Greetings! I'm originally from India but have spent a significant portion of my life in the UK before moving to the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area for work. Currently, I reside in Berkeley, CA with my new companion, India, a golden retriever guide dog who shares a name with my home country. Prior to the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to travel to over 30 countries, both for work and pleasure. This incredible experience has cultivated in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, traditions, and cuisines from around the world. I truly consider myself a citizen of the world, always fascinated by the unique tapestry of our global community. As a wise wizard once said, "Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open." I've been blind since birth due to a congenital condition. Nevertheless, I've learned to adapt and lead an independent life. If you're curious about how blind people navigate the digital world, or anything else for that matter, I highly recommend checking out the amusing "Tommy Edison Experience" on YouTube. It's an excellent channel that sheds light on various aspects of blindness. During the pandemic, I took up a new hobby and dusted off my neglected keyboard, attempting to learn to play. Music has always been a source of joy for me, and I enjoy a wide range of genres, including Bollywood, reggae, classical (both Western and Indian), pop, country, and Irish folk. Anything with a great rhythm captivates me, but heavy metal isn't my cup of tea. Additionally, I'm an avid reader, eager to make up for the lack of accessible reading materials I had while growing up in India. As a result, I've developed a voracious appetite for books. I'm an unabashed Harry Potter fan, though I confess I haven't watched "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" yet. Perhaps we could plan a trip to New York together to experience the play? Another interest of mine is stand-up comedy, and attending Stephen Colbert's late show is on my bucket list. With the assistance of a friend, I'm currently building a small N scale model railroad layout. Trains have always fascinated me, and I admit to being a complete train nerd. In fact, for my 40th birthday, I treated myself to a sleeper cabin on the Amtrak California Zephyr, embarking on a journey from the Bay Area to Denver. I've heard the views along this route are truly breathtaking. Inquisitiveness and curiosity are deeply ingrained in my nature, and I'm captivated by all that the world has to offer. Although I identify as an introvert, I'm an exceptional listener, making me an engaging conversationalist. I cherish meaningful connections and value loyalty, as my two best friends can attest. Open-mindedness and non-judgmental attitudes are essential to me, and I seek friends and relationships built upon these principles. While I do not smoke and prefer non-smokers as well, I hope you understand that my concerns are rooted in the well-being of both individuals and those around them. The same holds true for COVID precautions and vaccinations—I'm fully vaccinated and expect the same from you. Protecting our fellow citizens is a responsibility we should all uphold. I yearn to resume traveling and explore the vast wonders our world has to offer. From the enchanting Pacific Northwest and awe-inspiring Yellowstone in the US, to the vibrant cultures of the Caribbean and South America, and the captivating landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, and Africa—I have yet to set foot in these incredible destinations. Additionally, I've yet to embark on a long road trip within the US, a journey I eagerly anticipate. Meeting new people brings me great joy, and I'm open to various types of connections—whether acquaintances, friends, travel buddies, or something deeper if a spark ignites between us. Ideally, I'm hoping to connect with someone local to the SF Bay Area, as exploring new cafes, restaurants, going for walks or hikes together sounds delightful. Rest assured, I won't bore you too much! When I lived in London, we had a blind walkers club, and we would partner with local hiking clubs to embark on 10-mile walks during the summer. While I do have a small treadmill at home, it pales in comparison to the true adventure of hiking. However, I'm not opposed to long-distance connections, as long as we have the opportunity to meet in person soon and on a regular basis. Online-only friendships or relationships aren't my preference, as I value genuine face-to-face interaction. If there are any tandem cycling enthusiasts reading this, I would love to hear from you! I had the pleasure of going on a couple of tandem bike rides as a stoker during my time in the UK, and I absolutely adored the experience. I'm even considering purchasing a tandem bike if I can find friends who are willing to volunteer as pilots. In the spirit of complete disclosure, I went through a painful divorce nearly 2 years ago. Although I'm not opposed to romantic relationships, my primary intention with this post is to expand my network of friends and acquaintances in the area. Over the past five years in the Bay Area, my busy schedule, which included work and work-related travel, prevented me from devoting time to building a personal network. As we emerge from the pandemic and with the added factor of my divorce, I'm determined to overcome my introverted nature and engage more with the world around me. I hope my enthusiastic and perhaps lengthy post hasn't overwhelmed you. There's so much I still want to learn and experience, and I would be thrilled if you joined me on this incredible journey.