And There Goes My One Inhibition for a Toss

14^th December’2012 – Gurgaon Annual Bash

Never ever – and I repeat – never, ever I thought I will dance in front of my 2500 colleagues. Yes, and that too on Gangnam Style. Yes, it still takes me a while to believe that it was real, and that I did it.

It was time for the annual, year-end company bash. And as always, the creative heads were planning a gala event. 

As a part of tradition, the company leadership does a small performance. This time, I got pulled into the event. There was a funny script, where we had to walk the ramp – like a fashion show ramp. When I signed up for the same, I was told I will just have to be present – and to save my international roaming, I said yes, OK – I will be present on the Stage. How bad can that be – one would ask ;).

And then – when I walked into the practice session, I realized what had I really signed up for. I will have to do a cat walk; and then dance on Gangnam. OMG – that feeling in my stomach. But what the heck – I did decide to go for it. We practiced for a week – and then there was D-day. I was told by my best friends at work to “chill out”, have fun, and let it loose.

D-Day – started with fun, girly talks on make-ups and dresses. And then, the time came when we had to drive to the venue. And there – our group was called, and the moment I stepped on the stage, I felt fine and confident. I walked, and danced like no one is watching. And, I enjoyed fully. We were called for an encore, and we did it again. 

The program was so appreciated, and so many people complimented me – whether they knew me or not. I felt like a Rock Star.

To wrap up the evening, I connected with my best friends, danced to the tune of DJs, and had a total evening of fun!! A great time and enjoying while letting go of an inhibition – thank you my friends for making me do this :-)

Cheers!!!

P.S – no photo for this write up to protect privacy of all!!

I Believe in Kindness of Strangers

2^nd December 2012 –  UAE National Day

Three of us friends were in Dubai, and it was buzz and alive with activities because of 41^st UAE National Day. The whole city was lit up – tri color. The streets were super busy, and so were cabbies. The traffic was packed. It was so much that any driver would think twice about entering back into a lane after getting out of it. 

We wanted to go to Jumeirah Beah Walk (JBR Walk) to be a part of festivities – which was doubly packed than the rest of Dubai. So, three tourists took a cab from Atlantis to the famous JBR walk.

While getting out of the cab, one of my friends left her swanky, expensive mobile in the car. Losing a phone is more than just a loss of money these days – with this – you practically lose your privacy – and all your contact details. So, you lose your social network as well. We figured the loss within 5 minutes, any by that time, we had lost the cab. We panicked. I tried calling her phone – thinking probably it is still somewhere with us – in one of our bags. We didn’t hear the phone – and no one answered. It was a moment of … OMG.

But guess what - we got a call back from that phone. It was the driver. He told us to be right where he dropped us, and told us that he would try to reach there as soon as possible – as soon as the crazy traffic allowed him to come. And he came –braving all the chaos, to give us back the phone. Truly god sent.

Some people can arguably associate this with the fear of law – but I was humbled by the kindness of him. He could have totally deposited it in lost and found – but he was far too kind for that.

So, THANK YOU Stranger. People like you instill the belief in kindness and in humanity!! 

Salute to you!!

Indian Soaps - Society Standards

Off-late, i figured that if I need to spend anytime with my mom, it means that I sit through some soaps with her - with endless patience, where she will only talk about the characters in the soap. My thoughts on what prime time soaps are using to run for the high TRPs:

• Extramarital affairs
• Pre-wedding pregnancy
• Martyr women
• Eloping
• Lies
• Dirty Politics
• Murdering people and then framing others
• Playing games
• Scheming, planning and plotting against the “good” people
• Crimes, crimes, crimes

Is this a true reflection of our society? And is this what we are teaching our kids who grow up watching these soaps?

Traveling Tech-Savvy Tokyo

November 2010

While I was getting ready for yet another business travel – this time to Japan – my Japanese client told me – there are only 2 things that you will need to survive in Tokyo – Money and Bowing. We laughed it off and soon, I landed in the land of rising sun. And what I discovered, was that in addition to bowing, and loads of money, I will also need to-

• Learn how to use chopsticks. Yes, for real, learn to eat rice with chopsticks.
• Develop a fascination for hi-tech toilet seats. And learn to identify what each button means – from seat warmers to deodorizers
• Not pick up my cell phone in trains. And also learn to hold my breath in a full train.
• Not tip. People will feel insulted and come after you to return the money.
• Feel comfortable around people when they “slurp” their food
• Vend alcohol off a vending machine (yes – no kidding!)
• Appreciate wrapping is as important – not just for gifts, but also food items. The way they wrapped my croissant made me feel so very special.
• Appreciate and follow the order, even while you window shop. If you take an item out of a hanger, ensure to keep it back with similar cm spaces in between the two.
• Click the divas – ask them for their photo and they will oblige; and feel very happy
• Watch out the prices before entering a restaurant. It is not a norm to pay $10 for coffee or $80 for a cucumber shushi roll
• Saki can be hot or cold – I need to specify
• Roasted green tea is something to die for;
• And - be polite ( yeah, the most difficult one for me).

And – when I learnt all this, I loved very clean, super, uber cool and stylish Tokyo.

Some of the photos from my experiences there:

Akhibara – most frequented destination for electronic shoppers. Go to Akhibara for fresh sushi rolls, maid cafes, and of course if you want to buy electronics.

Asakusa – for the very famous Buddhist temple ( Sensoji), local shopping for Kimonos, chop sticks, local snacks and other souvenirs ( Nakamise) and Pullman rickshaws

Imperial Palace Gardens – for a very serene experience. The gardens are abundant with all the prime elements of a Japanese Garden (Bridge, Arbor or wooden sitting area, pagoda, stone benches, pebble path, water falls, tea houses, stepping stones, and bamboo structures). The water is so crystal clear that you can see complete shadows.

Shibuya  for popular shopping and entertainment. It has colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs. Another place, especially for foreigners for shopping and clubbing is Roopangi Hills.

Shiodome –a redeveloped city district in Tokyo, with breath taking skyscrapers and a large variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters, hotels and other attractions.

And, since nothing is ever complete without shopping – a heaven called The Ginza. It is famous for Sony building, upmarket shopping, dining, and entertainment, numerous department stores (I really liked Matsuya) boutiques and cafes.

Samurai - not the real one 

Beer Tower

Meiji Shrine – for experiencing culture, seeing little divas all dressed in Kimonos for various ceremonies, and simply strolling.

Tokyo tower – but of course  modeled on Eiffel Tower; taller by 13 ms, and red. It has a phenomenal observatory deck, and do take out time to sip coffee at the café on tower, and enjoy spectacular views. On a good weather day, you can actually see Mount Fuji from the observatory.

I totally loved the hi-tech modern and traditional contrast. And I would totally go to Japan to explore the other parts of the country.

Arigatou

Writer's Block!!

It has been a long time since I blogged... I have loads of excuses, but writer’s block seems to be the coolest of all. 

A lot has happened in the last 30-45 days – and I read today that penning down your lows and highs can be very therapeutic. So, i attempt!!

High points:

•     One of my very cool friends was visiting from US; and I got to spend time with her. We went visiting Delhi. She just cracks me up, and it is so pleasant to be around her.
•      I met with one of my really cool friends. We met after a year – almost, and catching up with her almost made me feel 5-7 years younger. Just sipping coffee and wine with her made me relax – after what seemed like a long time. I hope to connect with her more often.
•      I made a decision to travel to Dubai. A lot has happened this year, but I really feel that visiting Dubai will bring some positive air.
•      And I got a Schengen visa renewal for 2 years – yippee!!
•      I was told a few times that I should join back office soon, and I am being missed – that definitely made me special J.
•      Beating my own score in Brick Breaker; and catching up on chic-let type of books and movies and watching stupid soaps– yes, kind of a blessing when you are sick.
•      Calls and check-ins from a couple of old friends – makes you realize you are still popular ;)

And not so high ones: 

• Exhausting business trip to Switzerland… landed at a different hotel at 6:00 AM in the morning – and had to make a few calls, walk a lot and take a cab to reach to the right one. Then, meeting more than 18 hours a day, for four continuous days, and then and travel back – without a break. Voila… The two good things – OK 3 good things were meeting the team, a few productive meetings and sparkling wine with berry mix.
•  Another exhausting trip to Bangalore. And probably contracting sickness en route!
•   Working crazy hours to prepare for a BIG meeting, and falling sick a day before the meeting. I really missed not being a part of the meeting. For once, I felt really low about this. This also made me realize that I also have low points.
•  Being really sick, and missing work for almost 2 weeks. And then, getting into a flood of client, team, and people issues. Not happening.
•  Being appalled at the extent to which people lie to get what they want. It almost makes you question your intelligence. Worse is when you are being trapped with lies.
•  Getting into a murky situations – one after another -- knowing very well that I shouldn’t be a part of it. Realization – I am too emotional for my own good.
• Realizing that you start liking people – even when they are all that you should never want/ would never get and that you should stay away from.
• Feeling unsettled and old. I have never felt this unsettled and this has been driving me insane.
• Being too lethargic for my own good.
• Wasting another year of gym membership without even setting a foot in the gym – and realizing that you will be dead 10 years sooner if you don’t exercise anymore.
• Realizing i am still not so strong to share or pen down my real lows
• Feeling crazy for another good friend, but being too caught up to do anything for her -- makes you realize that there is just so much time or resources that you have to help people even if you really want to

Not sure if it was therapeutic, it definitely helped me blog today ;).

Cheers!!

Positive Outlook

This is what Jonathan Cainer wrote for Cancers for Sunday, September 16th, 2012

"Don't worry about what seems to be ending; consider what is beginning. You are moving away from an arrangement or an agreement that has been unsatisfactory for some while, even though it has provided a degree of superficial stability. Now there is uncertainty and a sense of tension. But this is helping you get closer to a much brighter and more helpful possibility; an understanding that goes very deep and proves most fulfilling. Forget how things were and don't be afraid of how things may soon change."

It is a pity that I am reading it today.. should have read it yesterday -- Last few days have been something that i wish i could format....I do need a change - for the positive!! Now!! 

Cheers!!

Dudes - you left primary school ages ago!!!

I am not a &^#$% by any standards… but some of these people –and their excuses and lies… yikes!!!

• You claim to be not able to come for a meeting because you are sick, and cant hold your stomach for 2 minutes. And there, you are spotted driving a car – 5 minutes later; stuck in a jam. Your car must stink.
• Yeah – if someone doesn’t respond to you – you come up with all the horrid stuff. If you don’t respond to someone – there’s always a silly excuse – much more silly than the last – car jammed, wife unwell, fire @ work, slept while responding …… next time, probably a dog would have eaten your mobile or laptop. Dude - you left primary school decades ago.
• Your uncle is seriously ill; your uncle passed away; and now your same uncle is on death bed again – really, are you a character in Ekta Kapoor’s episode? Don’t make a mockery of life at least.
• Lies… OMG – do you really know that you can’t even piece a lie together, and it gives on its own – you claim to be single, and then send a Facebook invite with your kids and wife on it – what is it – denial? Or can’t you remember what did you tell whom? Start keeping a log.
•  Picking your nose at all the odd places – not too sexy and happening – probably people associated with you never told you this.
• Always trying to get sympathy for something or the other – silly and not working.  Clearly you need to grow up.
• Circular conversations – probably you need some logic babes.
• Facebook- it is not an Aastha or a motivation channel. Go easy on your motivational/inspirational likes.
• Latest one -- someone lands at work @ mid-day, and says - Sorry. I woke up so late, and rushed to work. Did not even have time for coffee. Really dude... do you remember your facebook foot prints from the morning? Or was it sleep facebooking ;). 

I can add to the list because I am thoroughly amused – but I won’t. I also know that only some have such minds.

It Really Works!! The Garmin GPS Device in India!! Well - So Far!!

I have never been very fond of GPS devices. And even though I used one in the US, I always used to try to use my direction sense, or lack of it.  Moving back to India - the thought or talk of buying a GPS device in India was out of question – because of roads without names, detours, perpetual constructions, and what not. In fact, I used to get highly  amused when someone would talk about it. If you have lived in India long enough, you know that the best way to reach a destination is to ask the autowallahs, or bikers, or anyone. They would typically tell you all the twists and turns to get you to your destination.

One fine day, I was out to get a cup of coffee and saw these cool looking dudes trying to sell Garmin to all people who work at Cyber Greens, and go to the food court. Which, in fact, are many. In tune with my compulsive shopping ( you know how you always need to be connected with yourself – and I hadn’t shopped for anything since the weekend and it was mid-week), I randomly picked up the cheapest GPS device that they had been selling on the Kiosk. The only solace/comfort of the shopping was that I had picked the cheapest device, and for once, my brother thought that it would be helpful. To write a bit more about my brother, he actually draws maps, that are better than google maps for me- for all the random places that I have to drive to.

So – back to GPS -- there it was, the GPS device, in my car for over a week, and I hadn’t even opened it – till today happened. Having moved the office space recently – from the very hep New Gurgaon to the old Gurgaon- where traffic jams are the way to reach -- I was trying to explore a less traffic-y road at 10:00 in the night. That was totally insane of me, but I was trying to be Miss Know –It-All. I barely recalled what my brother told me once, and thought of exploring the route. So, predictably, I was totally lost on the deserted roads of Old Gurgaon – and I was really scared. I tried calling my brother - who is really Mr –Know-It-All routes, but his phone was not reachable. And suddenly, I remembered the INRs that I had spent on the device, the device itself, and plugged it in.

Guess What – I actually reached home – from I don’t know where – following the directions of a heavy American accent, trying to pronounce Gurgaon and Dakshin and Shankar C-H-O-W-K. Oh Well, the GPS device in India, actually work. So far!!

Some flora and fauna that I shot in Coorg

June 30th - 2012 -- My lens and I spent a weekend in Coorg, which is also known as Scotland of India. I don't know what Scotland looks like yet, but definitely loved Coorg. Sharing some photos... write up coming soon...

Eating Blue - Blue Decor, Blue Light, Blue Curacao Decoration on plate!!!

estia - Cuisines of the Mediterranean @ aloft Bangalore

I had the honor of sole dining at estia yesterday. Taking an early flight and going straight to a long work day, I was really looking forward to a nice meal. The name estia intrigued me. Legend has it that estia originates from the word Hestia; and Hestia was a Greek goddess of the hearth. Legend ( well aloft legend at least) had it that the restaurant was set in an alluring ambiance. Well don't people tell you that you need to pick a restaurant for reasons other than just ambiance? But people also tell you never stop learning :-). Anyhow, so, I make a stop at the restaurant - and decide to write on the experience --

• Probably alluring means shades of blue. The blue decor is nice; but bluish lights on the blue decor -- not happening dude!  Probably- you identifying Mediterranean with everything blue!!
• The four corners of the restaurant has four different type of table settings; and four different type of light; and four different types of tables. 
• The dress code for waiters is blue t-shirts. What a surprise. And how innovative that is.
• Now, even if you are alone, they want to seat you in the darkest corner. Probably because they don't other people to know that you are alone.Wait - you don't see many people in the  restaurant  anyways.
• Service also makes you feel blue. Unless you ask for it - they don't give you the menu -- probably inline with the theme blue. Or, probably they want you to wait longer so that people can come, thinking it is a busy place.
• However, they try to reduce the annoyance of waiting with nice, Greek music. 
• My order Falafel Wrap in Pita bread; Asparagus and Tender Peas Soup - served with truffle foam and healthy infusion ( essentially a carrot and orange juice); followed by Tiramisu

Now a quick review of the food

• What they call a Pita bread is actually a tortilla kind of thing. And they decorate the plate with a blue curacao syrup --- not happening, or appetizing. However, the taste of the sandwich was not bad at all. The vinegary onion in the wrap was actually a good customization.
• No truffle foam and a bit-too much salt in the soup. However, if you could get past the excessive salt, the taste of the soup ain't that bad.
• Healthy infusion might have been healthy; but nothing to write home about
• Tiramisu - way too much of Sugar - but after all, a dessert is a dessert; especially when you are overstuffed.

All- in- all, the plates weren't blue... probably because they don't want you to feel completely blued. All -in-all -- I might eat again at that place :-).

Finally a Confession - Shopping Addiction or Retail Therapy

I almost passed out on receiving an SMS alert on the credit due on my card. Where the hell did I spend this much money – this month? If I ask my friends, or family – they would say well, you say the same thing every month.  Within few minutes, with an unidentified nervousness, I opened my e-statement. 

&^%$#@! 

I had, like always, indulged in expenses on things that I really don’t need. 

If I seek professional help, they would recommend a strict therapy; and would even tell me random reasons for my unjustified spending ( like emotional deprivation, impulsive, compulsive, freak). Oh well!!

In introspection:

• I always get a high from shopping. Seriously, whether I am paying credit, or cash – just exchanging with it a bag is like a therapy in itself.
• I always buy things thinking I will need it; should use it – but never do. I am one of those people who thinks that buying skin care products would make my skin better; or buying make up would automatically make me look elegant.
• I walk away with purchases when none were needed. Even at a grocery store, I will end up picking things thinking they are healthy; or good – or will help in weight loss. The only think that happens is that I end up throwing them after expiration.
•  I always buy things for myself when I am shopping for others.  The most ridiculous one was that I picked up three pair of shoes, while looking for one for my niece.
• I am unable to resist a sale or bargain. If it is cheap, or discounted- I will pick it. You know you always need clothes to wear when you come home after work. Really, if you work long hours, you only change into sleeping clothes. So what with all the casual T-s and Bottoms that I buy at a bargain and never wear.
• I end up buying things even if they don’t fit – the only parameter that they need to qualify is a sale and a designer label.
• Sometimes, even when I am working, I think of shopping.
• I can’t even count things that I bought but never used.
• At times I feel so guilty after shopping – to the point of sickness.
• I have bought additional suitcases at my travels – just to stuff the &^%$# that I buy.
• I almost never say never to shopping.
• Just recently, I bought numerous lipsticks, when I hardly wear any. Worse, they were all the same color family.

Every girl, worth her salt has an overflowing closet – clothes, shoes, make-up….but mine is out of control.

One of my dearest friends had told me once that she often asks herself “Will I die if I don’t buy this thing – before buying anything”. This stayed with me; but with a sequencing mix. I think about this when looking at the credit card statement. Miss you girlfriend!!

Highway Food – NH 8 Bhiwadi, Old Rao’s Dhaba

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Saturday night, somewhere between 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM, I committed to getting up early and going for a drive. I think the only reason why I said yes to the plan was that it was a drive, and involved least bit of physical activity. Also, I wasn’t aware that I would be working till 2:00 AM on a critical presentation.

Anyways, Sunday morning, 4:00 AM – the alarm went on, and I remembered Darn! We had made a plan to go for a drive towards Jaipur early morning. I don’t know why, and for what the plan was made, but I remembered committing to family and friends that I would come. So, reluctantly, I had to wake up. The troop was ready to leave at  4:45 – so – there we went. I was regretting going – because of the sheer greed of sleeping some more. But all it took was hitting the highway, that I was up – bright and cheery – cruising on the highway.

•  Despite the heat wave, it was a very pleasant drive. The weather was nice at that time, and road was clean.
• There are a lot of traffic diversion, but the quality of road was surprisingly good. Lack of traffic made the drive truly enjoyable.
•  The music – both on ipod and select radio station was a treat to ears.
• Fancy, swanky high-rise buildings at various stages of completion on the highway.

So – after driving for about an hour, we took a small diversion towards Rewari, and turned back. On the way, two of us felt hungry and decided to stop at some place called Old Rao’s Dhaba. I was like it is really not even 6. I hardly wake up at that time, and the very thought of eating at the Dhaba was not really something I was excited about. But I didn’t want to be a spoiler and went along. So, there we were, making a stop.

In true sense, the dhaba was old, seemed worn out, and had people cleaning and wiping plates. They told us that this is 24*7; pure vegetarian hotel. So, we ordered tea and some stuffed parathas.  I never like to eat at such places, so, I first settled for tea. It was ginger, cardamom team – and something to die for. And then - i slowly moved to the stuffed parathas - fresh and crisp. The spices were perfect, and the butter was dripping out – yet the taste was awesome. Food was fresh ( very fresh for a 24*7 place), plates were clean, and the staff was friendly.  And very, very reasonably priced.  In no time, I was literally pigging on the food. Highly recommended for people driving back towards Delhi from Jaipur – or for people living in Gurgaon for weekend brunch.

All in all – we were back by 7:45. On a usual Sunday morning, I wouldn’t have been up – but this is something I would definitely do again. So what – if an early start to the day does make room for a lot of other activities.

Email Management Tips - Less than 5 days OOO and Over 5000 Emails

I was out of office (OOO) for 5 days. And for some reason or the other, I could only access 10% of my emails. Yes, I do use a BlackBerry, but these days were full. And the extremely hot weather and power cuts did not leave me with enough energy to assimilate emails. So, the mails got accumulated, and I ended up with over 5000 emails in a span of less than 5 days. And this was when none of my team was working over the weekend. Phew!!

Now - I detest having stressful day on the first day back at work, and so, i work on clearing my mails as soon as I can. That ways, I can have intelligent conversation with the teams, and spend time with the teams when I am back. It also gives me a feeling that I am back in control, being a control freak that I am.

Sharing some tips -

• If possible, spend a couple of hours on the last day of vacation organizing the mailbox. Or, have an early start on the first day back.
• Sort by Subject. It is quite possible that the action is already taken, or someone has resolved the issue for you. Read the last mail first, and immediately file these bunch, or Flag the last mail for follow up, if needed. (20%)
• Sort by Important Email. Outlook has a Search Folder. Identify and act on these - address, delete, defer, delegate.
• Search for Non Biz - some senders are indeed helpful to call that out in the subject. Yes, they can be easily moved to the Later folder.( 2%) Else look for multiple Fw: Fw: Fw: -- you will know that they aren't the ones that will need an immediate attention ( 5%)
• Use Color Coding, and Rules Assistant. I find it extremely useful. Mails that I am in cc; or I received because I was a part of certain DLs can be deferred.(18%)
• Sort by Sender - Clients/Manager/Team/Support Functions/Others.
• If you can respond to an email in a minute or two, do that immediately.( 15%)
• If you need to delegate the task, or response to someone - immediate ( 15%)
• Follow Up Flag ( 15%)
• Need an action from you - Flag for Action ( 10%)

Finally, do not stress too much if you missed something. You will either get a reminder, or a call :-). 

All this helps me not get buried under an email hell; and a clean mailbox give me a zen feeling. 

Happy to help!!

A Day in Milano, Italy - Caffe Macchiato, Tiramisu, Gelatos and Prada

April 2011

My love for Italy had started way before - but after my tryst with Italian food, deserts, gelatos, and coffee, it had only gone stronger. So, when I was in Brunnen, Switzerland, I decided to seize the opportunity, and hope over (ok - not literally hop over, but take a 3 hour train to Milano Centrale) to Milan for lunch.

The world goes to Milan for fashion, high-end brands, and The Last Supper, but my priorities were totally different. I wanted to get a feel of Italy ( didn’t have time for Rome, Venice, Naples or Florence), and eat  authentic gelatos and tiramisu. 


So, on an unusually nice and warm Spring Saturday, I got up at 5:00 AM and boarded the train to Milan. The train ride from Brunnen to Milan is an experience on its own – with a panoramic view of the Alps. And to top that, I was lucky to have a fellow Italian traveler. She was reading a book on India, and was totally fascinated with India and its culture. And here I was, making a trip to Milan – and totally fascinated with Italy. So, after three hours of talking about India and Italy, I landed at Milano Centrale. 


The station from the inside is like any other European train station – the only difference being that you need a Euro to use the washroom. But when you step out, and look at it – it is beautiful and intricate.

Piazza del Duomo

Out of the station, I took a cab to the Duomo Cathedral. On the way, the cab driver pointed the Pirelli towers – glass-bound skyscraper, and very beautiful. The towers clearly stood out – rather than blending in. When I reached the Duomo Cathedral, I was welcomed by a breath taking and a grand site - The Gorgeous, Gothic Cathedral. The exteriors of the cathedral were striking with numerous spires, and the interiors were massive. It is said that the interiors can hold over 40,000 people at a time. What I missed was going to the top. I only got to know later about the raving reviews of the view from the top afterwards.

 The other thing that was breath taking, literally were a million pigeons around Vittorio Emanuele II Statue. I was too scared to go near them, and click them. But what amazing was that people were actually paying good money to get clicked with them.

After spending an hour there, and clicking over a 100 pictures, I went to what is called as Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II.  The boutique shopping plaza, was lively. It had elegant dining and shopping places, and vibrant energy inside, and fake goods kiosks ( including GUCCI, Prada, Louis Vutton bags and sun glasses) outside. The two things very interesting were the fake and genuine shops together; and the glass ceilings and art in the plaza.

 This was “the place” for Tiramisu, Prosseco, Caffe Macchiato, and Brick Oven Pizza. In addition to food and shopping, there were  entertainers and a lane where you could eat the “to-die-for” GELATOS.

Next to the galleria was an Opera House; and a numerous options for city tours. Even though I just had a few hours to spare, I decided to take the hop-on and hop off tour. I am a big fan of these tours – they give you the feel of city and some nice nuggets of information. 
On line A, my next stop was Sforzesco Castello.

At the entrance of the castle is a beautiful fountain – a welcome break from the heat. And also a kiosk to buy drinks and some food – Tonic Water topping the list.  

The mighty red brick castle was built in Renaissance Milan – with Leonardo da Vinci designing the defenses, and Napoleon altering the design. In the modern era, the castle hosts a series of museums. The inner yard of the castle is beautiful to walk around, and click some pictures. And if you are alone, there are people who would offer to click your pictures for a Euro.

I hopped back on Line B – skipping the Last Supper because I did not have reservation in advance. ( Note to self – mark this for next time).  Soaking the city, and listening to the audio guide, I decided to make another stop. Now, being in the fashion capital, a girl’s gotta do what she gotta do – SHOP. So, I finally stopped at Buenos Aires. It is a shopping district, with numerous shops, and some of them are pretty affordable. After walking around, I bough a pair of  Prada sunglasses – literally Prada from Milano. J

Finally, I had another Caffe Macchiato, and took a cab back to Milano Centrale – having done what all I love to do – explore city, admire well dressed citizens, chat, eat good food, and shop J.  And I am thinking if I can holiday in Italy next summer!