"LIAR"..... is what I called a friend whom I haven't spoken to
in QUITE some time now, when he told me that he missed
talking to me.
Well, I know he isn't lying. The current pace of life and the
weird problems we face these days makes us so depressed (!?)
that we go into our shells so deep that even we don't realize
how depressed we are. How many times have you promised
to call a friend and have not done it for like weeks or even
months? Can you count the number of occasions you have
turned down an offer to socialize cos you didn't feel up to it?!
There can be many such examples, but I think you get the point.
No, don't give me the standard excuse of not having enough time.
Didn't you have time when you were young? Traffic is not a good
enough reason either. You will beat the peak-hour traffic if you
desperately want to go some place. Phone-bills? There are cheaper
ways to keep in touch these days. So you see, there is no reason
for us to not keep in touch. But we don't! And its everybody.. for
some reason or the other.
Have our lives becomes so unbearable? Have we become so numb
that we don't want to put efforts to revive it? I know some of you
might say we do socialize on occasions... a wedding, a party, a picnic
or a funeral. But it stops at that doesn't it ? Not to mention how exhausted
we are at the end of it all. How many times do we actually meet/call
up friends and come back satisfied after a 5 min chat?
It used to happen more often earlier than now.. no?
Or is it just me in my age-blues?! :-) Donno.
Whatever... I miss the heart-to-heart with a simple soul... the
laughter and fun and the serious talks over ultimate Margarita's :-(
The silver lining numbs the pain a little for now.. Hope to catch up
on good ol' times in the Coffee Houses of Holland soon ;-)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Drive me Krazzy
I know, I know, I am talking too much about the traffic in India.
But as much of a pain that it is driving around here it is as much fun
involved when you look at it objectively.
The funniest event is when the back of a car has a sticker posted onto
it saying "I follow traffic rules, do you?!" is breaking a traffic rule. Its
hilarious to scream at the unsuspecting driver who thinks (s)he is the
one who is on the right side of the road.. er, rule.
The usual drama involving pedestrians crossing the roads has different
variations. There are the brave (read arrogant) ones who just cross
without blinking their eye and expect the traffic to come to a screeching
halt as they go about their normal business. And then there's the meeker
or a little sophisticated variety which stretches out its hand in a stop sign
to the oncoming traffic. Well, it works only sometimes in India. And
then there are the in-betweens - the ones who cannot decide whether
they should cross or stay put. They are the ones who cause most accidents
on the roads :) They should just know that a (wo)man oughta do what a
(wo)man oughta do and should JUST DO IT! Alas, they keep moving back
and forth on the road leaving the driver confused and wondering whether
(s)he should accelerate or should hit the breaks. If you are a good judge
(of people AND of traffic OR are a reckless driver) you will get it right and
there will be no confusion. But if you are not, then the resulting chaos is
hilarious when you look back. Notice it next time.
I am a firm believer that every road in India NEEDS to have a road divider.
Its just too unmanageable otherwise for crossing the street as well as to
drive. But putting up 2 feet high road dividers has not helped either what
with people putting in all their effort to climb it up and get to the other
side and cross the road. Whats funny is that it will take almost the same
effort to go to the nearest road crossing and cross the street. (Well, I am
almost certain its going to be as difficult there as well, but its good for
the traffic to know where to expect people popping up suddenly.
Its kinda expecting the unexpected! ) :)
Apart from people and vehicles the other most common (as per foreigners)
entity to be found on Indian streets is cattle. To be honest I never noticed
cattle on the street until after my first visit abroad years back. :) I swear.
But yes, the 'forener's' are correct here. You will see a single cow/buffalo
or an entire herd ruminating lazily in the middle of a crowded street, totally
oblivious to the deviations the world has to make for them.
There are also street dogs running behind any vehicle they think suspicious
and barking at them with all their energy to prevent them from entering
their territory again. That's the kind of security people on the street have
- totally natural and reliable!
Then there are the modern, educated, hip, sophisticated cattle on the
street - the ones driving whilst talking on their cell phones or the ones
who do not understand what "Yield" means or the ones who care a damn
about splashing rain water on unsuspecting targets walking on the street
or driving a two wheeler or the ones driving throwing all caution to wind
and driving in the mind numbing belief that they own the road - caring
two hoots for the mere mortals. Well, who says education educates a man ?!
This is already a long post but I couldnt end it without talking about the
daily dose of rallies, protests, morchas, VIP visits, road diversions, road
work-in-progress, broken traffic lights, sudden changes in routes or
religious marches? These are the motivations for a young man in India
to become a Formula One driver. Where else could one get so much practice ?!
I think we should have more of these since these are clearly not enough.
Nuff said! Its surprising that despite all this you won't see as many
accidents as you would expect to in day to day transactions. It's
minimal and usually with very less casualty. The other benefit of the
Indian traffic system is that it is a very active form of meditation.
The driver is totally aware of all his senses and has all his concentration
on his driving. (The swearing and stuff is part of the meditation,
kindly do not take it otherwise.) How could I forget the laughs you
get out of revisiting some of the events that happened during your
drive, the live action sequence unfolding right in front of you, the
intense drama, watching the police in action and at the end the
expressions of the unhappy car-owner - are some things money
cannot buy. Priceless!
So go get your daily dose of meditation and get going! Happy journey :-)
But as much of a pain that it is driving around here it is as much fun
involved when you look at it objectively.
The funniest event is when the back of a car has a sticker posted onto
it saying "I follow traffic rules, do you?!" is breaking a traffic rule. Its
hilarious to scream at the unsuspecting driver who thinks (s)he is the
one who is on the right side of the road.. er, rule.
The usual drama involving pedestrians crossing the roads has different
variations. There are the brave (read arrogant) ones who just cross
without blinking their eye and expect the traffic to come to a screeching
halt as they go about their normal business. And then there's the meeker
or a little sophisticated variety which stretches out its hand in a stop sign
to the oncoming traffic. Well, it works only sometimes in India. And
then there are the in-betweens - the ones who cannot decide whether
they should cross or stay put. They are the ones who cause most accidents
on the roads :) They should just know that a (wo)man oughta do what a
(wo)man oughta do and should JUST DO IT! Alas, they keep moving back
and forth on the road leaving the driver confused and wondering whether
(s)he should accelerate or should hit the breaks. If you are a good judge
(of people AND of traffic OR are a reckless driver) you will get it right and
there will be no confusion. But if you are not, then the resulting chaos is
hilarious when you look back. Notice it next time.
I am a firm believer that every road in India NEEDS to have a road divider.
Its just too unmanageable otherwise for crossing the street as well as to
drive. But putting up 2 feet high road dividers has not helped either what
with people putting in all their effort to climb it up and get to the other
side and cross the road. Whats funny is that it will take almost the same
effort to go to the nearest road crossing and cross the street. (Well, I am
almost certain its going to be as difficult there as well, but its good for
the traffic to know where to expect people popping up suddenly.
Its kinda expecting the unexpected! ) :)
Apart from people and vehicles the other most common (as per foreigners)
entity to be found on Indian streets is cattle. To be honest I never noticed
cattle on the street until after my first visit abroad years back. :) I swear.
But yes, the 'forener's' are correct here. You will see a single cow/buffalo
or an entire herd ruminating lazily in the middle of a crowded street, totally
oblivious to the deviations the world has to make for them.
There are also street dogs running behind any vehicle they think suspicious
and barking at them with all their energy to prevent them from entering
their territory again. That's the kind of security people on the street have
- totally natural and reliable!
Then there are the modern, educated, hip, sophisticated cattle on the
street - the ones driving whilst talking on their cell phones or the ones
who do not understand what "Yield" means or the ones who care a damn
about splashing rain water on unsuspecting targets walking on the street
or driving a two wheeler or the ones driving throwing all caution to wind
and driving in the mind numbing belief that they own the road - caring
two hoots for the mere mortals. Well, who says education educates a man ?!
This is already a long post but I couldnt end it without talking about the
daily dose of rallies, protests, morchas, VIP visits, road diversions, road
work-in-progress, broken traffic lights, sudden changes in routes or
religious marches? These are the motivations for a young man in India
to become a Formula One driver. Where else could one get so much practice ?!
I think we should have more of these since these are clearly not enough.
Nuff said! Its surprising that despite all this you won't see as many
accidents as you would expect to in day to day transactions. It's
minimal and usually with very less casualty. The other benefit of the
Indian traffic system is that it is a very active form of meditation.
The driver is totally aware of all his senses and has all his concentration
on his driving. (The swearing and stuff is part of the meditation,
kindly do not take it otherwise.) How could I forget the laughs you
get out of revisiting some of the events that happened during your
drive, the live action sequence unfolding right in front of you, the
intense drama, watching the police in action and at the end the
expressions of the unhappy car-owner - are some things money
cannot buy. Priceless!
So go get your daily dose of meditation and get going! Happy journey :-)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Its a tough drive
in Pune. Moving back to my hometown after so many years
I fail to recognise its changed face. The first time I drive into
any area anytime now is a confusing experience. The roads
have changed and there are flyovers in places unimaginable
and there are one ways and what have you.
So I drive like I am totally new to that place though I know
I still am familiar.
The perils of development in a developing nation.
I fail to recognise its changed face. The first time I drive into
any area anytime now is a confusing experience. The roads
have changed and there are flyovers in places unimaginable
and there are one ways and what have you.
So I drive like I am totally new to that place though I know
I still am familiar.
The perils of development in a developing nation.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The time has come.
To make a tough choice.. of whether to go with your heart
or with your head.
I have always been a practical person, so the choice is clear.
But there are times in life, esp after a hard time, when you want
to follow your heart without caring too much about what might
follow. And that is the toughest choice.
It is even more difficult to listen to your heart when you have been
listening to your head all the time. :-)
Anywho... I've made my choice and I know my next destination now :)
or with your head.
I have always been a practical person, so the choice is clear.
But there are times in life, esp after a hard time, when you want
to follow your heart without caring too much about what might
follow. And that is the toughest choice.
It is even more difficult to listen to your heart when you have been
listening to your head all the time. :-)
Anywho... I've made my choice and I know my next destination now :)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
As long as it is black .. or white.
I think slowly my wardrobe is turning black and white
and I plan to do something about it.
But its more a modified case of "Any customer can have a car
painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black".
So I need to keep a tab on myself whenever I pick up a
piece of non-color :-)
On deeper thought, do you think life is fun if it is plain black
and white and no gray? I think it will be simple, yes, but intereting-
I don't think so. It will be mechanical, predictable and boring.
and I plan to do something about it.
But its more a modified case of "Any customer can have a car
painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black".
So I need to keep a tab on myself whenever I pick up a
piece of non-color :-)
On deeper thought, do you think life is fun if it is plain black
and white and no gray? I think it will be simple, yes, but intereting-
I don't think so. It will be mechanical, predictable and boring.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Aah...
Some encounters with parents are always embarassing, no?!
Well, I had an embarassing encounter yesterday and I surprised
myself by not wriggling out of it, cos I was sure of myself :)
So, at the end I came out happy listening to the echo of my
resounding "Yes' :-)
Well, I had an embarassing encounter yesterday and I surprised
myself by not wriggling out of it, cos I was sure of myself :)
So, at the end I came out happy listening to the echo of my
resounding "Yes' :-)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Absence, y'no...
makes the heart grow fonder :-)
I couldn't get closer to experiencing it than now :)
I couldn't get closer to experiencing it than now :)
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Go Federer
It was time it happened!
Fedex creates history with his 15th Grand Slam Title.
The absence of Rafa was felt but Roddick's tough fight
blunt the pain a bit. What a a fight.
Impossible is nothing, eh?!
Fedex creates history with his 15th Grand Slam Title.
The absence of Rafa was felt but Roddick's tough fight
blunt the pain a bit. What a a fight.
Impossible is nothing, eh?!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
मुखवटा
तो हसला नी मी हसले
तो रुसला नी मी रडले
त्याच्या बोलण्यात मन गुंतले
नी मी मलाच हरवून बसले
चिंब भिजुनही कोरडीच राहिले
मुखवट्याचे अश्रु का कधी ओले निघाले ?
तो रुसला नी मी रडले
त्याच्या बोलण्यात मन गुंतले
नी मी मलाच हरवून बसले
चिंब भिजुनही कोरडीच राहिले
मुखवट्याचे अश्रु का कधी ओले निघाले ?
The week that was... er, is!
Man, what a hectic week.
If I had any inkling of having to repay an entire laid-back month,
with interest in a week... I wouldn't have opted for an easy going
month! Believe me you!!
The week was a little short of four weddings, what with such
elaborate functions held and making it mandatory for the close
relatives to attend :-( I absolutely detest elaborate but brain
-numbing rituals of which no one can make head or tail out of.
Its just plain waste of time.
Well, getting back on track.. the week saw me commuting to Mumbai
on two consecutive days for stuff I had parceled from Germany. The
drive on the second day on the express-way was awesome. Just loved
it. But hated the (again, mind-numbing) procedures that we had to go
through to lay our hands on our own stuff. Me and my friend went
with the minimal expectation (of a simpleton you would say) of having
to sign on a document on receipt of our luggage, like we do in the case
of a courier. But that was the biggest balloon to have burst on my face :)
Not only did we have to travel to Mumbai for two days in a week but also
had to go through the entire process of customs and excise complete
with pestering agents, not-so-friendly govt officials, dirty and dingy
offices and at the end opened bags! Yep, the locks on our bags were broken
when they were delivered. Luckily since we hadn't moved any expensive
stuff we didn't lose anything. But it was a lesson learnt and if you haven't
learnt it yet, you aren't smart enough.
So next time you want to move your stuff from abroad - DON'T!!
But the drive compensated for it to some extent. It was just beautiful
to drive in the rains next to mountains kissing the clouds and making
it so romantic. :-)
End of a hectic week? You would think! Still have some other chores
to attend to... but am looking forward to it. Well, I have my reasons :-)
If I had any inkling of having to repay an entire laid-back month,
with interest in a week... I wouldn't have opted for an easy going
month! Believe me you!!
The week was a little short of four weddings, what with such
elaborate functions held and making it mandatory for the close
relatives to attend :-( I absolutely detest elaborate but brain
-numbing rituals of which no one can make head or tail out of.
Its just plain waste of time.
Well, getting back on track.. the week saw me commuting to Mumbai
on two consecutive days for stuff I had parceled from Germany. The
drive on the second day on the express-way was awesome. Just loved
it. But hated the (again, mind-numbing) procedures that we had to go
through to lay our hands on our own stuff. Me and my friend went
with the minimal expectation (of a simpleton you would say) of having
to sign on a document on receipt of our luggage, like we do in the case
of a courier. But that was the biggest balloon to have burst on my face :)
Not only did we have to travel to Mumbai for two days in a week but also
had to go through the entire process of customs and excise complete
with pestering agents, not-so-friendly govt officials, dirty and dingy
offices and at the end opened bags! Yep, the locks on our bags were broken
when they were delivered. Luckily since we hadn't moved any expensive
stuff we didn't lose anything. But it was a lesson learnt and if you haven't
learnt it yet, you aren't smart enough.
So next time you want to move your stuff from abroad - DON'T!!
But the drive compensated for it to some extent. It was just beautiful
to drive in the rains next to mountains kissing the clouds and making
it so romantic. :-)
End of a hectic week? You would think! Still have some other chores
to attend to... but am looking forward to it. Well, I have my reasons :-)
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