The return

A friend blogs after a long time and wotta post..enuf to make it recommended reading from me. Read here about the Rixxawman :D

The Road

I walk through the dark alleys of the night

Looking backward at the shadows

The memories keep chasing me

The sliver of a moon hangs from the dark gloomy sky

Obscured by the clouds as they keep floating by

I walk on

The rain starts slowly

It starts by brushing against my face

The drops big and fat

I am smiling

It starts to pour

Strangely I don’t feel the need to run and seek shelter

The rain is me – I am infused with it

I am living, breathing – like a new born baby

Experiencing everything anew

Broccoli Pesto with Fusili Pasta

The spinach being prepared

Toasted walnuts

Pesto being prepared in the blender

Ze amazing pesto sauce

Our khana

The recipe is here

Rains bring back memories. This time last year, I was in a relationship. My father was in a hospital. I managed to avoid spending my birthday at the hospital. I walked in the rains with my boyfriend holding hands under a gigantic rainbow coloured umbrella. When the rains ended so did my relationship…it was bittersweet.

Rains make my city beautiful. Town looks absolutely gorgeous. The statues look clean and everything looks reborn. The buildings look rain drenched, the surroundings look green. I have missed working in town especially when I see these sights.

Walking in the rain during my college days. Knee length water, waterproof bags, at some point the pretence of protection leaves us. I love the feeling when the rains lash my face. They sting it, the water pure until it touches the ground. The wind blows against my hair and I feel chilled and the only thing that resolves this is chai at home with my amma making hot tiffin to go with it.

However much we crib about the kheechad and the flooding, an intrinsic part of us is overwhelmed with the feelings that come over us when the monsoons come visiting. We want to have that garam chai with the pakoras – standard Mumbai rains desire. What would this season be without the buttawala and his cart and having masalafied corn?

Driving to Pune in the rains brings with it its own set of nostalgic memories. Green as much as the eye can see. Fog, mist and lovely scenery. Stopping at the Food Mall and having vadapav – again standard thing to do but with the rains, it becomes imbued with more meaning.

This season will bring love, joy and laughter for me. I can feel myself smiling already…

Day 4 - Puducherry

I am in love with Auroville. Loads of ‘furriners’ around. The place where I am staying is Centre Guest House. Its somewhat in jungle land and is like miles inside Auroville. The distances inside Auroville quite simply amaze me. Have a lovely little room for myself – all green, red and cream with wooden ceiling beams.

Shared a cab with L who was going into Pondi. She is from Utrecht and is intending to stay in Auroville for two months. I asked her information about the city and about the Ashram. When I asked how long it would take at the Ashram, she said it depended on me. (This is leading somewhere so bear with me) I was like okay. I had visions of several acred lands – green, people doing meditation – the works. I went in and the people were polite to the point of being rude. I am sure they meant well but to me it reeked of the gatekeepers being too sure about the hidden treasure they guard if you get my drift.

People bowed their heads and you were herded around – told where and how you should sit. I reiterate, they probably meant well but for me the ‘Samadhi’ held no deep significance. I am not a very religious or spiritual person. I believe in the existence of God, angels and miracles but I felt a strange disconnect at the Ashram. My lack of understanding and knowledge about the place played a huge part in my feelings about the Ashram.

The rest of Pondicherry – well searing heat again so no further comment about that. I totally loved the French Quarter- quiet, peaceful and extremely pretty. Got some kickass fotus. The Tamil Quarter was pure Indian – noisy, chaotic and dirty. It’s interesting how the stereotypes have been hard sold to the tourist. Also this Rue took the cake!

Had lunch at Appachis – they are famous for their Chettinad cuisine. Awesome chicken eet was. Am salivating thinking about it. Yummy J

Kept drinking cold stuff every 30 minutes, the heat was so bad and I walked around Pondi instead of taking a rickshaw. Seeing this on the streets of Pondi made me think about T-Man :D

Did give up around 3.00 pm and got back to Auroville.

Snoozed for a bit, got up to have milky chai – literally more milk and no tea. Then read in the dining room notice board about ‘Ankur’ being screened at the Auditorium. Got damn excited about the thought of doing something in the evening (generally spent watching television in Mahabalipuram)

Spoke to G at the reception who told me that it was 5 minutes by cycle. So took a cycle and decided to do a dry run before I actually went for the movie. My ass hurt!! Red dirt roads and dust – luckily less sun as this was 5.15ish in the evening. Was loverly – cycled and cycled in the wrong direction J Realised bad and went the right way. The architecture at the Amphitheatre was quite simply stunning and the skies were gorgeous and blast it all – I hadn’t carried my camera. L But the memories stay in the head, c’est important non? No movie as the screening got cancelled but lovely sights. I kept hearing the strains of a guitar and it drove me nuts trying to figure out from where it was coming. Sort of figured that out and went my way back to my room.

Dinner done by 7.30 pm. Can you believe it?? In Bumbai, I would be drinking in some pub at this time. Tomorrow morning, I am going to spend cycling around Auroville and taking photos. Hopefully also recapture the magic of this evening on camera. Touch wood.

Across the distance

A friend sent me this article and well it struck my imagination. Across the Trans-Atlantic distance they have allowed people to see each other. Imagination has come full circle perhaps? Read more here

Day 3 - Mahabalipuram

Got up at 5.45 am to catch the sunrise but still managed to miss it. Walked to the beach and the sun was about a quarter in the sky.

Watched sand crabs shovel sand out of their homes and got some Vitamin D in the bargain

Went back and caught up on my sleep. My overcharged taxi was ready at 9.00 am. I was visiting two places – Tiger’s Cave and the Crocodile Park. Went to the latter first. Scairreee place that was. Well not really scary in the true sense of the term but they looked extremely dangerous even when basking in the sun. Reptiles are very strange looking creatures – have come to the profound conclusion.


Spent about an hour there and went backwards to the Tiger’s Cave. Immensely peaceful, awe inspiring and bootiful this was. My driver, Kutty Anna told me he had seen the sculptures since he was 10 years old and he was now 35. I would wager that the sculptures are older than that though. I sat under a shade of a tree and read. The sea sent a cool breeze my way. I even watched a caterpillar make its wayward path towards me – my green tee I think attracted it.


Had lunch at Luna Magica. I sat completely alone in this roof top restaurant, read my Robert Ludlum, ate my fish curry and drank my beer in peace. Longest lunch I have taken and they overcharged me here too! Harumph!!


Went to the beach and got my feet wet. Bargained with the shopkeeper for these wooden toys my amma brings out at Navratri time- didn’t buy it in the end. Supper consists of French onion (hhmph) soup and toast. Am sort of making it up for my overspending. Tomorrow morning, I am setting off at around 6 am for Pondi. Auroville awaits.

Day 2 - Mahabalipuram

Got up bright and early at 6.00 am. Guess why? The bleeding cuckoo woke me up! Can you believe it? Had an interrupted sleep after that - with the ‘nice’ watchmen yelling near the window at 6.45ish for a good 10-15 minutes.

N and I departed at the same time to catch the ECR (East Coast Road) bus. I left N with a bye and entered the crowded bus proceeding towards Mahabalipuram. I was so enamoured of what was happening that I overshot my stop. The bus was merrily heading towards Pondicherry when I realized what had happened. Everyone was very nice and helpful. They guided me towards the next bus stop – Markanam – where I was centre of attraction for a small period of time with my backpack etal.

Am I glad I know the language or what! Cheers to knowing Tamil :) Got down at the right stop this time with a nice lady’s help. The place where I stayed was very nice – Siva Guest House off Ottuvadai Road.

Took a long shower and set off. Wore my comfortable Fab India pants. Just can’t bear the thought of wearing jeans in this weather. I walked from 10.45ish to 1.00 pm. The heat was crazy and I mean crazy ass! I could feel my sun block wilting under the heat. My face was turning the same colour as tomatoes.

Went to the Shore Temple – such a disappointment that was. The sea is so uncaring. She has eroded as much she possibly could. The weather and sun beaten faces of the sculptures have been erased. I think the sea would call it WIP (work in progress). Forward march to the Five Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance to found it invaded by hordes of tourists. It was a holiday; everyone and I mean everyone seemed to be there. I think I missed out some parts and thought I would catch up maybe in the evening but that never happened. Promised myself would watch the sunset today :)

Luncheon - prawns have been consumed much to my stomach’s satisfaction. Siesta finished I went to grab a cup of tea. Have booked a taxi for the next day to go towards Tiger’s Cave and the Crocodile Bank. Am paying 400 bucks – they fleeced me but I was being safer than sorrier. Drank way too milky chai and watched a phirangi dance to the nagaswaram music coming from the loudspeakers nearby.

Watched the sunset behind me :P – a tad bit of misjudgement but this meant a wonderful sunrise tomorrow morning. Dinner at Moonrakers – fish curry with rice. Fish was yummy as hell. Contemplated pancakes for dessert. Ordered and as you can see for yourself, not a good thing to do. I literally got a dosa with banana inside

Day 1 - Chennai

Chennai passed by in a blur. Views from the airport taxi- lovers under the arch of a railway bridge. Chaotic traffic and in construction flyovers – much the same as any city. It’s a city that’s developing and it shows. The girl peeking from the next rickshaw and me smiling at her (probably scared her away)

The nice people who looked after me in Chennai – a friend’s wife N and her roomie S. N who is originally from Jaipur has been in Chennai for over two years now. She has a charming South Indian lilt to her English – very endearing eet ees.

Went for dinner to Giorgio – the global cuisine restaurant in Adyar near Besant Nagar Beach. North Eastern waiters – the one who served us had this funny dumb grin on his face and of course could not understand us! We literally ended up having a candle light dinner after the lights went out a couple of times.

Dinner and IPL conversation finished, we went for a walk near the Besant Nagar beach. The sea air was invigorating and the road reminded me of Carter Road due to the sea and the road blocks of course. Went home with the ‘lovely’ rick driver messing with his cell phone. There then proceeded a song called ‘Smile baby, smile baby’ or some such thing which emanated from his fone :)

Reached home safe and sound. Watched IPL – Royal Challengers lost yet again, discussed IPL and its myriad politics and hit bed soon after.

The Return

I be back after a brilliant treep. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and absolutely didn't have to use my noise making thing or the nice smelling deo thing or anything for my safety. I met some absolutely lovely people and saw such amazing things. RG gave me company at Hampi and that was niceness :) I will be posting my travelogue soon with photos accompanying it. Hopefully my photos should go up on Flickr and FB tmmrw God and ex-company willing :)

Je departe

Image by jimfrazier via FlickrI have got a new job guys. Thanks for all the hand holding and support I have got. Anyone wants details - email me :D I shall be glad to tell you more. Today is my last day at my current company. This feels strange and good at the same time. I am aware that I am going to get a surprise farewell party. Of course I know by now so therefore it is not a surprise :O I am getting profounder by the minute it looks like.

Anyways, it has been a good two years in the company and I have made fab ass friends. Bogh always tells me not to use too colloquial words :) But theek hai - aaj last swan song hai atleast is jagah mein so haq bantha hai humara I reckon.

I am leaving for my S. Indian trip tmmrw. So intensely excited, apprehensive at the same time. Waheee I feel. I got up this morning at 7.00 am thinking only about the trip and the hazaar things I had to do before I go for it. I have bought deo (nice smelling one) and the bleeping avaaz making thing with me to protect myself against attackers :D

Let's see how the trip goes. I thought I should do a final posting before je departe :) Oh I will b posting on SMS so by all means join my group if you are not already a member - here for joining.

In the bus

I saw her in the bus again. I got into my 382 and walked ahead towards the Ladies seats. She sat in the same place as before. I thought to myself Ye Olde England is back. But nearing her I realised she had Trafalgar Square on her head today. Bleddy hell - I did miss :( I didn't carry my camera today and I did miss of her and her lovely scary. I was damn disappointed and cursed myself. This led me to speculate that she probably owns a whole London tourist series. I wish I wish for a camera at the right moments. Sigh

Travelling around South India

Image via Wikipedia

Intending to get up early in the morning. Didn't happen. No walk and then could not make out if I overslept or underslept. Zonked thru the car ride with Father reading Mint. I took a snap of his reflection in the side mirror. I think his face came out decent but the stupeed front seat covered his face.

Anyways, decided I would step into the local CCD and imbibe a cup of black kapi. Wonderful the walk was – felt nice in the warm sunshine with the sweat pouring off my face (slight exaggeration of course) The kapi was wondrous. Relaxed for 30 minutes, read the complete Hindustan Times – starting with the Business section and then reading the main section. I think HT started me off getting more interested in business, stock market and I do occasionally read the Mint too.

I am going on a trip to South India soon. Starting 30^th April and ending on 14^th May. Starting from Chennai, proceeding towards Mahabalipuram and then Pondicherry. I have done research on what to see and eat there. Booked my accommodation as well so that has been sorted out. I worry about travelling alone. This man will be in the last leg of my journey and he is excited too especially the part where we walk on hot melting earth - direct quote from him.

From Pondicherry I am travelling further to Salem. Salem is where my Mom was born. Her memories of the place are driving me there of course. She of course doesn't know that I am travelling alone. She threw a hissy fit (err, no other words for that fit fit :P) at me going alone. By mistake, I said something about going alone. But what the heck, you gotta do what you gotta do. From Salem, the original plan was to go to Madurai. But Madurai is overbooked so I am going directly to Kuttralam. The bloddy place is called Courtallam – blech how anglicized can things get.

Kuttralam – is where Amar Seva Sangam is located. Dad has been giving money to this place for the last 20 years. They started off against female foeticide and infanticide. Apparently they r looking forward to me coming there. This man told me abt Tenkasi – a place I am planning to visit. One thing that I am worried about is the way people are going to stare but then again I get stared in Bumbai. I am going to be carrying pepper spray or some variant on it too so that should make things okay I reckon.

Back to Coimbatore from here and onwards to Bangalore on the 9^th. Shall meet up with some friends then. Onwards to Hospet and then Hampi :) I am looking forward to this part of the journey. Yaaaay..3 days spent here and then back to Bangalore for a day and then catching a Jet flight to Mumbai. :)

My travel itinerary has now been fleshed out. Like I said my only worry is traveling alone. More than the safety issues I am concerned about how I am going to do trip without company. I like pointing things out, see details and love to share that with people. That is not going to be feasible on this trip except at Hampi. It is shaping up to be an interesting journey and I am looking forward to it with some parts excitement, some part trepidation and most parts YAAY :D

Standing tall in a world gone mad
I can walk alone
My rant has died its due death
My meadow of yellow flowers awaits :)

Loneliness Of The Long Distance Walker.

Loneliness Of The Long Distance Walker., originally uploaded by God's penultimate Mistake.

Listening to Yael Naim's 'Lonely' in a loop

The morning walk doesn't take the edge off my sorrow

Watching the sun come up didn't hit no high notes

The music seems to be missing in my life

One does stupid things in life. Throwing oneself at someone can count amongst the el stupeedo things one does. Especially when one is not wanted. That hurt lingers. Doesn't go away anywhere. Depression follows me around like a rain cloud waiting to burst. Alcohol looses inhibitions. You end up doing stupider things then. Thinking goes away. Acting on impulse has costs attached. The price must be paid . The heart is not given to listen to anything or anyone. It wants, it seeks and self – destructs.

It pays not to quit apparently. That my dear is all bollocks. Quitting gives you peace of mind. Persevering leads to your lil heart breaking into a zillion pieces. I hide my heart under a landscape of cheerfulness. I am happy or so it seems. Surface happiness is easy to obtain – superficial things can give me that. Watching flickr can give me that. Doesn't mean shit all in the long run.

Envy is a bad mistress, she needs to be struck from the heart or she will eat you up alive. Conquer her and you have conquered one – fiftieth of your desires and ambitions. Sound like a guru don't I? I think if I was a guru I would allow my disciples to drink alcohol and have loads of sex like bunnies. Bunnies are weird creatures. I know someone who has the most hideous stuffed bunny I have had the misfortune to see. Poor bunny – his existence must be so puerile. No offence Mr Bunny Owner. :)

The weak sun seems to desire to be let out

The clouds are still hanging around

Preventing a glorious day from emerging

Is there a triumph at the end?

Victory laps are awaiting

This too shall pass

Movie count

Image from WikipediaMunich - Good watch and believable historical fiction. Read more on the real life story here

Don't Move - Strange Italian movie starring Penelope Cruz and Sergio Castellitto - more here

Dharam Veer - coool retro Hindi flick with Dharmendra and Jeetu bhai. Fundoo eet ees with the hair, wigs, Rajmata, banjaras, Ranjit being villainous, Pran and his white horse doing that 15 feet jump - wahwah....

Shoot 'Em Up- Clive Owen n Monica Belluci starrer..total wot eet ees film. Paisa vasool eet ees. Shooting(s) galore, punchlines one after the other and oh yes the sex scene does take the cake. U r like wtf when u r watching eet!

Persepolis - animated French film set in Iran and an autobiographical one at that. History, identity, culture well explored. Lovely animation as well. Read more about this one here

No Country for Old Men- Bleak and bootiful. Love the dark humour in it. Brilliant performance by Javier Bardem - insane he is in this.

Juno- Ellen Paige is super in this. Lovely dialogues - must watch.

Jab We Met - Good performances. Enjoyed a Hindi movie which was actually nice and not shait!

The Abyss - Starring Ed Harris and chik with long hair. Wikipedia informs me that it is Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Geez, I actually recall thinking that it must have been her. Crazy ass sci-fi movie. One watches this with suspended disbelief. My mom was watching along with me and she was like asking me existential questions like what is happening, who is this etc...I answerd to the best of my abilities :)

Finally removed 'Lost in Translation' frm the dabba. Almost watched 'Michael Clayton', 'The Ant Bully' and 'The Devil Wears Prada'. Left to watch 'Across the Universe' - which has fundoo soundtrack.

Sunday luncheon

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Legs intertwined

Legs intertwined, originally uploaded by SMJ737.

The day begins with sunbeams
They dance around my face playfully
A moan tears through the air
Its echo lingering on

A light touch
The whisper of a breath
The feel of stubble on the nape of my neck
The hint of tongue before the lips
Gently collide

The sunbeams continue to play

Lapping at your feet

Lapping at your feet, originally uploaded by Chris Stickley.

Palm fronds

Sway gently in the breeze

Sunlit blue skies

The sea radiates a cold warmth

Her waves lap gently against my skin

I am enlivened