Maybe this might gross some people out there...!! heheheh!
Today was an Indian Festival called Holi. On this day, a carnivalesque colour riot and bhang induced bacchanals take place. Ironically, today was also the World Water Day. Usually, after playing Holi, we need to take long showers to get the colours off. And people throw water - coloured or not - at each other. As kids, my cousins and I would pelt water balloons from the roof at unsuspecting passerby (an annoying tradition that still takes place)! At the hostel, we would all climb and jump into the big monstrosity of a fountain and spray water from hoses at each other! Last year David threw water balloons at me after I told him about Holi!
Basically, Holi means the opposite of water conservation!
This year, my family didn't play Holi as it is usually played; and therefore, we were not seeped in colour. So, none of us took showers! And since the housecleaning lady had a holiday, two full buckets of water for mopping the house was saved. Can you imagine how much water was spared from four people not taking a shower? Even though it was not exactly premeditated, yet is was a bit like Earth Hour... our little contribution in easing the water crisis!
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
"F---, those imperialists!" ??
today, I went to the arts fac to pick up some readings. and I saw some students protesting about the Tibet issue at the Vivekananda statue where every other day there is a protest march / something or the other...
I bumped into a communist friend of mine later that day... I happened to mildly taunt him (to my utter mistake!) "How can you be a communist when Chin..." and I was interrupted with a shouting string of words that were inappropriate, to put it mildly... Never expected such language coming out of the mouth it was coming from! I was, to say the least, taken aback. didn't know what to say. and wished I could rewind time. Then followed what on his side was a heated debate, while I mildly (and somewhat scared to say anything) interjected with calm observations for him to heatedly and passionately debunk. I 'think' I am 'glad' to 'lose' in this 'confab'. (can you see my confusion?)
He made some good points and I wish he didn't think he needed to be so angry and vehement. I would have gladly appreciated his novel views. Especially because I don't trust the media or the newspapers. So it is interesting to get a view that is not the commonly accepted opinion that has been generated by the Media.
He argued against Tibet for these reasons: (May I stress here I DO NOT agree with him, am merely stating his views!! )
But whatever it may be, I hope I will not bump into this friend soon. I am not ready for the string of curses again!!!
I bumped into a communist friend of mine later that day... I happened to mildly taunt him (to my utter mistake!) "How can you be a communist when Chin..." and I was interrupted with a shouting string of words that were inappropriate, to put it mildly... Never expected such language coming out of the mouth it was coming from! I was, to say the least, taken aback. didn't know what to say. and wished I could rewind time. Then followed what on his side was a heated debate, while I mildly (and somewhat scared to say anything) interjected with calm observations for him to heatedly and passionately debunk. I 'think' I am 'glad' to 'lose' in this 'confab'. (can you see my confusion?)
He made some good points and I wish he didn't think he needed to be so angry and vehement. I would have gladly appreciated his novel views. Especially because I don't trust the media or the newspapers. So it is interesting to get a view that is not the commonly accepted opinion that has been generated by the Media.
He argued against Tibet for these reasons: (May I stress here I DO NOT agree with him, am merely stating his views!! )
- Tibet was never an independent state in the first place that China forcefully occupied. the freedom movement is a development which happened in response to the Chinese revolution.
- Tibet once freed will be a theocratic, feudalistic state - which is bad since it is a retrogression. and a return to the middle ages.
- He called Dalai Lama names (which I was horrified to hear!) and said that he(Dalai Lama) is a mere figurehead of American neo-imperialist capitalist propaganda.
- This fight for independence is funded by America whose sole purpose is to have a strategically placed military base in Tibet.
But whatever it may be, I hope I will not bump into this friend soon. I am not ready for the string of curses again!!!
Thursday, 6 March 2008
two JUs and a ben
So... brace yourself, this is gonna be a long one!
I think Ben amd Julliette came on Tuesday ... I don't remember exactly as I am vague with dates before a paper. Ben called me at about noon-ish. I was still asleep, I probably fell asleep at some unearthly hour in the morning, so I spoke groggily I guess, but was so happy to hear his voice at the other end! I couldnt meet them the same day, what with my paper presentation on Hogarth coming up that friday... I wish I had nothing, then I would have bunked and gone to Jaipur with them! But no, so they went on ahead and I got over with my presentation.
That Friday, the class got over quite late. I wanted to be home soon so I could clean up and prepare for their arrival. The guest night at my old hostel was also that friday. I wish the guest night was another day, so I could have gone to it! It went quite well I hear, everyone had a lot of fun. I decided it was unfair on my mom... so came back home like a good daughter. I was under the impression that they would come to Delhi on Saturday, but appearently they took a bus back and came back that same Friday. It was good I didn't spontaneously decide to go to the hostel instead of coming home. Ben called when I was in the Metro. was near Dwarka, so couldn't go back to pick them up. I gave Ben directions and told them I would receive them at my station. till then I ran and got food supplies and cleaned up the house a bit!
As I marched to the station to receive them, a metro approached and I just instinctly knew that they were in it. I stood at the exit and saw everyone from the train trickle past me. I felt my instincts may have deceived me, but then there they were - two very obvious foreigners with huge backpacks coming down last! after bearhugs, we came home with slight arguments with the rickshaw-wala. we had dinner in dim light, coz I had accidently blown a fuse with my table lamp and we had thought it was a power cut! (oops!!)
The next day we headed out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi. I hired a taxi coz I still don't have a drivers licenseand a car! Anyhow, after driving past Rashtrapati Bhawan, or the President's House, we stopped at India Gate. It is such a stark remenant of Indai's colonial past, yet it is dedicated to the 'amar jawan' - the immortal soldier. Of course there we encountered numerous beggars, peddlers trying to sell us useless articles, and people excited to see foreigners, wanting to click pictures with them... very annoying in my opinion. Ben poking us Ju's was infinitely better than having that constant pestering from that JUnta :) !!
After India Gate, we headed to Purana Quila or Old Fort. Ben spun Juliette around much to the ashtonishment to passerbys. And he climbed a tree seaching for a squirrel for her (these two are so cute!) I in the meanwhile was an extremely bad guide. I didn't know my history or what it was I was showing! Will def. read up for the next bunch of visitors. and I also kept talking to a travel agent to organize a trip to Khajuraho. While talking and walking about I accidently led them to a place were about 3-4 couples were 'making out' the Indian way. When I realized after 10 mins of talking loudly in that place disturbing the couples' privacy, I was so embarrassed! Mortified of having led B&J there! :p
After Purana Quila, we then headed over to Lotus Temple, which is probably one of my favourite spots in Delhi. Only there can one sit in peace and quiet for a moment. It is the Bahai temple of worship. It reminds one of the Sidney Opera House, but it is the shape of a lotus flower. Inside, the benches are marble topped! It is cool inside and on a summer day, the best place on earth to be! After all that peace it is ironic what happened next! While trying to get out of the stuffed parking lot, I blew my cool as there was absolute chaos! Cars were parked blocking other cars, and the parking attendants did nothing to help. When they finally stopped the flow of traffic into the overflowing place, some moron drove the car on the wrong side, blocking our way to go! Gah! there is no respect for a system in this country!!! I was more angry as we still need to see Qutub Minar and stop at the travel agents office. I shouted at people and Ben was surprised to see that side of me! We rushed to the travel agent's posh office in saket after Lotus temple, where we bought the tickets for Khajuraho.
After that we went to Qutub Minar. I really like it there too. The ruins are remarkable.
We went to Dili Haat next, where we ate chaat and shopped. As we were leaving, a girl came up to us and I told her in hindi slang to scat. The word can be pronounced to mean 'to burst' and she started cracking up saying that I am not a coconut that I can burst and so forth. she was quite cute actually and I ended up buying her an ice-cream to the girls extreme delight. But a woman with a babe came begging and I just got mad! You help one, and they all come crowding as if you are a money bag with all this dirty cash sprouting from under your armpits that you must rid yourself off and give to them instead. I don't have disposable income! In fact, I don't have any income at all! Sometimes you just have to make your heart into stone. I refused her and kept feeling guilty most of the way home! (Ahh! I still do!)
The next day (Sunday), Juliette went to Agra early in the morning. And I and Ben had a lazy day. We talked and then got ready in the late afternoon and I took him to Khan Market. After a round of Khan Chacha's kebab and paneer rolls, we decided to chill at a cafe. I thought Baristas, but then we ended up at Choko La. Mmmmm. I love that place! Its expensive for India, but its so neat (and very non-Indian). We ordered the first and the last item in the menu and something from in-between! I wanted to show Ben my university, but then it was a Sunday, and it was dark. So, we went back home. Juliette had already returned and she was not feeling well. She had a rough day, and the next day we had to go to Khajuraho!
We caught the Rajdhani train to Jhansi from New Delhi Railway Station. It was a coach train and we were well served. It was quite nice. They brought water, tea/coffee and breakfast! I didn't know we would get all that, and my mom had packed food for us. From Jhansi we went to Khajuraho via a place called Orrccha. I honestly had not heard of it, nor was inclined to go there. But we had time and the travel agent put it in our itenary... It was hot and I was sleepy. Juliette wasnt well and she sat down in a cool restaurant, while Ben and I went with the guide who for some reason would only describe things in the sunshine! why oh why could he not talk to us in the shade? Anyhow. It wasn't a very great place and we weren't very enthusiastic either!
When we reached the hotel in Khajuraho, we all did a mental doubletake. The place was quite posh. I wasn't prepared for being taken to a hotel with fountains and a swimming pool - ahem! a CLEAN swimming pool! Our room was nice. We settled down and after a while decided to look about the hotel. Juliette rested in the room. Ben and I ended up watching a very random pupet show. it was quite funny! We then also went to see a Sound and Light show at the Western group of Temples. It was a steal! I am too cynical I guess... the 'historical' info was good to get, but overall it was too much money for an hour of boredom. ...and some enthusiast kept taking pics with a blinding flash! Use night-vision, moron!!! Ben and I made fun of the show and I think we offended some people who overheard us!
The next day (Tuesday), after a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, we headed over to sightsee. boy o boy I was excited! I had wanted to see Khajuraho ever since! Khajuraho is famous for its ancient Indian temples and the erotic sandstone scupltures on the temple walls. They are replete with sculptures of sexual postures that are described in the Kamasutra. But they are not meant to be pornographic, even though it seems to be the case. The sexual union of a couple symbolizes a greater more divine aspect of attaining union with the divine. Esctasy of the flesh is equivalent to esctasy of salvation.
We went to the western temples first. Juliette -poor soul - was too sick to enjoy. She mostly sat while the guide took Ben and I around. The guide was god enough. He did seem to have a naughty side to him. When decribing some of the erotic scupltures he would sort of snigger. I kept a very stone face coz he would at times point to certain things... He sort of challenged me to enter into his naughty little joke, which I thought unappropriate! We bumped into an indian expatriate couple whose guide was excessively friendly and jolly. I wish he were our guide instead! He had a flair with what he was describing, and nothing naughty about him.
We went to the Eastern group via the hotel where we dropped Juliette off. It was much better for her to sit in the cool lobby rather that the hot open air or stuffy car while we looked about. The eastern group were less impressive. They also occupied a smaller area than the previous group. The effects of time were, however, more visible on them. They are Jaina temples, and one is still functional. The temples had sustained much destruction, but were renovated and the ugly new parts stand in stark contrast. There were huge mango trees in the courtyard which reminded me of the coming mango season!! yummm! too bad B&J would leave before mangoes flood the market.
We returned to the hotel and found Juliette reading God of Small Things by the carom table. I showed them how to paly and we proceeded to play carom while I explained some Indian references in the book to Juliette. Ironically, I lost to both B&J! Coz my striker kept going into the hole and I had to forfeit my points!
We lunched at an Italian place, ate fettuccine! and then headed back to Jhansi to catch the train back to Delhi. When we reached Jhansi in the evening, we found out that our ticket was schedule for the next day! The agent who recieved us told me to give some money to him while he got us tickets and we could go eat dinner. Our appetite (if any) vanished and I didn't feel good about just giving money like that! I called up dad and discussed what to do. B&J had a flight the next night so it was important for us to leave the same night! We then went over to the railway station and while Ben and Juliette stayed in the waiting area, I went with the dude to see what could be done. We got general tickets and then went ot speak with the TC of the train if we could get berths. After much tension, we got seats and came to Delhi the next morning somehow! at the station in Delhi, the auto-rickshaw guys mobbed us. the prepaid booth was closed so I was in a fix. called up dad to ask what shud the cost be around so I could negotiate. (Thank God Dad was in Delhi!) One man said 250 rupees to dwarka! But then the booth opened and we went there. A guy said to me, "Madam, don't get a slip, give me 200 rupees, I will take you." When I got a slip, I paid only 145 rupees!!
The auto guy that took us stopped at a gas station as soon as we were on the way. He was rude and I was perturbed. Why couldn't he have filled it beforehand? The thing is, you have to get out of the scooter when its being filled, and I had opened a shawl and we were sitting snug as possible inside. The auto guy rudely drove away from the station and I blew my cool. I told him to stop the scooter immediately and let me what the F was his problem. He then became sweet as sugar and we reached home without any gas running out on us! He was just being a bastard, he had enough gas!After catching up some sleep that morning, we got ready and went to get the plane tickets. It was taking time, and they couldn't accept a debit card, so we went to CP in search of the bank. the ATM was not giving cash, and the bank wasnt helpful. In the meantime the travel agency calls to say that the airline gave away one of the tickets! But we got the next day's and I asked them to issue it before it was given away too! Thankfully, without an advance, they issued it on trust... But the money, there was still none to pay for the ticket yet! so we decided to head back home and use the internet to call the customer service. we tried calling the 'toll-free' number from my cellphone and ended up with an international call that took forever! but before we returned home, we stopped over at the Oxford Bookstore. and also to Nirula's where Ben bought the ice-cream he lost to me in a bet! on the way to Jhansi to Khajuraho we had this bet. Ben would not agree when I said that the capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. He thought I was confusing it with Panama. I was myself unsure at first, but then I knew I was right, so I bet him! And won! hahahah! will gloat about it forever...
Juliette was feeling much better that day, and she was finally eating food! so it was a good day! we returned home, Ben spoke to his customer service executive in Bangalore and it was all good! We slept early and next day tried to get money. It worked and Ben got out some, but then it stopped! we went in search for an internet cafe. it seemed like innumerable hurdles had to be crossed! the 1st cafe didnt have headphones.. the 2nd cafe didnt have skype. they downloaded it and the electricity went. the comp ben was using had no backup. so we shifted to Juliette's who took another comp. and we waited for skype to download all over again! but finally ben spoke to a scottish lady who fixed the prob. we got the money, bought the ticket and heaved a sigh of relief!
After that, a round of shopping at Palika Bazaar, Janpath and off to Sarvana for some good South Indian food and the Game. Oh shit! I just lost it! For those who don't know the Game, you are so much better off!
We came back home, with an half an hour for last minute packing before B & J left. We hired a car to drop them off at the airport. I chose not to go, since it was dark and I'd return alone. And this way I wouldn't start crying! An ambassador car came to take them. I was glad, coz it is such an Indian car!
Those six days passed by so quickly! When I came back to my apartment, after having waved them off downstairs, I felt like there was a baby gap. The study, emptied of the backpacks looked strangely deserted. and I longed for Ben's company and conversation. It took me a week back to get into M. Phil mode. and I can finally rest in peace now that I have written this blog overcoming my nostalgia! :)
I think Ben amd Julliette came on Tuesday ... I don't remember exactly as I am vague with dates before a paper. Ben called me at about noon-ish. I was still asleep, I probably fell asleep at some unearthly hour in the morning, so I spoke groggily I guess, but was so happy to hear his voice at the other end! I couldnt meet them the same day, what with my paper presentation on Hogarth coming up that friday... I wish I had nothing, then I would have bunked and gone to Jaipur with them! But no, so they went on ahead and I got over with my presentation.
That Friday, the class got over quite late. I wanted to be home soon so I could clean up and prepare for their arrival. The guest night at my old hostel was also that friday. I wish the guest night was another day, so I could have gone to it! It went quite well I hear, everyone had a lot of fun. I decided it was unfair on my mom... so came back home like a good daughter. I was under the impression that they would come to Delhi on Saturday, but appearently they took a bus back and came back that same Friday. It was good I didn't spontaneously decide to go to the hostel instead of coming home. Ben called when I was in the Metro. was near Dwarka, so couldn't go back to pick them up. I gave Ben directions and told them I would receive them at my station. till then I ran and got food supplies and cleaned up the house a bit!
As I marched to the station to receive them, a metro approached and I just instinctly knew that they were in it. I stood at the exit and saw everyone from the train trickle past me. I felt my instincts may have deceived me, but then there they were - two very obvious foreigners with huge backpacks coming down last! after bearhugs, we came home with slight arguments with the rickshaw-wala. we had dinner in dim light, coz I had accidently blown a fuse with my table lamp and we had thought it was a power cut! (oops!!)
The next day we headed out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi. I hired a taxi coz I still don't have a drivers licenseand a car! Anyhow, after driving past Rashtrapati Bhawan, or the President's House, we stopped at India Gate. It is such a stark remenant of Indai's colonial past, yet it is dedicated to the 'amar jawan' - the immortal soldier. Of course there we encountered numerous beggars, peddlers trying to sell us useless articles, and people excited to see foreigners, wanting to click pictures with them... very annoying in my opinion. Ben poking us Ju's was infinitely better than having that constant pestering from that JUnta :) !!
After India Gate, we headed to Purana Quila or Old Fort. Ben spun Juliette around much to the ashtonishment to passerbys. And he climbed a tree seaching for a squirrel for her (these two are so cute!) I in the meanwhile was an extremely bad guide. I didn't know my history or what it was I was showing! Will def. read up for the next bunch of visitors. and I also kept talking to a travel agent to organize a trip to Khajuraho. While talking and walking about I accidently led them to a place were about 3-4 couples were 'making out' the Indian way. When I realized after 10 mins of talking loudly in that place disturbing the couples' privacy, I was so embarrassed! Mortified of having led B&J there! :p
After Purana Quila, we then headed over to Lotus Temple, which is probably one of my favourite spots in Delhi. Only there can one sit in peace and quiet for a moment. It is the Bahai temple of worship. It reminds one of the Sidney Opera House, but it is the shape of a lotus flower. Inside, the benches are marble topped! It is cool inside and on a summer day, the best place on earth to be! After all that peace it is ironic what happened next! While trying to get out of the stuffed parking lot, I blew my cool as there was absolute chaos! Cars were parked blocking other cars, and the parking attendants did nothing to help. When they finally stopped the flow of traffic into the overflowing place, some moron drove the car on the wrong side, blocking our way to go! Gah! there is no respect for a system in this country!!! I was more angry as we still need to see Qutub Minar and stop at the travel agents office. I shouted at people and Ben was surprised to see that side of me! We rushed to the travel agent's posh office in saket after Lotus temple, where we bought the tickets for Khajuraho.
After that we went to Qutub Minar. I really like it there too. The ruins are remarkable.
We went to Dili Haat next, where we ate chaat and shopped. As we were leaving, a girl came up to us and I told her in hindi slang to scat. The word can be pronounced to mean 'to burst' and she started cracking up saying that I am not a coconut that I can burst and so forth. she was quite cute actually and I ended up buying her an ice-cream to the girls extreme delight. But a woman with a babe came begging and I just got mad! You help one, and they all come crowding as if you are a money bag with all this dirty cash sprouting from under your armpits that you must rid yourself off and give to them instead. I don't have disposable income! In fact, I don't have any income at all! Sometimes you just have to make your heart into stone. I refused her and kept feeling guilty most of the way home! (Ahh! I still do!)
The next day (Sunday), Juliette went to Agra early in the morning. And I and Ben had a lazy day. We talked and then got ready in the late afternoon and I took him to Khan Market. After a round of Khan Chacha's kebab and paneer rolls, we decided to chill at a cafe. I thought Baristas, but then we ended up at Choko La. Mmmmm. I love that place! Its expensive for India, but its so neat (and very non-Indian). We ordered the first and the last item in the menu and something from in-between! I wanted to show Ben my university, but then it was a Sunday, and it was dark. So, we went back home. Juliette had already returned and she was not feeling well. She had a rough day, and the next day we had to go to Khajuraho!
We caught the Rajdhani train to Jhansi from New Delhi Railway Station. It was a coach train and we were well served. It was quite nice. They brought water, tea/coffee and breakfast! I didn't know we would get all that, and my mom had packed food for us. From Jhansi we went to Khajuraho via a place called Orrccha. I honestly had not heard of it, nor was inclined to go there. But we had time and the travel agent put it in our itenary... It was hot and I was sleepy. Juliette wasnt well and she sat down in a cool restaurant, while Ben and I went with the guide who for some reason would only describe things in the sunshine! why oh why could he not talk to us in the shade? Anyhow. It wasn't a very great place and we weren't very enthusiastic either!
When we reached the hotel in Khajuraho, we all did a mental doubletake. The place was quite posh. I wasn't prepared for being taken to a hotel with fountains and a swimming pool - ahem! a CLEAN swimming pool! Our room was nice. We settled down and after a while decided to look about the hotel. Juliette rested in the room. Ben and I ended up watching a very random pupet show. it was quite funny! We then also went to see a Sound and Light show at the Western group of Temples. It was a steal! I am too cynical I guess... the 'historical' info was good to get, but overall it was too much money for an hour of boredom. ...and some enthusiast kept taking pics with a blinding flash! Use night-vision, moron!!! Ben and I made fun of the show and I think we offended some people who overheard us!
The next day (Tuesday), after a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, we headed over to sightsee. boy o boy I was excited! I had wanted to see Khajuraho ever since! Khajuraho is famous for its ancient Indian temples and the erotic sandstone scupltures on the temple walls. They are replete with sculptures of sexual postures that are described in the Kamasutra. But they are not meant to be pornographic, even though it seems to be the case. The sexual union of a couple symbolizes a greater more divine aspect of attaining union with the divine. Esctasy of the flesh is equivalent to esctasy of salvation.
We went to the western temples first. Juliette -poor soul - was too sick to enjoy. She mostly sat while the guide took Ben and I around. The guide was god enough. He did seem to have a naughty side to him. When decribing some of the erotic scupltures he would sort of snigger. I kept a very stone face coz he would at times point to certain things... He sort of challenged me to enter into his naughty little joke, which I thought unappropriate! We bumped into an indian expatriate couple whose guide was excessively friendly and jolly. I wish he were our guide instead! He had a flair with what he was describing, and nothing naughty about him.
We went to the Eastern group via the hotel where we dropped Juliette off. It was much better for her to sit in the cool lobby rather that the hot open air or stuffy car while we looked about. The eastern group were less impressive. They also occupied a smaller area than the previous group. The effects of time were, however, more visible on them. They are Jaina temples, and one is still functional. The temples had sustained much destruction, but were renovated and the ugly new parts stand in stark contrast. There were huge mango trees in the courtyard which reminded me of the coming mango season!! yummm! too bad B&J would leave before mangoes flood the market.
We returned to the hotel and found Juliette reading God of Small Things by the carom table. I showed them how to paly and we proceeded to play carom while I explained some Indian references in the book to Juliette. Ironically, I lost to both B&J! Coz my striker kept going into the hole and I had to forfeit my points!
We lunched at an Italian place, ate fettuccine! and then headed back to Jhansi to catch the train back to Delhi. When we reached Jhansi in the evening, we found out that our ticket was schedule for the next day! The agent who recieved us told me to give some money to him while he got us tickets and we could go eat dinner. Our appetite (if any) vanished and I didn't feel good about just giving money like that! I called up dad and discussed what to do. B&J had a flight the next night so it was important for us to leave the same night! We then went over to the railway station and while Ben and Juliette stayed in the waiting area, I went with the dude to see what could be done. We got general tickets and then went ot speak with the TC of the train if we could get berths. After much tension, we got seats and came to Delhi the next morning somehow! at the station in Delhi, the auto-rickshaw guys mobbed us. the prepaid booth was closed so I was in a fix. called up dad to ask what shud the cost be around so I could negotiate. (Thank God Dad was in Delhi!) One man said 250 rupees to dwarka! But then the booth opened and we went there. A guy said to me, "Madam, don't get a slip, give me 200 rupees, I will take you." When I got a slip, I paid only 145 rupees!!
The auto guy that took us stopped at a gas station as soon as we were on the way. He was rude and I was perturbed. Why couldn't he have filled it beforehand? The thing is, you have to get out of the scooter when its being filled, and I had opened a shawl and we were sitting snug as possible inside. The auto guy rudely drove away from the station and I blew my cool. I told him to stop the scooter immediately and let me what the F was his problem. He then became sweet as sugar and we reached home without any gas running out on us! He was just being a bastard, he had enough gas!After catching up some sleep that morning, we got ready and went to get the plane tickets. It was taking time, and they couldn't accept a debit card, so we went to CP in search of the bank. the ATM was not giving cash, and the bank wasnt helpful. In the meantime the travel agency calls to say that the airline gave away one of the tickets! But we got the next day's and I asked them to issue it before it was given away too! Thankfully, without an advance, they issued it on trust... But the money, there was still none to pay for the ticket yet! so we decided to head back home and use the internet to call the customer service. we tried calling the 'toll-free' number from my cellphone and ended up with an international call that took forever! but before we returned home, we stopped over at the Oxford Bookstore. and also to Nirula's where Ben bought the ice-cream he lost to me in a bet! on the way to Jhansi to Khajuraho we had this bet. Ben would not agree when I said that the capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. He thought I was confusing it with Panama. I was myself unsure at first, but then I knew I was right, so I bet him! And won! hahahah! will gloat about it forever...
Juliette was feeling much better that day, and she was finally eating food! so it was a good day! we returned home, Ben spoke to his customer service executive in Bangalore and it was all good! We slept early and next day tried to get money. It worked and Ben got out some, but then it stopped! we went in search for an internet cafe. it seemed like innumerable hurdles had to be crossed! the 1st cafe didnt have headphones.. the 2nd cafe didnt have skype. they downloaded it and the electricity went. the comp ben was using had no backup. so we shifted to Juliette's who took another comp. and we waited for skype to download all over again! but finally ben spoke to a scottish lady who fixed the prob. we got the money, bought the ticket and heaved a sigh of relief!
After that, a round of shopping at Palika Bazaar, Janpath and off to Sarvana for some good South Indian food and the Game. Oh shit! I just lost it! For those who don't know the Game, you are so much better off!
We came back home, with an half an hour for last minute packing before B & J left. We hired a car to drop them off at the airport. I chose not to go, since it was dark and I'd return alone. And this way I wouldn't start crying! An ambassador car came to take them. I was glad, coz it is such an Indian car!
Those six days passed by so quickly! When I came back to my apartment, after having waved them off downstairs, I felt like there was a baby gap. The study, emptied of the backpacks looked strangely deserted. and I longed for Ben's company and conversation. It took me a week back to get into M. Phil mode. and I can finally rest in peace now that I have written this blog overcoming my nostalgia! :)
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
vanilla skies?
this is as pretty the sky can get in delhi....
(taken on the 16th of Feb, Isa's Birth Day)Thursday, 14 February 2008
frensip? gimme a break!
you know that cliched question.... why me?
well, I am asking it.
why?
becauseof this:
Day before yesterday I get a call from an unknown number. I missed it. Well, too bad. If it was important they would call again.
Yesterday, I get another call from that same number. I pick up and the caller hangs up. Ehhum..?
Today, I get two missed calls just before I leave for the University to go give my presentation. Now I'm beginning to feel a little worried and a little pissed. Curiousity would kill me, I needed to know what it was about so that I could have a fresh mind before I go do my paper. I call up the number and there's a guy with a bad English accent who tells me his name. And I go, so? He then says that he wishes 'to have frensip with me'
... ugh yuck gross creep blakh shiver ugh-again yuck-again!!
Of course I hung up the phone. I got 3 more missed calls during my presentation. that's why I ask... why me? weird callers who I don't know on Valentine's Day! What is up with the world? I didn't ask for this! just gimme a break, God! And keep the frensips away! thank you.
well, I am asking it.
why?
becauseof this:
Day before yesterday I get a call from an unknown number. I missed it. Well, too bad. If it was important they would call again.
Yesterday, I get another call from that same number. I pick up and the caller hangs up. Ehhum..?
Today, I get two missed calls just before I leave for the University to go give my presentation. Now I'm beginning to feel a little worried and a little pissed. Curiousity would kill me, I needed to know what it was about so that I could have a fresh mind before I go do my paper. I call up the number and there's a guy with a bad English accent who tells me his name. And I go, so? He then says that he wishes 'to have frensip with me'
... ugh yuck gross creep blakh shiver ugh-again yuck-again!!
Of course I hung up the phone. I got 3 more missed calls during my presentation. that's why I ask... why me? weird callers who I don't know on Valentine's Day! What is up with the world? I didn't ask for this! just gimme a break, God! And keep the frensips away! thank you.
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
simple joys
Yesterday was such a great day. I didn't really accomplish much in terms of goals or work load. But I had a good break hanging out with friends. I was late in reaching to the university as I always am!! I can't seem to open my eyes before 9-10 o'clock these days. Plus, my quilt is all warm when compared to no-quilt! Anyhow, I reached by lunch time did come stuff I had to do, and went to pick up some readings from Crystal (a photocopy shop). Couldn't get all that I needed so had to go to the hostel to get it from a friend, Aditi. She and Ayushma were in the Faculty, so we left together. We made a quick stop at Rocky Juice corner, and then to the hostel. There, Ayushma got some Belgian dark chocolate, the high of which lasted till this morning! I was cheerful and jumpy the whole evening!
We had so much fun; it would be interrupted only by my friend’s entreaties to me to come back to the hostel again. I so wish I could. We all have fun and study and live it to the fullest out there! Just the other day I had another fight with my mom. I was telling her how I had to wake up early for breakfast in the hostel; otherwise I would be hungry till lunch. Once up, it was difficult to go back to sleep. The day would start nice and early. And even if I got up late occasionally, I didn't need to worry about reaching the univ. late, coz it is a 20 minute rickshaw ride away. While living here I have to travel more than 1 and 1/2 hours to reach the univ. So unless I wake up at 6 or 7, it difficult to reach early. It was just me being a little grumpy, but of course I forget that something called communication gap exists! Mom turned it into some far worse than my sentiments were! There should be some law restraining parents from keeping kids home once they turn 21!!
So.... it was good to meet with friends, talk, laugh, giggle, chat and complain without having it turning into quarrels! I didn't want to leave, and aditi would have stopped me from returning. but I had to pick up stuff from my uncle's office and take it home. I left and on the metro I was cheerful even though I was re-reading a rather gruesomely sad part of Wuthering Heights, and even though the metro was smelling urinary! (Thank god it was only for part of the way! My mood might not have remained as cheerful otherwise!)
I guess it was the combination of great company and good chocolate that kept me happy regardless of the muck and cold winds!
We had so much fun; it would be interrupted only by my friend’s entreaties to me to come back to the hostel again. I so wish I could. We all have fun and study and live it to the fullest out there! Just the other day I had another fight with my mom. I was telling her how I had to wake up early for breakfast in the hostel; otherwise I would be hungry till lunch. Once up, it was difficult to go back to sleep. The day would start nice and early. And even if I got up late occasionally, I didn't need to worry about reaching the univ. late, coz it is a 20 minute rickshaw ride away. While living here I have to travel more than 1 and 1/2 hours to reach the univ. So unless I wake up at 6 or 7, it difficult to reach early. It was just me being a little grumpy, but of course I forget that something called communication gap exists! Mom turned it into some far worse than my sentiments were! There should be some law restraining parents from keeping kids home once they turn 21!!
So.... it was good to meet with friends, talk, laugh, giggle, chat and complain without having it turning into quarrels! I didn't want to leave, and aditi would have stopped me from returning. but I had to pick up stuff from my uncle's office and take it home. I left and on the metro I was cheerful even though I was re-reading a rather gruesomely sad part of Wuthering Heights, and even though the metro was smelling urinary! (Thank god it was only for part of the way! My mood might not have remained as cheerful otherwise!)
I guess it was the combination of great company and good chocolate that kept me happy regardless of the muck and cold winds!
Monday, 4 February 2008
Kusudama
I made a Kusudama last week. It wasn't easy. I didn't want to end up wasting paper, so I practiced with newspaper first, and predictablly screwed it up! I quickly realised what I was doing wrong, so I started with the nice paper. It took about 6-7 hours to make.
And the suru is for Heath Ledger...
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
coming soon...
The new semester has started. My courses for the next 5 months or so will be
- The Visual and the Verbal: Theory and Representation in Art and Literature
- The Construction of Social Space in the Nineteenth Century English Novel
Both are very interesting courses, so I am excited about them. There were so many courses to choose from this time, it was quite difficult even though I had my eyes set on these two from a long time! I had to chose wisely, especially since these will be my last two courses. After this semester, I shall have to work on my Individually Supervised Essay. More about that when the time comes for it.
For now, I shall be working on Leonardo's Notebooks for the first course, and Hogarth's Prints for the other. I have to present one more short paper for the Visual and Verbal, will decide on what later.
I havent really done anything exciting recently. My life was put on hold until my long papers were done. This time I really tried to finish them before the deadlines and it was a huge pain.... Anyhow am not going to talk of it online! lets just say, that they, and winters have had a chilling effect on everything around me. A few days back, I was very sad. The winters always do that, but this time I really felt I had nothing to look forward to. Seems like I hardly have a life worth living, what with living at home, doing M.Phil. and no boyfriend... And its just so bloody cold to do anything on my own - anything simple and easy like take a walk outside!
I know all those living in below freezing zones are telling me to shut the f- up! But one must consider that the way you feel at -5 deg cel. is how I feel at 5 deg cel. So delhi at 2 deg cel. is really cold for me! BBC predits 0 deg cel. for Delhi on Friday. Its really cold for the kind of climate and infrastructure we have. We dont have central heating! And heating blower dont really work! I can wear ten thousand layers but if I am cold from the inside, they dont help. I wish I could run to the tropics. But darn M. Phil. has to be done! It just gets me down.
I wished I could just leave everything and stop existing. But as I was coming back from the univ. that day, I saw that the sky was blue. and as the sun was setting, it had set the clouds ablaze with different fiery colours. The last time I had seen the sky like this was in Okinawa. and before that in Delhi, when we lived in the clean North Campus, in the middle of green Delhi Ridge, the happiest time of my life in Delhi. (Yes, I don't like Delhi very much. Those who have been here might know why... )
Anyhow. That day, I felt if the sky could be this clear and beautiful in Delhi, then surely not all goodness is dead and that there is still hope left. Soon spring will arrive. flowers will blosom. and I will be warm and happy again. till then I shall put my life and all the fun times on hold.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
busy day
What a day it was today! Exhausting, strenuous and eventful:
I was involved in an argument I didn't want to be involved in.
I saw a book written by my father as the object of a guy's photocopying desire.
I was given unconscious complements about my age by 2 different people in separate circumstances.
I shouted at people in the Metro like never before.
I climbed 32 flights of stairs up and down.
I was in an out of the metro stations 5 times (as opposed to a usual of 2).
I signed my name on an important document over 50 times.
I made and recieved calls more times in one day than I do in a week.
I twisted my foot badly while descending stairs.
I was involved in an argument I didn't want to be involved in.
I saw a book written by my father as the object of a guy's photocopying desire.
I was given unconscious complements about my age by 2 different people in separate circumstances.
I shouted at people in the Metro like never before.
I climbed 32 flights of stairs up and down.
I was in an out of the metro stations 5 times (as opposed to a usual of 2).
I signed my name on an important document over 50 times.
I made and recieved calls more times in one day than I do in a week.
I twisted my foot badly while descending stairs.
Friday, 4 January 2008
Beni-imo Matsuri!!
Today my friend Sawako, and her two friends Masumi and Chisato, left. They came from Okinawa to visit India in the winter vacations. Due to my exam, I wasn't able to accompany them on their trips to Varanasi, Agra, and Rajasthan. Nor could I show them around Delhi because the day set apart for Delhi sightseeing was 3 days before the exam! So I was quite a bad host in a way! But I would hope, I still helped them have as good a trip as was possible in the short duration of 10 days.
They brought Okinawan treats for me and my family... Beni-imo goodies!!!
Awamori-tinged chocolate Shiisa anyone?
Ah! It's impossible to believe its been barely five months since my return! I miss Oki!!
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Happy New Year!!
Heylows!
The New Year has kicked in with a serious stomach upset! I think I might be heading towards what has been described by Chiye as the Worst Diet Ever!! But anyhow.... updates:
UGC NET went disastrously. It is the world's biggest sham! Worse than my scooter license test! At least there I could pass after willfully failing it! This thing... God only knows how to get it out of the way! The Exam consists of three papers. The first paper is general for all and includes questions on logical reasoning, research methodology, comprehension passages etc. Easy if you have normal brains.... unless brought face to face with a question like:
What should logically follow in this series : 4, 16, 36, 64, ?
a) 300 b) 200 c) 100 d) 150
If you answered c) you are wrong. At least according to UGC who give this in their syllabus as an example test question. They say its a). I don't know how, maybe someone can explain to me?
Then, there is paper 2. 50 Multiple choice questions from the history of English Literature. Could be any random question, from any random book. Which novel by Graham Greene has a little girl character, Brigitta?
Honestly, it felt like I knew nothing when question after question, I couldn't be sure of the answers! Gave me the inferiority complex of a lifetime... what am I studying English Literature for if I can't answer 50 multiple choice questions with absolute certainty!!!
Paper 3 was still better... its subjective type questions on English Literature. I could answer those fine enough! But whats the use? If you can't clear Paper 1 and 2, the 3rd one isn't even checked!!
I am so disillusioned with the whole thing! And this is the test when one clears it, one is qualified to teach at college level! Disgraceful! It makes no sense whatsoever. Having the NET cannot make anyone a good teacher, but you can't teach if you don't have it! Ugh! its so frustrating!! This was my 4th attempt, and I shall give it once more in June, and if it doesn't happen, then I wont even bother with it anymore! My Dad and Mom can say whatever they like. I don't care. I worked so hard this time, but what's the use? They expect the impossible! It used to be mandatory a year ago, and now that it's not, people say its become more difficult. That's true enough, the 1st time I ever gave it, I remember it being much easier. We could remember the questions of Paper 2 and even the options when discussing it with each other, but this time, I could bare recall five, they were so obscure!
My parents picked me up after the exam as we had to go see Babaji (my grandfather). He just had an operation. He's doing fine, so no worries. He is diabetic and its a problematic thing to be when one is old...
My parents had to meet some people, so my sis and I went to a mall nearby while they met up. It is like a different world altogether. Enter a mall in Delhi and it is very hard to believe you are in Delhi. This one was in Noida, called the Great India Place. These malls have everything under the sun, and more. You name it, they have it here. Its quite overwhelming... And it reaffirms my belief that we are living in very interesting times, and in developing economies like ours, the markets can swing our culture either way - to great heights or plummeting dumps.
Photos follow later!
The New Year has kicked in with a serious stomach upset! I think I might be heading towards what has been described by Chiye as the Worst Diet Ever!! But anyhow.... updates:
UGC NET went disastrously. It is the world's biggest sham! Worse than my scooter license test! At least there I could pass after willfully failing it! This thing... God only knows how to get it out of the way! The Exam consists of three papers. The first paper is general for all and includes questions on logical reasoning, research methodology, comprehension passages etc. Easy if you have normal brains.... unless brought face to face with a question like:
What should logically follow in this series : 4, 16, 36, 64, ?
a) 300 b) 200 c) 100 d) 150
If you answered c) you are wrong. At least according to UGC who give this in their syllabus as an example test question. They say its a). I don't know how, maybe someone can explain to me?
Then, there is paper 2. 50 Multiple choice questions from the history of English Literature. Could be any random question, from any random book. Which novel by Graham Greene has a little girl character, Brigitta?
Honestly, it felt like I knew nothing when question after question, I couldn't be sure of the answers! Gave me the inferiority complex of a lifetime... what am I studying English Literature for if I can't answer 50 multiple choice questions with absolute certainty!!!
Paper 3 was still better... its subjective type questions on English Literature. I could answer those fine enough! But whats the use? If you can't clear Paper 1 and 2, the 3rd one isn't even checked!!
I am so disillusioned with the whole thing! And this is the test when one clears it, one is qualified to teach at college level! Disgraceful! It makes no sense whatsoever. Having the NET cannot make anyone a good teacher, but you can't teach if you don't have it! Ugh! its so frustrating!! This was my 4th attempt, and I shall give it once more in June, and if it doesn't happen, then I wont even bother with it anymore! My Dad and Mom can say whatever they like. I don't care. I worked so hard this time, but what's the use? They expect the impossible! It used to be mandatory a year ago, and now that it's not, people say its become more difficult. That's true enough, the 1st time I ever gave it, I remember it being much easier. We could remember the questions of Paper 2 and even the options when discussing it with each other, but this time, I could bare recall five, they were so obscure!
My parents picked me up after the exam as we had to go see Babaji (my grandfather). He just had an operation. He's doing fine, so no worries. He is diabetic and its a problematic thing to be when one is old...
My parents had to meet some people, so my sis and I went to a mall nearby while they met up. It is like a different world altogether. Enter a mall in Delhi and it is very hard to believe you are in Delhi. This one was in Noida, called the Great India Place. These malls have everything under the sun, and more. You name it, they have it here. Its quite overwhelming... And it reaffirms my belief that we are living in very interesting times, and in developing economies like ours, the markets can swing our culture either way - to great heights or plummeting dumps.
Photos follow later!
Friday, 7 December 2007
latest
haircut...
yes, my long tresses (???) are gone. I am back to looking the way I did two year ago (well, almost!). I cut my hair really short so that I could donate them for kids with cancer. I still have them, will post them off as soon as I get time for a breather!
Gosh, I am swamped with work. Have a short paper due to be presented on Friday, 14 December (Gah! only a week and no work done!) And then I have another due Tuesday, 18 December. Also, the UGC NET has thankfully been re-scheduled from 16 Dec to 30 Dec. Otherwise I'd have been severely screwed! It is crucial that I clear the NET this time, or else my dad will disown me, or I shall run away from home under the parental pressure! How come I haven't done so yet is a mystery that a team of Poirot, Holmes, Miss Maple et al cannot solve!
What else do I have to tell you?? mmmm..... ah yes. I went to this amazing place call Choko La at Khan Market with my friends a few days back, when poro was here. It was steep for our poor student wallets, but we managed! We ordered the Greek salad, a type of hot cocoa I don't remember the name of, and the most delightful choco-fondue platter. It was the best! Fruits and other goodie with hot chocolate sauce. the cupcake simply disappeared in one's mouth, and we all were making orgasmic sounds much to the embarrassment of the uncle sitting nearby! (hahahah!) Isa felt overdosed with chocolate, but I was only left hungry for more, and ever since have been dreaming of going back there!
And today was my parent's 31st anniversary. We went out to eat pizza. (O Yes, I did think of making them take me n di to Choko La, but it was too far and three of us came back home after 8pm! So, it wasn't possible to go there without dying of hunger!)
I am sure I have more news, but I cannot remember at this moment for the life of me! so, *yawn* shall retreat into me shell for the night....
until later..... bye
yes, my long tresses (???) are gone. I am back to looking the way I did two year ago (well, almost!). I cut my hair really short so that I could donate them for kids with cancer. I still have them, will post them off as soon as I get time for a breather!
Gosh, I am swamped with work. Have a short paper due to be presented on Friday, 14 December (Gah! only a week and no work done!) And then I have another due Tuesday, 18 December. Also, the UGC NET has thankfully been re-scheduled from 16 Dec to 30 Dec. Otherwise I'd have been severely screwed! It is crucial that I clear the NET this time, or else my dad will disown me, or I shall run away from home under the parental pressure! How come I haven't done so yet is a mystery that a team of Poirot, Holmes, Miss Maple et al cannot solve!
What else do I have to tell you?? mmmm..... ah yes. I went to this amazing place call Choko La at Khan Market with my friends a few days back, when poro was here. It was steep for our poor student wallets, but we managed! We ordered the Greek salad, a type of hot cocoa I don't remember the name of, and the most delightful choco-fondue platter. It was the best! Fruits and other goodie with hot chocolate sauce. the cupcake simply disappeared in one's mouth, and we all were making orgasmic sounds much to the embarrassment of the uncle sitting nearby! (hahahah!) Isa felt overdosed with chocolate, but I was only left hungry for more, and ever since have been dreaming of going back there!
And today was my parent's 31st anniversary. We went out to eat pizza. (O Yes, I did think of making them take me n di to Choko La, but it was too far and three of us came back home after 8pm! So, it wasn't possible to go there without dying of hunger!)
I am sure I have more news, but I cannot remember at this moment for the life of me! so, *yawn* shall retreat into me shell for the night....
until later..... bye
Sunday, 2 December 2007
swastika
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This is one of the many broken old tables from the Central Reference Library, now kept on the roof housing a small canteen. This canteen exists to cater to the hungry research scholars who spend countless hours in the library underneath.But, isn't the resemblance to the swastika uncanny and eerie?
Where in the world is JR?
hello, my dear friends! I am back, out from my little shell... sorry have been gone so long... did u miss me? :) well, many reasons why I retreated into silence...
- I was really sick, having eating loads of tamarind one night, my throat was jammed next morning. And then my illness kept mutating or something... ended up with a flu like never before. Maybe its also my low immune system since coming from the clean environs of Okinawa.
- I had absolutely nothing to say. Its true! It seemed like my life was so boring that I had nothing to say. (Actually, it didn't seem so, it was so!)
- Poro, my more-than-soul-sister-Friend came for a short stay. The days went by so fast. Spending time with her meant that I never felt the need to sit and write on ze blog.
- Deadline. to submit my long paper proposal. Which has been approved without much trouble (Yippee!) I went mad thinking of some new and original topic from the contemporary Indian Art scene and English writing of modern India.
- I honestly had nothing to say! (Wait I have said that before!)
Friday, 9 November 2007
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