On the roads of Mumbai/Bombay.

Of late I have been using my camera quite a bit and it goes with me where I go, so here's a taste of Bombay roads, the colour, the grime and a lot of how fellow vehicles look in traffic. Close ups and crops of Trucks, the local BEST buses and even the inside of an auto rickshaw. As usual I am drawn to pattern and colour thats what you will see in this post. Not the whole picture ~ but a colourful part of it. Enjaay!

Truck Graphics in super bright colours are an integral part of Indian Roads. We just love colour and will splash it on all the things we love.

The inside of an auto rickshaw. Clearly some Holi revellers have left their mark.

By the time I craned my neck out of the speeding cab & got the focus right on my DSLR, this would have whizzed by. Here's where a good old point and shoot comes handy.

Felicia Shelton Photography

It always inspires me to see the growth of an artist. And its a privilege that's bestowed on you when you happen to follow the work of some one whose work is honest and appeals to you. And then suddenly one day you see their work & its unmistakable, how professional it has become. And how beautifully they have come into their own. I've followed Felicia Shelton across 2 blogs, 2 years and a few continents. And I was just so floored to see her new work & website - meet Felicia @ Felicia Shelton Photography. Felicia is a world traveller and divides her time between Korea, France and the US.

"I photograph interiors, travel and still lifes. Roaming the world with camera in hand, I've found that photography brings me closer to my true source of inspiration, "home," a concept my work embodies no matter how exotic the locale. As an American photographer educated in France and Sweden, my photographs are about being present wherever, however and whenever." - Felicia Shelton

How I love the light & texture in her work

"Recent projects include contributions to Interior Worlds, by world-renowned designer, Tom Dixon, and photographs for notable textile and French interior design company Caravane." - FS
And if you want to know more about her, you can read a beautiful interview here at Travel Blissful. Or read her blog This Time Now.

The Ranbanka Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

We arrived in Jodhpur seriously worn from traipsing across Jaisalmer like there was no tomorrow & after an overnight train journey (we were told never to take trains in Rajasthan, but please don't believe tour operators- the trains were completely reliable, thank you). We were nearing the end of our 2 week trip and the constant eating out and walking all day routine didn't really see us in the best shape. We checked into Ranbanka Palace early and thought we might pack in a lot, but despite several plans we just hung around the hotel on day 1 soaking in the place and enjoying a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage (which was part of the package the hotel offered). Yes, Ayurvedic in Rajasthan and the Malayali massuese almost died of delight on meeting someone of the same origin- namely me. All in all we really had a good stay at the Ranbanka.

The imposing facade led to...

For me this was the best spot in the hotel interms of decor.

Our bedroom suite opened into this really pretty & wide balcony that overlooked the courtyard

Normally you either have Krishna paintings or Siva paintings, this is a rare one where the 2 are in a single frame.

This is where we enjoyed our dinners & breakfasts

Strolled the corridors - I was especially happy to see how they built around this tree

At our bedside. I liked the monogrammed white pencil & the pretty gold blockprinted file - Its all in the details.

Quad

I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this website, but seeing these images clean wiped out what was happening before that in my head. I mean look at these pieces. So clean, lean and versatile. And thanx to yahoo!Babelfish this is what I can tell you the French website says: "Quad is a system of flexible and decorative arrangement. It evolves/moves with your needs and changes form according to your desires, it combines a very precise minimal design with smoothness and elegance." I agree.

"The basic module of Quad is a perfect cube of 350 mm. Manufactured out of steel 100% which can be recycled, Quad measures only 2 mm d' thickness. Quad is cut out with the laser without waste in a steel sheet (which can be recycled at 100%) folded with precision and enamelled with the furnace with respectful paintings of the environment. Quad is conceived to be durable and multifunction in the respect and the nature conservation and natural resources." No this isn't my English, its a verbatim translation copy pasted from Babelfish. This means not only does it look sexy & precise it is also environment friendly.

Stack it up soultions

What a statement this Cross would make in a minimal living room.

And just when you are thinking this is too industrial, how effectively the greens soften it.

You can also take a peek at the very cool looking designer here :)

All images from quad35.com

My home featured on Once Upon a Tea Time

Since I haven't been blogging regularly this past week, there's been a bit of a backlog I'm afraid. Priya of Once Upon a Tea Time featured my home on her very popular blog. I love Priya's taste and I'm hugely honoured that she asked me. You must check her home tours from across the world & they are something else. She has also been sweet enough to feature my work in the post & that was such an unexpected surprise - Thanx so much Priya!

I have been thinking of changing the look of my home. Time to start with fresh moodboards & scouting for inspiration.

Life & About my camera lost & found.

Went to Kerala for a quick trip. By train after a long time. For me the metallic smell of the trains always mix with the carefree memories of childhood and vacations.

I have a thing for trains & the geometry in stations. It would be great if one of my journeys is only about photographing railways stations across the country.

We thought we were going for an inauguration, but as fate would have it, there was a death in the family. Its always so debilitating to see a close one suffer a loss. All you can do is just stand by.... Came back to Bombay & left my camera in a rickshaw. And got it back after a day's heartburn and running to the auto stand and leaving my contact information there. And this is why I will always remain a die-hard believer in miracles and in the goodness of this city.

Kuldeep the guy on the right was the driver on that fateful night I left my camera & Manick on the left was the person I gave the no to at the rickshaw stand in Bandra. They co-ordinated between them & came together to return my camera. I was so touched.

It does. And life goes on. Only I feel so much more grateful for the things I take for granted.