TBM VIPIN CHANGANI 01 I S S U E NOV 2019 THE BLOGGERS MAIL MAGAZINE RENDEZVOUS WITH THE BUSINESS OF FASHION "TRENDS FOR A PERFECT FORMAL LOOK" JAISALMER: A GOLDEN MEMOIR TBM TRAVEL SPECIAL BREATH-IN, TOX-IN DELHI'S AIR EMERGENCY BEST EXERCISES FOR WEIGHT LOSS 5 SEASON 3 COMING SOON COUTURE RUNWAY WEEK N O V 2 0 1 9 I S S U E 1 T The Bloggers Mail Magazine welcomes all the readers to its first issue, The Bloggers Mail Magazine or TBM Magz. Is a first ever-digital magazine curated by bloggers themselves. The November 2019 issues featured the known Face, “Vipin Changani“ winner of Amazon prime reality series "Skulls and Roses " (2019) who talked about his family , lifestyle , future goals and his passion for sports that made him a national level player. Also, this month, we felt the pain delhites who are surviving under the "severe plus" or "emergency" condition as per the AQI and living along while Breathing in Toxin. The next part in the edition also gave an insight of Tokyo Motor Show as a concept on the prevalent theme — Electrification, taking in consideration of the aged population in japan car makers went beyond to share mobility, autonomous driving, and even beyond the car itself. We all know how difficult it has become to make a choice over a good smartphone therefore in our edition we bring a solution to problem by comparing the pros, and cons of two major players in the market i.e the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 10+. The TBM also expert story on travel that brought a glimpse of Jaisalmer as a place with gold and scintillating Smiles. Not only travel, but we also let you have advice over food choice. Our foodie explored quality food especially curated keeping in mind the street food culture and the changing culinary taste of the millennial at the Cafe Hawkers. After exploring new places and cuisine, it’s time to burn some calories to have balance routine. So, we introduce a column featuring a routine to Burn out extra fat with FIVE best exercises that will target multiple muscles, rev your metabolism, and torch calories. Lastly TBM brought expert advice over fashion trends featuring story on "The Business of Fashion" - how an iconic ensemble represents the past, present, and future of men’s fashion? and the amalgamation of fitness with fashion. As per director, Nishant Kumar Tomar“ TBM is a new creative way to bring out of box thinkers under one roof collaborating and sharing their content, giving recognition so that it generates new ideas and work for individuals. He firmly believes that " There is something for everyone! ". N I S H A N T K U M A R T O M A R D E L H I , I N D I A EDITOR'S WORD An illustration from stylebyniks Follow me on Instagram @tbm.magz or Email me at tbm.magz@gmail.com 01 I S S U E T B M 2 7 06 Breath - in , Tox - in 08 AutoDistrict 10 Tech - Revu 13 Travel Diaries 19 Gourmet 21 Burn it out 23 Blog Story 33 Fashion n fitness Issue 01 02 Editor's Note 10 Tech - Revu 23 Business of Fashion 30 CRW cover Jaisalemer special Cafe Hawkers: Heaven for all food lovers Travel Diaries Gourmet Tokyo Motor Show 2019 Business of fashion Auto District Blog Story 06 Breath-in Toxic-in survival in Delhi with air emergency Spectator S T A P L E S T B M M A G Z . 19 13 23 24 ORDER NOW The Positive Root Therapy Plus- Ultra High Potency Castor Oil for hair, is enriched with the goodness of castor seed extracts and works as an active ingredient in the process of Hair Building. This oil for hair, is a miracle oil for hair and hair fall control when it comes to deeply penetrating into the Hair Follicles and makes sure that the rich content of this oil for hair nourishment for men, is absorbed properly. AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN stylebyniks.com | 6 T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L SPECTATOR B R E A T H E - I N , T O X - I N The time of the year has come and knocked the doors again, this time it has broken down a lot of records. The Daily newspapers are flooded with pictures of paddy fields in Punjab being scorched by farmers, with the smoke drifting over Delhi- NCR. The Delhi government, on the other hand, has implemented the odd-even car rationing scheme (in which cars with odd number plates ply on odd numeric days and those with even number plates on the other) to reduce traffic pollution. And the luckless inhabitants of the city are rushing to shopping malls and market to buy masks for their faces when they are outin the smog and air purifiers for their houses and cars. Days when Delhi winter foretells chilly cool days with bright blue skies and streaked sunshine in which we could all relax (this annual ritual now, this kind of thing) is long over. These days the arrival of winter is just all about increase in no. of respiratory ailments, even as we hide in our homes, with the air purifiers working through the day and checking the pollutant levels anxiously on the counter screen to see if it’s making any difference to the air in the room. As per medical experts going for a walk or Photo: ULLSTEIN BILD/GETTY IMAGES the sum. To be fair, Delhi government has undertaken some small steps to reduce air pollution. Construction is brought to a halt during the months is which air pollution is at severe levels, banning entry of trucks, shutting down schools are taken under the Graded Response Action Plan. Industrial units have been asked to relocate or even shut down when the air quality gets very bad. And then, as mentioned before, there is the odd-even rationing scheme, that is pulled out every year around this time. Does this makes any difference? Frankly, it’s hard to tell. Government sources insisted that the air quality would be even worse if they did not implement these measures and later this week the AQI (Air Quality Index) entered the 'severe plus' or 'emergency" category. 0-50 GOOD 51-100 SATISFACTORY 101-200 MODERATE 201-300 POOR 301-400 VERY POOR 401-500 SEVERE > 500 SEVERE-PLUS Air Quality Index monoxide (CO). The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and health concerns. While sceptics scoff that this is like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound and hoping that it will block the blood flow. So all those who can afford; time and money – to get away from Delhi NCR during this period, are doing. Some escape to their holiday homes in the ountains or some beach destination. But all are not lucky enough to have such escape routes vailable to them. So what can people who are stuck in Delhi through these months do to deal with the pollution as they go about their daily lives? Here are some suggestions: The AQI takes into account five chief pollutants -- particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10), PM2.5 ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon a run is a pretty bad idea. Especially children are at risk, due to underdeveloped lungs that are unable to cope with the pollutants in the air. The things stand still and given lack of concern of government agencies there’s hardly a chance that the things will improve. We have been hearing for years now that the farmers of Punjab will be given a special allowance to compensate them for not burning their stubble, but using farm equipment to get the fields ready for the second sowing. But even though the sums involved are far from astronomical, neither the state nor the central government seems interested to dig into its pockets and hustle up Invest in good air purifiers for every room of your house (basically with HEAP filters). It will be expensive but well worth it in terms of what you save by way of health care. Remember to vacuum clean them every week and change filters every year (or even sooner depending on how filthy they get). Keep the doors shut when you are running them, but don’t forget to air out the house once or twice a day or you will be breathing in stale air all day. Since plants are the best natural air purifiers. So buy a few pots of spider plant, aloe vera, ficus, bamboo plant (there are plenty of options). Google it before heading out to the nursery in order to get options. Place them in the rooms in which you spend the most time. If your job allows it, spend as much time indoors as possible.however its not that pratical but if your boss is willing, then work out of home for at least part of the week, so that your exposure to pollutants is limited. Don’t go for a walk or jog in the park. Head to the gym or just invest in a treadmill/cross trainer at home so that you can work out without venturing out. Though air quality has shown minor improvement in some big cities in recent time. But it is not sufficient and more focused, time-bound initiatives at both city and national levels are required to address the issue. The need for a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)-India for reduction in air pollution levels at both regional and urban scales is both urgent and necessary. The residents should take care of the environment cause when it comes to combatting air pollution, every little bit helps. So do your best to ensure that every breath you take is as healthy as possible. Give your guard a space heater so he doesn’t have to light a little fire to keep him warm during those long winter nights. Use electric heaters rather than ‘sigris’ when you are entertaining, don’t light any bonfires to keep your self warm. To reduce traffic-based air pollution and congestion use car pools, bicycles, public transport like metro, railway or buses. Citizens too must shed hang-ups over social status and try to travel by public transport proactively. CLEAR THE AIR Now arrival of winter about a spike in rates of respiratory ailments. Give your guard a space heater so he doesn’t have to light a little fire to keep him warm during those long winter nights. The views expressed by the columnist are personal T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 7 AUTODISTRICT T O K Y O M O T O R S H O W 2 0 1 9 Japanese car makers are now thinking of small, robotised wheeled machines as mobility solutions especially for the ageing population. That’s where cool concepts like Toyota’s ‘Concept-I’ come as a ultimate solution for the elderly. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, Toyota envisions a future where wheelchairs can autonomously be driven into cars like the I-RIDE and the I-WALK, is high- tech three wheeled scooter. A high-powered computer, on-board connectivity and a high- tech guidance system, all linked together by some serious AI software does it all seamlessly and safely. Toyota's AI technology development programme is “based on an understanding that mobility goes beyond physical transportation to include the human need to be moved and engaged emotionally”, suggesting that self- driving vehicles should include functions to keep their passengers occupied. The concept’s styling is futuristic, featuring a covered rear wheel, floor-to-ceiling glass and slim, diagonal headlights. Toyota LQ concept is intended to be a Level 4 car (full automation on limited-access roads) with a Siri-like personal assistant: Yui will build an emotional bond between car and driver. To make driver peppier, or less agitated, it might employ HVAC, infotainment, onboard fragrances, or seat massager. Digital mirror device (DMD) headlamps can flash images or messages on road. E lectrification was the prevalent theme at the 2019 Tokyo motor show. but car makers went beyond that to shared mobili- -ty, autonomous driving and even beyond the car itself. Cars for the specific needs of a densely populated country with few onshore energy resources was on the frontline at the show. MOBILITY FOR AGING The Toyota LQ’s Yui, a Siri-like personal - Friends with Benefits : assistant, will predict when you’re sleepy, hungry or late for a meeting and respond accordingly Suzuki's two-door concept can transform from coupe to wagon with just press of switch. It's a funky idea tries to meet the needs of buyers who want their cars to do more while looking good. The retro design features fender cameras in place of vintage car mirrors, and front fascia that change appearances when needed. The Hanare is a little van with a design that leaves you wondering, which MOBILITY FOR AGING Transforming wagon : Suzuki Hanare end is which? Is that taillight or headlight? In Japanese, Hanare means detached cottage or room, which makes sense because Suzuki promises the Hanare will be an autonomous home away rom home, with spacious, "comfort inspired" interior. Suzuki's wacky concepts like the retro-styled Waku SPO , a plug-in hybrid concept that can be customised to change its shape! It can go from an estate to a coupe body style by retracting the rear section T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 8 The only relevant car for India was the 2020 Honda Jazz. But sadly, Honda won’t be bringing it to India... Alpina revealed a new 462-hp 3-series during the show. It's capable of a 3.8-second 60-mph run, and if reaches a top speed of 188 mph. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six under the hood bolts to a ZF eight-speed automatic. The Alpina B3 has all-wheel drive courtesy of BMW's xDrive system. On the inside, the B3 has hand-stitched Lavalina leather, metal emblems in its floor mats, and Alpina doorsills. The sad part is that the B3 goes on sale next year. BMW Alpina's B3 sedan LEXUS LF-30 concept Lexus offer hybrids and teases wireless charging with its LF-30 concept. Its body lines appear sharp enough to slice bread, and the vehicle has a windshield that doesn't end until it reaches the rear seats. Passengers can use gesture controls to manage infotainment and other functions without ever pressing a button. We expect the tech behind its four-motor electric powertrain to influence future models. It comes straight out of next Star Wars movie and those 24 inch wheels look like flying saucers. HONDA Fit (JAZZ in some countires) The Fourth-generation Honda Fit comes with both joy and concern. Honda has sharpened its already handsome subcompact hatchback looks without trading fashion for its functional spacious interior. Honda says a new hybrid powertrain is in the works for the global market, but company reps are still keeping their lips sealed about the car's future in the U.S. market. it’s tidy inside and, naturally, full of storage cubbies. Honda’s also used some interior design techniques from the upcoming Honda e city car, including a new two-spoke steering wheel and digital instruments. MITSUBISHI Mi-Tech Mi-Tech concept buggy is the proof that it's thinking outside the box when it comes to hybrid technology. The Mi-Tech is powered by a plug-in-hybrid electric powertrain with a four-motor electric AWD system, with front and rear active yaw control and electrically actuated brake calipers. Plus, the Mi-Tech can take 180-degree turns by counter rotating the left and right electric motors. When the batteries die, the turbine engine charges them back up. The front end embraces Mitsubishi's new Dynamic Shield front-end design, featuring a satin-plated grille with copper inserts and T-shaped headlights. T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 9 TECH-REVU S A M S U N G V S A P P L E Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max VS Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Dimensions 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32 in) 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.31 in) Weight 226 g (7.97 oz) 196 g (6.91 oz) Build Front/back glass, stainless steel frame Front/back glass, aluminum frame SIM Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) Rest IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 4m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins), Stylus ( Accelerometer, Gyro) Dimensions Super Retina XDR OLED capacitive touch Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touch Size 6.5 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.7% ) 6.8 inches, 114.0 cm2 (~91.0%) Resolution 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio 1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio Protection Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating, DolbyVision, HDR10, 120Hz touch-sensing Corning Gorilla Glass 6, HDR10+ OS iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 13.2 Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) CPU Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 640 Main Camera 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4μm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/2.0, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0μm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom | 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide) 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4μm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/2.1, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0μm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom | 16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.0μm, Super Steady video | TOF 3D VGA camera Video 2160p@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/ 240fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. 2160p@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, dual-video rec., stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS Main Camera Selfie Camera 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide) | SL 3D camera 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1.22μm, Dual Pixel PDAF Video 2160p@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120 fps, gyro-EIS 2160p@30fps Battery Non-removable Li-Ion 3969 mAh battery Non-removable Li-Ion 4300 mAh battery Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 10 by Tarun Bhardwaj Telephoto camera Ultra Wide camera Wide camera Previous Apple iPhone generations have always been among best smartphones for imaging, and iPhone 11 Pro Max is no different. It matches top scorer for Video, recording video PROS clips with good detail, a very wide dynamic range, and smooth stabilization in most circumstances. Its still image results also put it among the best, thanks to consistently good results from primary camera, which is now accompanied by a very capable ultra-wide lens with one of the widest fields of view we have seen. Bokeh simulation and zoom performance at long range are not quite up with the very best, but if those areas are not top priorities, the new iPhone is an easy recommendation for any mobile image creator, especially those who are already in invested in the iOS ecosystem. Good levels of detail in most test conditions. Accurate target exposure and wide dynamic range in most situations. Fast, accurate, and repeatable autofocus. Vivid and pleasant colors. Very wide ultra-wide lens, with good detail and dynamic range, and well-controlled chromatic aberrations. CONS Noise visible in all light conditions. Loss of detail in long-range zoom shots. Ringing in outdoor images. Lack of detail in flash images. Strong yellow cast under low warm light. Lack of detail and noise in ultra-wide images. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ LTE’s imaging performance is pretty much detailed, in portrait the color is off a little, can balance heavy shadows in alley with bright sky. For selfie the bokhek effect is fine and in case of low light and 2x zoom in that where lens is slower than standard. for mobile photographers and video shooters alike Galaxy Note 10+s still an excellent choice. CAMERA REVIEW PROS Good levels of detail in most test conditions. Fast, accurate, and repeatable autofocus. Accurate target exposures outdoors and indoors with wide dynamic range. Pleasant bokeh with natural blur gradient and good bokeh shape. Nice colors and good white balance in almost all conditions. Vivid and pleasant color in most conditions. Good zoom detail at close and medium range. CONS Noise visible in all light conditions. Loss of detail in long-range zoom shots. Ringing in outdoor images. Lack of detail in flash images. Strong yellow cast under low warm light. Lack of detail and noise in ultra-wide images. Saying which one of these is strictly better, almost impossible because of the S Pen. Can’t replace S Pen with anything and as a user you would make the best of it on a daily basis then iPhone has nothing can compensate for it. If you’re not, then Note is in a handicapped position as recommending to users doesn’t need an S Pen means pay extra for nothing. when you add to that the completely different ecosystems they exist in, it gets even harder. Once again, ultimately it’s up to the individual to evaluate which categories matter to them the most and which device will be a better fit in the long run. Ball’s in your court, good luck! CONCLUSION T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 11 J A IS A LMER , A GOLDEN MEMOIR TRAVELDIARIES Welcome to Jaisalmer A glimmering mirage in the unending gold of the mighty Thar. Namaste Distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture, Jaisalmer beats right in the heart of the Thar Desert. Rising to prominence as a medieval trading center lying on the camel trade route, the city has risen from its ashes of the past in the last half century to become a thriving tourist destination of Rajasthan. Rich in culture, heritage, folklore and tradition, the city gives you a larger than life glimpse of Rajasthan, basking you in the western Indian princely state’s true colours, welcoming you as one of its own. While lying remotely on NH15, Jaisalmer is not forgotten by the world. It offers an amalgamation of ancient and medieval architectural marvels, ornate havelis, delectab- -le native dishes and colourful traditional attire that is enough to work magic on a traveler’s heart. The crowning glory of Jaisalmer is its desert fortress which dominates the city’s skyline. Jaisalmer Fort, which has stood the test of time and bears testimony to bloody battles gone by, lies sprawled across the hill top, resting upon its 99 bastions, clearly aware of the majestic past it represents. FIND YOUR WAY By Road: Jaisalmer enjoys Volvo bus service and even Mercedes plying to and from Delhi and Ahmedabad. Many RSRTC buses and private roadway operators also provide buses to Jaisalmer from Mumbai, Pune and other major cities. Rajasthan State Transport Corporation buses also ply from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Barmer and Mt. Abu. By Rail: Many trains connect Jaisalmer to other parts of the country on a daily or weekly basis. During the peak season, many superfast AC trains also make Jaisalmer their stop. Jaisalmer is also a major station on the route of Palace on Wheels (Yay for the super-rich!). By Air: Since the civil airport at Jaisalmer is still not ready, you have to take a flight till Jodhpur, from whence you can either board a bus or hire a cab. Jodhpur Airport is at a distance of 300 km from Jaisalmer. by Mariya Darakshan T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 13 Since we were all backpackers on a shoe-string budget, we boarded the Mandore Express, sleeper class, from Old Delhi Railway Station till Jodhpur. We reached Jodhpur at 7:30 in the morning following which we got on a local RSRTC bus. The entire one-way journey cost us not more than Rs 550. After listening to wailing children in the sleeper and being crushed by rather healthy local Rajasthani aunties, we finally made it to our destination in the afternoon around 2:30 pm. An advice for those who cannot handle crowds- take a private bus from Jodhpur, Since these local buses ply every hour, they stop at every village enroute Jaisalmer and trust me the crowd can get pretty overwhelming for the next 5 hours that it takes to reach Jaisalmer from Jodhpur! The location of this hostel makes it one of the best accommodation options for backpackers as it is centrally located, right next to the Jaisalmer Fort. We covered the entire city on foot, slowly taking in every corner and crevice of the Golden City. At night, you can relish the lit up fort view from the terrace of Hostel Fort Side- Yes! It’s that’s close! With two rooms for Rs. 800 and saving on the rental of a scooty, we had struck gold! Accomodation-cum-Home Being a favourite of tourists during the months of October to February, Jaisalmer obviously has no dearth of accommodation options. Depending upon what kind of a traveler you are, there are 5-star hotels as well as cheap bread and breakfast places. During my visit to Jaisalmer, I unearthed one such gem- Hostel Fort Side, Jaisalmer. A decent sized hostel accommodation, Hostel Fort Side is a perfect blend of Rajasthani colours, culture and stories- every backpacker's paradise. You can get rooms here for as cheap as 300 bucks a night! The price range is between Rs. 300 to 650 depending upon your choice of room- ‘standard’ or ‘deluxe’. The owner of the place, Mr. Aladdin, is the warmest host and a great storyteller. He will go out of his way to help you and give you the best itinerary advice, especially when you c on hands as was our case and make you feel at home. Exploring the City Like I mentioned before, if you find an accommodation which is centrally located, you need not hire any vehicle for sightseeing. We managed to cover almost the entire city and its breathing havelis and forts on foot. Once you set out into the city, it captivates you with its brilliance. Visit the Gadisar Lake and see all your troubles melt away into the surrounding water. The once-upon-a-time water reservoir is now a peaceful boating site surrounded by temples and migratory birds. Watching the sunset at Gadisar is something you would not want to miss. As the amber hues of the setting sun unite with the horizon, the entire surroundings are caught under its magical gleam. There is only peace, and more peace. The Jaisalmer Fort of course is the highlight of the city. In fact, quite a major chunk of the rests within the fort itself. This massive sandcastle has stood tall since the 12th century and now rises from the golden rolling sands as reminder of the bygone era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its twisting lanes are still inhabited by ancient Jain Temples, bustling bazars, charming eateries and Rajasthani homes. If you want to experience something breathtaking, perch yourself atop the fort and Through the streets of Jaisalmer Colorful Rebel T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 14 V V watch the sun come down on the city. Slowly, a twinkle here and there, then everywhere, and as the world goes to sleep, Jaisalmer awakens. We just sat there relishing life at a slow pace and savouring the view of Jaisalmer city with its endless horizon. The view not only takes your breath away but also reminds you to breathe. Our second phase of exploration, however, required a vehicle for which we struck a bargain of Rs. 1500 for a sedan for 24 hours including the night and a driver- all thanks to Mr. Aladdin’s kindness. Bada Bagh lies 6 km from the main city, on the outskirts. This is a beautiful cluster of cenotaphs, a surviving reminder of the royal families from 16th century to the 20th century. The domed architecture also takes you back to the City of Agrabah in Aladdin... or maybe that was just me! Kuldhara is another interesting place which however remains less explored. It is the ruins of a 13th century village, which vanished overnight without any trace. It said to e a ‘haunted’ location and our host warned us strictly against picking up anything from the place. We maintained protocol and obeyed his orders so I can’t tell you for sure whether it’s really haunted. But if you are a traveler with love for rustic architecture, Kuldhara will appeal to your senses. Please note, all these places except the Gadisar and Jaislamer Fort have entry charges ranging between Rs. 50 to 100 per head plus camera charges separately. There are many great options to eat here. While not getting into all of them, I would like to highlight two. One is the Government Authorized Bhaang Shop right outside the Jaisalmer Fort. If you are the adventurous kinds, you must stop at the Bhaang Shop and try some of their great lassis and shakes. A great ‘trip’ assured! Also, we had dinner at Jaisal Italy, a beautifully done restaurant facing one side of the fort. The ambience of the place at night is intoxicating accompanied by the lit up majestic view of the fort. The interiors of Jaisal Italy, done in rustic Rajasthani flavours, are heartwarming and picture worthy! The grand finale to this travel was the night camping in Sam Sand Dunes. Endless rolling sand dunes, clear starry skies, an exceptionally cheerful moon and you- there is no better way to relax in a desert! The evening started with a camel ride into the Thar where we lay back in the sand and saw the evening spreading its arms around vast stretches of nothingness. Coming back to the camp, we were given a traditional Rajasthani welcome followed by a musical evening of folk performances and hot Gadisar Lake Patwon ki Haveli Photogenic camels-an additional treat of Jaisalmer T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 15 V Puppet sellers at Gadisar Lake ht view of Jaisalmer Fort View of Gadisar Lake Top view from Jaisalmer Fort Salem Singh ki Haveli Smile and sell, Jaisalmer Fort Kuldhara Evening hues at Thar Desert V V V With its kaleidoscopic demeanour and scintillating smiles, Jaisalmer is a city you cannot help but fall in love with. snacks. We booked a tent at the Prince Desert Camp and were not disappointed- great service, clean and warm tents with okay food. Cherry on the Top- Jaislamer Desert Festival I timed my visit to Jaisalmer in such a manner that it coincided with the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. This is a riot of colours and cultures as the entire city parades from the Gadisar Lake to the Sam Sand Dunes, exhibiting its charm to the world. Tourists from all parts of the world gather in the city to witness this three-day extravaganza of music and festivity which is celebrated once a year in February (Hindu month of Magh). This year the festival fell on 7th, 8th and 9th February. Turbaned Rajasthani men adorning their long moustaches, richly decorated camels, fire dancers, camel races, turban tying competition, Rajasthani women dressed in their best, high pitched folk music serenading through the streets of the city- that is just a glimpse of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival for you. Also, BSF jawans dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire and walking the ramp to compete for the title of ‘Mr. Desert’ is a sight you don’t see every day! On the third day, the entire procession walks from Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium to Sam Dunes which is 42 km away from the city. The final performances happen in the heart of the Thar where the music reverberates in the desert long after the festival is over. So if you want to experience Rajasthan in three days, make sure you attend the Jaisalmer Desert Festival next year. With this our sojourn in the Golden City came to an end. The city has many more opportunities to offer but due a constraint of time, we left them for next time. For there will definitely be a next time. Jaisalmer, though overhyped, is more laid back a city. While it has a warm climate, you’ll find warmer people. It catches your attention the first time, commands it the next. Camel Ride through the sand dunes Entrance to Patwon ki Haveli Glimpses of Jaisalmer Desert Festival T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 17 GOURMET A heaven for all food lovers elhi may have extended its arms into Haryana and UP, but the old-world charm of the city remains and flourishes in Canna- -ught Place (CP for Dilliwallas). The heart of the city, if one may say so, still lies in the sprawling neighbourhood of Purani Delhi, CP among many other places. The heart of the city, if one may say so, still lies in the sprawling neighbourhood of Purani Delhi, CP among many other places. D CafeHawkers is popular for its Mexican and Lebanese food platter, offering a variety of dishes from the region but with a desi street twist to suit the Indian taste. While CP may have developed a great food culture over the decades with some traditionalsetups doing great business and carrying their legacy forward, many closed down or bowed out to make way for new ideas of the time. Cafe Hawkers on Radial Road next to Odeon complex is one such new place to not just splurge your pocket on weekends to get drunk only, but also to try some quality food especially curated keeping in mind the street food culture of India and the changing culinary taste of the millennial. Owned by brother duo, the restaurant has been visited by the likes of actor Shakti Kapoor. Cafe Hawkers and Gola Sizzlers is part of the brand chain that the Kapoor brothers run across the capital city with a monthly traffic so great that they feel no need to have student discounts or discounts of any kind,corporate chef of the chain, Ravikant explained. Their Butter Chicken Pizza and Smoked Chicken Pizza are the non-veg specials and for vegetarians, the Pao Bhaji Pizza is a must try. To cater to vegetarians, the restaurant offers veg pastas mostly (ever heard that before?) and to add non-vegetarian toppings, one has to tell the staff before. As part of the vegetarian minority, I began my culinary delight journey with starters that included Hawkers’ special Baked Nachos, Quesadilla and a light summer drink – Kiwi Delight. by Mohit Kumar T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 19 The quantity is in plus the standard amounts, so please order accordingly. Baked Nachos is a staple starter food everywhere. However, what was different here was the Mexican bean addition along with a spicy blend of jalapenos. For what it’s worth, the dish is a must try. Quesadilla with an Indian blend has a filling of Mexican beans again, paneer and capsicum.The stuffing reminded me of Kathi rolls but the tortilla base was well prepared and lent an authentic feel to the dish. The best part, however, was the dressing that was served as accompaniment. Shredded avocado with sour cream and salsa sauce completed the dish which tasted even better if you mixed all the three and dipped your quesadilla in it. CafeHawkers’ does not specialize in the drinks menu, offering a mid-level range of popular summer coolers and alcoholic drinks. Despite that, their Kiwi Delight is great: a crushed ice colourful mix of blackcurrant-with cranberry juice filling and kiwi-orange juice filling. The blend is so good that you can have it without stirring it from each side, or savour it slowly by mixing the two flavours. There are also a variety of other options in the vegetarian section in the starters menu. A healthy vegetable platter with boiled and sizzled vegetables is a good alternative and so is the Mexican Fajita Sizzler. Both staple dishes are equally popular among regulars. Another noticeable detail in between the starters and the main course was the architecture of the place. The Cafe culture was visible in its portraits,wooden door and a vintage telephone at the entrance. The Hawker part of the ambience is visible when you sit down to eat. The table and chairs are of steel, boarder room type. Old-school and the artificial grass background give an earthy feel to the whole setup. As part of the main course, I decided to ditch North-Indian cuisine and go along with the special Pao Bhaoji Pizza and Redi (cart) wala Burger. The PaoBhaji Pizza was a 14-inch thin crust body The Pao Bhaji Pizza was a 14-inch thin crust body with a fusion of cheese and taste of bhaji. The presence of Bhaji was subtle and never quite there. The base could have been worked upon better. The Redi Wala Burger literally served on a Redi is nothing but the cult-favourite Bun-Tikki. Though, the latter tastes much better, the burger could have been something more than just that. It tasted bland, was overstuffed but went well with the Kimchi salad dressing and potato chips. Zomato Rating: 4.1/5 Price: Rs 1200 for two (approx.) Cuisines: North Indian, Fast Food Opening hours: 11am – 12 midnight Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk Address: L/ 22, Radial Road, Near Odean Cinema, Connaught Place, New Delhi Phone Numbers: 011-23416138 / 23413131 Instagram- @cafehawkers Facebook- @cafehawkers T H E B L O G G E R S M A I L stylebyniks.com | 20