Being a professional photographer, my work takes me places. In relatively unfamiliar places, finding my way to a cozy, rustic book shop or an amazing foot joint with no reviews on Google, can work its charm in helping me remember the essence of the place through the memories of such hidden gems. As the best things in life only become better when shared with others, I love bringing these lucky finds to everyone’s attention, capturing each moment in a picture.
There is so much about a place that cannot be found in travel guides, alone. Every culture has so much to offer - be it their finely hand-crafted carpets, mouth-watering cuisines, architectural styles, tinted windows, religious places, bustling markets, street hawkers - they key to experience it all is to always stay on your toes and be ready to be awed.
- Trace the road less travelled
- Be on the lookout
Observe as you walk. Especially in India where you can find 10 name boards atop one eating joint! Be bold enough to try new things. Try new cuisines and dessert joints. I love my tea and waffles and I can go any mile to find one. Most of the times we miss out on a great spot just because we were engrossed in our phones or selfies.
- Great restaurants - Extra toppings for your trip
Find restaurants that delight your palate with their food. Always make it a point to ask for your waiter’s name first and address him/her by their name. Ask them for their bestseller. There can be no bon voyage on an empty stomach. The best way to feel at home is to connect over food.
- Seize the day! (Through a lens)
Capture the moment through the lens. The everyday activities, the picturesque boards outside restaurants, marketplaces, anything and everything which tells a story and will be preserved in your memory and of course later find it’s way into your Google review!
- A coffee with a stranger!
- Share it!
All good things should be shared. Although I hate sharing my food, my dessert and chocolates, I don’t mind sharing a review! Tell your friends about all the new places you have discovered. Share about it on social media and give your reviews. Bring these hidden gems to light. I absolutely love it when someone tells me that they discovered a particular place after seeing my pictures and reviews for it.
To sum it up, I love exploring new places, introduce it my friends and family, share it on social media and on contribute a review on Google for the world to see it and experience it!