All posts filed under: travel

Life is motion, and I love living. Join me. Traveling for work and leisure, a day in my dreams is the day I never stop seeking adventure. Come with me on a journey from NYC to East Asia and everywhere between in my personal travel blog. Residing on the east coast without chains, here are a few travel tips, what to wear where, and some breathtaking scenery along the way.

don’t blink

Because some days really are too good to be true. Three years ago, I had never been to NYC. Now, both work and pleasure have since brought me back dozens of times, and the city’s soul has now become a more familiar place to me.  (Though I must admit, I have yet to master the subway system) #helpme The city is truly full of endless adventures and possibilities. This morning’s mission was one of the most urgent nature, and hardly accomplished in time to avoid a complete catastrophe… but just when I had almost given up hope (frantic, two blocks away from where my search began)… there it was, tucked in the corner of a busy intersection, and almost in arms reach…  the one answer to every problem. Coffee. Yeah, it’s like that. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 | knit:FOREVER21 | ombre joggers c/o:PARKER SMITH | loafers:NICOLE | stack rings c/o:K D’Angelo Designs | location:W HOTEL UNION SQUARE Dress in NYC is almost a formula. With such a variety of places one might wind up, it’s best to be …

what happiness is made of

Hello, and happy Saturday. Had the most wonderful past weekend with an impromptu trip to NYC to visit a good friend. All 48 hours held every bit of bliss one could ask for – from city sights to tasty bites, complete with a luxury stay in Union Square’s W Hotel. Spending these better moments in life always brings to mind a thought: what exactly is happiness made of. Is it a formula of positive experiences combined in the right moments, soaking in the luxuries life has to offer? Is it something that can be created and re-created if the solution is found? I believe happiness is many things. But above all, it is a choice – the eyes through which you see the world, and spending it with those you love. Thank you friends, for just such a weekend. Will fill you all in on more details from the trip in later posts. In the mean time, all my wishes to each of you that your weekend and days to follow are spent in happiness. Apparently feeling all warm and …

bermuda triangl

Couldn’t think of a better thing to write about than vacation to get through the mid-week blues. At least my mind can be in a happy place while my butt is glued to this uncannily uncomfortable office chair. Need a break but stuck in a swirling vortex of work and life chaos? Take a day – or a half day. Or a couple hours with your favorite glass of wine. The reset is crucial, especially when you don’t have time. Eat, drink, breathe, repeat… then get your lazy butt back to work. Only twice I have felt the sun and shade of palms this year. Once during my tour of India, and the other last weekend just for a day at the semi-local beach in VA. Posting a couple pictures of both to aid in my mental getaway. Also taking my new Tringl suit for it’s first spin. It’s made from scuba… how cool is that. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 + HTC RE | suit c/o:TRINGL | cosmetic bag c/o:SNAPMADE | portable charger c/o:LEPOW | nail laquer c/o:INTENSAE Beach …

what’s your sign

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26 Something about the moon and stars have always captured me. Staring into the light of the softly lit globe of stone just makes me feel… different. There is a bigger power that moves through our universe, and looking to the sky seems to strengthen that connection. The night always frightened me a bit growing up, so perhaps it’s also learning to embrace your fears and somehow becoming something else in the transition. Not alone in my fascination, I spent hours wandering Jantar Mantra in Jaipur, India on my most recent trip. It was fascinating to see how people have tried to interpret something so beyond our world. I don’t believe in the catchy phrases and predictions …

a tether keeping me there

In a place inescapable, and not wanting to leave. Welcome to one of the many wonders of the world, Natural Bridge. Deemed the “Bridge of God” by the Indians who discovered it, this archway was carved from the seemingly still waters that run through it’s gateway. Whether it was the contrast of shade beneath the bridge, or the cool blue of the water’s reflection, my breath felt hot against the stone, like an earthen beast lurking in the dark in search for prey. ….ooor maybe I just felt like a bad-ass wearing laced leather shorts and killer sandals. Either way, it made the adventure all the more exciting. Which, by the way – I was able to enjoy with dad and bother visiting for the weekend. If you ever find yourself in VA, this place is great for an all-day of play with trails along the bridge, a semi-large zoo, and the deepest caves on the East Coast. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III |  top:VINCE | shorts:NASTYGAL | gladiators:OTBT | pendant and chain c/o:SILVER MOTH And if you can appreciate beauty that takes time, …

where happiness begins

Happiness starts where positive thoughts prevail. And that is more than easy to master while taking some time off in the heart of the Indian jungle known as Bandhavgarh. Perhaps the closest thing I’ll ever experience to paradise on earth, words can truly never fully express the feelings that arise from being surrounded by such indescribable beauty. It was like a dream, where the breath of each tree and stone could be heard and felt as if they held as much soul as a human being, whispering stories from centuries of a past life, love, and loss. And the heat in the air, the scent on the wind, and the touch of the cold stone – all sang the same shrouded song in an ethereal, ghostly murmur. I could have stayed in that place forever. So far from common life, but so full of life that letting go of a previous reality could have been so easy. And beyond the undertones of the jungle itself, the region was bursting with all manner of tropical birds, wild boar, speckled deer, and monkeys …

a new york minute

Just returned from the city for possibly the best New York Shoe Show yet. Now that I’ve laid eyes on our Spring 2016 samples, I await with bated breath to show them to the world. Makes it feel as if this summer has already come and gone. Life has been bursting forward at an unbelievable rate. They say it gets faster as time goes on… I really hope they’re lying… If you’re constantly on the go (or just killing your phone battery with your Instagram obsession) this little gem from Lepow may just save your day. After all, you’ll want it to last for every New York minute. With the rush of preparing last minute projects for the trip, packing came down to pretty much throwing everything in a bag and hoping basic needs would be covered. My new travel buddy came in handy several times. Meet Poki. A sleek tech piece from Lepow that packs enough punch for a couple extra phone charges between stops. I vow to never leave my home without it. photography:YOURS TRULY | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | portable charger c/o:LEPOW | …

follow me

The tones here were softened from the burst of colors in the rest of India. It’s as if the city gave off a radiance of soft tenderness. A sort of pearl itself, amidst a palace of jewels. Checking-in to Jaipur. Known for the architectural beauty of it’s cities, temples, forts,.. and pearls. The photos capture a mixture of Amber Fort (which we actually toured twice – once on foot, once on elephant!) as well as a stop along the water palace known as Jal Mahal. One of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced. The pink city has an ordinance that no building can be painted any other color – which leant the city to a sort of dreamy, ethereal fervor. Attempting to be a minimalist in a country of color. Found this snow white traditional Indian kurta and salwar at a local market, along with the silver rings. When in Rome (or Jaipur)… photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | attire:LOCAL MARKET | cuffs:THPSHOP | hamsa beads c/o:CHLOEALYSON

whispers of the past

Welcome inside the famed Khajuraho temples of central India.The Chandela dynasty to be specific, between 950 and 150 AD. A hidden grove of ancient architecture, famed in darkness for it’s reputation of erotic sculptures lining it’s walls. I went in slightly braced, and hugely curious. What I discovered, was a beautifully enchanting retreat that had a way of encompassing one with feelings of unchecked fantasy and whispers of the past. Its sculptures were much for focused on that era of everyday lifestyle, war, peace, rulers, etc than that of a suggestive nature. Only small segments on one of the over 20 temples, displayed any form of sexuality. Though what they did show… they showed a lot. Like everything. And some pretty weird stuff too… So on that note, let’s move on to fashion shall we? Disregarding the previous insights, India has actually an extremely modest nature throughout. So wardrobe options in 90 degree weather were limited. May I advise loose, breathable clothing should you venture there. The leather crop I’m wearing here was super cute and flattering with the flowing culottes. However,… it …

i dream of the sea

Some dream of love, life, money, success… I dream of the sea. Something about the sound of the crashing waves, endless horizon, and the taste of warm salt on the air. I could stay in that place forever without end. Such a calm, quiet feeling of surrealism that sets in over my whole being. Wearing my first purchase from Madewell. Not my key-identifying brand, but amongst their earthy-boho pieces, they do have some nice minimal items in their collection as well. And true to their word, the denim pieces do really have an exceptional fit. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | top:MADEWELL | jeans:MADEWELL | cuffs:THPSHOP | slides:MADELINE