I got some Blogger love ! Liebster Award (x2)

I have been showered with blogger love lately; I am so happy! I have been nominated twice for the Liebster Award by the lovely Henar from Wanderwings and Meg from megswanderings, and have also been nominated thrice for another award! This post has been long overdue, so I’ll just start off by telling you folks a bit about the Liebster Award and then go on to answer a few questions asked by the ladies.

So, basically, this is a token of appreciation for blogs you love; a way of discovering new blogs and getting the bloggers to answer a few questions about themselves. By the way, the word ‘Liebster’ in German could mean: ‘dearest’ or ‘sweetest’ or ‘darling’..you get the drift. It’s just about spreading love and supporting each other 🙂

Henar and Meg, both have given me a set of 10 questions each. But, since that would be way too much information for you all, I’m just selecting a few from both sets!

Let’s start off with a few of Henar’s questions:

• What is your dream destination and why?

A: Hmm, there are quite a few , but I think one prominent one would be Bora Bora, French Polynesia!I have been obsessed with all the pictures,stories and history of the place. I mean, just look at the pictures!Beautiful islands, pristine waters, so far away..also, I visited a Paul Gauguin exhibition once and read about how his art was influenced by the people there. Would be interesting to explore the place, I feel. I even wrote a post about my top travel destinations and included some of the Pinterest pictures I have been drooling over! You can check it out too, if you like!

• Travel to work, or work to travel?

A: In a way, both. I work, save up and go travel, but at other times, I look for work-related opportunities in different places and get an additional reason to travel:)

• A funny situation you found yourself in, while on the road.

A: I am pretty bad at remembering names and faces, and have had quite a few embarrassing (later:funny) situations while travelling.From talking to a stranger,all the while thinking she was my friend’s sister, to confidently taking the wrong name of the person with whom I was travelling..I’ve had my share of embarrassment.

• Do you prefer solo travel or with other people?

A: I like the freedom and flexibility while travelling alone, but at other times, I also like travelling with or meeting up just a small group of friends. Both experiences are different and enjoyable. However, travelling with too many people is never a good idea, in my opinion, as interests and preferences vary for everyone.

• What is one thing you’ve learnt while travelling?

A: To keep an open mind and be in the moment..inspiration can strike anywhere! Also, that there is no right or wrong way to travel..to each, his own.

• Why did you start blogging?

A: To have a creative outlet for my thoughts. There were certain things I felt strongly about, or things that amused me, and I wanted to put it all down in writing and communicate with people. I had initially started writing about technology and society on another blog, and gradually started this travel blog,after being overly influenced by the city of Heidelberg.

And now, it’s time for Meg’s questions!

• What would be your dream job?

A: Hmm, it would involve writing for sure. I think I would enjoy being a full-time freelancer, working on different projects, writing,travelling and helping out certain sections of the society.

•  Which languages do you speak?

A: Well, apart from English, I speak Hindi, Bengali(though with a distinctive accent), and struggle with German.

• In which place did you find the best food, and what was it?

A: Frankly, I love Indian food the most – in India(especially street food..yum!), although I did find good Indian food in      Heidelberg too 🙂 I had once written a post about the best food I found in Germany (included a place in Prague  too,actually).So, if any of you are looking for recommendations, feel free to check it out.

Best lunch possible! !So much of #Indian goodness at the Indian week at UPK #Basel.. fundraising for Calcutta Project-www.calcutta-project.ch Couldn't believe they had so much of food plus lassi and gajar halwa:-)Do check out the website and help out if you can.

A post shared by Menorca@EuropeDiaries (@menorca_c) on Apr 17, 2015 at 5:58am PDT

• America or Asia?

A: Haven’t been to America yet. So, can’t say for sure. Would pick Asia, or just stick to Europe:)

•  Which one thing goes on every trip with you?

A: My diary. In fact, it stays with me everyday. You never know when inspiration strikes, right?

• What was one of the scariest situations you found yourself in?

A: This is easy. Hands down, it’s the time I went sledging, up the Bussalp (from Grindelwald,Switzerland). After a 40 minute bus ride uphill, we reached the sledging spot, and I got to know that there would be no more buses that day. The only way to reach the base would be sledging down 12 kms. I wasn’t prepared for this; had never sledged before, didn’t have proper shoes or lights. It started snowing and raining shortly, and then it became dark. I was so scared. There weren’t even enough lights too. I really thought I would fall off the edge or something, especially as it seemed like a session of bumping(/striking) cars, with newbie sledgers slamming into each other.I wasn’t able to continue sledging in the rain;my boots were slippery and my fear of having an accident wasn’t letting me sledge in the dark. It was a terrible experience, and all I wanted, was to reach the base somehow.

•  If you could go back and visit one place you have already visited – where would it be?

A: As of now, it would be Berlin! I loved the vibe of the city and want to go back as soon as possible.

Wow!That was  interesting. Thanks so much for nominating me, Henar and Meg! And now, it’s time for nominating other blogs. So, my nominees are…drumrolls please…

Alba from Alba Luna

Jasmine from Questa Dolce Vita

Rob from 2TravelDads

Chloe from Wanderlust in the Midwest

Claudia from My adventures across the world

And these are the questions I would like them to answer:

1. What is your dream destination and why?

2.Would you rather spend a few months working and travel the rest of the time, or keep travelling and working throughout the year?

3.Which of your travels have been the most memorable?

4.Have you ever been inspired by people, while travelling?Could you tell us about one striking incident you recall?

5.What about cultural faux pas?Any embarrassing stories or travel mishaps that you might like to share with us?

6.Do you mostly travel solo or with friends/family?How easy or hard do you find coordinating the group’s interests(if you travel with friends/family) and deciding on your travel plans?

7.What would you like to be doing a few years down the line?

8.Is there anyone who has especially inspired you to travel or write?

9.What do you love the most about blogging?For how long have you been writing?

10.What are your blogging goals for the next year?

11.What are the most important life lessons that you would want to give your younger self?

Do let me know once you answer these questions on your blog! Looking forward to knowing more about you all.