HarPiyTravel

Unexpected Discoveries on the Streets: Share Your Stories!

September 1, 2026

Reading Time: < 1 minute
What’s the best thing you’ve ever found randomly on the street?

Daily prompts are interesting; they push my thinking to its limits. Each day I get a unique and unexpected question; that’s good for my writing.

I used to collect a few things from the street as a kid. At that time, lotteries were legal in Delhi, and discarded lottery tickets were everywhere on the streets. They used to fascinate me as currency, and I became a trash collector at an early age. For me, it was a great wealth.

Another thing was the empty packets of Britannia products, like bread and biscuits, because there was a promotion going on for the Cricket World Cup. The goal was to collect 100 points, get a scratch book, and win the prizes. I never won anything, but I became the waste collector.

These were the things I collected myself, but as far as I remember, I didn’t find anything particularly interesting on the street. I wish I would find one day, though.

How about you? Have you found anything interesting? Were you a collector like me? I would love to hear some interesting insights.

Happy Reading! Keep Traveling!!!
See the Beauty Around You

August 31, 2026

Reading Time: < 1 minute
Beauty is everywhere; we need the right eye to admire it.

Happy Reading! Keep Traveling!!!
The Kindness of Strangers: Heartwarming Travel Stories

August 31, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutes
What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

Kindness is everywhere around us; we need to have an eye for it. Even small gestures, like someone opening a door for you or holding the gate for you, are worth admiring.

On my recent trip to India, I had to commute one day from Goverdhan, a small town, to Mathura city by auto. As usual, the auto was full, and the driver kept adding people near his seat, in the back of the auto, and wherever he could find space. That’s normal in India; auto drivers don’t move an inch till they fill every possible space.

Inside the auto, all of the passengers were ladies except for one older man. Our etiquette calls for giving seats to elders and women. I was sitting near the driver, almost hanging out of the side, sweating like an animal in June’s unbearable heat.

I am not so used to such journeys, but I enjoy them anyway. Everything in life should be celebrated. Seeing my condition, a lady in the auto, nearly my mother’s age, asked the other ladies to make room for me and asked me to come inside to avoid the heat. I was hesitant, but after her insistence, I sat beside the older man.

I felt really good about this gesture of kindness, and the next hour was spent listening to their talks and giving my input. They were talking about the condition of the poor and underprivileged, politics, family issues, pension challenges, and whatnot. I really enjoy sharing those conversations and listening to their sweet talks.

Kindness can take many forms; we should not restrict it to ourselves. It should flow to others like a stream.

Happy Reading! Keep traveling!!!
Exploring Alternative Careers: From Software Engineer to Travel Journalist

August 30, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutes
If the salary was the same, what job would you be doing right now and why?

Firstly, to clarify, I really like my job, and I chose it. I loved coding during my master’s, which is why I chose to become a software engineer. Troubleshooting defects by finding the root cause gives me satisfaction and a sense of achievement. Designing new features for the customer and seeing them running live is very satisfying.

But if given the chance to change professions while keeping the same pay and skills, I would love to be a travel journalist. It’s no secret that I love traveling; if I go 30 days without a trip, I feel uneasy. I always say this to my friends: I wish someone would sponsor my trips and send me to visit the whole world. Just think about it; it would be fantastic. I always envy those travelers on Discovery, Nat Geo, and such channels.

Someone is paying you to travel; what else do you need from life? I like photography too, so I’d love opportunities to take pictures while traveling to different places around the world.

If this is too much to ask, I can also drive for the same pay. I love driving, and I jokingly tell my dear ones that if I ever lose my job, I will start driving for Uber. Also, when Harmit and my family praise me for my driving skills and ability to drive for 12+ hours, I always tell them I was a driver in my previous life.

Driving gives me control over my trips, letting me explore places and pass through towns we would never reach if flying directly to the destination. Also, I love talking to people so that driving will serve many purposes.

So, paid traveler or driver- anything will work. How about you? What’s your substitution?

Happy Reading! Keep Traveling!!!
Why I Love Playing Pickleball: A New Hobby

August 29, 2026

Reading Time: < 1 minute
Share a hobby you’ve picked up recently — what got you into it?

The answer is Pickleball. I love playing Pickleball, and these days I play for nearly 2.5 hours daily, with one day off. I love to play doubles over singles, as I enjoy the coordination with a partner rather than chasing the ball all over the court. Singles are tiring but a great way to burn calories.

I got introduced to this game about a year ago by my friend. He is a racquetball player and one day asked me to join him for the game. I loved that sport; it’s very explosive, and calories burn like anything. But there are not many racquetball players, so he asked me to explore this new sensation – Pickleball.

I found Pickleball interesting, as it’s like a cross between ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. I have little background in ping-pong, so it was easy to catch up on the game; the rules took some time to remember, especially the Kitchen area and calling the score in a three-number format in doubles.

I love playing any sport, as it’s a brilliant way to maintain fitness while enjoying it. Many people go to the gym, but they don’t love it. Play any sport, and you won’t even feel like you’re putting in any effort.

I am working to improve my Pickleball skills, and right now it’s my favorite hobby. You will find me on indoor and outdoor Pickleball courts, especially in the evenings. I go to the courts directly from my office. I wait for that time all day.

Have you played Pickleball? Do you like it? Some people think this game is for older adults. Are you one of those?

Happy Reading! Keep Traveling!!!