Space...

Z & I

2011-11-08T11:06:00.004-05:00

Z & I do a cartwheel
And look at the world upside down
The mud is blue, the sky is brown
And there's a smile in every frown

Z & I go for a run
And the park is in full bloom
We chase a firefly; follow the moon
And stop to listen to a musician's tune

Z & I climb a tree
And hang on it like monkeys
The branch breaks; bitten by bees
We fall down and scrape our knees

Z & I go tandem biking
And we think we know it best
She goes east, I go west
And the bike sadly gets laid to rest

Z & I sit on a bench
And start thinking out aloud
A bird poops over us, screeching loud
And bursts our big thought cloud

Z & I hum a tune
And mess up the words all wrong
The verse is short, the chorus long
And for a toss, goes the song

Z & I start to paint
And the colors spill all over the page
Yellow turns red, Black goes beige
And the work of art is on our face

Z & I sit to write
And we print a funny scrawl
It starts up stocky, ends up tall
And makes absolutely, no sense at all

Z & I open up board games
And we decide to play Scrabble
We make words from our daily babble
And there's a new language on the table

Z & I start to jive
And our hands and feet go out of sync
I step on her, she goes all pink
Time to vamoose, we both think

Z & I decide to bake
And we hope it'll be a yummy cake
We mix everything we need to make
And end up instead, with a chocolate shake

Z & I curl up in bed
And are tired from all this goofing around
We snuggle, cuddle, hoping to sleep sound
With a thud, we wake up on the ground

Z & I laugh our heads off
And her big black eyes speak with glee
"There's no other way we'd rather be"
She said, with her arms around me!

How I met your Mother

2011-09-08T12:00:00.003-04:00

We were not ready. As usual.

The due date was July 21st, 2011. As far as I am concerned, you were to arrive much after that date. Late and making everyone wait, as do I, more often than not.

I felt great; hardly exhausted, highly spirited, still exercising, socially fluttering and still busy working. The smooth 38 odd weeks had left me wondering, almost hoping for that tipping point, at which labor would start, proceed and culminate easily, into your birth. Fate and you of course, had it planned otherwise.

July 12th 2011 was a Tuesday. Some uneasiness and a strange pain showed up at work around 4 pm after a late lunch. Lunch was at The Pump Energy Food. In hindsight, I think all that high protein intake may have had something to do with you showing up the next day. I walked back to the PATH station from work, with a colleague, warning her I would be a slow strider today. The pain still lingered; sometimes in the background, sometimes more pronounced. Friends came over for dinner around 9 pm; an easy distraction that took my mind off what was going on within.

At 11:00 pm that night after everyone had left, I realised the pain had'nt. In fact it seemed to have made a more regular appearance; enough for me to think that this might just be happening sooner than I thought. We called the doctor, who clearly instructed us to time the contractions. If they appeared at regular 5 minute intervals, we were to head to the hospital. Hubster set up his timer and much to my annoyance seemed to take this on as another one of his work projects. I bet he could'nt control the urge to set up an excel sheet with the columns 'duration' & 'frequency' on it.

"Started?" he would ask every 5 minutes and "Finished?" soon after, exasperating the jeepers out of me. Turned out, we could've set the clock to each of my contractions, which appeared punctually, at every 5th minute. Throughout the hour, from 11:30 pm to 12:30 am, I was in denial. For starters, I had meetings the next day at work. We still didnt have a car seat yet (It had been ordered, but had'nt arrived). And of course the weekend had already been planned. There just did'nt seem to be a slot to fit in 'giving birth' just as yet.

Well anyhow, Hubster broke my chain of thought with his "So shall we?" I figured there was no point denying the midnight hospital visit. Would be a nice drive at the very least, I said to console myself; like a dry run of sorts - we would go to the hospital and be asked to leave on grounds of a false alarm. And we'd come back home and go to work as usual, the next day.

So Hubster went online and rented a zipcar, while I called the folks, asking them to get ready to leave. (Mom had strictly instructed that we were to call them over, if things got out of hand at night.)

With a semi-packed hospital bag and my pillow in tow, we set out towards the hospital. Once there, after the regular check-in process with the front desk, began the real checking-in process with the nurse. The terrifying dilation check. What I remember of that moment was screaming at the top of my lungs, possibly the loudest I have ever. Yes, even louder than any of my screams for the rest of the night. The conversation that started out with my "Yeah, I am having contractions, but think it may be a false alarm" ended with "Ms. Mudgal, in case you havent realised it yet, you are having the baby before you leave here". It's a good thing she left before I could respond; my big 'Gulp' would not have been music to her ears anyway.

Texted the hubster who was parking the car downstairs, "Come up soon. And extend the zipcar. We are not leaving here anytime soon." Mom & Pops came in and looked surprisingly indifferent when I informed them that you're on your way out soon. Almost as if they already knew. Hubster & I moved to the Labor room, where the long wait began. Based on our quick calculations, since I was already 3/4th in without even realising it, we figured you would be here in another couple of hours. "Maybe you can even go for your meeting soon, Shweyts" Hubster assured me, while secretly hoping he could certainly go for his. Yeah honey, get used to it; your parents are weird like that.

We set ourselves up in the labor room. The anesthesiologist appeared; a pretty young British girl who's accent took away any anxiety that I may have had. While she administered the epidural, I relayed to Hubster, the order in which to line up my favorite music cds, next to the cd player. (Of course the CD player didnt work and the Pandora app on my iphone saved the day, rather night for me.) Yes, I had pre-decided that whether you liked it or not, I was bringing you in to this world, with Sting singing in the background. So I played "Fields of Gold" on repeat, much to Hubster's annoyance, secretly hoping you'd arrive and we'd be done soon. I should have known, you already had a mind of your own and would'nt fancy any of my pre-orchestrated tactics. Not only did you not show any signs of moving down and out, but you gracefully decided it was time to 'look up' after having spent too much time 'looking down'.

The unthinkable was to happen - after spending the entire night, sleeping, then pushing, then resting, then pushing again, at 7 am the doctor suggested I start "thinking of a C-section". That moment, was the only low point of this beautiful 10 month journey so far. You have to believe me when I say, I heard two gentle thuds - that of Hubster's and my hearts, that fell in dismay, in sync at the sound of a 'C-Section'. As much as I had promised myself, I would be open to the idea, I must confess I was'nt. When the ride has been this smooth all along, it just didnt seem fair, that the end got suddenly bumpy. So I vehemently said No.

"I dont want a C-Section Doc. I ll push harder" I pleaded. The doc granted me another couple of hours, through which I pushed with everything I had in me. At 9:45 am, you were still busy saying good-bye to your companions of 38 weeks inside and showed no signs of having moved down even the slightest bit. Now the doc played the "the baby is at risk of an infection if we go any longer.." card; a card I had no counter for.

I looked at Hubster, who looked back at me. As our two pairs of miserable eyes locked, we both nodded on a consensus - "Yes, let's do it."

What happened after, seems like a fast-forward of sorts. Suddenly, in a medical drama-esque sort of way, there appeared an army of multi-colored scrubs-clad men and women, who quickly transported me from the Labor room to the C-section room. As if to make the blow any softer, the C-Section room looked out at the East river versus the Labor room which only overlooked the office buildings on the next block. Thank heavens for the view, I said to myself, not knowing how long this was going to take.

Hubster was given a pair of scrubs too, as he sat wearing them on my side, feeling all important & doctor-like. More paperwork was in store - that informed me that I was going to be knocked out numb, waist down. My view up from the operating table comprised of several new faces and voices, all hovering about me. I was the frog on a dissection table. While I tried to stare outside the window, looking at the river that flowed nonchalantly, I sensed myself drowning into the anesthesia. In a matter of a few minutes, someone appeared on my right side, thrusting a pinkish white blob into my face. "It's a girl. Congratulations." the nurse said. "Uhh ok" I responded. In my drunken, stupefied state I guessed this white-pink blob with a porcupine-like mop of black hair must be you. "Uhh would you like to kiss her?" the nurse suggested, probably not liking my indifferent drugged reaction. "Oh of course....kiss kiss" I planted two on your forehead. The pink blob got smaller and smaller as she walked away with you. "Wow, that's her? Quite a stunner, dont you think?" I asked Hubster in my inebriated stupidity, slowly realising through my fuzzy, hazy state of mind that the job had been done and pretty darn nicely too. By hook or by crook, you were out. And about.

I felt turned inside-out; my body felt a void, my soul seemed hollow. My head was woozy, my lower abdomen was a skilled sartorial job. My eyes welled up, as they had done a few months ago, when I was told you were going to be a girl. Only this time, I didnt laugh out loud and fist punch the air with a triumphant "Yess". Instead a soft tear rolled down my cheek as I thought of the pink spiky blob that I had just kissed. And there, among the multi-colored scrubs-clad blurry specks in the background, as I held Hubster's hand and stared out at the golden East river horizon, Sting sang 'Fields of Gold' in my head.

And thus, on July 13th 2011, around 10:17 am is How I met your Mother.

Q & A with X

2011-05-12T10:07:00.000-04:00

Magic in my tummy,
Would you want to call me Mummy?
Naah she said - Sweetoo or Shweyts,
On first name basis is best!

My l'ill bundle of wit,
Then will Amit be called Amit?
Naah she said - He prefers 'Jay',
Don't even bother asking me why!

My li'll ball of clay,
Will you be straight or gay?
I don't know she said, either of the above,
As long as I can give and find true love!

My l'ill part that's American,
Will you even remotely be Indian?
Hmm she said, after thinking a while,
Being a global nomad, is really more my style!

The smaller l'ill heart, within myself,
Will you be able to laugh at yourself?
I already do it all the time, she said,
When I think how I am going to fool you ahead!

My latest l'ill fashion trend,
Will you be a good friend?
Yes she said - the kind that stick with you,
But make sure you find me a 'Raga' too!

My funniest bone, I asked with much cheer,
So what would you like to inherit here?
I am already such a star, I think,
It's the best inheritance I could've got - *wink*!

eX-istential Crisis?

2011-03-11T12:26:00.004-05:00

Hi X,
I see you're doing all hunky-dory in there, happily trying to mimic my 'spinning' moves, while lying horizontally in your bubble. So all that is super. But it's a few minutes before we'll probably know who you really are - XX or XY and I have this sudden feeling of sadness in me today.
It may have been because my day started off on a solemn note, seeing what happened in Japan today. As much as it hurts to see those videos and pictures, I cannot help but think that somewhere we (humans) are responsible for nature's wrath. We aren't living as we were meant to and definitely are'nt giving back enough to her, so she chooses to grab our attention this way, time and again. To kind of scold us for our careless behaviour and warn us that if we dont behave ourselves, things can only turn for the worse. The only thing, of real consequence, that we can do today, other than pray and hope from wherever in the world we are, is to resolve to be even more greener than we already are. To reduce our carbon footprint even more and take some time out to make peace with nature. To plant more trees, use less paper & plastic, take the train/ bus more often and re-use and re-cycle even more. Think twice before buying or throwing away, anything. In our very own little ways, each one of us can pacify nature and make her happy again.
Thanks as usual, for letting me vent there.
On another note, I am also a little more sad that today, we'll know who you are. As much as I am rooting for you to be a girl, it does suck that knowing your sex today, will put aside all the anticipation that has been a fun part of having you around, until today. It's been nice thinking of you just as 'X' so far, as weird as that sounds and that is what we 'll continue to refer to you as, even here on. But still - today might be saying good-bye to the 'perhaps' factor that has been associated with you.
So whatever it is X, whether you're XX or XY, I just want you to know something - You rock!!! For letting me be the way I ve always been, even this far. For living in your random world which co-exists so well with mine, eating everything I eat, drinking everything I drink, spinning furiously as ever with me, running when I am late for my train to work in the mornings, going to all the possible concerts with me and even dancing through the night, randomly learning Ethiopian shoulder shrugs in Washington DC. I certainly could'nt have asked for a better 'you' and whatever you may be here on - XX or XY, know that you will always be my rockstar!
I should rush now, since I am late for your appointment again :) So come on, it's time to run to the subway again - Ready, get set and whoooooooooosh!!!!!!!!!
Love ya lots,
Shweyts

... or ...

2011-02-04T17:16:00.014-05:00

Beaujolais or Rioja?

Riding on a Bicycle or speeding in a Car?

Flower Child or Patient lamb?

Spicy pickle or Raspberry jam?

Mumbai or Gotham?

Beautiful or Handsome?

13.1 or 26.2?

'Ughhh' pink or 'Whatever' blue?

Shweaty pants or Mitsy mittens?

Boys’ in love or Girls’ smitten?

B-777 or an A-380 ?

My madness or his sanity?

Poetic or Prosaic?

Lucid or Mosaic?

Right brained or Left brained?

Say it as-it-is or you’d rather restrain?

A hopeless lover or of the careful kind,

Thrifty spender or an indulgent mind?

Careless dancer or a trained one?

A whimsical Basanti or a Quick gun Murugan?

Socially networked or rarely perturbed?

Non-stop chatter or a few wise words?

Ms. Moody or Master Desai?

Who will you be; XX or XY?

Reviews & Feedback!

2011-01-27T13:24:00.002-05:00

Reviews and feedback have arrived almost incessantly, since X's existence was declared.
While I was outrageously shocked by the conventional line-of-thought some so-called modern friends had to offer, I love how well my best friends know me - Their first reaction on hearing about 'X' was not the conventional "Take care of yourself...Dont do this...Dont do that..." kinda unsolicited bull-crap (Pardon my French there).
It was straight up, just as I like it - "Shwets - make sure you go a 'little' easy on the Vino." (The operative word being 'little' here.)
The parents were another surprise package - Put aside the fact that when we broke the news to them over the phone, there prevailed for a susbtantial amount of time, what I have aptly termed as a 'pregnant pause'. Finally, when I almost hung up, thinking I got cut off the line or something, Pops' spoke up - "You're not kidding right?". Hubster, who was on speaker, glances in my direction with a look that questions - "Wow, you're family surely takes kidding to a whole new level." Poor him, he's only subjected to a speck of the insanity, that is the trio of Mom, Pops & I.
Mom & Pops both took a while (read: weeks) to digest the news. Mom even said - "Well, I dont think I am ready to be grandma yet, but this too shall pass." It's amazing how time and again, she upp's her 'cool quotient' just like that. I think that amount of detachment is the best inheritance a parent can pass on to their child, ever.
The best friend, as am I, are already rooting for an XY. She declared the other day "We need a girl in the family now." Hubster prefers to be safe - "XX or XY, either is good. As long as he/ she does'nt inherit your side's insanity and inherits my brain." (With eccentricity being our middle name, he sure is hoping for a lot there.)
Another friend said "You'll make a really bad mom, Shweyta." I loved that reaction. It was honest. And possibly true. The friend explained how he thinks I'll never make it to one of those 'New Moms-gushing-all-over-their-babies' list or that I am totally capable of rush-feeding or forecefully putting X to bed, just to make it in time to attend another party or the next Cuisine Club event. I''ll be honest - he was bang-on target - I have been thinking about it.
There are others who seem to think that Hubster will make a very good Dad. Good for him! He'll be half the good Dad, as far as I am concerned, if he can remember there's someone to take care of, while he's busy flipping channels on TV, on his generously long paternity leave.
And of course there are the non-believers - the friends who are still in denial about the whole thing. "I cant believe you'r having a baby Shwets, it sure must be the end of a decade." - I' ve heard that often enough now to wonder what have I gotten myself into. It may have something to do with my continuing lifestyle, that has seen very little change in the past 15 weeks. As some people tell me, it's a fortunate scenario to be in, where not much changes; so be it.
And then there is the adorable ex-roomie Jeff, who already has name suggestions for X -

Shweaty Jr.
Scone Head (Babies always have odd heads)
Duct Tape (if he or she is a breaker of things)
Poop Monster (This will be a given)
Bundles
Blanket Head (The name of MJ's kids)

It's brilliant. With friends of ours already chipping in like this, X is surely going to be taken good care of, all of his/her life.

The Best friend's hubby has instructed that the 'name list' must pass through him. After what he thinks were my somewhat 'ridiculous' name suggestions for the nephew, he thinks this scrutiny might save a child's future. I wonder which his favorite pick will be, from Jeff's list above.

While Hubster and I are still in chillax mode (read: 'irresponsible to-be parents mode', as some people put it), love, life and leisure are going on just as they were before. In the process, I' ve discovered some really good beers (ya ya, they are non-alcoholic - for all you 'raised eyebrows' up there) and concluded that non-alcoholic wine tastes like grape juice gone bad. There is the ocassional sip of champagne sometimes and the heavenly sip of a Red once-in-a-while, that keeps me going. But the 'sip' is a 'glass' for now. Still there may be a good chance, that X may emerge from the oven with a bottle of Rioja and proclaim out loud "Cheers Shweyts! Here's to our fun vino times together."*

*Idea that stemmed from another best friend's imagination.

X-cetera.....

2011-01-03T12:09:00.027-05:00

The 'X' factor of our lives is here. Yes, we are eXtatic, but we are also eXtremely anXious. Clearly, we were not prepared for his or her eXcellency's arrival, just as yet. And we are not sure, we will be too, by the time he or she decides to eXit the bubble and emerge into the eXternal madness.
It all started with the seX. eXpectedly so.
Sometime in late October, around Hubsters Birthday. There was no way we could have known. No eXhaustion alert, no eXotic cravings. eXtreme physical endurance of the past few years running activity, had already introduced the 'missed cycle' phenomenon in my body, thus making it, a not so eXtraordinary occurence in my life.
An eXcruciating lower back pain did give way to multiple antibiotic dosages, that now in retrospect, thankfully kept me off my Vino, in November. And then came along December, bringing with it a new hope of an ended dosage and the much-needed eXtra glasses of red. Pop went the bubble, when I stood on the brink of another missed cycle. "I ve never missed two consecutive cycles before" I eXclaimed. Hubster coolly withdrew saying "I ve been busy working. This has got to be someone elses." Talk about the start to an eXultant parenthood!
Then came the time to re-eXamine the situation. A Home test, it had to be. Since we were'nt ready (more like I did'nt want to say goodbye to my red wine yet) I eXtenuated the idea and put the test on hold for a couple of more weekends. Still no news from within. I finally decided one morning, that the time to take this eXam had come. Peed on the stick and stared at it hard, till two faint lines appeared. "The second line is faint, so this doesnt apply." I un-eXhilaratingly dismissed. Hubster's face on the other hand, eXuded radiance and some strange sort of pride, I thought, for the moment. An eXalted look that seemed to say "Well done my swimmers" or something ridiculous, on those lines.
So that's how we embarked on this eXquisite journey, perhaps the most eXciting one of our lives thus far. Friends requested a name to refer the newbie by, so Hubster suggested we should refer to him or her as 'X' (the independent variable; the unknown).
I agreed almost immediately; after all, that would be the only constant in what was yet unknown about the bun in my oven - XX or XY.
(Coincidentally, X's public debut also happened around X-mas & the end of the year MMX, a.k.a 2010.)
So 'X' it is. And now that 'X' is here, it's going to be a blog full of eXclusive eXcerpts from here on, for a while atleast. We do however, refuse to shower 'X' with eXcessive emotion, just as yet. It could have to do with the fact that I do not intrinsically sense-X yet & Hubster dismisses the gradually appearing 'bump' as a manifestation of my ubiquitous gluttony.
So for now, as you can tell, X has'nt really changed our lives much; except ofcourse turning me into Ms. Pee-a-lot. But I am sure that feeling will be eXchanged for a newer, more eXuberant one, soon. The eXactness of when that will happen is yet to be determined. Maybe when the bump eXpands or maybe when it is time to actually eXecute our parenthood.

Until then; Hubster, X and I, intend to put up our feet and chillaX :)

P.S - Today is Day 1 of the NeXt trimester already. Watch this space for many more of our eXploits to come.

The city....

2010-08-18T17:18:00.000-04:00

The city is my anonymity; where I walk around aimlessly, turn a corner and come right back to where I began and still reach my destination.
The city lets me be; alone when I want to, blurring me out to become a face in the crowd.
The city works me; tapping into my energy and consuming my vigour.
The city liberates me; her rivers washing their winds of change as the seasons go by.
The city puts me to sleep; holding me close in her arms and patting my head until I drift away to bliss.
The city inspires me; her rush, pace and spirit I imbibe in me each day.
The city ignites me; to manifest my passion, let go of my inhibition and run like there's no tomorrow.
The city loves me; unconditionally and endlessly, for who I was, what I am and who I'll become someday.
The city is Mumbai. The city is New York. The city is me!

The Click and the Cluck of it all ....

2010-08-18T14:59:00.001-04:00

Jeff, my roommate in LA, was the first one that pointed it out. “What is that funny sound you make Shwetyy?”. Each time he offered me his canned tuna, I retorted with a “Cluck”. “Cluck” is a non-verbose refusal. A ‘no’ said in sound. Touch the tip of your tongue to the palate, just under the upper teeth and then release a sound sideways - that what sounds, is “Cluck”! For years, Desi’s like me, have used “Cluck’s” to express our rejection; sometimes unknowingly so. It comes so naturally to us. It’s as if saying ‘No’ would exercise too many oral muscles, that we spare our tongues the stress and simply resort to ‘Cluck”. It does the job as effectively and for once you didn’t really say ‘No’ to anything. It probably started off when you were busy doing something and Mom came to ask you to clean your cupboard. Or run an errand. Or ask you what you’d like to eat for dinner. That is when you ‘clucked’ her away. Yes, the same sound as when a farmer shoos away a dog or tightens the rein on his horse, wanting to move on. Sad is'nt it then, that's how much for granted we take our parents sometimes? But that's a blog post for some other time.
Sometimes I’ve “clucked” people and at others got “clucked off” by them. It may sound disrespectful but it’s as much a part of the Indian vocabulary as is ‘Haan’ or ‘Nahi’. You won’t be able to “cluck” for long, without having a tongue ache. Try it. Guess that is so you don’t end up saying ‘No’ to everything.
‘Cluck” is just one of the many sounds we used while growing up. There was a ‘Tok’, that the guys in the building used, every time they beckoned each other, from their respective homes. ‘Tok’ occurs when you flutter your tongue up and down, to produce a loud hollow sound. And then of course there was the “pucchuk” – a sound made when one puckered their lips together, sort of like a goldfish, as if to kiss, but instead just letting out a sound instead. Despite its vagueness and lack of reference, a person somehow always knew, when they were being “pucchuked”.
Most of the times the “clucck’s” “tok’s and “pucchuk’s” were used to deceive the parents, who were clueless that it was their kid being called out to play, during homework hour. Ah! The pleasure of deceptive innocence. Completely excusable and allowed.
I don’t hear “Tok’s” and “Pucchuk’s” anymore. Maybe because I don’t live in a context where they are used anymore. But I do give people the occasional “cluck” at times, inadvertently, out of habit. Most don’t get it. Some others probably think I have a weird oral sound-making disease. But once in a while, I come across the rare soul, who gets it and smiles. And that is when I hear the “Click” in return!

Mowgli Mania

2010-07-30T11:38:00.001-04:00

He came into our lives, with the ring of a phone bell. On January 1st, 2010.
"Shwets. Roy and I have something to tell you"
I knew our year was made.

He and I have been talking ever since. Much like his Mom and him. In our minds and heads, in prose and in poetry, in presents and even in our dreams sometimes. I tell him stories of our childhood, I sing him songs we sang together. I draw with him, what his Mom and I drew as kids.
Today is merely the day he has physically entered our big, wide world. But in my little one, he was metaphysically, always there.

Here are my first lines ever, written for him as an invite for his shower, about a month ago.

Mowgli Mania

Did you hear the birds chirp? Or the lazy blue bear burp?
The squirrels hustled, when the flock of mynahs whistled.
The chimps guffawed, as the jungles applaud,
Up above sailed a cloud, with a screeching stork aloud -

"From the music of Raga and the passion of Roy,
Drum Roll for the jungle's littlest bundle of joy!
The Lion Kings roar, he will be born free,
Full of mirth & magic, madness & merry,
Come dance with them all, to welcome this hour,
Of Raga's & Roy's and little Mowgli's shower!"

On his shower, when I raised a glass to my first family in this country, I sang uninhibitedly - "Jungle jungle pata chala hai, chaddi pehen ke phool khila hai." That was on a bright and sunny, Southern Californian day - June 26th, 2010.

Today on a bright and sunny, Manhattan day - July 30th, 2010, I welcome you, to raise a glass with me, to Raga & Roy and all us new 'Chitti's' and 'Maasi's' and 'Mama's' and 'Paatis' and 'Tathas' and 'Nana's' and 'Nani's'.........but most of all to whom I consider my very own, first-born little baby boy - Mowgli Roy!*

* Mowgli is how all of us refer to him. He should have another name, in a day or two, when his parents are done figuring it out :)

3533

2010-06-01T15:22:00.011-04:00

Wine on the Escape, Old Italian couple in their
yard,
Pastas in the kitchen, While Neruda was our
bard.
Friends, Family, Guests galore, Roomies - good and
bad,
A simple life - less was more; little pleasures and
memories were had.
It is tough to let you go, erase what was and wipe
the slate,
But in the present lies the future, 'Wines
on other Escapes' I have to create! *

* My two-cent tribute, to my first apartment in the city.

Mumbai Diaries - Week 21 & 22-1/2 - Of post-Diwali celebrations, farewells' and 'heavy' hearts!

2009-10-27T16:18:00.000-04:00

1. The week started out slow. Monday was Bhai-dooj (Bhaubeej, Bhai Phota) and most offices were closed. Except of course our site office. Most people did not turn up to work and those who did, came, did nothing and left early.

I left work to go to Mom's place, for 'moong ki daal ke bhajiye' and 'kadhi-chawal' with aloo fry sabji. You could say I was home-sick, rather festival-sick. The weekend had been so celebratory that work seemed really dull after. At Moms', the building was still in 'fataaka/ diya/ rangoli-mode'. Friends and family were in and out, visiting each other. The last day of Diwali was drawing to an end and I was thankful that I had managed to grab a slice of it, by coming home today.

2. The team is being really sweet, especially since I am leaving. They say they'll miss me multiple times each day and add a bleak "Who will face the fire now?" kind of sigh to it :) They have also decided that we will all eat lunch together (in a scary 'last supper-y kind of way'), everyday, until I leave.

3. Post-Diwali celebrations continue at work. Some one brought in 'Diwali ka faraal' as it is known in Maharashtra (translates to Diwali snacks) that included the likes of shankar paadas, besan /rava ke laddu, karanjya, chivda, besan ke sev etc. Some others brought in Diwali snacks from their homes in Chennai; murukku, laddus, adirasam etc.

These impromptu, multi-culinary parties in the office, will certainly be missed.

4. Wednesday night was spent with the In-laws, hanging out at the MIG Cricket club and going over some wedding venue designs with the decorator. Dinner was at the Club's restaurant, where we chatted over some delicious 'Chettinad Chicken' and 'Pomfret Tawa Fry'. More wedding planning and then a brief farewell, as all of us are travelling next week.

5. The Dollar plummeted versus the Rupee and I was happily smiling all the way to the bank, as the saying goes :)

6. The all-time favourite movie of most of our generation, 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' recently completed a successful run of 15 years at Maratha Mandir. In doing so, it is the Hindi Film industry's single longest running movie ever, beating even 'Sholay'. Simran and Raj still rock over Basanti and Veeru, I presume :)

7. As destiny would have it, a play I ve been wanting to see for years now, ' The Vagina Monologues' happened to be playing at Prithvi, on the coming weekend. Of course, I am going!!! Also, taking Snehi and Atit along, as part of her birthday gift.

8. Thursday night, Mom and Pops came over to pick up some of my things, to be moved to their place. I vacate the corporate apartment on the same night as when I fly, so most of the moving/ unpacking needed to be taken care of this week.

Dinner that night was my farewell treat, hosted by Pops; at Sanjeev Kapoor's "Yellow Chilli" - a second time for me, but a first for Mom and Pops. I re-ordered the huge 'masala-khakra', 'Chicken-Kadhaai' and 'Paneer Masala' and these were devoured over 'missi rotis', 'naans' and 'rotis'. The mandatory 'meetha paan' ended the family dinner evening, which will be much missed in NY.

9. The office gang, all 25 of them from the Architecture department are going on an 'overnight trip' to Bhandardara, over the weekend.

Saturday night is also Snehi's birthday and I happen to be in town to celebrate with her, after 7 years. Hence the natural choice was to decline the overnight trip invitation and in the process upset the whole office.

This is what I love about India. As intrusive as it may get at times, (personal space-wise speaking), it's the one place where a mass of people (even acquaintances) will be disappointed if one person says 'No'.

Whether you love it or not, Mumbai certainly loves you right back!!

10. Friday after-work, was a special site-visit to see the site-work progress. Much has been said about L&T's construction ethics and quality and all of it is very true.

Sushanta Singh, the Chief Structural Engineer in-charge of the project, took Brian, Cho and I on site, to give us a personal tour, again. As was the case on the earlier site trip, this time too, there was a feeling of special contentment at seeing the 'baby' emerge above ground.

A line drawn on trace paper, drafted in Autocad, was now a proud wall standing. Some structural lessons, photographs and detail-inspections later, we were on our way to watch the mega-columns being poured at-site. The mega-columns as we call them, have a 3.5 m diameter that tapers to 2.5 m at the base of the head.

Post-visit, we left for 'Apna Dhaba', (my American colleagues' after-work hangout) for my farewell drinks and dinner. Much work-related frustration was spilt over drinks as everyone pointed out the differences in the American and the Indian methodologies of work. From character-sketches to real information, all was out on the table, as people dissected the system and it's power players. The food varied from 'chakna' such as masala papad, chicken pahadi kabab, garlic naan bitings to chicken tikka masala and shrimp tawa fry.

Another fun night and a warm farewell.

11. Saturday was Snehi's Birthday. Both of us were thrilled that I was here to celebrate it with her and her family, after 7 years. The birthday dinner was at 'Five', a restaurant I ve been to earlier with Bindu. The Jha's and their close ones, all collected to celebrate and wine and dine over some good jalapeno flavoured pasta, salads, fish and the works. The cake was incredible with a sort of a coffee-chocolate crumb feel to it. Snehi handed us all 'love-notes' with lovely, little personal messages for each one of us. Nice touch, Jha!

Li'll Ira was her naughty self as always and wanted to come home for a stay over, yet again. Each time she mentions a stay over, I dont have the heart to construe another lie to refuse her (since her mom's and my own work schedule wont let us have her stay with me).
So another little lie later, I had to bid good-bye to the little monkey who I will miss the most, when I am back in NY for good.

12. Sunday started with the last long run before the race; a measly 8 miler. Once done, I was up to go shopping for a bit. Both the moms were out of town this weekend, so that meant I had to spend the Sunday doing my own bit, alone. Some shopping later (5 pairs of footwear, in 2 hours), I was ready to meet Snehi and Atit at The Prithvi theater, for 'The Vagina Monologues'. My birthday gift for Snehi, a play that both of us had been wanting to watch for a while now.
While I waited for the Jha-Mehta's to arrive, I spotted Priyanka Chopra's parents. Now I ve been coming to Prithvi since we've been kids and have always spotted celebrities/ actors here; but today was going to be different. Turns out Piggy Chops was going to watch the play with us, sitting just one row in front, that too. My insistence on taking a picture with her after the play, made Atit flee instantly, while Snehi agreed to take the picture and not be in it, lest her 'coolness' factor decreased any further ;) Shameless as can be, I asked Piggy Chops for a picture and she was more than ready to put her arm around me and pose for one.
The play was simply brilliant, a must-see for every one. Interspersed with factual data, statistics and real-life stories, this was one mixed bag of talent, spunk and hard-hitting reality, all in your face at once. Snehi and I loved it; Atit - not so much. Kudos to Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal's production house - 'Poor Bucks' for undertaking this venture and spreading this awareness all over the country, through their performances. I cannot wait for them to travel to NY to be able to see them again.
Dinner was at Alfredo's, where I had'nt been since my architecture undergrad days, so that was fun. The place has'nt changed one bit, only now they offer much more than just pizzas. Post-dinner 'paan', resulted in a random encounter with a school senior, also standing at the 'paanwaala'. Snehi then took me to her place, to say a last good-bye to Ira, who again asked me if she could come home for a stay over. I lied "Nahi Ira, aaj raat ko nahi, aap kal subah aana mere ghar" (Translation: Not tonight, you can come home tomorrow morning). Ira looked at me with her big black eyes and simply replied "Ok Maasi, aap raat ko kehna jaldi subah ho jaaye" (Translation: Maasi, please tell the night to turn into morning soon)
Pure poetry from my little niece. Seems like her writer aunts', all rubbed off on her quite well :)

13. Monday morning was the official day-before-the-last-day at work. Since I would have to say a lot of good-bye's, I thought I'd start early. Last minute winding up from work included, signing off official 'contract release' forms, paying up the mess charges and the most important one being, making sure I took my last pay-cheque before I left :)
Handing off of work responsibilities and last minute knowledge transfer meetings, took up the rest of the work day. The team decided to leave early saying they had some personal work to take care of, which left me a little in doubt, but I didnt give it much thought. Obviously, something farewell-related was cooking, is all I could guess :)

14. Tuesday was my last day at L&T. A day of mixed feelings, mostly sad ones, since I was leaving a place I had sort of developed a love-hate relationship with, over the past 5 months. As soon as I got into work, I was asked by the team, to keep the 4 - 5 pm slot free for my farewell celebration. More good-bye's said during the day, in all three offices. 'The last lunch' as the team christened it, was at 2 pm, where 10 of us sat at one canteen table and lunched for over an hour, laughing, joking and mostly making fun of Amit Anand (our team mate and our local jester). Seemed like Boss's last day was an official non-working day for the team, since all they did that day was run around planning the farewell party.
Finally when all was done, they escorted me to the canteen at 4 pm, where I had the best-est farewell ever. The room was filled with everyone I had ever worked with or even spoken to, at L&T in my last 5 months. From the chai-boy Dubey to the Project Director of the Airport DK Sen, they were all there. A chocolate cake and wafers sat on the tables. I had to make a speech, that I was totally unprepared for and then came the multiple farewell gifts. One after the other, they were handed out to me, all ten of them, as I unwrapped them, one at a time. From a hand-drawn painting to desk accessories (that I should use when I start my own firm, as the team said to me) to Chetan Bhagat's un-put-downable 'Five point someone' to a bouquet of flowers, I was floored by the generosity of this office. Completely unexpected, this was a beautiful gesture on their behalf, especially since everyone had chipped in for these gifts. As I mentioned to my ex-boss later that evening over another farewell dinner, "What I will miss the most about this office, are it's people"
Tuesday evening was spent in a quick gym workout with Nilesh, my gym trainer in Mumbai, who handed over my measurement chart as a farewell gift. He even offered to train me for free when I return to Mumbai next month. More toned and 6 kgs lighter, I guess I have a lot to thank him for.
The latter part of the evening was spent playing Foos-Ball and a silly korean version of billiards called 'Cushion Ball' at Le Meridien's High Flyers Lounge. Brian, Narin, Cho and I, chatted about office politics over Cho's annoyingly slow 'Cushion Ball' game that we finally bullied him out of. Next was 'Foos Ball' which I suck at, so Cho and I obviously lost that one.
Dinner was at The Imperial Palace in the hotel, where we ate some really good dim-sum and sipped Sula/ Kingfisher. Finally it was time to say good-bye and come back home one last time, for a shower and to pick up my bags. The driver was waiting downstairs to take me to the airport; my airport.

Weeks 21 and 22 1/2 can be found here in pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek21And2212?feat=directlink

Mumbai, I am still not done with you and of course I'll be back. But probably not to work again, for a long time. My next trip will be three weeks down the line; pure pleasure, no business. But one day I ll be back. And then I ll stay. Just as one should - at home!

As I send out this last edition of Mumbai Diaries, I want to Thank you, for reading or at least letting these spam your inboxes, week after week :) As some of you said, I am happy that you have lived the Mumbai life, vicariously through me, for almost half of 2009 now. Not only have I used this medium to pen down my experiences, in a home re-resided in, but in the process, also realised that here is where my soul truly lies.

So while I shut down my laptop and pack that last bit of luggage, I realise, no airline's baggage allowance will ever be enough, to let me carry everything I want to, from this place. So for now, it's just one 23 kg bag, a laptop and one heart, that will most probably get stamped 'Heavy' when checked-in!

Take care,
Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 19 - Of closure at work, Birthday 'Jalsa' and my youngest friend, Ira!

2009-10-12T16:17:00.000-04:00

1. Week 19 started off somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, confused in a jumble of varying time zones.

An Uncle from the building, has been equating my Mumbai-Newark flight and it's frequency to that of a Mumbai-Pune journey. "Shweyta tho Mumbai-Newark aise jaati hai, jaise hum log Mumbai-Poona jaatey hain."

Thanks Uncle. Though that might seem like a privilege, it entails some amount of strategy; anti-jet lag will-power and contextual re-settling. My globe-trotting friends can vouch for this, I am sure.

2. Mom and Pops stood smiling and waving, under the spacious sprawl of white tents that one arrives under, at Mumbai International Airport. Narayan, the driver came in a little late, just after the Mumbai showers welcomed me home. Honestly and sadly, this was probably one of my first "deliberately getting wet in the rain" episodes in this city. That too in the fading monsoon. Feel like that was something on my list, that I did not check off, in the prime of the rains.

3. Woke up at 4 am on Tuesday morning, more due to the loud thunder and crazy flash of lightning outside, than the jet lag. Seems like Mumbai has been receiving a lot of rainfall over the last couple of days, but the lakes are still not overflowing. There is hope, however, that another day of rain may change that.

4. Tuesday was a warm welcome in the office. Not just for the chocolates I brought back with me from the US, but also because some people genuinely missed me, which was a nicer feeling, unlike last time :)

Took some clarification, to erase the confusion that some people had who thought, I had finished the marathon on this trip.

5. In the gym, the instructor did my monthly 'body measurements' to find a relatively lesser reduction in inches, over this last month than the previous ones. He goes, almost disapprovingly "Bahut khaaya na?" (Translation: You ate a lot, didnt you?)

I replied with a sheepish "Haan aur piya bhi" ;)

6. Wednesday's non-gym night was spent eating Pav Bhaji, Uttapams and Dosas at Shiv Sagar at Juhu Beach with the Jha-Mehtas. L'ill Ira and I played a 'chocolate' game at the end of which she had 6 chocolates and I had 6 photographs of her various moods :) Conversation wandered around Snehi's upcoming birthday and vacation plan, until Ira bit Snehi. Yes, you read that right, b-i-t! :) The little monster never ceases to amaze me with her treasure trove of tricks.

Of course all hell broke loose then.

- Ira bit Snehi.

- Snehi yelled at Ira.

- Ira sulked and cried.

- Then she sulked some more.

None of us talked to her until she came around a little bit and then things were back to normal again :)

The evening ended with 'magai paans' as usual.

7. As annoying as it used to be earlier, I think I am now coming around this another exclusively 'desi' habit; of making sure, that people whom you have just met, have reached home safely.

Snehi never ever forgets to text me each time, we disperse to go home, after having hung out, to check if I am home safe. Wedneday night she did the same, and I responded, but she did not get my text message. This resulted in her frantic text/ call/ email to me next morning. Luckily I called her back this time instead of relying on a text message again, so she knew I was ok, or she was planning to call my 'Mom' as she put it.

Makes me think of the last time someone in NY asked me to call/ text them back after I got home, late at night ? :) Is it just something we do in India ? Or is Mumbai the more unsafe city of the two?

Eitherways, it's kind of nice, in a caring, family sort of way.

8. The time for closure nears. I always knew my contract here, ends Oct 31st, but there had been talk of working until mid-November, to make up for some lost time. However, turns out that my contract will now end as originally drawn up. That means my last day at work here is Oct 27th, since I fly out that night to NY for the Hubby's Bday and our marathon soon after.

Having said that, I have less than three weeks left at work and a lot to do. And of course another bunch of tickets to book, which will make sure that I have flown to and fro between both countries, every month this year, from June - December.

9. The team sulks when they hear I leave on Oct 27th for good. Farewell and post-Boss talks are in the air. I feel somewhat strange too. Not really sure what it feels like, but surely there's going to be a void in the near future.

10. Pizza for lunch, in honour of Saturday :) The rest of the cabin decided to chip in and get pizza and garlic bread for the gang.

Saturday night was to be carbo-loading night again. The Jha-Mehta's and I, met at Powai for pasta and pizza. Turns out Papa Johns' (Yes, that and Pizza Hut are considered family destinations in India) was not serving pasta that night, because of "gas not working" problems. So pizza it was, yet again for dinner. Post-Dinner we went to the local grocery store to do some Diwali shopping after which the plan was to visit my place.

Back home, in my building, not just Ira, but both Snehi and Atit too seemed to be having a great time, in the building garden. Later we came home, making false promises to Ira, that we ll be back in the play area soon. Ira was excited to see "Shetta Maasi's" place as was Shetta Maasi, at having her dear friends over, finally. A photo-session at home followed, with Ira running all over the house and making us run behind her as well.

I gifted her the jacket I bought for her in NY, which sadly, didnt seem to catch her fancy much. Li'll Ira loved the place so much, she wanted to stay back. She even bid her parents good-bye, in the hope that she and I would stay at my place, playing all night. We had to weave some more stories, to make the l'ill one believe that she should go home with her parents and I would join them soon after.

The night ended well past midnight. While we thought Ira would have forgotten about our lie, it turns out she woke up the next morning and inquired where I was :)

As you can already tell from my albums, she is also my favourite subject for photography presently.

This is one baby I will miss a lot when I wind up here :( I hope she misses me as much.

11. Sunday morning started with an 18 miler, that surprisingly was better than I had expected. Post-run, a snack at the club and I was back home, channel surfing, watching the Big B, being interviewed all over, on his birthday.

The plan for the day was to head out for multiple massages, that I so miss in NY. En-route, election mania sweeped the streets, with most of the rallies being from the MNS (Maharasthra NavNirman Sena).

People on the streets often mistake me to be from the 'Press', armed with my D-80, which automatically works in my favour to shield me from any 'unfavourable' activities, even in crowds.

I instructed my rickshaw-wallah, to drive me through 'Jalsa' and 'Pratiksha' (Most Mumbaikar's know what I am talking about :) but for the uninformed, these are the names of Amitabh Bachchan's Mumbai homes).

While both homes were decorated with 'genda phools' from the outside, it seemed like AB was in 'Jalsa' that day, as all the press vans stood around there. Surprisingly, people stood in the sun, patiently, in neatly arranged queues outside 'Jalsa', that made me think they were being allowed inside. The mind battled between wanting to queue up in the hope of meeting AB to personally wish him, or moving on to the rest of my Sunday. If I had some company, I might have done the former, but the relaxation ahead, beckoned me.

The afternoon was spent self-pampering and de-stressing. Evening chai was with the folks, over a lot of planning-talk for the upcoming exciting weeks. I also spent some time discussing the MLA candidates from our area, with the folks, to be able to make an informed decision on Tuesday, next week.

Dinner was at Urban Tadka, where Dad threw me my fifth birthday party, this year :)

The menu varied from Amritsari to Shaami Kababs, Makke di Roti - Sarson da saag to Jalandhari Murgh, until we were super-stuffed. 'Meetha Paan' was the natural culmination to the meal.

Week No. 19 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek19?feat=directlink

Big transitions coming up ahead. The end of a routine nears. And once again, it's time for a change.

Yet, there are so many more people on the list, that I still havent met up with, so many restaurants I have yet to try out, so many stores I have yet to shop at, so many elections I still want to vote in, so many weddings I have yet to decide about, so many festivals I have still to celebrate, so many birthday's I have yet to be part of, so much I still have to do, here. And such little time.

So while I go plan my next week, which thankfully is a short 4-day work week, due to the elections and Diwali; you go have fun and take care.

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 16 - Of 'Vishwakarma' poojas, snake-skinshoes and Dandiyas!

2009-09-22T16:14:00.000-04:00

1. I have 'Agony Aunt' written on my head. Or so some people think. Narayan, the driver, started off by asking if I was related to a particular colleague (lets call him X) by any chance? When I replied in the negative, I let loose a series of Mr. X-bashing, from him. Turns out Mr. X had been using the car for his domestic purposes which included dropping kids off to school, wife off to college and then entire family off for shopping, almost daily. As I ve

mentioned before, L&T as a policy does not allot one car - per person, atleast in most cases, for even high level officials. So here was a typical case of perk-misuse, where the poor driver suffered, since he needs to record his vehicles daily mileage. I certainly hope for Narayan's sake, that this issue gets resolved soon.

2. The team is counting down to 'Boss's Departure date' yet again.

Well, so is Boss :)

Not sure if Boss's Boss is doing the same though :)

3. It's getting closer to 'contract-winding up time' for most expats here. So there is talk in the air of possible contractual extensions. I am not sure I want that, but never say never right ?

4. Wednesday night was spent at the Dentist's and later with Mom and Dad for dinner at Stomach II in Seven Bungalows. Mid-Wednesday meet-ups with the folks, prove to be a lot of fun and very therapeutic, in a strange sort of way, in an otherwise crazy week.

4. Thursday was "Shri Vishwakarma Pooja" Day at Site. Vishwakarma, as most would know, is the Hindu deity of craftsmen. This is the day that all construction sites, are closed for work as machines/ equipment etc are decorated and venerated. The Airport T-2 Site pooja, that we went to attend, was at a massive scale, easily beating one of the sarvajanik Ganesh Pandals that the city had seen just a few weeks ago. Sadly this was another day I

didnt have a camera, so had to make do with the phone to take pictures.

5. Channel surfing on the T.V at home and I came across Channel 1, which telecasts the 24 hour security camera in the building lobby downstairs. I bet this is normal for most high-rises in the city, but I ve never seen this happen even in NY. What fun if one could, while switching channels, fall upon channel 1 on their T.V, see an unwanted guest coming home and then decide to play truant to such visitors ? Not a bad idea, eh, this camera telecast? I can think of multiple other uses for this sneak-preview, but I ll let them rest for now :)

6. Tamil co-worker walking past me, looks down at my snake-skin print Steve Maddens' and screams: "Aiyyoo, snake skinnn aaa?"

I looked down at my shoe first and then at him in disgust and retorted: "Illai, Plastic-aaa!"

He scarrums off with a relieved "Apdiyaa? Cherri cherri"

In my head I exclaim "Venkateshwara" and walk off! :)

7. Saturday was submission day again, after which the plan was to go watch 'Dil Boley Hadippa' with the office gang. 8 of us from work found ourselves en route to Cinemax to watch a rather fun-filled flick, with Rani Mukherjee and Shahid Kapur playing the lead roles. An otherwise regular movie, the experience of watching any such flick in India, is always pleasant. Having been centered around cricket and Punjabis', the movie drew hilarious impromptu 'bhangra' steps from Sardarji's sitting in front of us to standing ovations at consecutive 6's and 4's, behing hurled across in the cricket field on screen :) Not to mention the familiar sounds of kids talking and crying in the background, without which the soundtrack of any movie-watching experience in Mumbai is so incomplete.

8. The week, being one before Dusshera, has specific significance to it. The office girls sent out messages on the internal office messenger - 'Groove', saying each day stands for a certain colour. So this Friday onwards, almost compulsarily so to say, one will have to wear the colour of the day. This 9-day colour-dress code in the office, ends with the grand 'Traditional/ Sari Day', that I thought I had seen the last of, in my early college years. So while all the girls at work, plan to wear a sari on Friday of next week, I am not sure yet, of the same. The coming week will tell :)

9. Sunday morning started off with a 10 miler in the gym. Mum took us to Woodlands Cafe for lunch, to celebrate my Hindu-calendar birthday :). Woodlands was another oft-visited place in my childhood, but turned out that the interiors are not as great as they used to be then. Thankfully the same could not be said for the food, since it was still as yum. A paper dosa, two Royal Woodlands Thaalis and chhaas/ jaljeeras later we headed to Naturals for ice cream. My weekly massage that I look forward to all week long, was relaxing as was the 'evening chai and khaari biscuit' at Mom's a few hours later. The evening was spent at a 'Nuts' reunion (our famous 5-chica school group) at Snehi's place. I picked up Titu (our very first Nut friend, who got married at 20) and Boskey (her 9 year old son) en-route to Snehi's place. Ira was dressed in her li'll chaniya choli, all ready to go play dandiya-garba downstairs. Although the re-union lasted a short while, we had a fun time and it was good to see the second generation of the Nuts' trying to bond :) Looking forward to many more such, with the rest of the Nuts as well (The other two are in California and Phoenix).

Dinner was at Mums place again, the simple yet unbeatable 'bhindi' and daal, while laughing between snippets of 'Hera Pheri' and 'Dostana' on T.V :)

Week No. 16 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek16?feat=directlink

The week ahead looks like it's going to be a really busy one, socially speaking! And on the weekend I fly back to NY, to celebrate my birthday with the hubby and friends :) Cant wait!!

Until then, while I go tackle some other senior management, anti-social elements at work, yet again :) you take care and I ll see you in a week!

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 17 - Of 'desi fondues', being 'Jay chi bayko' and Volte!

2009-09-20T16:16:00.000-04:00

1. Post-Ramzan celebrations galore at work on Monday. Ashraf was really sweet and brought a big 'dabba bharke', 'sheer korma' for the work group, as part of 'Ramzan' celebrations. Ajmal brought in 'mawa barfi', Athiq brought in 'boondi ke laddu' and Mahboob brought in 'kababs'. The week started off well :)

2. Counting down to Saturday night, when I fly out. Trip No. 2 to NY, in 4 months. Not bad! Standing here, looking into the next few months, there is a trip scheduled back every month, until December :) So looking forward to the mile-accumulation :)
Except for the probable jet-lag on the return trips, I dont really mind living out of a suitcase for the remainder of the year, as I have done for the most part of 2009. Shuttling from one home to another, isnt that bad after all ;)

3. Monday evening was a cousin-in-law's grand engagement party. The speciality of the event was that it was hosted at Blue Sea Banquets; the beautiful sea-facing banquet hall, where Amit and I had our wedding reception, exactly 18 months ago :)

Since one can barely eat/ enjoy at one's own wedding, amidst all the activity and attire, here was my chance to sample the tastes and thrills of my own wedding reception venue. The in-laws and their extended families were all there, most of whom had met me last, at my wedding. So catching up had a whole new meaning, when we literally had to re-start with introductions and "Ohhhh, Is that you??"'s ....My reference-tag for the evening was "Jay chi baayko" (Jay's wife) (Amit's name at home is Jay).

While professional dancers shook their hips to 'Koli dances', 'Laavni's' and 'Bollywood re-mixes', others hung out at the 'photo-shoot corner' to take pictures with their families/ spouses. Mumbai's wedding industry successfully comes up with newer and more innovative ideas to keep the guests entertained at wedding functions. Among other famous people who attended, was Sunil Gavaskar, who had autograph/ photo requests being plonked on him as soon as he walked in.

I wore the red saree the best friend gifted me at her wedding :)

Looking forward to many more such evenings, as wedding season nears, so I can get to use all that traditional/ wedding wear that would otherwise rust in the closet.

4. More skirmishes at work, with the same senior management guys; this time, yet again for lack of co-ordination/ professionalism issues. Some people are paid to warm their seats and not get up, come rain/ shine/ submissions. A single signature seems like a project for them. Without delving into any more details, lets just say that there are days I thank my stars for being a 'consultant' with a limited time span in this office. I also however know, these are the days I will look back on, with as much pleasure, as the pain.

5. Office colour-dress day that started last week, seems to be running successfully so far. I found out later that this was not just an office-colour code but apparently most people in the city, were complying to this.A leading regional newspaper had published the prescribed and 'suggested' colour code for the 9 days preceding Dusshera and most people had been following this. Another one of those things that seem to be a recent trend, since I dont remember being part of this when I lived here.

6. Wednesday evening was the busiest evening ever. After work, the plan was to pick up a dress that I had asked the hubby to send to me, through friends, so I can wear it to a black/ formal gallery opening event on Friday night. Dinner was with the sis-in-law and the to-be bro-in-law at 'Out of the Blue' in Bandra; one of the best places I ve been to on this visit. We loved the low seating, breezy ambience, multiple waterfalls and the live singing. To add to that, the fondue was a delight as was my glass of 'desi' syrah. The pasta, once again, as I ve written in my previous notes, nothing to write home about, because of the extra 'gravy' it came with. Seriously, as Indians we need to learn to adopt international food for what it's worth and not always try to customise it to suit our spice-craving palate.

The evening was a pleasure, as is always the case when the three of us get together. Wednesday night also sparked off the series of late-night parties that would go on until the end of the week.

7. Kate (my ex-colleague from NY, also working here in Mumbai since the last 6 months) had a farewell party on Thursday, at Le Meridien. The party was themed around the ongoing 'Dandiya' festival that the Americans wanted to be a part of. So in what turned out to be an amazing evening, we found ourselves talking and mingling at the Meridien poolside. We were a small group of 25 from MIAL, CH2M Hill, L&T and SOM. The evening started off with drinks and appetizers but soon led into 'dandiya' and 'garba' coaching classes, where yours' truly and another colleague, volunteered to teach the dance-forms to everyone. Riotous laughter and dancing followed as the drinks flowed into the night and some people were pushed into the pool complete with their cameras, wallets and cell phones. Kate was overwhelmed and gave a short speech as did the others present, thanking her for her hard work and efforts.

The manager of the hotel was kind enough to provide not only 'dandiya-garba' music at the pool side but also got us some dandiya sticks to play with. Thursday night, was the second late night in a row.

8. The best-est Friday ever, followed. Traditional day at work entailed that most girls came to work dressed in saris, while some men wore kurtas.
Obviously, very little work would actually get done. But no one was complaining. Albeit the idea of traditional day at work may sound cheesy to some, I had forgotten the 'fun factor' associated with days such as these. The whole day was spent outdoors, posing for pictures in various 'groups' ; sometimes an 'office girls' picture or an 'office girls+boys group' picture etc. L&T even roped ina professional photographer to take group pictures of the sari-clad staff, to print in the next issue of the company magazine 'Concord'.
There was a Dusshera 'pooja' in the clients office where we were invited for an informal 'idli prasadam'. The rest of the day was spent collecting money for Kate's farewell party snacks - cake, wafers and cold drinks and arranging the party at the cafetaria.

Another short speech and some gift exchanges later, it was time to leave work to head to my next event for the day - Tush's swanky new gallery - Volte's launch party.

Volte, which is located in the Colaba Art District, right behind the Taj, opened to a full house on Friday evening. At Tushar's insistence, I had changed my air ticket to fly out the next day, so I wouldnt miss the opening night. And seemed like, it was totally worth it.

The gallery has turned out well. Having been one of the few who has seen this gallery, from it's 'idea' stage, there was a sense of fulfillment and joy on opening night, when Tush and I stood and stared at the space saying "It's come a long way, hasnt it?".
The gallery had opened with the works of four artist's - and their rather creative and whacky pieces of experimental art. (Check out www.volte.in) The experiences provoked in the audience, ranged from 'time travel' to arousing one's 'sexy superconsciousness' to 'breaking a cadillac with a jack-hammer' to 'watching rudaali's cry'. Definitely a first, in terms of gallery spaces in the city. Aptly enough the night was called 'The Gallery is dead. Long live the Gallery' since Volte changes the face of what a traditional gallery means and does. We all wore black in our condolences. Kudos to Tush on this great idea and looking forward to many more Volte-faces in Mumbai !

9. Saturday, was day no. 2 at work, in succession, of doing nothing else but TP ('time pass as Mumbaikars put it). Most offices in the city, it seems, were taking it easy this weekend, it being the long festive weekend.
All around the office, pictures taken at work, on Friday, were uploaded on Saturday. Dandiya plans were being made, in anticipation of the long weekend ahead. Most people flying out that night, were busy with checking-in to their flights and bidding good-bye's to their colleagues. I left work after lunch to pack and unwind a little bit after what has been my busiest week, socially speaking, in Mumbai, so far.
Dinner was with the folks and then we headed to the airport. The flight was on time, which is always good news. The airport looks better, each time I go, which is even better news. That, the duty-free doesnt still sell Sula or Old Monk, sucks though. My anti-jet lag strategy was to watch a movie for the first three hours of the flight and then sleep off, until we land. Seems like it worked, since I landed into Newark, all fresh and ready for the 20 miler ahead, to be run with the hubby at Central Park.
Seems like I brought the Monsoons with me and the outdoor run had to be scrapped, much to my dismay. Turned out that we ended up doing the +4 hour run on the treadmill in our local gym. Atleast we ran together, which was a plus and a highly motivating factor, so to say. Post-run, time was spent icing the legs and catching up with my recorded 'The Office' shows. Evening dinner was with the Newport gang at 'More' at Grove Street, in Jersey City.
A perfect weekend, spent in both homes, Mumbai and NY.

Week No. 17, in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek17?feat=directlink

Interactions with the immigration officers at the two airports (BOM and EWR) result in long casual conversations and puzzled looks, as I respond to their "Where do you live and work?" with a "I live in the US but work in India".
In Jersey, as we went up the elevator, my finger pointed towards 'floor 13' versus 'floor 25'. For an instance, I forgot which electrical switch, switches on the kitchen lights. As I walked into the bathroom and subconsciously groped for the switch, where the Mumbai bathroom's switch is fixed, I realised the duality of my life, at the moment. It probably takes me a few minutes, to adapt and re-adjust to each home; to the idea that while I once lived in NY and vacationed in Mumbai, I now do the exact reverse. But somehow, seems like I now miss Mumbai more, when I leave her for NYC, versus the other way around. Having said that, I dont think I can be OK with living in only one home, in one city, any more. Maybe it's the inherent desire (read: greed) to have a base in both cities; but two homes in two cities is nice. Just some aloud introspection!

Week No. 18 will be offset by one week which will be spent in NY. So until two weeks from now, when you hear from me next, take care and be good.
And if you re in NY, please come to the Friday night, Oct 2nd party, so we can catch up before I leave. I would love to see you, while I am here.

Take care,
Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 15 - Of 'carrom dreams', family dentists and Shivaji statues!

2009-09-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

1. The common cold decided to wane off and Monday evening found me running my 10 miler, that I had skipped on the weekend.

2. Apparently I have been promising the team "We ll chill and play carrom" since the day I got here, after our first submission. (We have a games room with a Table Tennis Table, Carrom board etc at the site office). Somehow, work takes up so much of our time, that I have yet to fulfill this promise. Not a day goes by when I am not reprimanded about this. So far I have been reminded, in innovative ways, of this "promise" that I probably once made. Meeting Minutes and Drawing Sheets that come across my way for scrutiny before they are submitted, now carry a note reading "Chill and play carrom" :)

Yes, you better believe it. Thats how silly my team members can get. A carrom evening is to be planned soon, so that this madness discontinues.

3. Gym members are often curious to see one girl running endlessly on the treadmill, everytime they walk in or out of the gym. Often, they cannot resist and have to ask. So I have been amused at being addressed with a "Wow, you have lost a lot of weight" from a total stranger or "Why do you keep running so much, all the time?" from people I know by face, but have never spoken to.

In one such valuable encounter, a gentleman came up to me to have a conversation. He seemed like a dream come true, when he mentioned Mumbai Striders; a Mumbai running group that trains together. (www.mumbaistriders.com)

For the longest time now, I have been on the lookout for a runner group in this city, whom I can join for my long runs. The only problem is their long runs start at NCPA, Nariman Point and none of them have yet reached the mileage that I am training at, since their races are relatively far out in the future. (Most of them are training for the Mumbai Marathon, which is in January 2010.)

Still, I look forward to joining them one Sunday morning for my weekly long run. Their website reveals pictures of the group running across the Sea Link, which is reason enough :)

4. Wednesday's non-gym night was spent taking care of Dental issues. The family dentist (I am the third generation of the family going to him) looked a little older than the last time I had been to him, but he still remembered me :)

This was another place where being the client, made me feel special, a feeling that's kind of amiss at times in NY. Turns out that the dental procedure needs me to come back atleast 3-4 more times, so will be seeing a lot of the Dentist and hence of the parents too (since the clinic is next door to their place).

Post-Dentist, dinner with the folks, was at an oft-visited restaurant, when we were growing up. It is still called 'Appointment' and they still use the tag line, which I had thought 20 years ago, was a witty one (Appointment - A point meant for you). The place is famous for it's pav-bhaji, chaat, paani-puri, milkshake, dosas etc etc and we had all of it. Was sort of like wrapping a childhood memory into a nutshell!

5. Saturday was an unusual day at work. I guess when you have a 6-day work week, there are Saturdays when you come to work, not wanting to work :) Seemed like this Saturday, that was the general mood in the office.

At Saturday lunch (pav-bhaji, almost unmistakenly, each time), empty desks and empty cafetaria tables spoke louder than the regular office humdrum. Since we sit in a cabin off, of the main office area, we almost thought people went home due to some early-leave announcement and no one bothered to tell us :)

But it was just people taking it really easy, thats all. Everyone was back at work an hour later. Only a few minutes later, an admin guy walked in and announced that the office will be closing right away (at 4:00 pm), due to some 'Shiv Sena activity' at the Shivaji statue, next door, at the airport.

Two years ago, when we started the airport design in NY, I remember distinctly telling my colleagues, that we need to be careful about 're-locating' a Shivaji statue in Mumbai, due to unsocial regional elements. The designers still went ahead, disregarding the idea, since they thought re-location would not provoke the insanity, that demolition would.

All I can say is, New Yorkers - sometimes it pays to listen to Mumbaikars.

Turns out there was quite a brawl on site, as the existing Shivaji statue, at the International Airport, needs to be relocated, based on our architectural plan. Obviously not ones to take this lying down, or to even understand what "relocate" means, the MNS (Maharasthra Navnirman Sena) headed by Raj Thakeray, decided to display their buffonery here. So that the matter would'nt get out of control, L&T declared our site office shut and people were evacuated. A welcome break, for everyone!

I spent almost two hours waiting in my car to leave work, for two Tamil-Tathas, who were assigned to share my car. They had "chumma" wandered off towards Ground Zero, to see what was going on there.

Obviously they were either unacquainted with Shiv Sena/ MNS 's previous track records or were utterly foolish. I am inclined to think it was the latter.

The rest of the evening was spent, unwinding at home, doing nothing, to store up all my energy for the first longest pre-race run, the next day. Sadly, left with not many options to order pasta from, for the carbo-load, I had to resort to the Papa Johns nearby and call it a night. One of the rare moments when I miss NY - when I am in search of really good pasta.

6. A random landslide, off the hill near home, injured a few people. Since then, two-three gigantic earth-collectors have been wreaking havoc day in and out, on the hill. Suddenly seems like the monsoon greens have vanished and given way to red soil underneath.

7. Sunday started at 6 am with the long run. This being the first longest run of the training, I was a little nervous, since I was doing it indoors. The run lasted a little over 4 hours, but when it ended, the feeling was uncomparable :)

Cant wait for the next long run, that will be run in Central Park with the running bud - hubby :)

Post-run the plan was to meet Mom and Pops at Laxmi Thali; a Gujju thaali place that Mom kept raving about. Sort of on the lines of Vatan, back in NY, this place served the same spread, more or less. Except of course the food was much sweeter. Filled to our hearts content, we left the restaurant, after 'paan'.

I took Mom shoe-shopping after lunch and we spent the afternoon bonding over shoes, artefacts and random childhood memories of Linking Road in Bandra. Evening chai with samosa, was at home with the folks, after which Snehi and Ira decided to drop in. Ira's non-stop jabber kept us in splits, as always :)

Dinner was Pani-Puri at Chandru's, after which I left for home. Del Potro's excellent combat with Nadal, added the last touch of excitement in a weekend well spent. "This guy is going to win the Open this year" I said to myself. Obviously I was floored, as I cheered loudly, in the apartment, each time he appeared to effortlessly hit the ball. Seemed like half my facebook friend list had landed up at this game - was well worth their money, for sure!

Week No. 15 in pictures is here :

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek15?feat=directlink

I ll be back in NYC in two weeks for my birthday :) so hope to see you then. I hear NY has jumped to Winter directly, has it? Eitherways, October heat will soon be upon us in Mumbai. So I will be looking forward to the chill, somehow :)

Stay happy and thrilled! Will see you all soon!

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 14 - Of Architectural 'Bliss', 'circular' lives and unusually free weekends!

2009-09-08T16:12:00.000-04:00

1. Week 14 started with a bang -

On Monday, Preetam and Ilya, (whom you may know from the previous week's diary), came over to the office, for a scheduled site-visit. The three of us, along with Sushanta, the L&T Structural engineer on the project, got a personalised, special tour of the construction site. We walked all along the periphery of the SW Pier, which is the first phase of the airport, noticing intricate construction details and stepping on and off reinforcement bars and cement sacks.

To be on site, to see constructed, what one has been working on, from the inception, is how most Architects define "Bliss".

This was one such afternoon for us.

We tanned ourselves dark, through our safety helmets and site jackets, as we walked around, relating in actuality, what we had been conceiving so long, in 2 and 3-D. To Preetam, the Structural Engineer, the visit also entailed work, as he kept pointing out things to Sushanta, that he was not in agreement with, but to Ilya and I, this was an exciting couple of hours, touring what I ve called my 'baby' since over two years now.

2. September is here and so is the first of the family birthdays - Sept 2nd was Pa-in-laws birthday. In his honour, I hosted a birthday dinner at one of his favourite sea-food speciality restaurants - Gajalee in Vile Parle. The event was attended by both the Moms', Dads' and sis-in-law and to-be bro-in-law. The night started off with some yummy pink-looking Sol Kadhi, went on to Hariyali Paneer Tikkas, Tandoori Pomfrets, Bombay-Duck fry and Seekh kababs. The main course included Shark gravy (Mori Masala), Shrimp Masala and three types of Biryanis - Fish, Chicken and Vegetarian. Dessert was birthday cake - Dutch trufle brought by the sis-in-law, cut by Pa-in-law, amidst a loud birthday song and clapping spectators :)

The conversation ranged from weddings, careers, travel plans to future plans. An evening that did not want to end or so it seemed, when even after having left the restaurant, people didnt really leave each other. Finally, at midnight or so, we called it a night and went home. Most definitely looking forward to many such mega family events, in the near future.

3. While there is much festive mirth and revelry everywhere, when all the 'dhols' are done beating and the 'aartis' stop chanting, it may be time to reflect within ourselves and wonder what happens to the environment, when our celebration ends? Most Ganesh idols are immersed in the sea, in most parts of Mumbai or in the lake, as in Powai. As kids, while growing up in Mumbai, we were not taken to the beach a few weeks after 'Ganpati Bappa went home' since the waters would have washed ashore an arm or a leg of an idol.

In a similar discussion with a friend the other day, we talked about how plaster-of-paris Ganpati's should be banned and eco-friendly ones should be promoted. However, obivously it is easier said than done, considering a huge industry is supported by this festival and the idols. But somehow a happy medium needs to be struck. We can no longer sacrifice our beaches and waters, exposing them to poisonous non-degradable idols. Obviously, no political party will pick up the onus of declaring this ban. So maybe it's time the common man thought about it and generated a PIL for the same.

4. Its funny how, at certain sights, that suddenly appear in front of me, I get all "awwww", inspite of being back in Mumbai for over 3 months now.

Inanimate objects that have held relevance in the past, especially in the growing years. One such "awww" moment happened the other day, when I was walking home from gym and I saw a beaten-up shuttlecock, lying on the road, next to me :) That makes me add 'playing baddy' as we called it, to my to-do list, while I am still here.

When I got home, the neighbours 'double door' had a 'phool-pudi' (green leaf wrapped around flowers, usually delivered in the evenings, for pooja, in apartment buildings in Mumbai), stuck in it's grill, as several doors did in our building, while growing up.

At Mom's place in Four bungalows, this retrospection enhances itself, when I see the bhel-puri walla bhaiyya, still standing where he did, for the last 30 years, selling exactly what he did, and still looking the same. It's like living in parallel Mumbai's simultaneously.

5. The last day of Ganpati was Thursday, this week. Office was 'supposed' to shut early, since immersion traffic takes over the city, beyond 3 pm. However, inspite of no formal intimation from work to leave early, people decided to take off as they pleased anyway.

Narayan, my latest driver and I, took off. He was going home to Ghatkopar, for his local Ganpati visarjan, so he dropped me off en route, at a rickshaw stop, since I was going to Four Bungalows, to see Ganpati's. Turns out, no rickshaw-wallahs were interested in going anywhere, so after 45 unsuccessful minutes, finally a generous gentleman stopped and decided to give a few of us a ride, upto Juhu galli. From there, a stranger and I (this girl who had hooked up with me at the bus-stop in Mumbai's popular "When in trouble unite with another woman" scenario) found a rickshaw, that took us home.

At home, after evening-chai with the folks, Mom and I, walked towards an appropriate street corner, to view the caravan of huge Ganesha's trailing their way into the beach. A few pictures later, we started following the caravan and found ourselves walking onto the beach and almost into the water. We walked from one Ganesha to another, on the sand, some where the last 'aarti's' were being said and some were just entering the ocean.

People willingly posed for my camera, (Mom thought they assumed I was part of the 'press'). Circulation was smooth, no pushing, no shoving, no groping. For the first time in my life, I was not worried about being in a crowded place, in this city, having to be wary of 'intrusions'.

My clicking-frenzy got the better of me. I got emotional and a little foggy-eyed on seeing my favourite little 'God-Buddy' leave, as I yelled out in sync with the rest of the city "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya varshi lavkar ya". I even added my own little prayer to it, in my head and said "Aani aamhala parat Mumbai-it houu dya" (Ganpati Bappa Morya, Come early next year and please let us be in Mumbai, again, at the time.)

As I stood with Mom, at the pedestrian side of the rope, which forbid us from entering into the 'visarjan' zone beyond, we stared far out, at the horizon. Post-visarjan, people were emerging from the sea, with empty 'paat's' (pedestals on which Ganpati is kept) in their hand.

Neither Mom nor I, said a word. Neither of us had ever been to the sea, for a Ganesh visarjan before; I, in my 30 years of existence and Mom in her 33 years of having lived in Mumbai. When I was growing up, she would hold my hand and take me to the Bonbon junction at 7 Bungalows, every year, to show me the passing big Ganpati's, going for immersion. That was the making of my first Mumbai moments.

That Thursday evening, while gazing at the Ganpatis' being immersed into the ocean, as I inched closer to hold Mom's hand, I realised, I had given her, her most incredible Mumbai moment.

Momentarily albeit, Life came a full circle !

Post-visarjan, we met up with Snehi and little Ira and walked through the celebrations, to go to Snehi's place. My evening was spent playing with li'll Ira ( For some silly reason we both call each other 'Cuckoo' now), taking pictures and working on jigsaw puzzles that gave shape to two Dora's.

Dinner was at Mom's place, while watching our common T.V soap together, after which I left for home. The rickshaw ride back, was smooth, winding its way through more processions and celebrations. Saying one last good-bye to Ganpati Bappa, I found myself back home, as soon as the clouds gave way to incessant rainfall, that did not stop all night long. A lot of prayers seemed to have been answered that night.

6. While walking in Ratan Nagar (the street I grew up on), I came across a "chamcha poster" that celebrated the organisers of the local Ganpati. I had expected to find some familiar faces on the poster, but the face of this one 'Uncle' made me roar with laughter, as it will to my friends who know him too :) So although this is not a joke that everyone can understand, it is extremely hilarious and hence putting down as a highlight of the week. Mom, Pops and I shared a soulful laugh, as we passed by the poster.

7. Mr. Mad Oldie from Senior Management at work here, went around putting himself to shame once again. He asked a girl in the office, "If you dont mind, can you please tie your hair?". The girl did give it back to him, in her own way, but the man does not fail to apall me with his ridiculousness.

8. AA (My team member, also named Amit) who keeps "Boss" ing me all the time, was the centre of all jokes, when even the buttons on his pant buttons, read the same as his office mantra - "Yes Boss", as seen in the first picture of the weekly album.

9. The work week ended just as it started; with another site visit, this time to the existing International Terminal, to study certain joinery details. It was nice to enter the airport and go all the way upto the Continental gate, without a ticket in hand. "From here, all I need is a Boarding Pass, to go make a quick trip to go see the Hubby and come back :)" I said to myself.

10. The common cold took over me starting Friday; and gave the boys another reason to joke about. The Swine Flu poster stuck on the notice board outside, was now relocated to my desk, as they decided to check my symptoms against those on the poster.

11. Saturday evening, after work, was spent running domestic errands in Powai, after which I called it an early night, in anticipation of the long run the next day.

12. Sunday morning, the rains and exhaustion woke me up, to the morning alarm. The target run being only a 10 miler, I decided to give it a skip and went back to bed again, only to rise at 11:30 am. This must have been my latest Sunday morning, in Mumbai, so far.

Lunch was at Mom and Pop's, where Pav Bhaji awaited me. The afternoon was spent pampering myself with massages before I came home for evening-chai with the folks. Dinner was Bhuna Chicken and Veg. Biryani ordered from 'Urban Tadka', while watching a T.V Award show with the parents. I was finally back home in Powai, at 11 pm to call it a night, on a weekend spent, doing absolutely nothing. My first such weekend here; and one that I do not intend on repeating :)

Week 14 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek14?feat=directlink

Take care and do write back. Would love to hear from you.

Be happy and stay well, while I go to the cafetaria and grab some 'tayeer-chaadam' and pickle for lunch.

Hope you all had a great long weekend.

Love,
Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 13 - Of The Boys', new gym friends and 'pink' gulaal....

2009-09-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

1. The boys in the cabin, are on a different trip these days. Apparently, when 'Boss' was away, there were a few inquiries from certain 'guys' in the office, regarding her return. Since then, the 'cabin-boys', as I call them now, (to differentiate between those who can take certain liberties vs those who try to take them) have new reasons to take the Boss's case all day long. A 'list' has been pinned up in the cabin, which keeps getting new and totally random additions to it, every day. It's called 'Boss Fan Club' and makes me ridiculously red in the face, everytime someone asks what it is. Feels very FYJC (First year Junior College)!

2. At the end of more than half my stint here at work, we finally get lockers/ our

own cabinets and some more office furniture. Much excitement followed, as desks were re-arranged and individual work-areas re-defined.

I now have a corner-office; albeit of a new kind, it's an L-desk in a corner of the office :(

3. Wednesday night was dinner with the Jha-Mehta's. I was meeting little Ira after ages, who wanted to eat pizza, so we went to Mangiferra in Juhu. Neither the food, or the place, were anything much to write about, but of course an evening spent with the Jha-Mehta's is always very entertaining. Ira and I had our own little kiddie conversation when both her parents, Snehi and Atit, got out of the car, to talk to random friends they had bumped into, ironically at the same time.

Ira and I being in the car all by ourselves, played a make-believe 'chor-police' game, which ended with Ira handing me over to the police :( My only relief came when she promised to bring me 'dabba' to my jail :)

Another highlight of the evening, was the three of us trying to teach Ira to 'beat back' any one who punches/ pushes/ hits her in school. Not sure how great that piece of advice is, especially as she did'nt seem too convinced about it :)

4. The view from the bedroom balcony of the new apartment, is breath-taking. Finally managed to take some pictures. Makes a night-bird like me, look forward to mornings.

5. A lot of flight purser's live in my apartment complex. The Kingfisher one's, look the funniest. I think Kingfisher needs to revamp their air-hostess's uniforms or have them wear it just before they board the flight. A woman wearing red, head to toe, looks outrageous, when not in the context of an airplane. Red pumps have never looked so ridiculous before.

6. Made a new friend at the gym on Friday night. Madhavi, is an American-Indian, married to Jim, an American. Both have been living in my apartment complex, for over a year now. Jim works with Deutsche Bank and has been moved here through his company, to work in their Sakinaka branch. Madhavi and I got along instantly, while group training with our instructor. Jim and her, feel the constant lack of sporting activities to indulge in, in Mumbai and are tired of clubbing/ eating out as the only recreational activities in the city. Seems like I may have new company to hang out with in Mumbai.

7. The very stingy Amit Anand (team member) was finally forced to "treat" everyone, since he never really offers to do so. So once again, the trademark Dominos pizza was ordered and the cubicle was converted into a mid-week party-spot.

8. A coincidental brush with another senior from my undergrad days, Marzban, at the office. Turns out his company is designing the signage system for the airport. My world continues to grow smaller.

9. Saturday was Ganpati Visarjan Day No. 7. It also happened to be the evening, Preetam, Ilya and I decided to do dinner at Aurus at Juhu. Preetam and Ilya are ex-co workers from NYC and are in town, on work. Somehow, I didnt have the presence of mind to avoid 'Juhu' that evening, so while both the guys landed there on time, I was a good hour and half late. Mumbai traffic cops routed us efficiently from Mithibai to S.V Road, to Amitabh's bungalow to Juhu Garden, more than twice, on the same route, until we finally made it to Aurus. Inspite of the delay, I must admit I kind of enjoyed the various processions, leading Ganesha towards immersion and even managed to get some pink 'gulaal' on my jeans and scarf.

On reaching, I found the poor jet-lagged guys, almost dozing off on the plush couch, at our table. A few drinks, appetizers, oysters and pasta later, we called it a night. I missed out on being there earlier to take pictures of the 'ocean view' from the restaurant, as it's outdoor space completely opens up to the sea. Sort of the modern day 'Sea View Hotel' that we used to hang out at, in our architectural undergrad days.

It took us another hour's worth of walking post-dinner, all the way back to S.V Road, among more Ganpati processions, to find rickshaws that would take us to our respective destinations. I came home to some drunk Koreans' rushing into my rickshaw, pleading to me, to talk to the driver in Hindi and help them out with some directions.

What a fun night! And more so, since it rained on and off, almost as if Ganpati Bappa blessed Mumbai, as they bid him a devotional and ultra-rocking good-bye, what with their strobe-lit caravans and mad music blasting publicly throughout the city. Another definite Mumbai Moment; one that I hope to repeat on the 11th day of the festival too, next week.

10. Sunday found me trotting all over the city, from Powai to Colaba to Mahalakshmi to Four Bungalows and back to Powai.

Sunday morning started off with an 18 miler. Obviously the runs get tougher, as they get longer, especially when they are done on a treadmill, indoors. But somehow I ve come to terms with the fact that this may be my first marathon, trained indoors completely. I may as well run the 26.2 on the treadmill too and get a medal at the end of it :)

Sunday afternoon was spent design-consulting with Tush at his gallery space, that opens to all, on Sept 25th, Friday. "The" reason for which I pushed my flight ticket out to NY, by one day, so I dont miss out on, what he insists will be 'Mumbai's most historic art-space opening party'.

The lovely afternoon was spent brainstorming, over art/ business/ venues/ party invites/ tag lines/ signage and future business initiatives. There's a lot going on; opening-related, that I am not allowed to talk about yet, so I ll keep mum, until the opening day, when I can reveal it all. For now, it's just exciting and strangely fulfilling, to see a spark of an idea, take shape this beautifully :)

Sunday evening was spent with Kalpesh (another really old friend, from undergrad days) and his parents, at his swanky 31st floor, Race Course apartment. Every time I go to their places, (Tush's and Kalpesh's), I cant help but think of 'home' back in the States, overlooking the Hudson, with it's spectacular view. What was literally supposed to be a 'touch-and-go' stop, turned out to be a 2-hour fun catching-up session with him and his parents, who were meeting me after 7 years. This was a meet-up long overdue, since we had been planning to meet, since the day I had first landed here, in June.

Sunday night was spent at Mom and Pops, where we had more catching up to do, since they had just landed into town, from visiting Grandma. Mom made 'vada-paav' and obviously I over-ate, convincing myself, I ll run it all off soon :)

Week 13 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek13?feat=directlink

The upcoming weeks/ months look terribly exciting from here. Not only is it back-to-back festival time in Mumbai - Raakhi, Janmashtami, Independence Day just passed, Ganpati and Ramzan are going on and will end soon, soon to be followed by Navratris, Dusshera, Diwali, Christmas and New Years. And the marathon (in NY) in November. And four weddings, not including Sis-in-law's wedding, that already await attendance confirmation, all in the end of Nov - beginning December. Amidst all of the above, are our family birthdays/ anniversaries that roll off in September and go all the way until February.

My kind of country this, that celebrates everything, big or small :) The only missing element, to complete this experience - Hubby - who's missing a lot here and being missed a lot here too!

So while I go chart out my busy weeks ahead, and book tickets, you take care and have fun. Do keep in touch, write back and call me if you're in this magical madness of a megalopolis. I promise, I' ll still have time to meet up :)

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries - Week 12 - Of showdowns, Ganesha's and salon-boys!

2009-08-26T16:09:00.000-04:00

Week 11 was spent out of Mumbai, travelling within Paris, Versailles, Brussels, Ghent, Brugge and finally a quick weekend trip to New York, to run errands, catch up with friends and run the Half-Marathon. In short, the week was a gist of my life at the moment, shuttling between both my homes/ work places, with some travel in between :)

The Diary notes below, are from Week 12; the first half of which was spent in NY and the remainder in Mumbai.

1. The week started with my fifth Half-Marathon (4th NYC Half Marathon). Having trained on treadmills all season long, this was my first outdoor race of the year. I crossed the finish line at 2:39:42, not my best time so far; in fact, it's 40 whole minutes slower, than my fastest half ever, that I ran in 2007. Need to pick up on the training.

2. I landed in Mumbai, on Tuesday night. Parents, as always, came to pick me up at the airport and we came back to my place for the night. Adorable Mum had brought along 'ghar ka khana' for me, so after some catching up and a satiating dinner, I called it a semi jet-lagged night.

3. Mum and co-workers think I am more tanned after the one week vacation, than I ve been after moving to Mumbai for the past two months.

4. Wednesday, the team rejoiced as 'Boss' was back in town. Before they asked 'How are you?' they wanted to know, 'Where are the chocolates?' Strangers, who I've barely spoken to before, came to my desk, inviting themselves to the 'foreign made chocolates'. Gradually the bag of Ghirardelli Squares, depleted itself. The updates were given, more fun-related than work-related. A fun second-first day at work!

5. The gym instructor is elated. Turns out over the brief vacation, I actually lost a kg. All the more motivation to keep going at it :)

6. The sis-in-law is tying the knot. There is much excitement all around and a lot of planning to be done. Soon tickets, shopping, designing, etc will take over our lives. Thursday night dinner was with sis-in-law and the new bro-in-law to be. A fun-filled dinner, that included lot of catching up and getting to know the new bro-in-law, at Parabola, in the Rodas Ecotel at Powai. Looking forward to many more such evenings, before the wedding frenzy sets in.

7. Word has come from the client's side (Mumbai International Airport Ltd) that "The joinery detail package is one of the most sophisticatedly drawn and comprehensively detailed one, that we have received from L&T by far". Boss and her team, are now taking a bow!

8. Office administration is hilarious. New hires abound, coming in, by the dozens, each day and no place to sit or work station to work on. Its funny how every day they scout around the whole office, asking around if someone is out today, so they can grab their desk for the day. Makes for our daily dose of 'musical chairs'.

9. Two more friends are visiting next week from NYC. Mumbai continues to be my new 'social convergence' point.

10. Black Forest cake to celebrate Martin's Birthday. The usual cake-smearing on the face and the magic candles that never blow out. This time we even had wafers, so it was right out of a kiddie birthday party, all with paper plates, wafers and cake :)

11. Big big big showdown with two senior management officials from L&T, who needed to be shown their place. Political games abound here, as they do in most other work places, but this time, as they say, the water had gone well over. A lot of arguing, finally gave way to some reason. Not one to give up so easily to injustice, I stomped straight, into the Project Director's office for clarification on issues that the fight had revolved around, only to be told, I was absolutely correct in my endeavour.

The Project Director also added, that the old school-ers at L&T needed to get their act straight and that I had nothing to fear, in standing up for what I thought should be the 'process'. Big high, winning this, I must arrogantly claim. After all, its not every day that I get to brag, having successfully argued out two gentlemen, much older than my dad, with tremendous experience, that I seriously doubt now :)
Overnight, there seems to be a 'hero' status in the office, post-issue.
Dubey - the office chai-boy summarised it when he said "Madumm, fataa-fat angrezi mein baat karre jaa rahee theen; bilkul Jhansi ki rani lageen. Bahut accha sabak sikhaaya Madumm-ji ne un khusat buddhon ko aur unhe chhup karr diya." When a colleague asked Dubey, how he knew all this; he innocently replied "Hum kitchen kee deewar se kaan jo lagaaye sun rahey they na"
:)

12. The air is pregnant with Ganpati mantras. It's beautiful, as if the whole city is in a state of solemn divinity and utmost devotion. I wake up to an 'aarti' that comes from a 'pandal' behind the hills somewhere and sleep to one; that is possibly being said in the house next door. A thrill that will last only for a few more days, I know.

13. Ganesha came this year with Ramzan, hand in hand, both on the same day. As I went home from Mom's place, I saw on either side of the road, two contrasting yet connected experiences. On one side of the road, devotees marched, bringing in their ganpati idols, all veiled up, since it was the day before Ganesh Chaturthi. On the other side of the road, multiple men bowed, wearing white caps, in tune to the 'azaan', as they started their first 'roza' for the Ramzan. The dichotomy took over me so overwhelmingly, that I missed a great photo-op. No regrets, however. I dont think the camera could have done justice to the moment, anyway.
Definitely another 'Mumbai moment'!
A few times in the past, such concurrences have occured, that have made me think, if calendar's can synchronise so well, why do people then, refuse to? And then come along, some people, who astonishingly defy all borders. I have new found respect for Salman Khan's tolerant religious practice, suddenly, who (as the news channels flashed), broke his 'roza' before taking his ganpati for 'visarjan'.

14. Moved into my third, and what I desperately hope, is my last apartment here at this stint in Mumbai. This one is slightly smaller, but has the best view, from the bedroom balcony. The Powai hills sprawl right outside and it being Monsoon, they are sprinkled with light green all over. The place is on the 13th floor (yes in India, they still have 13 floor) and awaits visits from friends and family :)

15. How many of you girls, have had your eyebrows done by a man? And a 'mast' hot oil 'champi' complete with some sort of hand massager that vibrates the devils out of one's head? I was funnily exposed to both of the above, over the weekend. Being a day before Ganpati, most salons in the city were closing earlier and my desperate hunt led me to a random place, where I decided to entrust my eyebrows into a strangers hands. The stranger turned out to be a 20-something young boy, who seemed to resemble the others of his clan-types, hanging out at the ice-cream parlour next door. And what a splendid job he did!

Similar story with the oil-massage place. The young boy giving me the 'champi' promised that I would dump my regular massage place to come to him all the time.

I guess, you never really know what lies out there, until you get out of your comfort zone.

16. Sunday morning, after a somewhat difficult 14 miler on the treadmill, I was ready for Ganesha. Mom and Pops came over and the three of us, left for a cousin's place for the first 'aarti' of the day and some tasty vegetarian, Ganpati festival food. The next stop for 'darshan' was at Snehi's Mom's place. To my disappointment, little Ira was fast asleep, still wearing her tiny 'ghagra choli', but that didnt stop us from sitting literally on top of her head and laughing out loud, as we caught up with each other.

Week 12 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek12?feat=directlink

Thank you for reading the diaries and also for the numerous 'encore' emails and replies that make me pen these episodes down and share them with all of you.

As a dear friend Shagun, said in her email to me, earlier this week; it's nice to know that through my emails, you can journey into a more irregular and shall I say 'differently disciplined' world, that seems to function of it's own accord :)

The updates will be more regular now that Week 12 has passed and I am finally re-settled in, back in my Mumbai life.

So while I hope all of you are having a good day and being good, I shall sign off now, since the 'kaanda bhajjis' (or pyaaz ke pakode, as some of us know them) and 'chai' await me :)

Take care,
Shweyta

Mumbai diaries Week 10 - Of rakhi's, packing up and good-bye's...

2009-08-24T16:08:00.000-04:00

Note: This diary is for the week before I left here for the vacation.

1. One week to go for Paris and the L'Affaire du Coeur with the stranger meeting me there. Cant wait! Before this week ends, I ll be with him :)

2. Lots of work to finish before I take off. The team cant wait till I leave nor can they wait till I am back to shield them from the line of fire. Strange feeling this, but a nice one somehow!

3. The weekend will be spent partly in Mumbai, partly in the air and partly in Europe :) A well deserved break this one - after ten, long, 6-day work-weeks.

4. The trainer is not very happy about my break, considering it will interrupt my training. This is going to be one regimented vacation!

5. Wednesday was 'Raksha Bandhan' and although I didnt really celebrate, it did feel like a different day. Traffic was crazy till late at night, men walked around wearing red 'tilaks' that their sisters put on their foreheads and multi-coloured 'rakhis' on their wrists. The guys in the office wore full-shirts in honour of the long-standing joke of wearing a full sleeved shirt to work, so no one could tie them a 'rakhi' :)
The non-gym evening on Wednesday was spent with Mom and Pops, doing small everyday things, like grocery shopping, drinking naariyal-paani, watching T.V etc. My first trip to a Mumbai grocery store after a very long time revealed there is nothing you dont get there, that you get in a US grocery store. Another role reversal of sorts, since just a few months ago Mom, Pops, Amit and I were grocery shopping in New Jersey buying stuff for our apartment and here I was, with Mom and Pop, buying stuff for their home here in Mumbai.

6. Manjari (the marathoner friend from NY) was leaving to go back to the US, from her internship here, in the city.
We met up for a good-bye dinner, locally, at Aura near Rodas in Powai on Wednesday night.
Aura, is a fashion/ music/ food kind of place, with strange mannequins that peep out of its glass windows, while in one end of the space, china-town kind of lanterns hang in dozens. The music is too loud, as is the case in most places in Mumbai and the air-conditioning is set on too cold. We had pasta, which appeared to be more like 'little pasta in lots of cream sauce' instead of being the other way around. Seems like most restaurants in the city prefer to serve their pastas like this, considering most Indians do not like dry pasta. An impromptu fun mid-week dinner that worked out very well on the time-front as well, especially since both of us, live next door to each other.

7. Turns out that I ll be missing out on a lot of events on my social calendar when I am away from Mumbai. A very good friend Kunal, from architecture school in LA, is getting engaged here in Mumbai, on the Sunday. Another good friend and ex-colleague from NYC, Bharati, is also getting married in Pune next Wednesday. And there's Janmashtami - Govinda day for Mumbaikars, with all the high hung "haandi's" and the human pyramids trying to reach and break them.

8. Ganpati idols have started appearing all over the bazaars and Ganesh 'mandaps' are sprouting up all over the city. This will be my second Ganesh Chaturthi in the city, in the last 7 years, so looking forward to it. It happens the weekend, right after I get back.

9. Still have so many people to meet in Mumbai. Turns out I still have so many friends here in Mumbai, so seems like, I'd be lucky, if I got to meet any of them more than once.

10. Saturday was a short work day, since I decided to take off work earlier, to pack etc and actually feel like my vacation is really about to start. The boys in the team decided to order a pizza, in honour of the 'Boss' who was departing ;)

I sure do hope there will be a 'welcome pizza' when the Boss returns too. Time will tell.

11. The flight out to Brussels was at 2:20 am, so the night's dinner out was planned with the parents, at Saffron Spice, near IIT Powai. I had heard a lot about this place from my American colleagues and thought we'd give it a shot. Powai has quite a few restaurants but seems like I am soon going to run out of places, since I try very hard not to repeat any of them. Dinner was basic Indian fare and my must-order Indian dish, Butter Chicken/ Chicken Tikka Masala or some sort of spicy gravy Indian chicken dish with Roti for Pops and me and corn subzi for Mom, which was too sweet. Of course the regular accompaniments included papad, achaar and salad. All in all, this was by far my most average food experience in the city.

12. At the airport, post-security, I went click-happy on some new developments I noticed, mainly in the concessions areas. The IIFA lounge was the most commendable addition, I have noticed in the recent past and must say, a very innovative one at that.

This diary is being sent out before the week really ends, since the week ends in Paris with the husband, on our second honeymoon :)

Week 10 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek1002?feat=directlink

Hopefully I can manage to catch up with some of you, when I am back in NYC, for the weekend of Aug 14th - 17th.
Until then, take care, stay hale and hearty and please come cheer Amit and me, on Aug 16th, if you can, as we run the NYC Half-Marathon, yet again!

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries Week 9 - Of Mongini's cakes, meetha paan and paani puri!

2009-08-07T16:05:00.000-04:00

1. One of our office 'macchas' had his birthday. The first Birthday celebration at work, here since I ve joined. Pretty much similar to an office birthday celebration in NYC, except of course there's just one small cake and 50 mouths to feed :) But then again, unlike in the US, there's one cake per person, per birthday. Something I never encountered in an NYC office.

And No, we didnt sing Happy Birthday in Tamil!

2. The L&T yearly appraisals and promotions were announced this week. Turns out most people I know in the company, received anywhere from Rs.5000 to Rs.1,50,000 as their yearly bonus. Quite a few even got promoted to the next rung in what seems like a rather long corporate ladder. All in all, this year, L&T has spent more than what they did last year, in bonuses/ appraisals and pay raises. Way to go Recession!

3. I lead a team comprising of three people at work; one of whom is also called 'Amit'. In a hilarious event in the past, when asked "How is Amit?" in my first week here, I had gone on to almost respond "He is fine. He is in NYC and missing me a lot." when I realised the Amit in question, was the team member.
In a similar situation last week, yet again I was asked "How is Amit?", to which my confident answer was "He's doing good. Learning well and even understands the project better than most people here." The co-worker/ friend who had posed the question, looked around somewhat confused, when I realised he was inquiring about the husband 'Amit' :)

4. Amit the team member, refers to me as "Sweetest Boss"; a title I am much flattered by. Apparently he has'nt had "bosses" that have been fun in the past, or so it seems. Amit, the husband as always has the last line in the situation; "Oh, so even in Mumbai you're Amit's boss, are you?"
:)

5. Wednesday night, being the gym-free night, calls for fun mid-week plans. This week, Wednesday was spent shopping around Bandra before meeting up with Deepti (architecture undergrad friend) for dinner at '5 Spice'.

'5 Spice' is a typical three-storeyed huge Chinese restaurant straight out of Chinatown. Each portion serves the entire table, so between the two of us, we had a tough time downing the spread of 5-Spice soup, chicken wrapped in fried noodles and spicy shrimp in garlic sauce with the regular kim-chi that adorns the tables of most Chinese restaurants in the city nowadays. Drinks were Sula Chantilly and Kingfisher pints! A lot to eat, over lots to chat and talk about, since the two of us were meeting after 3 years.

6. Cho, the comic Korean co-worker from NYC, landed for his last month-long trip, this week. He brings with him, hilarious day to day incidents that involve the cafetaria's Indian food and his grumpy face each time he eats there. He also brings with him loads of Korean food; canned kim-chi and udon, in the hope that it lasts him through his stay here.

7. At work, an 'employee notice' that seems to pop up every 10 days describes, to my utter shock, what women and men should wear to work. I know most companies like to regulate the office attire but didnt know this one said "Women - Salwar kameez's or chudidaar kurtas' with tightly pinned duppattas" That, thankfully, no one actually pays attention to these notices, is of course another story!

8. Saturday was to be the first submission of my assignment here. So the team and I, spent the entire day pulling together last minute details to put together our package, for the Joinery Details of the first phase of the Airport. And Saturday evening, we all slumped down in our chairs, breathing sighs of relief, at 7:30 pm when the package had been waved good-bye and sent out for QA/QC.

My first ever team-led package sent out. Truly, a great feeling.

An integral aspect of the Airport, can now say it was designed/ planned by your's truly :)

9. Sarika (good friend and ex-colleague from NY) was in town, for some of her meetings with prospective developers and clients. I invited her over at the office, for a "L&T lunch". It was fun to catch up over pav-bhaji (Saturday lunch special) while reminiscing about how we pined for food like this everyday in NY, at work.

Kashyap, (another Architect-friend from NY) was also in town and although we couldnt meet, we did catch up over the phone. Two more friends from NY are expected to be here, in Mumbai, in the next few weeks.

I always looked at NY as this great centre point, where everyone converged atleast once and so just by living there, I got to meet them all. Mumbai, now, seems to have become the new centre-point, somehow.

10. We work at L&T's Project Site-office; closer to the site (in our case the International Airport), nice and green, has a more earthy feel to it. A snail in the ladies room, a rat on a colleague's desk (who thankfully sits far far away) are then just part of the deal, I guess. Reminds me of my Auroville days, when we would pee on frogs (by mistake, obviously) and shower with squirrels.

11. Two more cakes and lots of magic candles at work, for a birthday boy and a new groom-to-be. I think I really like L&T's staple employee benefits; housing, transportation, food and birthday cake for each employee.

In the list above, I have yet to add the various allowances offered; children's school fee allowances, leave travel allowances and of course multiple vacation/ sick and personal days off. Makes it very hard to rationalise the US working system somehow.

12. Saturday night was to be another carbo-loading exercise. So after a lot of back-and-forth between Indian/ Chinese/ Italian cuisines, Snehi and Atit gave in to my pasta-dinner demand. Snehi, at her restaurant-picking best, went on to pick Shatranj Napoli, which serves Pasta and Indian as well, so everyone could eat what they wanted.

Signature, in Four Bungalows is now Shatranj-Napoli; nicely done up, with the quintessential semi-outdoor space and a bare light-coloured wooden, farm kind of feel. The waiter tried to stop me from taking pictures, thinking I was press, armed with my D-80. Took some yelling to convince him that I was just a regular customer, here to eat with my friends and taking pictures while I waited for them to arrive. Ignorance is not always bliss!

Dinner started with a foccacia bread recommendation made by the waiter, instead of the garlic bread that Snehi wanted to have. The Foccacia arrived looking more like a pizza base with herbs sprinkled on it. Two types of pastas with heavy sauces and a thin crust pizza was our dinner for the night. And of course, no matter what the meal, it always has to end with a 'meetha paan'.

Atit's generous self, offered 'Rakhi ka swayamwar' tickets to me and Snehi. While I was a little skeptical about scarring my public profile, by being seen at such a hideous event, Snehi was pretty sure, it was very beneath her, to attend. So the plan was shelved.

Post Dinner, we gave Atit the boot, so we could take a leisurely walk back home, where he would meet us with the car.

A different sort of an evening, this one, with Ira missing. A family I am definitely going to miss, when I am back in NY.

13. Sunday started with the last 11 miler before the Half Marathon. The race is now only a few days away and I cant imagine, how it will be to run it outdoors, with all my training for it having been done indoors. I can only hope the weather is blissful and cool, which will be a big help.

Sunday lunch was with Mum and Pops, eating Mommy-made food after ages. Post lunch chattering away and catching up with the folks continued for hours, after which I was off for a massage and a haircut :) More a re-style than a cut, this one. Say my team mates at work "Makes you look even more like a 'Madam'" I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

"The only Indian food I am craving now is paani puri, frankie and butta" I told Mom.

Mom, who's never been a big promoter of 'outside' food suggested we do all of the above for dinner. So after 'shaam ki chai' (evening tea) we were off to Chandru's for paani puri and then Tibb's frankie. Soon it was time to go home, since everyone had been talking about 'Rakhi ka Swayamwar' and I didnt want to miss it, since it would ensure complete entertainment and lots of laughter. So the rest of Sunday was spent packing a little for next weekend while watching Rakhi's prospectives and their families making fools of themselves on National TV.

14. A friend called Sunday night saying "Happy Friendship Day" to which I retorted with a "What?" which probably offended her. To add to the damage I even said "You actually believe in all this?".

I think she probably gave up on me that night when she said "Ok, chal bye" right away!

Week 9 was spent having fun and not shooting it as much, hence the lesser number of pictures :

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek9?feat=directlink

Take care, be well and have fun while I go back to another deadline and some more printing to be done. A week away from the Euro-trip and not feeling like I am going on vacation at all, atleast as yet!

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries Week 8 - Of 100 year phenomenons, multiple restaurants and artsy Sundays

2009-07-30T16:05:00.000-04:00

1. Another week closer to the European vacation! Nice!

Another week closer to the next pay cheque as well! Nicer! :)

2. This is the once-in-a-100 year-week. First the Solar eclipse and now the high tide. Thursday was to be Day 1 of high tide, upto 5 m high. Friday was Day 2, upto 5.05 m high tides. The BMC says its prepared and has warned Mumbaikars to not leave their houses. Obviously no one paid heed to the warning and all were at work or at the beach/ rocks trying to witness this rare phenomenon. Good thing, there was no rain either of the days; which saved this city from huge calamities.

4. Wednesday night dinner was at Sanjeev Kapoor's 'Yellow Chilli' at Powai with the sis-in-law and grandmum-in-law. Paneer Masala Roomali Khakra and Paneer Tikka in red chillies were the highlights of the meal. The pictures, actually do justice to the exotic-ness of the presentation of the food. A reasonable restaurant with a full-house on Wednesday night and decent ambience. On my recommendation list for this neighbourhood.

Post Dinner, a quick tour of the apartment, to show grandmum-in-law the place who loved the house, but thought it was too empty without atleast 6 people living in it :)

5. The trainer decides to re-measure me, after a month's worth of training. To his surprise, there are some big reductions. Sadly, it probably doesnt really show, since every time I meet Pops, he goes "Lagta to nahi hai, tumhara weight loss ho raha hai" (Translation: Doesnt look like you're losing weight) Sigh!

6. Saturday night dinner was at "5-The Restaurant" run by a friend of Bindu's (my journalist friend). While Roy (the owner) personally attended to us, we ordered some delicious spinach soup with bacon (The first time I ve ever had bacon in Mumbai ) which came along with a bread basket, and some flavourful dips. My main course was a spaghetti with jalapeno sauce and chicken (carbo-loading for the 11 miler the next morning), while Bindu ordered her favourite BBQ Chicken. Wine, of course was Sula; we picked the Satori. The night ended with a yummy Chocolate Flan and a discounted bill :)

7. Sunday morning began with the regular long run; a 11 miler on the treadmill with a glass of fresh OJ after, in memory of the running buddy who is physically training in NYC, but with me, here, in spirit, urging me to run along, when I am on the verge of hitting a wall (Not literally! It's a runner-term for super mental exhaustion on a long run)
The rest of the Sunday unfolded marvelously. Brunch was to be at the Chemould Art Gallery, hosted in honour of the late Tyeb Mehta, one of India's greatest painters, who would have been 91 on Sunday. Tush and I were to meet there, before I went design-consulting to his gallery-space again, in Colaba. Turns out, accepting the brunch invite, was one of the best things I did. Not only did I bump into, my ex-KRVIA faculties (undergrad school in Mumbai), but also had a great time making new acquaintances and contacts with some very prominent names in the Indian Art/ Architecture Circle. The brunch menu was simple; 'Biryani and Beer' because "That's how Tyeb would have liked it" said Shireen Gandhy, owner of Chemould.
The highlight of the afternoon was meeting with Sen Kapadia, founder director of my undergrad school KRVIA and prominent Indian architect, who was also best friend's and chai-buddys' with Tyeb Mehta. I was love-struck all over again, as I had been, on the first day of school, at the orientation in KRVIA, 12 years ago, hearing him speak. Sen and I promised to stay in touch and exchanged emails/ nos. He'll be visiting me in NYC soon, says his "It was a pleasure to meet with you Shweta" email, that followed the next morning :)
A quick visit to Tush's gallery space, for my weekly design advice and to make sure the work is coming along as intended. Arshiya Lokhandwala (owner of what was once 'Lakeerein' the art gallery in Vile Parle) came along and the three of us, an entrepreneur/ art-collector, an art-historian/ gallery owner and an architect/ designer brainstormed into the afternoon about windows, ceilings, artwork and art-cafes. A quick trip to 'Bungalow 8' which reminded me of 'Anthropologie' back in the US; both highly unaffordable :) but superbly original!
Next stop was at the NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) at Kala Ghoda to see the 'Soak' exhibit, which explores Mumbai's Mithi river and the potential possibilities that emerge within its estuaries. Fantastic work by Upenn M.Arch students and faculty Anuradha Mathur and Dilip D'Cunha!
The stroll continued through Jehangir Art Gallery and ended at the Fab India nearby, where a good chunk of the early evening was spent.
Evening tea and scones were at the 'Tea Centre' at Churchgate to catch up with Sonal (another Architecture school friend) , who was in town from Ahmedabad for just this weekend. A super fast journey across town followed on the Virar Fast, which was relatively emptier, being a Sunday evening. Dinner was with Mum and Pops at RK's in Andheri and of course the customary 'paan' which ended the dynamic Sunday!
Easily the best Sunday in my stay here, so far!

Here's Week 8 in pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiWeek8?feat=directlink

Have fun, enjoy and be good, while I go watch the 'Ab Tak Bachchan' movie series on TV :)

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries Week 7 - Of musical ring-tones, much awaited pay-cheques and foodie weekends!

2009-07-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

1. Monday was more frustration at work. Contractual details needed to be discussed and dealt with. Something I had thought was frozen and sealed on paper, apparently wasnt. The paperwork is getting the better or shall I say the worst of me ?

2. Tuesday was a pleasant rain break. Another round of overnight rain showers that refused to stop all through the day ensured, that we once again, had to leave work at 3 pm. Mumbai now prefers to be safe rather than sorry. So if it rains continously for a whole day, people decide they need to be back home. 26/11 hasnt left many pleasant memories around here. I decided to make the most of the early day off from work and headed straight to Mom's, who tempted me with her "garam bhajiya and chai" plan for the evening.

3. "What is Massakalli madam?" asks my car partner Mr. Tamilakaran, en route to work one morning. I explain to him. Surprisingly, the conversation ends with "Have you ever tasted pigeon meat?"
Tamil Uncle's never cease to surprise!

4. Never Ever, NEVER EVER, trust a website of an Indian company/ bank/ organisation/ ...anything!!! They always say one thing on the website and do completely the opposite in reality. Even calling them wont really help, in some cases. Information always metapmorphoses from one source to another.

5. Mom was walking on the street, when someone standing at the side of the road, turned around to spit out his 'paan's' red juice. Turns out, a part of it lands on Mom's foot. Mom walks up to him and stares him straight in the eye.

"Sorry Madam. Aapko dekha nahin", says the spitter. (Translation: Sorry Madam, I didnt see you). Of course, had he seen her, he would have turned his mouth around to spit on the other side of the road instead. Like that would have been any better.

"Agley baar isko yahaan thukna, aur apne saath apne ghar le jaana" retaliated Mom, the angry spittoon, pointing to his shirt's breast pocket. (Translation: The next time you spit, do it here and then take it home with you).

Ladies and Gentlemen, My Mother!

6. The Schengen was a cake walk. And it got done, without me having to be there in person, in three days flat. Cant wait to meet the husband in Paris soon :)

7. Meeting in progress at the office. Suddenly I hear "Ipdi pode pode pode..." with 'dhinchak' (Mumbai term meaning loud, blingy etc) music. It's my Chief Architect's phone's, newest ring tone. While he takes the call, in the same conference room, the meeting progresses amidst his personal conversation. Suddenly the next interruption " Neenga kadalll...." screams a soulful voice. Now its the Office manager's turn to receive his call.

I feel out of place suddenly; turn to my poor phone, that's sitting in my pocket on silent/ vibrate mode and turn it back to 'sound on' for the rest of the meeting.

8. Random Impromptu plan to skip the office lunch on Wednesday and order a Chicken Tandoori pizza :) An idea suggested by the Americans and welcomed by me, since all of us were kinda tired of the desi-fare everyday.

My first pizza in Mumbai, in a very long time and definitely not the last.

9. The gym trainer is the best trainer I have ever had. He actually calls me when I dont reach the gym at my regular time, every evening. He has nothing to gain, I have all the weight and fat to lose. Yet, he's prompt and even insistent, that I show up for training every single day! I need to bring him back to NY!

10. Wednesday night was Bollywood experience night. The American colleagues wanted to see a desi-movie, so we took them to the best one that we could find at the moment; 'Kambakth Ishq'. I tried watching the movie, as an outsider, to see if I understood. The profuse use of English in the dialogue, made sure the Americans got the story completely. All in all, not a bad evening and the movie even seemed funny at parts, or maybe it was just the company :)

11. Thursday night was spent catching up with a marathon-friend from NYC. In one of those random situations that often occur with me, I discovered that a good friend from NYC, who ran the last two marathons with me, is in Mumbai, for her summer internship. And in the strangest of all coincidences, it turns out that she lives literally down the road, from my 'flat' in Powai. Dinner was cooked by friend's sister and the night was spent chatting with their family. I left with a promise, to catch up more often, with my new found neighbours :)

12. Friday was interesting at work, as most of the paperwork was in place and seemed like I'd finally get paid soon :) Another random rendez-vous with an elderly Tamilian gentleman lay in store, who insisted on wasting 45 minutes of my time, discussing why the air conditioning in my office did not seem appropriate. Power play is huge in Indian offices. Everyone wants to have their two minutes of power when they can. If I seem any more aggressive/ confrontational after my stint in Mumbai, you know what and who to blame :)

13. Saturday was Payday! After 8 weeks! Rewarding but late! And in INR, so seems like a lot more :) Hopefully things will be smooth here on.

14. Saturday night was fun; a girls night out with Snehi and the li'll gorgeous Ira. We headed to Oh! Calcutta for some Bong non-vegetarian fare, which I was reluctant about earlier, since I am not a big fan of Bengali cuisine. It turned out to be one of the most incredible meals I' ve had in this city. It was my first time ever, eating Bongla fish. Fried Vetki, Hilsa in mustard sauce steamed in a banana leaf, Prawn curry, Chicken in a tangy mango gravy, Luchi's....the works. With Ira talking to the waiters and all of us catching up over the spread, this made for one fun night.

Note to self: In Cuisine Club's season deux, 'C' could totally be for Calcuttan cuisine adn we could head to Oh Calcutta in Manhattan :)

15. Sunday, the most awaited day of the week, started off with a 10 miler, as always. A quick trip to Hubby's other grandmom's place with the in-laws', just before lunch. The afternoon was spent traversing the Bandra-Worli sea link, my second trip on it, this time, with a personal tour by Pa-in-law, who's spent a career working on bridge and roadway designs. My insistence on Moghlai cuisine had inspired the adorable in-laws to draw up a list of 10 places, all over town, that they thought I would like to eat at.

Lunch at Copper Chimney in Worli, had to be moved to Masalakraft in Bandra instead, which turned out to be 'spectacular-restaurant no. 2' of the weekend. We joked over outstanding nizami kababs, tandoori chicken, and my all time favourite Butter Chicken. And the pampering was'nt over yet; without the pa-in-law's customary 'meetha paan' that he gets me each time we go out :)

A quick bout of window shopping later, I found myself at the dentist's in the late afternoon. The evening was spent chatting with Mum and Pops, which ended with the third awesome meal of the weekend, Chinese at 'Stomach'.

Three restaurants in one weekend, all of which had splendid food to offer, made this a very foodie weekend.

As I tucked into bed Sunday night, I crossed off, in my head another fun week gone by in Mumbai!

Despite the frustrations and the anguish, stress seems minimal here.

Not only is it going to be hard to leave all this behind, but it will be harder to try to adapt back into a life, that from here, seems lesser colourful, more distanced and far far out and away from this mega-magical-maximum Mumbai city, that I first fell in love with!

When I left NYC, I thought I would miss my husband, my apartment and my Manhattan, in that order. The truth is, I only miss the husband.

It could be because I know that the other two I will go back to in a few months. But its the golden times here that would have been amazing to share with hubby :)

Never before have I wished for the two cities to be closer to each other!

'To start a Sunday, with a run in Central Park that ended at The Sea Link; a brunch in Soho that ends with afternoon chai at Moms' in 4 Bungalows; a window shopping bout that starts in Manhattan and ends at Colaba Causeway, and an evening that starts with a Broadway show, and ends with Dinner at the in-laws, followed by a late night Bollywood flick, in Red Box seats!' ......

On that dilemma and somewhat introspective note, I leave you with the Week No. 7 in pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek7?feat=directlink

Take care, until next week,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries Week 6 - Of the Sea-link, umbrellas OR raincoats and wine!

2009-07-14T15:59:00.000-04:00

1. The Week began with an Interview at the US Consulate, that was a breeze.
The drive back to work was exhilarating. Taxi driver suggested we take the sea-link. He had been on it 4 times already, over the last 4 days, since it had opened to the public and was toll-free. His slowest drive across had taken him an hour (due to traffic/ rains) while his quickest drive had been 15 minute long. "Madumm, please see the time" he said as we approached the Sea-link. Madumm's watch read 10:00 am. Taxi driver pushed the accelerator and at about 35-40 kmph (in a 50 kmph speed limit) we drove across. I was just beginning to take in the sea, the mist, the high tidal waves while being super sulky at the fact that one could'nt run/ walk across this amazing bridge. Two lanes run on either side, bringing cars and other vehicles across, but nothing for the walkers/ runners and pedestrians among us.
This could have been Mumbai's newest running track, a bridge that could be experienced, all along it's linearity. Instead, its a momentary transition, that slips by as you blink. For, as I was shaken from my chain-of-thought by the taxi-drivers excited queries "Madumm, Kya time hua?", we had approached the end of the link. My cell phone displayed the time, 10:05 am. In 5 minutes flat for Rs. 50/- we had bridged the gap, between Worli and Bandra. A never before experience, that I feel could have been stretched longer, with pedestrian access. Oh what I could give to run across this stretch, on top of the Arabian Sea! For now, we'll have to settle for good experiences with time-limits!
P.S: News Flash - Turns out the Mumbai Marathon 2010 may actually run through the bridge :) :) :) Now if only I was running it!

2. The Week also began with long, late conference calls, that start with American office hours and end at Indian Dinner hours. Balancing the evening workout with the conference calls, is going to take some new time-management skills.

3. Back and forth, on how I would like to be paid. I like the sound of that, especially when it comes after one whole long month! In India, as everyone knows, you get paid once a month. I was'nt sure this was going to take some getting used to, just as working Saturdays did. Turns out, that time of the month, has yet to arrive.

4. A random trip to the Batching Plant, where the concrete is being mixed for batching to the site. The trip was to collect the 'freebies'; raincoat, umbrella, reflective jacket, construction helmet and site-specific shoes. Turns out, it involved more paperwork and more volleying from one official to another. Also, since none of the systems at the site are computerised, we had to wait while officials started out from drawing lines in their rosters, to jotting down our names (that we had to spell out loud, inspite of having written on our forms). Finally the Monsoon Department handed us our raincoats/ umbrellas and the Site Safety Department handed us our jackets and helmets. In between, at some point, a senior official dropped by to yell at us, because we asked to see both raincoats and umbrellas so we could choose which one we liked better (you see you could take only out of the two). My American counterparts started acting all 'impatiently American' (something I ll elaborate on later), while I sat there, not being able to decide if the meticulous process should be applauded or if the delay it caused should be ridiculed. The dichotomy between applause or ridicule, is only one of many such, that I now face in my day-to-day life in Mumbai.

5. Brainstormed on Wednesday evening, with a friend, going back and forth on his new gallery's name and design. I am enjoying this new role of freelance design consultant on what we think and know, will be Mumbai's newest and most dynamic art space. Since details are to be kept under wraps, there's not much I can reveal yet, about the project, but the upcoming weeks promise to be very exciting in this respect, for sure.

6. The rare long lunch was taken on Friday with the Americans and Australians, at the Hotel Leela's Coffee Shop, much to my dismay. I wanted to take them all for a pani-puri lunch, but we ended up at the Leela instead. A 600 rupee tomato soup later (that was no match for hubby's grandmom's tomato soup), I was convinced, I am done with the fancy-shancy 5 stars. Not many of them can match up to basic western places in NYC anyway. So why waste time? When in Mumbai, eat Mumbai-ian! Street food it is for me!

7. For a change the latter part of the week, was more gym-oriented. Sunday was to be spent on a day-trip, so the long run of the week had to be taken care of on Saturday evening after work. Surprisingly, the long run was'nt all that slow, but it did ensure that I did nothing super-exciting on Saturday night, but go home and slouch in front of the T.V.

8. Sunday turned out to be a blast. The entire day-trip went as planned, comfortable, well paced out and without a rush-itinerary. Kate, Miki, Kunal, Sheena and Bala, came by with Zaheer the driver, to pick me up at 9 am. The journey turned out to be one with lots of shine and rain. One road-side stop was made, that entailed walking alongside a narrow highway, over dead snakes to pose for pictures. From Kunal's 'dosa khakra' that was a superb idea to 'Horn Ok Please' discussions, we talked about everything under the sun on our way to Nasik.

The Sula winery is easily comparable to any of the Californian wineries I ve been to. Wine tours and tastings cost Rs 150/- per person, where they walk and talk you through the entire wine making process, the history of the company and end it with a six - wine tasting process. All the wines we tasted, were distinctly different from each other, but Dindori has always been my favourite Sula.

Lunch was at the Little Italy next door, a minimally-designed, yet sprawled out restaurant, that had its own sweet afternoon pace. True to it's Indian countryside context, the winery and the restaurant made up for most of our afternoon. After a heavy Italian lunch, we headed back to the winery for dessert wine and afternoon lazing. Some of us bought wine there and at 5 pm it was time to head back. The journey home was more laid back, slow music, much snoozing and a mini - chai/ coffee/ kulfi break later we were back home by 8:30 pm. Could'nt have spent 12 hours better!

Week 6 (more like weekend 6) in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek6?authkey=Gv1sRgCOPs8d-B366Y-AE&feat=directlink

In another one of those work-days-cut-short by rain, I am home on Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm.
So you take care and be good, while I go find a "butte-waalah" for a masala butta, nimboo maarke! :)

Love,
Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries Week 5 - Of Reunions, floods and frustrations...

2009-07-10T15:57:00.000-04:00

1. The Week started with our first major deadline and release of "GFC's"

(Good for Construction) drawings to be sent out to the client. It was a big

high, while simultaneously being a little unnerving, since in my head a

'GFC' better stand for it's purpose; which is to be built as drawn. But of

course things work differently here. I am told, there can be more than 26

versions of 'GFC's', as the drawings can be tossed back and forth between

the design-build contractors and the clients, much like a tennis ball. Even

the English alphabet from A-Z is less to name each revision at times, so

they have to conform to AA, BB, CC ....and so on.

I am singing "This happens only in India" in my head again!

2. More frustration mounts; this time from the unprofessionalism displayed

at the US Consulate's VFS office. Untrained administrative staff, who have

absolutely no idea of what they are doing, made sure my poor Pops, was sent

back twice, when he went to submit my visa application paperwork. The first

day he was sent back because my photograph did not show enough of my "ears"

and the second day they accepted the same photograph, in lieu of one which

showed more "ear". It took a 4 hour mid-work break and a lot of agitation

and arguing on my end, at the VFS office in Mahalakshmi, until an apology

came my way and the job got done.

3. The Bandra-Worli Sealink, being hailed as Mumbai's architectural marvel,

finally opened on Tuesday this week. A laser show was held a

day earlier and starting Wednesday, the bridge will be thrown open to the public.

Cant wait to take my first drive across.

4. Wednesday night was spent catching up with an old school friend, whom

the best friend and I were meeting after 15 years. Each one of us took turns in the

"After school, this is how my life went..." round. Dinner was at Basilico, in Bandra. A casual, minimally done up space, with the regular outdoor/ indoor seating that most Mumbai restaurants seem to flaunt. We chatted over hummus platters, Conchiglie with spicy sauce and bruschetta. The evening ended with a promise to meet with some more school friends on Sunday evening.

5. Every conversation with the hubby over the phone this week, starts with a "Today's

frustration issue was ....." and I rant my issue of the day. This week, it was the bank account and salary issue. L&T is still not able to decide if they should pay me in INR or USD. Talks are on to revise the contract, once they figure out which one is easier. Goes to show, that the most taken for granted aspects of a new job dont come easy, even in a reputed, large company like this one. I am not sure where the terrain of unprofessionalism stops and pure ridiculousness begins.

6. Saturday was Rain Day. When it rained, it poured. From morning to night. Non-stop. Word went around the office, to leave work at 5:30 pm. For once the "boys' bus" would leave with the "girls' bus". So more than half the office emptied out at 5:30 pm. The rest of us, privileged few, who go home in chauffered cars, stayed in and left around 6 ish. More on the drive back home in no. 7 below.

7. En route, I felt like a criminal. Atleast 50 pairs of eyes, at various intervals, stared right into mine, seeming to say "You lucky bitch you". As I stared at the world beyond my car's glass window, I saw people wading home in knee deep water while others stood drenched under their umbrellas, in never-ending queues at bus-stops. Shying away from their stares, I decided to look in the other direction, only to find open manholes and more water clogged streets. Vaykar (my driver at the moment) and I, glided through the rain water to reach home, luckily within 30 minutes. But something in me said, while this limitless rain brings with it a promise of overflowing lakes, it also seems to bring with it overflowing manholes and gutters. One day of non-stop rainfall and the Bandra-Worli Sealink was already in a traffic jam. Both runways at Mumbai Airport were flooded and hence unoperational. All incoming flights were diverted to Pune and Ahmedabad. News channels were already pointing fingers at the BMC for having once again, successfully falsified all their pre-monsoon promises. Mumbai does not seem prepared. And this is only one day's worth of rain. Where will we go from here? is the question in my mind tonight.

8. Sunday morning was a pleasant surprise. Most of Mumbai thought they would be waking up to crazy rains from yesterday, but instead there was just a cloud cover, that at times gave way to the sunshine. No signs of "non-stop rainfall" as predicted by the MET Department earlier last night. And the entire day was clear. I did the regular 8 miles in the gym and then set off to the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, for the best friend's parents' joint birthday celebrations. A spectacular Gujju thaali buffet awaited my tired self, with endless glasses of 'masala chaas'.

The afternoon was spent at Snehi-Atit and Ira's where the three of us fell asleep trying to put li'll Ira to sleep. Finally when Ira did snooze, Snehi and I spent our afternoon catching up in the salon, over hot-oil head massages and more girlie - pampering. Chai was at Mum and Pops and then a quick mini-reunion in the building with childhood building buds. Walked across to the neighbouring building, deciding to act like kids all over again and scream out friends' names from under their houses, only to realise we were standing under the wrong house :)

Dinner was a farewell for Raga-Roy at Snehi-Atit's where both of us, (Maasi's) read out stories to li'll Ira while trying to catch the IIFA awards. Bitching over how old Aishwarya Rai looks, to actual standing ovations when Amitabh recited Kabhi Kabhi in an impromptu 'antakshari', the evening could not have got any better. Dinner ended close to midnight with two sweet 'paans' and bringing the parents home for a stay over, Sunday night!

Week 5 in pictures is here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek5?feat=directlink

Until Week 6 ends, you take care and be good while I snack on the 6 pm samosa - chai!

Love,

Shweyta

Mumbai Diaries Week 4 - Of Rains, Partyharddrivers and 'paaplet'

2009-07-01T15:55:00.000-04:00

Week 4 follows:

1. Its raining, finally! Rained for an hour, two mornings and one evening, this week. And today is the first day at work, when it's raining on and off, during the day as well. The balmy, sweaty heat has given way to breezy and fresh sprays and people are smiling all over. "Today we will buy an umbrella" some colleagues say. Hopefully the rain will soon take care of the water cut at home.

2. Talking of water cuts, this week, I woke up to no-water-in-the-tap, 4 days in a row. After last weeks experience, I made sure to yell at the caretaker, who now regularly ensures, drums/ buckets/ bottles all are permanently filled with water at home :) Some yelling and bossing around, can get you very far in Mumbai!!!

4. I love how casual a workplace can be, here. People joke, talk, gossip, ridicule and even imitate each other at work. Radio Mirchi blasts in one section of the office and Tamil music in the other. Signs of stress are few. Work gets done, in all this fun. Seriousness or silence doesnt loom over everyone, as it did in NY at the workplace often. And somehow the feeling of acceptance, topped with a lot of warmth and concern from strangers who I' ve met just yesterday, is unbeatable.

5. A mid-week trip to South Mumbai, after work, on a Wednesday, to see a friend's potential gallery space. Fantastic drive in the rain. The Lower Parel skyline is now dotted with cranes and high rises, some built, some beign built. There was a strange sense of fear and sadness, when we drove past the Gateway and the Taj Mahal Hotel, four times that evening; both abuzz with the night crowds. Almost 7 months ago, on 26/11 last year, I was here in this exact same neighbourhood, with the exact same friend, doing the exact same thing as today - Viewing potential gallery spaces, in Colaba. Talk of coincidences!

Having viewed two gallery spaces, we went to friend's friend's cafe; a quaint little white washed salad-and-sandwich kind of cafe. Kalaghoda Cafe, reflects it's owners interest in all aspects of the place; from the exposed once-upon-a-time trussed roof, to the wooden bench, to the perfect cup of cappucino, to the intriguing photo-art exhibition on the walls. Post-dinner, a short stint at friend's high-rise apartment with a spectacular view and then another fun-drive back home, with a stranger. Details on the drive back home, in point 7 below.

6. http://www.partyharddrivers.com is one of those business plans, you discover and then go "Why didnt I think of this?"

Gurcharan, my parthyharddriver last night, drove me home, talking non-stop, because apparently my forehead reads "Come, confide in me". From his stories of immigrating to Canada, to a pesky sister-in-law to Australians troubling Indians, we talked about everything under the sun. He ended the ride with his phone number and a "Call me if you need anything, absolutely anything, in Mumbai, ever!".

7. Raga, the best friend, flew back from Bangalore, earlier this week. She came over to spend Thursday night at my place. After some initial catching up, we headed out to the Marriot for our 'midnight coffee/ drink' date, which ended only at 1:30 am. Back home, and more chit-chat over flipping T.V channels went on till 2:30 am, until finally when we called it a night. Second fun night in a row.

8. Friday evening, tickets for a special screening of the movie 'New York' at the Red Lounge. Thanks to Atit :), movie tickets promise to be galore. Not much can be said about the movie, as it seemed highly passable to say the least. But red box seats, popcorn and fun company made up for it. Dinner was at Trishna, one of Mumbai's premier sea-food restaurants. Missed the hubby when I devoured his favourite Goan Shrimp curry. Third late night in a row.

9. Saturday night was spent at hubby's grandmom's place devouring the best 'paaplet' (friend pomfret) that I ve ever had. She taught me to eat fish the right way, when we visited here last November. Grandmom-in-law had churned out a 5 course meal, all by herself, which made sure my 'dieting' regime was tossed out of the window for that one night. Turned out to be quite a fun ladies' night with mum-in-law, her sister and my sis-in-law too. Conversation flowed from the husband's childhood antics to my crazy work experiences. Fourth fun night in a row.

10. Sunday morning started with the weekly long run; my slowest 7 miler ever. Something in me is dreading the NYC Half Marathon this time. Got to run faster. Sunday routine followed after that; mommy-made lunch at four bungalows, weekly head oil massage and even a rare short nap that afternoon. The evening was spent with the best friend and her extended family, at her cousins wedding. The 'pani-puri' that had eluded me so far, was devoured with pleasure there, among other delicious wedding fare. Making fun of the best friend, draped in a sari to look like 'Tulsi ben' of the infamous 'K' - T.V serials, was priceless.

"When in India, attend a wedding" - Checked!

Enjoy Week 4 in pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek4?feat=directlink

Finally I am up-to-date and current with my weekly diaries.

Almost a month down, 4 more to go, of this madness in Mumbai! Can't wait :)

Until Week 5, you take care while I go looking for my driver, to take me home, after this insane long day.

Shweyts

Mumbai diaries Week 3 - Of Chai, The Metro and Bollywood Music Launches!

2009-06-23T15:53:00.000-04:00

1. The highlight of the week was the personal training package. 6 days a
week, for over an hour each time; this is one hell of a trainer. Unbeatable
price apart, the humble trainer easily fits the bill, to be carried back in
'Shweta's suitcase' when she leaves.

2. The new apartment rocks. Only I barely ever enter the other rooms at all.
Parents visited to stay over one night and fell in love with the place. It's
their kind of Mumbai residence. Not exactly my type, but as a perk
accomodation, works fabulously.

3. Breakfast is served at another apartment in the complex, that doubles up
as a cafetaria/ lounge by young Hindi/ Marathi speaking boys who insist on
serving you. They also dont let you pick up your plate after you are done. I
am not sure I really like that a lot, but have to give in to it somehow.

4. Breakfast at 8:30 am, lunch at 1 pm, Evening snack at 6 pm, Dinner dabba
brought home at 8 pm. Chai in the office, every three hours starting at 9 am
and ending at 6 pm. With this daily food routine, being spoilt then, is just
a matter of time.

5. Chai without sugar or with less sugar, is not an option. Lunch/ chai/
evening snacks come cooked to the site office, ready to be served, piping
hot, so no customisation is possible.

6. *"In India, people work so hard, that there is no life outside of
work"*applies to this office as well. I am quite sure, I am the only
one, or a
part of a very small breed, that try to have a life outside of work on a
daily basis.

7. The Metro project being constructed by L&T is moving along rapidly.
Outside the ITC Maratha, one by one, the precast concrete elements
interlock. India ranks very high in its concrete construction technique and
the Metro columns are nothing short of examples of superior workmanship. To
the last ridge on the column stem, they stand tall, in various forms; from
naked reinforcement, to casing, to poured concrete covered in jute, to the
final product, cast on site. Its funny how we are building Mumbai's first
elevated railway at a time when, New York City's first has been transformed
into it's newest park (The Highline). A must-visit on my NYC list, when I
visit in August.

7. A 6-day work week, can start taking its toll on you eventually. Maybe so,
because the 1 day weekend ends up being packed with 2 days worth of fun.

8. The best friend and her hubby landed in town, only to fly off to
Bangalore for a week. Plans are already in place for when they return next
week, to paint the town red :) Raga and I will be in Mumbai together, after
one and a half years. Hell shall break lose in Sahayog Society.

9. Frustration meter reads very high this week. From unpunctual drivers, to
unprofessional facility managers, to having to repeatedly ask for what I
need; I am not sure where the tipping point lies. While things can easily
put you off, there are others that you learn to appreciate, so it really is
a win some - lose some situation at times. The key is "adjustment".

10. Too much home-cooked food, finally gave way to a random pav-bhaji dinner
at Shiv Sagar, Juhu. Mental note to self: *Come back here more often*.

11. Mithibai Vada Pav, a must-have on every trip, is yet to be tested. Can't
wait!

12. Woke up Saturday morning to a water cut. The Monsoons are late and
Mumbai has a 20% water cut. Almost considered not coming in to work and
watching TV at home instead, while waiting for the water supply. But then
decided against it, as I thought most of Mumbai, still manages with this.
Proudly went to work, unbathed and smelling nice :)

13. Attended my first Bollywood movie's music launch ever :) Mazhar Kamran,
cinematographer of Ram Gopal Varma's *'Satya', 'Kaun'* and other Bollywood
flicks like *'Masti'* etc messages me on gtalk, seeing that I am in Mumbai.
He graciously invites me to the music launch of his directorial debut
'Mohandas'. I take the Sis-in-law along and we end up having a rather fun
evening at the Red Lounge, watching the 'filmy' types, in all their splendor
and some in their fake glamour. An IIT'ian, Mazhar may have worked in the
film industry for a few years now, but seemed more uncomfortable in the
filmy crowd, than either of us :) Humbly, he socialised with us for a bit
and then went around, completing his 'filmy' formalities.

14. Its finally raining. Cats and Dogs. Thank the Gods. I had forgotten how
much fun Monsoon could get. This is my first monsoon since I moved out of
Mumbai, 7 years ago.

15. L&T, in another one of their employee-pleasing programmes, handed out
rain-packs to all the employees. Rain pack includes, an umbrella, a rain
coat, rain shoes, construction hard hat, site-jacket and some other goodies.
Women get the same, except the raincoats and shoes are more feminine in
design. As a result, everyone in office (especially the men), literally wear
the same pairs of shoes, to work each day :) Big Boss to peon, all alike!

16. In an astounding (to me) revelation, I find out that regular L&T
employees are given internet access on their work stations for only two
hours a day. 9 am to 10 am and 1 pm to 2 pm. You need to be a certain cadre
and above, to be given full time internet access. Some kind of
control-mechanism this.

Here's Week 3 in pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek3?feat=directlink

Week 4 got done last night. Lots to write about it as well. Expect Week 4
diaries soon too.
Until then, its time for me to go dance in the rain :)

Much love,
Shweyts

Mumbai diaries Week 2 - Of middle-aged men, papads and Heritage Walks!

2009-06-19T15:52:00.000-04:00

Mumbai Week 2 – Settling in:

1. Madumm's bacchas = Macchas.
Madumm and her macchas (casual term meaning friend in tamil) sit in their own fun space.
As always my Man-Fridays at work are men. Turns out, ironically that is the case in this office; most men are mentored or led by women. Smart, multi-cultural and funny women. From Chennai, Kolhapur, Nanded etc. With regional accents and broken-english, but impeccable technical profess. Language never held barriers to education or experience, I had heard and now witnessing first-hand, every day.

2. What is with middle-aged Indian men? The inquisition doesn’t merely stop at “Which department are you working in?” or “Madumm, Aap India ke hain?”. It extends to “How much are you getting as a package in this project?” to “How old are you, if I may ask?” to “Why you are not living with your parents?” to the best one I’ve got so far “Tellllll something about your family, Madumm”.

3. Picked up parents from the airport, for the second time, in 5 weeks; much to their delight. The first time being, at Newark, NJ, when they visited us for the summer and the second time here in Mumbai, when they come back home from their vacation. It was nice to be standing in the spacious arrivals zone, waiting for them to appear and then scream "Mummyyyy" at their sight :)

4. Re-discovered how much paperwork Indians rely on, to get the smallest of jobs done. Paperwork for stationery, paperwork for lunch coupons, paperwork for email access, paperwork for potty……(Actually, that’s the one place where you need paper and it’s barely there, ever!:)

5. Office hierarchies prevail more visibly in India, than in the US, of course. The funny thing is everyone my age or in the +/- 3 years range, call me ‘Shweta’, while everyone 35+ calls me 'Madam'. In return, I find it hard to re-embrace the prefix ‘Sir’ or ‘Saarrr’ as they say here. Instead, I make do with adding a prefix “Mr.” instead.

6. It’s brilliant when the bank comes to you, to open your account, instead of you going to them. That, the banker comes late, wants to leave ASAP as “It’s my branch managers birthday Ma’m and I need to buy the cake” and assumes conveniently that you must tick in the “Single” and “Living with parents” boxes on the form, is of course another story.

7. The driver, Satish’s brother, passes the HSC exam with 48%. Satish wants Madumm to tell him what is LLB as that is what the brother will pursue henceforth. “Usme bahut paisa hai na Madumm”.

8. Finally gave in to Cho’s demand to eat outside the cafeteria. Cho, my Korean ex-co worker and good friend, hates Indian food, with a vengeance. He eats it everyday at the cafeteria, with half an heart and tops it up with 3 granola bars so that his stomach feels full. I finally relented and figured let’s take him to Mainland China. I wasn’t really ready to see the unleashed Cho, gobble away at 3/4th the food ordered on the table, at the end of which he held my hand and bowed in Asian style, saying “Thank You Shweta. You have saved my life today”. Shweta had a nice feeling that day, but is not sure she wants to go there every day, as Cho now irritatingly insists.

9. Two papads on my plate, every day, among other desi home-cooked delicacies at cafeteria lunch. Until the day, the “kitchen boy” standing behind the buffet says “Madumm, one papad only” while extending his hand on to Madumm's plate. One papad swiftly jumps out of Madumm's plate and back into the buffet :). A miffed Madumm, couldn’t really do anything, but smirk.

10. T.V Serials are such fun, especially when they are daily soaps. Something to look forward to, after work and gym, everyday. Got mom hooked onto a serial I watch every day on Sony, called 'Ladies Special'. Silly, corny, completely women-oriented and often sad, but not the saas-bahu crap atleast, I convince myself :). In India, watching Indian!

11. Colleague at work, mutters something in Marathi, under his breath at Cho, during a meeting. Yes, they can be that unprofessional at times! He said “Kay vedaa aahey ha!” (meaning “He’s so mad). I couldn’t help but give in saying, “Ho! Khupach” (meaning “Ya he is, quite mad.”) Of course, I told Cho and embarassed the desi colleague eventually.

12. The weekend began Saturday 5 pm, when a few of us sneaked out of work, about an hour early, for our own heritage-walk. We drove all the way to Ballard Estates to see what used to be Mumbai’s first CBD (Central Business District) and then drove all along the Eastern Waterfronts, not sensing the ocean which lay within 15 feet from us, as is the case with Mumbai’s eastern coast line. We then reached The Asiatic Society and sat on the steps for a while. My mind couldn’t help but make a comparison with the Federal Hall on Wall Street, where we often ate lunch, on some days. Horniman Circle was next, (also called as the “Horny man’s circle”) and then we walked all the way to Flora Fountain, Watsons Hotel (of the ‘Dogs and Indian’s not allowed’ fame), Kala Ghoda and the Naval docks and then turned around. Dinner followed at Moshe’s (opened by a Jewish restaurateur, hence the name) that serves every Non-Indian dish you could crave for. Sticking by my strict ‘When in India, drink Indian’ motto, I ordered Grover’s Reserve (No, they didn’t have Sula) which was not so bad, actually. After fondue and Ravas cooked Italian style, we ended on a sweet note with the best ‘mango cheese cake’ any of us had ever had. The night flowed into ‘Wink’ at the President Hotel, where random zig-zagged brick walls caught my fancy, more than the loud music. Obviously, Mumbai still likes places that blast music loud enough, so that you have to compete with it, to have an audible conversation. A walk along Marine Drive was supposed to be the natural end to the night, but everyone was tired and so we just drove past it, to get home by 2 am instead.

13. Sunday was spent running 6 miles (or shall I say 9.6 km) on the treadmill, in the gym, as part of the half-marathon training. A fantastic aamras-poori and chicken biryani lunch cooked by Mum-in-law followed with some more catching up with family. The night ended in a new apartment, another 3 bedroom, slightly smaller than the previous one. This is now my permanent home for this temporary period in Mumbai.

Here's the link for Week 2 in pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiDiariesWeek2?feat=directlink

Until Mumbai Diaries - Week 3, take care and keep in touch :)

In anticipation of rains,

Shweyta

Mumbai diaries Week 1 - Of macchaas, madumms and tayeer chaadam!

2009-06-08T15:48:00.001-04:00

Starting a weekly series called Mumbai Diaries, to record my 22 1/2 weeks to be spent in Mumbai, starting June 1st, 2009.

Mumbai Week 1 - First Impressions:

1. Airport beaming, gets better each time I visit; on its way to becoming world-class :)

2. Driver "madam's" me for the first time. Didnt figure the name would stick, wherever I go.

3. Spacious apartment; 3 bedrooms, in-apartment gymnasium. Seems like I could live here.

4. I live in Powai, where concrete towers abound within green jungles, where concrete mixers roar in sync with sparrows, mynahs and koels' and where I come home to atleast 100 children playing in the building garden downstairs.

5. Home-made breakfast everyday with anna's (read "burly men" in tamil. Not a girl's name.), all inquiring, "Where is it, that you are frumm Madumm?"

6. Introduce Satish, my faithful driver and punching bag-to-be for the next few weeks/ months. Short, lanky and "madumm-ing" Satish. Never been around Mumbai, as much as he did in the first few days of driving me around. Together, the two of us lose and find our way in the city :)

7. At work, tamilians galore. Tamilakaran, Mahadevan, Elangovan, Muralitharan, Ananthraman, Muthuraman, even Veerappan. I now consult with L&T; known to me as Larsennan & Toubronnan. L&T is also known to other non-tamil speaking employees as Learn Tamil!

8. No work email, no phone, no desk, no computer, nothing but chai and snacks for the Madumm!! Madumm calms her self thinking, it will take time and reminds herself, to not lose it over 'trivial unprofessional issues". "Chalta hai" she tells herself.

9. "I didnt recognise you maaa. Marriage has made you fattt, Swethaa" (note the emphasis on the bold, underlined part of the name) says D.K, Project Director for the Airport. Swethaa swears to go looking for a gym that evening.

10. Swetha makes sure her spelling is corrected everywhere, to be Shweta or Shweyta. Thankfully the pronounciation is OK.

11. Cafetaria lunch, home cooked. Standing in line with steel plate in hand. Two types of sabji's, daal, rassam, rotis, rice, pickles, papad, salad, dahi, dessert and my favourite tayeer-chadam (south indian style dahi-rice). Life nalla irkaa (Life is good) I said to myself.

12. Gym search ended that evening, with the Club Bloomingdale next door. Amazingly affordable pay-as-you-go membership with personal training sessions at rates that would put my Newport trainer to shame.

13. Slim, slender Sanober hanging on a trapeze from the apartment buildings terrace, 15 floors high. Being hauled up and thrown down; this must be a suicide scene. The whole building watched and 'sssshhhed" each other when the director yelled "Action". Sanober went up, 15 floors high, flying sort of, trapeze unseen and came rushing down, falling flat, on thick cushioned mattresses below. Director yelled "Cut" and we all clapped. "Mast tha na!!!" ran the chorus around. My Mumbai moment of the week :)

14. First night's dinner at Snehi, Atit and Ira's new apartment, in 7 bungalows. Ira darling posing away to multiple pictures "Shetta Maasi" wanted to take of hers. Snehi's awesome cooking, that I ve already feasted on twice and many more such feasts to come, I am told by her.

15. Working Saturdays, took some time to digest, but once done, they breeze by now. Its also fun to see 'casual Saturday' wear, ranging from jeans to "collar-ed t-shirts" for men and literally anything casual for women.

16. Dinner with the ex-co workers at Chakra on Kurla road, on Cho's request. Seafood fried rice, Kingfisher, Chicken malai kababs..good price, good conversation, good company.

17. Saturday night dinner with Kunal at Salt Water Cafe at Bandra, over pictures, talks and how it feels to be an expat in Mumbai.

18. Hot Oil head massage, pure bliss, on Sunday afternoon.

19. Sunday evening, spent at The Expressions Dance Company's Annual Show and watching Gayu (Amit's sister) dance, with exceptional fervour, grace and enthusiasm. She even got a trophy for her performance and is now selected to be part of the dance troupe's formal group. A wonderful evening, spent with family and Cho whom I dragged along to the performance, watching Ballet, Argentinian Tango, Salsa, Bollywood all possible styles.

20. Soon the once-exclusive Madumm's office, is filled with staff working with the Madumm. "Space constraint no, Madumm. Please adjusssttt-ma!! ". It so happens, that most of Madumm's staff is also foreign-return, so the office space swears to become a breeding ground for anti-tamil jokes.

21. Thirty years of being best-friends with a Tamilian may have had a lot of benefits, but none supercede this one - of being able to understand the language. Very conveniently people in office, break into Tamil, literally sentence two onwards; at meetings, work discussions, everywhere. To be able to understand them, and even mutter a line or two in return, while grinning at their stunned face, is pretty priceless :)

On that note, Mumbai Diary - Week 1, ends :)

Enjoy Week 1 in pictures here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/shweyta/MumbaiManiaJune2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCKuGzYTJn4LFiwE&feat=directlink

Mumbai diaries Week 2 will reach you as soon as I pen it down :) Until then, stay safe and keep in touch. I ll go back to my vada-pav and chai for now :)

Love,

Shweyts

2 minutes of f(r)ame!

2009-02-19T15:32:00.002-05:00

Considering a blog stays forever, in todays times, here's a memory I wouldnt want to lose :)
My big fan day!

http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/feb/19spotted-abhishek-sonam.htm

Delhi - 6

2009-02-16T10:24:00.009-05:00

They say 'The Ramayan' is a quintessential classic Indian mythological story, that superbly tells the tale of a plethora of human emotions; across the spectrum, good, bad and ugly. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, uses this age-old narrative to render his tale of the virtues and vices within us, human beings.

Delhi – 6 is a collage in motion, articulately conceived and cautiously played out. Characters juxtaposed within their spaces, in a city that is known for her large-heartedness, generosity and mindless lovers. A city, which like most others, houses her villains within her ordinary everyday heroes, who unconventionally and simultaneously worship both Lord Hanuman and Allah or go around thrashing men and women under the pretext of power.

The movie essentially revolves around the hypothesis, that 'India works'; that India as a country works, because it's people make it work. In its chaos lies a system; in it’s beliefs (convoluted as it may sound), a science. Mehra hits the nail on its head and drills it deep within, when he says that headlines screaming ‘Elephant idols incessantly drink milk’ or ‘Sea water around a local dargah turns sweet overnight’ share front-page word space with others such as ‘The Jaguar to be an Indian car’ or ‘India launches its first moon mission’. Pregnant cows giving birth on the streets may provide momentary blessings that cure the unhealthy, but cannot cure human hatred. A dalit scavenger, touching whom in public, is considered sacrilegious, may provoke hardly any blasphemy when exploited as an object of sexual satisfaction, behind closed doors. It is this dichotomy that India lives and marvelously revels in.

The city of Delhi, especially Delhi – 6 (old Delhi/ Chandni Chowk) herself is the main protagonist in the story. Her character and dynamism lend themselves much more, than merely serving as a backdrop to the story. Delhi’s inner city reflects in its multiple spaces; where 300,000 devout muslims, synchronise themselves in obeisance at the Jama Masjid; haunted dilapidated monuments entice scheming crooks; where a maze of bylanes winds a character to his uncle’s bachelor pad within an almost-obsolete, fortified old building or the multiple terraces that nearly proliferate out of each other. North Indian roofs unfold their own spatialities too; where conversations occur, lovers meet, suicide plots are conceived, women chat and kids fly kites.
Mehra’s movie; may or may not be semi-autobiographical, but is closely relatable. The movie is not about one, but about every one of us and our inner demons. How we confront them or they confront us and what our reaction is to their instigation, is the bigger meaning the film tries to convey.

Problems where a brother fights a brother and religion becomes bigger than God, have prevailed abundantly, in India. But peaceful solutions have been scarce. The movie ends with a sense of hope; in keeping with today’s trying times. The director and a few members of the cast were of the opinion that in today’s depressing scenarios, everyone knows what the problems are. It is the solution that is unknown. And if an immediate solution is missing, then a sense of hope needs to be provided. And that is why, in my opinion, this film works. It asks questions and provokes answers. It not only points at the vices in our system, but also hints at the prevailing virtues that can be used to overcome them.
Simplicity, sensitivity, keen observation and a great translation of context are other attributes of the film. Each character sketch is intricately delved into and detailed to the core. The movie works in it’s simile's as much as it does, in it’s contradictions. Doves fly around symbolising peace and harmony, a mad man wanders with a mirror all day instigating introspection and a subdued hippie in a middle-class girl, waits to break free.
Prasoon Joshi, the co-writer and lyricist of the movie, conveyed that it often takes an alien eye to see what the local eye is blind to. In one of his songs from the movie ‘Swades’ Javed Akhtar aptly surmised our inner angels and demons, when he wrote “Mann ke Ravan ko nikaale, Ram uske maan mein hai” (God is within him, who can eradicate the demon from within himself).
The movie reinforces that catalysts for social change may be external and in this case even neanderthal, but the real transformation needs to come from the inside. From within each one of us, who should hopefully be able to comprehend the logical and pit it against the illogical, who must know where to draw the line between rage and religion and most importantly, who need to know not just how to, but how much to, hold onto their roots while soaring their wings.

A movie well written, well performed and well understood.
Mr. Mehra, you and your entire cast and crew, can deservingly take a bow!

012009

2009-01-20T17:02:00.004-05:00

I have never seen hope on so many faces at the same time. I have never seen a huge mass of people vouch for one person, this bad. And I have never seen it happen in the middle of sub-zero temperatures. Or when so many people are getting laid-off.
Americans made history today by bringing their first-ever African-American president into the White House. Wall Street looked cheery, albeit for an hour or so, when people hooted, cheered, clapped and yelled for him. All this while, he walked calmly into the sea of people. All of whom, looked up to him, literally at the podium he stood on. All of whom, hoped he would be their saviour. Some of whom, who hoped he can bring back to them, what they have now been deprived of, for the last few months; a sense of stability, security and peace of mind.
I stood there, joining the millions of other, who applauded everytime he said something inspiring, something hopeful and something special. Like the time he said "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers" or the time he said "They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please."
This man seems to get it. And this nation seems to have got it, by putting this man to power. Time will tell of course, but there is a part of me, that is ecstatic today, like the rest of America. That makes me think, like the rest of America, that it's not all over yet. That sort of comforts me, in this bitter wintery cold, like the patch of sunlight on a frozen sidewalk; that when the snow has stopped falling and the Arctic freeze retires, when trees have sprung back and leaves sprout out in green, this country may bounce back with the same effervescence and the energy that it once had.
Until then, it's time to hold on to the hope and celebrate good days like this one!

P.S: Today is already a very special day. Obama's inauguration only makes it even more special and uniquely unforgettable.

An ode to my city...

2008-12-03T10:51:00.004-05:00

It helped being there than here. Being up front, than viewing it from a distance. Knowing I was not directly affected and yet thinking how well I was lying to myself, by saying just that.
Every Mumbaikar, wherever he/ she was in the world, was broken-hearted last Wednesday. And Thursday. And Friday. And Saturday. And Sunday.....and even today as I type this.
Wednesday night, as the attacks started, Mumbai went to war. For the next 60 hours, I sat; one eye glued to the television, the other to the newspapers. With family, making calls to everyone I knew in the city, now bereaving, now smirking at some, with multiple lumps in my throat.
We were on vacation in a city we love. Where we grew up, where time stands still even today, each time we go visit her. Which is our first home. And perhaps, one, where we will return to grow old in.
The plan was to go to the "coolest" places in the city; to see how Mumbai was living it up, global style. Tiffins, Souk, Wasabi were on the 'to-check-out' list. Would or would not have happened, in the course of this tight trip back home, but they were places we wanted to go see. Re-living the old days by walking along Colaba causeway, was on the list; perhaps a chilled beer at Leopold too or maybe Cafe Mondegar. The somewhat veiled layer of contemporary art galleries in South Mumbai were to be visited; perhaps the only places on the list that got checked out and hence checked off.
All the rest, have been postponed. Almost indefinitely. Like the trip to the WTC towers, which never happened. And now never will.
Even as we hailed a taxi the next day, a few miles away from South Mumbai, I couldnt help but stare at the taxi-driver. And question his identity ? How would I know? On the highway, young Mumbai lads, rode their bikes, as always armed with backpacks. Why did some of those backpacks look bigger than the others? Cops strewn all over the city, looked like NSG's. Maharashtrian or North Indian, most had machine guns. What if these were just armed terrorists in disguise?Surely, its really easy to rent/ buy cop uniforms isnt it?
Life went on. Some obituaries were read, some just skimmed over. Its not often, a mom, a dad and a son die together or a husband-wife have a common obituary. Rarely do cremation grounds get over-packed.
Five star hotels in Mumbai are now beyond access to the common man, who could walk in and spend a few hours in the air-conditioned lobby to beat the sweltering heat outside. Pretending to be for a few moments, what he was not; he could once have strolled through their shopping arcades or had a coffee in their coffee shops, express his delightful voyeurism at the upper echelons of the city, live their lives.
Life will go on, even now. It will be filled with rage, desperation, vengeance and despair. It will also be filled with hope, revolution, resolution and perhaps change. The operative word of these times.
A snippet I read last week in the Times of India. A desperate relative of a businessman trapped in the Taj Hotel, called the hotel reception at 4 am, after failed attempts to reach the businessman's cell phone. Obviously not expecting a response and possibly thinking to himself, how silly he was being by even hoping for the same, he was shocked a few seconds later. A voice picked up the phone at the other end and replied "Good morning. This is the Taj Mahal Hotel. How may I help you?"

To Mumbai, with love.

So you think you know me?

2008-09-27T12:52:00.002-04:00

Raga has this on her blog and she was right when she thought I would be very likely to respond;)
So here goes:

So you think you know me ?
Think again...........

1. What is your occupation right now?
Architect (Specialising in Airport and Transportation Design & Planning)
2. What color are your socks?
Sock-less at the moment;)
3. What are you listening to right now?
Khuda Jaane - Bachna Ae Haseeno
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Upma - Home made!
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes. Driven one for 3 years.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Mommy
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
'Like' is understating it.
8. How old are you today?
29 today, 30 in 5 more days;)
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Diving
10. What is your favorite drink?
Water - Ice cold!
11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes. Various colours, at various points of time:)
12. Favorite food?
Daal-Chaawal.
13. What is the last movie you watched?
A Wednesday
14. Favorite day of the year?
October 2nd; the whole motherland celebrates it;)
15. How do you vent anger?
I have'nt been angry in a very long time now.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
The blackboard i scribbled on, while teaching my make-believe class.
17. What is your favorite season?
Monsoon in Mumbai; all of them in NYC.
18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Sure.
20. Who is the most likely to respond?
Dont know.
21. Who is least likely to respond?
Most people I know:)
22. Living arrangements?
Simply phenomenal.
23. When was the last time you cried?
Dont remember the movie, but am sure it was while watching one.
24. What is on the floor of your closet?
Shelf.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Not sending this to anyone.
26. What did you do last night?
Friend's birthday party/ Presidential debate/ Dinner with another set of friends...too many things to list here.
27. What are you most afraid of being lost?
Anyone from my innermost circle.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Not a hamburger person.
29. Favorite dog breed(s):
None actually. Not a pet person.
30. Favorite day of the week?
Friday
31. How many states have you lived in?
4
32. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds any day:)
33. What is your favorite flower?
Rose!

Fall Street!

2008-09-15T23:26:00.002-04:00

There was a strange lull all over. It was as if lifeless bodies moved around, floated on the streets, went from one place to another. A cloud of worry loomed all over the street. The big flag on the building, stagnated in the wind.
The morning rush seemed bleak, almost like a long weekend rush. Only hopeless instead of hopeful.
At lunch time, the overtly crowded restaurant, actually had available seating.
In the evening, as I walked out of work, in the distance, near the gold bollards, stood the camera men. Reporters in front of them, getting ready to narrate the streets biggest fall since 9/11. "Lets get out of here before they try to stop us and make us blurt out something by mistake" said a stock broker voice behind me. Before I could turn around to see his face, he slipped away.
A good friend jokingly texted " You guys should see if a street emp wants to sell his condo. I would think a lot more condos are on the market today". I smiled faintly and responded "Yah maybe" with half as much interest.

Wall Street is where I work. Spend a big part of my day everyday. And like in my previous work-hoods in the city, a part of me now belongs here too.
The bulls and the bears are unwell. The street is not itself today.
Hoping for it's quick recovery.

Get Well Soon, Wall!

My bike and I!

2008-09-03T10:59:00.008-04:00

It was my bike, me and the streets of New York!

What started off as a mere excuse to accompany a friend, who wanted to learn biking, emerged as one of those random things in life, that make you reflect and say "I am glad I did it".

Summer Streets, was another successful endeavour on Mayor Bloomberg's behalf, to give back to the city, its streets. As an Urban Designer, I have always believed that a city lives in it's streets. Not in its buildings, not in it's museums, not even in it's restaurants or eateries or shops; but in it's streets. Where journeys take place, where strangers walk together; in transition.

For three Saturday's in August 2008, Park Avenue was closed from 7 am to 1 pm, to any vehicular traffic. Cars, buses and Vespa's gave way to runners, bikers, pedestrians, roller-bladers and tourists, who had the whole avenue to themselves. All the way up from the Civic Center near the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street; into the park and back down again. An experiment in urban flow; another excuse to soak up a different avenue in the city, from a different avenue, on my bike.

It was the biggest block party I' ve ever seen. The 'Central Park-isation' of New York.

Runners training their 13 - 16 milers, as they approach their impending races; liberated bikers, who pedalled away at super speeds on a new route that did'nt go in circles, roller-bladers, with no cars to interrupt and of course, pedestrians, who got a kick out of loitering on an entire avenue assigned to them.

And among all of these, were us; my bike and I. Hand in hand, we sped up and down the avenue, taking in the sights, nodding at fellow-bikers, making sure we dont run down a runner or two with our enthusiastic pedalling. Bumping into several acquaintances, from old running clubs to new friend circles, as we rode all the way upto Central Park and then into it, re-living the good ol' days. A few miles ridden, a few hours spent, another memory in the city, made.

Looking forward to more Summer Saturdays in 2009:)

Sea...

2008-08-12T17:08:00.002-04:00

I lived by the sea....
I miss it's vastness; it's unending expanse of water, in the distance, touching the horizon. That is where we drew the sun, everytime we drew a picture. Rising or setting, that is where it always was.
I now live by the river.....
It is unending too, albeit only along it's linearity. But along it's transverse-ity, it ends somewhere. Somewhere, where buildings rise. And where sometimes, buildings set. And in the far distance, bridges span; to reach out, to far-away land and bring it near.
The water is a little different too. It used to be greyish-blue in my sea, it is a brilliant blue in my river. It still dances and sways; frolics and laughs. It squeals and gushes, in waves and in sprays.
And I look at it everyday and think of the sea, that has followed me.
Across seven other seas, to live with me, here in my river.

And she's back.....

2008-08-01T11:18:00.000-04:00

".....It's been almost half a year that I ve written on this blog. Let's just say life happened. Now that things are gradually settling down, I am going to try to get back...."

This was my draft post dated May 29th, 2008 which I never got to completing. Writer's block? Not really. More like the writer got blocked by everything else in life.
Some things took priority over others; what used to be a regular occurence before, took a backseat. New loves, new homes, new passions and newer avenues to explore. Some old things got left behind; going back to which, does'nt make sense anymore. Some others however, helplessly plead a re-turn.
There are too many updates of what happened in life since the last post on this blog. More races, more work, more friends, more socialising, more love, more travel, more study and a lot of growing up....The glass is more full than empty and that's how I ve come to like it now. Not enough time anymore to do a lot of things that I would like to, but that's when the '25th hour' will come in. 'Look for the 25th hour in the day' was an adage taught by an old professor; which now seems to gain importance more than ever before.
The city still buzzes and so do I, with it. Partly to blame for my incessant busy-ness. Together, we dance the time away. Still very much in love with each other as we were, even before I moved here and this became home. Still not seen enough of it, dont know when I ll be able to say I have. But who's complaining? There's a lifetime to explore!
To surmise; blocking a writer is wrong and I will try to not let that happen anymore. It's time to stop and as Mr. Davies' appeals; stand and stare. There's inspiration everywhere.
To look around and find that one moment, when life can let me breathe.....let me write....let me do, what I ve always loved doing.....speak through my prose.
Maybe just sometimes, some rare times albeit, life and the city can wait!

My Second Marathon High!

2007-10-08T19:44:00.000-04:00

...And it was a real high! No, I am not speaking of the amazing/ thrilling/ phenomenal sort of, I am speaking temperature-wise. My Second Marathon was run at a high, that touched 97 degrees Fahrenheit, in Chicago, on Oct 7th 2007, which was supposed to be the 30th anniversary of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Turns out it was also the hottest ever marathon day, in the 30 year old history of the race in the city.

We (The Asha - NYC/ NJ team comprising of the runners, most of whom ran the D.C Marathon with me last year), had as our local pad for the weekend; a swanky 3000 sq. ft penthouse on the 35th floor of one of downtown Chicago's elitest buildings, Lake Point Tower. (Also famous as Oprah Winfrey's ex-address). I have to mention the floor-to-ceiling glass walls with spectacular views of the Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown and even Indiana, (for god's sake) in the distance. Entering the apartment and receiving Rakesh's (the owner/ host and Monica's friend) "help-yourselves-with-the-fully-stocked-bar" invitation, only made us all wish we had come here to party, instead of, for a race. We ensured Rakesh (who didnt seem too thrilled with our assurance) that we would only be using the bar for 'water' and would probably go to bed by 10 pm that night.
Back to the race story. After a grand feast of pasta and an early night, all of us woke up early next morning to get ready for our race. Four out of the six of us who had shacked up at the penthouse, were running, while everyone who's name was 'Amit' was supporting. (Amit Sinha; a.k.a AS planned to run his 20 mile training run with Monica, from mile 6 onwards, while Amit Desai; a.k.a AD was going to punctuate the race at various mile-markers to cheer and photograph all of us, as we passed through.)
The walk to the start line (in the Millenium Park) from the apartment was a rough 15 minutes, so we set off from home, after a quick breakfast, well in time to get there. Spirits soared as we drew near the crowds, but the sun had already risen and so had our apprehensions about the weather for the next few hours. Advait lined up at the 4:00 hour pace marker while Monica, Manjari and I walked up ahead, hoping to start out early, to be able to end early, to make it in time for our flight back home.
The gun-shot at 8 am sparked the race off and about 8 minutes later, the three of us crossed the start line, to begin (literally speaking) one of our toughest journey's in life.
The race course in Chicago is supposed to be flat (compared to what Central Park is like), making it one of the most favoured marathons in the US. Little did we know the challenge that lay ahead of us.
My first mile was a breeze; ("Wow, made it in 8-something minutes? Cool!" voice in the heart said. "Starting out too fast..Coach will kill you!" voice in the head, yelled). Somewhere between Miles 1 and 2, AD appeared, camera in hand, among the cheering crowd and before he could take a picture, I yelled out to him and ran away.
Conversations with self start.....run...run.....(looking around)....run....run....."good crowd support"...run...run...."left arch of the foot, please dont ache today"....run...run...."body glide, please stay on"....run.....run.....AD on the left?......."Ammmmmit"....run...run....AD yells out "heyyyy"...run...run....AD misses taking a pic again.....run...run...."You always miss my picture".....run...run.....AD tries to run to take a pic.....run....run....leave him behind.....Mile 4...."can we have some breeze please?"......run.....run......"hope it gets cooler somehow".....run....run...."power gels (pinned to the shorts) please stay on, dont fall off"....run....run....."ooooh expansion joints are fun to run on"......chatter in the background......."why do people talk so much while running?"....."water stop closeby?"...."let's try this Gatorade that these guys keep raving about"....."let's still drink water too".......run...run.....Mile 6......look at the crowd.....run....run....can't see any familiar f aces....run....run.....not many Indians in the crowd......run....run....time to eat the first gel....run...run.....look down to retrieve gel.....run....run.....find one of four gels has fallen off......pluck one gel off and eat......run....run.....gatorade two sips + water two more....Mile 8.....run...run....feel the heat, no breeze.....run...run....."you got to be kidding me".....run.....run....."Cmon, let's get to double digits fast"....run....run.....Mile 10....."Why is'nt this a half-marathon?".....run....run....."Hmmm, Old town".....run....run....."Thank God, I am wearing a hat".....run...run....see runner stretching on side.....run....run....see runner fallen on the side.....run....run....look away and try to not think of what must have happened to him.....run...run....heat growing....run....run.....bad thoughts in head growing.....run....run.....Mile 12...run...run.....see bikers in the distance....run...run...."Wish I could get a ride with them".....run....run....Energizer Bunnies doing everything but energizing....run....run.....read "It's not the heat, you're just warming up".....run...run....smile to self....run....run...."Why are'nt there more people with water hoses?"....run....run....hear "Good job runners, keep going".....run...run....hear "You guys are a bunch of hot bodies out there, half-way there"....run....run.....wish I was as fit as last year....run...run...."A stomach like her's would'nt hurt".....run....run....time for next gel.....run...run....look down for gel....run...run....all gels fallen off......run...run....Shit! Got to wait until gel stop at Mile 17.....run...run....Mile 14...."That's it, just 14 done?".....run...run...."Same distance to go, f%$^"....run....run.....Where the f(&^* is AD?.....run...run....."Ok, next water stop, let's walk a bit more than the last one".....run...run....water stop in the distance.....run...run....hi-five a kid...run....run.....Oops, high-fived a bit too hard. "Sorry"....run...run....leave scowling kid behind....run...run......gatorade 2 sips + water two more + mini-shower with 5 glasses of water....run....run..."What are these runners doing with those ice cubes? Does that really help?"......Mile 16....hear "You can do it....".....retort in head "We can help" (Stupid joke, Home Depot punchline)...run...run....Gel stop....run...run....Pick up two chocolate flavoured ones, double caffeine.....run...run....lots of water hoses...run...run.....drench self completely.....run...run....feel fresh as a daisy....run...run....speed up....run...run...slide back to consistent pace.....run...run...."Man, not the wall already".....run...run....feel sort of a wall...run..run..."I thought more 20 miler training runs meant a better marathon?"....run...run....4:00 hour pace group passes me by....run...run....heart sinks a little....run...run...."Dont worry, it's not about the pace as much"...run...run........"Who wants donuts right now? Seriously people."....run...run....Mile 18...."Cmon, this is not even the longest run in the park yet".....run...run...."No chafing yet, can you believe that?"......run...run...."No left-arch paining too"...run...run...."It's a miracle, prayers have been answered"....run...run.... mind running faster than body....run...run.....wish body was running faster than mind....run...run....time to walk.....walk...walk...."Hmmm, this looks like a nice lunch place"....walk...walk...."Dude, you got to start running again!"....walk..walk...."But before that you need to take another shower"....walk walk.....notion to hose guy to spray.....Splat!!!.....run....run......like there's a new ray of hope.....run...run....look out for next shower spot.....run..run...to my glee find a broken fire hydrant gushing water like crazy.....run..run....drenched head to toe....run...run....."Man, this feels good."....Mile 20...."This is where last year, the wall started to form, brick by brick, tread by tread".....run...run....no wall.....run...run....AD in the crowd again....run...run.....AD jumps in to run alongside.....run...run....he starts to say something....run...run.....give an angry glare and with action say "zip it"....run...run....AD shuts up...run...run....think in head "Was that rude?"...run...run.....think in head "whatever"......run...run....am on a roll....run...run...."Isnt it weird to be on a roll in the last 6? What kind of a runner feels this?"....run...run..."God knows, must be the insane kind, who hit their wall in the late 10's and then overcome it in the early 20's, maybe?"....run...run...AD running ahead, trying to take a picture....run...run....reaching the video cameras....run...run....AD and I waving and smiling at them....run...run...."Hopefully there's going to be one good shot in the dvd, now"....run...run...AD drifts away somewhere.....Mile 22...."Nice, 4 more to go"....run...run....."Not Michigan Ave yet?"...run...run...."So happy, didnt end up wasting any time at the port-a-potty, unlike last year in D.C".....run...run...."How about another gel now, might just help?"....run...run...look for water stop.....run...run...Mile 23.....run...run....AD pops out of nowhere.....run....run....running alongside again.....run...run...knows better this time to zip it......run...run....water stop....run...run....splash water all over again.....run...run...loud announcement "The race has been cancelled, all runners are requested to walk from here on to the finish line. You will however still be timed and awarded your medals at the finish".....run...run...."What the f&^%? What did they just say?"....run...run...AD repeats announcement.....run...run...."But I ll still be timed right?"....run..run...AD: "Yes you will...Cmon let's keep running".....run...run....most runners walking.....run...run....makes me want to run faster.....run...run....AD starts making friends on the way...run...run....try to run away from their chatter.....run...run...."Why couldnt they just have declared this earlier? Better still, preponed the race timing, knowing the heat."...run...run...."This is just like when in a school exam back home, there's a question that's not from the book and someone came around to announce that it could be considered in option with another easier one".....run...run....Mile 24....run..run...AD clapping....run...run....can hear more cheers for me than in any of the past miles....run...run....AD yells "Only 2 more miles to go now"...run...run...."I can see that, hullo!"...run...run....Thankfully that was only in my head....run...run...amazed at how much the heat can affect one's sanity;)....run...run....almost everyone walking....run...run....Mile 25.....run...run..."Can you believe it, the end is almost here?"...run...run...."So what is my final time then?".....run...run....."This better be faster than D.C".....run...run...AD's voice in the background "Cmon, you can still try for under 4:30"....run...run...."Really?"....run...run...AD:"Let me know when you want to sprint and we'll go"...run...run...in my head "You sprint, I am ok:)"....run...run...see people ahead make a right...run...run...think in head the finish must be right there....run...run...realise its a whole bloody bridge to cross....run...run...."Freaking sadists"......run..run....Guard throws AD out of race....run..run...AD resists, guard doesnt listen, AD moves out of race....run..run...look left to see if he's running on the sidewalk....run...run...don't see him....run...run...Mile 26...Last mile....run...run....start managing hair/ cap to give a good finish-line shot;)...run...run...."Will I have tears in my eyes when I cross the finish line this year too?"...run...run...."Maybe, but they just maybe tears from having fought the overbearing heat instead of finishing the race"......run...run......"I can see the finish line".....run...run....."Oops, I can see the finish time too and it does'nt look great".....run...run...."Doesnt matter, go cross it girl and get your 4th medal"....run...run....loud cheering all around....run...run....glance at the timer....run...run....."Alright, atleast it's a PR".....run...run...cross the finish line.....walk...walk......"Thank God, It's over!"
Post-Finish line, I limped amongst the throngs of tired runners, towards 'chip retrieval', then to the medal-giving lady and finally in line for a 'Finisher photograph'. Then the challenge was to find the ASHA tent, where I could hopefully get my free massage. Walking through the crowd, towards the tents, I approached the runner-meet up zone, where I did'nt see AD, so kept moving towards the Charity village, pining for my massage, when as has become the norm, he again emerged out of nowhere.
With me gradually limping, we made our way to the ASHA tent, where my friends Amar and Manjot soon dropped by. My phone had a few text messages and voicemails from some other friends, all of us trying to co-ordinate our co-ordinates. What followed was about an hour of experience-relating to everyone over 'samosas' and cold water, until it was time to leave to catch the 4:50 flight back home.

Note of Thanks:
1. In strict alphabetical order; Advait, AD, AS, Manjari and Monica for being the best team-mates ever:)
2. Coach Jane and Courtney, for their invaluable advice, training tips and patience, always. Coach Jane also, for suggesting we do the NYRR training runs this year, which were the reason I kept a consistent pace throughout the marathon.
3. Everyone who wished me luck and hoped that I do well on race day. (Mom & Dad lead this list, as always)
4. Rakesh Patel, for hosting us graciously in his sprawling penthouse and of course Monica, for knowing Rakesh Patel, in the first place:)
5. My First Marathon, at D.C last year; for the "Been there, Done that" factor that it provided me with, for this race. Although motivational levels were extremely high last year, this race was all about the fighting spirit which only sustained itself to re-feel the feeling I ve known before; of crossing the 26.2 mile marker at the end of a marathon. Also, for establishing a record in the first place (D.C was at 04:37:29 while Chicago was at 4:35:54) , that I could break this year, (albeit by a mere 1:35 minutes), but it's a PR all the same.
6. The mad yelling boisterous crowd, almost all along the 26.2 mile distance, that yelled, screamed and made so much noise, that you forgot what silence feels like.
7. Amar, Manjot, Karthik and Preetam for having had the time to drop in and meet me, during the trip.
8. The arch of my left foot, for not giving up on me on race day.
9. The random water-hosing crowd, that willingly doused water on me as I ran and whoever it is, who broke open the fire-hydrant along the route.
10. The 'Wall' for occuring well in advance and giving me enough gusto to breeze through my last 6.2 miles, like never before.
11. I did'nt think I would thank the heat, but I guess I have to, since it's over-bearingness, did take away my mind from the smaller hindrances such as foot-ache and chafing that apparently occured during the race, but I realised them only after.
12. The unstoppable and at times quite hilarious voice in my head, that can take me running any distances, without ever experiencing boredom.
13. Everyone who's donated to our cause at ASHA.
14. The only ASHA-NYC/NJ supporter we had in this race, Amit D, who ran from one mile-marker to another, hopefully managing to cheer all of us at some point, while taking pictures. Also, for being my personal (more importantly, silent motivator) from mile 23 to 25.5.
And lastly but definitely not at the least, looking back at the one unfortunate death and 300+ emergencies that rolled in because of the excessive heat on race day, I truly have my body to be the most thankful to, for surviving the struggles I put it through. Just as I mentioned in 'My First Marathon High' write-up last year, this year made me realise, that even a little training goes a long way in affecting performances when the time comes. Although my personal fitness levels were at their best last year, I can still proudly acclaim that I was not part of the unfortunate 300+ statistic. On Sunday, 35,867 began the race in Chicago; but only 24,933 finished it. With a little glint in my eye and a definite bounce in my step (that promises to return when I am done limping all week long:) , I'd like to say "I was one of them"!

Do you really know your friends?

2007-06-02T12:11:00.001-04:00

Saw this on my best friend's blog and had to respond:)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Thankfully, dont remember, that's how long back.
3 DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Love it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Usually Lunch doesnt involve meat, if it qualifies, then Sushi.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Definitely.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Sometimes, with some people.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Dont think so.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Not a cereal person.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Yes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Most of the times.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Vanilla.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red over Pink, anytime.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My frequent unpunctuality.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
People I love, when they are not with me.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
If they want to.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black and yellow running shorts, Pink Hush Puppies in my feet.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Chakli - Mommy made.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The News on NY-1.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Red.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Chanel Mademoiselle pour femmes, First rain on soil, Johnsons and Johnsons on little babies.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Loraina
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
She didnt send it to me really, but saw it on her blog. Love her lots.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Tennis, if at all. Like to play more than watch.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Black.
28. EYE COLOR?
Dark Brown.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Never.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Too many to list here, but Daal Chaawal is an all-time old-time choice.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, always.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Excerpts of Omkara.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White T-shirt.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer, while growing up. Winter, is the new favourite.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Lots and lots of both:)
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate (in a Hug Mug) at Max Brenners - Chocolate by the Bald Man.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Not looking for responses.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Most people who read this:)
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Airport Design - IATA Journal/ Learning from Las Vegas
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
The Mouse, for now:)
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Some excerpts of Omkara.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Baby talk, Rain drops, Church Bells tolling every hour (Recent addition due to change of office location:)
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles, anytime.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??
Never far from home, as I have multiple homes:)
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Too many of them.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Dr. Rao's Hospital, Andheri East, Mumbai, India
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Not looking forward to any answers, but would love to read, if there are any:)

Let's call the whole thing off...

2007-02-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

Saw "When Harry met Sally" recently and this song refuses to leave my head, since. As most songs do, it sounds better when heard than when read, but here it is anyways.
P.S: Would be thrilled if someone has the soundtrack and can forward it to me, especially this song.

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off...

You say "either" and I say "ayether"
You say "neither" I say "nayether"
"Either" "ayether", "neither" "nayether"
Let's call the whole thing off.
You say "potato," I say "patatto"
You say "tomato", I say "tamatto"
Oh, let's call the whole thing off.
Oh, if we call the whole thing off, then we must part
and oh if we ever part, that would break my heart,
So, I say "ursta" you say "oyster"
I'm not gonna stop eatin' urstas just cause you say oyster,
Oh, let's call the whole thing off oh,
I say "pyjamas", you say "pajamas"
Sugar, what's the problem?
Oh, for we know, we need each other,
so we'd better call the calling off, off.
So let's call it off, oh let's call it off,
Oh, let's call it off, baby let's call it off,
Sugar why don't we call it off,
I'm talking baby, let's call it off, call it off,
Let's call the whole thing off!

Of Celebrations Galore...

2007-02-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

1. The annual trip back home to Mumbai this year, was more special than all the others have been. Raga, my best friend of 28 years, married Ashok Roy, in three remarkable weddings, countless celebratory dinners, two different ceremonies, two suave outdoor receptions, spread across two different cities. Weddings are always beautiful and joyous, but this was one that will always be very close to my heart. From the jewellery to the saris, the make-up, the countless hours spent pampering ourselves in beauty parlours, the last minute shopping trips and the fastidious details sought in matching the last stone in the necklace with the first thread of the sari's fabric; this marathon of weddings is most memorable for the boisterous laughter and mirth we spread everywhere we went. To top it all, the bride was as uncoy as she usually is, which only made her more human and natural, the groom as always, was at his dashing best, TDH (Tall, Dark and Handsome) as one of the 'aunties' referred to him (I have to be nice to him, now that he is family).
2. Nicky (a.k.a Namrata) married long time boyfriend Parthiv Pandya in December. A wedding that sadly none of us could attend, but everyone wanted to be a part of. A joyous occasion all the same, one that will certainly be celebrated, when we meet again.
3. I welcomed to my inner circle, a little bundle of joy; Snehi and Atit's 2 month old daughter Ira. Pretty as a petal, I hope she draws her sanities from her father and her insanities from her Mom. She happens to be the second 'Baby Nut'; the first one being Boskey (a.k.a Mayank) who is Trupti and Atul's son. A brief definition here about 'The Nuts' is essential; a group of five crazy girls, that was created 14 years ago. We all had, (still do, actually) a 'Nut' name and in all these years, inspite of living in different countries, still manage to stay the best of friends.
4. Came in, in the18th place, in the Mumbai Half-Marathon; a thrill that I cannot help but brag about endlessly. Running in Mumbai was clearly a very different experience than running in the US, as I saw. Not only were things disarray at the organisational level, but the pollution and lack of crowd support did'nt help much either. Not that any of these are to blame for my poor performance, possibly my slowest running average ever (I came in at 2:04:59; a 9.54 mile/ minute average versus my NYC Half record of 2:01:27). But as is the case in all my previous races, the thrill of running through a city, home-ground in this case, was the real high. Bollywood and T.V celebrities made their appearances in their inimitable flashy style. The horror of the event though, was when more time was spent waiting in line for chip-removal and the certificate, than the time I took to finish the race in. All in all, a unique experience, but one that assured, that I will not be running a race in India, atleast in the next few years.
5. Smaller but no less meaningful joys of living in Mumbai re-lived; such as leisure walks in the moon-light; street fare- be it food or books bought at the traffic light; auto-rickshaw rides; car drives along old familiar routes; smoke-filled lounges (the smoke-filled part isnt really a pleasure, but was manageable for a few hours); Stores, where as a customer you really felt like a king; ladies-compartment shopping; ridiculous number of vanity trips to the local beauty salon; meeting people-some old, some new, all happy to see you; the occasional glimpse of Bollywood glitterati; the telepathic 'hello' when being driven by the Bachchan house; the annual rendezvous with Ganesha at Siddhivinayak; the variety of entertainment provided exclusively only by Indian Television; the 'Welcome Home' sign at home, that Mom tortures a new drawing teacher to assist with, each year; the loud, rowdy laughter that a joke from Dad invokes in me, at 1 am at night; the deja-vu of being a teenager, who knows Dad will be awake and that tiptoe-ing in at 2 am wont matter, but will still try; the embarrasing but best feeling in the world, of sitting on Mom's lap, all of 28 years of age and last, but not the least, the unequivocal elation of being back in the building at the same time as the two other childhood buddies, when none of you live there anymore, as if none of you ever left.

Mumbai-Celebrated!

My First Marathon High!

2006-11-02T13:04:00.000-05:00

What can I say? October 29th 2006 is one of the biggest days of my life so far.
It started with a not-so-cold Fall morning, when we rose early to run the 31st Marine Corps Marathon ( the first one for most of us) in Washington D.C. This marathon is called as the ‘People’s Marathon’ because it is famous for drawing runners from various parts of the world.
Whenever there’s a marathon in a city, it dynamically transforms into a mecca of spirit and energy. Almost infectious, the enthusiasm of the runners and even more so of their supporters is what really pulled me through the 26.20 mi distance.
The first gun shot at 8:25 am, set off the Wheelchair and Hand Crank Marathoners; a category that only had 4 participants, out of the 35,000 total in number. The Scarlet Wave Runners (bib no.s from 1 – 15999) were to start off at 8:25 am, which later moved to 8:35 am and the Gold Wave runners (bib no.s 16000 - 35,000) would follow 20 minutes later. I was in the Scarlet Wave (bib no. 10343) and maneuvered my way through the crowd, to position myself right at the Start Line. Until of course, out of nowhere appeared this pack of Kenyan/ Ethiopian runners who all lined up at the start and Coach Jane’s email resounded in my head “Don’t start off too fast with those runners”. John, another runner from D.C, struck up a conversation with me and we chatted away, till the race began. Talking to him, sort of prepared me for the course that lay ahead of us, as he warned me to go slow, up the hill after Mile 2.
A gun shot released the mob of runners and our 26.20 mile long journey began. The spectator support was marvelous; not just ASHA mentors and friends/ spouses, but the crowd in general, really lent energy to the air. The first few miles were a breeze, running through Arlington’s buildings until we reached the hill where the ascent began. I found myself picking up a glass of Powerade and water at almost all water-points, to quench my palate. The Key Bridge was an important milestone for me personally, because it sort of declared getting out of VA and into D.C. I have always heard of Georgetown, but now can say I’ve run through it too. Having written our names on our ASHA T-shirts really helped, although I did know that by the time people manage to read and pronounce my name, I would probably have already whizzed past them. Still I did get a lot of “Go Asha”s and a few “C’mon Shweyta”s, which really helped quicken the pace. A literal display of how encouragement boosts performance!
From Georgetown, we moved on to Rock Creek Park, where the beautiful fall foliage and light breeze provided for easy distractions, while running. In my head, I kept looking out for the D.C Monuments, because I knew somewhere around there, would mean the half-marker of the race. Running through the monuments on Constitution Ave. brought back memories of the time I visited here, the previous two years. The stretch leading towards and back from the Capitol Hill is completely dedicated to my parents, for the adorable wish my Dad sent to me in his email “Unfurl our flag atop the Capitol Hill” with a picture of him and my Mom standing in front of it, from their trip here, last year. (Turns out coincidentally enough that MarathonFoto decided to take a shot of me, right in front of the Capitol Hill.)
It was always mind-talk, conversations with my self and looking around while on the run, that helped me throughout the race. If you are running for 4 ½ hours, you may as well put that time to best use, mentally too. Random thoughts in my head ranged from: How proud my friends and parents would be of me; Are they getting the text messages of my mileage as I run?; What would it feel like to cross the Finish line; What in the world is that woman wearing; Oooh he’s good-looking; Don’t cross the street before me, you doofus; Any familiar faces in the crowd?; Why are my knees red, are they going to break open?; That downhill slope will certainly speed up my mileage; Did you know last year today, you would be doing this next year today?; All this for those little kids; they better study hard:); What was that trick someone suggested to keep your mind occupied while running – Divide 129/17 upto 3 decimals (Did’nt work for me by the way, I forgot the numbers before the decimals until I reached the end); My legs must be looking really toned right now; How are we going to celebrate tonight?…etc etc…
Spectator support near the monuments was largely tourists, who didn’t spare a moment without shouting out to the runners. Little kids who held out their hands, to give high-five’s to the runners, provided for the support with a ‘personal touch’.
East Potomac Park was next; another mental note to self, that this is the end of the D.C part of the race. This part of the course also felt really long inspite of its scenic route, as my sole search while running through here, was for the foot of the bridge. The Freeway Bridge was the 20 mile marker; an important mile in every marathoner’s books, because from here on, as we are told, “It’s all going to be in the head”. (Most, if not all Marathon training programs, train you to run till the 20 mile distance, as the last 6.20 miles of a marathon are really meant to be “in your head”.) Sounds like a lot for the head, but it’s true as I saw for myself, on race day. Since I had run 21 miles as my longest run distance, twice before; at the 21 mile mark, I knew until now was distance-travelled. From here on would be the real challenge. I do recollect asking myself at that point, why does a Marathon have to be 26.20 mile long and not just end at 21, till where I ve run before?
The Freeway Bridge seemed to be a never-ending one. I remember looking around at the other runners to see when people had started walking instead of running, sort of trying to tell myself that it’s ok to walk now. I had always heard about runners with unearthly energy levels whom I might see talking/ sprinting in the last few miles of the race and actually got to see some such during the race as well. That sort of energy conservation tactic towards the end of the race, I have yet to learn. Somewhere around now, there came a Music Tent put up by Target, where I remember stopping for a quick jig and a twirl, much to the amusement of a little girl in the audience, before I moved on to finish my race. Throughout the entire race, I posed for the cameras at the important mile-markers, knowing a little make-belief and pretence would go a long way in making memorable pictures and videos for life. (I cannot wait for the DVD that will have personalized shots of me throughout the race, hopefully one’s in which I am smiling away:)
At the 25th mile marker, I had personal ASHA supporters cheering me as I passed them. Crowd support throughout the last mile was incredible. Finally, as I reached the 26 mile marker, I knew this was soon going to be over. Drawing into the Finish Line, was one of the most overwhelming experiences ever; I must confess, my hands automatically raised themselves to mark the end of a spectacular journey, in proud declaration, that I had done it. A handsome Marine wrapped a foil blanket around me and another one put my ‘Finisher’ Medal around my neck. My eyes were a little moist from the overwhelming conversations I had had with myself in the last few hours. There was pain that I could feel in my body but it was a ‘happy’ pain. One totally-worth it and would-do-it-all-over-again sort of pain. I thanked myself, (I think I heard an inner voice say “I am so proud of you”) and all those whom I think are the reason, why I ran this marathon.
Some stretching later, I was ready to line up for my Marathon Finisher Photo, followed by two really good massages. Apparently I blurted out “God is blessing you right now” to the masseuse, more than a couple of times, as I recollected later, while recounting to my friends. There was pampering galore, after the race, as someone offered us ‘samosas’ and ‘idlis’, while random people came up to chat and take pictures. I even gave a full-fledged interview; (felt like such a celebrity, while at it); one that I am really looking forward to see.
Note of Thanks:
At the risk of sounding clichéd, I want to thank my parents who’ve handled every new insanity of mine (including this one) in the sanest of ways; my closest friends, who convinced me that fund-raising (which was the biggest reason I was hesitant to sign-up) would fall in place, my co-runners who trained with me and provided for the much-needed camaraderie and spirit, the ASHA mentors and Coach for urging me to go all the way and of course the countless donors, (some of whom I don’t know or have never met), but who donated selflessly to my Marathon’s cause and brought me so close to my target. (Feel free to make your donations at: http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/lib/marathon/publicmypage.php?1647)
Here is my official result from Race Day.
At the end of this 24-week journey, where I‘ve trained diligently towards a smaller goal (the Half-Marathon) at first, that grew into a larger one, (the Marathon) eventually, I have learnt a lot about myself, my body and of course running, in general. Be it the conversations I’ve had with myself while running, (after the time I decided that my Ipod was an additional hindrance) or the amount of time I’ve spent outdoors, appreciating parks, water bodies, skylines, sights, smells and sounds of the outside, or the wonderful people I’ve run with in the park, from the blind guy full of energy, running with his aide; the pregnant woman who ran at my pace in a NYRR race or the fragile grandma who runs religiously every Saturday morning, this training experience has enriched me in more ways than one. Among others, it has shown me that lines drawn earlier can always be extended and a lot of our reservations (mental or physical) really lie in our head and can easily be overcome. As I type, I am waiting to sign up for my next Half-Marathon to be held in Mumbai on Jan 21st, 2007, so as you can see, I am officially addicted to running now.
There used to be times when at the end of a 3 mile run on the treadmill, I would applaud myself and think that running anymore, will only make me tired. But now after having been past several Saturday mornings spent well, training in the park, from 10, 14, 16, 18 to 21 miles and being able to party the same night, like there’s no tomorrow, I ‘ve learnt that our bodies are capable of way more than what we give them credit for.
And that once taken good care of, they make us breeze through some of our toughest journeys:)!

"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"

2006-10-18T17:38:00.000-04:00

You know how sometimes we love some songs and then later totally forget about them at all?And then, some other time, later in life, we suddenly hear them play and they come back to us, and then we remember how much we loved and cherished them, at one point of time of our lives?

One such old, forgotten favourite that recently crossed my path, is Don Mc'lean's "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)". It brings back memories of rebellious days spent in architecture undergrad, when we lived and breathed creativity and when I first fell in love with Vincent's work and of more recent times, the beautiful afternoon spent among his works in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

One of my all time favourites; you can hear it here for free: (Song no. 10)

http://www.rhapsody.com/donmclean/thelegendarysongsofdonmclean

"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"

Starry, starry night

Paint your palette blue and grey

Look out on a summer's day

With eyes that know the darkness in my soul

Shadows on the hills

Sketch the trees and daffodils

Catch the breeze and the winter chills

In colours on the snowy linen land

Now I understand

What you tried to say to me

And how you suffered for your sanity

And how you tried to set them free

They would not listen

They did not know how

Perhaps they'll listen now

Starry, starry night

Flaming flowers that brightly blaze

Swirling clouds and violet haze

Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue

Colours changing hue

Morning fields of amber grain

Weathered faces lined in pain

Are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand

Now I understand

What you tried to say to me

And how you suffered for your sanity

And how you tried to set them free

They would not listen

They did not know how

Perhaps they'll listen now

For they could not love you

But still your love was true

And when no hope was left inside

On that starry, starry night

You took your life as lovers often do

But I could have told you Vincent

This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you

Starry Starry night

Portraits hung in empty halls

Framless heads on nameless walls

With eyes that watch the world and cant forget

Like the strangers that you've met

The ragged men in ragged clothes

The silver thorn of bloody rose

Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow

Now I think I know

What you tried to say to me

And how you suffered for your sanity

And how you tried to set them free

They would not listen

They're not listening still

Perhaps they never will...

My First Marathon Appeal!

2006-10-13T17:35:00.000-04:00

So it's here, sooner than you had expected; my announcement to all of you, who are'nt aware yet, that I am running my first Marathon. Feels like it was just yesterday, when I ran the ASHA 5K run, then the NYC Half-Marathon and now finally the ultimate one of them all, the Marathon.
It's been one incredible journey, from the first 3.10 miles for ASHA on June 10th, 2006, to the 13.10 miles in the NYC Half-Marathon on Aug 27th, 2006 and eventually, the 26.20 miles that I will run in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C on Oct 29th, 2006.
Attached is the map of the race course, for the event and below is the link to more information for spectators and supporters (for those of you, who will be at the event to cheer me:), on the race day.
http://www.marinemarathon.com/race_info/spectators.htm
More than 2000 miles and 21 weeks of running and $1500 of funds raised later, I am still running and fundraising for ASHA; a Non-profit which works towards providing basic education for under-privileged children in India.
Here are the links that provide more information on ASHA:
http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/7630.htm

and here is the link where you can make your credit card donations:
http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/lib/marathon/publicmypage.php?1647
I sincerely urge each one of you, who chances upon my blog or is a regular reader to make your valuable donation when you read this post. At ASHA Marathons, each one of us, runs with the belief "I run so they can read".
Robert Frost's following lines, now have a new meaning in my life:)
"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
Thank you for your time and donations (in advance) and do look forward to my post-marathon post, after the 29th.

Tag 1 - Eight Things about Myself

2006-09-13T15:16:00.000-04:00

Axe tagged me onto this; quite a pain I must confess being tagged to writing something like this. And that too, only 8 things, when my list was beginning to seem endless:)
So here's my first 'tagged-to' post, especially since I see a reminder to do this, on my previous post.

Eight Things about Myself

1. I am a die-hard romantic to the core.
Surprises; diamond ring and down on one knee-kind of proposals; kisses; hugs; physical manifestations of love; love stories; romantic movies; love notes; sunsets; moonlit nights; walking in the sand, hand-in-hand, etc sort of tried-and-tested or unique romantic gestures are all huge turn-ons.

2. I realize today that I’ve made a lot of adult/ life- changing decisions as a child; most of which I still am or plan to conform to.
To never smoke; to have, what in India we refer to as a ‘love-marriage’; what I would like to name my son if and when I have one; add the letter ‘y’ to my first name etc:).

3. I consider myself blessed to have had a best-friend to grow up with, since we both were born, 27 years ago. It’s not an ordinary gift and if I could, I would want to pass that on, more than anything, to my children.

4. I love traveling, mostly to cities.
I traveled to my first city (for tourism), when I was 3 months old and I think that’s when the bug caught on. I’ve been to more than 50 so far, in India and abroad, and am still counting.

5. I am extremely gregarious and love being surrounded by people. I can also hold conversations with almost anyone, including a wall. Both qualities are an inheritance from my Mom, I think.

6. I am an only child and have always loved it that way.

7. I cannot study in any other way, but aloud; like ‘read-the-text-out-loud’ aloud. I think that may be the reason I have an incessant, untiring capacity to blabber.

8. I have always done things my way and plan to spend the rest of my life continuing to do so. Someday, at the fag end of it, I hope to hear Frank Sinatra’s ‘I did it my way’ in my tribute:)

My Half-Marathon High!

2006-08-29T12:34:00.000-04:00

I can finally say 'I did it'.
Earlier this year, I had set for myself a goal; that of running a race, in which I could put all my previous running experience to use. The ASHA 5K, was my first step in this direction, at which point I did not know that I would be training for/ running the Half this year as well. (I guess just as, at the time when I actually wrote this post, I had no idea I would be considering to run the Marathon in D.C, on Oct 29th, 2006. Figured, I may as well go all the way and end the year with a bang.) This gradual upgrading of races albeit natural progression of them, all the same (from the 5K to the Half and eventually the Marathon), is now becoming a way of life, I think.
On Aug 27th, 2006 as I drew into the Finish Line at Battery Place, the feelings varied from satisfaction, sense of achievement, fatigue and of course an ambitious drive to go all the way. (The upcoming Marathon, like all others, will be a 26.2 mile distance, in D.C)
Thanks all, for your donations and encouragement. I ran the Half-Marathon i.e 13.10 miles with a net time of 2:01:27. (Yes, I felt horrible when I saw that 1 min and 27 sec part and wished I had run faster to make it within 2 hours). My rank was 4958th out of 10,340 runners and my Gender place (that is rank among the women) was 1660th. I like to refer to it as "I was the 1660 th fastest woman in NYC that day:)" Some consolation!!
When I walked into work the next day, I was sent back home for rest, as I showed off my medal to my VP and manager and they were too thrilled. An applause, a few hugs, a lot of congratulations and some "You're our running star" later, they packed me off to go spend the rest of the day, pedicuring my feet or basking in the glory of my Sunday race:)
The Half, on Sunday, easily makes it to my list of 'unforgettable' days. The week before, as I kept training as per my schedule, when I was asked by various people if I was excited for the half, I kept answering that it felt like it would be a normal day. Until of course 6 am on Sunday morning, when I walked into Central Park, to see a whole new ambience. People all over the place, checking in bags, talking GU-gels and running goals; the park peaked in energy levels and I think that's where I drew from, for my run.
I was aiming at 2:15 and was super pleased when I drew into the finish line at 2:01. The ASHA team lined up and a co-runner and I decided to run together, but I realise I ditched her somewhere in between, when out of nowhere I picked up pace and moved ahead. En route the various highs, were at points where jazz musicians played in the park, under small tents and being able to criss-cross with ASHA runners on and off. Until of course, when it only kept getting better, as the biggest high that gave me goose bumps was exiting the park, onto the streets, where crowds cheered to loud music and Times Square neons loomed up ahead. A sudden shower of rain welcomed me on 7th Ave. and kept me pleasant company while I ran, the next few blocks into Midtown. The cheering crowds all along the route, some with bells, others with drums, mad screeching women-supporters, kids holding up 'Way to go Grandpa" signs, only added to the diversity of the experience. Cutting across 42nd St. and running on the West Side H'way, with cars on the other side of the road, was a thrill too. (I remember exclaiming "I just ran all that, we could have easily walked it now, instead of this cab" as we drove back from Battery Place to the Brunch place, at 14th and Broadway)...All in all, the medal at the end was totally worth all those non-alcoholic early Friday nights and early morning Saturday long runs.
Two days later, as I sit typing this post, my thighs are still aching a bit, but I am ready for my days run. I want to keep training because this is a bad time to stop and because I now think that I am addicted:) (Let's not even talk about the "Wow, you've lost weight/ toned up" compliments that I am getting used to as well:)
Above, is a picture of me taken, halfway through the race and my running result from the NY-Road runners website. Once again, thanks for all your contributions and 'good-luck' wishes..They certainly motivated me each time I thought I was getting tired to pick up pace again.

Day 3 - Chicago

2006-07-30T22:47:00.000-04:00

Day 3 - (Sunday, 30th July 06')
Today was our last day in Chicago and our flight out of Chicago Midway was at 3 pm. Karthik had graciously insisted on dropping us at the airport, after we would get done with our CAF (Chicago Architectural Foundation's) Architectural River Cruise. We were booked on the 11 am cruise, which would take off from the Chicago River, at the foot of the Wacker bridge and bring us back there at 12:30 pm.
Saurabh and I checked out of our hotel and decided to conserve our monetary resources by taking the complimentary shuttle ride from the hotel into the city. We had become, very used to taking cabs in this city and figured that it may be a tough, thereby expensive habit, to lose, when we got back home in NYC.
We didn’t have enough time to grab a bite before the cruise, although we had already planned that the last thing we would eat before we left Chicago, was a slice of their deep-dish pizza. It only occurred to us later, that there weren’t many shops that sold pizzas by the slice, as in NYC. Karthik informed me that a deep-dish pizza would take atleast 1 to 1-1/2 hours to make, once ordered, so it was beginning to dawn upon us, that we might have to leave without having sunk our teeth into one.
Slightly disappointed at that, Saurabh and I got on the cruise and took almost front row seats, to make sure we didn’t miss any Chicago trivia that might come across our way.
The cruise was spectacular; starting off in the middle of downtown, where we craned our necks to see the steel and glass structures all around us. The cruise guide introduced herself and for the next 90 minutes, we were bombarded with loads of information, on the architecture of this dynamic city. Buildings from the art-deco to the post modern style; by architects ranging from the ‘Bauhaus’ to the ‘blob’ schools passed us by, as our cruise moved ahead on the green river, which apparently turns a darker green every year on St. Patrick’s Day. The boat, took us all along the river, cruising through the various tall buildings of downtown and into the harbour, from where we could see the Navy Pier in the distance and the black skyscraper building, which Oprah Winfrey calls home.
The Chicago River has gone down in civil engineering history, to have had its flow reversed, originally from flowing into the Lake Michigan River, to now flowing away from it. ‘Chicago’ means ‘the stinking onion’ in the language of the Native Americans who lived there. The name, as is apparent, was given to the river, on account of the rotten onion stink that it gave out, due to massive dumping of industrial waste in it, during Chicago’s industrial boom. However, the present day Chicago River, is nothing like it’s name; it’s clean and green, providing for a lovely natural hue to Chicago downtown.
The cruise lasted a good 90 minutes, during which I kept trying to store the three-dimensional experience through my two-dimensional digital viewfinder. Chicagoan’s almost tirelessly waved at us, from the numerous bridges we sailed under, to building rooftops and promenades that lined the river. I remember mentioning to Saurabh, how amazed I get, each time, with this sort of friendly urban conduct, encountered with, in cities other than NYC. Not to mention, that NYC does not have its own style of urban conduct, but time and pace definitely get the better of people there; that at times we forget to stand and stare as Davies’ would love to have us do, in his poem ‘Leisure’, my all time favourite. This CAF Architectural River cruise is certainly a must-do for any architectural or urban enthusiast, in Chicago, worth every penny it costs.
When we were back at the foot of the Wacker Bridge, Karthik called, to pleasantly surprise us with a “I’ve ordered you guys a Deep Dish Pizza, so come on over quick.”
We hailed a cab and reached ‘The Presidential Towers’, a modern, almost mini-city scale apartment building complex, which Karthik calls home. Our first reaction was, this is Chicago’s magnified version of Newport-Pavonia; a residential area of Jersey City, with hotel-like apartment buildings, that boast of washers and dryers/ elevators/ concierges and pompous chandeliers. (I live like most poor people in NYC do; in a rent-stabilized pre-war, brownstone in Astoria, Queens, so living it up in style such as this, certainly gives me a high at times. Although, I do believe that there is more ‘character’ to a brownstone with its rich historical context, than a carpeted, high rise apartment, laid with a stencil. The only thing that turns me on about a high-rise is really, the fabulous views it lays out, which I believe may be enough reason for me to make a move into one, eventually in life.) ‘The Presidential Towers’, just like in Newport, has a largely South-Asian population. It also has a grocery store, shopping mall, restaurants, coffee-shops, all within the complex. The commute from the lobby of the building to Karthik’s apartment was a good 10 minute walk; that comprised of riding on escalators, elevators and left me looking out for a moving walkway next:)
Karthik’s semi-one bedroom/ studio was neatly laid out and kept well; always a pleasure when it comes to a bachelor pad. As I was expecting, his apartment had splendid views of downtown and of the Sear’s Tower, which seems to be in his backyard. The Pizza was waiting for us to devour it, an act quickly conducted, to satiate our hungry tummies and make it in time for our flight from Chicago Midway. With our stomach’s full and hearts contented, we left to drive to the airport to take our flight back home and wrap up a weekend, well spent in Chi town.
To summarise it, in my favourite Ol’ Blue eyes words:
“This is my kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of people too
People who smile at you”

Acknowledgements:
Saurabh: For accompanying me on this trip and making it more interesting with our architectural discourses and sharing my wander-thirst with equal enthusiasm.

Suchi: For a wonderful tour of the area West of Michigan Mile and spending a sunny afternoon, chatting away, like old times. Also, for a few excellent recommendations on ‘Blues’ clubs in the city and her meticulously, neatly-written detailed list of the same.

Karthik: For a beautiful evening tour of the Navy Pier and saying it a 1000 times how wonderful he felt to meet with us 10 years later. Also, for being a wonderful host and getting us the elusive deep-dish, that we thought we had almost left Chi town without. And last but definitely not the least, for insisting on driving us to the airport, which only made our trip more comfortable.

All those Chicagoans' who waved at us when we were cruising along peeping into their houses. (A phenomenon so contrary to the one, when I was cruising along the Amstel River in Amsterdam, where the locals snorted, frowned and furled their curtains in our face, at times.
And, to think the Dutch are exhibitionists and love to have people peer into their houses.)

Lastly, the various ‘nice’ people for their ‘niceties’ that made me leave Chicago with the feeling that it is one of the ‘nicest’ cities I‘ve ever been to.
Nice enough, to make me want to call it "Ni(ce)City".

Day 2 - Chicago

2006-07-29T21:46:00.000-04:00

Day 2 - (Saturday, 29th July 06')
Saturday started off with my scheduled 9 mile run, along the Lake Shore Trail. I woke up at 7 am and set off armed with my GU gel, towards the pedestrian bridge that would take me across the Lake Shore Drive to the trail. Needless to say, the run wasn’t half as good as I had expected it to be. I didn’t know if it was the heat wave lingering on the city, or the absence of shady trees or simply the unfamiliarity of the route, that made the run more difficult than usual. There were a lot of bikers and a few runners in the park, which was great, to boost my dehydrated morale, considering the lack of water fountains along the trail. Mile markers helped though, as I somehow made my target mileage for the day.
Headed back to the hotel, by 9 am or so, where Saurabh was wide awake watching ‘Alexander’. Done with the regular morning routine, we left to get breakfast at the hotel’s local restaurant and then took a cab into downtown, where the first stop was to be the Sears’ Tower.
The cabbie was an African gentleman; who’s accent was very difficult to comprehend. When I was talking to Saurabh in English, he thought I was speaking in ‘Pakistani’ and I thought to myself, how incomprehensible I may have sounded. Casual conversation with him revealed, that he was a big Mehmood fan and had watched a lot of his movies, until when I had no idea, that Mehmood was internationally famous.
An observation made in reference to Chicago cabbies is that they are rougher drivers than their Manhattan counterparts. I always thought that the latter were some of the most ruthless people behind the wheel, but last night and this morning’s cab rides have made me think otherwise.
At the foot of the Sears’ Tower, we found ourselves at the end of a rather short line for the sky deck. Constant comparisons to the Empire State were natural, as we noticed how security wasn’t such a big deal here, in spite of this being the US’s tallest building. ‘Just another NYC hype’ we told ourselves and moved on to the various levels, after which we were finally let into an auditorium, to be shown a short NatGeo film on the tower. The film was a good briefing on the building and the history of its construction, an interesting pre-viewing feature that the Empire State could do with, as well.
The Sears’ tower was conceived as 9 rectilinear tubes, bundled together like a pack of cigarettes that can be stacked higher or lower, in relation to each others heights. This to me, was symbolic of the whole skyline of Chicago, as I perceived it yesterday; staggering bars of a graphic equalizer, frozen notes of music. At the sky-deck, we were a little disappointed to find, that the footprint of the building was much smaller and more squarish, than the Empire States’, which obviously eliminated the 8 directional views that the latter offers, to just 4 basic views, from this rooftop. That was already four lesser ways of seeing this city, I said to myself. Also, the sky deck was enclosed, so that between the cityscape and me, stood glass, which completely left out the sensual experiences of sounds, weather and smell. The Sears’ Tower more, wanted to frame for you, the ways you should see the city, rather than you seeing what you want to, in it.
Still, we patiently walked ourselves and my little camera, through each window, marveling at times, at the dynamism each had to offer and groaning at others, at the boredom of monotony. I also missed a ‘Tony-the cab driver’ element, (For those of you who’ve been atop the Empire State Building, you may be familiar with this audio tour protagonist. In true NYC cabbie style, he walks you though the various neighbourhoods of Manhattan and unlike what some of my friends might want to add, is a pleasure to listen to, with all his little trivia and tidbits on the borough.)
The last time I was at a bird’s vantage like this, was at the Coit Tower, in San Francisco, marveling at the fascinating slopes of the 49 sq. mile city and then on top of the Getty Center in LA. Today’s experience, was a very different one, as my subconscious analytical mind, tried to analogize the Chicago-bird’s eye views, with those of SF, LA and NYC. The splendid vistas we saw, were a good mix of the suburban sprawl in the distance along the Southwest side of the city and the green river flowing on it’s prescribed path, right below us. Seemed like a marriage of American modernism and European magnificence. In the distance, curvaceous loops of highways, clover-leafed all over, as if trying to defy the man-made river’s unpredictability. The eternal lake, in a serene cool blue, lined the east side the city, and small specks of boats were buoyed at the various harbours, in a linear order of sorts. Green River, Blue Lake; Chicago couldn’t have gotten any luckier, I said to myself. A little before the lake, on the east side, was the green patch of the Millennium Park, with Gehry’s bandshell and Kapoor’s steel cloud, shining through. On the upper north side, the Navy Pier stretched out orthogonally, cutting into the lake.
A must-do for any city lover, I believe, is to go on top of it and look down, on it, as in a real time map, watch it breathe, move and adapt itself to its various neighbourhoods, observe its multi-faceted personality unfold itself, street by street, block by block, until the eye meets the horizon where nature takes over.
Done with our Sears’ Tower tour, I shopped for my usual 'I’ve-been-to-this-city magnet’ to add to my refrigerator collection at home. While at it, we came across a penny machine and got a souvenir penny with ‘The Windy City’ embossed on it.
We walked around a little bit, and decided to take a ride on the ‘El’ to get as close as possible, to the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave); Chicago’s equivalent to Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. This is also where, my friend Suchi was going to meet us, later in the afternoon.
We transferred train lines, Orange to the Red and ended up at the ‘Chicago’ stop on the Red line, from where we walked across to the John Hancock Building; a similar sort of black skyscraper like the Sears Tower, albeit with a tapering top. It’s interesting to note, how the typologies of various buildings in different cities, speak so much for the history and the making of that city. Chicago boasts of a good mix of modern skyscrapers, sleek, black and in tempered dark glass, with a sprinkle of a few art-deco structures within; Manhattan on the other hand upholds more architecture from the pre-war and art-deco periods, with some modern and post-modern glass towers, mostly in downtown.
A Water-tower located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, seemed worth a look, so we walked in, to find a B/W photography exhibit, showcasing athletes in their various fields of expertise. I day-dreamed of myself in a picture, where a sepia-toned, sweaty but grinning, woman seemed to have just crossed the finish line of a marathon race.
Outside the Water-tower, the Mile seemed to be busy with shoppers and tourists. We walked the entire Mile, from the John Hancock Building to the Wacker Bridge, where Suchi would meet us. A newly married couple with their troupe, posed for pictures against the Mile, and I posed for one, with a steel cow sculpture, across them. In a while, Suchi was walking towards us, in her brand new short haircut.
She decided to walk us West of the Mile, pointing out to the ‘Pizzeria Uno’; the city’s first ever Pizza place (est. 1943), to sell the famous Chicago ‘deep-dish’ pizza, where a never-ending line of people stood patiently to be seated. A block across from it was ‘Pizzeria Duet’; the second branch of the same pizzeria, with an equally long line of customers waiting outside. A flamboyant Mc’Donalds stood a few blocks away, looking too good to be a Mc’Donalds. (We had earlier observed another Mc’Donalds, in downtown, which could easily pass off to be a fine-dining restaurant if not for the arched ‘M’ outside, that gave it away.) The area west of the Mile, had a few quaint bars and jazz clubs, that Suchi mentioned, were good places to catch an evening with the blues. We finally decided to beat the heat and catch-up, over a few starters and beers on an outdoor table of a beautiful Irish bar that was painstakingly decorated with flowers and ferns. After a few hours of chatting away endlessly, it was time to leave. Suchi’s husband Rishi arrived, to pick her up and they left after giving us an excellent tip for a live-jazz place to go to, for the night. We headed out to walk the Mile again and strolled into a random jazz record store, a mecca for jazz lovers, where Saurabh and I browsed around for a while.
A cab ride later, we were standing outside the ‘Buddy Guy’s Legends’ Jazz Café, that played R+B. The café interior was dark, painted in an electric blue, where people shot pool, bought jazz memorablia and CD’s and dined at rickety inexpensive tables, enjoying the southern fare. We particularly indulged in Fried Okra - southern style, which was outstanding. A contrasting mix of audiences, ranged from well-dressed ‘stiletto-ed’ young women on dates, to casually dressed first-time tourists.
Willie Davis and Fruteland Jackson were the two performers for the night. The first session performed by Willie Davis, conformed more to jazz of the Harlem genre, where six very talented musicians played in synchrony to Davis’s rendition of the blues. The second session on the other hand, was a complete contrast, with a troupe of five formally dressed musicians-in-black, led by a female vocalist/ performer, Fruteland Jackson, who stole my breath with her unrestrained energy and talent. Each time she sang, her voice shamelessly liberated her feet, to dance away incessantly in a world of her own. Her performance clearly, stole the show, that evening.
Mesmerized with what can easily pass off to be the best R+B concert I’ve ever seen, we walked out of the café, to hail a cab back to the hotel. On our way back, through the cab window, the Chicago notes of music, escalated and plummeted like the notes of the saxophonist in the café, painting the night sky, in a beautiful, subtle ‘blue’.

Day 1 - Chicago

2006-07-28T23:38:00.000-04:00

A $75 rebate coupon on AirTran Airways, received last year, due to flight delays, was the catalyst to a great weekend spent in Chicago. Saurabh (my childhood friend and co-worker) and I decided to take the Friday off, to take one of our architectural sojourns to this city; we both have wanted to visit for a while.
Day 1 - (Friday, 28th July 06')
Our flight took off on time from La Guardia Airport, where the airport designers within us, noticed the lack of hold room space and waiting areas for passengers. I had just been ranting to Saurabh, on the flight, about how I usually manage to get a free ticket/ airline rebate on most trips and as if to affirm that, we walked into two ladies giving out free one-way air tickets and bags to random passengers. Since we were on vacation, we stopped by, filled out the necessary paperwork and after making sure our next trip is half-off, walked to the CTA Orange Line. Here I got my first taste of what henceforth will be referred as ‘Chicago nicety’ – A woman leaving the subway system, randomly handed over a one-day pass to me and said it is valid until tomorrow. I couldn’t help but think that I had never seen this happen in NYC, a doubt clarified later by Karthik, who had done the same in NYC, while visiting. (Karthik attended MP’s coaching classes with us, in the 10th grade, in Mumbai and we’ve never stayed in touch, since. A year ago I discovered his online existence through his blog and finally, now when I was to visit Chicago, we decided to meet up, as he’s recently moved there. We were going to be meeting after 12 years; not an everyday phenomenon, in either of our lives, so this was going to be fun.) All the same, this was a random stroke of luck and niceness combined, that became a precursor for a few other niceties I was subjected to in Chi town. Nicety no. 2 followed suit, when at the CTA station, the station manager allowed everyone to get through the turnstiles for free, as the ticket-machines were broken. Again, something I’ve never seen in NYC.
The CTA would take us to our stop, Van Buren and State, from where we were to take the Bus No. 6 to our hotel. Our hotel, the Ramada Inn Lake Shore, was on the Lake Michigan waterfront and was to have views of downtown Chicago in the distance, on a clear day.
The bus driver, a woman, was nice enough (overuse of term already?) to take the time to answer all our touristy queries and stunned us at one point, where she yelled out to everyone in the bus, asking if someone knew a shorter route to our hotel. Saurabh and I, were two pleasantly stunned but slightly shocked tourists, when we alighted the bus, after profuse ‘thank-you’s’ to the passengers. This town definitely means it, when they say; “We’re glad you are here!”; Mayor Richard Daly’s campaign line, pasted all over the city.
An early check-in into the hotel and a few “We’ve-landed-in-your-town” phone calls later, Saurabh and I were ready to research our maps and draw out the plan for the day. Karthik was to meet us in the evening for dinner and Suchi, we were meeting tomorrow. (Suchi and I went to undergraduate architecture school together, in Mumbai and have a lot of fond memories to look back on. We’ve also been pretty good at staying in touch with each other and often meet up in NYC when she visits. This was my first trip to her city, so I was looking forward to catching up with her in her own Chi town.)
The plan for the day was to head out into downtown, by the hotel shuttle, try to get the CAF (Chicago Architectural Foundation’s) Architectural River Cruise and then walk around exploring the architectural experiments within The Millennium Park. Our shuttle driver, was nice (there goes that word again) enough, to go out of his way, literally, to drop us at the base of the Wacker bridge, right where the cruise sets off from. Turns out, the cruise was booked until Saturday evening, which left us with the Sunday morning option. There are several types of cruises along the Chicago River, but this particular one by the CAF, is the best ‘architectural’ cruise, the other’s being more ‘touristy’. Saurabh and I, the fastidious architects that we are, hence were naturally more inclined to go with this one.
I had been told by various people that Chicago is a very clean city; someone once even went to the extent of saying that “You often wonder in the mornings, if elves came out and swept the city clean by night.” So its stark cleanliness is the first thing I noticed when we walked around. The Chicago urban fabric seemed to be a weave of Los Angele’s spacious sprawled spaces and NYC’s denser, grid city blocks. Main roads were spotless, at all times being minimum 3 ½ lane wide in either direction; city blocks seemed larger than Manhattan blocks, yet downtown felt more city-like than just a chunk, as in LA or some other cities in the US. The Elevated Loop (called ‘The El’ in short) is a characteristic feature of the city. I remember wondering, while watching Spiderman, how awesome it would be to have an elevated train running through Manhattan’s high rises and discovered in this trip, that Chicago actually enjoys that. As a commuter, the elevated trains are a pleasure because of the dynamic views they offer, but of course the noise and invasion of privacy caused by them, can be an issue of concern to offices along its edge. At any given point of time, in most areas of downtown Chicago, the train can be heard in the distance, an urban sound I was getting accustomed to, just as in NYC one gets used to fire-engine sirens.
A quick bite for lunch and we were walking towards the Millennium Park. En route we passed through the Chicago theatre district; a sort of mini-Broadway, lined by theatres and performance halls. Here is also where we first came across the ‘cow’; a classic Chicago sculpture, to be found in various parts of the city. My wise crack to Saurabh; ‘They have a cow on the street like we have a bull back home’ was received with a disinterested look. The cow is the O’Leary cow, which had apparently caused the Great Chicago Fire, in October 1871. Quoted from http://www.thechicagofire.com/:
“One dark night, when people were in bed,
Mrs. O’Leary lit a lantern in her shed,
The cow kicked it over, winked its eye and said,
There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.”
Next to the cow, was a temporary set-up of a guy with a banner, that read; ‘Help me train for the World Rock Paper Scissors Championship in Toronto.’ Interesting, I said to myself, and almost volunteered practice help to the aspiring champion, but figured we had an agenda, and moved on towards the Millennium Park. Up ahead, was Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker bandshell; a sort of a cultural misfit in titanium, that perched itself on a grass mound and radiated tentacles all around it, to create a semi-enclosed seating space for the audience. Come sit in me, the light trellis roars to its viewers, hear me play and watch me engulf you and the performance, to transcend you to a surreal urban experience. Look away from within me, to view the spectacular city skyline, all around you.
I have seen quite a few of Gehry’s works and I must say, this was the worst one, so far. Gehry, is a brand phenomenon; his work is barely ever contextual or site-specific; in fact die-hard Gehry fans will even go on to say, that it’s generic quality, is what makes his work, internationally commendable. The Chicago bandshell, is an example of his stamp on the city; a stamp as Saurabh exhorted, possibly fully drawn and designed by an intern in his office. We were reminded of the last time we saw Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA, and how differently it reacted to its spaces, both internal and external; in my mind a true Gehry masterpiece. The aesthetics of this proscenium, were sort of distorted, like a badly skewed Maya model, where the designer couldn’t control the ‘nurbs’ and extruded facades anyways. Saurabh noticed that part of the imperfection in the facades of the stage, were due to snow-collection that may have indented the surfaces.
The proscenium design alienated us, but the audience arena, with its framed, broken mosaic views of the skyline and semi-spatial qualities, welcomed us. I didn’t want to touch the stage, but I wanted to be one with the lawn under the trellis; such were the polarities this structure aroused in me. I said to Saurabh, “We always end up seeing works done by the wrong ‘Frank’.” (For the non-architectural readers, Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright are two famous architects; the former is a post-modernist ‘blob’ brand phenomenon, while the latter is considered to be one of the ‘Masters’ of Architecture. Among his most famous works are the house he built on a waterfall near Pittsburgh, appropriately called as 'Falling Waters'; a trip I ve yet to make.)
A short walk from Gehry’s sculpture is Anish Kapoor’s 110 ton elliptically arched, highly reflective, spotlessly polished, steel sculpture. This masterpiece, made it to my ‘list of favourite sculptures’, the moment I set my eyes on it. A site-specific work of art, this steel cloud, reflects the Chicago skyline and the Millennium Park on its curvaceous façade, while interacting with the crowd, letting them intersperse its spaces and make funny faces into the steel exterior. It was easily the most popular sculpture in the park.
Tall funny men on stilts walked around, entertaining little kids and 'grown-up kids' alike and not asking for tips; another thing I wasn’t used to. Chicago seemed to be more family-oriented in its urban outlook; most spaces seemed to be flocked by people with children and I didn’t remember seeing as many family-oriented spaces in NYC. Possibly speaks for the demographics and affordability of both cities, where young couples with children apparently still seemed to live in the city as versus in the case of Manhattan, which is gradually working towards eradicating its middle-class. Saurabh was put through the usual exercise, of taking my pictures against various backdrops and one while holding hands with tall-man-on-stilts.
We then walked towards the Lurie Gardens; another aspect of the park, landscaped with various seasonal flowers. On display, was an outdoor exhibition of various landscaped areas in the world, which ranged from Central Park in NYC to mini indoor landscaped spaces in Tokyo. People sat with their feet in narrow water canals that ran parallel in the gardens, to relieve themselves from the heat wave looming over the city. We couldn’t help but think, how beautiful an element, water is, in such outdoor landscapes; it’s a pity that it isn’t half as much appreciated in this form, when used in India.
We crossed over to walk to the Art Institute, where the next ‘Chicago nicety’ occurred. The security guard, a friendly woman asked us if we were going in to see the regular exhibits. (This random-people-talking-to-us was taking a little getting-used-to.) We nodded and in return she informed us that in the next 45 minutes, the museum entry was going to be free, so we should wait if we wanted to escape the fee. The reason this goes down as a nicety, is because I’ve never heard of a similar occurrence at the MOMA in NYC, where they have Target-free Friday’s. I told Saurabh, that if I get used to such niceties, I may be in for a rude shock when we go back home.
So with 45 minutes to kill, we walked back to the park to see the last sculpture, the Crown Fountain; a water sculpture involving two 50 ft high glass towers activated by changing video images and lights and water cascading from them. Both towers line the ends of a shallow pool, where children and adults wandered around in their swimwear, squealing every time water spouted from the towers. Each tower projected video images of different people, (only their faces), which we thought was a brilliant idea that could be put to commercial use, for occasions such as birthdays, wedding proposals, announcements etc. A rickety stall set up near the sculpture, encouraged passers-by to walk over and make a move on the many chess boards, kept on the table. Chicago seemed to not have reservations of what goes on in it's streets, in that aspect it seemed to be a city of the people.
At 5 pm we were back at the Art Institute, for our free entry into the museum and the next 2 hours were spent looking at a very large collection of artwork, especially paintings and architecture-related exhibits. Works of maestro’s such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Monet, Van Gogh, Mondrian, Cezanne lined the walls. The museum has an impressive collection and we were glad we didn’t skip it on this trip.
At 6:30 pm, Karthik was to meet us at the Gehry sculpture, which had a jazz concert starting at 6 pm. In keeping with our ‘outdoor-concert’ theme of this summer, we thought we’d catch the concert and also experience the functionality of the ghastly designed sculpture. We weren’t disappointed, as the space worked very well as a public outdoor concert space and once lit, the stage area seemed to emanate character, along with soulful jazz to the audience.
On meeting Karthik, 'catch-up' conversation followed and after sometime at the concert, we decided to walk across the Millennium bridge and take a cab to the Navy Pier. The Millennium bridge is a winding, extended arm of the titanium clad, poorly detailed, Gehry sculpture that connects the park to the other side of the street. While on the bridge, I noted the light-play on a building façade; the letters ‘CFD’ (Chicago Financial District or Chicago for Dummies, I wasn’t sure) made with the lights of various offices within the building. Karthik imparted to us a little bit of Chicago trivia here, which to me was the ultimate ‘Chicago nicety’. He said as a law, the city dims its lights at night, for certain durations of the year, so as not to confuse migratory birds or affect their flight patterns. This consideration on behalf of the city, towards birds, let alone all the niceness I had already experienced towards people, made me a fan of Chicagoans for sure.
The Navy Pier is a waterfront element of the city and an essential to-do, on a Chicago tourist’s list, which offers spectacular views of the lake and the city skyline. So we decided to spend the rest of our evening there and hopefully grab some good fresh-water seafood while at it. Turns out Navy Pier is a lost brother of Pier 33 in San Francisco; a purely manufactured artificial pier, with ferry lights and cruise boats; restaurants lining one side of it and the lake on the other. A huge Ferris wheel stood out, that seemed very inviting, except that my company wasn’t keen enough to join in. We walked all along the pier, where various cruise boats took off from and reached the Beer garden (that has apparently made the Navy Pier a destination spot) where an alive, beer-consuming crowd grooved to a live band performing contemporary rock music. Dinner was had at Riva’s Café, on an outdoor patio, overlooking the river and the city skyline. Tilapia with Couscous was my choice (and a good one, as I realized later) for the meal, to replenish myself with enough proteins for tomorrow morning’s run.
After dinner, we got a cab back to the hotel and I realized that NYC is not the only city in the US, where you can hail a cab. In fact, Chicago has more cab company options, all offering similar rates, to take people around, not a bad idea for NYC to learn from. The cab ride was a beautiful lakefront drive, all along Lake Shore, from the Navy Pier in the North to our hotel in the South. All along, as I stared at the Chicago skyline, I realized, it appears like the vertical bars from a graphic equalizer; musical notes, sort of frozen at various summits, to create this random razzmatazz skyline. In the distance stood the Sears’ tower, this country's tallest man-made claim, in its jet black magnificence and next to it gleamed the fragile, crescent moon; my picture perfect end to a beautiful day spent in this city.

Tequila Sunrise Walls and I.

2006-07-20T09:48:00.000-04:00

Painted walls after ages yesterday, in my apartment. A therapeutic exercise, I enjoy indulging in, all by myself. The walls and I, with the colour, tequila sunrise; all dancing to the tune of Ol' blue eyes on a hot Wednesday afternoon.

I spoke to the roller and the roller in turn translated to the wall, gently caressing it with love, changing its mood from a refreshing lime to a sizzling orange. The cooler hues of the green now replaced by a hot orange; the subtle made way for the bold. Specks of colour filled the gaps, until the present completely took over the past. Up and down, nonchalantly concealing, what lay beneath, to give it an unblemished face. Like a palimpsest, the wall now stands testimony to the colours it has seen, the places it has been. It speaks of its past realm and lost splendour; narrating what it was, before this metamorphosis began. Before the new took over the old and the passion replaced the cold; of days of yore and happier times galore; of spilt red wines and furniture wounds.

It bears it’ s phases, like a deja-vu from before, when it was pale and knew no joys of colour; like a virgin devoid of flavour; until it’s life was enriched and it’s spaces blessed, with joie-de-vivre. Then the silence fell and the wall became indiscernible, left with nothing but a pack of memoirs. Until yesterday when it was found again and given a new face. All it’ s secret memories erased and washed out, the wall now upholds a new façade and is ready for new beginnings.

The space it holds, renovates into a warm cove; my very own piece of frozen sunset, emanating it’s orange over the Hudson. Like a huge fireplace; that splashes its warmth all over, the wall becomes it’ s own space and beckons radiance. It waits to dwell in the tinkling of glasses, the laughter of faces and the company of voices. To make more memories and store them in it’s head. Until the Tequila Sunrise must make way for change; when there will be another new beginning, another cheerful adieu and it will be time for me to speak to the roller again!

My Half-Marathon Appeal

2006-07-17T14:31:00.000-04:00

Hi All,
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Running has been a part of my life for the past three years; sort of on and off, but a constant all the same. As most other people, I have been running on the treadmill, purely for personal fitness and health reasons. It was' nt until the beginning of 2006 when I thought, that maybe it was time to put all these years of running to good use and give philanthropy a chance. In my quest, for a worthwhile cause, I zeroed in on ASHA.
ASHA (meaning ‘Hope’ in Hindi) is a Non-Profit organization that works towards providing basic education for under-privileged children in India.
Running for ASHA, involves fund-raising $100/ per mile of the chosen marathon; i. e the NYC Half-Marathon (13.10 miles), in my case, which I will be running on the 27th of August 2006.
This is the first time ever, that I am running a Half Marathon and simultaneously fund-raising for a charity. The Half-Marathon, I can take care of, with my training and newly acquired running discipline; the fund-raising is where I need your help!
Please help me raise $1310 to achieve my target; a substantial sum of money which when directed towards the appropriate cause can create an impressionable difference in the lives of children in India.
All donations are tax-free and will be highly appreciated. So if you are in the habit of giving to charity, you may as well direct your funds towards this one; if not, then this could be a start. A sum of $1310, albeit small, can help educate 5 children for a year and set the ball rolling towards transforming their future, through education.
So please aid my noble fundraising endeavour.
Suggested donation: $10 or more/ per person!
Thank you!
For the slightly more difficult to convince, here’s my list of:
Ten reasons you should give your Ten Dollars here!
1. It’s a little more than what you spend on lunch everyday. I could bring you home-cooked lunch one day, if you want.
(Offer available only in Manhattan, at the moment)
2. It’s the price of a drink at an expensive upscale lounge or a decent chunk of your Friday night’s Happy hour quota; eitherways, since when did alcohol stand more ground than education?
3. It’s the price of a movie ticket that you won’t even feel the pinch of. Just assume it was a movie “you had to watch” because the girlfriend said so.
4. I am your friend/ acquaintance/ fellow blogger and I am training hard to push myself to run the 13 mile distance. Small price to pay, to applaud my determination, don’t you think?
5. Assume it’s my birthday and you’re buying me a drink! That way, you don’t have to remember my birthday and I can forgive you if you forget!
6. Give, to this charity instead of giving to Starbucks, and thus, spare your body, all that Seattle caffeine.
7. It’s the meager sum; you spend on car gas or cab fare, when you could so easily have walked the same distance.
8. For most of us, it’s a small part of what we make per hour and so not a big deal to part with.
9. I am your catalyst for charity; if you’ve never given before, now’s your chance to make up for all the times you should have given, but did not, for some reason.
10. Lastly and most importantly, consider that your money is going to play the role of a beacon in illuminating someone’s life and possibly changing it forever.

If you’re reaching out for your credit card already; please click on the 'Donate' button on the following webpage:
http://www.ashanet.org/nycnj/lib/marathon/publicmypage.php?1647
If you're still not, here’s my last pitch; “It’s only ten bucks, C’mon!”

The July 4th long weekend.

2006-07-11T12:20:00.000-04:00

Lunch at Hampton Chutney in SOHO;
Multiple co-ordination of plans for the weekend;
Drinks at Bryant Park Grill;
Introduction with a girl, who in another one of those recurring coincidences, lives across the street;
Cooper Hewitt Summer Session with friends;
Dancing in the Rain;
Dinner with interesting conversation at Sala Thai on the Upper East Side,
Early night, for the run tomorrow!

6 mile morning run in the Park;
Still co-ordinating plans for the weekend;
Home for a shower and packed bag for the beach;
Lunch at a local cafe in Astoria;
Set off for Jones Beach in Long Island;
Ended up at Long Beach, less crowded;
Got in the water;
Played Soccer with friends and a little kid;
Tried to read but gave up, took in the breeze;
Lay on the sand, ocean by the side, under the sky;
Wrapped up to go get ice-cream;
Got back into Queens for Indian Chinese;
Waited for an hour till we got our table;
Binged on a huge spread, over more interesting conversation;
Went to Newport for a house-party at 12 am;
Felt very “cool” entering a party this late, after ages;
Danced to a few Desi numbers;
Got back home by 3 am!

In Newport by noon;
Returned the rental car;
Outdoor Lunch at Amiya, in Exchange Place;
Paan at Journal Square;
Sprawled out on the lawn in Newport;
A quick nap;
Back into the city for the night;
Turkish dinner at Ali Baba’s;
Bumped into some friends en route;
Karaoke at Village Ma – “La Isla Bonita” to “I’ve got you under my skin”;
Got back home by 3 am!

Late morning;
Made sandwiches for the picnic;
Went to Central Park for a Picnic on the Great Lawn;
Lay on the grass, ate, napped, read, played;
Various conversations, Dumb Charades;
Dinner at Saravanas with Stefano and Elsye;
Some introductions and a pleasant walk to the subway;
Back home; called it a night!

Late morning;
Soccer game at Central Bar;
Bumped into a friend who was supporting Germany;
Rooted for Italy;
Was thrilled when they won;
Walked to the PATH and into Newport for fireworks;
Bumped into more familiar faces there;
Picked a spot by the river, spread sheets and lay on the grass;
Fireworks began, first at Liberty Island, then at FDR Drive;
Downtown and GW Bridge joined in, to create a spectacular vista,
Specks of light, some single, some clustered;
Bright, coloured, radiant globes of illuminance, that dissolved into the skyline;
“Oooohhhhh”s and “Aaaaaahhhh”s and more conversation,
A generous friend paid for dinner; Bhindi on the lawn;
At 11, it was time to wind up the weekend;
Folded it and kept it in my head;
Trains across the rivers to come back home;
A long weekend, spent well!

Morning

2006-06-26T14:27:00.000-04:00

I am listening to the music of Il Postino, after ages and remembered how much in love I am, with this one!

Morning

Naked, you are simple as one of your hands,
smooth, earthy, small, transparent, round:
you have moon-lines, apple-pathways:
naked, you are slender as a naked grain of wheat.

Naked, you are blue as a night in Cuba;
you have vines and stars in your hair;
naked, you are spacious and yellow
as summer in a golden church.

Naked, you are tiny as one of your nails-
curved, subtle, rosy, till the day is born
and you withdraw to the underground world,

as if down a long tunnel of clothing and of chores:
your clear light dims, gets dressed - drops its leaves-
and becomes a naked hand again.

- Pablo Neruda (poet)/ Sting (Vocals)/ Il Postino (the movie)

What a PotLuck!!

2006-06-25T18:25:00.000-04:00

So, three people who've barely known each other for three weeks, decided to get together to throw a potluck party, that took place last night. And What a Potluck it was!
The amount of good food, (some brought their self-cooked culinary delights, while others just bought ready-made food; eitherways it was a delicious spread), the variety of alcohol, the wild games we played, "Psychiatrist" and "Truth or Dare", the zonked people we met and the random dance steps, all ensured the party was a blast that we would remember for a very long time to come. A stay-over after ages, and fun conversation in the morning over breakfast and coffee, made this one of the longest parties I've attended/ co-organized in a while.
A fun night with a great set of friends; here's hoping for many more to come!
Special Mentions: (in alphabetical order)
1. Amit: For bringing the tastiest samosas I've had in this country and his willingness to bring us our much-needed morning cup of joe.
2. Apoorva: For co-organising the party and her special management skills that directed Saurabh in the kitchen to cook the Lemon Rice.
3. Ashish: For the amusing choreography with even more amusing nomenclature and tasty gulab-jamuns. Also, for providing the funniest moment of the night, when he fell, while performing the 'lawn-mower'.
4. Czaee: For introducing "psychiatrist" into the evening and her sporting performance on the 'dare'.
7. Daljeet: For being a good DJ for some part of the evening and then showing us his wild and terrifying (to some) side.
8. Raj: For unbelievably tasty Gobi Manchurians that commanded unanimous adulation.
9. Saurabh: For the only person who cooked/ partially cooked, non-vegetarian (Chicken Curry) and vegetarian (Lemon Rice) dishes for the party.
10. Shiv: For his gracious hospitality, never-ending supply of drinks and delightful breakfast of Kokila-Ben-made Idlis this morning.
11. Supriya: For providing mouth-watering kababs.
and last but not the least:)
12. Me: For acting like a Chief Guest at my own party as a co-host; as Apoorva correctly pointed out, arriving late and leaving earliest:) (I was the first one to hit the sack).

"The best way to see New York is on the run!"*

2006-06-21T14:13:00.000-04:00

The most awaited time of the day was when the clock would strike 12.
No, I wasnt turning into a pumpkin:), the NYC Half-Marathon registration was about to begin.
At 11:55 am, the registration tab appeared on the webpage and then started a series of "refresh" page commands, entering credit card details and mad chat messages, asking friends to try to log in from their networks. Had one leg in the ongoing seminar in the conference room and the other at my desk, trying to register, if only the site would let me.
Finally an hour and a half later, I just managed to find my way onto the last page, where I thankfully said "Submit" and was finally registered!
So, here I am, at this end of the training and running sessions, that sort of began around the weekend of June 10th with the Asha 5K Run at Riverside Park.
Participating in the half-marathon as a part of the Asha Marathon training group, also means fund-raising $100/ mile, i.e $1310 for the 13.1 miles that I will run on August 27th 2006. All the money will go towards the basic education of underprivileged children in India, a well-deserved cause for which any contributions will be appreciated. I havent yet officially signed up for this, but when I do, I will have a website to raise this money and would certainly hope that anyone who reads this on my blog or otherwise, will be nice enough to chip in a few bucks for this worthy cause!
Running has never been the same for me ever before and I think I can say with a certain amount of surety and spunk in my step, that it has begun to change my life!:)
On that end note, here's the beautiful course that 'we' 10,000 half-marathoners will run on D-Day!
* Quoted from the NY Road Runner's Club website.

Whew-kend II!

2006-06-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

It's been a slightly different weekend.
Friday: The evening was spent at Central Park, running outdoors after a very long time. Taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the park, while running on the circular track reminded me of how it is to run free and liberated, meandering my way through the other runners, dodging the occasional bikes that whizzed me by, with a partner in tow and the wind for momentum. I've been running indoors, regularly on the treadmill, with music for company, sort of on my own designated space, linear and in motion, pushing me forward, step by step. A new running buddy, not music, for company; a new track, stationery, not mobile, to run on; marked the beginning of the weekend. Post-running, a juice and a 26 block-long walk; one of those fun conversational walks in the city. Back home at 10 pm, to have my favourite soup for dinner, packed the bag for the next day's first 5K run and after setting two alarms for the next morning, called it a night.
Saturday: Woke up at 6 am and left home after breakfast to get to the Riverside Park for Asha's third annual 5K Run/ Walk. The track was a beautiful linear ribbon, that found it's way through trees and dog-shows and paralleled beautifully by the Hudson to bring us back to where we would start from. The energy was contagious, as the Asha volunteers and the 5K participants registered and warmed up for the run. At 9:10 the run started and the first runner trickled into the finish line, a quick 19 mins later. I made it in 30, which was a personal victory, but still needs to be worked upon. Turns out the 250 odd-participants had managed to fund-raise about $20,000, aside from the registration fees and other collections still underway, all to be invested in Asha's various basic education programs run all over India. A true example of how a small effort can go a long way.
Post-run a few of us went to Cafe Lalo for brunch (more new people) and then made our way downtown, walking and talking, taking in the summer sun. A pee-stop at the Lincoln Center Plaza where we sprawled by the water fountain over some sorbet and gelato. Back home in the afternoon, to relax and spruce up for the evening farwell party at a friends place at Times' Square. The evening and most of the night was spent chatting with and meeting new people at the party, over a few drinks and ended with kathi rolls in Midtown Manhattan. Cabbed back home by 4 am and hit the sack.
Sunday: Thankfully a lazy Sunday morning that started at 11:30 am. Could'nt make it to brunch with some friends and just hung out at home instead. Made movie plans with some other friends for the evening. Went to the temple in the afternoon and then rushed back into the city for X-Men 3. Another new acquaintance made, watched the film and then walked some more in the city. Back home in Astoria, ran some errands and then off to bed, to end another weekend spent meeting new people, doing new things and harbouring a new goal; that of achieving a farther milestone in my next run, which should hopefully develop some new habits:)
On a separate note, over the last few weekends, I've added more new names and phone numbers in my phone than ever before. Gregariousness, at it's best!
Maybe I should consider an alternative career in public relations or event-management as a close friend suggests!

Whew-kend!

2006-05-30T11:05:00.000-04:00

Picture this:
Wednesday: After work, spent happy-houring with friends who announced their engagement! Met some new, some old friends and called it a night!
Thursday: After work, spent the evening walking around the city, bumped into another old friend, had Indian tapas for dinner and at 11 pm waited in the lobby of a swanky Times' Square hotel, for cousin and family arriving from India. Took them around Times' Square and caught a train home at 1:30 am.
Friday: Early morning Seminar at Times Square AMC, regular Friday work day, evening spent at Starbuck's waiting for calls of a possible undergrad school reunion. Walked around the city more, finally went to spend some time with cousin and family at hotel, left an hour later to go to LGA to pick up a friend. Waited for an hour, for the friend's already landed flight to disembark, picked up friend and got back home. Drank and chatted away untill bedtime at 3 am.
Saturday: Woke up early, had breakfast at home and then left for the city by noon. Spent some more time walking around, some appetizers at Ben's in midtown and then met more friends at a Deli. Chatted away, heard from another friend who was in town for the long weekend and tried to figure out a slot to fit him in. Left to go home by 5:30 pm, got dressed, sari and all, for a friend's wedding reception. Also, packed for the road trip to Capecod, from there. Had a ball at the reception, danced away till midnight, then left for Capecod.
Sunday: Reached Capecod, by 4 am, checked-in to the hotel, and slept till 9 am. Dressed and ready to leave for Whale-watching at 10:30 am. A mini breakfast later, spent 4 fabulous hours aboard the "Whale-Watcher", fascinated with the mammals in their natural habitat. Got back to shore, for a sumptuous fresh sea-food dinner and then left to come back home. Reached home at 10 pm, conferenced with friends for a bit and watched an episode of "Desperate Housewives", then called it a night at 2 a.m.
Monday: Woke up to a friend's message, rushed into the city to meet friends from The Netherlands, spent a few hours with them at Madison Square Park, catching up and t aking pictures, talking cities mostly. Left to get back to Queens, to go to the temple with another visiting friend, and lunched away on delicious South Indian food. Got back home, took the train to the city and went to The new 'Le Louvre-ish' Apple Store on Fifth Ave. Walked to Central Park and spent some time walking around. Cabbed to the movie hall at Times' Square, caught a 7:10 Hindi film, and laughed our hearts out through it. Bumped into two more friends, promising to catch up next weekend with them. Went to a family-style Italian restaurant close by for dinner and finally got back home. Slept at 2 am.
Tuesday: Friend left early morning at 5:30 am. Said good-bye and tried to sleep in till 7:30 am. Woke up tired and completely un-aligned to come to work this morning. Got to work and thankfully it's a relaxed day so far. Typing out the weekend agenda, and re-living the longest weekend ever, spent doing too many things, but all enjoyed to their best:) Still regret not being able to squeeze in time to meet the other friend visiting from SFO. Maybe next time!
Need a vacation, to sit back and do nothing!

New!

2006-05-25T11:31:00.000-04:00

New apartments in new neighbourhoods,
New jobs in new localities,
New friends made in new ways,
New bikes that reveal new routes,
New TV series in a new queue,
New books causing a new view,
New movies creating new discussions,
New happy-hours in new bars,
New trends and new do's,
New accessories complementing new styles,
New winds heading in new directions,
New vision on a new scale,
New reasons to party in new settings,
New routines within new commutes,
New visitors hosted in new ways,
New co-workers with new traits,
New wines with new spirits,
New recipes with new zest,
New tastes discovered in new ingredients,
New explorations within new places,

Same ol' life within the Same ol' city,
Another New Year starting in New York!

Fire...Earth...Water

2006-04-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

Saw Deepa Mehta's Fire in 1996,
Earth two years later and finally finished with the trilogy,
by seeing Water today.
Fantastic movies all three, a definite must-watch!

Day 4 - Amsterdam/Rotterdam

2006-01-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

Day 4 - (Monday, 16th Jan 06')
Today was my last day in The Netherlands and I had to plan it well, to cover as much as I could, of all that was left to do in my agenda. I had decided to spend the earlier part of the day in Amsterdam, visiting the Van Gogh and the Rijks Museums and then cover some selected areas of Rotterdam, in the evening.
Started the day with another good breakfast cooked by Chints and then we left for his school, where dear Melissa was going to give me her 'MuseumCard', which would waive my entry fee for any museum in the two cities. Armed with another one of Chintan's hand-drawn maps, I left for the Rotterdam Centraal station, to head to Amsterdam Centraal. At the station, took an 'Intercity' to reach Amsterdam in 45 mins.
Walked out of the station to get a whiff of the weed in the air, find a canal in the distance and bikes-bikes everywhere. This has to be Amsterdam, I said to myself:)
Melissa had told me that the Tram No. 5 will take me from Amsterdam Centraal to both the museums, so I was off to bug the tram driver; a tourist in the true sense, to warn me before we reached my stop. The Rijks Museum is about a 1/2 mile before the Van Gogh Museum, (both are in Museumplein; i. e Museum Square) so this was going to be simple.
The Van Gogh museum, was a must visit for me. Having loved Van Gogh's work ever since I first learnt about him in undergraduate school, I rarely miss a chance to see it. Just the previous day Melissa and I were talking about the museum and she wondered if I could skip the museum to go see other places instead, to which I was adamant, that having come all the way to his home-country I couldnt possibly skip a trip to the only museum in the world which houses the world's largest collection of his works. Seeing my 2005 Van Gogh planner, she was convinced that maybe it's best if i did go after all:)
The Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam houses more than 200 of the artist's paintings, including many masterpieces. (Dutch Trivia: Van means 'of' or 'from' in Dutch, so Vincent Van Gogh meant Vincent who hails from Gogh. My instant analogy to this bit of information from Chints was, "Oh, like how in India, some Maharashtrian's have 'kar' in their last names". He almost mocked me, but agreed all the same)
As much as I was thrilled at seeing so many of Van Gogh's works, in one trip, a part of me was also a slightly dissappointed at not having seen some of his most famous works there. One of my favourite pieces of art, 'The Cafe Terrace on The Place du Forum at Night, Arles, 1888' was not there. But most of his self-portraits were, which made my day! Van Gogh's rough, wild, somewhat insane streaks on canvas kill me; his wheat fields, sunflowers and yellow balls of fire for a sun, are to me an artist's expression at his best. On the other hand, there were the pleasant irises with slightly subtle strokes and perspectively challenged drawings of his room in Paris; a must-visit for anyone even slightly artistically inclined.
A trip to the gift-shop downstairs, lasted almost an hour as I contemplated over a calendar or a reprint. I left with a calendar, a magnetic bookmark and a mini phone book, all with various works of Van Gogh on them. Found several street vendors selling Van Gogh memorablia and souveneirs outside the museum for half the price, so it was good that I had'nt bought my magnets in the shop.
The next stop was the Rijks Museum, which like the Van Gogh Museum was not very large. (I had allotted about 4-5 hours for both the museums together, going by the time it took me to cover the Tate Modern in London or the MOMA in NYC. But I was done with both the museums in about 3 hours, after having satisfactorily looked at most of the works, which was good, as it gave me some more time to explore the rest of Amsterdam before I left) The Rijks Museum houses works by various Dutch and other European artists and has a section called 'De Meesterwerken', i.e 'The Masterpieces', a category that has a changing set of works on display. Works of Rembraandt were on display as were paintings and pieces of art from the rich historic past of the Netherlands. Renaissance paintings shared gallery space with almost photographic still-life works and portraits that varied from Dutch milkmaids to royalty. Royal doll houses stood next to showcases decorated with blue and white Delft ceramics. My favourite section was naturally, the one displaying Rembrandt's work as it brought back memories from Visual Studies' classes in my undergraduate years.
After the Rijks Museum, it was time to head back to Amsterdam Centraal, on the tram no. 5. I got off a few stops before the station, to walk around, in and out of shops, say my last good-bye's to places I had barely said "Hello" to, yet. I also wanted to buy my Amsterdam magnet and take pictures of stores abounding in 'clogs', perhaps pick a pair or two while I was at it. Struck a good deal (half-off everything) with an Egyptian shop-owner who wanted to get his last sales-of-the-day over with and walked out with plenty of souveneirs for myself and the folks back in India. (He kept asking me why I stayed in NYC and did not move back to India; "Was'nt NYC too big a city? Look at Amsterdam, it's such a busy city and everyday I keep wanting to move back to Egypt")Another 5 minutes with him and he was almost asking me out, so after a quick selection of souveneirs, I was hurrying out of the shop. It was almost 5 by now and I had almost all of Rotterdam to cover in the remaining part of the day. One last purchase to make - pre-packed Dutch tulips for Mom, nowhere to be found near the Centraal station or even in it, so I left hoping to buy them at Schipol tomorrow.
The train ride was spent jotting down notes and pointers that would later go into the making of this travelogue.
Back in Rotterdam and it was drizzling outside, as I called Chints' to co-ordinate our dinner plans. Turns out that he was still busy with his paper and I set off to do my Rotterdam touring, all by myself, armed with a very helpful map that Sahil and Melissa had handed over to me the day before.
Rotterdam is a rather small city, almost completely traversible by foot, if you dont mind walking that is. I did'nt; coming as I was from another walkable city. My 4 hour long walk through this city, would begin through the Centrum area, which is the City centre; downtown Rotterdam as they would say in the US. "MiddellandStraat is the cosmopolitan street that you must walk through Shweyts; it's a mini Chinatown and has some Indian stores on it as well"; that was Chint's voice in my head. So Middellandstraat was next, where most shops were closing ("Rotterdam, unlike Amsterdam closes really early every day. How I wish Berlage had still stayed in Amsterdam, instead of moving to Rotterdam" another one of Chint's comments in the past couple of days) I had been instructed by him that it was safe to walk around in this city at any time of the day and so my solitary night-walk did'nt seem scary, except of course in parts where I was the only one on the entire street. As I had been told, MiddellandStraat was a multi-cultural street, which started off on an Asian note with Chinese and Japanese restaurants and shops, interspersed with Indian saree stores that had particularly excited my host.
My next stop was to be MuseumPark, to see the NAI (Netherlands' Architecture Institute) and the Kunsthal Rotterdam, both from the outside, as it was beyond their working hours. (Yah, unfortunately the trip to Brussels had cramped me for time in Holland, making me spend the least of my time in seeing Rotterdam, something I will have to leave for my next trip).
At night, the lighting at MuseumPark was worth a dekko; the NAI was lit up in a repetitive pattern of colours, one per bay and their reflection in the large pool of water inside, rendered a simultaneous sense of calm and modernity to the building.
Going upstairs from the sunken level of MuseumPark, I reached a main road, almost towards the end of Rotterdam. I walked towards the river 'Nieuwe Maas' to see the new symbol of Modern architecture, used for the promotion of the city, the ErasmusBrug (Erasmus Bridge). Not to mention, the view would have been even more spectacular by day, but it was'nt so bad by night as well. It was strane in a way, that distances in this city were really small, a walk across the river on the bridge barely took me a while.
There were water-taxi's, that operated on various routes through the river, a boat ride that I could'nt take because of time constraints. My walk back was on an alternate route, as I was to meet up with Chints at Witte de Withstraat, a street lined with clubs and bars all along; kind of like a mini Greenwich village in the heart of Rotterdam. En route I passed three residential towers, each lit up in a different colour and later was informed by Chints, that Rem Koolhauss lived in one of them. ("Now you can say that you not only saw his office, but also his house, when you were in Rotterdam" he later told me. Sure, that would be something to brag about to my architectural friends back home!)
Andy Warhol's famous line, written in neon on a wall "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" stared back at me, on Witte de Withstraat. I found an interesting looking restaurant, that was buzzing with activity even on a Monday night and was done up with multiple, exotic lanterns suspended at various heights over a central core within. 'Bazar' was a Turkish restaurant, where I waited for Chints, while sipping at my hot Turkish tea with honey in it.
A sumptuous dinner followed, after Chints arrived and then we waited for Melissa and Sahil, both of whom were to join us later into the night. The night lasted for almost 6 hours, 4 of which were spent at 'Bazar', where to my amazement we saw 'DUDOK Apple Pie' listed on the Desert menu. It was interesting to see how one restaurant's claim-to-fame was served in other restaurants' too, with rightful credits to the original source of the delicacy. Unfortunately however, the 'DUDOK Apple Pie' here was frozen, hence not fresh. Perhaps an appropriate end to my trip would have been at the DUDOK restaurant near Berlage, where I had my first taste of apple-pie heaven. No regrets however, considering there would be no DUDOK pie, fresh or frozen, once I left the Netherlands.
We left 'Bazar' when they almost shut down upon us; dinner conversation had carried us through the evening especially as this was my last dinner with my Dutch hosts. Post dinner we walked through the modernist looking shopping complex, once again where Melissa and Sahil pointed out design flaws in the curvaceous roof to me. We were four architects walking through the post-war European capital of Modern Architecture and still, true to our profession's nature, we had issues with the design. Such is the breed called Architects, blame it on the profession I say:)
The night, or more appropriately next morning (It was 2 am by the time we reached Chints place and I had a 3:59 train to Amsterdam to catch) was spent in Chints house. I packed while Chints and Sahil forced poor Melissa to sit through a classic Bollywood flick, 'Dilwaale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge' in the middle of the night.
Finally at 3:30 Sahil and I left after I said my good bye's to Chints and Melissa, to go for the last time to Rotterdam Centraal. Thankfully Sahil had accompanied me, as I later discovered, that credit cards did'nt work at the ticket-vending machines and I had to borrow 5 Euros from him (a debt, I still owe him) to buy my ticket to Schipol. It's a debt I plan to pay off, when he visits me in NYC.
At Schipol, I managed to buy my pre-packed tulip bulbs, which as I was to see a month down the line, blossomed beautifully into blood red tulips in my mom's potted soil in her mini-kitchen garden. 10 Euros, very well spent!!!

Acknowledgements:
1. Chints', my official host for the trip and source of endless Dutch trivia, instruction and very good care-taking during my stay in Dutch-land. For buying me my first DUDOK Apple pie and insisting I go to Brussels. For the hilarious Bappi Lahiri imitiations of 'Gulaai gulaai go' and insane 'Bappa-Bappi poetry' we made up. Also last but not the least, for the enthusiastic yet typical KRVIA conversations and discussions we had over the course of my stay.
Truly Dutchints, I owe you big time and Thanks for making my trip memorable!
2. Sahil, my junior from KRVIA undergrad, whom I got to know better in this trip and now look forward to staying in touch. Also, for going out of his way to accompany me to Amsterdam and coming for dinner every night of my stay there.
3. Melissa, a complete stranger who over the 4 days of my stay, became a good friend. For accompanying me to Amsterdam and joining us for dinner each night. For lending me her MuseumCard, cooking the delicious chicken for dinner and giving me all the valuable tips from her experiences in the Netherlands.
4. Chintan's friends, who were interesting company to Brussels.
5. And last but not the least, my sensibility that drove me towards making an almost last minute decision to route my vacation through Holland.
Danku Wel, you all and I hope to return soon!

Day 3 - Brussels/Rotterdam

2006-01-15T20:53:00.000-05:00

Day 3 - (Sunday, 15th Jan 06')
Chintan and I woke up early to meet his other team-mates at Rotterdam Centraal, from where we were to take our train to Brussels. Another stop en route for the flaky croissant and cup of coffee, and we were boarding our train. Trains in the Netherlands (or was that in all of Europe?) were well-equipped with adjustable tables and contractable trash bins, by each seat. Post breakfast, Chints moved over to work on his paper with his team-mate and I sat back with my Nano for company, taking in the Dutch countryside. We passed Den Haag, the seat of the government in Holland, a place I visited only while on the train, to and fro my journeys to Amsterdam and now to Brussels.
The ride into Brussels was barely an hour and a half long, and the cultural and linguistic differences were already obvious. The large Dutch windows were giving way to traditional European fenestrations as signages started reading in French.
The Brussels Central station was another one of those magnanimous iron and steel trussed-structural enclosures they have, for stations in Europe. Within the station, we passed closed chocolaterie's and boulangerie's, going up and down stairs to find our way out. Once outside the station, Ron (one of Chints' Swiss friends) led us into the city, which was just waking up on a lazy Sunday morning. We were finding our way through narrow sloping streets, lined with closed shutters for shops, as shopkeepers threw buckets of water on the pavement, to start a fresh day. Our troupe was actively looking to find a Brunch place, that would be open. Two unsuccessful stops later, Ron led us to this cosy yet large brunch place, called 'Le grand cafe'. The maitre'd seated us on a rather large table and our hungry selves placed our orders and went to the loo's. An interesting loo experience, as there was no visual demaracation of the men's and women's restroom areas. So obviously, I dont know what I was thinking when I walked right past the urinals and into a toilet, only to realise at the end of it, that I had relieved myself in the men's loo. Not that the old lady collecting tips, at the entrance of the loo's found it strange; all she wanted was her 25 pence tip. Back to my breakfast table, where one of Chint's friends lit up a smoke at the table, (not knowing we were at a non-smoking area), at the horrified astonishment of the waiter and later had to put it out. (European bars bother me; having to sit in a smoke-environment, passively inhaling all that evil air and ending up with it, in your hair and clothes, let alone in your lungs is something I've lost practice of; thanks to Mayor Bloomberg)
After breakfast, it was time to get to work, for my group-mates. We walked through the cobbled streets, as I noticed the omni-presence of Tintin on the sides of a lot of buildings (Tintin's creator Georges Remi, better known as Herge, was born in Brussels and he made Tintin, Belgium's most famous reporter).
We passed through The Grand'Place (Grote Markt - Market Square), taking in fleeting glimpses of the golden facades, gleaming in the early morning sun; again up and down narrow streets, into the station and outside it, onto the other side of the city. Here we were, face-to-face with the Museum of Modern Art, where Chints and gang had to go see an exhibit on Moscow, for their studio project. I decided to bow out of it and explore the city by myself instead, deciding with Chint's to meet back here after two hours.
As it was around 10 am now, the city seemed to be getting livelier than before. I walked through the Central station, (dodging my way through the many tour-guides trying to sell me a 'City-tour by bus' tickets) and out into the city on the other side of it. My first stop was the The Grand'Place (Grote Markt - Market Square), to have a good look at the historic market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive Gothic beauty of the Town Hall. This square is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, flanked by sets of 14th century guild houses with elaborate baroque facades, complementing the King's house, that already had a queue of tourists waiting outside it for the tour. I spent some time watching a group of little girl guides being instructed by their beautiful and very attractive young teachers, rambling away instructions in French. I moved on from the square towards the "Rue des Bouchers" (butchers' streets), where fresh varieties of sea food were beautifully arranged, along the edges of the narrow pathways. Each restaurant was painted in a different hue and had a coloured board at its entrance, that spelt the 'menu' of the day. Most restaurants had three course lunches priced from 18-20 Euros each; a steal for the spread they were offering. Walking through the butcher's streets, I reached a street market that sold everything from hats to shoes, next to a bronze statue - a seated man reading a book, with his pestering dog at his knees. There were many such public sculptures that I was to see, in my day there, the most important one (from the tourist point of view) being the 'Mannekin Pis' (the little bronze boy peeing), which of course I missed out on. No complaints, on that one!
I walked ahead amidst the market streets, trying to find myself a good chocolaterie, where I could try my first authentic Belgian chocolate. ( I was hoping to try Belgian chocolate, beer and waffles, all in a day) So the next half an hour was spent well, learning about the various kinds of chocolates in a quaint, nicely done up store with a very patient French lady for an owner. I walked out of the store, with a bag of assorted Belgian chocolates, (from trufles to Chocolate Euro's). 20 Euros well spent!
Street musicians played along as I noticed the elaborate details and aesthetics that went into the design of an attractive Chocolate store. Godiva must learn a lesson or two; as it looked meagre next to the 'La Belgique Gourmande', an almost royal temple of sorts for chocolate. No wonder Belgian chocolate is so rich. Next to the rich confiserie's was an interesting looking collage-sort-of Turkish window ensemble, appropriately titled 'Kazana'. Ducked into a curio shop, and I was face-to-face with the 'Mannekin Pis'; the poor guy seemed to be peeing all over the place, on magnets, postcards, even on t-shirts. Bought a magnet, (I've become a magnet collector lately; successfully managing to take back home a magnet from every city I visit. Only wish I had started it much earlier, then I would have had an even greater collection. But I guess its getting there albeit gradually:) and realised I had just about enough time to walk through the square and revert back to the museum, to meet the rest of the troupe, in time.
At the museum, Chints and gang were downstairs and we decided to move onto the other part of the city, the parts that look and feel like the capital of the European Union. Stopped to get directions and then almost half-ran, half-walked as I desperately tried to balance my photographing and filming and to keep pace with the super-fast Ron and his troupe. Passed some atrocious buildings existing in the name of Modern architecture and some really outstanding ones. The city structure was very reminiscent of Lutyen's Delhi or Washington D.C; a sharp axis running along, to create various vistas of important government buildings, all through the urban fabric. Spent some time admiring Gordon Bunshaft's sprawling modernist structure, which was closed for the day, before we moved onto 'Le Botanique', a Botanical garden cum Museum/ Gallery for 'Les 7 Tours de Moscou'- an exhibition showcasing the 7 towers of Moscow, as the name suggests. To get to the gallery, we passed through a gay-lesbian convention, my first such experience ever, which also made me notice how active the gay-lesbian community in Europe is. In Amsteram and even here in Brussels, society seemed to be much more tolerant and open somehow. We stopped for a beer and a quick bite at the cafe, which seemed to overflow with people from the convention. I was happy to be voyeuring again! Also got to know Chintan's friends better over our conversation that ranged from India to New York.
After the exhibition, it was time to rush back to the station to catch our train back to Rotterdam. So after a brisk walk and a free bus ride, we reached the station with just enough time left for me to get my Belgian Waffle and hop into the train. It goes without saying that just watching the waffle being made, produced stars in my eyes, and after a "Merci beaucoup" to the pretty and amused waffle lady, it was time to indulge. An amused Chintan took a picture of me eating the waffle, another food-memory that will stay with me forever.
On the train ride back, Chints and I caught up on old memories of undergraduate school and common acquaintances. We were to get back and meet up with Sahil and Melissa for dinner at this Italian restaurant, close to Berlage. Chints and I walked around Rotterdam; he giving me a night tour and I clicking away to glory. We passed 'Pathe' which was Rotterdam's largest movie theatre complex; a slick building with a light dynamic trellis facade, that changed light. It was here, Chints informed me that the Rotterdam Film Festival will be held on Jan 25th and this is where he watches his occassional Bollywood film. The dynamism of the 'Pathe' facade, reminded me of the evolving skin facade that I had proposed as part of my Final Project for Masters' at SCI_Arc. 'Pathe' had a massive open plaza upfront, that doubled as a basketball court, which had wooden boards for flooring, and Chint's mentioned how extravagant Rotterdam City was, because every year they changed the wooden boarding, after the rains left them soggy. (Additional European govt. trivia: The Swiss government, until recently, would use iodized cooking salt to spray on the roads over snow, instead of cheap rock salt. Finally, the Swiss people got together to stop this waste. A story told to Chint's by his swiss classmate Ron).
We talked about how being a Dutch architect really helps as the Dutch government's agenda includes huge subisdies and financial allowances towards Art and Architecture. Chintan suggested I get married to a Dutch guy and then set up office in Rotterdam, if I wanted the easier route to becoming a successful international architect. Our conversation flowed towards how Rotterdam represented an Urban design project, right out of an Architecture student's portfolio. The reason why there is not much consistency in the fabric of this city, is because good and different designs are given a chance to be built here, resulting in a varied architectural pattern. Walking through the city at times, felt like walking through my classmates projects, all placed side-by-side; that's how disparate the city feels at times. I was to see more of this modern and post-modern urbanity tomorrow. Right now was time for a good Italian meal, where conversation flowed along with the wine and marked the end of another perfectly spent day in Europa!! Tomorrow was to be my last day here; visiting Amsterdam and it's museums tomorrow and then Rotterdam by night, just before I fly out to Mumbai!
Bon Nuit est Ashu Bleeft!

Day 2 - Amsterdam

2006-01-14T14:48:00.000-05:00

Day 2 - (Saturday, 14th Jan 06')
As planned last night, Sahil dutifully called me on my phone (my mobile phone in Holland, courtesy Chints) to wake me up, in the morning. My jet-lagged self woke up late and after a sumptous breakfast, cooked by Chints, and a hand-drawn map given by him, I was finding my way to Rotterdam Centraal to meet Sahil and Melissa.
Got myself a croissant and cappucino at the station (A crispy, flaky croissant and a cappucino, par excellence. How much I hate returning to the US when I am in Europe) and Sahil, Melissa and I walked towards the ticket machine. Both Sahil and Melissa have'nt been in NL for long themselves, so this was going to be a lot of fun, as we were to see.
After some ticketing-machine misadventures we got into what seemed like the train for Amsterdam Centraal. A casual observation made by me that none of the people at the station have got into the train, didnt really appear that strange then. It was only when the train started to move, went mid-way till the next station and then suddenly started re-tracking that we figured, something was wrong. Sahil sprinted all along the length of the train, to find no drivers or passengers at either ends. It was just the three of us, happily chatting away in our seats, clueless of our plight to come. Much discussion followed; whether we should break open the doors and walk on the tracks (This is not Bombay, someone said) or just wait till someone finds us here, which seemed highly impossible. So Melissa, the smartest one of our lot (Thank God for her, she knew the emergency number to call, unlike Sahil or even Chintan, as we got to know later, had no clue about it) called emergency. The conversation on the phone, as she reiterated later started off as such:
M: Hello, Is this Emergency?
E: Yes, What do you need, an ambulance, a fire-engine or the police?
M: Why don't you first hear my emergency and then decide for yourself?
:)
The Emergency helper really seemed to have a decent sense of humour; he told her something like "Someone will come to save you soon, Don't worry!" And to think, just before this we were exchanging notes on how we thought the Dutch were really rude!
In a few minutes, two train-drivers were trudging towards us, on the tracks and literally "saved" us. Sahil and I had already started off explaining ourselves, to which they were amused and gave us a "Ya, This happens all the time!" look. The walk back on the tracks, with our bemused "saviours" has been captured on film, by your's truly. The "saviours" were only too thrilled to be on film; they had had their 15 minutes of fame and we, our freedom.
The correct train, albeit late, took us into Amsterdam, where our first stop was for batteries and a map of the city for Sahil. We then, walked through some of the narrow shopping streets, window shopping and getting a feel of the place. Melissa and I exchanged notes on one of our favourite stores H&M, found one and walked into it to get my unequipped self, a winter cap. While Melissa and Sahil indulged in Frites (Fries; thick and oily ones, served with a small fork and mayo on the side), I stared at the Food Wall - a sort of vending-machine-of-a-wall selling Dutch burgers. We then moved on towards 'Daam Square' winding our way through more narrow streetscapes.
At Daam Square, a 'Grolsch' beer vendor, stared at us, all complete with a horse-drawn carriage and beer in barrels. A quick bite at a Middle Eastern Falafel place (There seemed to be many of these around) and we moved on, eagerly trying to make our way to the 'destination of the day', the 'Red-light district'. Melissa had been there before, so Sahil and I geared up for our virgin visit, to the world's most fascinating prostitution market-place.
The Red-light District (RLD, for future reference) of Amsterdam, is one of the best examples of contextually-adapted architecture, I have ever seen. I have already described, the Dutch fascination with exhibiting interior spaces, through massive window openings, to the public outside (The saying 'Washing dirty linen in public' was probably coined by them, too). The RLD beautifully adapts the age-old Dutch exhibitionist ideas, overlays them with their overtly-transparent facades and creates one of the most fascinating retail displays, that too; in realtime. The 'window-wares' (seems like an appropriate term to use here) move around, talk on the phone, comb their hair, wear make-up, do most things women can, albeit in a constricted space. They also gesture, call out, try to lure you into buying them; each 'window-ware' has her own skill-set she tries to use, to draw customers. Potential customers walk-by the display windows, peering into them, trying to see what suits their tastes and what doesnt; pretty much what you would do outside Macy's or Harrod's. The big difference that goes without saying of course, is that in this case, the customer can interact with the window-ware and haggle if need be, on the spot. A typical interested customer, would knock on the door, adjacent to the display-window, negotiate or atleast try to, and then walk-in. The curtains are then drawn across the door and the window, as it's time for business. Once done, you would more often than not, see a customer leave happily, after saying his polite good-bye's (We knew the look of happiness, when Melissa observed a guy light up a smoke with a look of content, as he left)
The RLD comprises of a series of architectural protoypes spread across both sides of the canal, within the urban pockets, juxtaposed with regular residential land-use. Each architectural prototype, appears on the facade as a door and a window, lined with red tube-lights, usually overlooking a narrow alley, that may at times be just wide enough to fit one average sized person. (There were times, when I was squeezing my way through and was jump-started at the sight of a woman peeping at me from within a sudden window, that appeared out of nowhere) In most cases, the prostitute, lives where she works (a home-office of sorts; that is usually 5 ft x 5 ft, fits in a bed, a wash-basin with a mirror and if large enough, a couch). In the RLD, ordinary life overlaps with business just as common people do with the prostitutes.
The red tube lights were an interesting element of the street-scape, as there were areas where, (and this may sound exaggerated, but it's true) one window of a house was red-light lined and the adjacent one was'nt. Of course, the architect's with the wild imagination that we were, we started off on various theories justifying the same. I began expounding on a make-believe scenario, where a bored housewife might just hang a red light outside her room window, to have some legal fun and make some extra bucks along with it; a light that can be easily retractable when her husband comes home. Alternatively, the husband, might just want to indulge at his neighbour's place and take a pit-stop next-door, before coming back home.
(As I was later informed, there is a festival, when every house hangs a red-lantern outside. I was beginning to like the spirit of this city.)
Humour aside, there was seriousness in this market-place. Prostitutes are considered victims of society and are legal tax-paying citizens. The Dutch are culturally, a highly tolerant society, towards what may seem conservative in most nations.
We walked into 'De Wallenwinkel' which was a 'Prostitutie Informatie Centrum'; a Prostitution Information Centre; that sold anything from books, pictures and information about the RLD, the prostitutes, their hygeine to guided tours of the RLD with a former sexworker, touristy souveneirs, erotic toys and edible underwear. And 'De Wallenwinkel' was situated next to a church, whose bells were audible far and wide. Nice!
A group of young girls, clad in shocking pink tights were receiving their first lesson, in conducting the tours. We walked through more streets and plazas of the RLD, trying to find newer windows with newer kinds of prostitutes, (Melissa and I wondered if there were any men on display someplace, other than the transvestites we had seen earlier). En route, we passed some SexShows and Live-Sex Theatres, that gave us a small promo of the rather elaborated show going on inside. For a reasonable rate of 5 Euros we could have watched Adult shows, live-sex shows and the likes, but we politely refused and moved on. The next stop was to be at the Canal by the Centraal Station for the much-talked about way to see Amsterdam, the Canal Tour.
The boat we were to take our tour in, finally left in what seemed like eternity and we were cruising across the inner canals and finally on River Amstel for the next one hour. While parts of the canal ride put us to sleep, other parts of it were really interesting, as we could see within the boat houses, that seemed to flank the peripheries of each canal. Cruising by in the 'Holland International', I could be spotted juggling my cameras at the sight of a humungous Foster project or an alternatively retro home-interior. I had read that the two best ways of seeing Amsterdam, are by a bike and by boat, and at the end of this canal ride, I was thrilled on having done atleast one of the two. As Felix Marti-Ibanez best describes it: 'In Amsterdam the water is the mistress and the land the vassal. Throughout the city there are as many canals and drawbridges as bracelets on a Gypsy's bronzed arms.'
The multiple canals that intertwined with each other and seemed to give birth to various bridges all along their expanse, was a phenomenon very different from my previous similar experience in Venice. While Amsterdam canals revealed modern architecture all along, including the bridges that spanned across them, Venice was all about traditionalism set in water or even across it. Amsterdam provides a mix of the old and the new; old Dutch houses flanked on either sides with modern buildings; antique-ish bicycles ringing by luxury, tiny European cars on the streets and traditionally crooked Dutch houses, with the slickest modern interiors. (Interesting Dutch house trivia: They are traditionally built leaning towards the street, giving them an overall crooked look. Each house has a hook on the facade, somewhere at the second floor height, which was used in olden days to draw furniture up, into the houses. Another reason for those huge windows.)
Amsterdam's openness bowled me over; I started off thinking this was the Las Vegas of Europe, but later chided myself for undermining the former's character by thinking so. There was thick culture here, just as is in all parts of Europe; which reflects a touch of modernism. Amsterdam's long history of liberal tolerance is displayed in it's open, unrestricting societal norms where the sacred and profane co-exist as good neighbours should.
A quick phone call from Chints had earlier established our dinner plans; Melissa and I were to cook at his place. So the canal ride was followed up by a brisk night walk by various Coffee-shops (I had been earlier instructed by Chints "If you want to have coffee Shweyta, go to a Cafe; if you want to have drugged coffee, walk into a Coffeeshop") to take a look at the RLD by night. An alternate Amsterdam was emerging in the dark; this city has dual character and it's sins come forth at night, in all their glory.
A few sin-shots later (Sahil was stealthily successful in getting a shot of a prostitute in her display-window) we were walking towards the Centraal station to catch our Intercity to Rotterdam.
Back in Rotterdam, a splendid dinner evening followed, with my spicy 'Chhole' (as per Chint's request), Melissa's tasty Chicken and Chintan's 'Jeera rice' and 'papad'.
My plan for tomorrow, initially, was to go back to explore Amsterdam on a bike. Chints put forward an alternative plan; for me to accompany him and his classmates to Brussels, where they were to see some exhibitions on Moscow and I could move about the city by myself. The temptation to travel and see another country in such a short trip, took over my initial reluctance to travel on a Schengen that was'nt multiple entry. But Chintan coaxed me into it and I was sold on the idea.
Now I was left with just one day, for 'doing' (Chint's mocks Americans' as they are always talking of 'doing' Europe) some more of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, before I left for India.

Day 1 - Heathrow/Schipol/Rotterdam

2006-01-13T19:26:00.000-05:00

Day 1 - (Friday, 13th Jan 06')
After a rather comfortable flight, Raj and I landed at London Heathrow. The plane having taxied far from the terminal building, only delayed us more, until we realised that Raj's connecting flight was to take off in the next 30 mins. What followed was a mad race to security, where I saw him rush through the newly tightened security procedures at LHR and bid him good-bye. Common sense evaded me, as I later realised that I needed to go through the same security (at Terminal 4) for my connecting flight into Schipol Airport, Amsterdam.
A security check later, I could be found doing my Heathrow window-shopping that has become sort of a customary ritual on my travels through Europe. This was probably my 7th or 8th time at Heathrow, having mostly flown British Airways and I bet I can still tell you how many WHS's they have and which one's sell phonecards and which don't:)
Having used up my leftover quid for coffee and a bottle of water, I found myself voyeur-ing away. "Froffee: AMT's Unique 'Real Coffee' Milkshake" caught my eye, and I found myself saying "Froffee" with a thick brit accent for the rest of my time there. Another empty and short flight later, I was landing on a vast canvas, sprayed in all shades of green, interspersed with siver linings of canals. Schipol Airport is very far from Amsterdam, was what I was told later, thus clarifying to my urban mindset, that this natural expanse of flat-land was not Amsterdam.
Soon to start were the amusing set of incidences that my Dutch trip is all about. A quick call to Chintan (my junior from architecture under-grad in Mumbai and host in Dutch-land) clarified the train timing and place to meet up with him at Rotterdam Centraal (Rotterdam Central station as the name suggests). Chintan attends the Master's program at Berlage (pronounced "Ber-la-kkhhe" in Dutch as I was instructed several times) situated in Rotterdam and presently lives there.
(Impression: Was I being silly American or the ticket-counter lady seemed a tad bit rude?) (As I was to find out later, the Dutch are pretty abrupt by nature, which can appear rude to most people) Well whatever; I was on my way to 'Information' to find out about the 'Intercity' train to Rotterdam Centraal. Chintan had strictly instructed me to take an 'Intercity' train as it was the 'fast' train, the other two being the 'Snell' (medium-paced) and the 'Stop' (slow) trains.
At the 'Information' I was told that there were no trains running between Schipol and Rotterdam and so I had to take a bus till Leiden and catch the train to Rotterdam from there. ("Oh so much like the weekend subway torture back home" I said to myself) So lugging my heavy but single bag (the exact reason why I go single-bagged in Europe) I found my way to the correct bus-stop outside, first B-21, then C-23, then finally into the bus where a random maniac set the mood with his hilarious 'dutch' banter as we drove across the flat-scapes of Holland, with a complete yellow circle for a sun, that seemed to say "Ashu Bleeft" (Dutch phrase meaning 'As you please' said for anything, anywhere, at anytime, as my host instructed me)
Dragged the bag at Leiden station to have yet another interaction with a rude Dutch native. I, in all my proper American mannerism "Where can I get the train to Rotterdam from?" (Although I must admit I asked the wrong guy; he was the lost property manager at the building outside the station) and he in his thick Dutch accent "How do I know, Ask someone at the station". Me "Huh?" and He "Hmmphh!"
Into the station and into my train. The train ride revealed houses with huge windows and a full view of the activities going on inside (I was later told that the Dutch are very house-proud and love to exhibit their houses, which would become very apparent to me in the days to come. Windows, as high as the ceiling and wide as a wall, in some cases, exhibit the people living inside, going about their regular house chores, walking/ using the room/ talking/ dining...just living, completely aloof of their audience. Peeping into people's homes became my favourite activity on this trip, as each interior displayed the decor, beauty and design sense of the owner; as in a doll house. House-watch continues on the following days)
Reached Rotterdam Centraal finally, only to find to the dismay of my spoilt American convenience, no escalator or elevator. I could'nt help but wonder, how taken-for-granted these ammenities are in American public spaces. On the other side of the stairs and a few feet later, my bag and I were thrilled to see Chintan waiting patiently for us at the entrance of the station.
We picked up his bike and then walked to his apartment; en route paying respects to 'THE' Dutch Architecture office, OMA and it's God Rem Koolhauss (not to be seen, but assumed to be inside).
Chintan's apartment in a few words can be described as right out of an IKEA catalogue; perfectly modern, fully equipped and "new". Although Chints was unhappy about this place (He loved his old Dutch house better), I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Coming from my rent-control pre-war Queens apartment, this modernised albeit IKEA assemblage, that too rented out not owned, seemed unique to me. This is what Rotterdam is all about, now that I think about it. Modern, new, designed, retro-fitted, built from scratch after the Germans bombed it completely during WWII!
Dinner was to be at DUDOK; this restaurant recommended by my ex-roomie and friend from SCI_Arc, as the 'place that sells the best apple pie in the whole world'. At Chintan's mention, I noticed the 'poor quality and arrogance' of Dutch waiters, (The Dutch are very proud people and do not believe themselves to be inferior or sub-level to anyone. That is the reason why, Dutch waiters hardly ever wait upon you, as we saw at DUDOK)
DUDOK (In case you're wondering on the uppercase, I have to emphasize, since it is a name tucked away into my memory, for apple-pie reasons:) is a spacious restaurant, with candle-lit tables and a regular Friday night bustle. After a somewhat light dinner, Chintan bought me the much revered apple-pie (the freshness of which wafts through the restaurant) in his customised version (with a scoop of vanilla ice cream). The experience of indulging into it, was incomprehensible and hence cannot be expressed in words. All I can say, is that it's a taste stored on my palate forever.
(Note: Europe does this to me. The tiramisu in Venice, Italy was a similar experience, to store the taste of which, I gave up tiramisu altogether, until a few years later, when I could'nt control my urges:) DUDOK's apple-pie has cast the same spell)
Post-dinner conversation found us walking towards Chintan's school (The Berlage Institute; say 'Ber-la-kkhhe') as I was offered a small tour of the small building. Sahil and Melissa, among others were met with, (Sahil is another junior from architecture under-grad and Melissa is his classmate, from the Dominican Republic) and I re-lived my studio hours at SCI_Arc with them.
(Impression: Architecture studios' are a prototypical environment, that breed similar junkies, all over the world)
Some regular chit-chat and after a brief plan for the next day, we left to walk back to Chintan's place; Chints, me and his bike. (Chint's pointed out the ever-lit storey of the OMA office, where architects sweat night and day, one of them being his roommate, whom he barely sees at home)
As I took in the city by night and said good bye to my first evening here, the full moon stared at me blankly over the post-modern Rotterdam sky. At Chint's place, even my bed had character, (It was under a sloping roof, that stooped low enough to hurt my hand when I tossed in bed).
The plan for tomorrow was to rise early and go to Amsterdam with travelling-Sahil (as he's known, because of his blog and his travels)

Day 0 - Departure from JFK

2006-01-12T19:08:00.000-05:00

Day 0 - (Thursday, 12th Jan 06')
Another one of those trips; going to India with a Euro-stop. It's become a dogma with me, of sorts; any trip outside the US doesnt make sense if it doesnt incorporate India in it, and any trip to India doesnt seem complete without a stop in Europe. The two sort of go hand-in-hand. And of course going by past experiences, flying long distances alone, can get extremely boring, so for that and other reasons, Raj and I were flying together.
After hours of research and itinerary-matching, I had finally worked out an itinerary that took Raj and me to London together, from where he moved on to Mumbai and I, to Amsterdam. After a short trip to the Netherlands, I was to be off to Mumbai for about 10 days, (my shortest stay in Mumbai, ever since I stopped living there). Our return flights, of course were booked together.
So the vacation started today; spent the day packing and a trip into the city for some errands. Called a cab for JFK and after the regular checking-in etc found ourselves on a rather empty flight headed to London.

Christmas 2005

2005-12-26T18:44:00.000-05:00

Five falls in five hours, while ice skating at Bryant Park;
Five falls in five hours, while skiing at Hunter Mountain;
All in all, a Christmas spent "winter-sporting" in NY!

Merry Christmas All!!

Award

2005-10-22T13:02:00.000-04:00

Ferry Terminal (the glass structure in the foreground)

Its time I put it here.
My first award – winning project ever, (one that I've worked on, albeit for a while) was awarded the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Architecture Merit Award, the NY Construction News Award and today it's in the NY Times.
The glory is shared by all those who worked on that project.
To………Our individual two minutes of fame!!!
Cheers!!!

Wine.

2005-10-05T17:15:00.000-04:00

"I like to think about the life of wine.
How it's a living thing.
I like to think about what was going on the year the grapes were growing; how the sun was shining; if it rained.
I like to think about all the people who tended and picked the grapes. And if it's an old wine, how many of them must be dead by now.
I like how wine continues to evolve, like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I'd opened it on any other day, because a bottle of wine is actually alive. And it's constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks, like your '61.
And then it begins its steady, inevitable decline."
- Maya in the movie 'Sideways'

A quote that's refusing to leave my head!

Love letter

2005-09-21T21:44:00.000-04:00

Sept 22nd 2004 was the last time I was with you.
Its the longest I've been away from you...One year!
And with each passing day it only gets longer.
I cannot cut myself off from you. You were my first and you could possibly be my last.
Its a long-distance love affair, and a passionate one, may I add, that we have, you and I. We live in each others hearts, minds and thoughts. Nostalgically, we reflect upon our times together and miss them. Often I wonder how you would have changed and you wonder how I would've grown? What must life bring to us now, each day as we pass living it?
We both have moved on, but our lives are still connected, a huge part of my life with a small part of yours. Not a day passes me by, when I don’t think of you and when somewhere inside you, there isn’t a thought of me that prevails.
You were with whom all my first’s happened; childhood spent, innocence lost, and youth commenced,
You were the first, whom I grew to love and who loved me right back,
You nurtured me, watched me grow, touched my life and put me on this threshold, only to watch me fly away from you, to further seas and future loves,
You were and still are, my friend, confidante, benefactor,
my foundation, lover, and partner in crime,
My first urban love, that taught me to love, understand, appreciate, assimilate, analyse and grow with other cities,
You were and will always remain, my childhood sweetheart,
My Mumbai!

Until we meet again, be well and take care!

"The Rising"

2005-08-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

Mangala Mangala Mangala Mangala Mangala Mangala Ho!
The song stays with you long after the movie ends.
A unanimous standing ovation at the end of the movie, in the theatre hall, speaks for it's after-effects!
One of the finest story-telling endeavours in recent times; not necessarily as much towards good film-making, but more towards bringing back history and celebrating India's first independence hero. It's jolting yet true instances and issues addressed from pre-independence India of the 1800's, bring back to celluloid the stark revelation of one-man's determination, grit and patriotism. Of course it also brings forth how much we, born in independent India, take our freedom for granted.
Never the less, a must watch and a good start to an impending trilogy of India's rising!!
On a parallel note, I am currently reading M.K Gandhi's autobiography: "The story of my experiments with truth". My Gandhi quest; of trying to fathom into Gandhiji's personality and figuring out our common/ uncommon traits (We were born on the same date) started off with watching Richard Attenborough's "Gandhi". I strongly believe that people born on the same day, have to have something in common.
The two antipodal perspectives of both these heroes of the 18th century; Mangal Pandey and Gandhiji, aspiring towards the same goal of a free India, albeit with a few decades in between, form interesting cases for analysis.
The former- a violent rebel, the latter- a symbol of peace!
The former- a Hindu brahmin, the latter- a Bania Vaishnav!
The former- a celibate, the latter- a self-proclaimed lust-seeker (at first)!
The former-a soldier, the latter- a lawyer!
The former- India's first independence hero, the latter- India's last!
The former- a hardly celebrated martyr, the latter-India's most celebrated one!
The former- responsible for an army's rising, the latter- for that of the nation's!
Both- Hero's in their own might!

Happy Independence Day, India!

Blog spam??

2005-08-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

I was very intrigued to see this comment on my last post.

Anonymous said...
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Maybe my blog reflects that "my life needs to be advanced a bit," so I did call the Seattle number. Turns out it's some University offering long distance degree courses.
Not that I am planning to take any, but if I did, they would be "totally confidential" ??
Any takers?:)

Three months...

2005-08-08T18:31:00.000-04:00

Three months is a long time...
Three months is a short time...
You can never have too much of being spoilt, taken care of or fed with delicious home-made food!
You can never have too much of travel, too much of love or too much of your parents.
You can only have too little of them, when you live seven seas away!

Here's to the three most splendid months of my life;
to three dreams that came true!
It's the end of a phase!

Just because...

2005-07-21T14:23:00.000-04:00

Just because...
we believe in public transport,
Just because...
we refuse to drive our cars to work,
Just because...
we take the pains to wait for trains and buses,
Just because...
of our common modes of transport, we are easy targets?

It doesnt matter to us, we are back although a bit shaken,
Just because... We are the public commuters of the world!
And our everyday journeys', are our lives' biggest lessons!

- For my three urban favourites; Bombay, London, New York!

For free!

2005-07-20T09:56:00.000-04:00

The New York Philharmonic had its second annual free concert at the Great Lawn in Central Park yesterday. As is second nature to New Yorkers, thousands flocked together for what seemed like a mass picnic. That it was a Tuesday and one of the hottest and most humid nights so far this summer, did'nt seem to matter, gauging by the 47,000 odd people on the lawn.
The young, the elderly, the gay, the straight, the animal-lover, the tourist, the local resident and many such, sat around us, right in the middle of Manhattan. Some brought their pets, others brought candles; most brought wine, cheese and champagne; all brought bedsheets to sprawl out on.
Accompaniments to the symphony of Dvorak were; the almost full moon, with yellow streaks, shining right on our faces; the glittering specks of the midtown skyline peering over the thick green deciduous foliage of the park; the swaying balloons and pom-poms hanging high over people's heads; the stark silence amidst the large crowd when the musicians played and the thundering applause after each symphony. Various elements, some natural, some man-made, worked synchronously to produce a night of delight, topped with fireworks at the end of the show.
A personal moment of bliss: lying with my head on mom's lap, in the middle of the park, in the middle of one of my favourite cities, gazing away at the moon, with live music in the background!
Some of the best things in life, most certainly come for free!

London

2005-07-08T09:46:00.000-04:00

Another love,
another series of blasts,
another heart-ache!

Island-ified!

2005-06-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

For the first time ever, in life, I lost my phone. And now I am an island!
One event, multiple losses.
150+ phone numbers in an invaluable phone book, the much-valued-post-loss and used-to handset that I took so much for granted, the 20 mile detour on the NJTP in the hope that I would find it where I left it, the uneasy 5 hours in-between and the much getting-used-to with my new phone.
Too much trouble, on account of one small mistake.
Maybe I am being too hard on myself, but I guess the logic is simple: Either don't depend on something so much or just dont lose something you depend so much on.
The one good thing that did come out of this episode, apart from the lesson it taught me, was that I got back in touch with random people from my life, who so far were reduced to numbers in my phone book.
All's well that ends well I guess. My new phone is'nt as sleek as the old one, but it's serving to connect me to my world, all the same! It's another one of those experiences in present-day life; time to say "Been there, done that! Now what's next?" and move on...

Niagara Falls, NY - 5/11 - 5/12

2005-06-14T17:09:00.000-04:00

The Falls at Niagara Falls are one of the two 'Wonders of the World' that I have seen, the other one being the Taj Mahal. One; the work of God, the other, work of Man. Both white, pristine and divine.
Some observations:
1. The Maid of the Mist is truly one of the most blissful experiences, it makes man one with water. Having been a water-baby all my life, standing between the horse-shoe falls, I was completely at home!
2. I now know why they call Niagara Falls, a Desi Hub. At any point of time, (during the peak season, especially) you can find atleast 400-500 desi's there. The number-range is the result of analytical calculations made by all of us. The omni-presence of Indian restaurants, supplemented the analysis.
3. A ‘Return to Innocence’- achieved while feeling the mist from the falls, spray itself on my face.
4. Another co-incidence-that-has become-regular, when we walked into Elvis and his friends, whom we met in VA, a month ago.
5. The best place on the boat, closest to the falls, is right up in front and always has room for more people.
6. Five rainbows-displaying seven distinct colours, within five feet; each beginning from and ending inside the falls, to give an illusion of five colourful rings, half submerged in the water, are a rare ‘wonder’.
7. Seeing your parents and friends, all scream alike, with joy and awe, when the falls enclose and soak you, within them, doesn’t happen everyday in life.
8. Even after two years, the ‘desi’ dhaba we re-traced our paths to, served us the same quality-cooked home-made meal, we relished the first time around.
9. Chance meetings with famous cricketers in Rest Area’s can result in big arguments and varied opinions.
10. Natural barriers between nations, create a natural human inquisition about ‘the other side’, even though the other side is similar to this one, for all practical purposes. Feelings experienced at this border, however, lacked the "fear" experienced in Kutch, overlooking Karachi lights in the distance.
11. Projected Rainbow-lights from the Canadian side, onto the Falls, at night, honestly ‘chees-ify’ the whole day-time experience.
12. Water draws you towards it; its translucence, its innocence, its purity.
Falling water entices and grabs you, deceives and lures you, until you are mesmerized and struck by its rhythm…..until the sprays get the better of you and you are transported into a state of temporary virtue, a piece of paradise!

Orlando, FL - 5/27 - 5/30

2005-05-31T16:54:00.000-04:00

The long weekend was spent in the Sunshine State of Florida, with my parents and two friends from the ‘Sahayog’ days. Sahayog, is the housing society where I was born and raised for 23 years, my first and only home in Bombay. My parents are presently visiting from Bombay, R is here in NY on a project from Bombay and A is interning in Orlando, FL with a petroleum company, as part of his MBA internship program. Turns out, as one of those coincidences in my life that have now become regular, that R plans to go to Orlando, FL the same weekend as we are and A has moved there just a week ago for his internship.
Someone up there, loves overlapping schedules and plans them rather well, at that. So, the five of us ended up making memories together, at the Universal Orlando parks. The next day, my parents and I were at DisneyWorld’s Magic Kingdom among famous book-characters, fairies, mice and ducks. The same night, I was in downtown Disney, club-hopping with the guys. A great 3-day weekend, that felt like a vacation! Some highlights:

- The trip to Universal was my second one, the first one having been to the one in LA. Universal Studios, Orlando is much smaller compared to Universal Studios, Studio City, in California, so that was a little disappointing for me, although for the parents, it was a new and thus exhilarating experience. This Universal Studios did not have a studios-and-sets tour, which I really wished they had. Figured, we would have to do Universal, CA sometime again:)
- The highlight of the day was the Shrek 4-D show, which deserves every bit of the hype it has generated. I hadn’t seen it, since Shrek didn’t exist at the time of my first Universal experience. Hollywood reigns over Bollywood, inspite of being the smaller industry, on account of it’s unmatched technical expertise in movie-making, and it’s aplomb in showcasing the movies as experiential shows in such theme parks. A similar Bollywood theme park in Bombay, would make an excellent design dissertation topic for a final year B. Arch student, in Bombay – a mind thought!
- The highlight of the trip was Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, which truly delivers its promise of being the “Happiest Celebration on Earth”. As A later added, Disney ranks number one in customer satisfaction; I now know why. Contrary to what I had imagined, the park refused to bore me and brought out the child in my parents and me, alike. From wild roller-coaster rides to adventure-filled cruises, from Peter-Pan’s Neverland to Mickey’s Philharmagic, from Cinderella’s castle to Tom Sawyer’s half-painted picket fence with “Tom loves Becky” scrawled on it, the park stuns you with it’s magnificence and exactness of the fiction-world you imagined when growing up, in the 80’s.
- Cartoon characters like Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy never grow old-fashioned or out of style; they defy generation gaps. My thrill at hugging Mickey was equal if not more than the 5 year olds’ in line ahead of me.
- Kids cry less, enjoy themselves more, dress way better and have a lot going for them, in this country – Mom’s observation, seconded by me.
- An experience to be re-lived every some-years for sure, just like the trips we make back home, to refresh our minds, make new memories and have pure, unadulterated fun! I must especially mention the sweeping long ride, we waited longest for in line, with Peter Pan, flying over Neverland. Was worth the wait; Actually felt like Neverland.
- Floridian weather is the closest you can get to Bombay’s weather of 15 years ago; comfortably warm, humid and sunny. Seemed like, the weather also played its part in my childhood retrospective.
- Clubbing in Florida, takes on a whole new meaning, unlike other cities in America. A decided that we would go clubbing in Pleasure Island, one of the many ‘suburbs’ of DisneyWorld. Tickets at the gates of Pleasure Island are sold on a per-club or club-hopping basis. Once inside, you have the option of dancing in front of a huge screen on the street or hopping in and out of various clubs scattered all over the Island. This was a whole new scale of club-hopping for me, coming from the familiar tightly packed clubs in Manhattan, each charging $20 (or more) as cover. Felt like we were somewhere between Goa and America, seeing people casually attired for the night, a huge contrast from the impeccably stylish New Yorkers.
- The kind of investment, ideas and technique, that go into the making of theme-parks which are highly experiential in nature, is phenomenal. Be it the drops of water that fall on you everytime Shrek sneezes or the wafts of apple pie that breeze under your nose when Donald Duck bakes one, 4-D visual experiences take you one step closer to “feeling the difference”, what a lot of advertisements brag of. The simulation of the tactile and olfactory senses, in a near 3-dimensional visual experience, drives home the point suitably well, that films are surpassing their basic 2-dimensional domain of celluloid to interact with the viewers. At this rate, there is no stopping what may come our way next, in our visits to theme parks. As Dad casually remarked when we were boarding the elevator to the Astro-Orbiter in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrow-land, “Someday we will be taking elevators to board real rockets into space.”
- One moment we were kids in Magic Kingdom, the other we were drinking vodka (that was me), smoking cigars (that was the guys) in Pleasure Island, both parts of DisneyWorld. This is one aspect of the commercialization of America; kids can be grown-ups too!
- One of the most enjoyable drives of my life, ended with several screeches and a big crash when Mom rammed our Indy-race car into the ones ahead. And I thought only I did that, with my Maruti 800 back home:)
- Dad’s initial reactions to roller-coaster rides, convinced me of my observations since years now - Women are more raring to go roller-coastering than men.
- Florida has a very Californian, Texan and Nevada-like feel to it, in its palm landscapes and sunny skies, broad freeways and flat-land, and ugly/ lit-up symbolic signages, respectively. This multiple character makes it a very appealing resort state, on the same coast as NY, which is heartening:)
- Seeing that your Dad still cannot sleep until he hears you sneaking in at night, can be very frustrating and endearing, at the same time.
- Catching up with a friend, till 3 am at night, in a new city, on a hotel bench, felt like being back on a study-trip from architecture days.
- Other pure acts of joy included seeing a thrilled child on a carousel, smiling kids rushing towards Mickey, face-painted angels having the time of their lives, pink-cheeked kids squealing in delight…..and so the list goes on…..
- Family vacations are always sources of pure pleasure. Parents can still say or do things that can surprise us and reveal sides of themselves, we may have never seen before. Possibilities exist of role-reversals and power shifts. At times I was like a single mom with two kids, at others I was the kid with two parents. Eitherways, it was nice!