Adrenalin, feat and reward

1. It's a new high - driving a hundred and fifty kilometers at a stretch on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. We don't stop for a break and at times cruise along at 120 kmph. The car's steady.
2. Despite having slept for only 3 hours and having driven for 4, I'm not sleepy and am alert enough to work. I had thought I'd be dropping asleep every now and then.
3. Hot toasted chocolate sandwich. Its a piece of heaven.

No motion sickness, rasgullas and inbox

1. I come home from a completely uneventful bus journey. NO bus sickness at all this time! How cool is that?!
2. Kris has brought some really soft and succulent rasgullas to office today, because it was his birthday on Sunday. I make at least 3 trips to his desk at different times of the day to pop one in my mouth. Ok, technically, one can't just 'pop' it in, it would be too messy, but I usually squeeze the excess juice out of it so that it has just the right amount of sweetness and then bite into it.
3. For 4 days, I haven't checked my email, so I login a few minutes ago, with great expectations. I'm not let down. Apart from the usual promotional emails, there are a few personal ones from friends too.

Entrancing music, glad and freedom

1. Having the good fortune to listen to Ronu Majumdar play the flute and Pt. Jasraj sing at the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival. Today was the final day of the 4 day fest, and what a musical feast it has been! I've attended on all four days, and each day has been one enriching and fulfilling experience. My experience has culminated today on the high note of Pt. Jasraj's heavenly voice - one needs to be at the festival to see how his bhajans sway an audience of over 5000, all rapt in the the same emotion...
2. Jui is happy she came all the way from Hyderabad to attend the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival.
3. After months of driving only the car, I take the bike today. There's a strange sense of freedom as I weave my way through the traffic, slipping through spaces which are inaccessible to the car, instead of waiting patiently till there's space enough for the car to move ahead.

Charged, traffic update and connected

1. There's a slight electricity in the air - we're planning a trip again, and though its a month away, the spring in my step is unmistakable.
2. Kris calls up to say that he's stuck in a traffic jam for more than an hour and I should avoid that particular route home. I'm so grateful he called, because I was actually planning to go home that way.
3. My internet is working. They have finally renewed it for the correct monthly plan.

Hitting the high road, li'l bro and I can do it

1. A car, two chilled out people and a highway that stretches ahead. Off we zoom, Ro and I, sometimes singing, sometimes talking... we're in no hurry to get home, so we take our time, taking small detours to click pictures, to see an old fort on the way, to have chai at a roadside dhaba... it's a good way to be...
2. As a younger brother, Ro is good company - he's chilled out, practical, looooves to eat, is always ready for some fun and adventure and you can rely on him. What I like the most about him is the fact he doesn't come with a 'handle with care' tag attached, so he's a zero stress person to have around... not to mention his vast capacity for nonstop nonsense! I hardly feel the 6 year age gap to be a barrier in having fun...
3. The enormous feeling of confidence that comes along with completing a long road-trip (approx 550 kms)... I no longer doubt my ability to handle my car... and the car is wonderful - it gives an unexpectedly high mileage on the highway.

Lazy beginings, dinner with friends and solitary journey

1. The weekend begins. It has been a busy week, so a lazy saturday morning of lounging in the bean bag with a hot mug of tea (the masala chai, of course) and a bunch of newspapers seems like a treat...
2. Shenoy has invited us for dinner at home for the first time since he got married. He and his wife Pallavi seem to have spent a considerable amount of time and effort getting dinner ready - there's soup, chhole, rotis and then fruit custard. We spend a pleasant evening chatting and gossiping. The surprise of the evening is Dadu who (uncharacteristically) talks a lot and seems to be in a very chirpy (if one may dare to use such a flippant word in Dadu's context) mood.
3. The long drive back home after the evening traffic is all but gone. The roads are empty and inviting and I discover the joys of effortless driving. The radio channels also play some lovely melodies and I actually have enough mental space to enjoy a sing-along.

Daddy's girl, misconceptions and Klitus

1. Remembering that yesterday, I missed a really imp BT - mum says talk to your dad while I'm on the other call... Papa come on the call with 'heyyy daredevil! how are you?' He's refering to all the water sports pics from Eilat... and sounds very excited!
2. Conversation with a taxi driver on the way back to the hotel: "One tourist from the United States, he came here expecting to see us living in tents and riding camels... you have big cities!!" say he... I tell him its common perception in America that there are snake charmers in every street in India and everyone rides elephants. Tap tap tap goes his index finger on his temples...
3. I discover that my daemon is Klitus. But do those who know me agree? I have 12 days before my Daemon freezes its form... before that, you all must visit the link and let me know what you think... and perhaps you can find out who your Daemon is, too!

Picture perfect, first snow and new me

1. The magnificent landscapes in Israel. The vivid colours, the greenery, the neat and tidy farms, the mountains, the stately roads... they're all very impressive. We travel about 550 kms today, and for the entire journey, the view is a treat to the eyes.
2. Seeing snow for the first time in my life. Okay, I had expected something more awe-inspiring... but we only got the last of the snow at Golan Heights. But nevertheless, there's something to it when you see snow for the first time in your life.
3. Tanmoy wants to know how it is possible that I can 'tolerate' people these days, and not get frustrated of having to spend time with strangers... it's strange, really! I used to be so reticent about mixing with people I haven't known for ever, that this 'new' me who can interact with strangers and have fun in the process is quite nice to be!

Shalom!

Shalom Everyone! Its been long break from blogging for me, but not one that I've regretted. I have been very busy travelling - first I travelled to Karnataka for Shenoy's wedding and after a whirlwind of a week, I set foot in Israel. The whole experience has been quite a rich one.

Israel is one wonderful country and I think I fell in love with it on my way to the hotel from the airport! I'm staying in a very busy part of Tel Aviv called as Dizengoff and the Dizengoff circle is such a happy and cheerful place that one instantly feels relaxed and cheerful there!

The people, the food, Tel Aviv, the magnificent roads, the rich culture that you can feel in the air, all of it forms such a heady cocktail, that I was quite intoxicated for my first few days here. Then of course we went sight seeing to Jaffa, Masada and then to the Dead Sea over the weekend. All this activity has kept me so busy and so much has been happening in life that blogging had to take a slight back-seat... Only now has some normalcy been restored after the initial excitement of being in a new country has lessened somewhat and something of routine has been created for the weekday (the weekends will, without exception, rock!). I hope to get back to 3BTing from tomorrow, though really, right now, life ain't 'ain't that bad'... its great!

Wanderlust, tailor-made and warm

1. Shenoy takes out some time and helps me plan the Karnataka trip. As the plan unfolds, it looks more and more exciting. We'll go from Pune to Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Maravante, Karkal, Kaup beach, Udupi, Mangalore and then back. All of this in 3 1/2 days! Whew!
2. I find a tailor who'll hopefully stitch my salwar kameezes well. As I talk to him about the patterns and he takes measurements, I have this feeling that this man knows his business, and I'm satisfied. And I'll have two new dresses next thursday!
3. Coming to a warm and cozy home from a bitingly cold night, and then taking a hot shower... warmth slowly fills me up and makes me drowsy

Splendid, soppy and finally!

1. Being so involved in a book that I forget time. The culprit is A Thousand Splendid Suns.
2. Sending super-senti forwards to Shenoy and telling him to pass them on to his fiancee. He's far away from me, but I can imagine the look on his face when he tells me there's no way he's going to send them.
3. A long awaited invitation finally comes... and the fourth trip home is happening! I'm keeping my fingers crossed till my tickets come!

Happy journey, dine in style and where is Karnataka???

1. A very comfortable car ride from Mumbai to Pune. Pinda has work in Pune, so he offers me a lift back home. The prospect of coming back so comfortably is so inviting, that I postpone my plans of coming back on Sunday evening itself, and accept his offer. Pallu hops on board too, and we have a merry ride to Pune, laughing and chatting...
2. There's super excitement in office. The new-year gift from the company is being distributed - a very pretty white dinner set with delicate blue flowers. When the rumors of the gift being a dinner set were doing the rounds, no one wanted it! And now, after seeing it, no one's ready to give it up, even though its a heavy box.
3. 'Karnataka is in Hyderabad..' "Oh really...?!" 'Oh! no... I think Karnataka is in Andhra Pradesh... isn't it?' "Oh izzatso? Then where's Bangalore?" 'Ohhhhh!!! That's right! Isn't Banaglore in Karnataka?' "Yes, Bangalore is in Karnataka, and Karnataka is in Hyderabad. Problem solved" - Snippets of a conversation in office, punctuated by some people rolling with laughter, and others with confusion on their faces....

A boggled mind, a fab job and a pure note

1. The crazy rush of adrenalin caused by the anticipation of imminent travel. Will I get my visa? When will I fly? What places should I visit? Who all will I be able to meet? Will I see snow? Will I really go?
2. Pallavi has landed a job on Day 0 of her campus placement. She's yelling on the phone like a mad-woman, with excitement. And I'm yelling too... we're both super-excited!
3. It's Dipti's birthday. At the small celebration we have for her at work, we all holler for a song. She finally obliges and sings Hothon se chhoo lo tum. Her notes are pure and everyone listens in a hushed silence... She sings softly, but her voice fills the space...

Lemony inspiration, hilarious, sunset and voice

1. There's no milk, so I make black tea. And then, as a last minute inspiration, I squeeze a few drops of lemon in my cup... ummmmm...
2. Watching Loins of Punjab presents. Its hilarious. No one is spared. An hour and a half is spent in absolute mirth.
3. A most gorgeous sunset. We go on a long drive to Mulshi lake and meet the setting sun on our way there... the sky is breathtaking
4. A phone call and a voice ensures I sleep well.

Again, Barti rules, lucky charm and lovely parents

1. Telling everyone I'm going to Goa, and having them exclaim "Again??! Wow!"
2. Soumitra is falling in love with Bartimaeus too!
3. According to George, I'm lucky for Team India. Everytime I watch the cricket match, India wins... :-) A painful responsibility, I can not resist saying...
4. And an extra one, because I won't be posting for the next few days. In the washroom, one of the office-help ladies asks me if the people on my desktop are my parents. I reply in the affirmative. She says - you've got lovely parents...

Impressed, Goa plans and EOD

1. Dharana is on a fast - since last saturday, she has eaten nothing, and is surviving on boiled water. And she has resolved to continue with the fast till sunday. While I don't approve of such fasting, I must say I'm very very impressed by her will power, and by her attitude. When I'm hungry, I'm irritable. But Dharana seems to have lost none of her cheerful disposition, in spite of being so very tired and low on energy. Where did the baby of the team get such maturity from?
2. Making plans about our imminent Goa trip with Mom and Dad. what clothes to take, which bags will be more convenient, what are the beached we'll visit... there's no end to the things we can discuss... we're all soooooooo excited, we're counting days...
3. After a long day, sinking into bed is such a pleasure...

The Fortnight that was

A couple of weeks have gone by and I haven't posted for a multitude of reasons, the most significant being that my internet has conked off again! So here are the BTs the past few days have brought my way, in no particular order...

1. Anna sends me a small little teddy bear - a most unexpected gesture. It now occupies a place of pride among the other little beings on my desk - Donkey, Yo Mo and the chicks.
2. George turns up on a sunday morning. I later on discover, that I was the only one unaware of his plans, and everyone was instructed to keep mum so he could surprise me :-)
3. German Bakery. I hadn't entered the famous bakery so close to my house in spite of living in KP for more than 8 months. Something always stopped me from going there - I considered it a hangout of foreigners who come to Pune, and thought I'd feel out of place there. I'm pleasantly surprised by the place's ambience. Its a charming little place, the breakfast is yummy and the menu quite interesting. Yes, there are foreigners there, but there are also an equal number of Indians, and the place has a very friendly feel to it... I'm definitely going back there...
4. The music player on my new cell phone. Its awesome! The sound quality is superb.
5. Manjiri sends a mail that has just one line - Every kick in the ass is a step forward.
6. Rohit loves the kurta I got him.
7. Tanmoy and I have an ugly fight. This is good because for almost a week after we patch up, we're nicer to each other than usual. Tanmoy, maybe we should fight more often :-)
8. Seeing Ananya in Mumbai, and also Pinda.
9. A second trip to Mumbai, couple of weekends after the first one - the journey is a lot more pleasant than the first one. I have great company and there's plenty to talk and laugh about.
10. George makes mouth-wateringly delicious chicken curry. George is a good host and he does all he can to make us comfortable.
11. Meeting Kris's wife Vrunda. They're a cute couple.
12. Stafford comes over to lunch with us in our cafetaria a couple of days.
13. Shenoy likes the the books we get him for his birthday - The Amulet of Smarkand and The Golem's Eye. He likes them enough to want to complete his collection of the trilogy, with the third book - Ptolemy's Gate. We both agree that Bartimaeus rules!
14. Watching Chak De! Its fun - each of the characters in the movie has been so beautifully portrayed. No where does the movie makes you feel it's not real. And the characters are colourful nevertheless, and spunky.

I'm sure there's plenty more, but I can't remember specific moments... Maybe that's why I should write everyday!

Granny, stolen moments and reward for no sleep

1. Meeting Granny. She's tired, and doesn't keep all that well, but she won't let me go without eating something! It's good catching up.
2. The train's 4 hours late. The few extra hours at home are precious...
3. I'm not able to sleep soundly in the train, and happen to wake up at 6 in the morning. As I look out of the window, I realise that the sun is just rising, and I'm lucky enough to have a window that's facing eastward. A serene dawn greets me - there's a mist clinging to the ground and the delicate sun rays colour it a pretty pink at places. The air is sharp and cool.

Home-coming, henna and wedding

1. Looking through the train's window and catching a glimpse of Papa almost immediately, inspite of the crowd. He hasn't seen me though, and is still searching... and then when we reach home, getting out of the car to open the gate and looking up to see mum and Aaji waving from the window...
2. The smell of henna... and the way Meenal looks happy at being a bride...
3. The news of another wedding in the offing...

New paths, open and stuck in the rain

I'm ranting at Rant Factory. Nothing like a good ol' bitchy rant to vent off some steam and get the load off your chest. Clears the way for the good things in life, I say...

Oh! and it's good to be back....

1. I take a different route to work today. Its slightly longer, but the road's in good condition, and quite safe in the rains too. It takes me the same amount of time to reach office by this route, as by the one I usually take, but I arrive in much better spirits, because the commute has not been tranformed into a battle today.
2. Talking to someone with an open and receptive mind. Its such a pleasure, when one doesn't run up against mental blocks.
3. Its raining quite heavily outside and I'm stuck in office. This is good because firstly, I take the time to just stand and watch the rain, and secondly because, after a long time, I can post to this blog (the internet connection at home hasn't been working for sometime now, which explains the lack of activity here...)