Once upon a time in a land far away … there was a fairytale place, which lasts until today. The world which cannot be described with a million of words, one cannot name all its colors, scents and sounds. When I was a teenager I was fascinated by the exoticness and mysteriousness of this place, which I really wanted to get to know better. Such interests were fostered by Bollywood films which were popular at that time, films which not only gave us some beautiful emotions set in different stories which took place in India, but they were also full of wonderful aesthetic and artistic sensations derived from dances, music and actors’ costumes.

India doesn’t only consist of films, which have moved more than one tender heart, but it is also a kind of reality full of contradictions which is good to get to know a little bit better before we pass judgment on it. Despite the fact that on the face of it wealth blends with poverty, and traditions try to replace modernity, after having a closer look at that reality we will notice that sometimes things aren’t as they seem at the beginning, and a country like India, is a place in which people hungry for knowledge and adventures are born, individuals who want to promote their homeland to change its image on the international arena and show what this full of traditions land really tastes and smells like. Of course, there is still a lot to do to make people have the same chances to succeed no matter which part of India they reside in, but things have already changed for the benefit of residents of this fascinating place on earth.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a blogger and a traveler – Saniya Puri, who really loves her homeland, family and getting to know new cultures, which not only enrich her as a person, but also as an author of travel guides.

Passion Piece: Could you tell my readers a few words about yourself?

Saniya: I am an engineer but I work as a traveler. I am passionate about traveling and exploring different cultures. I love meeting new people and discovering new places. I aspire to wander around the world but my whole world revolves around my mom.

Passion Piece: You come from India, a country full of contradictions. What do you love it for? Is there anything you would like to change?

Saniya: India is a diverse nation where everyone has a right to put forward their respective thoughts. There are contradictions but in the end it is made sure that the best for everyone prevails, there is unity in diversity. India is one of the fastest growing economies filled with talented people spread all across the world, capable to handle all kind of situations.

I love how so different people stay together in harmony to make one strong nation like us.

I would just like to change the perception of people who don’t appreciate India much.

Passion Piece: How does a life of an adventurous girl in India look like? Have you ever faced any problems related to your passion in your homeland?

Saniya: It is full of amazing stuff like my work, shopping, and friends. My daily routine consists of shopping, blogging, and bossing around my office. The best part of the day is when I discuss traveling with different people.

No, New Delhi has the world best facilities and amazing crowd. They are too good to cause any problems.

Passion Piece: You’ve been to many countries across the world. How did your adventure with traveling start?

Saniya: It was in 2010 when we took our 1^st international trip to Hong Kong and Macau. It was during those 6 days when I realized that how much pleasure I get while planning and discovering new places. Making my way in a new world on my own, exploring new things inspires me, keeps me happy, and nurtures me.

Passion Piece: Does your mum inspire you to take up new challenges?

Saniya: A big time. It would never have been possible without her support.

Passion Piece: Do you like to travel with her? Do you ever travel on your own?

Saniya: I would never travel alone, without her. We are a team. She is like masala to my Maggie. We are not good without each other.

No, I don’t. I don’t like solo traveling.

Passion Piece: Which countries did you like best? Which ones surprised you the most?

Saniya: I love Singapore, Paris and Edinburgh. Edinburgh surprised me, it was the last destination of my Euro trip and I didn’t research much on it. I was wondering on my way what I will do for next 2 days there but I loved it more than London, I just didn’t want to leave the Old Town.

I would love to spend some weeks there. Looking forward for the opportunity.

Passion Piece: Have you ever been disappointed with a destination you chose to visit?

Saniya: Well, not yet. I love all the parts of the world for different reasons. Certainly, there are exceptions but I am yet to come across such places.

Passion Piece: Is there a place where you’d like to move to?

Saniya: Edinburgh, Old Town, just close to the Castle. I would love to write some stories there.

Passion Piece: Why did you decide to set up your own blog?

Saniya: I did it in April 2018. I was back from a Thailand trip in December 2017 when I had so many good things to share. I was excited to help people who were traveling to Thailand so I thought to pen it down and share it on facebook. I got good response and I started writing more often, by April’18, I knew this was going to be my life for next few years at least.

Passion Piece: What should a traveler remember about before setting out? How to avoid serious problems while being on the way?

Saniya: I think it is very important to do a proper research on the destination before setting out, a traveler should be well aware of the itinerary it is going to follow and the do’s and the don’ts. Imagine eating a chewing gum in Singapore! (FYI: It is banned.)

Being well aware of the destination is the key to a good trip. It is always a good idea to keep a copy of the travel documents on mails and phones, use safe in the hotels, and get a travel insurance.

Passion Piece: What’s the strangest story you’ve ever experienced while visiting a new country?

Saniya: I am thinking … I will get back to you on this if I recall any.

Passion Piece: Have you got any other passions besides traveling?

Saniya: Astronomy, I would be writing down a paper probably now if it wasn’t for traveling.

Passion Piece: Where do you see yourself in the nearest future?

Saniya: I see myself inspiring and helping people around the world, in traveling better.

Passion Piece: Which motto would you like to share with my readers?

Saniya: Life is now! Yesterday is gone, you cannot be sure about tomorrow so please make most of what you have, now … Enjoy your life, make sure to give time to your loved ones. You are not here to pay your bills, you are here to explore!

Passion Piece: Thank you very much for this truly inspiring conversation and I hope that next time when we meet you will share with us your impressions from newly explored parts of the world.

One can get to know the world in many ways, my today’s interviewee chose traveling, which is getting more and more popular, and even people living in the far ends of our planet can afford it. Don’t be afraid of new things and do what you really love doing. What is your favorite place in the world?

See you around!

Yours,

Passion Piece

Photos by: Saniya Puri