Blog: Lonavala snaps

Terrific view from terrace

Three good men,me in the centre

One of my favourite snaps which I took in this trip

Mountains and valley

Sceneic view while coming back

I wanted to get myself a cartoon made for a long while,so when I saw a cartoonist making some cartoons couldn't wait to see how would I look like.Just like to tell one and all this is one of the most hilarious cartoons I have ever seen,it is just a coincidence that the cartoon is mine. I will try to get it scanned and then upload it again. I imagine just the face of it would make a good profile pic!!!

About: A trip to Pune.

Take off.
Everyone seemed to take time off for a holiday. Ishita and Neha happened to be off to hills to get off from simmering heat.I think they went for the same hill station. I headed to Pune to catch up with friends, who did everything possible (Saam Daam dand bhed) to call me over so that we can unwind like we did in the times not so long ago. It used to be fun. 13-15 guys singing, joking, laughing enjoying life as it should be done. Tears and roars of laughter all rolled into one.

The journey.
After missing out a bus (got late) and shelling out extra Rs 100 (only) for a sleeper I started my journey. The upper berth in those sleeper bus reminds me of upper birth in trains. I have an eerie feeling for those. As I headed into my journey I realised my cell-phone had no balance and the battery was in its last strand. I prayed; by God’s grace I messaged a friend who replied back questioning me whether I have really hit the road of not. I realised I have hit the road as soon as the bus hit the pothole on the road. It rained all the way to Pune. I managed to get before dawn and was miffed to say the least when I read a sign post claiming “Dombilivi, MIDC Phase-1 ”. A was struck in a traffic jam and I thought it would take some hours before wheels would roll again. I went to sleep. I got up when the bus shrieked to a stop before the start of the famous “Mumbai-Pune” express highway.

The scenery and the delight.
It was raining continuously. Then the climb of ghats Lonavala-Khandala. It is really very scenic. I managed to take a few snaps but could not get a proper “shot” at the scenery. As the bus ascended on the Ghats a biting cold hit me and knocked me out of wits. I managed to find some solace by closing the windows and enjoying the shear delight of clouds beneath and the roads ahead.
The bus kept ,moving ahead as I keenly looked on each passing milestone claiming that the destination was getting nearer by each passing second. I was now nearly 12 hours in the bus. I think I did a smart move by opting for a sleeper. The bus meanwhile entered the city of Pune. The potholes seemed to be disguised by pools of water due to incessant rains that splashed over the city.

Confusion and PCO calls.
I got down somewhere (don’t know where I did) and called up my friend who asked me to reach FC road. I managed to be there in 20 minutes time. I called him up again but the rained had picked up a gear. He after couple of calls asked me to reach another place which was close to his place. I reached there, then I called my friend again. He then came to pick me up and I went to his house and rested and freshen up for day of long catching up with old pals.

Superman, the movie.
I managed to go to “City Pride”. The movie “Superman” was the obvious choice. The tickets were taken and two friends more joined in. In the mean time I found a net connection. I checked my mails and scrapped as many friends as I could announcing my arrivial in their city. I also scrapped Sudeep, who gladly called me up and we decided to meet at some place after I was done with the movie. Before the movie started as usual some snaps were taken, one of them was the following one.

The movie was ok, I mean good for one time sake.

Blogger’s meet.
Then me moved to JM road where couple of friends joined in and meeting point with Sudeep was settled at the nearest McDonald’s (MacD’s for us). After a few missed calls SMS’s and calling I managed to meet Sudeep at MacD’s.


It was a happy feeling to the whole point of meeting someone whom u now but have never met. The Mac D was choco block full. We had a cold drink and talked for around half and hour. Sudeep had to watch the football match and I was looking for to meeting some more friends.

The unwind.
Then there was again a series of SMS’s missed calls, calls and then I managed to recognize a childhood friend of mine who had grown a touch stout. I was so glad to meet him after almost 5 years. We played when we were toddlers. He still remains a good friend. He insisted that I come with him, as much as I wanted to and I could not coz I had fixed up plans with batch-mates of mine. It was around 9:30 in the night when someone suggest a place where we could sit and talk about the year that went by over a round of beer. We chatted about almost everything. There were jokes and arguments over the “usual” topics of “if’s” and “not’s” something made me happy that I am not into I.T. I am afraid of sitting in one place. These discussions often throw up a few moments somber moments which bring everything in place. I seem to enjoy these moments always.
There was some confusion over the bill which was quickly settled. Then the friends parted and I along with two others went “tripling” to my friends. The downpour which followed us all the way reminded me of a similar night almost two years ago.

Flashback: Two years ago.
It was a monsoon Saturday night and “we” were having a “Buckar Session” which ended around quarter to midnight where I miffed if we could go to “Aamri-faatah” a.k.a “Aamri ” of simply “Fatah”. “Fatah” was the place where we used to regularly go to have food. I was dismissed. Then a another friend came in after the session was over wanting to have Parathas. I asked my friend again. The money was an issue. After dusting a few clothes we managed enough money so that we could go comeback and have the Parthas we wanted to have. Armed with cash and wind-chittters we set out to “Fatah” as soon as we came on main road, I realized all heavy vehicles were going on strike at the stroke of midnight. We waited for next one and half hours and walked couple of kilometres before a brick carrying tempo halted and we hitch hiked for Rs 5 per head.
We got down at the first dhaba which was visited when we wanted to have “Aaloo Paratha”. The rain dampened our spirits but the the aroma of friend papad, a lip smacking chutney, masoor dal, parathas and butter changed the somber mood as I watched the clock on one of the walls which told me it was 2:15 in the night before me could break the first morsel. I think it was one of the most “delicious” meal I have ever headed. We walked couple of kilometre again and waited patiently before a milk van offered us to leave us the desired destination.
The rain started as soon as we started to take the approach road back to college. The rain was slow and easy and fell down in a spray. I wished I had a camera then. I still remember the yellow light of the street light and mist which formed the halo of the bulb. Amazing sight. We managed to slip into the campus without much fuss.
We were welcome by a cheer by our friends who were still awake at 4 in the morning. I slept dreaming of parathas. I got up on a Sunday when mess offered aaloo “flavoured” parathas for breakfast.

Back to the present.
I wanted to have a meetha paan so we found one and three of us had a meetha paan and one paan was packed for the friend waiting at home. The towel was the first thing I caught hold off. I drend and chaged to have a few round of snaps and X-Men 3 was showing now. I was tired and slept soon.

Day Two.
I got up early and switched on the computer monitor cum TV set and saw India had taked a lead of 97 runs. Sreesanth rocked Gayle and Lara. Harbhajan then steam rolled West Indies all out claiming 5 for 13. I said wow, match is on. Then following the Sunday morning news I also came to know that Brazil was knocked out along with England. I never though England would make it. I felt good about Portugal though. Zizou and Henry managed to knock out Brazil.

The second day started lazily with people calling in and then near noon, Me and my friend caught up with another group of friends. Me had a delightful lunch there. It was around 4 when there was another round of SMS, missed calls and calls. Then I came back home where I caught up with two more friends. We chatted for a couple of hours and packed soon as it was time to leave. My friend dropped me at the point at which the bus was supposed to leave. He had a filter coffee me had a cold drink. The bus took around 90 minutes to get out of city and halt at highway where it halted for dinner. I opted for a Pav-Bhaji. It was followed by Diary Milk bar as I sooned passed out waking up occassionly as the potholes hit the bus and I tossed up only to gain control of myself. The bus reached surat at dawn and I have been relaxing ever since. I think the trip was worthile. I think I will go there again.

There was some problems while uploading snaps from Pune.If you wish to do so you are invited to see My Flickr Album

Blog: Good Friday.

This story is in flashback.

The idea of going to Shirdi was brewing up within me for some time now. It was Thursady, mom had kept a little puja which was attend by small group of people. The puja started at around 6:30 and ended in an hour. I was now hell bent on leaving for Shirdi. In between I managed to read an article about a trip to Shirdi on Rediff. Rediff happens to be my favourite sight, beside that it hold my oldest surviving e-mail id.
I decided that even I should make a trip to Shirdi. As of always my decisions were made on the last instant and on instincts. My driver took the pains to come in and drop me to a place in the heart of Surat city where the bust stand is located at ten in the night. I went into the first office and asked for a “sleeper” ticket. I know I don’t travel that well sitting that why I preferred a “sleeper” coach. The clerk suggested I could get only a non sleeper coach so I walked into another travel office. He issued me a sleeper ticket much to my happiness.
The seat was at the rear end. I was travelling with a group of friends where people were chattering late into the night. As the bus was about to leave around 11 I wished my near and dear ones good bye and sought their blessing.
I think I was awake for almost half an hour. The chatter and laughter was bugging me a bit but then I managed to slip into a deep sleep. I was awaken early in the by a loud thud as the bus hit a bumper. I was awake for 15 more minutes then I managed to sleep again and did not open my eyes before the bus finally halted in Shirdi in 8 in the morning.

It is a struggle.
I suggest if you are leaving in for Shirdi one must make a booking to the hotels and reconfirm it before leaving. Anyways I took a not so decent room, I managed to freshen up. My mobile was dead and so I also recharged my mobile. A local “Prasad” vendor managed to catch hold of me and I did not put him down and bought the “Prasad” without any fuss. I was a bit put off by people gathering all round me and making me feel like SRK/ AB baby. I then had the Indian breakfast of a sada dosa. There is a lot of things to choose from by the way. I kept my bag in the cloak room and deposited my camera, iPod and mobile to the authorities as well.

There was serpent like queue.
The arrangements have definitely improved since I made the trip couple of years back. There was a long queue consisting of people of all faiths and strata of society. There were people of all ages and all were eager to catch sight of the Shri Sai. The line thankfully kept moving chanting names in almost all languages that could be heard in India. The line kept moving and the bhajans and chants kept all interested.

After three hours.
The line lept moving stoping and then moving again. There was a break for lunch between 12:15 and 12:45. I managed to stand for few minutes then took a breather and then stood again. The line started moving again and then there was excitement as an “Aarti” was about to take place. Then the crowd was request to sit in a very large hall and the “Aarti” was performed. I did not follow much was what was going on but I tried to be with the crowd and bow down my head and offer my own “Aarti”.
The real “Darshan”. The “Aarti” ended with me feeling good as I was about to have “Darshan” of Shri Sai. There was a long queue and in between I manged to touch the priest’s feet and glance at Shri Sai. I seeked his blessing. I think his glimpse, which lasted for not more than a minute was worth the three hours in queue.
Lunch. I came out and bought a cold water bottle and a cold drink. I then collected my iPod, Camera and mobile. Then I called up my folks. Then I searched for a restaurant and managed to have a plate of Pav Bhaji, the Indian junk food. I then decided to book a bus ticket back home. I booked the sleeper ticket in no fuss and I thought well I could relax then. It was real hot all afternoon. I then went back to the complex and decided to sit around in the complex. Then I though of finding batteries for my Camera, I bought in “Duracell” which I knew would work. It did.

They kept pouring in.
There was everyone coming in from all parts of India. People were thronging in and there was a sense of hurry among all, as all wanted to seek blessing of Shri Sai. I managed to find solace in a crowded corner. I then decided to bring my camera into some action. I took the snap of temple housing, Ganesha, Shiva and Shani Dev. I then clicked a few photographs and after my first round of photograph, I queued for the priced “Vibhooti” I took three turn before sitting in front of a fountain just besides the complex.

The hot afternoon tested me.
It was real hot and I managed to fight weariness with help of water bottle and cold drinks and taking some snaps. A nice guys clicked my snap on my request and While the camera was in my head I did not felt much of heat as I roamed around the temple complex which attracted lots of people as there was a holiday packed weekend. It was so good to see people who managed to come in and made it to “Darshan”. I too obliged a few people with a snap request, slowly the blistering afternoon gave way to a very pleasant evening and my camera was busy taking a few snaps and deleting which did not look the worth.

Bid Adieu.
It was around six in the evening when I decided for a last stroll of the complex and took this sneak peak at Shri Sai and I thought this snap would be for my parents. The digital age helped them with an “e-Darshan”. I know that photography is not allowed inside but nothing as such was written outside the temple. Then I thought it was content to take a last bow and bid adieu with regards and humility.
Dinner. I decided to have Dosa again. I had two. The bus was slated for departure at 8 o’clock in the evening but left after 8:30, with 4 passenger and three “crew”. There was no stop before Nashik at 11. I felt hungry and feasted myself on “Prasad”. As there was a choice to exchange seats, I changed my seats to a lower sleeper. I sleeped and in the way picked up a stiff back, I got up in the vee hours when the bus stopped at Navsari. It was about 4:30 in the morning. The bus entered the city and I woke up at my destination by the “conductor”. The car was there to pick me up and I reached home a touch before six. It was a good feeling to be in the nest again. I showed my parents all the snaps that I took. They were happy with the “e-Darshan” and I though I had a very good trip to Shirdi. I you wish to see some snaps that I have uploaded then you can click on this link.

About: The tranquil at the sunset.

There is some reason yet unknown, which draw me towards a sunset. There is something very alluring about the sunset. It makes me think over things, which I never think at any other time of the day. It makes me hope, pray and smile at things, which I have ever done. I also tend to take a fresh stand and review things, which I ever did. It also made me believe that the darkest hour of the day is one before the sunrise.
The dusk also marks a period of transition. No matter how tired I am I always find time around sunsets very soothing and pacifying. I have just seen a full rainbow once but I always amazed at the sight of sunset from my window. I remember a time in the college when at times I would get onto my terrace hostel just to see the sunset. I at times rue that I did not had a camera at times to freeze that frame of time. I believe I have seen some very beautiful sunsets during my college days. The winter sunset use to be quick and before you know darkness and a chill would take over. The summer and the autumn sunset I feel are elongated as if drawing attention.
I also sometime wonder if I could sketch or paint better. I have a predilection for photography and the colours, hue and shades at sunsets are amazing. The bright reds, mellow orange, golden yellows and different hues mix up and slowly dissolve into the dark blue, black colour of evening as you peer into space at a distance of the far and beyond. The lengths of shadows seem to stretch into far beyond the times, yet to come. The stars in the evening come out of for a long vigil of the night. They add to the sparkle of the evening.
I think of it as the greatest time to meet people and share a few thoughts and things that went by during the day. The evening cup of coffee tastes amazing; so does a cold drink that I often had in years that have gone by. The music also seems very soothing if there is a track in which Manna De’ hums “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli hai”. I see of it as a promise that it fulfils with a bright morning and taking charge of a new day. It inspires me to forget whatever good or bad happened the last day and to start again fresh again. It is about getting up again and giving the best of you in the direst of circumstances that one may ever face.
It sometime makes me take a path on a lonely path away from the world, which brings me, closer to myself. A long path that clear all the darkness of lack of thoughts when last ray of sun shine in my eyes as if bringing to light some thoughts, wishes, hopes and dreams which are yet to be realized.
I look ahead for the next day as I post this at midnight wishing and praying for everyone dear, near and far wishing him or her health and peace. I hope they also realize a few dreams and goals the next day when they see a setting sun.
There are some dreams still to be fulfilled and some amazing sunsets yet to be seen.

About: Some Snaps