tales from doha

Mayakkam enna

2012-02-15T21:29:00.000+03:00

Another Dhanush hit, directed by his brother.

Dhanush is a photographer and loves to “click” wild animals in the safari. He has his own gang of friends and his best friend in the gang gets girl-friend and one fine night at beach, he introduces his g/f to the gang and the girl sets her eyes on Dhanush, lures him, seduces him and is after him in a dangerous way till she gets her way and marries him.

In the meantime, Dhanush’s photo of the soaring bird is flicked-up by one of the famous expert as his work and it gets National Award. On reading this, Dhanush suicides and became imbalanced and the beautiful heroine nurses him wonderfully.

The story moves on from here on how “the iron lady” melts him and brings him back to normal and stood beside him as he gets international recognition. It is “Adults only” movie as some of the scenes were intimate.

We loved seeing this movie at Escape cinema in EA.

World Record of Hide & Seek Game

2012-02-13T21:23:00.000+03:00

We are the Guinness World Record Holder. Well, at least played a part in one of the Guinness World Record competition. Energetic Qatar wanted to break "largest Hide & Seek Game" of previous record of 502 participants currently held by UK.

We all readily signed-in for the event, who wants to miss "hide & seek game", that too at Katara and weather was picture-perfect. Around 1000s of us assembled on Feb 10th Friday at Katara by 2 PM as registration closes by 3 PM. In fact, on this day, there were two interesting programs. One is this and the other is held at MIA park "Wheels & Heels event", wherein Qatar is poised to unveil its logo & slogan for 2020 Olympic bid and also finishing race day for "cycle tour of doha"championship. We choose "Hide & Seek"

The venue in front of amphitheater was swarmed by people of all age groups from 6 to 60. Enthusiastic, cheerful and looked like carnival atmosphere. Since we have already bought tickets, we registered our names and picked up the tag numbers. We all excited and there were lots of students from many schools & universities.

When we said this to some of our friends and asked them to join in, many refused, "what, at this age, Hide & Seek, you crazy", yeah, i'am. It's been long & so long since we all played this enthralling game.

At 3.30, we have been asked to stand in line in front of around 25 volunteers, divided into 25 lines with each line having 50 people. It took quite sometime to get this organized. We saw an official from Guinness World Record company, specially flown in from London for this event.

At 4 PM, final counting started of number of participants in each line and counting was endorsed by the Guinness official. This again took quite some time. Time pass quickly with people watching and looking-up at the Hand-glider circle in the sky by sports enthusiasts

The rule was simple, the game will be played for one and half hours of five rounds and each round lasts for 16 minutes. There will be one seeker and everyone has to hide within 5 minutes, behind buildings or trees and not inside the buildings and should make it to "I'am Safe" place before the game got over. If you are caught, you must hand over the tag to him. He will be blind-folded for 5 minutes and then the seeker will come screaming 'Ready or Not I'll catch you, wherever you are" and We must all Run for our life in order NOT to get caught. And, Katara is the perfect venue for this Fun Festival.

At last, Countdown started & whistle blown at 4.10 PM and first seeker on-stage ready to blind-fold and when the countdown reached "0", 1000s of us Ran to hide. We all ran fast past the amphitheater, past the Armenian restaurant and there were cones placed all along beyond which you can't go and we noticed an old man hiding behind a billboard and thought that's the perfect place. After sometime, we slowly came out and saw another crowd running fast towards our direction, screaming "He's coming". We again ran fast to hide and after 5 minutes, ran towards "i'am Safe" place

With everyone in jubilation, second round started. We ran along with the crowd, and this time selected to hide behind a buggy car. Kids nearby yelled "if he comes, i'am going to expose you". There were all sorts of people standing, smiling, laughing, jogging and secretly hoping that they'll not get caught. After 12 minutes, we slowly came out of the hiding place and ran fast towards 'I'am safe" place.

Everyone looked eagerly towards Third round of Fun & Frolic and this time we hid ourselves behind a signboard along with couple of other girls. Suddenly a crowd started charging with sounds of "He's here, he's here, Go" but we stayed put. After few minutes, made to Safe venue along with 999 other people chit-chatting and welcoming the late comers who just made it to next round

We were all jubilant for the fourth round and this time security shouted to us "What you are doing here", go, go. Poor guy was really surprised as he got no idea of what's going on here and continued saying to us, "Police, police coming, go go"invoking puzzled look from us. He could not understand "Hide & Seek" and felt sorry for the poor guy who were utterly shocked from the goings-on.

Guinness official about to announce the result

By now, we were all tired and being playing the game for the last one hour, too much running after long time, too much puff-paffing, too much heart-beating, too much excitement all around and 1000's of people running here and there and everywhere, full of thrilling, suspense, laughter, shouting, cheering, clapping, and whistling.

When fifth round announced, we didn't go too far and just hid behind the nearby building and made it to safe zone in no time and all of us heaved sigh!

We were called to the stage by 6 PM and been informed, results are being tallied, to subtract those who were caught from the total participants and the results will be announced in 11.5 minutes precisely but it's announced in 9th minute and yes, "WE CREATED GUINNESS WORLD RECORD" with 1248 participants beating the previous record by over 700 margin. 'WooHoo!, never thought we'll part of the world record team"

This is the 21st World Record created by Qatar. And, after-party began with music beat, dance and hip-hop!

And tomorrow, Second Tuesday of the month, coincidentally, Feb 14th is National Holiday in Qatar. More about it soon!

I wanna dance with somebody....

2012-02-12T21:12:00.000+03:00

We used to dance to her tunes while in REC and yes, her poster there too in my room @ Topaz. Checked it in hostel photo album before writing this post. My room'z decorated with many colorful hues.

I love her songs and had her compilation. In those days Sun magazine used to produce blow-ups of favorite pop stars. I love to buy this magazine regularly. Cost 15 i think. Once, i missed an issue and along with my friend Mahender went to their office to get the back-issue for collecting (Samantha Fox, i think) - 4 part poster - i had 3, missed the one part and that's where this hunt came.

When i heard the news of Whitney today, memories came rushing back.

Guruvayoor trip - Elephant mela - part 2

2012-02-11T12:20:00.000+03:00

chit-chating after lunch

The one in right, saw this bi-colored guy in temple pooja later in the night. Love the "little naman, so cute".

We engaged an auto to visit the smaller temples (around 7) in Guruvayoor. I love the temples in Guruvayoor, so authentically kerala. The auto driver seem friendly, educated and smart. Driver enquired me about the camera when he saw me happily clicking around. I was wearing dhoti and no pocket too. So, felt uncomfortable in carrying camera-held backpack every time inside the temple and we need to remove our shirt too. So, during one of the visit to one of the temple, left the camera backpack in the auto itself and at last minute even put my purse in the backpack and told him to look after the bag carefully as it contain costly camera. He looked at me and nodded his head to & fro.

I happily went inside the temple frolicking my hand without backpack. We spent 15 minutes and returned back. The temple is very serene. Took our slipper from the slipper stand and looked for our auto. Here - No, There - No. Slight panic came to us. Searched in nearby streets - No.

Now, everyone in FULL panic. Enquired auto drivers from nearby stand, no one saw him, asked the woman in slipper stand - she didn't notice and asked the traffic constable standing in front of the temple and he said "go quickly to police station & complain". What to do, now?. Besides my lovable and huggable camera, the purse contained all my credit cards & ample cash too. "Oh! My God"!

How naive i'am to leave everything in the custody of driver, whom we knew only for the last one hour in this trip. We ran up and down and said to dad, "let us see for few more minutes" while the traffic constable urged us "to go fast to police station". We prayed to Him. Everyone in full tension & 15 minutes passed.

And then, he came smilingly. Asked 'where you are gone". he said that his home is nearby only and so he went there and his kid asked for biscuit and he went to shop to get biscuit and added "thought you'll take 30 minutes to come out".

Thanked God and got inside and from then on, yes, you guessed it right, "bag with camera & purse never left me". Maybe He changed his mind or anything or anyone would have taken the bag from his auto while he left it unattended when he went inside his home or while purchasing biscuits. "All'z well"!

and the naughty guy

Photos from Traditional Dhow Exhibition - part 4

2012-02-10T12:24:00.000+03:00

On the last day, we got the ride in one of the typical wooden boat during sunset time. The whole ambience with sand, curio shops, below-the-ground seating arrangement and dim lights reflected the bygone period

Getting the Blessing

2012-02-09T17:12:00.001+03:00

My new coffee

2012-02-07T22:01:00.000+03:00

100% Arabica, just pure coffee, nothing else. It not fills your sense with "strong aroma" but tastes "double great" too!

Alice in I Land (And no wonder)

2012-02-06T21:23:00.000+03:00

Yet another traditional annual pantomime at Museum theatre for successive 16 years. It's full house on Saturday matinee show. This time booked ticket through on-line comfortably. We liked this more than the last time drama, full of laughter and "lively".

We all knew Alice in Wonderland. This play by Little theatre is tribute to Steve Jobs. One Afternoon, while Alice was busy cleaning her home, her buddies charge in and they were deeply upset that petite girl Alice doesn't have "placebook account".

The play through lovely songs and dance and dialogues beautifully brings about virtual reality in real life as Alice goes through "Doodle Chrome" fastest browser into the world of internet to save it from Virus. As usual, there is constant interaction between actors (mostly teenagers) and audience and that's what pantomime is all about, isn't it? Thanks, to the efforts put-in by all members of the team and regular rehearsals from August. Kudos! Little Theatre, you deserve "All the Honor".

Alice has a task in her hand. The charming little girl's objective is to save the kingdom of internet from dangerous minds planning to plant a virus to hack the accounts so as to own every social networking sites.

After the break, came Jaberwachowsky, played by Krishnakumar, who’s also the director of the play (we saw him playing coordinating role in last year's play too, brilliant actor). with a evil look(?) and grin, he looked more villany provoking laughter from audience but in the end Alice wins hands-down.

Lots of dances from little members and entertaining racy musical with abundant laughs and can't forget Mr Bean like lead character, flexible little Alice, mylapore mami-girl and hope, to see their creation next year too.

Photos from Traditional Dhow Exhibition - part 3

2012-02-05T15:25:00.001+03:00

There were cute seating arrangement on an elevated platform like set-up and Swa enjoyed captain's seat in steering the boat

Celebrating 600th post

2012-02-04T11:20:00.000+03:00

It's time to celebrate my 600th silly-post in the blog. Fireworks photos were taken at Arab Games opening ceremony

How Dirty is Dirty?

2012-02-03T22:04:00.003+03:00

This movie not released in Qatar because it’s Dirty. I love Dirty and the movie starring Vidya Balan slated to become massive hit right from the shooting launch. If the title doesn’t arouse you, streaming photo-stills of Vidya surely WILL and even it doesn’t, her vivid portray of Silk will and even if it doesn’t, just don’t bother, you are NOT fit to watch this movie. Give it a miss.

Vidya has barred and dared all in this Dirty Picture. Camera never left anything to viewers guess from mid-riff’s to the curves. And Vidya has put “Bold Curves” back-in and size-zero is out!

We caught up with this voluptuous movie at a “packed matinee show” @ Seasons in Sathyam cinema with ticket bearing stamp of “under 18 not allowed”. Audience for the movie comprised of many girls and women including families showing the changing trend of viewership in Metros. The audience resembled like any other Hindi movie – nicely dressed with popcorn & Pepsi. One single patron stood-out as we saw him entering the hall slowly with walking stick, he must be over 85, aided by his wife and daughter. The enthusiastic man took baby walk-out even during interval showing his ‘undulated joy” for the entertainment.

The movie of course oozes sex right from pompous start of “Nakka Mukka” till the end. I love Silk and her dance movements and still remember having read in Kumudam Lights-on Vinoth article “Silk Kadithu Pota Apple, fetched lots of money on auction” (forgot the exact amount). In this movie, Vidya gained weight to fit herself to Silk’s dress and before this movie, no one ever knew she had the gorgeous juggling assets. Naseeruddin shah matches with her yet again after Ishquia and not a word from anyone in India calling for the ban of the movie. Who will be so mad to shut-off the hottest mega-hit movie of the year.

As ooooh-la-la-la-oooooh-la-la-la filled the theatre with gracious movements of Vidya, all eyes were glued to the screen as she passionately portrayed Silk’s cinematic roles. On the other hand, the movie also lays in naked the hardships or love ships one need to endure in the filmdom and “what needs to be blown-up” to climb up the ladder or be blown-off.

(while i was writing this post in morning hours, a good silk-starred movie went on in vijay, one of my favorite teen-age movie, about it "shortly")

Photos from Traditional Dhow Exhibition - part 2

2012-02-02T17:10:00.000+03:00

As part of the show, Pearl diving event was organized and the sailors went out for diving just like good 'ole times on the first day and came back on the fourth day with bagful of goodies and they were given traditional welcome by the folks back home - singing & dancing & the one harvested lots of pearls were full of joy

Freezing @ Doha

2012-01-25T21:53:00.000+03:00

The coldest winter is being experienced in Doha, right now. It’s F.R.E.E.Z.I.N.G!

Morning temperature in the car blinked at 6 deg C for the first time. For some of them it's 4 deg C.

On stepping on the floor, it’s so-cold and, for the first time in the last 3 years, room heaters were taken out from the hidden zone, to make the “night, hotter and warmer!”

Enjoying the weather immensely!

Photos from Traditional Dhow Exhibition - part 1

2012-01-08T15:28:00.000+03:00

There were over 60 traditional wooden dhows exhibited for us to hop-in and hop-out. Sizes range from massive to normal ones and model from super luxury to simple wooden log to ancient ones to modern ones

Tennis anyone?

2012-01-07T11:19:00.000+03:00

Wish i love tennis, Qatar would be heaven for me. Right now, Top 2 players Federer and Nadal in Qatar to play at ExxonMobil ATP World Tour and here they kick start the tournament amidst candle lit in the beautiful amphitheater at Katara.

Coincidentally, it's gonna' be all-french final tomorrow. Go Tsonga :)

Next month, we have top tennis women tennis at Doha for yet another international regular fixture

Guruvayoor trip - Elephant mela - part 1

2012-01-05T21:06:00.001+03:00

Sometimes being BIG is tough too, Size does matter!

I love this guy. I can do my own bath. No need of any help. Confidence!

Stormy adieu to 2011

2012-01-03T21:35:00.000+03:00

(photo by Bonoslack7)

After very many years, we experienced stormy Chennai. It’s not proud to say, I haven’t seen it for very long time. In fact, there are some incidents, better not to experience it and this is one of them.

As news reader from newly launched Tamil channel “புதிய தலைமுறை” said. “For those of you who are watching TV from the comfort of your home, it’s Good Morning but not for those who are severely affected by “Thane” (name of the storm).

All I know is ‘Thane” where I’ve spent many summer months in Bombay while doing a consultancy at Mukand steel. The guest house and as well Steel plant used to overlook “Mammoth Picturesque Green Hill” and had nice time with colleagues & new-found friends

Back to this ‘Thane”, with wind howling at 140 kph accompanied by heavy rain, it became running commentary in TV, like, it is now at 750 KM from the Chennai coast, now at 500 km and few hours back @ 150 KM distance like train approaching. Thanks to the advanced communication system, people have been evacuated to safe areas and damages to lives were minimized

While riding on the Beach road with Suba, saw the waves rising to an abnormal height and water has covered entire marina stretch till the service lane with boats pushed ashore, bringing back the images of Tsunami that I saw on Dec 26 on the same place, that fateful year.

For Swa, it is the first cyclone and for first time she’s hearing the “sound of the wind”. With natural elements dancing on streets, still life continued in Chennai, except for school holidays. People going around their business using umbrella and since it’s last day for us in the winter holiday, had few knots to tie, so whenever there’s brief respite from “Rain God”, hurried-up to finish the tasks.

On the day of our travel to Doha, ‘Thane” hit the coast of Cuddalore-Pondy (giving Chennai a miss). Glued to television as news trickled of train / flight delays and as usual no one picked-up the phone at airline office at airport and city office closed for the day due to cyclone.

As our flight was at afternoon, was confident, that “Storm” will not prevent flight delays and went to airport amidst drizzling which changed to “heavy downpour” near airport and glad, flight took-off on-time.

Next day, heard about the severe after-effects of the cyclone. As said in the beginning, some events are better to be missed than get ourselves “missed in them”!

Off to Chennai

2011-12-13T16:37:00.001+03:00

Canvas at Sky

2011-12-12T21:28:00.000+03:00

Dornier Alpha Jet air show in action over Doha Bay

Originating in 1931, PAF is one of the world’s oldest and most skilled demonstration teams

Painted the skies in rich vibrant colors

Fast and Fearless and Futuristic Performance

For over 30 minutes, all eyes on skies

Girl with a Pearl Earring

2011-12-11T21:27:00.000+03:00

This movie, having to its credit string of awards had special screening at Museum Islamic Auditorium in the presence of Director.

Adopted from the best seller book and based on painting of the girl wearing pearl earring by Dutch Van hommer, the movie by itself looked like a painting. And same words were echoed by a Dutch national while praising the Director during “Audience Question” Hours.

The museum hosted Dutch Painting exhibition for last few months and as final tribute, this movie was screened to celebrate the Art.

Superb movie. No other superlatives can describe beautifulness of the movie in all its splendor and glow. The screen shots dated back to the period 1665 and Holland with its canals, boat with lantern light crisscrossing canals at night added romantic picturesque serene and the girl wearing long flowing skirt with scarves and typical living style of that period portrayed so accurately adding to charm of the by-gone era.

As Director said during his speech, “Scarlett was just 18 year old Brash-American-Teenager” when she acted in this movie and it took lots of efforts from him to convert her to nibble, soft, sweet, shy maid and she acted so perfectly with bambi-type-wild eyes that no wonder painter wants to paint her wearing his wife’s pearl earring and when came to knew of it “all-hell-breaks-loose”.

It is typical story of yester era of nagging-fat-middle aged-wife, her mother supporting her son-in-law in painting the maid and painter’s daughter helping her mother in unearthing painter's skewness.

Emotional story said so beautifully that 90 minutes passed like 90 seconds and what I liked the most besides the innocent sweet Scarlett is the lifestyle of drawing water from lake in front of house and day-to-day life as it happens during that period and the whole accessories that go with it.

I saw title of this movie at our DVD Library collection around 5 years back and thought i'll take it later but later never came and now, got it in free screening at fully wood-layered-museum auditorium. The auditorium by itself has given a feeling of watching the epic movie by its classic interior of wood-cushioned seats and wood-paneled walls and the theatre is as picturesque as the movie.

It is not a movie at all, more like watching Painting-on-the-screen.

(i'am glad to post this movie at last - saw it in april)

Glorious sunset @ Ngorongoro

2011-12-10T20:59:00.000+03:00

Seeing today's "Bold and Beautiful" Lunar eclipse, my mind race back to Glorious sunset view at Ngorongoro, Tanzania

Thursday NIght Movie time...

2011-12-09T12:34:00.000+03:00

It's Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. A con man, what else he does, yes, cons many women in many cities for money and excapes until 3 of the conned women come together in Goa to con him using Anuskha

Ranveer singh is "out n out" lady's man as he oozes his charm and sensuality. Did he got con'd or trapped Anuskha or did love win the con? This time, i'am not revealing the end as i'am letting Sathi to con me on his birthday by saying "i planned to watch this movie", just like as he said for Viva Cuba (best con ever!)

Went for 8.30 PM show and by the time we came out at 11, it's biting cold. Told Suba, "we should be prepared for tomorrow's inagural arab games ceremony at Khalifa stadium. Plans are kept confidential and surprising and no hints as well, as we expect David Atkins to deliver "out-of-the-world" extravaganza

Gunshot drawings

2011-12-07T21:53:00.000+03:00

Cai guo-qiang, from China creates drawings from gun powder shot, for his exhibition for first time in middle east

His masterpiece being made of "explosive shots" using small, carefully controlled detonators. We were able to witness his "live drawings" project that was held in a hall, next to MIA

Just can't wait to see his exhibition, opening shortly at "mathaf"

Viva Cuba

2011-12-05T22:20:00.001+03:00

Saw this Cuban movie, screened as part of Latin American Festival at Katara Drama Theatre at Morning 11 AM on a warm Saturday. After a loooong time, as I was saying to Suba, “last time we saw 11 AM movie at Sathyam, may be, “You have got mail” and for the first time in Doha, going for Morning show.

It’s a kidz movie, where two friends of around 12 years (boy and girl) decide to escape from their home as their families don’t like each other and one of their family planning to get divorced and bold girl says to boy “let us go to tip of Cuba, where my father lives in order to persuade him not to give exit authorization to my mom” and their roller-coaster ride starts from there-on in train, car, cart, bus and finally motor cycle. During their journey they endure hardships, fun, teasing, quarrel and even ghost and finally when their families’ catch-up with each other they again start quarrelling and kids decided to jump into Ocean, tightly holding each other.

Crowd in the cinema hall didn’t move for a few minutes after the movie ended. So absorbing!

Powerboat Championship

2011-12-04T16:51:00.001+03:00

We had no plan to go for this But this championship took place just after French Acrobatics at Sky. We went for that show and this came as a bonus.

On a warm saturday afternoon

Even had "Handball @ water" play complete with goal posts

Raining...

2011-12-02T15:27:00.001+03:00

It's rainy rainy day

Time to unwrap
the string of the
paper bag

Time to push
the play to
hip-hop away

It's rainy rainy day

To step afoot in
puddle paddle
To sit by the window
and watch rain droplets

Sound of the rain
gives the mood
to do
rainy day thingx

It's rainy rainy day

time to hot-up
time to heat-up
time to crunch and
time to munch

Drizzle whizzes past
very fast
In Doha it's rare
so instead of scribbling here

Time to enjoy the feeling
of rainy moments

For the last one week, weather has turned so beautiful in Doha with early onset of winter. Temperatures have dropped to 25 to 20 to 15 deg C.

Normally, it rains for just a day or two in a year but this time it’s been consistent for at least 4 to 5 days with drizzles and short pours and sun sets by 4.30 PM.

Blankets and winter clothes out of the cupboard and AC shut-off and yes, on the whole, a perfect time to freak-out

Gamarjoboat

2011-12-01T21:33:00.001+03:00

Silent comedy by the famous Japanese duo at Souq Wakif. Japanese Ambassador to Qatar in his introductory speech, said that they have been performing the show world over for the last 10 years.

It's just like seeing Laurel-Hardy type comedy live.

One of the highlight of the show is Robot type acting evoking laughter from kids. We enjoyed their laugh-a-second mimic for about close to an hour. They had lot of interactions with audience, pulling up anybody into their fold.

At the end of the show, they thanked Qatar for their generosity towards Japan during Tsunami disaster.

Ready to Tango?

2011-11-29T19:45:00.000+03:00

Beautiful & so intimate

Rainy Day Special Snap

2011-11-27T21:49:00.000+03:00

Rainy Day Movie

2011-11-26T13:50:00.000+03:00

Forget logic and this movie is just to have fun. Akshay & Abraham in london, facing recession, lose their jobs and take to pole dancing.

A movie to enjoy on a rainy day with Onion pakoda

Breaking Dawn

2011-11-24T22:15:00.000+03:00

African Beauty - 1

2011-11-23T21:37:00.000+03:00

El Salvador Dance

2011-11-21T21:30:00.000+03:00

Random snaps from colorful El Salvador Folklore Dance

Small-town like simple smiling dance with Asian touch

Hakuna Matata

2011-11-18T19:59:00.000+03:00

As i keep on hearing Haruka Matata song while driving, my mind racing back to Kenya
.

Circa Cuba - Part 2

2011-11-16T20:58:00.000+03:00

The guy just "slided" this "twisted timid girl" from top to bottom so effortlessly

In the below snap. girl started swinging in a rope tied to the guy's neck like "Rattinam"

Africa Effect

2011-11-14T21:27:00.000+03:00

So used to Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wild beast, Gazelles crossing the road in front of our jeep for the last so many days, that i started to look out for them as i was driving in doha yesterday. Alas! only gigantic mean-looking 4WDs crisscrossing my path :(

I miss my AAAFFFREEEKAAAH!
.

Circa Cuba - Part 1

2011-11-13T21:45:00.000+03:00

Snaps from "Cuban Circus"

Part of "Latin American Cultural Festival - 2011"

Thoroughly enjoyed the Amazing Performance

(show continues...)

Back in Doha But...

2011-11-12T17:06:00.003+03:00

My soul is still in AAAFREEEKAAAH!

JAMBO Kenya!

2011-10-31T21:26:00.002+03:00

The countdown started 300 days back finally reaching its zenith on Zero’th day tomorrow.

Off to Kenya / Tanzania – Safari. ‘WooooW! – Just the saying of “Off to Kenya / Tanzania Safari” itself makes me to spring up in the air in anticipation of enthusiasm.

After months of dreaming, months of preparation, months of reading, months of working out logistics, shopping, finally…it’s time to soak in the flavor of East Africa

Safari Trip is completely different from all other trips I’ve undertaken till now. Starting from the selection of tour operator to mode of travel to picking up safari lodges to dress to wear to gifts to give – the list is endless. Finally, i've packed more than 50 items aside from dress and medical stuffs AND it’s also “The Most Expensive Trip”.

Having read 1000s of pages of trip reports, finally, I can make my own trip report of ‘Safari in Kenya / Tanzania”.

When I shot-off my first e-mail in December 2010, the small bubble developed inside me has steadily grown over the months and ready to bubble-wrap me in couple of days when I land in Ngorongoro crater.

The dream of waking up to the roaring of lions, sipping coffee over looking the crater as sun rises over Mt. Kilimanjaro, lounging during sundowners in easy chair as sun sets over giraffe, the dream of sleeping at night hearing the playful sounds of hippo and soft foot steps of elephant whispers at midnight, the smell, the air……

OFF TO AFFFREEEEE-KAHH

12 Hours TO GO

2011-10-31T16:17:00.000+03:00

DTFF 2011 - Where do we go now? - Charming musical

2011-10-30T19:04:00.000+03:00

http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival/films/where-do-we-go-now

In a lebanese village, group of women import sexy girls to side track young guys fighting with each other due to muslim / christian conflict. These smart middle-aged women want to distance their village from the growing conflict else where and O'Man, these women are so naughty and the dialogues are so witty. it just proves, no matter what your age be, if you have zest for life, you can swing anyone to your wants and however serious, the situation be, you need not have to be serious to find out solution.

The story takes place in a typical worn-out village having no facilities and first time radio / tv being installed, guys opening-up their mouth and women closing their mouth due to skinny-clad presenters and an old lady yelling to change the channel as children's are there due to rated scenes

Full of humorous and i've to agree with Doha Fim Institute Programming head when she said "You guys are lucky, very lucky, to get tickets for this movie" as it's sold out within minutes. I knew as next to Black Gold, this had "Rush Sales" tag. No wonder, it proved major hit.

Watched "Where do we go now" in custom-built theatre for the festival. Felt sad, the carnival has come to an end and we have to wait for 2012 for curtains to go-up again.

DTFF 2011 - Family Fun Fair :)

2011-10-29T21:46:00.000+03:00

Today is Family Fun Day at Katara as part of Doha Tribeca Film Festival with lots and lots of activities for kids and families - Henna, Face painting, Kite flying, Bubble garden, Sand sculpture, Arts, crafts, shopping, bollywood dance from Bombay, music, magic, band, street performers, food, stilt walking, story telling, puppet, open air theatre movie spy kids, stage performance, acting-in-movie, ecetra, ecetra.

In-between sneaked out to watch Adult movie "Woman in the Fifth". Loved the intro' of the Director when he said "it's the most crooked movie, every time you see, it gives new dimension". It's quite intense.

Joined fun later in the evening

DTFF 2011 - Almanya - Welcome To Germany

2011-10-28T22:07:00.000+03:00

Charming cross-cultural comedy about three generations of German-Turks, “Almanya” is the story of a Turkish family living in Germany who set off together for their homeland. Moving across the past and present, the journey is full of memories, arguments and reconciliations, until the family trip takes an unexpected turn…..

http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival/films/almanya-welcome-to-germany

Laugh-a-minute cheeky movie directed by two sisters, who came on stage before the screening of the movie accompanied by their lovely mother who they said "My Mom doesn't understand english but still she comes with us, sits with us, nods her head and laughs with us supporting us and that's what Mom is for". First time, they are coming to Qatar and as Director-sisters said. "they were amazed seeing the facility"

The movie is about again traditional family values. One thing i noticed is the similarity of Indian cultures in almost synchronization with the up-keeping of behavioral patterns and discipline amongst all asian and middle east countries and they try to cling to to it wherever they go or settle. Last 15 minutes, the movie made us cry as it ended on a sad note with the passing away of Grand father when they as a "Complete family including everyone" were returning back to their village in turkey. Except for that, it's beautiful acting and full of hearty laughter for the balance 70 minutes. The movie is staged as Middle East and African Premiere.

Before the start of movie, enjoyed the "Fish and Chips" from Seafood Market, Homemade "Poli" and "Sweet potato" from Lebanese stall. Lots of dances, music, live painting and more events arranged this year compared to 2010 and had a nice evening "cultural" stroll

தினம் தினம் தீபாவளி - part 2

2011-10-27T18:18:00.000+03:00

Basketful of தட்டை all for me, nah, for us:)

BLACKGOLD

2011-10-26T20:32:00.000+03:00

Celebrated Diwali eve by watching Qatar produced mega epic movie, World Premiere BlackGold at Katara Opera House.

This is the opening movie of 5 day Doha Tribeca Film Festival and everyone quipped “You are Damn Giant-Super lucky to get tickets for this movie” as all tickets sold-out weeks in advance within minutes of opening of counters and first time on-line booking. Everyone i spoke to were surprised, ‘How you got tickets for this movie”. Due to unprecedented demand for the movie shot in picturesque Sand-dunes of Qatar and Tunisia, organizers arranged for an additional show besides the stunning 2000 capacity custom-built Open Air Theatre at Katara.

It’s Red carpet welcome for Hollywood stars and atmosphere inside is “Electrifying”. People turned out in their best attire and shuttle buses plied between various locations. Had a bite of “rolled-up parota & karak” at “Chapati & karak shop” before walking on the red-carpet to Opera House. The movie started-up a bit late at 9 PM and by the time it came to an end, it’s close to 11.15 and reached home at Mid-night and Back to office at 6 AM.

The story is set in 1930s Arabian peninsula where two sects of leaders sign a truce to set aside and mutually respect “No Man’s Land” between them and one fine day, a Texan guy lands in helicopter wearing big hats and big boots and tells “Oil is there in No Man’s Yellow Strip” and they’ll become rich, super rich and movie takes off from there depicting traditional values intercepted with modernity and the hero torn between Blood Father and Adapted father and spectacular filming of War in Qatar’s Mesaieed Sand Dunes. Superb Location and it’s like old-age movie with lots of Horses, Camels and the life lived by Tribes before the advent of oil and how discovery of oil; is creating enmity between them and lots of inter-connected Arabian tradition of gifts, love, bond between father and son, father and daughter and love between husband and wife and helping tendency and raw-emotion playing in the battlefield.

We loved this mammoth movie. The most expensive movie ever produced in the Arabian world since “Lawrence of Arabia”. The movie is slated for worldwide release on December 1.

And next 4 days going to be the Rollicking Festival Fimy Bonaza. WoooHooo :)

தினம் தினம் தீபாவளி - part 1

2011-10-24T22:21:00.000+03:00

9 days to GO :)

2011-10-23T21:26:00.001+03:00

Just can't wait :)

10 Days to Go :)

2011-10-22T12:41:00.002+03:00

Excitement mounts :)

My Dream Dance Photo shoot - Bharatanatyam by Monica de la Fuente

2011-10-21T14:21:00.006+03:00

I'm bringing my old post back due to receipt of mail from none other than the dancer featured in this post, Monica de la Fuente

Her mail blown me up on a "about-turn surprise" and It took me a while to regain my composure back. Reproduced below, part of her mail,

Hello My name is Monica de la Fuente the spanish dancer who danced bharata natyam in the flamenco festival in Qatar.

I have see the photoes in your blog of the Festival and I was surprised to see my self in the pictures. 

First of all to convey to you that the pictures are very beautifull and i was very happy to know that someone had taken them that day.

I wanted to know if you could send them to me in a better resolution. I am remaking my web and i would be very happy if i could use some of them. With the proper credit of course so you could tell me your full name or artistic name and i will be adding it to them.

Also if you could put my name in the pictures that will be also nice.

.........

WoW! It's really nice of her and Monica, i've put your name in exactly where it belongs to - "Right at Top" :)

Another Music-Dance Fiesta as part of Flamenco festival @ Katara. This, INDULUSIA is a combination of Indian and Spanish music consisting of Tabla, Violin, Sitar, Bass, Drums, Guitar, Arabic singer, Tamil classical singer, Spanish singer and Clappers too.

Added to this musical instrument line-up is Bharatanatyam and Flamenco dance and what you get is Musical 12-course Dinner feast with Drinks included.

Again, have never seen such a remarkable spell-bound magical moments in music and dance.

Have seen, lots of Bhatanatyam based dance-drama in Kalakshetra but not in Qatar. And, what a Sixth dimension view the program presented with.

Flamenco dancer danced to the tunes of Violin, Sitar and Tabla and Bharatanayam performed to the notes from Guitar and Drums and Bass.

There came a stage where both dancers – Bharatanatyam and Flamenco performed side-by-side at a time amalgamating in unison with different foot notes BUT without disharmonizing the nodes and performed in tune to the fusion filling the auditorium with gasps and crying out for “Wanting More”!

Dancer from Tamilnadu - petite and Dancer from Spain – full of energy and enthusiasm. Though the combination may look tummy-twister but with lil bit of change of ingredients in both, they become palatable and plate able to the taste of new kind.

This event is world-premier event exclusive for Qatar Flamenco Festival and would be travelling around the world. It seems, part of the people in Spain in some parts were originated from Northern part of India – Rajasthan and Punjab and so the amalgamation of music is not that much difficult as we found out during the course of the program.

During the start, announcement been made to avoid Flash photography and so took photo without flash and one of my long dream came true. I always want to take photo shoot of Bharatanatyam. I love and Like Bharatanatyam in dance. It has various melodrama of movements of body, eyes face, hands, legs, eyebrows and twists and turns were subtle, classic, silky, smooth and it just gets on to me.

This particular Bhatanatyam dancer is so good that she kept smiling and joyful expression making loveable moves that I just can’t stop shooting. And at some point, she was joined by singer too in traditional gujarati / rajasthani dress of Ghangra Choli giving Double Treat to the Audience and MY cam.

Two hours of mesmerizing program to the full house audience generating non-stop claps. Beautiful, There is no other word to describe the superlatives.

The friendship developed between Indian musicians and Spanish musicians is so palpable that can be seen by their appreciation of one another’s performance and the whole program is so conceived that it was presented with exuberance and instant gratification of expressing their love to one another instead of just formal music academy sort of program.

Unforgettable!..More snaps from the marriage of Bharatanatyam and Flamenco - in next part!

Countdown Starts...

2011-10-17T16:25:00.000+03:00

Going to be irregular

2011-10-14T15:37:00.000+03:00

..…in my blog from now-on. As I get tear-away busy with lots of events lined-up in weather-changed-cool Doha.

To start with, we have, Latin American Festival with shows ranging from Cuba Circus to Argentina’s seductive & intensive Tango dance to Brazil's exotic Samba carnival to El Salvador’s folklore.

And, Qatar is opening-up with its Biggest open-air carnival with circus, shopping, dining, theatre and rides.

My most anticipated event of the year Doha Tribeca Film Festival opens-up with Qatar produced Magnum Opus Black Gold and lots of interesting and sizzling movies this time. Got tickets and can’t wait for film festival to start.

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 11

2011-10-09T21:38:00.000+03:00

We also had an opportunity to visit Army Fair. Quite interesting with lots of tanks, weapons, guns, helicopter and a small rickety train with couple of coaches for jolly-ride

The place we stayed at Leh, our base camp, is quite pretty and this is the view from our guest house

India is a fascinating country with each state unique in many aspects. Ladakh too is not an exception to these. And, interiors of the house is akin to the respective state. Typical Ladaki home is pageantry with Rich, Vibrant and Beautiful colors, as can be seen from the snapshots of our charming guest house.

The particular room i liked is Kitchen. With vessels nicely arranged in the cupboard and kitchen kept elegant, neat, tidy and bright. Once you step-in, you'll be tempted to cook aromatic dishes.

And the layout of kitchen is pompous. I really loved the seating area, perfect lounge-like seating to dine, chat and relax while having sumptuous food.

Uncle and Aunty of the house became our friends soon. Coincidentally, uncle is having his own get together with his REC Srinagar friends, who are meeting after 35 looooooong years. "Oh, My! that's Awesome"! and, aunty used to tease me on my limited hindi vocab. Here, she's,

With this my Ladakh trip report has come to an end.

Now, looking forward to my next journey to yet another "Dream Destination" :)

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 10

2011-10-07T13:06:00.000+03:00

Nomads way of life

Next day, on return from the lake-side camp, we came across nomads tent. They make their tent using Yak wool and having hundreds of goats and a few yak’s for their livelihood. Still, they live primitive life. We went inside one of the tent and only minimal things required for day-to-day living was there. Still, they are happy, contend and smiling

We are astonished, in the modern day, where we crumble if mobile signal get lost or no internet connection available for a day, there exists a sect, making a living, completely different and still being happy. No cribbing. In fact, we throw tantrums a lot

We saw women folks milking goats, showing us the milk and they have kept their cute "inside tent" tidy, just few vessels, picture of God, ancient wood-fired stove and a place to stretch the legs and sleep. The tent is built at a little below the ground surface level, for keeping themselves warm during night. Yes, they don’t have heater or blanket or comforter to comfort them. Kids emitted radiant smile when we handed out Biscuits

They are nomads and when it starts to snow from November, they pack their bags and drop the anchor elsewhere

It’s been uneventful journey back, enjoying sceneries, dreaming, thinking, talking, laughing, and gossiping and we stopped the car when we saw “Men Tea” written in bold letters in the menu board. “Men Tea” – hmmmm, that’s interesting! And we are keen to find out what it is and how it tastes like. Turns out, it is Mint Tea – pronunciation more or less same but spelling is made other wise. Anyway, regardless of spelling, it tasted good and poor Suresh, he dropped his specs (kept above his hat) in the bucket of water. He was crying, ‘Aunty, please, please take my specs and give me”. The timid pretty lady just smiled at him and kept on doing her work. Then, after some time, she picked-up the specs and gave it to him with mischievous smile

Evening, we all went out on shopping spree. Every one bought so many trinkets to carry home as souvenirs’. We had a long dinner discussing about so many things and look forward to next get together

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 9

2011-10-04T21:10:00.000+03:00

Here, our tents are along side running stream and we need to cross a tiny-whinny wooden slab from the road to get over to the “cute looking tents”. The tents are really small and cute. Again, viki looked up at me suspiciously when I uttered “so Romantic”.

After gulping coffee in the dinning hall tent, we all went out for a walk along side the lake towards nowhere in the twilight hours. Relaxed, with lots of time, to laze around, to admire and just letting ourselves get carried away by the flow of the place. Not in a hurry, with small talks, laughs and saying “hi, to group from Europe and clicking scenarios of “shepherd returning back with his herd after gazing on a hill-top” and ”appreciating the play of light over the hills with each passing hour” and “sitting by the lake and throwing pebbles and seeing whose stone reaches farther and counting how many jumps it makes”

Just like good old times, no internet, no phone, no newspaper, no TV – just you and nature. In fact, my phone signal got cut-off as soon as I landed at Leh airport except lucky souls with AirTel connection.

In the lake side, you have no other company other than “her”. You have come all the way from the farthest corner of India and on being with her, who wants to go back to mundane urban toys of mobile, broadband or what not. Be in her company. Just “You and She”. That’s what you call secluded honeymoon in nature’s lap

On nearing our camp, we heard bad news of Matr got cold cramps on return from walk and Thank God, she’s alright. It maybe because of sudden cold in the region, though, we were all fully covered up from head to toe. And, we all surprised that of all the persons, it happened to her as she's quite fit lady who used to do 100 laps in a swimming pool at a time!

No power here and it took quite sometime for generator to start. So, in the meantime, we have to make to do with candle power making the serene more medieval.

We all took the opportunity to review our photos and as time went-up, so too cold. It became colder than Pangong lake and that’s why I said, Tso-Moriri is not for everyone. Had hot and delicious Aloo Paratha with lots of talking and discussions in a rustic surrounding and returned off to bed at around 10 PM

Back to Horse...:)

2011-10-02T22:15:00.000+03:00

Look at the angle at which this horse is poised to take the giant leap and the way rider sliding on its back guiding the mighty to victory

When there is plenty of action, who wants to miss, certainly not me ;), so, let us enjoy awesome display of horse power before we get back to Tso Moriri

Nothing to beat the elegance, the beauty and sheer contours of Arabian Horse!

Now, can't wait for the next show!!

After Charming Movie, Entertainer movie

2011-10-01T22:04:00.000+03:00

Let us as well see the movie before continuing the journey

Yet again, choco hero Imran with Swa’s favorite Katrina. Somehow, for this movie, at Cinema no. 1, felt like sitting in any theatre in Bombay. Atmosphere is like that for the weekend evening show. The story is simple - Younger brother looking bride for his elder brother in UK who broke-up with his girl-friend and when younger bro finds her, she's his one-time-known-carefee girl and in process of selecting wedding card and other preparation, both of them fall in love with each other and when elder bro' arrives from UK, they arrange for his break-up g/f to arrive too and in the end, "everyone's happy"!

In theatre, before start-up of the show, one small baby sitting in front row kept on seeing at me and smiling. Her mother made her to sit, she’ll get up and smile at me, she’ll make her to lie down, the baby will get up and smile at me, her mom will divert her attention, she’ll look that way and immediately look at me and smile, even after the lights off, in dark too, she kept on looking at me flashing her smile. Her mom turned back, she too smiled at me, no she didn't, gave the baby milk and made her to sleep. After an hour or so, baby got-up from Sleep and immediately sprang-up on her feet, looked at me and smiled. Such is my Charisma, as you can say, which I humbly accept :)

Tiffin Time

2011-09-30T21:06:00.000+03:00

Having taken a detour, let us continue our journey after having Bonda and Coffee :)

My Sweet Friend, Prabha

2011-09-28T21:26:00.002+03:00

I need to make a detour in midst of Ladakh tour report as Sugi has raked-up memories of my chweet friend, Prabha.

I’ve been thinking about all the fun times I have had with Prabha since my early school-boy days in Kuttalam during many summer vacation. The teasers we enjoyed in maadi, Kollai, Maatu kottai is forever etched evergreen.

During evenings, along with Savitri we all used to walk from the back side of Maatu kottai up to the main road and return back with laughter and pullingx. And then, we used to sit on the long bench after dusk and chit chat on various silly things.

I have fond memories of “Happy Dayz” spent in Coimbatore. Went there along with family but told mom I’ll not come back with her to Mayuram and stayed in her house for about a week and had rollicking time with sathi, praba, usha, raju and scamp too (usha, i knew you are reading this with a smile(!) and sathi, do you remember?). Those were days, as fondly can be said now!

When I got my first job involving frequent tour, the very first trip is to Coimbatore and had a blast with Prabha, with lots of discussion at evening centering on her Marriage.

In those days of no e-mail, we used to correspond on regular basis writing letter to each other and I think I still have some of her friendly letters.

Our friendship continued even after her marriage and it became “Double Dhamaka” with the arrival of Suganya.

Now, teasing saga continues with Prabha's naughty daughter Sugan :)

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 8

2011-09-27T18:32:00.000+03:00

Tso-Moriri

If Pangong lake dazzled you with sheer blushness, Tso-Mor0iri sizzles you with her “uninhibited” beauty. If Pangong is vibrant teen girl, Tso-Moriri is matured woman but Naughty. If the pathway to Pangong lake is hard, the way to Tso-moriri is placid and smooth.

Yes, in our Back-to-Back lake trip, once again, we started off early from Leh and jumped into our standard vehicle, though, there were 3 vehicle, no one wants to inter change with another and not even inclined to change our seats. It gives secured comfort feeling of being in familiar environment

Thankfully, road is nicely laid out and from mid-way onwards, Indus river kept us constant company along side the hills. It’s been like narrow road with imposing hilly backdrop on one side and flowing Indus on another. The journey became more romantic with changing colors of hills from brown to dark chocolate to even purple (?). For the first time, seeing purple hills

Since the weather also not so-hot, we all enjoyed the ride stopping frequently at many places to click photographs and were surprised by changing landscapes at every turn.

Collected some of the colorful pebbles to give to Swa and in an instant, Praveen’s camera slipped from his hand while he was macro-filming a flower, rolled down the small slope and just touched the river and stayed put there. In a flash, our driver jumped-off and ran down and retrieved the camera. Luckily, nothing happened to the body and lens and only a small scratch at the monitor and some minor play-offs

With good company, laughter, amazingly utterly butterly delicious landscapes, cool breeze, hindi music, crunchy snacks it’s been wonderful day-out till we reached the lake but long journey of about 10 hours from Leh. The lake is not as bluish as Pangong but had its own inner charm. With Pangong “it’s Love at First sight” whereas with she, “you need to warm-up to her, takes own sweet time to understand, to admire, to explore and then fell in love with. Once she has captivated you, no way you can escape from her arresting embrace. That’s Tso-Moriri.

We also soon found out you need to be tough guy for her to like you...(in next post)

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 7

2011-09-24T20:29:00.000+03:00

With our mind leaping ten-fold and excitement in the eyes we jumped back to the jeep to continue our journey. And, within 15 or add minutes, emerged our heroine in all her glory. We all literally leapt out of Mahindra and ran across the sand towards the lake “Oh, My God!”. I have never seen such a pretty beautiful lake. Color is Blue, so Bluish Blue. Girls jumped “high-up” in the air with joy and unimaginable happiness

We lost ourselves to soak in the “tranquility” of the lake. So vast, 130 km long spread across two countries, India and China (with majority of the portion in China) and bounded by mighty, rustic and bold hills like a guy protecting the girl, securing her on his fold and admiring her stillness ever.

I’am sure my words are not going to do justice to the “out of the blue” lake and I just stop describing it further.

We spent couple of hours on her banks, sitting, talking and some even meditated and lots of modeling photos, walking and shooting birds. All the pain encountered on the rough roads vanished in no seconds

After sunset, we made our way to the tent, a few minutes away. Arun and sriram has to go “here and there” to find out our tents location as there have been some goof-up from event organizer and after some anxious moments, we finally got into our target zone.

In the meantime, we saw busloads of school kids from Leh on their picnic trip to the lake. “Lucky them”, having got such a “bundle of surprise” on their laps, unlike us, travelling Thousands of kms to see her and embrace her.

Our tents were nearby the lake and the weather has turned to nail-biting cold forcing us to cover up with many layers of clothes while our drivers hurried up to help with cooks in preparing dinner. As usual, myself and Viki got into a tent and it was quite romantic with purple bedspread and as I said this to him, he laughed “c’mon yaar, what we are going to do”?

At this chill weather, very hot Roti, dhall and subzi tasted perfect. We all sat together in the long wooden dining table in the tented dining room in ambient lighting atmosphere to have the delicious buffet dinner. With lots of discussions and teasings and leg-pullings, it’s been nice time.

After dinner, myself, viki, shilpa and arun spent sometime sitting on the mat spread on the ground at less than 0 deg C, while Arun set-up his camera on remote control as he wants to capture “Star Trails”. He said “We’ll know tomorrow whether we succeeded in this or not”. Talk centered around many aspects including “Sanskrit slogan to cure Cancer”

Time stands still...

Bright and Fresh, next day morning, after a hot tea, set out for the walk along the lake amidst the pebbles, soon joined by Ruch, Maitr, Praveen, Mathri, Parul while Sriram started chasing a bird, a real bird, I mean.

Again, lots of modeling clicks with warmth of the sun and color of the lake has turned to grayish and it’s been good 2 hours morning stroll

While we returned back to dining hall, hot Aloo Paratha was waiting for us along with Tea.

Packed-up our overnight bags and soon it’s, ”Bye-Bye Pangong Lake”

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 6

2011-09-22T21:24:00.001+03:00

In the meantime

Arun and team arrived from Manali. Their journey was adventurous in more ways than one as they have spent close to 36 hours in jeep due to Rain and Landslide in the famous Manali – Leh route. Arun said this is common phenomena in that route and it is their bad luck that it so happened on their journey day. They were tired and weary as they have to do with one and only good ole’ Maggie during their 5 days journeys (they are suppose to reach Leh on the 3^rd day)

Quite a journey for them and an adventure which no one wants to experience!

Thiksey Monastery
…is on the way to the lake. So it is our first stop. Unlike commercialized Hemis, this one is secluded, peaceful and more divine. I haven’t seen such a pretty Buddha anywhere else. So cute and so pretty adorned with lovely ornaments and nicely decorated with earrings and bejeweled crowns and “calm, I’m here for you” smile. Fall in love with Him, instantly. Sat in the room for sometime after a few clicks

Not only Buddha, everything in the temple looked colorful with clever inter mix of colors – Bright, Bold and Striking. Took lots of photographs.

Over to Pangong Lake

Over to the “Most Beautiful Deep Blue Lake” hearing hindi beats, chit-chatting as Arun filled us up with his travelogues and Maitri with her “clinical marriage therapy” or something like that experience in USA with different patients. After quite a distance, it’s been horrible roads. More terrible than the Sikkim roads. It’s back-breaking journey with virtually no decent roads. Forget decent, not even indecent. Much worse than that.

As our mahindra “oofed and puffed” and “thumped” and “zig-zaged” its way towards Pangong Lake

Cute Marmots

To give us some respite from the burdening road condition, this cute and cuddly Marmots sprang-up while we are nearing Pangong lake.

In fact some of the guys from our team were keen and waiting for Marmots to show up “on-the-way”. There were few and far on the way but they avoided us and sometimes, they pip-pop their tiny head but on seeing our ready-camera zooming on them, they quickly retrace their steps back into their hole. But on this spot, they were more friendly and more entertaining too

They voluntarily came forward, not afraid at all and gave variety of poses for us – standing, sitting, rolling or whatever. They are so tiny, so adorable and so cuddly. We touched their heads, hold their hands and had whale of a time photographing them. They obliged for everything. As a bonus, we also saw Red Fox running up and down.

After enjoying heartfelt memories with Marmots, we all got back into our respective jeeps and on the way towards Pangong lake. We all keen to reach the lake "while the color is still blue". "Stop"! someone yelled and on turning the corner, out of the blue emerged a very picturesque scenery. A lake surrounded by imposing hills. This is our First sight of the Most Beautiful lake. This is just an overview, a trailer, a sneak-peek. Grandeur is yet to unfold.

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 5

2011-09-20T20:39:00.002+03:00

Black Forest Cake

Khardung La

Morning 8 AM - Garam Garam Aloo Paratha. Today's program is to visit the World’s Highest Motorable Road Pass, having its address amidst pristine surroundings. The passage will take us from 14000 ft to 18500 ft through narrow roads with terrifying magnificent hills on one side and equally deep-down gorge on the other side.

Skillful drive by our friendly 25 year old driver admiring clouds and landscapes and hearing the hindi beats, we reached atop Khurdung La. Soon, the weather became chilly and cloudy and to zero deg C.

Soon, me and viki started climbing up the small hillock bounded by colorful prayer flags so as to claim we were atop 19000 ft plus on the highest motorable road pass in the world. Easy climb over the rocks and soon, we were in the snowcaps

We rested by sitting on the rocks and took photos. We also struck conversation with one of the army man and here, we met an interesting guy from West Bengal. He is solo traveler in his simple motor bike on road trip from Calcutta. He has bundled his bike in the train up to Kashmir and from there he is on-the-road. He asked us to take his photo near the red sign board.

Soon, Shilpa joined us accompanied by our Driver who was running on the slippery rocks like it is flat road. For him, it is play thing unlike us urban folks used to only tar road. We played with snow for some time. We also encountered group of guys from Denmark. They have travelled all the way from Country of Happiness to Place of Mystical and Magical. That’s something!

After some time, we descended below to have sip of “delicious ginger tea” at “Highest café in the world”. The tea is so good, as echoed by Ruch, that we ended up having another cup too. We chit-chatted for some time and got back in to our car to go back to Leh.

It’s been sleepy uneventful sunny journey. on the way, we saw a few westerners cycling their way from top to bottom. By the time we reached our lodge, we were tired and some of them have got severe headaches due to high altitude pass.

Evening, again walked to Ladakh market. Just like good old times, made STD call to Chennai and Mayuram and appraised Suba about today's happeningx.

We were all excited and looking forward to Pangong Lake, that’s where, we are going tomorrow. One of the Most Beautiful Lakes and yes, we are going to camp overnight besides the lake. "Woohoo, can't wait"!

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 4

2011-09-18T21:22:00.000+03:00

We were all very patiently waiting for hallmark of the festival, “cham dance”, where the monks at the monastery perform wearing different varieties of masks. Sun became uncontrollable after Noon and thought Subha wisely escaped from this mad mayhem. At this point, I was more than inclined to go to room along with part of the group BUT never after I’am going to come here especially coinciding with dance-part. So, ‘Grin and Bear it”

Was surprised to see couple of western kids, so young, were still keeping fresh, playing something and not bothering their salwar-clad English mom regarding anything. These kids have become so sweet traveler, at young age.

With head-ache at full force, mouth going dry and a hat protecting my little head, around 1.30 PM, dance resumed and this time, it is exactly like the one I have read before and seen the photo before. Monks wearing animal masks, devil masks, angel masks, happy masks, sad masks, neutral masks were out in full force doing small circles slow dance movements

Another irritating thing is music, same music and same steps repetition

Man, you need to be Monk-in-Mind to sit-through all these. At around 3 PM, me and Sriram came out to have lunch of Poori and Pepsi and took Brufen tablet to soothe the pain. The gain is, colorful bright dance. Dance movements are slow because of high altitude where you cannot just like than Run, Jump or Skip

The slow motion-fly-buzzing music became the talk point when Vikram made the music and we all joined him in the chorus during dinner time, evoking laughs from everyone and assured Parul, who couldn't make it to the show that she didn’t miss anything

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 3

2011-09-17T16:31:00.002+03:00

Today's program is to visit Hemis Monastery, where monks are going to dance wearing colorful masks. It’s once-a-year festival and is world famous.

We had no info' of when it’ll start and we don’t want to miss photographic opportunity too and so started early to get vantage point. Tickets were sold for 350 Rs to sit in chair without back rest and 300 Rs to sit cross-legged on the floor. This monastery is highly commercialized.

There were sizeable crowd at 9 AM, bulk of the chunk were westerners. We got a prime seat to see and “click” and the show started bang at 9 AM with long-hauled music and a few monks making slow-dance wearing colorful cloth. I’am not impressed. Just went with the flow. The dance continued for 45 minutes and there was a break. We thought the break will be for 30 minutes or one hour maximum

The whole Hemis village was engulfed by the festival atmosphere and you can feel it in the air. Hemis monastery is surrounded obviously by the hills and you can see little girls / children from the village perched at the vantage point enjoying the show from eagles point-of-view

Wandered around the temple, here and there and crowd started trickling in and by now, Sun is out in full force. No pandal-like cover to protect the visitors from the fiery hot. 10 AM passed, 11 AM passed and the news poured in that dance will resume only after 1 PM. “Oh, No!. already heat is unbearable. What to do? No Pain, No Gain.

Took the opportunity to stretch the legs, move around a bit, drink lots of water, and eat cruch-munchy snacks and still “time not moving and dance not starting”

Some of the girls in the group started getting head-ache and pushed-off from the show, while “Hard Hats of us” stayed-put at 50 deg sun piercing the head and stalking the body in full glory without any respite

(the day continues...)

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 2

2011-09-15T22:26:00.000+03:00

Get together at the charming hideout was off-to-a rolling start with remark of Parul “I switched my seat with one of the Pavam sort-of-guy” and she gave lots of quotable quotes like this through out the trip. Felt comfortable at 14,000 feet having warm tea and along with Vikram went-off to the room to just relax and shut-off-the-eyes dreaming about views-from-the-plane at 30,000 feet and slowly, we all got acquainted with high altitude pass without over-exerting ourselves

First thing to hit you is 'mountainous sun" out in full force and the first outing is to visit the nearby ‘Shanti stupa” and the views from here over the Indus valley especially with sunset casting shadows is just “photogenic moment”

And from now on, it is continuous work for “my cam” and Leh is truly photographer's paradise. At every bend, she churned out “lovely snaps”. Yes, as everyone who have travelled to Leh will testify "It's truly Mystical and Magical"

With sunset on, each passing minute, bought out various contours of shades over the hills and the view changes dramatically and the same landscape which we captured 60 minutes back, turned out in different costume as sun sets leaving us astounding.

Evening, took a walk to market place which was colorful with tibetan shops and during dinner, we enjoyed teasing-out Sriram and relaxed in frolic atmosphere

Mesmerizing Ladakh - Part 1

2011-09-13T20:33:00.000+03:00

The words of Leh, Ladakh…always conjures-up dream-tickling vistas of landscapes, high passes, amazingly beautiful lakes and an ancient civilization that is as old as the wrinkle-filled faces of ladakhi women. It’s undoubtedly, one of my dream destinations in India and I’am more than glad that “dream-wish” became reality during summer holiday – 2011

I’ve never arrived so early to board 8.45 AM Leh flight in T3, Delhi. The trick is to get right side window seat to see “magic colors of hills merging with clouds”. And yes, the red-skirt-clad kingfisher model girl had no choice other than yield to my request. The boarding gate of the flight can be easily identified without any problem, even if you pretend of not knowing the boarding gate as it’s full-of-westerners and hardly a few travel-weary souls of Indians

You bet, got the window seat and the scene is something like driving on my way to paradise as flight squeezed its wings through candy-puffy-clouds as I felt I can open-up the window and jump to the soft-cushion of never-ending long stretch of candy-like cloudy-bed and that’s right above the mighty hills. The flight journey is just above these hills rising over the horizon and I enjoyed the journey eating “hot vada-pav” served in-flight. The journey through the hills is one of the most expensive local flight journeys in India and would have been more spectacular if I could have got the ticket for 5.45 AM flight so as to witness the first rays of sun spreading its magical colors on the hills capes

After 75 minutes or near-around, the flight made a scenic landing in military-controlled leh runway which is surrounded on all ides by Mighty Mountains. It’s an exhilarating experience to see Leh surrounded on all sides by rustic hills of various hues and shades

Homely Crispy Dosa on my plate :)

2011-09-12T21:16:00.000+03:00

Back to School...

2011-09-11T20:55:00.001+03:00

.......after more than 70 days, all schools in Doha opened their doors to around 150,000 children.

Back to Mayhem in road - traffic jams, serpentine movement, rush, no parking...gone were the carefree summer driving and Jolly Ramadan driving.

With Summer coming to a close and all Doha crowd returning back from vacation, it is Back to usual routine.

Swa as usual more than eager as to be a first girl in her class, got up at 4.45 and being a "responsible dad" (believe me, sometimes i'am) dropped her at school at 5.40

Hope the remaining heat goes-off fast and cooler winter sets in soon

2018 Vs 2022

2011-09-10T21:05:00.000+03:00

First time been to Al-Saad stadium to enjoy the exhibition match between World cup Football hosts of 2018 and 2022. It is small, compact and pretty stadium and felt like sitting very close to "Action" . I always love to click players leaping-up above the ground to head-hit the ball and it's just macro-mini second and this match provided opportunity for that.

All three of them - players from Qatar, Russia and Referee scrambling to the ground and in below photo, expression on the player's face "says it all"!

SubSwa Bangalore visit - Summer of '11

2011-09-09T22:12:00.001+03:00

Need to say, Swa had whale of a time with Mridhu :)

After serious movie, a charming movie

2011-09-08T21:50:00.000+03:00

Larry Crowne – Tom Hanks & Julia Roberts.

I enjoyed this movie. After 9 or so ‘Employee of the month” award, Tom gets kicked out of his job due to under qualification and without knowing what to do and on casual browsing of second hand thingx in knick-knack shop, he comes across a college brochure and without knowing what course to join, and on the advice of the Dean of that college, he joins “Improvement of public speaking”, taken by Julia who is having hard time with her porno-hubby. In the mean time, due to increase in Gas price, he buys romantic scooter (how I lov my kinetic Honda) and also be-friends cute girl in the college and she “overturns” him in all sense – interior of his house, his dress, his outlook and thereby bringing “about turn” love to his life.

Nice evening to spend watching this hilarious cinema

BIG Dreams

2011-09-07T22:08:00.000+03:00

Doha Bay by Fispace

Dreams of this tiny Arab nation is Grandeur. After successfully bagging 2022 World Cup Football, it's the applicant city for 2020 olympics and now it has bid for 2017 IAAF Championships too. Whether it gets or not is different question but the spirit of trying for World big events are commendable. Not only Sports, this December Qatar for first time in Middle East is hosting World Petroleum Congress - one of the coveted event in Oil & Gas industry.

Today, salary of the nationals in the government & military sector (including those retired!) have been increased by whooping 60 to 120% and hope, this doesn't lead to rise in cost of living!

??????

2011-09-06T21:36:00.000+03:00

There is an interesting story behind this picture. I'am not saying it now but definitely will be revealed soon. I want to record this date as it played a key part, giving swa looots of melodramatic anxious moments :)

Back to ‘my official” lunch

2011-09-05T21:24:00.000+03:00

It’s been long 2 months due to vacation and Ramadan that I haven’t been to company canteen for lunch.

With back to office, it’s back to typical lunch menu and today it’s Shrimp and Squid soup, Avocado salad labanese style, Fried fish with Tartar sauce, Lamb kurma, Chapathi, Tadka Dal, Ice cream with fruit salad and Gulab Jamon – can’t say very great menu but nice starter to start the term with.

Now, who wants to have boring lunch at home, not me :)

Swa's click

2011-09-03T22:48:00.000+03:00

This collection is from Swa's camera from her and Suba visit to Bangalore in summer of 2011.

Swa had a field day in Bangalore zoo, photographing all her wants without any disturbance from me and they are lucky to see the "baby Elephant" happily playing around and i loved its "so soft mushy-bushy little hair on her body" :) and landscape covered pretty in "white tiger" portrait!

eid celebration

2011-09-02T19:54:00.000+03:00

Swa loves to draw her own "Mehndi" design by herself. Here is the one she did yesterday to celebrate on-going eid festivities :)

Happy Vinayagar Chathurthi :)

2011-09-01T20:50:00.000+03:00

Nothing like having சுட சுட "yummmmmmmy" கொழுக்கட்டை & சுண்டல் for Lunch & Dinner :)

New Superstar of India

2011-08-31T19:26:00.001+03:00

….Anna Hazare - regardless of age and with magnamous Zeal and Zest for social life and especially with willingness and attitude to make a difference to the society we living-in and his remarkable humbleness to follow Gandhiji’s principle, which even today surprisingly holds good and a man, who bought the entire nation to him just by being him - simple, clear, fearless – living by principle and regardless of all negativism, I admire him.

Where youth are busy in “all other aspects of life”, here is grand old man who proved “you can make little contribution back to the country, and proved even Prime Minister will listen to you, hear you and would take action based on “what you say”.

“WoW”! This man has guts and he has drawn crowds far and wide without Tweeting or social networking and he followed “back to basic” – “Meet people and be with them” and he is concise and adamant in setting things right and right age too!. Age has nothing to do with what you want to do. To be honest, I can’t fast even for 12 hour period, and, here we have 76-year old young man who fasted for 12 days by drinking water alone and still, maintained his balance and continuously inter acted with his supporters enthusiastically.

As Aam Aadmi said, ‘He is doing what we can only dream of”. It’s celebration time for India with Family and Friends.

Anna has already announced his next agenda, “Electoral Reforms” @ 2014 elections. “Jai Ho, Anna Hazare”, new Superstar of India

Ramadan Time...

2011-08-29T14:05:00.000+03:00

…..is the best to be in Qatar. Not because of the reduced office working hours (which is also one of the reasons) but also, I can come home every day for “deliciously tongue-tickling hot and stupendous lunch delicacy with surprising menu each day of the week”. And, yes, it involves considerable time and effort of Suba and because of which, Ramadan is not the best time for her.

After lunch, can doze off for couple of hours and evening drive-out due to reduced traffic on-road, can easily get parking at various malls on front without doing round-up & down, dinner feast, cultural festival at Katara, movies on weekends and lots of shopping with peak time being 11 PM to 1 AM.

This time, with introduction of Ramadan tent at Katara went there couple of times and also used traffic-free roads to visit Friends house whom we promised we’ll come and also this time, favorite haunt is Max shop, newly opened at Citi centre mall. For the first time in Doha, Citi Centre mall had introduced pay parking, a welcome step and need to see, whether parking becomes easier during normal days.

With Ramadan coming to an end, need to wait till next year for “homely lunch” and other accessories but next year I’am planning to be “on-holiday” during Ramadan time :)

After laffable movie, a serious movie

2011-08-28T13:13:00.002+03:00

You know someone who is kind, soft person and never hurt others but when he gets into the “clothes of the power”, he changes overnight due to the “seat he is in” and wields such a clout portraying him as exact opposite of what he was.

The movie, as title suggests is an experiment of ’20 odd guys” selected on payment basis to undergo this psychological test for two weeks in a simulated prison. One set of guys would act as prisoner and another batch would be “prisoner's guards” who have to act if anything goes wrong.

It is a nice movie with fine acting by lead actors depicting vividly the sheer vengeance and meek slop. The challenge is that if anything goes wrong, a red-light will glow-off and deal is off and no one gets paid. It pushes us to the edge of the seat making us to speculate “when the lid will blow-off due to extreme pressure”. It also depicted the slope through which a human will go or bend to receive all the blows he can but when he stands up, it's not fun any more!

Kite Festival @ Doha

2011-08-26T15:01:00.000+03:00

Joy erupted when Katara announced "International Kites Family Day". And, teams from China, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Netherlands and US participated in the celebration displaying a large selection of very different kites and also taught public on-hand - "how to fly kites".

Around more than 100 kites added colors to the sky during evening and during night LED-lit kites took over with twinkling stars

Surprised to find out the largest kite is priced at 5000 USD. Indian team from Mangalore displayed a big kite portraing "Kathakali" figure

Govindapuram - colorful temple

2011-08-23T22:02:00.000+03:00

Out of nowhere, has sprang-up bright and colorful temple dedicated to "Pandurangan" in Govindapuram, 6 km from Kumbakonaam in Kumbakonam - Aaduthurai highway. No wonder, it is the "Talk of the town".

First thing that impressed me about the temple is the colors, colors and more colors - Rich, Bold and Striking colors captivating the attention and making camera "bound with joy". The temple exhibited tremendous energy and at same time sublime devotional experience.

I didn't expect so much "Beautifulness" and had just small carry-on "point & shoot" camera, which did not do full justice to the temple's cheerfulness. Since Mahakumbabhishekam took place only on 15 July 2011, celebration still going-on with large number of devotees from Northern part, sitting cross-legged in the large hall exhibiting "tranquility" and singing the bhajans of Sri Vittal, Rukmani. yes, Pandurangan loves songs, indeed!

The windows were straight from "princess of palace" scenario mesmerizing spectators with awe's. The Temple Tower is 132 feet high with Kalasam at Top 18 feet. Devotees can have delicious food being handed-out at any point of the day or evening. The temple administration also managing hundreds of cows. More about it in my next post.

Garangao

2011-08-21T17:53:00.000+03:00

.....is the childrens festival celebrated on 14th day of Ramadan. This festival, as name suggests, is for children.

They wear new sets of clothes and if there are 6 kids in the family, all 6 of them will be dressed similarly. They get money or gifts. As my boss said, during his younger days, he would be happy getting a riyal or two. Mostly, people will give only ½ a Riyal. They go merrily from house to house for collecting gifts and when they come back to house, their parents will ask them “how much did you get” and will take most of them for their usage. Still, they would be happy with whatever they can retain.

This reminded me during my school days, when we used to celebrate pongal in குத்தாலம் sometimes and on மாட்டு பொங்கல், பெரியப்பா used to sit in ஜமுக்காலம் and one by one we used to go to him and collect his gift of 50 paisa or 1 Re and then take மாட்டு வண்டி ride and mostly, we would be happy with that small coinage seeming Big.

Now, let us get back to Qatar with Boss dialogue, "Nowadays, no more Riyal or two", as he has given his 2 of the boys IPAD2 each and one of his girl Samsung Galaxy and another girl laptop and another boy Blackberry and for another one XBOX game.

Also, the customs of children going from house to house also dwindled because of traffic and other reasons.

This tradition was broght live this year in Katara cultural village with lots of goodies for all kids. The cuties were brightly and colorfully dressed singing the traditional song happily, dancing, walking and skipping their way to collect more of Nuts n Chocolates to fill their bag.

Need to say, Swa more than happy to take part in Katara festivities

After kiddish movie, laffable movie...

2011-08-20T14:11:00.000+03:00

.....And it's "Horrible Bosses" for the week-end.

Laugh-riot movie with sequences of "how far a man can go to withstand his boss".

Boss plays a very important part in one's life, whether it be career or personal or his passion or advancement or his enjoyment or his leave. He shapes or wrecks one's peace or fun just by his attitude making the person's life more miserable / unhappy.

In this movie, 3 poor-souls try their stupidingly best antics for better life in their work environment. With Boss getting on their way, they contact "hit man" (who is not really a hit man) to finish-off their bosses and in the process the movie entertains you. Good acting from everyone and witty lines adding sparks to the movie and i'am sure several of the pick-up lines can be used to "date the dates"

It is one of the best "laughable" movie have seen in recent times.

Swa's Special Day :)

2011-08-18T20:17:00.000+03:00

BRAVO! Flamenco Festival - 2010

2011-08-14T22:39:00.001+03:00

Suddenly, out of the blue on a warmish April, came the invitation for Flamenco Musical Festival for a week arranged by Spain.

WoW! What a surprise – First on the show is “Carmen”. Yes, the world famous Spanish musical drama, which was in my “Hot list to see” and the opportunity was provided right in Katara in Golden Platter.

For the first time, musical was staged at newly opened Katara Drama Theatre with aplendid settings of stars twinkling in the sky.

The play was all about Romance, Love, Lust, Greedy, Intimacy, Possessive, “You or Me” portrayed so beautifully by Flamenco dance. I’ve seen many Flamenco dances BUT none so far have equaled this masterpiece.

Fast beats expressing Anger and more than one women fighting for the same man and the resultant cat-fights followed by melodious beats expressing Romance and tip-toe beats expressing Love and whispering beats expressing “you know what”!

When the play ended after about 2 hours, there's non-stop claps from the audience for about 15 minutes and the whole crew got standing ovation for their scintillating performance.

Qatar is slowly opening up her petals to embrace the “Bold and Beautiful”. Ever since, I read, I want to see pretty girl in Red skirt and Black top dancing atop of a Steel table – and here, my dream was fulfilled and the scenery lifted us straight to "any dance outlet in any small town in Spain". Absolutely, marvelous!

More Hot added to already burning hotness!

Weekend Movie Night show

2011-08-13T22:29:00.002+03:00

Hilarioooouuuuus Movie, where, dad-of-2-kids gets a box of 6 penguins as a gift from his dad-of-no more. At first he hates them as they merrily slip slops around his house, sleeps in his bed and make mockery of his day-to-day affairs.

But, as his children living with his wife became attracted to Penguins (who will not be?), he desists giving it to NYC Zoo and instead showers them with affection, converting his house to winter land and their new bedroom is the freezer of the refrigerator.

Joy erupts when 2 new babies pops out and slowly, his family re-unites with him in the process but not before sequence of rollicking fun bones.
The way penguins walks, talks to him, escapes from house to attend his party, watching chaplin tv-show, getting trained in potty, an enjoyable movie, though, kiddish. Finally, penguins favored love instead of their favorite fish :)

Museum of Islamic Art - yet another beautiful photo

2011-08-12T18:05:00.000+03:00

photo credit - Simon Chan

Colorful Splendor @ Marine Festival

2011-08-10T22:14:00.002+03:00

Busy in sorting-out photos of Ladakh trip, Farm GTG and the rest. so, till then, earlier events will figure

Glad to be back...

2011-08-09T20:23:00.004+03:00

in Doha, after one of the Most Memorable Summer Vacation - 2011 :)

Now, can start planning for the next holiday :)

Holiday Break...

2011-07-05T21:27:00.001+03:00

.......blogging resumes by August-mid (hopefully!)

Final post on Singapore

2011-07-04T21:32:00.000+03:00

My favorite place in Singapore is of course "The Zoo". Most memorable time spent there. I would certainly love to do it "yet again"!

The day we went is cool n cozy. Not hot at all, so we were able to cover all points of interest without getting tired on-foot and less crowd too adding to joy of prime viewing

Lots of "First time see" and unforgettable day-out

Little India Magic in Singapore

2011-07-03T21:21:00.000+03:00

The one and only thing I loved in Little India is the FOOD and nothing else. It doesn’t have shopping vibe too.

The place I stayed in Little India is surrounded by Aananda Bhavan, Saravana Bhavan, Murugan Idly Shop, Meenatchi, Anjappar, Ponnuswamy, Curry Leaf, Banu, Karaikudi, Chakuntala and what not.

The service in Aanada Bhavan is super-fast and it’s huge and we loved our Daily breakfast and a few dinners over there. Of course, nothing to beat Idly and Small onion roasted oothappam of Murugan Idly Shop. The food in Saravana Bhavan is mediocre.

One sensible thing we did while going on a day-long outing to zoo or Bird park is we took delicious picnic-box for our lunch out from Aananda Bhavan. So, at noon, when we are hungry, we just sat at one of the many shaded areas (fitted with fan) to happily gulp Pongal with Sambar and chutney. The taste is simply divine and who wants to have tasteless Sandwiches. (Before going to Singapore I asked in the travel forum about carrying our own food items and got immediate response “Yes, you can). We rented stroller that’s available at the entrance of Zoo / Bird park to keep our lunch pack and other carry-on bags. Not bad idea!

Singapore is one of the few places in the world, where food is never a problem. Even in Madras, we don’t have that many choices concentrated on a single location.

Royal White Tiger @ Singapore zoo - part 2

2011-07-02T22:12:00.001+03:00

Enjoyed photographing white tiger in all its splendor as it swam, hiked, trekked, relaxed, walked, climbed - lens-catching moments, indeed!

Singapore park

2011-07-01T12:39:00.000+03:00

Enjoyed taking a stroll in Singapore Botanical Garden on a lovely Sunday morning. The park surprised us with an array of waterfalls, boutique of flowers, strings of plants and a vast greenery's all-round to jog or walk.

We found lots of people having their Sunday breakfast or picnic-home food-on-mat and the surroundings soothes the body and soul to refresh for the next 7 days

Colorful Singapore - Part 6

2011-06-29T21:11:00.000+03:00

So Beautiful colors with intricate designs all round. Here, "Girl with Red Streaks" all dressed-up for musical, awaiting her boy friend, perched-up.

And, their "chooo chweeet lil kid" who is not interested in musical and wants to just play around

So, Ms. Reddie decided to leave her baby in the care of "Grand Mom" busy strolling

And they enjoyed the "musical movie"