So far it is only a rented place I fondly call 'ghar'. And there aren't enough interested people to make it a bar. Hic. But its a nice friendly place. A tad too friendly I believe.
The transition from a college bhola bhala bachcha to an earning, "set types" according to some, and consumer of white goods [by which I don't mean gai ka doodh] happened over night. A generous heart, a mighty luck and you have it. AC wacey bhi lagwa liya. [ bas racy aur lacy ki bari hai ] If you get what I mean, don't tell. If you dont get what I mean, don't ask. Time will tell.
I miss the old innocent days. When I used to be college types. When little kids wouldn't accidently call me 'uncle'. When school going girls seemed too young, and PG girls too old.
[ Now : working and shirking girls are too old, college-going girls are too young ]
Its an interesting experience, going to numerous shops without intending to buy anything. Asking the shopkeeper informed questions to indicate a genuine curiosity. Beating the heating with cool AC air, and when the sweat has dried away, vanishing into thin air. Now is the right time to do it. In college days, the shopkeeper would instantly recognise the lack of interest in buying, and a few years from now, when pillow will cease to be a constant companion, it will become a matter of ijjat. And life and death.
In some sense, we still have a lot of conservative values. Whether it is for good or bad is a question only hindsight can decide. What values you ask me. Values that we display day in and day out.
"Oh they are living together. Unke parents ko pata nahi hoga"
"He dropped out of college. Fail ho gaya kya"
"Naukri lag gayee. Ab shadi kar lo"
I get too restless at times. It becomes next to impossible for me to keep on waiting. Reminds me of one of those positive negatives people like to write as a weakness on their CV - " I become impatient for results". I never can explain the situation in rational terms. May be, I could say, the flow in my stomach crosses Reynold's limit and becomes turbulent. The mind stops attending to anything else. It starts wandering at the speed of light and time stops. Ab isse jyada IIT mein padha nahi.
But thats what it is. A situation unfathomable to the strong willed and strong hearted. For kamzor dil wale like us, whose parents hated the taste of Safola, there is no recourse. Except to pray to God that time will help.
A nice ghazal:
Hoshwalon ko khabar kya, bekhudi kya cheez hai....
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Shauk Absorbers and Fools in anniversaries.
I had been cribbing about getting board at home with a complete lack of work to do. I was naadaan! After 5 days of separation from internet-ben, I finally checked my emale to find a shauk. Miebank had decided to paripone my entry into the world of salaried men. O bhayee. What a rush yaar! But like other shauks, I had to absorb this one as well. And now, this bhola bhaala bachcha will enter the grind of corporate juggernaut in less than a week.
Last Sunday, my bhaiya celebrated his first marriage anniversary. How time flies by, we all [at least the rest of us] say! And there were so many bookays, one whole tabull was filled with fools.
What do you do when :
-someone asks you, "Why are you", instead of the more popular expression. Actually to this one, you could say, "Cogito Ergo Sum", but every reader worth his/her TQ will agree that the question treads on a dangerous territory. The details and further thoughts are best banished even before conception!
-you gift someone flowers and she/he takes more care of them than you ever thought possible. And the bookey you thought would last a few days is not discarded till it really must be!
-you see people living in conditions you had only seen on TV or in movies. The filth and dirt strikes a deep cord inside you, and you wonder how humans can get acclimatized to accepting such a treatment and still appearing grateful.
-you can't lose something for everything or everything for something, but something is everything while everything is only something
-you must choose between jalebi, watermelon and rossagulla!
An Esteem LXi with very low esteem has held its poise under my driving in the cantonment area. While driving, I had to floor the brakes whenever a truck appeared, whenever I got to less than 5 meters from the behind of any human being and whenever the navigator said anything more complicated than take left or take right. Like, "look, there's a car coming from the left". Luckily, jaan aur maal ki koi honey nahi hui.
From the movie Anwar: (link to full lyrics of the song)
...
Its a wonderful song from the movie Anwar. Really recommended for movie buffs, normal human beings and gundas!
Last Sunday, my bhaiya celebrated his first marriage anniversary. How time flies by, we all [at least the rest of us] say! And there were so many bookays, one whole tabull was filled with fools.
What do you do when :
-someone asks you, "Why are you", instead of the more popular expression. Actually to this one, you could say, "Cogito Ergo Sum", but every reader worth his/her TQ will agree that the question treads on a dangerous territory. The details and further thoughts are best banished even before conception!
-you gift someone flowers and she/he takes more care of them than you ever thought possible. And the bookey you thought would last a few days is not discarded till it really must be!
-you see people living in conditions you had only seen on TV or in movies. The filth and dirt strikes a deep cord inside you, and you wonder how humans can get acclimatized to accepting such a treatment and still appearing grateful.
-you can't lose something for everything or everything for something, but something is everything while everything is only something
-you must choose between jalebi, watermelon and rossagulla!
An Esteem LXi with very low esteem has held its poise under my driving in the cantonment area. While driving, I had to floor the brakes whenever a truck appeared, whenever I got to less than 5 meters from the behind of any human being and whenever the navigator said anything more complicated than take left or take right. Like, "look, there's a car coming from the left". Luckily, jaan aur maal ki koi honey nahi hui.
From the movie Anwar: (link to full lyrics of the song)
...
mujhse yeh har ghadi, mera dil kahe
tum hi ho uski aarzoo,
mujhse yeh har ghadi, mere lab kahe
teri hi ho sab guftagoo
baatein teri itni haseen, mein yaad inko jab karta hoon
phoolon si aaye, khusboo
...
Also:
...
kshama ko pigalne ka armaan kyun hai???
patange ko jalne ka armaan kyun hai???
isi shaqt ka intehaan zindagi hai
isi shaqt ka intehaan zindagi hai
Its a wonderful song from the movie Anwar. Really recommended for movie buffs, normal human beings and gundas!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Lazy bijnessmen and long walks.
April 08 2007
Amaa yaar, mein pareshan ho
The keyboard cable of my desktop was as helpless under the heavy handling of ‘Safe’xpress as a bollywood heroine in the garage of Shakti Kapoor. Bebas. Laachaar. And the nearest computer shopwalla guy refuses to solve the issue expediently. Till then, I am sharpening my skills in Solitaire and Minesweeper. And resolving channel conflicts at home. And spending a crazy amount of time surfing through channels without watching them. And so on.
I like to go on long walks [in the background: zindagiiiiiiii, kaisi hai paheli haiye….]. To counter the attack of the forces of boredom, I went on a walking spree this evening. Mom claims it must have been six kilometers while I only attach a more modest four kilometer tag to it. I had almost reached the point where they say, “Thank you for your visit to
But try it once if you have never done it. Stop wondering about where you are going. Not advisable if you often forget the way back from your toilet to kitchen. But otherwise, it is fun. Just walking, without concerns, time limit or destination. Brisk walking, almost to the point where the only pedestrians who overtake you are chain snatchers. Tiring, stiffening your calf muscles, but not painful. The advantage of being alone on such a walk is that it makes the task of tackling the traffic easier, especially if you are traversing through the narrow roads of old
Ridiculous. That is how I greet the notion that fresh, raw oysters, sprinkled with salt and pepper could be a delicacy. Let the channels show famous connoisseurs of dining and wining eat with relish oysters, new-born crocodiles, fish eyes and ostrich organs. Doesn’t matter if ‘refined’ people call me lacking in taste. I am content with calling Catwoman the woman without substance. Except in some places.
From the movie Inteha:
Dhalne lagi hai raat, koi baat keejiye
Kat jayegi yeh raat, koi baat keejiye
Hai zindagi ka sath, koi baat keejiye
Kat jayegi yeh raat, koi baat keejiye
Jane tanhayee, humse kya keh rahi hai
Dil ki gehrayee, humse kya keh rahi hai
Ek ek pal ke saath, koi baat keejiye
Ban ker rahegi baat, koi baat keejiye ...
Summary: koi baat keejiye.
News from the bored-room.
April 07, 2007
“Khabar ko todte hue” scream all news channels. All day long, poor souls keep breaking news. And each bit of news is repeated until you can recount the sequence in which security guards will move in the footage, the order in which the headlines will be read and the crooked question that netaji will parry away.
My own discovery, meanwhile, is that there are at least one thousand crappy, absolutely unwatchable movies for each worth watching. There are some good programs though they also get repeated around 5 times in the week. Discovery’s favorites are snakes, crocs and sharks. But I have begun to like MaxX, Ripley’s, Guinness, KBC II and Laughter Challenge. And I have lost count of Prison Break.
The likes of Van Diesel and Stallone have made it look like breaking a man’s skull with one solid punch is easier than watching TV. Or breaking news.
From the movie Fanaa:
Yeh saazish hai boondon ki
Kuch khwahish hai chup chup si
Dekho na… dekho na…Chinese torture.
April 06, 2007
A particular channel has gone into a mad frenzy of showing Chinese martial arts movies [are other genres available?] Every movie begins with a funny casting. Jin Hu as Lu Jong. Mao Lee as Jen Ton. Sounds like a random collection of one [or at most two] syllable sounds. Imagine the gujju version of that famous person : Ang Sang Su Chche. [Majaa maa].
To mothers around the world wary of my charming skills: please be calm. While circumstantial evidence can prove anything, I am no Shakti Kapoor. And daughters around the globe are safe. The PYT killer stands tamed, having himself fallen prey to a PYT. The PYT, I should say!
The idea of not having to return back to IIMA campus sounds as ridiculous as watching Scary Movie 3 at home. And as desirable, at this hour. By the way, it is on air right now but a squad of mahila morcha has captured the TV post. All sorts of saas bahu sounds can be heard in that vicinity, and I am steering clear of that area.
Working for a name that is known among common people has its disadvantages. People ask awkward questions. Someone asked me “Which branch are you posted in?” when she got to know that I will be working in a bank. I somehow diverted the discussion, confident that in her throat, waiting to be emitted, were the words: “Humein home loan chahiye”. At times like these I wish I worked for Hun Jin Tao Corporation which manufactured unmentionable somethings. Due apologies if something exists by that time.
Also important: Today pappu turns 23. Its time people stopped defaming the Farex baby by likening Pappu’s laughing buddha posture to a Farex baby smile. For the uninitiated, this refers to a comparison in Images 2007, the yearbook published at IIMA for the batch of 2007. Strato seems to enjoy the comparison, and as cute and lovely as it may sound coming from her, my heart goes out for the poor farex baby. “Chal hat, pervert” I hear her snub me!
Beghar in my dreams.
April 05, 2007
These days, I dream of Chumree. And I must sympathize with non-Mumbaikars who might confuse Chumree to be a distant cousin of Chameli. Lord forbid, mein abhi tak seedha sadha bachcha hi hoon.
I dream of a roof to live under and protect my izzat, or whatever remains of it. Fir usmein ghar grihasti bhi basani hai.
And before other things are said and ignored, or lost in air, Pappu pass ho
Extreme worklessness, I have discovered, is the surest way to madness. And I have been trying hard to fend off the latter. As of the former, till such time as the GoodKnights and Caspers are doing their job well in Mumbai, I am workless. As workless as a dead ant. And I don’t even have formic acid to pinch and pain the humans around me.
I laid my hands on Mark Tully’s collection of short stories. While I admire his love for
Off late I have also been wondering if the carrots and fish I have eaten so far would suffice to stave off the danger of eyeglasses from a hefty dose of TV. I guess God decided to compensate for the previous few years that I spent almost without watching TV except for brief spells. Maa kasam, and many people including the likes of Strato would vouch for this. Meri nazar Rampuri churi se bhi tez hai. Door door ki cheezein dhoondh leti hain.
Before I met Strato, I used to be able to spot interesting targets from as far away as a mile. If only I had applied in time to Guinness-wala bhai who keeps all those records. Subuk Subuk, ab to bahut der ho gayee hai.
Phases and Faces.
April 04, 2007
Life has so many phases – some completely unforgettable ones. And it is surprisingly similar with faces. Many of them and some unforgettable ones.
You know na, I write arbit stuff to avoid writing senty stuff. [In the true Diamond comics style: subuk subuk ]
I attended my second convocation in a little less than 2 years. I am now officially an engineer and a manager. Can feel my chest become [oops – rhyming can be a dangerous business!]. Rephrase: Can feel my chest inflate with false pride. The convocation at IITK was held inside the AC auditorium. Here at IIMA, they decided to do things their own sweet (and hot) way. So the convocation was held in the open grounds, with every recipient exuding more sweat than either pride or happiness. I sympathize profusely with Dr Singhania’s right palm.
There was a method even in this madness. Just preceding the convocation was the group photograph session for the batch of 2007. And it is a miracle how they fit in 300 robed men and women in such a small space and kept them there for deep roasting that lasted a full hour. Anything that followed this had to be a relief for all the harried souls and thus, the convocation ended up being more relieving than it would otherwise have been.
Life suddenly seems as barren as
I also have a lot in my agenda for the next month or so. Matlab bahut ho
There’s also a connection between me and watches. Matlab ek hi saans mein Vyom, watch aur gift bol do to Jupiter mein explosion ho jayega. I have gifted five watches, bought two and been gifted two. Phew. All this even before I have earned anything working full time. The latest one comes from Bhaiya and Bhabhi, a combined belated birthday and placement gift. Ooooh la la la.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The "Who Am I"s and EMIs
This month marks the end of my life as a student. Not to imply that I have done much in the name of studying in the past 6 months. I have seen many countries, enjoyed many movies, spent many hours just strolling around, paining people [and some people in particular] and so on. Padhaku types apun kabhi thaeech nahi. Woh to zalim zamana aur RG batchmates jinhone mujhe ghisne per majboor kara.
I see a lot of super-ambitious raring-to-go people around me. I also see many corporate czars in the making. I wonder what I will make.
Meanwhile, I have been poked with the question - "Aap kaun hain".
Hindi wala hmmm with index finger on my chin. To yeh lo mera jawab. I am-
-an electron in a high energy orbital
-a software engineer with no experience of working in a software company, half-baked knowledge of project management, tons of experience in Java coding, a very bad taste for giving names to variable, functions, source codes and people. And yes, I can see the hands rising in agreement to this.
-an MBA with little skills but many dreams - both wet and dry kinds.
-Bhom the Bhunderfull. I have had success in surprising people, endearing some, distracting others, making deep friends and enraging them and getting people to trust and rely on me. I have a distaste for tyrants and morally weak humans.
-an attention-grabber, a greedy hog, a jealous man.
-a lover of jalebis, watermelon, icecreams, salads, chicken [the cooked kind!], puzzles and a few more things not suitable for mention in these pages.
-a hater of cigarette smell
-the maker of fine omlettes, delicious egg-fried rice and egg curry and a cooking enthusiast
-a man-eater when hungry, but in general finicky about food, according to popular accounts
-an ardent gifter and incidental shopper
-Jonty Rhodes ka jani dushman because he made people expect so much from fielders. As you can understand, even a sleepy kachua would be better at fielding than I am.
Bas bahut ho gaya. Enough about this luchcha lafanga.
The transition from a learning phase to an earning phase is fraught with so many worries. And my major concern is if the earning is going to be as superficial as the learning has been! I hope not! Plus so many EMI considerations. Too many things to be bought blinking on the big radar of this small mind.
Tum chale jaaoge
to sochenge
Humne kya khoya
humne kya paaya
Tumko dekha
to yeh khayal aaya
Zindagi dhoop
tum ghana chaya....
I see a lot of super-ambitious raring-to-go people around me. I also see many corporate czars in the making. I wonder what I will make.
Meanwhile, I have been poked with the question - "Aap kaun hain".
Hindi wala hmmm with index finger on my chin. To yeh lo mera jawab. I am-
-an electron in a high energy orbital
-a software engineer with no experience of working in a software company, half-baked knowledge of project management, tons of experience in Java coding, a very bad taste for giving names to variable, functions, source codes and people. And yes, I can see the hands rising in agreement to this.
-an MBA with little skills but many dreams - both wet and dry kinds.
-Bhom the Bhunderfull. I have had success in surprising people, endearing some, distracting others, making deep friends and enraging them and getting people to trust and rely on me. I have a distaste for tyrants and morally weak humans.
-an attention-grabber, a greedy hog, a jealous man.
-a lover of jalebis, watermelon, icecreams, salads, chicken [the cooked kind!], puzzles and a few more things not suitable for mention in these pages.
-a hater of cigarette smell
-the maker of fine omlettes, delicious egg-fried rice and egg curry and a cooking enthusiast
-a man-eater when hungry, but in general finicky about food, according to popular accounts
-an ardent gifter and incidental shopper
-Jonty Rhodes ka jani dushman because he made people expect so much from fielders. As you can understand, even a sleepy kachua would be better at fielding than I am.
Bas bahut ho gaya. Enough about this luchcha lafanga.
The transition from a learning phase to an earning phase is fraught with so many worries. And my major concern is if the earning is going to be as superficial as the learning has been! I hope not! Plus so many EMI considerations. Too many things to be bought blinking on the big radar of this small mind.
Tum chale jaaoge
to sochenge
Humne kya khoya
humne kya paaya
Tumko dekha
to yeh khayal aaya
Zindagi dhoop
tum ghana chaya....
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Who am I ?
When I chose a course titled "Leadership Vision Meaning and Reality", I expected it to be 80% gaseous. I wasn't disappointed! The upside, however, was that I ended up buying a lot of books that I want to read but which I wouldn't otherwise have bought. Books like 'The Art of War', 'Things Fall Apart' and so on. In umpteen sessions of that course, the same questions emerged, 'Who Am I' being one of the most popular ones.
In that stream of thought, I wonder about myself. What makes me the way I am? Now that could be answered using as many words as there are water drops in Indian Ocean. Or hair in Laloo's ears. But I will venture forth and complete an unfinished task. The task of recounting some of my most memorable experiences at IIMA.
*Working late into the night, brain storming about some case. Especially the cases in Operations Management which required more brains to solve than it is physically possible to fit inside the human skull. We worked as group of five or six, and it was a team experience I can never forget in my life.
*The post-lunch blitzkreig. Announced in the form of a short quiz. Notice put up on the PGP notice board. I bet IIMA recruits some very fine people into its PGP office. People who are smart enough to fox 250+ bright minds of this country with as little as a 15 minute quiz. Frequently, the quiz notice came as a complete surprise. Sometimes the quiz itelf was a surprise, sometimes the subject of quiz was a surprise. Imagine waking up one fine morning and learning that you belong to the royal clan of Macau and you are heir to a few million dollars. Oops, I almost fainted at the thought. The quiz experience was similar.
*Strolling around in the campus, with something buzzing inside your head. It pacified all types of worries - acidity in stomach from overeating on a friends treat, crush on a batchmate that you insist is more than just a passing emotion, thoughts about career in a saabun-bechne wali company etc etc. On those walks, we discovered a shady lamp which switched off whenever a lady passed by it, the reclusive corner in the garden, queer things about faculty homes and their sleeping habits.
*Giving gifts. Now I love giving gifts. No. Actually I love seeing the expression in people's eyes when they get an unexpected gift. And it doesn't matter what you give. A swatch watch or a moco choco. The feeling of those trembling limbs when you show them the gift or the glitter in their eyes. I am convinced that these are worth much more than the bucks I spent on them.
*The various trips with our 'cool-gang'. I went to Diu, Kashid and finally Goa. All of these were immensely enriching experiences. Bonds were made or strengthened, water was splashed and some really beautiful photos were clicked.
*Sleeping in the MIPM class. It was in this class that I had my deepest sleep of the day.
*The placement process. For me personally, it has been a long and deep drawn process. I can look back at it with no regrets. And somehow I end up seeing a divine conspiracy. That remains to be seen though. Meanwhile, the IIMs are undergoing the 'cricket' phenomenon. The frenzy and unrealistic notions that are levied on our cricketing stars are also attached to IIMs. A friend almost gave me a ransom call, thinking since I am an IIMA alumnus, I must have landed a crore+ salary. When I told him the real figure, he offered 50% of his own salary to me!
Jokes apart, notions built around IIMs are seriously inflated. To quote the press release from IIMA, the average domestic salary was Rs 14 lac per annum. Period.
Sometimes I feel like an excited electron oscillating between various quantum levels. And Strato has often been at the receiving end of this almost-cosmic energy. Right now however is the time for me to relax. And for Strato to recuperate.
I recently bought my first pair of sunglasses. The last I bought cost me Rs 35, so it took me a lot of convincing to spend on a pair of Fasttracks. I had these on during the entire Goa trip, but luckily they are not from the Fall collection. So ladies around there weren't swooning and falling like they show in that ad. I am seedha sadha, sadhu sanyasi ki category ka ladka as you all must know by now.
Amongst other new things, I also drove a Honda Activa for the first time. With Strato sitting behind me, I was enjoying the ride as she almost screamed with fear everytime any vehicle with more than 2 wheels passed by. A recommended experience for everyone - in the driver's seat, to be sure.
Dekha ek khwab to yeh silsile hue
Door tak nigaah mein hain gul khile hue....
In that stream of thought, I wonder about myself. What makes me the way I am? Now that could be answered using as many words as there are water drops in Indian Ocean. Or hair in Laloo's ears. But I will venture forth and complete an unfinished task. The task of recounting some of my most memorable experiences at IIMA.
*Working late into the night, brain storming about some case. Especially the cases in Operations Management which required more brains to solve than it is physically possible to fit inside the human skull. We worked as group of five or six, and it was a team experience I can never forget in my life.
*The post-lunch blitzkreig. Announced in the form of a short quiz. Notice put up on the PGP notice board. I bet IIMA recruits some very fine people into its PGP office. People who are smart enough to fox 250+ bright minds of this country with as little as a 15 minute quiz. Frequently, the quiz notice came as a complete surprise. Sometimes the quiz itelf was a surprise, sometimes the subject of quiz was a surprise. Imagine waking up one fine morning and learning that you belong to the royal clan of Macau and you are heir to a few million dollars. Oops, I almost fainted at the thought. The quiz experience was similar.
*Strolling around in the campus, with something buzzing inside your head. It pacified all types of worries - acidity in stomach from overeating on a friends treat, crush on a batchmate that you insist is more than just a passing emotion, thoughts about career in a saabun-bechne wali company etc etc. On those walks, we discovered a shady lamp which switched off whenever a lady passed by it, the reclusive corner in the garden, queer things about faculty homes and their sleeping habits.
*Giving gifts. Now I love giving gifts. No. Actually I love seeing the expression in people's eyes when they get an unexpected gift. And it doesn't matter what you give. A swatch watch or a moco choco. The feeling of those trembling limbs when you show them the gift or the glitter in their eyes. I am convinced that these are worth much more than the bucks I spent on them.
*The various trips with our 'cool-gang'. I went to Diu, Kashid and finally Goa. All of these were immensely enriching experiences. Bonds were made or strengthened, water was splashed and some really beautiful photos were clicked.
*Sleeping in the MIPM class. It was in this class that I had my deepest sleep of the day.
*The placement process. For me personally, it has been a long and deep drawn process. I can look back at it with no regrets. And somehow I end up seeing a divine conspiracy. That remains to be seen though. Meanwhile, the IIMs are undergoing the 'cricket' phenomenon. The frenzy and unrealistic notions that are levied on our cricketing stars are also attached to IIMs. A friend almost gave me a ransom call, thinking since I am an IIMA alumnus, I must have landed a crore+ salary. When I told him the real figure, he offered 50% of his own salary to me!
Jokes apart, notions built around IIMs are seriously inflated. To quote the press release from IIMA, the average domestic salary was Rs 14 lac per annum. Period.
Sometimes I feel like an excited electron oscillating between various quantum levels. And Strato has often been at the receiving end of this almost-cosmic energy. Right now however is the time for me to relax. And for Strato to recuperate.
I recently bought my first pair of sunglasses. The last I bought cost me Rs 35, so it took me a lot of convincing to spend on a pair of Fasttracks. I had these on during the entire Goa trip, but luckily they are not from the Fall collection. So ladies around there weren't swooning and falling like they show in that ad. I am seedha sadha, sadhu sanyasi ki category ka ladka as you all must know by now.
Amongst other new things, I also drove a Honda Activa for the first time. With Strato sitting behind me, I was enjoying the ride as she almost screamed with fear everytime any vehicle with more than 2 wheels passed by. A recommended experience for everyone - in the driver's seat, to be sure.
Dekha ek khwab to yeh silsile hue
Door tak nigaah mein hain gul khile hue....
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sometimes:
- The Heart refuses to believe what the Mind knows is true. That jalebi rich in ghee is bad for health. That the roadside chaat is injurious to health. That chemical changes are permanent. That people forget each other and time can weaken the strongest bonds - laconic, ionic or platonic. That putting good money after bad is counter productive. That you should not invest everything you have in one stock. Or one dream.
- Bad things happen to good people and vice versa. The prize you did not deserve but won nevertheless. The heart shattering words that tore through your heart like a pet rabbit tears a white bedsheet. The hole in your heart caused by a ricocheting bullet, angry genes or a much-feared conversation.
- You are so hungry you can't eat or you are so tired you can't sleep or you are so sad you can't speak. Life comes with myriad tricks. More tricks than the grandest magicians. And there are no rules. Just when you thought you knew how to tackle the fickle beast, it grows a third horn and (honks it?) hits you hard. Somehow life seems to know where it hurts the most. Those who have suffered from migraine, stones in the urinary tract or arethrosyncomphalynxcaricitis [ ok, just call it a heart break!] would know.
- You really need a vent to empty your heavy heart or heavy bladder.
- Scepticism and pessimism join hands to create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bad things happen just because you think they will happen. Or may be because you let them happen. The ice cream stain on your favorite shirt, the weak-knee syndrome or the perpetual khich khich in your throat.
- Star rated movies go by the most innocous names. Like '18 and confused'. Or 'Deep Throat'.
- Thinking is the most tortuous thing to do. More tortuous than listening to a certain cough-and-cold-infected singer, hanging upside down on a hook attached to your belly button, or seeing your own heart getting pierced.
- Undervaluation manifests itself in the most unexpected ways. "Your pen is not worth it". "That movie is not worth waiting for". "That thing is not worth getting angry about".
- You should let go. Of your sweetest dream, your favorite (but now undersized) jeans, the chappal whose battered sole is now wafer thin, and a lot of other things.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Of Obsessions and excitements!
Happy 'V' day to all who are blessed, and best wishes to all who are waiting to be blessed !
I was very pleasantly surprised by a gift from Strato. Err, umm ... the non-typical-of-Strato tone apart, the packaging was wonderful. It had all the redness and pinkness thrown in for full measure and words that could easily make the angriest hearts melt. Reminds me of the old Dhara ad in which the sulking boy gets oh-so-excited at the mention of the word Jalebi. Hmm...
I had been somewhat sulking at her for making me wait for lunch. Meanwhile, the charge of the hunger brigade had been romping full blast inside my tummy.
I am told I have a way with words. Where there is a word, there is a way - what else can I say? Once before, I have been complimented on my ability for succint descriptions. And the compliment-giver was one of my favorite profs at IITK. She taught us Psychology, and in the first mid term she had asked a rather original question. If the structural psychologists and some-other-baffling-name psyhologists were to argue, what would be their points of agreement and disagreement? I believe I wrote a somewhat more animated description of the argumentation than the prof expected - may be, there were even a few murders at the heat of the moment ! Anyway, when I saw my evaluated answer script, I felt great reading the superscription - "You know how to write well. However, you should know what you are writing."
In other news, I have picked up some obsessions. While codebreaker-a-day is an old routine, now I do numerous sudokus a day. Also a codebreaker and a crossword. And the latest fad is loop-the-loop.
Just the day before, results were announced for the Poll-of-the-year. It set the mood right for thinking about the next inflection point in our lives. Uncertainty eats into my head and drives me mad. And there are only few things that can act as consolation.
Sometimes it surprises me. Sometimes it disturbs me. Whether 2 years put into MBA from an elite institution were worth it or not is more or less decided by the job you finally land. A rapid process, preceded by weeks of anxiety. And the moment of decision is so ephemereal. One moment you have all the choices in the world, the other moment you are tied. To a role, to a company, to a job.
The worst thing is that there is no alternative. Not in the amount of courage I am willing to spend in the process of finding a job.
-Trying-my-way-with-words.
Will post when I am done rhyming the ands with the wands.
I was very pleasantly surprised by a gift from Strato. Err, umm ... the non-typical-of-Strato tone apart, the packaging was wonderful. It had all the redness and pinkness thrown in for full measure and words that could easily make the angriest hearts melt. Reminds me of the old Dhara ad in which the sulking boy gets oh-so-excited at the mention of the word Jalebi. Hmm...
I had been somewhat sulking at her for making me wait for lunch. Meanwhile, the charge of the hunger brigade had been romping full blast inside my tummy.
I am told I have a way with words. Where there is a word, there is a way - what else can I say? Once before, I have been complimented on my ability for succint descriptions. And the compliment-giver was one of my favorite profs at IITK. She taught us Psychology, and in the first mid term she had asked a rather original question. If the structural psychologists and some-other-baffling-name psyhologists were to argue, what would be their points of agreement and disagreement? I believe I wrote a somewhat more animated description of the argumentation than the prof expected - may be, there were even a few murders at the heat of the moment ! Anyway, when I saw my evaluated answer script, I felt great reading the superscription - "You know how to write well. However, you should know what you are writing."
In other news, I have picked up some obsessions. While codebreaker-a-day is an old routine, now I do numerous sudokus a day. Also a codebreaker and a crossword. And the latest fad is loop-the-loop.
Just the day before, results were announced for the Poll-of-the-year. It set the mood right for thinking about the next inflection point in our lives. Uncertainty eats into my head and drives me mad. And there are only few things that can act as consolation.
Sometimes it surprises me. Sometimes it disturbs me. Whether 2 years put into MBA from an elite institution were worth it or not is more or less decided by the job you finally land. A rapid process, preceded by weeks of anxiety. And the moment of decision is so ephemereal. One moment you have all the choices in the world, the other moment you are tied. To a role, to a company, to a job.
The worst thing is that there is no alternative. Not in the amount of courage I am willing to spend in the process of finding a job.
-Trying-my-way-with-words.
Will post when I am done rhyming the ands with the wands.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Cliches and More!
There are some cliches that have been cliche-ised that the very sound of them makes a whole sentence boring. Examples - 'as to', 'how do we go about...', 'what this is all about...', etc.
Combined with personal favorite items, they can make any serious conversation funny and vice versa. The set of personal items I have come across includes
'bhaiya ho' : this was my Math tuition teacher in class XI, and you can visualise a set of giggling boys holding on to their stomachs to prevent them from bursting every time the 'revered' phrase was spoken!
'actually' : and i guess this is actually quite a common choice. Actually!
'like as' : As a matter of fact, a slight misspelling makes it even more interesting. 'Like ass'. But my computers teacher in the computer coaching class stuck to the single s version. I think he didn't find the idea of likening everything to 'ass' so interesting after all!
A frequent question at discussion tables here is, "So how do we go about doing it?". I wonder what is wrong with the simpler version: "So how do we do it?".
One might call this nitpicking, but why not. At least I am not yet into commenting on missing colons and hyphens. Eats Shoots and Leaves is actually a very good book for people who belong to this category, actually!
The activities that lead to final placement have started. Presentations by companies, numerous interactions which are alleged to be evaluative exercises in the garb of talk-over-coffee, case contests and so on. I find some of the gimmicks ridiculous, but then its too lopsided a judgement I am making without having been at the other side of the table.
I guess life also has a way of moving in cycles. Motorcycles for some, and bicycles for some. And I just pictured myself riding a Hero Gold Cycle with a special someone seated in the front passenger seat. [And also all the jing bang of Bollywood movies in the background]
The detour apart, sometimes life moves so fast, you gasp and pant, but all you get hold of is the bhagte-bhoot-ki-langoti. Or knickers or whatever, without a judgement on the gender of the bhoot. Life at IIMA had so far been like that. Mostly. In the physical sense, the 2 years moved like 2 years always do. But there were phases when life changed its face faster than the protagonist in FaceOff. And even more beyond recognition.
Then there was a phase when things were more settled down. Everyday was like the previous or the next.
Looking back, I realise that I have just crossed a small peak. But in reality, I am in a big trough. And that is going to change real soon. Life is going to change. Unpredictably, Rapidly. Almost in an instant.
I wonder if I am equipped at all. Some possibilities actually make me shudder. I wonder how I will go about dealing with those. But we all have to.
So many of the principles we learn in economics are true in real life as well. The results that are conjectured for the 'rational human being' hold true even when applied to the irrational world of relationships. Families, friends, lovers, siblings - you name it.
Demand and supply works as well in a family as it does in the market. Of course one has to guide one's vision appropriately. If you are too freely available, you are treated differently. 'Familiarity breeds contempt' - there couldn't be a more succinct way of saying it.
People look at profit and loss in all transactions - business or interpersonal. Taken to an extreme, it can be used to explain just about any kind of love, but then it would be too encompassing a theory. And a TheoryOfEverything is for the Hawkings of the world to find. However, I strongly believe that people look out for what they gain from anything and everything - relationships, stocks, and everything else.
What do you do when every single day, the one you love kills a part of you?
Do you kill a part of them? Can you?
And what do you when a part of them is a part of you?
Combined with personal favorite items, they can make any serious conversation funny and vice versa. The set of personal items I have come across includes
'bhaiya ho' : this was my Math tuition teacher in class XI, and you can visualise a set of giggling boys holding on to their stomachs to prevent them from bursting every time the 'revered' phrase was spoken!
'actually' : and i guess this is actually quite a common choice. Actually!
'like as' : As a matter of fact, a slight misspelling makes it even more interesting. 'Like ass'. But my computers teacher in the computer coaching class stuck to the single s version. I think he didn't find the idea of likening everything to 'ass' so interesting after all!
A frequent question at discussion tables here is, "So how do we go about doing it?". I wonder what is wrong with the simpler version: "So how do we do it?".
One might call this nitpicking, but why not. At least I am not yet into commenting on missing colons and hyphens. Eats Shoots and Leaves is actually a very good book for people who belong to this category, actually!
The activities that lead to final placement have started. Presentations by companies, numerous interactions which are alleged to be evaluative exercises in the garb of talk-over-coffee, case contests and so on. I find some of the gimmicks ridiculous, but then its too lopsided a judgement I am making without having been at the other side of the table.
I guess life also has a way of moving in cycles. Motorcycles for some, and bicycles for some. And I just pictured myself riding a Hero Gold Cycle with a special someone seated in the front passenger seat. [And also all the jing bang of Bollywood movies in the background]
The detour apart, sometimes life moves so fast, you gasp and pant, but all you get hold of is the bhagte-bhoot-ki-langoti. Or knickers or whatever, without a judgement on the gender of the bhoot. Life at IIMA had so far been like that. Mostly. In the physical sense, the 2 years moved like 2 years always do. But there were phases when life changed its face faster than the protagonist in FaceOff. And even more beyond recognition.
Then there was a phase when things were more settled down. Everyday was like the previous or the next.
Looking back, I realise that I have just crossed a small peak. But in reality, I am in a big trough. And that is going to change real soon. Life is going to change. Unpredictably, Rapidly. Almost in an instant.
I wonder if I am equipped at all. Some possibilities actually make me shudder. I wonder how I will go about dealing with those. But we all have to.
So many of the principles we learn in economics are true in real life as well. The results that are conjectured for the 'rational human being' hold true even when applied to the irrational world of relationships. Families, friends, lovers, siblings - you name it.
Demand and supply works as well in a family as it does in the market. Of course one has to guide one's vision appropriately. If you are too freely available, you are treated differently. 'Familiarity breeds contempt' - there couldn't be a more succinct way of saying it.
People look at profit and loss in all transactions - business or interpersonal. Taken to an extreme, it can be used to explain just about any kind of love, but then it would be too encompassing a theory. And a TheoryOfEverything is for the Hawkings of the world to find. However, I strongly believe that people look out for what they gain from anything and everything - relationships, stocks, and everything else.
What do you do when every single day, the one you love kills a part of you?
Do you kill a part of them? Can you?
And what do you when a part of them is a part of you?
Friday, January 19, 2007
Leemerikss!
Hockey
There was once a hockey player
Who had this incredible flair
To fart in the middle of game
which brought his team to shame
But the masked rivals didn't care!
Bond
A bond he was, James zero zero seven
Many a goons he sent to heaven
He had stylish guns and cars
Helped prevent so many wars
And he also slept with sexy women
Coffee
A very big mug of coffee or tea
Sends sleep away for eternity
But it also has so much caffeine
That it may be difficult to wean
And it also often makes me pee.
There was once a hockey player
Who had this incredible flair
To fart in the middle of game
which brought his team to shame
But the masked rivals didn't care!
Bond
A bond he was, James zero zero seven
Many a goons he sent to heaven
He had stylish guns and cars
Helped prevent so many wars
And he also slept with sexy women
Coffee
A very big mug of coffee or tea
Sends sleep away for eternity
But it also has so much caffeine
That it may be difficult to wean
And it also often makes me pee.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Game Theory and Difficult Choices
When I was in third term at IIMA, and that was around a year back, I decided that I would choose the Game Theory course in 6th term if it is offered. Now I am doing that course, and apart from the sometimes confusing and sometimes soporific lectures, I am enjoying my rendezvous with GameTheory. I think it is a pretty interesting topic and it offers interesting insights. Sometimes, the game theoretic arguments lead to results that do not seem to conform to the rules of rationality as they are normally touted. Consider this game:
Two individuals are asked to write down an integer in the range 0 to 100, both inclusive. The individual who writes the smaller number gets a reward equal to his score+2. The other individual gets a reward equal to his score-2. What is the equilibrium strategy, assuming that both players are individually trying to maximise their rewards?
Here's the game theoretic answer in rot13: Obgu jvyy jevgr gjb.
A similar question was asked in the mid term exam on 15th. I think the exam was pretty interesting. Unfortunately Strato got confused and apparently goofed up. I can understand how that would feel because time and again, I have had a similar feeling. Sometimes I am left wondering if I am any good at all, if I can't read a normal English sentence properly, or if I quote 3+3 as 9. Goofups I agree, but how often? And how severe?
I guess things like one's worth are too important to be left to be judged by the number or severity of one's goof ups.
Strato also tells me that my count of slain PYTs is increasing. A scrap on orkut recently left me puzzled.
u r a great person
"my god" is the only appt thing for ur achievements
if u have time tell me how u manage all things in a bunch
dont say that 'they happen'
i really got inspired from u
And I think I saw a tinge of green on a face but everyone knows who the prized and somewhat-slain PYT is. ;)
Celine Dion: Thats the way it is
...
When you want it the most theres no easy way out
When youre ready to go and your hearts left in doubt
Dont give up on your faith
...
When you question me for a simple answer
I dont know what to say, no
...
.
Two individuals are asked to write down an integer in the range 0 to 100, both inclusive. The individual who writes the smaller number gets a reward equal to his score+2. The other individual gets a reward equal to his score-2. What is the equilibrium strategy, assuming that both players are individually trying to maximise their rewards?
Here's the game theoretic answer in rot13: Obgu jvyy jevgr gjb.
A similar question was asked in the mid term exam on 15th. I think the exam was pretty interesting. Unfortunately Strato got confused and apparently goofed up. I can understand how that would feel because time and again, I have had a similar feeling. Sometimes I am left wondering if I am any good at all, if I can't read a normal English sentence properly, or if I quote 3+3 as 9. Goofups I agree, but how often? And how severe?
I guess things like one's worth are too important to be left to be judged by the number or severity of one's goof ups.
Strato also tells me that my count of slain PYTs is increasing. A scrap on orkut recently left me puzzled.
u r a great person
"my god" is the only appt thing for ur achievements
if u have time tell me how u manage all things in a bunch
dont say that 'they happen'
i really got inspired from u
And I think I saw a tinge of green on a face but everyone knows who the prized and somewhat-slain PYT is. ;)
Celine Dion: Thats the way it is
...
When you want it the most theres no easy way out
When youre ready to go and your hearts left in doubt
Dont give up on your faith
...
When you question me for a simple answer
I dont know what to say, no
...
.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Of new year and demographic challenges...
If one were to judge this year with the number of demographic challenges I have faced already, I think this is going to be the year of bumper harvests. I have had more than my due share of challenges for a whole decade. Time and again, I find myself in the midst of a demographcially chalenged gathering. Ratios range anywhere between 1:4 to 1:9.
And the irony of it is that it is happening in the last term here at IIMA. Here in IIMA which does not have a very favorable gender ratio, and in the last term, so the festivities won't last long!
Fart is a funny art. Just this morning, we presented the case of Galileo [ref:Brecht's play] armed with a mandate to emit all sorts of toxic fumes about leadership, choices, freedom and responsibility. Can a combination of 4 words get stinkier than this?
The proff was looking for some 'jing bang' in the slides, and any animation in the slides almost sent her to delights of a certain special kind.
Meanwhile, I have realised that
=Strato makes for a very good partner in crossword puzzles
=Polo, mentos and other tingy-tangy tasting things are good for health
=Second year at IIMA is an epitome of worklessness if you can find the right mix of courses
=People will not leave any opportunity to pull your leg. In fact, my legs now measure upto 7 feet
=Ironing too many cotton shirts can be injurious to backbone
=No drink beats Appy[except ginger ale] and no sweet beats jalebi
=When you don't know where life is taking you but you are enjoying every bit of it, worry not!
ki har tasveer ke upar
aur har takdeer ke sar per
tumhara naam likhenge
tumhein maangenge ab jee bhar
And the irony of it is that it is happening in the last term here at IIMA. Here in IIMA which does not have a very favorable gender ratio, and in the last term, so the festivities won't last long!
Fart is a funny art. Just this morning, we presented the case of Galileo [ref:Brecht's play] armed with a mandate to emit all sorts of toxic fumes about leadership, choices, freedom and responsibility. Can a combination of 4 words get stinkier than this?
The proff was looking for some 'jing bang' in the slides, and any animation in the slides almost sent her to delights of a certain special kind.
Meanwhile, I have realised that
=Strato makes for a very good partner in crossword puzzles
=Polo, mentos and other tingy-tangy tasting things are good for health
=Second year at IIMA is an epitome of worklessness if you can find the right mix of courses
=People will not leave any opportunity to pull your leg. In fact, my legs now measure upto 7 feet
=Ironing too many cotton shirts can be injurious to backbone
=No drink beats Appy[except ginger ale] and no sweet beats jalebi
=When you don't know where life is taking you but you are enjoying every bit of it, worry not!
ki har tasveer ke upar
aur har takdeer ke sar per
tumhara naam likhenge
tumhein maangenge ab jee bhar
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Old memories, new questions
Its that time of the year when seniors are remembered. The one whom you hated for leaving his white gigantic small-clothes in the loo. The one who saw right through you when you walked by him. And many others. I talked to a senior and he transformed the stuff I had written about my summer project beyond my belief. I mean, its easier to believe that Jayalalitha was an actress once! [ and a fit one at that!]
CVs, companies, PPTs. The trio that decides many destinies. Not to forget interviews where, it is said, the true traits pop out. Uiii ma! If the interviewer is a good looking lady, I am doomed.
Its also that time when people find pleasure in poking fun at me.
"Why are you alone in the mess?"
"What is the story? what is the status?"
"Treat treat treat"
The first two are only harbingers of the Grand Inquisition, which I have so far avoided. It is the last one that really makes the baniya inside me flinch with fear. Say that again!? As it is, living on this earth is such an expensive proposition. Why complicate it?
A recent conversation with Sis centered on the convo. And I find it incredible that my stay at this place is coming to an end. It looks like just yesterday when I moved out of IITK. And today, another moving out... But sis had other things and questions in mind. "You don't have anyone in mind, do you?" "That girl, what happened to her" "You are not telling me the truth!"
A few more of these and a digit would be added to my phone bill for the month. The figure at present is sufficient to disqualify me from several baniya communities!
I dont know what is Core
because GameTheory is bore
Warehouse dont matter to me
Its only such insanity
Leadership and Vision are gigantic shit
in 22 minutes I humbly quit
Economics is dull and slow
I only wait for the time to go
Those trembling limbs and pounding heart
Is such a work of God's art
Snuggled in the arms of quiet,
I wish I could forever hide...
.
CVs, companies, PPTs. The trio that decides many destinies. Not to forget interviews where, it is said, the true traits pop out. Uiii ma! If the interviewer is a good looking lady, I am doomed.
Its also that time when people find pleasure in poking fun at me.
"Why are you alone in the mess?"
"What is the story? what is the status?"
"Treat treat treat"
The first two are only harbingers of the Grand Inquisition, which I have so far avoided. It is the last one that really makes the baniya inside me flinch with fear. Say that again!? As it is, living on this earth is such an expensive proposition. Why complicate it?
A recent conversation with Sis centered on the convo. And I find it incredible that my stay at this place is coming to an end. It looks like just yesterday when I moved out of IITK. And today, another moving out... But sis had other things and questions in mind. "You don't have anyone in mind, do you?" "That girl, what happened to her" "You are not telling me the truth!"
A few more of these and a digit would be added to my phone bill for the month. The figure at present is sufficient to disqualify me from several baniya communities!
I dont know what is Core
because GameTheory is bore
Warehouse dont matter to me
Its only such insanity
Leadership and Vision are gigantic shit
in 22 minutes I humbly quit
Economics is dull and slow
I only wait for the time to go
Those trembling limbs and pounding heart
Is such a work of God's art
Snuggled in the arms of quiet,
I wish I could forever hide...
.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Back to old ways in Wimwi-pur
Wimwi-pur is awash with the cries of phoren-return junta. Their eyes are still gung-ho with the memories of the beauty [and beauties] of Europe. I took a walk along the brick laden campus and the feeling of having arrived really arrived. I mean, I expected to feel wonderment at why I had landed in a brick factory. Instead, I felt as if I had never gone anywhere. Only the faces seemed new.
But I can't really call these ways old. They are so new, its almost like a dream. Sapnon ka mahal. Khayali Pulao? That last word brings back such vibrant memories of the frantic activities that used to take place at dinner time in Tauschie Dorm. Onion getting sliced to pieces, old dishes being cleaned, new recipes being mulled over. . .
And I return to the old question I once mulled over. Yes, people do get incredibly lucky at times. Like the time when I got sick and the doctors said, "Ise dawa ki nahi, dua ki zarurat hai". Or when I almost sank into a water tank like a polythene bag full of wet mud but was rescued just-in-time.
People do get lucky at times.
People now ask me if some developments have taken place. Oh come on, we live in a developing country. What do you expect?
On other developments, Ghalibiano has developed a soft corner [or rather, a 3 bhk chumree] for a certain French girl, widely known in WHU for her oui sounds and uiimaa! looks.
Strato's bheja is turning out to be tastier than the mess food here. And I am no less than hooked. While her threats to ban remind me of a certain Mr Khomeini, I have a demonstrated capability of lift and throw. Now, that is deadly. So deadly, its wise for people to buy medical insurance policies by the dozens.
What is real, and what is true,
until it gets all over you?
Ah this feeling, so divine,
never thought she would be mine!
But I can't really call these ways old. They are so new, its almost like a dream. Sapnon ka mahal. Khayali Pulao? That last word brings back such vibrant memories of the frantic activities that used to take place at dinner time in Tauschie Dorm. Onion getting sliced to pieces, old dishes being cleaned, new recipes being mulled over. . .
And I return to the old question I once mulled over. Yes, people do get incredibly lucky at times. Like the time when I got sick and the doctors said, "Ise dawa ki nahi, dua ki zarurat hai". Or when I almost sank into a water tank like a polythene bag full of wet mud but was rescued just-in-time.
People do get lucky at times.
People now ask me if some developments have taken place. Oh come on, we live in a developing country. What do you expect?
On other developments, Ghalibiano has developed a soft corner [or rather, a 3 bhk chumree] for a certain French girl, widely known in WHU for her oui sounds and uiimaa! looks.
Strato's bheja is turning out to be tastier than the mess food here. And I am no less than hooked. While her threats to ban remind me of a certain Mr Khomeini, I have a demonstrated capability of lift and throw. Now, that is deadly. So deadly, its wise for people to buy medical insurance policies by the dozens.
What is real, and what is true,
until it gets all over you?
Ah this feeling, so divine,
never thought she would be mine!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Back to apna desh...
When we boarded the flight in Frankfurt at 11 am, it was 8C outside. Slightly raining, and cold winds were blowing. And before we landed in Mumbai, the stewardess made an announcement that made my heart melt. The outside temperature in Mumbai was 28C, and this was at midnight! Even the thought of noon hours left me flinching. The sweater and jacket that I had put on were now hanging on my shoulders.
I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome on return to apna desh!
The first thought that comes to one's mind [apart from 'Oh! so we have finally arrived' ] is , 'Oh, Mumbai airport isn't even as good as many railway stations in Germany'. True indeed. The number of shops in Cologne hauptbahnof [central station ] would put any decent sized mall in India to shame.
But this pessimism doesn't last long as you begin to imagine about the implications of your having arrived. Ah, so&so is gonna be around in 2 days. Ah, we can go to so&so place and hog. And oh, I can clear my backlog of movies, and talk to didi and bhaiya without worrying so much about the time. And finally, no more multiplying prices by 60!
Its already been 2 days since I came here. Acclimatization to the new surroundings didn't take long though. The cool air from ceiling fans, the taste of roti smeared in ghee, the not-so-odorless air, the horny cars and bikes and not having to cook before eating or wash dishes after eating!
And now, I am sitting in my room, eating sleeping and watching movies. Only few things can make life more fun, and they'll all come an eon later!
I stumbled upon this piece and I think its among the most beautiful juxtapositions of words I have ever come across:
"If there's ever a time that I should learn everything you
know, I will unlearn everything I know and start all over again.
The time shall never come when you cease to amaze me,
amuse me or excite me."
I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome on return to apna desh!
The first thought that comes to one's mind [apart from 'Oh! so we have finally arrived' ] is , 'Oh, Mumbai airport isn't even as good as many railway stations in Germany'. True indeed. The number of shops in Cologne hauptbahnof [central station ] would put any decent sized mall in India to shame.
But this pessimism doesn't last long as you begin to imagine about the implications of your having arrived. Ah, so&so is gonna be around in 2 days. Ah, we can go to so&so place and hog. And oh, I can clear my backlog of movies, and talk to didi and bhaiya without worrying so much about the time. And finally, no more multiplying prices by 60!
Its already been 2 days since I came here. Acclimatization to the new surroundings didn't take long though. The cool air from ceiling fans, the taste of roti smeared in ghee, the not-so-odorless air, the horny cars and bikes and not having to cook before eating or wash dishes after eating!
And now, I am sitting in my room, eating sleeping and watching movies. Only few things can make life more fun, and they'll all come an eon later!
I stumbled upon this piece and I think its among the most beautiful juxtapositions of words I have ever come across:
"If there's ever a time that I should learn everything you
know, I will unlearn everything I know and start all over again.
The time shall never come when you cease to amaze me,
amuse me or excite me."
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Last day @ WHU
And just like a flash, the time to say goodbye has come. Actually I am saying this just to feel pleasant about my stay here. I now know that the theory of relativity isn't as bizarre as it sounds. Its very much for real; the last few days have been as long a year each!
In fact, I wonder why people have not been updating their blogs. Most of the people on my blog roll haven't updated in many days. A good, albeit poignant post came up in Smoochy's blog and it struck a chord in my mind.
Some people really do stand out, and that they stand out does not take time to figure out. You instantly trust them and you trust them without misgivings. And it doesn't matter whether or how they reciprocate. You recall the remotest memories from your childhood because you are no more afraid of being stupid. And even the darkest corners of your heart are accessible to them on a coffee table. God forbid, you know in your heart that whatever comes of it, it would all be worth it. For in those sweetest moments, when you are yourself without any masks and are loved for what you are, lie the treasures that can last a long, long time.
Speaking of other concerns, packing all my stuff within the space and weight constraints is turning out to be a tricky business. The Swiss and Belgian chocolates, the gifts and souvenirs are all packed. I have skillfully packaged the glass stuff, and positioned the PlasterofParis statue. And feel like a mule who is about to carry all that luggage. Well, at least the cabin luggage would need to be carried around at times, and my gawd, it IS heavy!
It feels great to be leaving this place before the real chill has set in. Come to think of it, even my definition of 'the real chill' has changed. The 4-5 C that we frequently live in doesn't seem like an aberration. May be the 30C temperature at Mumbai will thaw a lot more than just packed chocolates!
Fodder for the chewy minds:
Oh, like it was meant to be,
a lonely heart by a lonely sea,
The sinking sun, then almost gone
and waves worn out of rocking on.
Its then that you stumbled on me,
on a dark night, by the lonely sea.
I waved across, you smiled at me
and filled my floundering heart with glee.
In those thoughts and words you said
You painted me all bright and red !
Since then I never thought of me
as a loner, walking by the sea...
.
In fact, I wonder why people have not been updating their blogs. Most of the people on my blog roll haven't updated in many days. A good, albeit poignant post came up in Smoochy's blog and it struck a chord in my mind.
Some people really do stand out, and that they stand out does not take time to figure out. You instantly trust them and you trust them without misgivings. And it doesn't matter whether or how they reciprocate. You recall the remotest memories from your childhood because you are no more afraid of being stupid. And even the darkest corners of your heart are accessible to them on a coffee table. God forbid, you know in your heart that whatever comes of it, it would all be worth it. For in those sweetest moments, when you are yourself without any masks and are loved for what you are, lie the treasures that can last a long, long time.
Speaking of other concerns, packing all my stuff within the space and weight constraints is turning out to be a tricky business. The Swiss and Belgian chocolates, the gifts and souvenirs are all packed. I have skillfully packaged the glass stuff, and positioned the PlasterofParis statue. And feel like a mule who is about to carry all that luggage. Well, at least the cabin luggage would need to be carried around at times, and my gawd, it IS heavy!
It feels great to be leaving this place before the real chill has set in. Come to think of it, even my definition of 'the real chill' has changed. The 4-5 C that we frequently live in doesn't seem like an aberration. May be the 30C temperature at Mumbai will thaw a lot more than just packed chocolates!
Fodder for the chewy minds:
Oh, like it was meant to be,
a lonely heart by a lonely sea,
The sinking sun, then almost gone
and waves worn out of rocking on.
Its then that you stumbled on me,
on a dark night, by the lonely sea.
I waved across, you smiled at me
and filled my floundering heart with glee.
In those thoughts and words you said
You painted me all bright and red !
Since then I never thought of me
as a loner, walking by the sea...
.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Experiences in Europe - Part 2
It was around a year back that I signed up for an exchange program. Many of my friends who had initially shown interest had backed off. And I felt a little stranded. While the thought of going back to Europe sounded interesting, the financial implications were daunting. I was going to drill a hole the size of Bombay High into my future earnings. And all this, when I wasn't even sure what job I would land , how much I would earn and so on. In the end, I decided to take the risk even though I had come to consider as incredible the idea that I would be leaving all my friends behind.
The first thing one notices about Germany is cleanliness. The next blink on the radar screen is the use of technology in simplifying the most mundane tasks. And then you notice the subtlety of German humor, the German beer and bread, the polished politeness, the almost religious following of traffic rules, the blandness of food, sometimes even the racial overtones, the high standards of living, the low cost of food, the culture of family, the contempt bordering on scorn for the old, the efficient public transport system and the fickle weather.
If you stand in front of a zebra crossing without traffic lights, even a speeding car will stop to give you the right to passage. And people do that with a smile. You will only rarely hear people honking - it is considered the equivalent of swearing. If you do money transfers [not the online version], you will also notice that the banking system here is not so fast. In most offices, one can find people almost always on time, though Friday after lunch hours are exempt from this consideration. Technology dissipation as also internet penetration is high.
The thing that makes Germany so mobile is its efficient public transport. DB, the national train company offers trains that run on time, train connections that are very methodically scheduled and train staff that are courteous and helpful. Within cities, howsoever small, one can find a backbone of buses that run with high frequency. In most cities, the bus network is supplemented by trams, metro trains and local trains. However, don't bother to think about the complex classification system for trains.
Tourism in Europe is facilitated tremendously by the unbeatable combination of great value travel offers, efficient transport systems and easily available information. For instance, we bought the two month unlimited Eurail pass. With that, we could travel in any of the 18 countries, for 2 months. The only extra payment would be for the reservation or sometimes for the supplements. While ours was a hit-and-run kind of tourism, necessitated in part by the desire to compress as many tours as possible in the 2 months, anyone who travels extensively can save enormous amount of euros using travel passes. In short, extensive travel is cheap, one time travel is costly. Sometimes, it is outrageously costly !
Speed and comfort: When we cruised in the international ICE train from Brussels to Cologne, we realised what acceleration does to body. The neck becomes a little stiff, the ears frequently block out, and you can feel your back pressed against the seat. But the ride is almost as smooth as a glide, even at such speeds. We missed sitting in the TGV trains in France, but I am sure we did get to travel at around 270kmph on that ICE. Another pleasant aspect of travel in Europe is that there are very few people in the train, unless there is some special occasion. So, empty seats are aplenty and there almost always is space to stretch out. Watch out for Italy though. Trains there can get late, they are often crowded and petty crimes are frequent.
A sense of history: Pantheon was built around 50BC and Collosseum was built around 70AD. Its a brilliant feat the Greeks have achieved by building such long lasting structures. You might argue that even Ajanta and Ellora caves have survived, but these are architectural wonders. Huge, intricate and imposing.
A pleasant climate: While the weather is unpredictable, the climate is very amenable to tourism, except during the extreme winters. The vegetation that grows in this climate varies from trees that shed their leaves to trees that remain green throughout the year. Hence the variety of colors. There is no dust in the air, and pollution levels are low, hence it is difficult to make out how long someone has been wearing some dress. So you can manage with a lighter luggage.
Various moods: Romance in Parisian lanes or Venetian gondolas, wonder at monuments like Eiffel Tower and St. Peter's, bask in nature's beauty in Switzerland, explore the mysteries of BlackForests, experience the weather beyond the Arctic Circle by going to Rovaniemi or gawk at the technological marvels. There's something that suits every taste. And there is no dearth of activities.
I guess thats an inch too long. Should end the verbal spew now.
Meanwhile, 5 more days!
The first thing one notices about Germany is cleanliness. The next blink on the radar screen is the use of technology in simplifying the most mundane tasks. And then you notice the subtlety of German humor, the German beer and bread, the polished politeness, the almost religious following of traffic rules, the blandness of food, sometimes even the racial overtones, the high standards of living, the low cost of food, the culture of family, the contempt bordering on scorn for the old, the efficient public transport system and the fickle weather.
If you stand in front of a zebra crossing without traffic lights, even a speeding car will stop to give you the right to passage. And people do that with a smile. You will only rarely hear people honking - it is considered the equivalent of swearing. If you do money transfers [not the online version], you will also notice that the banking system here is not so fast. In most offices, one can find people almost always on time, though Friday after lunch hours are exempt from this consideration. Technology dissipation as also internet penetration is high.
The thing that makes Germany so mobile is its efficient public transport. DB, the national train company offers trains that run on time, train connections that are very methodically scheduled and train staff that are courteous and helpful. Within cities, howsoever small, one can find a backbone of buses that run with high frequency. In most cities, the bus network is supplemented by trams, metro trains and local trains. However, don't bother to think about the complex classification system for trains.
Tourism in Europe is facilitated tremendously by the unbeatable combination of great value travel offers, efficient transport systems and easily available information. For instance, we bought the two month unlimited Eurail pass. With that, we could travel in any of the 18 countries, for 2 months. The only extra payment would be for the reservation or sometimes for the supplements. While ours was a hit-and-run kind of tourism, necessitated in part by the desire to compress as many tours as possible in the 2 months, anyone who travels extensively can save enormous amount of euros using travel passes. In short, extensive travel is cheap, one time travel is costly. Sometimes, it is outrageously costly !
Speed and comfort: When we cruised in the international ICE train from Brussels to Cologne, we realised what acceleration does to body. The neck becomes a little stiff, the ears frequently block out, and you can feel your back pressed against the seat. But the ride is almost as smooth as a glide, even at such speeds. We missed sitting in the TGV trains in France, but I am sure we did get to travel at around 270kmph on that ICE. Another pleasant aspect of travel in Europe is that there are very few people in the train, unless there is some special occasion. So, empty seats are aplenty and there almost always is space to stretch out. Watch out for Italy though. Trains there can get late, they are often crowded and petty crimes are frequent.
A sense of history: Pantheon was built around 50BC and Collosseum was built around 70AD. Its a brilliant feat the Greeks have achieved by building such long lasting structures. You might argue that even Ajanta and Ellora caves have survived, but these are architectural wonders. Huge, intricate and imposing.
A pleasant climate: While the weather is unpredictable, the climate is very amenable to tourism, except during the extreme winters. The vegetation that grows in this climate varies from trees that shed their leaves to trees that remain green throughout the year. Hence the variety of colors. There is no dust in the air, and pollution levels are low, hence it is difficult to make out how long someone has been wearing some dress. So you can manage with a lighter luggage.
Various moods: Romance in Parisian lanes or Venetian gondolas, wonder at monuments like Eiffel Tower and St. Peter's, bask in nature's beauty in Switzerland, explore the mysteries of BlackForests, experience the weather beyond the Arctic Circle by going to Rovaniemi or gawk at the technological marvels. There's something that suits every taste. And there is no dearth of activities.
I guess thats an inch too long. Should end the verbal spew now.
Meanwhile, 5 more days!
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