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Explore with Heena

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Explore with Heena

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explore with heena
Hey there!

I, Heena was born and raised in Mumbai but grew up in Sikkim, Manipal, Montenegro, Japan and all over the world. I enjoy exploring cultures, foods, sights, languages and meeting people. I have travelled through all union territories and most states of India. I have experienced about 20 countries including 45 of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Apart from blogging, I spend my time looking for greener alternatives in daily life, working out, collecting and writing postcards.

At the moment, I work remotely as a mechanical engineer, help SMEs in operating better, own a postcard shop, write a weekly column on sustainable travel and lifestyle for the Gomantak Times and write about Goa on LBB. I also teach Japanese language, do interpretations and translations.

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Welcome to Sikkim sign outside Pakyong airport and Heena
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Modern Sustainable Postcards

I make postcards on recycled paper with photos from my travels.

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Japanese language

I tutor, translate and interpret in Japanese and English languages.

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Anjuna Beyond the Touristy Façade: A Guide to Must-Try Experiences
  • Backpack Tales

Anjuna Beyond the Touristy Façade: A Guide to Must-Try Experiences

By Heena / March 5, 2023
Anjuna is a beautiful town in Goa known for its picturesque beaches, bustling flea markets, and vibrant nightlife. But beyond...
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Instagram-Worthy Spots in Goa to Add to Your Travel List
  • Backpack Tales

Instagram-Worthy Spots in Goa to Add to Your Travel List

By Heena / March 5, 2023
Are you planning a trip to Goa and looking for the best spots to capture some amazing photos for your...
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Panjim Uncovered: 8 Lesser-Known Experiences and Local Favorites
  • Backpack Tales

Panjim Uncovered: 8 Lesser-Known Experiences and Local Favorites

By Heena / March 4, 2023
If you are looking for local favourites and lesser-known incredible experiences in Panjim, the capital city of Goa, these are...
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The Outpost – A restaurant worth visiting in Panjim, Goa
  • Favourite Things

The Outpost – A restaurant worth visiting in Panjim, Goa

By Heena / November 3, 2022
The Outpost is a new restaurant in the heart of Goa worth visiting while you are in Panjim. Whether it...
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Eco-friendly hostel in Goa
  • Backpack Tales

Eco-friendly hostel in Goa

By Heena / June 13, 2022
Sustainability is the act of living while keeping future generations in mind and the ecological balance at a constant level....
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Matcha Warabi Mochi Recipe
  • Experience Japan

Matcha Warabi Mochi Recipe

By Heena / August 9, 2021
Matcha Warabi Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet great for summer. This is a favourite of mine as well as...
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Is English language easy to learn?
  • Musings

Is English language easy to learn?

By Heena / May 31, 2021
Yes, English language is easy to learn as we tend to hear it more often that we think. English language...
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6 ways to learn Japanese at home
  • Experience Japan

6 ways to learn Japanese at home

By Heena / May 30, 2021
Here are different ways to learn Japanese language at home while the pandemic halted your offline class plans or may...
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Zero Waste Living
  • Musings

Zero Waste Living

By Heena / May 24, 2021
Zero waste living is the need of the hour especially in Covid times with the inevitable waste piling up in...
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Covid vaccination experience in Mumbai
  • Musings

Covid vaccination experience in Mumbai

By Heena / May 3, 2021
Started my covid vaccination experience in Mumbai on Monday making me one step closer to beating the Covid-19 blues. I...
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explorer.heena

🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎁🌱🦷 Embrace a Sustai 🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎁🌱🦷 Embrace a Sustainable Oral Care Revolution! 🌿✨

🌟 Say goodbye to toxic chemicals and plastic waste in your toothpaste routine! 🚫
🔬 I have been experiencing the transformative power of Toothfully Yours Toothpaste Tabs, and it's time for you to join in too!

💚 Packaged in plastic-free, eco-friendly tins, these tabs are the result of 12 months of meticulous R&D. They boast zero toxic chemicals, perfect taste, high efficacy, and a uniquely brittle nature. Crafted with a powerful blend of Ayurvedic herbs and minerals like Triphala, Miswak, Babool, Neem, Rock Salt, Mango leaf, and more, they protect teeth, remove stains, and promote healthy gums. 🌿✨

✨ Unlike other Ayurvedic tooth powders and dental tabs I've used, Toothfully Yours Toothpaste Tabs are free from pieces getting stuck between my teeth and leaving stains on my pearly whites and basin. Such a relief, right? Together, let's make a massive impact by ditching plastic tubes and protecting our planet. Are you ready to join the refreshing, nature-powered revolution? 🌈🌍

🌱 Join me in embracing a cleaner, greener smile with "Toothfully Yours"! 🌍🌿
✨ Be a part of the toothpaste tab revolution! Provide valuable feedback and shape the future of oral care. 🚀💚

🎁 To win an entire month’s supply of Toothfully Yours tabs:
1️⃣ Follow @Toothfully_Yours_ and me, @Explorer.Heena
2️⃣ Tag 3 friends who deserve a sustainable smile in the comments below! 👇
3️⃣ For a bonus entry, share this post to your story, tagging both accounts! 📸✨

✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the power of nature, conquer plastic waste, and embark on a journey to a brighter, healthier smile! 🌿🌟

#ToothfullyYours #SustainableSmiles #NaturalRevolution #GreenOralCare #GiveawayAlert #JoinTheMovement #EcoFriendlyLiving #ChooseNature #DitchPlastic #ToothTabsRevolution #Goablogger #Goa #HeenaExploresGoa #DentalTabs #ToothpasteTabs

PS: This Giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram or any other pages except @toothfully_yours_ and @Explorer.Heena. 🙅‍♀️✨
🐱 If you plan to get a cat, read this. 🐈 If 🐱 If you plan to get a cat, read this.
🐈 If you just got a cat, read this.
🐈 If you already have a cat, read this.

Here’s how it went for me- I did all the research I could, spent some time with the kitties at the shelter and had a lot of conversations.

And yet a couple weeks after adopting them, I was worried whether I could do this, whether the kitties were getting along with each other and whether they even liked the house.

Soon after I even thought about returning both of them, then one of them and keeping both of them. 

The thoughts came in phases just like culture shock from moving to another country.

One of them got couple bites from the other. Sometimes they’d fight and they’d hiss. They’d also sleep in opposite corners.

But as these two months have passed (OMG it’s been two months only and OMG it’s been two months already) they now groom each other a bit. Sometimes they sleep next to each other. They play a whole lot.

Doja makes herself comfy in my lap like she owns it. Bailey runs up to me or may be because I carry food right away! It’s finally getting better.

I wish it was drilled in my head that all it would need was time. Even if they had spent months together in the same shelter. Even if they were super friendly and cuddly.

I am just so glad I didn’t return them!

How was your kitty experience or what are you anticipating?

Thank you @pawspanjim for these cuties and everybody for helping out this cat noob in me everytime.

#goa #heenaexploresgoa #goablogger #pawspanjim #adoptdontshop #catsofgoa
☑️ Not just Goans but all can try this out! # ☑️ Not just Goans but all can try this out!

#earthdayeveryday 

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out www.heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #gomantaktimes #sustainability #heenaexploresgoa
🌊 You cannot miss this when you’re in Goa! 🌊 You cannot miss this when you’re in Goa! 

💫 Imagine betel leaf tempura and black garlic tart with rustic vibes and lovely music through the record player.

👀 I can’t believe this was my first time at @ftr_vinylbar 

#goa #goablogger #heenaexploresgoa #thingstodoingoa
✌🏽久しぶり / Long time no see 🌊 the s ✌🏽久しぶり / Long time no see

🌊 the sounds
💨 the feels
📖 reading @_masalalab 
📌 @jamminggoat 
💭 so many

#goa #goablogger #heenaexploresgoa #jamminggoat
🍹 Infused beverage brands may be on the rise bu 🍹 Infused beverage brands may be on the rise but the waste isn’t reducing much.

 💫 Here’s what can be done to go sustainable and what infused beverage inspiration @aaniekgoa by @clemdesylva is doing for the same! 

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out www.heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #gomantaktimes #sustainability #heenaexploresgoa #aaniek
💭 Did you know there are cats who skateboard? 💭 Did you know there are cats who skateboard?

😻 Do you think Doja and Bailey will be able to soon?

💫 Follow @explorer.heena and check out Heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #skateboardingcats #heenaexploresgoa #rescuedkittens #adoptdontshop
🐱 Can’t get over how cute these two kitties a 🐱 Can’t get over how cute these two kitties are ♥️

🤔 It hasn’t been easy but slowly they are adjusting. Bailey steals Dojas food. Doja teaches Bailey litter box manners.

🐈 Oh and once the catnip hits, these two are such entertainers! 

🪴 Our neighbour gifted us some cat grass today and it’s been so nice to see them enjoying together.

❤️ These two have been adopted from @pawspanjim who rescued Doja from the Panjim Fish Market and Bailey from the St Inez Fire station. Both were found sick and recovered.

💫 Follow @explorer.heena and check out Heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #catgrass #heenaexploresgoa #rescuedkittens #adoptdontshop
💫 Agree with #DojaChan 🐈 ? ✨ Follow @expl 💫 Agree with #DojaChan 🐈 ?

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out Heenas.in

#heenaexploresgoa #goa #blogger #adoptedcat #pawspanjim
💫 Here’s why we need more conscious story tel 💫 Here’s why we need more conscious story tellers and experiential travel enthusiasts.

🌟 Have a look at what @makeithappen.co.in and @amreenshaikh09 are doing mindfully to support it 🙂

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out www.heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #gomantaktimes #sustainability #heenaexploresgoa #makeithappen
♥️ Save this list of incredible Mocktails you ♥️ Save this list of incredible Mocktails you cannot miss in Goa!

🤤 They were so good, I downed them and have no memory of the names! So just ask them by the photo!

In order,
@purplemartinigoa - some elderflower and kaffir lime?
@petiscogoa - Smokey virgin margarita 
@maaigoa - GnT minus the G?
@sakana_goa - cucumber ish cooler?
@occogoa - coconutty?
@qlaygoa - spinach, green apple something?

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #mockatils #mocktailsofgoa #lbbgoa
🤤 Found the butteriest prawns and the yummiest 🤤 Found the butteriest prawns and the yummiest spinach green apple mocktail.

🍹 Btw their cocktail meany is disinvestment by india’s best!

💫 Ample parking, prompt service and a place you must check out!

✨ Follow @explorer.Heena and check out Heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #collab #heenaexploresgoa
♥️ Thank you @feira.goa and @beach.bazaar.goa ♥️ Thank you @feira.goa and @beach.bazaar.goa for having me at the launch of @sevenriversbrewing at @tajholidayvillage !!

✉️ Ps: if you’re new here! I make postcards on 100% recycled paper with photos I click on @explorer.heena ! I also help you send out postcards. Just hit me up!

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #heenaexploresgoa
☀️ Wondering where to get Sunday right? 🍱 ☀️ Wondering where to get Sunday right?

🍱 @rose.assagao at @mademoiselle.goa noon it is!

🌞 Unlimited refreshing Froze and delicious Mezze, amazing French music, quaint swimming pool, nostalgic carousel, fantastic hospitality and Euro-Mediterranean vibes.

📑 Check out their pizzas and desserts, especially the baileys strawberry tiramisu off their a la carte menu.

🤤 My favourite dip was the smoked labneh that I still can’t stop thinking about!

💭 Which one from the last slide excites you the most?

😵 Also didja know? They serve all day breakfast, they are pet friendly and have ample parking!

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #heenaexploresgoa #collab
💭 How to do Goa right? ♥️ Screw that insta 💭 How to do Goa right?

♥️ Screw that insta worthy checklist and follow your heart!

💃 Immerse yourself in this amazing culture because why else would you travel this far.

💰 Some places can truly burn a hole in your pocket so don’t fret, search and you will find those are incredible and value for money places.

📸 Forget creating content for once and live in the moment.

✍️ Plan your trip to here and let that be plan B. Figure on the go but at least you won’t be stuck in the middle of the an empty street, scrambling for network and even worse if it’s the night.

⤵️ Send this to someone who needs to hear this now.

✨ For more Goa secrets, follow @explorer.heena and check out my blog heenas.in

🌞 Thank you @msocialin for having me at @purplemartinigoa 

#goa #goablogger #heenaexploresgoa
🎂 Pi day & here and there ♥️ Slide 1 : Did 🎂 Pi day & here and there ♥️

Slide 1 : Did something new - explored the Indian Customs and Central Excise museum!

Slide 2 : creamiest @caramel.by.neela . 🤫 New flavour incoming 😍

Slide 3 : Best time of the year is here. IYKYK

Slide 4 : Slow down, stop and stare @bombilgoa ceilings.

Slide 5 : ground @ainmane coffee beans after so long

Slide 6 : Portuguese custard tarts. Only if @padaria_prazeres came before lays, no one can eat just one would have been apt here.

Slide 7 : the only way I like my eggs 🇹🇷 and pesto FTW

Slide 8 : ahhh dreamt of having this on my birthday and @beanmeup.goa being an hour away, my dreams did come true 🥲

Slide 9 : have been meaning to return to @versus.goa for months and finally! Best damn veg Croquettes ever!

Slide 10 : my new favourite fish goujons at my favourite @petiscogoa 

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out Heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #piday #heenaexploresgoa #birthday
🪴 Thank you @reddysameera for sharing your thou 🪴 Thank you @reddysameera for sharing your thoughts on composting!

🤩 My favourite bit was ‘you can’t be icked out by it!’ Because it reminded me of a year ago when. I had just started out!

🤔 What are your thoughts on Composting?

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out www.heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #gomantaktimes #sustainability #heenaexploresgoa
🎊 GIVEAWAY WINNER : @hiral_pandya 💫 Whethe 🎊 GIVEAWAY WINNER : @hiral_pandya 

💫 Whether you want to explore an old Fontainhas House in the Latin Quarters or feel the lives of the Nobles lives in Campal, @makeithappen.co.in can #MakeItHappen for you and your plus one!

All you have to do is,
💫 Follow @makeithappen.co.in and @explorer.heena .
💫 Comment which tour you would like to go on and tag someone you will take along.
🌟 Bonus: Add this post to your story tagging both @makeithappen.co.in and @explorer.heena 

💃 One winner gets one complimentary tour from Make It Happen for themself and a plus one, anytime before 31/12/2023.
The winner can pick the Campal Heritage Walk, Fontainhas Heritage Walk, Old Goa Heritage Walk, Fort Aguada Port & Jail Heritage Walk or Chandor Heritage Walk; subject to availability.

✨ Check out Heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #collaboration #heenaexploresgoa #fontainhas #exploregoa #sheexplores 

🙅🏽‍♀️ This contest has no relation with Instagram.
👀 Women travelling solo has always been a conce 👀 Women travelling solo has always been a concern.

🤷‍♀️ And for Goa every other parent goes like na baba na!

🧳 On the occasion of #internationalwomensday here’s a guide to travelling solo as a female to Goa! 

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and check out www.heenas.in

#goa #goablogger #gomantaktimes #sustainability #heenaexploresgoa
🌊 Experience the ultimate Goa getaway with my i 🌊 Experience the ultimate Goa getaway with my insider tips and must dos.

😍 For the best of food, drinks and experiences that you simply cannot miss,

✨ Follow @explorer.heena and read up on Heenas.in

♥️ and follow your stupid heart!

#goa #goablogger #heenaexploresgoa #goagetaway #exploregoa #goamustdos #ultimategoa #goaexperience #goahiddengems
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