11th Aug 2019: I ran 14k City2Surf today starting from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach. It was a fun filled event and I took about 90 minutes to finish, which isn't a bad timing. I started running in the winter initially for 5k everyday and gradually, increasing to 10k, 12k and 14k in a month's practice. Alongside, I was swimming, yoga and pranayama which go hand in hand and improved breathe control while running. 

The event was fun filled and the runners were cheerful. The music bands cheered us all the way to the finish. :) There were water stations every 3-4km but I reckon you take your own water bottle and sunscreen. After 4km, I was a bit drained as it was a sunny day and had to stop for while. But my situation improved slowly and I was able to run without any knee ache or calf muscle injury. 

City2Surf Map

Music bands

I got my medal on completion, hurray!!!

June is a very special month to me. Its the month I entered this world and my birthday is on the World Environment Day and I like the pleasant green which represents Mother Earth. I believe that green brings good luck. Seeing the plight of the city today, come lets paint the world green, planting trees!

June is the month I traveled overseas to the world's most liveable and loveable city and I had loads of memoirs connected to the place. It has been the best gift I have received so far.

Every June I receive the prasad Badrinath temple during my birthday. This year, there has been a delay and I am hopeful, I will receive it soon. 

Kia Ora is a the most commonly used welcome affirmation in New Zealand Maori language. One would notice Kia Ora at the airports, shopping malls, stores, coffee shops and restaurants, which means wishing you good health.

Kia Kaha is another commonly used Maori affirmation meaning, "Stay Strong", at all times and is a phrase for comforting and cajoling during difficult times.

Ka Pai meaning all good, is an easy way to respond when someone asks you "All okay?"

I learned these words during my visit to New Zealand and continue to use them. Isn't it a great way to greet? 

The National Opal Collection, an Opal museum, located at Pitt St, Sydney, situated at the first floor. The museum is open from 9 AM until 6 PM, 7 days a week and the entry is FREE!

Entrance of the Opal Museum, Pitt St - Sydney

As I entered, my attention was caught the Evolution of Opals, huge dinasaurs, bones of various shapes. It has been a well known fact, that opals were extracted from stones however I was never of this interesting fact that the Opals were also extracted from dinasaur bones.

I must say, I am now addicted to writing the "Haul" posts as my shopping bucket is growing day by day. I step out of the house with "NO" intentions of buying and repeat the mantra on my mind- "No shopping this month, already have a high expenditure." But heart has a different mantra - "Just this one time, c'mmon baby!" I have decided to come up with the "Haul" posts to make a note of my Shopping Cart and believe me, you're not going to get bored reading these posts. Hope you enjoy reading these posts as much as I enjoy writing them.

What's your shopping mantra? Have your ever faced the same mind and heart mantra? Do share in your comments.

My first Color Run in Sydney was memorable and delightful. Having seen so many banners and videos of color runners, I registered online for color run on a Sunday. It was a bright and sunny day and I was ready for the crazy color splash. It was a huge crowd at the venue and there wasn't a timing nor it a race. Some ran, some walked, while some danced. Colors are made using non-toxic, corn starch, friendly colors. The colors are soft and non-allergitic, when you wash clothes, colors go off at a single wash.