Summer is well and truly here. It brings back a host of memories. The last day of school before summer holidays was that one day I’d wait impatiently for all year long! Summer vacation meant no home work and sleeping late… bliss!
Having been born and raised in Bombay and now living in Delhi post-marriage, I have had ample chance to sample the summers in both cities. And I have to say both Mumbai and Delhi summers are equally bad—they are terrible, in fact. Mumbai is humid beyond words and Delhi is just so dry… the heat just gets to you. It’s best to leave if you can around this time of the year.
I wouldn’t say I have adapted to the Delhi summers but yes, swimming, working out and yoga keep me sane during this time of the year whether I’m in Delhi or Mumbai. I actually work out to keep my sanity!
Come summer and my heart yearns for Paris. I love Paris! In fact, my most memorable summer holiday was the one on which we celebrated by mother’s big 60. My grandmother had also accompanied us to Paris… it was her last family holiday.
London is another favourite haunt, and I was there just recently. My favourite hotel is the Montcalm which is right in the centre behind Oxford Street. London for me is about shopping at New Bond Street, Harrods, Oxford Street, Selfridges, Carnaby Street… It’s about dining at Roka, Royal China Club, Al Hamra, Chiltern Fire House. There is so much to do in London Town that I don’t know from where to begin! A jog at Hyde Park, a visit to Buckingham Palace – make sure you don’t miss the changing of the guard, and of course the iconic wheel—the London Eye.
I love shopping and even though I am usually an online shopper, it does feature on my vacation to-do list as well. I will be in New York this summer, so Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys are some of the stores on my list.
I am not a brand loyalist; I am more impulsive when it comes to shopping. So let’s see what I splurge on this holiday. That said, lululemon is one of my fave brands.While on holiday, I just wear anything that’s comfortable. I’ll be in my track pants, a T-shirt and comfortable sneakers mostly since I will be walking a lot.
When it comes to jewellery this season, I’m opting for playful coloured pieces and a lot of head bands — chunky jewellery is what you will see me wear. When it comes to food, I’m going clean and healthy this season — no more indulging for me, at least when it comes to food!
