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Forum & Shiva | Sustainable Travel 🌍

@barriersandborders

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🌍 travelling the world responsibly
🌱 vegans | architects | purpose-driven storytellers
🌻 Featured @htcity @deccanchronicle_official
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Hi Insta-world! ✨

With so many new faces joining us, it feels like the perfect time for a reintroduction! 🙋‍♀️🙋

We’re Forum & Shiva - partners in travel, life, & adventure. Our journey is about exploring the world with purpose- seeking out sustainable experiences, learning from local cultures, and sharing stories that connect us all. 🌍💚

So here's a (not so short! 😜) look at who we are and what drives us.
Tell us if you resonate with us & with what we do.

(Travel Explorers, Sustainable Experiences, Couple Travel, Travel Partners, Responsible Travel, Travel, Sustainability) by @barriersandborders

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27

2 years ago

BARRIERS AND BORDERS 2.0 IS HERE ✨❤️

“We’ve failed a 100 times, and then stood up 100 times, until failure gave up and all that was left was success.” I came across this quote somewhere, and thought what a beautiful way to describe what this recent win of ours feels like. I’m saying this because we are not launching our travel blog now; we’d already launched it 3 years ago. But, as recovering perfectionists (both of us!), we got so entangled in the technicalities of owning a website that our travel stories - the very reason behind starting a blog - took a backseat. 🥲

We spent the last 3 years learning web designing, coding, UI/UX, IT management, web hosting… terms I still am amateur to pronounce, but somehow tried my hands at learning them. However, eventually, the technical issues got so overwhelming that we almost gave up on writing these beautiful stories we’d been living.

So, at the beginning of this year, we gave ourselves one last chance to figure out whatever the hell was going on with our blog, fix it and restart it. And today, THIS, is the result of what we’ve been upto for the last 10 months - a cozy nest has been rebuilt and the li’l chicks have been reborn, all set to fill the space with stories again :)

It’s an opening on the internet to see the world WITHOUT Barriers And Borders. You’ll find our travelogues, vegan finds, and all the journeys - external and internal - we’ve taken so far, HERE. And we hope these stories inspire you to travel and experience the world meaningfully.

Oh, and before you say that “you can design websites with one-click AI tools today.” Sure. But the softness and gentleness of a human-designed interface will, IMO, probably never be replicated by a machine. So this is our 100% human-made website and its contents are solely ours!

( Travel blog, Travel Stories, Travel Storytelling, Indian Couple, Vegan Travellers, Vegans, Travel, Travel and learn, Indian travellers, Travel Website, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel, Vegan Finds, Veganism )

#responsibletravel #travelblog #barriersandborders #travelstorytelling #vegantraveller A person holds a laptop showing “To see the world without barriers and borders,” as a couple shares a tender kiss in the background by @barriersandborders

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3 days ago

At the age of 8, I had no idea there could be a profession where I’d get to travel and tell meaningful stories; all I wanted was to be THAT Alex from Travelxp, or THAT Deepti Bhatnagar from Musafir Hoon Yaaron (indian millennials who watched these shows growing up will probably remember!) but when the time came to choose a career path, I chose something that was safe & expected.

“Forum, you have such a beautiful skill for drawing. You should definitely choose Architecture or Interior Design.” Those words somehow cemented themselves in my head, and I decided to make it my goal - to become a successful architect. And I did. For some time.

But soon enough, I realised that even within architecture, I was always looking forward to the field trips - to stepping into unknown lands and learning about different cultures and traditions. I loved that! Those trips reminded me so much of my childhood travels with my grandparents in remote parts of India. We would go on a yatra, stay in simple dharamshalas, eat simple meals, walk more than 10k steps every day, and just… soak in the beauty of a place slowly.

Even when I was choosing a master’s programme abroad, I took up an education loan to study further. Of course, there were other reasons too, but somewhere at the core of it, I just wanted to travel. All the decisions I’ve made over the years, that young girl was driving me towards the life SHE wanted.

At some point, I had to stop running away from myself and start listening to the dreams I had been pushing aside for years.

And so, this is me listening. This is me choosing the road I was always drawn to, even before I knew it had a name. I don’t know exactly where this road will take me. But for the first time, I’m not choosing the road because it is safe.
I’m choosing it because it feels like it is mine to take.

.

( Life at 32, Career Change, Architect, Travel Writer, Chasing Dreams, Travelling the world, Travel, Travel Storytelling, Travel writing, 30s, Indian Traveller, Live life on your terms )

#careerchange #travelwriter #architect #explore #livelifeonyourownterms by @barriersandborders

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6 days ago

It’s the little things that aren’t so little when you realise the power of a voice. 🌻🌿

One voice can ripple outward, reach others, inspire courage, and become a collective energy for change. So if you’re raising your voice against animal expl*itation and ab*se, know that you ain't alone. To every vegan and every compassionate heart: we are in this together, and love for each and every sentient being can truly heal the world.

Here are some things that have genuinely brought smiles across our faces after becoming vegans 👆🏽

What would you add to this list? 💚

( Vegans, Vegan for animals, Indian Vegan, Veganism, Animal rights, Animal cruelty, Plant based, Animal agriculture, Vegans of India, Clean eating, Green living, Stop animal exploitation, Go vegan )

#vegan #vegansofig #stopanimalexploitation #animalrights #environment A smiling couple holds icecreams outside a warmly lit vegan café. A sign reads, “Little things that make you happy after going vegan,” giving the scene a cheerful, welcoming tone. by @barriersandborders

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16 days ago

“When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.”

The disasters that once felt miles away from home, now seem closer and closer to home. And the more we talk about it, the more we can all come together and fight the mass destruction.

We've already lost 1/3rd of forests we cannot afford to lose more.

( Save Kaziranga, Save forests, Deforestation, Data Centers, Forests of the world, Coal Mining, Gold Mining, Nature, End Fossil Fuels, AI, Planet Health, Climate Change, Climate Crisis, Wetlands, Nature Conservation, Climate Action )

#datacenter #forests #deforestation #climatecrisis #saveforests by @barriersandborders

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a month ago

Being able to travel to new destinations and cross borders freely is in itself a privilege. And often, our privileges are shaped by how we see and think about colonialism, economic inequalities, and power dynamics between Global north and south. Responsible travel starts with traveling on a lighter footprint but also extends to acknowledging these facts each time we pack our bags and step out.

Coming from Global South, living in the Global North, and now travelling to places around the world has definitely showed us some ugly sides of the travel industry.

Here are some things that we absolutely hate about tourism and wish it was otherwise 👆🏽

What would you add to this list? ✈️

( Responsible Travel, Wildlife Tourism, Indigenous Communities, Greener Travel, Cheap Destinations, Tourism Industry, Travel Influencers, Things we hate about travel, Hidden Gems, Viral Destinations, Tourism brands, Travel companies, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Cares, Meaningful Travel )

#responsibletravel #sustainabletourism #viral #cheapdestinations #wildlifetourism Smiling couple takes a selfie beside a canal in a historic Belgian city; overlay reads “Things we absolutely hate about the travel industry.” by @barriersandborders

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a month ago

Sorry to disappoint guys, but society’s rulebook is not for us 😕

There will always be someone telling you what a “successful marriage” is supposed to look like, how a wife is “supposed” to be, what a husband is “supposed” to do, when you should have kids, what you should spend your money on, and what your life should look like..

It depends on you whether you want to live by that checklist or you want to be a rebel in your own way and define rules that you value. 🤟💪

For us, marriage has never been about fitting into a role. Spending our money on experiences instead of trying to look settled. Being child-free. Sharing responsibilities without worrying about who is “supposed” to do what. Choosing our own priorities on our own timeline is the definition of our happy marriage - not what everyone else expects.

And if building that sort of life is disappointing society then...

we’re okay with that. ❤️

Post inspired by: @our.life.in.miles

( No gender roles, Couples, Equal partnership, Disappointing Society, Successful Marriage, Stay Childfree, Society Rulebook, Settling down, Becoming vegan, Patriarchy, Question the norm, Traditional Marriage, Husband Wife, Adventurous Couple, Redefining marriage, Choose freedom, Reject expectations, Choose each other, Live differently )

#SocietysRulebook #SmashPatriarchy #RejectTheNorm #MarriageOnOurTerms #marriedlife by @barriersandborders

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a month ago

What began as a spontaneous 70-kilometre cycle from Vienna to Bratislava for Forum Parekh (@barriersandborders) quickly became a test of endurance, friendship and the realities of a changing climate. Through blistering heat, dwindling water and moments of doubt, the journey proves that sometimes the hardest routes leave you with the most to take home.

[Vienna to Bratislava cycling, cycling in Austria, EuroVelo 6, Vienna travel, Bratislava travel, European cycling routes] by @barriersandborders

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5

a month ago

🇬🇷 food has spoilt me for life 😭

So many people told us that food in Greece was heavy on meat. But, no one told us that, in ancient times, meat and other animal products in Greece were relatively scarce and often a luxury.

Hear me out ⤵️

The Mediterranean region has always had long and hot summer months. And this, in ancient times, meant that natural pastures would quickly dry out after spring season, making it harder to grow grass and fodder to feed livestock. In such conditions, raising cattle on a large scale was not viable. So, there was no mass meat production and no mass meat consumption. 🥩🥓

Even the elites in Greece consumed meat occasionally, usually during festivals or special celebrations.

In other words, the Greeks have a long tradition of cooking beautifully and naturally without "meat" being the centre of every meal. 🥗🫒

Everywhere I went, I was welcomed - hardly ever frowned upon - for being vegan. Sometimes, the word “vegan” itself wasn’t familiar. But it didn’t seem to matter to me, once the idea was understood.

It's more than clear that what we often think of as a "modern dietary movement" or fad, actually has its roots deep in ancient spiritual, philosophical, and ethical traditions. 💚🌱

( Vegan in Greece, Indian in Greece, Greek food, Plant-based, Mediterranean food, Mediterranean diet, Go Vegan, Veganism, Meat-free cooking, Food in Greece, Greeks, Gigantes, Horta, Wild greens, Responsible Travel, Travel Storytelling, Ancient Greece, Vegan friendly )

#veganingreece #greekfood #vegansofinstagram #greece #travelingreece taken in Peloponnese, Greece by @barriersandborders

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a month ago

Save this list for responsible travel recs in Greece 🇬🇷that are people-first & planet-friendly.

🚲CYCLE ALONG THE COAST OF MANI
Mani is one of the most incredible peninsulas in the Peloponnese - cycle along its west coast & get a full-panoramic view of the endless sea & the Taygetus Mountains in the distance. Contact @2407_outdoorexperience for a guided cycling tour of this beautiful region!

🎨LEARN 5,000-YEAR-OLD MOSAIC ART
Instead of buying yet another mass-produced souvenir, why not learn from a local artist & take home an experience?
Stefanos Dinos, a brilliantly talented mosaic artist in the Mani region, has been creating this beautiful artwork for nearly 40 years now! Check out Stefanos’ work at @piece_of_art_mani & support local crafts.

🏡STAY AT LOCALLY-OWNED GUESTHOUSES
When you stay at locally-owned properties, your money directly supports the locals & a greater share of your travel spending can stay within the community that eventually supports businesses & families. Whenever possible, choose independent places over large international chains.

✨MAGIC OF MONEMVASIA
Monemvasia, one of the most gorgeous stone-built villages of Peloponnese invites travellers to slow down & absorb its magic! Instead of wandering around the place during the day, try strolling through the area during the night (even special if you visit during Christmas!)

🏖️EXPLORE THE BEACHES OF MESSENIA
with Nolan’s film The Odyssey having been filmed in several locations across the Messenia, we genuinely hope the increased attention encourages travellers to explore the place more responsibly. From beautiful beaches to local villages & landscapes, there is so much to experience here. Check out our friends’ work at @exploremessinia

💚VISIT KALAMATA
Kalamata is a cozy city, with a fresh & chic attitude - and, of course, best olive oil in the world! Check out mamas_flavours - Maria is a wonderful storyteller who warmly welcomes travellers into her world through stories, local food, and the distinct flavours of the region.

👉🏼Follow @barriersandborders for more such offbeat & responsible travel tips

#responsibletravel #greece #offbeatgreece #travelingreece #sustainabletravel taken in Greece by @barriersandborders

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a month ago

Eyebrows are always raised when you choose to stand out from the crowd. When you question norms. When you propose a new idea. Especially one that conflicts society's conditioning.

And the first thing society throws back at you is: "Nobody thinks like you. You obviously stand no chance."

Veganism is no different. It, too, has faced the same scrutiny & mockery over the years.🙅‍♀️🙅🏼‍♂️

People naturally resist what they do not understand, protecting the comfort of status quo traditions. Yet, history shows that TRUE progress is a SLOW burn; what begins as a radical fringe idea gradually accumulates momentum, attracts a community, and builds its own undeniable structure. 💚💪

The vegan movement is following this exact biological blueprint. And what was once dismissed as an "extreme" lifestyle choice has slowly yet steadily matured into a powerful, self-sustaining global shift - proving that today's nonconformity is simply tomorrow's evolution. 🌈✨

Rumi said it beautifully:
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."

So cut out all the noise. And stand for what you believe in.✊🏼
The decision to go vegan needs only one person and one mind. 🙌🏼💚

👉🏼 Follow @barriersandborders for more such vegan content 🌱

( Vegans, Vegan for animals, Indian Vegan, Veganism, Vegan Movement, Animal rights, Animal cruelty, Plant based, Animal agriculture, Vegans of India, Clean eating, Green living, Stop animal exploitation, Revolution, Societal norms, Rethink tradition, Conscious consumption )

#vegan #vegansofig #stopanimalexploitation #animalrights #environment A man waters lush houseplants beside a guitar and amplifier; overlay text asks, “You really think ONE vegan can make a difference?” with a sprout. taken in Planet Earth by @barriersandborders

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a month ago

The Anthropocene started in 1950s, with the mass-production of human-made substances like THE PLASTIC. And since then - not only our lives, but also the lives of the animals - everything has changed forever.

The accumulation of plastic waste in our environment has had devastating consequences for wildlife. Birds like fulmars and albatrosses are choking because of a build-up of plastic in their stomachs. The plastic trash we casually dispose off in our waterbodies is leading to entanglement of water birds & aquatic animals, most times with fatal consequences.🦤🚯

But you know what’s crazy?

It’s the same stupid plastic that some birds are now using to raise their young ones. Take the common coots, often found in many European canals. Long before the introduction of plastics, common coots used to build nests with plant materials. Now, due to lack of vegetation in our urban spaces, they’ve started using human litter easily found in waterways—and nearly 30% of this nesting material is artificial: fake plants, face masks, chocolate wrappers, coffee cups..🍫🤿

On our visit to Ghent in Belgium🇧🇪, we saw the plastic litter in coots’ nests ourselves. But along with that, we also saw an unusual floating platform that the coots were using to nest. Turns out, this organisation @meer.koet.minder.afval is weaving these floating platforms that give coots a place to nest, rest and raise their young in Ghent’s canals. And the coots in turn, are helping clean the trash from the waterways. Once the breeding season is over, all the plastic is collected and recycled to prevent it from entering our oceans. 🌊❎

Isn’t that a simple & ingenious idea!? Such a natural partnership to manage urban waste.♻️🦆

Why don't we have more such natural partnerships and create a healthier living environment for all?💚🌱

( Ghent, Urban Waste Management, Belgium, Coots in Europe, Anthropocene, Coots of Belgium, Natural Partnership, Plastic trash, Plastic Kills, Plastic Waste, Stop Plastic, Recycle Plastic, Clean Canals, European Canals, Waterways, More Coots, Less Waste, Green Living, Green Cities, Sustainability )

#morecootslesswaste #ghent #belgium #fyp #plastickills by @barriersandborders

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2 months ago