ICynosure: November 2013

New Year is all about new beginnings, drizzled with eagerness to put the best foot forward, eat special food, make resolutions and follow every rule in the traditional book to bring in luck - happiness - prosperity and love. Different traditions are followed in different parts of the world to ring in the new year. Eating 12 grapes at the stroke of mid-night, wearing polka dotted outfits, hurling out old electronic items to jumping multiple times on a chair are some crazy superstitions people follow.

2013 has been a tough year for me, juggling multiple roles while being pushed in various directions to fulfill my responsibilities as a CorpComm Manager, Wife, Daughter-in-law, Daughter and a MOTHER. This New Year's Eve I wish to dig the ground, burying everything unpleasant, unearthing new treasures and moving forward to welcome new improved things while doing everything to the best of my abilities.

However as superstition goes, one things I'm sure to do is Go for a walk as the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve. A traveller by heart I wish this small little task brings MORE fun travel into my life.

Even though I am a green ambassador, I want TURKEY ON MY PLATTER THIS NEW YEAR. :)

Turkey has been on my travel list since the longest time, an absolute traveller's delight with so much to offer. A place with the most amazing amalgamation of historical richness, beauty of the sun and sand, cultural and traditional heritage, fun and adventure sporting activities and above all an avenue for a romantic getaway. The more I googled about my destination, it seemed more and more perfect for us. Hubby being a sports enthusiast and me being a water baby, Turkey would be the ideal destination to bring in our 7th wedding anniversary with a second honeymoon to rekindle the romance.

So for the 7th anniversary celebrations, a 7 fold travel plan becomes such a must. Ditching the travel agency itinerary, what better than to explore the cities like you want to live there, without any set plan. The 7 beautiful destinations to celebrate each year of togetherness -

FETHIYE
Stay at a beachfront resort which is like heaven on earth, breathtakingly beautiful with the color cyan. Enjoy a perfect blend between natural gorgeousness and historical heritage sites. Exploring one of the many archaeological sites and do some dare-devil water sports would make my trip to this Virgin land of Lights such a beautiful memory.

CAPPADOCIA
The Land of Beautiful Horses will be the perfect place to unwind for my handsome husband, a trained jockey. Just the sight of today growing out of yesterday in forms of carved structures within the volcanic rocks will be a treat for people like us who know only about flats and apartment blocks. The time spent in a land as such will be nothing short of a dream that one can only imagine.

NEMRUT
Would any traveller visit India and not visit the Taj Mahal? No, isn't it? Then I wouldn't dare miss the serene 8th Wonder of the World Mount Nemrut. Along with statues of Greek and Persian gods and King Antiochus's temple are the jewels on the Arsameia street. A sneak peak at the Eagle Head will ensure we have everlasting unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

SIDE
Hailed as the most luxurious and exciting holiday resort of 2014, it is a must-do for our Turkey trip. Lapped in the Mediterranean, Side remains the heart of all things cultural and tradition with its heritage and natural beauty. With gorgeous theater shows, magnificent views and fun adventure water sports Side will offer something for the entire family.

ISTANBUL
Turkey's cultural and historical heart spread over Asia and Europe is a treasure chest for all travellers. Awarded the title of the European Capital of Culture, Istanbul boasts of the historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gorgeous Golden Horn a harbour that has emerged as the new entertainment area and the numerous mosques and museums. Only a faint heart tourist will be enamoured by the Bosphorus separating two continents, over-looking the beauty of each mile of this majestic city. Walking alongside the locals will ensure I feel a nomadic traveller each and every inch of the enormous Turkish Art offered. With world famous malls and bazaars springing up lately, the Mahmutpasha Bazaar - an open market for wonderful and exotic spices, still remains on my list of must visit places.

ANKARA
Turkey's Archeological soul rests in its capital city of Ankara. A perfect blend of historical monuments as well as modern structures, the city welcomes all travellers. In all certainty I would love to live in the city to soak up the richness of its history as well as religion, however with time running against there would be the Temple of Augustus and Rome and the Hatti Monument which I'd love to explore beyond the notes in a travel diary.

BELEK
Outlining a plan all by myself, a pleasant surprise for hubby would be a trip to the green wonder of Belek. The Lords for golfers, the city offers the most luxurious and comfortable hotels. The blue horizon outlining the green fields will be a once in a lifetime experience for anyone to see. It will be the space that we need off each other for a day where hubby can immerse himself in the sporting action while I can relax at the hotel enjoying the luxuries offered.

I had such a tough time choosing just seven of the numerous destinations. Take a piece of Turkey this new year and trust me it would be a new tradition we begin.

What's you're 'IT' destination for the new year?
~ Heena

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Learning to Drive a truck. Falling in Love with a complete stranger. Cheering a rival team in the stadium all alone. Dancing like crazy when everyone's looking. Playing adventure sports when scared sh*t. Drinking tequila shots in a nightclub to be dragged out by friends. Travelling to an exotic destination to fall in love with the place. A never-ending, an ever-growing list is what makes life exciting and worth living.

This is my list, and growing every day. No one, but I - myself will make it happen one by one.

Big choices are usually easier to make but the little ones are the more difficult, though evidently, they are the ones which make the feeling supreme when taken. Of the hundreds to-do things on my wishlist nothing will be more rewarding than travelling. Travelling the world, exploring unfamiliar territory, savouring unique cuisine, participating in local activities, experiencing everything first-hand, soaking in the new culture, all combined together opens new dimensions whilst adding quality to life. Every time I thought about when I'd start living my dream of travelling, I believed that there would never be a better time than that very day.

Travelling being so super expensive, I did the next best thing. Work with a Destination Wedding Expert. I assisted him on numerous weddings all over India, Udaipur - Lonavala - Lavasa - Hyderabad and many more. Then a wedding in early 2009 took me all the way to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah via Kuala Lumpur. A five-day extravaganza and all I did was run around barking orders on the walkie-talkie, with no ounce of enjoying the place and travels. Then after over a 100 hours of work finally we were all set to head back home.

Missing the connecting flight back.... we were stuck at Kuala Lumpur airport, trying to reschedule. Oh what a task, all flights we full. However, we managed to get seats only on the late night flight. With about 8 hours in hand, we carried a few essentials deposited our luggage at airport lockers and headed to explore the city which the World’s Best Online Travel Fair pronounced as 'Truly Asia'.

Plan A Trip To Malaysia, My Travel Diary

The moment I stepped out of the airport, I felt the air of recognition. Just like good-old Bombay, Kuala Lumpur is a modern cosmopolitan city with a rich ancient heritage. A gorgeous painting adorned with mesmerizing skyscrapers and sprinkled with colonial architecture colours a historical character of the Malay influence. A magical city that's welcomes everyone with open arms - any culture, any language, any ethnicity. A mini-world where there are no boundaries, no differences.

Hailing a metered taxi we first rushed to witness the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers. Standing tall at over 450 meters, the towers are connected by a walk through bridge at the 41st floor. Straining our necks to capture a portrait picture from the base to the tip seemed highly impossible. We made our ways to the architectural marvel in the Golden Triangle to get our tickets to the walk-through bridge. Unfortunately, only a limited number of tickets are distributed each day so we had to take a miss on that walk.

Our cabbie assured us that he will make it happen for us, a gorgeous view to see the entire city from the greatest of heights. Menara Tower it was. The all-around view from Menara was splendidly breathtaking. The Observation Deck had the most gorgeous, the most beautiful view of the city.

Time flew by and we had only three and a half hours left for exploration.

Our cabbie was no less than a tourist guide, mixing a fair bit of Malay dialect with English he pointed out to numerous places that would interest us while driving around. Especially mentioning the Masjid Negara as a must visit site, he said that the national mosque has design influences from the Grand Mosque in Mecca and it is the largest in Asia. Another mosque is the Pink Putra Mosque a visual treat from miles away designed using rose-tinted granite. A display of rare pieces of Quran is yet another crowd puller to this landmark.

Slowly but steadily I was falling in love with Kuala Lumpur, my heart beating faster as I saw the city unravel its splendour through the words of a local man.

Religiously bound Hindu's find their way to the Batu Caves especially during the Hindu Festival called Thaipusam. Over 250 steps to climb to the Temple Cave does require loads of faith and endurance, which the festival celebrates at the holiest shrine in Malaysia through the celebration of Lord Subramaniam, the son of God Shiva.

Atop a hill is the Thean Thou Temple, a Chinese temple which is a shrine of the Goddess of the Ocean. Apart from many cultural activities that happen during the Chinese New Year, the temple is also a dream wedding photography location for many newly married couples.

Historical sites like the Merdeka Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Selangor Club Padang are worth visiting as well. Culturally jubilant Philharmonic Orchestra, sporty adventures in golf and football are also very popular among tourists. The list seems never-ending.

The shopping and food experiences are a delight and tantalize every taste-buds. A brand person or a street shopper, there is a place for everyone to explore - Luxury Malls, Budget Markets or Street Stalls. A gourmet heaven as it is known as, Kuala Lumpur has a fantastic mix of five-star restaurants to street hawkers to renowned chef restaurants too.

With enjoying the appetizer - a slice of Kuala Lumpur to the fullest, I was so enamoured with what the spread of the plate would be like. As I headed towards the airport, I made a promise to the city, 'I'm coming to meet you again soon. To breathe in the air filled with aromas, to hear the chants of the mixed culture, to touch the uneven architectural surfaces, to savoury the humongous spread of native cuisine and to see the unity in diversity.'

In all the rush of the getting on the plane, one feeling never left me. The feeling of when you travel away from home...and that's when I realised, 'I've found a HOME AWAY from HOME.' Let me know which is your Dream Asian Destination on your travel list - Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok?

Until I Meet You Again,
~ Heena

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Every parent strives to create a healthy and secure environment for their children and at times much beyond their abilities. Ensuring a clean house, tabling good quality food and using the best baby products are what some aspects parents do to enable them to create a favourable growing home for their children. And in unforeseen circumstances, the visit to the paediatrician is what parents think of.

Being a new-age mother, my anxiety started much before my princess was born. I kept reading through the dos and don'ts the moment the doctor said, 'tiny feet are on the way'. However what I realized today is that each child comes along with its own needs and wants, and the set rules don't really matter. What matters is the how well one understand their children and respond to their needs.

In the first few days since being promoted to the position of 'momma' I had a few baby-mares (re nightmares all related to my baby). In the very first week, we got her vaccination done at the maternity centre and the physician forgot to give her the BCG injection and thus the most important vaccination was delayed for over 6 weeks due to the stupidity of certified professional.

Then over the next few days, it was a tough call to understand why princess kept crying...I followed every rule in the book and in addition to the numerous suggestion only to be told by a paediatrician that she was prone to colic attacks which are caused by acidity due to lactose intolerance. Phew....

As soon as she started turning around, she fell off the bed. More than her, I cried all the way to the clinic much to the amusement of our driver. So many more instances that caused me panic attacks, as a parent. The slightest fever, the merest cold and most silent cough gave me sleepless nights. And then all I wanted to do is cuddle my precious 'bee' and stay put with her.

What is IMMUNITY?

Immunity is 'having sufficient biological defences to avoid infection, disease and unwanted biological invasion'. It is the body's natural resistance to keep away harmful germs from entering it, and preventing colonisation and spread of germs.

What can I do to protect your child from the endless array of germs and viruses that lie in wait each day?

It's like falling ill, being unwell and getting sick is all about being a child. A child is born with a relatively inexperienced immune system, which becomes stronger when faced with germs, viruses and bacteria. Paediatrician think a few illness and infections is a process of growing up, giving the child's immune system the education to perform its task for the future. Yes, it's all about growing up.

Building a Stronger, Healthier and a more Immune India -

Healthy and Happy Pregnancy
Good nutrition during pregnancy, a well-balanced diet and prenatal supplements are very important for a baby to grow and develop.One should consider consuming an additional 300 calories per day through 6-8 servings. Including foods items rich in fibre such as whole-grain bread, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables ensures the right growth of the baby through the various trimesters. Taking prenatal vitamin, calcium and mineral supplement as recommended by your doctor helps the baby in taking form in a timely manner. A stress-free environment and regular exercises also go a long way in aiding development and having a relaxed pregnancy and delivery.

Breastfeeding
Colostrum, the thick yellow 'pre-milk' produced in the first few days after childbirth is rich in disease-fighting antibodies which is essential for all babies. It is the first meal each baby should rightfully get within the first hour of birth in case of normal delivery and within 4 hours in case of C-Section delivery. Breastfeeding your baby is the best thing you can ever do for your baby as it contains immunity enhancing antibodies and white blood cells that guard against various infections, allergies and sudden infant death syndrome. Breast milk enhances brain development and also gives the baby the much need comfort to adapt to the new surroundings. Most paediatricians suggest only breastfeeding for the first six months and then onward a mix of breast milk, liquid diet and water. Many elder women suggest breastfeeding until about 14-15 months.

Vaccination
Vaccinations play a vital role in a baby's development keeping numerous diseases and illnesses ranging from polio to measles, and even the seasonal flu at bay. Following the recommended immunization schedule also ensures a regular check and follow-ups which may enable to identify any irregularities and help correct them in time.

Hydrated Balanced Diet
Introduce immunity boosting phytonutrients especially Vitamin C in the child's diet which stimulate the body's production of white blood cells. Eating 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, rich in phytonutrients protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Along with a balanced diet, the body needs loads of water each day not only to function but also to supplement the body cells. The golden rule is to drink at least 3 litres of water a day to build a strong biological system. Inculcate creative ways to encourage children to drink more water. Use interesting cups and glasses, flavour water with herbs, infuse water with cucumbers, fresh turmeric, etc to add colour and taste to it.

Cure with Natural Herbs
Counter the routine cold and cough bouts with home remedies while chucking those medicines out. Use aloe, tulsi and other such natural herbs to treat day-to-day minor illnesses. A spoonful of honey is yet another miracle portion which helps the human body get rid of toxins along with enriching the red blood cells. Including Chyawaprash, especially Dabur Chyawanprash which contains ayurvedic ingredients provides 3 times more immunity that helps fight virus flu and infections. Don't go for the prescriptions unless absolutely necessary and recommended by the paediatrician himself. Exploiting antibiotics can cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria which fail to respond to standard treatment, thereby affecting the immune system negatively.

Good Sleep Patterns
One of the most crucial requisites for a healthy immune system is adequate peaceful sleep. A child in the age group of 0-5 years needs a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 18 hours of uninterrupted rest. With numerous things happening simultaneously your child today remains very distracted and sleep routines are haphazard. Boost our child's sleep by limiting the use of electronics in the evening, retiring with your child after an early dinner each day, getting into bed at a scheduled time. Help your child to form a routine by singing or reading a story to her. A cuddle and few kisses go a long way in relaxing our child and ensuring a comfortable and secure personal space.

Healthy Habits
Cleanliness directly doesn't contribute to better immunity, however, it is a sure way of reducing numerous attacks on your child's immune system. Give your child a hygienic and fresh environment filled with natural surroundings to grow in. Help your child understand the importance of cleanliness - washing hands before and after meals, after using the bathroom, while playing and even when at home. Make your child cautious of using hand sanitizers and wet wipes when outdoors. And the most important point to remember here is 'a child learns by example', so do it yourself to preach it.

Physical Activity
Indulge in activities that incorporate physical as well as mental exercise, to stretch the human capabilities. Physical activities not only increases body cells but also encourages flexibility and agility through movements. Set time aside to go out and play with your child, especially games like badminton, catch and cycling which boost both mental and physical strength. Enrolling in a fun, yet high activity hobbies like swimming, dancing, ballet, skating etc help your child in building stamina as well as push the endurance limits.

Screen the Smoke
Active or passive smoking results in the same toxins entering the immune system to destroy and kill body cells. In fact, studies have shown that a child is more prone to the ill-effects of passive smoking as compared to an adult because not only a child breathes at a faster rate but also his natural detoxification system is less developed. Smoke increases the risk of numerous diseases like SIDS, ear and throat infections and asthma among children while affecting brain development and neurological stability. Banish all smoke causing elements, cigarettes and hookahs from any environment you create for your child - be it the home or the restaurants you visit as well as your car.

Cord Blood Banking
Cord Blood is a rich source of blood stem cells - the building blocks of the blood and the immune system. Stem cells have the ability to develop into all other types of cells, so they can help repair tissues, organs, blood vessels and can be used to treat potentially fatal diseases. People think of Stem Cell and Cord Blood Banking as the latest fad to hit the healthcare industry. The frozen stem-cell-rich umbilical cord blood will weave it's magic to create new blood and immune system, giving the child a better chance of making a full recovery.

Your child's health is in your very hands. Introduce these pointers in your lifestyle and boost not only your child's but also the immunity of your entire family.

Is there anything else I can include to make my family Immune to all the negatives, thereby contributing to an Immune India.

Leave me your thoughts in the comments below.
~ Heena

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