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! :)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Gokarna - About the Trip and the Pictures
A much delayed post about my first trip this year – after mistakenly deleting my draft and having to reboot in the middle of the second unsaved version, here is my third attempt!
The first long weekend of the year was just two weeks into the year and I wanted to travel - the place was Gokarna. So, on Jan 11, we set off to Hubli from Hyderabad. The plan was Hyderabad – Hubli – Karwar – Gokarna. We reached Hubli and missed the bus to Gokarna! The bus to Ankola was ready to leave, and were told that we can reach Gokarna from there.
Soon, we were out of the concrete jungle and on to some nice roads. After a couple of stops, the bus halted for a break at Yeswantpur. We got to know that the Gokarna bus was the one right next to us and those who are traveling to Gokarna can get in, so we swapped buses midway!
Soon, we came to a long line of lorries and tankers hampered by work on the ghat roads, with passenger vehicles trying to get ahead of them. Before we were out of that, I had lost count of the number of tankers I’d seen. Finally, we reached Gokarna at 1pm!
After lunch, introductions, and a good wash at the hotel, we rested for a while and then set off
to the Om beach that evening. They (autos) charge 100 Rs to get to most of the beaches. The beaches are out of the town (except the main beach) and the approach roads are quite scenic. You travel on hilly roads and walk down to the beach :)
We walked around the beach and waited for the sun to go down for some sunset pictures. In the meantime, we went on a boat ride – saw the other beaches from the boat, trying to plan the next two days.
After the boat ride, the guys went for a swim and I had all the time to walk around the beach with my Olympus C770 and my friend’s Panasonic FZ50. Close to sunset, we climbed the rocks and watched the sun set over the ocean. After the sun went down, we got back, had an early dinner, and returned to the hotel.
Day 2: We decided to go to the Kudle Beach first. Another auto, another winding road, another beautiful beach. I’ve seen a clean beach before (think Pichavaram) and many dirty beaches (think Chennai). But, Gokarna is unbeatable for the amount of life on the beach – that is, life
other than human life. You can find fishes, seaweeds; we found whalebones (according to Abhijeet) and colorful rocks too. You can walk around the beach all day and not be bored, i.e., if you look at all the little things around you.
We had our lunch in one of the shanties that offered Mexican, Italian, Israeli cuisines – at a very reasonable price. After lunch, we had some yummy apple pie (?) After lunch, I went back to relaxing in the shade and my friend spent time watching fishes in a pool of water (it ended when he saw someone peeing into his warm pool!)
I sat there watching the waves, the rocks, the beach, the people – and after getting into the water, my friend didn’t want to go to any other beach. So, he spent the day in the water – swimming, searching for fishes, seaweeds, crabs I spent the day taking pictures of everything.
Soon enough, they found a seaweed – and Amir crowned Abhijeet with the seaweed. Right
away, we heard someone screaming “Thieves! Thieves!!” She came swimming, got her seaweed crown and swam back to her parents – much to our amusement! And when she got out of the water, she crowned one of the rocks as the prince and the guardian of the crown. Sweet! A few minutes later, the seaweed was back home in the seawater, thanks to Amir!
Another evening, another walk up the road, another day ends!
Day 3: It was time to return – but before our long journey back home, we had about half a day to spare. We decided to check out the Main Beach (aka Gokarna Beach) besides the temple as it was the closest and we didn’t have an entire day to spare. We’d also checked out – didn’t make sense to be carrying things around! We walked to the beach, and found a shady spot between two boats.
When I reached this beach behind the temple, I couldn’t but compare and contrast this beach with what I saw over the last two days. The Main Beach is something from which a traveler can stay away – it is the noisy, dirty, and polluted beach. The other beaches are equally calm, clean, and beautiful. The Main Beach is very much like one of the Chennai beaches.
The temple is surrounded by a lot of shops selling souvenirs, beads, bangles from camel bones, even tiger nails! I am not sure how aut
hentic they are – but, one thing that may put away local (ie, Indian) travelers is the price! Almost all shops seem to exist for the foreign traveler – I can easily find most of those beads/chains and bangles in Hyderabad/Chennai. Somehow, quite surprisingly, Gokarna still has the run-down, old town look – there aren’t many new, high-rise building. In fact, most of the buildings on the main street look as if they may fall apart anytime.
After walking around the town for a while, we decided to get back – had lunch on our way and reached the bus stand. We went to Ankola from Gokarna – which proved to be another crazy ride. From Ankola, it was another bus to Hubli. The new bus stand at Hubli was a disappointment – it was unused, dark, had very few shops, and was out of the town! If I go again, I will save myself the trouble and wait at the old bus stand. Another bus, another long journey, another day and we were back in Hyderabad. We rushed home to prepare for another day at work!
It is an amazing place for a relaxed weekend – the only thing that keeps me from going there every other weekend is the journey and the distance – It is a place worth visiting but not good for a weekend trip, at least not from Hyderabad.
The first long weekend of the year was just two weeks into the year and I wanted to travel - the place was Gokarna. So, on Jan 11, we set off to Hubli from Hyderabad. The plan was Hyderabad – Hubli – Karwar – Gokarna. We reached Hubli and missed the bus to Gokarna! The bus to Ankola was ready to leave, and were told that we can reach Gokarna from there.Soon, we were out of the concrete jungle and on to some nice roads. After a couple of stops, the bus halted for a break at Yeswantpur. We got to know that the Gokarna bus was the one right next to us and those who are traveling to Gokarna can get in, so we swapped buses midway!
Soon, we came to a long line of lorries and tankers hampered by work on the ghat roads, with passenger vehicles trying to get ahead of them. Before we were out of that, I had lost count of the number of tankers I’d seen. Finally, we reached Gokarna at 1pm!
After lunch, introductions, and a good wash at the hotel, we rested for a while and then set off
to the Om beach that evening. They (autos) charge 100 Rs to get to most of the beaches. The beaches are out of the town (except the main beach) and the approach roads are quite scenic. You travel on hilly roads and walk down to the beach :)We walked around the beach and waited for the sun to go down for some sunset pictures. In the meantime, we went on a boat ride – saw the other beaches from the boat, trying to plan the next two days.
After the boat ride, the guys went for a swim and I had all the time to walk around the beach with my Olympus C770 and my friend’s Panasonic FZ50. Close to sunset, we climbed the rocks and watched the sun set over the ocean. After the sun went down, we got back, had an early dinner, and returned to the hotel.Day 2: We decided to go to the Kudle Beach first. Another auto, another winding road, another beautiful beach. I’ve seen a clean beach before (think Pichavaram) and many dirty beaches (think Chennai). But, Gokarna is unbeatable for the amount of life on the beach – that is, life
other than human life. You can find fishes, seaweeds; we found whalebones (according to Abhijeet) and colorful rocks too. You can walk around the beach all day and not be bored, i.e., if you look at all the little things around you.We had our lunch in one of the shanties that offered Mexican, Italian, Israeli cuisines – at a very reasonable price. After lunch, we had some yummy apple pie (?) After lunch, I went back to relaxing in the shade and my friend spent time watching fishes in a pool of water (it ended when he saw someone peeing into his warm pool!)
I sat there watching the waves, the rocks, the beach, the people – and after getting into the water, my friend didn’t want to go to any other beach. So, he spent the day in the water – swimming, searching for fishes, seaweeds, crabs I spent the day taking pictures of everything.
Soon enough, they found a seaweed – and Amir crowned Abhijeet with the seaweed. Right
away, we heard someone screaming “Thieves! Thieves!!” She came swimming, got her seaweed crown and swam back to her parents – much to our amusement! And when she got out of the water, she crowned one of the rocks as the prince and the guardian of the crown. Sweet! A few minutes later, the seaweed was back home in the seawater, thanks to Amir!
Another evening, another walk up the road, another day ends!Day 3: It was time to return – but before our long journey back home, we had about half a day to spare. We decided to check out the Main Beach (aka Gokarna Beach) besides the temple as it was the closest and we didn’t have an entire day to spare. We’d also checked out – didn’t make sense to be carrying things around! We walked to the beach, and found a shady spot between two boats.
When I reached this beach behind the temple, I couldn’t but compare and contrast this beach with what I saw over the last two days. The Main Beach is something from which a traveler can stay away – it is the noisy, dirty, and polluted beach. The other beaches are equally calm, clean, and beautiful. The Main Beach is very much like one of the Chennai beaches.The temple is surrounded by a lot of shops selling souvenirs, beads, bangles from camel bones, even tiger nails! I am not sure how aut
hentic they are – but, one thing that may put away local (ie, Indian) travelers is the price! Almost all shops seem to exist for the foreign traveler – I can easily find most of those beads/chains and bangles in Hyderabad/Chennai. Somehow, quite surprisingly, Gokarna still has the run-down, old town look – there aren’t many new, high-rise building. In fact, most of the buildings on the main street look as if they may fall apart anytime.After walking around the town for a while, we decided to get back – had lunch on our way and reached the bus stand. We went to Ankola from Gokarna – which proved to be another crazy ride. From Ankola, it was another bus to Hubli. The new bus stand at Hubli was a disappointment – it was unused, dark, had very few shops, and was out of the town! If I go again, I will save myself the trouble and wait at the old bus stand. Another bus, another long journey, another day and we were back in Hyderabad. We rushed home to prepare for another day at work!
It is an amazing place for a relaxed weekend – the only thing that keeps me from going there every other weekend is the journey and the distance – It is a place worth visiting but not good for a weekend trip, at least not from Hyderabad.
 |
| From Gokarna |
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Prayer
I got this mail today from a friend - something about a fiery prayer; the prayer was something you won't hear every week at your church, and the mail said it was at the Senate! And, here's what Snopes says:
Back in January of 1996, the Rev. Joe Wright, senior pastor of the 2,500-member Central Christian Church in Wichita, was invited to offer the opening prayer at a session of the Kansas House of Representatives (not the Kansas Senate, as claimed in the text), and the prayer he offered was this one (which differs somewhat from the version cited in the text above):
Heavenly Father, we come before you to ask your forgiveness. We seek your direction and your guidance. We know your word says, "Woe to those who call evil good." But that's what we've done.
We've lost our spiritual equilibrium. We have inverted our values. We have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word in the name of moral pluralism. We have worshiped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We've exploited the poor and called it a lottery. We've neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. In the name of choice, we have killed our unborn. In the name of right to life, we have killed abortionists.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it taxes. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, oh, God, and know our hearts today. Try us. Show us any wickedness within us. Cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of the State of Kansas, and that they have been ordained by you to govern this great state.
Grant them your wisdom to rule. May their decisions direct us to the center of your will. And, as we continue our prayer and as we come in out of the fog, give us clear minds to accomplish our goals as we begin this Legislature. For we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Back in January of 1996, the Rev. Joe Wright, senior pastor of the 2,500-member Central Christian Church in Wichita, was invited to offer the opening prayer at a session of the Kansas House of Representatives (not the Kansas Senate, as claimed in the text), and the prayer he offered was this one (which differs somewhat from the version cited in the text above):
Heavenly Father, we come before you to ask your forgiveness. We seek your direction and your guidance. We know your word says, "Woe to those who call evil good." But that's what we've done.
We've lost our spiritual equilibrium. We have inverted our values. We have ridiculed the absolute truth of your word in the name of moral pluralism. We have worshiped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We've exploited the poor and called it a lottery. We've neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. In the name of choice, we have killed our unborn. In the name of right to life, we have killed abortionists.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it taxes. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, oh, God, and know our hearts today. Try us. Show us any wickedness within us. Cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of the State of Kansas, and that they have been ordained by you to govern this great state.
Grant them your wisdom to rule. May their decisions direct us to the center of your will. And, as we continue our prayer and as we come in out of the fog, give us clear minds to accomplish our goals as we begin this Legislature. For we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)