Category: Life & Times
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A Short List on a Long Night
The bar at the Hyatt Regency was swanky, but deserted. Not quite the Saturday crowd I had expected in Kerala’s capital city, a place I still call home even after years in Toronto. “Perhaps, the regular crowd was yet to shuffle in,” I mentally gave a nod to the Piano Man, Billy Joel, as I…
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Split, Croatia: Where 1,700 Years of History Lives and Breathes
Imagine wandering through 1,700-year-old Roman ruins one minute, then stepping out to a bustling modern waterfront to sip a cold drink by the sea the next—that’s the essence of Split, Croatia. This stunning Dalmatian city is an intraregional transport hub and a popular tourist destination, drawing over a million visitors each year. However, what truly…
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On Shoes: The New Nike? How a Swiss Brand Is Disrupting the Footwear Market
I wasn’t aware of On, the Swiss shoe and accessory manufacturer until Roger Federer became their brand ambassador in 2019. Nearly fifteen years after its debut, On remains a lesser-known brand compared to giants like Nike, Adidas, and Asics. But, that’s quickly changing. Walk down any street, hit a running trail, or glance at the…
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Dubrovnik, Croatia: A Timeless Adriatic Gem
There are places you visit, and then there are places that stay with you long after your journey. For me, Dubrovnik, Croatia, is unequivocally the latter. Perched gracefully on the southern tip of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, this “Pearl of the Adriatic” isn’t just a city; it’s a living testament to history, resilience, and breathtaking beauty.…
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Driving While Canadian (and Brown): My Potential Tesla Road Trip to the US
I was shopping for cheap airfares to Chicago when my wife piped up, “We should make it a road trip.” “I’ll drive,” she added, preempting any objections that I might have. My wife’s a good driver, albeit a tad lead-footed. She knows I do not enjoy driving. To me, it’s just a means to an…
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My Athleisure Awakening – Are Suits Truly Obsolete?
It’s been ages since I last wore a suit—a wedding reception two years ago, and a somber funeral before that. Staring at those expensive suits hanging untouched in my closet, I can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever see the light of day again. They feel like relics of a bygone era. My daily reality…
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Rethinking Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Social Shift
Ok, so I was wrong. Eight years ago I wrote an article titled “Meatless Burgers and Non-alcoholic Beer.” It was an I-don’t-really-get-it post, laced with a dose of skepticism. Truth be told, when I grabbed that six-pack of non-alcoholic Budweiser Prohibition Brew, it was more for a blog photo op than any genuine interest in…
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San Francisco Redux: Tech, Trails, and Tapas
San Francisco, a city I frequent, never ceases to amaze me with its unique blend of tech innovation, natural beauty, and culinary creativity. While challenges like homelessness persist, the city’s true essence remains vibrant and ever-evolving. In my San Francisco redux, I decided to ditch the usual tourist spots and try something different. I wanted…
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Remembering Ashutosh Ojha…
The message from my friend Pillai was cryptic. The subject line read: Ashutosh Ojha 8.2.1956 – 20.4.2024 ? ?. Attached was an unflattering picture of our mutual friend, Ashutosh Ojha. There was no message body. I checked the time, it was nearly midnight. I was sure it was spam. Pillai and I had not been…
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List of Exciting Things to Do in Tromso, Norway
Tromso, nestled amidst the majestic fjords, islands, and mountains of Norway, beckons travelers with its unique blend of Arctic wilderness and urban vibrancy. Often dubbed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” this charming city pulsates with life, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that go far beyond the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Here are nine exciting things to…