Column: The Good Life: for Mint Lounge
For The National Abu Dhabi on business class
Funny what you remember. Travelling with kids: what to do with babies in business class? January 9, 2014 Updated: January 9, 2014 17:17:00 I show my passport to the security agent and, as the proverbial phrase goes, turn left. I am sure that there are many things better than flying business class on Etihad Airways but at this particular moment, just as the stewardess hands me a hot towel, I cannot think of any. The seat is warm and hot scented vapours waft around my face. I kick off my high heels, lean back and inhale deeply. No nagging kids, [...]
Immerse yourself in another culture for Mint Lounge
Mint Lounge's New Year issue is based on a great premise: new experiences. Lots of great stories: adopting a stray, rainwater harvesting, grieving your parents, being a mentor, taking trips, finding yourself.
For The National Abu Dhabi on Bangalore
So many new restaurants in Bangalore. Even since this writing. My Kind of Place: Bangalore bustling with activities Shoba Narayan January 2, 2014 Updated: January 2, 2014 14:23:00 Why Bangalore? This capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore recently lost its king. The Mysore Maharaja died in early December, depriving the city of its last royal – the king had no sons. In recent years, however, Bangalore has become known not so much for its royal trappings (Rajasthan does that better) or for its software industry – which gave the world the phrase “being Bangalored” to indicate jobs in [...]
For The National Abu Dhabi on Shanghai
How do you create a story about "travelling with kids," the section that I am writing for? You amplify the drama; you choose transformative moments; and you downplay the humdrum of everyday life. Realize from careful reader, Vinay's comments, that I am doing my kids a disservice with this portrayal. Maybe I should amplify "my" dissonances and flaws. Travelling with Kids: Teen tourists tap into tai chi Shoba Narayan January 2, 2014 Updated: January 2, 2014 14:13:00 It is 6am in Shanghai. Jet-lagged yet drowsy, my kids are up. They are peevish and bored. My elder daughter, 16-year-old Ranju, inserts [...]
Habit Formation
Whatever you wish for this year, try to make it a habit Shoba Narayan December 31, 2013 Updated: December 31, 2013 19:12:00 In his book, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change, author Charles Duhigg interviews an army major based in Iraq. As Mr Duhigg notes, the US military (or any military for that matter) is based on habit formation. It teaches soldiers how to think, shoot and communicate under fire. Related ■ Abu Dhabi hotel guests returned to the ‘80s to usher in 2014 Comment Telling stories allows us to connect with [...]
25 things to feel happy about
What's your list? Thank you, Manish Sabharwal, Nitin Pai, Narayan Ramachandran, and Nikhil Mehra for the suggestions/contributions Sat, Dec 28 2013. 12 34 AM IST The Contrarian View | 25 things to feel happy about Performing chief ministers, a successful move to explore Mars, a TV show that didn’t make us wince and more. Who says it was all gloom and doom this year? Deepika Padukone 1 Anjali Tendulkar gets to see more of her husband. 2 Deepika Padukone is a bona-fide stactress (star-actress). Six years old. Nearly a dozen endorsements and four `100 crore-plus hits this year. And she [...]
Devyani Khobragade
Or how Preet Bharara jeopardised Indo-US relationships by showing off. Only the US has the power to calm its dispute with India Shoba Narayan December 22, 2013 Updated: December 22, 2013 18:25:00 The continuing diplomatic row between the US and India over the Devyani Khobragade case is a lose-lose situation for both countries. From the US point of view, Ms Khobragade is accused of exploiting her nanny by paying her lower than the minimum wage and then lying about it on a visa application. She stands charged with visa fraud. From the Indian point of view, the US has violated [...]
Travelling with kids on the Nile river for The National Abu Dhabi
I have started a new contributing gig, which is right up my alley. I've sent a series of essays under the title "Travelling with kids." Here is the first one. Travelling with kids: gods, mummies, kings and origami in Egypt Shoba Narayan December 19, 2013 Updated: December 19, 2013 17:25:00 We’re at the foot of the Pyramids, discussing gods, mummies, kings and the Arab Spring. Our guide, Ahmed, had driven us through downtown Cairo, pointing out Tahrir Square and other points of protest, all of which interests my husband but not my daughters. Finally, at the Pyramids, Ahmed tells [...]
History of perfumes
Opinion Comment Great perfumes affix the mind to a specific place and time Shoba Narayan December 16, 2013 Updated: December 16, 2013 18:42:00 No people understand perfumes better than Arabs, who instinctively and unconsciously layer scents using oils and attars. As the new year approaches, it is perhaps a good time to think about perfumes: the gifting and giving of them. The great thing about gifting perfumes to your loved ones is that it is deeply symbolic and perishable. Unlike a pashmina shawl or even a book, perfume does not last forever. Even if your great-aunt doesn’t like the Amouage [...]
Delhi’s fetid desire, Mumbai’s petrol fumes: inspired by Mahmoud Darwish
Whose writing I adore. A niche brand of perfume called Carlos Huber makes a scent based on a boutonniere Delhi’s fetid desire, Mumbai’s petrol fumes Can you smell the ‘garam masala’ and greed in Delhi? Photo: Pradeep Gaur/Mint The best writing on scent comes from the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, who writes, not about the “scent of a woman” or a man, but about cities. It is so evocative that I am compelled to quote it: “Cities are smells: Acre is the smell of iodine and spices. Haifa is the smell of pine and wrinkled sheets. Moscow is the [...]