Matheran; Dec 10/11, 2011

Probably the most talked about weekend hangout near Mumbai, next to only Lonavala, I have been hearing of this place for quite sometime. But for some reasons I always had mixed feelings for the place. My expectations were pretty low when we decided to go to this famous mountain re-treat on this weekend. 

For the first time we decided to travel by train instead of usual car/cab which was fun in itself. Just after 1.5 hrs we started our ride uphill from station to the town of Matheran and I soon realized I was grossly underestimating the place. The town was at considerably higher altitude than I had expected and the weather changed accordingly from dry/hot to pleasant cool breeze. 

Matheran felt like a town I have read about in books during school time. Small clean roads, small shops, lot of hawkers and everyone at peace. We ate a lot of tangy stuff on our way to the hotel. The highlights of our hotel stay were evening swimming in chilling waters with amazing view of the ghats below and lunar eclipse under way above. The whole setting was breathtaking. We also had a great time playing various games in the main bazaar and winning prizes.

 

Next day we went to see lake point and echo point and did some horse riding. Matheran is a perfect weekend getaway especially if you plan to stay for the night as you get to enjoy the thing you miss the most in a metro like Mumbai – Eternal silence.

Dahanu - Dec 03, 2011

I don’t recall when was the first time I heard of this place but since then I have wanted to go here. May be because I love exploring new beaches and thus this small beach town was my perfect idea of a small day trip.

Finally we managed to make a plan on a Sunday. We left at 10.30 am and reached the town, 140 Kms away in exactly 3 hours. We decided to cover other parts of town before hitting the beach. As expected, there was nothing much to see apart from an old (really old!!) fort.

Dahanu Beach - B&W

Post lunch we headed towards the approach of the beach which was a nice small garden with tall trees providing some reprieve from the hot sun. Placing our bed sheets on the grass, we felt like on a school picnic once again. We had few rounds of card games when at 5 pm we finally headed to fulfill the real purpose of our visit to this town - to the grand Dahanu beach.

Sunset time...amazing....

Dahanu beach is grand; it is ~ 15 Kms long with its vast tracks of fine clean black sand. The idea of black sand beach may sound revolting but in fact it was very clean and fine in texture. Excited as kids we plunged ourselves into the lukewarm water. Surprisingly, the water was very calm too and it felt more like a lake than a sea.

Thanks to the clear blue sky, we saw sun set while we relaxed and played in the calm sea clicking some really memorable pictures all the way. Without a doubt they were one of the most amazing views nature has to offer.

I am simply glad to add Dahanu beach to my list of 'Beaches I have visited' in my lifetime J

Calmness...

INS Vikrant!!

It was a dream come true to go aboard one of India's aircraft carrier. INS Vikrant, decommissioned in 1997 was India's only aircraft carrier since independence. It is now replaced by much advanced INS Virat (I could also get a glimpse of it stationed nearby).

The best part of the ship was the huge deck where many of navy's planes have taken flight. With it I also got an opportunity to go aboard Indian navy's 'destroyers' (laced with torpedoes and missiles).

It was amazing to see that it is no mean task to maintain/run such huge vessels. Especially for a country not from the background of participating in many wars/conflicts and thus not spending huge amounts of money on defense unlike developed world countries. It has been step by step learning for us over the years. Despite the fact that we do not have a world class navy of the ability of a US or Chinese, I could feel so much pride in the eyes of the sailors of Indian Navy whom i got a chance to speak to and interact.

It was indeed a matter of pride and satisfaction to see a fleet of latest Indian navy ships along with the retired air craft carrier - INS Vikrant.

Dear Bombay :(

Dear Bombay,

What is wrong with you? Look what has become of you...? Its been 2 years since I came here and how much have you changed? and Why?

Look at how the cabs and auto wallahs are demeaning you...Fare for both the mode have gone up atleast thrice in last few months and they are still not satisfied? They still manipulate and refuse to ply? Travelling across you have become such a pain...

I remember when i was new here, i was proud of the taxi system...There will always be a queue outside my society and no one would refuse fair for any location..and now?? Its madness and gundaraaj...

Why Bombay..why are your roads always full and average speed has reduced to 6-7 kmpl during peak hours..why are trains too always full.

Bombay there was a time when i loved you and you made me proud..living in you now has become noticably difficult in last 2 years..sadly you seem to be on the verge of collapse..cost of living has gone up by miles, dere is always a scare of another bomb attack..traffic jams are getting un-bearable and men living in you are getting inhuman.

Hope things improve soon..wish you the best!!

Yours

Proud Resident

Kerala - Sept 2011

It was one of the trips that will remain with me for a long time to come. The beauty of the place simply took my heart away. I had the same feeling once again after my South East trip 3 years back. So here is the dairy:-

Day 1: August 30, 2011

Sun was out today in Mumbai, after a long 7-8 days of heavy rain. A ominous sign i guess. All of us were visibly enthusiastic for the trip to start. Its usually the best feeling - starting of a long journey :) We boarded the rickety AI flight and were soon air bound. While we arrived on time, it was a slight set back to see the rainy weather yet again on reaching Cochin which we thought we had left back in Mumbai.

Nevertheless, we soon found a cab waiting for us to take us to our first hotel in Cochin (Hotel Surya) which was only a stop over for the night. I have always felt a strange feeling on entering a new city. Its both of triumph and mild eeriness.

As expected, horde of coconut trees all around greeted us into the city. We reached our first hotel and were glad to find it above our expectations. The trip had finally begin it seemed. :)

Day 2: August 31, 2011

We began early morning at around 5 am for Munnar. Our joy was multiplied looking at our brand new Innova cab. It felt so fresh sitting in that car. We drove through the picturesque hills of Munnar which included a couple of grand waterfalls and upon checking on a few hotels settled for Silver tips right in the heart of the city. Soon we left for sightseeing which included some national park but we could only spot a couple of lousy goats. But in any case it was probably the most enjoyable sight scene of Munnar. We binged on fresh fruits and tea. Rest of the day was more or less un-eventfull. SB and myself, desperate for some Kerala massage, went to a Ayurvedic center late evening. After an hour, SB came out all smiling as if she has achieved nirvana (I had my own doubts looking at her:) )

Day 3: Sept 01, 2011

We left Munnar at around 8 am and said goodbye to the tea gardens. I am sure JB must have felt most happy :) . The next destination was Alleypey - easily my most awaited destination having seeing the amazing pictures of backwaters since childhood, it was time to have a first hand experience. Like always, we took out time to choose the best available houseboat and bargain hard. But once we sailed, we were lost in the amazing beauty of the place. It was too difficult for me to describe it and i was struggling to absorb it. We did nothing but adore the place for hours. We sang and danced and ate. At around 6 the boat finally came to its resting place for the night. It banked at a village and i thank the person who gave the idea of de-boarding and going for a walk. The ensued ride in a fishing boat and visit to the Kali temple were the highlights of the trip.

Day 4: Sept 02, 2011

Around afternoon we were already on our way to Kovalam in our new cab. Allepey trip probably relaxed and enthused us. Everything was great till now.

We took our lunch break at the Varkala cliffs which were on route the long ride to Kovalam. Yet again I was at a unique place with a view i could have only previously imagined. I was on top of a cliff with sea/beach some 100 feet below our feet. I have never seen such violent sea in the past. The waves went as high as 2-3 meters and crashed with a loud roar which echoed for long distances...and again and again...

The place was beautiful and presence of foreign tourists added a smile to guy's faces. We ate and ate and clicked numerous pics (of ourselves and 'others :) ). As evening came closer, we witnessed yet another wonder of nature - view of approaching rains over the horizon on the sea. It was lovely looking at the dark clouds at a distance, approaching us second by second, engulfing the fishing boats below in the sea - one by one till everything around us turned white in a blizzard of rain....

We reached Kovalam and took the 3 star 'Sagara Beach Resort'. I am a beach maniac (yes, not just a fan) and my joy knew no bounds upon reaching the sea. We had a good time at dinner and planned for our penultimate day in Kerala.

Day 5: Sept 03, 2011

By the way, SB was by now a celebrity in Kovalam. Her antics and talks of her beauty had spread far and wide - only in one night. Probably the reason lot of locals had gathered there. I am sure she must have felt like a film star with dozens of mallu eyes gazing her at all times - all waiting to catch a glimpse of this star.

We had a really good time in the violent sea. Someone among us got the idea of covering me with beach sand neck to toe and i agreed to volunteer for the fun. Only later did i realize i too was a celebrity. Soon, dozens of people gathered around me - i don't know thinking what. (may be someone was thinking i was being buried alive??). Soon I was fully covered with sand and JB, SB and IM were posing for pictures with my buried body. But sooner did i realize that there were more cameras pointed at me..one of the guys actually requested me not to get up so that he can take my picture!!! We did not check next mornings papers, I am sure there would be a picture of mine in some 'believe it or not' section or something :)

Early morning walk on the sea beach is one of my favorite activity. Thanks to IM who accompanied me for it. We walked across the entire beach clicking pictures. Post breakfast we all left for the beach. It was decently crowded by now and sun was fully out too making it perfect for getting wet in the sea water.

We had some more splash in the swimming pool of our hotel and thoroughly enjoyed that as well (more enjoyed by SB.. don't know Y bec she too don't know much of swimming). Post lunch we left for local sightseeing which included visit to the light house on the beach. It offered amazing views of the landscape around. Later, we also went to the richest temple in the world - Padmanabhanswamy in Trivendrum. Dressed in a dhoti - again a new experience for me.

Day 6: Sept 04, 2011

Last day of the tour and we are yet again eager for Kerala Massage (esp SB who wants it for the second time, I really doubt her now:) ). Post that we check out, shop a little and head for departure. I am sure most of us were wishing the flight gets delayed, no one wanted to leave yet. It was a remarkable trip, from take off to touch down!! :)

Ganesh Utsav!!

Its the 11th and final day of Ganesh Utsav, the day when devotees finally bid audieu to Ganeshji. Its the third time I am witnessing this festival here but somehow it did not touch me in the past two times the way it did today.
We went to Dadar chawpatty (one of my fav hangouts with CJ) in the afternoon and bid farewell to our Ganeshji. I could observe the grand arrangements done for this festival on route. and I could anticipate what would follow in sometime when the big ones follow us later in the day. In my heart, i promised myself to be witness to the fun and flair this 3rd time.
Sadly, it started raining and din look like stopping. I was still at home waiting for the weather to clear and find a way to go out and join the celebrations but fearfull of the crowd, the jam etc etc. Finally when i couldnt hold myself any more i stepped out and reached Matunga circle (Kings circle) and i saw something i could only imagine but never thought could be true. The festival is so close to the heart of Mumbai, it is celebrate right on the main roads. All prime roads are blocked, with only queues of Ganeshji's idols thronging the roadways in trucks. The streets are all decorated with lights, people are out on the road in the rain, drenched, climbed onto the trucks yet to cover kms to reach the immersion spot. There is mella, right on the roads and you cant escape it.
The arrangements are good. There is a policeman at literally every 50 m today, guiding the traffic, keeping an eye. A thought for them too, no time with family for them, seems entire force is on duty today, on a sunday. The traffic is controlled very well and I couldnt take my car beyond a point (on the main road i.e.). I park it, open my umbrella and join the crowd. I have never seen such bunch of people, all immersed in celebrations, from head to toe.
Remember, all this in face of the contantly lingering fear of the terrorists, the blasts. No doubt, no one celebrates the way Mumbaikars do.
Its almost 11:30 pm now and i can still hear the constant beat of the drums in the distant, the crackers bursting now and then, the music still on at full volume and I can imagine the sight too I saw some hrs back - crowd of people on the streets - all just Happy!! and It will go on till the wee hours of the morning. Looking at them it seems that thats what a human actually want to do - and my heart right now too longs to join them.

Conversation with a taxi driver...

While going from my home to Santa Cruz airport few weeks back I happen to board a cab where I got an opportunity to converse with the driver at length. The driver initiated the discussion by asking how much was my flight from Mumbai to Delhi costing me. He told me he was a frequent flyer (8-10 times a year) on Mumbai Lucknow route and wanted to check the direction in which the prices were moving.

I asked him why does he travel to his home town (Allahabad) so much? He informed me that last year he had his BA exams for which he needed to travel so frequently. Also he was happy to inform that he has cleared his exams successfully and thus is travelling lesser now a days. His brother is studying law in Lucknow. Further in course of discussion he told me he left home because he wanted to do something on his own. He got admission in UP police force but left it after training, borrowed money from his Dad and came to Mumbai to start taxi business. He owns 3 taxi out of which he self drives one. The remaining two runs 2 shifts a day and earns him good 18 k per month per cab. His own self driven taxi earns him higher and helps him to furnish installments for his 3 cabs plus he manages to fulfill his monthy expenditure through the earnings of his one cab only. He has recently bought a plot of land in Kalyan for Rs 4000 per sq feet and is sure it will appreciate in value and give him good returns. His main problem in Mumbai is his small house which too comes for a killing. This he compares to his big home in Allahabad. He saves decently and regularly sends money home and also invests in bank FDs and Saving accounts etc.

His aim is to make it big. It was not easy to leave home and come to Mumbai alone leaving behind everyone but the desire to be his own master was even stronger and it encouraged him to take more risks.

Just Dance :)

I have always been a shy person, more of an introvert as well with strangers. I have always admired people dancing but mostly from a distance. The shy in me wont allow me to learn dancing.

Thanks to my friends in BBY, i hesitantly joined Shaimak dawar dance classes some weeks back. What a revelation it has been for me!!

I never knew dancing could be so much fun, that it could be such a passion, that it could be just the perfect stress buster. I am so much into it that i keep practicing my moves in cabs, in office, while just walking, in gym etc etc. i just want to perfect them and look good at the show scheduled some weeks away. Whole week i look forward to sat/sun when i will go learn and master some more funky steps.

Its been a realization, a conquering of fears and it has changed me for the good.
Thanks to AN, JJB and IM. Thanks to my teachers TA and DS :-)

Its that time of the year again..

My heart is filled with pain,
and it longs for you once again,
It’s that time of the year again

My tears are mixed with the monsoon rain,
Still I travel miles by the train, to see u smile once again,
It’s that time of the year again

I see my hopes dying in vain,
& I try to gather the remains,
Ahh, It’s that time of the year again

I behave like a child insane,
And all I need is to be my normal self again,
It’s that time of the year again

I try to fight again,
Knowing well that my defeat is certain,

Ohh, It’s that time of the year again

One last time..

i want to sit in the class with u,

one last time

i want to walk the park with u,

one last time

i want to go to the rooftop with you in the night,

one last time

i want to hug u tight,

one last time

will u concede my wishes, one last time?

Bollywood!!

I was reading a book which identified being South Asian as someone watching/fan of Bollywood movies, thus conforming that Bollywood is quite popular in countries like Malaysia,Singapore, Bhutan....Thailand. This reminded me of my first hand experience with such popularity of Bollywood in Thailand.

It was in the season of late 2008 when VJS and myself were on student exchange to Thailand and were touring Phuket. We were walking amilessly when this Thai taxi driver (actually a private cab) offered us his A/C cab services at almost zero fare. He would take us around Phuket for a couple of hours without actually charging anything to us!!!

To prove his faithfulness to his offer and his own genuineness he indicated that he is a big fan of bollywood and sang us a few good old bollywood songs in Hindi!! This was a surprize as local Thai's dont speak much of English let alone Hindi.

We gave in to his repeated requests and bollywood style falttery and started, thought cautiously on our free ride. Unaware of his intentions, we went to places he took us to - primarily gov owned jewellery shops, metal factories, cloth shopes etc. When we protested that we are not willing to buy any such things he insisted we just visit for 2 mins and come back. In some time, he discloses that he receives kick backs from these shops for getting tourists to visit them even if they dont buy anything and requested us to bear with him for a while.

With nothing much to do before we took our return bus, we went with him to all these random shops. He kept us in good mood by singing us bollywood songs, praising the industry and the stars and saying he was a good man (so that we can trust him with our luggage while we do the rounds of the shops) and collecting kick backs from the shops.

Finally the shocker - when we have completed the visit to his last shop and as promised he is taking us back to the bus stop - he stops talking to us altogeather, switches the a/c off, his face becomes stern, he drops us at the bus stop and while we try to thank him or say customary goodbye, he speeds off without a word!!

So much for the sake of Bollywood!!

GOA!!!!!

Goa - 22/24 April 2011

Helter skelter but we managed to put together a plan and leave for Goa on 21st Night. The tickets got confirmed just 3 hrs back and return tickets are still not final :)
Still, we are so eager to go that nothing can hold us back now :)

Goa has been on my bucket list since quite sometime now, having been in Mumbai for 2 yrs now i badly wanted to go here always but it could never materialize. I remember we did plan for it on quite a number on occasions.

Anyways, the trip was one of the most unplanned trips i had been to. so it had its share of inconviniences but given the fact that we were in Goa, we din mind that.

Day 1 was full of exploring the city on bike from one end to the other (and gawking at tourists :)). Day 2 highlights were awesome Aguada fort and water sports, not to forget the wonderful dinner. Day 3 would be remembered for the visit to Panaji.

All in all it was a 'mast' trip with lots of relaxation. The immense heat in the afternoons had its effect but it made the evenings all the more enjoying.

Cricket Fever!!!

As someone born in mid eighties on the verge of massive internet & mobile revolution, i have seen and experienced enormous changes in the way we live, in the way we feel. Everything has changed - the way we communicate, the way we study, the way we travel, the way we live etc. Very surprisingly one thing that remains enormously unchanged in my life and of this country is the way we celebrate cricket. That still draws me to the 90s. The feelings has not changed even when i have grown up. I still m engrossed to the TV leaving everything when India is playing a imp match in the world cup, still do not move from my seat during a tense match, still pray india pulls it off, still love to read songs of praise in the morning paper when india wins a major match etc etc. Today, when i was watching India's old encounters with Pakistan i could feel how cricket has not changed from my life a bit even after 15 odd years. i could still remember the action from those old matches as far back as the 1996. Still remember the words Ravi Shastri or a Tony Greg uttered when Sachin hit that six. Surprizingly, the emotions have also not changed. I still feel sad when we loose, when someone makes a silly mistake on the field, i still utter the war cry when we win. I still do behave as a child when it comes to cricket. Today, on the verge of yet another indo-pak encounter in the world cup, i still can feel the palpitation. m waiting for the wednesday along with billions of ppl. the media is back with the countdown of the all imp game. There's cricket in the air the way is used to be in the 90s. and i will be catching up each and every ball of the match just like the old days. Witing to be delighted and live yet another happy day of my life - thanks to cricket :-)

Shirdi and Bandardhara (Part 2)

Its not even an hr since I have returned home from the fulfilling, just over 24 hrs trip to the sacred Sai Baba Temple and my beloved village Bandaardhara. Thanks to SSN, 8 of us had planned the sacred trip to Shirdi - some 300 kms from Mumbai on Saturday. I left office early and reached the new BoB office in BKC. It had been quite a while since i went there and memories, good and bad, came flashing back. I went to the new treasury office and realized that the luxury of space that gov employees enjoy is not comparable to prvt sector. Atleast very much true in my case. I had a good look at the lavish new office and went to the new cafeteria. It again reminded me of my days at BoB, queing up for the subsidized yet decent quality food, snacks time etc.

Post lunch at the cafeteria we all gathered and left for Shirdi at around 3 pm finally comfortably managing to reach around 9. I had heard about Shirdi since childhood in movies and knew it as a place where people come from far off places with great devotion. We quickly located a hotel and without much delay headed straight for the Sai Baba Temple. Must say we were lucky and smart with the timing as in no time we managed to get immensely satisfying darshan. The place was sparcely crowded at this hour. Must say that this was probably the first time i felt happy, peaceful, calm inside a religious place and really felt like praying. The temple compound was well managed, clean and no body would run behind you for dakshina. You could also locate people from all religions at the same place which was unique. We spent a good amount of time inside the compound and also participated in the night aarti. The entire experience was fulfilling and made me smile.

Post the visit, we headed for dinner and some shopping which was followed by Mafia and Dumb C in the hotel till late into the night. As planned, next morning we headed for Bandaardhara, which was almost on the way to Mumbai. 3 of us had already been dere just 5 months back but it din lessen the enthu we had, more so to show the wonderful place to rest of us. Although, the place is best visited in Monsoon season, people still liked it. Unlike last time, the spillway was not working, we couldnt resist to go inside the cold water of the dam. After some swimming, rounds of photography, dinner and boating we left the place at around 4:30 pm. We had hardly spent 3-4 hrs at the village but i guess it was worth it.

On my way back, as usual I was looking and admiring the beautiful Western Ghats and wondering what next is in store for me.

Mumbai 'Local'

People call it the lifeline of Mumbai - The Mumbai local which covers the entire stretch of this mad city tirelessly, up and down, to and fro, almost round the clock. I have a special place for this lifeline in my heart. As soon as I came to this city, i started using it extensively for commuting and have traveled thousands of kms since then thus spending a considerable time on the track mostly thinking about my life and at times thinking about the lives of my fellow passengers. I still cherish boarding the train with my ipod on and news papers out. I still prefer to use this mode and for many reasons including the vada pao of the local stall on the platform. I think its the best way to understand the city and whats it made of. Traveling from suburbs to the town one can easily appreciate the contrasts it exhibits and the quickness with which the 'local' brings it to you. Its the cheapest, quickest and surest way of reaching yr destination.

I mostly travel by second class (must confess - at times when second class is full to the brim and I cant wait any longer, I board the first class without having a ticket for it). One day when i was on yet another 'trip' on the local and was done with my newspaper I begin to notice who my fellow travelers were. and there were variety of them. There were laborers, fruit sellers, small shop owners for whom the train is a necessity. These are very poor people who travel miles daily to reach their business location. They will usually be carrying their tools, lunch boxes etc in small cloth bags. Then their are college/school going kids with a backpack. Then their are service class people like myself, who flaunt the latest gadgets - phones, ipods etc , and are dressed in typical business attire. Then comes the slightly older generation, usually traveling in groups, seated and discussing the latest political agenda with nothing much to carry along. Also present are the hawkers which sell unique products at amazingly cheap prices. I thought how the same train carries people from different walks of life and offers no differentiation to the rich. It maintains the same speed for all, charge them same fare, offer them same comfort etc. It is such an integrator.

As usual, there are a few things which i don't like about the trains. They could be cleaner for one. I hate it when the trains are over crowded. I don't mind if i do not get a seat but i cant travel when i cant stand comfortably (and hence the up-gradation to first class at times :)). Lately, Mumbai railways have done a wonderful thing by converting all trains to 12 compartments (from 9) and starting some 15 compartment trains as well. That's a truly commendable effort to enhance customer comfort.

I often get this desire - to board the local and travel to the farthest station from Mumbai - appretiating the changes in the landscape, the surroundings and the variety of people it serves.

Kala Ghoda Fest - 5th Feb - 13th Feb 2011 :)

Its that time of the year again!!! Yes, KGF is back in town. Its been only two days since it started and I have already visited it twice!! Just cant stop liking it. As expected, the street is all dressed up and lined with sculptors, stalls put up with colorful stuffs, the art is on display, the lights are on and the stage is set for plays.

Unlike last year, i found this time fest to be on a grander scale with more movies, plays, performances on the list. I usually ask myself this question - Why do i like this fest so much? What does it stand for? and i answer to myself - the fest promotes art, music, dance, plays, acts, creativity etc all of which are ways in which a man expresses his thoughts and thus the entire fest stands for freedom of man's expression and is a celebration of it. I am not only overwhelmed by the number of people who visit the fest but by the variety of them. Old, young, boy, girl, rich, poor, Hindu, Muslim, Indians, Foreigners etc one can find people from all walks and kinds. To be honest this is the prime i like the fest. It feels nice to be present among 'humanity'. and share the enthusiasm.

I have already visited the fest on both the days and simply loved it. Needless to say, I am looking forward to clock more visits in the next week and this time planning to do some shopping as well :)