Leaving the sand storms of Kuwait to the floods in Mumbai, I came. Excited yet apprehensive of moving out of home, of moving out of my comfort zone, of moving to a new city. Starting life anew, new friends …… does take a toll on you. It’s been a month and half for me in Bombay…and I can convincingly say that I have taken the place in my stride. I have gotten accustomed to the smells, the noise, the pollution, the drains overflowing, …..even walking in the rains but, not to the food in particular!...it still gives me an upset stomach!...literally everytime I eat out!.....moreover , am still getting used to the ‘slang’ spoken out here…my hindi has considerably improved, I cannot read Marathi numbers, I do commute by train daily and love the journey…..even if pushed, shoved and squeezed. I might just eventually accept all of that…but I do not know if I cud ever get used to the poverty that surrounds me or the division of class n caste and religion which is right in my face as I go along everyday. At times, I think of giving each one who comes knocking on my window at the red signal or those sitting near the platforms….and then I wonder for how long?....everyday??...n then I tend to get complacent …to not bother…to give a blind eye or a deaf ear..n my ego sets in…..but it’s comforting to know I can fall back on my conscience to remind me..and thus I find myself caught up in between…slightly helpless….and I go along.
Besides a few friends at college, my life is confined to the 4 walls of my room, whiling away my hours ….most probably on the laptop , with music or with the television. ..partly, trying to make cooking and cleaning a regular hobby…at least the former is sumthin I like to indulge in! Come Saturday evenings, n its either carter road, hill road or linking road at Bandra…..cuz that’s where the life is…..where the crowd is! With orientation activities through, its school or rather professional training like they call it, in full progress. But at the end of the day, it’s the long hours that u mere travel…..n the physical energy drained out in the trains that makes u long for those fulfilling hours of sleep!...n which also to my luck makes u shed some of those kg’s I’ve been so wanting to lose!
Coming here was the very first decision I took on my own…..constantly being told of its negatives…of a wrong choice, made in haste...but I had one positive thought…and on coming here I realized its true. That no matter how crowded this city is …..people come and people go…just like one is born only to ascend into heaven…that no matter…if we have to wait and stay unemployed…no matter the competition….the generation that currently exists as the working class…will some day resign, will some day be out of work, will someday have to go…and a new set of us will evolve in those very positions creating more opportunities for others. I realized that this is the city of struggle, of life, of dreams, fulfilled , and dreams, carried forward. I realized this is Mumbai and I realized, I was not wrong.
August 13, 2009
April 6, 2009
Picture Time
Images of the city i live in - T dot
The C N Tower located at the heart of downtown Toronto.
Fall - when the leaves turn a lovely shade of crimson
Winter - as awful as it looks.
The snow melting
The C N Tower located at the heart of downtown Toronto.
Fall - when the leaves turn a lovely shade of crimson
Winter - as awful as it looks.
The snow melting
April 5, 2009
"Recession Sale"
Im riding the streetcar, on my way to the subway station when i suddenly notice a sign outside a store that says, "Recession Sale - Everything must go." Seriously??? Thats an oxymoron right there!!! I mean dude i understand its the plague called recession thats affecting every business and human being alike. So u either shut shop or do what you gotta do. But because of the recession, do u honestly think "everything will go" from your store!? Thanks to the recession, purchasing power aint the same like it used to be. With little or no disposable income, how do u expect there to be any demand? way i see it, it's a lose-lose situation!
ALL Rant, NO Rave
What is it with people who think they can rant in crowded public places and force people around them to hear their high-pitched monologues? I fail to understand where they come from, nor do I see any purpose or reason in their endeavor to vent out their pet peeves. Two such instances come to mind that have happened in the recent past – and one of them today, thereby, compelling me to write this note, err, rant!?
So im in this crowded streetcar headed towards the subway station at 8pm. An old couple hop in at one of the stops and the lady just wont stop thinking out loud as to why people wont move all the way down to the end of the streetcar. I understand that is an issue people using public transport often face but I also understand her saying it once out loud. But no, she repeated the same sentence over and over. And over. Till she made a remark that had absolutely no connection to people making room and being considerate on a crowded mode of transport. This is what she said and I quote, “I cant believe people wont move back. Why cant they listen to the driver who's saying please.” Then looking at a commuter seated, she says. “This city is not the same anymore. Its just not what it used to be - 75 years ago!” Now that is when, I, standing quite a few feet from her, actually turned around to look at her. 75 YEARS!!! Hell, ill bet u aint what u used to be 75 years ago!
what do u think she’s trying to insinuate here? Pointing out the complacent attitude of commuters is one thing. But, in the same breath, to add that the city aint the same since the time u were born is not exactly conveying your point. And as I stood there rolling my eyes in reaction to the old lady's comments and her ignorance, I remembered how, just 2 weeks ago, a much younger lady entered the bus and literally shouted at the top of her voice randomly asking what year we were in. A younger girl beside her, in disbelief and amazement, answered her question saying 2009. The lady then added saying she was shocked to know its 2009 and people are still wearing animal fur. She then starts to vent out her anger against people who wear winter coats with fur – fake or real - and then proceeds to single out 2 women on the bus with fur hoodies and yell out her displeasure at the comfort these women seek by wearing these coats. And she ranted and ranted and ranted till she switched to meat-eaters, and how people shouldn’t kill animals just for food. So the young girl who out of no choice is paying heed to the lady’s manic rants, while being helpless as to how to shut the lady up, agrees about the fur thing but goes on to add that she kills mosquitoes!!!! So, does that qualify as animal/insect cruelty? At least the young girl managed to shut her up for a second or two.
Going back to my point, I hate people who rant at the top of their voices expecting all and sundry to hear them whine. Go tell it to your friends. Or write it in a book, or a blog. But don’t expect to have heads turning, people’s views changing, or sympathizing, or even empathizing with you within the span of the 5 odd minutes u choose to rant in. Im guessing some of you sexists (or bordering on that) will point out how both are women, and that ranting comes easily. But let me tell you than men rant too. Right, Aaron? :P (one of my friends who's been ranting a lot off late.)
OK so I digress but people who rant in public should be made to shut up. Just like the herbivore/animal rights activist who was made to do so by the driver of the bus.
Or, May be, its time for me to by an iPod.
So im in this crowded streetcar headed towards the subway station at 8pm. An old couple hop in at one of the stops and the lady just wont stop thinking out loud as to why people wont move all the way down to the end of the streetcar. I understand that is an issue people using public transport often face but I also understand her saying it once out loud. But no, she repeated the same sentence over and over. And over. Till she made a remark that had absolutely no connection to people making room and being considerate on a crowded mode of transport. This is what she said and I quote, “I cant believe people wont move back. Why cant they listen to the driver who's saying please.” Then looking at a commuter seated, she says. “This city is not the same anymore. Its just not what it used to be - 75 years ago!” Now that is when, I, standing quite a few feet from her, actually turned around to look at her. 75 YEARS!!! Hell, ill bet u aint what u used to be 75 years ago!
what do u think she’s trying to insinuate here? Pointing out the complacent attitude of commuters is one thing. But, in the same breath, to add that the city aint the same since the time u were born is not exactly conveying your point. And as I stood there rolling my eyes in reaction to the old lady's comments and her ignorance, I remembered how, just 2 weeks ago, a much younger lady entered the bus and literally shouted at the top of her voice randomly asking what year we were in. A younger girl beside her, in disbelief and amazement, answered her question saying 2009. The lady then added saying she was shocked to know its 2009 and people are still wearing animal fur. She then starts to vent out her anger against people who wear winter coats with fur – fake or real - and then proceeds to single out 2 women on the bus with fur hoodies and yell out her displeasure at the comfort these women seek by wearing these coats. And she ranted and ranted and ranted till she switched to meat-eaters, and how people shouldn’t kill animals just for food. So the young girl who out of no choice is paying heed to the lady’s manic rants, while being helpless as to how to shut the lady up, agrees about the fur thing but goes on to add that she kills mosquitoes!!!! So, does that qualify as animal/insect cruelty? At least the young girl managed to shut her up for a second or two.
Going back to my point, I hate people who rant at the top of their voices expecting all and sundry to hear them whine. Go tell it to your friends. Or write it in a book, or a blog. But don’t expect to have heads turning, people’s views changing, or sympathizing, or even empathizing with you within the span of the 5 odd minutes u choose to rant in. Im guessing some of you sexists (or bordering on that) will point out how both are women, and that ranting comes easily. But let me tell you than men rant too. Right, Aaron? :P (one of my friends who's been ranting a lot off late.)
OK so I digress but people who rant in public should be made to shut up. Just like the herbivore/animal rights activist who was made to do so by the driver of the bus.
Or, May be, its time for me to by an iPod.
March 27, 2009
March 15, 2009
Murder They Wrote....
The recent attack on the Sri lankan team left me stunned and livid as to why would terrorism chose to advance in such direction?? It started off as a war against the west, against those who they said were foreigners, then it radically declared it was the war with those against Islam or more like, those who have belief in other religions. Yet, in the Mumbai attacks as well, more Indians were killed even though they apparently took the trouble to question most of the foreigners and take a peek at their passports. Reason being...India's rapid progress on most fronts. Which leaves me to wonder what their motive really is?..too me they look like a confused lot of sorts willing just to kill as a means to earn a living!..well not the preachers, but the doers ofcourse!
Pakistan till now has not completely owned up to the fact of the militants being as their own nationality, in order to disconnect themselves and their nation, from any link-ups. And yet again, after the attack on the srilankan team, few hours later, there were few ministers present who conveniently said they had sufficient proof (in such less time) n had to have their first words with the media….stating that India were behind the attacks …thus starting the blame game! Quite Frankly, I think if India had to hit anyone we know who wud b foremost on their list!!..no guesses there ..what so ever! ....Even though a few police officials lost their lives in the attack…most of the victims and witnesses present knew for a fact that the security forces, accompanying them, had deserted them in their time of need. Ironically, the President of the PCB was the first to declare such allegations as false. Some would have thought that the President (PCB) himself was present during the attack..or was he trying to label the match officials as liars!!??!! Either way, the amusing part of this whole episode was how cleverly or should I say effortlessly, the militants got away with such murder by just riding off on their bikes towards the nearest routes/hideouts!! …as easy as that huh?!..I think there’s no question that Pakistan should be blacklisted and declared a terror state, in my opinion, and in answer to such question posed by a certain member of the Indian Times. But the plot that leaves me to ponder is, if by any minute chance that Pak staged this attack to showcase it as being parallel to the one in Mumbai?! Or if the LTTE was sending it out a message of their own?!..and if either one, are we to find out about any time soon!!!...well mayb the govt. should appoint the GEO TV cameramen to do futher investigations as they seem more competent behind the camera than those holding positions & in their uniforms!
Pakistan till now has not completely owned up to the fact of the militants being as their own nationality, in order to disconnect themselves and their nation, from any link-ups. And yet again, after the attack on the srilankan team, few hours later, there were few ministers present who conveniently said they had sufficient proof (in such less time) n had to have their first words with the media….stating that India were behind the attacks …thus starting the blame game! Quite Frankly, I think if India had to hit anyone we know who wud b foremost on their list!!..no guesses there ..what so ever! ....Even though a few police officials lost their lives in the attack…most of the victims and witnesses present knew for a fact that the security forces, accompanying them, had deserted them in their time of need. Ironically, the President of the PCB was the first to declare such allegations as false. Some would have thought that the President (PCB) himself was present during the attack..or was he trying to label the match officials as liars!!??!! Either way, the amusing part of this whole episode was how cleverly or should I say effortlessly, the militants got away with such murder by just riding off on their bikes towards the nearest routes/hideouts!! …as easy as that huh?!..I think there’s no question that Pakistan should be blacklisted and declared a terror state, in my opinion, and in answer to such question posed by a certain member of the Indian Times. But the plot that leaves me to ponder is, if by any minute chance that Pak staged this attack to showcase it as being parallel to the one in Mumbai?! Or if the LTTE was sending it out a message of their own?!..and if either one, are we to find out about any time soon!!!...well mayb the govt. should appoint the GEO TV cameramen to do futher investigations as they seem more competent behind the camera than those holding positions & in their uniforms!
Love My Gadbad!! :)
One of the specialties of Mangalore, Karnataka.....in India, is this ice-cream parlour known as Ideals. Ideals is well known through out south india for its special flavours n combination of ice-creams with waffles, fresh and dry fruits, nuts and sauces. The Gadbad ice-cream is the all time favourite which never dies out!! its the classic ice cream one can hope for at Ideals!! We happened to spot it on the menu of this restraunt called Athena (being manglorean)..and to my delight i found it even better than the original!!...mayb because it had loads of Jelly, nuts and dry fruit with sago and vermicilli in it!!...and yea how can i ignore the fact that it wasy way bigger than the one they serve back home!! :))
Nextime maybe i should ask them to let the ice-cream scoop fill the rim of the glass...meanin a bigger one!...lol...jus kiddin...can sense my sweeth tooth eh!!??
Now doesnt that look sinful!!....hehe...take a better look below!
As we were already done with dinner my girl friend, Lo and I shared it!
Nextime maybe i should ask them to let the ice-cream scoop fill the rim of the glass...meanin a bigger one!...lol...jus kiddin...can sense my sweeth tooth eh!!??
Another friend of mine had Gulab Jamun which he said was reaqlly good!..i dint wann spoil the taste of my gadbad by having hot jamuns so i decided against it!! it looks good tho!
January 26, 2009
What WE do Best
A fortnight back, with the leave-taking of a friend who was here on holiday, my friends and I decided to meet up for dinner. We went to one of the most well known Chinese restaurants in Kuwait of Indian origin, as most of them our out here. Caesars, however, is better known for its Chinese cuisine and sizzlers, rather than Indian. We decided to straight away order the main course as we were starving. Some of the guys did go for the very obvious and absolute favourite…Chicken Manchow Soup!!.....however, I perfered it at Avanti Palace, which the boys begged to differ as it was me disagreein! : )
i ordered for the mixed grill sizzler..we had 2 of these. I love this sizzler of theirs in particular …as they r always consistent with the taste …n with lil a do its absolutely delectable…
Noodles…which surprsingly was really good!….
Schezuan fried…ordered by my friend..remained untouched as you can see!..everyone associates the word schezwan in Chinese cuisine with the word spicy….i don’t know how on earth did the chef at ceasars make his schezwan fried rice sweet…I dint even like the hint/tinge of its taste on my tongue!! Since we were all full no one bothered to eat cept for me who tasted abit…dunno how the chef got it wrong!...as I have eaten it b4 at the very same restaurant….mayb he accidently slipped in the sugar instead of salt….more like a one off incident..but if theres a next time…then ill make sure to take it up with the manager on duty.
One of my friends who happens to be a pure vegetarian had the veg.sizzler below….looks appetizing huh?!?! ;)
i ordered for the mixed grill sizzler..we had 2 of these. I love this sizzler of theirs in particular …as they r always consistent with the taste …n with lil a do its absolutely delectable…
Noodles…which surprsingly was really good!….
Schezuan fried…ordered by my friend..remained untouched as you can see!..everyone associates the word schezwan in Chinese cuisine with the word spicy….i don’t know how on earth did the chef at ceasars make his schezwan fried rice sweet…I dint even like the hint/tinge of its taste on my tongue!! Since we were all full no one bothered to eat cept for me who tasted abit…dunno how the chef got it wrong!...as I have eaten it b4 at the very same restaurant….mayb he accidently slipped in the sugar instead of salt….more like a one off incident..but if theres a next time…then ill make sure to take it up with the manager on duty.
One of my friends who happens to be a pure vegetarian had the veg.sizzler below….looks appetizing huh?!?! ;)
Well i guess on a weekend, when the restraunt is crowded and bustling with diners, presentation skills are pretty much thrown out of the window!
Others ordered for Biryani, Chicken Manchurian and Mixed fried rice…which i didn't get to take pics of…as the guys, hunger-struck, dug right in!
January 5, 2009
Bringing in 2009
In a country where hard drinks are illegal, open parties are raided and dancing is banned, it’s a real dilemma to chalk out a plan for New Years Eve! With everyone either travellin out of Kuwait or makin their reservations in advance…my friends n I decided to make do with the lil that we have, go with the flow n decide on the spot as, to what to do and where to go…. In a place like this, after a hectic days work..the first thing that comes to mind is a sumptuous dinner! Hence, we decided to go to 1 restaurant n this time round waited for a table, for bout 30 mins…which was comparably preferable to last year when we dint wanna wait n kept tryin out each n every other restaurant in the vicinity only to find em full n dozens others waitin in long queues, and ended up at Burger King (24hrs open) at 3 in the morning!!..we surely dint wanna repeat tht again!..well…settin it as a tradition wud be sumthin else all together!
Getting back to 31st December 2008, We chose to dine at Oriental (location: Salimya, Kuwait), Chinese being the common preference of our palate. We were showed to a cabin…even tho it deserted us from the rest, we appreciated the privacy we got except, when at the stroke of midnight, suddenly a count down began, balloons were flyin, n a huge cake was being cut to our oblivion! N sitting in tht closed cabin we kinda felt isolated from it all but were pleasantly surprised to hear some gala noise n celebration. So being an inquisitive lot, we took a peek-a-boo n drank in the atmosphere. We then ordered our starters followed by the main course. Hogged on red bell pepper chicken & 95, mixed sizzlers, fried rice n more. We were too stuffed for dessert! Sorry, I do not have pictures of the above. In my excitement, I forgot to take my camera with me, as well as click some from my friend’s! Yea well we’re a pathetic bunch of sorts at times!
After a real lazy n cozy dinner, we decided to head back to my place for more chat n conversation n for those who just wanted to doze off after a glass of wine! : ). In the end, I thought the night n my din of how to bring in the new year turned out just fine! On leavin the restaurant tho, we walked into the night towards our cars into the cold. N like I had envisaged, the beginning of Januray 1st 2009, had brought with it this strong, cold, icy n chilly wind for the new year…to last awhile!
Happy & Peace be this New Year to One and All!
http://www.orientalkuwait.com
Getting back to 31st December 2008, We chose to dine at Oriental (location: Salimya, Kuwait), Chinese being the common preference of our palate. We were showed to a cabin…even tho it deserted us from the rest, we appreciated the privacy we got except, when at the stroke of midnight, suddenly a count down began, balloons were flyin, n a huge cake was being cut to our oblivion! N sitting in tht closed cabin we kinda felt isolated from it all but were pleasantly surprised to hear some gala noise n celebration. So being an inquisitive lot, we took a peek-a-boo n drank in the atmosphere. We then ordered our starters followed by the main course. Hogged on red bell pepper chicken & 95, mixed sizzlers, fried rice n more. We were too stuffed for dessert! Sorry, I do not have pictures of the above. In my excitement, I forgot to take my camera with me, as well as click some from my friend’s! Yea well we’re a pathetic bunch of sorts at times!
After a real lazy n cozy dinner, we decided to head back to my place for more chat n conversation n for those who just wanted to doze off after a glass of wine! : ). In the end, I thought the night n my din of how to bring in the new year turned out just fine! On leavin the restaurant tho, we walked into the night towards our cars into the cold. N like I had envisaged, the beginning of Januray 1st 2009, had brought with it this strong, cold, icy n chilly wind for the new year…to last awhile!
Happy & Peace be this New Year to One and All!
http://www.orientalkuwait.com
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