Living By My Own Design

Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn was our last stop for the city before we headed home. All throughout our stay in Bangkok, Wat Arun kept gleaming at us whenever we went. The pearly facade winked at us every time we passed it by during the day, and it’s spires demanded our attention as we drove past it at night, reflected in the Chao Phraya river. We had the good fortune of stopping by the temple on a slow, winter morning. The porcelain prangs are synonymous with the skyline of Bangkok, and the rows of demons, monkeys and angels all hold a story to tell. If you adapt to the Bangkok way of life, maybe Wat Arun will reveal its secrets to you, the same temple that was once home to the famed Emerald Buddha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at วัดอรุณราชวราราม วัดแจ้ง) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKM77GTDenA/?igshid=1vfmku0vq3769

Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn was our last stop for the city before we headed home. All throughout our stay in Bangkok, Wat Arun kept gleaming at us whenever we went. The pearly facade winked at us every time we passed it by during the day, and it’s spires demanded our attention as we drove past it at night, reflected in the Chao Phraya river. We had the good fortune of stopping by the temple on a slow, winter morning. The porcelain prangs are synonymous with the skyline of Bangkok, and the rows of demons, monkeys and angels all hold a story to tell. If you adapt to the Bangkok way of life, maybe Wat Arun will reveal its secrets to you, the same temple that was once home to the famed Emerald Buddha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร Wat Arun) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKHKz6HDiH-/?igshid=sp9ipu0xl12j

Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn was our last stop for the city before we headed home. All throughout our stay in Bangkok, Wat Arun kept gleaming at us whenever we went. The pearly facade winked at us every time we passed it by during the day, and its spires demanded our attention as we drove past it at night, reflected in the Chao Phraya river. We had the good fortune of stopping by the temple on a slow, winter morning. The porcelain prangs are synonymous with the skyline of Bangkok, and the rows of demons, monkeys and angels all hold a story to tell. If you adapt to the Bangkok way of life, maybe Wat Arun will reveal its secrets to you, the same temple that was once home to the famed Emerald Buddha! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Wat Arun Temple, Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_040ADh-g/?igshid=204vqn6dkyhr

Books told tales of jade and gold. Shimmering in the winter sun, it was aglow with stories of an emerald Buddha, kings, queens and giants, court conspiracies, battles over kingdoms, demons taking over, and tigers stalking the night. Bangkok’s Grand Palace is an oasis of colour amid the bustling city. Take a moment to forget the milling crowds and feel the grandeur of a gateway to a world past. Like everything Bangkok promises to be, the Grand Palace is unforgettable & vibrant! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Grand Palace, Bangkok) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJdvR_mD-R1/?igshid=1go83ggvqr

We danced through every shade of red & gold. The tiger twinkled down at us, the lanterns waved in gay abandon and the ride took us down a path of neon. It feels surreal to look back at these memories, when walking into Chinatown thronged with people was nothing to worry about. When entering a “jungle” didn’t make us want to reach for the hand spray. When we sat in a rocking ride and swayed to the beats, lost in the moment, mask-free. We danced through every shade of red & gold. One day, we’ll dance again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Chinatown Bangkok) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIeLfsoDJXN/?igshid=orst2ghshnx0

Fah is Thai for blue. Boat hopping across Ko Phi Phi’s many islands is a gorgeous experience of a ‘fah’ palette. As we left the crowds behind and the boat was zipping thru’ the waters, blue ripples of never-seen-before hues followed us from island to island. One island was so small, we saw four shades of ‘fah’ from where we stood. This side had cerulean shades of the deep blue sea, the other a never-ending lagoon of turquoise and azure! Along the way, island life caught up to us. Teaching us how to be carefree and bouyant. To forget the blues and enjoy the ‘fah’. With a Mai Tai in a pineapple, or three, for company! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Phi Phi Island Phuket) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGFTcR3D5ct/?igshid=1u7db4378tvdb

Fah is Thai for blue. Boat hopping across Ko Phi Phi’s many islands is a gorgeous experience of a ‘fah’ palette. As we left the crowds behind and the boat was zipping thru’ the waters, blue ripples of never-seen-before hues followed us from island to island. One island was so small, we saw four shades of ‘fah’ from where we stood. This side had cerulean shades of the deep blue sea, the other a never-ending lagoon of turquoise and azure! Along the way, island life caught up to us. Teaching us how to be carefree and bouyant. To forget the blues and enjoy the ‘fah’. With a Mai Tai in a pineapple, or three, for company! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Ko Phi Phi Don) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA-0XvjIMj/?igshid=1asncgzt58b24

Palaces have their own charm. While I’ve always avoided “tourist attractions”, I decided to give in and go visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace. After entering the palace complex, it was easy to understand why it’s considered one of Thailand’s gems. Jade and gold palaces, gold tipped spires, dragons, elephants, murals, monarchs! The best way to enjoy crowded places I’ve learned, is to look up and let your imagination take you back to the times of princesses, mythical creatures, throne hall intrigues and spiritual rituals that continue to this day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Bangkok Grand Palace) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxizy-DcBm/?igshid=e3ti7apnr57b

Palaces have their own charm. While I’ve always avoided “tourist attractions”, I decided to give in and go visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace. After entering the palace complex, it was easy to understand why it’s considered one of Thailand’s gems. Jade and gold palaces, gold tipped spires, dragons, elephants, murals, monarchs! The best way to enjoy crowded places I’ve learned, is to look up and let your imagination take you back to the times of princesses, mythical creatures, throne hall intrigues and spiritual rituals that continue to this day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Wat Phra Kaeo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxiKKlD5x3/?igshid=oc09nuastgwo

Palaces have their own charm. While I’ve always avoided “tourist attractions”, I decided to give in and go visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace. After entering the palace complex, it was easy to understand why it’s considered one of Thailand’s gems. Jade palaces, gold tipped spires, dragons, elephants, murals, monarchs! The best way to enjoy crowded places I’ve learned, is to look up and let your imagination take you back to the times of princesses, mythical creatures, throne hall intrigues and spiritual rituals that continue to this day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Grand Palace - พระบรมมหาราชวัง) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxhs4dDR1J/?igshid=fub9q9auqaua

Presenting #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Thailand ประเทศไทย) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKbXoTD_d9/?igshid=u11pio5cscil

Presenting #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Thailand ประเทศไทย) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKa_qVDZ2m/?igshid=917x2yzyjl9d

Presenting #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Thailand ประเทศไทย) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKal7vDl1R/?igshid=1q6j2dzjrjhn1

Presenting #DeevanaForTheFah, where we set out to explore paradise, and ended up discovering what it meant to be truly free. From a melting pot of madness to breezy island hopping, from the serene calm of temples overrun by jujube trees to majestic palaces in jade and gold; Thailand was everything it promised to be. Chaotic. Colourful. Peaceful. BLUE! (at Thailand ประเทศไทย) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKal7vDl1R/?igshid=1q6j2dzjrjhn1

There’s a different kind of happiness you experience every time you turn your eyes skywards. Airplanes passing by, a sunset palette, rain on your face, fluffy clouds. Everywhere I go, I make it a point to look up for magic. From Vienna’s Anker clock between two buildings, vintage inn hangings on London streets, Istanbul’s towering minarets, sculptures hanging mid air in Prague, unique carvings on the chattris of Jodhpur’s forts, Amsterdam’s snow, to Bombay’s gargoyles at CST. In Russia, I looked up and saw...the courtyard wells of St. Petersburg, the seven Kremlin stars of Moscow sparkling atop skyscrapers, Kazan’s stained glass mosaics on the ceilings reflecting the Siberian sun in an almost-Harlequin-esque way! The Hermitage Museum is a treasure trove of wonders. Once you get over the brilliant architecture and head inside, don’t forgot to also look up. For me, the Hermitage served up these dazzling views. The uniformity only added to the beauty, leaving the symmetry fanatic in me oh-so-delighted! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #ColourMeMockbaSki; stories of imperial intrigues, white nights, rooftop escapades, war, and peace. Of grim-faced Tsars to pink-cheeked Matryoshka dolls. Of wishes granted by courtyard wells and bronze guard dogs. Of Kremlin stars to the Siberian sun. Stories fanned on by onion flames as the Swan Princess pirouetted down the street. (at Hermitage Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEJT-36jXJ5/?igshid=tce1h5ooez6a

There’s a different kind of happiness you experience every time you turn your eyes skywards. Airplanes passing by, a sunset’s palette, rain on your face, fluffy clouds. Everywhere I go, I make it a point to look up for magic. From Vienna’s Anker clock between two buildings, vintage inn hangings on London streets, Istanbul’s towering minarets, sculptures hanging mid air in Prague, unique carvings on the chattris of Jodhpur’s forts, Amsterdam’s snow, to the gargoyles of Bombay. In Russia, I looked up and saw...the courtyard wells of St. Petersburg, the seven Kremlin stars of Moscow sparkling atop skyscrapers, Kazan’s stained glass mosaics on the ceilings reflecting the Siberian sun in an almost-Harlequin-esque way! The Hermitage Museum is a treasure trove of wonders. Once you get over the brilliant architecture and head inside, don’t forgot to also look up. For me, the Hermitage served up these dazzling views. The uniformity only added to the beauty, leaving the symmetry fanatic in me oh-so-delighted! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #ColourMeMockbaSki; stories of imperial intrigues, white nights, rooftop escapades, war, and peace. Of grim-faced Tsars to pink-cheeked Matryoshka dolls. Of wishes granted by courtyard wells and bronze guard dogs. Of Kremlin stars to the Siberian sun. Stories fanned on by onion flames as the Swan Princess pirouetted down the street. (at Hermitage Museum Государственный Эрмитаж) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEFPgxJjp4F/?igshid=1betasiwpc9o6

Moscow Metro aka The Palaces of the People felt me completely fascinated. As an Indian, we have a default premise that anything shared with the masses will ultimately not stand the test of time; and a more prudent path to displaying anything beautiful to the public - is to have gated access. To see a public metro station built in the early 1940s still maintaining its baroque features & gilded ceilings, bronze chandeliers still intact - only goes to prove that there’s hope yet for all of us. Maybe a little more faith and a shared sense of cultural pride is needed. On a lighter note, this is a glimpse of the platform, from where I have tried to capture as much of Komsomolskaya station’s beauty, all in one small frame! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is #ColourMeMockbaSki; stories of imperial intrigues, white nights, rooftop escapades, war, and peace. Of grim-faced Tsars to pink-cheeked Matryoshka dolls. Of wishes granted by courtyard wells and bronze guard dogs. Of Kremlin stars to the Siberian sun. Stories fanned on by onion flames as the Swan Princess pirouetted down the street. (at Komsomolsk, Kaliningradskaya Oblast', Russia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD8a_fej41B/?igshid=1jl0w30epgqjf