I write this piece onboard Austrian Airlines headed to the imperial city of Vienna— the home to art, Mozart, Freud and Swarovski. I heard of Vienna, for the first time, over a decade ago! Ahem…I’m aware that in the name of sharing, such revelations make me sound old! However, keeping in line with the ‘mind over matter’ theory; I choose to go with a slightly more acceptable definition of the years gone by : ‘experienced’. Never old, just more experienced. There, that’s better! Now your raised brow over my age math can take a seat. (smirk) Let’s move on shall we?

 For many years, Vienna wore the crown in the list of my favourite destinations. Here is a short version of that beautiful love story:

 It was my first travel show as a TV presenter. In fact, it was my FIRST TV show ever — my debut as an ‘anchor’ in the world of glamorous television— a dream job indeed! I was in Delhi helping out with the family business when I got a call from Mumbai to audition as a travel host for the most popular television network at the TIME (if you get the drift that is ;)) I couldn’t have flown down for their review meeting the next day; so I came up with plan B. I found a wedding videographer at the local market (the only option I could find given the short notice) and rushed him to our humble abode in Gurgaon; which was to be my pretence destination over the next hour. He was highly confused as I spoke about the imaginary beach view from my balcony. “Madam, there is no beach in frame," said the perplexed chap.

“Just keep shooting please!” commanded my hyper self. After all, this was a lifetime opportunity and I had to get it right.

Next, I opened my wardrobe door to a few empty hangers. “Just look at these handmade necklaces— each bead has a story to tell, revealing the stunning craftsmanship that goes into such beautiful creations!”

My capturer, used to shooting brides, was still puzzled. Here, there was none in sight. Forget the bride, there was NOTHING in sight that matched my speech. “But Madam…” I cut him off. “Shhhh!” There was no time to explain. “Keep it rolling! Jaldi Jaldi! ”

A few more made-up stories, random intros and lots of baffling later; I finally got my audition footage. I whisked the poor fella to the editing studio; managed a rough cut, made a DVD (pen drives weren’t popular at the time) and sent it to Mumbai via speed courier with guaranteed next day delivery. Phew! ‘Mission Audition' accomplished cheetah style!

 Two days later, I received the much awaited call saying the makers were intrigued by my fictitious shoot; and to set the ball rolling, they would like to meet me in their Mumbai studio for a look test. Yipeee! (Backflips)

 The next few days introduced me to a whole new world — a world of sassy ENTOURAGE :

1. A dedicated B-town Stylist dressing me up in winter clothes (complete contrast to the scorching heat of Mumbai) experimenting with various ‘traveller’ looks, [“This has to look upmarket chic!” ]

2.  A renowned make-up artist working on an effortless airbrush look to match the winter hues; [“Look up and pout baby!” ]

3. Hair straightened, curled, coloured, cut (gratis) for a refreshing style [“We have to give her a fringe and sun-kissed highlights” ] and

4. [“You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” ] while I posed awkwardly as a novice—the biggest name in photography taking stills for hoardings.

Hoarding? Whoa-DING! I was to have MY face pasted all over advertisement boards in metro cities of India…Wooohooo! Even before departing for my travels; I had arrived! The country shall now know of SUPREET BEDI. Yesss!

 The ‘look’ taken care of; I was called in for a channel meeting to discuss the itinerary and the expectations.

Schedule 1: Malaysia, Singapore .

Schedule 2: Vienna, Barcelona, Malaga

Schedule 3: Australia, Fiji Islands

There it was staring at me on paper - VIENNA.

“I’ve heard of the rest but where is Vienna?” I was intrigued.

“Austria”, answered the channel head.

“Oh, I thought we were covering Australia in the third schedule?” , still intrigued.

“Correct. That’s Aus-tra-LIA. This is Aust-RIA….without the kangaroos… Vienna is the capital.” Smiled the team.

How daft did I sound? Very. Pretending to be a world traveller and I never knew the difference. I quickly read up on Austria and instantly fell in love with the images online.

The love turned into obsession as soon as I landed in Vienna. The breathtaking scenery, serene waters of the Danube, the dreamy horse carriages, the cobblestoned streets and secret alleyways, architectural highlights where contemporary and historic buildings coexisted - Ah! Metaphorically speaking, Vienna was just another me — traditionally modern! I had to see EVERYTHING; live the Austrian life, like I belonged there. If I were to ever move countries; Austria could easily be my new abode. LOVE, LOVE, more LOVE.

It was the freezing February of 2006. The crew had thick coats, cosy mufflers and earmuffs on. But I had to look supa glam— professional hazard. Words wouldn’t leave my mouth and stuttering in style was the best I could manage. The director came towards me with what he called the ‘magic potion’.

“Take a few swigs of this and you shall perform better”.  He whispered.

“Th..Th..Thanks for the friendly advice!” I couldn’t even smile, my lips were iced.

“It’s not just a friendly advice missie, its professional enlightenment!” he laughed and walked away.

It was for the first time that I had tried Brandy - bitter but miraculously warm in sub zero temperatures. I gave that link to camera in one take. Look who found a new friend! ;) A part-time colleague more like it as it showed up only during work hours and minus temperatures.

It was during that shoot that I made an embarrassing boo-boo. Well, there were many but one in particular is worth mentioning. I spotted an inconspicuous cute little lingerie store in one of the alleyways and thought of treating myself— I could do with a little body boost— a feel good item of sorts. So, I picked up a fiery red lacy number, did the ritual of converting the local currency to Rupees (INR 5000 screamed the calculator) and paid for it with my Indian debit card. Yes, it was steep at the time but I never owned anything like that before and I could do with an alluring set considering I had just started seeing a bloke back home. Naughty, Heehee! You never know when you need a little foxy push to be marked ‘irresistible’. [A total waste if you ask me now, as my prince charming fled for new pastures anyway…Alas!] Anyhoo, let’s stick to Viennese pastures. I went back to the hotel and happened to check the receipt again. It was a whopping INR FIFTEEN THOUSAND! I missed a whole digit! Not 5,000…15,000! For undergarments! Correction: for ONE undergarment! What a loot! That inconspicuous store turned out to be the not-so-inconspicuous designer outlet La Perla. Yes Yes, I later figured what I had walked into — the mothership of negligee brands! But that moment was dedicated to sheer panic and some borderline fainting! I rushed back to the store, but of course, it was closed. It was the hardest night to get through. First thing in the morning, I was stood outside the store with the grimmest face, waiting for the shutters to open. I explained my silly mistake to the lady-in-charge and she wasn’t amused as they didn’t offer returns. I cried for a whole ten minutes before she offered the next best thing — an exchange. So now, I had to pick something that at least justified the exorbitant amount. A waterproof turquoise blue beach sarong and a 3 piece lingerie set made the cut. They are STILL going strong and have literally been my (over) priced possessions.

 Today, years later, dressed in a shimmering black and gold gown; I’m stood on the same cobblestones outside the magnificent Hofburg House, the opulent venue for my event. A thought crept into my mind and I smiled to myself— slowly but steadily, life has indeed come a full circle. Next morning, bright an early, I headed to the Prater. What better way to mark this epiphany; than to steal a moment gazing at the Viennese cityscape on the oldest operational Ferris wheel - Wiener Riesenand. A slow and steady full circle carrying me effortlessly with it. Dear Vienna, you bring a sense of fulfilment. I walked out of the park clenching a fridge magnet (a traveller’s addiction) that read 'I Heart Vienna' — because I truly do. And I truly love anchoring too. Therefore, another symbolic purchase was a must: an ‘anchor’ ring by a popular European jewellery designer Paul Hewitt. I’m wearing it as I type and it’s never coming off for the simple motto— ‘Once an anchor, always an anchor’ ; after all, it’s a Supa Life! I found my calling, I hope you find yours too. But whatever you do and wherever life takes you: Be your own anchor!

 P.S. : In true Carrie Bradshaw style, I’m headed to La Perla again to pick up some fancy delicates…for old time’s sake…this time without (over) thinking. Toodle-oo calculator! Thankfully, the daunting convert-and-shop days are behind me! ;) [Sex and the City background score plays in my head as I strut away.]

 Oh and here is this newbie blogger's request: my heart pour finds it's fuel in your comments, so keep them coming please!