It's been raining heartily in Delhi for a week now and the weather has been gorgeous. Still is, actually. I am sitting without a fan spinning over my head and still getting the occasional goosebumps as the chilly winds seep into the house from open doors and windows. Its not May weather for Delhi at all, as I recall what May used to be like! Its more like March minus the chance of hailstones. The Met. Dept. had predicted heat again for this week, but today's rain has prolonged the nice weather a little more. Even though the weather is lovely and I don't really want it to change until October! I still am worried what this freakiness of nature might have in store for us. I wonder if these rains might spoil the Monsoons. I do hope not!
Monday, 26 May 2008
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Go Green!
I got some plants from my mausi today! (mausi = mom's sis)
I have spent an hour with my mum potting them and repotting the old ones we had. I don't remember another time when I felt so satisfied with a project. There is something about taking care of a plant like no other. With a pet like a dog or cat, u just need to love, feed, walk and vaccinate them, besides the occassional grooming, and training. But a plant is so much different. One just can't water a plant and think, "Oh well! That's done with!" There is potting, feeding, watering, misting, light and so much more to taking care of a plant. I would say that taking care of a dog would require less of me personally than keeping a plant alive and thriving.
I have been coming up with fantastical notions of how to get some greenery around. And ever since the news headline read "Humans Have 10 More Years to Save the Earth," my grey cells have put every other thought on a hold. It was very difficult to write my research paper proposals and the last short paper for submission!
Nowadays, I am less stressed. I have only 2 long papers to give in by 15th of July, the NET on 29th of June, and that is all. Ergo, I am embarking on my green projects now. The plants look adorable right now! Photos later!
I have spent an hour with my mum potting them and repotting the old ones we had. I don't remember another time when I felt so satisfied with a project. There is something about taking care of a plant like no other. With a pet like a dog or cat, u just need to love, feed, walk and vaccinate them, besides the occassional grooming, and training. But a plant is so much different. One just can't water a plant and think, "Oh well! That's done with!" There is potting, feeding, watering, misting, light and so much more to taking care of a plant. I would say that taking care of a dog would require less of me personally than keeping a plant alive and thriving.
I have been coming up with fantastical notions of how to get some greenery around. And ever since the news headline read "Humans Have 10 More Years to Save the Earth," my grey cells have put every other thought on a hold. It was very difficult to write my research paper proposals and the last short paper for submission!
Nowadays, I am less stressed. I have only 2 long papers to give in by 15th of July, the NET on 29th of June, and that is all. Ergo, I am embarking on my green projects now. The plants look adorable right now! Photos later!
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Earth Day
From time to time, in my life, I suffer from a strange depression. It has nothing to do with my personal life, in the sense that it is not about me. It relates to me, yes, but on a level beyond me. I think I must start calling it my "green" depression. It occurs because I start thinking about all that is happening in this world that is destroying our beautiful planet. I cry, and cannot stop crying, because it seems to be an unresolvable problem. This depression is really severe. Not suicidal, of course. But just imagine, I can't think of anything else right now until I get this off my chest. I have a paper day after, and I need to research 3 long paper proposals, but here I am! writing this blog posting... I don't know how I finally snap out of this mood, because the issue doesn't quite dissolve, I never forget about it... I think, I console myself with hope.
Hope is the only thing perhaps that keeps me going. I HOPE that maybe gradually we will learn to nurture and cherish the environment. That we will accomplish successfully the preservation of valuable Eco-systems of the Earth. That we will preserve the beauty and goodness of nature for future generations - and preserve it not merely on film, but in actual tangible reality. I hope that issues of environmental concern will be a priority someday for most _if not all_ of Earth's population. I hope that we will wake up before irreversible damage is done.
What depresses me most is when I think of all the poor and the recently-not-so-poor percentages of people on this planet for whom a daily hand to mouth existence excuses their slight regard for the environment. When there is no full meal to be had in a day, then why must one care to not cut a tree for fuel on a cold winter day? True, that it is the moral responsibility of those like me in more fortunate circumstances to take the lead. And yet I see educated youth like me contributing to the attitude of "I-give-a-damn-about-anything-but-frivolities" that seems to be pervading DU these days. I am not wholly pessimistic, but I am not fully optimistic either. And there does exist a middle ground. It is called hope.
I wanted to plant a tree today, to complete a 101 in 1001 goal while also commemorating Earth Day. But I changed my mind and felt it would be too cliched. Instead, I have resolved to plant more that one tree on any random day in the coming future, for everyday must be Earth Day. I will attempt to grow them from seed, just so that I know how its done, when it is time for me to teach my children the same.
Hope is the only thing perhaps that keeps me going. I HOPE that maybe gradually we will learn to nurture and cherish the environment. That we will accomplish successfully the preservation of valuable Eco-systems of the Earth. That we will preserve the beauty and goodness of nature for future generations - and preserve it not merely on film, but in actual tangible reality. I hope that issues of environmental concern will be a priority someday for most _if not all_ of Earth's population. I hope that we will wake up before irreversible damage is done.
What depresses me most is when I think of all the poor and the recently-not-so-poor percentages of people on this planet for whom a daily hand to mouth existence excuses their slight regard for the environment. When there is no full meal to be had in a day, then why must one care to not cut a tree for fuel on a cold winter day? True, that it is the moral responsibility of those like me in more fortunate circumstances to take the lead. And yet I see educated youth like me contributing to the attitude of "I-give-a-damn-about-anything-but-frivolities" that seems to be pervading DU these days. I am not wholly pessimistic, but I am not fully optimistic either. And there does exist a middle ground. It is called hope.
I wanted to plant a tree today, to complete a 101 in 1001 goal while also commemorating Earth Day. But I changed my mind and felt it would be too cliched. Instead, I have resolved to plant more that one tree on any random day in the coming future, for everyday must be Earth Day. I will attempt to grow them from seed, just so that I know how its done, when it is time for me to teach my children the same.
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Fire Fire!
On Thursday, 17th of April, I would have had what would have been my last ever short paper presentation of M. Phil. But, the Olympic torch came to town that day. The tight security in the Rajpath area of Delhi for the torch relay necessitated road blocks and disconnectivity through the metro. Until 11 o clock that night before, I had no clue that such a thing would happen to postpone my paper. I had just gotten off the phone with a friend to whom I was cribbing how I wasn't ready etc. And I got a call from a course-mate who lives 10 mins away. She informed me of the possible commuting upheaval. I called up my supervisor in the morning and now I have my last and final short p.p. the coming Thursday! Am so excited about getting over with them! But how lucky am I? I so needed a little more time to polish my p.p. and I had been exhausted. The Monday before I found myself walking the distance of perhap 3 kms in the 1.30 pm sun! Tuesday was similar, but less walking. I was tired and pukish and wanted to die that day! So, it was a relief actually, to postpone my paper!
But, I am not done talking about this silly torch relay hungama! What utter nonsense it was! The distance of 2.75 km was cordoned off as if a nuclear test was scheduled there. And for what? For 70 runners to carry the torch in the name of "peace" and "harmony". My mother switched the TV on for its live telecast and I was seething while watching such a stupid thing. First of all, this is a sporting event, so what were saif ali khan, sagarika ghosh, and aamir khan (You disappointed me big time aamir!) doing there? Was this a bollywood movie shooting? I am proud of Jaspal Rana (our gold-medalist shooter) for having refused to carry the torch on this same reason. Secondly, was so much security really needed for a just a gesture? For the carrying of the flame is just that - a gesture. I am proud of Kiram Bedi (the most awesome police-woman in this universe) for criticizing the barricading and not carrying the torch in a "cage". Thirdly, the Tibet issue. Everyone who gave a speech, diplomatically avoided the issue but mentioned vague terms of harmony for all and goodwill and so forth. Now, I do agree that pro-Tibet protesters could not have found a better time to strike while the China-iron is so red-hot with the Olympics round the corner. But really, why don't people stop the diplomatic bullshitting and just be forthright for once. Especially India. We don't want to spoil our already volatile relations with china. So we bow down and ignore the many Tibetan refugees in our own territory. We ignore the fact that china still claims Ladaakh and Arunachal Pradesh in the name of Tibet. We ignore that we had a war with china because of its territorial greed. I know I want the impossible, but I do hope Tibet will be free one day. And that the Indian police be more sensible when coordinating such security affairs. My sister was stuck in the traffic for over 3 hours coming back home that day and those going to Gurgoan were stuck for longer than that! It was a nightmare!
But, I am not done talking about this silly torch relay hungama! What utter nonsense it was! The distance of 2.75 km was cordoned off as if a nuclear test was scheduled there. And for what? For 70 runners to carry the torch in the name of "peace" and "harmony". My mother switched the TV on for its live telecast and I was seething while watching such a stupid thing. First of all, this is a sporting event, so what were saif ali khan, sagarika ghosh, and aamir khan (You disappointed me big time aamir!) doing there? Was this a bollywood movie shooting? I am proud of Jaspal Rana (our gold-medalist shooter) for having refused to carry the torch on this same reason. Secondly, was so much security really needed for a just a gesture? For the carrying of the flame is just that - a gesture. I am proud of Kiram Bedi (the most awesome police-woman in this universe) for criticizing the barricading and not carrying the torch in a "cage". Thirdly, the Tibet issue. Everyone who gave a speech, diplomatically avoided the issue but mentioned vague terms of harmony for all and goodwill and so forth. Now, I do agree that pro-Tibet protesters could not have found a better time to strike while the China-iron is so red-hot with the Olympics round the corner. But really, why don't people stop the diplomatic bullshitting and just be forthright for once. Especially India. We don't want to spoil our already volatile relations with china. So we bow down and ignore the many Tibetan refugees in our own territory. We ignore the fact that china still claims Ladaakh and Arunachal Pradesh in the name of Tibet. We ignore that we had a war with china because of its territorial greed. I know I want the impossible, but I do hope Tibet will be free one day. And that the Indian police be more sensible when coordinating such security affairs. My sister was stuck in the traffic for over 3 hours coming back home that day and those going to Gurgoan were stuck for longer than that! It was a nightmare!
Friday, 11 April 2008
Piss-on-Juhi-Didi Day!
This cute and adorable baby is our neighbour's son. His name is Aarav. "Aarav" is a hindi word which means peaceful, calm or serene. Aarav used to be what his name signified when he could not sit up by himself, and that was a few months ago. Now he can crawl faster than the speed of light and can roar louder than a sonic boom. Yesterday he happened to piss on me twice... not that I minded it very much, he is the cutest baby in town after all!
Rash summers and nappie rashes resulted in lack of diapers.. and you can figure out the rest. They say that it is a blessing to be pissed upon by a babe... if that's the case, then thank you very much! But please be benevolent on someone else next time! :)
(May 5th, 2008: I have removed the picture of Aarav. He is very sick and has been sick for quite some time now. I feel that maybe my posting a picture of him has allowed an evil eye to be cast at him! yes yes, i am superstitous about this... too bad for people who poo-pooh me on this one!! I don't care for your opinions! I just hope this lil gesture of mine may get him well again. poor babe has been admitted in the hospital! :( !!)
Rash summers and nappie rashes resulted in lack of diapers.. and you can figure out the rest. They say that it is a blessing to be pissed upon by a babe... if that's the case, then thank you very much! But please be benevolent on someone else next time! :)
(May 5th, 2008: I have removed the picture of Aarav. He is very sick and has been sick for quite some time now. I feel that maybe my posting a picture of him has allowed an evil eye to be cast at him! yes yes, i am superstitous about this... too bad for people who poo-pooh me on this one!! I don't care for your opinions! I just hope this lil gesture of mine may get him well again. poor babe has been admitted in the hospital! :( !!)
Saturday, 22 March 2008
world water day
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!
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!
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!!
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