Articles written by Neha Puntambekar

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About me - Neha Puntambekar

I am a freelance writer by day and an aspiring fiction writer by night, and there's a constant power struggle between the two. One pays the bills; the other promises fame and possibly fortune. Between the two, I churn out articles for the web, write for publications

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Hobbies & Games > Holiday Crafts Creative do-it-yourself Christmas gift ideas: 2 of 32
Gift Ideas: Make your own! The holidays are a time to bond with family, soak in the atmosphere and make merry. The holidays are also a time of high expenditure, and whether you like it or not, that credit card bill will soon make an appearance. This year instead of fretting over costs, why not make your own gifts. Not only i... More..
Travel > Europe (Other) Travel destinations: Zagreb, Croatia: 1 of 4
My first glimpse of Zagreb was on Google. I was relocating to the city and wanted to learn more about it. I stumbled on the words quaint and charming often, but I didn't realize just how true they rang till I landed here. Zagreb is almost invisible on the Croatian tourist map, but just like the country's flamboyant coastline... More..
Arts & Humanities > International Writers & Literature Biography: Franz Kafka: 2 of 7
My first encounter with Kafka was 'The Metamorphosis.' This strange, dark story should have turned me away; instead it left me wanting for more. In quick succession I devoured The Castle' and 'The Trail,' and then took up what has now become my favorite Kafka piece The Hunger Artist.' My fascination with Kafka grew so strong... More..
Travel > Asia Travel experiences: Indian monsoon season: 1 of 3
The month before the monsoon is always the most difficult. The sun blazes with a vicious ferocity. The days are yellow and hostile; everything is slow and tired, even the birds refuse to sing under the burden of the oppressive heat. And just when things seem to be at a breaking point, the temperature drops. The air is sudden... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Learning to read: 3 of 6
My first memory of reading is from the first grade. We had a class library, filled with an entire collection of educational, but interesting book. Most taught a lesson through a story, and all the stories revolved around a pair of siblings: Peter and Jane. Practically every book in the series started with the line Peter and ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Racism Identifying the Burakumin: 1 of 2
The Burakumin are a disadvantaged social group in Japan. The word burakumin literally translates as 'people of the hamlet,' describing the people living at the outskirts of towns and villages. However this 19th century term is just a substitute for the harsher realities of what the Burakumin are: outcasts. The root of discri... More..
Arts & Humanities > African History Biography: Patrice Lumumba: 1 of 1
Patrice Emery Lumumba (2/02/1925 17/01/1961) Patrice Emery Lumumba was the face of the Congolese freedom movement, and the torchbearer of African liberation. While his political rise was meteoric, its consequences were brutal: he was killed within just seven months of coming to power. Lumumba was born on 2nd July 1925 in Ona... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Tips for gift shopping in Vienna flea markets: 1 of 1
With every step you take here, you're retracing someone else's footprints. For hundreds of years the Viennese have walked the length of the Naschmarkt in search of a good bargain; these stalls have helped compose celebratory meals, set up new homes and have provided beautiful presents for every occasion. Naschmarkt is Vienna... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Childhood memories: 181 of 308
I have been reading ever since I can remember. Most of my early childhood memories revolve around picture books, progress to fairy tales and then finally to the novel. This particular memory goes back to a summer many, many years ago. I had just discovered the Enid Blyton adventure series, and I was running through them at b... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Gift Advice Great gift-basket idea for an artist: 13 of 17
My mother is an artist, and I love putting together a gift basket for her from time to time. The biggest challenge that I face while composing such a basket is in being creative. It is essential you pack in a surprise; otherwise it's just a regular basket with art supplies. The Basket: You can pick an interesting shaped wick... More..