my cup of coffee

In 2010, I embarked on a new chapter for my website, embracing a more transparent and personal approach. As part of this journey, I’m excited to share insights into my life beyond the realms of IT, art, photography, and travel that you might already be familiar with. Unless you’ve had the chance to travel with me or meet me in person, there’s likely a lot you don’t know. Here are 52 things about me that might surprise you:

1. Creativity and Methodology
   While many perceive me as inherently creative, I often approach my work in unconventional and paradoxical ways.
2. From Research to IT
   Fifteen years ago, I transitioned from a career in research to IT, realizing that research wasn’t my true passion.
3. Family Travel Passion
   Travel is a shared passion in my family—we all seem to have the travel gene.
4. Spontaneous Journeys
   I prefer traveling without a set plan, often deciding on accommodations and destinations on the go.
5. Solo Travel Preferences
   My spontaneous travel style means I usually explore alone, chasing sunrises and sunsets without a fixed itinerary.
6. Travel and Photography Gear
   When traveling with friends, I often leave my professional photography equipment behind.
7. Passion Beyond Travel
   Even when not on the road, I remain deeply engaged with photography, art, and the idea of travel.
8. Rural Roots
   My upbringing in a small Asian town instilled a lasting appreciation for the countryside over urban settings.
9. In-House Geographer
   My son, Krish, has greatly expanded my geographic knowledge. A humorous incident involving Reykjavik on a map highlighted his expertise.
10. Family Healthcare
    My wife serves as my personal healthcare advisor.
11. Sleep Habits
    I have a peculiar habit of unconsciously jerking my leg while asleep.
12. Affinity for Taiwan
    I have a particular fondness for Taiwan, especially Taipei. Other favorites include Mount Fuji and Osaka in Japan.
13. Discomfort with Theme Parks
    I have a strong aversion to theme park rides and, as a family, we prefer to avoid such attractions.
14. Musical Interests
    I play several musical instruments, including the tabla, flute, and shehnai, having been inspired by figures like Bismillah Khan.
15. Early Career in Game Development
    My career began with computer game development. In 1997, I worked on a 3D game engine with Simusoft 3D in Montreal.
16. Canadian Ties
    Contrary to some beliefs, my connection to Canada dates back to 2001 when I founded a game development company in Yukon.
17. Art Instruction Experience
    During my graduation years, I taught fine arts part-time at an art institute.
18. Personal Preferences
    I tend to avoid individuals who are overly religious, unreliable, materialistic, self-centered, or ethnocentric.
19. Innate Artistic Talent
    I never formally learned art techniques; drawing and painting came to me naturally.
20. Martial Arts Background
    I practiced karate during my youth and earned a blue belt.
21. Memory Challenges
    I often struggle with recalling names, roads, and locations, usually needing to meet someone multiple times to remember their name.
22. Business Ethics
    I avoid mixing business with personal relationships and offer select services to friends at a discounted rate based on availability.
23. Favorite Cuisine
    My wife’s vegetable biryani is my preferred meal.
24. Sleep Discipline
    I meticulously plan my sleep schedule and generally sleep soundly through disturbances.
25. Sleep and Caffeine Needs
    I require a minimum of 8 hours of sleep and some caffeine to function effectively.
26. Reading Interests
    My reading is focused on Indian history and psychology, inspired by my father’s expertise in these areas.
27. Book Preference
    My favorite book is Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler’s first publication.
28. Entertainment Preferences
    I favor documentaries and WWII films over television programs. A notable favorite is BBC’s The Diary of Anne Frank.
29. Social Media Usage
    I frequently update my social media while commuting on public transit.
30. Family Photography Legacy
    My family’s connection to photography dates back to the 1930s, with my grandfather working for the Royal British in India. My own passion for photography began at age 8.
31. Film Photography Skills
    I am skilled in manual photo printing and the preparation of photographic developers and fixers.
32. Travel Aspirations
    I maintain a list of “136 Places to Visit Before I Die” and have visited 56 locations across 32 countries.
33. Scriptwriting and Voice Work
    I have worked as a scriptwriter and voice-over artist for prominent networks like Discovery and NatGeo.
34. 3D Modeling Hobby
    I engage in 3D modeling, specializing in character design, texturing, and Maya dynamics.
35. Family Fun
    At home, I enjoy singing and dancing with my family, often in a carefree manner.
36. Abstinence
    I have never consumed alcohol or smoked and have no intention of starting.
37. Role Model
    My son is my greatest inspiration. I admire him deeply and enjoy watching him grow.
38. Unique Routine
    I brush my teeth while showering.
39. Personal Motivation
    I draw inspiration from those who doubted my abilities.
40. Shopping Aversion
    I have an aversion to shopping in all forms.
41. Obsessions
    I am fascinated by old black-and-white photographs of New York City and Varanasi, as well as advancements in web technology.
42. Pre-Trip Preparations
    Before embarking on a photographic journey, I ensure my home is immaculately clean.
43. Hydration Habits
    I drink at least 10 cups of water before going to bed.
44. Sporting Interests
    I excel in table tennis.
45. Birthday Preferences
    I do not celebrate my birthday and prefer to keep it private.
46. Stock Market Involvement
    I am actively involved in the stock market.
47. Philosophical Beliefs
    I believe there are two types of people: those who say “He is God” and those who assert “I am God.”
48. Passion for Road Trips
    I relish long road trips and have driven 3869 km in three days.
49. College Look
    I grew a beard and wore glasses during my college years.
50. Movie Theater Preferences
    I dislike eating popcorn while watching movies in theaters.
51. Lucky Items
    I’ve used the same plastic bag for my camera accessories for 11 years and believe that wearing the same T-shirt on photo tours brings good luck.
52. Pet Name
    My younger son is Kittu, my beloved pet dog.

There are countless experiences and aspirations I have yet to explore. If you’re interested in learning more, subscribe to my blog and join me on this ongoing adventure!