For all my friends/family that aren't on Facebook - wanted to post the video I made of my experience in India here for your viewing pleasure - hopefully :) So, turn your speakers up, and enjoy!
Namaste!
11 April, 2011
13 February, 2011
INDIA!!! (part one)
FINALLY! I sit down to write about my time in India: Two weeks… Four cities…. Four friends… One amazing time that I will cherish forever.
To be brutally honest, I thought I knew what I was getting into – having heard so much about the country, cultures and experiences from all of my Indian friends at Thunderbird. For over three years now, all I could do was “wish” I could see India, and experience it for myself. But last month – that wish came true, and I set off on one of the most incredible journey’s I have experienced.
Nothing – and I mean absolutely nothing – can prepare you for the stimulation to every one of your senses in India. The sights, the smells, the people – my god. It’s so vain of me to actually think I can capture the sheer breadth of the country in one blog post, or one visit for that matter. There’s so much to this incredible country. I have seen just a glimpse of it, in my opinion, and long to go back and experience more.
I would consider myself a pretty well travelled individual – but I have not experienced anything like this before. In general, India is loud, dirty, crawling with people and stressful. But, amid the chaos, the country exudes serenity unlike anything I’ve felt before. The juxtaposition of the country – lies in its ability to be assault tourists senses – yet offer them glimpses of beauty, peace, stillness, and sheer awesomeness with hospitality that leaves them yearning to experience more.
Few countries I’ve seen offer visitors such an overwhelming (at times) array of people, languages, foods, dress and cultures and landscapes. The country, enriched with history absorbed the best and worst from its occupiers, immigrants and natives – all of which have emblazoned upon the country something unmistakably elusive - something I have not experienced anywhere else in the world. It’s a country of over a billion people, with millions of gods, thousands of unique cultures, and one experience that cannot even be overshadowed by the Himalayas to the north.
To understand India completely – would be akin to being indifferent to it. There is no middle ground in India – it’s all extremes… it’s a place of mystery, of beauty, of pandemonium, of tranquility. It’s a place where your wildest dreams are actually reality! It’s quite simply – inconceivably extraordinary
Now, don’t get me wrong. During my time there, I definitely got frustrated, questioned processes and was annoyed with the chaos. I got sick, I got delayed in traffic, planes and trains, was pushed around and stared (sometimes glared) at. India, to me, is a country that doesn’t reveal it’s magnificence immediately and to just anyone, like the beautiful European countries. No, it takes time to see beyond the nuisances of everyday life there – and to appreciate truly all that India as to offer its visitors.
India, to me – was much more than just a trip. It was an epic experience. And in the next few blog posts that follow, I hope to capture the essence of the few cities I visited – Mumbai, Alibaug, Delhi and Agra.
“So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.” ~Mark Twain
To be brutally honest, I thought I knew what I was getting into – having heard so much about the country, cultures and experiences from all of my Indian friends at Thunderbird. For over three years now, all I could do was “wish” I could see India, and experience it for myself. But last month – that wish came true, and I set off on one of the most incredible journey’s I have experienced.
Nothing – and I mean absolutely nothing – can prepare you for the stimulation to every one of your senses in India. The sights, the smells, the people – my god. It’s so vain of me to actually think I can capture the sheer breadth of the country in one blog post, or one visit for that matter. There’s so much to this incredible country. I have seen just a glimpse of it, in my opinion, and long to go back and experience more.
I would consider myself a pretty well travelled individual – but I have not experienced anything like this before. In general, India is loud, dirty, crawling with people and stressful. But, amid the chaos, the country exudes serenity unlike anything I’ve felt before. The juxtaposition of the country – lies in its ability to be assault tourists senses – yet offer them glimpses of beauty, peace, stillness, and sheer awesomeness with hospitality that leaves them yearning to experience more.
Few countries I’ve seen offer visitors such an overwhelming (at times) array of people, languages, foods, dress and cultures and landscapes. The country, enriched with history absorbed the best and worst from its occupiers, immigrants and natives – all of which have emblazoned upon the country something unmistakably elusive - something I have not experienced anywhere else in the world. It’s a country of over a billion people, with millions of gods, thousands of unique cultures, and one experience that cannot even be overshadowed by the Himalayas to the north.
To understand India completely – would be akin to being indifferent to it. There is no middle ground in India – it’s all extremes… it’s a place of mystery, of beauty, of pandemonium, of tranquility. It’s a place where your wildest dreams are actually reality! It’s quite simply – inconceivably extraordinary
Now, don’t get me wrong. During my time there, I definitely got frustrated, questioned processes and was annoyed with the chaos. I got sick, I got delayed in traffic, planes and trains, was pushed around and stared (sometimes glared) at. India, to me, is a country that doesn’t reveal it’s magnificence immediately and to just anyone, like the beautiful European countries. No, it takes time to see beyond the nuisances of everyday life there – and to appreciate truly all that India as to offer its visitors.
India, to me – was much more than just a trip. It was an epic experience. And in the next few blog posts that follow, I hope to capture the essence of the few cities I visited – Mumbai, Alibaug, Delhi and Agra.
“So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.” ~Mark Twain
06 December, 2010
The Focus is YOU
My mother used to tell me over, and over again - "stop thinking about yourself Lauren - the world does NOT revolve around you." Although, my mother was in fact right about a lot of things growing up - turns out, this time, she was not!
Sorry Mom, but how can I expect to help others if I first don't help myself. Simple concept, right? I wrote this latest blog entry titled, "Focus on YOU" for GenJuice last week, and to read more - just click here :)
It really is all about empowering YOURSELF to be smarter, faster, more innovative, more creative and insert other powerful adjective here. You are the one that has to take charge. You are the decision maker. You have to help yourself, inspire yourself, and create a better version of yourself that can then go on to help others.
In a world where perfection is so often defined in the eyes of everyone else but you - don't be afraid to take back control, think about YOU, it's your life, after all. The time is now - don’t wait for 2011 to start your new years resolutions - whatever they may be. Be strong TODAY so we can hope for a better, brighter future tomorrow. And, I ask again - how can you change the world, if you can’t first change yourself?
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/starrhinight/2160466420/in/photostream/
Sorry Mom, but how can I expect to help others if I first don't help myself. Simple concept, right? I wrote this latest blog entry titled, "Focus on YOU" for GenJuice last week, and to read more - just click here :)
It really is all about empowering YOURSELF to be smarter, faster, more innovative, more creative and insert other powerful adjective here. You are the one that has to take charge. You are the decision maker. You have to help yourself, inspire yourself, and create a better version of yourself that can then go on to help others.
In a world where perfection is so often defined in the eyes of everyone else but you - don't be afraid to take back control, think about YOU, it's your life, after all. The time is now - don’t wait for 2011 to start your new years resolutions - whatever they may be. Be strong TODAY so we can hope for a better, brighter future tomorrow. And, I ask again - how can you change the world, if you can’t first change yourself?
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/starrhinight/2160466420/in/photostream/
04 December, 2010
Eyes on the Prize
It's days like today (and yesterday), that I am envious of the damn remote in the movie "Click" - or whatever the name of that flick with Adam Sandler in which he has the magic remote where he is able to fast-forward through time, pause other moments and rewind back to some. Wouldn't that be great if such a device actually existed? You could fast-forward through arguments, bad days at work - and pause moments to take a breath before you say something you regret in the heat of the moment.
But then I realized - that these bad moments, days, weeks, points in your life - they do serve some sort of purpose. Other than pissing you off, they build your character! They teach you how to get through the tough times so you can enjoy the good times. They push you to challenge yourself to do things that you never thought you could do before. Being able to overcome difficult situations is something that should be valued and experienced. Turning 'failures' into opportunities and turning bad days into learning experiences - it's all part of this thing we call life, right?
I try to heed my own advice, but some days, it's just really hard not to take things personally. So today, I am trying to look beyond the complete insanity that will be the next few weeks, the fights and the bad days of last week - and keep me eyes on the prize!! The prize being that in less than three weeks, I get to see some awesome family. And then take a trip-of-a-lifetime to India to see some of my very best friends from Thunderbird!!
In the meantime, my Dad used to tell me the same thing EVERY semester all the way from middle school through graduate school. I used to get annoyed, because over the years, it became more of a joke than anything - but this time it rings true! He used to say, "what do Moye-girls do when everyone else is slacking off and not studying for finals... BEAR-DOWN"!! Hahaha. So, these next few weeks, my nose will be to the grindstone, and working my ass off so that I can truly enjoy my "prize" in the news few weeks!! Can't wait!!!
But then I realized - that these bad moments, days, weeks, points in your life - they do serve some sort of purpose. Other than pissing you off, they build your character! They teach you how to get through the tough times so you can enjoy the good times. They push you to challenge yourself to do things that you never thought you could do before. Being able to overcome difficult situations is something that should be valued and experienced. Turning 'failures' into opportunities and turning bad days into learning experiences - it's all part of this thing we call life, right?
I try to heed my own advice, but some days, it's just really hard not to take things personally. So today, I am trying to look beyond the complete insanity that will be the next few weeks, the fights and the bad days of last week - and keep me eyes on the prize!! The prize being that in less than three weeks, I get to see some awesome family. And then take a trip-of-a-lifetime to India to see some of my very best friends from Thunderbird!!
In the meantime, my Dad used to tell me the same thing EVERY semester all the way from middle school through graduate school. I used to get annoyed, because over the years, it became more of a joke than anything - but this time it rings true! He used to say, "what do Moye-girls do when everyone else is slacking off and not studying for finals... BEAR-DOWN"!! Hahaha. So, these next few weeks, my nose will be to the grindstone, and working my ass off so that I can truly enjoy my "prize" in the news few weeks!! Can't wait!!!
02 December, 2010
Generation Whine? I believe you mean Generation SHINE!!
I wrote an article for GenJuice - a destination for emerging influencers, a few weeks ago. The post was in response to a very disturbing article in TechCrunch a few weeks ago, titled “Generation Whine – Why I’m relieved not to be a millennial.” The story (and I call it a story) because there were limited hard facts or statistics to support writer Paul Carr’s claims, portrayed all millennials to be wanton derelicts responsible for the decay of modern-day society.
As a millennial, or Gen-Y'er myself, I was appalled by this article that wrongly categorized an entire generation of people into a bucket of assumptions - and ridiculous ones at that. Millennials are a generation of breaking down old ways, paving the way for new, better ones. We are a generation of getting things done. For having the drive, ambition and courage to push innovation and challenge the norm. And, our voices are valued, and heard. We are simply not just the loudest – but we have some great things to say – Mr. Carr and the like should listen once in a while instead of screaming over us.
My advice to Mr. Carr was simply this – why don’t you go ahead and move out-of-the-way, because we’ll run you right over!
For the full post, please head over to GenJuice
(Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/3931842843//)
As a millennial, or Gen-Y'er myself, I was appalled by this article that wrongly categorized an entire generation of people into a bucket of assumptions - and ridiculous ones at that. Millennials are a generation of breaking down old ways, paving the way for new, better ones. We are a generation of getting things done. For having the drive, ambition and courage to push innovation and challenge the norm. And, our voices are valued, and heard. We are simply not just the loudest – but we have some great things to say – Mr. Carr and the like should listen once in a while instead of screaming over us.
My advice to Mr. Carr was simply this – why don’t you go ahead and move out-of-the-way, because we’ll run you right over!
For the full post, please head over to GenJuice
(Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/3931842843//)
14 November, 2010
Northface Scarlet Letters in Portland: SD
I've written a wrap up report complete with photos and highlight for every city I have visited/lived in for the past 4 years, and I neglected to write one for Portland! It's not that I hated the city, it was just I was consumed with stuff like - moving, and starting a new job exactly 2 days after I quit my old one that kept me from writing my ode to Portland.
Oh Portland! I will definitely miss the city. I have yet to come across a city with so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts as Portland does. From caving to mountaineering, from surfing to snow boarding, from kayaking to snow shoeing, from hiking to climbing.. and just about every race you can think of! From naked bike rides to beer pub crawls 5Ks, to marathons to wilderness challenges. Anything you can dream up, I am pretty sure it exists in Portland! Also, one other thing I can say about the city - is people aren't afraid to be who they are, to not succumb to outside peer pressures and standards of what is socially acceptable. If they want to wear a pink, fleece bunny suit - so be it, for better or for worse.
But, as much as I loved the outdoorsy activities that Portland offered, I just couldn't get passed the rain. I'm sorry - I know it's the modern-day equivalent of sporting a scarlet letter shamefully emblazoned on your Northface fleece - but I am from San Diego people! Enough said :) Hehe. No, really. Portland is a wonderful little city, full of charm and adventure - but it just wasn't for me.
So, enough writing, here's a video I put together of my time in the great Northwest. Turn up the volume and enjoy! Until then, Peace out Portland. It's been real! (and in case the video doesn't work - click here to view on FB).
A New Direction
During grad school at Thunderbird, friends and family would frequently ask what I wanted to do once I completed my degree. My standard response: I have NO idea, I'll go anywhere and do anything - just as long as it's not in Phoenix! I couldn't articulate the reasons why I hated Phoenix - I just did, and that was that. So when I was offered a marketing position with Xerox in Portland, OR - I jumped at the opportunity. Readers of my blog in the past years knew how much I loved the Oregon summers - I think I was mistaken for a city ambassador and could have been a regular contributor to a Portland hiking site with all the outdoorsy adventures I happily embarked on! But for some reason, moving there permanently was different. It was not what I expected. It was not what I wanted - the job, and the city. Don't get me wrong, Portland is one of the most naturally beautiful cities I have ever seen (in the summer when the sun is shining). The sweeping views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens towering over the city can make a nature-lover out of even the most skeptic concrete-jungle loving urbanites!
But something was missing... I was unsettled. Perhaps it was the inner Tbird spirit in me, longing to set sail on my next global adventure. Perhaps it was the 10 months of constant gray, gloom or "mist" that blanketed the city. Perhaps it was lack of structure and career development at my job. Perhaps it was a difficult breakup with the one guy I thought I was meant to be with. Or maybe a combination of all of the above? I don't know - but when the opportunity to come back to Phoenix to work for an exciting start-up in Scottsdale presented itself, I jumped on it! Not to mention to work again for one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with!
How ironic is it - that the one place I didn't want to be - is the one place I wound up. It's not so bad after all. Some good friends are still here, the skies are CLEAR, and my job actually has a positive impact and works to change peoples' lives!! Can't ask for much more than that. I still am not sure what I want to do - but then again, do you ever really know?! Isn't there a famous quotes that says "often one meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it."
Like I said, I'm pretty sure this is not my "destiny" - but I know this is a step in the right direction. It's a step forward to try something new, to break out of my comfort zone and try something different (job wise that is). The move back to Phoenix is familiar, but the circumstances and everything else surrounding my move is completely new. After all, you can never really discover your strengths or what you are capable of doing, if you don't have the balls to try something new. (i think i'll coin that one) !!
So, two months into my move - Cheers to Phoenix!
But something was missing... I was unsettled. Perhaps it was the inner Tbird spirit in me, longing to set sail on my next global adventure. Perhaps it was the 10 months of constant gray, gloom or "mist" that blanketed the city. Perhaps it was lack of structure and career development at my job. Perhaps it was a difficult breakup with the one guy I thought I was meant to be with. Or maybe a combination of all of the above? I don't know - but when the opportunity to come back to Phoenix to work for an exciting start-up in Scottsdale presented itself, I jumped on it! Not to mention to work again for one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with!
How ironic is it - that the one place I didn't want to be - is the one place I wound up. It's not so bad after all. Some good friends are still here, the skies are CLEAR, and my job actually has a positive impact and works to change peoples' lives!! Can't ask for much more than that. I still am not sure what I want to do - but then again, do you ever really know?! Isn't there a famous quotes that says "often one meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it."
Like I said, I'm pretty sure this is not my "destiny" - but I know this is a step in the right direction. It's a step forward to try something new, to break out of my comfort zone and try something different (job wise that is). The move back to Phoenix is familiar, but the circumstances and everything else surrounding my move is completely new. After all, you can never really discover your strengths or what you are capable of doing, if you don't have the balls to try something new. (i think i'll coin that one) !!
So, two months into my move - Cheers to Phoenix!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)