Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tabs!
Am I glad they have tabs in browsers? With my vertical Taskbar close to getting full with all the open browsers/documents etc., I was clearing up the open windows - closing the ones not needed right away... and realised I should count how many tabs I've got open in my browser - somewhere between 20 and 30 - after closing a bunch of 'em!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Kolad - River Rafting
Two lazy weekends and I wanted to get out! I knew a group of colleagues were going to Kolad - a place known for river rafting on the Kundalika River. But then, I hadn't signed up for it because I tend to travel in smaller groups - it's pretty much been a group of two to four over the last 2 years. And as the week wore on, I was getting restless and my friend, who was going along convinced me to try when I said some people are dropping out! A mail and a ping later, I was on!!!
The train gave a lot of opportunity to get some slow shutter photos. The next morning, we got in to the bus and headed towards Kolad. We headed straight to the rafting spot - and soon we were listening to the safety instructions. I'd say that was the scariest part of it all! Example: If you get under the boat, kick with all your might! Ouch! It looked quite precarious to sit on the side and not in the raft - but once we were in, I realised it was a lot bigger than the average bench you'd find at a roadside tea shop!
A practice session and a splashing match was going on while we waited for all the rafts to get in to the water! The guides were definitely better at throwing water - and our guide threw water on us as much as he threw on the others. Soon, we were out in the river - it was sunny and someone wanted rain. Soon, it didn't just rain - it poured cats and dogs. Got to say, being on a raft in the middle of a river, next to rapids - is one of the best places to enjoy the rain. The only thing I missed was my camera - couldn't risk taking it along :(
Once we were on the much calmer side of the river, they encouraged us to get off the raft and into the river! Not exactly something you’d want to do if you didn’t know to swim. But then, they pretty much dumped you off the boat – so, yes, for the first time in my life, I was in the water – floating, thanks to the life jacket. I’ve got to thank Pranav, the helping hand, who went out of his way to help me feel comfortable in the water – nice to have such people around you.
Soon we were out and were heading towards our resort – our bus stopped at the end of a road and we had to travel the rest of the distance in a jeep. It was indeed one of the most memorable transport (not the most comfortable, mind you!). A rusty, rickety jeep with seats coming apart – and, on top of it you go racing on a bumpy mud path with another jeep in equally bad shape! Weren’t we happy to be out of it!
A quick wash, lunch – and I wanted to get out. So, off we went – me, Sandeep, and Kiran – walking down a path to the river. Kiran was the one spotting all those little things – me dutifully following him to the subjects :) That reminds me of another – Satish – the ever helpful friend of Ram & Sandeep. He’d always find subjects for our cameras!
We were back soon and it was tea-time. While we were waiting for the rest of the group to gather for another walk, we had tea and took more pictures. I got one of my favorites from the trip – a macro of a flower.
Soon, we set off for another walk – a much larger group this time.
Other than the river and the rafting – nothing much out there. On the whole, a good place for a relaxed weekend. This trip was more about people than about photography :)
Quick notes:
Walk around the place – you can get close to the river too. A word of caution there – always one foot at a time! The river looks much shallower on the surface.
Be prepared to get drenched – quick-dry clothes, footwear that dry easily, and a dry bag for your electronics.
Get your directions before you leave – the places aren’t marked really well and mobile networks aren’t perfect out there. You’ll have to rely on the directions you have and the locals
The train gave a lot of opportunity to get some slow shutter photos. The next morning, we got in to the bus and headed towards Kolad. We headed straight to the rafting spot - and soon we were listening to the safety instructions. I'd say that was the scariest part of it all! Example: If you get under the boat, kick with all your might! Ouch! It looked quite precarious to sit on the side and not in the raft - but once we were in, I realised it was a lot bigger than the average bench you'd find at a roadside tea shop!
A practice session and a splashing match was going on while we waited for all the rafts to get in to the water! The guides were definitely better at throwing water - and our guide threw water on us as much as he threw on the others. Soon, we were out in the river - it was sunny and someone wanted rain. Soon, it didn't just rain - it poured cats and dogs. Got to say, being on a raft in the middle of a river, next to rapids - is one of the best places to enjoy the rain. The only thing I missed was my camera - couldn't risk taking it along :(
Once we were on the much calmer side of the river, they encouraged us to get off the raft and into the river! Not exactly something you’d want to do if you didn’t know to swim. But then, they pretty much dumped you off the boat – so, yes, for the first time in my life, I was in the water – floating, thanks to the life jacket. I’ve got to thank Pranav, the helping hand, who went out of his way to help me feel comfortable in the water – nice to have such people around you.
Soon we were out and were heading towards our resort – our bus stopped at the end of a road and we had to travel the rest of the distance in a jeep. It was indeed one of the most memorable transport (not the most comfortable, mind you!). A rusty, rickety jeep with seats coming apart – and, on top of it you go racing on a bumpy mud path with another jeep in equally bad shape! Weren’t we happy to be out of it!
A quick wash, lunch – and I wanted to get out. So, off we went – me, Sandeep, and Kiran – walking down a path to the river. Kiran was the one spotting all those little things – me dutifully following him to the subjects :) That reminds me of another – Satish – the ever helpful friend of Ram & Sandeep. He’d always find subjects for our cameras!
We were back soon and it was tea-time. While we were waiting for the rest of the group to gather for another walk, we had tea and took more pictures. I got one of my favorites from the trip – a macro of a flower.
Soon, we set off for another walk – a much larger group this time.
Other than the river and the rafting – nothing much out there. On the whole, a good place for a relaxed weekend. This trip was more about people than about photography :)
Quick notes:
Walk around the place – you can get close to the river too. A word of caution there – always one foot at a time! The river looks much shallower on the surface.
Be prepared to get drenched – quick-dry clothes, footwear that dry easily, and a dry bag for your electronics.
Get your directions before you leave – the places aren’t marked really well and mobile networks aren’t perfect out there. You’ll have to rely on the directions you have and the locals
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thank you for stopping by!
What's it like when you check your Analytics report just as every other day and .... find that you've got 500+ visits for the first time :)
Yup! Thanks to the recent interests, this site is at 1000+ pageviews, 500+ visits, and 400+ visitors! Woohoo!
Oh ya! I check my Analytics account countless times each day!
Thank you for stopping by! You just made my day! :)
Yup! Thanks to the recent interests, this site is at 1000+ pageviews, 500+ visits, and 400+ visitors! Woohoo!
Oh ya! I check my Analytics account countless times each day!
Thank you for stopping by! You just made my day! :)
Rain, tea, and flowers
It was a last-minute decision - to join the river rafting trip. This picture is one of my favorites of the lot. You know why?
It reminds me a lot of things... the little things of the trip. It was a place where you could never predict the rain - it pours, it stops, its quiet... and it starts all over again! In spite of it, we sat there outside sipping tea, watching people play volley ball and shoot at the lone basket. There was this brown doggie around the place - nuzzling everyone in hope of some food. Chit chat. Chase the dog. Watch the sky. Observe.
Me, my camera - "what's your camera?" they ask. Wow for the SLR. I walk around with my jacket over my camera bag - I'd rather get wet and keep my camera dry! It is a crazy world!
The sky darkens. The terrace beckons - we leave the drops on the flower and go to the river. We didn't really leave them behind, did we?
It reminds me a lot of things... the little things of the trip. It was a place where you could never predict the rain - it pours, it stops, its quiet... and it starts all over again! In spite of it, we sat there outside sipping tea, watching people play volley ball and shoot at the lone basket. There was this brown doggie around the place - nuzzling everyone in hope of some food. Chit chat. Chase the dog. Watch the sky. Observe.
Me, my camera - "what's your camera?" they ask. Wow for the SLR. I walk around with my jacket over my camera bag - I'd rather get wet and keep my camera dry! It is a crazy world!
The sky darkens. The terrace beckons - we leave the drops on the flower and go to the river. We didn't really leave them behind, did we?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
When it rains...
I cross a river each day...Yup! There's gushing waters :P on the way to work!
It takes an hour to get to the other side of the HiTech(!) Railway Station underpass - no, there's nothing hitech about the underpass - it's just the name!
Thankfully, I don't drive to work - watching the cab make it's way through is like a thriller movie -will that guy sneaking up on you get ahead of you.... without bumping into you, the car ahead of you, or the one on the right...
The earth seems to move so much - there are gaping holes all over the place! And, I used to think Hyd has fantastic roads... duh!
It takes an hour to get to the other side of the HiTech(!) Railway Station underpass - no, there's nothing hitech about the underpass - it's just the name!
Thankfully, I don't drive to work - watching the cab make it's way through is like a thriller movie -will that guy sneaking up on you get ahead of you.... without bumping into you, the car ahead of you, or the one on the right...
The earth seems to move so much - there are gaping holes all over the place! And, I used to think Hyd has fantastic roads... duh!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What’s official about a language?
When a language which is the primary tongue of 30% of the nation is made the "national language," you are gonna have to face the 70% - After moving to Hyderabad, I get reactions ranging from polite, curious questions to ridicule when I ask people to stick to English.
Well, for some of us, learning Hindi is not a choice - for others, Hindi is not a choice. Yes, I grew up in places where you heard Hindi only on Doordarshan (nowadays, cable TV too) and where schools offered just two languages - Tamil, English. Even in schools that offered a third language, it was French (because it was easy?) or another Dravidian language.
Yes, I know that isn't great - but, you know, I didn't get to set the rules when I was in school. It isn't bad at work - though, people tend to assume you know Hindi! I think the first time I had a problem big-time was when I went out for a trip with this group - and they were speaking in Telugu/Hindi. Well, there was at least one person who took the time and effort to speak to me (in English) - may his tribe increase. The sad part, though, was that most of them didn't care - and, worse, at least one person knew that my Hindi isn't fluent!
In fact, it was worse than being out on the road. Do you know why? Because, when a conductor, bus driver, or shopkeeper realises that I don't know the language, they try their best to use the simplest of words and use English if they know. Also, I am not trying to build relationships there - I manage to get what I want and I will get going. However, when you go out as a group, you are trying to get to know them - where language matters all the more.
After such an experience, quite naturally, I spoke about it to a couple of people and got some suggestions, including reply in Tamil :P - now, that's gonna be fun!
The other day, when I couldn't sleep, I was searching for more information on India and the languages in this country. Not surprisingly:
"Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people; there are 21 other official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanscrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu" [source]
So, the next time you think of saying "Arre, national language - how can you not know?" - ask yourself if you are a hockey player.
Got it?
Well, for some of us, learning Hindi is not a choice - for others, Hindi is not a choice. Yes, I grew up in places where you heard Hindi only on Doordarshan (nowadays, cable TV too) and where schools offered just two languages - Tamil, English. Even in schools that offered a third language, it was French (because it was easy?) or another Dravidian language.
Yes, I know that isn't great - but, you know, I didn't get to set the rules when I was in school. It isn't bad at work - though, people tend to assume you know Hindi! I think the first time I had a problem big-time was when I went out for a trip with this group - and they were speaking in Telugu/Hindi. Well, there was at least one person who took the time and effort to speak to me (in English) - may his tribe increase. The sad part, though, was that most of them didn't care - and, worse, at least one person knew that my Hindi isn't fluent!
In fact, it was worse than being out on the road. Do you know why? Because, when a conductor, bus driver, or shopkeeper realises that I don't know the language, they try their best to use the simplest of words and use English if they know. Also, I am not trying to build relationships there - I manage to get what I want and I will get going. However, when you go out as a group, you are trying to get to know them - where language matters all the more.
After such an experience, quite naturally, I spoke about it to a couple of people and got some suggestions, including reply in Tamil :P - now, that's gonna be fun!
The other day, when I couldn't sleep, I was searching for more information on India and the languages in this country. Not surprisingly:
"Hindi is the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people; there are 21 other official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanscrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu" [source]
So, the next time you think of saying "Arre, national language - how can you not know?" - ask yourself if you are a hockey player.
Got it?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
1:42am
Yup! Looks like the writer's block has gone - at the expense of my sleep :( Pretty restless - it's raining outside... intermittent powercuts ... everyone's sleeping... police siren in the distance... me clicking at objects around me!
July
July so far...
For the first time in the last 2 years, my parents wanted me to stay longer!!
I sat for an exam after a long, long time - Went to Loyola for the first time :O
Someone said 'my training session was the only one that didn't put him to sleep' - oops!
I went to Jog Falls again, trekked again and got drenched again - what was different: lesser water, harder trek thanks to the gaping holes along the trail [I am still fuming at the idea of building concrete steps to the very end].. and, how can I forget the heavier bag+camera this time!
AC compartment in Indian Railways - claustrophobic!
I got to take a whole load of pictures of 7 sweet puppies - and then cry when one of them died less than 2 weeks later!
And, most recently, I am broke - big time! My bank balance is an all-time low and will remain so for the next 30 days!
For the first time in the last 2 years, my parents wanted me to stay longer!!
I sat for an exam after a long, long time - Went to Loyola for the first time :O
Someone said 'my training session was the only one that didn't put him to sleep' - oops!
I went to Jog Falls again, trekked again and got drenched again - what was different: lesser water, harder trek thanks to the gaping holes along the trail [I am still fuming at the idea of building concrete steps to the very end].. and, how can I forget the heavier bag+camera this time!
AC compartment in Indian Railways - claustrophobic!
I got to take a whole load of pictures of 7 sweet puppies - and then cry when one of them died less than 2 weeks later!
And, most recently, I am broke - big time! My bank balance is an all-time low and will remain so for the next 30 days!
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Writer’s Block?
Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of things I wanted to write about, but could never get myself to write! I've been happy, sad, miserable, bored ...and everything in between. In the midst of it all, I've thought I got to post at least a dozen times - and I never got around to do that! Same thing with photography - I want to experiment with the bunch of new filters I've got - but never did!
Something flipped over today - don't ask me what, coz I don't know. Oh! Please don't build castles either!
This evening was one of those days when I sit 'n wonder what's happening around me - too many things moving at the same time - feels like I am caught in a whirlwind...and then, had a pleasant surprise - a friend I've known for a long, long time came by. It was a much needed break - the chat, the jokes... sometimes, it is the little things that make a big difference!
Anyways, came home - took my camera out and did some experimenting - hope it gets better from now on...
It's 11:34pm and I should be sleeping... I will, soon!
Something flipped over today - don't ask me what, coz I don't know. Oh! Please don't build castles either!
This evening was one of those days when I sit 'n wonder what's happening around me - too many things moving at the same time - feels like I am caught in a whirlwind...and then, had a pleasant surprise - a friend I've known for a long, long time came by. It was a much needed break - the chat, the jokes... sometimes, it is the little things that make a big difference!
Anyways, came home - took my camera out and did some experimenting - hope it gets better from now on...
It's 11:34pm and I should be sleeping... I will, soon!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Jog Falls, Karnataka - v2
When I started from Hyderabad, last Friday, the plan was to trek at Kodachadri. But I refused to go - I don't want to donate my precious blood to the leaches there! I'd rather go there well prepared - gumboots et al :) So, having shelved that plan, we had to come up with an alternate plan.
I was already on my way to Bangalore, so I called up an old friend of mine who had a litter of puppies at home! After a photoshoot at his place, we moved on hoping to find gumboots in Bangalore - but then, it was getting late. So, we decided to go to Jog Falls (via Shimoga). I was eager to compare my photos with my pre-SLR days :)
We reached Shimoga close to 10pm (after a 6.5 hour bus ride from Bangalore) and found a room at one of the hotels opposite the bus stand. The next morning we left for Jog Falls - 2.5 hours from Shimoga. It seemed to be a sunny day - so different from our last visit when we were drenched by the time we reached the entrance! Though, the sunny day was to last for just about 10 minutes - I guess there is nothing called a sunny day at Jog! Yup, soon there was a heavy downpour - I began to wonder if we'd be able to trek at all!
We started once the rain abated - we had to walk a little further to find our way down - the normal path was closed because work is going on. They are laying concrete steps all the way to the bottom! God save this beautiful place once that's done and the whole world can go all the way down to dump their waste! I'd hate to see this place get crowded and dirty.
Anyways, soon we reached the stairs (which is work-in-progress) - you get on it and start walking. It's not like a trek anymore :( And then, all of a sudden, the stairs end! Well, they haven't finished it yet. So, instead of concrete steps, you walk along gaping holes with iron bars sticking out! Their idea of making up for the lost adventure so far? I don't know! But, if you are going there, you better watch your step! After walking around a number of such holes, I began to wonder if it was worth it all - this place looked so mutilated and here we were carrying our cameras and tripods ...
There was point when it was pouring like crazy, the holes dug up for the stairs looked like a never-ending mess, and I thought we should turn around. But then, we moved on - and reached the base of the falls! I still remember standing there wondering if we should go on - the bag seemed heavier, the camera seemed bulkier, we seemed to be carrying way too many things ... and it looked like the downpour would never stop. Looking back, I think I can begin to understand what climbers/trekkers feel when the weather isn't the best!
Was it worth it - definitely! It's such a great feeling the first time you step in to the stream after the trek - though, you'd get your shoes wet in the process! It's not a good idea to walk barefoot because of the sharp stones. It is such an awesome experience to stand there in the middle of gushing waters and look up at the waters falling all around you - to be surrounded by nothing but rocks, shrubs and water!
Soon, it was time to make our way up -with the rain for company. It rained so hard... the waterfall turned brown... was awesome to look at! It had barely stopped raining when we were on the last stretch - a pretty steep climb. We made it over the wall and it started pouring again!
We waited for the rain to stop and then dashed to the hotel - only to find they had nothing interesting :( We got out
PS: v2 - is visit #2 not version 2
I was already on my way to Bangalore, so I called up an old friend of mine who had a litter of puppies at home! After a photoshoot at his place, we moved on hoping to find gumboots in Bangalore - but then, it was getting late. So, we decided to go to Jog Falls (via Shimoga). I was eager to compare my photos with my pre-SLR days :)
We reached Shimoga close to 10pm (after a 6.5 hour bus ride from Bangalore) and found a room at one of the hotels opposite the bus stand. The next morning we left for Jog Falls - 2.5 hours from Shimoga. It seemed to be a sunny day - so different from our last visit when we were drenched by the time we reached the entrance! Though, the sunny day was to last for just about 10 minutes - I guess there is nothing called a sunny day at Jog! Yup, soon there was a heavy downpour - I began to wonder if we'd be able to trek at all!
We started once the rain abated - we had to walk a little further to find our way down - the normal path was closed because work is going on. They are laying concrete steps all the way to the bottom! God save this beautiful place once that's done and the whole world can go all the way down to dump their waste! I'd hate to see this place get crowded and dirty.
Anyways, soon we reached the stairs (which is work-in-progress) - you get on it and start walking. It's not like a trek anymore :( And then, all of a sudden, the stairs end! Well, they haven't finished it yet. So, instead of concrete steps, you walk along gaping holes with iron bars sticking out! Their idea of making up for the lost adventure so far? I don't know! But, if you are going there, you better watch your step! After walking around a number of such holes, I began to wonder if it was worth it all - this place looked so mutilated and here we were carrying our cameras and tripods ...
There was point when it was pouring like crazy, the holes dug up for the stairs looked like a never-ending mess, and I thought we should turn around. But then, we moved on - and reached the base of the falls! I still remember standing there wondering if we should go on - the bag seemed heavier, the camera seemed bulkier, we seemed to be carrying way too many things ... and it looked like the downpour would never stop. Looking back, I think I can begin to understand what climbers/trekkers feel when the weather isn't the best!
Was it worth it - definitely! It's such a great feeling the first time you step in to the stream after the trek - though, you'd get your shoes wet in the process! It's not a good idea to walk barefoot because of the sharp stones. It is such an awesome experience to stand there in the middle of gushing waters and look up at the waters falling all around you - to be surrounded by nothing but rocks, shrubs and water!
Soon, it was time to make our way up -with the rain for company. It rained so hard... the waterfall turned brown... was awesome to look at! It had barely stopped raining when we were on the last stretch - a pretty steep climb. We made it over the wall and it started pouring again!
We waited for the rain to stop and then dashed to the hotel - only to find they had nothing interesting :( We got out
PS: v2 - is visit #2 not version 2
Monday, June 16, 2008
Alcatraz Island, CA
[salbum=30,y,n,left] A visit to a prison that was! It was as close as I'd get to a prison - and it wasn't as easy as I'd expected it to be. No, am not talking about the boat ride or the island itself. I am talking about the experience there. If you listen (mind you, 'listen' not 'hear') to the audio tour, you will definitely carry away bits 'n pieces of the narration.
Alcatraz - the prison and the lighthouse (among other things), is now a tourist attraction - one of the oh-so-typical places to see when you are in San Francisco. I did feel bad for the inmates at times - to be able to see the free world and not be there - it's worse than not seeing the free world at all! I walked around like an intruder - taking pictures like I was stepping into someone's personal space.
Alcatraz - the prison and the lighthouse (among other things), is now a tourist attraction - one of the oh-so-typical places to see when you are in San Francisco. I did feel bad for the inmates at times - to be able to see the free world and not be there - it's worse than not seeing the free world at all! I walked around like an intruder - taking pictures like I was stepping into someone's personal space.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Amazing Quotes!
At the end of a long chat, this is what my friend had to say: "seriously.. you are a blessing... you leave a trial which is indescribable"
Did you get that? If you didn't read that again :)
Did you get that? If you didn't read that again :)
Monday, May 12, 2008
You could be…
...my silver springs... playing in the background....
It's one of those days when random thoughts try to mar a perfect day....
I like this place - I didn't expect myself to and now it's leaving me a li'l disturbed (?). I miss home but I don't call - If I do, I'd run out of things to say in a few mins...I don't call friends each day - I miss them too!
There are things I do and things I don't - not every thing's right! That's the hardest part I guess - to accept that the crappy part belongs to me, to know that I could say mean things, to know that I could mess up someone for life... to know that 'sorry' has a limited reach....
:) Time for me to stop, lest I say something I shouldn't!
Note: Ya, am tempted to delete this post but then....I hit Publish!
It's one of those days when random thoughts try to mar a perfect day....
I like this place - I didn't expect myself to and now it's leaving me a li'l disturbed (?). I miss home but I don't call - If I do, I'd run out of things to say in a few mins...I don't call friends each day - I miss them too!
There are things I do and things I don't - not every thing's right! That's the hardest part I guess - to accept that the crappy part belongs to me, to know that I could say mean things, to know that I could mess up someone for life... to know that 'sorry' has a limited reach....
:) Time for me to stop, lest I say something I shouldn't!
Note: Ya, am tempted to delete this post but then....I hit Publish!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
San Jose
[salbum=27,y,n,left] April 28-May 2
After the great time at Sentosa, we returned to the airport, walked around the huge Changi airport and boarded the plane close to 6 in the evening. We were so tired, we fell asleep as soon as the plane was taxiing. I had no clue when the plane took off or when dinner was served - I was fast asleep! I got up only when the air hostess woke me up saying "good morning!" I had slept a good 12 hours :) And, it was evening at San Francisco, not morning. After a wash and 'breakfast' on the place, we got off at 7:45pm local time.
We got out and waited for the bus to get us to San Jose Hilton, about an hour away. At 8 pm, it was windy and cold! And this was supposed to be summer!! Thankfully, we had been told about the chilly evenings, and had warm clothes with us.
After a bit of delay in getting the bus, we reached the hotel at 11pm, ordered dinner minutes before 12 and finished dinner at 1am. By the time we got to sleep, it was close to 3am. Thanks to a call to the wrong room, I got up at 630am. The rest of the week flew by - with days occupied by work and meetings, evenings spent by walks in the cold streets :) No wonder I got quite a few pictures of the San Jose neighbourhood.
Friday evening, I moved to Mountain View - to the apartment - where I'd be staying for the rest of my visit here.
After the great time at Sentosa, we returned to the airport, walked around the huge Changi airport and boarded the plane close to 6 in the evening. We were so tired, we fell asleep as soon as the plane was taxiing. I had no clue when the plane took off or when dinner was served - I was fast asleep! I got up only when the air hostess woke me up saying "good morning!" I had slept a good 12 hours :) And, it was evening at San Francisco, not morning. After a wash and 'breakfast' on the place, we got off at 7:45pm local time.
We got out and waited for the bus to get us to San Jose Hilton, about an hour away. At 8 pm, it was windy and cold! And this was supposed to be summer!! Thankfully, we had been told about the chilly evenings, and had warm clothes with us.
After a bit of delay in getting the bus, we reached the hotel at 11pm, ordered dinner minutes before 12 and finished dinner at 1am. By the time we got to sleep, it was close to 3am. Thanks to a call to the wrong room, I got up at 630am. The rest of the week flew by - with days occupied by work and meetings, evenings spent by walks in the cold streets :) No wonder I got quite a few pictures of the San Jose neighbourhood.
Friday evening, I moved to Mountain View - to the apartment - where I'd be staying for the rest of my visit here.
Singapore
[salbum=26,y,n,left]My first trip across the seas - I set off to US of A on a business trip. On our way to SFO, we stopped at Singapore for about 8 hours. A few of us went to Sentosa Island and here are the pics!
We got out of the airport, hired a cab, and off we were to Sentosa Island. We headed straight to Underwater World, my first visit to an oceanarium! If you are at Singapore, you should visit this place. It is simply amazing! You can touch fishes, watch soooo many fishes - large and small, pretty and creepy, slow and fast, ...
It was such a lovely experience - walking through the tunnel watching the fishes go by... wondering how big they are... and wondering if they were really that big! There was also a group of elderly women there - enjoying the place as much as we were. It was a good reminder to live life to the fullest - right to the very last breath. I can still hear them call out to each other excited about some fancy fish they've seen!
Now, am waiting to go to Monterrey Bay - waiting for another great experience!
We got out of the airport, hired a cab, and off we were to Sentosa Island. We headed straight to Underwater World, my first visit to an oceanarium! If you are at Singapore, you should visit this place. It is simply amazing! You can touch fishes, watch soooo many fishes - large and small, pretty and creepy, slow and fast, ...
It was such a lovely experience - walking through the tunnel watching the fishes go by... wondering how big they are... and wondering if they were really that big! There was also a group of elderly women there - enjoying the place as much as we were. It was a good reminder to live life to the fullest - right to the very last breath. I can still hear them call out to each other excited about some fancy fish they've seen!
Now, am waiting to go to Monterrey Bay - waiting for another great experience!
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