Gone are the times when apples and blackberries were just fruits, and were affordable for even the aam junta.
Now apples are for the elite and blackberries are slowly finding a place amongst the masses, yet still not for the aam junta.
So where does that leave me? Well as much as I told myself and everyone around me that I wouldn't give in to the apparent juiciness of the blackberry, I did. It was last September when I laid my hands on my very own Blackberry. My excuse for buying it? Well, ease of communication, and, more importantly, writing. Writing has always been an outlet for my thoughts and writing on the go seemed convenient and exciting. At this point I can almost hear the non-blackberry users exclaim that there are other phones with the same function. But trust me, it's different. The ease with which you type on a BlackBerry as compared to a touch screen phone is incomparable. If there ever were a reason why I wouldn't go for the iPhone, this would be the sole one. Yes at this point, I can hear the sighs of disappointment and exclamations of disbelief. But it's true. I guess as much as I didn't want to...I've been sucked into the BlackBerry trap that I used to laugh and tease friends about.
And when friends now tease me about it, I just sit back and smile - their time will come soon.
Pages of my Waking Life will now be hosted on WordPress. Why? They have a BlackBerry app. Convenience wins yet again. You can read on here.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Indian Passion
Indians are a passionate lot - we love our food, our culture, our films, our festivals, but above all, we love cricket. Of course, I stand by what Aakar Patel pointed out - Indians don't love cricket, they love India - and this is the best way they can show it.
Well what more could we ask for after India won the World Cup - our country made it to the top...they broke Australia's winning streak. But if you thought that after the World Cup, no one was interested in cricket, you should watch an IPL match live in the stadium. More importantly, you should watch one with Sachin Tendulkar playing. The man is literally worshipped in the country. People in India may not know who our saree-wearing President is, but they know Sachin Tendulkar and idolize him. I truly believe that if Sachin, were to stand for President, he would win hands down, by more than just a landslide.
I had the opportunity to watch one such match this year at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where India's Godman had arrived, with his team of followers. They were to take on the Delhi Daredevils, and if you've lived in the metros long enough, you know that there is an unspoken rivalry between the two cities - with one being the national capital and the other the commercial capital.
The roar that the stadium erupts into once Sachin walks on the field with his bat, is enough to scare even the king of the jungle. That man, as little as he may be, is holding up the pressure from all his fans to perform outstandingly. Come to think of it, perhaps it was this that restricted his growth.
I can't say that I am passionate about the sport. Mine, in fact, is more of a seasonal passion - it comes every year with the IPL and doubles up every 4 years with the World Cup. But when you're at the stadium, the crowd's passion catches on and you find yourself jumping, cheering and even being a part of the Mexican wave.
You need to see it to believe it. But beware, their passion is contagious. You may find yourself back there again the next year fighting for your team in blue.
Well what more could we ask for after India won the World Cup - our country made it to the top...they broke Australia's winning streak. But if you thought that after the World Cup, no one was interested in cricket, you should watch an IPL match live in the stadium. More importantly, you should watch one with Sachin Tendulkar playing. The man is literally worshipped in the country. People in India may not know who our saree-wearing President is, but they know Sachin Tendulkar and idolize him. I truly believe that if Sachin, were to stand for President, he would win hands down, by more than just a landslide.
I had the opportunity to watch one such match this year at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where India's Godman had arrived, with his team of followers. They were to take on the Delhi Daredevils, and if you've lived in the metros long enough, you know that there is an unspoken rivalry between the two cities - with one being the national capital and the other the commercial capital.
The roar that the stadium erupts into once Sachin walks on the field with his bat, is enough to scare even the king of the jungle. That man, as little as he may be, is holding up the pressure from all his fans to perform outstandingly. Come to think of it, perhaps it was this that restricted his growth.
I can't say that I am passionate about the sport. Mine, in fact, is more of a seasonal passion - it comes every year with the IPL and doubles up every 4 years with the World Cup. But when you're at the stadium, the crowd's passion catches on and you find yourself jumping, cheering and even being a part of the Mexican wave.
You need to see it to believe it. But beware, their passion is contagious. You may find yourself back there again the next year fighting for your team in blue.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Live... Love... Write... Travel...
Live like everyday is your last
Love as though no one is watching you
Write like it's your only means of communication
Travel as though every place is next door
Love as though no one is watching you
Write like it's your only means of communication
Travel as though every place is next door
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Discovering eternal love of the 1600s
Was love in the 1600s really simpler than today? These days we can get away with jewellery, chocolates and even roses. But back in the 17th century, Shah Jahan put his love for his wife Mumtaz on display with what became to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.
Despite several trips to Delhi in my childhood, I first visited the Taj Mahal in Agra only in 2010. I was accompanied by my cousins and friends, and the trip was touted to be a legendary one. From my trip to both Delhi and Agra, I realised one thing - North Indians are not friendly, or we had some really bad luck, as everyone we met was just not interested in giving us directions. Though road signs started late, due credit goes to the state transport department who chose to count down the distance to the Taj in as much detail as every metre, but unfortunately missed out on erecting a sign at the most crucial sharp left turn. Alas! Perhaps the idea was to make finding the monument as difficult as finding love as pure and true as what Shah Jahan himself showed.
So we were left with just the dawn to see the magnificent structure. And if 2 of the 3 people you are travelling with love to sleep till noon, waking them up before dawn is a true feat, perhaps even more difficult than finding the Taj itself. The biting January cold doesn't make it one bit better.
So there we were being haggled by guides to let them show us the Taj. Any bright ideas to even walk the distance fizzled out when we found out it was more than 2 km away. We thought it wise to leave the walking and trotting to the experts and a horse carriage was the choice.
As we passed the rooms where the labourers lived, the main gate of the Taj Mahal was visible, with its 21 domes in 2 rows on top, one for each year it took to build the Taj. Thank God we took a guide along. Why were there so many entrances, why is the Taj open for night viewing only during a full moon, and what were the other 2 sandstone structures that guarded the beautiful monument? We would have been none the wiser.
While the precision and symmetry within the Taj is spectacular, it's the marble carvings that really catch your attention. Each flower and each leaf were carved out of that block of marble with such grace and accuracy, it makes you wonder what would happen to that entire block of marble, had the carver taken a wrong turn.
Behind the Taj Mahal stands the foundation of what could have been a similar structure in black marble. It would have surely been a sight with both standing upright, facing each other from across the Yamuna. Could the black marble marvel have overpowered it’s virgin twin?
Though January may not be the peak time to visit Agra, because of the biting cold, it didn't stop visitors from flocking there. Why? Perhaps they all just wanted to know for themselves that the love of the 1600s still stands strong.
Despite several trips to Delhi in my childhood, I first visited the Taj Mahal in Agra only in 2010. I was accompanied by my cousins and friends, and the trip was touted to be a legendary one. From my trip to both Delhi and Agra, I realised one thing - North Indians are not friendly, or we had some really bad luck, as everyone we met was just not interested in giving us directions. Though road signs started late, due credit goes to the state transport department who chose to count down the distance to the Taj in as much detail as every metre, but unfortunately missed out on erecting a sign at the most crucial sharp left turn. Alas! Perhaps the idea was to make finding the monument as difficult as finding love as pure and true as what Shah Jahan himself showed.So we were left with just the dawn to see the magnificent structure. And if 2 of the 3 people you are travelling with love to sleep till noon, waking them up before dawn is a true feat, perhaps even more difficult than finding the Taj itself. The biting January cold doesn't make it one bit better.
So there we were being haggled by guides to let them show us the Taj. Any bright ideas to even walk the distance fizzled out when we found out it was more than 2 km away. We thought it wise to leave the walking and trotting to the experts and a horse carriage was the choice.
As we passed the rooms where the labourers lived, the main gate of the Taj Mahal was visible, with its 21 domes in 2 rows on top, one for each year it took to build the Taj. Thank God we took a guide along. Why were there so many entrances, why is the Taj open for night viewing only during a full moon, and what were the other 2 sandstone structures that guarded the beautiful monument? We would have been none the wiser.
While the precision and symmetry within the Taj is spectacular, it's the marble carvings that really catch your attention. Each flower and each leaf were carved out of that block of marble with such grace and accuracy, it makes you wonder what would happen to that entire block of marble, had the carver taken a wrong turn.
Behind the Taj Mahal stands the foundation of what could have been a similar structure in black marble. It would have surely been a sight with both standing upright, facing each other from across the Yamuna. Could the black marble marvel have overpowered it’s virgin twin?
Though January may not be the peak time to visit Agra, because of the biting cold, it didn't stop visitors from flocking there. Why? Perhaps they all just wanted to know for themselves that the love of the 1600s still stands strong.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Overworked, Overcrowded
There's something about a town that draws you to it- the people, the weather, the job opportunities, the sanctity or even the familiarity.
I gave myself many of these reasons when I chose to work in Bombay instead of Dubai, causing my whole family to uproot their lives in Dubai, only to start a new one in Bombay.
At the time I thought it would be great. My only apprehension was the fact that I would have to live with my parents after 3 years of living on my own, doing whatever I wanted. But I'd adjust.
What I didn't think about was the population...the overcrowding...the close proximity at which you always find people around you.
Bombay is a populated city for sure-over populated rather! A ride in the local trains during peak hours can give you an idea of just how many people this city is infested with- those clawing to hang on, those fighting to get out, those heaving a sigh of relief that they have a place to sit, those burrowing their way through the masses, those hopping from one compartment to the next selling everything from clips to books to clothes and of course those you see outside as your train trudges on.
I've heard people say that our population is our strength; definitely! After all it takes the utmost of strength to just push through the crowd to get on with your day.
And if you thought that what you see on the local trains is a rough estimate of the crowd, think again! During the same peaks hours, people in their cars are travelling on jam-packed roads.
So what do I do about it? Well on some days I put a smile on my face, swear that nothing, or rather no one can get me down, and just trudge on. And on others? Well, let's just say there's frustration...and a hunger for a license to kill.
I gave myself many of these reasons when I chose to work in Bombay instead of Dubai, causing my whole family to uproot their lives in Dubai, only to start a new one in Bombay.
At the time I thought it would be great. My only apprehension was the fact that I would have to live with my parents after 3 years of living on my own, doing whatever I wanted. But I'd adjust.
What I didn't think about was the population...the overcrowding...the close proximity at which you always find people around you.
Bombay is a populated city for sure-over populated rather! A ride in the local trains during peak hours can give you an idea of just how many people this city is infested with- those clawing to hang on, those fighting to get out, those heaving a sigh of relief that they have a place to sit, those burrowing their way through the masses, those hopping from one compartment to the next selling everything from clips to books to clothes and of course those you see outside as your train trudges on.
I've heard people say that our population is our strength; definitely! After all it takes the utmost of strength to just push through the crowd to get on with your day.
And if you thought that what you see on the local trains is a rough estimate of the crowd, think again! During the same peaks hours, people in their cars are travelling on jam-packed roads.
So what do I do about it? Well on some days I put a smile on my face, swear that nothing, or rather no one can get me down, and just trudge on. And on others? Well, let's just say there's frustration...and a hunger for a license to kill.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Day 1: Mumbai to Delhi
After a very exhausting fortnight of late nights, parties and other such excitement, what can one do on a 2-hour flight, other than sleep it off? Apart from being woken up by an air hostess asking for my meal preference, and to click a couple of in-flight pictures, I was completely out, not knowing how the two hours passed.
What greeted me in Delhi was the biting cold, something I had definitely underestimated. I left Bombay thinking that a sweater would be enough to take care of the Delhi cold, during the day at least. Boy, was I wrong! The cold January winds of Delhi definitely had different plans. Fortunately for me, I love the cold and embraced those cold winds with a warm, comfortable jacket.
Having been to Delhi before, I expected the first day of the trip to be uneventful and relaxing. Not possible. After some quick shopping (to pass our time until check-in) at Palika Bazaar, we headed to our hotel. My first impression of Delhi? The weather matched the people's attitudes. Just looking at the city, I felt cold and unwelcome.
With great difficulty, we found out hotel - Ginger Hotel, owned and maintained by the TATA Enterprise. If I was to describe the night I spent at Ginger Hotel in line, I would be pure value for money. To be truthful, I didn't expect much from a budget hotel - all I was interested in were clean sheets and a clean toilet. I had actually even prepared to go for some days without a full shower. But their cleanliness, maintenance and service truly impressed me. Would definitely even recommend the place to any cleanliness freak.
While Delhi is filled with several tourist attractions, there was only one evening to our disposal and a large city to cover. After visiting the 'gate' of the Lotus Temple (which is shut on Sundays), the Iskcon Temple and the Red Fort, we knew what we really came to Delhi for - the FOOD! I made this journey with 3 pure foodies and what is Delhi without having some delicious food from Chandni Chowk.
After getting clued in on what's good in the city, the hunt for Paranthewale gali began. The reviews we heard about the place were utterly descriptive and oh so mouth-watering! Being used to our Bombay time, with everything being open well beyond 12am, we reached pretty late, and only one place was open. Seemed like a famous place - after all Cyrus Broacha and some other famous celebs had also visited there. The variety amazed me. Being a hard core non-vegeterian, I would never have even imagined the variety of paranthas that were on offer.
The highlight of the night was actually the egg burjee we went on to have from a roadside stall. Hands down, best burjee I've had.
What was definitely a downer, was the biryania from Kareem's, that was touted to be the best! My Goan mother can make better biryani. Imagine a biryani with no flavour! An old ad aired in the UAE comes to mind - 'It's like tea without Rainbow' (People from the Gulf would get this)
Before we knew it, we were sipping some alcohol with a friend in our hotel room, not knowing what to expect the next day. After all we had a road trip ahead of us - Agra the next day and then on to Himachal Pradesh. Who knew what this trip had in store for us.
What greeted me in Delhi was the biting cold, something I had definitely underestimated. I left Bombay thinking that a sweater would be enough to take care of the Delhi cold, during the day at least. Boy, was I wrong! The cold January winds of Delhi definitely had different plans. Fortunately for me, I love the cold and embraced those cold winds with a warm, comfortable jacket.
Having been to Delhi before, I expected the first day of the trip to be uneventful and relaxing. Not possible. After some quick shopping (to pass our time until check-in) at Palika Bazaar, we headed to our hotel. My first impression of Delhi? The weather matched the people's attitudes. Just looking at the city, I felt cold and unwelcome.
With great difficulty, we found out hotel - Ginger Hotel, owned and maintained by the TATA Enterprise. If I was to describe the night I spent at Ginger Hotel in line, I would be pure value for money. To be truthful, I didn't expect much from a budget hotel - all I was interested in were clean sheets and a clean toilet. I had actually even prepared to go for some days without a full shower. But their cleanliness, maintenance and service truly impressed me. Would definitely even recommend the place to any cleanliness freak.
While Delhi is filled with several tourist attractions, there was only one evening to our disposal and a large city to cover. After visiting the 'gate' of the Lotus Temple (which is shut on Sundays), the Iskcon Temple and the Red Fort, we knew what we really came to Delhi for - the FOOD! I made this journey with 3 pure foodies and what is Delhi without having some delicious food from Chandni Chowk.
After getting clued in on what's good in the city, the hunt for Paranthewale gali began. The reviews we heard about the place were utterly descriptive and oh so mouth-watering! Being used to our Bombay time, with everything being open well beyond 12am, we reached pretty late, and only one place was open. Seemed like a famous place - after all Cyrus Broacha and some other famous celebs had also visited there. The variety amazed me. Being a hard core non-vegeterian, I would never have even imagined the variety of paranthas that were on offer.
The highlight of the night was actually the egg burjee we went on to have from a roadside stall. Hands down, best burjee I've had.
What was definitely a downer, was the biryania from Kareem's, that was touted to be the best! My Goan mother can make better biryani. Imagine a biryani with no flavour! An old ad aired in the UAE comes to mind - 'It's like tea without Rainbow' (People from the Gulf would get this)
Before we knew it, we were sipping some alcohol with a friend in our hotel room, not knowing what to expect the next day. After all we had a road trip ahead of us - Agra the next day and then on to Himachal Pradesh. Who knew what this trip had in store for us.
Monday, February 15, 2010
My getaway city
There are many times when I want to get away from the city... away from the daily routine.
My getaway city has always been Pune - it takes me back to the days when life was simpler, when even though we thought we were putting off growing up, we all changed and grew up. And of course, just driving through the streets of Pune, brought back endless memories.
It was my untouched city, a city I could turn to when the pressure of Bombay got too much.
Now there's just one place on my mind, and while it brings back fond memories, it brings along with it a whole lot of fear.
Pune just doesn't seem safe anymore.
I understand that no one can really feel safe in any city. I live in Bombay, the city which is apparently always on high alert. But it felt good to know that there was a city, just a 4-hour journey away, that could make me forget.
And while that city still exists and life will get back to normal there, it has been scarred; with a bomb, blood and charred bodies.
So the next time I want to get away from the hectic city life, will I still think of Pune? Yes! It may no longer be untouched, but as I mourn the loss, I would definitely go back there to celebrate the glory of the place.
My getaway city has always been Pune - it takes me back to the days when life was simpler, when even though we thought we were putting off growing up, we all changed and grew up. And of course, just driving through the streets of Pune, brought back endless memories.
It was my untouched city, a city I could turn to when the pressure of Bombay got too much.
Now there's just one place on my mind, and while it brings back fond memories, it brings along with it a whole lot of fear.
Pune just doesn't seem safe anymore.
I understand that no one can really feel safe in any city. I live in Bombay, the city which is apparently always on high alert. But it felt good to know that there was a city, just a 4-hour journey away, that could make me forget.
And while that city still exists and life will get back to normal there, it has been scarred; with a bomb, blood and charred bodies.
So the next time I want to get away from the hectic city life, will I still think of Pune? Yes! It may no longer be untouched, but as I mourn the loss, I would definitely go back there to celebrate the glory of the place.
About Me
- Faye
- There are random rantings on this blog - about the news that amuses and the moments & people in my life who have made a difference!