Cambodia: A village on stilts

Explore Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake, home to a charming floating village with rustic and colourful double-storied houses

It was a warm, sultry day. The boatman signaled for us to move our chairs to the center of the motorboat. On cue, prickly twigs whipped the skiff savagely as we drifted through mangroves lining either side of the narrow Kampong Canal. Sometimes a quaint canoe or another tourist boat roared past us. This journey to Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake, a bewitching pool that ebbed and waned with the seasons, was magical.

The mysterious lake

After three astounding days of exploring temples in Siem Reap, I drove a couple of miles outside the city and caught a boat from a tiny pier to Tonle Sap, a Khmer word, meaning large, fresh water river, or even, Great Lake. But this quirky water body doesn't retain its size throughout the year. Fed by the Mekong River starting in the Tibetan Plateau, in the dry season, the lake drains out back in the river and shrinks. But in the wet season, fed by the river and the rains it swells, nearly five times in size, to a whopping approximate 12,000 square kilometers informed Bros, our Khmer Guide. In the swell, the silt gets deposited on the floodlands. When the water levels recede, paddy fields and acres of green beans, corn and watermelon, scent the landscape, sprouting up like magic.

I peered in the water to spot some of the 200 freshwater fishes and handful of snakes present in the lake that Bros had mentioned. But the humidity seemed to have had a soporific effect on all, including my companions, whose gentle snores wove with the water's melody. As the canal gradually widened, a pagoda on stilts shrouded by wild grass came into view. Soon enough, rows of houses on stilts, and then, an entire water civilization emerged in the middle of nowhere: Kampong Phluk - a floating village, hidden to the outside world.

The floating village

Kampong Phluk was a melange of pastoral, water scenes: women wrapped in colorful scarves paddled lone boats; cheeky naked children swam like fish; a few villagers snoozed on hammocks tethered on stilts; boats with fishing nets rushed about; and even pigs rested peacefully in floating pens! Interestingly, the village didn't float literally; much of it stood on stilts, and the rest was tied-up and bobbed around.

Home to nearly 500 families, Kampong Phluk's rustic double storied homes soared to nearly six meters above the ground. Hewed from special wood, the colorfully painted hamlet, decorated with kitschy fake flowers sat in sharp contrast with the mud-coloured, silt heavy water flowing by.

The sloping roofs made from sheets of corrugated tins were a recent addition, replacing palm leaf roofs that were once de rigueur. And almost each home had a lovely view of the Great Lake. Itsy-bitsy balconies were trussed out in hammocks, deck chairs, and rocking chairs, all to watch life float by.

Our boat slowly ground to a halt at the makeshift pier. We stepped on to a sliver of magically dry land, dotted with homes on stilts that appeared to float when the area flooded. Stopping by a shop to gorge on steaming tapioca cakes, I climbed a rickety staircase and peeped in a garishly decorated guesthouse, popular with adventurous tourists, available for just a couple of dollars per night.

But the strangest home in the village was a Lilliputian machan. It had a bird house attached to it with a mug of local brew, incense sticks and a couple of bananas placed on it for good measure. The water spirit house, the locals prayed here before they left for fishing, explained Bros. By then it was already dusk, and, Tonle Sap and its wondrous floating village had already cast its spell.

Tips

Getting there: SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, flies from 7 cities in India to Singapore, with 10 convenient connections a week to Siem Reap, one of the 34 exotic destinations it flies to across Asia. (www.silkair.com)

Visit to Kampong Phluk: A day trip to the village and Tonle Sap Lake costs approximately 40 USD. Contact Exotissimo Travels which organizes exotic holidays in Cambodia at www.exotissimo.com.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kampong Phluk and Tonle Sap Lake is between July and January, when water levels in the canal are high.

Neeti Mehra @timesgroup.com

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Keep flirting at work harmless

There is something about flirting at work that leaves people gaping in disapproval. But what's the big deal, as long as you're just having some fun?

Is it okay to flirt with a colleague if you are married or in a steady relationship? The answer to this question lies in how you define flirtation. If indulging in friendly banter and jovial conversations without a serious sexual overtone is flirtation, it would be considered harmless. A playful giggle here, some gentle ribbing there, a quick chat by the watercooler are all safe, as long as both colleagues know their limits.

Why do it?

For fun, of course. Friendly flirting, in some sense, is like socialising. It helps lighten a tedious work environment and makes boring work tolerable. It also gives an ego boost — the feeling of acknowledgement and appreciation is priceless.

Does flirting at work equal infidelity?

"Flirting with mutual consent and within social boundaries is not a crime," says Dr Samir Parikh, director, mental health and behavioural science. When both parties are aware of each other's standings and marital commitments, and they agree that it is innocent, it is okay. So, if a married male colleague pays you a compliment about a rocking new pair of shoes, or if you admire his tie, it's not infidelity. Indulging in witty conversation or cracking a silly joke shouldn't translate into being inappropriate. In fact, it's wrong to judge a colleague on this basis. "Some people are more outgoing by nature, that doesn't mean they are out of line," says Dr Parikh.

Where to draw the line

Right where it gets controversial. The line is, of course, imaginary; there is no limit stated in the great books. It's something you morally enforce upon yourself and swear never to cross. You have to rely on your conscience and ask yourself how much liberty would you allow your partner if they were in the same situation. Dr Parikh helps us identify the point at which we may breach our limits. "The moment you feel the need to be discreet, you should know there is something wrong," he says. If you go home and can't talk openly to your spouse about your interactions with colleagues, it's time to think things through. Secrecy is never good, it leads to suspicion and hence complications.

So, there ought to be certain boundaries, clearly demarking a 'this much and no further' point. "It's important to draw a line, define it and highlight it, so that there are no chances of confusion," says Dr Rajan Bhonsle, counsellor and consultant in sexual medicine. Often, unintended signals play with one's psyche and turn a sweet relationship sour. And keeping the office environment in mind, the last thing you'd want is an unflattering reputation.

What's beyond socialising?

Discomfort. So, before you reach this state, re-evaluate the dynamics of your working relationship, take corrective steps backwards and do not encourage faulty perceptions.

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Tricks to make your home look spacious

Low furniture really opens up your home and makes it look spacious.

People wanting a sleek, modern look for their homes opt for low furniture. Furniture closer to the ground ends up making the room it is placed in much larger than it is.

From platform beds to low sofas, home decor just got lower. Many sofa sets available in the local markets are just a few inches off the ground, instead of the traditional height of more than a foot away.

Most Mumbaiites live in small flats, and that is the reason why even a little space available anywhere is what people crave for. Thanks to these short sofas the ceilings of your homes can appear to be much higher than it is. Low furniture can really lend a spacious look to your otherwise cramped dwelling.

Yash Tonkk's duplex home in the western suburbs has a low sofa cum bed that makes his otherwise small living room appear larger. "I liked this low sofa cum bed. Its height and bright colour adds drama to my room, while the low height allows space," says Gauri Tonkk.

Not just sofas there are beds available in the market, which accommodate the mattress, and thereby keep the level much lower than regular beds.

Low furniture can actually be housed in any room, and can be mixed with any style. "My wife, Mona and I got this low sofa especially designed for our home. I believe low furniture like our coffee table gives an amazing sense of space inside homes," says Sudhanshu Pandey.

Low furniture can work in any room but when it come to just the seating areas, then mixing a low arrangement and a higher one at the same time can be quite disastrous. It looks more aesthetically appealing to have seating arrangements that are of similar heights, if not exactly the same. For example one should ideally avoid a low sofa right next to a very high bar stool!

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Are you click happy? Read these books

Investing in a high-end camera isn't the only way to capture great clicks. We share four titles that teach basic photography techniques.

The Art of Photography: This classic by Bruce Barnbaum has been described as one of the most readable and understandable textbooks on photography. It is a compilation of numerous charts, graphs and tables and also has over 100 beautiful photographic illustrations in blackand-white and colour. Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: In an easy-tounderstand style, Bryan Peterson has demystified the complex concepts of exposure in his book and explained the relationship between aperture and shutter speed.

Updated with current technologies, more than 100 new images, and an all-new chapter, this edition will inspire you to take control of your settings for better photos. The Photographer's Eye: Published in 16 languages, author Michael Freeman's book teaches amateur photographers how to develop the ability to see and shoot great digital photographs. The book explores all the traditional approaches to composition and design, but it mainly addresses the new digital technique of shooting.

BetterPhoto Basics: In this title, Jim Miotke shares tips and tricks on how to improve photos immediately, no matter what camera you're using. You can learn how to compose knockout shots, make the most of indoor and outdoor lighting, and photograph popular subjects, from sunsets and flowers to complex family portraits.

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Sport the tartan style this winter

The tartan is back in style and is the biggest international trend of 2013. Gear up for winter by adding a dash of this print to your outfit.

Tartan has always been a recurrent theme for many fall collections and over a period of time, has emerged as one of the classic fall fashion staples. This year, it made a striking appearance in the runway collections of popular brands. They incorporated it in jackets and plaid trousers. Some even gave this trend a feminine touch by using tartan fabric in different shades as trimmings for tops and dresses! No wonder, this style has caught the fancy of famous celebrities from across the globe.

The punks movement repositioned tartan in a distressed and deconstructed form and it is often seen as a symbol of anti-conformity. Thus, most designers team tartan with off-beat elements like leather, lace and punk-style basics like safety pins, studs, rivets, chains,etc to celebrate the Anarcho-punk movement of late 1970s.

A few ways to sport the tartan style
It's a tricky trend to pull off, as it looks like a school uniform, especially when worn as a solo trend. But it has scope and can be used for various types of ensembles like gowns, skirts, jackets, blouses, mufflers, caps and pants. A few pointers to keep in mind:

-Pair your tartan with a solid colour. For example, if you are wearing a tartan jacket, sport a solid colour trouser or skirt beneath.
-A button-down collar dress is one of the best ways to sport tartan. The dress is flowing, has the innocence of a school girl but can translate to something sexy when worn with high-heeled pumps.
-Team traditional cuts like a shift dress or a pencil skirt in tartan, with hints and accents of leather patch, stud details, a spiked collar, a studded yoke etc. for a wild, punk look.
-For office, tartan trousers, pleated skirts and fitted pencil skirts with plain black tops with minimal tailoring work the best.
-Feminine shirts and day dresses look spunky in light-weight fabrics with the tartan print as it tones down the heaviness of the original woven material. Layer it with grunge classics like worn-out jackets, a grey mohair jumper or leather boots with rolled down socks for an edgy appeal.
-If you want to be more daring, you can experiment with print on print; layer separates with two different tartan checks of the same tone, value and colour scheme but of different sizes.
-Tartan slipper pumps are also becoming popular. They have a vintage but sophisticated feel and spell casual chic.

The Don'ts

-Avoid an overdose of tartan, like wearing a complete tartan outfit with a matching tartan bag or footwear.
-Since this trend has a significant fall vibe to it, don't sport the woven wool tartan style in summer.
-If you're looking for something standard, try not to wear tartans in fancy colour schemes; stick to classics like red, black and green.
-Don't sport it in saris and other traditional outfits.

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Athirapally Falls, truly the Niagra of India

The Athirapally Falls situated near Kochi, are rightly called the Niagra of India...

Situated around 55km northeast of the Kochi Airport, as you embark on the journey to Athirapally Falls, you realise that even the road down to the sight is breathtaking! Snake roads filled with an amazing range of flora and fauna - rubber trees, palm trees, coconut trees and small streams running amidst them, you realise that almost all roads in Kerala are scenic and make the drive even more interesting.

Approximately 80 feet high, being a part of the Chalakudy River, the entrance to the falls is steep and is a 2 km trek to the Athirapally Falls. As you walk higher and higher, the forest area is quiet and you can hear different types of birds singing and recognise each bird from its voice. During monsoon, the trek turns slippery and is filled with little frogs jumping here and there. Walk around 15 minutes and you can hear the gigantic voice of the falls and lo! As you climb up, you can see the river flowing past huge rocks and trees. The falls are so huge that for a minute you can't believe that they can be so huge. You also thank yourself, that the trek is worth it as you again go down towards the falls. You find little children bathing in the river and a few steps ahead and the water goes down!

No wonder, the sight has been a favourite with film directors for their locations. Mani Ratnam's Raavan, Dil Se, Guru and Iruvar have been shot here. It has been said that Abhishek Bachchan made that much-talked about jump into the river here. However, it is still not confirmed whether Abhishek used a body double or not for this!

If one is on a holiday to Kerala, then a visit to the Athirapally Falls becomes a must-watch experience as it is a favourite destination for all those who love the magnificence of nature and beauty. Hire a taxi that takes you to the falls and there are some good resorts also nearby, where you can halt for lunch or dinner. Ideal time to visit the Falls is during the monsoon when the rain water is falling on the river, and fishermen are busy catching fish sitting by the river. Swimming here is not recommended during this time, however you can still find local villagers swimming in unknown waters.

There are many treks around the hilly area to explore the falls and the guide rightly calls it the Niagra of India! You don't want to leave the place and want to enjoy the falls and the sound even after the sun sets. But as you embark on the next journey, the falls and its beauty lingers on in the mind forever.

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Heard of salty desserts?

That's not a typo, more pastry chefs are adding salts to desserts today.

The salt is said to actually intensify the flavour and balance out the sweetness well. So, you have salted caramel with black olives and cheese, salted vanilla ice cream with burnt caramel, cronuts with a salted pista mousseline, chocolate cookies with salty buttercream, apple pie dusted with sea salt and more. The key is to use the right salts — flaky or grainy sea salt — in the right proportion. Enjoy the taste.

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Should you take a sabbatical?

Have you reached that stage in your career where you're tired of doing the same thing day in and day out, week after week? Do you often feel that you could use a break that extends for more than just a few days? Perhaps it's time you took a sababticalto reassess your goals. Here's how you should prepare for one.

Leave on a good note

It's important to remember that the reason you're going on a sabbatical is YOU and not the company you work for or the people around you. Therefore, go through all the exit formalities in a mature manner. Do not give off an attitude that conveys the wrong idea about why you are leaving. Your coworkers might think you're fed up of them, but in reality, the reason is of course, personal.

Finances

Be sure to give your boss at least a month's notice so that your responsibilities can be duly reassigned to other people. The department can therefore make a good contingency plan in preparation for your absence. But apart from all of this, they will appreciate your fair warning. More importantly, as you will be without a primary source of income and all the lovely perks your job gave you, make sure you can afford it. Calculate how much savings you have by the number of months you can cover without making any money. Although some experts recommend saving up at least 12 months worth of expenses for every 3 months worth of sabbatical you are to take, problems can crop up at any time. So the more chips you have in the bank, the better it will be for you!

Why do you need one?

This reason is as holistic as it is practical. You keep reading stories in the newspapers about very successful people who, despite being in the prime of life, die of sudden heart attacks. So then the inevitable question is: what have they been slogging all along for? That lovelyretirement home? The world cruise? What good is all of it when it cannot be enjoyed, when ther is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Maybe you feel that time is passing you by and you should take some time off to enjoy - even if for a bit - the fruits of all that hard work.

Keeping mentally active

It might seem fun to not wake up at a time dictated by the alarm clock, but it is important to have a sense of discipline. This means you don't start to resemble an unwashed cave man when you are not going to the office. Substitute your work routine for something different but as productive.

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Office bullying: Time to get back your life

Do you frequently stay back late because you had to work for a certain co-worker the entire day and couldn't complete your own work? Are you a victim of office bullying?

You know you are bullied when you fall ill at the start of the week, when you are humiliated in front of your colleagues, when the gossip is about you, when you feel like you need to get away often, when your co-worker steals credit for your work. To help you stand your ground, Malti Bhojwani, Life Coach, helps you get into your tormentor's mind and break free.

Office bullying is... pre-mediated, repeated, malicious mistreatment of employees. Malti explains, "bullies live on secrecy, (selectively sharing information), shame (humiliating their targets) and the silence of others (by-standers who won't get involved) They pick their targets who are usually the ones that they feel most threatened by, so if you are a target, be flattered and let that knowledge give you the confidence to stand up for yourself."

Prepare a log: One of the most important things you should do is document with date, time and relevant details each incident. Even if you feel you don't want to be the "complainer," you need to keep this documented for a later time when this will come in handy. Be specific with the details in your recording, make sure you stress and point out your own competence and try to keep your emotions out of these records.

Grow a spine: "In my work as a life coach," Malti continues, "I practice ontological coaching as well where I teach my clients body dispositions of power and in this case, the position on "Stability" where you are firmly grounded, standing tall and erect almost like a monarch with dignity. In this position you cannot be bullied, you can say "no" and you can stand up for yourself. This sort of way of being needs to be "embodied" and the only way is through repetition and practice."

Habituate your mind: This is how you do it, "My clients would design a routine where they would practice the position several times a day so that it feels normal and comfortable. Body positions are learnt by the limbic brain which learns through repetition, just like how you learn to drive a manual car or ride a bicycle. It has been said that it takes 400 repetitions for a bodily position to feel normal and over 4000 repetitions for it to become a habit. Set reminders on your phone so that you can manage this daily practice and build towards a habit."

Plan B: Malti Bhojwani gets out the big guns, "If you are still being bullied after you have started practicing "dignity", then it may be time to call in the cavalry, by which I mean you have to file a written and formal complaint. This is when you can pull out the document you had where you logged the details of the incidents of bullying you experienced. Good management will handle bullies well, but if all else fails, move on to a space where you can feel free and dignified. You can't spend over 1 third of your adult life in an environment that supports you being humiliated and invalidated, let along downright bullied. That was for primary school!"

Book to read: Malti Bhojwani recommends Gary Namie and Ruth Namie masterpiece The Bully at Work.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Moms on the move: Here’s your must-do list

If you are a mother who travels a lot with your baby, you need to keep a lot in mind. Here are some tips...

Travelling with kids can be a challenge - especially when you are working while you travel. If you are a mother who travels a lot with your baby, you need to keep a lot in mind. We spoke to Tara Sharma Saluja, who has done quite a few seasons of a successful travel show with kids. Here are the tips she shares...

How can we keep the baby clean when we are on the move?

As a family we travel quite a lot and in fact several of the episodes on our show are shot all over the world like London, Darjeeling, Thailand and France. A lot of new parents are nervous of traveling with babies and young kids, but touch wood I have found that we shouldn't be nervous as traveling with kids can be super fun and not as worrying as one may imagine, Of course the kind of holiday may change, and you may do more kiddy things, but as I often say I find with our kids we have also seen and learnt so many new things about places! For eg in Thailand we had such fun in the street markets etc as the kids were fascinated by all the animals like turtles etc there, in Cannes we went on the red carpet with the kids, not as glam as if it were to win an award haaha, in London the museums and parks etc. When on the move like this, Johnson's Baby wipes are really useful to keep babies and young kids clean! And of course top to toe was as it's a two in one soap and shampoo so small to carry and lovely to give the kids a bath with after a busy day. An other JB bath soap etc.

How does a child-friendly baby products help, when you are traveling?

On all our trips we carry basic necessities for our kids. Johnson's Baby wipes are really useful to keep the kids clean when on the go and also as all their products come in small sizes, they are easy to carry along. Top to Toe being a two in one is very convenient to carry on our travels as well, The JB moisture cream and lotions are great when we travel to cold weather and the kids skin gets dry and also as their products are part of our daily routines, we carry them along so the kids have the comfort of the products they are used to wherever we go. Also The good thing about JB is being a global brand, we can even buy it in other places, in case we forget them! Their products are mild and suit the kids and we love the smell! Also as all kids and babies skin reacts to cream etc differently, it is always good to try a little on your baby's skin first to see that there are no reactions. JB is v mild so our kids and all kids suit them but always check first. (sometimes we indulge in a massage with JB baby oil ourselves:))

What all should be ALWAYS present in a mother's hand bag while traveling?

As always I say each to their own as in you must do and carry what works for you as a mum and family. But a tip of what I usually carry in my handbag, rather baby bag. while traveling with kids are: Johnson's Baby wipes, diapers, for the younger baby, some basic medicines in case God forbid any of the kids isn't feeling well, a change of clothes (if it's a large-ish handbag:), a bottle of water, some finger food healthy snack, a small toy or book to keep them entertained if a long trip, or now a days Roopak carries an i pad to entertain them, and some money in case we need to buy anything! Oh and I forgot about anything for me, that's what tends to happen when you are a mum:), so maybe a lip gloss for myself.

What are the most important points to keep in mind when traveling with kids?

Again each to their own, but when traveling with kids I would recommend firstly relax and enjoy yourselves and as a family decide not to stress! Then on a practical level I would say carry the essentials as listed above including basic medicines in case God forbid needed. Try and keep them in the routines that they are used to so for eg even when we are in Thailand or anywhere else our kids bedtime regime is the same as if we were at home, a warm bath, massage and quiet time, so the kids body clocks and sleep patterns are not too affected.

Of course sometimes timings vary a bit, so don't be too strict on that either. If taking a flight with a small baby, remember to feed, either breastfeed if small or something they can chew, during take off and landing to prevent ear pressure and potential pain and crying. And if going to a cold place of course warms clothes and the opposite for a warm place.

Take or buy fresh food you can mash for small babies and or slowly let them explore new tastes and foods. And try and do things you can enjoy as a family. Swim, do outdoor stuff, have fun! Most importantly when traveling as a family, enjoy every minute and bond! Kids grow so quick! enjoy every minute!

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Visakhapatnam: The city of destiny

We talk to a few popular denizens of the Port City to find out why Visakhapatnam is called 'the City of Destiny'

Vizag's tryst with destiny precedes the formation of India by over 100 years, going back to 1844! Sir Arthur Cotton, the legendary British general and engineer spent two years in Waltair, recovering from a 'jungle fever' that haunted him throughout his stay in the tropics. Even in his illness, he developed the Groynes in the sea, which helped break the waves and control erosion. He also redesigned and rebuilt St John's Church and drew plans for a port in the city.

It was the iconic former Vice Chancellor of Andhra University, Dr CR Reddy who is credited with coining the phrase 'City of Destiny' in the 1930s. He was instrumental in relocating the Andhra University, which was located in Bejawada to the port city which was then a little known fisherman's village — Waltair. Old towns like Ananthapur, Bejawada, Guntur, Machilipatnam, and Rajamundry, had greater credentials at that time since they were much more accomplished educational, cultural and business centers.

"Dr CR Reddy took the bold decision because he believed this was the city of the future. However, his vision of the city was very different from the burgeoning industrial hub and megapolis that it is on course to become. He envisaged that this fisherman's village would become the intellectual capital of the state," says A Prasanna Kumar, director, Centre for Policy Studies. But then destiny as they say, has its own plans and the Port city today is ranked among the fastest growing cities in the world.

Later on, it was Dr Abid Hussain, the legendary district collector and former ambassador to the USA who popularised the phrase, for he rightly believed that it was only a matter of time before Vizag realised its destiny of becoming one of the greatest cities in India, says A Prasanna Kumar, who has been living here for the last 58 years.

"I moved to Vizag in 1954 from Machilipatnam. The city was then called 'India in a Microcosm'. It is perhaps, the only city in the country which has had no history of communal clashes or caste conflicts. There is no narrowness of thinking. It allows outsiders to come and merge seamlessly with the human chain. The city is blessed with tremendous natural splendor and resources," he adds.

Legendary chief Justice, late PV Rajamannar's description of Vizag captures the essence of the city. "Nestled between the sea on one side and a mountain on the other, the city is unlike any other. The sea stands for dynamism, change and adventure and the mountain stands for permanence, tradition and values. A dialectical process is taking place in this beautiful city, shaping its destiny over the years."

Ever since, in various amounts, little bits of recognition have come in to the city through various forms — be it education, music, acting, art and sculpture. Some of these popular faces from Vizag who've made it big, share their thoughts about this City of Destiny has in store for the world.

Allu Arjun regards Vizag as his lucky charm. "All my films that were shot in Vizag (Arya, Bunny, Desamuduru, Julayi, Parugu, etc.) were superhits. Vizag is my lucky mascot. I shot for Arya at Kailasagri, the hilltop park with panoramic sea view. The whole unit enjoyed shooting in the serene atmosphere with greenery, fresh breeze and beautiful hills all around. We also shot the film in the adjacent picturesque valleys, which boast of beautiful flora, laterite hillocks and a pleasing landscape. Parugu, Bunny, Desamuduru and Julayi were also shot on the long and vast stretches of the seashore ( beach road) in Vizag. This is a popular spot for filmmakers as one can see the sprawling beaches, splendid monuments, ancient shrines, all along the road," shares Allu Arjun.

Renowned acting teacher Satyanand, who set up his acting school in Vizag as suggested by Megastar Chiranjeevi, found his calling in this port city. "I used to work as a character artiste and assistant director in Hyderabad. But I found my true calling only after moving to this beautiful city," he says.

"The tranquil atmosphere in Vizag gives you the right fillip to excel in your career. I enjoy a great freedom in my profession if I'm in this city and my institute is the first acting school in Vizag. Think it has something to do with the air in the city," says Satyanand. Tollywood superstars like Pawan Kalyan, Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Ravi Teja, etc have all learnt their first lessons in acting at his acting school.

Music director and entrepreneur Ramana Gogula says it's the diversity that sets the city apart. "For me, the city is about the ocean and it has sown all the seeds of my creativity and it has taught me to dare to be different. There is so much diversity in the city that it allows people to be themselves. I remember many afternoons when I was down and out I would go and sit on the beach for a couple of hours and life would be okay again," he says.

Venkat Bothsa, an artist from the city says, "There's not a very big art scene in Vizag. But even if you drive for ten minutes in any direction, you come across such scenic beauty, that it gives you a beautiful background for your work.' He further speaks about the scope of art. "There's a lot of scope. The government has also allotted the Nandagiri Kala Gramam, which is a 5-acre land which has residential studios for various artists to work in."

Pop singer Smitha of Hairabba Hai fame, who recently opened a spa in the city talks about the scope of fashion and beauty in the city. She says, "People of Vizag have developed a taste for fashion. The last time when I came down, I saw that especially women are into affordable fashion and it immediately struck my mind that I have to give them something from my end and I opened up my spa here."

(With inputs from Afrin Humayon, Leena Shri & AS Sashidhar)

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Avoid these mistakes while making resume

It is important to watch out for the common mistakes people make on their resumes which leads missing out on job opportunities.

Jayne Mattson, who is the senior vice president of a career management and transition services consulting firm Key Stone Associates, has said that millennials don't take the time to re-evaluate the resumes they send out, Mashable.com reported.

According to Mattson, one shouldn't create a resume that reads like a job description rather than showing or explaining previous work, and should think of mentioning the skills they have acquired over time.

Making grammatical, spelling and punctuation mistakes can prove to be a great blunder if not checked properly.

It is very important to add a summary statement in the resume that reflects the kind of work one wants to do.

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Minimalistic, classy cuts to rule this wedding season

That stack of wedding invitations sits pretty on your lounge table, your calendars are marked and your wardrobe is done, suitcases are packed and salon appointments fixed.

All the preperations and anticipation is for the coming wedding season, that time of the year, when nobody wants to go wrong with their wardrobes. Here's a look at what's trending this year.

A messy affair
Fashion is all about comfort, and it's important to be comfortable even on that night. As opposed to the age old tight bun adorned with bling trinkets and flowers, take a more comfortable and offbeat hairdos. "Brides are opting for messy buns, loose braids and curls instead of conventional wedding updos," says Ulupi Parikh, a hair and makeup stylist. She adds, "Friends and relatives are also going for temporary hair extensions and other funky new-age trends." For men, it's still simple and neat cut that's in. Well-combed, gelled hair with a well-kempt face is what's going to rule the groom's look.

All's fair
Trends in bridal makeup have come a long way over the years. Gone are the days when brides caked layers of makeup on their faces, wore lip colours in garish tones and flaunted multi-coloured eyeshadow. The modern brides like it simple and subtle, with just a hint of sensuality to add a classy touch. Ulupi says, "Subtle makeup with zesty lips in bright tones of orange, red or pink is the trend this season. These days, women like to focus on any one area. Either the eyes are heavily made up keeping the rest of the face muted or the lips are highlighted in vibrant colours. A vintage style look, with plum lips and shimmery eyes is also a rage." Simplcity can be the best policy when it comes to make-up.

Clothes apart
While the rich kurta-lehengas and floor length multi-layered anarkalis and lehenga jackets are popular this season, full sleeves with intricate embellishments, big, bright borders, brilliant colours and a mix of fabrics are also making their way into the bridal wardrobe. Designer Ashish Parikh says, "We have used some marodi embroidery and weaves. One can also see exaggerated lengths and flares and flows in outfits. Brides have begun to opt for blacks for cocktails and other wedding functions. Ivory and poppy reds are the raging colours. While Indo-western styles are a hit, there is a noticeable inclination towards traditional silk and handloom fabrics." For men, it's the cuts and fabrics over bling and frills. Ashish says, "Jodhpuris are a hit amongst grooms, they go low on embroidery and pay attention to minute fitting details and cuts. It makes the outfit look rich, masculine and classy, without the use of trinkets."

Twinkle like a star
A big fat Indian wedding can never be complete without jewellery. With brides, it's chunky chokers and big, long necklaces, elaborate, huge ear pendants, maang tikaas and nose rings. Says jewellery designer Puja Shah, "Jewellery made by mixing different precious metals and stones and moulding them into splendid Indian designs is in. Bridal jewellery is an amalgamation of techniques with extremely traditional designs."

So, get set to look stunning and stealing some more hearts on your D-day.

Hair and makeup: An average bridal package that involves hair, makeup and outfit draping can start from anywhere between `5,000 to 8,000 and go upto `15,000. Some salons offer special bridal spa services for an extra price. For men, the grooming packages start from around `3-4,000 and go upto `8,000 if you include special spa services.

Clothes: Bridal wear can cost anywhere from a few thousands to a couple of lacs, depending on what you want. Men can get excellent outfits for upto `50-60,000 too, however, there is no upper limit to this either.

Jewellery: This definitely has no upper limit, but on an average, if you go for good designer jewellery it can cost you anywhere around 2-3 lacs.

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Uncooked meals- latest diet fad

The 80/10/10 diet, a low-fat diet that is based around fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, is the latest fad that is gaining popularity.

The low-fat vegan diet gets its name from its recommended dietary intake — 80% fruits and vegetables, 10% protein and 10% fat. It advises one to eat 80% raw food per meal. Especially good for those who suffer from health problems, the 80/10/10 diet recommends that one should drink about two litres of warm water with lemon and a big smoothie with five to 10 organic bananas in the morning. For lunch, one can have a mono meal, which means one type of fruit, ideal for digestion. Dinner can be a big salad with dressing. The diet helps one derive maximum nutrition from their meals, digest their food quickly, improve health, energy, well-being and vitality, say experts.

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Car, second wardrobe for women

A new research reveals that several women use their car as a second wardrobe. They keep extra clothing, accessories and makeup in their vehicle in case of an emergency.

During the research conducted by www.breakeryard.com, 1,621 female drivers between the age group of 18 and 25 years from around Britain were polled as part of an ongoing study into the habits of car owners, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The top five fashion and beauty items kept in their cars were:
- Makeup
- Tops
- Dresses
- Shoes
- Beauty and hair accessories

The main reasons for keeping these items in the car included emergencies, dilemma of what to wear, and having something to cover all eventualities.

Matt Bott, operations director, breakeryard.com, said: "You'll see many incidents where the interiors of people's cars look like a proverbial bombsite. A lot of the time, this is fast food wrappers and general rubbish. However, if you look beyond this you tend to see examples of useful items making up a considerable amount of the clutter."

"With the fast pace of modern life, it makes sense to keep back up items in your car in case of emergency... Makeup being number one though is no surprise, as the majority of women like to touch up on their handiwork from time to time. We would advise keeping the majority of it in the boot though, as an expensive pair of straighteners on the backseat could be a prime target for thieves," Bott added.

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10 quick tips on picking the right furniture

There are a lot of options, albeit expensive, for one to choose from in the market today.

If revamping home is in your agenda and you're thinking about furniture then these are the things that you need to give a thought to

1. Allot a specific budget first and then go shopping to see what exactly you need.

2. Select the material like hardwood or wood.

3. If cost effective is what your motto is, plan your buying accordingly.

4. Do not plan arbitrarily. Go for that piece of furniture which is utility based rather than that which is just for ornamentation purpose.

5. List out how much storage space you are going to need to keep your stuff. And how much dining space you will need in the house. Is a coffee table space really required in the house?

6. Think about balancing new furniture with the existing stuff in the house in terms of the colour of the polish. You can get your older ones polished in accordance with the colour of the new ones.

7. Whether you need a bed or a box bed, that needs to be planned well.

8. Same thought needs to be given to the wall unit. First of all, what else do you need to store and how large or small is the space where you are going to keep?

9. If it proves too expensive an affair to buy all these at one go, you can avail the EMI options at various outlets which offer such schemes.

10. Enjoy the process of buying.

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7 Relationship tips for women

These seven relationship milestones will help you understand if he is all yours or wants to be.

Where is your relationship heading? You share a great chemistry with your boyfriend and are dating for a long time. Yet, do you find it difficult to pin down exactly what your guy is getting at? Is he interested in taking the relationship to the next level? Check out these 'firsts' which act as milestones in your relationship.

1. He introduces you as his girlfriend
If you have been going around for some time and he, one day, just introduces you very comfortably to his friends saying, "Meet my girlfriend," it's a milestone. It means he has accepted you as an integral part of his life. Malini Shah, counselor and psychologist, explains, "Men normally do not want to give instant commitment so when he introduces you as 'his girlfriend' means he is comfortable about his friends knowing your importance in his life. They consider their friends' opinion important. This shows a sense of acceptance for you and a commitment to let the relationship move ahead."

2. You have a big fight... and make up
Familiarity leads to fights and all couples have fights — nasty ones with abuses and allegations. There is something to be learnt about your relationship after the fight. When a couple makes up after a fight, it shows that the partners want to resolve issues and continue. Clinical psychologist Saloni Sawnani says, "What makes these relationships strong for a lifetime is that no matter how major the argument there is always resolution and compromise. When the same happens in your relationship a sense of permanency sets in. Then you can be quite certain it is for keeps."

3. You show your disapproval for something
You hate cricket but pretend to follow it just for your boyfriend. If this has been going on for months, and one fine day you lose it and scream, "I just hate this game!" Be ready for the guy to scream back that he doesn't like your chicken biryani (though he loved it last week). Consider this a turning point. Shah explains, "The first phase of the relationship is rosy. The real test is when you start speaking up frankly and that is the phase of acceptance. In this phase, you want the other person to accept you as well as be your own self in different situations. The Reiss Wheel Theory of Love states that the second phase is when the worst in people shows up. Things such as their limitations and how the other person takes it calls whether you want to continue or give up."

4. You attend a wedding together
If a guy agrees to accompany you to a friend's wedding, he is showing another 'first'. Watching your friend taking her wedding vows brings you closer as a couple as it sets the man thinking. Shah says, "Attending social functions together signifies making a relationship public. It also builds dreams of staying together and how you want to go about it. Attending any serious function together means the relationship is actually moving from being carefree to committed."

5. You realise he is very important
As a couple, you may be with each other for a year or three years and when you look back, your best memories are of you both together. The realisation that you have had some of the best times together is a great one. Sawnani says, "It's a very strange and nice feeling when you realise that even though the quantum of time spent with someone maybe lesser than the time spent with family or others, the contentment is a lot more. We all know that sometimes an hour feels like a minute and sometimes like a whole day... It is when the togetherness moments start becoming important that you take the relationship to the next level." 6 You visit his house, meet the family When the guy invites you over to his place, it's a huge milestone. He could also agree to come to your place to meet your family. Inviting you over means he wants to let you into his world and meet his folks. Shah explains, "Meeting your family shows he is serious about you. When he invites you over, he wants his family to see you and expects you to bond with his family. He is making you aware of his home life, traditions, culture, family environment and habits. In short, he is giving you a microscopic view of his own life, his beliefs of family structures and wants to know what you feel about it."

7. You face tragedy together
Being together means facing situations together, and this could include a tragedy. Death, financial difficulties, job issues, problems with family are the things a couple face. When the guy just wants to be with you in a difficult time, he is ready to commit. Shah says, "In a relationship, there is a need for emotional security and bonding. This can be shown by either partner by being there — just standing with them or holding hands. This stage conveys a deeper level of relating to each other and also the security someone is there with them. It shows that the relationship has reached an emotional maturity by handling the strong emotions of each other in a balanced healthy way. This cements the relationship."

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Fashion essentials for women over 40

Women in their forties can invest in a chic and expensive handbag or opt for leather gloves to look age-appropriate.

Here's a list of fashion items that should be in every 40-year-old's closet, reports huffingtonpost.com:

A nice handbag: Spoil yourself and buy an expensive handbag that is hard to justify. You earned it.

An evening coat: A coat that looks appropriate with a fancy dress and heels should be in your closet for sure.

Diamonds: They don't need to be huge, but something that can sparkle your day.

Leather gloves: They always look more polished and professional than a knit pair. Also, they don't get pulls. So, they won't need to be replaced frequently.

A variety of slips: Make sure you have slips of all different lengths to go underneath your sheer clothes.

A lounging robe: Robes made of silk and jersey can be worn while you are at home.

A checkbook-sized wallet: The older we get, the more cards we end up collecting. A small purse just won't do it.

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Graphic novel on Gandhi launched

A graphic novel portraying the life of Mahatma Gandhi was launched in the capital on Thursday by his grandson Rajmohan Gandhi.

Graphic novels combine the characteristics of novels and comics.

"Gandhi: My life is a message" was written by Jason Quinn. The artwork was done by Sachin Nagar and the book is published by Campfire graphic novels.

The book, a collection that illustrates Gandhi's life with little anecdotes from his childhood right through to the moment of his assassination, has graphics, sketches and text.

"Gandhi is so legendary that you really have to tell his story just right. This was one of the most difficult writing assignments I have ever worked on," said Jason Quinn, who has written a similar graphic biography of Apple founder Steve Jobs.

Congratulating the author, Rajmohan Gandhi said: "This book will take Gandhi's life and message to a large number of youngsters across the world in an enjoyable format".

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Fastest way to lose belly fat

Here's your quick guide to a flat, toned stomach

Losing weight on your midriff can seem very challenging, but if you push yourself a little further, you can easily shed those extra kilos from your abs and flaunt an envious one.

Side plank
This abs exercising is known to be the most difficult one than a traditional plank one because you are supporting your entire body on two points of contact instead of four. Thus you must work your core harder to stay stabilised.

How to do it: Lie on your left side with your elbow directly under your shoulder and legs stacked. Place your right hand on your left shoulder or on your right hip.

Next brace your abs and lift your hips off the floor until you are balancing on your forearm and feet so that your body forms a diagonal line. Hold position for 30 to 45 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

Walkout from push up position
This exercise needs a full body movement such as using your arms and legs while incorporating resistance to strengthen your entire core too.

How to do it: Start in a push up position with your hands two inches wider than your shoulders. Now walk hands out as far as possible then walk back. Repeat this for 12-14 times.

The alligator drag
This exercise uses your entire core to keep your body stabilised and burns additional calories by adding movement. It mixes stability, cardio and strength training to get you the fast results.

How to do it: Look for a stretch of floor where you can move 10 to 20 yards forwards and grab anything that will slide over the surface with minimal friction. Now start in push up position with your feet on slides or towels behind. Walk yourself forward with your hands to the end of the runway and repeat the alligator back walk from where you started.

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Non fiction festival comes to Delhi

A two-day India Non Fiction Festival will make its debut here Nov 30 with eminent authors from diverse fields discussing subjects like economy, business, national security and international relations.

The first edition of the festival took place in Mumbai in June, and the organisers want to deliberate on "serious" and "topical" subjects through this festival that will end Nov 1.

"Aimed at bringing together non fiction writers and readers together, this festival will bring together students, academicians and readers alike," said a statement by the organisers, LeapVault, here Monday.

Issues that are relevant to the Indian and global socio-political scenario will be discussed in detail by speakers like Dipankar Gupta, Pavan Varma, Indrajit Hazra and many others.

Topics like "India: The Future is Now", "India: The Past is Present", "Internal Security and Foreign Policy: A Nation at Risk", and "News Non-fiction?" - will provide a gamut of information from the experts of the related fields.

The festival will take place at the India Habitat Centre.

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A pipe dream?

Ape it or gape at it, the latest body image fad among girls abroad is the thigh gap!

The world "thinspiration" brigade woke up to a new body image fad a few days ago. And believe it or not, it has everything to do with an empty space! A gap. Between your legs! Don't let us scare you. We are referring to the "thigh gap" — the gap between your upper thighs when you stand with your feet together. With literal "trend setters" flooding the internet with miracle workouts and extreme diets to achieve the gap, youngsters, especially teenage girls abroad, are sweating it out to climb aboard.

How it began?
Although the trend has been around for a while, with anorexic models endorsing it on international runways, the fad attracted eyeballs when fitness fanatics started approving the need for this "essential gap" on social media sites. In a shocking instance, US model Robyn Lawley was recently slammed by the "thinspo" crowd (Haven't caught up yet? It's the abbreviation for "thinsporation" — photos of skinny women which "healthy" girls use as reminders to lose weight!) for being plus sized. Robyn reacted on Facebook posting, "I suppose we all want different things, but women have enough pressure as it is without the added burden of achieving a 'thigh gap'".

Poster girls of the trend
English TV presenter-model Alexa Chung and supermodel Cara Delevingne have been deemed the face of this "unhealthy" movement, with fans creating social networking pages on their thigh gaps. For Cara, however, the 'fan'aticism has gone a step further with admirers creating Twitter handles on her body parts like fingers (over 2,500 followers), eyebrows (over 3,700), breasts (over 2,000) and feet (over 1,300), besides the thigh gap (over 3,500 followers)!

The 'gap'ing truth!
The thigh gap has come under massive attack from parents, psychologists and fitness gurus with most trying to reason with teenagers that it's "next to impossible to attain". It's a result of genetic body makeup and cannot be achieved by diets, exercise or starvation tactics. Even worldwide health organizations have intervened to prevent teenagers from blindly supporting the trend.

Such was the backlash that the creator of @CarasThighGap on Twitter felt the need to explain herself on her page. She posted, "@an3akruger I didn't make this account to make girls starve themselves. But the day everyone started creating bodyparts accounts I thought.. a thigh gap one was original and funnier than a normal body part, and thats why Cara followed, cause it was so silly, not to (sic)".

Dr (says) no
While the bizarre trend hasn't reached India, psychologists remain wary. Says Dr Bimal Sengupta, a psychologist with a reputed city medical centre, "The trend is extremely detrimental to physical or mental well-being. It's unfortunate that despite knowing the cons of starvation techniques, mysterious weight loss supplements and excessive exercising, youngsters still resort to them. Drastic weight loss in a few days is a myth and its measures are risky. Their only outcomes are stress, loss of confidence and depression. Also, Indian women have genetically well-endowed structures, which, if altered for such inane trends, can prove to be hazardous." So, all you 'trend'ing youngsters out there, turn your back to messages like 'Sweat like a pig, look like a fox' because it will only get you SMHs. What's that? Shaking my head, duh!

Recent body image fads

-Muffin top (fat which spills over the waistline of pants or skirts)

-Gap-toothed grin

-Visible rib cage

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A visit to Mount Mary’s Basilica

A few weeks ago, we took you on a tour of the Babulnath temple.

We now take you to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount that was opened to the public in 1904. It has stood the test of time and opened its doors to the lonely, sorrowful, needy, sinful and grateful souls. It has been a lighthouse perched on Mary hill, radiating the light of Christ through Mary, to those who have faith in her.

The original chapel, built in the 16th century was pulled down in the year 1900 to make room for a majestic quasi-gothic church. The statue was mounted in the Oratory, situated on top of the mount and so it came to be known as Our Lady of the Mount. The changing generations of non-Catholics turned this into 'Mot Mauli' in Marathi that became a popular household word in Bombay.

The statue of Our Lady that was placed in the church in 1760 has an interesting legend. At the time, a local Koli fisherman had a dream one night that he would find a statue in the sea. During a fishing trip, a group of Kolis claim to have seen a statue floating in the sea. The Kolis called the statue 'Mot Mauli', meaning The Pearl Mother.

People offer candles in the shape of their prayer's intention. For instance, if someone has a health problem, a candle in the shape of a body part is placed at the altar. Likewise, a couple who wants a child offers a candle in the shape of a baby.

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Pick the perfect sofa for your home

Here's what you need to keep in mind when choosing one.

Sofas have always been and will be the focus of attention in living rooms, and so needs attention in both purchase and maintenance. Here's how you should go about selecting the ideal one for your home...

Size wise
It is important to first determine the sofa dimensions that will fit into the space in your room. Before you purchase, you must know the approximate width and length of your living room or hall.

Material matters
Once you know the size, select the upholstery. Choose a fabric that best suits your lifestyle — cotton, silk, wool or a blend or synthetic leather. Silk looks beautiful and classy. Cotton is perfect but is thin and linen wrinkles quickly. Chenille and synthetic leather are both soft and durable.

Pattern policy
If you place your sofa in a high-traffic zone in your home, or you have active kids at home, then it is wise to go in for a multi-colored pattern on the upholstery or tweeds which hide stains well.

Colour coded
Colour is the other important factor that is decided not only by your personal taste and preference.

Style mantra
You have to decide on the style — whether you'd want an ethnic one like a Rajasthani style or a modern style one in an abstract, eye-catching design.

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How to pull off a tuxedo

A tuxedo is not just for the guys anymore, it is that stylish ensemble that can make heads turn when worn by a woman.

Till not so long ago, it was considered a butch option, but not now. You had to be very vampy, trampy and French to negate the macho vibes. So, if it's so masculine, then how do you make it femme fatale? Well, that's the problem with this jacket; you cannot show your curves in it, but it always looks cool slipped over an hour-glass dress instead of a tight shrug.

Skimpy, fussy, flimsy evening dresses do not go well with the recent weather. This is why the latest in women liberation are the tuxedos. These days a tuxedo looks refreshingly classy.

So, what to look for? Single- or double-breasted is down to personal preference, although if you're small, single might be best. On the whole, it also looks better open than a double-breasted jacket. If your legs won't miss some of their length, you can go with a thigh-skimming, oversized jacket. The rest should look for jackets that end halfway down your bottoms in a slim cut, with strong, neat but not (unless you don't mind it dating) exaggerated shoulders.

Fabrics, you ask? Well, there is linen, silk, velvet, wool with satin revers (but only if you know you'll be in air-conditioning all the time). You don't need to find an exact trouser match with these fabrics as well. You could even — rad thought — go with a white tuxedo jacket (great for the complexion) and dark trousers.

Get this look: Find a pair of dark trousers with a satin stripe down the sides, get them shortened to just above the ankles, wear with your sexiest shoes and as little underneath as you can get away with. Voila.

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Boss-teammate ethics redefined!

Team building is the most important task of any team manager, perhaps even more important than achieving goals. After all, having effective and satisfied team members will ensure that the team is able to meet deadlines and achieve tough goals with ease.

But ask any manager and they are bound to tell you that keeping a team happy is not really a cake-walk. A team is an amalgamation of a range of people, each with their own capabilities, temperaments and most importantly, motivation levels. It is rightly said that a team leader or manager can either make or break a team. What's important is that he/she makes the effort to understand each of the above mentioned factors in the team members and help them achieve both, the team's goal and their personal goals.

According to the findings of a recent international survey, an increasing number of workers are quitting their jobs and even switching chosen careers chiefly because they are fed-up with their boss. 28 per cent of workers, the survey reveals, have moved work in an attempt to find someone who can motivate them more. And while more than one in ten have taken up a completely new career in their search, one in 20 has decided to set up their own business to get away from bad management.

So what are the qualities workers look for in a good manager? The respondents gave approachability 83 per cent weightage while good communication skills got 82 per cent. Supportiveness stood at 81 per cent, a good leader at 80 per cent and someone who respects their staff as individuals was given 76 per cent importance.

Commenting on the effects of working under a bad boss, employees reported a 47 per cent loss of motivation and a 28 per cent drop in productivity. One in five workers also confessed to taking 'sick leaves' as an avoidance tactic.

Since the success of your team will ensure the accomplishment of bigger goals and work more effectively, here are some easy tips to help you build a good and successful team:

Ensure that all team efforts are directed towards the same clear goals. Good communication in the team and harmony among members is essential for this to happen.

Remember, skills and personalities are diverse. It's only when people use their strengths in full and compensate for each other's weaknesses that a team can be successful. Different personality types must balance and complement each other.

Make sure that the team goals are totally clear and completely understood and accepted by each team member.

Ensure complete clarity about responsibility. If there is a risk of two team members competing for control in one area, try and divide that area into two distinct parts and give each increased control over his/her part, keeping in mind their strengths and personal inclinations.

Involve the whole team in the decision making process for issues that rely on the team consensus and commitment. The more a team member feels ownership in the final decision or idea, the more likely he/she is to agree with and commit to the decided plan of action.

Make sure there are no blocked lines of communication between you and your team members. Stay fully informed about what's happening, where and how.

Build a line of trust with your team members by spending one-on-one time in an atmosphere of openness and honesty. Be loyal to your employees, they will in turn never hesitate to be loyal to you.

Allow your team members to build trust and openness between each other. Give them opportunities to socialise and spend time with each other. Encourage open communication.

Be careful with interpersonal issues. Recognise them early, and more importantly, deal with them till they are fully resolved.

Never miss opportunities to empower your employees. Say thank you or show appreciation of an individual team player's work.

Last, but perhaps the most important, do not limit yourself to negative feedback. Whenever there is an opportunity, lavish your team members with positive feedback. And remember the golden rule of management, praise in public, correct in private.

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3 Signs he is just using you

Often most of us fail to understand whether we're being used in the relationship. Things fall apart when the realisation seeks in late. Here are some ways for you to analyse whether you're being used or not

You pay every time you go out
Even though he might be well off, but if you often find yourself paying every time the two of you are out on a date, it's time you got the hint that he is just using you. While it's okay to split the bill between the two of you, but make sure you do not make a habit of pulling out your wallet every time you are out with him.

He is only available when he needs you
If he speaks to you or meets you every time he requires something, you should get the hint. Sometimes, girls fail to understand this habit of men and end up thinking that the guy is asking her for advice.

He is financially dependent on you
Not only do you pay for your dates, but you also help him pay his bills. This is probably one of the greatest signs you need to watch out for. If he doesn't even bother paying his own bills, it's time for you to walk out.

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How your boss could be screwing you up!

It is difficult to be an employee - you are either working overtime without any extra pay or you are underemployed and struggling to get more shifts.

The revelation was made by a new report from The Australia Institute, which claims that both problems are caused by the casualisation of the workforce. According to news.com.au, employer groups however have claimed of increasingly insecure working conditions are overstated. The report found millions of employees are not paid for the extra hours they work, and the number of people working overtime is rising, which causes stress and anxiety, the report said. The survey found that there is a significant increase in the number of employees working unpaid overtime in the past five years. In 2013, 60 percent of workers said they are not paid for the extra hours they work, compared to 45 percent in 2009.

The report found that nearly 24 per cent people would like to work more hours, compared to 28 percent who want to work fewer hours. Report author Prue Cameron said the increase in casual and non-permanent work is putting pressure on people to work harder for longer, and to work more hours unpaid. Cameron said that there was a mismatch between the demands of the workplace and what is achievable in normal working hours, the report added.

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7 ways to choose the right life partner

Selecting the right life partner is necessary to lead a happy married life. Here's how you can select your perfect one

There are many factors that one needs to consider when choosing a life partner. The most important aspect is to consider things that are crucial to you.

Find someone who you can connect with easily
It is very important to choose somebody who you can easily strike a conversation with. This way, you can enjoy doing things and talking about them together without getting bored.

Potential partner with same interests
Selecting someone who shares a lot of common interests with you will work in your favour. Remember that all your interests don't really have to be the same, but some would do. Says clinical psychologist and relationship expert Seema Hingorrany, "When you decide to spend your life with someone, you must look at things that the two of you would love to do together. For example, if you are a movie buff, you would ideally like to be with someone who enjoys movies as well. This will make your life interesting."

Consider your partner's intellect
If you are a laid-back person and your partner is an over-achiever, that could lead to a threat in your marriage. You must see eye to eye on how both of you are able to think and process things.

It's okay to have standards
While choosing a life partner, you need to consider your and your family's standards. Though it's okay to choose someone who probably does not belong to the same strata of society as yours, make sure that he/she's not completely off the mark.

You should have respect for one another
You obviously cannot spend your life with someone who has no respect for you or your dreams/goals or your personality. So, choose someone who will acknowledge you for the rest of your life.

Is your potential trustworthy
In this day and age, it is extremely important to choose someone you can trust. You definitely cannot lead a happy marriage if you cannot trust each other or have faith.

Spend time together
Just as important as it is to have similar interests, it is also crucial to be with someone who gives you enough time and who you would love to spend time with.

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3 months in Nagaland’s Chizami village

Three months in Nagaland's Chizami village is all one needs to realise the importance of shame, pride and steamed bees

Getting to the Northeast is no joke. A flight, a train, a bus and a Tata Sumo stuffed with nine people later, I reached the middle of the sparsely inhabited Phek district in Nagaland. A stone's throw from both, the Manipur and Myanmarese hills, the village of Chizami at a height of 4,700 ft sticks its neck above a thick of clouds.

There are 16 Naga tribes in the region recognised by the government, and over 150 unrecognised ones. The sheer diversity across the state is mind boggling. Khezha, the tribe I lived with, couldn't understand the dialect spoken just five villages away. Yet, the one thing that binds the Nagas is their pride. Shame is one of their most loathed emotions, and village elders use it to teach people who commit petty crimes a lesson. Every village has a wooden lock-up (which looks like a zoo cage) in the main square. The wood has an itchy quality, so the more one tries to get out of it, the more painful it becomes for them. Village residents say that this has been the most effective way to control the crime-rate in the village -people who steal, lie or insult others are made to spend as much time in the lock up as it takes to make them feel ashamed. There are other effective ways the village deals with offenders. Those who steal chicken are also made to parade around the village with chicken feathers stuck over them; fish stealers must replace the stolen ware, besides wearing a placard announcing what they have done.

The Naga pride also makes them excellent hosts. Guests are offered everything from frog legs, steamed bees and fried bats to barrels of rice beer and wine. Of course, they couldn't understand why I was vegetarian.

I spent three winter months last year at the village, walking through cobbled streets that sometimes, unpredictably, became walls of granite that you need to rappel down. Red poinsettias jewelled the roadsides, and one often had to navigate around chickens and lose the ducklings that followed you everywhere. Three weeks into my stay, I gave into the temptation of heading towards some luxury, and jumped into a share-Sumo on its way to the state capital, Kohima.

The hilly town is slightly more modern, but is still soaked in old-world goodness. The war cemetery, located in the centre of Kohima pays tribute to all the English and Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the World War II Japanese invasion. Located on the slopes of Garrison Hill, it is the perfect spot from which to spy upon the rest of the town, as you soak up the sun.

After a trip to Nagaland, you will never under-appreciate the sun again. The state is thrown into darkness by 4.30 pm in the winter and that takes some getting used to. Shutters go down with the sun and by 5 pm, all the townsfolk close the doors and get ready for dinner. During festivals like the Hornbill though, the night comes to life. The otherwise-imposing shutters are rolled up, decorated with fluorescent fairy lights, and the main bazaar road turns into a riot of colours. Houses situated in gullies transform into grungy bars that serve locallybrewed rice beer and wine and burst at the seams with young boys and girls, who alternate between traditional chants and loud Korean pop from their smart phones.

Back in the village, I shared my little cottage with a cricket, a palmsized stick insect and a praying mantis, all with different sleep cycles. Just when the four of us began to co-exist peacefully and I felt in total communion with nature, I met Medowelo, who they said, was the best young hunter in the village. Hunting still plays a very important in their lives, and the best hunters are still revered as the bravest men, who get a bigger say in the goings-on of the village. Buffalo and mithun (a kind of domesticated bison) skulls hang in rows under morungs (a structure above their doors), and the bigger houses have many more skulls than smaller ones. At some point during my visit, I began to understand their intense relationship with nature and how deeply they respect it. Three months in this alien land left me craving for more.

Getting there

The closest railway station and airport is at Dimapur, Nagaland. Take a share cab to Phek district. Chizami is five hours from Dimapur, three hours from Kohima. Buses towards Phek leave Dimapur every evening if you want to slum it out.

Accommodation

Many villages in Nagaland have a community guest house, and Chizami town inaugurated theirs in November, a modest, welcoming lodge. Government and tourist bungalows are also available in Phek town and Pfutsero town. Visit resorts.tourismnagaland.com

Travel tips

Food in Chizami and its surrounding towns is simple and traditional. Pork and rice hotels dot the highway, and are normally willing to customise. A good pair of shoes (gum boots in the rainy season) and a sturdy travel bag are essential. Chizami has a magnificent range of birds and butterflies, so carry a bird/butterfly identification book and follow the trail along the river that runs below the town. Children in the village have also compiled a book of butterflies in the area, available at North East Network's resource centre at Chizami.

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How to keep fruits and veggies fresh

Fruits and vegetables are healthy but only when consumed fresh. Most of us tend to throw away some vegetables and fruits because they get spoilt over a period of time.

Here's how to keep them fresh for a longer period of time

Shop smart
Fresh fruits and vegetables won't stay fresh for more than a week, so shop accordingly. There's no point stocking more just because it is available for cheap. So plan well before yous shop to avoid wastage.

Buy from the main market
We all have local grocery shops but it's best if you avoid buying fruits and veggies from there and shop from the main market instead. The local shops may have bought grocery weeks before and you may not certainly get fresh produce.

Store it in the right place
Fruits like berries, grapes, plums, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce and spinach need to be stored in the refrigerator, while apples, bananas, tomatoes, citrus fruits and many other fruits and veggies can be stored on the countertop. Potatoes and onion can be kept in open, cool, dry enviornment. If you wish to ripen some fruits, you can keep them on the countertop for a day or two and then keep them in the fridge. Store mushrooms in paper bags.

Keep away ethylene producers
Fruits like apples, bananas, figs and others are ethylene gas producers and should be kept away from other fruits and vegetables to avoid spoilage.

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Shed those extra kilos post wedding

Women often tend to let go of themselves post their big day, leading to weight gain and loss of stamina. Experts tell you how to take care of those kilos in a healthy way

Wedding is the time when most women take it easy. While they want to look the best for their big day, once it's over, the waistline is the most neglected part of their being as marital bliss sets in. Says fitness expert Mamtaa Joshi, "While most of us make an extra effort to lose weight and tighten up any flabby bits to look good in our wedding dress, most women end up gaining weight immediately after marriage."

In fact, a study conducted in the US has shown that 22 per cent of newlywed women put on weight within the first year after their wedding, with an average gain of 10 kilos. The research also revealed that a third of all brides found it difficult to keep up a healthy diet and exercise regime once they didn't have their wedding day looming to motivate them constantly. If you're a newlywed, here's what you should watch out for.

What leads to post-wedding weight gain
Hormones play a big role in weight gain post marriage, say fitness experts. According to a research conducted in the US, the emotional shift that comes with commitment can cause a change in brain chemistry, which may affect our weight. Relaxing into a deep attachment to a mate has the effect of increasing oxytocin — the 'love drug' brain chemical that is linked to bonding.

However, hormones are only a part of the problem. Often, women tend to relax too much and don't take care about what they eat till they realise they are heavier, opine trainers. Fitness expert Vinod Channa says, "I get cases where many women want to get back into shape after their marriage or want to reduce fat, build stamina, strength and flexibility." Seconds Joshi, "Women often come and tell us that they were thin before marriage and suddenly put on a lot of weight. I recommend a strict diet and exercise plan for them."

Plan your diet
Diet plays a very important role in losing weight post marriage. Says Channa, "Eat food that contains lesser calories and is less oily. Avoid bakery products, sweets and fattening foods. At night, prefer to have vegetable soup, tofu, fish, green vegetables and sprouts. Most importantly, keep a tab on your consumption of carbs during the day," advises Channa.

Choose the right workout
If you wish to lose those extra kilos, select appropriate workouts that will help build strength, stamina and improve your flexibility. "Any form of cardio exercise with endurance training or swimming should be combined with diet control," says Joshi. You can also burn more calories by selecting workouts for your legs and back or opt for jogging or yoga.

Tips to lose that weight
-Exercise daily
-Try any form of cardio exercise or take up swimming
-Vary exercises on regular basis so that it does not become monotonous
-Going for a brisk morning or evening walk with your husband is also recommended
-Sleep well
-Have food with less fat percentage.
-Check your diet intake when eating out.

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Tech tinker: Small talk with Vikram Chandra

On a break from Berkeley, Vikram Chandra tells us why he will discuss synthetic biology at parties

Vikram Chandra is on a break. Both, from writing fiction and his classroom at the University of California, Berkeley. It is all very fortuitous for us, because we are sitting at a Bandra coffee shop, discussing his first work of non-fiction, Mirrored Mind, and his friends and family here (he is Anupama Chopra and Tanuja Chandra's brother), whose lives he feels, he is "disrupting."

"Usually, when I am on a break, I listen to music, read. This time, I had this idea of writing something about computer coding and the anthropology of programming; marrying it with Indian literary theory," he says. And what emerged from this little literary detour was a book that "started off as an essay intended for a computer glossy, but turned into something else altogether," he laughs.

Mirrored Mind reflects that aspect of Chandra's life that we have only read about in passing — his passion for coding. Other than the one character in his previous book, Love and Longing in Bombay, who is a programmer, there has been very little in work that leads us into his other world. It is also his "first public statement" about some rather disturbing aspects of the glamorous world of programmers and the curious and "apalling" politics of Silicon Valley. Having started off as a hobby programmer in Texas during the '80s — who fixed his friends' computers for a quick buck and sheer thrill — Chandra is keenly aware of the hierarchy, caste system and power play in an industry that prides itself on being "meritocratic" and thus "glossing over the issues of colour and gender that can constrain an individual or group."

One of the "problems" he feels strongly about, and explores in the book, is that of gender inequality. "There was a time in the '50s and '60s in the US when programming ceased to be considered a manual craft. So, as long as there was no prestige attached to it, it was alright to let the women do 'clerical' work. One of the resources applied to give the role a certain aura and better pay was attributing the idea of male-ness to it," he says, "You know, a certain cowboy machismo."

Talking about how both, in literature and tech, women's contribution has been overlooked, Chandra quotes from Indian literary theorists and tech biographers to validate his point. "Over the last few years in the US, tech blogs and general media has been reporting about some scandal or the other because someone does something idiotic... harasses some woman," he says. "It has been a problem for a while. Only now has it reached a pitch of debate."

Chandra cites the case of the sole woman programmer he met during his early years, and speaks of the numerous instances of women dropping out of the industry because of bullying. "I thought this is a global phenomenon, but no, it is very uniquely American. In countries like India and Egypt, women have been very successful programmers. This is not to say that other problems ceased to exist in these countries. But at least, this knowledge isn't confined to men."

As a father of "two young women", he feels concerned about the world they are going to live in. "My younger child is three, and she already calls herself an engineer..." he says with a glint of fatherly affection. "I am worried as an individual, yes."

On a lighter note, Chandra, who writes about how he used to bore people at parties with his favourite topic of assembling a 'logic gate' (read the book to know more) with matchsticks, says he has found a new "party trick". "Synthetic biology," he says, excitedly. "We are at a stage when you can use computer codes to hack genes. Any half decent kiddie hacker with a wet lab at home and a computer can cut and paste together codes and go online to produce a new form of life," he says, adding, "With billions of dollars being poured into this field, things are about to explode... you can play God. And it is very exciting, very dangerous and... very weird."

Does that mean his latest obsession will find its way into his next work of fiction? "There is a high probability," he says, by way of a teaser. From the lords of the underworld to playing God with genetics — that's one incredible sweep, no doubt.

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First date winners and bloopers

Taking her out? Here are some bloopers to avoid, if you want that second date

It's easy to land a date, but only the lucky few manage to get the women out on a second date. Why, you ask? Because men (being men) are unable to get themselves together long enough to leave a good first impression. Here's a short guide to help you get through the evening with flying colours.

Control the roving eye
You are sitting at a cafe on your first date and a hot woman walks in (let's not get into whether she's hotter than your date on not). Her curls are hanging loose on her shoulders and she has a smile that has the potential to make your heart stop. What do you do? Let your eyes linger on her for longer than a fraction of a second and your date (with the woman who is sitting on the table with you?) is over. Oh, she may chat and smile through the coffee, but be rest assured, she isn't likely to meet you again. EVER.

Here's the thing, women are keen watchers of the male of our species. And when we are sizing up men as potential partners, we keep a close watch on what they are watching. So, if you want a second date, keep your eyes affixed on the menu and your date.

And, if you think this means it's okay to check the football scores on your phone during the date — it's not a woman right, you say — why don't you just spend the rest of your life with the TV? If you want a date, focus on her and her alone.

Be a gentleman
Women may crib that chivalry is dead, but we haven't ended our search for it. A study conducted in 2007 among British women showed that of the 1,000 surveyed, two-thirds placed manners over looks in defining the man of their dreams. While this doesn't mean standing up when your date enters the room, or laying to waste your expensive jacket by placing it as a carpet over Mumbai's puddles, you will score brownie points with simpler gestures.

Turn up early but if you are going to be unavoidably late, call ahead and let her know. While entering and exiting the restaurant, open the door for her. If you are getting into a cab, open that door too. Don't expect her to scooch. If the traffic is not heavy, get in from the other side. If you want to see her again, call her the day after the first date and thank her for the lovely evening. If you wait till the next weekend, she knows it's only a booty call and will, hopefully, turn you down.

Conversation no nos
Do you want her talking to you about her ex-boyfriends and how they messed her up? Well, she isn't enthused about knowing about your girlfriends either. Not on the first date at least. If the topic comes up, brush past it. This will make her think that she's the only one on your mind. Don't probe her about her exes either. Secondly: Jokes are always an easy ice-breaker, but if crude jokes are your punchlines, relegate them, strictly, to your instant messaging group. On the first date, women (and men) try to understand each other's sensibilities, and try to discover what they may have in common. What if the joke is on a certain community that she is a part of? Do you want to risk offending her? Thirdly: "What's up sunshine?" This is what a date (a blind date at that) messaged the woman right after the second date. And if you don't know what's wrong with this, you need some serious help. It's not that women don't like terms of endearment, but spoken too soon, they will scare off the woman. Lastly: The week may have been horrid. Your boss may have yelled at you every day. Your friends may have ditched you for their partners/spouses, your expensive Playstation may have crashed. But if this means you can whine about it to your date, you are horribly wrong. You need to be fun and charming on your first night out. Nothing puts off a woman more than a whiner she's stuck with through the night. Phishing for sympathy can happen later.

Being Mr Know-it-all
You may have won all the quizzes in school and think calling for the 'cheque' is more correct than calling for the 'bill'. But if you point this out to your date, be ready to be the subject of a bitching session that's going to happen between your date and her bestie. After the date.

Women don't like men projecting confidence at their expense and will associate the date with feelings. Remember your goal through the date is to make her smile and show her what good company you are, not give her lessons on language or politics.

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Men think women are paid just as well

A new survey has revealed that 80 per cent of men believe that they wouldn't be paid less if they were a woman.

In the survey, which was conducted by Elle and the Center for American Progress, women were also asked if they thought that they'd see a higher salary if they were male and 70 per cent said no, the Huffington Post reported.

However, when the respondents were asked why there were fewer ladies in top positions in business, the numbers looked different.

55 percent of women and 33 percent of men blamed office discrimination.

According to the Center for American Progress, 97 per cent of working females are employed in spots that pay men more on average.

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So, what’s your belt style?

Skinny belts, others with tassels, embellished or in chains a la Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, seem to be a popular trend this season...

Perhaps no other accessory can flatter the female form like a belt can. Worn over bodices and long gypsy skirts, cinched waists, over a larger waistline or flare over a casual dress, the belt is apt when it comes to hiding the flab and bringing out curves. It is also the darling accessory of the season with major fashion houses abroad giving the statement belt a new look — they've used oversized buckles plus more hardware to transform the traditional feminine accessory into one with a tougher feel!

Bike chain belts are 'in'
The latest faves are 'bike chain link belts' with buckles that work well to break the monotony in a solid colour. You can also try a chain and leather combination over a dress. Available in a simple interlocked design or as multiple strings, they sit casually around the waist.

Skinny belts are stylish too
Headed for a day out around town? Team a skinny belt with skinny jeans, wear your espadrilles and tote and you're ready! Most fashionistas are sporting the 'skinny' in style. Actress Eva Longoria wears hers with a maxi dress while Olivia Palemo paired hers with a high-waisted skirt. To go formal, simply change the look of the skinny — Victoria Beckham wore a thin black belt with gold studs for a chic look.

Embellished ones for formal chic
This one can certainly rake up the style quotient! First Lady Michelle Obama wore a bejewelled sash on Inauguration Day this year. These embellished belts with studs and stones dominate the waist line and are great for a wedding do or another formal function. Our tip: wear a laced pearl belt below the bust line.

How to wear
-A thick belt goes with a peplum dress or skirt
-Wear a gold chain link belt over a plain sweater
-Team a brown belt with denim shorts.
-Try a wide leather belt over a form-fitting dress
-Skinny style works well over a silk blouse

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How to organise a housewarming party

If you have a small space and looking at organising a small housewarming ceremony at home, here's what you need to keep in mind

Clean up the space: The best way to ensure that when your guests arrive the house isn't cluttered enough is by ensuring that you clean the space. Make sure that you have arranged your furniture and other essentials properly so that your guests don't end up shifting things around to make space for themselves.

Set up a bar on your dining table: To ensure that you have a single space where drinks will be served, convert your dining table into a bar. Along with drinks, you can also keep starters and other eateries on it so that your guests can help themselves easily.

Keep the lighting flattering: Overhead lighting is the best way to create the right ambience. Have them on dimmers so that your room appears bigger than it actually is.

Make space for shoes to be kept: You ideally would not want your shoes lying scattered outside your main door not only causing inconvenience to your neighbours but also for your friends and family as they walk in. To help them place their shoes properly, have a shoe rack placed outside your main door.

Play the right kind of music: You will have people of all ages coming to your house, so the best way to ensure that everybody enjoys themselves is by playing something soft so that it does not hurt the ears.

Food and beverages: This is probably the main attraction of any housewarming party. Do not attempt at cooking something at home, not only will you feel tired standing on your feet the whole day trying to make something for everyone but will waste a lot of time on it. If you have many people visiting your house, you can organise it with a caterer, and if you have just a few people visiting, you can always order food from outside.

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The complete drinking guide for women

Did you know the way a woman drinks her cocktail and a man gulps his beer can be markedly different in terms of harming their respective bodies. Here's the complete drinking manual for all you gals! Go ahead and say cheers!

A study recently revealed that women who gave their mood a 'high' rating beforte they started consuming alchohol were 60% less likely to feel hungover after six units of alcohol. Getting high depends on your mood, if drinkers are feeling high on life, they can avoid a hangover. On the other hand feeling dull and depressed is likely to give you a painful hang over only after a couple of drinks. Here's how you can drink smart:

1. Say goodbye to the liquid lunch
Lunchtime is the worst time to consume alcohol because a woman's hormone levels are high, so the alchohol enters the bloodstream far too quickly for your liver to adequately break it down. Furthermore, the alcohol disrupts the digestive process, potentially leavign you with indigestion. A study from Cornell University in the US says we process alcohol most efficiently between 7 and 8 pm when our hormone levels are lowest, and that's also the best time for drinking because it'll leave you with a considerable margin before hitting the sack.

2. Prepare your body
Always have a snack to avoid a hangover. "Wash down a brown bread sandwich with a glass of milk 30 minutes before you start drinking. The complex carbohydrates in the bread give you lots of energy and the fat in the milk is the perfect stomach liner.

3. Physical fitness is key
Being fit protects you against drunkeness as you are likely to have a higher muscle-to-fat ratio, which means your body has a higher water content, diluting the alcohol. People who are physically fit and active also posess higher metablic rates, which means alcolhol moves quickly their system more quickly. Try and exercise a bit or do some effective yoga stretches before you drink as this speeds up your metabolism, so you'll process alcohol quicker. Or if your party or pub is round the corner, engage in a A brisk 20-minute walk.

4. Chilled truths
According to research from Lyon University , drink wine that's chilled at 5°C or less and you'll take nearly ten per cent longer to finish your drink. Adding ice will also bulk out your drink, so it'll feel fuller, and the extra water content will rehydrate you.

5. Forego the fizz
Fizzy wines and champagnes are absorbed more quickly than still ones because they are quite bland, but the alcohol content is just as high. Champagne has a heady intoxicating effect since its blandness doesn't cause the pylorus (the outlet of the stomach) to reach a spasm, as stronger-flavoured wines do. So your fizz passes through an open gateway into the gut, where it's absorbed - as you make it to the counter for another refill.

6. Always check the label
Always check the label to ascertain the alcohol concentration of drinks. Choose wisely.

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Samit Basu talks about his new graphic novel

Samit Basu's shift to Delhi yields a graphic novel about monster migrants. What will the impending Mumbai move throw up?

For every woman who has ever wished she was Wonder Woman, whipping the misogyny out of a street harasser, Samit Basu presents an idol to emulate — Latex Latha.

One of four protagonists who move to the capital to make a life in Basu's soon-to-release graphic novel, Local Monsters, doesn't let suspicious landlords, bumpy roads and lecherous men, among other Delhi cliches, bother her.

She has a slight advantage. "She is a monster," laughs Basu, 33. "They are folks with supernatural powers," he says about Bengali vampire Bela, Yeti Tashi and North East local Indra. "They have fangs, horns, and the ability to make earth-shattering sounds, which make them targets for secret government agencies looking for conspiracy theories. Everyone is out to kill them or run their life. But they still have to pay the electricity bill on time," he adds about the Level Ten comics and Tranquebar title that carries graphics by Ghanshyam Bochgeri.

The moving-cities theme is one that Basu took up after having moved residence from Kolkata to Delhi 10 years ago. "That first year in a new city is always tough... it's difficult even for humans. For monsters, it's far worse" says the synopsis of the comic. Delhi, Basu says, can be hostile in the first year. He is curious how Mumbai will receive him, considering he is planning to move here in the hope of giving a lift to his script writing future in films. "I hope to write a film set in Mumbai," he shares. "Who knows what may come out of it? It could be fantasy." It's likely to be just that since fantasy comes easy to Basu (he admits he often wondered what if one of his closest friends was a monster). It's evident in his previous titles, The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret, The Unwaba Revelations, and Turbulence. All credit goes to his overactive imagination, he admits. "It allows you to escape from the humdrum of everyday life, jumping from one situation to another fairly convincingly," he says. "You aren't hemmed in by reality."

But for inspiration, he dips into reality around him, making most of the comic a social commentary of sorts.

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The ultimate guide to Marrakech

An off-beat destination in Morocco with a Shah Rukh hangover. What's not to like?

Everything about Marrakech, Morocco — old city walls, Riads, crumbling palaces, noisy souks, skilled artisans — is unique. The ambience lends it a distinct character, different from most African and European capitals. Moroccan people are warm and the food is delicious. This melange makes Marrakech stand out. What's more, if last year's International Film Festival which celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema was anything to go by, Morocco's love for Bollywood is rather apparent — Shah Rukh Khan was not given the Moroccan medal of honour last December for nothing. Here's your guide on what to expect.

See
Start by exploring the Bahia Palace, an elaborate architectural wonder. Built in the 19th century, it is a stunning example of Arab and Islamic architectural styles. The elaborate ceilings, colourful tiles, and stained glass lamps are gorgeous. Its peaceful courtyard is the perfect antidote to Marrakech's chaos.

Spend a quiet afternoon exploring the ruins of the El Badi Palace, commissioned by the Saadian King Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578. The bare ruins, left-over mosaics, and stark walls have such tales to tell.

Once you have had your fill of royal residences, head to the Menara Gardens. They are located towards the west of the city, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The artificial lake is surrounded by fruit orchards and olive groves.

You must try to fit in at least one-day trip on your itinerary. During summer months, a trip to the Atlas mountains provides an ideal reprieve from the heat. For the culturally inclined, the fortified city of Essaouira is 2.5 hours away by bus. It is also possible to do a desert safari in the Sahara if you have three days to spare. Don't book your side trips in advance — get to Marrakech, find a travel agency, and bargain (it is the norm) to get the cheapest deal.

Shop
The souks (markets) of Marrakech are its primary attraction. Here, the air is rife with cries of gypsies, snake charmers, wandering minstrels, magicians, and folk singers. There are tanneries on pavements, street artists in every corner, and vegetable vendors popping out of alleys. If you're not paying attention, you could end up with a monkey on your shoulder or snake wrapped around your arm.

The souks are overwhelming but they are also the perfect amalgam of colour, energy, and vibrance. There is nothing that isn't sold here — perfumes, spices, bags, clothes, baskets, shawls, carpets, shoes, even safety pins.

Take time to explore Marrakech's bamboo-covered souks. Savour the smell of spices drifting up your nostrils, follow colour, go where your eye takes you, turn into little alleys, and duck into the tiniest of shops.

Walk from the olive souk, packed with different kinds of olives, to the potters' souk, crammed with brightly-coloured pots, pans, and tagines. There is a surprise at every corner — brightly-coloured glassware, sheesha pipes, embellished kaftans — you name it, they have it.

Wine & dine
Marrakech is an assault on the senses like no other place in the world. Walk to the Djemaa-El-Fnaa (the central square) and you will see what we mean. You will be offered snails, sheep's head, and fried aubergines in the same breath, all followed by scrumptious Moroccan dates. It is no wonder that food is the highlight of a trip to Marrakech — it's cheap, cheerful and tasty.

Make sure you try the classic tagine. It is served with bread at street-side cafes. Use the bread to scoop the curried, zesty gravy — just like the locals do.

Spend your evenings sipping Moroccan mint tea at a streetside cafe facing the Djema El Fnaa as you watch people go about their day.

Getting there
The best time to visit is between September and April as the city can get very hot during summer months (May-August). Flights are available from Mumbai to Marrakech.

Where to stay
The number of hotels in Marrakech continue to increase with the city's popularity as a tourist destination. But nothing beats the feeling of staying in a Riad — a traditional Moroccan house within the Medina (Old City). Checking into a Riad is probably the easiest way to familiarise yourself with Morocco.

Expect walls embellished with traditional Moroccan rugs, shelves adorned with ethnic glassware, and breakfasts served in intimate central courtyards. Irrespective of what you're looking for — romantic getaway, luxurious weekend, or backpacking holiday — it is easy to find a Riad to suit your budget.

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