BUCKET LIST: INDIA

Since recently I have been attracted and amazed by the the beauty of India and therefore it has been added to my bucket list of countries to visit hopefully one day .India is the second most populated country in the world with it's population soaring over 1.2 billion people.What had attracted me to India apart from it's vibrant colors or it's diverse culture,is it's timeless and captivating but idiosyncratic architecture.India has six major religions each spanning more than six million followers.It is a haven for one with a curious mind ,who is adventurous and willing to explore . It is also the birth place or the heritage of some our favorite public figures such as Mahatma Gandhi known to them as 'the father of the nation' who was a leader in the Indian independence and influenced countless civil rights movements around the world . He was a believer in non -violence and the truth and lived simply ,was a vegetarian and done regular fasting for injustices to be made right. Also, importantly he campaigned against poverty and for women's rights .

Therefore the top six places to visit in India are :

The Taj Mahal

"Taj Mahal Mosque Interior Hall" by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen - Own work by uploader, http://bjornfree.com/galleries.html. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal_Mosque_Interior_Hall.jpg#/media/File:Taj_Mahal_Mosque_Interior_Hall.jpg

"Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04" by Acred99 at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04.JPG#/media/File:Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04.JPG

"Taj Mahal Calligraphy Example" by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen - Own work by uploader, http://bjornfree.com/galleries.html. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal_Calligraphy_Example.jpg#/media/File:Taj_Mahal_Calligraphy_Example.jpg

"TajMahalbyAmalMongia" by amaldla from san francisco - taj mahal. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TajMahalbyAmalMongia.jpg#/media/File:TajMahalbyAmalMongia.jpg

The Taj Mahal a Mughal architectural piece is considered one of the seven wonders of the world and is a white marble mausoleum found in Agra ,Uttar Pradesh , India . It receives more than 3 million  visitors per year and is known for it's perpetual love story. It is the resting place and was built for Mumtaz Mahal the third wife of Emperor Shan Jahan  who died during the birth of their fourteenth child and was built during his grief and also to show his undying love to his wife .He fell in love with Mumtaz Mahal  at first sight and therefore this is the reaction that people are to get when they first view the Taj Mahal  which is infused with precious stones .At dawn when sun's rays hit the dome structure it  radiates golden and looks heavenly .At dusk under the moon it shines like a diamond which is why a view of the Taj Mahal is considered priceless .

Kashmir

"Dal LakeVR" by Basharat Shah - Flickr: Dal Lake. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dal_LakeVR.jpg#/media/File:Dal_LakeVR.jpg

http://travel.india.com/srinagar/places-to-visit/lakes-dal-lake

http://www.powderhounds.com/Other/India/Gulmarg/Ski-Resort.aspx

https://www.google.com.jm/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkashmirvacations.com%2F&ei=ggIbVcybNJf7atiygMgL&psig=AFQjCNF8JqGDg6YW77GsK7a6W31OD2MkiQ&ust=1427919866955099

This is located in the north western region of South Asia , the land of snow and borders with Pakistan , China and Afghanistan . It shows the transition of Indian plain to the Himalayas and it's natural beauty is breathtaking . It has water falls and the  Dal Lake which is Srinagar's Jewel, and one can enjoy it's beauty by staying in the luxury hotels on the water called houseboats . Floating gardens , flowers and vegetable markets can be seen along with a picturesque view of the misty peaked  Pir Panjal mountains .Gulmarg Gondola is found in Gulmarg, in Kashmir is and is the world's second highest operating cable car .

Kanyakumari

"Kanyakumari as seen from Tiruvalluvar Statue" by Nikhilb239 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kanyakumari_as_seen_from_Tiruvalluvar_Statue.JPG#/media/File:Kanyakumari_as_seen_from_Tiruvalluvar_Statue.JPG

"Panorama View of kanyakumari" by Akashantony - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_View_of_kanyakumari.jpg#/media/File:Panorama_View_of_kanyakumari.jpg

"Gandhi Memorial Kanyakumari 5" by PP Yoonus - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gandhi_Memorial_Kanyakumari_5.jpg#/media/File:Gandhi_Memorial_Kanyakumari_5.jpg

"Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari" by Ravivg5 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vivekananda_Rock_Memorial,_Kanyakumari.jpg#/media/File:Vivekananda_Rock_Memorial,_Kanyakumari.jpg

Previously known as Cape Comorin is the southern tip of the Cardamom Hills and found along India's west coast . It is where the Indian Ocean , Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meet . This also the location of the Kanyakumari temple with adjoining ghat overlooking the shore and the Ghandi memorial .

Delhi

Delhi the capital of India has some of the most intriguing sites and continues to showcase India's spectacular architectural designs.It is home to the Indian gate a war memorial located in Rajpath and is a memorial to 82,000 British Indian soldiers who died in the First World War .

"India Gate clean" by Tony Young - Flickr: India_2006 063. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:India_Gate_clean.jpg#/media/File:India_Gate_clean.jpg

The Bahai house of worship known as the Lotus Temple , the Mother Temple of India is where people of all religions go to worship God.

"LotusDelhi" by Vandelizer - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremy_vandel/99170173/sizes/o/. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LotusDelhi.jpg#/media/File:LotusDelhi.jpg

The Jama Masjid the largest Mosque in India .

"Jama masjid dilli6" by Ashcoounter - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jama_masjid_dilli6.jpg#/media/File:Jama_masjid_dilli6.jpg

"Jama Masjid, Delhi" by Muhammad Mahdi Karim (www.micro2macro.net) Facebook Youtube - Own work (Original text: self-made). Licensed under GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jama_Masjid,_Delhi.jpg#/media/File:Jama_Masjid,_Delhi.jpg

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the  home to the President of India and the third largest place occupied by a Head of State in the world .

"Rashtrapati Bhavan flank perspective". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rashtrapati_Bhavan_flank_perspective.jpg#/media/File:Rashtrapati_Bhavan_flank_perspective.jpg

Mysore Palace

"Mysore palace detailed architecture" by Hemant meena - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mysore_palace_detailed_architecture.JPG#/media/File:Mysore_palace_detailed_architecture.JPG

"Mysore Palace Morning" by Muhammad Mahdi Karim (www.micro2macro.net) Facebook Youtube - Own work. Licensed under GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mysore_Palace_Morning.jpg#/media/File:Mysore_Palace_Morning.jpg

"Mysore palace illuminated" by Muhammad Mahdi Karim (www.micro2macro.net) Facebook Youtube - Own work. Licensed under GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mysore_palace_illuminated.jpg#/media/File:Mysore_palace_illuminated.jpg

This is the second most visited tourist site behind the Taj Mahal with over 4 million visitors annually . It is the home place of the Wodeyars , the former royal family  and rulers of Mysore . It consists of courtyards , meeting halls ,buildings and gardens .The Mysore Palace is the home to the yearly festival every autumn the Mysore Dasara to celebrate the victory of the Goddess Durga over a demon and signifies the triumph of good over evil on  .It is celebrated with a parade of floats and decorated elephants on the tenth day of the festival along with performances.During the festival for two months the Mysore palace is illuminated with 96,000 lights and is a magnificent sight .

The Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is 100 metres tall .The verses from the holy Qur'an are carved on sandstone walls of Qutub Minar and was used to call people for prayer at the mosque.

"Qutub minar 05" by Nomu420 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Qutub_minar_05.JPG#/media/File:Qutub_minar_05.JPG

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE /HARMANDIR SAHIB

This is the holiest Sikh gurdwara and is located in the city of Amristar ,Punjab ,India .It has four doors which represent it's openness to all people and all religions to come and worship God equally and the openess of the Sikhs also to all people and religions .

"Hamandir Sahib (Golden Temple)" by Oleg Yunakov. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hamandir_Sahib_(Golden_Temple).jpg#/media/File:Hamandir_Sahib_(Golden_Temple).jpg

"Entrance to Golden Temple, Amritsar" by Guilhem Vellut - originally posted to Flickr as Golden Temple. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Entrance_to_Golden_Temple,_Amritsar.jpg#/media/File:Entrance_to_Golden_Temple,_Amritsar.jpg

"Golden temple pano" by Apsk121 Angad Pal Singh Kingra - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_temple_pano.jpg#/media/File:Golden_temple_pano.jpg

"Amritsar-golden-temple-00" by Ian Sewell. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amritsar-golden-temple-00.JPG#/media/File:Amritsar-golden-temple-00.JPG

FLOWER

Lotus flower

"Sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera" by T.Voekler - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sacred_lotus_Nelumbo_nucifera.jpg#/media/File:Sacred_lotus_Nelumbo_nucifera.jpg

This is India's national flower  and is regarded by Hindus and Buddhists as a sacred symbol of enlightenment .

Lilly Singh

Other popular Indian figures and not comparing against each other is also Lilly Singh , who is a Indo-Canadian female YouTube personality with 5.4 million subscribers and over 640 million YouTube video views . She is known for her comedic takes on daily life situations and endorses and encourages positivity .She has since recently announced and will be on her world tour called 'A Trip to Unicorn Island  '.

Kunal Nayyar

British -Indian Kunal Nayyar who is popularly known on the Big Bang theory as Dr. Raj Koothrappali an astro physicist and husband of former miss India 2006 Neha Kapur.

These fascinating and intriguing places and people listed above is enough motivation  to visit one of the most amazing , culturally diverse and breath taking place on Earth that we all know as India .

MOMMY WHERE ARE YOU GOING ?

Mommy where are you going ?

You can’t leave me alone today again .

Daddy says if you pass the gate .

It will be the end .

That if you meet the nice fellow with the pretty white teeth

He’ll find a way to get rid of you in your sleep .

So please don’t go , don’t leave me again

We can sit on the veranda and like every day we can play the game pretend .

Because I don’t want you to get sick and break your bones again .

And daddy will start crying and pulling out his hair

And i’ll have to get the big saucer dish to catch all his tears

-By M.S.Peart

FALLING APART

I fall apart a lot

If you look closely you can see it in my hands

The way the lines branch out reaching for a helping hand

The arches show the pain

And the faint lines that I am yet to understand

Why my story is being told in the palm of my hands

The roughness of my palm is supposed to tell the type of life I had

But where the lines meet is where happiness seems to stand

And so i patiently wait my days out

Just to feel happiness one more time again

-by M. S. Peart

THE WATER DIVINER

“The Water Diviner poster” by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Water_Diviner_poster.jpg#/media/File:The_Water_Diviner_poster.jpg

The Water Diviner is a historical fictional drama show casing theheart wrenching tale of a father Connor portrayed by Russell Crowe  who after the battle of Gallipoli  travels from Australia to Turkey to find his three missing sons who came up missing in action . The acting was meritorious and right a way pulls you in . Russell Crowe not just acts the character he becomes and live the character and so does Olga Kurylenko who gave allurement to their characters . I for one was a bit hesitant to watch the movie because I believed it would be another over produced, high budget  teary eyed war story with Russell Crowe going into war .But this was different ,this was spectacular.

It really starts off with the beautiful Eliza Connor ( Jacqueline Mckenzie) drowning her self on their farm after years of mourning and suffering due to her sons being assumed dead as they never returned from war . She tells her husband she wants her boys back home and that she wants them buried with her .That he lost them and he needs to find them . He needs to get her boys back to her . It shows how war affects families , tears them and people a part .

After the death of his wife he goes to stay at a hotel where he meets turkish Ayshe and a magnetic and beautiful relationship starts and grows until the end of the film . The movie has mesmerising and beautifully shot scenes .The Water Diviner pulls you into the war , the quality is phenomenal and off course it has heart breaking scenes , so make sure you have a life supply of Kleenex for those touching scenes .

The Water Diviner isn’t offensive to Muslims and instead just highlights and shows Muslim practices and shows the beauty of it’s mosques, people and the surroundings . This is rarely seen in movies portraying war and Muslims .

This extra-ordinary movie was directed by Russell Crowe and I would rate it a perfect 10 and a must watch . The actors were beyond phenomenal and the story riveting and captivating .

APPS THAT WE'RE ADDICTED TO : HAY DAY

 Hay Day is a farming game created by Supercell  and since last year has become one that I am quite addicted to . It is easy to use , colorful and vibrant and has beautiful details .It also has a nice farming tune to carry you through your daily activities .The controls are easy to manage with just the stroke of a finger and for lazy people like myself doesn’t take a lot of finger work . You farm and sell products to visitors who come up by the house and also by orders put in by people from the town .It also gives you the ability to be creative , and therefore you are able to customize your farm . You can build your own town , manufacture and deliver goods by truck and steam boat .Fishing is included with a variety of lures and fishing nets  .

Hay Day also allows you to connect and communicate with other farmers when you join a neighbourhood .Things that are to be loved about this game is the attention that is paid to details ,the crops , the animals .It is visually pleasing and therefore if you are a lover of farming games , or lover of agriculture or interested in farming then this game is ideal for you .It is also a good healthy game for kids as it shows different animals , crops and planting and reaping techniques and gives a satisfactory feeling when tasks are completed  .

However a recent set back I have found with the game is it takes too long to complete levels unless of course you have tons of diamonds which is limited therefore you are given the opportunity to purchase diamonds with real money . It is a never ending game but it is refreshing , addicting and of course fun .

What do you think of hay day ?

Are you addicted too ?

MY DREAM : REAL LIFE

   You might not get it or understand but that’s why it isn’t your dream . My dream is to travel to so much amazing places and meet amazing people everyday, have and make friends , to be amazing at my career and love what I do , have good healthy experiences that last forever. I want to live not survive , not just play a role .I want to be positive , spread positivity , to be happy , inspire someone else’s dream.So that’s my dream for now and people might think it’s ridiculous but hey that’s probably what they told the Wright Brothers when they said they wanted to fly .

WHY CAN'T MEN AND WOMEN HAVE SERIOUS , INTELLIGENT CONVERSATIONS ?

Since Recently ,

Men and women can’t have a decent , intellectual or serious conversation without women being sexualized. What ,  however men seem to forget is that women are not only bodies , not just tits and ass and a cute face and a vagina , women also possess brains .It’s not ‘she’s trying to act smarter than you’ it’s just a simple conversation and if you feel that she’s demeaning you by bringing up valid points to counter your argument , then you as a man have a problem . I understand sex is the main topic of the world but it also gets boring and tired and played out after a while .Sometimes it is refreshing to talk about other things .And your inability to function on any other topic besides sex shows a lot .

Open your mind , broaden your views , the world isn’t just about sex , it is of the world ,not the world .

Yes women do it too , and some women have led us into this position . But stop defining women only by their bodies , stop belittling women by thinking the only thing they serve for is just an object , or a pretty picture to look at and to hold .Don’t you want more than just a empty vase ?

Why is it that as a woman starts having a conversation with a male the first thing they start to do is try to belittle them ? They start getting super defensive and they get a nasty attitude .Men are leaders not bullies .

So women educate yourself , read a book , watch something educational or inspirational once in awhile . Their shouldn’t be a reason why every conversation men and women have should end up in a quarrel . And yes there are women who are so proud to be intelligent that they use it to belittle men in conversations . They feel they have a point to prove .That it’s a gender war .

Let’s have a conversation about something new , inspire me , surprise me . Let me know I can invite you to a formal event and you can hold a conversation even if it’s talking about the weather .

Because at the end of the day a conversation is a way in which we communicate and without communication all fails . Build your conversational skills and topics , stop belittling women , because you might be surprised ,you might just learn something .

Women if you listened once in a while you would learn something from men too . Educate yourself .

ADDICTION : TO PEOPLE

Since Recently ,

I have realized that people are not only addicted to substances but also to people .Yes , people ! , you might not think this is not possible because you are wondering how does one get addicted to another person ? .Well just as how drugs give you a high , people tend to give people these same feelings , make them feel important , their self worth feels elevated by being with these persons , they’re emotionally dependent on these people to be happy .But is it healthy ? Is the relationship toxic ? Are you clingy or over possessive ?

In a list does the negative things you get from the relationship outweigh the positive ?

When was the last  time you had a meal by yourself ?

Or it might be a friend who you notice always wants to be with you even when it’s inconvenient , has a bad influence on you , or keeps getting you in serious trouble.

This person has hurt you in a number of ways but you still look at the positive ,to the periods in time when they made you feel good and like a junkie you’re waiting for another shot of self esteem or appreciation or love .Therefore they tend to use you .

How do you get over this addiction?

First determine if it’s an addiction , is this a recurring thing as in with past lovers or the types of friends you choose ?

Spend time with yourself ,  know yourself , enjoy your own company .Love yourself , set personal goals ,work on your weak spots , elevate your own self esteem and worth . Introduce positive people and things in your life .And no it won’t be easy but you’ll start feeling the positive changes around you .

LAUGH

I love the way you laugh

So much until you start to cry

And your eyes light up

Just like the morning sky

The sounds you make

And the air whistling through your teeth

I thought good heavens

how much more beautiful could you be ?

M.S.Peart

FEMALE TV HOST IN LEBANON TOLD TO SHUT UP

Since Recently

It has come to my attention that a television host in Lebanon, Rima Karaki was insulted by a male guest Sheikh Hani Al Sibai who lived in London on Lebanese television station Al Jadeed. He was asked the question of whether Christians were joining or being atracted to IS.He then proceeded to start giving the history on the topic of discussion to which the tv host tells him air time is limited and if the question could be directly answered .Karaki told him that other questions would not be asked if he didn’t answer the question at hand due to the limited airtime .His reply was ‘Are you done ? Shut up so I can talk ”

The tv host asked “How can a respected Sheikh like yourself tell a tv host to shut up ?”

He replied “It’s beneath me to be interviewed by you . You are a woman who…”

She then cut him off at that point and said ” Either there is  mutual respect  or the conversation is over .”

Kudos to this woman , who in a country and religion dominated by men she stood up for herself as she was being disrespected on air by a man who was supposed to have known better .You have embarassed yourself  , being a man of Islam and we are yet to hear an apology from him . Now people have always had their ideas about Islam and he further cemented these ideas .But what was also brought to the forefront was how Islamic women are treated by males .He declared that it was beneath him to interviewed Karaki and told her to shut up .

It shows a lack of respect for women and that women are viewed as a lesser breed compared to man especially in Islam .In these ‘modern’ times it seems that whatever religion or race we are what we lack is respect .

So to the courageous Rima Karaki you just made all women proud and even if it does not seem like much it is a start that men shouldn’t talk to us as they choose and without respect just because we are women and not men .

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

International women’s day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year .It is to celebrate the achievement women have made in this world , economically , socially , politically etc .Also it is a day in which women are appreciated and are taught to be proud of their gender  .

So to all the beautiful , hard working and inspiring  women out there .Happy International Women’s Day !!!

SIMPLE MANNERS AND CHIVALRY

Since Recently ,

I have noticed that our society has forgotten simple manners and chivalry or they weren’t taught any . It is bad enough seeing it in children but in grown adults worse . Please , thank you , excuse me , I am sorry . We are now behaving like  wild animals. What has happened to us ?  . Good manners show respect for people irrespective of their age or size , whether you are familiar with them or it’s a total stranger .

When has it become acceptable to push down people instead of saying  excuse me ?  , To accidentally step on someone’s foot and not even apologize . And then when we are compared to wild animals everybody gets offended . It’s just a rule society is trying to impose on you  ? . Fine , but when it happens to you then it’s the start of world war three .

Men say women want equal rights so they should open there own doors , they should hold the door until they go in . Fine .But what does that say about you as a man ?

I’m not saying you have to go all out . No i’m just saying there are basic mannerisms that  should be displayed . I understand that sometimes women go over board expecting men to be slaves and use chivalry as an excuse but there is the negative and positive to everything .

Good manners will carry you sometimes places where money nor education can’t carry you and remember it’s free ! It doesn’t cost you anything .

LOVE

They told me about love

That it’s something that you feel

I tried out all my feelings

And wondered what was wrong with me

I haven’t gotten love , then they said first you need a heart

But why go through all that trouble to have something so precious fall apart

So I finally bought the heart

Not the cheap ones they’re selling nowadays ,

One that’s big and strong

So if you see my love somewhere

Please direct him to my heart ?

by

M.S.Peart

P.S. I hope you like it .