Monthly Archive for April, 2008

In a pickle

Published on April 30, 2008 in REC Calicut. 14 Comments

(Memory triggered by Priya’s mentioning of exotic Sikkim pickles way back in hostel)

The funny thing about college is that I dont really remember attending classes all that much. Nor do I remember that many lecturers who used to have time of their life torturing my ignorance of the technical world. I can think of only two reasons why I wouldnt remember my classes/teachers. Either I’m just getting past my initial stage of Alzhimer’s or else I didnt really attend classes all that much as I was supposed to. Considering that I had attendance shortage in almost every alternate semester, I’d say the second option was more accurate.

What I remember very vividly is spending some of the most memorable times of my life in the Ladies Hostel (LH). I was ragged in the very first few days of my arrival at the LH. There was this big haired, wicked witch in the final year whose voice was like whiplash and who shot daggers whenever you happened to catch her eye. I dont remember her name or else I would have gladly printed it here, trust me. I’m not trying to protect her identity and be a nice person or any sort of such foolish thing.

Anyway, I never understood the logic behind ragging. Something about facing the person with the real world and blah blah. What I personally think is that it was a major opportunity for sadistic, evil people to bridge their insecurities and make fun of potential threats. And all one can do is rave & rant about it in her blog 10 years down the line. Nothing else much.

Deep breath. Realization strikes that I’m digressing. Back to good memoirs. Repeat mantra three times (along with fist pump) - No anger against fools. No anger against fools. No anger against #*@#&*# fools.

A way of dispelling early homesickness was by haunting the post office for much awaited parcels from home. My dad used to be such a sweetheart and send me stuff like L’Oreal hair colour, in burgundy, sweets and pickle. My favourite pickle was this exotic pea one, which my dad wrapped it up in layers of plastic and parcelled all the way from Gangtok to Calicut one fine day.

When I went to collect my parcel at the post office, I was summoned to the Post Master’s cabin. He then pointed to an oil-stained parcel lying on the floor and which was pretty much soaked through & through with yellow oil. I got a big lecture on how my oil-leaking parcel went on to destroy so many important letters and so on and on and on.

After about 20 minutes of strained lecture from the Post Master, I ran away from the post office, holding on to my pickle-parcel all the way to the hostel. I retold the story later on to my friends, while eating dinner alongwith yummy, exotic pea pickle just arrived all the way from Gangtok. We laughed & laughed not caring one bit about important letters getting destroyed by getting soaked in pickle oil.

Such pickle incident happened twice in the entire duration of my stay in the hostel. The staff at the post office then started smiling the moment they saw me henceforth.

I wonder if at the end of this post, some people are going – “Ohhh… thats why I got yellow oil-stained letters that particular day…” Yes, I’m afraid to say, that was me.

You know you’re from Darjeeling/Sikkim when

Published on April 29, 2008 in Sikkim. 14 Comments

Found this article in a friend’s inbox and HAD TO post it.

You greet your friends saying ‘Yess bro!!’ even though there seems to be no logical or grammatical justification to the phrase.

You can literally ask whether someone would like to ‘EAT WATER’!! (eg. Paani Khane??) or Booze!!! (Raksi khane??) or even a KICK (Laat khanu manparyo??)

You know what ‘ALOO DUM’ is and you have definitely tasted it!!

And you would rather stand outside in the cold and relish Aloo dum (which btw you think is the best potato delicacy in the universe) than to go in an air conditioned MacD’s right across the street and have burger & fries.

You try to look elsewhere when you see a pretty female heading ur way

99% of your friends sport one of the following hair styles: spikes, long hair or middle parting. The remaining 1% are bald.

You tend to take a bow whenever you shake hands with someone new. With both hands.

You will laugh when you read the following on a billboard: ‘Great Condo for sale in Palm Beach for you and your family’

3 out of ur 5 friends can play guitar… the remaining two have also given it a try at some point or the other.

The words ‘Maradona’ and ‘Pele’ were one of the first words you uttered since you learnt how to speak.

All your friends have an opinion on football.

The moment you’re a floor over the Ground Floor (preferably on a balcony) you tend to look down and SPIT

You look up when you hear an airplane.

You point with your lips.

Whenever you meet someone you ask, ‘Have you had your food?’ ( bhat khayou?)

You meet someone in a movie hall and ask, ‘ Have you come to watch a movie?’ (movie hernu ayeko?)

You call all action movies ‘ action pacck’

You think all festivals mean relatives playing cards and getting drunk…

You cannot drink without chicken chilly and momos…

You are crossing a one way street and you have to check both sides…( debre ani daine )

Your relatives give you money whenever you visit them… ( even when you are 40)

When you see a pair of slippers upside down (ulta chappal) you have to turn it around.

You don’t trim your nails at night. (Otherwise the devil might take you and your family)

You feel you haven’t eaten if you haven’t had Bhath (rice).

You laugh at everything on Nepali TV but you still watch it…

You have been dragged to a mandir on saraswati puja so that you will get good grades.

Your grand mum doesn’t let you whistle at night.

You cant date someone if you are not in love.

You Know who Humjayega is.

Although you have never met him.

You miss those mountains you used to see the moment you opened your eyes in the morning

You go out for lunch/ dinner/ whatever in a group and look at the menu for half an hour and order the following:

a. momo
b. chowmein
c. fried rice
d. chicken chilli

You think of titaura and your saliva glands go wild!!

You think Toyota Corrolla is the no..1 car in the world!

You miss wai wai, churpi and titaura almost any given day.

You are good at drunk driving, especially on motorcycles

Your conversation with anyone you just met, always ends up being an interview to unearth the degree of association with this person. (eh…Ghar ka hare?? gangtok? Tyeso bhaye timile xyz lai chinchhau??)

- 90% of the time you end up knowing someone who knows someone who knows the person.
- The remaining 10% of the time the person is your relative.
- you feel obligated to pay for everyone else when eating out with your friends.

Your American friends ask you if you have climbed Mount Everest.

You probably haven’t even seen mount Everest.

You love the pungent, fermented smell of pickled bamboo shoots (tama) and dried and aged vegetable leaves (gundruk) + you are drooling at the thought right now!

In memory of A-bore

Published on April 28, 2008 in MTV Roadies. 4 Comments

I once asked someone – Do you like watching Roadies on MTV? And pat came the reply – I hate it! I think thats how Roadies comes across to people in general. Either you hate it or you love it. I love the show. Its the best thing ever to happen to MTV, my TV screen and me too in no particular order.

The last episode left me speechless. I initially thought it was strange that there were no tasks to be performed by the Roadies. Then again, I reasoned – it must be one of those sudden change of moods that the producers seem to be affected more often than not. Then, at the end of the show, I get to know that it was because of some mix-up that they couldnt do the show and as a salvaging brainstorm, the last two roadies got to tight rope it with alarming results.

I felt let down. Purely as an after thought. Vibhor half walking, half running across the tightrope was a funny sight. That an injured Ankita had ample time to painfully drag herself across the rope and eventually fall down with a screaming – no! no! noooo…. was too bad. At least she trudged farther than Vibhor (thank god)

One of my favourite quirks on Roadies is Prabhjot’s pregnant pauses in the middle of her sentences. Speaking of which, was it only me or did Ankita sound like she was going in labour with her loud exhaling in yesterday’s task? Maybe it was just me, yeah.

Another point I found silly was upping the cash of Rs. 100 for one second to Rs. 500 by dear Rannvijay for the money task. Maybe he also realized that the way these Roadies are going, they would only accumulate 3 lakhs or so in the entire show. I was left wondering if Ashu was really a good guy what with going first for the task although he was the captain and could have gone last if he really wanted. Thought of Sneshashish for a moment there.

Echoing Raghu, I really dont care who wins Roadies 5.0. As long as they give us plenty of watchable material on MTV. My favourite line for yesterday was – There’s a strange growth on Vibhor’s neck. His head. Hahaha.

 

North Sikkim

Published on April 24, 2008 in Sikkim. 6 Comments

I had promised the photographer that I would steal these photos and put it on my blog ages back. These are glimpses of North Sikkim on a cold November month. Although normally, sane people venture to this really, really cold place in Spring or preferrably Summer most of the time.

I like this picture because the water gushing through the stream looks freezing cold. And the huge rocks in the middle sure give it ample company! Mandakini, the yesteryear’s actress once visited Sikkim and took a bath in a waterfall somewhere near Gangtok for a film. Good thing she wasnt made to take a bath in this stream…

See, you normally dont see this type of blue sky in a polluted, over populated city like the one I live in. The snow capped mountains adorn the skyline to a perfect T, needless to say.

This is my favourite picture of them all. I have never seen a golden mountain in real life, thats why. This picture was taken on the way to Lachung, North Sikkim at the crack of dawn. The sun’s rays glisten like gold and its a truly amazing sight (in all probability in real life)

Ah, yaks. Very polite animals. One of my dear friend and I had gone for a trip to Changu Lake, near Gangtok where we took a yak ride up the snow beaten path. As she dismounted her yak, she had this to say: I cant believe that was a yak between my legs. Haha. It sounded funnier then. And a lot more decent, for sure.

Lake Gurudongmar. What a fabulous sight! I’ve never been there so I cant describe the feeling but it sure looks like one hell of a place! Its supposed to be this cold desert with the lake at the end. And if you were me, the first thing you’d also think of is: What the hell’s a cold desert doing in North Sikkim? I dont know till now.

So long, Robin

Published on April 23, 2008 in Favourite posts and memoirs. 4 Comments

So long, Robin. Its been nice knowing you. I cant believe that its over. That we wont be seeing your smiling face in the office every morning. And that you wont be a part of our ‘lunch group’ anymore. This also means no one is going to go to Khusboo anymore for lunch since only you preferred that restaurant so much. But we will miss you very much.

I hope when you join your new job, you’ll do very well and incorporate your learning experiences while you were with us. Like how not to shout at your boss maybe. Although the fact that you’re very talented and hardworking normally outshines whatever little volcanos you host deep within, rest assured.

You’re such a beautiful human being. You laugh so easily at all my stupid jokes, I used to feel so clever and quite the wit. You are kind, intelligent and having you around has been extremely fun, drunk or sober. I shall never forget you cleaning my kitchen, that incident only made me realize that we were friends for good or bad and most importantly, clean or dirty. I shall miss you. Very much.

I shall also miss not being able to advise you anymore. Oh, what major life changing decisions you used to break your head on! I’m glad you didnt join the other job two years back or else I wouldnt have been able to get to know you this well. I wish you didnt have to leave us for it has been a bundle of fun all these months.

The office wont be the same without you. Everyday was like a picnic, sitting and gossiping half the time. And laughing the rest half of the time. (Boss reading this??? I know you wouldnt care anymore but dont mind if I do) Nevertheless, it has all been fun. And as we begin our separate paths workwise henceforth, I wish you happiness in everything you do. Or for that matter, dont do as well.

In your own words, luck luck luck, good luck dear Robin. Hope our paths cross more than deemed necessary and believe me when I say that the dance floor wont be the same without you. Goodbye, old friend. Your name may rhyme with dusbin but you shall always be king of our hearts.

Longest week of my life

Published on April 21, 2008 in Life as it happens and MTV Roadies. 6 Comments

Part One

I thought the last week would never get over. I always had a sneaking feeling that my memory’s not all that sharp since way back in college. And as I broke my back studying for The Exam, I found out I had been right all along. Ah, my memory let me down more than once and I’d kick it if only it were tangible. So that was that and now I am free to once again become lazy and spend all my time effortlessly doing things that come naturally to me.

Although all that exercise in cramming did make me realize that I could use such drastic aim in life once in a while. It was nice having a goal, for a change and doing just about everything to achieve it. While I have no problem whatsoever with pointless existance (like before), something tells me I am going to look at things differently henceforth. And that doesnt necessarily mean through TV.

Part Two

Went for a picnic with the girls yesterday. They sang non-stop all the way till the picnic spot and also all the way back. For about three whole hours. It was unbelievable. I think a good measure of how old one actually is can be realized when you no longer know the songs that the rest of these early 20’s something are yelling on top of their voices. And the fact that while they can dance without a break, you start gasping & wheezing for breath before too long.

There’s a rule that says: Nobody cares if you cant DANCE well. Just get up and dance.

Well, there was one kid who just kept on saying again and again that she couldnt dance at all. Inspite of me going and showing her all the moves, she just kept on refusing to dance. So, in the end, I told her to practice for one year because come next picnic, she will be the first one to inaugurate the dance floor.

It was tiring but it was fun. I’m glad we all have one year to recuperate till the next time.

Part Three

The game finally went international, thank god. Watching Roadies 5.0 was a blast, what with the gruesome Lady Boys act or the frog eating task. My stomach just churned involuntarily. Thai kickboxing was fun, with the kids beating the hell out of each other. Finally some real Roadies action. The Varun jokes scrolling at the end of the screen was hilarious! What wont they think of next. For once when Raghu lamented about setting the crap-eating task, he looked human for a change. I liked it.

Part Four

I’m doing an Eagles right now and taking it all easy. I’m finally free. To become lazy all over again. Wont take much time at the rate at which I am going.

Watch out crocodile

Published on April 10, 2008 in just. Closed

I’ve always wanted to write a Comments Off post. Dont get me wrong, I love having my friends comment as well as strangers too, for which I have comment moderation enabled – you see I bristle easily at negativity & cannot tolerate trolls at any cost.

Anyways, since I should be studying for day after tomorrow’s exams, I know what I should really have is a Blog Off option in real life. That not being there, hence I shall stick to this post. Be good. I shall be back after my last exam on 17th of April.

I guess it wont kill me to admit I finally figured out how to turn comments off today.

And, just the other day, I taught my cook to respond to See you later alligator, for which she was supposed to reply – See you in a while, crocodile.

So this happened:

Me: See you later, alligator!

Cook: See you in the wild, crocodile.

I told her she was crazy to be seeing crocodiles in the wild but thats her own decision and if thats what she really wants to do, I have absolutely no qualms letting her get eaten!

I suck at GK

Published on April 8, 2008 in No good. 7 Comments

Jimmy: Who’s the current Vice President of India?

Me: Umm…. I know its not Prativa Patil.

Jimmy: I’ll give you one slap if you say Bhairav Singh Shekhawat! Look it up. Next question – who’s the winner of Magsaysay award?

Me: Whats a Magsaysay award?

Jimmy: Uff. Who won the first Bharat Ratna award?

Me: I dont know.

Jimmy: You’re never going to pass the GK exam this way. Ok next, where’s the Commonwealth Games 2010 going to be held?

Me: I know this one – India!!! (Had recently read an article that said Delhi government’s spending lakhs of rupees to teach Delhi taxi drivers to speak in English in preparation of Commonwealth Games 2010!)

Jimmy: Blind fire hit the target this time allright. Haha.

Me: Shut up. Let me now ask you a question, seeing that you’re oh so prepared and all. Where is the Beijing Olympics going to be held this year?

Jimmy: Very funny. Just remember, I’ll pass and you’ll fail.

Me: *Beep*

Day of Nostalgia

Published on April 4, 2008 in memoirs. 5 Comments

Took a trip down memory lane with my best friend who came back to town for a few days. Literally. Walked past our old homes which we stopped calling ours since the last 10 years. And nostalgia reigned supreme.

I felt like I was walking through my past and my mum, god rest her soul, would call me back home from the balcony anytime soon. I felt I was walking through a ghost town with the people who once walked through the very steps gone beyond reach.

I never thought of my old home on purpose before. I dont know why. And as I walked through the front yard where I played as a child, I knew I didnt want to ever go back there again.

Two stupid dogs were tied to the posts who started barking as soon as they saw two strangers walking past their homes.. I wanted to tell them - this used to be my home for 16 years so shut the hell up.

Walking down memory lane was every bit as painful as they say. I realized that only today, which in the future will help me stay away.

Crankily yours

Published on April 2, 2008 in Musings. 5 Comments

Shradha once remarked so in her blog: 

The desire to do new and different things that interest you is inversely proportional to the spare time you have.

She meant since she was relatively free at work, her enthusiasm level to do anything had dropped to zero. In my case - since I have a 100 things to do simultaneously, I feel like blogging and relegating tales of some of the things that are currently bugging the hell out of me.

First of all, these forthcoming exams I got to take are making me more cranky than usual. I realized that I dont have time to go to work and do things required of me there, study, come back home, cook an elaborate dinner and again study all at the same time. Crankiness slowly becoming a way of life.

As if things couldnt get worse, my dog’s going into heat. Winkie is downright disgusting right now what with her moaning & panting as soon as she sees another dog. Ugh. Major spaying session is in order immediately next month. Crankiness intensified 130 times.

The weather’s gone crazy as I speak. Yesterday morning was so bright, sunny & terribly hot - I ended up eating two ice-creams at work. Well, I bought the first ice cream for myself. The second one was given by my colleague to whom I had remarked in the morning that she has a magic metabolic system which keeps her so damn thin even as she eats from 9 am to 5 pm nonstop.

I was happy I got a second ice cream but also sad that my metabolic system’s more lazy and blunted compared to hers.

Back to the weather, the pleasant and somewhat hot day suddenly took a U-turn and then out of nowhere thunder & lightening raged till 5 pm. The cold almost ripped my heart out by bedtime. Stupid weather.

On a more cheerful note, my students want to go for a picnic and the menu read something like this:

Puri (Not the regular crispy ones!!!)

Alu dum (Halka halka hot!!! Red!!! Not the yellow one!!!)

Vegetable pulao (Need volunteers for this. If no one volunteers, we will volunteer you. Signed – coordinators)

Sweets. Here, a diagram of a small circle within a big circle was made with an arrow pointing at the centre titled – soft & another arrow pointing at the outer titled – hard. Seems no one knows the name of that particular sweet. Good luck to whoever goes shopping for it.

‘Drinks’. At this point, its somewhat silly not to assume it’ll be soft drinks and nothing else. But I go on and ask them if they mean soft drinks and not even, say Breezer? I was right. Not even Bacardi breezer, it is.

Crankiness reigns supreme as a way of life. For now.

Related Posts with Thumbnails