Blissfully Ignorant

Long time.......

2011-10-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ages since I wrote here. Several changes, several bicycles, but still the same old guy (I guess).

I think in Indian society, a boy becomes the MAN of the family after certain milestones such as buying a car, marriage, building/buying a house, etc. Else, age irrespective, the boy remains a boy!!!

On the contrary, if one has met the aforementioned citeria, the society promotes the BOY to a MAN, again age immaterial. Wonder what other people think about this???!!!!

Bike!!!!

2007-09-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

My all modified Mountain Bike!!

Fountain Head

2007-09-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

"Integrity is the ability to stand by an idea. That presupposes the ability to think. Thinking is something one doesn't borrow or pawn. And yet if I choose a symbol for humanity as we know it, I wouldn't choose a cross nor an eagle nor a lion and unicorn. I'd choose three gilded balls"

Courtesy: Fountain Head

Simple and straight from the heart. I share the above opinion!!

An 'interesting' viewpoint

2007-09-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this article in the Times of India website, written by Shobhaa De. Read on.....
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cricket_tamasha/articleshow/2372935.cms

Ratan TATA

2007-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

A man of strong priciples & a focussed vision, he has certainly lead the TATA group of companies successfully over the last 2 decades now. Recently, I saw an interview of Ratan Tata. Questions spreading over a wide range of topics, including politics were thrown at this gentleman. There was a certain poise and charm in the manner of his handling these questions diplomatically. On one hand defending the present UPA coalition goverment and the Prime Minister, he was also adept at stating that the Goverment also needed to take Bold initiatives as part of fostering 'Inclusive Growth'.
He stressed on BOLDNESS; indicating that not only the Government must be bold in its initiatives, but also each and every industrialist and investor must be bold in his/her initiatives. The industry must not follow but lead, not just nationally, but at international levels. One must be competitive at an international level, and not just stop at that, but must adapt to WIN at such levels. Such is the positive and agressive attitude of this inspiring leader of the TATA Group of companies.
It is no wonder, that TATA Steel has gone shopping for Corus, TATA Motors, under its hood, initiating the 'small car' project and several other international conquests . This Man's vision and inspiration is deadly. This is reflected in the manner of business aggressiveness exhibited by the TATA Group.

Faces of Humanity

2007-08-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

Recently, I came across several articles about the 'racist' attacks on Indian tourists, in Leipzig, Germany. What furthered me to write this article was a nice apology letter from my German language teacher, on behalf of the country as a whole!! It would be so easy to blame Germany, a land with troubled histories, a land not so accomodative when it comes to foreigners.
But, when one looks at a much broader picture, I see a different face altogether. I have met people who are kind and friendly in Germany - one part of Germany's face and I have met people who are not so accomodative - the other part of the same face. Now, is such a picture applicable to Germany alone??
NO!!! Call it hate crimes, but these crimes are not centered only in Germany; they are as rampant in India as they are in Germany.
What we fail to realize is the overall face of HUMANITY! We are all HUMANS and have a life, similar feelings and needs. When will we understand that we are all born from the same SEED!!!!Today, Germany may be under the 'scanner' but tomorrow another place and country (INDIA TOO!!!). No individual country can be held responsible for such acts; for WE are all as a whole equally responsibile for the degrading face of HUMANITY!!!

Deutsches Museum

2007-08-13T03:28:00.000-07:00

After continued persevrance from my good friend, 'BS', we finally decided to pay a visit to the famed Deutsches Museum, here in Munich. Little did we realize what was in store for us on a glorious August morning.
The museum was a store house of various technological innovations of Man; subjects ranging from Marine Engineering, Textile Engineering, Aeronautics, Engines &Instrumentation Technology to Microelectronics, Computers, modern Space Technology, Environment and so on. Four huge storeys dedicated as a tribute to Man and his Evolution was what we walked through, this day. Stone Age painting models (Altamera Caves), World War plane models, Submarines and ship models, Underground train models, Rockets & satellite models were all part of the display.

7 hours of non-stop admiration did not enable us to see ALL that was there to be seen and admired. Each step of ours was filled with awe; questions such as,'How can one EVER think of such an idea?' plagued each step of ours.
As we walked out of the museum, hungry for a snack, our minds were satiated with the thought that our 'knowledge' was like a Needle in a MASSIVE haystack!!!

2007-08-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, I came across an article about Equity Investment in Germany. The survey in the article informed that fewer Germans are open to the idea of investing in equities. This was attributable to lack of knowledge and also a major crash of the Deutsche Telekom stock in the year 2000. As usual the CEO of the company was sacked, 'thanks' to the above crash.

The stock markets always hold a risk factor. It is a 50-50 chance of loosing money as much as profiting. This is the reality, no matter how rosy the papers print about the rising Indian and Chinese or for that matter any stock market. So, when a company's stock crashes, generally only the CEO is culpable and hence the immediate move is to sack this person - ONE PERSON. Yes, there are cases of CEO's not being responsible enough to guide the organization, but an organization is not just ONE CEO. It is a family of several people and in my opinion, each and every employee is equally responsible. Ofcourse, I do not intend to say that, when the stock craches, sack all its employees - that would mean no stock at all!!!!
Stock markets are intrinsically bound to the World's Business economy, and by its nature there will be ups and downs. Again, a 50-50 chance of losses as much as a profit. This year's loss will churn the next year's profit. Simply throwing out CEO's and bringing in new faces is not sufficient to ensure profitability. It requires a much broader outlook. Ofcourse, I am no economics expert to 'opiniate'! There are too many people for that. Just recording a thought!

Evolution

2007-08-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

Woke up to a dull, misty morning. I see beauty; the wet leaves, fresh and green, the 'pitter-patter' of the rain drops against my window had a tune by itself to which the branches of the tall trees, against my window seem to be swaying. In the distance I could see the haze slowly lifting, a misty enthrall, a poet would say. As I travel in the 'S-Bahn', strong thoughts hit me - Man Evolving. Are we really, as a 'superior' species, capable of evolving?
In today's context, I refer to evolution, not from the perspective of its traditional biological meaning but from the perspective of self improvement. Not a day goes by without an article/news about malpractices & violations. On one side, people talk about humanity and hence talk about sending 'FINANCIAL AID' to poverty stricken countries as in Africa & Aisa and on the other side, the same people 'AID' themselves by swindling some (or all of the money) which was for 'humane' purposes!!! Today's World is driven by terms such as 'Profitability', 'Quality', 'Innovation', 'Efficiency' & 'Resource Management'! What these terms really address is just one aspect - 'MONEY'! In this materialistic World, every aspect of life including love, relationship, humanity, justice, trust have been reduced to 'MAXIMIZE PROFITS'!
Its definitely plausible to say that, 'Yes, we as a human race can evolve', but one must always add the term, 'To maximize our profits' in the end, for it is assumed that what ever you do, is to maximize profits. This I write with an absolute sense of humor!
Until we are driven by this one aspect of life, and are unable to look at humanity as a whole and benefit the entire race and not from a self centered perspective (i.e. to maximize profits), the human race's ability to evolve any further has come to end, without actually, 'PROFITING'!!!!

More Ignorant, Blissful nonetheless

2007-07-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

A very interesting comment to my previous article on 'Bliss'. Are we as humans, really capable of improving, considering that we 'have' an 'advantage' over animals and vegetation which have to evolve, on the contrary?
From the perspective of this question, one has to really go into the depths of religion for an answer (Totally a personal opinion). The Bhagwat Gita instructs that the ability of Man, as such to see the 'Big picture' is very limited. We get easily carried away by the 'petty' and simple aspects of life: Financial success (??), Achievements (!!!! 1st in a class of 10 students??). When we derive our 'strength' from such petty issues, we fail to go beyond to realize the higher echelons. Until this happens, my opinion is that we are as much animals and vegetation as animals and vegetation really are (Worse!!?? - personal experiences).
To continue, aspects such as 'Dollar' value and 'European' settlement seem to be the basis categories to establishing (& maintaining) communication with one another!
Conclusion(in my opinion): I am still Ignorant but Blissful nonetheless!!!

Bliss

2007-07-08T05:06:00.001-07:00

Recently, I came across an article which was based on the concepts of Metaphysics. This article derives its inspiration from it. Man, as a scientist has created laws which define his World; Conservation of Energy, being one of the most significant.
Man, by nature, is always critical of his surroundings. We tend to complain about the weather, food, quality of life, and the list goes on. Simply said, we never seem to be happy with what we have. Some might say that it is this very dissatisfaction, which leads Man to pursue Quality and Perfection. True!!!!
Coming back to the article on Metaphysics, it dealt with an entity PRESENT at some point of time and at the same time NOT being PRESENT. Too vague!! The example stated was that of 'Fire burns'. We always associate 'Fire' and 'Burns' together. Now look at specifically 'Burns'. It is PRESENT but at the same time, NOT PRESENT. Its not easy to comprehend, but what this article was trying to drive was that every 'Thing' is composed of several parts and the sum total of all these parts is the 'Whole' and at the same time, each individual part mirrors the very 'Whole'!!!
This small article on a Blog certainly does not go anyway in bringing out the complex phenomenons behind Metaphysics, but just a small start, by bringing out the idea of seeing ONENESS; that humans, trees, animals are just a small part of something 'Bigger' and that there is a ONENESS in each one of these parts, bearing the features of the 'Whole'. Call it proof to the existence of God, call it a Mad Man's vaguries: I am Blissfully Ignorant, but just to myself, this IS 'BLISS'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Human Value

2007-07-01T03:00:00.001-07:00

A thought has been plaguing in my mind, since the past few days. Today, the Indian Economy is seeing heights never scaled before, what with the Sensex looking to cross the 15,000 mark soon and the GDP close to 9%. More people are getting jobs; not just jobs, but jobs which pay the salaries they want and work on particulars which interest them. Today, the UPA Government is trying to revamp old Governance laws, to attract more FDI and overall Industrial progress.

Seeing such moves more and more MNCs are seeing India as their next source of growth. As an Indian, one feels proud reading all these statistics. Now, in Germany, labor is expensive. Infact, it is almost the highest in the World,considering wages at €22 per hour. Compare this to labor costs in developing coutries. Although, the table alongside is extremely old, it serves as a guideline for my comment: The Human Value.

Why is it that we pay less to people who do the same job, but in different places? I understand the Economics; Demand & Supply, Economic advantage, Geographic location, etc; but my thought is based more on a Humanistic perspective. I am not expecting an answer, because all answers will finally lead to the Economic outlook... thats why I leave it just as a thought/comment.

33 Years

2007-07-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

33 years ...
Some would say that is short,
Some would say that is long,
How does one judge?
As She looks back, I can see Dedication, Hardwork,
Understanding, but most importantly,
A Teacher who has guided so many of her students
Into a path of light.
This is not a poem praising her 33 years,
For no words can express what She has done for us,
As She looks back,
I feel lucky to stand there amongst all her students,
Saluting my German Teacher,
who taught me more than what I can express.

Half Marathon

2007-06-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious summer morning on the 24th of June. I was looking forward to participate in the 29th Munich City Run; but with a sore knee, I was not very optimistic about my chances of finishing the 21km distance. The city center was swarming with people; 17500 people had come in to participate in the 3 events as part of this festival.

At 8am, the Half Marathon was flagged off. I started off at a comfortable pace, enjoying the crowd and the atmosphere. It was inspiring to see people of all ages participate with a passion. At the 20 km mark, I made a dash to the end, which I promised myself at the start.

I was greeted with fresh apples, bananas and energy drinks at the finish line. All in all, a memorable experience, a sense of satisfaction of having challenged one's limits. I will cherish this event for a long time to come.

Mozhi - Feeling the Unfelt

2007-06-18T02:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I happened to watch the Tamil movie- 'Mozhi'. I must confess that after ages something refreshing and different has come from the Tamil Film Industry. The film has Jyothika and Prakash Raj in the lead.

The film deals with Romance of a very different nature; portrays the life of a woman who is deaf and dumb and importantly, how she SENSES her World. In once of the scenes, the Hero tries to imagine her life by shutting his ears with cotton. In this setup he walks through the 'buzzing' Chennai streets. He sees people fighting, laughing, political leaders 'promising' - but amidst all this, he fails to HEAR the words.

A silent World... A Life of no FALSE promises... perhaps a sense of isolation or total liberation??!! Her World is a language of signs, a World where words get replaced by signs or 'Mozhigal'. She can FEEL Music, she can FEEL the air she breathes. I specifically mention the word FEEL because, we as humans tend to gauge everything around us through our senses, the way we FEEL about the things around us. These 'things' more often than not tend to be FEELings of love, hate, jealousy, insecurity; but never do they encapsulate the simple aspects of our lives - the air, the feelings aroused by the sight of the snow capped peaks, the feel of the grass under your feet, the music of the birds, the love of a mother showered on her children.

As I contemplate on such thoughts, I find it funny who calls whom 'DISABLED'!!!!

Geierstein

2007-04-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

Bright and sunny a day
To head away into the woods and mountains
Geierstein Geierstein was the only call in my mind.

Over the brooks that silently flowed by,
Through the woods where the larks and sparrows sang by,
Mellowed in warm sunshine,
Geierstein Geierstein was all the way in my mind.

Suddenly, the woods opened out, and not so far away, sat Brauneck, the King of Lenggries.
Crowned in white, robed in warm sunlight,
This was a princely sight.

The Alps were ethereal, where the clouds kissed the mountain tops and the sun was all bright and gay.
Away from the pleasure and pressures of Worldly Life,
Here I was, up above so high, with the sun, wind and mountains!A thought, Is this Heaven?
Geierstein Geierstein will always be a memory in my mind.

On the Other side

2006-11-30T12:04:00.000-08:00

It is tough to see young ones grow up; you always thought that you could protect them with your decisions , but these get challenged once the tender ones grow to make their own. No matter how good you might think your decision might be, there are a few things which you can never explain "logically", as they are more to do with the heart than "intelligent" reasoning. My first tryst with such an experience has left me a little drained with a sense of futility that makes you realize that, which your parents felt when YOU questioned their decisions. Thanks to God, these questions that I put across, lead me into the 'right' path. I now realize the sense of anxiousness & desparity they would have felt when I took my first steps into "MY OWN" Life!!!Life indeed is not without a sense of irony & mockery!!! :-)

Worthy were the quetions I asked,
To move out of my Haven,
Worthy were the steps I took later on,
A sense of Irony and Anxiousnes I feel
As I see them Thrown back at me

Attitude

2006-11-18T00:35:00.000-08:00

One of these days, I was in conversation with one of my senior collegues at the office. I wanted to update myself about his project, which dealt within the realms of Signal Processing and MATLAB. Instead of discussing the project, he was frustrated with his collegues from India. Naturally, I was more than curious as to the cause of his concerns. He was telling me that, they were unable to solve problems by themselves and were mailing him at ever minute step / problem.

The point to be obeserved here is Attitude and Approach. In Europe, the work culture is more or less very independent. Although people work in teams, the individuals work on their own plans and ideas, and to this end, they make themselves responsible for its success or failure. This is in their Attitude and this is their Approach.

How does it fair with we, Indians? Most of the times, the youth are in the care of their parents up to an age of 20 - 22 years, huge by European standards. As a consequence, the concept of Independence is never born in our minds until late. One might definitely argue that such a delay is helpful, considering that the person at this age is 'Mature', but then, isn't maturity something borne out of Independence and self realization. When the latter two are not present, how then will a person become mature?!!

Coming back to my discussion with my collegue, I realized that this Independent Attitude concept is never inculcated in our minds until late. The very concept of free thinking is quashed at several stages of youth, terming them as Impossible, Good or Bad!! How many of our learning centres, namely Universities, propogate/encourage this very model of thinking or for that matter, expose youth to such a concept itself. I was in conversence with my brother the other day, and he was telling me that they conduct classes in his college on Sundays too!!!! I could sympathise with him, for according to his experience and from my previous experience, I can confidently state that nothing of importance really happens. Institutions are opened up in every corner, in the greed for money and not with the purpose of imparting quality education. One must also realize why the IITs, IIMs, BITS and NITs are held in esteem, compared to some XYZ institute - These institues provide exposure and encourage the concept of free thinking and innovation, apart from imparting quality knowledge.

In todays World, where Indians are working in collaboration with Europeans and Americans, the role that independent thinking and innovation play, are of paramount importance. Americans and Europeans, expect such an approach and we must also encourage this as its ultimate end is towards growth, success and profitability. I can feel this change coming in in India,, what with Indian MNCs TAKING OVER companies abroad. Its just a matter of time, one might say, but I suggest that we can cut short this 'matter of time' if such thought model is encouraged across all the Educational institutes in India. Young minds think fresh, and freshness is what breeds success and profitability into any Business. So, why not we accept these aspects of the Western culture, if not their way of life??!!

Halzerspitze

2006-10-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

It was another day for hiking. The day, unlike in novles, did NOT start birght and shinny. It was dull and dreary, with a cold that came along with the wind. Yet, the forecast was for bright sunshine. So, BaS and me headed off towards Tegernsee, which is about 50 Km from here and a great place to hike. At Tegernsee, we did a 'umsteig' and headed to another place, which was supposed to be the starting point for our target, Halzerspitze!! The peak stood at 1800 m and we were at 800 m. People might just wonder, just 1000 m .. BIG DEAL. Believe me folks, that would have been just 1000m with a 'Sea Harrier' capable of a vertical take off, or an 'Apachee' attack helicopter, but, today our attack machines were our legs!!!

The peak stood tall and majestic up above. At 10:30 am (really late by German standards) we started our trek. The foliage was at its best, I could see, green, yellow, orange, brown and they all gelled so beautifully that I simply dont have one single word to describe them all. A river ran by close to our trekking path. Incidentally, there were very few people hiking here, unlike the other places. One could hear the murmuring sound of the river over the rocks below, and the wind blowing through the trees. The sound of the birds was rare, but when we did hear it, it was as though Nature had composed and now playing its own song. A certain feeling of elation ran through me, as one feels when he is bonded to his peaceful surroundings. It was unspoilt, Nature at her pristine beauty. After 3.5 hours of trekking, we came to the base of the peak. This part was going to be challenging, it required rock climbing skills. We took a chance, the adrenalin had reached levels sufficient to take up such risks.

It was fun climbing up, the sights that was afforded from these points was beyond fantabulous... In the distance were snow covered peaks, other moutain ranges with green sides; the wind howled by us , but otherwise, it was really calm. We did not make it all the way to the peak, as we were running short of time, so we turned back. The hike back took more than 2 hours and we missed our Bus back to Tegernsee. BaS tried his luck with his hitching skills, frankly I thought he didnt have any. I was proved wrong (Thank God!!!) and we were travelling back to Tegernsee in a VW .

2006-10-08T01:07:00.000-07:00

Its almost been ages since I wrote in. Lots have passed by since my last post, places changed, events having taken place. Last weekend, I went on a Hiking trip on a mountain called Brauneck, near Lenggries.The day awoke, dull and cloudy. Soon, the clouds decided to get a little light; moments later came the 'fruits' of that thought. BaS and me had decided the previous night that we would Hike, and I was looking forward to it. I was going to make it there at any cost. So, at 9:30 am, there we were travelling by the BOB train having decided to challenge the weather!! At 11 am, we were at the base of the mountain and we took the Cable Car up to the peak. The altitude numbers changed prolifically, from 680m to 1556m, while the temeratures dwindled in a span of 10 minutes. I was awed by the sight at the moutain top! The Alps were there, standing proud wearing white caps of early snow. The grass down was still green and the air, fresh!! With a 'Servus' here and 'Hallo' there to a fellow hiker, we headed towards the Benediktenwand, with the help of a map. The terrain we encountered was challenging which made it all the more exciting. Soon, the jackets had to come off with the sun shining. The gamble had paid off!! We trekked for nearly 2 hours, when we were at the neighbourhood of our taget, but we had to turn back. I guess we had touched an altitude close to 1800m. That was good by my amateurish standards. Words fail me to give a description of the sights and sounds that BaS and me felt on that moutain top. All I can say is, perhaps I was in Heaven; I have never seen anything like this before.

The way down was even more challenging, considering a minute slip would lead one to a completely 'unearthly' destination, instead of what that person had in mind! This time, we decided to trek down the mountain, all the way down. Now, the moutain side is quite steep, which means that your thighs and knees never get a rest, if you are on the move. To tell you folks, its tough work climbing down, we were on the run, that way we felt our muscles were able to handle it better rather than 'walk'. Sometimes the gravel gave away, causing us to slip and fall, but isnt that all part of the fun! For 1.5 hhours we stressed our muscles and down we were at the base of Leggries! Biking enthusiasts climbing up the hill and riding down was a sight to behold!! If I thought climbing down was dangerous, I had second thoughts after seeing these 'X' sport 'enthusiasts'.

Famished, not in the mind but at the stomach, I was more than happy to treat myself to a scoop of 'Nuss' ice cream and take the train back home. BaS and me are planning on more such trips and maybe more guys.

A day of Mixed Feelings

2006-07-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a pleasant day, perhaps one of those days that one never forgets. The day dawned, bright as ever… that’s as far as Summers in Germany is concerned. A group of my friends who had learnt German together, had planned to meet our German teacher, Frau. Monika Carbe, today and I had managed to organize a meeting. She had invited us personally to her house. We had bought a couple of Coffee Mugs as a gift for her, as she loves drinking coffee, a card, a couple of Gifts specially from Vietnam and China. By now, you as a reader, should have figured it out that she was indeed very special to us. She not only taught us German, but much more than that; the very German Culture and its meaning. Every Tuesday was special to me, because I spent 3 hours with Frau Carbe, learning more German and Culture, and importantly, she made language learning simple and fun. Its what we, as her students really appretiated her for.

So today, here we were in Frankfurt, at her residence, eating ‘Brötchen mit Käse’, drinking ‘Chinesiche Tee’, ‘Vietnamesiche specialitäten’ and Salads and having a lovely discussion with Frau. Carbe and her husband. Every moment was special to me. I really admire this woman; perhaps the last moments I might be spending with her. After treating our stomaches, we went for a walk, and she showed us the ‘Bibliothek’, as if her house, which was laden with Literature Books from the entire World ( including Sanskrit!!! ) wasn’t sufficient. We walked through a nearby ‘Friedhof’ (Graveyard). The word might evoke a sense of dread, at times, fear; but what I saw and felt was something beyond this World. Eerie, one might say. I have never seen such beauty in Death… the Dead certainly seemed to be resting in peace. This place was so calm and peaceful.
My immediate thoughts: ’Trod not the dead the materialistic ways that we, the living trod’. I wanted to stay longer here, perhaps forever…..

Soon, out I was on the busy Frankfurt streets, as I felt a mask descending on my face…’So läuft das Leben’!!! A quick Coffee break in a nearby Café, and then we bade farewell to Frau. Carbe; feelings better never written or explained!!!! Back in Darmstadt and now, perhaps a Jazz Concert… why not… pam pam pam!!!

Argentina vs Holland

2006-06-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

21.06.06, 21:00 pm was the clash of two Titans in the World of Football, Argentina vs Holland. With Argentina's flag painted on my face and couple of Argentinian fans by my side, I travelled to Frankfurt to watch the match on the big screen by the river Main. To my shocker, I felt I was actually in HOLLAND, there were reports that close to 40,000 Holland fans had made it to Frankfurt to watch the match! And these guys made their presence felt, with their orange flags and dressing! Nevertheless, we were early for the party and to our luck, we were right in front of the screen, in the midst of Argentinian fans!! My Argentinian friends taught me couple of songs, of which I managed to retain some of the words : 'Vamous Vamous Argentina... Vamous Vamous..... Kilomera.. Notereka Notereka Notereka'. I found myself turning in to a crazy Football fan too amidst these guys; with an Argentinian flag on my shoulders, which I occassionally started waving and jumping with, along with the many more who were there singing and cheering the team on. The game was captivating, with Argentina making several attacks, but not managing to convert any. Holland was equally up to the task, and at the end of 90 minutes, it was a 0-0 draw match. But that never let down the spirits. On my way back, I found myself dancing with the Dutch and Argentenian fans. ' Shaaa laaa lalala.. sha la lal laaa': that was the Dutch song!!! So, here I was, getting actually converted into a crazy Football Fan, which I have never been before.
I reached home at 2 am, tiered with all the jumping and dancing but, the songs continued to play in my head: ' Vamous Vamous Argentina.....'....'Ooooh Argentina... Es is sentimento...laaalaaa'.

She..

2006-06-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Her smile makes me happy,
Her presence makes the flowers colourless to my eyes,
Life seems to be in harmony when she is around,
We share talks way beyond for the common ears…
Is this what it feels to like someone?? I wonder…
She is not mine… never to be mine… yet the times
I spend with her, makes hours seem like seconds, days like
Minutes……
Alas, in this lonely and selfish life, I found someone to care for
And to be cared by someone….
I care not what others think about us…
I care not about what lies ahead for us…
All I care about, is the precious little times that I still have
To be spent in her companionship.

Fußball Weltmeisterschaft

2006-06-11T03:11:00.000-07:00

Its soccer World cup time and it cannot get any better, its in Deutschland. I was in Frankfurt recently for the match between England and Paraguay. I was at the 'Stadion'; not to get inside because I had no tickets, but to get a feel of the atmosphere. I was told that a TV was placed outside the stadium where one can see the match. As I neared the stadium at 3pm on a warm, pleasant Saturday afternoon, I could feel the excitement grow in me as I could hear the cheers and boos of the Fußball Fans. To be frank, I am no great football fan, but the craze gets to you, specially since its THE WORLD CUP and what more, its happening just in your backyard!!!!But, all the excitement came to a sudden stop when I saw that there were no TVs outside the stadium. Several English fans holding placards, asking for tickets is all what I got to see. So, I went back to the main city, to the river Main. I was told that there are couple of huge TVs placed along the river, where one could get to see the match, 'kostenlos'(free)!! As I neared my destination, I saw the Tvs and they were not placed along the rivers, but IN the river! It was HUGE, and I have never seen anything like this. To add to the excitement was a huge contingent of English supporters; most of them drunk as England were marching on their way to victory against Paraguay. Well, initially I could not get a good seat to view the match, but then when the English match was through, I was able to get a real good seat, right in front of the giant TV screen, for the Trinidad & Tobago vs Sweden match. It was not the match that was interesting, but just the fact that YOU were a part of the World Cup mania, along with the many others through out the World. It felt great!! The match ended in a listless 0 - 0 draw. Yet, I still cannot forget the exuberence and entertainment that I got to see on this day. Suddenly, I feel that so many of my childhood dreams are coming to fruition. No wonder your elders always encouraged you to dream ( not day dream through) beyond what you could see before your eyes, so that one day the 'dreamy' event, in fact, realizes to be a fact right before your eyes!!! So 'Ole Ole... Ole Ole', I sing on with the fans to watch the next match, Argentina vs Ivory Coast.... I am a fan of Argentina, by the way!!

Dream On...

2006-06-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

"Dream on Dream on.. Dream on till your dreams come true".. those were the lyrics of a song by Aerosmith. Well, it just so happened that on the 7th of June 2006, one of my longest dreams came to fruition. Egelsbach, is a beautiful calm town close to Langen. The silence of this beautiful place is only disturbed by the 'small' planes taking off from the nearby airfield. Twenty hours before, I did not have the slightest idea that I would be walking with a Gentleman from my University in the direction of this airfield, just to realise my life long dream of FLYING A PLANE come true!!!! Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I Did fly a plane. So, here is how it all happened.
I know Mr. Weinerth as a 'Laboringeniur' at Hochschule Darmstadt. I knew him as a person who could tackle any sort of problems relating to computers and networks. Little did I know about his 'other' talents. It so happened, yesterday (06.06.2006), Mr. Weinerth was kind enough to come by my Lab to ask me if I was free to join him for a flight! Flight.. hmm!!WHAT!! A FLIGHT IN A PLANE!! He seemed to read my mind and asked me if I was free for a Flight the next day early in the morning. No, I had an important lecture and I could not miss that. So I had to say 'No'. An hour later, he was back to ask me if I was free around 11 am. This time, it was a YES!!'Tango,Bravo,Charlie,Delta,Echo.. the Raven is going to FLY!!'
So, at 11 am Mr. Weinerth and me set off towards Egelsbach. The day was clear and sunny, perfect weather to fly. The plane that we took was a Cessna 152. Mr Weinerth went through the check up procedures, cheking the flaps and rudder, the fuel gauges. He explained to me how the flaps and the rudders were controlled. After that, it was time to fly. The cockpit is just sufficient for two people. It was filled with many gauges which record the windspeed, altitude, orientaion and a host of other parameters. I got the first feel of the baby when we were taxiing down towards the runway. I managed to guide the plane along the runway, under the guidance of Mr. Weinerth, using the peddales which controlled the Rudder. We were cleared for take off and then Mr. Weinerth, increased the Throttle and at a speed of 60 mph, we pulled the joystick and up we were!! The feeling is that of exhilaration. I was holding the joystick and slowly as we gained altitude, the scenary below got smaller and more beautiful. Under the watchful eyes of my pilot, I guided the plane to specific 'exit' points. Mr. Weinerth managed to control the alititude and speed according to the standards mentioned in the map. We flew over castles and bridges. We managed to visit Mannheim, Heidelberg, Darmstadt and the Hockenheim F1 ring. All these places in a span of 60 minutes.
Small spins by Mr. Weinerth and later by me, made the flight exciting as one feels a tumbling feeling in one's bowels! It all looked so calm and peaceful from up above here. The cars so small, the cities so neatly layed out... I have no words to explain what or how I felt. I do know one thing for sure... I was having fun!!!
And so, after 60 minutes in the air, Mr. Weinerth professionally landed the plane back at Egelsbach. After neatly parking the plane, we retraced our steps back to Darmstadt. I am still dreaming and perhaps will continue dreaming about my dream which came to fulfillment

Friend

2006-06-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Grown Ups we were from afar
Children we were at hearts
Innocent as the early morning dew was our friendship and still is
Times spent together, never to be forgotten
Times spent together, precious
The only shoulder I found to cry and laugh
The one person, whom I could trust and love
Hand in hand in each others sorrows and happiness
Distances apart, yet I find the bonds of love and care
Such is the sweet innocense of our friendship
Missing you my dear friend

Happy (Tamizh) New Year

2006-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Tamil New Year's Day!! Well, here I am alone again in a far off land with no signs of a new year..... my first thoughts as I got out of my bed. A talk with parents after a hiatus brightened things up. Afternoon, 'dudu' came home as planned. We planned to make Kesari, 'prasadam' thayir saddam and vadai!! Well, both of us were equally excited cause we had never tried out vadai which requires lots of experience to make. We used the MTR ready mix, made a paste, added some onions and fried in oil!! Every step was interesting by itself.... right from shaping the paste on the palm of your hand to frying it 'delicately' in oil!! The best part was, that the 'vadai' really looked and tasted like 'vadai' in India!! Also made the Kesari with lots of thrakshai (raisins). Finally the curd rice... fried some onions and mustard and then made a paste of the hot smoking rice and then added curd and milk...... the result - 'Koil Prasadam Thayir Saddam'!!!! Simply awesome curd rice! Only my heavy stomach is keeping me from blissfully floating away!!! It was indeed a happy new year for 'dudu' and me!! Wishing all others a Happy Tamil New Years Day!!

Nothing Specific

2006-03-05T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sunday... Sun's shining but coldly! 'SPTK' called me and we visited a Croatian church. It was an interesting experience, what with the Father sermonising and all the others chattering away as though it was a weekend outing!!! Verses from the Bible echoed around the hall, to the accompaniment of the Clavier and the choir. It was a Catholic church, not so elaborate as the ones I have come to visit before. The 'Mass' went on for an hour, not that I understood much, as it was all in Croatian but my companion, managed to explain a few things to 'SPTK' and me... such as Freedom, teachings of Jesus, teachings of Peter, the apostle. We got 'blessed' with sacred ash, which incidentally made me compare it directly to Hinduism and the 'Vibuthi'. My Croatian companion incidentally also made this comparison; being a Sai devotee, she has a good idea about India.

As I was reading my friend's blog, I came across this interesting link:
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2006/01/india_calcutta.html.

Its about 3 Indian girls, orphaned, then adopted by American families and brought up thereafter in the USA!! The video shows the 3 girls coming back to their home town, Calcutta and really finding themselves out of place, they find themselves surrounded by poverty and hunger....
As the video ran, and the girls talk about their experience, a number of feelings flowed through me too...... emotions which I really am unable to put into words. The busy streets and crowded lanes remind me of my HOME on one side and on the other, it shows the bane of the Indian society... poverty and hunger and homeless children.......................................................

Haar Schneiden

2006-03-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

Midnight Buffet... ok, something I have heard of before; mid night movie with friends and grub... something I have done a number of times... mid night Kapi... yeah.. that's also in the done list, but mid night hair cut!!!!! No way!! But yesterday was the first time I got a hair cut in the middle of the night!! And the best part was that, it was not in a shop, but in my own room! I got the machine from my friend and my neighbour 'S' said that he will give me a hair cut!! I didnt really trust him at first, but I had to swallow up these thoughts as he proved himself to be way beyond my trust and expectations! Well, amidst all this, the bloody battery in the machine was dying and I didnt have a way to charge it, because the adaptor was for American plug points and I could not fit it into the switch points here!!!!! So, amidst all my schrieking at 'S' that he should not use the machine too much and 'turn it off' I got my hair cut done spanning over 2 hours!!! I must say that at the end of it all, I really had a new 'Haar Style'... I call it the 'S' Style!! Short at the sides and not so at the top! I must admit, 'S' was all patient, knew what he was doing, sometimes taking time out to play Rap songs which he loves, and telling me with his typical Bulgarian accent, ' U crazy mann, dont be sooo...' and a lazy grin followed! At 2:30 am, both of us were too tiered to watch a movie, so we brought a long day to a close.... a day which I will not esily forget.... a day filled with fighting with the Codec, an evening spent in the company of a 'nice' person and mid night hair cut amidst fear, when the razor is going to stop working and I am going to have a 'new' hair style........ long and eventful day .

How Drunk is a Drunkard!!!!

2006-02-19T01:09:00.000-08:00

Hoo Hoo!! Let me start of by saying,'Ich bin gut!!'. All these days, I have been busy enjoying, be it exams or cooking together with friends or for that matter, just being Blissfully Ignorant of things going on around me. But, that stretch of being 'Blissfully Ignorant' came to a sudden standstill yesterday. I was in the 'Irish Pub' with a FEW friends and others. Irish music in the backdrop and people dancing near the stage got me all fired up, reminding me of my days in India. Couple of friends and me got on near the stage and soon I could feel the music in my legs... I was dancing after so many months, something which I love! As all things come to a close, so did the performance of the band and we went back to our table, only to find some of them 'drunk'. Now, how would one define the 'state' of being drunk to a kid or a person as Blissfully Ignorant as me??? I could see them laughing, singing... ok, that looks and sounds good.. so its 'good' to get drunk!!!! After a few minutes, one of the fellows left to the Rest room, and later on I came to know he was preoccupied with his own 'musings' for an hour!!!! Ok, that doesnt sound too 'bad'. After a few more minutes, it was unruly behaviour by one of the guys.... well, even for a Blissfully Ignorant person that was BAD (please note the absence of the quotes). So, when they say, 'Drink to your Health', what do they actually mean??!! Maybe, they were referring to the fact that, its been high time that you have not visited the rest rooms??!!

Another question that was thrown to me by a young member of our friends circle was, 'How drunk is a drunkard??'!!!! Whoops a Daisies... 'Keine Ahnung' (No Idea). Something to ponder about......................

Weinachten

2005-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

Thats what they call 'Merry Christmas' in the other parts of the World. To be frank I have never visited a Church during this special day. I was invited, here, by one of my friends Bips to a German lady's house on this Holy Night. Frau G, lives by herself and was very cordial, indeed. She has many Indian and Chinese students among her list of friends. In the company of pleasant music echoing from her CD player, we feasted on her preparation, 'Kartoffeln' dishes mainly in the company of juice and Bread. A special pudding cake, with its after taste still in my mouth, served to be the evening dessert. The atmosphere was special indeed ('Spannend!!')... light music in the company of healthy discussions, including World War 2, Iraq, India and other latest developments. Although, my knowledge of German is sparce, yet I managed to part take in the discussion. Haaa... Finally away from petty thoughts and worries, that has been so much a part of my life here in Deutschland!! And to be frank, the further I try to move away from them, the nearer they get!!! Nevertheless, Bips, his Chinese friend and me went to St. Ludwig Church in Luisenpltaz. I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere.... Choir singing melodious songs, people singing along too, in the company of the 'Klavier'. The lights were dim and with candles lit around, the church looked unearthly!! Ahhh.. So peaceful.. so envigorating!! 'Silent Night.. Holy Night..' and the music played on... How I wish all days and nights were so blissful!! My train of thoughts and peace were broken, as the Mass broke up for the night, to go back home and celebrate 'Weinachten' with their loved ones... as I head back to my abode!!!! The music of the 'Klavier' continues' to ring in my ears.. 'Silent Night...'................ Amen!!

Es Schneit!!!

2005-11-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

Diese woche war zu kalt, und plötlich, lätzte nacht es Schneit!!!! Das war wünderschöne!! Everything was white in the morning!! This is the first time in my life that I have got to see and feel snow. Have always seen in the movies, the 'light' flakes falling from up above.... but last night I got to feel the flakes fall from up above, light as a feather, melt to water once they touch you. Nature at its pristine moment of beauty. Surprising, how a simple transformation of chemical state evokes so much excitement in a human mind!The child in me awoke, wanting to go out and play with snow. Morning, as I walk to the Aüsländerbehörde, my friend and me threw snow at each other, shouting excitedly! Two twenty year old 'kids' shouting and schrieking, walking on a cold white carpet! In class... well, the child in me pulls out the chilren in the others... We made huge snow balls and threw at each other right in the class, to the astonishment of the professor!!!!!!!! Das ist die erstes mal, dass ich schnee gesehen und gefülen habe, und das war ein wunderschöne erfahrung!! Das gefällt mir!!

Lost for one

2005-11-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Its been some time since I have written into my blog. In these 'few' days, a number of events have come and gone by. Relationships made and broken!!! The initial excitement has died down and perhaps it is time for 'retro'spection and 'intro'spection. Mein Leben hat stark verändert( My life has changed a lot). People always, in India told me that to study abroad is challenging and demanding. I always interpreted that statement to refer to the curriculum/studies. After 3 months here, i will not entirely wipe out the above aspect, regarding studies, instead I would like to include something new to that.. People and Relationships. Suddenly, I find myself all alone, amongst people from my own country. "Each Man for Himself"... this continues to echo over and over again. Certainly, not what our culture has taught us.

New challenges to be faced and a new lesson to be learnt from each of them. A common perspective that I shared with my good friends..."Life must move on, or you get left behind". So, I move on to a new day, in a new 'verändert' life!!!!

People and U

2005-10-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

The last few days, I have been plagued by a question, which is very specific to each individual. How many of our day to day decisions are based on the people whom we meet or see?? Do the people surrounding us decide and govern the way we live??

Would like to hear from U, what U r perception is??

Warum ist das so??

2005-09-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

Last evening I went to my friend's apartment, where I happened to meet his room mate, a German. This guy could speak well in English, so I had no problem in interacting with him. So after the initial 'Hai's and Hello's' we went on to discussing about life in Germany, what 'I' as an 'Ausländer' thought about it. Well, if one has read all my posts about Germany, one can easily read in to the fact that I am overly awed by this country, the place, the life and the people. But, to my surprise, he seemed to be slightly disappointed with me because I was so happy to be in Germany.

Another day, we were having discussions about German history and the Culture, in my Deutsch unterrischt. My teacher is 60 odd years old, and she knew in and out of German history. The talk slowly weered into German education. Naturlisch, all the students felt that it was much much better to study here, than the US or India or any other place in the World. But, again to my surprise, she bluntly said that the education in Germany was not good enough; in fact she thought it was better in the US!!!!! Universities like TU Darmstadt are amongst the World's best, where a lot of research takes place. Darmstadt, also called the city of sciences is where research institutes like Fraunhoffer Institute, European Space Agency are located. These institutes have come up with some of the best technology and innovations, but here are people who are not too happy about this. Einstein was a German, who fleed to the USA during the Zwitten Weltkrieg. Nobody here, is proud of him or his inventions and contributions to the World. Same thing in India, every city would have atleast one Main Road named after him, atleast one museum, and perhaps, Cricket stadiums and stands named after him.

I asked her 'Warum ist das so??'. I was told about this 'syndrome' about Germans not being able to BELONG to their country; but to just hear is something but then, having to experince it has completely taken me back in surprise. Germans are not too proud of their History... The Nazi Regime, the Berlin Mauer.. but hey, its not like other leaders of other nations have not commited any crimes in the past! Yet, these are the very nations, who seem to be over proud of their background and repute!!!!! My friend's roommate told me that Germany is sehr langweilig (boring), and the people are verschlossen (closed and not too inviting). I wonder, are we as Indians too open and inviting to outsiders and strangers???!!!My teacher says, 'Das ist ganz normal'. But 'Warum??'. For now, she has told me to wait, perhaps, I have to wait until December, from whence she thinks I will be able to speak in Deutsch, then she will discuss this with me auf Deutsch.

Thoughts that have kindered my curiosity to know more about my new home(atleast for the next 2 years) on this 24th Birthday of mine. 'Zum Geburstag viel Gluck...' sings my Deutsch Lehrerin!!!!

With Love from Columbia

2005-09-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

'deme los cinco(5)'

Today, I was invited by one of my classmates, who is a Columbian for lunch at his place. It was a surprise invitation and a generous treat indeed. I was over whelmed by his courtesy. We had "Bandeja Colombiana" composed of boiled potatoes, sprouted beans, rice, salad made of cucumber, tomatoes and onions and a glass of juice/water. It tasted delicious. I was then treated to good Spanish Music, hence. I have taken a liking to it already. 'Feel the Music' said my host, with claps and hoots of 'hoo' in between. I certainly had 'Viel Spaß und Glück'/'mucho gusto y suerte'.

Schwarzwald

2005-09-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

They say beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Eye of the beholder or otherwise, I simply dont have words to explain what I saw, smellt and felt on Saturday in this place called Schwarzwald or Black Forest. A lovely journey by train through the country side via Hiedelberg, Karlsruhe and Offenburg brought us to Triberg Bahnhof. It is a small town located South west of Germany, close to the borders of der Schweiz. The very calmness of the town stimulates one to relax. Der Luft war sehr frisch und die Reisch.. so beautiful that the world's best perfume cant beat it. I have heard of a few people saying that beauty lies eleswhere, not on our planet... Misguided fools, i say. Green pastures dotted by squirells. Blaüen Himmel dotted mit farbig Vokel. The waterfall here is the highest in Deutschland. The trek up is adventurous. The water is so clean and kalt. At times, one can see super bikes whirring up and down the roads. Being a Superbike fan myself, my adrenaline levels shot up new levels.. Kawasakis, Yamahas and Hondas.. Fantabulous.

Am Abend, habe ich ein Kaffee bei ein See(Lake), adorned by swans and ducks, and the weather changed in to a cold cloak. A small trek brings us to the Worlds First and Biggest Kuku Haus. Not much to see, but what mattered was the trek to this place. One can see so many shades of green out here. Beauty par excellence!!!'Kerla, Gods Own Country' is a common description of the state of Kerla in India... wonder what they would call this place or even more intersting, what would they call Kerla after visiting such a place!!!!!
Back home at 2am, the bed also looked green and inviting. Ein schönes wohenende, fur mich.

Pictures from Mainz

2005-09-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

St. Martin Kathdrale

Half Timbered Houses

St Augustine Kirche

Its 3 am, Dieburg, Deutschland. Today had been a very eventful day... party with my batch mates from Turkey, Columbia and of course India. Good fun, with delicacies from back home, Spain and Turkey. Then, a mid night talk about the history of Deutschland.... The Third Reiche, Weimar Republik, the Berlin Wall, Stalin, Hitler, Checkpoint Charlie, Cold War, Iron Curtain von 1961 bis 1989.... in the company of eine große tasse Kaffee mit Milch, und ein nettes Freund. Ich finde, dass die atmosphere sehr schön ist. Friends from Cameroon and Tunisia whom I manage to speak to in broken Deutsche give me company. Ein schönes wohenende für mich!!!

Mainz

2005-09-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Life has been sehr schön for now. Ich habe viel spaß und villeicht viel Glück. Recently I had been to the city of Mainz, which is about half an hour from Darmstadt. Rosemary Spars, from the United States was our guide. She had all the information and was up with the required dates in no time. Our group was about 25 people in strength. The weather was just perfekt(perfect) for a stroll along an ancient city built by the Romans. The city is famous for the rivers Rhine and Mainz. They conjoin at this place. Sehr Schön(Very beautiful) would be an understantement to describe the beauty of this place. The lawns are green and the trees stand tall and majestic. The walk along the banks of the river is sehr sehr romantisch. Some of the places that we visited were Kapellhof, the 'red light' area of the roman times, St. Augustine Straße wither lies the berhümte St. Augustine Kirche, which was built in the year 1774. The architecture is indeed a sight to behold. Paintings on the roof and intricate carvings of Jesus and those of angels adorn the church. The streets of the city, specially the ones which hold the ancient works of art, are narrow and cobbled. Viele(many) Restaurants lend out a farbig(colourful) look to the streets. The various Brotchen und Kuchen(breads and cakes) are indeed lip smaking. Further down the streets lie specially made wooden houses called half timbered houses. They are so called because the upper floors of the house are made of logs which are half chopped off. The insides are then filled with straw. Then we trugged along to St. Martin's Kathedrale. By God, this was the first time I have seen so groß(big) a Cathedral. A few other monuments, depict various subjekts, ranging from Kaisers, Schinder Hanas(the Robin Hood of Mainz) , renaisance to the French Revolution. Mainz stands on the 50th Parallel. All in all, a great city to visit a number of times.

FHD

2005-09-06T02:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday, the first of September, my first in Fachochschule Darmsatdt. I am already impressed by the campus and the place. The new students are welcomed with different varieties of bread and chocolates. A very "sweet" welcome indeed. The first few days have been very tiering and sehr(German) busy. The people here are very private and independent. They pay a lot of attention to their hair style.. spiking is a very common style.. apart from that, there are those who half shave their heads!!! People adorn themselves with tatoos and ear rings! My second visit to Frankfurt was a very short one indeed, in fact, we just got out of the train, shopped for some rice and atta in a Sri Lankan store and back we were. The trains and buses are punctual.. in fact, early most of the times. The weather is nett!! Its a little cold in the mornings and nights but extremely pleasant in the afternoons. The administration department at the university is fabulous. They have been very helpful indeed. The "class apart" status can be seen in their effciency. People follow rules, in fact they strictly adhere to it. Pedestrians get the first preference on the roads.. no matter how fast a vehicle is travelling, one has to stop if a pedestrian is crossing irrespective of a green signal in the front.

Last Sunday, Indains and Pakistanis got together at the Dieburg campus and played cricket. It was good fun for nearly 3 hours. Also came to know that there is a Darmstadt Cricket Club. Incidentally I have been invited for a practise session with them this Friday. The club is being led by an Englishman, and is composed of people from UK, India, Pakistan and Jamiaca. That same evening, I attended the wine fest in Luisienplatz, Darmstadt. It was very colourful indeed, with people displaying their collection of Wines, Beer and Champagne. I had Reißen Wein, a type of white wine. Schmekt Lecker!!! To accompany good wine was great music. A local band of 4 guys, who were in their mid forties, played sehr schön songs, including Pretty Woman.

I have been throughly impressed with the way this place is organised, the way the people live here. I am surrounded by people of different hues and colours, from several nations.. People from India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam,Columbia, Bangladesh, Turkey,Nepal and Africa study together under one roof. Although, one may call English as the universal language, I think English itself can be sub divided into different dialects, because of the way in which people speak. One must appretiate the amount of efforts these people take to learn and try to communicate in English. This is indeed a fabulous experience.

Germany: Touch Down

2005-09-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

A very brief post...

The last 3 days have been really HAPPENING!!!Just too much to digest, with the adrenaline levels in your blood spiralling new highs... Just too exciting. My first flight abroad, well.. words cannot really express what I really felt!! Up in the skies, amonst the clouds, higher than the birds, close to the Gods, with the blue sky/ocean beneath you. These are sights to behold!

Frankfurt... lucky to get a lift from an Indian at 1 am.. my first experince on an Autobahn at 170km/hr!!! Enchanting!!! New people.. new place.. new life..

In simple words... Dream come true. Wilkommmen deutschland!!Das ist sehr schön! Ich bin sehr glücklisch!!

2005-08-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Years back we met. As friends we grew together. Then he left... memories kept us together, still. But, "words"... ahh!! They can be so comforting and yet at times, man's most bitter enemy. Words passed between us.... most of them thrown at each other as harmless flakes, yet they inflicted the deepest of wounds. Many a months went by, before the wounds began to heal. After years, we meet yet again, all scars forgotten and burried deep, brought together once again by childhood dreams.

Priceless Moments!!

2005-08-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

Recently, I underwent a treatment for my skin. Today was one experience that I would never ever forget. So here I go... The doc met me and I told him that I would be leaving India soon; he said "Oh!!", more like " Oh My God!!". But, then in today's medical world, there is more than one way to a treatment. He suggested something called "M... Operation", immediately. The word "operation" just got me a little rattled. Thought that the doc hadnt heard me, so I repeated my point about going abroad. He reasserted his statement too!!! Then he clarified that its just a 3 - 4 min procedure, and it actually was not an "operation". Phew!! That was a relief indeed. Well, the "nurse"(I'll name her H), told me lie down, and then she took off my spectacles. She was small in stature, about twentyish.She then, told me to close my eyes!!!Ideas???!!! U betcha!!! Ok, I closed my eyes and she placed cotton on them. I guess(from now on, its all going to be based on "guess" work ;-)), she left the room. I lay there, the seconds seemed like hours. Finally, footsteps.. and I hear H's voice."Guess who?", she says. I said,"Oh! Hi, so you are back! What took you so long??". "No, I was right here.", was her response. What!!! Anyway, I continued, "I didnt catch your name..". "H...". I see, nice name. Then she starts applying something on my face. I ask her what it is, and she just says," Cream". That I can guess myself, lady!! She went on to massage my cheeks.. Ummm!! She is great, with her fingers. They are soft.. she focussed her massaging more on my cheeks and forehead.. Whao!! I was intially thinking twice when I came to know about the price for one such sitting, but with a girl massaging your face, alone and with your eyes closed...PRICELESS, would be an understatement!! I can feel her breath close to my face.. Man, I am forced to control a "lot" of things.. The whole experience is so funny, that one half of the effort went in controlling myself from bursting out into a laugh!! The other half.. well!! A few more seconds, and I know where H stays, what she has done, and a lot more. Then, she tells me to quieten up.. I soon realise why. The doc is here to do the "operation". Whatever, he did was immaterial... but, all in all, I had a "Priceless" experience. My next sitting is another 2 days away....

Friends: Per Choice not Per Chance

2005-08-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

They are there when you need them the most... be it times of difficulty or happiness. In fact, I was never left alone when I went through rough patches, they were always there helping me to get out of what ever mess I was in. The million lessons that I have learnt is all thanks to them. In today's world, not many are interested in participating in each others life. True to some extent that nowadays, people prefer to be left alone, but then, there are times when one has to learn and be open ideas. Thats when I found friends coming to my aid, participating in my life, sharing my burdens and happiness. Friends come by choice and not by chance... A very factual and important lesson taught to me by a good friend. I may argue to some extent that it was "per chance" that I met him... but thats just a weak statement put forth for the "sake" of an argument. I know very well that we stayed friends "per choice" and not "per chance".
There will be misunderstandings and arguments amonst friends, but that I feel is just a part of strengthening the bond. I share very strong bonds with my friends, I am proud of that and I know that they will go to any extent to help me in my times of need. Such a beauty of a relationship is this one, where you get more than you give. Under these circumstances, I dont think that the zero sum equation (another lesson that I learnt) can be applied here.
I found friends who appretiated my efforts, even though it might have made their journey no easier...... friends who took blames upon themselves so that I may not suffer. Life is full of turns and twists; it changes a person altogether in a small span of time. I pray that this does not change the bonds that I share with the people around me. AMEN!!

What do you think of India

2005-08-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

An interesting article indeed...

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1197359,curpg-1.cms

Read on!

Back Home

2005-08-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

After a 2 year stint outside home, I am back to my haven, for a brief stay though. Its a good feeling to be back, with your loved ones always surrounding you, engulfing you in all the love that they can effuse!! Ah!! "Mama I'm coming home.." by Osbourne sounds apt at this point of time. I am up at 6 in the morn and the moment I enter the kitchen, I am greeted by the fresh smell of the Filter Kapi that I am so fond off. The "tumbler" is filled to the brim, it always is accompanied by the "davara" and has a thick layer of froth!! The weather is perpetually cloudy and chilly.. the place where I grew up for the better part of my life seems all of a sudden new to me. The steaming Kapi tastes all the more better in such a weather. The hall is adorned with flowers- red and yellow roses, white "mallis" and "pavazhamallis", green leaves from hibiscus and tulasi, fresh from our garden, placed neatly in a wide brass vessel filled with water. It certainly seems like a paradise.

I hop on to the granite shelf with my Kapi, as ma stirs her magic over the stove. Vegetables of different colors are part of my everyday diet these days.. the "kuttu" is ma's specialty, then there is the cucumber salad dressed with pomegranate, also from our garden, and coriander leaves, "poriyal" which can be as colorful as the flowers in the garden!!!Pattu always makes sure that I have "pappu mammu" (dal rice basically ;-)) with a drop of ghee for 'fragrance'. The taste is exhilarating indeed.. I am taken to an altogether different dimension. I have visited restaurants of various 'statures' and catering to differing palates... 5 stars, Italian cusines, Mexican, Chinese, Dhabas... but it is the home made "pappu mammu", Kapi and curd rice that satisfy my taste buds to the fullest. Talking about curd rice, even that is really colorful, with pomegranate and grapes, salt, a little mustard and cashew added to it as dressing.

Evenings are never boring, with ma coming home early from office. We chat about our day, over a cup of strong masala "chai", with lots of ginger, that Pattu manages to brew. Dinners are more eventful with kiddish arguments and pranks with bro. He keeps pulling ma's and pattu's legs and they respond sportingly enough, to make dinners last for over an hour. Something which I will never forget is my attempts to take our car out, without dad's permission. He has forbidden me from taking out the Santro, which has kind of hurt my "pride" ;-). So, ma and me , once in a while go for a "Joyride" without dad's knowledge... but, I guess he knows!!! :-))
Life certainly is a Bed of Roses at home!!

Super

2005-08-08T03:32:00.000-07:00

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Originally uploaded by Raven_.

Last wednesday was my first visit to a Telugu movie...."Super" with Nagarjuna in the lead and couple of good looking heroines to add to the spice. Great songs, with composition by Sandeep Chowta. I specially liked "Aked Bakkad..", "Chandramukhi" and "Mudulatte Chirpi...".

Apart from that, the director has taken the effort to bring in a number of cool super bikes featuring Yamaha and Honda. The very sight of them led my adrenaline levels to new highs. Doesnt have much of a story, though. Great dance sequences and songs to dance to. Worth the one time watch... Great heroines, who sex up the movie, add to that Nagarjuna's cool looks, sporting a stylish hairstyle.

The Damsel across the Barrier.

2005-07-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

I was called for an interview recently for an abroad assignment. I was early for the interview, attired in my red silk tie, cream shirt and brown trousers. Been a long time since I had dressed up formally. Ever since switching my profile in the industry, I got into the habit of wearing only casuals. Getting back to the topic, I was let in and was requested to take my seat. No sooner than I sat down, was my name called upon. I went up to the counter and right before my eyes, was this angel sitting across. Gorgeous was an understatement for this angel. Her silky hair was bunned, she wore a blue pair of jeans, a black shirt, and ear rings to match with her attire. Sharp features, deeply set eyes and a slight accent which suggested her land of origin being Kerla. Sure, I agree that Kerla is "Gods own Country" from where angels sprouted.

She initiated the conversation by asking me what I was doing right now, my purpose of taking up this assignment..... These things were just flying over my head... way over my head. Her beauty was intoxicating indeed. For a moment I felt that I was in the land of the Gods with a Goddess right in front of me enshrouding me with her beauty. Alas, this interview lasted only for a few minutes... How I longed that it continue forever from the here to the nearby Coffee Shop. Life was cruel indeed ;-))

After a month I am back at the same place, unfortunately the shutters are down in front of her counter. I am dejected at not being fortunate enough to getting her "darshan".... As if granting my wishes, she came gliding across the counter in front of which I was now standing. I passed her a smile and she returned it, a little shyly, I guess, nevertheless, a smile indeed it was!! The Gods had smiled upon me on that day. A document of mine was missing.. she seemed concerned and went away in search of it. How I wished that she stood by the counter and someone else fetched whatever they were searching for. " Mr. Srinivasan, you will be called upon soon", was the announcement made across the counter. I turned back towards my bench, with my heart beating hard against my chest. Will I see her one more time.... ???????

No sooner was my name called than I sprung up and ran to the counter, hoping for the best. I got my document back, but she wasnt there to be seen... Ever!!!

An Evening.

2005-07-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Last evening was a pleasant one indeed. Out of nowhere, it began raining in Chennai!!! By itself, this was a miracle. But, the rain subsided as soon as it came. Nevertheless, the few drops that did manage to make it to the ground, cleared the dust and lent the atmosphere a sense of coolness. I cycled down to the Elliot's beach on my bike. The roads were wet, but the air was suffocatingly stagnant. Not many people, unlike the weekends when even a storm would make the beach a suffocating place, coinsidering the number of Chennaites who flock to the beach on these days. A young couple here, a senior couple there, the "malli" flower vendors and the groundnut vendor with his colourful pushcart. I bide my time at the beach.. no deadlines, no pressures... somehow, the groundnut vendor continued to hold my attention. He was selling steamed groundnuts and raw mangoes. But, these guys were famous for their spicy mix of groundnuts, raw vegetables like cabbage & onion and raw mango with a hint of lime. At five bucks a packet, it brings your taste buds alive . All in all, the presence of all these lent a coulourful appearance to his cart. Suddenly, I am reminded of my first days in Chennai. Ha!! 2 years have gone by, nothing much has changed around the beach except maybe the presence of a new Barrista expresso outlet, but refelecting into myself, I can feel the change. A change certainly for the better. I walked down the beach; I am near the Cafe Coffee Day outlet. I am reminded of my first lessons........ my first talks with Efrefax and Cheeru. Fond memories evoked strong waves of emotions within me. I am woken up to reality by the phone ringing the tune of "Sweet Child of Mine...". My response: "Haan bhai Cheeru, come down to the beach, lets have our favourite masala chai....". His response: " 2 Minutes!!!".
More people throng in to the beach. But, the road is still empty. Its a pretty sight.. the Elliot's Beach Road. A cup of strong masala chai with Cheeru rejuvinates me. We strolled down to the waters. The sand is cool and the water is calm, even though its high tide. We talked about New No 39 and its future, a little about the IT industry and its pay scales, and brushed a little on what we intend to do, or rather what we would like to do in the future. The drive back was even better. A steady breeze made it all the more cool to cycle back home. An evening to remember indeed!!!!

Another "Brick" leaves the Wall........

2005-07-08T03:18:00.000-07:00

Efrefax left on June 21st, soon followed by Delta, followed by Kap.. then followed by Muse. The bricks of THE WALL are walking away in different directions, in search of being part of new walls. Although, the bricks are physically moving away, they have built a permanent wall in my memory. A strong wall it is, be it rough weather, or lighter times, it has and will stand the sands of time.

Muse the Director....

2005-07-08T03:07:00.000-07:00

The "success" lion at New No. 39 roars yet again. Muse has made us all feel like kings with his movie. YES! His Movie, OUR SUCCESS!!! Ok, let me dive into the nittigrities. A few days back, Pondy got a new Digi cam. I will let him fill in the technical aspects of the camera, for I fear to hurt his pride by putting in the wrong details. Nevertheless, I know its got a 10X optical zoom which has enabled us to caputure some, if not, the best moments in my life! More than Pondy, Muse is excited by this piece of marvel and more so, when he found out that videos can be shot with it. So, one fine day, Muse walks in all excited and blurts out his idea of directing a movie for the International Film Festival on Disability. So much so for the backdrop....

The movie is called 'We', with Cheeru and J in the lead. Ohhh yeah!!! I am also an actor in this 60 sec movie, and so is every 39er (Pondy u r included in this list, jus making sure that u dont post a query regarding this ;-)) Yesterday, we came to know that its been selected among 300 odd entries and is going to be screened at Anand Theatre b/n 8-10 of July. I got the honour of picking up the 2 complimentary passes, and sure am hoping to be part of the screening. This is surely gonna win the best movie, cause its a production by "The 39er House of Fame". Director Sahib, ab to vapas aake treat deni padegi, aapko.......... :-)).

Sucess!!

2005-07-02T03:48:00.000-07:00

"Its been a while where should we begin?"... Well, those were the lines sung by Creed in the album "Weathered". Yup, its been some time since I have updated my blog; not my fault if there are so many treats to attend!!!! The month of June has been simply astonishing for New No 39ers. Robbie has become an Industry analyst in F&S. A no small acheivement, he will now be heading a team of consultants for the Healthcare department. Robbie always has worked hard for this, he has got invites from foreign companies to give away conferences. Great going Rob..... btw, u r treat for this and returning from UK is still pending. That is bound to keep me away from my blog.....

Muse jus left for the Gateway of India. There was a time when Muse and me shared a room. I hardly ever knew this guy, but at times, i never ever had the motivation to find out more about him. Days went by and then months. Here was a chap who was very very different. Going to movies alone, attending film festivals, quizzing & undying passion for "her".... I certainly enjoyed these aspects. His inclination to explore a city which apparently was "cursed" was something which brought me closer to him. Ya, at times he was a pain in butt( he still is at times..;-))) but then not all of us are the ideal lot!!!! Give or take, he was the only DJ of our house. His ability to tune to the right song on the right channel, is something which I am unable to do right now, dont think I wil be able to either. First and perhaps the only PL of New No. 39 in a span of 14 months is no small achievement specially after coming back from facing a near expulsion from his job. Success has been tough to come by for this kid, but now that it has.... its high time we all wish him well in his onward journey. And hey Muse, take care of "her" .. I too love "her" specially after our trifts with the cops in absolutely unearthly hours of the day with unearthly fluids circulating in our veins..... :-)).

Innocence/Ignorance..........

2005-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Life was sweet.. loving family, close friends and a namesake college to attend. Exams came and went.... marks came and didn't come... Life was still sweet. The smiles and laughters were so pure.... Innocence was certainly as sweet as honey.
As life trotted along, so did Innocence. but now, away from me. Ignorance seemed to be a curse. Innocence was but laughed at!!!!!! Life didn't seem so sweet now. Laughters and smiles are misty, twisted among the vagaries of the so called “Real Life”. Life is now lived in a weighted balance...... pardon and forgiveness are long lost illusions. How I long to be a child shielded by the protective arms of Innocence.

Cops...

2005-06-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Mount Road, Chennai. Me just driving back home on this old scooter -Bajaj. I make a U turn, and was on my way, when from no where, a cop comes right on my way. Bizarre shapes they come in... typically though, they are characterized by a pot like belly, dark faces and legs poking down from the bellies. So, whats the deal , I ask him?? He makes me pull over to the side and says, 'No U-Turn allowed'. I said, ' No board'. He is not sure, so goes back and checks it out for himself. I thought I could go, so climbed back on my 'She'. Aahhhh!!!!too soon!! escape form these creatures is not that easy. 'Show licensee and Insurance', the cop says. I show my licensee and the insurance. Damn!! the insurance has expired. He pulls me over near another cop, they look like twins, shapewise. I wave a 100 buck note and both of them dance like snakes, mesmerized. No escape other than the piece of paper. So, as I hand it, both of them jump to grab. I let the dogs fight over it and head back, 100 bucks poorer........

Home and Away!!

2005-06-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

It is the 9th of August, 2003. Just out of my college with a B.E tag. Congratulations!!?? ha ha!! I laugh at myself considering the 'knowledge' that this tag has lent me. Well, more on that some other time. Coming back, its a cool morning in Bangalore. Three months at home doing absolutely nothing, except sleeping, playing basketball and eating. But today was a different day. As I look back to it now, I could say, it was a Fresh Start. I was one of the "fortunate" (Blissfully Ignorant that I was/am??!!) 14 guys in Electronics and Communications to have been recruited by TCS. ( for those who are equally “blissfully” ignorant - TATA Consultancy Services.) I was to report in Trivandrum for a 50 day training.

This was going to be the first day when I was stepping out of my "comfort zone" - my haven, my Home. The sun set as soon as it rose. The Rain Gods perhaps, didn't want me to leave B'lore. It started pouring, cats and dogs, and inspite of starting at 6:30 pm for a 9:00 pm train, I just about made it to the station. Traffic Jams all over the place; I still remember our good ole Fiat car stuck in Residency Road. Go and Me took an auto and one of my suitcases and headed towards the nearest station, hoping that I could catch the train. As the train entered the platform, so did Mom and Kuku with the rest of my luggage. Ah!!! I was really worried, cause I later realized that my essentials ( read undergarments!!) were in a different baggage. Thank God, Sesh need not have to lend his!! My college frens were sending off Sesh at a different place, but they called me on Go's cell (college days and mobile phones... this guy was lucky??!!) and wished me off. Sweet chaps these guys, call ourselves the Joise gang. Long story behind that, so I shall reserve that for another blog.

Sesh was glad to see me, as I was to see him. So, after hurried byes and hugs, off I was to Gods Own Country. The shadows flew by as the train chugged along, but sleep was far from me. How was I going to manage? Will I make new frens?? Silly questions one might say, but then, what are blogs for??!! Next day morning, Kerla welcomed me with its greenary and clear waters. Ah!! the sight was indeed something to admire and behold; but a splitting headache didnt help matters. Soon, it became a painfully slow journey and finally at 3:00 pm on the 10th Aug, I am greeted by Trivandrum, the capital of Kerla. I was put up at Lal Tourist Home, while Sesh was to head to Samrat. Luckily Lal was close by and with a porter I managed to make it there easily. Sesh and me parted ways, deciding to meet in an hour or two.

I checked into the hotel,(room no 30_, not sure about the num, Sid can fill in I guess). I noticed that somebody had already checked in. So, I trudged along with my luggage, up 3 floors to my room. The humidity was much higher here, so I was sweating profusely, something which I was never used to in B'lore. I met Sid.. looked to be a serious chap. He was unpacking his new Nokia 2100 and there was also his fren. After initial introductions, they left, so I got all cleaned up and then the bed was inviting. The room was a little cramped for 3 people, but it was ok.

Sesh walked in later with another college fren of ours, Gofi; we headed for lunch. After a pathetic lunch in a nearby cheap resteraunt, we headed back to our respective rooms. Sid was already back and soon, we got into a merry conversation about ourselves and our backgrounds. Although I had a really bad headache, I enjoyed the talk with Sid, my first fren outside B'lore, and a great fren, till date. In the midst of our chat, our 3 rd roomie walked in with his Mom and Bro. Called himself Roshan. Introductions done, his mom asked us to take care of her "child"; Sid and me look at each other and mutely noded our heads. Soon the day drew to a close. So, my first day outside home was pleasant indeed. Little did I know that more exciting days lay ahead of me....... Those certainly were one of the best days of my life.

Kappi/Coffee!!!

2005-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I was awoken by an aroma.. a rich scent that used drive away the sleep in me. There was Dad reading his Newspaper and by his side, in "Tumblar and Davara", his Kapi. Mom walks in, she has the prettiest smile on her face, more importantly, another "Tumblar and Dacara". I am excited!!!! But, all the excitement died down the moment it is kept before me... the colour is different, no aroma.. its plain white, Damm!!! another morning with Milk. The bed certainly looks inviting now.

10th Standard. One would associate this phase of life more with the "BOARD EXAM". In that respect, I look back to this phase a little differently. Its, what I call, coming of age. I am once again woken up on a cool, misty Bangalore morning by the aroma of our home made Filter Kapi. Mom glides down to my bed side with the prettiest smile, as ever; with "Tumblar and Davara" as ever; but today is just not another "Milky" day. YES!!!!! There is the same aroma, the colour is same as Dad's drink, ummmm , on second thoughts, I think it was just a little lighter... but KAPI it is!!!! So, Dad and Mom think that its high time I grow up, so they elevate me to that status with this beauty of a concoction.

Today, things are different... No misty Bangalore mornings, no mom gliding down to hand me a "Tumblar and Davara", but hey, I still wake up to the aroma of Kapi. Aunty comes up with a beauty of a drink everyday, in a mini "Tumblar and Davara"... a little of the dark decoction, a little sugar and milk... AHH!! that brings back life into my body!!!
"Pesh Pesh Romba Nanna Irruke!!!" is always the first words that I utter every morning. Cheers!!!

A Start

2005-05-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

This is my first post. Me, currently residing in Chennai;unforgiving heat, unpleasantly humid, yet I love this place... not for what it is, but because of the people who make it.Ah!! years back, as a kid, I recollect making a 'promise' to mom that i'd go any place ...ANY, but never Chennai!! Fate though had its own road to carve out for me. I have lived and loved this place for nearly two years now. As I reminisce, each day has taught me something new, made me move a step further..., Further Where??!!I know not. I guess not many can define "further where", but this is what I think it is... its a mirage, set amidst one's dreams which, one prays, becomes real, sooner or later.

I spend my time mostly with devices and gadgets, little play things called Embedded systems in the industrial world. I work (read 'play the fool around and blog') in a Start up called IQC Data Acquisition Systems. Zee, as he calls himself, is the CEO. Zee, is from Purdue, has done his PhD in Signal Processing. I am careful not to venture further into his Research, cause i'll definitely be a fish out of water. Right now, Zee and me working on Ultrasound Pulser Receiver.. hey!! chill, i jus know as much as u do, on second thoughts, maybe just a little more!!!

I am housed with Maddy, Muse, Cheeru n Robbie. Maddy loves Gult movies, he n Robbie churn up excellent curd rice, spruced up with a pinch of salt and pickle. Mind you, the amount of salt added is critical to the taste, too much and u will hate it; but these guys are seasoned. Maddy also makes good sweets out of Semiya. Muse is crazy about his "She" (350-cc Bullet).Nice relationship they share, Man and Machine.. they have their misgivings when she flattens out or doesn't start, and happier times, when she purrs along at 90 kmph. Cheeru, he is a foodie, crazy about idlies made at my home and Murugan Idli Shop, oflate though, he has also taken to eating curd rice the 'traditional' way and certainly a friend of friends. Robbie... he is in UK right now. Infact he will be coming down this weekend. I have asked him to get me Budweiser and Stellar beers. Robbie likes to work a lot, he is literally married to his work!! Marriage is certainly a complicated relationship.

I like to cook, strict veggie (for now) can make dal, roti and among curries i prefer to research and try new stuff. Roomies always enjoy it, immaterial of how it really tastes. Love playing basketball. Used to play in Anna univ everyday in the morning, but now, they apparently don't let outsiders... talk about encouraging sports in our country. Now and then I manage to catch a game of the Spurs or Kings, but oflate, not really up to date with the NBA. Carnatic music is in my blood, though of late its more near the kidneys rather than the heart. I manage to visit the academies during the December music festival, also called the Margazhi season.The halls are filled with 'rasikas' predominately in the 60-90 age group and a couple of oddities like me and Mam . Well, apart from the music to admire, one has to pay special attention to the women's attire. They are all decked up in silk sarees, hair knotted up in a bun adorning a thick bunch (muzhum) of 'Malli poo'. I admire Sudha Raghunathan, she has a mellifluous voice, Kunnaikudi, he makes the violin literally talk, Unni Krishanan and ofcourse Kadri on his Sax. Boye!!! Kadri and Kanyakumari on the violin are one heck of a duo, they churn up melodies that really take you outside this world.

In line with this tradition comes a special panache for Filter coffee. I prefer to call it Kumbakonam Degree Kapi. Its fragrance, its taste.. AAhhh!!the very thought of it drives me to near frenzy to have one, right now. YES!! It must be served in 'tumbler' and 'davara'. 50% Plantation 50% Peebery and 10% Chicory, thats the secret to the blend that sets my nostrils and tastebuds on fire. Mam and me call this the 'Manja Pai' tradition . Mam, also lives in Chennai. I kinda visit his haven on weekends, and get treated to some awesome food and ofcourse, Filter Coffee oops Kapi.

I also listen to Rock/Metal music. Metallica is my favourite band, love Creed, U2, Evanescense, Linkin Park and GNR. I follow up on fighter jets and bikes now and then. The SU-30 and SU-37 Flankers drive me nuts, so does the F-22 Raptor and the SR-71 Blackbird. Like to call myself 'The Raven', a callsign that I came across in one of those "America Always Wins" war movies. Thought I'd be a pilot someday, nevertheless I am still close to the babes (the jets i mean) cant ride them though. Well, thats some start.. hope to write in regularly.