What is Home?!!

This question is bothering me for last few weeks. What is Home? Is it a house with four walls? Or is it the people you live with? If the people also move out of the house will it make any change? Does it bother you less? I am living outside my city from last 2 years. I moved there with the person I loved the most. But still something is missing. It's not like that my new home or city is not treating me well. It welcomes me wholeheartedly.  

It gives me warm hugs and blesses me with rains. Even as I write this, so many beautiful faces flash in my mind. Although they are now far away from my sight. Whenever my flight touches down on the land of my hometown, I feel that I am free here. Of course, there's another level of excitement rushing through my mind and body to meet the known faces, but the fragrance of the city makes me feel alive. It makes me feel that I don't need to wear a mask of professionalism or need any kind of filtration. Because the city knows it all.

The roads, the flyover, metro, footbridge, buses, yellow taxis, and trams - all of the modes know every single story which you never shared with anyone. The hours you spent leaning on the window pane, brooding over life, trust me, they know it all. The city knows when you first cried for a balloon. When you roamed around the city holding your parents' hands. When you were in awe looking at the decoration of Durga Puja pandal or the big Christmas tree in front of Park Street. When you got scared to look at the swarm of people in the maidan to enjoy the book fair. And you held your mother's finger tightly. The first school picnic, the first family tour, the first fight with friends - this city knows all stories. My teenage rebellion phase, scrimmage with my sister, bunking classes in college, and sneaking out with friends to roam around Victoria Memorial - my city knows my secrets.

When I cried after the first heartbreak, my city of joy soothed me. When I didn't want to cry in front of anyone, my city knew my safe shelter. I vividly remember the day without saying anything to anyone, I took a metro ride and reached St. Paul Cathedral church just to cry in front of Jesus. There was no one in between us. Jesus knows my sorrows.

When I finally found the man of my life, the city knew the first heartbeat I felt. The feeling of holding his hands and roaming around the city freely, falling in love, and getting married here - the city knows it all.

My city, my secret holder, and my confidant - I love you. I miss you. I badly want to come back.

You are my home my house my city. 

One day I will come back for sure, even when I may not be as young, I envision myself sitting in a coffee house, recalling all the cherished memories we've shared. I can never forget. Despite not offering many amenities, your comforting embrace is unmatched. You are my sanctuary, my abode, my city.

A Thankless Job

 Happy National Flower Day!

On March 21st, we celebrate National Flower Day to evoke the beautiful season of Spring. Spring is the season of color and fragrance. After the cold and chilly winter when all the greenery of nature slept for a while, it's an alluring way to muse upon the colors of nature.

Have you ever given thought to the fact that all of these beauties of nature wake up in the morning and fill the air with hue and colors but never expect anything from us?

These miniature elements of nature bloom every single day to embellish Mother Nature, as if they are the ornaments or jewels of nature. Just as women like to accessorize themselves, it's our Mother Nature's joy to adorn the flowers. In our humdrum life with a basic routine, we often forget to enjoy the beauty of nature. And then, we post with a hashtag using a new trendy word, feeling FOMO. It's true that in our busy lineup schedule, it's tough to take out time. But when technology grasps our minds and compels us to look at the screen, it becomes our duty to look up and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature.

Whenever you are walking on the road or simply gazing at the full moon at night, it will bring you more comfort than anything else in the world. The sound of dry leaves and the colors of flowers are much more realistic than filters. I pledge that whenever I hit the road for a trip without any workload, I pay my respects to all the smallest elements of nature. I say thank you to them for making my life and my surroundings so colorful.

The same goes for people as well. There are so many people who are making our lives easier through their contributions, but we never say thanks to them. If you are reading this, my urge to you is that if you find someone who is making your life easier or more beautiful through their smallest contribution, say thank you to them. For me, "Thank you" is not just a formal word but a small word to convey that we are grateful to have you beside us.

Thanks to everyone who reads my blogs and encourages me to write more and more.

Passion and Profession

 It's been a long time since I've written anything. Honestly, I've almost forgotten how much I used to love expressing my thoughts through writing. After a prolonged period of dusting off my skills and reconnecting with my inner writer, today, I want to dedicate this particular blog to some special people whom I dearly love. I might not have met these beautiful souls if it weren't for my profession.

Let me start with a thank-you note. Thank you so much, my Baccha Party; my life would be incomplete without you.

As you can deduce from the name of my blog, today I will talk about my profession. I am among the fortunate few who have turned their passion into a profession. Professionally, I am a teacher—the creator of all professions in the entire world. When I was in 2nd or maybe 3rd grade, I firmly decided that I would become a teacher.

Honestly, I never wanted to be just a teacher to my students. I always endeavored to be their friend, philosopher, and guide. I believe that the core essence needed to become a good teacher is love, empathy, and patience. A teacher's duty is not only to teach the syllabus but also to prepare students for life. A school is the second home for any child, and teachers are their second parents. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to make them comfortable enough to speak their hearts out without hesitation. A teacher always leaves an impression on the minds of children, which can be either good or bad, depending on the teacher's ability to handle the child's psychology. Sometimes, it takes a toll on teachers when they have to handle a lot all at once.

Teaching is a profession where we need to step down one step so that our children can move ahead.

Speaking from my personal experience, I have been in this profession for the last 12 years. I started as a private tutor and then gradually became a teacher in a school. Every year, I meet so many students, each with their unique identity, which never fails to amuse me. I see myself in them, as I've never truly left my school life behind. Thus, I never got the opportunity to miss my school. As a teacher, I have always been fortunate to receive unconditional love from my kids. I don't like the idea of calling them my students; I prefer to address them lovingly as my kids or baccha.

I don't know how much of an impact I have made in their lives, but in my life, they are my rainbow. Their happy faces bring me joy, while their sad faces bring darkness. Sometimes, I become emotional seeing them grow up. The first student I ever taught is now in 12th standard—it feels surreal. When I look back, so many faces and memories flood my mind, and I cherish all the moments I've spent with my students.

I truly believe I am blessed to have chosen—or perhaps it was destiny that made me—a teacher. I couldn't find more happiness and love in any other profession.

However, it's also one of the most stressful jobs in the world, emotionally and physically draining. Then there are people who ask, "How much do you earn?"

In my opinion, it's not about the materialistic things you earn in life, but rather about doing the same thing every day with the same passion. When passion becomes your profession, you've already won half the battle. You need to find your spark whenever you feel trapped in the same routine. Trust me, if you don't love your job, it's difficult to survive for long, as eventually, you'll stop enjoying your workplace and everything will become mundane.

Whatever you do in life, do it with passion. Although there's another side to the coin—most people, especially in our country, never get the opportunity to follow their passion. But let's save that topic for another day.

For now, let's end the chit-chat. See you next time.

WHAT WOMAN WANT

What Woman Want??
Sorry, but being a "WOMAN" even I can't crack the answer. I have tried though. Trust Me, but I can't. Most of the men are often sarcastically asked WHAT WOMAN WANT? I am sorry to say all the "MEN" out there but you also don't know what you want either.
During this Lockdown period I gave it
a little bit time. Don't worry I have thought about it after finishing my duties. ☺️☺️ What I have realized that its not about only Woman who doesn't know what she wants. We, human beings both Man and Woman never figure it out what we want. Everyone wants to be the most sorted person in life. At least they pretend to do so. We try too hard to separate Black and White and ended up mixing it. When the situation turns into Grey we do not know in which way to go. It happens with everyone of us. Being confused about your desires is pretty normal I guess. So why people always make it a big fuss that What Woman Want? We, women express ourselves may be in an emotional and weird way. Men expressed it may be in a more practical way. Our approach may be different but at core of our heart we all are same. May be we should just sit and be compassionate about each other a little bit. When we will nag next time try to understand it and when you will be frustrated we try to make the situation easier for you (even though we do it). Both men and women go through a lot in their respective life journey. We are not judging you. We don't have the luxury for it. So, please stop judging us with the PHRASE "WHAT WOMAN WANT"?
Let's just sit with a cup of tea and try to Re-phrase the line "WHAT WE WANT?"  
   

Maybelline New York Colossal Liner Black & Blue Heaven Sketch Liner

Today I'm gonna talk about two essential makeup product of my makeup bag. As you guys all know that I'm crazy about makeup. I couldn't go out without putting Kajal or Eye Liner. Most of girls like bold eyes. Wing Liner is a trend right now. So it's very important to choose a correct eye-liner for your precious eyes.

Maybelline New York Colossal and Blue Heaven Sketch Eye liner, these are the two products I swear by.
I always keep two liners and two kajals in my makeup kit bag. If I'm heading out for a long day or I'm going for a party then I prefer to use a long lasting and smudge proof eyeliner. On the other hand If I'm going to have a coffee or going out for 2-3 hours I prefer to use a pocket friendly one. These two products which I've mentioned are the perfect combination of my need.

Maybelline New York Colossal Liner Black 

Currently I'm a complete fan of this product. It's bold black in color and a perfect sketch tip allows me to get a perfect wing liner or a cat liner. Another advantage of this product is it dries out very quickly. It gives a

Maybelline New York Colossal Liner Black

matte finish and glides smoothly. My face tend to sweat a lot specially eye area. So, I totally swear by this one. After wearing it almost 6-7 hours or more than that I can say it didn't smudge a bit. It's water proof so in rainy days your wing liner wouldn't fly away for sure.

Price : Rs. 450/-

Shade : Black

Discount From Nykaa : 25% (Rs. 338/-)  

 

Now Nykaa is giving a great sale on the occasion of their birthday. So you can buy it in a very reasonable price.

Blue Heaven Sketch Liner

This is the third time I've bought it. I'm obsessed with this one. My makeup kit is incomplete without this

Blue Heaven Sketch Liner

particular product. When I travel I completely trust on this. It is also deep black like the Maybelline one. It also has a fine tip which help to draw a perfect wing liner. It too dries out quickly and its matte too. It glides smoothly on your skin too. But what it's disadvantage is it doesn't stay more than 3-4 hours. After that it starts to fade. It's not that much water proof as the Maybelline one. But its advantage is it damn pocket friendly. A beginner makeup explorer can easily afford it.

Price : Rs. 225/-

Shade : Black

Discount From Nykaa : 10% (Rs. 203/-)  

 

Now Nykaa is giving a great sale on the occasion of their birthday. So you can buy it in a very reasonable price.

With Love

**This is not a paid promotion.....
 

CHICKEN WRAP (THE WALKING STREET SANDWICHES)

I wrote two restaurant reviews but what I thought today that its always not possible to try everything at a time in a restaurant or in a food stall. So I come up with a new series called Food Reviews. Wherever or whenever I will eat some thing I will give you my review.

   I will start the series with a very popular food item now-a-days called Chicken Wrap which I had recently tried in Metropolis Mall.

   All the people of South Kolkata knows this place. Metropolis Mall of South Kolkata is one of the best hangout place for everyone. I willn't go on a long description. Keeping it very simple I'll just focus on the food.

CHICKEN WRAP

We were there to have Dominos Pizza from the food court of Metropolis Mall. But when hungry stomach kicks you continuously it's not easy to wait for a long time. So we shift our mind from pizza to pasta. We walked straight towards the shop where pasta board was hanging. The manager told us about other items of their menu like Maggie, Burger, Sandwich, Momo and lastly Wrap. Hearing the name of Wrap I shifted my mind again from pasta to Wrap. Oh!!! I forgot to mention the name of the food stall The Walking Street Sanwiches .  We ordered two Chicken Wrap of 100 bucks each. Just after 10-15 minutes max to max two hot plates of Wrap came to us with some crispy crunchy potato chips and a packet of tomato sauce. so it became easy to wrap it up. Without admiring its beauty more than that I had my first bite. It was so delicate and yummy. A light crust on the top giving it another level. And with every bite creamy mayonnaise with veggies oozing out like lava. Chicken pieces are so tender, succulent and juicy that you want more and more. Potato Chips on the side plays a great role to tie up the whole dish as it breaks that creaminess of the filling with crispiness. I really don't like Tomato Sauce with this kind of dishes but for whom Tomato Sauce is life saving thing (ex. my husband) must finish the wrap with it. We wrapped the Wrap in just 10 minutes. Trust me, it feels so light on your tummy. Your hungry and angry stomach give a kiss but your little heart will ask for more. In just 100 bucks that Chicken Wrap is an ultimate winner.
Ufff!!!!!!! That's a piece of heaven on my hand. They cut the wrap into two pieces

**I will give it 3.5 star out of 5.

If you're there at Metropolis Mall and hunger kicks your tummy hardly and then give it a must try.... Or you can order it online
ADDRESS of THE WALKING STREET SANDWICHES : Metropolis Mall, 1925, Chak Garia, Hiland Park, Santoshpur, Kolkata

OPENING HOURS : 11AM to 10 PM
TAKE AWAY ONLY

With Love

** This Is Not a Paid Promotion


    

SPELLBOUND IN SIKKIM||TRAVEL BLOG (PART-3)

I hope all of you have read two previous parts of this series. If you missed then here is the solution
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2018/03/spellbound-in-sikkimtravel-blog-part-1.html
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2018/03/spellbound-in-sikkimtravel-blog-part-2.html

This is the third part of my new travel series Spellbound in Sikkim. I have already shared the first two part of my journey. Today I'll talk about my journey towards Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

26/02/18

ON THE WAY TO GURUDONGMAR

So, a very good morning to all of you. I finished my blog on the night of 25th on which day we came to

Lachen. As I have mentioned earlier in my previous blog that we needed to start for Gurudongmar Lake at 5 o'clock in the morning. At 4 am we woke up. Finally it stopped raining and when we came out of our room I

4.30 am in Lachen

thought I wasn't in myself. The whole environment grabbed me in its arm. I totally lost myself and trust me I really didn't care to recollect myself. I was completely caught by the trance of nature's beauty. The scenery was so pure and so celestial as if God put everything with his own hand. That's why every bit of that blissful landscape is perfectly crafted. The sky covered itself with a navy blue bed-sheet and the stars were scattered like jasmine flowers. Some unknown proud mountains were giving guard to this majestic mother nature. Those proud mountains were wearing white crown which reveals their

This is the place where tyre punctured

royalty. Please tell me how can one remain steady after seeing such a beauty!!! Is this even possible? I don't think so. Even I don't want to. What I wanted at that point to live in that moment. As you can completely understand through my words that I was in the arms of nature. I didn't realize how much time I spent. Suddenly some noise broke my dream and reality welcomed me. It was 5.30 am then. Our driver was sleeping peacefully. Everyone was loosing their temper. Finally in between all the drama he came at 5.45 pm and we started for Gurudongmar Lake at 6 o'clock. We were all pumped up. So happy with whatever we experience with our eyes. Just after an hour our car stopped. Simon, our driver came out of the car and then he gave us a big surprise. Do you want to know the surprise??? The front tyre of our car became so tired

Surrounding Beauty

that it lost its breathe in the mid way. We thought that it took a lot of time to save the tyre. But fortunately one fellow driver who was just behind our car came to rescue. Meanwhile we enjoyed the awesome view. We clicked a bunch of photos. It took 10-12 minutes to rescue the faint tyre. I pumped up again and imagined that the car won't stop till Gurudongmar Lake. Without my consciousness DESTINY was laughing at me. Just after 1 minute our car stopped again as all the car which was before us stopped there in front of a small tea stall. No it was not  tea break for sure. It was a break of our entire Gurudongamar trip. We couldn't go further as heavy snow fall became obstacle. I lost my each and every bit of enthusiasm which I gather drop by drop. Every one halfheartedly stepped down out of the car except me. I was so disappointed that I reluctant to move a single step. However, I saw everyone was happily accepting the situation and started playing with ice. My husband forced me to come down once. For him only I came out of the car. After looking everyone's smiling face I felt that accepting this situation would rescue me from being lonely. It's okay that we were not in Gurudongmar Lake but where we stood now whatever the place was extremely beautiful. I couldn't be

The Small Tea Stall

Our Hotel in Lachen

hopeless. I again taught me that accept everything. Whatever the situation is make the most out of it. I regained my energy. I filled my lungs with the icy wind. I played there, I clicked 100 pictures and I even fall on the ice. We didn't know how we passed two and a half hour there. Simon, our driver called us to have our breakfast. We had bread and Jam for breakfast. Believe me, that was the best jam -bread meal I ever had in my life. We had hot cups of tea too. After having our breakfast we were all agreed to leave Lachen as soon as possible. As we didn't want to face the situation what we faced last night. While coming back we were all so tired that we slept till we reached hotel. Then we packed our luggage, we had lunch (rice, potato-cauliflower fry, dal& egg curry) and again sat on our car. We bid GOOD BYE to Lachen and promised that we would visit again.      

 LACHUNG

Honestly, though I accepted my destiny but I couldn't engage myself in the beauty of nature while traveling from Lachen to Lachung. It was worthy scenario and obviously had everything to claim your attention. But

View from Chungthan

somehow I wasn't in that head space. We stopped once to have tea at Chungthang. It took almost 2.15 hours to over come 47km. After one and a half hour we stepped down to see Bhewma Falls popularly known as Amitabh Bachchan Falls.It is one of the tallest waterfalls of North Sikkim Dist. We reached Lachung at 3.30 pm but our room wasn't ready. The hotel workers suggested us to visit Kataou and

Amitabh Bachchan Falls

meanwhile they would clean our room. Here is a twist. Zero point had been already declared closed. So they suggested us another place call Kataou. To visit Kataou we should give 250 per head to our driver as he would take us there on his own risk. Even rules of visiting zero point is also same. We all were agreed to go to Kataou but not at that point of time. We decided to see sunrise on our way to Kataou. We kept all our bags in one room and went to explore Lachung. We were starving too. We had chai in our hotel and went out to have something. Walking on the roads of Lachung I found my lost hope and energy. It was beyond my expectation. I heard the sweet sound of Lachung river and I couldn't stop my feet to go there. But we had to stop to have omelet. It gave us enough protein and energy to enjoy the surroundings. You

View From Lachung River

know what I believe that I have a deep connection with water. As I go crazy when I see river, lake or sea. And this time I became completely mad because of that hill river. It was flowing like a proud queen. 

Lachung River

And how can I forget about the wind. Uff!!! It was as sharp as a knife. It was chilling cold and the scenic beauty of Lachung river captured me. I thought for a second that I should live here forever. Whenever I was about to loose my mind It is always my dear husband who come to rescue from my mind (though he thinks I don't have mind). We spent almost 2-3 hours and Then we came back to hotel to get some rest. At 8.30 pm we ate dinner. Dinner and lunch of both Lachen and Lachung was same. We discussed with our driver and resolved that we would leave for Kataou at 4am.

Without wasting a single moment we went to sleep.

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE....
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT PART.....
WITH LOVE

** THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION

   

SPELLBOUND IN SIKKIM||TRAVEL BLOG (PART-2)

In this blog I'm writing about my experience while I was traveling in India's one of the most beautiful state Sikkim. This is the second part of this series. In case you've not gone through the first part then here is the link

https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2018/03/spellbound-in-sikkimtravel-blog-part-1.html 

25/02/18

HOTEL TARIKA

At around 8 o'clock we woke up. Trust me, if the clock didn't tell us the time I would think it was 6 o'clock as the sky was so gloomy. As if the sun was too shy to look up beyond the clouds. However, we stepped down to the dining area of our hotel at 10 o'clock. Yes, it took 2 hours to sum up all the luggage. We sat down and asked them what they had for breakfast. They said that they had prepared Puri Sabji. You know what, my husband is sold by the name of Puri Sabji. What else then I could say. NOTHING!!! I wanted to

PURI SABJI

try local dishes but I had to surrender. First of all He loves Puri Sabji. Second we didn't have much time to look for something else. So as a final result that we ordered it. Puri Sabji was surprisingly very tasty though time was running out so fast. Our local tour conductor called us several time as our car was ready. We bid good bye to Hotel Tarika with a HAPPY HEART. And promised that I wasn't coming back for sure.

BREAKFAST : 200/- INR
TAXI FROM HOTEL TO TSOMGO TAXI STAND:  200/-

LACHEN

We hurriedly finished our breakfast and at around 11 am we reached Tsomgo Lake (Changu) Taxi Stand, near Vajra Cinema by a taxi. There are many taxi stand in Gangtok. So you better know properly where is your taxi stand. Our tour conductor promised us to pick up from our hotel as they didn't do that and we had to come there by hiring a taxi, we excluded that fare from the total expense. So finally we all set to go to Lachen. Our plan was to stay at Lachen on 25th of Feb. On 26th of February we would go to Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. On the same day we would go to Lachung. We forgot about one thing that we

On the way to Lachen, Butterfly Falls

Mangan

may had planned our trip but God is there also who hasn't given permission yet. However, let's begin the journey. At 11.30 we started our journey. After 10 to 15 minutes our car stopped at the garage where a mechanic checked every parts of the car as per the rules. At 12.15 pm we ultimately left for Lachen. What can I say about the scenery which I was seeing through my eyes. I was only thanking God for making the world so beautiful. Moreover every time when the car was taking a turn, Nature was changing every inch of it specially River Teesta. O God!!! From where I can find words to justice River Teesta. You know what I can't say the real color of Teesta. Sometimes its blue then in a minute it completely changed into green. After almost one and a half hour of journey our car stopped in front of Butterfly Falls. It is a very simple regular falls but still its simplicity has something to say. On the way we make some friends. We all would be together through our whole North Sikkim Tour. I was so excited and looking forward to see what nature store for me in Lachen. At around 2.30 o'clock in the afternoon our car stopped at Mangan where we had lunch. Our lunch was ready. We ate at Chirag Da Dhaba. The lunch was so simple yet tasty. We had rice, dal, papad, kala Chana sabji and egg with our fellow travelers. At 3pm our driver Simon started his engine. Again I engrossed in the beauty of

On The Way To Lachen

nature. After almost one hour we stopped in front of a police station. We were informed by our driver that they had not arranged our permit for north Sikkim. So we had to wait and he would go to get it done. O God!!! It is said that time flies but on that particular day I realized that time can move like a snail. We couldn't come out of the car as it was raining so badly. We became frustrated as well as restless. After two hours of raining clouds must had been so tired that they finally stopped crying. Thanks to God. Some of us Came out of the car and went to have a hot cup of tea. It re-freshened us. Just after finishing our cup of tea we saw the glimpse of our driver Simon. Meanwhile all the cars who started their journey with our car left us far behind. When we reached Chungthang it was 5.45 pm. I don't know whether you believe it or not but we hardly could see anything other than the flash of lightening. We could only hear the sound of rain. Our car stopped in front of a tea stall where they had arranged our evening tea. But no one
was interested. All of us were scared. Simon, our driver didn't care those factors at all. He went to have a cap of tea. At 6 pm we again started our journey. It was bloody scary. We even couldn't see the roads. We

On The Way To Lachen

only depend on our driver's shoulder and we continuously enchanting the name of God. At around 7.55 pm we reached finally to our hotel at Lachen. Our fellow cars were already present there. We were the last one. However we entered in our room. The room was clean enough to stay for one day and most importantly it's geyser was working properly. We were extremely tired and hungry. We quickly got ready and made a fast move towards dining area. Our dinner was ready to be served which had rice, dal, potato, cauliflower fry and chicken. After a long day that menu was nectar for me. Now my eyes were forcing me to close them. The rain didn't want to stop. Our driver informed us that we had to start our journey to Gurudongmar Lake at 5 o'clock in the morning. Uttering that we didn't waste a single time to get a sound sleep.

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE....
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT PART.....
WITH LOVE

** THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION


                     

SPELLBOUND IN SIKKIM||TRAVEL BLOG (PART-1)

As I have always mentioned in my blogs that I am a crazy traveler. Each and every bit of my journey gives me immense happiness. I guess you guys have already read my two travel blogs of Varanasi and Digha. In case you haven't read here are the links
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2017/05/travel-blog-digha.html
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2017/07/varanasi-diarytravel-blog-part-1.html

First one is the link of Digha travel blog
Second one is the link of Varanasi travel blog part 1.

Now let's begin the journey of Sikkim...

DARJEELING MAIL 

DEPARTURE TIME : 10.05 PM (SDAH)

EXPECTED ARRIVAL TIME: 8 AM  (NJP)

TRAIN NO: 12343

PLATFORM NO: 9B

TICKET FARE (AC 3 TIER): 920 INR

Darjeeling Mail is not only just a train for me. It is a dream for me. I always wanted to board on this train. From the day we started planning for the trip I knew clearly on my mind that Darjeeling Mail would be one of my companion throughout my journey. We booked AC 3 tier tickets in November. 

Our journey began on 23rd February, 2018. The departure time of our train was 10.05 pm. We left our house at around 7.45 pm. We hired an uber and reached Sealdah at around 9 pm. At 9.20 pm our train was ready on the platform. Our coach number was B2. So finally my dream train was in front of me. I was so happy that I almost forgot about my entire trip. What I only wanted to enjoy at that time was my journey by DARJEELING MAIL. On 10.10 pm I heard my companion i.e my dream train blew his horn to let me know that he was ready to start. Just like any other AC coach there was also a fresh towel, a bed sheet, one pillow and a quilt present on each seat. Though It was only on my mind but I loved to think that my dream train had arranged everything to make me comfortable. I never felt so excited. I sat comfortably on my side lower seat and started to gulp all the things going on in and outside of the train. It was my husband who broke my reverie and told me to serve our dinner which my mother cooked for us. Our dinner was so simple yet so delicious. We ate rumali roti and chicken. We also bought some cakes, biscuits and mineral water bottles.  After finishing our dinner when everyone was preparing to sleep I thought that I should definitely stay awake for my Darjeeling Mail. My mind was determined though my eyes weren't supporting my decision. I fought hardly with my eyes and I forced my eyes to see a beautiful sky which was full of stars. But just after crossing Burdwan I had to surrender on the lap of my seat. I didn't know how much time I was asleep but when I woke up my train halted to take some rest at Malda. It was 5 am. I came down from my side upper seat to lower one which was acquired by my husband. I needed to put some fuel to my body so that it functioned properly. We had "CHAI". Right after our tea break my companion Darjeeling Mail also charged up. I guess it also recharged itself. It started its engine and I felt sad deep inside. As I knew my journey by Darjeeling Mail would slowly come to an end. Only one station was left which was Kishangunj then we would reach to NJP. With a heavy heart I was waiting for NJP but at the same time one thought pop out quickly that it was not the end of my journey. It was only the first chapter of the whole tour. We reached NJP at 10.30 am. I bid good bye to Darjeeling Mail. When we stepped down from train we had no clue from where we should start. We only knew that we had to reach Gangtok where we booked our hotel Tarika.

NEW JALPAGURI

 On the platform of NJP I felt like we were some lost children as the tourist guides and drivers asking us so many questions. They were behaving like they all were ready to take us home safely. We decided to have breakfast then we worked out our next step. When we were having toast and omelet a gentleman came to us. He offered that he would take us to Gangtok in exchange for 150 rupees per person. He also recommended to visit his office. After having breakfast we went to his office which was just in the opposite side of the road. They suggested us to conduct our whole trip. At the beginning of our journey we wanted to visit North Sikkim so our tour conductor planned the tour accordingly. But always remember one thing you should always bargain with them. Otherwise they charged a lot. You should break down each and every part of their calculation. However, after loads of bargaining we finally came to an end of discussion. We started our journey to Gangtok at 12 pm.

FARE OF TAXI: 150/- INR (NJP TO Gangtok, Deorali Taxi Stand)

TOTAL TOUR OF NORTH SIKKIM (Lachen and Lachung) : 3000/- INR (including transport, lodge and 3 meals) 

NJP TO GANGTOK

It took 4 hours to reach Gangtok. The roads were so clean and green. After few kilometers Teesta came to greet us. She was flowing in its own rhythm and guiding us through out our total trip. Our driver halted for lunch at Melli. We ordered one plate of momo. We reached Deorali Taxi Stand at 4pm. As I have already mentioned earlier that we have booked Hotel Tarika which is also situated at Deorali Taxi Stand.

ONE PLATE MOMO: 100/- INR (10 PCS)

HOTEL TARIKA  

I was so disappointed. The rooms were decent and clean but the geyser wasn't working properly. The manager of the hotel promised to give us a front view room. Yes, he gave us a room which has a window but I hardly could see anything other than a building. Our Sikkim tour guide Tapu came to meet us in hotel. Special permit is required for North Sikkim and Nathula. So he collected xeroxes of our photo id and color photos. After that we booked a taxi from Deorali  stand to MG Road. The manager of the hotel told us that it took 7 minutes to reach MG Marg so we were disappointed again. It took 10 minutes by car. If someone wish to walk then the it will take 32 minutes.

HOTEL FARE: 800/- INR (NOT WORTHY)
TAXI FARE: 60/- INR (RS. 20 PER PERSON)

MG MARG 

CHICKEN MANCHURIAN

FRIED RICE

MG Marg is the center of attraction in Gangtok. Its a great place for shopping. Of course its a heaven for foodie people just like me. We badly need hot cups of tea to activate our mind and body. We went to a small shop where we ordered special tea. Then outside of the shop some vendors were selling veg momo. Those momos were very small in size and there was hardly any stuffing. This kind of momo or dumpling you can only find on the roads of MG Marg. As it was Saturday almost every shops were closed. We shopped a little and then we went to a restaurant near taxi stand. We ordered two plates of fried rice, one wings on fire and one chicken manchurian. It was altogether a very happy meal for us. 

WINGS ON FIRE

 SPECIAL TEA: 20/- INR (ONE CUP)
 VEG MOMO: 20/-  INR (10 PCS)
  DINNER: 950/- INR
 TAXI FARE FROM MG MARG TO HOTEL TARIKA: 80/- INR (20/- PER PERSON)





As soon as we reached hotel we started packing our luggage. At 11.30 am in the morning we would leave for Lachen.

NECESSARY ITEMS TO BE TAKEN WHILE TRAVELING IN SIKKIM
1. PHOTO ID
2. XEROX OF PHOTO ID (MINIMUM 10 COPIES)
3.COLOR PHOTO (6 COPIES)
4. NECESSARY MEDICINES

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE....
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT PART.....
WITH LOVE

** THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION

     

   

WINTER ESSENTIAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS UNDER Rs. 300/-

The wind of winter has started to blow and has made our skin dry. So say bye bye to moist skin and say Hello to your dry skin. But there's nothing to worry because we will discuss here about some winter skin care products which will bring live to your dry skin.

The oil in our skin dries out in winter so we need to use cream base products which will supply the oil to our skin.

MY RECOMMENDATION:    

PATANJALI SAUNDARYA FACE WASH

1. Patanjali Saundarya Face Wash:

Price: 60/- INR

Net Wt.: 60 g 

It contains Orange Peel, Neem, Tulsi and Aloe Vera which nourishes your skin in winter. The face wash is suitable for every skin type. I truly love this product. So recommending nothing but Patanjali Saundarya Face Wash.

2. Patanjali Face Scrub:

PATANJALI FACE SCRUB

Price: 60/- INR

Net Wt.: 60 g

I generally don't like to use scrub in winter. but if my face requires then I use only Patanjali Face Scrub. It contains Apricot, Wheat germ and Aloe Vera. 

3. Himalaya Herbals Refreshing & Clarifying Toner:

Price: 80/- INR

Net Vol.: 100 ml

The best quality of  this toner is that it's alcohol free. It never leaves you skin dry. I am using it currently and love the product a lot.

Another Recommended Product:

Biotique Cucumber Pore Tightening Toner

Price: 175/- INR

Net Vol.: 120 ml

LAKME PEACH MILK MOISTURIZER

4. Lakme Peach Milk Moisturizer (SPF 24 PA++) 

Price: 120/- INR

Net Vol.: 100 ml

Discount From Nykaa (25%): 90/- INR   

Lakme Peach Milk Moisturizer needs no review as it has a special place in our dressing table in winter. It makes your skin soft and also has SPF what else you can ask for. Before going out in the sun or before applying makeup I always recommend to use Lakme Peach Milk Moisturizer. 

Another Recommended Product:

Patanjali Moisturizing Cream

(Aloe Vera And Shea Butter) 

Price: 75/- INR

Net Wt: 50 g

These moisturizing creams doesn't contain SPF so if you're going out don't apply it. 

BLUE HEAVEN LIP BOMB

5. Blue Heaven Lip Bomb

Flavor: Bubble Gum 

Net Wt: 8 gm

Price: 85/- INR
I am in love with this product. I highly recommend this product to you all. It keeps your dry lips moist for all day long. It's a very heavy lip balm as I like my lip balm to be. Before applying lipstick or lip-gloss don't forget to use a heavy coat of lip balm.

Another Recommended Product:

Boroline Antiseptic Ayurvedic Cream

Price: 32/- INR

Net Wt: 20 g

At night I recommend to use only Boroline on your lips to keep it moist. I also recommend it to use if you have crack heels. It works like magic. 

VASELINE INTENSIVE CARE DEEP RESTORE

6. Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Restore:

Price: 215/- INR

Net Vol.: 300 ml

Discount From Nykaa (25%): 161/- INR  

I love Vaseline Body lotion. It is a thick moisturizer which keep your body moist for all day long. But if you belong to very dry skin family then only Vaseline Intensive Care is not going to fulfill your requirement.

Another Recommended Product:

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Price: 349/- INR

Net Vol.: 400 ml

If you buy now from Nykaa they're selling it on Rs. 262/- 

7. AD Vitamin Baby Oil:

Price: 170/- INR

Net Vol.: 340 ml

For the people who have dry skin through out they should use oil based products in winter. Only cream based products won't work for them. Dry skin really need some extra care during winter. So highly recommending this product which contains Vitamin A, D, E and Olive oil. You can also use it in Summer if you have dry skin. It gives your skin adequate oil. 

Link for this Nykaa websites: ( http://www.nykaa.com/blue-heaven-diamond-blush-on-501.html?ptype=product&id=27108&skuId=27113 )

*** THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION.

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VARANASI DIARY||TRAVEL BLOG (PART-3)

30/12/16

RAMNAGAR FORT

Entrance Gate of Ramnagar Fort 

Canon 

Finally it was the third and last day in Varanasi. We woke up with a heavy heart knowing well that we came to an end of our vacation. But we soon charged up ourselves and came out of our hotel Alibaba. I have already mentioned about it in my first blog of Varanasi Diary. In case you haven't read then here is the link.

Ramnagar Fort Garden

(http://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2017/07/varanasi-diarytravel-blog-part-1.html ) We call the same toto driver who took us to Sarnath and famous temples of Varanasi. That day we decided to visit Ramnagar Fort. We somehow convinced the driver to take us to Ramnagar Fort at Rs. 1400/- INR. We had our Breakfast at Jyoti Cafe (already I have given it's address in my first blog of Varanasi Diary). On the last day of Varanasi we had a heavy breakfast with some hot aloo parathas, sabji (spicy vegetable curry), hot chocolate and tea. Then we reached in front of St. Thomas Church at Gowdoloya More. Our toto driver reached at time and he took us to Ramnagar Fort.

Veda Vyasa Temple

It took us 30 minutes to reach there. We entered through the giant gate of Ramnagar fort. Believe me it was an art of beauty. I thought the I was looking at a picture. 

Eastern Bank of Ganga

It was established by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh in 1750. The fort was built in Mughal style. What astonished me the most is the Fort has a rare collection of American vintage cars. Apart from it the museum of the fort has so many collection of arms, clothes, manuscripts, swords, ivory work from which you can't take your eyes off. 

 The fort is made of sandstone and it's cream in color. The Ramnagar Fort was situated on the eastern bank of river Ganga.
The famous temple of Veda Vyasa is situated in the fort. In the month of Phagun pilgrims come to visit the temple.
Ticket Price : Rs. 20/- (For Indians)
                    : Rs. 150/- (For Foreigners)
Timing        : 10 am to 5.30 pm

KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

After spending 2 to 3 hours there we returned to our hotel and freshened up for the most famous temple of Varanasi, the Kashi Viswanath Temple. That was the last day of us in Varanasi so visiting Kashi Viswanath was the best way to put an end to the trip. Of course it was not possible for us to click pictures.  It is one of the famous temple of Lord Shiva. It is established on the western bank of Ganga.

We were very tired and needed a sound sleep as we had to board our train at 7 o'clock in the next morning. We had food at a vegetarian hotel and ordered special veg thali which cost Rs. 90/- INR per plate. We came back to our hotel and zipped up our luggage with a very heavy heart. Next morning we took a toto to the station. The name of our train was Upper India Express. I had the worst experience. This train is not suitable for such a long journey. Though we had tickets of AC 3 Tier but it was nothing but a general coach. Any way we reached at Sealdah after 32 hours of long journey. It was a short but a memorable trip for me.     

   

WITH LOVE.....................

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Links of Varanasi Diary Part 1 And 2
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2017/07/varanasi-diarytravel-blog-part-1.html
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2017/08/varanasi-diarytravel-blog-part-2.html
https://littlehapinez.blogspot.in/2017/11/varanasi-diarytravel-blog-part-2.html