Heart'n'Soul
Thursday, February 24, 2011
You, Me and Mumbai!
A truly long day, crammed with the pessimism born out of the games people play, had perched itself contentedly on my mind and there was suddenly nothing I looked forward to in tomorrow. It was a blank canvas - the one in front of me – and the one in my mind and my heart.
I was on my way back, and I saw you once again - just like I did everyday, in all your diverse avatars- incredibly stunning but never enticing enough to hold me and my thoughts. You stared back with the same alluring anticipation. But today there was something more to you. Something different, something just so... just something... and I decided to give you a chance.
I asked the cab driver to stop and got down. You watched me with your mystery laden face as I smiled and walked slowly towards you. I settled my bag on the bench, removed my shoes and climbed on the platform next to you. As I stood up and took a closer look at you, I realized what I had been missing, feeling glad to have let go of the inhibitions of being with you all alone.
You stirred a little as I gazed at you intently. With uncountable secrets hidden within, you finally seemed to smile at me. The life in that smile made me aware of the surreal backdrop of where I stood - the windswept hours of darkness, the glorious sky dazzling with the milky white grandeur of the moon and the stars swathed in the misty veil of its radiance.
Mesmerized, I stood still, admiring you - unable to take my eyes off the shimmering infinity of the silver expanse on your surface. A smile spread on my face as the wind played with my hair, kissing me tenderly and whispering in my ears the sweet salty nothings that you sent my way. You stirred a little more, engendering the half-hushed waves, of motion splashed with trembling crumbs of froth. Blended with the tranquility that knew no bounds, seeping softly in every single inch of my soul, you drenched me with your serenity and overwhelmed all my senses with your fragrance.
Thanks... Thanks a lot oh dear sea - thanks for this - for bringing peace to me where there is none and for being with me when there is no one.
Labels: happy high, Life, marine drive, mumbai, New place, ocean, random, sea, soul, think, travel, work
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thunder from down under - III
So one fine night, under the blanket of overwhelming Srilankan stars - me, Kani and Jane hit the road and headed towards the Yala National Park - famous for its wildlife. While we were driving down, I was expecting it to be just another fun filled weekend with some dose of adventure. But boy oh boy!!!... I couldn't be more wrong. Organized superbly by Kani, it turned out to be one of the most adventurous and enthralling experiences of my life. It was my first chance to see the world the way it is meant to be - UNTAMPRED.
As soon as we hit the park, the stage and sounds changed and a whole new world awakened for us to explore.
Yala is one of the most famous and most visited wildlife parks in SriLanka. It’s the country’s second largest wildlife reserve located about 300 km from Colombo. The low-density flora provides ideal conditions for safari as it allows a clear and unobstructed view of the wildlife. But it also does make sure that you are covered in dust by the time you are done with your trip. So if you are planning to make a trip to Yala, don’t forget to get a good headgear, big shades and an even better sunscreen. And even if you don' t, trust me - the thrilling experience is worth all that and probably even a little more dust :)
Yala is supposed to be one of the best places in the world to locate leopards. But the leopard was definitely a bit elusive and it’s said that one needs to be fairly lucky to spot a leopard. If this is true, then I believe that we were more than lucky since we spotted two - a fully grown leopard and a leopard cub.
The adult leopard settled on top of a huge rock, like a king sitting on his throne - while the awestruck visitors resembled the common people in his royal court, paying their greetings to the king of Yala. Immediately after that, we got to see a leopard cub perched comfortably on the branch of a huge tree. staring down at the crowd of his international admirers clicking away to glory. He seemed like a sensational superstar obliging the paparazzi without much ado. And just like everyone else, I just couldn’t stop admiring the cub either.... just so adorable and cute... from far I guess!!! LOL
Another great spotting for us was that of a tusker. When we spotted him, he was far away, behind the trees and bush... majestic in its form and playful in his activities. But then he started moving towards us. The thrill of the tusker coming towards us and getting up close to the caravan of jeeps waiting for him is simply an extraordinary experience. He was just so calm and so serene, though he did scare me off a bit when he came close to the jeeps. But apparently all he wanted was to cross the trail and go to the other side. Surprisingly enough he was totally unperturbed by the human presence and did not even bother to look at any of us. I wonder if we as humans can ever have that kind of attitude towards the rest of the species. Like live and let live, like why trouble someone unless it’s a food chain requirement or unless someone is attacking you. Why can’t we all live in harmony like these animals do? I think these animals have a great lesson to teach us all... and not just about how to live in tandem with the nature and with each other, but also about how to be satisfied with what is enough instead of running after more all the time.
Ok, too much of philosophy... lets switch back to Yala Mode!
Inside the park, I couldn’t help but notice the diversity of its landscape. The park features not only green areas but also a sandy beach, freshwater lakes, scrubland and a river. I guess that’s the reason why there is such a diverse range of animals that not just occupy but also enjoy this reserve.
The park also has some dramatic rock monoliths spread throughout the park, one of which is called the elephant rock since it resembles one. It’s amazing how the flora, the fauna and their surroundings merge in to each other so effortlessly. A place that houses elephants has a rock that looks like one and the fallen sticks in and around the water pools resemble a snake or a crocodile. It’s hard to differentiate unless you really look carefully.
But "I" learnt to spot the crocs and I seemed to be good at it too... I am glad I learnt SOMETHING: D
In Yala, there is a substantial population of spotted deer, wild buffalo, jackal, mongoose, monkeys, langurs, painted storks, crocodiles and peacock. I have never seen so many peacocks together in my life. They were beyond fascinating; and beautiful would be an understatement.
They say that the bird life here comprises over 120 species. Well, obviously we did not see all of them but we did catch hold of a few including the most fascinating and extremely camera friendly bee eater. He seemed like he was posing for the camera jumping from one branch to another and looking directly at us with a series of expressions. The cutest thing ever!
Not just this- I was also deeply impressed by our jeep driver cum safari guide who I fondly named Nandu. He's been working there for over 30 years now and still seems to love his job. And the depth of his knowledge and his sense of fun was just simply superb - completely skilled and entertaining.
Although, we did miss out on the sloth bear. Kani is doing some kind of research project on them so I believe it was a bigger disappointment for him than me or Jane. Or maybe it was a bigger disappointment for me and Jane because we may never get to go there again while he has done it earlier and I am sure will be going to many more trips like these.
Anyway... to sum it up, I would like to mention that till date, I know of no finer adventure than being in the wild, in an open air jeep, trying to spot various animals that you get to see only in the zoo. But it’s not the same... the zoo with all its exotic species suddenly sounds like a boring museum to me. Because now, for me, the finest way to experience the exhilaration of being close to nature, the flora and the fauna, is by being on a wildlife safari and capturing these animals in their natural habitat... unrestricted and being themselves in the world of nature isolated from the impacts of man.
The big thing about this trip is how little I am and how great this is... I am privileged, I think, because if the humans continue with their destructive streak and keep messing with the environment, I am not sure if my grand children will ever be able to experience something so incredible. Loosing myself to nature and seeing so many beautiful creatures free in the Wild was a surprisingly lovely experience. From standing in the back of our jeep and marveling at the animals to sitting by the pool and gazing at the stars, the trip was surely one to remember.
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PS: have posted the pics on my facebook, so you can check out and you would understand exactly what I am talking about!
Labels: Fun, safari, sri lanka, think, travel, trip, wildlife, yala
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thunder from down under - I
Greetings from Colombo... it’s 19th July, 2010 and I am sleepy and tired and I want to make sure I put it on my blog...hehehe! And for those of you who know me would have understood the context for the title of this blog. Just cudn't help naming it this ways!!!
Ok so here I am in a small city in a new type of "Pardes" - unlike bollywood where it only means USA... and recently in some exception cases UK and Australia(strictly exceptions)
The apartment here is good... fully furnished, spacious, good decor and one thing I love and would want in my house as well... the sliding door/window overlooking a great view. The clouds, the breeze and the drizzle that stopped before I was supposed to leave for work pretty much made up for a good start for the day ahead.
Colombo on first look seems like a mixture of Chennai and Goa... and I haven’t seen the beaches as yet so it’s just the architecture, colors, dressing, roads, shops and all that. The weather as of now is nice; clouds are around the corner all the time. But the pollution is not such a welcoming factor, especially when one is travelling in a tuktuk instead of the comfort of my "Lal Pari". Oh BTW, tuktuk means our standard auto in Delhi and Mumbai :D
I am still to understand the color coding that these tuktuks have - red, blue, green, yellow etc... but it costs 200 bucks to my office. Have learnt that in INR it means just 80 bucks, which is a short distance travel in Delhi but it sounded like a BOMB for an auto vis-a-vi the distance.... but well, like they say - when in Rome do as Romans do... so 200 SLR it is.
The vending machines and water coolers do not have glasses here and there is no CCD or Barista... which means no coffee for a while - till I either find a good cafe or buy myself a sipper. AND... till then I will die of this headache from lack of coffee. On top of it my hair is misbehaving and this is an understatement... but considering the humidity factor, maybe I can let it go. Hoping that it would settle down soon!!
The interesting thing I noticed is that here everyone uses glass bottles to store and drink water... and well, i said interesting cuz they are mostly alcohol bottles. I think it’s very amusing and scientifically safe at the same time ;D
Internet has not been setup as yet so I am right now just typing stuff on MSWord, probably will be posting it tomorrow, once the Internet is setup for me and if the BlogSpot is not blocked... else whenever.
Also, how can I forget to mention this when I am writing bout today, it’s an important important day .... two of my closest buddies were born today, more than 2 decades back... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS... this is for Shaifali and Neha... Love you my babies!
More from the Colombo later, back to documents, meetings, calls and more documents for now!
Labels: blogville, coffee, Colombo, New place, schedule, travel, trip, work
Friday, January 22, 2010
Waiting to Board!
Sitting at
Someone spare me the trauma of the LOUD-Speakers!!! (pun intended)
The flight delay is not helping either, from 10:30 PM to 11 PM and now to 11:30 PM - which means I will be landing at 1:30 in the night. It Mumbai but still... I am hoping there wouldn’t be more delay. Call from Spicejet - Dear Customer, we would like to inform you.... blah blah blah -I wonder why she sounds so happy about the delay
I am wondering - since when did
And since when did I become so boring - I say so cuz I am sitting here logged in to my client's system trying to fine tune the payroll - that too when I m not getting even a penny out of it and nor is my company... what Irony I tell you!!!
I suddenly have located an empty laptop station... yeah there are plenty on
I feel like having a coffee but leaving my stuff here is neither safe n nor recommended. And I certainly don’t want to drag the whole thing around. Though its just one bag n a laptop but still... I am feeling too lazy to be doing this. But its coffee... I think I will get up... ok here I go
And now I am back, my coffee with me, and one more hour to go before I board. Maybe I should have waited...
The process that I had started some half an hour back on client's system is still at 8.5% completion... Humph... I don want to land in Mumbai and work but at this rate it looks like I will have to... Darn the stupid server! Grrrrrrrrrrr! Urgh! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh!
AND SOMEONE PLEASE REDUCE THE VOLUME OF THESE SPEAKERS.... It’s hurting my ears now... like someone’s put his/her fingers through my eyes and turned my brain around....yuck yuck yuck!
Huh - back to coffee! Got a call, thanks god for the distraction... Time to post n stop typing!
Labels: airport, coffee, delhi, random, think, time pass, travel, work
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Jhoooo Asssss Part - II
Ok so am back
Back for good and back with loads of good memories...
When I landed in US, I din like anything except the cool breeze in san Diego.
Ask me now - and there is nothing that I do not like about that place.
Culture, Respect, Peace, Brother hood.... all that we talk loudly about, on top of our voices - it’s actually something they practice more than we guys do.. they are warmer, more welcoming, more respectful, and more polite than us in general.
We talk about a good routine, getting up early, having a family time etc - but that’s the last thing most of us do or follow... But in US, most ppl are in office by 7:30-8:00 AM. They work hard till 4:30-5:00 PM and then its time for family. Unlike our spoilt brats of kids here who shout n cry loudly for every little thing - the kids there are in bed before 9. I was amazed, cuz that’s the last thing I expected based on what impression we have of US culture.
Yes - the kids move out at 16-18 yrs of age and become independent. But then so what. They really know how to LIVE their life. People concentrate on themselves and so no one has time or energy to spend on getting jealous of sum1 else’s achievements or being judgmental or bad mouthing sum1. Now exceptions are there, but exceptions are not examples.
One of the things that really amazed me and left me in awe was the use of technology to provide centres like seaworld and hollywood. Just so much fun to be. Will never forgett the Shamu Show- Killer Whale show at SeaWorld and the Jurassic Park Ride at Hollywood. Yipeeeeeee!!! Jaw Droppin Stuff I say!
Another thing that I really loved there was the respect for other people and their time. Which means most people would follow rules. Almost everyone did. And so - I loved driving on the roads. Freeways were such a great experience.
I have already raved about the work culture so I will now get to that one thing which I loved the most in US - LAS VEGAS - The Sin City
I am back and I love being back in India, I love being home and have my crazy family going crazy everyday. The crazy Laughter... but I just can’t get over Vegas... I guess more than the city it was me being myself totally - no restrictions no bars.... there are things I learnt about myself in 2 days which I did not know in 26yrs...just cuz I was free to take my decisions without any one looking at me and trying to judge me or sum1 pressurizing me to do sum thing. It was me being myself and there’s no greater feeling than that. And that, I owe to Vegas.
Now what happened in Vegas doesn’t necessarily have to stay in Vegas. So my Vegas story next time.... cuz it really deserves a special exclusive blog. Something I would like my kids n my grand kids to read and say - grandma was so mad... like she was so mad...LOL
But US trip can not can not end without me mentioning 3 people who really made it worthwhile!
2 - Mama - I got the best gift ever in my life - The Atlanta trip and the camera, one that I had been planning to buy since whenever and now I finally have it. I can now click anything anytime, whenever I want. I got like some 700 pics although I had the camera only in the last 2 weeks... just so love it.
Back to work now... But I'm loving it. Ting Ting TiDing!
Labels: Fun, happy high, hollywood, memories, New place, san diego, sea world, travel, trip, usa, vegas
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Uncle Sam - Here I am!
Here, I have a nice room all to myself.... although its not home and it does get lonely but its a great place still...
The sky from this place is amazing and the moon is so close that it looks like I cud just grab it and hold it in my hands and then keep it all to myself...
It is just SIMPLEY SUPERB to look at it every night, so huge n so beautiful. I can see the craters clearly forming the shadows on its bright white surface. Hmmmmmm.... how pretty...sigh!!!
I am working at the client site here and I have a nice small cubicle, all to myself... I would love to call it my office - only its not...LOL...
- Thats my small lil cozy cube
- And this is the cafe view, I prefer working out of here as its so calm and peaceful. Just a gr8 view while sippin a cup of coffee!
But behold... alls not well here as well. Like some parts of India, the public transport sucks here too. And unlike our cheap autos and rickshaws, the cab here costs a bomb. And I mean a BOMB. LOL. So does food. Imagine having an all Indian, no frills meal for $6, which is like 300 dollars... I mean it’s a lil like - woho--hullo--wts on man!... when u have had that in just Rs. 20 which is like a quarter dollar. A bottle of parachute coconut oil... the small little one... costs a 150 bucks here... OMG!!! The other day I tried to take a bus cuz I can’t yet drive here and I wanted to go shop a little, and no not for stuff but for groceries... I waited for 20 minutes and no bus came. So I walked 2 miles and back. Everyone looked at me like I was a crazy lady either lost or just crazy to be walking in the sun like this... hehehehe...
This weekend... I din do much. Or shud I say that there wasn’t much to do. Except for Saturday evening 4 hours at Sea world. But those four hours, I became a lil kid. Running from one spot to other, trying to catch up with so many things to see and admire - killer sharks, dolphins, white whales, underwater aquarium, penguins, polar bear, flamingos, seals, ghost fish(amazin stuff).
Enjoy the pics and the videos... not gr8 quality but well, my memories nevertheless!!!
Labels: Divkiran, enjoy, Life, Missing you, New place, Questions, think, travel, trip, usa
Monday, August 11, 2008
A(wwww)GUST!!!
Yeah...its “Awwww poor baby” time for me. One of those months of the year that always kept me excited, especially in the first week, seemed to have dampened my spirits rite in the beginning of the month!!! Friendship week, Rakhi and a few important birthdays kept me busy...but this year, well I don feel like myself!!! Except for all the goodie goodie compliments for my new pic…of course it doesn’t matter that my sister thinks I look like a retard instead…LOLI love travelling, and this month looks jam packed. But after the first trip to Bangalore/Kochi... I am scared of going anywhere at all. The month started with a BAD BAD BAD day at office...was juggled from project to project, THREE TIMES in just one single day. And no one was willing to tell me WHY ? Usual office politics at the higher level took its toll on me and yeah I cried…..I CRIED….I mean I CRIED!!! That too - IN OFFICE...DIIIIAAAMMMM....felt so stupid after that. My leave was also cancelled :”( the only solace was that I was looking forward to a trip to Kochi with my friends.
I think there is something majorly wrong with my stars this month...the one thing that was the reason for me to smile, my trip last weekend, got totally messed up!!!
It started with a flight delay at the time of take off...so I called my friend to airport accordingly...but guess wt??? The flight landed 45 minutes early...LOL...History in the making for Indian airports I guess.... and so I was stranded alone at the airport for almost an hour. Then came the next morning....got up somehow, packed our bags and left for Kochi feeling pretty excited. But just as soon as we started noticing and admiring the natural beauty of God's own country...something like an earthquake shook us well out of our cheerful and bright mood. The smile on our face faded away...Why? cuz of the beautifully constructed crater like wholes in the road...and well we drove in similar conditions for next 4 n a half hours...I mean seriously...FOUR AND A HALF HOURS...My friend did all the cribbing cuz the poor thing had to bear the brunt of the lovely roads…feel sorry for him and his car!!! And the icing on the cake - Kochi welcomed us with a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG traffic jam. By the time we reached our hotel, we were dead tired and I am sure if a dissection was carried out on us, some of our bones would be discovered out of place due to all the shaking and the breaking! Ufffffffffff!!!
If that was not enough, the next day, just when I was in the bath room...trying to relieve my totally fucked up back(how and why is another story), the tap broke...can u believe it!!!! It just fell out of the wall...JUST LIKE THAT...And it was a 5 star hotel for god’s sake ....eeehihihihihihi...FIVE STAR!!!!! The water flooded the loo and the room. Ok I know how to swim...and as irrelevant as it mite be...I was still scared. I am scared of water and I felt like m gonna drown n die rite there rite then. - in the bathtub...DONT YOU DARE LAUGH...the stupid thing fell on my foot and the water came dashing full force on my face. I was not in my senses for next one hour. Ok fine laugh if you want to but I can’t help it, water is the only thing I am really scared of. Can face other things I fear but not water I guess!!! What guess Div??? You surely can not face it!
Anyway, the way back was equally exciting with the craters that seemed to have widened. Looks like my stars wanted to have some more fun...so on a short visit to a CCD on the way back home, I merrily forgot my cell phone there...my Sony Ericson that I had bought just a month back...the moment I realized it, my heart stopped beating...I almost had a heart attack...felt so idiotic and lost....I guess I was!!! But I got it back...thanks to the staff there, I am still alive...cuz if the mini cardiac arrest wouldn’t have killed me, my mum sure wud have!
You think its over….hahahahaha…read on for some more twists and turns…for some reason I was feeling cold like crazy, that too in South India during this time of the year….everyone was looking at me like I am an alien in a pull over. The flight IN was still better cuz the guy sitting next to me was talking to me so the time flew by and I made a new friend…but flight OUT was miserable. I was freezing and spicejet did not have blankets, was damn woozy and felt like I will throw up. My friend advised me to grab a bite as soon as the flight ppl serve something…I tried following the advice but ended up puking it all out as soon as I finished eating it. Felt frail and exhausted!!! Eeewwwwwww…. I wished badly that it would end but the anticlimax was me fainting on Delhi airport, they said my BP was higher than it should be…and as soon as I regained consciousness, I was feeling sorry for the poor guys who had to carry me…of course I think it’s funny now. Poor Guys really!!!
But this is just the least of it...cuz exactly on friendship day; I managed to lose two of my close friends. BINGO....what a celebration!!! One doesn’t seem to care enough…wonder if I was ever considered a friend and the other has just moved on in life. It hurts like hell and if it was in my hands, I would never let go… but well, sometimes - to be yourself, you got to stop being yourself. Now that’s a good one for Speaking Dee Dee section…LOL!!!
But well, like Linda Goodman wisely said...this saggi girl for sure has those little wings tied to her feet and has her rose tinted glasses resting perfectly on her nose. So as much as I am scared that my trips this month may not be that great, I am still ready with my bags packed.
Here is how August looks like -
- Next Weekend, a trip to Dalhousie...mountain hopping again...YAYEEEE!!! Praying that god gives me enough courage to touch the water taps in the hotel or else my friends will be suffering from self induced nose blockage. And the trouble seems to have already started here cuz my stay is confirmed but not the train tickets…LOL
- Once the project kicks off on or after 20th I shall be visiting Chennai and/or Bangalore...depending on which team I am in.
And well if my luck will have it, even Egypt is not far, just that I still don’t have a passport!!! Yeah I know I should get one ASAP…Sigh!!! The form is too long to fill.
JAM PACKED I SAY...but my philosophy says that if you want to make time for something you really like and really want, it happens automatically and doesn’t need any special effort...so I shall make time for blogville and even if I don post a lot, I promise to drop by regularly and read what all of you are doing :)
Wish me luck...I don want to drown n die!!!! I wonder what mischief my stars are up to this time ***raising the eyebrow!!!
Labels: friendship, schedule, travel
