Even travellers need a vacation. A time to relax, refocus, and rejuvenate…without worrying about those pesky travel details and logistics. That’s exactly what I needed this May when I went to Cuba for a week.
The last few months have been stressful and although I had been preparing for it, the stress still hits like a ton of bricks. Earlier this year my dad had his second knee surgery. It was a successful one, but I still can’t help worrying as my parents age. During his recovery period, my parents lived with my husband and I for two months in our 750 sq ft suite. I think I finally understood what it would be like to have two kids in the house with everyone wanting a piece of me. One conversation over the other with my head pointing three ways. Challenging and crazy at times, but through love, cooperation and help from extended family we all survived, with a few laughs in between. On top of that, my full time day job has been more stressful than usual with additional special projects and deadlines on my plate. You can say I’ve been a bit wide eyed, razzled and a little more snippy lately. Maybe not as dramatic as Parineeti Chopra singing Pareshaan in Bollywood’s Ishaqzaade, but pareshaan (hindi = worried, distraught) nonetheless. I was ready to hit the beach with a mojito in hand!
What did I miss the most the last few months? Having enough time to do the things I love, like this blog. I’ve written here and there, but not as frequently as before. I miss writing and miss you, the readers. We all need reminders to take time out for things we love, right?
Here are my top 4 things I focussed on while away in Cuba:
WRITING
On the plane ride over, I started drafting some notes for story ideas I want to pitch to various travel publications. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to write for Conde Nast Traveller India, Asia Rooms and Mybindi on top of my blog posts for Desi Globetrotter. Hope to continue building relationships and connections – love the travel writing world! Plus, I have many un-penned stories I need to type so stay tuned!
READING
I LOVE crime novels and mob stories. After reading Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found years ago I got hooked on Mumbai’s underworld dons which many Bollywood films are based on. This particular book has been sitting on my shelf for probably atleast a year now. Might not be an easy, light, girly beach read, but it sure is captivating. Yes, I loved my Nancy Drew books as a child.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography and writing go hand in hand in storytelling, hence my love and interest for both. However, only recently have I mustered up courage to get out of the “Auto” mode on my SLR camera. Learning about the rule of thirds, F-stops, shutter speeds and ISO is all a bit confusing to me still, but vacation time is when I can have some time to practice. Shooting beaches can get boring, but I had lots of fun taking pictures in Havana. Experimenting with photos can be challenging, frustrating, but oh so much fun for me!
MUSIC
Of course no trip is complete without a kick ass mp3 list! Even while at the most populated touristy beach, I can carve out my own oasis, tune out everyone else with the right type of music. With the therapeutic heat instantaneously relaxing my tense shoulders, my eyes focussed on the never ending turquoise horizon in front of me and my back relaxed into the sun chair, I turn on my music. What’s playing?
Putomayo World Music. From North African grooves to Rumba and Flamenco. Asian lounge to Cafe Cubano. Uplifting, feel good music. It’s all I need. Relaxation achieved.
What will you do today to take time out for the hobbies, passions you love?
