šMay is AAPI Month-- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.Ā A month to celebrate the history, culture, foods, arts, music, dances, languages, and so much more diversity from the continent of Asia- which is where I am from! Did you know these facts about Asia? * Asia is the world's largest continent.Ā * AsiaĀ comprises 30% of the world's land area with 60% of the world's currentĀ population.Ā 4.5+ Billion! China and India being the two most populated countries in the world! * There are 48 countries in AsiaĀ that are recognised by the United Nations.Ā Two of these countries also share part of their territory on the European continent; theseĀ countries are Russia and Turkey.Ā * There are so many religions in Asia such as Hinduism, Islam, Shinto, and others which exist around the world!Ā * There are over 2,400 languages recognized in Asia with tens of thousands of dialects. An approach to learning more about Asia: Let's start with just the names of the various worldĀ religions. * I previously shared a post on this and many people asked me what they are.Ā See the video of my 4-year old daughter Shriya sharing theĀ names of the world'sĀ major religions- many of them are in India!Ā * This type of exposure is something all parents can do from home.Ā Although we all have our personal beliefs and religion- being curious to learn about others beliefs shows respect and empathy.Ā * It is the role of the parents to ensure their kids are taught to have an open mind and be curious, and see people for who they individually are rather than assume that everyone is the same. * While religion is a sensitiveĀ topic, learning about other religions actually can strengthen the understanding of one's own faith. How can you teach your kids? You can just start with basics such as: - What are the names of the worldās major religions??? - What are their respective places of worship called? - What are the symbols / images that represent them? (Eg. Cross is Christianity, Om is Hinduism, etc). Over the course of the month, we will share insights from some countries in Asia that we have visited in the recent years.Ā As I say āA sprinkle of knowledge opens up a world of curiosity. ā 
Thinking of planning a summer trip? Domestic US? International? Please join us today (Tuesday May 4th) on IG Live at 5pm ET- the marvelous globetrotting @millionmilermom and I will share our recent family international travel experiences. We will discuss some of the following questions that you asked: - When is the right time to travel? - How do I decide where to go? - What are the safety precautions I should take? - What is it like on the plane? How do you get kids to wear masks on the plane? - What are the testing requirements? - What are the main things that are different from pre-COVID? - And more!!! We hope to see you today! 
Thinking about Europe this summer? Some things to consider- Part 2 I received questions related to the European Union (EU) accepting US vaccinated travelers for this summer! Please read Part 1 first (Santorini family picture). While we are waiting to learn more, here are a few things to consider. - For all families, what about kids who are not vaccinated? * From the information that is currently available, this is still TBD. In the United States, the COVID vaccine is approved for ages 16 and older. * The information thus far has been focused on "vaccinated people"- the EU has not yet specified IF kids who are not vaccinated will be able to enter the EU countries. * Also note that there are still rules in these countries (e.g. must wear masks) and the locals in these EU countries are not all vaccinated. - Some European countries are currently accepting US + other tourists- vaccination is not required but all people (including kids) need a negative COVID PCR test to enter. Here are some of those countries (changes frequently). * Turkey, Albania, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, etc. * For all countries, you must check the local country tourism board regarding any other rules (e.g curfews, online health assessments, quarantine, etc.) * Also, do not interpret this as "those countries do not care about COVID"- that is not an accurate assumption. Every country has their requirements and rules to keep their residents and tourists safe. Other Expenses to Consider - āļø If you are booking tickets- make sure your tickers are either ārefundable or changes allowed with no penaltyāā so that you can alter your plans if needed. (Many airlines are offering that now). - šCOVID testing to return to the US- not all countries or hotels offer this as a service and/or for free! This will be added expenses- can be $200 per person. My advice to everyone is: Before you finalize your travel plans, please do your all your research from various resources, travel influencers, and also seek advice from people who have actually traveled internationally during COVID. Your travel experience will be awesome but you need to be well aware of some of the unique nuances. 
I have India on my mind.... and of course my favorite girl, my maternal grandmother. My Patti. I always feel so special to be the last grandchild, the baby of the family. I love this picture because we look alike!!! We are all so grateful we were in India together last February before the world shut down. Letās continue to hope, pray, and support in anyway we can. LINK IN BIO Thank you all! 
I have India on my mind, our family, friends, and all of yours too. COVID has hit the lives of millions including those in my family. By Godās grace, they are all ok. But this variant has been brutal and the āblame gameā is not generating a solution. With that said, while I am not hiding behind reality- I just ask that we all share the beauty of India and its people. We are 1.4 billion strong around the world! Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. LINK IN BIO. Also- I was asked this question today at soccer practice so I thought I would briefly clarify. What you see in the media- the āburning of the dead bodiesā... it is devastating to watch, agreed. - But those who may not know- In Hinduism, we cremate bodies. We do not bury them. - This is part of our Hindu faith that when someone passes- we want to set our souls free from our physical bodies to achieve salvation. Our soul will live on even if our physical state does not. - Hindus wear white to funerals (versus black) to symbolize purity to set the soul free. - Ashes are spread across holy rivers. * If you know anyone who is from India, please check in with them to see how their family is doing. Hope and pray everything is ok. * Please feel free to message me if you have any other questions. 
So- everyone is talking about India.Ā I am glad that peopleĀ care and want to help.Ā Ā If you have never been to India- please do not have a negative perception.Ā While the media is giving a lot of attention to the COVID crisis which is resulting in positive support from the world, there is no need to play aĀ "blame game"- that is not generating a solution. * There are 1.4 BILLION people in India, that is 4 times the population of the United States. Size wise, India is one-third the size of the US. * During the pandemic, when India was doing well- they supplied over 60 million doses of the COVID vaccine to help other countries. Debating whether or not it was the right thing does not solve the current crisis. * Yes- there is a lot of poverty- lack of masks, oxygenĀ tanks, and hospital beds. But people had to work to feed their family, people are dedicated to their faith, and their lives have to move forward.Ā Also like in every country- pros/cons to the government and the politics.Ā * India also has so much beauty, culture, history, nature, wonders, intellect, and abundance of faith and love to share with the world!Ā India will get through this. * Even with injustice around us, let's always be grateful for what we have. There are many less fortunate around the world. My ask of you: * If you know anyone who is from India, please check in with them to see how their family is doing. Hope and pray everything is ok. * If you can, donate whatever you can!! There are a lot of health care needs- all donations are welcomed! LINK IN BIO on how you can help support Indians in India during this time. @indiaspora 
Thinking about Europe this summer? š¶Some things to consider- Part 1 I know travelers are excited to see the positive news that the European Union (EU) is going to accept US vaccinated travelers for this summer! What is Europe like in the summer? - When I lived in Europe, I traveled all around. And itās lovely- the weather, the coastal places, etc! - All the countries are flooded with travelers and prices for the major tourist cities are generally higher. - While EU is not all of Europe, it covers majority of the countries. - Some of Europe is already open to EU Citizens/other countries. Europeans LOVE their holidaysā they travel for weeks during the summer! - Some European countries are currently accepting US + other tourists- vaccination is not required but need negative COVID test (eg. Turkey, Albania, Ireland with quarantine, etc). While we are waiting to learn more, here are a few things you need to consider. For some expenses- supply and demand theories apply. - āļø Many airlines have stopped and/or minimized their travel routes to various European countries. So unless that changes- you may not have a lot of options and / or layovers. - šØ If you plan to stay in a hotelā¦ Keep in mind that many of the large hotel brands have a cap on their occupancy rates and less staff. Of course Airbnb is an option as well. Various tourist sites have been temporary closed- assume they will open up for the surge in visitors. - Just consider what you are comfortable with- crowds? Will you wear your masks? Social distance? - Also remember- US travelers are required to be vaccinated to enter EU. However, will all the locals be vaccinated? What is your comfort level? Other things to consider: - If you want to travel from country to country (air or rail)- still some unanswered questions such as will negative COVID tests be required? - Your āhand written CVS vaccination cardā will not be accepted as proof. It will be some ācertificateā - still TBD. - Euro Rail routes and ports (for cruise ships) are not all operating yet.. stay tuned. For updated information- my go to sources are the @cnntravel and of course @thepointsguy ! More coming! #greece #santorini 
What is one thing I learned that truly helps me enjoy Sundays? (Remember, Sunday is actually the start of a new week, not Monday!) š„± I spent years not sleeping properly on Sunday night in preparation for the Monday morning 6am flight to my client site. š¤I used to snooze that alarm from 3:30-3:45am and to just have enough time to take a quick shower and take an Uber to the airport! Hence Sundays were for chores first- errands, laundry, work I needed to get done, repacking for Monday, and then whatever time was left for my family. š Now, I maximize my Sundays centered around things I love first- from family activities, seeing friends, enjoying the outdoors, going out to dinner, etc. While there are still chores too- I realized that if I prioritize what I love to do first, then the chores/work haven't taken me away from what brings me happiness. The big learning was a mindset shift- first focus on doing things you love with the people you love, then all the other stuff. š The list of "to-do's" from household and professional responsibilities does not go away, but it's the positive energy that fuels everything else and truly makes a difference. How do you maximize your Sundays? šø My friend Davie #mondaymotivation