacular cities and live in one too.

Have a wonderful day.

Warm Regards

UBC 6 - AtoZ - Fountains

Day 6 of the Ultimate Blogging Challenge and the letter F for the  AtoZ Blogging Challenge

F is for ... Fountains

I love fountains. There's something very soothing about watching water flowing.I always think of water as cleansing and life giving so watching flowing water in any form is very therapeutic.

One of the most beautiful fountains I've seen is the Fountain of Trevi in Rome. More so because it kind of just jumps out suddenly. We walked a lot in Rome  So heading towards the fountain through little lanes, we turned a corner and suddenly it was there. I think the impact was greater because of that.

image source Wikipedia - but I do remember the water much bluer than this.

my pic taken in 1994 - unfortunately no wide angle or panoramic setting on that camera

There is a tradition and belief that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will visit Rome again! So I look forward to the day I re-visit. Rome is my favourite city in Europe.


Then there are some fun fountains like the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas that dance to music some evenings. In December of 2002 when I visited, the fountains danced to "Hey Big Spender". Quite apt for Vegas.

Here is an iconic and heritage fountain that I took for granted and never observed all those years that I lived in Mumbai, India. But now that I live overseas, it's one of the structures I like to visit.

No water was flowing the day I took this pic and I'm actually surprised there was no one around that day either. That's what struck me the most about this pic. Flora Fountain is a place that used to be buzzing with people. 

It was built in 1864 and named after the Roman Goddess Flora, Goddess for flowers and Spring. Her statue  adorns the top of the fountain.

Flora Fountain by night - image source Wikipedia

And here is the Carter Memorial Fountain at Oriental Bay in my city of Wellington, New Zealand.
Apparently the fountain has eight floodlights, which can be coloured for special occasions, though I've never seen it all lit up in different colours.

Will leave you to ponder over this quote that made me think a bit:

Few people know so clearly what they want.
Most people can't even think what to hope for when they throw a penny in a fountain.
 ~  Barbara Kingsolver

Have a fantastic, fun-filled day.

Warm Regards

UBC 3 - AtoZ - Civic Square, Wellington

Day 3 of the Ultimate Blogging Challenge and the letter C for the  AtoZ Blogging Challenge

Thought I would do a picture post today and showcase my city of Wellington.

So C is for ...  Civic Square

Few days ago I took my cousin to some places in Wellington. Quite amazing how much you observe and see when you walk through your city like a tourist.

One of the places I took her to was the Wellington Civic Square.

The Square is mostly used for public events but during lunch time it is quite crowded with people sitting around having their lunch. One of the events that used to take place here is the Indian Mela (fair) during the Indian festival of Diwali.

The Civic Square is surrounded by the Town Hall, Wellington Central Library, Wellington City Council offices and the Michael Fowler Centre (Concert hall and convention centre).

There are some interesting things to see at the Civic Square in Wellington

Te Aho a Māui (the fishing line of  Māui) or the split pyramid represents a mountain split in two. The walkway represents the fishing line going from the mountain to the sea. I must have passed this hundreds of times but until you actually stop and find out about it, it's just another structure!

The Nikau Palm (palm tree found in NZ) in my pic is one of 15 palms in the square, designed by Ian Athfield. These are made of copper, zinc and steel. Again passed by many times, never noticed!

The floating fern ball known as Ferns is suspended above the square. It depicts 5 native ferns of New Zealand.

And here is a picture of the Civic Square taken from the "City to Sea Bridge"

It was quite cloudy the day I took these pictures, but I hope the day is calm and serene where you are.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to walk through my city and experience different things.

Warm Regards

UBC 28 - ABC Wednesday - C is for ...

Day 28 of the Ultimate Blogging Challenge and ABC Wednesday

Posting a little early for ABC Wednesday but today my mind just went blank and I couldn't think of a single thing to write about.

C is for ... Cable Car

The Cable Car is one of the unique attractions in Wellington. It runs from Lambton Quay, Wellington's Main street to the Botanical Gardens in Kelburn.

The cable car also makes a stop at Wellington's Victoria University so it is often full of students.

It was opened to the public on 22 February 1902.

It's a pretty ride and some spectacular views along the way.

Here are some pictures I've taken over the years of the cable car. Pictures taken from the Botanical Gardens - Kelburn cable car station.

On it's way to Lambton Quay

Leaving Kelburn station and heading towards the University stop.

And this picture is taken on Lambton Quay outside Cable Car Lane. Wellington has some very interesting signs. I love this one.

Have a fun day.

Warm Regards

  

UBC Day 23 - ABC Wednesday - B is for ...

Day 23 for the Ultimate Blogging Challenge and ABC Wednesday

B is for ...  Byrd Memorial

Thought I would showcase my city of Wellington.

Richard Byrd was an American aviator who mounted many expeditions to Antarctica from his base in New Zealand.

Here are pictures of the Byrd Memorial on Mt Victoria in Wellington, New Zealand constructed in his honour. It was unveiled on 11 March 1962, the 5th anniversary of his death.

I took this picture from the viewing platform at Mt Vic.

Here's a close up I took of the memorial

The sides of the memorial are decorated in tiles representing the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights and 

the stones that make up the internal wall are from Antarctica (see picture below)

Photo taken by Brett Taylor  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byrd_Memorial.jpg

And here's a picture of the plane that was used in the expeditions.

I took this pic in 2002 when I visited the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit.

Enjoy your day and check out some more B entries at ABC Wednesday.

Warm Regards