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Bhanu Vashishta & Naysa Ahuja

Total Vote(s) : 451 | Total Testimonial(s) : 18

the least adventurous troopers out here…..adventure doesn’t describe us "correctly"….. Misadventure does.……No,we are not a couple or even friends (Met her online,sent couple of scraps and got a mobile number in return....10 digitts for probably a hundred scraps,....bad bargain ,u think ;).We read each other's SURNAME here on our TGDC application,for first time.Adventure binds us.And we define it much the same way….state of mind......a decision…..wether u to return, OR u want to go FORWARD…..that what adventure is,when the Hot (searing swollen feet) meet the Cold (numbing spine)…a hungry gut meets a chilled breeze on frozen plateau; the thirst of the arduous meets the splash of glacial waters. We are that silent smile earned on reaching the mesmerizing,"other wordly" mountain -top at the end of non-descript trails,(coz none existed where our mind led us)……the steely look in our young playful eyes are,as if a weathered trouble hunters at its footloose best….wow….dats some humor -kneaded prose there.For us,in that gap, is the thrill zone… She is Naysa,law student (in her 9-5 avtaar) and a rock**** (5-9 avtaar ,on alternate weekends), : and a rafter, climber (just last fortnight), ,…..rebel.and and generally,a cute and upset adventure enthusiast,who nevers manages to retur without bruises. I am water phobic,Engineer, snow phobic,MBA, cliff phobic (by experince),still-always-game & Bhanu…and I hate to get stuck….Couples of treks and few thousand kilometres of running and driving is all that I have to my name.Selling Missile Sytems and Air craft spares in the meanwhile. Before such things as TGDC began to happen ,we believe , Long Range road haulers(marked ROAD KING) were the Only n Truly satisfied professionals between Wagah border and Himalayas. Why not, it had all the callings , sans the glamour of Italian Mafiosi – the police chase,the unearthly hour,road rage,and maybe,localized versions of Monica Berlussci thumbing down the road...Misspelling intended

We are the best candidates because...

Not because , we are always sporting Shades (and seat –belts)…..Like 007.1.1 or MIB- 4 (we r Phreshhhh ,we mean )… Well, we take to our backpacks, like children take to their tiffins on way to school..…. Not even the guys who wrote us the most touching testimonials actually know,how DEEP we are infested with Travel, Wheels, DSLR’s and endlessly bantering about that (ORAL-Blogging….) And still,my friends rate me “A” in Survival Management. …Having done SPiti, Kinnaur, Leh on borrowed cars and “sasta” cameras and snow filled Levi’s backpockets (“How- to” FAQs on that one, later )…. A 3K around Mumbai should be a change..No snow (and slips ),for a start ;) Ohh, prudently,I never told her about the last one when our gearbox casing split (else she wudnt have accompanied me..They say,to keep a woman,u gotta keep a secret....True, Mr.Editor??)) and our Alto was being hauled using steel cables that me and the Mahindra cab driver ripped from the roadside. Technically,I would NOT say we pulled the car,because it was the Chasis that was gliding over 18 inches of SNow-muck mixture in PANGI Nullah …..and the wheels barely rolled over missing gravel…… The motto of the story – don’t worry,we are gonna return you the Cedia back,in all its glory…..with somewhat grimed floormats, an infuriated carburetor, Dead spiders,8.2 GB of great pics and slightly bumped roof ( I love psy-trance and knuckle banging). The interiors may smell and actually, drip a bit if I can fabricate a raft to oar three of us(Me,Naysa,Cedia) across a silent Narmada in Marblled ravines of Banderghat. Ohh my God,this thought makes me a girl of five,in her fav pink dress -(happpppyyyy- LOOK AT ME)!! Afterall ,Its SPORTS edition ,TGDC team, and we are the people you are looking for to justify the “SPORTS” tag. In the meanwhile,we ensure that all the those Horses under CEDIA's hood, are DERBY quality….. And we will have great stories....like we do,but this time,I make sure I share it wid all my Rainbow minded guys….My other travel mates ..Since,its not a rally,there is nowhere to reach,no pace to comply ,no screeching spins and dustclouds,why not give our viewers a sneaky webcast at a good holiday with us...Some wud think its a game-NOOO,its just - Play.Good.Hard.PLAY...AND we are gonna have a blast,which is a hallmark to our travel diaries and fotoframes...(I was just possessive of the [laces I went to,so I nevr clicked....besides a 25 kg rucksack,a DSLR and then balancing on One leg to give ur fellow a pass...Thoda mushkil padta hai yaar!!) heck,before asking NAysa,I asked the stranger at the next tread mill, where I was panting ,visualizing ,speculating and doubting my glory at K2.(Mt. KARAKORAM for the non-“buddhas” of trek-topography……Mt Everest is not my thing…… …EVER-REST) ..Thanks Naysa....We are evenly matched,so its gonna be the best duo.We don’t use this word-BEST….We are Naturals- Camphibians -always at ease about “raring- to- go”

Our Travel Plan

Borrowed laptop, Almost stolen data card, askin/ beggin/ warning people for votes, reminders from TGDC , inflated mobile bills and last 72 sleep devoid hours (!!) – to make it at par, we will spin YOUR CAR. …… Where on (Google) EARTH can I find that, unless I have been there already (DROP that PUNNN,Mistah…)…I have been out and out a Himalayan bear. And in the back of mind, wondering and making a mental checklist (survival kit),more important than a plan – spare clutchcables, headlamps,spark plugs, maybe oil seals ,if you nose around in Ladakh .You fail to do that ,you become the iconic “MaroonedBullet –Vallah- in- Majestic- Valleys (MV-in-MV)” . Fortunately, it’s a car and a proven one…so maybe Tortoise mosquito coil, Lonely planet and a travel plan (read ,MAP) should be enough.Here’s our attempt at it (novices as we are at planning,thpigh experts at executing…and Naysa formally is jinxed with plans, she explained over the fone today amidst the static. Her laptop isn’t connected today,17 July-can u beat dat !!)) Wonder where she is camping in monsoons, silly gal. OUT FROM BOMBAY MP- So,we rush to Bhedaghat ,amidst those impenetrable walls of marble giving way only to something as serene as a turquoise Narmada. I loved d place since I saw it first time on some magazine. Dinner and Dolfin Cruises in Goa,with a glas s of wine ,and sSUnset in Backdrop...and SANTA LUCIA house boat accomodation...Palolem,AGonda..and the rest Naysa knows on fingertips KARNATKA - Karini 95 Kms from south-west of Chikmagalur Overlooking the Arabian sea, the broad hills are chained to one another with deep valley & steep precipices. Lush green forest interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes, captivating cascades and rare orchids.And. Caves (whooooOOO.....). Ruins and traces of old civilizations.And People,no more,since long (call dem MUMMY ) .Next ->It READS - camp’ here - Madikeri A picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level. -WESTERN GHATS OF SAKLESHPUR- Kabini –with patches of bright blue pools hidden between the trees, the sun peeping through the trees and animals roaming free. Probably,a good location for a lunch n beer TAMIL NADU : Chidambram.. with abundant backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam.wow.Inland waterwats.Love them. offers abundant scope for water sports - parasailing, rowing and canoeing. KOdaikAnal- Kotagiri- OOty KERALA - . Monroe Island,Kollam.and all the waterfalls and backwaters ...Its goin to be a dreamy state of affairs from there,..Kumarakom and Kuttanad backwaters ,Manyakam(Kovalam) waterfalls,Alappuzha ( for Home Stays) BACK TO BOMBAY….somehow.after getting lost ,and returning wid undiscovered locales…. The order may not be right,but we’ll figure that out in the meanwhile

Our Travelogue

This is dicey,coz I m updating Naysa's account ,she is vacationing where Internet can't spread its Tentacles.....only wid more stories to splash Mine's is all indian journal,cause it took 5 years for MEA to issue me a passport (hell,I cud bunk classes and go for OktoberFEST....my folks wud have never known) . Naysa first,who has done clubbing as often in London,as she' has bruised herself in rafting expeditions and clicked Babas as Varanasi ghats-again,equally as often..She has a feminine side to her ,that takes her closer to Himalayan rivers,and following them all the way to Rave parties on the shores of Arabian Sea (with a slight detour..no Himalayan river goes into Arabian.....and equally true,the dont hold raves in BAy of Bengal) As I write this,she is camping somewhere in a valey in Himachal....and we meet somewhere on d way tomarrow,while am on my way to Spiti, after the TGDC rush is over,...and voila....for the first time ,with my own Camera (that I buy tomarrow ...) My part now :All that I have done in name of sole rubbing had a hallmark of chaos.Added to that, If your gameplan is to credit your bank account with your life insurance cover, you would always find yourselves traveling alone.So,nobody to capture that stupid gleeful glory. For me Sunscreen and Spirulina tabs were never as high on list. North Face gear was. (and a love for some Sherpa Tutorial on Sub temperate survival at 4500 mts above GOA/Miami…..) On recollection,I realize that mostly when I am setting foot in Himalayas (especially Kinnaur), it would be in flash floods, and roads eaten away (somehow my boss would always gave me a holiday in July….!!). and I will have to travel with apple baskets over a gurgling Sutlej,with the words of wisdom….”You go ,where you look”……and I wasn’t keen on looking down thereafter… Travel,means ,getting away from home as far,as fast,and as soon ....and finding a new home..with the sole aim of going and coming back in one piece-That’s what I can best describe in one of those moments-when we heard a big brown smoothing the heavy rocks that formed the precincts of our enclosure on snowy midnight of 28 March,02(UTTARKASHI).Me and my friend were left wondering what to do.Late only we learnt though,that the choice almost always rests with the bear. Again, got wiser in SPITI (and stuck Somewhere in the way) , now that I know what to do,if my vehicle is all set to be washed away in a river of mud slurry that gets bigger with the passing minute while you dreaming of making it to Kaza before sundown. The answer is you leave your car, stand out in d “fifty five gallon,a second” downpour and smile-without feeling stranded and moisting your spirit at maybe 3000 mts above GOA’s Anjuna Beach- with your soaking backpack. Someone might have pity you on that 3 vehicles a day route. Moral of the story – Carry spare briefs and waterproof that section- at least. Of course,the thought of Raves at Anjuna cudn't cheer me in that moment…… Moral of the story – Carry spare briefs and waterproof that section- at least. And at the finish of it, I like to talk of adventure/ enjoyable survival…..I coined that…….that’s exactly what shooting in the back of your mind at a zillion fps ,when you have a 20 kg backpack on your back ,desynergized by empty guts on your front - on slippery trails with a breathtaking steam gurgling below. Aleast it doesnt merely sound that-BREATH TAKING, when life seems tricklin away -like rainfall from a friendly chaiwala’s tin roof(that appear mysteriously around d bend on misty trail). On the way,there are tit bits like eating self made WHiskey Sprinkled Fresh Snow Golas(whho else serves them,u thot?), or 1000 hitch hikes First contest, chilled bear under Hot Shower,Travelling in OPen Goods Train wagons,or the hugely noisy Railway engines (even the Electric ones dont exactly purr like the new Hybrid cars on Paris AUto -SHow) forhat matter....the list is long ,with a built in "to-do ( or BN THR,DN THAT)" note on each calendar day... All that is a part of everybody's LIFE...that unspoken,unwritten blog That’s photog, writer, backpacker, driver…..US.. Incessant, point blank,and Warm with LIFE

11th July 2009

jharna bhatnagar

11th July 2009

Testimonials

Sachin Gupta

Bhanu...I don't know what the literally meaning of the name is but for me it always mean trekking in Himalayas, biking trip, food, exercise, running and all those wonderful outdoor activities. It%u2019s been a long time since I know him and I have to give it to this guy. The passion has never ceased, the drive to drive bike is still wow%u2026most of his pals are stuck in their careers, jobs, and all those things...But bhanu still epitomizes our college group%u2019s energy. So, go Bhanu and Nyasa go and have a great time in the event without even giving a shit to other things. Cheers Sachin Gupta

Subhiksh Vasudev

Life is not a chapter to be learnt, but a journey to be experienced. Knowing Naysa, no one epitomizes the above theory better than her. Few dare to step up than to just crib in their couch about not getting the opportunity of a lifetime. So Godspeed to this free-bird whom I've known for a while now and I wish her (and her partner in crime :D) an interesting yet soul-searching journey ahead :) !!

Deepak Aswal

BHANU being a Rock star of all time has crushed anything which came as obstucle in his way to success. All I know about him is his attitude like K2 Masiff.

Baljit Singh

Bhanu is one person, the only person in this world with whom i feel toally uninhibited, i can say, do or be anything and i know he will not judge me. WHat else can i say, he means so much to me. I have had some of my craziest time with this guy. I love him.

Nav Kishlay

A COMBINATION BEAUTY AND INTELLECT: THIS LADY IS THE MOST CHIRPY AND LIVELY ONE I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFE.THE WAY SHE CARRIES HERSELF DEFINITELY GIVES HER AN IMAGE OF A TOM BOY, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK WITHIN HER YOU WILL FIND A PERFECT WOMAN IN HER.A GIFTED MIND WHICH IS SELDOM USED BY HER.HOWEVER WHENEVER SHE DOES SHE COMES OUT WITH BRILLIANT WORKS AND CREATION.SHE MAKES A POINT TO MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPY AND ON YOUR TOES WITH EVERY ACT OF HER.AND OF COURSE SHE IS NAUGHTY,,, AS NAUGHTY AS A TEETOTALER OR AS FIVE YEAR OLD INNOCENT MIND.THE COMBINATION OF HER BEAUTY AND INTELLECT AND OF COURSE INNOCENCE KEEPS YOU WONDERING ALWAYS.I KNOW HER SINCE LAST FOUR YEARS AND EVEN I DON'T KNOW HOW AND WHEN SHE CREPT QUIETLY IN MY LIFE AND MADE IT BEAUTIFUL.SHE IS NO DOUBT ADORABLE AND LOVABLE. THOUGH SHE FEELS I TREAT HER LIKE A KID MOST OF THE TIME ,, BUT THEN I CONFESS SHE ISN'T AWARE OF THE EXTENT OF HER OWN INTELLECT. HER CURIOSITY TO KNOW MORE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY DAMN THING MAKES HER A GENIUS.THE ABILITY OF MULTITASKING IS AMAZING WITHIN HER. HATS-OFF TO THAT. I KNOW MY BELIEF OF BEING AN EXPERT IN MULTITASKING WAS SHATTERED INTO PIECES WHEN I SAW THE HUMONGOUS AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND CAPABILITY IN HER TO HANDLE 3-4 AT ONE GO. I AM AMAZED TO FINED HER AT 10 DIFFERENT PLACES AT THE SAME TIME. LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST SHE IS THE ONLY ONE TILL NOW IN MY LIFE WHO SHOUTS AT ME AND GET ANGRY WITHOUT GIVING ME A CHANCE TO GET ANGRY, I STILL WONDER ABOUT HER GLIBNESS IN THIS REGARD.. BUT THEN WHATEVER IT IS I LOVE HER FOR THAT FOR SURE. I DON'T LOOK FOR ANY CHANGE IN HER AS HER IMPERFECTIONS ARE FAR BETTER THAN PERFECTIONS TO BE A GOOD HUMAN BEING AND A CREATIVE SOUL. AND THAT MAKES HER UNIQUE,DISTINCT,ADORABLE, & LOVABLE

Ajay Kumar

Bhanu will do it with his immense zeal for adventure & love for nature. It is worthwhile to mention that he's a great phtographer since his childhood & loves driving. Anybody would just love his company with witty talks that keep you involved. All the best Bhanu....

VyKAS MyTTAL

I know Bhanu since class 4th. I think this is the longest I know any of my friends. 21 Years. and all these years I have seen him transform from, somewhere to everywhere, from someone to the one. He is unique. He used to talk about Apache Indians and Avtemat Klashnikovs, Prabhudevas and what not when I was just understanding what books are. Just like himself, He made me a fitness freak and I owe this to him. Although I am not able to do all that what he can. He loves traveling, Driving, Mountains and most importantly living life to the fullest. A very good Friend and you will try to emulate him in many ways if you are in his company. I think he is a perfect candidate for this challenge. and I am sure that he Wiiiiil win it as he has all what it takes to be a winner. As far as I know this is something which gives him joy and satisfy his adrenaline. This is neither mania nor fanaticism. This is his pure love for nature and his love will win. My best wishes and good Luck to you three (Bhanu, Naysa & Cedia). Go Do Become.

Chiranjeeevi Bhardwaj

well there is a lot to tell u guys about bhanu but let me make it very short n sweet dat dis guy truely deserves to be dere. all te very best bhanu.

Avneet

Oh no.... not again!!! no, hurry, i'm late, assignment submission, no tym to dress up, love life not taking off........ ya that's naysa... lives life at the verge of a nervous breakdown... balancing HIGH hopes with a craggy life... but this this one's got it!!! anyone needs lessons in keeping ambitions afloat contact 98!@#$%^&*- that's her new no. Sweetie Spanish and consequently media (duh!!) wouldn't have been this smooth breeze w/out u.. This one's got it & bhanu, though i have met him just once, i think he wud just be the best freak-o-logical partner for her... GO You two...im sure my Photo-philosophy & tokyo drift gurl would win every ones heart! cheeers!

Nigel Adrews

Naysa...a.k.a Illusionzzz Illusionzzz: Smthng tht causes an erroneous belief or perception. But there%u2019s nothing deceitful bout dis mesmerizing girl from Delhi. Smone wid such a beautiful smile tht cn make ur day n leave u so spellbound tht u feel ur aboard on the ozzy's crazy train. With eyes so full f dreams tht u feel %u201Cman I wish I cud give her the wings to fly%u201D. Free as a bird, n strong as the thick %u201CE%u201D string f a guitar, innocent as a child, n wild as a hurricane. She's the one girl I found who is most like me, smone I instantly related to%u2026 n smone to whom I would wanna be real close to. A dream girl for a rock lover, she%u2019s got a gothic look which she never flaunts%u2026 A very creative soul, who has a taste for diversity. She draws,acts,directs,snaps,LOVES ROCK,a serious Floydian, she%u2019s been to tihar jail for god sake(not as a convict but as a researcher). I still hv to find a lot about her, and it already seems so much%u2026I bet she%u2019s a valuable frnd to all her frnds...& an amazin human being I've come across in my life. You & ur drive partner deserves to be there on the top of the list cuz i know you are born to go for it & this event was thought of so that you can spread your wings and FLY AWAY...... go my free birdie! GOD BLESS U, SWEET CHILD OF MINE

Manisha

First thing that comes to my mind for him is "crazy in his own ways". Anyone who knows him knows that he loves trekking, exercising and food. He lives in the moment and is one of the biggest volunteers for any kind of adventures in life. He's very energetic & passionate abt everything he does. I wish you guys make it to the final 3; once you are there, I am sure, you wouldn't need the wishes anymore ;). Have fun u guys!!

Vineet

These guys are crazy for the road and I can vouch for the fact that they'll be on the challenge...Formally or not!! Road Runners cometh !

Sabith

All the best...

Huma Naaz

Bhanu is a an amazing person.He is very adventurous and fun loving guy, who is always ready to try new and daring things.Well, this guy is having his own way to enjoy life which is really appreciable.He is fond of trekking ,biking , exercising ,writing and so many other things . He loves to go to different places to discover new things .He actually knows how to have a good time .I can say that he is absolutely the right guy for this competition. All the very best to both of you(Bhanu and Nysha).Have a great time. Have fun.

Huma Naaz

Aditi

Naysa s, she s got true calling of a traveler.. she being such a wonderful person should go on this more then anyone!

Satish Malhotra

Describe Naysa.... ahhhh this will be tough one... has so many colors ! u gta be lucky enough to experience that..... I am falling short on words tonight.... !! Thanks to her, I have got to know n learn a lot about Books, Music, Movies & Wine... Right now I consider myself a boooring person..... working very hard ;), but through her I could see all the fun n exciting things in life. Huge friend list, on calls all the time (i know you dnt like to be on calls)... but your dear n loved friends can not be far away from you for long... I would wish them both good luck and m praying hard for you guys..... fingers crossed. :) "If any one deserves to be selected for the great driving challenge then it has got to be them" you guyz will definitely RocK... :)

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