Daniel is a highly ambitious, creative, qualified, well-settled man. His parents wanted him to be a banking personnel and being an obedient and loving son that he is, he became a banking personnel. He has a steady, well-paying job, a well-furnished apartment and close friends. He is happy with his life.

Yet, somehow, he always has this feeling of emptiness in him. This unfulfilled, cherished dream. Since he had attended an art gallery in his school at standard 8, he had this dream of being an artist. At that point, with next to no responsibilities, his dream was very achievable. So he made some paintings. Paintings of people showing various emotions. Paintings that no one, except his close friends, knew about. Paintings that were not destined for the world to see. Paintings that meant the whole world to him.

Some years into his working as a banker, Daniel faced an emotional crisis. He was unhappy with the way his life was turning about. He didn’t feel like socializing with friends. He didn’t even want to talk to anyone. One of his friends at that point, suggested to try some activity that relaxed him. Acting on the advice, he took a long leave from his work and took out his painting gear for the first time in years. That is when he started his painting sessions. At first his brush felt foreign in his hands. His art was quite depressing at the beginning. Gradually, with each stroke of the brush, he felt lighter. His thoughts became clear and positive, as opposed to the jumbled mess that used to be in his head. He felt relaxed and inspired at the same time.

Now Daniel is a full-time painter. His works are much acclaimed for. His life became stress-free and full of satisfaction.
Whenever he sees a person struggling with their dreams, he gives them these timeless advice:

1. It always gets better:

No matter how hard it seems, it gets better. The struggle you face right now is temporary and it will pass with time.

2. Your quitting may cause more damage:

There comes a time in life when you feel holding on to your dream becomes very difficult and giving up seems easy. It may be so but then you will have to live on with your life making much more difficult choices, knowing that you let go of your dreams instead of working hard to achieve them.

3. Quitting will only make you weaker:

Quitting your dream seems easy and quick but it will also make you weak. When you cease to try, you cannot learn from the experience and grow.

4. You are a lot stronger than you know:

Following on the above point, you are much stronger than you believe yourself to be. Mould your life in such a way that you can learn more and develop yourself. Facing your fears will make you a stronger individual.

5. Your dream is only so far away:

Many have given up their dreams just when the were on the cusp of reaching it. With just a little more effort and determination, you can achieve what you wish for.

6. The more opposition you face, the greater your achievement will be:

The exposure you get while on the journey to success is directly proportional to the enormity of your success. So don’t lose hope when the struggle seems endless, your success will be that much greater.

7. It is always worth fighting for:

Your dreams stands for your happiness and you deserve to be happy. You are the only person who can make it happen. So, hang on to it.

8. Perseverance always pays off:

Continuous and focused efforts reaps their benefits undoubtedly. It is difficult, yes, but the results are so incredibly satisfying.

9. Fighting against the odds is exhilarating:

Quite often, when we do something outside the box, there is a certain thrill to it. Knowing that you have done what many fear to do, is undoubtedly freeing.

10. The feeling of accomplishment surpasses all the hard times:

When you have gone through all the trying situations and you finally make your dream come true, you feel such bliss. The trials and troubles you faced will seem worth the result. The sweet taste of success is unlike any other.

These are some words of advise to the struggling souls out there. Now, Daniel is a fictional character, but the above advise are 100% true.
So, give your dreams a shot! You won’t regret it!!

Valentine’s day each year is celebrated on 14^th February, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special once. The day of romance as we call Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr. But somewhere along the way, Valentine’s Day came to represent romance.

And now it’s not only celebrated in western part of the world but the entire world even including India.

As Valentine ’s Day is approaching second by second, so why not make your day a little special by visiting these places around the world that invented romance.

1. SHEESH MAHAL (INDIA)

You can dine here with a beautiful view of the floating palace and Aravalli hill and enjoying at the same time the traditional Rajasthani cuisine in Udaipur.
The dinning room brings amazing mix of different cuisines and flavours from different corners of the world. The romantic atmosphere and outstanding architecture all sets the mood for perfect evening.

2. GROTTA PALAZZESE (ITALY)

It’s the enchanting restaurant in Polingnano a Mare in Southern Italy which was built inside a cave centuries ago, giving the world’s most extraordinary dining experiences. Not any level of five-star cuisine can beat this place which is carved into the side of a cliff. A high level of reputation doesn’t exist anywhere else.

3. LE JULES VERNE (PARIS)

It is one of the most magical place to be. The astonishing decor on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower lives up the expectations of everyone. And what else one needs when you got the most romantic city in the world. The dining experience and combined with it the magical view is unforgettable.

4. THE LITTLE DOOR (LOS ANGELES)

This is the super romantic place to woo your date with the hidden courtyard of this restaurant. This place stands among the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. The little door is a bit pricy but you know that what you are paying for is worth it and what makes it worth it is Mediterranean inspired courtyard, cozy feeling and romance in the atmosphere.

5. CLOS MAGGIORE (LONDON)

Settings that are so romantic can’t get more splendidly over the top than this place. This place is also named as the world’s most romantic restaurant. Everything is just perfect and classic from elegant French cuisines to world-class wine cellar to cherry blossomed covered conservatory to every little thing.

6. TURTLE ISLAND (FIJI)

The island resort restaurant in Fiji offers the ultimate romantic evening. This exclusive island is the best for relaxation and romance at one destination. This island can be home for only 14 couples at a time. This place offers dinner for two on a floating pontoon in the middle of the blue lagoon.

7. RISTORANTE AROMA (ROME)

This restaurant is one of the finest and top Michelin restaurants in Rome. The terrace of aroma offers breath-taking view of Ancient Rome. Using top quality ingredients dishes with various flavours are prepared at high standard.

8. KASBAH TAMADOT (MOROCCO)

It’s one of the perfect places for both exotic flavour and romance. Kasbah Tamadot Resort gives an opportunity to dine on the rooftop overlooking the Atlas Mountain. Everything and every detailing has been done so well as if it look like this place has been brought straight out of a wonderland.

9. ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA (NEW YORK CITY)

This place has a romantic feel to it with candle-lit cozy setting. This place also has mood setting touches to it. It gives one feeling as you have stepped in the history or beginning of romance. This place gives a feeling of dining inside a 1767 carriage house complete with brick walls, fireplaces and a garden.

10. ON THE ROCKS (ST. BARTHS)

On the Rock is an exceptional setting on the top of the Eden Rocks with the view of the St. Jean bay which is unforgettable. The cuisines bring an exotic touch of magic on the plate served. It is one of the aww inspiring dining experiences in the Caribbean.

All these places are amazing to create a beautiful and happy memories so that you can cherish it life long in your hearts and mind.

After dogs, we all call books our best friend. And why shouldn’t we? We all form a unique bond with books and their characters where as some lines leave us spellbound for our whole life.

So we, at Buddymantra decided to come up with 10 books we think everyone should read at least once in their life span. However, filtering 10 books from the vast world of Literature was no less than a herculean task.

So take a look at our picks and see if any of these grab your fancy.

1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Told through the eyes of 6 year-old Scout Finch, this novel is one of the most famous books of all time. The story narrates the crisis when an Afro-American is accussed of raping a white woman. At times, Scout’s action will make you go all aww  and at other times her bravery will empower you. Perfect blend of humour and reality is bound to leave you in a state of amazement.

2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

This is certainly the most heart-wrenching contemporary novel that you’ll ever read. Although a contemporary, this book is fast becoming a classic. Betrayal, guilt and redemption stands as the main theme of this fable. It is the story of two Afghani boys and their bond. Khaled’s plot, narration and strong characters will leave you all teary eyed. To let the tears keep falling, you can also watch the excellent film adaptation of the novel by same name.

3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is consisdered as one of the greatest novelist of contemporary world and after reading The Alchemist you’ll know why. The Alchemist is the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who listens to his heart and follows his dreams to find treasure beyond his wildest dreams. But this story is more about realizatons, faith and wisdom. This materpiece by Coelho will downright transform your life but only if you let it.

4. The Old Man And The Sea by Earnest Hemingway

When you will read this for the first time you are bound to think “what is so special in this?”  but as the days will go by, you’ll be able to understand why this novella helped Hemingway win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Beautifully and simply written, this fable revolves around an old fisherman and a creature and how their bond unfolds. Hemingway takes the timeless theme of courage and respect to transform this books into a magnificent 20th century classic.

5. The Fishermen by Chicozie Obioma

You think a great book can only come after years of writing and practice? Well think again. Obioma’s debut novel The Fishermen was shortlisted for Man Booker Prize Winner and has amazed almost each one of its reader. The spellbinding tale of four brothers who aim to be fishermen one day, until they encounter a madman who prophesies that the brothers will kill each other. Powerful metaphors combined with unexpected turns makes it a must read. After reading this, you’ll only have one sorrow: no other book by Obioma to devour.

6. A House For Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul

The book was written by Naipaul in the memory of her beloved wife who died in the same year. The book won him Nobel Prize in Literature. The book’s protagonist, Mohan Biswas, is a classic anti-hero, simultaneously despicable and compelling. But by the end of the novel you’ll fall in love with him. This novel with autobiographical touch will give you chills and make you realise how everything is transient.

7. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Lifted from Plath’s own struggle with depression, the Bell Jar is an authentic look into the human psyche and sheds light on the realities of our modern day world. It is a hauntingly realistic novel tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who gains a summer internship at a large New York magazine and discovers that instead of enjoying the glamorous New York lifestyle, she finds it frightening and disorienting.

8. 1984 by George Orwell

Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell’s chilling prophecy about the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, Orwell’s narrative is timelier than ever. Thriller is seperated by other novels of that time by absorbing and deeply affecting thriller of Winston Smith, his lover Julia, and their doomed attempt to taste freedom. The book is higly acclaimed political read and one of the perfect phrophecy book of all the times.

9. Train To Pakistan by Khushwant Singh

Train to Pakistan is one of the most painfully sad and disturbing yet informative and eye-opening narratives one can read about the divide between India and Pakistan. A local moneylender is murdered and suspicion falls upon protagonist Juggut Singh, a gangster who’s in love with a Muslim girl. Written from his own experience of the great divide, this book shows you the dark side of partition like never before.

10. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

Not many have read this book, however this stands as a must read for those who are in the search of meaning of life. The book is a true story about an old man’s reflections on life. Author’s mentor is on his deathbed and the mentor starts meeting him on every tuesday. Simple and yet powerful, this book is bound to make you introspect and give you everything that no TedX session could.