Travel & leisure
from Anilao, Philippines
Life beyond boardrooms and policy papers has its own adventures. Travel, golf and bridge have been my ways of exploring new cultures, staying grounded and connecting with people across generations. This page brings together glimpses of these passions.
Travel: Journeys that broaden the mind
Travel has not just been a part of my work—it has been a source of learning, reflection and joy. From walking through the ancient streets of Kyoto to experiencing the vast landscapes of Machu Picchu, every journey has left an imprint.
Top 5 favorite destinations
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Sydney:
With its sparkling harbour, iconic Opera House, and laid-back coastal vibe, Sydney effortlessly blends modernity with nature. I love its energy, walkability, and the outdoor lifestyle—few cities feel so alive yet so relaxed.
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Hanoi:
Hanoi captivates with its layers of history, from ancient temples to French colonial villas and bustling street markets with pho shops at each corner. I love its soulful atmosphere, the blend of old and new, and the sense that the past is always present.
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Paris:
Paris is the epitome of timeless elegance, where every boulevard and café whispers stories of art and romance. I’m drawn to its exquisite urban design, rich history, and the sense of beauty in even the smallest details.
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Cape Town:
Framed by the dramatic Table Mountain and lapped by two oceans, Cape Town is one of the most breathtakingly situated cities in the world. I admire its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and the resilience woven into its complex history.
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Cartagena:
With its colourful facades, cobbled streets, and Caribbean rhythm, Cartagena feels like a living painting. I’m enchanted by its colonial charm, coastal warmth, and the way history and joy coexist in every square and alley.
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Glimpses from my journeys
Opera House framed by the Coat Hanger Sydney
Serene Kyoto
Watching FIFA World Cup Final under the shadow of Effile Tour
A Conversation Across Time--With the Famous Five on Parliament Hill in Ottawa
Festive streets of Cartagena
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
Golf: The green escape
Golf has been more than a sport—it’s a meditative space, a test of patience and sometimes, a metaphor for life. I have noted that this “non-sporty” pastime brings out the best and worst in the people that you play with! I’ve played on courses from Gurgaon to California, and each green holds a memory of focus, fellowship and fun.
Glimpses from my journeys
Golf courses where I have played
In India
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- Delhi NCR (Delhi Golf Course, Qutub Golf Course, Noida Golf Course, JP greens, DLF Golf Course, ITC Summit)
- Mumbai (Willingdon Golf Course)
- Pune (Oxford Golf Course)
- Srinagar (Royal Spring Golf Course)
- Lucknow
- Jaipur (Rambagh)
- Ahmedabad (Belvedere Golf Course)
- Varanasi
- Guwahati
- Shillong
Outside India
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- San Francisco, USA
- Los Angeles, USA
- Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Manila, Philippines (St. Elena Golf Course, Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, Sun Valley Golf Course)
My bucket list of golf courses where I'd love to play
Explore the world's most iconic golf courses—each one a masterpiece of nature, design, and golfing history. Here's where I dream of teeing off.
1. St Andrews (Old Course)
📍 St Andrews, Scotland
Why? Because it's the cradle of golf. To walk the fairways where the game began, to stand on the Swilcan Bridge, and to feel the weight of centuries of golfing history—it's a pilgrimage every golfer must make once in their lifetime.
2. Augusta National Golf Club
📍 Augusta, Georgia, USA
Why? To experience the hallowed grounds of The Masters—lush, immaculate, and almost mythical. Augusta is where golf legends are born and history is made under the blooming azaleas.
3. Pebble Beach Golf Links
📍 California, USA
Why? For the Pacific Ocean views, dramatic cliffside holes, and to test your game where legends have triumphed. Few courses blend natural beauty and golfing prestige quite like Pebble.
4. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
📍 Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Why? To play cliff-top holes 140 meters above the ocean with fairways perched on narrow ridges of land. It's golf on the edge—literally.
5. Leopard Creek Country Club
📍 Mpumalanga, South Africa
Why? To golf on the edge of Kruger National Park, where the soundtrack is birdsong and distant roars. Where else can you line up a putt while spotting elephants across the river?
6. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Composite Course)
📍 Melbourne, Australia
Why? To experience the strategic brilliance of Alister MacKenzie, on a course that blends speed, contour, and wind in masterful harmony. It’s the crown jewel of Australia’s famed Sandbelt.
Personal milestones I crave for!
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- Make at least five hole-in-one
- Play a round with my grandchildren
- Walk 36 holes in a day
- Go on a golfing holiday in each Continent
Bridge: The game of strategy and connection
Like golf, it also brings the best and worst sides of human beings!
Bridge, to me, is more than a card game—it's a symphony of logic, strategy, partnership and intuition. I was drawn to it not only for the intellectual challenge it offers but also for the camaraderie and quiet thrill that come with each well-played hand. Every deal is a puzzle to be solved under conditions of incomplete information and every bid and play carries the weight of communication without words. Bridge sharpens the mind, teaches patience and demands cooperation—a rare blend of competition and collaboration. Whether at a tournament table or in a relaxed evening with friends, the game continues to fascinate me with its depth, elegance and capacity to reveal human nature.
I often play online on Bridgebaseonline and my ID is @ibhushan.
Some online resources on bridge
1. Bridge Base Online (BBO)
The world’s most popular online platform to play bridge, watch expert matches live and participate in tournaments.
2. American Contract Bridge League (ACBL)
A central hub for bridge players in North America—includes lessons, tournament schedules and masterpoints tracking.
3. Bridge Doctor
Video tutorials and sample games for learners, especially helpful for understanding basic conventions and techniques.