24 SEP

Junko Tabei

On The Top Of The World

Junko Tabei was the first woman to successfully climb Mt. Everest and break stereotypes. This is her story

It was a cold dark night. Nothing could be heard except for the swooshing wind. No birds chirping, no lights, no civilisation nearby. It was pitch black and scary. The snow fell in heaps, mercilessly.

In the midst of this, stood tents housing about 15 women and 6 Sherpas to guide them 9000ft above sea level. It was dangerous not to mention deadly. These 15 women were headed to an unprecedented feat- to become the first women to scale the Mt. Everest.

As of this time, they were resting, sound asleep to gain strength for their ascent the next day. Just then everything began shaking. There was a tremble and a lot of snow, huge amounts of snow, cast upon them. Inside their tents, they would be trampled. Junko Tabei woke up with a start. With quick thinking she unclasped the penknife from a cord on her neck and held it up. Just then another climber grabbed the knife and slit the tent. Yet Junko lost her consciousness.

On 4th May 1975, an avalanche had struck the group. Would they make it?

Bertha Benz

The Woman Behind the Benz

How Bertha Benz helped finance one of the best car companies

“Two young boys and a woman on a hissing, thumping horseless carriage could only be the work of the Devil himself.” This is what people had to say when they saw Bertha Benz swish past them along with her teenage sons. Read more about Bertha Benz …

22 SEP

Rani Lakshmibai

Dangerous Woman: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi -article by Jack Edwards Born: 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, India Died: 18 June 1858 in Kotah-ki-Serai, near Gwalior, India Early Life When she was born she was named Manikarnika Tambe. Her mother died when she was four years old. Her father, Moropant Tambe, worked in the […]

21 SEP

Coco Chanel

The Story Of Coco The Couturier who left behind a fashion legacy She never told anyone who she was except that she was French. Her past remained unknown, hidden in shadows whilst her work spoke for her. From an orphanage, a convent at that, she came and changed the meaning of style and chic. She […]

19 SEP

Rajabai Tower

Postcard Perfect

The Story of Mumbai’s Rajabai Tower

South Mumbai’s Fort area hasn’t lost its British aura yet. The buildings, wide roads, the Flora Fountain and the Asiatic Library surely aren’t boasting an Indian look.

Sir Bartle Frere came to Bombay as the Governor of the Bombay Presidency. When he landed here in 1864, he knew that the Bombay skyline was an empty canvas to paint on. The chief wealthy businessmen at the time like Sir Jamshedjee Jeejebhoy, Jagannath Sunkersett, David Sasson and Sir Premchand Roychund had made a lot of money in the metropolis owing to the heavy trade between India and Britain which was conducted chiefly in Bombay. They readily joined in to Sir Frere’s idea to craft Bombay into mini London.

History of Modern Chocolate

What Came First: Solid Chocolate or Chocolate Drink? This is the Story of the Modern Chocolate Breathe in. Can you smell it? That sweet, vanilla and a little bitter aroma? Now close your eyes and imagine this thick creamy brown liquid. A brown glossy liquid with that mouthwatering aroma. Imagine it, think about it. […]

12 SEP

Jeans

The Story Of Old Blue Jeans

Jeans aren’t just a trend, they are signs of youth

Rip them, fold them, taper them, dye them, wrinkle them- they look stunning on everyone. The denim or jeans as we so call them, are one of the most comfortable clothes to spend the day in.

‘Denim’ is believed to be the end product of the word- Nimes. Serge de Nimes was a type of cloth containing some wool sold by France and England. It is difficult to pin point the exact origins of this cloth or how it ended up in jeans. Nimes was a french city and thus most historians argue that it is not possible for ‘denim’ to have its origins in Nimes.

At the same time, Italy began using another material called ‘Jean’ to make men’s clothing. This material was also imported by England! Which adds into the complexity.

Phew, what a confusion! Read more about Jeans …

08 SEP

St. Cajetan Church

The Most Beautiful Church I’ve Ever Seen

The St. Cajetan Church shows us ‘Elegance in Simplicity’

If one decides to leave the crowded beaches alone and venture into the quaint narrow lanes of Goa, there is so much to discover. Personally I am not a big fan of the beaches and when in Goa, I am mostly hunting for Portuguese food. After binging on a Balchao or a Xacuti, it is time to go church hunting.

Old Goa is famous for the White and Red Churches that stand on opposite sides of the road. These churches are often swamped with tourists. They are magnificent, no doubt but take a road less travelled. From where these churches stand, slide down one of the lanes towards the Mandovi River. As you drive further with the help of a GPS, you’ll know exactly what you are searching for- the St. Cajetan Church. This Church might look like a white structure at first but as you park your vehicle and advance towards it amidst a wonderfully maintained garden, you’ll notice the beauty on the whitewashed walls. Read more about St. Cajetan Church …

05 SEP

The Arch of the Viceroys

Enter Goa Like A Royal Viceroy

Most People Have Never Heard of This Celebrated Arch

When in Goa, take a detour. There are a handful of things that a city girl like me finds impressive in this state. One of those is the ferry that takes not only people on board but also real life cars. In a time when we are so used to flyovers and bridges, a boat to cross over holds a wonder like a newborn looking at a balloon. So there I sat overlooking the Mandovi river crossing. The entire river crossing took over 2 minutes. They were working in a very efficient manner.

Calling it a day, we decided to go back the way we came unfortunately it was not via the ferry. Heading towards Old Goa, we were about to pass an old yet neglected looking archway. Since the road was pretty much quaint, we decided to halt and look around. After peeping here and there, we realised what we were looking at was the Viceroy’s Arch. I took a few snaps.