Tag Archive for 'fun'

Bhutan

Published on October 20, 2008 in Wanderlust. 14 Comments Tags: , , .

I want to visit Bhutan. My friend did last week and she said that the people there are very hospitable, friendly and helpful. She talked about huge, red apples being sold for 30 rupees/kilo and the hotels being run by local families. When they asked for the bill at checking out time, the owner said – How many plates of food did you have? Its okay, just pay an approximate amount. Quite unbelievable.

Almost every business in Bhutan is run by women. It is a very safe place to visit. The cops are extremely smart and incapable of bribes. And also , Bhutanese people know hindi and are major Bollywood fans!

I then got a copy of a Bhutanese movie called Travellers and Magicians which deals with a young government official, trapped in a remote outpost – harbouring a dream to escape to America. Loved the movie and fell in love with this wonderful place called Bhutan. Want to go there soon.

We were on a break

Published on October 9, 2008 in Sikkim and Wanderlust. 16 Comments Tags: , , .

I had eleven days off from work, thanks to puja vacations. I decided not to grow roots at home and travel with friends instead. And that is how we headed off into the sunrise, since we started early morning at 7 am.

The exit road from my house till the main road is a steep uphill. Now many may wonder how it is that we actually navigate the vehicles out without getting killed everyday. Those who live here, like me, do the same – but only once a week if you must know.

As my friend sped the vehicle uphill, I yelled BODY WEIGHT agay (front) and not surprisingly, no one understood what to do. Well, you see a few years back, we were on an adventurous horse back riding trip up the steep, slush-filled hill slopes of Kufri, which was some kilometres after Shimla.

The horse guide walking in front screamed: body weight agay – after which we had to lean ahead. The call downhill was – body weight peechay! (back) and we had to lean backwards accordingly.

It was either lean or die laughing at that point of time. I leaned all right. Then felt sorry for the poor horse afterwards.

The day turned out to be quite pleasant. I like this pic here cause the sun had just risen and the whole image has different shades of blue for all contemplation. The bridge leads all the way to The Avenue. This is my favourite spot throughout the journey. 

The moment we reached there, I turned and before I could speak, my fellow passenger says - I know, The Avenue – a road which is lined with trees. I thought the I know part was stressed a bit sarcastically but I was too caught up to respond.

I think I forgot to add the Feel free to click on the pics for a larger view part in the beginning. I know most of you are smart enough to know that without me having to tell you. If nothing else, I know that I run the risk of those people getting pissed and wondering if they should stop visiting my blog for the insult. 

It may come as a surprise but I’ve recently learnt the arts of Changing The Topic When Needed Most. LOOK AT THE PRETTY PIC BELOW!

P.S. All the pics were taken from a moving car so the blur you see (if any) isnt intentional and most certainly is not bad photography, how dare you. Good trip, with Tiger and especially Stan Marsh from South Park behaving extremely well for a change.

The ‘Love’ Tag!

Published on September 21, 2008 in From here & there and I me & myself. 21 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

The rules for the tag are:

RULE #1 People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 Tag 6 people to do this quiz and those who are tagged cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by continue this game by sending it to other people.

1. If your lover betrayed you what would your reaction be?

I’m assuming its with a girl. So, initially, I’ll be too worked up screaming abuses and crying my heart out. I guess getting drunk is always an option. When I finally come to my senses, I’ll probably move out of the house and while I’m at it – take an undefined leave of absence from work and head to Hyderabad. My best friend’s been behind my back telling me to visit her for years now. 

What I’m trying to get at is this – life still goes on no matter who lives or dies or who stops becoming a part of it. Its all easy to say, I know but its going to be real crappy to actually live it. Hoping to not face it, at least not in this lifetime.

2. If you have a dream come true, what would it be?

After being aimless and goal-less for such a long time, I’ve never thought about this question at all. So I’m finding it very hard to answer it … ah, who am I kidding I’ll take - Rich and Famous, any day!

3. If you could, whose butt would you like to kick?

Ooh… I read Vidya’s answers and liked what she wrote. So I’m going to change my answer and say – I too would like to kick everyone’s butt at some point of time or other. And yes, I’d like to kick my own butt because I know that it is not physically possible for me to do so, even as truly I deserve some of it.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?

How many zeros is that??? How much would that be in rupees??? Heh. I’ll blow it all up, if I get the chance. Travel around the world, gamble it on the casinos, buy a hotel like Burj Al Arab in Dubai (I hope a billion dollar covers it). Distribute the rest of it among my friends. Thats right – though no more Orkut friend requests, okay?

5. Will you fall in love with your best friend?

Erm, she’s a girl so I guess not. The other guys who’re sort of best friends are too much brotherly sorts, so no go there either. Even if I had a best friend who was male and hot to boot, whats the use? In any case, I dont want my husband to be doing all the things I would’ve done in answer #1.

6. Which is more blessed: loving someone or being loved by someone?

As long as that someone spoils me rotten, as I expect him to, it’s okay with me both ways. Call me materialistic, I believe I dont care.

7. How long do you intend to wait for someone you love?

I hate waiting. I cant stop fidgeting when I have to. Then I start cursing the late kates and even when they finally show up, I’m often spoiling the mood by griping about the whole thing. Love just flies out of the window at times like these.

8. If the person you secretly like is attached, what will you do?

Nothing. I secretly like innumerable people every week, attached or unattached. Acting upon it would hardly be the appropriate thing to do. So I grin and bear it till the next person comes along.

9. If you could root for one social cause, what would it be?

Child labour. Its so rampant everywhere yet we do nothing about it except for hire more children to do our dirty work perhaps.

10. Do you lie?

Everytime. I can live with it. However other people have a problem with it, for which the answer is to lie some more.

11. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I dunno. Here? Still blogging, maybe. Unless I have to go run that expensive hotel I bought. If nothing else, I’d like to be happy. About living my life as I want. Happy to be alive and feel grateful for every single moment.

12. What’s your fear?

Losing people I love. Not being able to do things I want. Of horrific creatures coming out of the dark to haunt me. Being stagnant at work. Being bitter and cruel to others. My stupid anger. Being corrupt and hostile. The list goes on.

13. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?

I like Gurpreet. I think she’s got an awesome sense of humour and I like reading her blog. She’s got a terrific daughter, Ruhi about whom I just love to read. If I have a daughter myself one day, I’d very much like her to be like Ruhi.

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married and poor?

Heh. A minor re-write. I’d rather be married and rich. Like I am(?) right now.

15. If you fall in love with two people simultaneously who will you pick?

I’m more and more getting the impression that this questionnaire isnt meant for married people! Who would I pick? I guess this is the kind of time Inky Pinky Ponky  would be put to good use. 

16. Would you give all in a relationship?

All and more. I’m an extremist. I usually do everything or nothing at all. In any relationship for that matter. Its a different thing that I dont try to expect SO MUCH back in return. Thats just being delusional. The thing is – its better not to expect too much and be happy when you get something back at all.

17. Would you forgive and forget someone no matter how horrible a thing he has done?

Nope. I’ll carry that sting with me to the grave. Well, it actually all depends on my mood, truthfully. Whoever did that horrible thing would have to catch me in a good mood and see what happens. 

18. Do you prefer being single or in a relationship?

I love being in a relationship. I’m too much independent for my own good, I know but I dont think I can do without my husband either. I loved being single before. Its so liberating not to be answerable to anyone and do whatever the hell you want to. I’m happy to have experienced both.

19. Your all time favourite song. Only ONE. And why?

Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow. I used to listen to this song while growing up. Makes me feel nostalgic. Plus, its one heck of a song, in my opinion.

20. I TAG these 6 people because…

Shaliya – cause she’s the kind of single girl I would have been if only. I’d love to hear her thoughts on this one.

GWBE – The Pri of the AnDePRin gang, the defunct cough syrup company. I’ve never seen her do tags so I’m happy this one is unavoidable.

Sree – I love the way she writes. I cant wait to see her post.

Shradha – I want to know what she thinks. 

Vidya - I would like to know what her answers would be.

Ansu – She’s on a long vacation right now. Does she have her work cut out for her when she comes back!

Things to do before I die

Published on August 16, 2008 in Favourite posts and Good things. 13 Comments Tags: , , , .

I’ve watched The Bucket List a couple of times by now. The movie’s about two old guys who have precious time left to live and make the-list-of-things-to-do before they finally kick the bucket, which for them was soon enough.

I, on the other hand, inspired by a brilliant movie and this one blog here – have taken it upon myself (and my poor blog) to compile a list of things that I want to do before I die. Even if I never really do these things, what the heck – its just a list, right? So here goes nothing.

1. Go skydiving. Ok, so this is on the list in the actual movie. You know whats not there in the actual movie? ME. Back to skydiving, there’s one small problem though. You see, I’m afraid of heights. Cant look down a five-storey building without feeling all dizzy. So that means, I’ll either have to sky dive with my eyes closed or I’ll probably be dead before I reach the ground. I must be crazy to put this on #1. Maybe it should go in the list of things to do that-make-you die instead.

2. Get a tattoo. Yes, this is in the movie too. And no, I’m not copying the original list word to word. I’m a big fan of Ami James in the Miami Ink series on Discovery Travel & Living. So, #2, with a little rewrite, will be – get an tattoo at Miami Ink at South Beach, Florida. Woo hoo!

3. Learn how to ride a bike. Yeah, poor me used to drive a three-wheeled cycle when I was a kid and was petrified of a bicycle while growing up. Still am. Hmm… I think I’ll have to look up google to see if they’ve got a word for fear of bicycle riding and add that to my resume.

4. Visit Disneyland. Ok, thats a little pathetic for a soon to be 30 year old, I know. But I cant help it. I used to be a big Disney Time fan when I was younger. My favourite character was Daisy Duck although I used to despise Winnie Mouse. I would like to meet them, yes… but I cant forget this incident five years ago – when I was strolling down Brigade Road and a huge, white suited astronaut came straight at me to shake my hand – thats when I ran screaming away for my life.

Of recent times, I visited a local cafe last Christmas and was greeted by a stick-thin Santa Claus with an enormous pot-belly. Surprisingly I ended up shaking his hand. Yay! I’m no longer afraid of imaginary characters!

I’m also poor at sticking to one topic, apparently.

5. Learn a foreign language. Preferably Spanish. I did try to learn this on my own earlier. Then, I lost my Learn Spanish book. Someone borrowed it “to see” and I promptly forgot the borrower’s name. I guess being able to say lo siento, solo hablas english (thats – I’m sorry, I speak only English) doesnt really qualify as being able to speak in Spanish. Whats more, I think it defeats the purpose.

6. Travel to Europe. “Around the world” would have sounded like such a cliche. Plus, I want to especially visit Austria for two reasons – Sound of Music and Mozart. And yeah, visit Spain and converse with the locals in their language. Why else would I have learnt spanish?

7. Win a lottery. I’m just kidding. If one could do that, this point would be on everyone’s to-do-list henceforth. What I’m actually doing is compensating the extra-long #4 by keeping this point short.

8. Learn to swim. I once nearly drowned in a kid’s pool. That too, while trying to teach one kid how to not be afraid of the water and swim instead. Ever since then, I’ve always been under this impression that if I do want a watery grave in the future, all I have to do is learn how to swim.

9. Write a book. I’ve met people who’ve told me that they’ll write a book, someday. And I used to think – so will I. That was 10 years ago. That person who said this to me is probably dead or too old to gather his wits to actually write by now. And since I havent read any book by his name, I assume that he’s not written it after all. I’d hate for it to be that way with me. So, even if no one reads my book or it doesnt get printed or I dont get famous and earn loads of cash, I’d like to leave a book behind when I finally kick the bucket. How awesome would that be!

Tax-free

Published on June 19, 2008 in Good things. 6 Comments Tags: , .

I may be exempted from paying my Income Tax, as per the latest notification by the Sikkim government.

I wonder how to blow up that extra cash every month.

Who is Indiana Jones?

Published on June 2, 2008 in Moo-vies and You live, you learn. 8 Comments Tags: , .

I watched Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for two main reasons – Harrison Ford & Steven Spielberg. I’ve been Harrison Ford’s fan ever since his dashing presidential role in Air Force One. So even though I’ve never watched an Indiana Jones movie before, I was prepared to enjoy the forces of Ford & Spielberg together in action.

The film kicks off with a sort of apology as Jonesie goes: “We were a lot younger then” when beckoned by the bad guys to embark on a fresh, fool-hardy adventure. Come on, I dont care if the hero is an older guy! And I dont know what was the purpose of incorporating the line in the script but all it did was: it made me realize that the hero isnt  exactly a spring chicken. Not that it matters when Harrison Ford is concerned.

There was a scene in which Ford reminisces, looking at Sean Connery’s picture and calls him dad. So I’m guessing Connery was the original Jones and his son is the latest adventurer with the same surname, in the very same tradition à la – Phantom, the Ghost Who Walks.

Which brought me to the question – who under the canopy is Indiana Jones? As the movie progressed, it became increasing clearer to me that he was a kind of James Bond as well as a mentor to a young rebellious Fonzie like character straight out of the Happy Days set in the film.

What I also learnt was that Indiana Jones was more than just 007. This movie was somewhat of a James Bond meets Lara Croft, Tomb Raider meets Tarzan meets Apocalypto meets ET mishmash. Although I dislike movie endings that have an alien theme just so that they can explain all the mysterious forces at work in the first place.

The movie has its funny moments and I liked watching it once. Once being the operative word. I went to watch an ex-president in action and in return I got a hat-fixated, dusty clothes wearing, whip carrying character, albeit still with the killer smile that never gets old.

Highway on my plate

Published on May 14, 2008 in Good things. 8 Comments Tags: , , .

I’m a self confessed TV junkie but most of you already know that by now. Even my dog thinks its highly strange of me to be glued to the idiot box as soon as I return home from work as opposed to petting its stupid head. I agree to disagree, as Ron Burgundy a.k.a. Will Ferrell says in The Anchorman. (Further proof of my unnatural fixation to everything that airs on TV, one may think. Again, agree to disagree)

My TV is one of the most important (materialistic) things in my life. That is why, I am a slave to Tata Sky’s whimsical offers and myriad packages that they offer on a monthly basis. Like the blessed time when NDTV Good Times was showcased for free and my instant favourite was Highway on my plate.

But alas, Tata Sky made this channel payable for an extra sum of Rs. 30 per month. Oh, never underestimate the evil corporate mind! First they dangle the carrot and get TV addicts like me hooked, line & sinker. Then they withdraw the string in a mighty hurry. Now, its not about the money. Just my chagrin at devious media plots.

I tried to resist as much as I could – I truly did. But in the end, the very thought of missing Rocky & Mayur’s “Food Quote of The Day” on Highway on my plate was too overpowering to resist. So I caved in and got poorer by 30 bucks. And the show is all I look forward to watching on NDTV Good Times ever since I got the connection back.

The show is about two hungry people scouring the highways of India in search of local culinary delicacies. Its also about two extremely witty friends who liven up the show with their hilariously funny comments. I’m more partial to Rocky than Mayur because as all non-vegetarians would unanimously agree, we tend to stick together through meat and bones.

This was written on the walls of a dhaba they once visited – Tehzeeb se mango, izzat muft milegi. After which they proceeded to ask the cook to call Mr. Tehzeeb so that they could get free Izzat for lunch!

In fond memory of Raghu

Published on May 6, 2008 in MTV Roadies. 6 Comments Tags: , .

I just love the Tickr scrolling ridiculously funny messages on MTV. Here’s my version of Tickr on Raghu & his crew. Feel free not to laugh.

  • Raghu is so brilliant at setting Roadies tasks that he never screws up any.
  • He just blames it on DOP Akshay citing light reasons all the time.
  • Camera person Willy is not the oldest guy on the crew.
  • He was forced to put white streaks on his hair by Raghu who wanted someone older to stand next to in the frame!
  • Raghu is not naturally bald. Neither does he shave his head.
  • All the hair mistook his face for the head & grows there.
  • Now you know why he’s always unshaven & replete with overgrown beard during Behind The Scenes footage.
  • Raghu was once voted the sexiest man on the MTV Hero Honda Roadies 5.0 crew.
  • Unfortunately, the only other contestants in the running were Zulfia & Debbie. Rest of the crew had taken leave that day.

(I would do Rannvijay too but then all sentences would come out mushy and head over heels in love with him)

In a pickle

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

(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.

International Florishow, Gangtok

Published on March 24, 2008 in Sikkim. 18 Comments Tags: , .

The International Florishow was held on 14th to 16th March 2008 at Saramsa Gardens, Gangtok. It was inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of National Planning Commission.

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Exhibition stalls in sync with the environment

Several high profile guests included star footballer and Sikkim’s own national football team captain, Bhaichung Bhutia as well as the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Dr Pawan Chamling accompanied by his cabinet ministers, MLA’s and senior officials from the state administration.

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My favourite red

The theme of the event was  “Sikkim: nature’s own garden”. Accordingly, Saramsa Garden was decked up with over 50,000 varieties of flowers like Cineraria, Petunia, Pansy, Aster, Primula etc other than orchids. Apart from the Flower Exhibition cum competition, the three day event also hosted an Internal Conference, Buyer-Seller Meet and various cultural Programmes.

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Sikkim: Nature’s own garden

Hundreds of coordinators and equally numerous volunteers, including students contributed to make the Florishow a success. Paintings of students from their respective schools adorned the walls of the 7-acre garden.

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Classic orchids

Four Wi-Fi systems were placed in four different corners of the garden and internet facilities were provided free of cost to all media persons. Sound systems were camouflaged in all corners of the garden that played soothing music for the entertainment for the general public.

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Amazing yellow

Internationally acclaimed flutist Shri Hari Prasad Chaurasia performed an enthralling rendition on the final day much to the delight of the audience present who were left spell bound by what was indeed an experience of a lifetime.

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Dont know whats it called but look at the thorns!

Photograph courtesy: Tenzing Dorjee Pradhan, ATTC

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