2005's lesson

About 20 more minutes for the new year. I remember in a post 10 days ago, posting that I can't wait for the new year to start... Now as the clock ticks, I get more nervous. A year has passed, A year older, A year later, A year ago... etc. etc. Will the new year bring a new beginning, or end something that is existing? I am spending my time with some instant noodles, and Cheran.. watching his Thavamai Thavamirundhu. I hope I don't spend the next new year in a similar manner... Nothing wrong with this New Year, but who wouldn't want something better? 2005 has taught me one single most important lesson: Many things in life happen just once, even if you wish for it, history will never repeat itself. Cherish what you do, and what you have. Cherish your memories, but do not live in the past. Happy New Year to all.

Advice on the Go...

I just reached home. Was raining heavily, so called for a cab. Taxt rides are interesting. Either there is a conversation, or there isn't. Conversation when they guy is a chatty kind, you are a chatty persion also, so you both talk, or maybe both of you have differences in opinions so you guys argue. No conversation because, both of you are not the chatty type, or because that fellow is over-chatty, and there is no chance for you to reply, but to just listen, or atleast pretend you are listening. Mine this time was the latter one. I got a Indian guy as my driver, and he was talking non-stop since the time i boarded the cab. I was too sleepy and stoned to respond, so I just replied with 'mmm's and 'ohhh's. I had to listen to his working life, before he became a cab driver. 3 years ago, this guy used to deal with businessmen in the construction industry... bigwigs and industry leaders. Now he is a taxi driver. In a gist, some of the things he said were:

• Ppl are getting jobless because of technology.
• Soon the computer will be able to replace the job of one guy.
• Once you are old, you will become redundant.
• The first 10 years of your life in a job will be secure; once your employer realises he will have to pay you more due to your experience, he will give you a kick.
• The world today believes in 'cheap and good'.
• Loyalty does not, and should not exist anymore.

Hmm...the above maybe just seen as sweeping statements, or some stuff that reflect the life of this taxi driver. Every cabbie has a story to tell... or maybe every man has a story to tell. Most don't tell theirs.

Memories...

"ஞாபகம் வருதே... ஞாபகம் வருதே.... ஞாபகம் வருதே...." To sing as such, you need some nice memories don't you? Today was a memorable day for me. My boss treated me and my colleagues for dinner at a Vegetarian Indian Restaurant called Raj Restaurant. The restaurant claims to be from Calcutta, and the food is quite good. It was nice having a meal with my colleagues, esp. with my boss. He is totally fun to be with, and we are often on the same frequency. We had a good time. I wouldn't mind more such memories. As of now, if I reflect on my life, there is only a handful of memories to keep, but those are real vivid ones. "பொக்கிஷமாக நெஞ்சில் புதைந்த நினைவுகள் எல்லாம் நியாபகம் வருதே" Memories do not have to be on a happy note. They can be sad, devastating or anything, but when you recollect them, they much be so strong to evoke the exact same, or at least similar emotions as what you have felt at the original moment.

2005ல் கோடம்பாக்கம் - Kollywood in 2005

News Today did a commendable job in rounding up the events in Kollywood, in 2005. Most of the noted events are listed. Take a look. http://www.newstodaynet.com/yearend/2005/2212yr1.htm Top stories of course include, Kushboo's வாய்கொழுப்பு, Vijayakanth and Karthik entering அரசியல், death of Gemini Ganesan and Dr. Bhanumathi, and Chandramukhi's unbelievable success. Cheran is also well talked about amongst the events, due to his 2 well recieved movies, Autograph, and Thavamai Thavamirundhu.

Brown Brown...

Reva, your true color is Brown!

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

விருச்சிக ராசி நெயர்கெளே...உங்களுக்கு ராசியான நிறம் பழுப்பு. I'm brown at heart? Does that mean I am old? Maybe I am matured. I have never thought I liked brown, but I have never hated it nevertheless. For those of you who would want to try out the colour test, to kill time go here... http://web.tickle.com/invite?test=1108&type=t

Air Travel? Does anybody look forward to it anymore?

Air Carriers go all out to woo India's babudom MUMBAI, DECEMBER 25: The recent circular by the finance ministry allowing government employees to travel on private airlines has opened up a new market for private airline carriers. Operators like Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara are going all out to tap this Rs 800-crore plus market through various schemes. However, industry watchers say the government’s decision would have a detrimental effect on Indian Airlines. The airline presently commands a 30 per cent share in the market, which is falling steadily. Analysts expect the airline’s share to fall by a further 3 per cent due to this order - Indian Express, 26th December 2005

When I was younger, and I needed to fly to Chennai, to visit my relatives in Mannargudi, I used to look forward to the travelling part... I would cross my fingers to get the window seat, and from the place take-off to landing, my eyes will never leave the window. I looked forward to the meals they served me too... hmmm how interesting to eat 1000s of feet above the ground? I liked to see the air stewardesses, all pretty and polished... I even liked it when my ears pop after the plane lands, and I will regret it when the flight trip ends. I don't think that is the case anymore. I dread air travel. The past few times I travelled on a plane, I didn't particularly enjoy it. In fact what i remember is just trying to shut the window and sleep off the trip, so that I will barely remember what happens in the plane. The meals in the flight? No way I am going to eat that... and somehow the air stewardesses getting you the meals seem to be getting much older by each flight, well atleast in Indian Airlines, because that is what I am travelling it frequently now. The space between seats is either getting smaller, or I am getting taller..but ppl will choose to believe the former. Oh and don't remind me of the budget airlines. Those are the worst things ever to be introduced. It is like living through a mini hell cell in air. Now the introduction of more budget carriers. I'd rather drive to India the next time. Maybe I should just quit complaining a pay more to get a better airline service.

Farewell to Banumathi

Veteran Indian Actress passed away yesterday (24th December 2005). She was 81 years old. It is to note that MGR passed away on the same day on 1987. Banumathi did certainly create a great impact in the Indian film industry. She is known to be a bold and enterprising woman. May her soul rest in peace.

Banumathi is the recipient of the Padmashri from the Indian government, three-time National award winner as best actress and the Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy award winner for her short stories, Dr Bhanumathi Ramakrishna is a truly multifaceted personality.

She made her debut in films in Varavikrayam (sale of bridegroom in Telugu). Known for being a singer-actress, Bhanumathi is adept in both Carnatic and Hindustani music. In 1953, she made her maiden directorial venture with Chandi Rani (made simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi).

She made a comeback after her marriage, with Swargaseema (Telugu), which proved a hit all over South India. Her career as a music composer had begun by then.

information from http://www.chennaibest.com/

Christmas Present

The most powerful earthquake in four decades -- magnitude 9 -- ripped apart the ocean floor off Indonesia's Sumatra island, displacing millions of tons of water and sending giant waves crashing into Indian Ocean coastlines from Malaysia to East Africa. At least 216,000 people were killed, according to an assessment of government and relief agency figures by The Associated Press. The United Nations puts the number at 223,000 or more.The true toll probably will never be known. Many bodies were lost at sea and in some cases the populations of places struck were not accurately recorded.

Its been a year since we faced the attacks of the Tsunami. A year since one of the worst natural disasters the world has ever seen occured. Looking at the Tsunami affected places today, many are still mourning for their loved ones, many still waiting for aid, many still orphaned. Just when I was reading about this article, I remember another one that i recieved some time ago:

BANGKOK: Thailand's now iconic meteorologist, Dr Smith Dharmasaroja, who in Year 1998 predicted a killer tsunami would hit Thailand one day & was ignored, said S'pore & M'sia were also in danger from a future earthquake and tsunami. A big earthquake with a more northerly epicentre than the Dec 26 quake will generate a tsunami which will have a more direct route down to the Straits of Malacca, swamping S'pore and M'sia." during the month of december 05' and january 06'. "As the sea passage narrows, more water will build up and the wave will become bigger. S'pore is relatively low-lying & quite flat, and would be badly affected.

So, tsunami in Singapore tomorrow? I am the least worried about it. I will just wait for Padagappa to come and save me. But in case I am not around tomorrow, Have a Great Holiday everyone and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Padagappa (Boat Father)

My fren Dhanaraj sent this pic to me. Thought it was well-done. I don't know who is the owner though.. Padagappa or Kadugappa... Whatever it is.. Thalaivaa rules!

Go-Getters

Was just sitting in for an edit of a programme episode the past few days. One of the items was this interview with a Learning Centre Director, Jayne Nadarajoo. Jayne started of as a teacher 17 years ago, and climbed up to the position of a principal and in 1999 decided to start her own kindergarten called White Lodge. Now Jayne runs 5 such schools around the island. 90% of children in her schools are expatriate children, and she is getting offers to open up centres in India and Singapore. Her husband too is willing to take big charge of the learning centre from next year. Jayne is earning big bucks, is very successful in her career, and loves her job. She says that she has a bunch of trust-worthy workers with her which enables her to open 5 centres. I thought that it was an inspiring story. Something she mentioned, when she was asked how she did it was that she was a go-getter.

Go-getters are often lonely, because the rest can't keep up with them. Along the way, they lose relatives and friends. But thats how it is. Their priorities are often different from others.

I thought that was absolutely true. But is there anyway that success and relations can come together. Is there anyone who is really blessed with both?

To Think... or To Feel...

Life is a comedy for those who think... and a tragedy for those who feel. ~ Horace Walpole

How True... I realise that I have been feeling alot these days. I was usually a thinker, and I used to ridicule those who feel. Feeling used to be something secondary for me. It was something that was illusional, and misleading. It was something that would mislead you. When I was a thinker, I used to be very happy, and carefree. Now, I still think, but sometimes I feel more, and so I feel more miserable. Feeling is human isn't it? Then why the pain? Which is the right thing to do? Think or Feel? Tell me it is the balance between the both, and I will ask you where to stop.

New Year Resolutions... Issit?

I don't really believe in New Year resolutions. I mean, if i don't follow them for the English New Year, then I can do so according to the Lunar Calender, or Tamil New year, or Ugadi.. and the list goes on. I think when I was younger I wanted to quit biting fingernails, but it never happened. But, since I am soo looking forward to 2006 this time round, I think I have a set of things I want to do next year. Review of 2005 Well, the year is not over, but just to reflect... 2005 was intereting. I can't remeber any year as such. Just so many things, both ups and downs. I can't judge which was more. For one thing, it was the year 'Curd Rice Productions' was formed, and it was the year some unbloggables happened. The year I tried so many new things... The year I lost touch with alot of friends, and the year I found some whom I would never wish to part. It was a year in which everything just happened, without any agendas. I don't want 2006 to be agenda-less. I want it planned out. I want to accomplish certain things this year. And I'm looking forward to this new start. So here goes. 2006.... 1) Get my driving license. This tops my list. I want my own car by June atleast. Aston Martin... later... I will come there soon. 2) Profit roll for Curd Rice. The company needs a headstart, so I have to derive proposals and increse my clientele. Need to come up with a corporate video for ourselves. 3) School Life. Do much better when it comes to my academics. I think I miss studying. So I really want to sit through lectures and tutorials, and relive my student live. Meet some new folks. I miss that with all the work. 4) Enlightenment Used to go alot to the library to get books and stuff, and just do research and reports for my own entertainment. Might want to take up a topic or 2 next year and enlighten myself. Some topic that could be quite outside media or tech related. 5) Cook Start cooking again. Make breakfasts during weekend mornings. I've lost touch in cooking now forl probably a year, so need to rediscover the skills. Refresh my culinary skills. Will help me with my upcoming TV projects. 6) Refrain from Procastinating I wasn't really someone who pushed my work to tomorro, until 2005. I think I fell into the trap once I could not cope with work at some junctures, and it became a bad habit. I need to break away from that. I know I can do that in 2006. 7) Save Save money to save myself. I need to put aside some cash for certain expenditures i forsee. I can't afford to sit there and cry on a rainy day. 8) Get a Guitar Have been wanting to do that for the past 2 years. Now I have even forgotten basic strumming. I want to be in touch with at least one musical instrument. Got the piano at home. But I want to be able to handle the guitar as well. Its very mobile. 9) Get an Apple I have a G5 in Curd Rice, but I would want one apple for myself. Maybe an Ibook, but if Apple releases something more exciting next year, and if I am feeling rich, I will get that. 10) To forget my past sour experiences I think this is the most important part, as this will affect my 2006 performance. So you've heard it all. Comments?

Exhausted...

Some how, my energy level is dropping.. no matter how many bananas i eat. Anyway.. really looking forward to the new year. It's exciting to check out whats install.Click on the image above to see the days run by. Ever so slowly. Bore yourself.

Blue Morning Madam

Ok, yesterday wasn't a bad day at all. Maybe because Saras and Naresh helped lift my spirits up. Today isn't so bad so far... I am blogging from the office, its lunch time now. Just that I am wearing a blue suit that I bought in Hyderabad, and my Telugu editor, instantly realised it as something from Hyd. He told me it looked like some colour Chiranjeevi would wear. Come to think of it.. maybe. It is the exact shade of blue and some bits of green from the photo below. How exciting... :| (BTW, i found the photo after his comment.) I told my boss that I won't be able to frequent work that much next year onwards, so thats one burden of my load. Have decided to start fresh from 2006, and put alot of things behind, difficult...but possible. I know.

Murphy is my Guru

Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

Of course I would choose to believe in this, if my day goes as such: 1) Inability to wake up in the morning 2) Intense feeling that something is going to go wrong at work 3) The need to tell my boss that I won't be coming to work that very often 4) Something really goes wrong at work 5) Boss is extremely irritated with me 6) Coming back late from lunch, because I couldn't find the post office 7) Therefore unable to eat the lunch packed from home 8) More screw ups at work 9) More More hatred from boss 10) Slow death by hunger 11) Staying in he office until 11.15pm 12) Realising upon boarding the bus that thre is not enough credit in card to set of to home 13) Missing the stop I am supposed to get down 14) Reaching home extremely pissed and hungry at 1 am 15) Food from lunch obviously goes down the rubbish, so overcome with guilt conciousness.

If you perceive that there are four possible ways in which something can go wrong, and circumvent these, then a fifth way, unprepared for, will promptly develop.

Anyway, கதம் கதம், முடிந்தது முடிந்ததாகவே இருக்கட்டும். (Let whats over be over)

Looking forward to a better day tomorro... or rather today. I'm already into a new day.

தலைவா!!! Boss!!!

The 1st Sivaji poster. Got it from Guru Subramanian's (aka lazygeek) blog. This poster is here, because it looks too good, to be just saved in my PC. யாம் பெற்ற இன்பம், பெரவும் இவ்வையகம் (May the world experience the joy that i experienced). Can't wait! But I was just wondering... the title font looks similar to Chatrapathi's fonts. Is the story going to be similar? Can it be a Tamil remake of the Telugu Chatrapathi? I mean with Sivaji as the title for this...

Tata Safari

Now this is for Vinod, and Naresh. I mean.. come on, I was happily blogging about Kaarthigai at Saras's place, and Vinod has to mention about the Safari behind the pretty paati.

"hey, how come u dint mention the safari in the background(behind paati).. thts one heck of a vehicle and tops the list of vehicles i am gonna be owning one day..."

Anyway, here it is for you guys. I am not very well aware of Tata Safari, because it is quite non-existent in Singapore. I guess it is a good buy, because I was reading quite a few reviews after you guys were mentioning about it. This is one car, in which I have gotten pretty extremist views. Seems to be a pure angel for some, and just an irritating white elephant for some.

Max. Speed: 140 kmph Initial Acceleration: 0-60 kmph in 8 seconds. Fuel: Diesel. Fuel Efficiency In City: 10 kmpl. Fuel Efficiency On Highway: 12 kmpl.

That is all I can give about this car. I can't remember the last time I sat on it to give even a passenger review. To all those Tata Safari owners, please enlighten me. I'm sure Vinod and Naresh would have some stuff to say about it. Saras... you too.. since you have one at home.

Friend Blogஅ ஊட்டி வளத்தா, தன் Blog தானா வளரும்...

Translation (esp. for Naresh) : If you feed your friend's blog, your blog will grow on its own; adapted from an old tamil saying. Anyway, this blog is about and for Saras, because she is taking eons to update her own blog, I decided to do it for her...since I thought this Kaarthigai celebration she had is worth mentioning. Kaarthigai is this celebration in which hindu homes are lit up with as many oil lamps as possible, and the women in the house make this certain dish called aval pori. Its very nice to munch on. The feeling is very nice. In Singapore it is celebrated, but much on a lower scale. You just see spots of lamps here and there in some Indian homes here; but back in India in my granny's place in Mannargudi, it is a big event, with fire crackers all. Looks like our dear friend Saras had a nice celebration at home too. She shared with me some photos. Here is the kolam that she drew outside her house. Very pretty ain't it? And it is her mum placing oil lamps over her kolam.

I think Saras looks real sweet in that nice churidar of hers don't you think? Her aunt got it for her. You are looking very pretty Saras. Your aunt has a very good taste! Actually your paati looks very sweet also.

Saras told me that she had a fabulous time at home. I am happy for her. Hope you have much more happy celebrations like this Saras. And keep drawing bigger kolams.

To Eat or Not To Eat?

Feeling down today. Even a bit nauseous. It happens when i pressurise myself too much, or if i become too angry, sad, disappointed, or missing some stuff or someone terribly. Are you asking which of these I am suffering from? Probably all. And I think the only proper anitidote for the above mentioned is non other than the ever-famous chocolates. Vinod was just telling me yesterday that chocolates need no rhyme or reason. True. And anyway, I think I have a pretty good reason to indulge in some right now. Hmm.. then I think... are chocolates that good? Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? Not really. Chocolate contains small amounts of a chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA) that is a mild mood elevator. It’s the same chemical that our brain produces when we feel happy or "in love." The mild "rush" we get from this substance may be why some people say they’re "addicted" to chocolate. Will I live longer if I eat chocolate? Perhaps. A Harvard University study found that men who ate chocolate lived one year longer than those who didn’t. Scientist think that chocolate contains chemicals that help keep blood vessels elastic and increase beneficial antioxidants in the bloodstream Chocolate can elevate your mood. Despite the above facts, self-professed chocolate addicts aren’t delusional. Some researchers believe their obsession is more likely the result of learned behaviors and cultural factors rather than chemicals. As for chocolate’s mood-altering properties—carbohydrates present in the sweet can raise serotonin levels in the brain and lead to a feeling of well-being. Chocolate contains flavonoids and anti-oxidants. According to these studies, chocolate is chock-full of flavonoids—naturally-occurring compounds found in the cacao plant, as well as in red wine, tea, fruits and vegetables. Recent research suggests that these flavonoids may have potentially beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. They may also act as antioxidants, which are believed to prevent or delay certain damage to the body’s cells and tissues. Choosing Healthy Chocolates. As some recent studies suggest, chocolate—in moderation—may be good for your health. For instance, chocolate contains antioxidants (which may help prevent cardiovascular disease) and stearic acid (which may increase levels of HDL "good" cholesterol). Will chocolate raise my cholesterol levels? Contrary to popular misconception, eating lots of chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Chocolate contains stearic acid, which is a neutral fat that does not raise bad cholesterol (LDL). Also, the cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat. This is the same type of fat found in olive oil that may actually raise good cholesterol (HDL).

Info courtesy of California Academy of Sciences

Right... so not too many good reasons to not indulge in my chocolate huh? So there I go ahead with some MARKS & SPENCER Swiss Chocolate Extra Fine (Milk with Hazelnuts). Ermm.. Sorry Vinod and Naresh... This was actually bought for you guys.

Sexy (Messy) XP

I have always loved watching commercials, be it stupid, or witty, or monochrome, or anything. Maybe they are the only stuff that keep in touch with my attention span. And thanks to Vinod..he gave me a token of appreciation of a CD full of commercials... That is like giving a box of chocolates to a 4 year old kid... all there to be devoured. Just to share with you guys one of the ads that i loved, couldn't stop smiling.

Hope you guys enjoyed it. I mean, the commercial acts well to both fans of XP and otherwise (like me). Man... life shouldn't be this complicated, by getting onto your nerves at the right or rather wrong time.

In Hyderabad

Something tells me this is going to be a very long entry... 1) Vinod - a gem of a person. He fetched us from the airport to the hotel. Extremeley great sense of humour. Tamil. Great family, with fabulous parents. I love his mother. She is so caring and loving. Vinod himself is extremely caring. The first friend I met in Hyderabad. I wish I could have spent more time with him, if not for his projects and exams, but he managed to squeeze time for us. Sent us back to the airport for departure, and around 1am today morning. His parents were wonderful, they understood our plight in Hyderabad, and encouraged Vinod to be with us. Thats Teju, me and Dhinesh after a serving of Bull's eye at the IMax. 2) Teju - Lives by his name of corny-copia; He is ultra corny. Never breaks rules. No littering, always wearing belt when driving etc. etc. Computer whiz, and a wide reader. I was able to connect to his reading frequencies. Never fails to amaze me with his talents. Teju, I still remember the time we were trying to decipher Dali's paintings. That was really funny. Thanks to all those wonderful food outlets. Teju, I miss bowling with you. I think you were wonderful. And I loved the bull's eye in IMax. 3) Naresh - How would I have known Vinod if not for this guy? Amazing planning with his net. Helped me send a 9kg courier to Mannargudi. Quiet chap, but very very nice. Great food his mother got for us when he went to his place for dinner. Never eaten that much in my life. He has a fantastic house. Real nice with an ஊஞ்சல், and attached with his family business office. Thanks Naresh for helping me send the 9kg parcel to my hometown, and thanks to him, I gotta fantastic fren as Vinod, as helpful like him. 4) Saraswathi - A tamil girl in Hyd city, with all the Hyd zest and sweet face. Put this all together and you get beautiful Saraswathi. She is absolutley nice. She found Naresh through Orkut, just like how I found him. She followed us in the visit to Naresh's place, and she was so happy to speak and hear tamil. She is such great fun, I can just speak to her for all day long, because she is soooo bubbly. 5) Captain Ramana Reddy - This is Prathyush's uncle, who runs a fabulous Restaurant in Hyderabad, No. 7 Jubilee Hills, called Black Pepper. They sell contemporary Hyderabadi food, in a fine setting. Very homely and nice decor. Uncle Ramana Reddy is a fantastic person. He was my sense of protection in Hyderabad, having been in army for a number of years. He is so helpful, and I could see that he has gained the respect of many in Hyderabad. He treated us for lunch at his wonderful place, and I think Hyderabadi who read this, should have a go at his place. Take the first left turn after Taj Krishna Hotel, and you can see the the restaurant straight ahead. Thanks uncle, for all that comfort. Favourite Places in Hyd. Birla Mandir was a place, that took my breath away. It is so beautiful and clean. From the temple, you can see tank bund, and all the other building surrounding it. Marbled temple, with quite strict security actually. I loved the small night walk I had around the Tank Bund Lake. Cool soothing wind, and nice lighted Buddha statue. I loved the homes of all my frens. They had a nice family feeling. So wonderful. Vinod's place, Naresh's place. But the best place of all is the place in my friend's hearts. Thank you so much guys. I think words can never express how I feel. **Thanks for reminding about this Naresh... On the way to the airport to the airport, prior to our departure, we stopped by at a roadside ice-cream vendor to get some chilling cool ice-cream, by the lake, under a million stars. I wish that moment would last a life-time. I don't even know whether I can relive that moment, but that moment will always be in my heart. BTW, i did not forget about this incident, I just didn't want to blog it down, because everytime I would read this, it brings back strong memories of you guys.... so strong it brings tears to my eyes. I wanted to avoid that. But this is for you Naresh. Cheers.**

Delayed Flight Timing

Hi there to all.. I am back in Singapore, no my PC, blogging again. Now I have a USB port, to upload my extremely scrace photos. Delayed flight timing... here it is... These are some of the bird's eye view of Singapore I took from the Indian Airlines flight to Hyderabad. Now you can see the concrete jungle so clearly...

Cyberabad

Hi to all the folks out there.. Reva's official entry from Hyderabad, rather Cyberabad.. found a Net Cafe thats why.. Dhinesh down here with me... saying "Hi...it's been interesting since the time we arrived. Actually we would have preferred to arrive earlier, but the airline department screwed up (Oh by the way our flight got delayed by 3 hours, so we only landed here about 7.20IST). Would have preferred to see Hyd during the day, but the night view wasn't so bad. The buddha statue in the middle of Hussain Sagar Lake is a sight to behold.

Reva's friend Vinod whom i got to know as soon as I arrived in Hyd is a gem of a guy. He had actually arrived earlier, and has been waiting for god know how long for us. He had gone back home after the long wait, but didn't mind coming back to fetch us from the airport when we finally arrived. He brought us to our hotel (Wah Taj in Abids Circle) safe and sound (Hotel courtesy of Prat kanna). Then he brought us to Jagdish market to get our Hutch cards for our contact.

Just when we thought things couldn't get any better, Teju comes along...another marvellous chap (again one of Reva's global friends). He brought us to dinner at Sree Abilasha Restaurant, which served authentic Hyderabadi Briyani(which in my opinion cannot be finished by one person, but ppl here think otherwise). Reva and I were stuffed after dinner. The spread included Chilli Chicken, Boneless Chicken Briyani, and Fried Leg Piece Briyani. Reva had Sweet Lassi which she attempted to drink with a straw, but failed miserably; I had lime soda, the safer option. At the end of dinner, Reva and I were getting ready to settle the bill, when Teju discreetly did that for us. We were so guilty by the end of the day.

To top things off, we had a unpaid escort in the form of Teju, riding beside our Auto in his fantastic bike all the way back to our hotel. All I can say is we owe him big time. Hope we can repay these nice ppl, in some way before we exit Hyd. Thats all for now"

Ok...you guys have heard what Dhinesh said.... he has stolen the words from me... All I can say is that we appreciate you guys. Prat kanna i miss you.. Naresh, waiting for your arrival. Gonna go exploring and shopping now, and later lunch at Black Pepper with Prat's uncle. Will blog more later. (There is no USB port here to upload my pics...for now)

Cheers.

Gifts Bought!

Hmmm.. another 12 more hours+ for the flight take off to hyderabad. I got the gifts for all the ppl I need to give gifts for. Since Prat's uncle runs a restaurant, I got him this book about wines -Vino For Prat's grandpa, I got a book on Taoism, he is pretty much into religion and stuff. I managed to get something for everyone; I don't think I left out anyone. I am still sad that I can't meet Prat this trip, but atleast I could meet his relatives. Just finished packing. Somehow, my traveller bag looks huger than it was for my 20 day Calcutta trip. Same case with my back-pack. Hmm... Maybe the bags have shrunk... Anyway, will try to blog from the Indian soil in a matter of hours!

Shopping Spree

Thought of going abit of shopping today, to get some gifts for Naresh, Vinod, Teju, Prathyush, Prat's grandfather, and his uncle. Will probably be going to Wheelock Place; to Borders, to get some books, and to Marks and Spencer to get some food stuff and gift packs. They have got real good stuff there. I am not sure about what books to purchase for Prathyush's grandfather and uncle. Maybe I will have a better idea when i see thes stuff there. Ok better get going.

Pepsi Commercial

I was spending most of the last hour watching commercials. You guys gotta see this PEPSI ad.. nice concept, and very funny. I wonder whether it went on air...

The ad is about an indian boy who manages to train elephants to stand on top of each other to form towers. I think viewers from India would have a problem viewing google videos. I'll try to do something about that.

Gerbera Daisies

I suddenly have a special affection towards Gerbera Daisies. I think they are some of the sweetest gifts to earth. They look gorgeous in any colour, sometimes even more gorgeous than roses. And they smell good also. I want a garden full of gerberas, and I want to blog everyday, in an ibook, sitting in the midst of the beautiful flowers. I want everything to be white around me, and the only colours to be from the stems and the leaves of the gerberas, and from the petals of the lovely creations... How do you like my gerbera montage?

Packing Not Done...

வேலை இடத்துலே, ஒரு வழியா அந்த Backdrop Problemஅ settle பன்னியாச்சி. அந்த file வரத்துக்குள்ளே போதும் போதும்னு ஆயிடுச்சு. ஆனால் designerகு ஒரு பெரிய Thanks. நான் கொடுத்த Stressகு, அவரு இந்நேரம் ஓடியே போயிருக்கனும்...

Coming to the point... இன்னிக்கு Thursday, நாளைக்கு Friday, அதுக்கப்புறம் Saturday, 3rd December. IST time 4+ pmகு நான் இந்தியாலே இருப்பேன். ஹைதராபாத். நான் இதுவரை போகாத இடம். இன்னும் ஒன்னும் pack பன்னலே; அவ்வளவா Pack பன்ன போறதும் இல்லே. ஒரு வாரத்துக்கு என்ன பெருசா தேவை பட போகுது? But i gotta list in mind... Packing List

1. Universal Plug
2. Toiletries
3. Basic Clothes
4. Sandals
5. Basic Accessories
6. Digital Camera (Video & Stills)
7. MP3 Player, with some fav songs
8. Books (Lonely Planet India survival, Telugu basics, Stephen Hawking)
9. Gift items for my Hyderabad pals (Haven't decided)
10. My sketch book

கண்டிப்பா அம்மா ஏதாவது பலகாரம் கட்டி கொடுப்பாங்க, வழியிலே சாப்பிட. Gift Items தேட நாளைக்கு ஒரு நாள் தான் இருக்கு.

Me?? JFK???

What Famous Leader Are You? personality tests by similarminds.com

I have always thought that I was the reincarnation of JFK, since he was murdered on my birthday 22nd November. It gave me the shivers when I saw his face pop up when I finished the test. What do you know...

தாத்தா!!!!!

மழை மழை...

I just woke up from a dream, in which i was travelling on a road, and there were some dark clouds swivelling over me... And suddenly, rain dropச் started falling from one dark cloud, and i managed to catch a drop of rain, before it fell to the ground, and drank that ambrosic drop. Aahhh, What a feeling..

தமிழ் நாட்டுலே இருக்கிறவங்களுக்கெல்லாம் Sorry... இந்த நேரத்திலே மழைய இப்படி ரசிக்கக் கூடாது தான்... Oh god, I failed to realise.. It is December 1st! Hmmm... One more month, and 2005 is over and left behind us. Time really flies.