"A short walk is so tedious when no one walks with you, but a long journey is just like a few steps when you walk with someone who really cares for you"
I am packing... anyone up for it?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Quotes for the Day
From U. G Krishnamurthy (http://www.well.com/user/jct/):
"We don't want to be free from fear. All that we want to do is to play games with it and talk about freeing ourselves from fear."
"When the movement in the direction of becoming something other than what you are isn't there any more, you are not in conflict with yourself."
Zephyr, thanks for the link... I am shaken by UG already!
"We don't want to be free from fear. All that we want to do is to play games with it and talk about freeing ourselves from fear."
"When the movement in the direction of becoming something other than what you are isn't there any more, you are not in conflict with yourself."
Zephyr, thanks for the link... I am shaken by UG already!
It's all about Koshish!
Kitni shiddat se tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai..
Ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai..
Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko agar dil se chaho to saari kayanath tumhe usse milane ki koshish me lag jaati hai..
Oh really? :)
Ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai..
Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko agar dil se chaho to saari kayanath tumhe usse milane ki koshish me lag jaati hai..
Oh really? :)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Decisions..
How do you make those critical choices? How do you decide what to do and what not to do, especially when you have two or more alternatives - usually with emotional ramifications?
Choose heads or tails. Toss a coin. Before it comes down, you will know what side you want to come up.
That's the right decision for you!
Always works for me!
Choose heads or tails. Toss a coin. Before it comes down, you will know what side you want to come up.
That's the right decision for you!
Always works for me!
It's All in the Mind
Do you know who's the easiest to fool? It's yourself. Most people say, you can fool everyone but yourself. Trust me, that's a myth.
Remember this: The easiest person to fool is yourself!
Yes, I know there is intuition. Yes, I know your inner voice, your inner mind, your subconscious, always steps in and tells you what is right and what is wrong, what the truth is. But remember, your subconscious, your inner mind works off data too. It learns, it sees patterns, it processes this and then makes it's decisions - as long as you feed it the right data, you can actually control your intuition and your subconcious.
So let me make it a little easier to say and admit - and actually feel better when you say it - it's always possible to harness your mind to make it think and believe what you want it to!
What implications does this have in our life? How can we harness this? Simple - train your mind to believe what you want to believe.
For example, what is love? It's a state of mind - it's how you feel. Do you really miss a person all the time? Can you really not live without a person? Can you really never every love again? The answer, surprisingly, is - depends on what you want it to be! The truth of the matter is - there is no one answer. Both a yes and a no is perfectly possible - it all depends on what you train your mind to feel! When we are in love, we tell ourselves things we want to be "true", because it's a state of mind we "like". We like saying, you are always in my mind, I miss you, and over time, that's what our mind starts believing! When we break up, our mind keeps reminding us what we trained it to tell us. Result? We miss our love, we feel upset, we cry. We don't want to live any more.
So what can we do? First, decide what you want! If you are not serious about getting over it, your mind will ensure it keeps reminding you how much you miss your ex, and you will forever be miserable. But if you want to get out and get a life, you can actually train (fool, if you want!) your mind to get rid of those "impressions" and "feelings". How? By feeding it the right data. Stop thinking of all the awesome times you spent together - that's not going to help you, babes! Think of all the hurt, the pain, the negatives - make sure your mind flushes it's cache, and replaces it with the "right" data.
What is God? You pray to an idol, you pray to a thought, you pray to an idea - and you tell your mind - when I do it, He will answer my prayers. What are you really doing? You are training your mind to feel the strength, you are "fooling" yourself into believing in God, and that is what gives you the strength. When you are sick, you can "fool" your mind, and your body into actually getting better! (There have been far too many medical studies that prove the effectiveness of placebos)
Are you playing with your feelings? Are you "fooling" yourself? No! Not at all! You are getting your life back!!!
The truth is what you want to believe. What is right and what is wrong is really for you to decide. What you want, is right, and what hurts you, is wrong. That's life!
Try it - it's all in the mind! And harnessing it is just about feeding it the right thoughts! Do you realise what a powerful tool you have, when you can feel, think and believe what you actually want?
Remember this: The easiest person to fool is yourself!
Yes, I know there is intuition. Yes, I know your inner voice, your inner mind, your subconscious, always steps in and tells you what is right and what is wrong, what the truth is. But remember, your subconscious, your inner mind works off data too. It learns, it sees patterns, it processes this and then makes it's decisions - as long as you feed it the right data, you can actually control your intuition and your subconcious.
So let me make it a little easier to say and admit - and actually feel better when you say it - it's always possible to harness your mind to make it think and believe what you want it to!
What implications does this have in our life? How can we harness this? Simple - train your mind to believe what you want to believe.
For example, what is love? It's a state of mind - it's how you feel. Do you really miss a person all the time? Can you really not live without a person? Can you really never every love again? The answer, surprisingly, is - depends on what you want it to be! The truth of the matter is - there is no one answer. Both a yes and a no is perfectly possible - it all depends on what you train your mind to feel! When we are in love, we tell ourselves things we want to be "true", because it's a state of mind we "like". We like saying, you are always in my mind, I miss you, and over time, that's what our mind starts believing! When we break up, our mind keeps reminding us what we trained it to tell us. Result? We miss our love, we feel upset, we cry. We don't want to live any more.
So what can we do? First, decide what you want! If you are not serious about getting over it, your mind will ensure it keeps reminding you how much you miss your ex, and you will forever be miserable. But if you want to get out and get a life, you can actually train (fool, if you want!) your mind to get rid of those "impressions" and "feelings". How? By feeding it the right data. Stop thinking of all the awesome times you spent together - that's not going to help you, babes! Think of all the hurt, the pain, the negatives - make sure your mind flushes it's cache, and replaces it with the "right" data.
What is God? You pray to an idol, you pray to a thought, you pray to an idea - and you tell your mind - when I do it, He will answer my prayers. What are you really doing? You are training your mind to feel the strength, you are "fooling" yourself into believing in God, and that is what gives you the strength. When you are sick, you can "fool" your mind, and your body into actually getting better! (There have been far too many medical studies that prove the effectiveness of placebos)
Are you playing with your feelings? Are you "fooling" yourself? No! Not at all! You are getting your life back!!!
The truth is what you want to believe. What is right and what is wrong is really for you to decide. What you want, is right, and what hurts you, is wrong. That's life!
Try it - it's all in the mind! And harnessing it is just about feeding it the right thoughts! Do you realise what a powerful tool you have, when you can feel, think and believe what you actually want?
Sanjay Dutt is back...
Sanjay Dutt is back home today, after his stint in Yerawada. Frankly, I think the guy has been punished enough - he has been stupid at times, reckless too, but I think he deserves his freedom now.
Moreover, I can't wait to see Munnabhai in the US!
On a different note though, I think instead of putting celebrities behind bars, they should be "reformed" by making them contribute to society - use their presence, use their power and popularity, and get work done...
Moreover, I can't wait to see Munnabhai in the US!
On a different note though, I think instead of putting celebrities behind bars, they should be "reformed" by making them contribute to society - use their presence, use their power and popularity, and get work done...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Delhi Fire Service
Watching a documentary on Nat Geo, on Delhi's Fire Brigade. Very interesting... it focuses on the bravery, determination, training, camaraderie and innovative spirit of the firefighters in the face of resource limitations and low technology.. very inspiring stuff!
At the end of the day, it's not about giving excuses for why not, it is about finding how you can make it happen! Just like Delhi's firefighters!
At the end of the day, it's not about giving excuses for why not, it is about finding how you can make it happen! Just like Delhi's firefighters!
Chak De, India!
Just saw Guru on TV.. awesome movie, but the best part is Gurubhai's speech at the end of the movie.. why should we be satisfied being India's biggest company, we want to be the world's biggest. And then his laugh.. clear, happy, almost devilish.. the world at his feet.. waiting for him to come and rule it...
Our army always made us proud... still remember Kargil.. never once did the army make us citizens feel threatened, young army officers fighting on the fronts, shoulder to shoulder with the foot soldiers, giving up their lives, ensuring we slept peacefully while the enemy paid a terrible price for daring to lay eyes on us.
Our cricket team is world T20 champ, it has learnt to win, to be number one. To take on the Pakis and the Aussies, on their own turf, and win.
And now the Reliances and the Tatas are living Gurubhai's dreams. The Ambanis are the world's richest today, easily putting behind once-untouchable-even-in-our-dreams Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. How long before India takes her rightful place at the helm of the world's affairs?
Move aside, world, India is waking up...
Our army always made us proud... still remember Kargil.. never once did the army make us citizens feel threatened, young army officers fighting on the fronts, shoulder to shoulder with the foot soldiers, giving up their lives, ensuring we slept peacefully while the enemy paid a terrible price for daring to lay eyes on us.
Our cricket team is world T20 champ, it has learnt to win, to be number one. To take on the Pakis and the Aussies, on their own turf, and win.
And now the Reliances and the Tatas are living Gurubhai's dreams. The Ambanis are the world's richest today, easily putting behind once-untouchable-even-in-our-dreams Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. How long before India takes her rightful place at the helm of the world's affairs?
Move aside, world, India is waking up...
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Childhood Memories....
Standard 2 - flanked by friends I haven't met in atleast a decade, in some cases, two
Still feel the pain of the cats claws - memories very fresh and vivid in my mind!
Still have this tie with me!
Interestingly, Sanam has a pic taken in almost the exactly same position, at the same place!
At my Moonj ceremony in 1983
Saturday, November 24, 2007
In the Dark...
Interesting Animals
This cute baby monkey joined us on the boat ride to Dubbare...
This HUGE pig, a first we saw with a leash, was an absolute stunner on the road from Dubbare.. inspired by the elephants?
A beautiful spider web...
And it's very scary occupant.. didn't hesitate a bit coming out to scare me!
The Coorg Tree Blog
Huge bamboo clusters on the Coorg-Mysore highway... the early morning sunlight filtering from behind
Vines curling up, forming bonds, holding firm..
Dense forest lines the path to Abby Falls
Lovely blue skies frame these beautiful trees
Hold me tight, says the tree to the vine, and the vine obliges... 
Dark and serene, peaceful forests against the late evening sky
These beautiful trees have interesting triangular, wedged trunks
Pecked by the woodpeckers!
Reaching for the blue skies, this thin tall tree is one of the beautiful millions dotting the Kodagu forestsMeeting the King Khan
Shweta and Siddha actually met the King Khan yesterday, in the backdrop of the IFFI at Goa. Not only did they talk to him and shake his hands, the King Khan actually forgot to return Shweta's pen - she's going wild just thinking about it
SRK is truly the King of Bollywood and Indian Cinema lovers all over the world... from the cute kid in Fauji that we all loved to wait a whole week to see next (we were in 9th-10th then, I guess), to Circus, and then in movies like Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Duplicate (my last movie as a bachelor - saw it alone at Mangala the day before I left for Goa to get married :)), SRK portrayed the perfect romantic hero in the Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenges and the Kuch Kuch Hota Hais of the early 90s. He inspired a whole generation of us with the Kal Ho Na Hos, and movies like Chalte Chalte continue to bring tears to my eye with his special brand of "I am not afraid to say I shamelessly love you" love. In the recent past, SRK has dished out one special movie treat after another - Kabhi Alvida Na Kehena, Swades, Don, Chak De and now, Om Shanti Om. Movies that will make us smile, cry, make us proud, inspire us, entertain us, and make us proud to be Indian. For ever and ever.
A true entertainer, and a very big inspiration for me in so many ways, SRK, here's a salute to you! We love you!
SRK is truly the King of Bollywood and Indian Cinema lovers all over the world... from the cute kid in Fauji that we all loved to wait a whole week to see next (we were in 9th-10th then, I guess), to Circus, and then in movies like Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Duplicate (my last movie as a bachelor - saw it alone at Mangala the day before I left for Goa to get married :)), SRK portrayed the perfect romantic hero in the Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenges and the Kuch Kuch Hota Hais of the early 90s. He inspired a whole generation of us with the Kal Ho Na Hos, and movies like Chalte Chalte continue to bring tears to my eye with his special brand of "I am not afraid to say I shamelessly love you" love. In the recent past, SRK has dished out one special movie treat after another - Kabhi Alvida Na Kehena, Swades, Don, Chak De and now, Om Shanti Om. Movies that will make us smile, cry, make us proud, inspire us, entertain us, and make us proud to be Indian. For ever and ever.
A true entertainer, and a very big inspiration for me in so many ways, SRK, here's a salute to you! We love you!
Movie Review: Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal
DDDG is the story of a poor desi football club, Southall in London, struggling to win the league to retain ownership of their stadium. A "disgraced" coach (Boman Irani) tries to mould a bunch of rag-a-tag "players" into a team that can compete with the best. The problem is they need a good striker - the coach approaches their old foe Sunny (John Abraham), who turns down the offer. However, Sunny is the victim of racial discrimination, and is left out of his Aston club team, and finally joins Southall. Southall goes on a winning spree, inspite of cropping differences between the captain Shaan (Arshad Warsi in a role that wastes his comic talent) and Sunny.
Someone then plays dirty, offering Sunny an attractive contract - with one condition - he should immediately stop playing for Southall. Being the ruthless professional that he is, Sunny agrees. Southall lose their penultimate match, and desperately need to win the final to win the league.
Then there's a bit of drama - Sunny realises that his father has been Southall's biggest fan, that he always wanted his son to realise his dream of winning the league. He rushes to the stadium, and in the face of grave risk to his life (yes, life), he plays for Southall, hits the winning goal a few seconds from the whistle, and the dream comes true.
A few months earlier, one might have appreciated the movie for its story. Coming after Chak De, the movie is nothing but a huge disappointment. The only saving grace - John Abraham. Watch it only for his dimples and his smile. Else, just stay away! Or, watch OSO instead!
Someone then plays dirty, offering Sunny an attractive contract - with one condition - he should immediately stop playing for Southall. Being the ruthless professional that he is, Sunny agrees. Southall lose their penultimate match, and desperately need to win the final to win the league.
Then there's a bit of drama - Sunny realises that his father has been Southall's biggest fan, that he always wanted his son to realise his dream of winning the league. He rushes to the stadium, and in the face of grave risk to his life (yes, life), he plays for Southall, hits the winning goal a few seconds from the whistle, and the dream comes true.
A few months earlier, one might have appreciated the movie for its story. Coming after Chak De, the movie is nothing but a huge disappointment. The only saving grace - John Abraham. Watch it only for his dimples and his smile. Else, just stay away! Or, watch OSO instead!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Bangalore Impressions
Bangalore comes across as a mega city, struggling with traffic problems. In a city getting stretched beyond limits, frustrated drivers flout rules left, right and center, jostling for right of away with the thousands of autos.
The awesome flyover on airport road is a sign however, that the city is willing to take it's problems head on, and succeed! Automated parking meters and high police presence (again, with the upturned hats), and great road signage give a unique feel to Bengaluru.
The autos don't go by the meter, but continuing with the "be good" image of their rural counterparts, Karnataka's autowallahs are almost endearing in the way they plead with you to give them those extra 10 bucks. And yes, you usually give in!
Some great shopping, great eat-outs, and a bustling, young populace make Bangalore an exciting, young city. But would I trade Pune-Mumbai for it? Naah, yenna rascala, I have toh Mumbai-se-pyaar.
The awesome flyover on airport road is a sign however, that the city is willing to take it's problems head on, and succeed! Automated parking meters and high police presence (again, with the upturned hats), and great road signage give a unique feel to Bengaluru.
The autos don't go by the meter, but continuing with the "be good" image of their rural counterparts, Karnataka's autowallahs are almost endearing in the way they plead with you to give them those extra 10 bucks. And yes, you usually give in!
Some great shopping, great eat-outs, and a bustling, young populace make Bangalore an exciting, young city. But would I trade Pune-Mumbai for it? Naah, yenna rascala, I have toh Mumbai-se-pyaar.
Karnataka Trip Diary
11-Nov-07
At 10.30 pm, we left by taxi for Margaon station, the beginning of our tour down South. We picked Siddha-Shweta from Panaji, and reached the station at 12.00. The train was delayed by almost 3 hours, and we spent the time waiting in the lounge. We didn't have confirmed tickets, and spent some anxious moments standing between carriages in the non AC sleeper sections, before the TTE helped us get 4 berths in our 3 tier AC compartment. Finally, at around 4, we crashed to sleep.
Lesson: Never get into a train without confirmed reservations, especially when you have a kid with you.
Corollary: You can always get into a train without confirmations - you are sure to get a seat as long as you can befriend the TTE.
12-Nov-07
We reached Mangalore at 9 am. Our driver had come to pick us at the station with the Innova that will stay with us for the duration of the tour.
We started off with some excellent breakfast at a near by Taj (cakes and pastries, bread and butter-jam, idlis and wadas, dosas and uthappas, omlettes, juices, tea and coffee, and fruit plates - yes, we actually had ALL of that!) and then left for Coorg.
Lesson: Never get into a loo at a Taj, before checking to see if they have water, or rely only on paper.
The journey, just 150 km or so, took us nearly 5 hours :( The roads were terrible, and our driver was slow too.
We checked into Misty Woods, had some snacks on the lawn, then a campfire, and dinner, and went off to sleep, dead tired by the day's journey!
The campfire was awesome, the logs burned for over an hour, collapsing inwards as the top burned off, till finally all that was left was a heap of smouldering coals. I remember a campfire we made during our Konkan trip - took us 15 mins to set up, and it burned for exactly 2 min and 14 seconds.
Misty Woods is beautiful, but we aren't really the type that would love to curl up in bed after dinner at 1030.
Lesson: Unless you are on a honeymoon, or like crawling in bed with all kinds of winged creatures, avoid a "nature resort".
13-Nov-07
In the morning, we visited the Tibetan Monastery at Kushalnagar, a beautiful refuge for Tibetans nestled in the coffee plantations and forests of Karnataka!
The monastery hosts the Golden Temple, an awe-inspiring place with it's huge idols and player hall.
We had lunch at Filaa, and then went to see the elephant training center at Dubbare. It also involved a lovely boat ride.
From there, we visited Orange County resort, and then came back to the hotel. At a min of 10K per night, we weren't really tempted to stay :)
Did a lot of travelling today - and that's a main problem with Coorg. Everything is so far away, and the roads are terrible, that most of the time goes in travelling. Thankfully, we had an Innova and a driver all along!
14-Nov-07
Visited Talcauvery in the morning, the origin of the Cauvery river. Also climbed the nearby hill (some 350 steps) for a magnificant view. Had lunch at East End hotel in Madikeri, then visited the beautiful Abby Falls nearby. The walk through the jungles to reach the base of the waterfall is simply awe-inspiring, tall, majestic trees line up on either side of the marrow pathway, and birds screech in delight as you climb down the steps...
After half an hour there clicking photographs, and desperately hoping to see a rainbow in the waterfall's sprays, we came back to Madikeri and saw the small fort and insignificant Raja's seat (though with a beautiful view). Also took a ride in the toy train - booked the entire train for ourselves, since there were no other passengers :) Came back early to the hotel, had a campfire, and then crashed to sleep.
Yes, we still hadn't figured out a way to keep ourselves awake longer.
15-Nov-07
We left Misty Woods for Mysore-Bangalore in the early morning, at 6.30 am. Reached Mysore by 9.30 am.
Visited Chamundi Hill and Bull temple first, the lovely back road up the hill making me want to throw the driver out of the vehicle and get my hands on the wheel.
Then we went on to the Wadiyar Palace - very, very beautiful and definitely worth a visit. The grandeur of the place, the intricate woodwork and marble engravings, and the interesting (but not very well maintained) "lifestyle" museum at the back of the palace were of high interest, not just to us, but to Sanam as well.
Then we had lunch, before proceeding to Bangalore. Reached by 5.00 pm, and checked into the Melange Service Apartment we had booked for the night.
Later in the evening, we went to MG, Brigade Road, and Commercial Street for some shopping, and much needed look at civilization as we know it, after being deprived of all that in Misty Woods :) The Coffee Days and the Malls and the Multiplexes and the Traffic! Aaah, to be back! Had dinner at the awesome Three Quarters Chinese restaurant, and then came back to our apartment.
Recommendation: Try the prawns roasted on charcoal and marinated in tulsi leaves. Awesome, awesome, awesome suff!
16-Nov-07
Left for Goa by Jet Airways in the afternoon, after some last minute shopping at Cauvery Emporium on MG Road. Reached Dabolim at 4.00, and came straight to Nerul.
Final Lesson: Avoid the cake on the flight, we are pretty sure that was what led to the food poisoning in the next 2-3 days. Although, frankly, we would all eat it again just to see the sweet Jet air-hostesses back in action :)
At 10.30 pm, we left by taxi for Margaon station, the beginning of our tour down South. We picked Siddha-Shweta from Panaji, and reached the station at 12.00. The train was delayed by almost 3 hours, and we spent the time waiting in the lounge. We didn't have confirmed tickets, and spent some anxious moments standing between carriages in the non AC sleeper sections, before the TTE helped us get 4 berths in our 3 tier AC compartment. Finally, at around 4, we crashed to sleep.
Lesson: Never get into a train without confirmed reservations, especially when you have a kid with you.
Corollary: You can always get into a train without confirmations - you are sure to get a seat as long as you can befriend the TTE.
12-Nov-07
We reached Mangalore at 9 am. Our driver had come to pick us at the station with the Innova that will stay with us for the duration of the tour.
We started off with some excellent breakfast at a near by Taj (cakes and pastries, bread and butter-jam, idlis and wadas, dosas and uthappas, omlettes, juices, tea and coffee, and fruit plates - yes, we actually had ALL of that!) and then left for Coorg.
Lesson: Never get into a loo at a Taj, before checking to see if they have water, or rely only on paper.
The journey, just 150 km or so, took us nearly 5 hours :( The roads were terrible, and our driver was slow too.
We checked into Misty Woods, had some snacks on the lawn, then a campfire, and dinner, and went off to sleep, dead tired by the day's journey!
The campfire was awesome, the logs burned for over an hour, collapsing inwards as the top burned off, till finally all that was left was a heap of smouldering coals. I remember a campfire we made during our Konkan trip - took us 15 mins to set up, and it burned for exactly 2 min and 14 seconds.
Misty Woods is beautiful, but we aren't really the type that would love to curl up in bed after dinner at 1030.
Lesson: Unless you are on a honeymoon, or like crawling in bed with all kinds of winged creatures, avoid a "nature resort".
13-Nov-07
In the morning, we visited the Tibetan Monastery at Kushalnagar, a beautiful refuge for Tibetans nestled in the coffee plantations and forests of Karnataka!
The monastery hosts the Golden Temple, an awe-inspiring place with it's huge idols and player hall.
We had lunch at Filaa, and then went to see the elephant training center at Dubbare. It also involved a lovely boat ride.
From there, we visited Orange County resort, and then came back to the hotel. At a min of 10K per night, we weren't really tempted to stay :)
Did a lot of travelling today - and that's a main problem with Coorg. Everything is so far away, and the roads are terrible, that most of the time goes in travelling. Thankfully, we had an Innova and a driver all along!
14-Nov-07
Visited Talcauvery in the morning, the origin of the Cauvery river. Also climbed the nearby hill (some 350 steps) for a magnificant view. Had lunch at East End hotel in Madikeri, then visited the beautiful Abby Falls nearby. The walk through the jungles to reach the base of the waterfall is simply awe-inspiring, tall, majestic trees line up on either side of the marrow pathway, and birds screech in delight as you climb down the steps...
After half an hour there clicking photographs, and desperately hoping to see a rainbow in the waterfall's sprays, we came back to Madikeri and saw the small fort and insignificant Raja's seat (though with a beautiful view). Also took a ride in the toy train - booked the entire train for ourselves, since there were no other passengers :) Came back early to the hotel, had a campfire, and then crashed to sleep.
Yes, we still hadn't figured out a way to keep ourselves awake longer.
15-Nov-07
We left Misty Woods for Mysore-Bangalore in the early morning, at 6.30 am. Reached Mysore by 9.30 am.
Visited Chamundi Hill and Bull temple first, the lovely back road up the hill making me want to throw the driver out of the vehicle and get my hands on the wheel.
Then we went on to the Wadiyar Palace - very, very beautiful and definitely worth a visit. The grandeur of the place, the intricate woodwork and marble engravings, and the interesting (but not very well maintained) "lifestyle" museum at the back of the palace were of high interest, not just to us, but to Sanam as well.
Then we had lunch, before proceeding to Bangalore. Reached by 5.00 pm, and checked into the Melange Service Apartment we had booked for the night.
Later in the evening, we went to MG, Brigade Road, and Commercial Street for some shopping, and much needed look at civilization as we know it, after being deprived of all that in Misty Woods :) The Coffee Days and the Malls and the Multiplexes and the Traffic! Aaah, to be back! Had dinner at the awesome Three Quarters Chinese restaurant, and then came back to our apartment.
Recommendation: Try the prawns roasted on charcoal and marinated in tulsi leaves. Awesome, awesome, awesome suff!
16-Nov-07
Left for Goa by Jet Airways in the afternoon, after some last minute shopping at Cauvery Emporium on MG Road. Reached Dabolim at 4.00, and came straight to Nerul.
Final Lesson: Avoid the cake on the flight, we are pretty sure that was what led to the food poisoning in the next 2-3 days. Although, frankly, we would all eat it again just to see the sweet Jet air-hostesses back in action :)
Coorg - A District, Not a Hill Station!
Oh, and by the way, for all ye travellers, remember, Coorg a pretty big, hilly district and not a hill station a la Ooty and Kodaikanal. So if you decide to go to Coorg, be prepared to spend lots of lots of time on the road - budget for 50-150 kms a day, on roads where anything above 30 kmph is a dream, even on a sturdy vehicle like the Innova. Madikeri is the district headquarters and the biggest town, but the nature resorts could easily end up being 20-30 kms away!
Karnataka - First Impressions of a Tourist
As the sun broke through the darkness of the night, and the first rays filtered out through the cocunut palms, our train hurtled through the beautiful unspoilt, unexploited farmlands and cocunut groves of north western Karnataka enroute from Goa to Mangalore. Looking out, you cannot help but notice that the villages and their people have a beautiful virgin innocence about them. There's no plastic clogging the drains along the road, you don't see ugly concrete structures and garishly painted signboards advertising the material needs of our civilizations. People have genuine smiles on their faces. When you thank them, their faces light up with a genuine happiness and gratefulness that warms your heart and makes you want to hug them.
The jungles are beautiful, the majestic trees framing themselves so elegantly against the blue skies, and dense undergrowth jostling for space with beautiful coffee plantations.
The roads are bad, and the traffic discipline, in the best of times, is pretty horrible. Buses zoom past you on the impossibly narrow lanes that pass off as national highways, the conductor frantically waving his hand out and expecting you to magically make way for the bus to squeeze back in front of you before the incoming traffic reaches you, narrowly missing the collision and leaving you gasping for breath. Unless, of course, everyone is waiting for the convoy of elephants to cross the road. And all the while, the traffic police with their upturned hats do their best to bring method in the madness...
Yenna Rascala, you Kannadiga, take a bow for your beautiful state, and your beautiful people...
Note: I have been to Karnataka dozens of times in the past, but this trip to Coorg was the first time I was in rural western Karnataka in over a decade.
The jungles are beautiful, the majestic trees framing themselves so elegantly against the blue skies, and dense undergrowth jostling for space with beautiful coffee plantations.
The roads are bad, and the traffic discipline, in the best of times, is pretty horrible. Buses zoom past you on the impossibly narrow lanes that pass off as national highways, the conductor frantically waving his hand out and expecting you to magically make way for the bus to squeeze back in front of you before the incoming traffic reaches you, narrowly missing the collision and leaving you gasping for breath. Unless, of course, everyone is waiting for the convoy of elephants to cross the road. And all the while, the traffic police with their upturned hats do their best to bring method in the madness...
Yenna Rascala, you Kannadiga, take a bow for your beautiful state, and your beautiful people...
Note: I have been to Karnataka dozens of times in the past, but this trip to Coorg was the first time I was in rural western Karnataka in over a decade.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
I'm Back :)
Yes, back in Pune after a self-imposed exile of almost two weeks :) Visited Goa for Diwali, then Coorg for a vacation in the woods, then back to Goa... but tell you what, feels great to be back!
Catch you later.. have lots to write about, but first, I have to pop my 1600 pending mails!!! :)
Catch you later.. have lots to write about, but first, I have to pop my 1600 pending mails!!! :)
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