Glimpses Into My Odyssey

Fall colors from my patio at Montebello!

2011-10-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Evening just before sunset after the rains... Montebello, Kirkland comes alive with sun kissed light and a glorious rainbow creating that Autumn magic no one can deny.

This enchantment would have been missed had it not been for Rohit who called up as he was in Kirkland for work... and asked me to get out on my Patio to take the delivery of a rainbow he had just ordered for me!!

Fall is such a gorgeous time of the year. Our gilded season in Washington, as the autumn brings low, slanting light and that fleeting feeling, knowing the blue skies and gold light will too quickly fade to our long season of grey… Leaves by hundreds fall by. You see piles and piles of this golden colored leaves fallen everywhere making a bewitching carpet on the streets to walk on.

Cool it off!

2011-09-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

Seattle is seeing some glorious days filled with abundant sunshine... It is beautiful in Pacific Northwest this time of the year where the sun is shining bright and the skies are blue. The weather is really summery so far and hope we have several more days of warm weather in front of us... Till then let's enjoy every sip of my very fresh Watermelon Punch!

Watermelon chunks, a couple of clementines and just a dash of lemon juice ... let it swirl in a blender for a while and have a good summer cool drink!

Images: Mine. Please do not reuse without permission.

Turquoise is Always Beautiful...

2011-09-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

"I’ll write the word blue in green and when I ask you what color it is, the proper response is turquoise."

It started out as a day where I was supposed to do some house cleaning, water my plants, do some laundry... and as I was cleaning my shelves I found this old rustic jewelry box of mine which stored this turquoise treasure for some time now... I love turquoise! What can I say, my madness for turquoise perked up and I had to get my camera out. A quick snick-click and all the mundane chores were happily forgotten !

Images: Mine. Please do not reuse without permission.

Ah... Afternoons Are For Baking!

2011-06-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ah...baking... I love poring over recipe books....:-) though I always end up making some version of my own! Baking is a constant need. What would it be like to be without a oven ? This has caused me to do a lot of thinking. I've discovered the reasons why I, and people like me, bake. It's as important as breathing is to our survival. For me, every step in the process of baking requires me to be in the moment. When I do that, everything comes out just right. Not perfect. But just right.

Baking is relaxing and therapeutic. It helps relieve stress and it can be a meditative experience. With our busy lives, it does the soul good to get into the kitchen and create something beautiful and delicious which you can be proud of. When I'm having a bad day, I just put on some good music and start baking. I make whatever I can with the ingredients I have on hand.

Baking is creative. It is taking things and putting them together to make something. You’ve probably heard it several times, baking is a science. I think it’s true. Each recipe calls for specific ingredients and in specific amounts; everything has to be mixed in a certain order; and everything must be baked at a certain temperature for a specific amount of time. Although, baking is an exact science, certain ingredients must be in the correct amounts and yet... you can do some manipulation to create something different. Make it your own version each time. It's molding and shaping. Anytime you can use your hands it's creative.

Baking is soul lifting. The smell of baking alone can lift your soul. The since of accomplishment you get when you present one of your creations is also soul lifting. Being creative lifts your soul.

Baking is something you can do for others. There's no doubt about it; people just can't resist homemade baked goods. It is a definite crowd pleaser. When there's a family in need with a new baby, an illness or a death, what do you do? You take them a baked good to lift their spirits.

Baking is something you can do just for you. Just creating something warm and fragrant from the oven, can lift your spirits, too. You never need an excuse to bake; just do it. It can be a gift you give to yourself, because you're worth it!

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to bake something wonderful. I don't know what it is yet, but I know it'll be wonderful.
Enjoy!

Melt In Your Mouth Blueberry Cake

2011-01-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

I love cooking. I am a complete foodie, but I was never the kind of person who would bake. I never baked cakes... My mother is a fantastic cook and she used to bake a lot when we were kids. As far as I can recall our refrigerator used to be stocked with eggs, butter, food colours, silver balls, and bottles of vanilla, pineapple, rose essence and the store room filled with baking dishes, moulds, weighing scale etc. The cakes for our birthdays were always baked by her with interesting icings and decorations. The Plum Cake that she baked was my favorite! Strangely I didn't show that kind of passion for baking while I was growing up. I occasionally helped her in beating and whisking all the ingredients together. That was it. I majorly contributed in scraping off the cake till the very last bit :)! I am sure my mother would be happy to see that I have developed a new hobby - Baking!

With cloudy skies and rain being our constant companions in Seattle, we (hubby and I) decided to bake.

But what to bake? I realised I had some blueberries in my refrigerator... so searched the 'World Wide Web' for the perfect Blueberry Cake recipe. If there exists such a thing! I came across this amazing recipe from the Allrecipes.com which in my opinion is a fun couple activity to indulge in and which results in an unfailingly yummy labor of love each time!

Here you go, for the yummy 'Melt In Your Mouth Blueberry Cake'

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup milk
2 egg whites
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
2. Cream butter or margarine and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. Add salt and vanilla. Separate eggs and reserve the whites. Add egg yolks to the sugar mixture; beat until creamy.
3. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and baking powder; add alternately with milk to egg yolk mixture. Coat berries with 1 tablespoon flour and add to batter.
4. In a separate bowl, beat whites until soft peaks form. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle top with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
5. Bake for 50 minutes, or until cake tests done.

Enjoy baking the cake... and the sweet smell that lingers on after!

Images: Mine. Please do not reuse without permission.

Perfect Holiday in San Juan Islands

2010-07-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau

Nature is ever changing, so every trip out is an opportunity to see something new and explore something different! Say "San Juan Islands" and images of ferry boats slipping between emerald isles beneath a deep blue sky, one of the best places in the world to see orca (killer) whales will likely form in one's mind. Once here you feel there’s no place more beautiful for recreation, relaxation and rejuvenation. I feel so lucky and amazed to be living in such a wonderful corner of the world!

We started off on a Saturday morning on over an hour drive to Anacortes for the Washington State Ferries.The San Juan Islands exist not only as gems in Washington’s state "Top 5 islands in the continental U.S. and Canada", but also as a state of mind. An island culture borne of geographic seclusion and resilient spirit. The San Juan Islands are emerald gems that contain magical forests, breathtaking and exciting wildlife, long swept rugged beaches, mountain peaks with incredible vistas, towering cedar trees, and quiet bays. The sea within the Islands is known as the Salish Sea which is named after the original first peoples of the region, the coast Salish. They were seafaring people who fished, carved totem poles which told of family histories, whose history is steeped in legends. There was a thick fog as we reached the Friday Harbor in the San Juan Island which eventually disappeared into a beautiful deep blue sky as we reached Orcas Island on an interisland ferry.

That was the first time in my life I was ever Island Hopping and I absolutely loved the experience. The first destination island was the Orcas Island. Lovely Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juans. The horseshoe-shaped island is a magical mix of lush forest, farm valleys, tranquil lakes and stunning mountains, all wrapped around a beautiful fjord. Orcas Island is made up of several hamlets and villages. Eastsound offers casual to fine dining, boutiques, galleries, a performing arts center, a first-run movie theater, and a history museum. We rambled around that area a bit and then bumped into the Community Labyrinth at Emmanuel Episcopal Church which I walked in and out of it. Generally synonymous with maze, the labyrinth is an archetypal design - a universal divine imprint - an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness, combining the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path.The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.

The biological clock struck and we knew we were hungry. We browsed around a couple of places and then settled with a restaurant called 'Allium' which treated us on the bounty of simple, fresh Pacific Northwest flavors and for a sumptuous lunch. The restaurant itself was adorably cozy, set on the second floor of a waterfront former home with great views of waters. I can say the food was very refreshing, fresh and very gourmet. Off then we drove to the Moran State Park looking for camping sites. The ranger at the Park offered us a very private and secluded patch atop a real woodsy area uphill reachable by a short trek.

The panoramic view of islands, water and mountains from atop 2,409-foot Mount Constitution is a must-see...

Beautiful reflections of this verdant area on our drive to Eastsound Village on Orcas Island

We took around twenty minutes to set up the tent on that hot afternoon and then after a pleasant siesta drove to see Cascade Falls, a small but impressive 75-foot-high waterfall in Moran State Park. We then drove to the top of Moran State Park to see panoramic views of the islands and surrounding mountains. Atop the 2,409-foot-high Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands, there stands a stone observation tower. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains and a variety of Canadian and American cities. We then drove all the way out of the Park towards the Eastsound for an early dinner as we wanted to spend some time by the Cascade Lake at night inside the Moran State Park where we had camped. We captured some lovely reflections of a beautiful verdant area on our drive to Eastsound Village on Orcas Island. We then headed towards a fine dining restaurant called 'New Leaf Cafe' which served simple, fresh cuisine highlighting the finest ingredients the island had to offer in an intimate water view dining room. I had Mediterranean mussels with cream, pesto, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes and quite honestly it was one of the finest mussel preparations I have eaten. I was told that the mussels were straight from the Buck Bay on the Orcas Island and they were as fresh as they could be! Local fresh seafood served with whole grains and seasonal veggies. It was a beautiful and relaxing experience on the Island. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Orcas Island restaurants offer an amazing range of delicious eating experience. Like I said we returned back early to our hide out after spending a little while by the Lake and then called it a night.

Baby whale named "Se Yi Chn"

Next morning we drove to the ferry dock for our interisland ferry to Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor is a town located on San Juan Island and it is the major commercial center of the San Juan Islands archipelago. The Doctor's Office Café 'A Treatment Cafe' is one of the first places that you see when you get off the Ferry. Great veggie sandwiches, coffee, pastries and service! Done with breakfast we looked around to see lots of interesting boats out in the Strait- sailboats, ferries, tugs and power boats in every direction on Friday Harbor. We drove into the American Camp of San Juan Island National Historical Park for a quick glimpse of the San Juan Island before getting onto "Odyssey" for our Orca Whale watching trip at 2:00pm. The experience on San Juan Excursions' "Odyssey" was more than overwhelming on 12th of July 2010. What a perfect day to be out on a boat, exploring the protected inland Salish Sea. The two naturalists on the vessel were erudite and provided a sea of information on marine life. They spoke at length on the Orca (Killer) Whales - history, types, description, life cycle, range and habitat, food habits, behavior, giving us a very holistic whale watching experience. The crew was tracking three pods of whales that afternoon. First sightings of the orca (killer) whales, If you look you can see the dorsal fins of the whales and also "blowing" caused by a cloud vapor produced by whale's exhalation and mixing with sea water. Among the many Orca Whales we saw the "Granny "and also a year old baby whale named "Se Yi Chn" on our trip. And what more the baby whale was breaching on his mother and the sight was pristine, full of emotion and wonderful to watch! We also saw harbor seals and bald eagles.

Getting out of the boat we trotted towards a gourmet handmade icecream and coffee parlor. Licking the creamummy icecreams after that long boat ride left us with a wow feeling. We then drove directly towards the southern tip of San Juan Island known as Cattle Point. It was like driving into the picture and we loved this marvelous drive to the lighthouse. The larger American Camp’s 1,200 acres of prairie and forest also boasts five miles of beach and views of whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions. American Camp’s prairie was an unexpected delight, what with the cloud-sunshine color play on the blue waters and wild summer flowers. Into and beyond - the scenery was awesome. We drove the entire place drinking in this scenery and beauty. We then drove to Pelindaba Lavender Farm and saw diverse range of lavender plants spread in lovely lavender. Delicate, exquisite, therapeutic and just beautiful!!

Then we headed towards Lime Kiln Point State Park - the place on San Juan Island to watch sunsets and hopefully spot some of the 80-plus Orcas who make the waters of Haro Strait their summer home. We spent good amount of time there and got some beautiful shots of the lighthouse against the breathtaking skies at sunset.

And then the worst part at the end of the trip was to bid adieu to all the beauty and serenity. The scenery around was breathtaking and the holiday very rejuvenating - simple pleasures... holding hands, stealing a kiss, beach combing, watching birds, skipping rocks and sharing the joy! All this was coming to an end! It was a fun trip and we had a wonderful time. I must say this was by far one of the most memorable trips in our life time and very dear! Beautiful moments to cherish for a long long time to come.

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. ~George Washington Carver

Travelin' Thru

2010-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

I love this song "Travelin' Thru" written and performed by Dolly Parton. This song is about a journey on the road to find home and identity. Enjoy!

Well I can't tell you where I'm going, I'm not sure of where I've been

But I know I must keep travelin' till my road comes to an end

I'm out here on my journey, trying to make the most of it

I'm a puzzle, I must figure out where all my pieces fit

Like a poor wayfaring stranger that they speak about in song

I'm just a weary pilgrim trying to find what feels like home

Where that is no one can tell me, am I doomed to ever roam

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' on

Questions I have many, answers but a few

But we're here to learn, the spirit burns, to know the greater truth

We've all been crucified and they nailed Jesus to the tree

And when I'm born again, you're gonna see a change in me

God made me for a reason and nothing is in vain

Redemption comes in many shapes with many kinds of pain

Oh sweet Jesus if you're listening, keep me ever close to you

As I'm stumblin', tumblin', wonderin', as I'm travelin' thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru

Oh sometimes the road is rugged, and it's hard to travel on

But holdin' to each other, we don't have to walk alone

When everything is broken, we can mend it if we try

We can make a world of difference, if we want to we can fly

Goodbye little children, goodnight you handsome men

Farewell to all you ladies and to all who knew me when

And I hope I'll see you down the road, you meant more than I knew

As I was travelin', travelin', travelin', travelin', travelin' thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin'

Drifting like a floating boat and roaming like the wind

Oh give me some direction lord, let me lean on you

As I'm travelin', travelin', travelin', thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru

I'm just travelin', travelin', travelin', I'm just travelin' thru

Like the poor wayfaring stranger that they speak about in song

I'm just a weary pilgrim trying to find my own way home

Oh sweet Jesus if you're out there, keep me ever close to you

As I'm travelin', travelin', travelin', as I'm travelin' thru

Costa Rica - Natural Paradise

2010-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. Friendly, peaceful and progressive, "the Rich Coast" is one of the world's top eco and adventure tourism destinations. Costa Rica is located in the Central American isthmus, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters a 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory.

Abound with the most stunning array of wild, tropical and exotic flora & fauna, beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, national parks, waterfalls make this tiny Latin American country the place to be especially if you are an avid nature lover. The country’s Disneylike cast of creatures – ranging from howler monkeys to toucans – are populous and relatively easy to spot.

Typical Costa Rican Cuisine consists of - Gallo Pinto (combination of black beans and white rice and is spiced with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt), Arroz con Pollo (bite size chicken chunks mixed with rice ), lots of salad, side of squash, Fried plantains and Refrescos Naturales (fruit drink of some kind made from endless variety cantaloupe, strawberry, tamarind, mango, papaya, lemon, blackberry).

Costa Rica possesses a rich and abundant flora. The exquisite "Guaria Morada" a Purple Orchid, the National Flower of Costa Rica is basically common on house patios all over Costa Rica. In fact, Costa Rica has over thirteen hundred species of orchids. Then there are Heliconias and Wild Ginger. A vast range of flower forms, coupled with a mind-boggling array of vibrant colours, are the main reason why Heliconia form the centerpiece of so many tropical landscapes all around the world.

The road to Poás Volcano National Park is very beautiful, as we start ascending the mountain we pass many coffee plantations that are varying colors of green. Just after the coffee plantaions the landscape changes into a cloud forest that is truly amazing. Poás Volcano in the Poás Volcano National Park, an active volcano with some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica. At the bottom of this prehistoric-looking hole, there is a medium sized lagoon, that spews boiling sulphurous gases. Due to cloud cover, humidity and sulphur fumes, the crater of Poas Volcano is visible only 30% of the time. We were definitely lucky!

On our Rain Forest Aerial Tram Tour - we stepped aboard the green open-air gondola that would whisk us through the rain forest treetops. It takes an hour and 20 minutes, during which we glided pleasantly through the treetops.This is an extraordinary opportunity to see a primary forest and its natural splendor at first hand. The open-air gondolas with canvas awnings seat 6 passengers and a naturalist guide. An incredible therapeutic experience. We were enraptured by the serenity of the nature at the top. The moist air created a fresh, vibrant feeling that energized our senses and brought a chorus of shrill chirps from birds hidden in the canopy.

Amongst the many national parks visited in Costa Rica the one that rings the bells is the Tortuguero National Park. While on our way to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, we passed two large banana plantations, one owned and operated by Chiquita and the other by Del Monte.We were very excited, geared up and ready to leave to cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park in a fast motor boat. Tortuguero National Park is a National Park within the Tortuguero Conservation Area. Tortuguero village is surrounded by the humid rainforest of Tortuguero National Park and a palm-fringed coastline, the village is located on a narrow strip of land between the Tortuguero River and the Caribbean Sea. Clusters of “broccoli” trees so named because of their spreading crowns stood tall in the lush, verdant jungles of Tortuguero. Often called, "Costa Rica's Amazon", Tortuguero is a navigable network of lakes and channels that crosses this National Park and allows a great diversity of fauna and flora to be observed. Traveling through the canals is a fascinating experience rich in wildlife that includes Howler Monkeys, Iguanas, Spectacled Caimans, Sloths, Turtles, Bats, Blue-jeans Frogs, Butterflies and colorful birds like Toucans, Collared Aracaris, Snowy Egrets, Cormorants, Anhingas, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Black-necked Stilts, Trogons, Ibises et al. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Knowledgeable naturalist guides are available to point out and explain the various species of plant and animal life - truly bringing the forest to life. Chirps and squeaks fill the air of the lush green jungle all around me on this scenic boat ride. Known for its meandering rivers and lovely lagoons, this area demands to keep an eye out for wildlife in jungle exploration.

Then visited a Pineapple Planation where we sampled Costa Rica’s famous sweet organic pineapples and pineapple tarts after an informative talk on the Pineapples.

We reach Arenal Volcano Springs Resort and we find lots of Hummingbirds -tiny, lively colored birds as they amaze you with their spectacularly acrobatic aerial maneuvers. Like the Hummingbird sipping nectar from every flower, I fly joyfully through my days, seeing beauty in everything. The hummingbird - “A flash of harmless lightning, A mist of rainbow dyes, The burnished sunbeams brightening from flower to flower it flies”. The Arenal Volcano was always shrouded in clouds. After a day cruise on the Río Frio through canyons of green towards the everglade like Lago Caño Negro to watch wildlife, in the evening we bask in the Baldi Hot Springs surrounded by tropical gardens and with cascading waterfalls. Complete with over 30 hot and cold pools of different temperatures it is the most expansive hot spring facilities in the Arenal Volcano area. Visiting the Baldi Hot Springs provides a nice combination of relaxation and festive energy. The Arenal Hanging Bridges - one of the greatest eco touristic projects of Costa Rica, with the exuberant primary rain forest where you find a great biological diversity with an incomparable scenic splendor. Costa Rica's forests have bridges strung across the valley from where you can walk above the canopy of trees and get a panoramic aerial view of the forest below.We hike on six suspension bridges, through lush tropical rainforest canopy. There are beautiful nature trails interspersed with the bridges where we looked for some tropical birds.

In Manuel Antonio National Park a walk through a tropical forest reveals a lush green garden of mosses, ferns, flowers, and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. Along one of the long trails we reach an observation tower on the very top with this incredible view of the Pacific Ocean. The Manuel Antonio National Park also has some of the best beaches in the entire country. It was too hot and scorching sun above us scalded the juice out of us. In the evening watched a magnificient sunset over the Gulf of Nicoya at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton, Puntarenas. The hotel's pier at twilight looked awesome.

We visited a key artisan town in Costa Rica, Sarchi - best known for the vibrant and pretty oxcarts 'carretas' that are handcrafted and sold all over the country. Saw the large painted oxcart a favorite for tourists who visit Sarchi. A National Symbol of Labor in Costa Rica, the oxcart plays a key role in the country’s history, as they were used to transport coffee beans to nearby and faraway markets. Indulged in souvenir shopping - of handmade artifacts including oxcarts, elaborately painted bowls and trays, natural wood carvings, wind chimes, paintings, hand crafted tables, mask carvings.We then visited the quaint town of Grecia noted for its unique church, Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, that is made entirely of pre-fabricated steel plates painted red. This church is as beautiful from the inside as it is impressive from the outside. The stained glass windows were exquisite.

Our Pacuare River White Water Rafting Adventure -The Pacuare River is a spectacular treasure among Costa Rica's rivers. It is a popular location for white water rafting and has been recognized as one of the top five most beautiful raftable rivers of the world by the National Geographic. It is 18 mile, class IV section that has an excellent mixture of invigorating rapids and calm, scenic stretches. The opulently lush rainforests that surround the river are breathtaking and are home to exotic species of plants and incredible variety of wildlife such as jaguars, monkeys & number of birds like parrots, toucans, cormorants and egrets. You'll experience the intimate nature of the rainforest via the river. which makes this trip exquisite for the senses. We pass through the densely vegetated rainforest gorges, view cascading waterfalls, relax in serene pools and experience pounding rapids. Exciting adrenaline-packed afternoon running the Pacuare’s biggest Class III-IV whitewater rapids - a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after we’ve returned home.

Our Canopy Tour Adventure - With spectacular views of both Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Central Valley, Monte Zurqui offers the opportunity of sliding through the trees and get up close with nature. Montezurqui has beautiful landscapes, lush vegetation, zip lines, platforms, rappel, superman style zip lines, suspension bridges, walking trails and other exhilarating games.Rambled the local shopping market to sample the color and culture that downtown San Jose, Costa Rica had to offer. The waves are prime, the beauty is overwhelming and the sluggish pace seductive. A peaceful oasis in a tumultuous region. No doubt Costa Rica is the greenest and happiest country on planet earth. “Costa Rica has something for everyone and everything for someone.” Their motto Pura Vida or ‘pure life’ is the easiest way to sum up all that a Costa Rica vacation has to offer.

Drunk on Chocolate !?!

2009-10-07T18:21:00.001-07:00

God... I know I am here after a very very long time... I know its been a while and I havent posted anything concrete since... Yes, to be honest I have missed being here - believe me, I have. I see people writing and blogging - on and about anything and everything left right and center and I wish I could be half as good with my teancity on keeping with my presence in this blog world. Well...

Today of all days, I agreed to meet up with the 70 year old Patricia O' Hara - a friend of mine from my volunteering group at the healthcare for a movie. The movie picked and chosen by her was Capitalism: A Love Story. I had no idea as to what the movie was all about till then. We had some time on her hand, so we went browsing in a near by Bartell Drugs store where I picked up a Hershey's (16 pieces) milk chocolate bar to munch in the movie. Into the theatre and seated ... one thing I realise is that I've finished a good whole chocolate bar watching just three movie trailers of the forthcoming releases being showcased. The real movie was yet to start and I was done with my chocolate! The real movie started ... and with what came on the screen, I could tell that it was a documentary - a documentary on the disastrous impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans and by default, the rest of the world. Ten minutes into the movie and I was drowsing all the way. My eyes kept shutting all the while, the movie was demanding lot of attention, most of it I gave my ears to rather than my eyes, hoping that Pat wouldn't notice as to what was going on with me in the dark of the movie and I was just waiting to see the end soon. I was glad that it got over. I was hopelessly embarrassed at my state. I blamed myself for the chocolate I ate. I love chocolate and I eat it all the time but that does not mean you eat 16 blocks all at once! This time it was different. I realised that a little too much chocolate is just less than about right.

Post movie at home afer a solid 2 hour sleep off ---> still having a fight with the slumber ...Aah!! Painful! I figured out that the Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar accounts for 600 calories consumed and contains a combination of chocolate liquor (not alcohol), cocoa butter, sugar and milk or cream. Milk chocolate must contain at least 10% chocolate liquor and at least 12% total milk ingredients. Could not imagine myself fighting cho-co-late! After delving into it, I garnered that a combination of tryptophan (amino acid) and carbohydrates induce sleep. Eating carbohydrates with tryptophan-containing foods makes this calming amino acid more available to the brain. A high carbohydrate meal stimulates the release of insulin, which helps clear from the bloodstream those amino acids that compete with tryptophan, allowing more of this natural sleep-inducing amino acid to enter the brain and manufacture sleep- inducing substances, such as serotonin and melatonin -the neurotransmitters that slow down nerve traffic so your brain isn't so busy. That's what happened... I was drunk on cho-co-late and hence the cho-co-late hangover!

Smart one!

2009-07-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

"In my next life I want to live my life backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous, then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play. You have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa-like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then Voila! You finish off as an orgasm!" - Woody Allen

"Who says we don’t exercise ? we jump to conclusions, drag our feet, throw our weight around, stretch the truth, climb the ladder, pass the buck, beat around the bush, bend the rules and go around in circles !!"

Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

2009-04-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

I just came home from a lovely Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon hosted at Inglewood Golf Club honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2009, commemorated April 19-25, is "Celebrating People in Action" in America and am glad I am one amongst the Evergreen Family today (though I have only completed my third week). It was great to meet so many volunteers today at the luncheon who give so much and give to so many in their own little ways, who are loyal, sincere and full of good cheer, who notably contribute to make a difference in people's lives everyday and duly get recognized for their outstanding invaluable deeds and their untiring selfless efforts.

It was nice to know all the good work being done for the patients and the community around.

I had a good time!

It's Spring!

2009-04-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Bunnies hoppin' bunnies hoppin'
Robins poppin' robins poppin'
Worms are wigglin' Worms are wigglin'
Children gigglin' children gigglin'
Bees are buzzin' bees are buzzin'
Flowers bloomin' by the dozen by the dozen
It's spring it's spring it's spring and I'm ready to sing
Ring - A - Ding - A - Ding - Ding!

Eggs are hatchin' eggs are hatchin'
Dogs are scratchin' dogs are scratchin'
Cats are nappin' cats are nappin'
Toes are tappin' toes are tappin'
Bees are buzzin' bees are buzzin'
Flowers bloomin' by the dozen by the dozen
It's spring it's spring it's spring and I'm ready to sing
Ring - A - Ding - A - Ding - Ding!

Chicks are peepin' chicks are peepin'
Frogs are leapin' frogs are leapin'
Crickets chirpin' crickets chirpin'
Babies burpin' babies burpin'
Bees are buzzin' bees are buzzin'
Flowers bloomin' by the dozen by the dozen
It's spring it's spring it's spring and I'm ready to sing
Ring - A - Ding - A - Ding - Ding!

Grass are growin' grass are growin'
Breeze is blowin' breeze is blowin'
Trees are swayin' trees are swayin'
Children playin' children playin'
Bees are buzzin' bees are buzzin'
Flowers bloomin' by the dozen by the dozen
It's spring it's spring it's spring and I'm ready to sing
Ring - A - Ding - A - Ding - Ding!

Evergreen Healthcare

2009-04-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Everybody wants to do so many things in their lives and I am no different. I want to do so many things myself but always failed to make a start. The start. The start so very important to a story – anyone’s story which could shape into a life worth striving and living.

Recently, I have joined a volunteer program in Evergreen Healthcare and boy I am so glad I am doing something – some real good thing! I make it there every Tuesday and give my modest four hours and today was my second contented Tuesday. Volunteers in all shapes and sizes, at all ages young (students in school) and old (approaching nineties), color, creed and nationalities provide help in many different areas of the hospital, which helps the staff extend the quality of care to all patients. Working together to enrich the health and well being of every life we touch. A hospital has a story to tell.

Every individual associated with the hospital life would have seen and learnt the basic lesson of life - Life is precious and lived only once and we have got to value and respect it all the more. The time and moments spent there are becoming very dear to me and am enjoying the experience of meeting myriad people from all walks of life.

-Manasi

2009-03-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

~Mark Twain

2009-03-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Evenings in Seattle have been thoroughly mystifying. Looking out of the window in the cool and breezy night I see the skies turn orange and then indigo and then black. I like the way the world looks when the sky goes dark. It kind of frees something within me, makes me feel lofty and grand and as large as the view seen through the window. The world through my window. Taking me outside of myself momentarily. I muse on the titillation of this experience.

-Manasi

2009-03-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society where none intrudes,
By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.

- Lord Byron

Pick a new dream

2009-02-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

The gap between the life you lead in your head and the life you actually live yawns wide.

You live in your dreams, but dreams may die.

Don't get shattered, never ever cry.

The world is big and has lots to give.

Pick a new dream... that's the way to live.

Chitralahari

2009-01-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Chitralahari! Yes … that’s what it was called on Doordarshan in those days. Good old golden days of my childhood. This program was a compiled collection of Telugu songs from old and new movies alike and was aired on Thursdays from 8.00 PM to 8.30 PM. Telugu was our second language in school. And we watched almost all the films telecasted on Saturdays featuring the very oldies from NTR, Nageshwar Rao to much later ones like Rajendra Prasad, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna. We did not mind watching Krishna, Murali Mohan, Chandra Mohan, Balakrishna also. Everything was acceptable in those times. I remember … our home was an easy home theatre to people who didn't have the luxury of the TV, finishing their weekly chores as early as possible to line up for the popular programs. Watching television was the only major media entertainment. We had to watch what was aired as it wasn’t a viewer’s choice in those times.

Coming back to Chitralahari… I was just browsing the website Raaga for some music and there I find an old playlist of mine with Telugu songs from the movies that I watched very long back, back in my school and college days perhaps. Telugu movies were mostly watched at home than in the theatres. I did not of course make out the lyrics of the songs … but then “Aa Beatu Aa Oopu” (the Beats and the Swings) was what fascinated me with their music whenever I watched these songs on Chitralahari. I played the list for the good old times’ sake and was surprised as to how the songs of yesteryears were still music to my ears. Here is the list of the songs in my playlist which read ‘Telugu Beats', aired quite frequently on Chitralahari making the program worth watching.

1. Ninnukori Varnam from the movie Gharshana is such a groovy number sung by Chitra, music by Ilayaraja and picturised on Amala – simple yet sensual, bold and outright swinging and wooing the guy in the song.

2. Jallanta Kavvintha Kaavalile from the movie Geethanjali is a rain song with violins, flute, saxophone, sung by Chitra, music by Ilayaraja and picturised so well on Girija (a one film wonder) what more can one ask for! It’s fast paced with a very catchy and a hummable tune. There have been countless rain songs in movies but some rain songs just stand out and this one happens to be one of my all time favorites!

3. Jumbaaye Aagumbaye Yaa Aaygo Aaygo Aaygo from the movie Kshana Kshanam a song sung by Chitra and S.P.Balasubramaniam picturised on Sridevi and Venkatesh - I can clearly recall Sridevi dressed in a jungle outfit for this jungle song, with colorful Dahlia phulwa coyly tucked in her hair, fluttering her two-inch long eyelashes while she danced. Wow!! The way she gyrated to the ‘Beatu and Oopu’ of the song. It was a treat to watch her in that amazing number.

4. Chilakamma Chitikeyanga from the movie Dalapthi playback by Chitra and S.P.Balasubramaniam on Ilayaraja’s music picturised on Rajnikant and Sonu Walia. A pulsating number yet very sweet. The Tamil version of this song ‘Rakamma Kaiya Thattu’ made it to the world's top 10 popular songs in a BBC worldwide survey.

5. Chinni Chinni Aasha from the movie Roja - music score by our Mozart of India A R Rahman, the song was a super duper hit of that time and still holds the charm and freshness to date. Featured on Madhu this number is forever bursting with life and drenched in zing.

6. Abbanee Tiyyani from the movie Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari - music by Ilayaraja playback by Chitra and S.P. Balasubramaniam featuring Sridevi and Chirajeevi. I can’t recall as to how many times I would rewind to watch the recorded song again and again. Sridevi looked at her ravishing best swaying to this number in her lovely chiffon sarees.

7. Balapam Patti from the movie Bobbili Raaja music by Ilayaraja sung by Chitra and S.P. Balasubramaniam picturised on Divya Bharati and Venkatesh. Listened to this song some hundred and one times me thinks and still can’t get enough of it. Both of them made a good pair and rocked in this number.

8. Chikubuku Raile from the movie Gentleman – music by A R Rahman – Every song of this movie had some hummable tunes. The song invariably gives you a body shake if you are listening to it. Thanks to “India’s Michael Jackson” – Prabhu Deva - the spring man in action. He created magic on screen.

9. Uravasi Uravasi take it easy policy from the movie Premikudu - music by A R Rahman. Actually loved to watch every song of this movie. A Nagma and Prabhu Deva starrer both unlike each other, this movie was a perfect blend of perfections and imperfections for this duo. This line from the song catches me now 'Chitralahari lo current pothe take it easy policy' (meaning even if the current goes off while watching Chitralahari ... take it easy policy Urvasi).

10. Mustafa Mustafa from the movie Prema Desam –A R Rahman, the man behind the music, gave his own voice to the song. The college friends looked fresh and cool in this peppy number. If my memory goes right, this was the last Telugu movie that I watched in theatres.

I miss Chitrahaar and Rangoli too. More of that some other time. Right now it’s Chitralahari which was fun and exciting. I finished downloading this list from some online sources and now looking forward to listening to them.

-Manasi

“Those who wish to sing always find a song and when the music changes, so does the dance.”

News at glance

2009-01-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Apna nation celebrates its 60th Republic Day. I spend some time surfing on the net and all the news discharging websites still talking of three subjects constantly – Barack Obama, Satyam Scam and Slumdog Millionaire.

The websites have a zillion pictures and copious info of Barack Obama’s inauguration when he was sworn in as America's 44th President. First 100 days of Obama’s presidency is what’s on news. Elected on a message of change – change is expected both in foreign and domestic policy. People are expecting so many things out of him not only in US of A but all around the world. A beacon of hope - he is put under a microscope by all the media and all his moves on daily basis are recorded to feed us with pleasure. His wife - his kids equally - with no exception.

Then there is this Satyam scandal going on where Ramalinga Raju admitted his massive fraud in manipulating the earnings to scrape in more money every quarter which resulted in the fudged amounts growing higher and higher. There have been a number of companies with very shady accounting practices and who indulge in such inappropriate business strategies, but Raju has been doing this for last couple of years and on a larger scale and trying to cover it up. The end result being, all the other Indian Software companies doubted to be tarnished.

Lastly the movie Slumdog Millionaire - God! Show mercy on this one. An interesting rags-to-riches love story interwoven finely amidst a backdrop of a reality game show and most impoverished environs of the country we call slums, narrated in a fascinating manner and coupled with stirring music of A R Rahman. The movie has been the talk of the town for quite sometime now. Has received so much of flak for nothing. I mean - a movie is a movie is a movie. Film critics might as well stop frittering away their time for all the dent they make on moviegoers for watching a decent movie and appreciating it. A good movie is just a good movie no matter who the film maker is – doesn’t matter whether he is an Indian or a foreigner. The purpose of the movie is to just sit and enjoy the movie for what it is meant to be. The movie after winning 4 Golden Globes is all set to head for Oscars scooping in 10 nominations in different categories which by the way is remarkable... SO, will Slumdog Millionaire win the Oscars ?? Now that’s a millionaire question in itself, but truth be told… I give a damn! It has already managed to stir a BILLION HEARTS which I think is a phenomenal achievement for any film maker.

The weather has changed for the better. Sunday’s snowfall has gone as suddenly as it had come, sliding down the sides of the buildings and disappearing into the drains. And the sun is all bright and swell in the skies pouring luxuriously from all the windows. A good day so far for bathing in the sunshine for my vital vitamin D. Very important therapy these days here.

“If you want to walk quick, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together!” - African saying

2009-01-24T22:36:00.000-08:00

"The Memory Keeper's Daughter' doesn't interest me today. I have a splitting head ache after months ... Moments of that historic day keep flashing often. I was glued to TV for staright 12 hours, I recall ... Inauguration of Barack Obama - the 44th president of the United States and first ever African-American leader. A real long day with never ending moments of hope and faith. Very inspirational.

I call my mom out of boredom and find her all excited with the event she is hosting at her place. Says the colony members have decided to celebrate the Republic Day one day in advance. There is a gathering of around forty members and I hear lot of voices in the background - she says they are all engaged in preparing a meal for lunch and later will play games. I take leave of her assuring to talk to her once she is done with her guests and celebrations. Very Busy.

I refrained from watching a movie tonight. The bed beckons me. My mind slows down. Its been acting a little cranky for having had a few sleepless nights in a row. Blame it on my late night movie watching weekends. I need a discipline here I say to myself. Its time to call it a night. Very sleepy.

-Manasi

A little sunshine here

2009-01-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

There was never a dearth of sunshine in India. Sunshine is in abundance throughout the year.
Seattle in US of A is bereft of the sun's grace at large. A few seasons are filled with days when it does not rain but looks as if it might because of cloudy, overcast skies and with very few sunny days. Its been sunny and bright for two consecutive days and I have nothing more to aspire for than sit in my patio and bathe in the sun for some sunshine vitamin. The day so far has been spent in doing just that. I sat in the sun drenching myself with the precious Vitamin D!

Cheers!

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” ~ John Ruskin

Jai Ho!

2009-01-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

This song from Slumdog Millionaire has been playing endlessly on my system and I love the music of the movie.

Jai Ho! ^n
Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley
Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley
Jai Ho! ^ n
Ratti ratti sachchi maine jaan gawayi hai
Nach Nach koylon pe raat bitaayi hai
Ankhiyon ki neend maine phoonkon se udaa di
Gin gin taarey maine ungli jalayi hai
Eh Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley
Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley
Baila! Baila!(Dance! Dance!)
Ahora conmigo, tu baila para hoy(Now with me, you dance for today)
Por nuestro dia de movidas,(For our day of moves,)
los problemas los que sean(whatever problems may be)
Salud!(Cheers!)
Baila! Baila!(Dance! Dance!)
Jai Ho! ^n
Chakh le, haan chakh le, yeh raat shehed hai
Chakh le, haan rakh le,
Dil hai, dil aakhri hadd hai
Kaala kaala kaajal tera
Koi kaala jaadu hai na?
Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley
Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley
Jai Ho! ^ n
Kab se haan kab se jo lab pe ruki hai
Keh de, keh de, haan keh de
Ab aankh jhuki hai
Aisi aisi roshan aankhein
Roshan dono heerey (?) hain kya?
Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley
Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley
Jai Ho! ^ n

Come, come my Life, under the canopy
Come under the blue brocade sky!

Iota by iota, I have lost my life, in faith
I’ve passed this night dancing on coals
I blew away the sleep that was in my eyes
I counted the stars till my finger burned

Come, come my Life, under the canopy
Come under the blue brocade sky!

Taste it, taste it, this night is honey
Taste it, and keep it,
It’s a heart; the heart is the final limit
You dark black kohl
It’s some black magic, isn’t it?

Come, come my Life, under the canopy
Come under the blue brocade sky!

For how long, how very long
It’s been on your lips
Say it, now say it
The eye is downcast
Such lit up eyes
Are they two lit-up dimaonds(?) ?
Come, come my Life, under the canopy
Come under the blue brocade sky!

Rahman does it with Slumdog Millionaire!

2009-01-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

We watched Slumdog Millionaire and Revolutionary Road only last night. Glad we did. The movies are going house packed at Lincoln Square Cinemas. Enjoyed both the movies thoroughly. Loved them! The night for us never ended till six in the morning. We were with a couple of friends and discussed the movie at length. And now I am glued to my television for "The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards". Proud to say A R Rahman has become the first Indian to win the prestigious Golden Globe Award for the Best Original Music Score for the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' one of the most buzzed-about films of the season. The movie has also won the awards for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Motion Picture (Drama).

But for now all praises for our musical genius "A.R.Rahman - Mozart Of Asia"

-Manasi

Silence speaks...

2009-01-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

It’s been raining here for donkey’s years now. And there is encompassing silence.

My post draws inspiration from this awe-inspiring thought emanated from an eminence who I truly admire from the bottom of my heart. “It is remarkable how much the world changes when silence infests and when you are with nothing but your lone self. When there is no attention required to be given to responsibilities immediately. When there are no limits within which chores need to be attended to. When you do not have to plan, go anywhere, take care of, manage, respond and answer. When all that’s required is to sit and listen to the silence. Listen to silence? Yes! It has a sound. A sound because other sounds can be heard above it. I hear the heart pound, my breath breathe, my fingers rustle and the mind that thinks inwardly but can be heard in large volume. Many argue differently. Not always does the mind do well when in solitude. Many minds function when in the midst of the extreme. We may get our best thoughts while amongst people, while walking through the crowded streets or when in silence.”

Suddenly the whooshing sounds of the winds at the window sound so frenzied - they do the talking and become a speech to speak with the mind that is in state of nothingness.
I have always spoken to myself in volumes, reasoned beyond reasoning, often questioned to seek answers, conversed and communicated, miscalculated and revised, listened and gave into introspection. You do that to yourself don’t you? That’s natural. I am at the silence’s disposal, embraced by its spell and consumed by vague thoughts. Right now I am under circumstantial quietness. That’s what I would call it. It’s sometimes inevitable and nonessential. But still it persists.

Life continues to go on. Move on. And in this thriving silence one question lingers on you… Is your micromanagement of every moment in this world so essential? It waits for some solid answers. Even though the argument just compels me to let go of certain things which don’t see any fruition and those which are not in my hands - but then I wonder - with all my restless yearning and with this stupidly ruminative nature of mine - what do I do with my pent-up energy instead?

Silence does this to people and I am no exception.

“Saying nothing...sometimes says the most.” ~ Emily Dickinson.

Quotable quotes

2009-01-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

It is always good to ponder and today was no different... Here are some interesting quotes. Each one heavy with compassion and fact.

“Do not be disappointed if the world refuses to help you out. Remember the words of Einstein - ‘I am thankful to all those that said NO. Its because of them that I did it myself’.”

“Love yourself. Flirt with your understanding. Romance with dreams. Get engaged with simplicity. Marry genuineness. Divorce the ego. That is a good life !”

“If you find the whole world against you and you are alone, what will you do ? Just turn around and you will become a leader of the whole world.”

“The road to fulfillment is never a straight line; learn to navigate the twists and turns and you will find something of value in every result.”

“It is hard to wait for something you know might never happen - but, its even harder to give it up when you know its that very thing you wanted”

“What is forgiveness ? Its the wonderful smell a flower gives when it is being crushed”

“ Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”

“The strategy of life is so very strange, just when we have all the answers, life changes the question !”

Into the New Year

2009-01-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

New Year's eve was a little different this time - simple and fun - that's what I would call it.
Went to a cozy Thai restaurant called 'Typhoon' for dinner along with a couple of friends and then drove to downtown Seattle for the fireworks show of the Space Needle. As 2009 made its grand entrance at exactly midnight, the fireworks shot into the air and we were among the crowd estimated at between 5,000 and 7,000 at Seattle Center who ooh'd and ahh'd. Although it lasted for a very short time it was good.
You can watch the fireworks show here.
Then drove to our place for coffee and kept chatting till almost four in the morning. That was it.

Into the new year... I feel relaxed, full and complete - I had just gorged on a lovely mixed vegetable and rice platter and it really feels good after the meal. I had lots of cleaning to do - guess was tired and so was hungry. I may watch a movie now.

-Manasi

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Happy 2009!

2008-12-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

Its been an eventful year - this year 2008 - we moving to Seattle from India to this moment now - time just flew in a jiffy for us. Over the telephone, with the fireworks cracking in the background celebrating the start of 2009 in India, I was telling mom about it and both of us remembered how last year we spent the new year's eve together along with my granny at my place in Hyderabad and how time has just rolled on too fast. Looking back on the months gone by, as a new year starts and an old one ends, I contemplate what brought us joy, and I think of our loved ones and family. Recalling all the happy times, remembering how they enriched our lives I am very happy to welcome 2009 in my life and hopeful to see better things happening to myself and around me.

I wish for you a holiday with happiness galore, and when it’s done, I wish you Happy New Year, and many more.

-Manasi

Guess What?

2008-12-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

Guess what? My ex-mobile is not my ex anymore!

It's revived - Yes...It has come back to life! I am so happy today.

I totally had lost hopes on my mobile when it went in my denim's pocket along with a bunch of other clothes and churned happily in my sister's washing machine for a while before I realized its missing and then found it all washed up in the machine - on August 4th in Chicago - about the time when mom and dad had to leave for airport to fly back to India.

The gadget went through natural emergency treatments like:
-wiped it with a dry cloth to get rid of the excess water
-avoided to power up the gadget
-removed the battery and the card
-left it to air dry for 24 hours on the window sill
-used a hair dryer to dry the wet gadget the next day
-sun drying for a week after that

I tried all the possibilities of getting it back to life. I went to the mobile stores like AT&T, T-Mobile and Best Buy asking for help - to figure out whether the problem was with the phone or was it with the battery. What does it take to turn it on? I asked them to try the battery in their new phone and also tried their fresh battery into my phone. The phone either way did not turn on. They were of no help – they had no clue whatsoever. They said it was irreparable and even if I went for a repair it would cost me a fortune. It was disheartening. I left it at that. I made up my mind on getting the mobile repaired in India as anything and everything can be repaired in my country except for broken hearts.

This gadget always remained lifeless in my bed side drawer since then and I remember trying to bring it back to life by powering it up a couple of times as and when it caught my eye. Each time waited optimistically for that momentary spark which claimed– I’m back to life – I’ve started again! But nothing happened.

And today while I was fishing for something in my drawer I find my phone lying there. I take and hook it up to the charger … just in case … and leave to fetch something … And when I’m back … what do I see … Ooh La La! Its back to life … It’s getting charged … after almost six months! You should have seen the spark on my face!

After a few hours - when I check on it - God! It’s just getting charged endlessly… I have to really take it to India :( I was glad when it came alive … back in my life … and now I realize it’s not restituted … Sad! Sigh!!

-Manasi

behka... main behka...

Movie Week

2008-12-29T10:49:00.001-08:00

A grand movie watching week just passed by. Watched 5 movies during the Christmas weekend in the theatres. All of them quite different from one another and based on stories that have a beginning, a middle, and an end... but not necessarily in that order.

'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' - a love story in a very ordinary jodi who find true love in the backdrop of a dance competition called "Dancing Jodi". {***}

'Doubt' - it isn’t about certainty, but ambiguity, that no man’s land between right and wrong, black and white. It centers on a nun who grows suspicious when a priest begins taking too much interest in the life of a young black student laced with themes of religion, morality and authority. {****}

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' - fantasy about a man who ages in reverse, descending through the years from newborn senescence to terminal infancy. { ****1/2}

'Yes Man' - romantic comedy - a man who signs up for a self-help program based on one simple principle: say yes to everything...and anything and transforms his life in unexpected ways. {***}

'Ghajini' - simple and straightforward revenge story - the film brings back the popular theme of the '80s and early '90s - revenge, romance, action and thrill with a touch of humour. {***1/2}

Watched some old ones sitting back home - 'The English Patient', 'The Usual Suspects', 'Taking Lives'.

Lots of movie watching all through the week. People take a break from their daily lives and watch movies ... guess I need to take a break from movie watching which has become my everyday life!

-Manasi

Christmas Night

2008-12-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

Heavy accumulations of snow to be blamed for our car not reaching even the carport last night. The roads have become completely miserable to drive on. It was so difficult to force the car to be lined with the curb downhill inside our apartment complex. After several futile attempts of trying to drive through the snowy and icy path with one of us pushing the car to get it to even move was the biggest challenge ever. The only thing the car could do when accelerated was to spin its wheels at a high speed which in turn sprayed a fountain of slush formed underneath. It was very cold and we could not do any better than just leave the car stranded in the middle of the path and walk home.

We were out to see some Christmas lights in the downtown and got back a little early as we did not make it to the right show time for a movie we wanted to watch ... but all for good ... We almost took forty five minutes to get the car in the complex from the community entrance. My toes almost suffered a frostbite. Never did I experience some such thing even in the cold of Detroit or Chicago.

Eagerly waiting for this snow to melt. Weekends become very boring if not! Wanted to watch some movies in the theatres. Guess will have to stay home now.

-Manasi

"Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway." ~ Maya Angelou

2008-12-25T11:34:00.001-08:00

"There are only two questions that human beings have ever fought over, all through history. 'How much do you love me?' And, 'Who's in charge?' Everything else is somehow manageable. But these two questions of love and control undo us all, trip us up and cause war, grief, and suffering." — Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia)

Fish Fish!

2008-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

I never understood the penchant for raw food here in United States of America. For some, eating their vegetables raw is a great deal by itself. The place where I come from, believes in the concept of cooked food be it vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry or seafood. I never could imagine people eating and relishing frogs, snakes and octopuses in some parts of the world. I have heard of an alligator eating a man, I haven't heard of a man eating an alligator. God! do I have to give ears to that too!

I was in Vancouver last month and there I chanced upon some Japanese cuisine. I tried a dragon roll to start with, which consisted of shrimp tempura, crab meat and eel and to my surprise I enjoyed it. It was delicious. And then I tried the oyster sushi which was yummy too. I somehow started feeling that the raw seafood is not so bad after all. It tastes different for sure but at the same time it really makes wonders on the palate. I've come to like it and guess have developed the taste for it now. I came back and narrated my experience to a friend of mine who spent some time in Japan and could never make himself give in to raw food like sushi or sashimi. He gave a scornful remark on that and told I have become a total 'junglee' of late.

My hubby also should have the same opinion - I think! given that he is a vegetarian.

I love seafood. I really get tempted when someone starts talking of fish that he or she has eaten and savored or when suggesting recipes of fish curries (Goan or Keralean) or the cookery shows on preparing various fish dishes that I myself watch on TV. Recently in a seafood restaurant on the ocean drive of Miami Beach, Florida I relished a nice and simple preparation of the Tilapia fish for dinner. After that, at the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Miami, I ate a local dish of a fish called Mahi Mahi prepared in an ethnic style for lunch - big chunks of the fish in a very moist, tangy, spicy and seasoned rice preparation. Yummilicious! Loved each and every bit of this dish. Then I ate some Tuna sushi on some other occasion in Key West. The reason why I am talking about fish today is that I have an irresistible craving of a good spicy and savory fish curry made Indian style ... Ah! the thought of it is mouth-watering ... but that's it ... can't go beyond that ... can't go fishing for the fish now ... I guess am gonna just suffice myself with my own preparation of some mushroom and zucchini in lieu of that.

I will make it up for this craving some other day. I promise myself!

-Manasi

A man's palate can, in time, become accustomed to anything. - Napoleon Bonaparte

2008-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaosto order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie

Winter Storm

2008-12-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

Very dangerous winter storm is headed toward Western Washington this weekend.

They say this will be a major winter storm that will be life-threatening and disruptive to transportation and power for significant parts of Western Washington.

The temperature is 21 F (-6.1 C) and its going to go very low still. Packing snow, freezing rain and gusts of up to 75 mph, a stinging windstorm predicted.

I peep out of the window and everything is white with no commotion what so ever - just absolute stillness. I guess this is what's the lull before the storm as they say.

-Manasi

An encounter with the Birdman

2008-12-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

We had to rush through long queues of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to make it to our flight to Houston with Continental Airlines.

After being seated comfortably in the middle seat I noticed that the person sitting beside me was working heads down on his lap top with his side of the window shut. I grew restless in no moment as I wanted to see Fort Lauderdale from the air. It was an uncommon scenario for someone like me, as I always found myself occupying the window seat and for once it wasn’t mine this time. Oh! How I longed to be seated there. I was wondering as to why people occupy window seats and not have their windows open. There was a pressing urge in me to request him to exchange his seat with mine. He would have done that for a lady I’m sure. But then I just contained myself and requested him to open up the window for a while so that I could view the city from the top. Just then a hostess appeared, called him a Scientist and addressed him to shut his laptop and pull his seat forward. The plane took off and after a brief exchange of pleasantries I came to know that he was a Scientist at Stanford and did a lot of bird watching. He was an ornithologist which was not that common a field to encounter.

I asked him simple questions about birds, his likes and dislikes about them, the way they migrate, about his studies, surveys and contribution to human life, role of environmental pollution and diseases, extinction of birds, scope and limitations of bird watching, wild life photography, his frequent travels to various countries, his life as a gypsy as he had traveled more than 60 countries - to which he went copiously answering each and every aspect related to my query with utmost interest and earnestness. It was nice to hear him talk. He showed some of his pictures of the different birds shot in the wild looking at which I was completely awestruck! I guess he talked for more than an hour on the same lines. He was radiant and open, open and flowing, filled with light that he generously shared through his words, smiles and gestures. Completely authentic and too young to be a scientist.

I walked out of the flight feeling like a million bucks - not only because he was highly competent at making me develop interest in his talks, but because he naturally knew how to make a layman understand the importance of his subject too, he knew how to add value to the moment, to our encounter – genuinely, just by wholly and truly being who he was. We talked and connected - it was easy - a simple being to being sharing, enriching.

I had a nice flight. God bless him and all the birds on the planet.

-Manasi

"if you're not willing to be changed by a place, there's no point in going."

Beach Therapy - Miami - Key West - Florida

2008-12-18T22:03:00.000-08:00

Lovely beaches of Miami and Key West have inspired me to write this. Everything about these beaches was rejuvenating and refreshing - almost like a therapy - I call it 'Beach Therapy'.

My memories of the ocean will linger on, long after my footprints in the sand are gone.

Walk along the seashore and play in the sand
Smell the salty waters and sense the wind on the face
Splash in the water and bathe in the sea
Bounce with the waves and ride with the tide

Watch the infinite sky motionless overhead
Feel the sands slide underneath the soles
Listen to the voices of the wind and the sea
On a mile of warm sea-scented beach

Boats, schooners and catamarans sail you see
Giant whistling ships cruise on the sea
Fishermen eager to fish and cast their nets
Enthusiasts ready to surf and ride the waves

Girls make merry in the crystal blue waters
Then lay on beach and get some sun
Children play with empty shells and pebbles
Gaze up at slender coconut trees for fun

On the wet sands in the morning the seagulls flock
Sight the dunes, the grasses and the coral rock
Marvel at the hidden treasures from the sea unfold
Waves lapping the shoreline with stories untold

Everything about the ocean is at reviving spree
Where no worries no troubles of any sort reach
Lying empty, open, choice less as a beach
Awaiting a gift from the bottomless sea.

-Manasi

Missing Keys!

2008-12-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

Kudos to a police officer from Miami Police Department who found us our missing keys to the rental car hired to drive during our trip to Miami and Key West. It was almost after nine o' clock at night when we were coming back from the Bayside Marketplace that we realised that we had dropped the keys somewhere along the Bayside Miami and could not figure out where. After a frantic search in the moon lit night on the twenty minute walk back to the market place again we lost hope of finding them. We then called up the car rentals for their help, but in vain. They said the insurance doesn't cover the lost keys. They in turn asked us to call up the lock smith by furnishing some numbers. Tried calling them for help. Nothing turned out. Nothing happened. Nothing helped. It was getting very chilly as the night progressed and the tension was obvious. We had our belongings in the car and were figuring out the worst possible case that could befall that night in a new place like Miami. Hovered near the car for a long time making phone calls to people from the parking lot where the car was parked at the Intercontinental Miami right in the downtown. And just then we saw a Police Officer beeping the car keys and trying to figure out a stranded car. I ran towards him - who finally found the keys to our car. God! we were so relieved to see them. He said it was a gentleman who found the keys lying at the park and got them to him and he then was going through each and every parking lot in the downtown area looking for the car before he finally found us. We thanked him a ton for being an angel - blessed the guy who found them and responsibly handed them over to the police. All this happened at the bayside - an area prone to crooks, looking for such opportunities - who might have misused and played with them if they had found them. Anyways...All's Well That Ends Well. We had a peaceful sleep that night.

I am just back from Florida which was very pleasant, warm and nice and its snowing like crazy here... Kirkland looks all white now with several inches of snow piled up. The temperatures are subzero and the cold is unbearable - what a dramatic change in the weather condition from where I had been, to where I am right now. And I must say I'm already going through some kinda missing syndrome. I have an emormous hangover of the great vacation we just had in Miami and Key West and I loved everything about my trip. There were so many things that happened to be the 'first time in life' for me on this trip to Key West.
- tandem parasailing trip - twice
- snorkeling adventure
- jumped into the middle of the ocean to swim to the waverunner/jet ski and ride it
- went on the banana boat - fell in the the middle of the ocean - an adventure by itself
- went on a sunset cruise for a spectacular sunset celebration
- playing in the waters of the ocean to my heart's content

Could this be more pleasurable...I'm urged to unlock my heart's lock with Florida Keys... I loved the Keys... I loved Key West. I miss them dearly.

Ever absent, ever near;
Still I see thee, still I hear;
Yet I cannot reach thee, dear!

More about my trip in my next post.

-Manasi

Another Year

2008-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

I am celebrating my Anniversary, and its the eighth year of our life together ... Here's wishing me

Another year to create

precious memories together.

Another year to discover

new things to enjoy about each other.

Another year to build

a life rich in love and laughter.

Another year to strengthen

a marriage that defines "forever."
Happy Anniversary!

The best is only bought at the cost of great pain

2008-12-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

"There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the cost of great pain…or so says the legend".

-Colleen McCullough

Rainy Vancouver

2008-12-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

A word or two on my trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada - where the mountains meet the sea -future host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. A cosmopolitan mix of culture, culinary delights, fashion, fresh air, and walks along the sea wall that go on and on and on…

On a Friday morning right after the thanksgiving day, mounted on a high stool in front of a clean and glossy glass wall of the Moonpennies Café in downtown Vancouver’s West Pender street, munching on a crunchy vegetable baguette sandwich and spooning the creamiest of the lentil soups, watching people walk across the busy streets holding up their colorful umbrellas against a steady rainfall was one of the most refreshing vignettes of life and its shades in rains, making me feel as drenched in my memory at present as it did in that particular moment. The rain was kinda cozy. It was surprisingly rejuvenating. Vancouver has a vibrant independent cafe culture which fascinated me. Contrary to my visit in summer, this time Vancouver appeared to be a rain-saturated city, where umbrellas were a part of everyday life and the sun seldom peaked out. All wet and rain soaked everywhere with thin coffee infused air …I say, into every life, a little rain must fall.

-Manasi

Moment of Gratitude

2008-12-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

I am grateful...

for the fruit juices, the precious sunshine in Seattle, for moments of rest, for mom who is the best, bubble tea, all the smiles received, for the breath I take, for the life I make, to the sun who radiates light and almost every day brightens my life…

for the books I read, for those I keep, to buddha, teacher and guide who helps me constantly find my light, to my sis who is always there with a soul that cares, to my friend, precious angel who heals - gives me all the essential keys, to bliss filled elizabeth gilbert who gave a new way of life with her eat, pray and love, for passing clouds who whisper to me, for all the marvels I see, for the thoughts that sow, for the words that flow, and the heart that knows...

for cherries, strawberries, blueberries and persimmons, to Her my goddess - for constant care and support, for the green revolution, for all the solutions - to problems that exist only in my mind, for music and melodies, for the four seasons, for the glory of spring, for the hot and sultry summers, for the colors of fall, for the sniffly , sneezy and snowy winters…

for rain who is dear, never mind she is far or near, for my life in my hometown for my life here, for F. R. I. E. N. D. S. back into my life, make me smile and grin wide :-)for my ex mobile, black and red, whom I think fondly of, to tiana traylor for her grace, for all my childhood teachers, for the ducks and the evergreen trees, for all the joyful moments spent in collecting stamps and magnets...

for aai and baba for their superfluous unconditional love, my ajja and ajji for good childhood memories, for all the family in my hometown and his, for almonds and pistachios, ice creams and smoothies, chocolates and desserts, my good health and energy, for internet, mails and information, for all that’s available on there and who make my day, for spinach and mushroom, and all the vegetable curries that I make in a hurry, to the amazing cuisines tasted and the divine experiences, to my clock ticking day and night, to wonderful dawn and dusk…

for walks by the lake, for drives through national parks and forests, for the new places visited, to the old ones revisited, to hyderabad, pune and bangalore for the wealth, richness and abundance, for the love that pours all the time, for trust, acceptance, grace, mettle and the spirit to walk the line...

I am grateful …

to my divine soul, joy of my life
and to rohit, for a life divine...

P.S: I intended to write this post on the eve of Thanksgiving in Vancouver, BC, Canada and I could not as I was perturbed by the massacre in Mumbai – coordinated terrorist attacks by the militants - hostage situation - survival issue of hundreds of people - my fellow Indians - a world of chaos and unrest everywhere.

I am grateful… for being alive in today’s world otherwise dreaming of peace.
-Manasi

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

The Secret to You

2008-11-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today is the beginning of my new life
I am starting over today
All good things are coming to me
I am grateful to be alive
I see beauty all around me
I live with passion and purpose
I take time to laugh and play everyday
I am awake, energized and alive
I focus on all good things in life
And give thanks for everyone of them
I am at peace and one with everything
I feel the love, the joy and the abundance
I am free to be myself
I am magnificience in human form
I am the perfection of life
I am so grateful to be ME

Today is the best day of my life.

Like any other...

2008-11-21T01:36:00.000-08:00

Like any other day and night
Like any other dinner occasion and party
Like any other hosts and any other guests
Like any other excitement and curiosity
Like any other cultural embracing and sharing
Like any other way of life and blend
Like any other moment of laughter and joy
Yet another special experience to cherish and strengthen my cultural identity.

A Little Nonsense: Now and Then

2008-11-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

me: Gap - 30% off online & in-store
Pal: from where do u get all the coupons re?
me: if u want to buy them
me: Borders has a new 40% off coupon DMB5387A valid for any book
me: How r u? busy i guess
Pal: I am fine kind of busy actually too much free time so my lead has stuffed others work on me stupid fellow
me: go to that Fayette mall…has great deals … this weekend
Pal: GAP?
me: yes
Pal: i dont like GAP re
me: thats also there …in every mall all these stores will generally be there… only very high def stores like gucci, louis vitton will show up in very good malls
Pal: how is old navy re?
me: its there which is giving 50% off
Pal: this is near to Meijer itself. Fayette is very far
me: http://www.oldnavy.com/
its good like aero
Pal: old navy i know
i have been there. not a great selection though
me: i like … and i don’t spend too much on one top … i like shopping in old navy… its 50% off till weekend
Pal: haha
me: i love shopping… its my fav past time… i love window shopping'… i dont buy
Pal: ok. i cant window shop
me: but if i find something very good i will pick
Pal: if i go i need to buy thts my prob
me: go and get one thing… if u comfy…go next time … that way 2 outings on shopping
Pal: hmm
me: 50% off old navy… go check out in store its fun
Pal: ok i will go this weekend
me: u can go today and have fun shopping
Pal: if i say anything u will get irritated
who will take me? how will i go? i need someone to take me
me: u said its near near na
Pal: not as near to walk it out. 4 miles
me: oh ...then go to mall na
Pal: fayette is abt 8 miles
me: oh whts near then??
Pal: its in Nicholasville. walkable is only walmart and krogger
Pal: hey mkt has suddenly gone bad very bad now re its probably not wise to quit
it might become like dhobi ka kutha na ghar ka na ghat ka
me: http://www.oldnavy.com/customerService/storeLocator.do
me: see how many are there near ur place…u can go
Pal: only 2
me: i ate chocolate :)
Pal: it is showing Louisville thats 1 hr from here by car
me: 4 almond clusters each the size of a brownie
Pal: re that day u cursed me ki if i dont ask proper state in US, i will get job in Nevada
u know yest one guy really called me for a job in Nevada
me: hmm good…will visit u in Las Vegas… u will like it
very very very very hot
hot hot girls
Pal: Las Vegas is in CA right?
me: nearest old navy is 8 min by car … cant u walk 20 min…
shut up… God! u need to learn some map
Pal: u walk in this cold re
me: its in NV
Pal: what is NE then? my US geography is very poor re
me: Nebraska and i told u Nebraska that day not Nevada
Pal: yes it is Nebraska
wahi ka call aya
sorry i got confused with Nevada as i was watching movie on Nevada yest NE is Nebraska
me: its the center of US
Pal: so u better dont curse me next time
me: see maps google central part of US
Pal: yeah i checked thts why got confused when u said Las Vegas
me: i told u Nebraska and Arkansas which are not Texas Florida as you want
they are some stupid states
Pal: u wish all such things only for me
me: yes … its not me …u urself wishing
saying anywhere in US….so u get the worst of what u wish
u should wish rightly
Pal: when i say anywhere
i mean any place like
Pal: FL TX NY NJ WA CA
me: then say it loud
me: CA is good… go there
Pal: re pehale kaam milne de
even NJ ka jou houwa tha
me: u shud specify
Pal: they said that position only is on hold now. very risky to quit now. it was for BT
me: coz there are lot of ppl who specify and are in a queue of god's mercy..so first come first served
Pal: and BT declared heavy loss
me: and if u say ‘anywhere’ u will land up in Kentucky
Pal: my first wish is to get my Visa extended here itself
me: good…then pray for that only
Pal: coz i dont want to quit in this env. u pray for me
me: dont confuse the universe into asking for a job till then
Pal: have u ever prayed for me?
me: focus on one thing
always said may u get what u want and u are wanting all rubbish
Pal: u never prayed for me i know
me: i did … then why u talking with me…did u ever pray for me? genuinely
Pal: many times
me: i do for u
Pal: thanks re
u confuse god … visa ... job anywhere in US
how will he know re what u really want
so its delaying the process
Pal: extend my visa
me: one thing at a time to fit the circumstance is what’s required
Pal: if not get a great job elsewhere
me: so focus on that
Pal: who will extend my visa themselves
me: u contradicting ur procuring ur visa
so ...focus on visa extension by tcs…don’t ever utter job now…forget it for a while
Pal: hmm
me: and stay calm…go shopping…enjoy good brands… become brand crazy and wear them
Pal: ghum phir ke shopping par hi ayegi
me: lol …time pass karo
forget that …i am just telling u
me: ke ur deeds are delaying ur visa extension process by tcs...ur search for jobs ANYWHERE in US is lil perturbing
Pal: thoughts of job came in
me: yes
Pal: coz visa not getting extended
me: those are ur fav topics
me: design ur deeds to suit the outcome
u shud say i wanna do this
and do that only till u achieve
dont contradict ur wishes by your wrong deeds
of applying to hundred jobs to ‘anywhere’
Pal: yes mam
me: ANYWHERE
i will tell u a story
Pal: if i had a college na, would have made u guidance counselor for sure
me: a man wants to become rich
prays before a god’s statue day in and day out
and says give me the grace to win the lottery
this lament goes on for months
so much he prays…
statue finally comes to life
looks down on the begging man and says to win the lottery first buy the ticket
Pal: so
me: so if u want the change but cant even be bothered to articulate what exactly ur aiming for...how will it ever occur
Pal: re
me: so be specific
Pal: i am giving god preferences
do this … if not this…this ….if not this
but please do one of these
me: lol specificity is the key
god still has to learn multitasking per one want… so his understanding is straight
u got to specify
Pal: hmm
me: u cant say this or this or this … u either end up getting all or none at all … its programming u see
Pal: hmm
me: its all written … the codes
Pal: and u programmed gods brain
me: NO…its u…giving all wrong signals each time
me: lol :)

Pal: i will go to walmart and come after sometime
Pal: need to buy vessels
me: abba
Pal: and photo frame
me: forget na
Pal: where else u want me to go?
me: hell
Pal: see u want me to go to hell
me: yes
do u know hell and heaven are the same
Pal: tera jaise dost ho tou dushman kyu chahiye
me: Universe is a circle…to up or to down all same at end – As above so below
Pal: all bakwas
me: its just that to go heaven u go seven levels up
Pal: hmm
me: and in hell seven levels down
but they r same
u are happy when going seven levels up…u are sad when going seven levels down
Pal: it is like telling working as chaparasi and CEO is the same
me: but hell is the same as heaven
Pal: both are working for same company
one is at the lowest post one is highest but both are same
me: i am all laughs
Pal: :-)

Food for Soul

2008-11-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

They say, good food must be savored delicately, slowly, attentively and respectfully, in a befitting manner, with finesse and technique, with relish and appreciation and you will experience true gustatory delight. That’s essence of the Art of Eating. Eating is not just making yourself not-hungry. It is about filling your appetite by having a soul-satisfying tasty food. Why neglect the soul while we do so much so for our bodies? While exercise is good for a healthy body, good and tasty food is necessary for the soul.

And here I go keying in my list of favorite foods. Food for my soul. Enjoy…

Nanking’s Chilli Chicken – Though not an up market restaurant, Nanking is one of the oldest and most renowned of the Chinese restaurants in Hyderabad. I went there as a kid with my family and I make it a point to visit the place every time I get there, even now. We wait outside patiently till we get a table even today and quite know that every minute of that wait is worth the visit. Even to date the ‘Chilli Chicken’ wet style what’s served there is so unique and special, goes hand in hand with the hot noodles that after a fast meal you are left with nothing but incredible satiety. The taste what I experience here cannot be compared to any Chinese dish I’ve had till date.

Pushkarni Bhel - ‘Bhel’ is the specialty of Pune. It could be rightly called as the signature dish of the city. It's a yummy lip smacking sweet and sour zesty mixture of churmure, sevs, chiwda, nuts, chopped - tomatoes, onions, green chilies and coriander, kairee [raw mango], potatoes, sweet (tamarind) and hot (Mint) chutneys, a dash of lime mixed well in a stainless steel bowl and served fresh and eaten immediately. My mouth waters yearning for my favorite delectable Bhel in Pune!

Darjeeling Momos - A popular food in Darjeeling is the scrumptious ‘Momo’ - A simple preparation of a steamed dumpling containing chicken and vegetables cooked in a doughy wrapping and served with very hot and spicy chili sauce in the freezing cold makes it a very healthy and a satisfying energy giving dish which lingers long after you have savored it.

Shree Guru Kottureshwara Benne Dose - A small eatery in front of Bapuji Dental College entrance in Davangere serves world-class 'Benne Doses' (Butter Dosa). Goes with very basic coarsely ground 'coconut chutney' and a glob of 'aloo palya'. What comes out of that huge Dose making platform is just a thin crust of Dosa, made as criminally savory as possible with lavish portions of butter added and re-added to the batter that’s spread out on the pan to make the Dosa. The strong roasted buttery flavor coming from the Dosa as you relish each and every bit of it (you are literally feasting on butter here, only this time it has a thin crusty film underneath), makes it an amazing 'Benne Dosa' experience.

Shadab Biriyani – Being a hyderabadi and not mentioning ‘Biryani’ is something close to indigestible. I am not a diehard Biryani freak but when it comes to a good titillating Biryani teasing my taste buds, then nothing more authentic than the Chicken Biryani served in an old city Biryani specialist Shadab located near Charminar where one gets to savour Biryani in its true essence.

Local Pani-Puri Wala - Eating ‘Pani Puris’ mouthful from street side vendors, standing in a queue and waiting for my turn is something I badly miss. Very simple mouth watering snack, fun when roadside, amidst the crowds, as the vendor keeps filling the Puris with the savory Pani and then goes on dropping them one by one in your bowl even before you’ve made your attempt to force one in your already full mouth. He would just go on and on till you say stop and I’m done! Good temptation for the tongue on the same day and bad reaction on the tummy the next day!

Makki di Roti and Sarson ka Saag - Amazing combo eaten all through our unforgettable journey from Delhi to Shimla. The hot ‘Rotis’ coming from the Tandoor with a generous dollop of ‘Makkhan’ (butter) and the rich ‘Sarson ka Saag’ from roadside Dhabas on the highways lingers in my mouth till date.

PizzaPapalis Pizza -There are many tasty deep dish style pizzas - especially in Chicago - but there is only one PizzaPapalis pizza, made Chicago style! And that’s only in the Detroit area! Fresh dough to make the perfect crust, loading every pie with premium Wisconsin cheese, tomatoes for the tangy sauce come from Italy and finest vegetables cut fresh daily to generously top a wide variety of Pizzas. Definitely pleases the palette – yummy! If at all I miss Detroit, I miss it for this pizza. In all likelihood, it was by far the best pizza I have ever had to date.

Menu from my mother’s kitchen - Home cooked food is divine! I just love everything that my mother prepares. And my love for good food helps me relish every grain prepared with love. Her love infused creations of all the delightful meals and sweetmeats always unfailingly filled my heart, and later my tummy, with joy.

-Manasi

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. ~Luciano Pavarotti

The Animal Song

2008-11-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Love this song by Savage Garden

When superstars and cannonballs are running through your head
And television freak show cops and robbers everywhere
Subway makes me nervous, people pushing me too far
I've got to break away
So take my hand now

(Chorus):
'Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to liveI want to run through the jungle
With wind in my hair and the sand at my feet

I don't have any difficulties keeping to myself
Feelings and emotions better left up on the shelf
Animals and children tell the truth, they never lie
Which one is more human
There's a thought, now you decide

Compassion in the jungle
Compassion in your hands, yeah
Would you like to make a run for it
Would you like to take my hand, yeah

(Chorus):
'Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to liveI want to run through the jungle
With wind in my hair and the sand at my feet

Sometimes this life can get you down
It's so confusing
There's so many rules to follow
And I feel it
'Cause I just run away in my mind

Superstars and cannonballs running through your head
Television freak show cops and robbers everywhere
Animals and children tell the truth, they never lie
Which one is more human
There's a thought, now you decide

Compassion in the jungle
Compassion in your hands, yeah
Would you like to make a run for it
Would you like to take my hand, yeah

(Chorus):
'Cause I want to live like animals
Careless and free like animals
I want to liveI want to run through the jungle
With wind in my hair and the sand at my feet

Funny!

2008-11-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

Someone very close to me was reminded of his childhood chemistry teacher Kartik Tilakam, a tamilian who also filled in for some of their English lessons.
The teacher had a very peculiar way of announcing the word ‘Moon’ whenever it appeared in the text and that sounded very funny. He always went like – A ‘yum a ‘woh’ a yet another ‘woh’ and a ‘yen’ is MOON.

I was quickly reminded of a similar incident, from my post graduation days, where a lecturer teaching Industrial Microbiology was giving a lecture on Brewing. He frequently bumped into a word we hardly could make sense of… he kept saying ‘cham-pa-ge-nee’ as if it were to be some female sounding name like ‘Champakali’, only later realizing that he was referring to ‘Champagne’ – an alcoholic beverage!

It’s funny how some people are peculiar with what they say and what they do and just stick to what they believe in and never bother if things fall in general norms of acceptance.

Kind of amused me today!

-Manasi

Destiny

2008-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Eat, Pray, Love addresses so much about the human condition on so very many levels. It is a veritable gold mine of insights, sage advice, and exquisite writing. There are sentences I would read and get so lost in, I could not proceed and would instead close the book and savor every word contained in it.

I would like to share here an excerpt Liz Gilbert says about Destiny that I really like:

Destiny, I feel, is also a relationship – a play between divine grace and willful self effort. Half of it you have no control over; half of it is absolutely in your hands, and your actions will show measurable consequence. Man is neither entirely a puppet of gods, nor is he entirely the captain of his own destiny; he’s a little of both. We gallop through our lives like circus performers balancing on two speeding side-by-side horses - one foot is on the horse called “fate”, the other on the horse called “free will.” And the question you have to ask everyday is - which horse is which? Which horse do I need to stop worrying about because it’s not under my control and which do I need to steer with concentrated effort?

This makes me wonder… Ain’t it very true … that god’s timetable plays a major role in designing our destiny and your destiny is not always the one you seek, but always the one that finds you?

-Manasi

World Cheers for Change - A Living American Dream!

2008-11-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

“It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America….

…This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: yes, we can.” democrat Barack Obama gave in Tuesday the victory speech before a crowd of 125,000 ecstatic supporters gathered in Chicago's Grant Park, after he captured the White House, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first African-American president and the nation’s 44th president.

Could the speech be more invigorating? I wonder!

I have never been inclined to politics per se… But last night, it was truly the first time I was witnessing such an exhilarating moment of glory on my television set. My hubby was all glued to the television as soon as he was home from work. I imagined myself being one amongst the vibrant crowd cheering for the promise of America, responding in unison that we should have been there in Chicago to feel the spirit of this nation.

I thoroughly rejoiced in the making of these historic moments. I was moved to see how many people participated in this process, coming together and wanting to be part of a change in a new direction - looking at the huge fervent crowds in emotion, touchy-feely, ecstatic, in an awestruck wonder acknowledging in obeisance what their new demigod was addressing to them on - Change has come to America, Victory for the people, The tasks ahead, Remaking the nation, One nation, one people, Role of America in the world, A history of struggle… lastly on the very moment… recapitulating on “Yes, we can.”

“There are not even words to talk about what this night means,” “Everybody keeps using the word historic — there’s never been a night like this on the planet earth… Nothing can compare to this.” She’s rarely at a loss for words on her television show, but just moments before Barack Obama was declared the President-Elect, Oprah Winfrey was almost speechless. People were speechless. The world out there was speechless. I was speechless!

Barack Obama – A Living Dream of America. The world sees Obama's victory as a new beginning for America. A new dream for the world - to change the world for a better place. Because the thing about America is - for better or worse - it doesn’t look back.

For a moment so mesmerized in this country’s victory, the next moment I was forced to visualize a scenario of my country. Whether this kind of reawakening could happen from my country too? Lots of questions just pop up in my mind - Why don’t I hear the political speakers speak in India? Why don’t we have such strength coming from India? Where and why does my nation falter? Where does all the merit and caliber that’s furnished go? I have only read about Gandhi and Nehru in my history books. I don’t see them in reality. People till date swear by their accomplishments. But why isn’t history recreated? Why do we not have notable chiefs and dynamic leaders to revolutionize my country? When will I ever experience such an awestruck, enriching, heartfelt emotion for my own country? I only wish and hope …

But for now having chosen a genuinely deserving candidate as their President … I rejoice with America, for America and from America.

-Manasi

Believe it or not!

2008-11-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' is the fear of long words.

My Favorite Sounds ...

2008-11-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

With senses, we discover the world around us - our amplified powers of perception, expanded sense of hearing and reception, our mounted sense of touch and feeling, our distended aptitude of olfaction, our heightened gift of taste and piquancy, our increased capacity for reason, love and happiness, all of which are qualities we develop over time.

An enlightening pastime is to make a list of favorite things that impact the senses. Not only does it provide a challenging exercise for the mind and memory, but it sharpens our appreciation of these golden moments in time… Besides the sound of music there are sounds that make me exhilarated and alive or quite and calm… Let me share with you my ten favorite sounds.

Melodious singing of the Koel (Nightingale) in the dawn or at dusk in the month of May during our summer vacations.

Geet and Sangeet are the soul of any Indian wedding. We as kids always scurried to our gates to the sounds of a ‘Baraat’ – A marriage procession passing by for their loud band, dance and merry.

The shrill sound the aero plane made every time, passing over our heads when it either took off or was about to land long back when we lived very close to the airport.

The sound of a cheerful baby chuckling in amusement for something it doesn’t even know or recognize.

The sounds of the water in a running stream or a gushing waterfall or lapping by the shore.

The harmonious notes of the wind chime coming from the patio of a house on the top floor in the lane opposite to mine.

An overcrowded stadium singing the national anthem.

The gentle breeze of the wind whooshing through the trees.

Sounds of silence – utter and complete. Perfect silence while watching the moon and the stars. Absolute silence in the mountain lake at sunset.

The softness in Love calling ‘Sweeto’ when back home after work.

-Manasi

“All of nature begins to whisper its secrets to us through its sound. Sounds that were previously incomprehensible to our soul now become the meaningful language of nature.” - Rudolf Steiner

Alluring Autumn

2008-11-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

Trees once full with the green foliage are now glimmering with colors.

Leaves by hundreds fall by. You have piles and piles of this multicolored dry leaves fallen everywhere making a bewitching carpet on the streets to walk on.

Every leaf on the street has turned into a mosaic of vibrant colors…. Foliage turned into crimson, auburn, ochre, golden, bronze … with oodles of oomph in this time of the year! In the golden light of autumn there is magic in the air. One cold current of breeze sets the leaves falling from the tree.

The leaf must wonder, as it by itself doesn’t know when the gusts of wind whooshing through the trees may mark its fall from the tree. There are fallen leaves everywhere. The wind blows them to places far off from where they were even born or were created.

I am truly overwhelmed and mesmerized by the vivid expressions of the autumn in Washington.

How fascinating it is to learn that the tree once so full with its foliage, lives a life of youthful blossom in spring where singing birds are among the branches, it bears good fruit in summer, then transcends into much more graceful attire of autumn. And later retires unrobed giving an awe-inspiring goodbye to all the beauty it once graced.

Just to say, that these trees soon will have served their purpose of their life cycle and surrender whatever they had adorned back to the nature. The leaves will now serve the purpose of becoming farmyard manure or a good compost giving good mineral rich soil for the growing plants in the spring.

Every single entity in nature has found its well defined purpose. Purpose of making a life worth living , with life the purpose itself and purpose the life.

I would like to quote a verse by Percy Bysshe Shelley

The day becomes more solemn and serene
When noon is past; there is a harmony
In autumn, and a luster in its sky,
Which through the summer is not heard or seen,
As if it could not be, as if it had not been!

-Manasi

I want to ...

2008-11-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Currently I’m losing or say I’ve lost my cool over an urgent want list. God! There are so many things I want to do right here and right now:

1. I want to run and run my breath out to shed the extra built up of chocolates, ice creams and all the sweet meats on me. I exist more now than I did just 3 months ago. BUT I AM NOT!

2. I want to finish the book I am reading. BUT I HAVE NOT!

3. I want to get my stamps printed to stick them in my stamp collection book. BUT I DID NOT!

4. I want to get this haircut. I am afraid losing on my long grown hair and I’m in a dilemma. BUT I AIN’T!

5. I want to call my mom. BUT I CAN’T as I am writing this.

I want to do this … I want to do that … lots of 'BUTS' in between… I want to finish these simple tasks on hand. When is that I’m ever gonna say I’m done? that I’m at peace. God! I want help … Another want!!

Whole of crappiness … sigh!

-Manasi

Purpose

2008-10-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

The word "Purpose" haunts the heck out of me today.

I think this quote says it all -

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

My Mind Monkeys ...

2008-10-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

It’s never where it should be
Sometimes here and the other times there
On a little bit of this and a little bit of that
My mind monkeys …

Swinging from limb to limb
Making it branch by branch
Stopping only for a quick scratch
My mind monkeys …

Meandering in reflection and swinging in obsession
Seeking connection when in isolation
Craving seclusion when in conjunction
My mind monkeys …

Reaching swiftly places galore
Moments bridging the seas and shore
Oscillating in and out of a knot one more
My mind monkeys …

Digging the past poking the future
Whirling backward sometimes forward
Rest still it won’t stay calm it don’t
My mind monkeys …

Musing on dozens of ideas
Idling on myriad reasons
Barely in peace with the moment
My mind monkeys …

Ache for longing crave for belonging
Aspiring and fretting and hoping and vexing
Filling my every cell and pore touching my deepest core
My mind monkeys …

Pausing to ponder … why wander
Riding emotions in crew things happen as they do
Driving my silence over yonder… can’t say why
My mind monkeys

-Manasi

One More Chance

2008-10-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

This is a nice poem I came across by chance ... It’s a lot easier to tell what you would do if you had the right chance than to show what you did with the chance you had.

Oh no! I’ve lost my chance!
I just can't find it anywhere
It was in my back pants pocket
But now, darn it - it’s not there

Just yesterday, I had my chance
Now suddenly it’s gone
And the worst part is that was the one chance
I depended on

I only had one chance

But still I let it slip away
I’d give anything if I could have
My one chance back today

It was truly the chance of a lifetime
But it fell out of my pants
I wonder where you go
To get a second chance?

-Manasi

The Five Things I Don’t Want To Simplify

2008-10-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Though we all want to simplify daily aspects of our lives and are in constant pursuit of the same in this complex anatomy of the world - life’s innumerable complexities ruling heavy on each of us, there could be a few things that were better, superior and preferable if remained complex. Simplicity, though vouched as the ultimate sophistication today, let me list out five things in my life which rather remained complex than simple!

1. Ice creams: I love ice creams… life’s simplest pleasure. It would be boring if they are plain, simple and vanilla. I have my ice cream made as complex as possible representing ‘my creation’ – with hundred different mix-ins available and make it an ultimate ice cream experience each time!

2. Stories for movies and books: Good, thrilling and engrossing plots that really make me think, ponder, unravel the mysteries. The characters actually follow me everywhere for days, long after I’m even done with reading or watching them.

3. Indian food: The delectable recipes of Indian cooking are very complicated and add to their richness and delight. I love the very fancy and elaborate Moghulai Biryanis, Tandoori cuisines, Maharashtrian Puran Polis and not to mention the variety of finger licking South Indian pickles. The complexity of Indian cuisines adds to the magic that works wonders on the palate.

4. People: They say ‘a hundred men together are the hundredth part of a man.’ A human being by nature is so complex and contradictory that it would be so uninteresting if everyone around were the same and stereotype of the other.

5. Hiking: The complex the better I guess. They help push me to a new level each time. They are more fun, challenging and rewarding when complex.

-Manasi

I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter. - Walt Disney

Aromatic Nostalgia!

2008-10-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

Today I was frying Rava (Semolina), a little more than usual quantity, in good amounts of fat, so that I could use it whenever needed for my future cooking - saving time on frying it each time. The aroma from the frying Rava softly tickled my olfactory glands and made me so nostalgic of the good times spent at home with my parents, back in India. As the Rava kept frying in the pan, it effused a strong, sweetened, savory and scrumptious aroma pulling out the sweetest memories from my pot of yester years!

Diwali is just around the corner and I go back remembering how by now my mom would have finished with making of all the sweetmeats like Karanji- Rava Ladu- Anarase- Thelchi- Shankarpale- to be savored on the day of Diwali. My sister and I were potential helpers of my mother in this endeavor. It was such fun to sit through all the lengthy procedures of making the Diwali goodies. It wasn’t easy at all. Each and every item stated above needed a pre -preparation with lots of culinary ingredients to be cleaned, sifted, sieved, soaked, fried, roasted, simmered, cooked- not to mention the culinary experience and excellence needed that went with it - an undoubtedly and a truly time consuming affair - all this for the simple pleasure of delectable indulgence which occurred only two or three times in a year on some special family occasions. So there was this absolute participation and contribution from each and every one of us in the family to celebrate this festival of Diwali - making it more of a deliciously rich festival per se- what with all the fat, sugar, jaggery and the dry fruit stuff which went in preparing these mouth watering delicacies. And later after relishing them, we collectively bantered on seriously shedding those extra pounds we actually gained after the festivities.

The aroma filled in my kitchen here, as I recognize, was so similar and as intoxicating to the ardent aroma coming from my mom’s kitchen whenever she prepared those sweets. I miss her a lot today and her sweetmeats a big time. Her love infused creations of all these delightful sweets always unfailingly filled my heart, and later my tummy, with joy. I will always love you Ma!

Mood of the day: Serene

-Manasi

"The act of smelling something, anything, is remarkably like the act of thinking. Immediately at the moment of perception, you can feel the mind going to work, sending the odor around from place to place, setting off complex repertories through the brain, polling one center after another for signs of re recognition, for old memories and old connection. " -Lewis Thomas

Eureka!

2008-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hey... have you ever noticed, how if you have an unresolved problem, that you just cannot find a solution to, all you need to do is sleep on it?
This is very true for code.
What seems to be a big jumble at 1am, comes together in minutes at 5am. Believe me. And the bliss is inexplicable!

-Manasi

Most Beautiful Words In English I Like

2008-10-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

I was just wondering as to what and how would I answer if someone asked me, the twenty most beautiful words I could think of, in English. That’s something to ponder upon. ... Let’s begin, I would say and quickly jot down the words here, not necessarily in the order from one to twenty. And why do I consider them beautiful? I would say, they simply sound beautiful to my ears and also for what they really mean. I would add by saying, I definitely like their usage while they are uttered, when they are listened to or even tripping on them occasionally while reading. Actually you know what, nothing special about them. Still, for some reason they go right through me and love the way they make me feel and I guess are dearer to me.

Inorder to embellish their essence, listed below are quotable quotes for each of these words that I consider most beautiful in English.

Sweetheart - "That life is richer, sweeter far, for such a sweetheart as you are!”

Mother - Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world." ~ Kate D. Wiggins

Butterfly -"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." ~ Hans Christian Anderson

Chocolate - "All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! Forget love - I'd rather fall in chocolate!!!"

Enthusiasm - "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm." ~ Vince Lombardi

Eternity - "To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”
~ William Blake, "Auguries of Innocence," 1810

Laughter - "Laughter is the best medicine" ~ Proverb quotes

Delicious - "Fudge is a noun, a verb, an interjection, and delicious!" ~ Jessi Lane Adams

Tranquility - "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." ~ William Wordsworth

Twinkle - "Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!" ~ Jane Taylor

Fantastic - "Until we're educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do." ~ Bill Gates

Darling - The poet's darling. ~ William Wordsworth, "To the Daisy"

Amazing - I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes. - E.E. Cummings

Moments - "Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a life time..."

Fragrance - "Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same" ~ Helen Keller

Hippopotamus - “There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud” ~ Carl Sandburg

Passion - If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Sunshine - "It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow."

Tomato - "A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins." ~ Laurie Colwin

Dreams - "Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny."

When I researched a bit on this I found that the British Council, the government agency that promotes British culture around the globe, quizzed more than 40,000 people in 102 non-English speaking countries on their favorite words. According to the survey results, the top ten most beautiful words in the English language are as follows:

Mother
Passion
Smile
Love
Eternity
Fantastic
Destiny
Freedom
Liberty
Tranquility

-Manasi

What Say?

2008-10-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Been a hell of a week, hasn't it? Life is a pain in the ass I'll tell ya. You know?
You work hard, try to provide and toil for the family, you do as much as you can, as far as you can and then... for one minute, everything's good. Everyone's well, everyone's happy. In that one minute, you have peace...

... And this isn't that minute.

Life doesn't always turn out the way you plan.

- Me

Kabhi Kabhi ...

2008-10-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

After a very long time I was listening to this old favorite of mine... and every time I listen to this I feel the soulful pain in the moment and the pensive mood that's created with every line of this piece ... uttered in mountainous voice of Amitabh Bachchan.

Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hain...
(Every now and then a thought crosses my mind)

Ki zindagi teri zulfon ki narm chhaon main guzarne pati
Toh shadab ho bhi sakti thi...
(That life, if spent, beneath the warmth of your tresses,
Might have been tolerable and pleasant)

Yeh ranj-o-gham ki siyahi jo dil pe chhayi hain,
Teri nazar ki shuaon main kho bhi sakti thi...
(This ink-like darkness of angst which is eclipsing my heart,
Might have been lost under the shadows of your vision)

Magar yeh ho na saka aur abh yeh aalam hain
Ki tu nahin, tera gham teri justjoo bhi nahin...
(But this could not be, and now such is the situation
That neither you, nor your sorrow , not even the desire of you is left)

Guzar rahi hain kuch iss tarah zindagi jaise,
Isse kisi ke sahare ki aarzoo bhi nahin...
(Life is passing by in such a manner that,
It doesnt even aspire for anyones support)

Na koi raah, na manzil, na roshni ka suraag
Bhatak rahi hai andheron main zindagi meri...
(There is no direction, nor a purpose, not even a trace of hope
Drifting away in a pathway of darkness, Such is my life)

Inhi andheron main reh jaoonga kabhi kho kar
Main janta hoon meri hum-nafas, magar yoonhi
Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hai...
Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hai...
(In this darkness I will remain lost
I’m well aware of that, my companion, but still
Every now and then a thought crosses my mind)

-Manasi

Eyemotion!

2008-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

When an eye captures an emotion I call it an Eyemotion!

I came across this wonderful picture when I was doing my little research on Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Two tiny ducklings happily paddling around in a white tea cup with spillover water around the cup... I simply loved the picture for the sheer joy it exuded out of me by mere looking at it for its kalos kai agathos as the Greeks called which is nothing but the singular balance of the good and the beautiful.

-Manasi

What Did You Do Today?

2008-10-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

This is a good one!

One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house.
Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and ask me what in the world did I do today?"
"Yes" was his incredulous reply.
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

My appointment with the dentist

2008-10-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Can I say I dread dental treatments. I had an appointment with a dentist yesterday at 10 O'clock in the morning for a routine biannual dental cleaning - rather I thought of it as just the dental cleaning - a good oral hygiene where they scrape the tartar off your teeth, polish them and once you are out with it, your teeth look shinier, whiter, feel cleaner than ever before and you have this new found gaps in between your teeth as they would have scraped every bit of the built up which formed in between your teeth over a period of time from your last dental care appointment and mine I remember was to be two years ago.

It was a very posh dental office for family and cosmetic dentistry to provide people with quality and comprehensive dental care.They claimed that they were concerned not only with my current dental problems but also with my long term dental health. Together, they say, we will work to ensure that I not only maintain dental health, but also have the opportunity to have a smile I will be proud of. That was a real good kick start for me...

I was asked to provide my dental health history in a form in which they were a series of never ending queries to be duly filled by me and after that if I had any questions, I shouldn't hesitate to ask!

Dental Health History as I recall -

The first question was - Are you apprehensive about dental treatment ? What am I supposed to answer... :)
Have you had problems with previous dental treatment?
Do you gag easily?
Do you wear dentures?
Does food catch between your teeth?
Do you chew on only one side of your mouth?
Do you avoid brushing any part of your mouth because of pain?
Do your gums bleed easily?
Do your gums bleed when you floss?
Do your gums feel swollen or tender?
Are your teeth sensitive?
Do you feel twinges of pain when your teeth come in contact with Hot foods or liquids - Cold food or liquids - Sours - Sweets?
Do you take fluoride supplements?
Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth?
Do you prefer to save your teeth?
Do your jaws ever feel tired?
Does your jaw get stuck so that you can't open freely?
Does it hurt when you chew or open wide to take a bite?
Do you find jaw pain or discomfort extremely frustrating or depressing?
Are you unable to open your mouth as far as you want?
Does your jaw pain or discomfort affect your appetite, sleep, daily routine, or other activities?
Do you have pain in the face, cheeks, jaws, joints, throat or temples?
Are you aware of an uncomfortable bite?
Are you a habitual gum chewer or pipe smoker?
Have you had a blow to the jaw?

To all of these and many more questions that I can't recall now, my answer was "NO".
and then there came a set of two more queries -
How often do you brush? and How often do you floss? - Brushing once a day for a little less than a minute is what I have been doing since years now and to their dismay I never knew how to floss.

Having completed the form here I rushed to the receptionist and handed over the forms to her. She flipped the pages back and forth and showed me many more forms to be filled. I gave a sigh, went back to where I was seated and went over those unfilled ones.

There was a long list of Medical Health History questionnaire to be answered in each category related to heart problems, blood problems, allergy problems, intestinal problems, bone or joint problems, stroke, thyroid problems, severe headaches, fainting spells or epilepsy, diabetes, tuberculosis, smoking, hepatitis, neurological disease, , history of alcohol or drug abuse, routine questions for the female gender... to all my answers were a humble "NO".

And there was a smile evaluation sheet which had to be filled too and explanations needed for every single query -

Do you like the way your teeth look?
Are you happy with the color of your teeth?
Would you like your teeth to be whiter?
Would you like your teeth to be straighter?
Do you have spaces between your teeth that you would like closed?
Would you like your teeth to be longer? If so Upper or Lower or Both?
Do you like the shape of your teeth?
Do you have missing teeth that you would like to replace?
Do you have old silver fillings that you would like to replace with tooth-colored fillings?
If you could change anything about your smile, what would you change?

To all of these questions it was again a "NO" with no explanations given! I would not change my smile and got it over with.

I was a little tired and the whole process also left me with some exasperation at the end of it all to have answered this personal questionnaire as I personally haven't thought of myself as much as it had provoked me to. Drained out of my patience, I found myself in an unexpected territory of some weird intrusion of a rare kind by some stranger as I had to ponder upon each and every aspect of my general routine ... It took me a good amount of forty five minutes from start to finish. This was just the preliminary to what was about to come in a while! Stay tuned!

More about it in the later post!

-Manasi

Some tortures are physical
And some are mental,
But the one that is both Is dental.~Ogden Nash

How Many More Miles To Go!

2008-10-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

To think of the bygone... since the time the doctor got me out of my mom's body in the hospital in the city Pune, state of Maharashtra of my country India on this planet earth on the fifteenth day of the month of January in the year 1977, till date life has been on a constant move, never did it stop a second. It did have some speed of sorts and is still going on. Life with its eventful journey with the journey called life itself!

I was just wondering how far have I travelled life and how many miles did I cover since I was born. Is there any quantitative measurement which figures out the number of miles one has travelled since the time one has set foot on this earth. I mean you can calculate the amount of time lapsed till date since then like, these many years, this many months, number of days, total hours and then zero down to a millisecond's precision till your last breath here and now... but what with the distance? The concept of time and space is still under scrutiny, being philosophical and scientific at the same time - and with these two dimensions we relate the things around us.

A little trivia here: Most people aren’t aware that they are travelling through space faster than a speeding bullet. Each day you move 24,000 thousand miles even if you are standing still but that’s nothing compared to how far you move in space around the Sun each year - over 500 million miles !!!

To summarize, we know and can quantify the time passed through the sail of our life to date but do we ever know how long we have travelled in the realm of space since our journey through the womb!?! Also what stupefies me is, I wasn't at rest even in my mom's womb. I moved as she moved...I travelled as she travelled in all those precious and protected nine months too! How many miles have I travelled since then...How many miles have I travelled so far...and how many more miles to go...

...The journey continues!

-Manasi

You won't realize the distance you've travelled until you take a look around and realize how far you've been - Anonymous

The Cascade Loop

2008-10-14T01:46:00.000-07:00

The Cascade Loop is a thrilling ride through the heart of Washington State through some of most beautiful countryside and interesting areas encompassing magical cityscapes and spectacular landscapes, chilly alpine lakes and rushing rivers, islands and towering peaks. The byway travels through areas as diverse as they are magnificent: This 400 mile self-guided driving tour circles through the heart of Washington from the salty waters of the Puget Sound, across the verdant foothills of Cascade Mountains' western slope, the peaks of the North Cascades National Park enclosed in glaciers, and into the sun-drenched high desert expanse of the Columbia River Valley.

Part I:

State Route 20 is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain range in Washington and is commonly referred to as the North Cascades Highway. This scenic byway also called most scenic mountain drive in Washington offers travelers a wide array of beautiful landscapes, and is part of the Cascade Loop, the 400-mile driving tour through the Cascades. We pass Mount Vernon where the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April brings thousands of visitors who come to see and photograph the blooms. Then we drive down to Skagit Valley towns like Sedro-Woolley. Lovely vistas of Skagit river all along the scenic byway. Jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers adorn the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Three park units in this mountainous region are managed as one and include North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.

The first town with services is Marblemount where you can find food and supplies. So after having our veggie burger breakfast we headed towards Newhalem. At Newhalem, the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center provides exhibits, maps, information about the park. Beyond Newhalem you enter the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Preserve, a vast 1.7-million-acres. We spend some time at the Gorge Creek Falls.

The overlooks above Ross and Diablo Lakes make excellent vantage points. The distinctive color of each lake (Ross is teal, Diablo is jade) is caused by finely ground rock dust suspended in the water and reflecting the green of the forest and the blue of the sky. Driving forward we enter the Okanogan National Forest resplendent with fall colors of the foliage.

The highway also crosses Washington Pass and Rainy Pass. Other trails, including the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, lead from roadside into the North Cascades National Park. Met two determined hardcore hikers who started the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in April this year from Mexico and still have their last stretch of 62 miles to cover to reach Canada. They have been walking past six months and have enjoyed every bit of their achievement.

Washington Pass on the North Cascade Highway is magnificent! As the highway swings south, great walls of granite sweep upward. Dead ahead, the massive bulk of 7,600’ Liberty Bell Mountain seems to block any passage through the mountain fortress. Just when it seems impossible, the highway makes a great horseshoe bend and clambers up the face of Liberty Bell. The off-road viewpoint at the top of the pass provides splendid views of the mountain-ringed valley.

We drive across Mazama and then to Winthrop which looks like the set from a Western movie. False-fronted wooden buildings, hitching rails and board sidewalks all create the illusion of a frontier town. We in search of a place to halt for the night in one of the towns. Finding no place to stay over at Twisp and Carlton due to enormous crowds filling in all the hotels and camping sites we finally found our destination of slumber in our car by a RV park which had some restroom facility and retired in our sleeping bags for that cold night.

Next morning after the breakfast we took off to Methow River Valley. The Methow River is a popular rafting destination. The Methow and the adjacent Okanogan country is famous for its superb stream and lake trout fishing. Dozens of small lakes dot the region. The Methow Valley is Washington’s equivalent of the Old West. As you drive up the valley, you’ll pass fields of baled hay, big old weathered barns, corrals full of horses and the jagged Cascades for a backdrop. We chanced upon some lovely reflections of the Methow valley.

The Cascade Loop highway follows the Columbia River to Pateros and then we reach the Lake Chelan which is one of the top freshwater recreation areas in the Pacific Northwest. The warm, dry weather is particularly appealing and we spend little time by the lake watching people engaged with various water activities.

The Entiat River road detours northwest here into the heart of the Wenatchee National Forest. We then drive to Wenatchee which is located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers and is crowned the "Apple Capital of the World".

The Wenatchee River brings you to the Old American City of Cashmere. Smallwood's harvest at Pehastin had halloween pumpkins all over the place and it was great so see so many at the same time at the pumpkin fest. It's vite-vity-vitie-vidi-pumpkin!!

The gateway to the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth is spectacular. The Tumwater Canyon highway hugs sheer canyon walls on one side, winding and twisting through the rocky gorge, as the Wenatchee River rushes past on the other side. Suddenly, you round a corner and there is Leavenworth, nestled tight up against the mountains that rise to more than 8,000’. Leavenworth is an authentic Bavarian Village.

Almost every building in town is decorated with ornate woodwork and Bavarian motifs. Leavenworth features German cuisine, its own brewery, and coffee roaster along with pastry and chocolate shops. Leavenworth is home to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum - Nussknacker Haus carries one of the largest selections of unique German nutcrackers. I treat myself with a huge yummilicious fried ice cream and come along getting a cute nussknacker for a souvenir. We later drive in the Wenatchee National Forest and enjoy the fall foliage on the way. Excellent colors passing the hillsides of red huckleberry bushes, yellow aspens and brilliant and parti colored douglas maples. The fall in the forest was spectacular.

The highway follows the rushing Skykomish river as it ascends the west slope of the Cascades to Stevens Pass. Several small towns along the route have logging heritages with nature still at their doorsteps. Throughout this region there are plenty of hiking trails, campgrounds and fishing spots. Sultan and Gold Bar are both noted for their river rafting, hiking and fishing. The little town of Index nestles at the foot of spectacular Mount Index and is a favorite of rock climbers. Skykomish for outdoor activity in the surrounding mountains.

Part II:

Washington's islands are among the most attractive destinations in the West. Placid bays, forested shorelines, rural inland landscapes give the islands the atmosphere of private, secluded retreats. Two of the most easy to explore islands are Fidalgo and Whidbey. We drive north towards Mount Vernon and via State Route 20 towards Anacortes.

Deception Pass Bridge soars high above the water to reach Whidbey Island. Views from the bridge are spectacular, especially at tide change when the water below boils through the narrow passage at a furious rate. Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey Island to the tiny Pass Island, and Pass Island to Fidalgo Island. The Deception Pass State Park is outstanding for breath-taking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife. Views of Deception Pass, Deception island, some other small islands and Mount Baker from the Deception Pass Bridge are spectacular at sunset.

We reach historic Coupeville the heart of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island. I ate their favorite local delicacy, Penn Cove mussels in plentiful at a fine restaurant. Enjoyed great views of Penn Cove between the shops.

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is a new kind of national park. It was created by Congress in 1978 "to preserve and protect a rural community which provides an unbroken historic record from...19th century exploration and settlement in Puget Sound to the present time."

Enduring patterns of community life in such a setting have created a unique cultural landscape - described as a 'blend of people and place'. The vistas, woodlands, and fertile prairies of the Reserve are much the same today as they were 100 years ago when New England sea captains were drawn to Penn Cove and farmers to Ebey's Prairie. Time has touched only lightly upon Central Whidbey. Still, the landscape of the Reserve continues to grow and change, shaped as always by the community of people who live and work here. Farms are still farmed, forests are logged and historic buildings are still actively used today as homes or places of business.

Verdant Whidbey Island lies at the extreme north end of Washington's island-strewn Puget Sound, forming the eastern boundary of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. To the east rise the glacier-clad peaks of the North Cascades, to the north and south stretch miles of deep water, islands, and coves. Silhouetted against the southwestern sky, the Olympic Mountains form a dramatic backdrop for the island's rural setting. In the central portion of Whidbey Island is Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. Its boundaries encompass broad fertile prairies, high seaside bluffs, rolling woodlands, shallow brackish lakes, and a deep protected cove.

Views from the bluff are spectacular, looking out across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to the Olympic Mountains. On the beach, massive logs lie like thistle sticks from a world of giants. The green and tan of the grass and sand stand against the aluminum blue of the sea unfurling on the shore. On the western side of the island, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks preserve military installations that once protected the entrance to Puget Sound. We spotted lots of deer in the parks as well as on Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. We drove to Fort Casey State Park and Fort Ebey State Park which offered breathtaking marine views and visited the Admiralty Head Lighthouse.

With this we circle one of America's grandest and most spectacular scenic drives.

National Geographic Traveler describes the Cascade Loop as "one of America's grandest, most spectacular drives." Circling the heart of Washington through thick forests and open desert, this 400-mile byway includes a little bit of everything. From downhill skiing in the Cascade Mountains to county fairs in the Columbia River Valley, it's one of the best ways to get a Cliff Note version to Washington. Nine separate regions of the state make up this massive byway, each with its unique flavor and personality.

Khoya Khoya Chand

2008-09-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

I recently watched 'Khoya Khoya Chand' and simply loved this song from the movie.

Aaj shab jo chaand ne hai roothney ki thaan li,

Gardhishon me hain sitaarey, baat humney maan li;

Andheri syaah zindagi ko soojhti nahin gali,

Kay aaj haath thaam lo ek haath ki kami khali;

Kyun khoya khoya chaand ki firaak me talaash me udaas hai dil?

Kyun apne aap se khafa khafa zara zara sa naaraaz hai dil?

Ye manzilen bhi khud hi tay karen, ye faasley bhi khud hi tay karen,

Kyun raasto pe phir sehem sehem sambhal sambhal ke chalta hai ye dil?

Kyun khoya khoya chaand ki firaak me talaash me udaas hai dil?

Zindagi sawaalon ke jawaab dhoondne chali,

Jawaab me sawaalon ki ek lambi si ladi mili,

Sawaal hi sawaal hain, soojhti nahi gali

Kay aaj haath thaam lo, ek haath ki kami khali

Jee me aata hai, murdaa, sitaarey noch loon

Idhar bhi, noch loon, udhar bhi, noch loon

Ek-do kaa zikra kyaa, main saarey noch loon

Main saarey noch loon
Idhar bhi noch loon, udhar bhi noch loon,

Sitaarey noch loon, main saarey noch loon;

Kyun tu aaj itna veheshee hai, mizaaj me majaaz hai aye gham-e-dil?

Kyun apne aap se khafa khafa zara zara sa naaraaz hai dil?

Dil ko samjhana, keh do kyaa, aasaan hai?

Dil to, fitrat se, sun lo naa, be-imaan hai,

Ye khush nahi hai jo milaa, bas maangta hi hai chalaa,

Jaantaa hai, har lagi kaa, dard hee hai bas ik silaa;

Jab kabhi ye dil laga, dard hi humein milaa,

Dil ki har lagi ka sun lo dard hi hai ik silaa;

Kyun naye naye se dard ki firaak me talaash me udaas hai dil?

Kyun apne aap se khafa khafa zara zara sa naaraaz hai dil?

Kyun khoya khoya chaand ki firaak me talaash me udaas hai dil?

Kyun apne aap se khafa khafa zara zara sa naaraaz hai dil?

Road Trip - Seattle to Crater Lake National Park

2008-09-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

A car decked with good music, a portable GPS navigator, a reasonable road map, camping material and crazy us, is all set to hit the road. There was definitely no scope for working out differences or creating a balance of preferences with this kinda journey as none of us really knew as to whats gonna be next. It was as erratic as one could think of and we were glad that we found an order in that chaos.

Day 1 Saturday, August 30, 2008 : Started driving from Seattle around 8.00 AM in the morning towards Oregon's Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Drove the Historic Columbia River Highway. This highway runs roughly parallel to the Columbia river.The greenery around and five different waterfalls cascading over the walls of the Gorge is beauty worth the drive. We loved the Wahkeena, Multnomah (being the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation) and the Horsetail Falls (a personal favourite, reminded me one of Mani Ratnam's movies). Drove later in the Mount Hood National Forest passing by vast vineyards and orchards, lovely vistas to reach the Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood where we ended the Mt Hood Scenic Loop. Mount Hood's snow-covered peak rises 11,249 feet and it definitely seemed to look stately and tall. Drove to a city called Bend, OR, had dinner first as we were really hungry after around 400 mile drive, checked into a good motel and called it a night!
Day 2 Sunday, August 31, 2008 : After a nice American breakfast of oatmeal, buns and oranges we hit the road to Winston's Wild Life Safari for animal encounters. The drive was beautiful as we drove from one national forest to another. We passed through the Diamond Lake and stopped at Mt. Thielsen viewpoint for a while. Drove through the Deschutes, Winema and Umpqua National Forests to reach Winston stopping in between for lunch at Glide, OR. It was a good first time experience of a Safari as driving amongst the animals offered enthralling sights of Giraffes running to your car from far off, different kinds of Deer, some just sitting and gazing at you, some seriously engrossed in road crossing, Rheas and Emus pecking at your car windows, nestling Zebras, ravenous Bears feasting on some flesh, Hippos cooling themselves off in the pond, Swans continually pruning themselves, Rhinos happily engaged in a play with the cattle, some lazy bactrian camels, naughty Gibbons jumping from one branch of a tree to another, a spectacular march of the Tibetan Yaks, some American Bisons here and there were eye marveling. Later drove through the Rogue River National Forest to Edgewater Inn - Shady Cove, OR to retire for the night.

Day 3 Monday, September 1, 2008 : After a good night's sleep woke up a little early had a healthy breakfast and hit the road towards the Crater Lake National Park, OR. It was a good drive into the Rogue River and Fremont-Winema National Forests to reach the Rim Village of Crater Lake National Park. The park protects the deepest lake in the United states. Fed by rain and snow but no rivers and streams the lake is considered to be the cleanest large body of water in the world. The water is exceptional for its clarity and intense blue color. A product of Nature's grand design. I wonder, could there be a Blue bluer than the whats really known to be Blue. You are face to face with something called INFINITE BLUE. The shades of Blue what one encounters in the lake are immeasurable, indescribable ( as words like sapphirine, copper sulphate blue, cobalt blue, teal, turquoise, ultramarine and azure are just not enough to describe its color) and cosmic. The Blue is soul piercing! You got to see it to believe it! And for me it was - BLUE redefined! Drove the Rim Drive covering the Watchman Overlook ( A 2.6 km hike to reach to the top for unmatched and breathtaking views of the Crater lake and Wizard Island), took the Cleetwood Cove Trail( A 3.5 Km trail and the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake), reached Cloudcap Overlook ( highest point on the Rim Drive), stopped ahead to see the Pumice Castle Overlook ( a layer of orange pumice rock that has been eroded into the shape of a medieval castle), then stopped at the Phantom Ship Overlook which offered a great view of the Phantom Ship framed through the trees, drove to Pinnacles Overlook ( A 1.6 Km trail to view the volcanic spires - 'fossil fumaroles', each marking a spot where volcanic gas rose up through hot ash deposits cementing the ash into solid rock, then drove towards the Sun Notch Trail ( A 0.8 Km trail - short uphill walk through a meadow to the rim of Crater Lake for views of Phantom Ship). End of the day a little tired with all the hikes and trails, literally dry with fuel in the car and in our tummies drove all the way to the Mazama Village for refuge. After enquiring about vacant tent sites for camping chose and booked one to camp for the night. Later drove to the Rim Cafe for a quick bite of Mediterranean sandwiches and then were right in time for the sunset at the Watchman Overlook. I can tell this was the most wonderful and picturesque sunset I had ever seen - truly magical and enchanting. Got back, set up the tent and retired for the day.... it took a long while before we fell asleep as the night was real cold and chilly. Even while asleep I found myself mystified by Crater Lake - overwhelming yet a sublime beauty.

Day 4 Tuesday, September 2, 2008 : Woke up a little late, got fresh, drove to Rim cafe for morning breakfast, and then bid adieu to the Lake from the Rim village and hit I -5 after passing through couple of National Forests like Winema and Willamette stopping at a place for nice veggie wraps. Reached Seattle before dinner time. Had a nice dinner and were back home having covered almost the length of Oregon.
A will to face the odds and a craze to hit the road is what one needs - And yes...We made it!
Miles covered in the trip : 1275 miles
Color of the trip : Green and Blue
Theme of the trip : Exploring the beauty of nature in chaos
Song of the trip : Yun hi chala chal
Color of the day: CRATER BLUE
-Manasi
I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

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Light of love

2008-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

When the flood of passion has passed
Let not the coarse sands drive us apart
Love is not all rosy, my dear
And thorns are equally its part
Its not the moon beam face,
Nor the hazel eyes alone,
Nor the coral lips, I admire
Not even the silvery tone
Its a mature gracious gift
Of shared perils and joys
Not of weaving fairy tales,
And dreams and chocolate toys
Let time write no wrinkles on your heart,
Though on your brow it may
Keep love's light lit my dear
Till our life's last day!

-Manasi

Awe-inspiring Manali and Shimla

2007-12-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

After the sultry beaches, lush greenery, the cityscapes it was definitely an informed escape into the great mountain ranges of our country. Yes and this time it was Manali and Shimla of Himachal Pradesh.

The road trip from Delhi to Manali though a little longer than expected was indeed beautiful with the Beas River accompanying us till Manali and thereafter too.

Manali, in the Beas River valley, a hill station in the Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh was mesmerizing with its amazing snow capped mountain ranges so huge and vast to have captured by a pair of our petty eyes.

Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure tourist site. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. The clouds are at their playful best encircling, tangling, shooting, raising, hiding and seeking in these mountains. The route to the Rohtang Top was an absolute adventure on its own passing through Gulaba Camp, Rahala Falls, Marrhi…et al. The view from the top …what to say....needless to say...it must be experienced and breathed moment by moment ....It was ravishingly and boisterously fantafabulous!

Solang Valley, popularly known as Snow Point, was a picturesque spot and offered splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. We trekked to the top of this valley to visit the ice Shivling there which again was a naturally magnificent creation of the water falls falling from the top of a rock above on to the Shivling which had all turned into ice.

One dare devil act of mine on this trip here was to get into something like paragliding… Wow!! I can’t just imagine I did it. Now I clearly understand why people get high on risking their lives for these kinda thrills … the only reason being …the thrills just give you moments of thoughtlessness where you only dwell in the absolute present and nothing at all matters except all your six senses coordinating with each other to their maximum extent in being one with the nature and here I was gliding amidst of these incredibly stunning, colossal structures all adorned in white and enjoying the bliss which to me was totally divine.

As humans we can only attempt to express our feelings on what we feel about such pristine panorama. The amazement what one experiences on such instances cannot be expressed in words as one falls short of words and superlatives here and only little one could possibly do is stop feeling but just flow in this experience. Nature cannot be questioned…cannot be described …and cannot be explained…..It would be a futile attempt to breach in and unfold the mystery it offers each time. The three days spent in Manali with clusters of these gigantic snow laden mountains seen everywhere has been recurring in the dreams every night to date….truly euphoric to say. That’s the beauty and brilliance of these overpowering structures on me that I haven’t still got enough of them!

Every time I think of their measureless majesty it only makes me realize where I stand and how inconsequential I feel about myself. I have grown to regard and adore these awe-inspiring creations. Whatever you might have achieved in your life, standing tall and spreading out vast, they still make you feel that you have a long way to go and achieve. Every time you climb a peak and say you have done it, you still have a point higher to climb. As they say…“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” The strength and grandeur that they exude is matchless and inimitable. I do have this sense of pride as I consider myself amongst the fortunate ones to have experienced such flawless beauty of my nation.

Shimla, the queen of hill stations offered a different landscape altogether as opposed to what I anticipated it to be as - lush green. It is beautiful and surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Seasons contribute so much to the beauty of nature that it really makes the place wear a different dress and give a distinctive outlook each time. Winter in Shimla is amazing! Shimla was adorned in white snow and looked bewitching. It becomes a frost glistening silent city in no time as a gathering of dark clouds and fog sets off the approach of snow, generally a slight fall first, followed by a heavier one when the snowflakes sweep down bending long branches of the trees to the ground and then we see the town as a fantastic fairyland of white beauty. We experienced the season’s first snowfall in Shimla. Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and supposedly offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman. We could hardly get the glimpse of the Himalayan ranges from the top as there was immense fog and snowfall all over.

Alls well that ends well….. To sum it up it was an amazing treat on my seventh wedding anniversary!

-Manasi

From the highest mountains in the world, Men seek for higher places to climb, When in their heart, It is where the climb always continues. - Jason Berg

“Yes, it's hard to write, but it's harder not to.”

2007-11-13T04:53:00.000-08:00

My posts have been very mechanical lately and I know that, but I blog anyway, even if I have little to say of real interest.

It is about discipline and for some reason I find this stuff easy to do, just throw words at your key pad and hit publish. Perhaps it is because I have done enough historical research (for fun) to know that what is interesting now is not necessarily the most interesting thing for people at a later time.

So if I haven’t blogged for awhile, I will sit down and write something, anything as long as it is done.

My apologies to those who read blogs looking for well written, insightful posts and get tangled with my irrelevant literature. I don’t actually think I write anything well or insightful, but I strive and will sure come up with something interesting very soon ....till then....cheerio!

Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow...

-Manasi

“Just did it!”

2007-11-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Nike’s catchphrase - “Just do it!” made me really do it and boy… I just did it!!

Come to say what… I drove my Alto right from home… filled in the petrol at the bunk and made it to the office all by myself alone (without him even being aware of the whole thing)!!
“If Not Now, When?” So Let's Go Alto!!

Cut through all the busy signals in my way midst of all sorts of vehicles in all sizes and shapes impelling and squeezing in every direction and every way….traffic in Hyderabad is absurdly hopeless… I must say I made it to the office and rested only once I pulled in the car at a safe space in the parking lot and realizing only then how profusely I had sweat over this feat of mine!

-Manasi

Enigma of Time!

2007-10-31T05:25:00.000-07:00

We indulge in exercising. We flex. We commit to work out. We don't work out. We complain about not working out. We eat. We don't, and starve for no reason. We talk about eating good food in a good place. We talk about eating bad food in a bad place. We talk about good ambience while eating. We complain about poor service in restaurants.

We are impetuous. We are enthusiastic and live for the moment. We prepare for the future. We plan scrupulously. We are egoistic. We aim to please others. We think nobody notices our stark whimsical behavior.

We say bombastic things. We ask profound questions. We ask inane questions. We claim to speak for humanity. For men. For women. For people of our kind. For people of the other kind. We are all supposed to have similarities that connect us like threaded beads on a lace. We share common differences and different commonalities. We are all supposed to be different and unique.

We define ourselves. We denote ourselves. We like this kinda movies. We listen to that kinda music. We are duty bounded and responsible for we are told that's a sign of character. We know character is important. We carry the burden of our past on our shoulders. We mother and smother the dear ones. We are confident. We give into the circle of unknown.

We are entitled to certain things. Peace. Love. Happiness. Dignity. Universal fraternity. Freedom. Our pet peeves. We are to be treated with respect. We are to be cared for. We are to be loved for. These are important things. We get misty eyed over these tenets. We play. We have fun. We bond. We are smart. We are entitled to prestige, position and stature. We are entitled to social welfare. We are well read. We are entitled to a finer level of consciousness. We are inexperienced. The universe owes us experience.

We hop and shop. We wear good clothes. We adorn ourselves with good accessories. We outdo the undone.

Things don't work out for us. We work out the things. The world owes us this one. Things do work out. We deserve that. We form communities. The world owes us that of course. We are entitled to get invited everywhere. Everyone is. We are someone. Therefore. We socialize. We live up to expectations even if anybody doesn’t. We are entitled to get mad at anyone when we are in a bad mood.

We say things out of line, randomly. Casually. Hypocritically. Out of scope. Inarticulately. Inaptly. Irrelevantly. Irreverently. Unemotionally and incoherently. We behave juvenile. We cry over the spilt milk. We do more than what is required to be done. We stretch like elastic.

We hold persistent opinions. We don't consult anyone's opinions but our own. We entertain our opinions with some measure of doubt. We have faith in lot of things. We have a strong conviction in them because they make us warm inside. We believe in them because they are honest. We don't know that of course. No one does. That again is unquestionable.

Till next time...

-Manasi

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. - J. R. R. Tolkien

Check out my new Nokia XpressMusic phone

2007-10-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am very excited today as I got a new phone for myself.
Released only on Saturday...probably I was the third customer in Hyderabad to buy this piece!
Nice, sleek, smart and stylish I am yet to explore its features.
Till then check out the phone here.....

http://www.nokia.co.in/A4598125

I celebrated the event with a sweet, heart shaped balloon and Baskin Robbins' Chocolate a la mode with a brownie and two generous scoops of chocolate on the rocks and Fig cream... and sure had chocolatee fun!

A good Sunday I must say, as I treated myself in a spa, snacked on fish made by me in the evening... later got this phone....celebrated it with a healthy subway and chocolatee icecreams...back home played cards with friends....and now gonna hit my bed!

I am gonna explore the phones's features tomorrow....

Song of the day:
Tere bin there aint no desire
Tere bin my world’s on fire
Tere bin I can’t fly high high higher

Mood of the day: Excited!

Manasi

Apples and Bananas

2007-10-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

Dunno where I came across this... anyways

I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas
I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas

I like to ate, ate, ate ay-ples and ba-nay-nays
I like to ate, ate, ate ay-ples and ba-nay-nays

I like to eat, eat, eat ee-ples and bee-nee-nees
I like to eat, eat, eat ee-ples and bee-nee-nees

I like to ite, ite, ite i-ples and by-ny-nys
I like to ite, ite, ite i-ples and by-ny-nys

I like to ote, ote, ote oh-ples and bo-no-nos
I like to ote, ote, ote oh-ples and bo-no-nos

I like to oot, oot, oot oo-ples and boo-noo-noos
I like to oot, oot, oot oo-ples and boo-noo-noos

Dil hai to phir dard hoga....dard hai to dil bhi hoga....mausam guzarte rehte hain

2007-10-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to keep things simple when people are selfish, too proud to admit they’re wrong or break into tiffs just because some things are not yet working as well as it should be.

I hope I could step back, detach myself from the fray. I believe there’s a better and simpler way of doing things to make life more meaningful, but it will need each of us to swallow our pride and help each other out, instead of readily doling out blame or parceling responsibilities around like it’s the plague.

Strange, but I don’t think I have changed on a fundamental level. I have changed the way I do things though. I was the same person at 15 and 17 and now at 30 plus, I have learnt a lot more, but I am still the same.

In my opinion, we all have these personalities inside of us, what people see though is the one we have decided to give the reins at that moment. So at weddings, parties or outings I let my Sanguine lose, being lonely my melancholy can go wild, on long walks Phelgmatic is in charge and when I am tormented for being a wife, Choleric gets a work out.

Right now listening to Dil Se Re..... and munching on the Swiss chocolates....

-Manasi

A good for nothing day!

2007-10-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Oct 24th, 2007, I supposedly was having my final round of interview… For the first time I was in my brand new formal attire to strike that corporate statement.

It did not neways go as per my expectations…and I blame myself for not being in the right frame of mind. Never mind! I reassured myself …. That’s besides the point… And now I feel so hopeless and restless as if the entire world has doomed over me. It has started this bad… and what’s it that’s gonna be still worse than this…

I feel so lost and confused…lost why, coz I lost my cell phone right after that….I just cant explain how hopeless a feeling that I’m dwelling in right now …. Oh God!! Its such a terrible and dirty feeling to lose something! Its really been a while that I lost something mine. I cannot even call myself being careless….but then I just behaved like one careless woman who was so engrossed in arguing over the appropriate auto fare that I was never aware of getting out of that auto having left my mobile behind. How did I do it ….I cursed myself!! Aah… t’was so very irritating when I had already reached the 11th floor to my office after clearing the security check, signing in for the day and then realize about the missing phone and again take an elevator down and go all the way and search in vain for the phone where I got down from the auto. I knew there wasn’t any slightest chance of finding it.

Should I blame it on my stars who didn’t play it up well for me today… Very mean that’s exactly what they have been…. responsible for this uneasy, sunken, good for nothing kinda state that I am in right now…..

I should definitely blame it on my little hand bag which has million things and all of them shouting ….very important. I wished it was a little bigger than it is ….so that I didn’t have to fidget each time to remove something out of it and put that back into it. I remember having fiddled with my goggle case in one hand and then trying to mange a file and the cell phone in the other, at the same time even arguing with the auto fellow for the shooted up meter and also trying to sort out the auto fare from a wallet ….all in a matter of two minutes…..

Things cannot change now… I am here all so pissed off with what happened….a not so impressive interview, losing my phone…..basically angry and hurt at the same time … don’t even know whether I should laugh or cry at my state…. as I have not even started working so far… whatever took place in the morning keeps playing again and again…. without my even trying to rewind the scenario…I have no clue as to why I ain’t getting over it as yet. I keep recalling…. the auto went…and went with it my old dear mobile with all my phone numbers….lovely stored messages…my favorite ring tones…. my memories! I wish I got my mobile back. Damn day! I don’t even look forward to know what’s in store for me in the rest of the day. I hope to go home as early as I can …. I want to unwind this whole thing by sleeping over it and hope to be cheerful and happy tomorrow.

Manasi

What does it mean to be a Modern Enlightened Woman....

2007-10-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

A cousin of mine posed this to me some time back when we had met .... whether I was a modern enlightened woman myself, that really forced me to think on these lines and come out with a blog which I feel every woman of today would recognise herself with.

What does it mean to be a Modern Enlightened Woman.... Today's woman is far better an intellectual being than she thinks she is.....What She is certainly not is.....stupid! She knows who She is and what She can do. I think She is someone who doesn't feel confined by gender stereo-types, who is confident and can go after what She wants with determination, She surely knows what she does'nt want, She has her own opinions on anything and everything, She knows whats good for her and whats definitely bad, She is strong but also embraces the delicate shades of her personality that highlight her feminity.

She always walks tall and wouldn’t mind spending extra for the few inches on her heels
She always wants to look stylish and different and ends up looking.... absurdly different!
She often listens less and understands more
She is quick to decide on .... whether its now or never
She never tires of reiterating on her say and ever tired of the others' repetitions
She tries to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack her at once
She is not dependant anymore..... This makes her feel independent all the more!
She looks almost ten years younger her age and thinks almost ten years beyond her age
She wants to work out on her body...but ends up working hard in her mind!
She is tangled in her daily struggle for life but tries to untangle and straighten her hair
She tries to juggle between her work and home and constantly advices her man on how to combine marriage and a career.
She has strong intuition of everything which is the result of years of not thinking
She certainly knows when things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse
She wants to cook but ends up doing the laundry
She is either eating when excited or shopping when depressed
She is in the mood of movies anytime and holidays every time
She flares up fast and extinguishes soon....
She goes wrong.....and then fights for her right
She runs her horses of creative imagination wild and drives everyone around her crazy wild
She likes compliments coming in abundance but weighs it out while giving off

She doesn't have to be made-up pink and pretty, but if She's in that mood, so be-it! No one can put her in a box and limit her flight sky-high!

-Manasi

Pal Do Pal Amitabh Bachchan Ke Sang.....

2007-10-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

Turning 65 is a big deal, especially if you are Amitabh Bachchan, an actor celebrated for his films, voice, performance, style, stature and poise. The perfect actor, this man has become the 'ideal hero' of the masses, and remains looked up to by the classes. Amitabh Bachchan still rules the roost in Bollywood. No other actor has enjoyed such iconic status in filmdom as the mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan

The man, the eminence, the Indian film legend. A hero of all times and for all times.
I thought why not write for the man, watching whom I have grown over the years...A man: work in progress….He is not the man in the movie but the movie himself. The pages cannot contain him, history cannot stop narrating him, and today even after having featured in all the possible permutations in over 150 films, he is still rewriting the rules of superstardom in the Indian film industry. Here is to celebrate the ‘Man of the Millennium’. I will not be able to chronicle all of my favorite movies of Big B….but surely want to mention two of his movies dear to me.

Kabhie Kabhie:

Yash Chopra’s movies showcase romance and love at their best. ‘Kabhie Kabhie’ is made with a theme that he is good at and that’s Love- A journey through several emotions and moments of recollection, remorse and repentance.

‘Kabhie Kabhie’…Love …poetry in action... watching the sunset in each other's eyes... dreaming of a perfect future together... two souls becoming one... fate deems otherwise... one generation later, friendship prevails... Kabhi Kabhie, life comes full circle.

The movie amazingly sets off with the dulcet poesy of “Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shaayar Hoon" and, ends with the song "Main Har Ek Pal Ka Shaayar Hoon". What lies between the two songs of the poet is a very well narrated love story spanning two generations that shows the transformation of the poet from "Pal Do Pal Ka Shaayar" to "Har Ek Pal Ka Shaayar". This movie cannot be solely called an Amitabh Bachchan movie. The movie cast deserves a special note as to have carried out spectacular performances…. Ofcourse it is Big B who steals the show. I have watched Kabhie Kabhie several times myself and in company of many others and can never get tired watching the movie from any scene that’s playing. The main reason for this is that as an audience I can associate to Kabhie Kabhie in different ways, to the characters, to the story, to the music or simply to the musings of the poet. Amitabh Bachchan looks at his absolute best in the younger version of his role.

Music has always been the salient feature of Yash Chopra's movies. Kabhie Kabhie is among the top ones in that list. Khayyam not only composed delightful music for beautiful songs written by Sahir Ludhianvi, but also scored one of the best background music in Hindi cinema. The songs melodiously rendered by Mukesh, Lata, Kishore to date are chart busters. Sahir Ludhianvi's poetry is simply breathtaking!

My personal favorite goes here...

"Mein Har Ek Pal Ka Shaayar Hoon, Har Ek Pal Meri Kahani Hai
Har Ek Pal Meri Hasti Hai, Har Ek Pal Meri Jawaani Hai

Rishton Ka Roop Badalta Hai, Buniyaden Khatam Nahin Hoti
Khwabon Ki Aur Umango Ki, Miyaden Khatam Nahin Hoti
Ek Phool Mein Tera Roop Basa Ek Phool Mein Meri Jawaani Hai
Ek Chehra Teri Nishaani Hai, Ek Chehra Meri Nishaani Hai Maein
Har Ek Pal Ka Shaayar Hoon...

Tujhko Mujhko Jeevan Amrit, Ab In Haathon Se Peena hai
Inki Dhadkan Mein Basna Hai, Inki Saanson Mein Jeena Hai
Tu Apni Adaen Baksh Inhen Maein Apni Wafaen Deta Hoon
Jo Apne Liye Sochi Thi Kabhi, Woh Saari Duaen Deta Hoon
Maein Har Ek Pal Ka Shaayar Hoon”

"I'm the poet of every moment, every moment is my tale
I exist in every moment, every moment is my youth

Forms of relationships change, their foundations remain intact
Dreams and aspirations, their durations do not expire
Your beauty lives on in one flower, my youth in another
One face bears your features, and another mine

You and I have to drink the elixir of life now with these hands
Make a home in their heartbeats, live in their breaths
You grant them your charms, I give them my fidelities
What I had once wished for myself, (I) give all those blessings"

"Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hain

Ki zindagi teri zulfon ki narm chhaon main guzarne pati
to shadab ho bhi sakti thi

Yeh ranj-o-gham ki siyahi jo dil pe chhayi hain
Teri nazar ki shuaon main kho bhi sakti thi

Magar yeh ho na saka aur ab ye aalam hain
Ki tu nahin, tera gham teri justjoo bhi nahin

Guzar rahi hain kuchh iss tarah zindagi jaise,
Isse kisi ke sahare ki aarzoo bhi nahin

Na koi raah, na manzil, na roshni ka suraag
Bhatak rahin hai andheron main zindagi meri

Inhi andheron main reh jaoonga kabhi kho kar
Main janta hoon meri hum-nafas, magar yoonhi

Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hai"

"Often a thought comes in my heart
If I have life under shadow of your hair
It would have been more peaceful
The ink of pain and sorrow on my heart
Could've been lost in your eyes
But it didn't happen
But it didn't happen; now life is on a fringe
That I don't have you nor sorrow nor hope
My life is going on in such a way that
It does not expect any supporting hand
No road, no goal, nor a way to see light
My life wanders around in darkness
I will be lost in this darkness someday
I know it's my love of life, but
Often a thought comes in my heart"

Silsila :

Beautiful and stylish, romantic and dreamy, indulgent of emotion using the melodramatic elements without going over board… yet another Yash Chopra’s romantic saga Silsila is one of my favorites for its rich haul of lyrics, lilting music, lovely songs, terse dialogues and a theme that explores myriad aspects of romance, both young and mature.

This movie apart from being a romantic musical can be signed off as sensitive, humane and intense of movies ever made. The subject of infidelity is handled delicately in this movie trying to maintain the dignity of love. It showcases the burning flames of desire at blaze for the lost and found first love twisted with the society’s demands and obligations. Amazing casting complementing one another’s performance at their best.

Amitabh’s sizzling on-screen chemistry with Rekha worked wonders in the film. They look so much made for each other. No wonder, the delectable duo was considered one of the most successful Bollywood pairs.

One of the best romantic verses of Javed Akhtar recited by Amitabh and coupled with the song Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum sung by Lata Mangeshkar renders a magical feel to the entire song picturised on handsome Amitabh and scintillating Rekha. I mean the duo just rocks on the screen.

"Mein aur meri tanhai aksar ye baatein karte hain
Tum hothi tho kaisa hotha, tum ye kehti tum who kehti
Tum is baat pe hairan hothi, tum us baat pe kitni hasti
Tum hothi tho aisa hotha, tum hothi tho waisa hotha
Mein aur meri tanhai aksar ye batein karte hain

Yeh raat hai ya tumhari zulfein khuli huyi hai
Hai chandni ya tumhare nazron se meri raatein dhuli hui hai
Yeh chaand hai ya tumhare kangan, sitare hai ya tumhara aanchal
Hawa ka jhonka hai ya tumhare badan ki khushboo
Yeh pattiyon ki hai sarasarahat ki tumne chupke se kuch kaha hai
Yeh sochta hoon mein kab se gumsum
Ke jab ki mujhko bhi yeh khabar hai ke tum nahi ho, kahin nahin ho
Magar ye dil hai ke kah raha hai ke tum yehin ho, yehin kahin ho"

Another romantic duet, sung marvelously by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, for the most beautiful and picturesque song picturised on this lovey dovey duo in the colorful tulip gardens is an yet another favorite. Superb song which is like a breeze of fresh air….

"Dekha ek khwaab to yeh silsile hue
Door tak nigahon mein hain gul khile hue
Yeh gila hai aapki nigahon se
Phool bhi ho darmiyaan to faasle hue
Dekha ek khwaab...

Mera dil hai teri panaahon
Aa chhupa loon tujhe maein baahon mein
Teri tasveer hai nigaahon mein
Door tak roshni hai raahon mein
Kal agar na roshni ke kaafile hue
Pyar ke hazaar deep hain jale hue
Dekha ek khwaab..."

Yash Chopra has done a great job as a director, handling the theme of the movies very well. He keeps the story telling simple and linear, develops each character very well, and never goes far from the crux of the story even when touching issues like premarital relationship and infidelity.

Initially I thought I would write a few lines on each of my favorite Amitabh Bachchan movie…but restricted myself to only two of his movies. Listed out are my absolute favorite ones which I feel can be passed as once-in-lifetime kind of movies.

Some famous dialogues and trivia from his films….

Anand (1971)
I like Amitabh Bachchan in this movie although he plays a secondary but crucial role.

Abhimaan (1973)
I like all the songs of Abhimaan… “ Teri bindiya re”… “Loote koi man ka nagar”

Chupke Chupke (1975)
"Jis tarah gobhi ka phool, phool hokar nahi hota, waise hi gainde ka phool bhi phool hokar phool nahi hota"

Deewar (1975)
"Haan, main sign karoonga, lekin main akele sign nahin karoonga, main sabse pehle sign nahin karoonga. Jao pehle us aadmi ka sign le ke aao jisne mera baap ko chor kaha tha; pehle us aadmi ka sign le ke aao jisne meri maa ko gali deke naukri se nikal diya tha; pehle us aadmi ka sign le ke aao jisne mere haath pe ye leekh diya tha..ye.. Uske BAAD, us ke baad, mere bhai, tum jahan kahoge main wahan sign kar doonga."

"Sapne bhi samundar ki lahron ki tarah haqeeqat ki chattanon se takrakar toot jaate hain."

Mili (1975)
Mili belonged to Jaya Bachchan…I liked the role played by Amitabh as a stubborn alcoholic self-made loner

Sholay (1975)
"Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?"
"Pehli baar suna hai ye naam.”

"Ghadi Ghadi drama karta hai, saala."

Kabhie Kabhie (1976)
"Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai."

Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
"Aisa to Aadmi Life mein Doich time bhaagta hai. Olympic ka race ho, yaa Police ka case ho. Tum kisliye bhaagta hai bhai?"

Don (1978)
"Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, naamumkin hai."

Trishul (1978)
"Sahi baat sahi waqt pe kiya jaye to uska maza hi kuch aur hai, Aur main sahi waqt ka intezaar karta hoon."
"Mai panch lakh ka sauda karne aya hoon, aur mere jeb me panch phooti kaudi bhi nahin hai!"

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1979)
Like the song “ O saathi re…tere bina bhi kya jeena”

Kaala Pathar (1979)
"Pain is my destiny and I can't avoid it."

Silsila (1981)
“Main aur meri tanhaai -- aksar ye baatein karte hai...." Very intoxicating!

Namak Halal (1982)
"I can talk English, I can walk English, I can laugh English because English is a very phunny language. Bhairo becomes Byron because their minds are very narrow."

Satte Pe Satta (1982)
"Daaru peene se liver kharab hota hai. Bahut boori cheez hai."

Shakti (1982)
"Hamare desh mein kaam dhoondhana bhi ek kaam hai."

Sharaabi (1984)
“Moochein ho to Nathulal jaise warna na ho."

"Zindagi ka tambu teen bambuo pe khada hai."

"Do aansoo is aankh se gire, phir do us aankh se. Phir do is aankh se, do us aankh se. Phir do is aankh se, do us aankh se. Kitne huye?...Nau lakh ke haar ke liye, barah lakh ke aansoo? Daddy hote to kehte: Vijay, tumhe business karna nahi aata?"

Black (2004)
While watching this movie, I laughed, I cried and I enjoyed myself. This movie was an experience to watch … direction, performances….everything was amazing!

Cheeni Kum (2007)
And when Ghaas Phus (64).. meets this Delhi gal Tangdi Kabab (34), they keep talking, all about chhatris, vegetarianism….. perhaps this movie is the best movie evermade in this genre with everything keeping good balance, nothing more nothing less. You would have never heard or felt such a fresh treatment and dialogues with sarcastic humor laugh and comic but still with strong messages which you will always carry in your head.

Romanticism at its finest!

Like to end my post citing some lines from Silsila…….

"Meri baat ka meri hamnafaz tu jawab de ke na de mujhe
Teri ek chup mein jo hai chupi woh hazaar baaton ki baat hai
Meri zindagi ka harek pal tere husn se hai juda hua
Tere honth thirakein to hai subah, teri zulf bikhare to raat hai"

-Manasi

Where did my childhood go?

2007-10-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Little did I know when I was young that I was probably living the most beautiful part of my life or that the bygone days of my childhood were to be remembered as the golden period of my life.

Why is that today I just want to live my childhood again? Why is that I am missing my carefree life of my past? Why is that the moving pictures of my childhood are so vividly flashing on my mind today?

I miss so many things of my childhood today that if I were to be given a choice I would just roll twenty years down the memory lane and embrace those wonderful years of my life and would never let them go.

Where at all did my childhood go…

Where it was fun to even wait on water for hours to get our pots filled when water was scarce in the city.

Where it was fun to drench in the rains and consciously jump in the mud puddles on our way back home from the school.

Where is was fun to flock around the murmura/phalli wala (puffed rice and peanut vendor) with coins in our hands to get our pockets filled with the peanuts.

Where it was fun to bully my sis and and then laugh our bellies out while we went asleep.

Where it was fun to ride my Sunny with my sis seated at my back and speed up to hit on every available bump on our way making her jump behind and go wild.

Where it was fun to plan and pack for a month’s summer holiday to be spent at our granny’s place in Pune.

Where it was fun to go to sleep on Granny’s tales.

Where it was fun to fearlessly walk the brink of the terrace of our building at midnight.

Where it was fun to eagerly wait for the Monday outings which meant go movies and eat out.

Where it was fun to sleep with a small transistor on which almost needed a blow to get it back to function every now and then.

Where it was fun to play ‘chikkad-billa’ (hopscotch) once back home from school.

Where it was fun to show around places of interest whenever there were guests at home

Where it was fun to go to school only to meet up with friends and play antakshari whenever and wherever possible.

Where it was fun to just hide behind the door and scare and ‘bhow’ at Baba when he returned home from work.

Where it was all fun and laughs to play on the toy game of a ‘chicken laying the eggs’, where all four of us strived to get highest number of eggs from a moving chicken which laid eggs at the press of a button.

Where it was fun to cuddle up at night and listen to Baba telling us magical stories of of Dumbu and Chotu going to moon!

Where it was fun to build imaginary houses with the pillows and cushions to play a girlie ‘house-house’ with the toy kitchen sets or arrange dolly weddings or get decked up in mom’s sarees and play ‘teacher-teacher’ with a little blackboard and duster.

While writing this post I’ve realized that its very difficult to capture, share and synopsize so many years of treasure into one single page. Life had brought all these simple pleasures and many more in everyday life of my childhood that they just happen to remain as wonderful memories for me to look back and cherish them.

They say memories are golden and may be that is true.Though there’s volumes to speak on my favorite people, favorite places, favorite memories of the past...These are the joys of a lifetime...These are the things that last. To me it’s my travel bag for the lifetime.

Manasi

If it weren't for flashbacks I'd have no memory at all.

Eyemotion...the love light in her eyes!

2007-10-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

I think I'd describe myself as having a huge imagination and everyday at work I'm constantly pushed by the people to challenge myself with new concepts and ideas. Gradually, I'm beginning to understand and explore ways to help evolve my daydreams into reality. It is a very demanding task but I'd say the more you apply yourself, the more you benefit from it. I'm always listening to my own music in my free time and I love the fact that I can integrate other passions, such as this, into my work.

Instantly fell in love with mood of these musical melodies ....

aankhon mein teri, ajab si ajab si adaayein hai,
dil ko banade jo patang saansein yeh teri woh haawaaein hai.....

lage re lage re lage re nainwa lage re lage re....
Jab se tere naina mere naino se lage re ....
Jab se tere naina mere naino se lage re....
Tab se Deewana Hua ....aah haaa
Sab se begaana hua.......aah haaa
Rab bhi deewana lage re.... oye oye
Rab bhi deewana lage re!

"Oh come on! That hurt a little!"

2007-10-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered which hurts the most: saying something and wishing you had not, or saying nothing, and wishing you had?

Are you aware?

2007-09-29T01:53:00.001-07:00

Someone said ninety percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable. These days I find myself watching every single thought crossing my mind. Yes, I feel I am trying to make a conscious effort as to what is eligible for entry and what is forced to exit. I’ve come to realize one thing so far and that is, we are what we think!

And what we think usually has no definite parameters or boundaries. Millions of thoughts just keep hovering across and we eventually allow these thoughts to rule over us and take control of our being.

Whether one realizes or not we are all entangled in the ocean of thoughts most of the time. If I am speaking or listening to someone I am thinking. If I am reading the newspaper or watching television I am thinking. I am thinking when I recall memories from my past, I am thinking, when I am considering something in the future I am thinking, when I am riding I am thinking, when I am driven I am thinking, when I am cooking I am thinking, when I am working I am thinking. For most of me, the only time I am not thinking is when I am asleep I guess, however the forces are still operating on my last thoughts as I fall asleep.

Thoughts…. good or bad…the thing is you think! I mean you let yourself think anything and everything that’s dispensable. What is the reason for these unwanted, unnecessary and good for nothing thoughts to come and demand a space in my life….and that too a forceful one. Why is it an ordeal to deal with such nuisance happening every moment?

Probably one thing which I feel could control this superfluous ness could be being aware of my thoughts! To help myself become aware of my thoughts, I would remember to remember and wait for a gentle nudge from the universe to bring me back to the present whenever my mind is taken over and is having a party at my expense. A gentle nudge could take the form of I getting bumped myself or dropping something or some loud noise far off or a siren or a beckon. All of these things act as signals to me that my mind has taken off and I got to come back to the present. When I receive these signals I stop immediately and ask myself, “What am I thinking? What am I feeling? Am I aware?” And of course the moment I do that, I am aware. The very moment you ask yourself if you are aware, you are there. You are aware. And this awareness could be harnessed to think right and positive thoughts each time.

"all your power is in your awareness of that power and through power in your consciousness"

Cool one!

2007-09-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

This one is real cool to lighten my day!

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.
Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemosabe, look towards sky, what you see?"
The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."
"What that tell you?" asked Tonto.
The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says,

"Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.
Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning.
Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.
What's it tell you, Tonto?"
“You dumber than buffalo chip. Someone stole the tent."

-Manasi

The only way to avoid mistakes is to gain by experience. The only way to gain experience …is to make a mistake.

LADIES SPECIAL!

2007-09-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

After about say twenty five minutes of restless wait for an autorickshaw on my way back home from office today I see a tattered Govt APSRTC bus pulling on to where I was standing with quite an unusual board. The board read ‘LADIES SPECIAL’. I never gave a second thought about the route its gonna take and just boarded what came my way with the rest of the female crowd following the suit. I comfortably seated myself on the first seat available. The lady conductor came in for the tickets. I handed over the change for my destination for which she cut me a ticket. I was glad to be able to find a seat in the bus after a long wait.

Funny!! I thought, that Hyderabad offered such special buses which ran only for women. I knew there were exhibition specials, studio specials, company specials but never knew of one Ladies Special. The bus pulled at the next stop to scoop in a lot of females the majority of which consisted of the office crowd. The bus then stopped at a crossing and here again twenty-thirty high school girls flurried in with their scrapbooks, long paper rolls and files with colored pens and pencils probably from their field trip accompanied with their teacher. Apparently everybody had to stand in with no seating at all. The bus was packed!

This reminded me of my long waits during my school days where in my home was just two stops away from the school and I would take a long one hour to reach home from the bus stop. Though a good frequency of buses always went my way, I for some weird reason would wait for this number 10 to arrive and then board the same and gladly reach home….strange affinity on cost of my time, inspite of hot summers or rainy seasons.

Lot of cackling and commotion shook me back to my present and I just turned in my head to get a look at my back and I could catch an eye on a mother feeding her baby in that crowd, some two grannies seated beside her, one yawning and the other looking ardently away from the window. I then thought this could happen only in India. So much of female energy in here. A very strong community of only we females except the poor driver. I strangely felt good looking at these women who appeared to me in all sizes, ages, colors and forms. All playing different roles being daughters, daughter in-laws, sisters, wives, mothers, grannies each to their own. It definitely felt good to be one among them. At the end of the day it never mattered from where and what we belonged to or where we came from, the only thing that was obvious was we all were juggling in to reach our destinations in one bus …in one LADIES SPECIAL!

A Bus Is A Vehicle That Runs Twice As Fast When You Are After It As When You Are In It

If the Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Mine!

2007-09-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

I can never be called a mobile phone person...for one, I don't have lots of people calling on me and two, I was never attracted to these electronic gadgets.

Lately I was toying with the idea of treating myself with a fancy piece as my phone had started to behave a little strange! ( its become a bit crazy these days!) It shows missed calls but I would not have heard it ringing at all! Thanks to my usage... Its still alive and is definitely working as opposed to a few who always are behind me to go for a new one!

Finally thought of looking out for a good piece. This inkling I developed looking at today's younger lot here, showing off their fancy phones which look very chic and cool. When ever I saw these guys playing, clicking snapshots and having fun chat about their phones I had a strong want of owning one myself too! A teenager apparently is never too tired to hold a phone! The ads on the television with two big stars of bollywood endorsing two rival brands catch my attention every time I see them. I am fascinated by Hrithik's hot jig in the latest ad for Sony Ericsson W200i (The Thump ... is here). Abhishek Bachchan's MOTOROKR E6 ad is weirdly funny..... but the crowd swears by the phone.

Mobile or cellular phones have changed dramatically over the past two or three years. The generation today is so very obsessed with their phones..... Crazy ring tones... Vast music downloads...MP3 players and the camera phones all make it such an enticing device after all... The new generation of WAP phones now allow the user to connect to the Internet, send e-mail, have integrated GPS and GSM and even listen to the radio....lot more stuff to add on to this which I'm unaware of. Someone sometime back was also referring to these I-phones in India which are picking up slowly and are now every mobile phone freak's dream to own one.

The other day I was browsing the Nokia N series phones and was just curious to know whether my phone was listed out.... and boy! could I find it... No!!... I guess it has already become obsolete in India. The complete collection on the Nokia India website never showed my model, which I suppose is as sturdy and shock absorbing as possible (you know why!) Beneath the compact body lies a multitude of features like a color screen, Tri-band compatibility, cheerful screen savers and couple of games. I guess I am real happy with the one I am carrying at present.... coz choosing another piece from a sea of phones is an ordeal ... Technology is moving crazy forcing all the choicest features and integrating the same into one small device!

For the many who wanted and influenced me to go for a change.... Let's live with what I have ... and that's Nokia 3120!

-Me

A new beginning!

2007-09-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

It was one of those days....One of those days when you get really lazy, when you have lots to do and then come to think of it you want nothing to do.... Just in case I'm trying to sound a bit confused about my ownself ... let me try and make a start at pouring down my thoughts which I hope I will continue from here on, like somebody said... “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

-Me

Wonder Falls!!

2006-06-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

After a whole day spent on 13th of May experiencing the glitter, glamour, gloss and grandeur of the Casinos, hotels, gaming, world-class entertainment, nightlife, fine dining, Atlantic Ocean, beaches, Boardwalk, fun attractions, water sports, shopping at the Atlantic City – A seaside resort that is always turned on….. Next weekend ( 20th May ) it was the turn to drown into the most awaited natural scenic wonder of the world ….The Niagara Falls … An excursion to Niagara Falls offers more than you could ever imagine. Niagara Falls has often been called "the world’s most famous address." While the Falls is certainly the most visited natural attraction, the rest of Niagara is a rich, varied, and rewarding experience, too. There's so much to explore and discover at Niagara Falls State Park, from the historical and geological, to the wonders of nature. We landed on the Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Saturday morning and because of some inevitable circumstances ( which is a long story by itself) only reached our destination Niagara at around 1 in the noon. The weather was very cold it was like 8-10 C all the three days with little sunshine here and there… but overall very chilly.

We then got fresh and took a bus to the Niagara Falls State Park. The land, the abundant forceful waters, the sky and the life makes what is known as the Niagara Falls State Park We walked our way towards the Prospect Park and the Prospect Point where we could get the unobstructed view of the majestic and massive Niagara Falls and then on to the Observatory Tower. From the American side, the American Falls can be viewed from walkways along Prospect Park, which also features an Observation Tower. Prospect Point is the prime viewing area for the American Falls and Rapids. Home to the Visitor Center and the Observation Tower, this is also your link to the Maid of the Mist. The Observation Tower, a glass-walled elevator towers above with dramatic views of all three charismatic Falls and descends to the base and the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. We were so excited to experience the falls… Oh my God! We could see people crying in joy on the Maid of the Mist… We were given their blue souvenir raincoats and this was the very first adventure trip we took from the Niagara Falls of NY. The boat is rightly called the Maid of the Mist as it makes its journey to experience the huge and thick mist of the falls which is so refreshing and breathtaking! There’s magic in the mist! It takes you past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into the dense mist of spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls. This world-famous scenic boat tour of the American and Canadian Falls is a spectacular half-hour ride giving a close-up experience of the chill waters of the Falls. A yet another fantastic experience of my lifetime, one of its kind and is so overwhelming that it still haunts me to date! Its like you don’t have anything left to experience something as superlative as this adventure in your life. Its truly been my best! We then spent some time at the base watching number of people also experiencing the same joy of being in the Falls and virtually living the Falls … It was enchanting!

Some trivia on the Falls… Niagara Falls is a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between the United States and Canada. Niagara Falls comprises three separate waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls sometimes called the Canadian Falls (Height 170 ft, Width 2500 ft, Volume of flow 90% of total), the American Falls (Height 180 ft, Width 1100 ft, Volume of flow 10% of total) and the smaller, adjacent Bridal Veil Falls. While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide. More than 168,000 cubic metres (6 million cubic feet) of water go over the crest line of the falls every minute during peak daytime tourist hours. The deepest section in the Niagara River is just below the Falls. It is so deep it equals the height of the Falls above, 52 metres (170 feet). Less than 10% of water flows over the American Falls, with the balance flowing over the Horseshoe Falls. It’s the massive volume of water that flows over the Horseshoe Falls that gives it its green color. From the Falls, the water travels down the Niagara River to Lake Ontario, then to the St. Lawrence Seaway and finally to the Atlantic Ocean.

We had all the time in the world to spend at Niagara Falls… coz we were gonna spend two complete days (Saturday and Sunday) in the Niagara Falls State Park, New York and one day (Monday) totally devoted to the Canadian side. We chose the dates 20 -22 May…as we took all the opportunity of the Falls Fireworks scheduled from 20th May onwards every Friday and Sunday. On 21st which happened to be Sunday …That was the first Fireworks scheduled for the season 2006 which we experienced from the US side… We wanted to experience the fireworks from the Canadian side as well…and that fortunately was possible coz of the Victoria Day which fell on Monday May 22nd. That way we experienced the fireworks from US as well as Canadian sides on both Sunday and Monday consecutively.

After the Maid of the Mist boat tour we headed towards the Niagara Scenic Trolley….A two compartmental bus which takes you to several locations including major park attractions. You can board and stay on for the entire route or you can get on and off at different stops. A guide shares the history of the park as the scenic trolley follows a three-mile route through the park. We boarded the trolley and Rohit stepped down to take a picture while I was seated happily… The Trolley left leaving him behind…and I could not help as I was seated in the second compartment…Well I had a great time with all the passengers teasing me….that he is gone…and he would meet me the next time in Niagara … Good Bye to him… Poor chap …will only remember you while seeing the.. pictures…etc. Well I got down at another location called the Cave of the Winds on the Goat Island hoping to find Rohit in the next trolleys.

Goat Island has access to Cave of the Winds, Three Sisters Islands, Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Falls and Upper Rapids viewing. It’s a wonderful area for a quiet walk, close-up views of the rapids and cascades and the Top of the Falls Restaurant.

I was on my own for quite some time… but was enjoying ofcourse… as the Falls don’t allow you to dilute your attention to something so soon. An elevator ride takes you down 175 feet to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. I saw people walk along the base of the falls on a series of wooden stairs and decks to feel and experience the power of Niagara Falls from the Hurricane Deck just feet from the pounding waters.

Rohit had already announced for me in the trolleys…and I got an information that he was in a trolley behind and will be there to join me in a couple of minutes. It was a nice and cute chase in the trolleys… We met and there was a reunion…and then on he never let go of me.
After that we had some fuel for our tummies right there in some snack bar on a picnic table….we spent some time there…moved around…viewed the Falls… climbed another trolley which headed towards the Terrapin Point on the Goat Island which offers a view of the thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping curve of the Horseshoe Falls. Got down there…viewed the Falls and also saw a Rainbow which formed on the Falls and boarded the trolley again to the Three Sisters Islands. Three historic walking bridges link Goat Island to the Three Sisters, offering unique views of the upper rapids as the river races for the Falls. We spent a lot of time on these islands… It was a very beautiful and scenic location to view the rapids amidst the greenery of the islands. Later we came back to the visitor center for some refreshments and the Festival theatre to learn the fascinating history of the Falls through a History Channel 22-minute film produced specifically for the Festival Theater. “Niagara: A History of the Falls” takes viewers from the first European sighting of Niagara Falls in 1697 to modern events.
After that lazed around in the greenery of the Prospect Park by the Niagara Falls… till dusk ….waiting for the sunset which only happens after 8 at night… People again gathered at the Prospect point to view the exotically and brilliantly illuminated Niagara Falls. We were spell bounded at the site as the illumination starts initially with white and then later on takes red, amber, pink, purple, blue, yellow and green… Niagara Falls at night is just scintillating an experience…. I was just thanking nature to have bestowed on me this out of the world and ethereal sight. That was just my first night at Niagara Falls…The best was yet to come. We walked our way back to catch a taxi stopping by the Seneca Niagara Casino which had a brilliantly lit exterior… we hopped in to see what it was like… It was crowded and huge…Later took a taxi back to the hotel.

Next day, Sunday…. We were pretty taken aback by the weather forecast…as it was gonna shower and the chill was like too much… we decided to warm ourselves well before we entered the Niagara falls State Park. After the break fast we hip hopped to a Prime Outlet Mall which supposedly only opened after 11 that day. We armed ourselves with adequate warm stuff and headed towards the Falls… We went to the Niagara Scenic Trolley Center…caught a trolley and …and just went on the entire tour without getting down at any stops as the weather was cold and it was drizzling all through… but it was fun… It was beautiful to see the lush wet greenery of the park…dense foresty nature…the rains drizzling….the colorful tulips … by the white magnificent and rushing waters… God it was so groovy a place…No wonder it’s called the Honeymoon capital of the world. In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
We went to the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the natural and local history of the Niagara Gorge and Falls. Enjoyed the interactive displays including the virtual reality Gorge Elevator Experience. We later got down at the Luna Island and spend some good time at this small island between the American and Bridal Veil Falls which has a fantastic close-up view of both. We later headed towards Top of the Falls restaurant for lunch… wow …yet another beautiful location to view the heart reverberating falls.

Later we headed towards the Three Sisters Islands to spend some time amidst the greenery. We then walked our way to an Indian restaurant called ‘ Sardar Sahib’ which served Indian buffet… After a good dinner…we walked our way back to the Prospect Point to view the Falls by the night… We could hear the roaring Falls and were getting sporadically drenched in the mist it created all through our walk… It was just amazing!

We reached the point to again find a huge gathering…telling everybody on our way to stay back till 10 at night to watch the Fire works. Watching Fireworks above the Falls with a well lit skyline of Ontario on the other side was a thrilling experience…The Fire works just shooted up in the dark sky one after the other with blazing colors and vibrant patterns…. Whoosh! It was indeed a marvelous show.

The next day being Monday we were all set and reached the Rainbow bridge by 10 in the morning. The Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls is a world-famous tourist site. This is an international bridge between the United States and Canada. It connects the Cities of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario, spanning the Niagara River. The span of this bridge is 289.5 m (950 ft). We had to go through the customs check both at the start and the finish of our walk on the Rainbow Bridge and the same thing we underwent on our return too. It took us less than 10 minutes to cross the bridge… We spent time viewing the Falls from the bridge… One half of the bridge is American and the other half is Canadian as the respective flags of both the countries are rooted right in the center on either side of the boundary line.

Canada on otherside had a different feel altogether… We rushed to the Double Deck package tours of Niagara falls of Canada. On the Canadian side, Queen Victoria Park features manicured gardens, platforms offering spectacular views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls, and underground walkways leading into observation rooms which yield the illusion of being within the falling waters. The observation deck of the nearby Skylon Tower offers the highest overhead view of the Falls, and in the opposite direction gives views as far as distant Toronto.
The double decker bus took us to the Journey Behind The Falls adventure where you descend over 100 feet and travel through tunnels to feel the thunder of the Falls giving thrilling views of the Falls from below and behind. Nothing but the resonance and roar of the waters were what we could hear of…Amazing!!. The Journey Behind The Falls attraction is located in the Table Rock House Plaza beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.Later we went to the Niagara Parks Greenhouse to see beautiful and pretty seasonal floral displays and blossoms.

The bus then took us to the whirlpool ride. The best way to see Niagara's fascinating Whirlpool is from high overhead - aboard the world famous Niagara Spanish Whirlpool Aero Car. We can see the rapids, the Whirlpool, the Gorge, the hydro-electric plants down the river, as the aerial car travels safely between two different points on the Canadian shore of the Niagara River over the spectacular whirlpool. This round trip is slightly more than 1 kilometre and takes about 10 minutes. In the Whirlpool, you can see the "reversal phenomenon". When the Niagara River is at full flow, the waters travel over the rapids and enter the pool, then travel counterclockwise around the pool past the natural outlet. The swirling waters create a vortex, or whirlpool.
We were then taken to the Floral Clock. Niagara's Floral Clock is another free horticultural attraction .The clock is one of the largest in the world) in diameter. The "floral face" of the clock is changed twice a season. The bus then took us around many more local attractions in Niagara Parks, Canada and left us at around 2 in the noon.

We then headed towards the Secret Garden Restaurant located right in front of the Falls for the lunch… After that we took a people mover to the White Water Walk. We there stumbled upon the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa. A shrine, we visited on our way to the White Water Walk. An elevator takes you down to the white water walk. Down stream from the falls the gorge has been cut deep and narrow by millennia of rushing white water which crashes through this area. Trillions of gallons are forced through this accelerating trough, resulting in one of the wildest stretches of whitewater in the world. We strolled alongside and marveled at the relentless power and beauty of nature. The White Water Walk lets you get breathtakingly close to the rapids by walking along a 1000 foot long boardwalk. It was an experience by itself. We then took the hop on and hop off people mover to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens which exhibited manicured greenery.

After going around the lush gardens of the Park we boarded the bus to the Skylon Tower…with a stop in between to see the tulips on our way. Skylon Tower is Niagara's most famous landmark! The Skylon Tower is located in the City of Niagara Falls overlooking Queen Victoria Park and the Falls. At 520 feet, the Skylon Tower is the tallest structure in Niagara. The yellow bug or capsule (exterior glass encased elevator) takes you to the Observation Deck, the Revolving Dining Room or the Summit Suite Buffet dining room. Within the Dome of the Skylon Tower, the circular design and provision of three separate and complete levels make it possible for all visitors to enjoy an unobstructed view.

When you reach the Observation Deck, 775 feet above the Falls and the Niagara Gorge, the awe-inspiring panorama of the whole scenario just takes your breath away! Heavenly ….nothing short of heaven… the view was stunning!

We enjoyed the color light display of the Falls and cities of Niagara Falls, Canada and Niagara Falls, New York. We were there around 6 in the evening …viewed the sunset… and then the illumination of the Falls…and Rohit insisted we view the Fireworks from the Skylon Tower itself as we had already seen it from the ground level on the American side. So we waited for the show…. Had good time in the deck going around the souvenir shop which is located on the indoor section of the observatory… The Deck was packed to its brim with people. The Falls were lit in white to start with and then all the different colors followed… It had this rainbow colored look from the top…We were entranced with what we saw from the top…No words …. The senses had become speechless…an absolute thoughtlessness was struck… As I write this… I have gone through the whole lot of emotion and have lived Niagara again! And we waited till 10 at night for that magical experience … and when it did… we were completely spell bound with what we saw… From the top the view was like … the illuminated American and Canadian Falls below…with the expanse of twinkling lights of the Niagara Falls Cities on both the sides and brilliantly shooting Fireworks above right in the front of the Deck in the dark sky… Was that something real happening !?! … Whoosh! Oh My Goodness…All in all a celestial experience ….It was Fantafabulous!! There is nothing that makes its way more directly to the soul than beauty. The beauty of Niagara Falls indeed was overwhelming.. All done…the fireworks lasted about 15 minutes…. We had to take the elevator down…took us half an hour to get down to the ground level tearing all the crowd… Once out we could see the lit Skylon Tower which looked remarkable at night… We walked our way back near the Rainbow Bridge… Had something for food and ended up the marvel with a nice caramel ice cream with which I walked the bridge to catch a taxi from the other side to the hotel. We were back to the hotel at around 12.30 that night. Early morning we took a flight from Buffalo to New York.

This weekend (27 -30 May) was also was pretty busy with Shanu and Sushant both dropped in for the memorial weekend bash. Saturday we went to Cape May. Cape May County is a peninsula, located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. The common thread of a Jersey Cape is the 30 mile ribbon of clean, white sandy beaches which winds along the cool gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. The thrill and excitement of the stroll on the boardwalk to the frolic on the beaches, climbing a lighthouse, browsing the shops, the ambiance of Victorian architecture in houses and inns was one-of-a-kind getaways. In the evening we drove to the Atlantic City …. Circled it …spent some time on the boardwalk in the chill of the evening and then returned home having dined at a nice countryside restaurant near our home.

I could have never imagined going to New York so many times… Its like I was visiting New York for the eleventh time …and this time with Shanu and Sushant. What can I say… We had good time in New York too for two complete days… and then took a break on Tuesday… where in we lazed at home…Their flight was at 8 at night… we dropped them to their flight and returned home having watched ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Both of us had read the book so wanted to watch it… and it was good.

That’s it till date…

No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one. Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them.

Trip To Boston

2006-05-02T03:19:00.000-07:00

Well… I don’t know whether you all missed reading my posts…. But I surely missed sending them… Yes I took a long break…. Before I could experience something new again …. I thought I should tell you all about the my trip to Boston, which I don’t know for some reason kept getting delayed…Anyways here it goes…

Though Praveena did give a guest appearance in my wedding, we were going to virtually meet each other after 11 years. Eleven years is a pretty long time …I always wished and hoped that I would definitely visit and meet her one day… some day! Thanks to our all powerful Internet, through which we were in constant touch with each other in spite of our geographical gulf.

We planned to visit her on a weekend in the mid of April….just after the week Rohit gave his third exam. Both Praveena and myself were as excited as kids and were looking forward to meet each other. At last we met during the Easter weekend of (April 14-16) 2006.

We drove to her place Framingham on a Friday afternoon passing yet another beautiful state, Connecticut . I was more than happy cutting through the heart and soul of Connecticut , one of the six states comprising New England . New England, name applied to the region comprising six states of the NE United States - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. All these states are bountiful with Nature and are marvelous. Connecticut , southernmost of the six New England states presented itself as very picturesque, with all the hilly areas, wild greenery and the beginning of a new spring. The drive was more than wonderful as it rained all through our journey. Enjoyed it, even though we’d missed an exit in the start itself…we had to drive an extra hour! It was awesome! We passed the cities like Danbury , Waterbury , Hartford ( its Capital), Stafford etc. Its like it gets darker at around 8 O’ clock over here. Till then, there is a feel of a good day all long and I could not get enough of neither the rains nor Connecticut !

Praveena and Siddharth said we got the rains along with us to Boston too as it was pretty much dry before we reached their place…. There was a surprise packet, Maya…a very sweet adorable puppy, waiting and jumping at us out of excitement of having visitors at her place… To talk on Maya is to write another long mail…I will just restrict myself and say that she was as cute as a baby, as playful and as adorable as a child and we were introduced to her as Rohit uncle and Manasi aunty by her own Mom and Dad! Praveena owned a big beautiful condominium made real ethnic. We had an early dinner. And after that we started with our nonstop babble… Praveena and myself ran our flashback memories on the roller coaster ride one after another laughing…giggling…making fun…and driving Siddharth, Rohit and Maya all crazy at the same time….Poor guys had to simply listen and behave like dumbs as we hardly gave them any chance to speak….My God! The way we had been… mads!!…They were like… enough now!…Maya kept giving mad looks at us! We had a very good time yapping and recalling our childhood memories right from pav-bhaji eating to watching movies together to classroom fun and all the school time stories. It was such a nice night! A toast to our friendship in Boston .

We decided to wake up early to go to Cape Cod but as usual we made it only after nine. The weather was like cloudy and foggy… anyways we hoped the sun to show up by noon and it kept shying on and off all the time. Cape Cod is a large and an arm-shaped peninsula extending 60 miles into the Atlantic ocean from the coast of Massachusetts. It is generally flat, with sand dunes, low hills, and numerous lakes. Parts of Cape Cod constitute Cape Cod National Seashore. Primary features of this Cape Cod National Seashore include 40 miles of pristine sandy beach, a variety of salt marshes, swamps, groves of pine, maple, oak, and cedar, nature trails, picnic areas and dozens of sparkling saltwater and freshwater kettle ponds. We went near the Cape Cod Canal RR Bridge which spans the south western end of the canal and is one of the largest vertical lift bridges in the world with a lift. Bay Colony uses the bridge in its daily operations, as it is the only means of traversing the Cape Cod Canal by rail. Cape Cod comprises of 15 diversely populated small and beautiful towns…Each town, while very much a part of the greater Cape Cod Community, has a unique character, appearance and flavor of its own.

We visited Provincetown by lunch time… had a good lunch at a small local restaurant. Provincetown sits in the sheltered bay that is formed by the spiral twisting of Cape Cod . Provincetown is a resort town on the tip of Cape Cod , with a harbor on Cape Cod Bay . The colorful town with beaches, fancy novelty stores, shopping arcades, vibrant art colony, eateries offered visitors a different air to visit the place. We could see a lot of gays in that town! No one who spends some time in Provincetown can fail to notice the Pilgrim Monument . A granite tower of 252-feet that juts proudly upwards into the sky, the Pilgrim Monument can be seen from almost every spot in town. Pilgrim Monument commemorates the Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown in 1620…. We then went to a beach on the Cape Cod Bay called ‘Herring Cove Beach’ at the very tip of the Cape, a narrow ocean beach maintained by the Cape Cod National Seashore…We spent some time on beach…Maya had fun with some kids playing ball. Later we drove passing through almost all the towns of Cape Cod , a very scenic drive covering beautiful houses, historic architectures, lush greenery, blossoms of the spring, beaches, small ponds. From Provincetown at the tip of the Cape to Chatham at the "elbow" to Bourne at the Bridge, each town has its own unique character and is beautiful. No doubt Cape Cod allures visitors as it has attractions, sites and umpteen activities for visitors to enjoy during a vacation.

We retired early that night… Next day was reserved for sight seeing in Boston . We had a nice Sunday breakfast of Bagels and set out to see Boston . We drove on the Memorial Drive to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We moved around the place, the pavement was aligned with lovely cherry blossoms. We spent sometime on the drive viewing the boating activities going on in the Charles river marked with Boston ’s skyline on its other side. The John Hancock tower and the Prudential building being tallest of the skyscrapers.

Boston is storied for its role in the American revolution. But there is far more to Boston than just Revolutionary history. From museums to sports, from fresh seafood to Italian cuisine, Boston has something for everyone. It's also a great place to start your exploration of New England . One of America 's oldest cities (founded in 1630), Boston remains one of its most European in feel. Like many European cities, Boston is best explored on foot. The Freedom Trail in Boston , Massachusetts , was conceived with an idea that the historic sites of Boston could be made more accessible to residents and visitors. Besides the small boats in the Charles river of Boston …the Freedom Trail is what I really liked about Boston . The trail is marked by a red line painted on the sidewalk or, in some places, red brick to mark the way to key historic sites. Following the 2.5-mile trail one can visit 16 historic sites. It begins at the Boston Common and winds its way through downtown Boston , the North End and Charlestown ending at the Bunker Hill Monument . We walked the other way round starting with the Bunker Hill Monument . We walked the trail and visited U.S.S. Constitution, Old North Church , Paul Revere’s Statue, Faneuil Hall…where in we halted for food at the North end area… Its like a huge market place with an arcade of stores, eateries, and myriad cuisines to choose from. Later continued on the trail hitting the Boston Massacre Site, Old State House, Old South Meeting House, Old Corner Book Store, First Public School Site, Massachusetts State House and the Boston Common omitting the burial grounds in the trail. We later went to the subway station which happens to be America ’s first subway station to catch a subway to the place we had parked the car. Siddharth then drove us to the Cambridge to visit the Harvard University Campus area….A very huge Campus with lots of beautiful buildings like the Memorial Church, the Schools, the library all with the famous logo of ‘VERITAS’ meaning Truth on them. The John Harvard Statue, "statue of three lies" located in front of University Hall is an immensely popular draw for tourists and thousands of visitors rub John Harvard's shoe for luck. There ends our trip to Boston with lots of Boston ’s history yet to be explored! May be next time.

We then drove home …freshened up and were all set to drive back home to Florham Park , New Jersey . We hit the rush hour…slow moving traffic after a weekend…and by the time we reached home it was 11.30 at night.

That’s it till now with me here….

Will catch you in my next mail…

Till then….

People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them! For at the end of history lies the undiscovered country.

Colors of India!

2006-04-12T12:13:00.001-07:00

It’s been six months now that I am here in United States....far from my own country India... Hopping and halting, at a few places here, in past six months..... When asked ... do I miss India? ... I say …Hmm…yes I do... and what do I miss of India !?!... It did not even take me a second to answer the question..... I was so spontaneous when I blurted out.... saying 'the Colors of India'... Yes...I miss the colors of India ... Speaking of colors, here, I don't find life as vibrant as I found in India....

India is so colorful and rich in its taste, culture, heritage and fashion that even when you think of our festivals ... they happen to be so colorful and beautiful... We have festivals to celebrate each and every event, every natural thing one could really imagine.... like festivals for lights, kites, flowers, new harvest, food, girls, gods and deities and each unique in its own way bringing with it celebrations involving lots of hue and zest ... Well, the best of them all… is the festival of 'Rang Panchami' ... ‘Holi’…The celebration of colours on the day of ‘festival of colors’ is something that every Indian enjoys ....It just brings out so much of youthful fun ...where in seeing the cheeks smeared with 'gulal' gives such an avid temptation to give into the fun. ... Holi continues to be celebrated with great vigor as it is lively, full of masti and merry making... Countless Hindi films have brought the vibrant colors of this festival to the screen....
The much popular Holi revelry -"Are ja re hat natkhat , na chhoo re mera ghoonghat, palat ke doongi aaj aisi gali re, mujhe samjho na tum bholi bhali re" ...
"Aaya holi ka tyohar, ude rang ki bauchhar tu hai nar nakhredar matwali re, aaj meethi lage hai teri gali re" is one of my favorites among the songs of Holi exuberantly portrayed by Sandhya in 'Navrang'. This movie made long time ago .... I should say is an ultimate and an unmatchable projection of colors I have ever seen during my childhood days, on screen ... but nothing can match our Amitabh Bachchan's mischievous 'Rang Barse' and Rekha's gulal smeared naughty cheeks in ‘Silsila’... this song comes to my mind when I talk of colours.... or his latest with Hema Malini goes...'Holi Khele Raghuveera' is yet another popular item on the list of unforgettable nuances on the occasion of Holi ... As our festivals pride in the expression of color…so do our Hindi movies for instance the new ‘Devdas’.

The next in my list, is the Ganapaty Festival.... Wow!! I love to see the Ganesh idols... There are competitive exhibitions on making the Ganesh look best in every form imaginable..... I love Ganapaty as I love elephants. The festivities include fund-raising, building all kinds of innovative forms of Ganesh idols, organizing public performances of music and dance, cooking grand feasts and making a lot of noise and halla gulla...yelling and singing.....'Ganapati Bappa Morya'.... It’s like going to see Ganesh is a merry trip by its own.... It’s such a happy occasion where you know that every Ganesh pendal is going to offer you with a different prasad each time.... I love the lemon rice given as prasad most of the times... Hmm... It’s just so simple ...yet so tasty...

Then when I think of my near and dear ones .... I remember my mom's 'haldi-kumkum' events .... occasions where in she invited and still invites lots of women home to offer pan-supari and haldi-kumkum on her Lakshmi Pujans where Goddess Lakshmi is decorated and ornamented with a rich Kanjeevaram silk saree and jewelry.... It always used to be a fun ritual accompanying mom to go and choose a different color every year for her rich Kanjeeveram silk saree. My mom invariably chose maroon for almost all her sarees...and always… She has lots of sarees in maroon….Then there would come a very easy comment from Baba saying "Lata, that green isn’t good .... I think you should go for maroon..... and mom giving back immediately, saying...."Mr....Its maroon!" Baba could never make out between green and red .... I still feel he sees the sky pink!

Then I relate colours to the beautiful 'Rangolis' my mother-in-law used to put sincerely everyday at our door entrance .... with lots of enthusiasm and happiness... She then earnestly waited for Baba to comment on them and leave a remark for her creative effort. The Rangolis were just so simple, artistic and beautiful ...which spoke of her growing innovativeness each day.... And Baba himself had grown such a colorful garden out of the saplings which he picked up from nurseries, nurturing them as his own babies... He made it a point to get different colours of anthuriums, gardenias, gerberas, roses and different orchids to make our garden as colorful as possible. I remember, this had inspired me to exhibit my uniqueness where in I tried blending colorful flowers and the available colours to decorate my home during Diwali, Dasara and other festivals..... Then when I talk of 'Dasara' ... I am reminded of the colorful and lovely 'Ghaghras' of Gujrat and Rajasthan....for 'Garba and dandiya’.

Adding color to the glory …was the 'Chudi bazaar', a thriving market of Charminar. It had its own charm in presenting a different rendezvous of colours ... it surely dazzles you with its amazingly maddening collection of bangles ... the tiny shops alluring people with the world famous 'hyderabad ki chudiyan' which sell glass bangles in rainbow colours.... It’s a spectacularly sparkling view!

When I had been for my visa to Chennai …I could catch upon women who wore so much of gold jewelry….. I must say the gold gave a great contrast to their complexion and they carried it with such a superior finesse ….and I felt no color would go so well with them than the color of gold. The color of gold is gold. That's why it's called gold.

Am myself so choosy on the colors .... I make an attempt to try out choosing different colours for my own dress and clothes.... It’s like every time hunt for a different color as if there are innumerable colours to match my imagination .... Then, I go to the extent of signing them like, peach color as in peaches......the color of a ripe mango..... the orange as in orange…the unexplainable hue of dusk .... the mehndi green...then the leaf green.... the gud color.... then the ‘ananda’ color.... the blood red....the lemon yellow......the sky blue......and then I remember the color of copper sulphate salt from the chemistry experiments which gave a unique blue-green color of its own...Then there comes the color of the national bird, the peacock itself….the enigmatic ‘mor-pankhi’ from the beautiful, delightful and iridescent colors on the peacock feather are just inexpressible...then, describing white as aerial white.....and then you have these earthy colours.... of brown, beige, ash...and so on and so forth...though you have only seven known colours ...you go choosing for all the shades and tints each of them have to offer in an effort to make your selection a novelty each time... That’s a whole lot of exercise in itself...choosing colours...Its fun though... It’s even more fun to do it for others....try it!!

I had learnt the art of ‘Batik’ printing as a part of my co-curricular activity during my graduation…The tie and dye method, ‘ bandhni’ leads to the innovative mixture of creativity experimenting with colors, which I would not forget…I remember making lovely colorful ‘razais’ using different tying methods and colors. I love wearing bandhni sarees as they have such rich colors, give out a traditional touch and are royal looking.

And more over as they say…two people do not see the same rainbow and each eye sees its own rainbow… Fortunately I have seen many rainbows when in India. The white light streams down to be broken up by those human prisms into all the colors of the rainbow. Each of us has to take our own color in the pattern and be just that!

Temples of India are so colorful with all the possible forms of art, designs and sculptures that it’s always fun to visit the temples for aesthetic reasons rather than the religious reasons…. Even our weddings are so colorful.... the rituals, the ceremonies, the customs, the grandeur, the cuisine, the clothes, the singing, the dancing, the people ..... All these concepts become insipid without the essence of color in them ... the colours of spirit.... the colors of emotions... colors of joy and fun....the color of being… in all its vitality make my India…is India!

May memory restore again and again the smallest color of the smallest day: Time is the school in which we learn, Time is the fire in which we burn - Socrates

-Manasi

What a nice sunny day!

2006-04-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Chomping on my broccoli at the Bean Curd located on the main street of Chatham in New Jersey on a sunny day I see the best open-top cars out on the tiny bustling road...busy as it seems with lots of tiny tots speeding their colorful bikes...bikes, in all sizes of tininess with cute red nosed kiddies peddling on them.
Daddies with a Starbuck’s Coffee in one hand ...and the other trolleying cute apple cheeked babies cuddled up in their tiny world of their own… And these babies seem to be in their happiest leisure, smiling at times and musing strangely at the loveliness of the outer world at other times, in the cute cushioned strolleys in which they are comforted and have the best of their life ever...seemingly carefree and cheerful...I wonder sometimes how nice it should be feeling in a strolley like that....aloof from realities and into the world of fairy tales, coz that’s the world they are aware of, thats the only world they live in, and that’s the only world they ever know.... be it in their rhymes, in their bed time stories, in their grandma’s fairy tales, in their world of fancy soft dolls and toys. They just got to be as happy!
There were also these proud moms walking the toddlers and enjoying the sun... peeping into windows alluring them with the girlie stuff and accessories...beckoning on their kids to walk right. There were couples waiting at the sandwich parlors... munching on their Sunday breakfast.
There were these grannies with their best sunday dress on, wearing their finest pair of ear rings, colorful scarves and stylish brooches walking hand in hand with the grandpas dressed as smartly and then seating themselves at the road side benches and indulging in their share of ice cream and watching the others pass by. They seemed to enjoy the sunny day and the pearly white cherry blossoms on the street. The tiny cafes and the eateries were busy catering their regular customers. There were people stepping in and out of a near by Church. Some were just wandering on the road experiencing a wonderful luxury of being at rest. The busy main street in this small town was indeed living.
There was an unusual peppy touch to the entire scenario... Everybody right from the babies in their carts to the oldies with their walking sticks seemed to enjoy what a sunny Sunday had to offer. It had an immense feel good factor...especially after a two day rainy recess. Everybody was just out to get the feel of the sun and its warmth and enjoy this perfect sunny sunday.
I must tell you that the concept of a sunny day holds such a dearest feeling in lives of the people over here. Its like everybody is damn excited about a nice sunny day... They plan for a holiday...a sweet day-out with their sweet hearts...parks and beaches here, especially are full ... swimming is an event to go for.... long day walking tours…camping… go boating...go fishing...go mountain climbing...and many many other recreational activities to do and indulge on a nice sunny day. Here...Its like Wow… what a nice sunny day!

Down there in my home town in India, last night, I listened to my mom complaining about the Sun…. Its tremendously hot out there and the sun is apparently very harsh on that side of the planet scorching and blazing bright, making any outdoor activity almost impossible… I still remember, we used to have lots of visitors visiting our place during this time of the year and showing them around in the hot sun was such a dreadful activity. The heat caused such an inconvenience to the guests that they almost swore on avoiding a trip to my place at this time of the year. I could see almost everybody grumbling at the heat. Last year, during this time, I felt the mad heat so strongly while hunting for my own house... There its like... Uff ...what a bad sunny day! Only curses come out to express the exasperation on perspiration!
The same sun rises here and the same sun rises there too...Yet such a whole world of difference at the same time.

I always did feel that you got to just accept what nature has in store for you....in this part of the world or that... To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.

-Manasi