Michael Jordan famously said, “Success doesn’t stop when you get there’. Infact, the real test of success is to see what happens when you get there. Your old associations, values, outlook? What has changed and why? And the next question, what next?
#stories #culture #trade #life #ordinary #traveller #instatravel #instapassport #blogger #travelblogger #blogging #travelinsights #traveladdict #traveltheworld #wanderlust #destinations #entrepreneur #startup #disrupt #fun #metaphor #love #story #latergram #work #meaning #conversation #love #mindfulness #basketball
travelinsights
As a new crimson lights a fading night every blade of grass seems to jostle for a better view. The breeze and the birds sing a fresh tune. They ask, ‘so how are you today’?, In teasing invitation.
Thats a good way to begin the day. In their company,. #stories #culture #trade #life #ordinary #traveller #instatravel #instapassport #blogger #travelblogger #blogging #travelinsights #traveladdict #traveltheworld #wanderlust #destinations #entrepreneur #startup #disrupt #fun #metaphor #love #story #latergram #work #meaning #conversation #love #mindfulness
I spotted that on the Berlin Wall! What remains of the wall, that is. It spoke to me of restless energy. Of a capacity to imagine a future that is different from the present.
To me that is central to progress and change. To see the Youth around the world, walking tall with fearless energy fills me with hope for the future. ‘Youth’ is a state of mind.
(at Berlin, Germany)
Where we stand depends on where we sit! The stances that we take, the identity we craft for ourselves and dispense for others, depends on what sits in our mind.
Our minds are expensive real estate. Perhaps the most expensive of all real estate in the world.
Let’s take care of what thoughts we let in as tenants. Because, those are the thoughts that we will sit on.
Besides what sits in us will also determine what stands we take.
We learn from history that we don’t learn much from history. I read that somewhere and it stuck to my mind.
At the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, erstwhile army gear and flags of nations become props for photo ops for visitors.
For a small fee of course. In battle, people pay with their lives, to defend the flag, which is a different matter altogether.
Amongst other thoughts it struck me that it is part of identity, isn’t it?
If that is so, what defines us, automatically excludes a lot more.
Well, what defines you? What else could you possibly become?
What are the borders in your mind that you seek to overcome?
What are the borders in your mind that you don’t even know, exist?
(at Brandenburg Gate (Potsdam)
What are you working on? And how are you working on whatever you are working on?
The Albert Victor Bridge in Madurai was built in 1886 and was supposed to last a 100 years! It’s still standing. Being of value and use to the day. Long after the engineers went back and the river ran dry.
Good work solves problems. Great work solves problems, through time as well. The option to do both exists all the time. The choices are ours to make.
(at Madurai, India)
The gates lead to a brief courtyard of four pillars. Which leads to a ruffle of a mud road. That leads into the lake. Beyond which are great trees. When you persist post that pristine rolling hills invite.
The village temple has many celebrations through the year. But when this city dweller gets and looks at the world, the roads his parents have walked become clearer. Long roads that we’re never roads.
Journeys that start by looking out of giant doors and not wondering if there is a road. Whose dreams were never limited by the question : “Is there a road?’
(at Madurai, India)
There is something unique when a community moves. Especially when the movement is on bikes.
On my drives across the US, there were several groups of bikers. You know they are coming when you heard the roar of the engine from afar. For a few seconds they would be visible and then they would be gone.
Perhaps it is in their hugging the road, the sound waves and the eyesight, they evoke a strong memory and serious love. Ah, what it must be to soak in fresh air and let your heart throb to the tune of a revved up engine.
(at Mt. Washington,NH)
Some people live a life that goes beyond their own lifespan and extend to generations. Paul Revere’s was one such. Imagine a life story from the 17th century that still captures attention laced with reverence.
Paul Revere was a successful silversmith who played a defining role in the American Independence struggle. A role that centred around devising a system that alerted and kept a watch on the British army. His heroics mounted a fame horse and rode away to glory, when Henry Longfellow wrote a poem called “Paul Revere’s ride”.
He wrote
“Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year”
I stood along with a set of curious folks who had got to the Granary Burial Ground in Boston. To look him up after reading his exploits the previous day.
For a gent who was born in 1734, that is some recognition, isnt it?
(at Granary Burial Grounds- Boston, Ma)