A time when you cared and a time when you cared not!

May25th 2018, like opening a time capsule I open this blog that I once wrote…10 odd years back..read the posts and said to myself..WTF… did you write it! What were you thinking. Its sooo chappar cheezy..and you though you were this writer of some sort…

Back then I cared not to publish them..you know how it is when you are in those cusp of a age where ur no longer a teenager (infact left far behind)but you pretend to be one..and looking back now your blog does not show maturity either…didn’t publish it then…mainly because I didn’t want to be judged…and just for a bit when I though I should just wipe these posts of the face of earth…I dint want to now. Because it smells of the flitter-flutter of my youth and reminiscence of a time that existed…looking at the rare view mirror I see the days and the nights that flew freely like a kite wandering where the wind blew..just as-is it is a window for me to time travel back to my yesteryears just in my mind…

Now who cares…

Marvanthe Beach Drive:Dec 2008

It had been a couple of months since I had last been to Mangalore, so I thought I’ll do a short post on how my last weekend drive was.

It was a bleak Sunday evening when we decided to rid ourselves of boredom and make a trip to Mangalore. Though only 360 kms from Bangalore, it was time we went on a drive as a group indulging and enjoying the backdrop and firmly believing in the drive rather than the destination.

Before I get on to what the weekend drive to maravnthe was let me introduce my travel mates. Starting from the top left is Anjali, Ramya, Sridhar, Shalini, Silky, myself, Shenoy, Subbu, Jo, Sirish and Shymoly (missing)

It all started when a bunch of us who parked ourselves to decide on what the weekend plans should be like. I was not too keen when 'Mangalore drive' popped out as an option…being from Mangalore myself...I thought Mangalore wouldn’t reflect the charm it once had, there wasn’t much to Mangalore except those dirtied beaches with whole lot of construction work , pathetic roads, thought all this on a steaming day was a waste of time. But there stood Shenoy... I remember the smile and the look on his face when he said “I’ll show you the Mangalore you’ve never seen before”... for one thing I was very sure...if it was Shenoy planning it would undoubtedly be good...

So we left on Saturday morning at 3.30 AM...3 cars (a Zen Estilo, a Swift and a Honda city) 11 people were ready to hit NH-48 from Nelmangala circle which goes straight to Mangalore, this circle is 16km from Bangalore on Tumkur Road (NH-4). NH-48 goes straight to Mangalore via Hassan (190km from Bangalore) and Sakleshpur. We didn’t take the straight road. Instead we took the Bangalore-Tumkur road with some pit stops in between until we reached Jog falls through shimoga and Sagar – a total distance from Bangalore of about 380kms. After Jog, we took the Honnavar road, and the drive was good with exceptional picturesque beauty with Ghats all around and with kishore kumar songs to add to the charm. It was wonderful.

Rejuvenated, we continued along the highway and soon entered Honnavar and took NH-17 towards Murudeshwar. It was turning out to be a Mangalore via North Kanara trip. Once on NH-17, we drove another 25kms till we reached Murdeshwar. With the skies clearing, the beauty of the surrounding seaside was a sight to behold.

Since we started early in the morning, by the time we reached Murdeshwar, it was almost 5 in the evening – we had already been on the road for over 13-odd hours. And at this time with the approaching twilight, the beauty of the beach was beyond description.

Many people are aware of the temple’s existence, so you are not alone to pray and spend some peaceful and serene moments all by yourself. Even before you see the temple, you are welcomed by a prominent restaurant by the beachside (Masala Dosa and cup of strong filter coffee!)

But by the time we were through marveling over the place, the sky was darkening and we had to be content with a few glimpses passing by those sites. Reluctantly, we made up our minds to stroll down the beach to capture the sunset.

Next stop was Trasi beach at Maravanthe (in Udupi dist., 45 kms from Murdeshwar on NH-17), where all three – beach, road and river – run parallel!! Situated a short 5 minute-drive from this beach is the Turtle Bay resort we spent the night at. It’s easy to miss Turtle Bay if you don’t know where to look. Since we did have the expert, who had been there before, we were given the right
directions.
An evening at the beach with friends and some chilled beer was simply what I had dreamt off! At 9pm the resort attendants offered us some beach refreshment. Plates of Pamphlet rava fry, Surmai masala fry, Prawns dry and Prawns Masala and Chicken kept comin. A littttle on the spicy side, but we loved it… with all five senses refreshed we went back to the beach and stayed there till 1 in the morning.

We woke up at 6.30 in the morning the next day. It was a fine sunny morning. On a Sunday morning life seemed to be at a standstill in the even otherwise quiet town. Got back to the resort and had our breakfast and set out for Bangalore at 11.

Driving down NH 17 is a truly blue trip… A view of the Arabian Sea on one side of the road glistening in the sun and the serene Souparnika River on the other side. A few resorts dot this virgin beach.

On the way back stoped at Kapu and went to see the lighthouse. Its quiet a different experience! We were spellbound to see the beauty of this place from the foot of the lighthouse, on top of the rocks. Rocks + coconut trees + a nice beach made this place a visitor’s delight. It can’t be explained by words one has to be there to relish its beauty.

The day was sunny and bright and we were enjoying driving under the warm sun leisurely. But the drive back was a painful, on a long drive, which pothole strewn roads, we settled at roadside stall for a cup of chai... If I ever complained about the roads in Bangalore, I take back all my complaints. What used to be a 45 minutes’ drive had stretched into a neat 2 hr ordeal. Those manganese and iron ore laden over loaded gory trucks ought to be taken off those roads!

Anyhow, this is probably my nth trip to Mangalore. But this time, it had been a city in transit and never quite the destination. It is a city that I’ve seen in bits and pieces and this time it was no exception.

Next time you are in and around Mangalore do make it a point to visit Maravanthe and Kapu, and stay at Turtle Bay. If not for anything just to experience stillness, you can do that peacefully without being pushed around...Spend as much time as you want in peaceful surroundings listening to the some nice music, read a book and admiring nature. You will realize how miniscule we are compared to what else is there in the Universe. I am glad I made the trip. It was a wonderful experience will love to repeat the same trip once again. At the end of the trip our cars Odo reading was 1065km and now back to everyday life.

Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Saheb and Satopanth Trek: The Himalayas

On the way to Gangeria -Our first base camp for both Valley of flowers and hemkundh Saheb
Valley of Flowers 1:

Valley of Flowers 2: The flowers, the valley, The Mountains, The River, The glaciers...the camera for sure fails to capture the view I’ve had.

Hemkunda Saheb – the pilgrim centre of the Sikh

Satopanth(lake) Trek:23 KM from Mana, could be reached after a difficult trek of three day with the first camp sight at Lakshmiban and second at Chakratirtha. Caves in those stopovers are used as the night shelter. It is said that goddess Lakshmi ( goddess of wealth)and her husband Narayan ( the preserver) meditated in Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha respectively and while meditating Narayan kept his famous Sudarshan Chraka on the valley which depressed by the weight of that Chakra to form a beautiful round shaped meadow surrounded by lofty mountains.

The first glacier we crossed with our hearts in our mouth. Little did we know High ridges and treacherous glaciers leaving only one route to the destiny that too over razor-sharp ridges and broken glaciers was comin our way.

Ill never forget the delight in each of our faces when we first reached the first base camp. We were so happy to just be there, Veeru and I laughed our guts out. We were so glad we made the choice of comin there. It was really beautiful....We could also identify the direction towards which to proceed. But that would be another day and we were too tired to think straight..




Walking over the most difficult and dangerous terrain that too for two full days and in the process almost killing ourselves at a temperature near freezing point, we managed to reach the second camp site. the porters were the real angels in disgues.who arranged for some hot tea and soup while the rest of us discussed if we would ever reach back safe ALIVE. It was such a frightful and a freezing experience!


But Above ALLL I was so amazed with the beauty around, that it left me marvelling most of the while, in complete loss of words. I simply couldn't say it was beautiful or extraordinary or anything. It was at least beyond my ability to comprehend. It couldn’t have been anything but the work of god....



On the way to the second base camp..Completely godforsaken , in the middle of nowhere, miles away from the nearest habitation. Walking on the boulders with no sign of any distinct path two of my friends Ina and Harish lost their way along the Alakanada River.

This beauty is not easily accessible..Left us truly breathless. With people opting to stay back at the second base camp not able to breath and take any more chances. That way the only best option for some cause there was no absolute escape, while some desperately wanted to get back to civilisation amidst familiar sights, sounds and safety. But there was no point returning half way through. So we just kept walkin and just walkin...

After three hours of hard trekking the treacherous glacier the next day we reached the last ridge and could see the red flag flying on top of the ridge indicating the site of the lake. We simply dragged our half dead body over the last ridge and descended on to the bank of THE Lake. Satopanth Tal(at an altitude of 14320 feet) – the Himalayas . Satopanth, literally meaning the way to the truth, a sacred lake, described in the Skanda Puran said to be guarded by the Holy Trinity—Bramha, Bishnu and Maheswar (Shiva) .

Amidst the chaukamba peak...finally reached after 3 days of walk... Our guide showed us a path towards the Chaukhamba peak and told , that was the path traversed by the Pancha Pandavs on their last journey to the heaven. He said, even today, ascetics who want to leave this painful world to enter the other world of supreme bliss, often take that path never to return.

So even today ascetics do take this last journey on this path towards the peak of Chaukhamba never to return. That’s why Chaukhamba is called ‘Swargarohini’(path to heaven) by the locals. From the bank of the lake, I could see a clear path like trail leading to the peak of Chaukhamba. But as the sun rose high, avalanches after avalanches started to roll down that path. It’s definitely a sure path to the other world;

I turned back to have a last look. I, certainly, will not be coming again. Having said that it was by far my best trek till date...

Kabhi Khamosh Baithoge

Kabhi khaamosh baitoge kabhi kuch gungunavoge
Main uthna yaadh aavoonga mujhe jithna bulavoge
Kabhi khaamosh baitoge kabhi kuch gungunavoge

Koi jab pooch baittega khamoshi kasabab thumse
Bahuth samajhana chahonge magar samajha na paaoge
Main uthna yaadh aavoonga mujhe jithna bulavoge

Kabhi khaamosh baitoge kabhi kuch gungunavoge

Kabhi dhuniyaa mukhammal ban ke aaygee nigahom mein
Kabhi meri ka mun dhuniya ki har ik shei ne paaoge
Main uthna yaadh aavoonga mujhe jithna bulavoge

Kabhi khaamosh baitoge kabhi kuch gungunavoge

Kahi par bhee rahe hum thum mohabath ki mohabath hai
Thumhem hum yaadh aayenge humein thum yaadh aaoge

Kabhi khaamosh baitoge kabhi kuchgungunavoge
Main uthna yaadh aavoonga mujhe jithna bulavoge
Kabhi khaamosh baitoge kabhi kuch gungunavoge

'A' flavour of India

INDIA-Truly Incredible

Just took of for a trek to Dalhousie…im not going to reflect on all the beautiful moments during the trek, the good things n all the good people I have met....but im here to share the storm of emotions i went through in those very few days i was there up north…
Here are just a few of the glimpses...

A lady with her load...on a hot sunny day…

This lady would just not remove her pardha for a Snap...she was reaaaally shy

These kids have to walk for miles to get to their schools everyday

Trying to sell those wild flowers for 5 RS each... that’s how they earn their living

Dont know what to say....

Chamba :Trust me they were just delicious……

Kashmir: Famous for its woollen shawls and carpets that he’s making

It’s a different feeling entering this beautiful place…heavy security though…

Rajastan folk song

A typical Rajastani meal…don’t remember what it is called though

Delhi: some of the streets there were named as dharma marg, nyay marg n all….n there were these girls laughing away their carefree childhood

Pathankot: his livelihood….ya…selling those samosa’s

A rag picker took time from his busy schedule to stop by n give me a generous look

Definitely isn't Jonathan’s boutique in Beverly hills…

Colourful baba

Sweets sweets n sweets every where on the streets of mathura

Fresh Milk for people who came out of the Temple...after the darshan of krishn bhagwaan

Golden temple
Taj Mahal: 20,000 workers laboured day and night to build this finest example of Mughal Architecture


Life in the mountains...as much as is beautiful…is harder

Amar Mahal:Library n a museum

Just survived on the maggi and the hot chai these guys prepared for us on the mountains + the folk song these guys sang was enough to keep us warm there....

Chamba: Himachal Pradesh , A view of the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas

My original idea was to just head out…except for the 7 days of trek...nothin else was planned…wanted to spend some time in Dharamsala where the tibetan monks were in exile n head towards utteranchal...but somehow ended going to vaishnao devi in Jammu…

The only thing I was sure was to begin and conclude my travel in Delhi….apart from which…nothing else was planned…its quite confusing to just obey what ur travel guide/book would tell u isn’t it…it has sure thought me patients specially with all the auto drivers and the cab drivers and the rickshaw guys crowding you and when all that you want is to be left alone… Travelling in India is exhausting never boring

For me it was more of a spiritual journey than just a travel up north visiting all the holy places there…be it gurudwara a blend of hindu and muslim architecture in golden temple or visiting Mathura the birth place of lord Krishna...my 13 + 13 Km pilgrimage to vaishnao devi is an unforgettable experience (not that I would personally go there again..Jai mata di’s off course)
Every place I stepped in had a story a history to unveil…a land studded with temples and monuments of all religion
It’s promising to see the tradition that people have inherited in Punjab...Sikhs out number Hindu’s in Punjab, outstanding worriers who are proud of their identity n prosperity today…Finding themselves penniless after the partition… the guys who give those newspapers, the shop keepers, the drivers…everyone has a story so unique to tell... peoples aspiration… The sights and smells of this agricultural state. With the ladies in the Patiala suit, the makki-ki-roti n the sarson da sag along with laaarge glass of lassi…hmmmmm… Lingering memories... It was a rewarding experience…
Crossing the fertile plains of Punjab headed to the official summer capital the himachal or the “land of snow”…straight to Dalhousie a beauty surrounded with oak and pine tree…still retaining their colonial ambience which reflects in their bungalows and churches...the snow capped peaks, the blue rivers through the valley, flowering meadows…it was an out of the world experience for sure..

Each state here has a different flavour that leavez me amazed…has its own different identity and essence, the cultures,the traditions,the values,the lifestyle all so unique..
5000 years of history and until a couple of years, when one talked about India, it was more about the pollution the poverty n now its inevitably sure is the current investment destination and yes IT is the main Tag India shows, the progress it has made is certainly visible in growing strength of its currency (rupee) in international stock markets. It’s amazing to see both the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side
It’s a riddle…it’s a surprise,,, that it hasn’t changed that much…Despite all of this I came across various people some of whom are critical of these traditional practises and some who readily accept them as part of Indian life.
Population, pollution, poverty sure is down in here…but definitely theirs love, joy n happiness out there…I saw the real beauty of the people in the land that it is… secondary if they could afford or not …but it was sure a life of festivity and pleasure….there is a celebration for every religious or historical occasion and for every harvest, its nice to see every celebration centres around the rituals of prayer, seeking blessings, decorating houses, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes…just SIMPLY celebrating, apparently I celebrated my Christmas and New year with people I dint even know and I never even met…

In the light of another start....ive enjoyed every moment of the life in those few days…got the opportunity to count my blessings and say Life is indeed beautiful

Priorities Change-I knew it was inevitable

You know how things are with old classmates, or former Friends

At one time you were close, forced together in a daily routine that kept your orbits circling round each other. You knew what their favorite kind of music was. If they changed up their routine with a new haircut or their looks, you knew the moment it happened. They didn't need to notify you of the small changes, never mind the major ones, because you were always there, sharing the experience with them, watching from the sidelines.

But things changed. You graduated, got a new job, moved on, and your relationship had to change. You swore you'd stay in touch. You'd call. You'd write. And you did... for a while. Then it took a few weeks longer to return that email or phone call. Next time, a few months. "We'll get together in the spring," you promised, until summer passed without a single contact. You got busy. You got distracted by your own joys, your own sorrows, and forgot to reach out. Seasons went by. Years. You drifted apart.

From time to time, you think of them, and want to reach out. But now, there is a gulf between you. Not only time, but life has passed. So many things have happened in the months and years since you last spoke. You're overwhelmed by how much you'd have to explain. Is it worth that amount of effort, to rekindle a once comfortable relationship? Where would you begin?

Yes, things are fine. There are no major catastrophes or "miracles" to share. Just little things.

And then you think - Maybe it isn't worth it at all. Maybe we don't have anything in common anymore. Maybe I'm not the same person I was when I knew them anyway. Maybe it's time to just let the relationship go, to accept that it's over.Maybe priorities change.

Except... maybe, staying up until 11:30 and rambling for a few dozen paragraphs probably wasn't the best decision.

But other than that. Definitely, no regrets.

Great Men Great Thoughts

Bertrand Russell:


Three passions have governed my life:
The longings for love, the search for knowledge,
And unbearable pity for the suffering of [humankind].

Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.
In the union of love I have seen In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision
Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge.
I have wished to understand the hearts of [people].
I have wished to know why the stars shine.

Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,
But always pity brought me back to earth;
Cries of pain reverberated in my heart Of children in famine,
of victims tortured And of old people left helpless.

I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot, And I too suffer.

This has been my life; I found it worth living.


adapted

“Today Is The Day”

I am sure this is for People like Me who just simply want to marvel on the questions which have no answers, still hoping to find "THE" truth which we all are running behind because we are all ultimately fortune hunters at heart. We all spend enough time with our hopes and dreams to understand the principle that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).


What do we consider important?

At the very least, we are all hunting for happiness, significance, and love. Many of us are also doing our best to find a comfortable home, reliable transportation, and good food. Along the way, we value meaningful work, restful weekends, and friendship. We make sacrifices as we look for good health, physical safety, and financial security.
"No aspect of life is more desired, more elusive, and more perplexing than happiness. People wish and strive for what they believe will make them happy-good health, attractive looks, an ideal marriage, children, a comfortable home, success, fame, financial independence–-the list goes on and on. Not everyone who attains these goals, however, finds happiness. So again what is This “The” factor which would set you apart, which makes you feel more contented? In what ways have you dared to be different from others? When was the last time you chose to blend in with the crowd rather than follow your heart? Why did you cave to the pressure? still wondering!!!!!

Why not decide today for “today is the day”, to forge your future destiny with your own hands.