Notes of April/May- 09

.26th April 09'- Manali, Himachal Pradesh- India:- Got up around 9 am on the 23th, & suddenly decided to the the first bus out of Delhi going towards Manali. The bus left at 5 p.m from the Chanderlok Building on the main Janpath Road. The bus, being a Volvo make, cost me around Rs.850. It was a 2/2 A'c semi-sleeper which was quite comfortable for a 14 hrs overnight journey, reaching Manali around 8a.m. The Passenger next to was a 5yr old Sardarji whose apparently had a shop quite nearby from where I lived, and insisted i pay him a visit on my return back to Delhi. Got off at the bus stand on the 24th, walked across the mall to a hotel called Solitaire. Pretty decent (Rs.500) with a great view from my room, no.401 (fourth floor). Took the car the same afternoon towards Rohtang pass which is about 51Km away, but could only make it upto to 35km as the pass is not yet fully accessible (Opens fully from Mid-June till November only). Had Maggi & Tea at the stoppage point with the sight of Snow-Clad mountains all around. This small shack was located right at the edge of a small gorge with its food & chips continers displaye outside his kitchen-tent. As soon as i sat facing the mountain, a strong gust of wind blew away his display rack down the gorge. nothing new, the owner said, and soon his helper was own to the fallen spot below re-collecting the items. The view from here in not overtly spectacular, but a must visit when the pass is fully operational, which then would also lead you to Keylong, Lahaul & Spiti. Then the next day, took the car from manali towards Solang Valley, & the drive here was breathtakingly beautiful. Its so short, that you curse at the stoppage point, the maximum a civil car can go, around 26 km from manali.

There is a lot of activity happening here with a few dozen Paragliders & Zorb'ers providing adventure rides to tourist with a spectaular view of the mountains. I took a stroll towards a vantage point overlooking the mountain & sat there for an hour or so. Lit up a joint given to me by a bus boy (local lad) from the bus i had taken from Delhi. He also insisted and accompanied to various points around Manali... notably to the very old Hadimba temple, 1.5 Km from my hotel. Anyways, the joint served its purpose in providing some wild notions and scenic beauty all at once. Have reached back to the hotel in time to catch up with Formula1 race of Bahrain 09, where my favourite drive Kimi Raikkonen is not doing that well and has only qualified 10th on the grid. Hope he makes up some ground and scores some points at least. overall, a poor bad season for Ferrari already with 3 races gone and a Big Zero points to their name.

Will be going back in evening and will post some of the images once i reach delhi.

NOTES of NOVEMBER '08

 .2nd Nov 08- Missing Kathmandu- Everytime i catch up with one of my friends from nepal in Facebook, it just makes me realize that i haven't visited one my favourite city since January this year. But i shall make the wait diminish asap as I'm definately planning to visit there around second week of this month.. also, the energetic friend Rakesh Prasai shall also be visiting then from Sierra Leone, where he is a humanitarian worker, god bless him for his deeds. So, the timing for the visit couldn't be more perfect.... Also, i hope to convince (beg even) my friends from the 'Himalayan Enfielders Club' there to plan out a Biking trip across the Himalayas. A Roadtrip to Tibet & Climbing a Mountain still remains elusive from my To-Do-List.... hope to change that soon....!!!

.1st Nov 08- Well, its been like ages:- since i have posted anything... almost 8 months to be precise. But it's not entirely my fault as i have been utterly busy with all the travelling i did over these months. Visited Bombay for a few days in July, then took a road trip to Punjab & then later to the hills of Chail, Shimla & Kasauli in Himachal during August. 

On returning back to delhi, a wonderful friend of mine Nitya, was in town visiting for a few days from the US.... had a blast with her as there is no one else that can match her vibrancy & enthusiasm towards life, and all things in between. 

Soon after, took another roadtrip to Jaipur, Ajmer & Pushkar in Rajasthan . I tell you, Pushkar is amazing.... this place is a stand-alone town, surrounded in all sides by a small Hill range called the Snake Mountains.... this place is so small, it takes all but 15 minutes to walk across the whole town. But its wonderful coz its the quietest town in India, which allows one to soak in the culture & flavours of rajasthan without loosing ones head in the chaos. Anyways, now that I'm back here shall post more often... happy diwali to all my wonderful and beautiful friends....

 

-Picture of my recent trips- May-October 08

     
 
   


    

 

NOTES of JANUARY/FEBUARY 08' (Click on Images for larger View)

-13th March- Scarlett Keeling Case- It is now known that Scarlett, age 15 from Davon-UK, was murdered on the 18th of Feb 08 in Goa. What i am still unable to understand is when her body was found by the beach, the police tried to cover this fact up and passed a statement claiming she had died due to drowning. Its only after her mother Fiona arrived in Goa that she made the doctors do a second autopsy which clearly stated her condition of being raped with bodily injuries. When her body's pix were flashed on tv, even a 5 yr old could have guessed that much.

It was so damningly obvious. After much pressure from the media and her Mom, the police of Goa have admitted their fault and have finally arrested the main accused, who happens to be a local drug mafia related to politicians and police. I tell you, these fucked up politicians!! Whats more, one Goan politician even went on to say that Scarlett deserved it coz she had taken drugs during the party; and that it was her mothers fault to leave her daughter alone in Goa for the holidays. What a bloody ass, it's so pissing off. Is it of any Relevance that Scarlett was on drugs/Alcohol or that her mother wasn't present in Goa at the time of the murder??!! What the hell does he mean ya? Are we to believe that any child or teenager not accompanied by her parents is ought to be raped and murdered by people!!! Or are we to now believe that a parent needs to accompany their child 24/7 or be prepared for the worst? Its so inhuman to even suggest such a thing to a grieving mother. Furthermore, any child or teenager has the right to live their lives and of course its a parents responsibility to keep check. But when the parent is not present, every child becomes a Society's Responsibilty (which includes the police on the whole to look after their welfare). Ok, its understandable that a crime can take place where others are not in the position to help, but what matters is the society then approaches this with a clear conscience.

Scarlett Keeling is dead; telling her to be morally correct & teaching parental values is no good to her now. That too coming from some asshole politician who goes around town with about 20 police for his safety. It would have helped if he had deployed one of these police guys on patrol around that area, i guess. Anyways, All she deserves now is that her soul be left in peace and the person who brought this untimely death to a beautiful human being to justice asap. Veering away from the main task of apprehending the suspect and focussing more on blaming the girl or her parents is just not acceptable. Goa is one of our country's top tourist destination amongst Foreigners as well as local Indians and is famous for its calm beaches, wild parties and as a romantic getaway- the Indian government would do well to add a well behaved police force & educated politicians to this List.

-27th Jan- What i did + other Events While i was Away- 1) I was in Nepal for the whole month of December, & shockingly there was no bomb blast, strikes, civil fightings this time. Rubeena often accused me of working undercover as these things often happen whenever i visited Kathmandu; i now hope i'm in the Clear. 2) I established a second Home Accessory retail store in Babar Mahal -kathmandu called "Serendipity". 3) Watched the 'Golden Compass' & was very dissapointed by it. While 'Notes on a Scandal' & 'Tsotsi' I absolutely loved. 4) Benazir Bhutto got assasinated, peace be with her as she really was as symbolic to Pakistan as the Taj Mahal is to India. 5) Whats all this fuss about Sarkozy & his girlfriend Bruni!!! whatever!!!! 6) I lost my Passport, Ipod & some cash one unfortunate day in Kathmandu. My fault really. I hailed a cab & reached my rented apartment. I paid the cabby & got out of the cab with my mind someplace else. Once inside, i realized that i had forgotten to take my bag from the cab. well, i sincerely hope the cab guy is a good human being & in need; & that my stuff can be of good use to him. Also in his defence, he couldn't have returned it me as it was late at night, & i had gotten off a few houses away to by supplies. so no fret. Luckily, i had another ID card to come back to India, which works as PassPort is not a must to travel there for Indians.

-24th Jan- Where have i been Lost Eh?- Hey Hey Hey, first of all a huge belated New Year wishes to all my close ones. Well, I was away from Delhi visiting Kathmandu Nepal from the 4th of Dec to 5th of Jan. After which, my friends had come over from Kathmandu to visit us in Delhi and stayed at my place till the 21st of Jan. So I got busy with them as a host. So now, I'm finally free & my daily routine is coming back in place.
Also, while i was in Nepal, my friends Goofy and Rubeena along with Kinn Organization (Kids In Need Nepal), organized their Annual Social service to Panglang School, located near the Last Resort by the chinese border. With little funds of about 2000 euros which they receive from a group of bikers from Holland, they help organize a Free Health Camp for the School kids. Also, all kids uniform & stationary, books etc is provided by them annualy. I was fortunate enough to go along with them & 3 doctors and chemists to the camp. I have put together a few pics which i took while i was there.

NOTES of NOVEMBER '07

~27th Nov- Jama Majid & Mughal Cuisine- I had gone to take a look at ancient Jama Majid, situated in the old Walled city of Delhi, as i was around Chandni Chowk for some work. It really was beautiful & is located just about 20 mins walk from the Red Fort. But what really caught my eye was all the really old restaurents in the street that have been serving Mughlai cuisine for ages. You see, i have a problem & thats that although i love food, i can only eat a handful as i don't have a big appetite. But since i wanted to atleast taste most of the items, I randomly ordered around 10 dishes & took a little bite from all of it. Although I wasted alot of food & paid a steep bill, it was worth it. the food was mmmmm. The really different and yummy dishes were the Shammi & Sheek Kebabs, Mutton Biryani, Mughlai Chicken & Stew Chicken. And to think there is about 50 more dishes which I still haven't tried out. Hmmm...I think i would be seeing a lot more of this place.

~27 Nov- Q & A with Myself- I didn't know asking a few question to myself would make me really think and realize how much I miss a few people, or rate myself upon my acts or just how much fun I have had. Hence, as of Now, i've Zero complaints about life, & should really be thankful to someone:- God- maybe, Parents- of course, Friends- definately & of course Myself- without whom none of this would be possible (hahaha). see my Q&A below this Post Topic

~18th Nov- an apology to dearest Tashi- I am extremely sorry la that I missed mentioning your name in 'Friends in the Pics' below. I have made the change now. Anyways, to tell more about her, she happens to be one of the most intelligent babes around, and ofcourse with loads of sex appeal to add to her profile. originally from Darjeeling, i met her through my girlfriend Tarana as they happen to be very close friends. Although we meet only occasionally, but whenever i do happen to meet her, I end up having a great time coz of her spunkyness & great sense of humour. She also happens to be a really strong girl, as i've heard many instances when things weren't going well for her, but she's never shown it upfront or thrown a fuss; & has always managed to get over it. Although she can't count on me adding her name to a LIST, but I seriously hope that she can count on me being around her as a friend for life, in good times & bad. See you asap la kati. All drinks on me.

~11th Nov- Our Old Caretaker 'Nandalal'-
my father had hired him as a worker in 1982. Back then, my father along with his four brothers used to live in one small house in the outskirts of Calcutta city, as we were very poor; & my father had just started a factory producing Ayurvedic Hair Oil. So Nandalal, a short man with a humpback & a handicap, used to take care of me, my brothers and cousins (7 in total) while helping out with the factory. He was/is dear to all of us who happened to have grown up under his care. In 1995, my father expanded the business & only our family moved to Delhi, leaving the factory in Calcutta under my uncles care, & Nandalal chose to stay back. Also, dissentment grew between our family and my uncles, so I'm still glad that we severed ties with them. I seriously had no respect for them even then. Since then, i'd meet Nandalal only a few times whenever i visited Calcutta. But a week ago, he (now 61 yrs old) tagged along with my dad back to Delhi, leaving Calcutta for good. Today, he came up to my room & sitting on the floor, began to tell me stories about his time in Calcutta since my dad left & i was horrified to learn that he was treated badly, made to work inhumanly & beaten up for petty issues by one of my uncles (hope his soul rots in hell), which prompted him to finally leave after 10 years of suffering. I can't understand why some people are evil, or behave so poorly that comprehension itself fails to explain.

~4th Nov- The Apartment Get together-

Festive Pre-Diwali Bash finally happened, & we are so glad that all our close friends made it. Of course the maid, i'm sure, was so not happy in the morning because of the mess inflicted on the apartment. anyways just for the record, the next party (Bar-be-cue theme) is gonna happen around christmas.
Friends in the Pics- Tashi, Manbir, Sankalp, Stacy, Nazam, Farhan, Priya, Rahul, Namrata, Sanjay, Tarana, Silky, Rekha, Dingee & Amit. Friends not in the Pics- Febbie, Bunty, Ravi, Sachin, Cooper, Warren;; & a few other aquantainces.

Funnily, i only appear in One Picture- seen with Priya & Farhan in the 2nd Set of Pics. Hmmm.. .So much for being a Host

~1st Nov- (1)Himalayan Enfielder Garage Party Sep 07

(2)Ride to 'The Last Resort' -Dec 06-

This happens to be one of the most peaceful organized trip i've ever taken. The group bikers & cars leave from Kathmandu in the morning, & drive through hills and riverside for 4 hours to reach the resort, located at the border of Nepal & China. Once there, you are obligled to do Nothing, but just chill. there is a Hut-Bar for the drinkers, but what I grab in handfuls are Snickers & Mars. When night falls, the music kicks in and people (130 odd) move to the beats, or just lie on the grass to watch the Stars. The next day, people go Bungy Jumping or river rafting, before heading back to Kathmandu. I did manage to Bungy once in a previous trip. Its asia's highest fall (around 30 floor high rise) from a suspended brigde over the raging Bhote Khoshi River. Of course, I won't ever do it again- its madness to the point of insanity.

*Himalayan Enfielders GARAGE party Sep o7- the first set of pictures are from the party they held at their workshop recently in kathmandu.

~1st Nov- Accusations, Women & Flirting-

I’ve been accused of Flirting a lot. Of course the Accuser is often giggling when she lays down the charges. But when this accusation comes from a third person (i.e. Idiots), I find that very harsh. I mean, is telling a girl she’s beautiful or smart or intelligent really flirting? I view it as plain fact. I find it very wrong not to compliment women when she deserves it.

You know, after a while, getting compliments from your lover, husband or friends stop meaning much as Obligation takes over Intent. A flirting comment from a stranger starts to hold more value, as it generally won’t be a lie, but often a fact. Honesty is important while complimenting, because Fake comments are equal to Bad comments. Imaging telling a pretty but intelligent girl "Is your sister's name Jennifer Aniston?". Its so lame & unrealistic!!! No Good. Just recently, I went out partying with a woman who was having a tough time with her husband. While we were drinking and chatting, I Off-handedly told her “that she was truly a beautiful girl & a fun person; & if we were together I definitely would have tried harder”. I think it did help, coz She actually stopped being glum and enjoyed herself after that. I think saying things that are real, and more importantly, unoffensive to a women is a major priority.
It took my girlfriend sometime to realize that not every girl I compliment is because I’m trying to flirt with her. Or to put it this way, I don’t mind Flirting, as I find it to be so much fun. And since I’m happy flirting, and the girl is happy coz she’s been flirted with- hmm, well, I think everyone should flirt.
Everyone likes flirting, If you say you don’t, then you are probably a suicidal Terrorist. And to top it all, its actually harmless; in a sense I've never heard of break-ups, fighting or heartbreak occur because of a timely or joyful Flirtation.
Note- I don't understand why some women drive home the point that they are equal to men; but of course they are Equal. I don't understand why some men think otherwise & treat women as just an object & worthless. I mean, its incomprehensible to me as to how some men beat up, mentally harass or emotionally break apart a creation so wonderful, so brilliant. Anyways, the point is I simply love women; they’re So Damn Beautiful.

Q&A - YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME?

Since I’m at it, I thought of writing some things about me that is really intimate and personal. Of course, I’m not writing this because I’m Vain, ya. It should be looked at purely from a psychological point of view. Shockingly, I seriously didn't know the answers myself until I asked the question. Generally, it is a Philosophical exercise upon me to dig deep & learn more about myself, from myself.

Explain myself?
I'm extremely lazy; I like to solve my own problems though. I hate advice. I was born in a very small house but when i was 3 my father prospered, hence allowing me the luxury to get into a proper boarding school. English is my first language. I learnt Hindi only when i was 16 & Nepali just recently. I'm a Graduate in Marketing. I do timepass photography & travelling. I drive a Honda @170k.m, ride a cycle @6p.m.

Why did I start this BLOG?
I wanted to record a perspective of my life. This is basically a mean to jot down instances that occur in my life, which later gives me a recall value. It also helps me understand myself better. It is said that written statements affect a person more than an oral statement. It so holds true for life itself, & a written down memory of myself makes me realise that life has been good to me. I have no motives that a lot of people should go through my blog. It is a chronicle of my life, & I’m happy writing it for myself.

Am I a Racist?
No, I'm sure of that. I don't get along with Sardarji's & I am very judgemental on them. Nothing to do with racism, as I do have a few Sardarji friends; its just I take a longer time to become friends with them coz some of them just irritate me.

Close friends of mine?
My first close mate was Laxman, and then it was Anuj, Paul, Dolma & Puja. Amitabh too features here as although we were not close, but I had the craziest time in his company. Shweta & I were fairly close in college, before she sadly died in a car crash. Presently, it has to be my girlfriend Tarana. I have done so many things in her company that cannot be replaced; travelled, shared, met new friends & people through her. She truly has a remarkable & significant part in my journey.

Have I kept track of my old friends?
No. I do regret not keeping tabs on them. Life & its cycle is too big to keep friends in a close knit over long periods, so with time my friends have moved on & so have I.

Which date with a girl I recall most fondly?
It would have to be with Nupur Mehta a few years back. I was waiting in my car just outside her house at midnight. Soon, I see her sneaking out of her house & into my car, short dress & barefoot, with shoes in hand so as to avoid any noise & waking her parents. It was very amusing. And then, while returning from the club she decided to drive my car & almost ran over a few cops who were trying to stop us. She managed to avoid, & more importantly, escape them. 

Also, when i had gone  for a movie with Parul at Chanakya during my school days. I acted like a complete dork and still can't get over the fact as to how stupidly I behaved then. I won't recount what exactly happened coz it shall only make me look more stupid, but Parul was so utterly beautiful & i was so head-over feet in love with her that i wasn't thinking straight. To add to it, i did get a good and proper scolding from her later that day.... after which she did not speak to me for a number of days. I did deserve it thoroughly.   

Anybody in particular who I miss a lot or wish to leave a final message if they can hear it?
I do miss Shweta a lot and wish that she hadn’t passed away. And I do want to apologies to Sumita for really acting stubborn & badly with her, even though she cared so much for me. She’s now married and happy, & I’m glad coz she seriously didn’t deserve an idiot like me. 

Any occurrence of Psychic or Supernatural moment?
Two instances. One, I stared at a rugby-ball sized oval Third-Eye for about an hour some ten feet away in a dark corner in our village home when I was 8yrs. I was casually sitting in an empty area of the house. Funnily, I only recall my heartbeat going up a notch but no fear as can be ascertained from the hour I spent looking at it. Maybe it was just light reflecting off a shiny object placed there, for sceptics to argue. And two, I woke up having had a dream that me & Asif would be pronounced Prefects of class 7 today. I told him as much, and were shocked to here it happen in reality. Believe it or not, these haven't changed my outlook as I'm still a man of science.

Am I a gadget freak and what gadgets do I have?
No & Yes. I have a lot of gadgets, but they don’t rule my life. I have an - iPod 40gb & 60gb video, X-box 360, PlayStationP, Apple iPhone, O2 pda mobile, Jamo home theatre, 3 Nikon D-Slr cameras & other common gadgets. Out of these, I only use my iPod video, iPhone & one Nikon Camera regularly, rest are just lying around for months without use.

Any changes I’d like to make in my life?
Yes. I’d like to rename myself Turin & have Alexander & Aurangzeb as my buddy. Together we’d have created such havoc conquering kingdoms that Greenpeace & UN would have opened an office around 300 a.d itself. But seriously, I won’t make a great leader of men, as I suppose people should lead themselves.

Places I want to, but know I won’t see it?
Kashmir valley, Afghanistan, Persia, Monaco, Zimbabwe, South America & Japan.

My Music- Peter Gabriel, Sting, John Digweed, Trentemoller, Cranberries, Bjork, Dj Sasha, Rusted Roots, Dido, Mishka.
My Movie- Schindler's List, My Cousin Vinny, 300, Troy, Signs, Ice Age1, Lion King, LotR, Fargo.
My Books- You know, I really wouldn't mind getting under Rihanna's umbrella. ya ya, i know its not a book, but i couldn't help it. Her video just flashed while i was writing this.. she's utterly gorgeous ya. - see books i like on the right hand column.

NOTES - OCTOBER DIARY '07

24th oct- Organizing a Party- Me, Tarana & Nazam have decided to throw a Big Festive Bash for our friends on the 3rd of November. The apartment that I live in is Big, but i'm not sure whether it will be able to hold close to the 35 expected guests. Anyways, its time to get organising soon as days just fly by. The general concept I have in mind is to make one room into the dance area, another into the Card Gaming area, the third bedroom & even the Drawing Room into a Chillout Zone. The mini open terrace is where we plan to have the Bar & Food. Also, will have a lot of candles and Incense burning for the Ambience. I shall also be the DJ for the day, playing to the guests as well as my own Favourites using my LIVE4 mixing software in my Laptop, connected to the amp. The guest list is impressive in a sense that each one invited is a Character on their own- from Funny to downright Mad. We have yet to come up with a THEME for the party but Tashi, a girlfriend of Tarana went on to boldly suggest that we should make it a Bikini theme party. Ofcourse the guys will totally love that, but unfortunately it'll be too cold for that to happen. Maybe we'll do a round of Strip Poker for her. Anyways, It should be a lot of fun, flirting & drinking. Damn, gotta get Organizing soon.

24th- Dingee = Genda= Football- Dingee has been telling me and everyone around that she'll lose weight asap. but its been 6 month since she said that, and the fact of the matter is that she is getting even fatter & Rounder. so me and rahul told her to go to the park and ROLL, since shes a Football of sorts..hahahaah. It took some time for her to realize our joke, but by that time we had fallen off our chairs hysterically.

22nd Oct- "Longing"- a poem- I have finally managed to write a few verses in poetic form after a long time. this poem basically speaks about a Traveller trying to find out his purpose, as well as hoping he will be able to make a mark upon this earth before he takes the final journey of death. (Read Longing on the Right)

21st Oct- KIMI DOES IT- it's 11p.m & the Formula 1 season is finally over. I'm thrilled to bits as miraculously 'The Flying Finn' Kimi has won the race, and with it the overall Drivers Championship. you can imagine how tensed i was while he drove his car for the final 10 laps as I hoped his car didn't breakdown. anyways, after five long years of supporting him, me and my girlfriend Tarana Dutt, who too is a fan, can finally chill. Cheers to Kimi from probably his biggest and ardent Supporter- Me. Like I mentioned before, I love supporting the underdogs in Sport.

18th Oct- Winter Mornings- with the season changing, I am looking forward to waking up really early coz I don't want to miss the amazing early Winter morning chill & air of Delhi which I love so much. Lately I do a lot of Cycling, but its always in the evenings as I am unable to wake up. Hopefully I am able to change this trend soon and not regret missing out when the torrid summer comes again.

17th Oct- Festive Season is Here- finally winter sets in Delhi & I am thrilled to bits. Looking forward to 4 months of bliss, chill and lots of my favourite bit- FOG. It always fascinates me to drive my car around the city with zero visibility. Also, its time for lots of well wishes and crazy get-togethers with friends. So, Happy DASAIN to all my friends in Kathmandu; & Happy ALL-October Festivities to my friends and loved ones in Delhi. I hope to catch up with all my friends atleast once during this season for a round of drinks, smoke and chat.

16th Oct- NOSTALGIC MOMENT- I finally found this pictures of 1998. It was FINALS day- France vs Brazil, & since I support Underdogs, France was our team. Me, Sachin and Gaurav had gone to a Pub to watch, and YEAH, France won. we were the only supporters for France amongst Brazilian Losers. Oh what a racket we made... it was a pleasure to see shocked faces all around us. We deserved a good meal after the victory, so we drove down to a roadside Dhaba and ordered like Mad. (click on Image to READ OUR hand-made BANNER)

6th Oct- Gopalika Tahiliani- a model and a good friend, we weren't in touch for almost two years. So i was pleasently surprised to recieve her call today. turns out, she had shifted to Mumbai from here (delhi). Anyways, we have promised to meet up for sure whenever i happen to be in Mumbai. meanwhile, you can see some of her Portfolio pictures that I had Shot, by clicking on her 'NAME on MY FRIENDS on the WEB'.


3rd Oct- My dear friends Paul & Dolma, I have been trying to locate you guys for the last 3 years with no results. Since meeting you both last in your New Noida home after your Marriage, I lost your number and home location. So If you come across this or any of my common friends have their Info/Contact, Please leave a message on my Hi5 profile (Link on the right)

1st Oct- Today is Savera Dutt's birthday. She is the most hard-working, amazing, fiesty, wonderful women in Kathmandu. Ill- tempered sometimes, but thats her being herself, like it or not. Go Girl.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE - BIHAR

(click on image for larger view)
In Jan 2002, I had travelled to Kathmandu to meet my girlfriend. The
route I decided to take was Delhi – Gorakhpur (UP) by train. Then take a 3 hours cab ride to Bhairawa (Nepal border town) and from there take the 20 minutes domestic flight to Kathmandu. All went well and I reached Kathmandu in bitter cold. During my stay of 25 days, I met a lot of wonderful people and made amazing friends; fought a lot with my girlfriend and also went on a Himalayan Enfielders organised 'Nepal Peace Bike Rally' to Pokhra. Kathmandu overall enthralled me, so much so that I’ve now been there 12 times!!
Anyways, saying goodbye to all good souls, I boarded the 15 min domestic flight from Kathmandu to Birganj/Raxaul (Bihar Border). I had changed the Route to Delhi from Bihar side, the reason being I wanted to visit my Uncle in Patna and then take the train back to Delhi. Arriving at Raxaul about 7 P.M, I was unable to hire a Jeep ride to Patna (6 Hrs) as all the drivers refused to travel alone at night fearing to Dacoits and murder on lonely and crime infested road to Patna. I took the locals advice and travelled on a bus as these were safer because of the manpower. The broken down bus left around 8 P.M; sleep was impossible as I was holding the Seat in its place instead of the other way around. And the chatter between Nuts & Bolts broke Noise Decibel Norms of India. Imagine that feat!!!
The extremely slow bus made a Pit stop at a Petrol pump around 2 A.M and surprisingly for all, refused to leave. Enquiring with the driver who had pretty soon made himself comfortable with a Joint (Hash cigarette), the reply was that after dropping off people along the way he can’t go any further as we were not sufficient enough group left. So our choice was either we walk to Patna or wait patiently in this ghostly location for another bus that might be willing to take us. With the air tensed with looming threat of dacoits, scavengers & murderers, the 16 of us stayed put. Knowing how Rules are non-existent in Bihar, we had no choice really. Officials & Cops are helpful I think, but you’ll surely enter the Guinness Books if you can find them. Three hours later a bus did manage to haul us to Patna. Mind you, the previous fully paid ticket to Patna was automatically deemed invalid, so we had to buy fresh tickets.
I still wonder whether the choice to change my earlier route to this Bihar one was a mistake. I do agree that it was a Bad choice, but I would never have seen this side of travelling if I hadn’t made that choice. Looking back, I’m content with this experience and cultural learning of Interior Bihar.

TRAVEL TIP
DEL (dep 5 pm) to GKP (arv 6 am) – Sapt Kranti Exp (3 AC with meals) Rs. 800 aprrox
GKP to BHAIRAWA/ SANAULI- 3 hr taxi ride from station itself. Rs. 400 aprrox
BHR to KTM- domestic airlines fly only during 8 am – 6pm. RS.2000 approx

HIMALAYAN ENFIELDERS - Lazimpat, behind Embassy of Israel - kathmandu Nepal. Ph-2380751

Synopsis- It is run by 6 amazing and adventurous guys. I feel priveledged to know them as my friends, especially Goofy Shrestha and Rakesh Prasai. This Club was formed by them with Passion, and Passion is all you need to be a member of this club as there is no membership FEE. So if you happen to be in Kathmandu, just drop by at their workshop and chill out for a while. Don't be surprised if you are handed a beer out of nowhere. The Club keeps organizing Bike Rides across Nepal and even Tibet. They are the First and Only Official Enfield club of Kathmandu. I shall post here any EVENTS that they are planning along with all details.

PORTFOLIO BOOK 2- Arvin Sharma Photography

"Q&A with Shreya & Manisha"

A CHRONICLE OF CONVERSATIONS

Here, I have tried to Chronicle certain aspects, instances and occurrences while I have been travelling. All conversations and events have been put up as it took place and has been put forth from my point of view. I don't expect or ask of anyone to agree with my POV. OK.

RED FIRE CLUB - KATHMANDU, Aug 07
"During my recent visit to Kathmandu- Nepal, my friends took me to visit some Bars with live Dancers in Thamel. After entering, we had asked for the manager to send some of the dancers to our table for drinks. This conversation takes place with two Working Girls, Shreya & Manisha." (After talking for sometime, I took their personal permission to ask them a few questions so as to understand their Working Environment. They Agreed in return for loads of drinks) - Language translated from Nepali to English.

A- Where are you from?
S- We are from chitwan. Came here to work 8 months ago.

A- I thought you guys have been working here for quite some time now.
M- No no... We only came to Kathmandu because life in chitwan is damn slow. Small town.

A- So how did you manage to get into dance bars... its not all that great I guess?
M- Actually, one girl had come visiting her parents in our village from here. We were acquaintances earlier. During her visit, she had told us about work in Kathmandu. First we were apprehensive, but she did assure us that it was safe working as a dancer. So we decided to apply, and here we are.

A- you mentioned SAFE, how so?
S- You see, when we met the Sauji (owner), he told us the timing and gave us a few rupees to buy Striper Outfits, and gave us a joining date. Also, he told us to keep expressions and playfulness to strict limits during the bar timing. After the bar closes...
M- what we do is entirely upto us. So you see there is actually no pressure from the Sau that we have to make our guests happy. Yes, he does encourage us to talk and mingle with guest but nothing more. Rest is upto us. S- like you see, you called us to your table, have shown proper courtesy to us.... and in fact have talked to us and asked us proper questions... it means a lot and we don't mind answering your question?

A- Are you sure, coz I was hesitating to ask certain overt questions thinking it might offend you guys?
(Both Laughing)...you see, this is what i mean, you are worried as to not to offend us. That’s too much respect we'll ever get for some time from guests. (Sombre smiles)

A- What’s the pay like here?
S/M= we get rs.100 per day + commission on the drinks that we have and personal tips from guests.

A- that basically means that whatever drinks you both have ordered sitting with us here, you get a commission on that!!
S- Yes. Also, you have to look at the drinks we have ordered. We only ask for Red Wine, Tequila or Red Bull.... because they are rs.350 compared to others which are rs.250 or lower. In the end of the month, Sauji analyses our total tally of these drinks and measures our performance based on that. If a girl doesn't reach a certain target, she'll be fired. ....
M- ....but we don't have to worry about that as we are Dancers, it’s the Hostess that has to worry about things like these target.

A- So what is the difference between a dancer and a hostess??
M- A dancer is paid extra in some respect and is almost permanent, while Hostesses are hired according to the requirement of a bar. Generally, the Sau will hire one hostess per Table i.e. 30 girls for 30 tables in the restaurant....
S- There job is basically to sit and give company to the clients coming to the restaurant. But it's not done out of generosity, but so that they sit at the table and subtly keep ordering for themselves and for the clients. This way, she has to ensure that the client’s bill is more that what would have been otherwise. We only join clients when specifically asked for, and even then it’s our choice; but it’s a must for hostess.

A- What if a hostess is not pretty, or is not the conversing type... why would I for instance make her sit in my table at all, let alone order.
S- Well, that's why the Sau analyses the drinks tally in the end of the month, it will clearly show who's good and who need to go. Also a good and smart hostess, pretty or ugly, should have the tact to make the client feel that there might be an Afterhours scene by acting coy, shy, open and touchy-feely. The client starts ordering without thinking that its just smart play... not ALL have the Insight and Knowledge which we are giving you, do they!!!

A- so basically these girls INDICATE a lot of things to their client, without ever doing a thing. Like that guy on that table has his arms around that girls waist, and that girl over there is resting in the guys shoulders.... these are just smart play?
M- Yes. It’s all just a big Tease... the client thinks that the girl really likes him. But in reality, its just part of her job. You see... when a girl takes a job like this, she realizes it is not respectable in many aspects. But to continue working, we harden ourselves and our hearts to become a wall. We literally treat it as a JOB- 4p.m to 2a.m - during this period we pretend to be something we are not.... but once the lights come on... we simply say a polite goodbye to the client, pick our bags and go home. In a way it’s quite rude but we are not here to fulfil needs of others, we are here to make a living.

A- Have you ever liked a client as a person or gone out with anyone?
S- I have gone out a few times with guys, but I make sure to fix a date during the day. I expect to be taken out on a date as a Girl and not as a dancer. So if a guy is friendly and respects me in certain ways and buys me Clothes/ perfume/ gifts, I too would be smitten. Regarding your question, the Choice to go out is not due to NEED, but because I really want to go out personally. I can live well with what I earn here as it is.
M- I too have gone out a lot. A month ago, I actually managed to fall in love with a married guy. We went out quite a lot but now he has started ignoring me. Till a week ago, I was miserable and heartbroken. Of course I didn't expect him to leave his wife for me, but I think he got bored. It hurts more because he avoids me a lot and keeps me hanging. I’ve learnt my lesson and would be more careful in future from these slip ups.

A- I think I shall stop questioning now. I'll be leaving soon, so I shall sit and drink with you girls normally.
S- Yes, and when you come back to Kathmandu soon, we'll tell you interesting client gossips. Really interesting!!!

***Personal Note- Dance Bars sure doesn't add to the overall feel of Kathmandu, but I have no objection to the approx. 110 existing Bars employing nearly 5000 Girls. At least, they are empowered in their living and can support themselves. YOU or I shouldn't complain either, as WE wouldn't have supported a single girl if she had come to our door step for funds and long term support. These girls are equal to any other respectable girl i know. I do hope they lead a good life.

============================================================

On Delhi, Mughals & My Fascination for it

MY CITY - by Arvin S (see full poem on the right)
Of shimmering heat & endless streets,
Of varying pace & abundant cheats;
Of open arms & fortified walls,
Delhi my city, yet not mine at all.

I won’t bore you with all the details on why I’m fascinated by Delhi. So I shall just leave the Modern City behind, and put down some of the Historic instances that I have read… which has in turn made me determined to explore the historic locations hidden & spread within the modern version of Delhi, whenever I get the chance. Rest of my fascination can be derived from the Notes given below.

“Were the Mongols a race of Angels, it would still be a vile nation”
Emperor Babur (15th century) on his dislike for the barbaric nature of Mongol rulers. Babur himself was half Mongol-half Turk, being of impressive descendants of Mongolian conqueror Genghis Khan & Persian mighty king Timur, respectively.

“O high King, there is none left for you to kill; unless you bring back the dead, and kill them again”
His Minister to the Persian king Nadir Shah during his conquest of Delhi (17th century). After he had captured Delhi, he put the entire male population to the sword because some had revolted in the marketplace.

Shah Jahan (16th Century) Emperor of Delhi/Agra- probably the greatest provider of architecture of all time with his making of the Taj Mahal in Agra, Red Fort in Delhi and other lesser known but yet magnificent buildings. He was unceremoniously ousted by his own son, the great Aurangzeb. He was ably helped by his sister, Roshnara Begum, who had instigated the conspiracy. To make matters worse for Shah Jahan, he was put in a prison he himself had built, and was later served his ally & favourite son Dara Shukoh’s head on a plate for dinner by Aurangzeb.

Roshnara Begum, daughter of Shah Jahan- Having an affair with her subjects and or seduce her ministers was her greatest past time. Irritated by her impudence, the emperor went visiting her apartment to sort things out, only to find one of his ministers already present. The Minister was aptly laid down on the ground outside for an Elephant to stroll over him.

It is said that Delhi is a city that literally rises from the ashes. Delhi being one of the Oldest cities in the world, it has been conquered, plundered, ravaged, burnt and abandoned on numerous occasions. Every time that the city has been captured, it has been able to adjust its lifestyle and make room for the new ruler. There have been many instances where whole population has been massacred or thrown out; & at other times fully abandoned, and yet people have returned out of nowhere to begin afresh. I mention this aspect because historically, it is very unusual for an abandoned city to rebuild again with such pomp and glory. In fact, never has an abandoned city been given such importance over and over again by conquering kings. Maybe it’s the City, or maybe it’s the Location, but Delhi has never been ignored. And to think I actually live in this city, surrounded by thousands of years of intrigue, buildings and gardens. All the more reason for me to start exploring this city and its old buildings, pleasure gardens and palaces to get a sense of its past.

Amazing Books to Read on the history of Mughals in India & Delhi:-
The last Mughal by William Darymple
Emperors of the Peacock Throne by Abraham Eraly
City Of Djinns by William Darymple

****I shall keep adding notes on this topic from time to time. Also, i shall add pictures of the ancient places that i may visit that still exists.