Road Trips and Me

Road trips for me have been massive amounts of fun every single time, no exception. The destination, music, a lip smacking snack (or many), company, those refreshing tea breaks mid-highways and the perfect highway wind, they all add to the story of a fantastic road trip; and for me these have been more than dramatic, leaving me behind with an unforgettable tale each time. Adventures more than expected and goof ups more than envisaged, these always live up to the record of being nothing short of legendary; even for you I am pretty sure.

The December of 2010 gave me more than one such amazing chance to cherish an exciting story; one that has gone by and one that is to come and blow my mind away! Just before I get over the bewilderment of one, I am ready with my bags packed for the next. My first great story of December 2010 took crazy turns, and the one that is to come has an awesome virgin-beach vacation packed within it.

I am already looking forward to an outrageously crazily exciting beach holiday with a killer half day of scuba diving and another amazing sunny day in the middle of the ocean with my dolphin friends. The winter sun is going to treat me and I am going to go ballistic bathing in the silver sands, the blue waters and the mild yellow beam. Can I possibly ask for more?!

Road trips are fancy idea, better yet if they get you to some great destinations! So take my word, its an instant mantra to charge you up and I bet, its always successful. So hit the road, no time to waste!

B'luru

After successfully completing some rounds of stressful 'exit interview' at home with mom and dad, I finally began packing my bags to leave Madras; where I was heading still seemed blur. Dumping my routine 9:30 to 6:30 job of a 'telephone operator' (PR person), made me sit down and think about I need to do next. Some serious thinking made me realize, a change is what I am dieing for.

People around me thought I was plain mad and completely ridiculous to churn out such an erratic decision after weeks of thinking. Little did they know, this was the best thing I could do to myself and my foolishly cluttered state of mind. I choose to blame my cozy table, awesome wardrobe, comfortable bed, my bright orange quilt, sinking bean bag; they all spoilt me and I realized, before I became their slaves, I ought to be leaving. A new environment is always so much more challenging; it urges me to explore... new people, new roads, new language, everything new; even the idea of crashing in a new pillow every night, gives me some kind of a high!

So all my bags were packed, and I was ready to leave!

Ever since I stepped into this beautiful city, it has been treating me to some amazing people, places, food and needless to say the most fabulous, 21st km. One week in this new city has already given me too many memories and a humongous wishlist. What I am going to be doing here, is a question worth a million dollars; but I am quite sure that I will enjoy every single day this place has to offer to me. And of course, me being me, will certainly find something interesting to do very soon. :)

A week has been sufficient time for me to have a list of my new favorites in the new city... my bright blue oshos, my green stripped ankle socks, my pink woollen shirt, the Bengaluru map (it is a must-have; the auto guys are hood-winkers) and my darling iPod. I am just thinking, life without even one of them, will be hard in this place.

I sure am missing my things, people, places back home, but the thrill of living out of a suitcase for time unknown to my own self, is giving me a thrill that is keeping me going...

Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted !!

Well, ask me about it... It's been the most fruitful one week of my life, I can recall! ;) I must say, I was a bit vary about how life will be without working 9 to 7, without those regular 4 pm sandwiches, without those fabulous lawn lunches, rather depressing follow up calls and internal meetings; but I am quite happy I was in the grove to 'enjoy' already. It did not take me much to apply the art of wasting time and enjoying every bit of it!

One week has gone and I feel proud of myself; I was expecting myself to complain, sob or be a little bothered about the previous pattern of life, but I moved on pretty efficiently and began relishing the 'break', quite instantly. After a refreshing holiday, I was back home, with a long list of things to do and as always was absolutely thrilled putting them all off! I decided, the first week ought to be dedicated to bring me back the 'feel good' factor that chose to dump me the last few months.

My lovely grandma, music, people, books, movies, the salon and lots of food pampered me sufficiently. I did things I would not do on any boring weekday. I had fun revamping my wardrobe, dumping all those boring formal clothes and giving life to my colorful flip flops! Watching TV, cooking, painting, reading, writing, gave me so much joy this last one week! Overall from breakfast to my midnight snack, life was enthralling, I totally enjoyed doing nothing and felt absolutely superb about it!

High on Myself!

The past week has been one amazing week; with its own share of joy, bliss, enthusiasm, energy, I will not be wrong in saying it has been perhaps the most eventful and the most stunning week for me. Every day there was something new and fascinating to take back...

Quite philosophically, the last week gave me a substantial bit in terms of knowledge - knowledge of the Self and a lot more. At the risk of sounding like an enlightened saint already, I must admit, it was a fabulous experience. Something about the whole week got me to be more smiling and more productive. Of course, now I cant really recall all what I capsuled in the five days, but yes, it affected the way of my life drastically. What I hated, I began to love and what I loved, I began loving furthermore. I was in total bliss or something more than bliss which cannot be encompassed in a word. [my thesaurus is letting me down too ;)]

Yoga in the mornings, fruits for breakfast, high productivity at work, satvik lunch, evenings filled with Narada's Bhakti Sutras, the days were packed with a portion of high energy. Everything that happened, got me to wonder, think, exclaim and simply glorify. And the most superb part of it all was the fact that, all I pronounced, all I thought and all I wished was simply taking shape right in front of me. It felt like the universe supported me all through the wondrous week. After the five smashing days, the weekend was no less.

Hyderabad was just the most appropriate way my week ought to have ended. I experienced some awesome lessons, came across some eccentric profs, got to understand some exceptional stuff, met some great people, made some incredible friends, went to the most breath taking airport. Waah! what a week and what a way to end the week...

I was high on knowledge and bliss all through and all I did was to meditate profoundly, I just went back to my center and felt every cell of my body charged up. Of course, I did not do some difficult and excruciating things in the name of meditation and sadhana. I came into a blissful state of mind, I was calm and felt one with the universe; and believe it or not, what I wanted/ what I wished for, just simply had to happen. An unfathomable and the most subtle law of the universe!!

So when are you closing your eyes, settling down and going on a date with yourself?

The Menons !

There are people you meet and forget, there are people you meet and remember, but dont really keep in touch; and of course, there are people you meet, you remember, adore and simply love. These are the people who most often matter to you the most. Ambitious, cheerful, lovable, chirpy, encouraging, careful, prudent, observant, no-nonsense, fun loving, gibberish and extremely sweet, however different these two Menons of my life seem, they still are very similar somewhere deep down. They have been among the few people, I know and I can completely relate to whatsoever. I have never really spoken to either of them about how they really matter to me, so if you guys, feel for it, then yeah!!

Three years in college have passed, and now I have gotten to realize these are none but, great friends of mine, whom I can count on and blindly rely upon. We have had great times together, some of which have even been forgotten, but I must say, everyday was not just another day with such amazing people back then in college. I somehow feel a special connection with both these stupid, crazy and fabulous Menons. From throwing tantrums to displaying Mallu Budhi, they have done it in a manner so uniquely, but so strikingly similar. For both of you, today, I think is a special day, and here is a my message...

Menon (The menon I call Menon) - You have been an amazing support and a great, great friend. I sometimes wonder if we would have gotten this close if it were not for our stupid decision of an MOP Bazar stall. But, nevertheless, I am happy it gave me such an amazing chance to get to know you better. I must tell you, I have learnt a lot from you, important lessons !! From innumerable tailor encounters to street shopping and utlimate bargaining episodes, I have had the time of my life with you. From tibbs frankies to Gangothri pani-puris, we have had some cherished moments of our life, I am sure, acting like retards, sometimes, extremely serious. Of course, I must not forget to mention those small tiffs we did have, those mind-blowing gossip sessions, those crazy after-college adventures, but, whoa, Menon we have really managed it all through and it has been fantastic. Love you tonnes, and miss you, when you are away.

Menon (The menon I dont call Menon, but call bugger) - Bugger, honestly, I dont know where to start. But I have got to tell you, that you have been one amazing person that I have come across. You must be sort of wondering from where all this love is overflowing, well it was all there already. =)

College got me to know you better and in a more close way. From frivolous and bizarre laughter to serious talks, we have had it all and it feels great to recall instances with you. I mean, I dont know, how much justice I am doing to a note to you, but seriously, one hell of a time, we have had together and FB says it all. A great critic, a brilliant friend and also one awesome companion, you have been them all and in great spirit. I simply adore a lot of things about you, maybe ask someone else, like Paru, she might have a lot to say about what I think of you !! =P

All I can say to both of you, is to be the way you are always, because I simply love the way you guys are... Every bit of you is so crazy and genuine that I just cannot let go of you guys. Have fun in Bangalore, and let me tell you, that is going to be the most frequented holiday place for me, from now (courtesy, you guys !! LOL). Also let that damn 'apartment complex' (you know what I mean) not change you in a bit, because, I will really feel for it. A deadly Menon combination you guys have been and will continue together for another two years. One request, dont become Marrus or move from the Mallu to the Marru budhi.

Designs that have blown me off !!

To start with, let me tell you, I am not a very design-design person, but I sure have an eye for classy, funny, casual and extremely innovative ideas translated into product/ packaging design. The whole idea of design is to dig out something that exists, but that which not many people can see. That is whom we call a good designer, a person who tells us "dude check this out, you'll identify with it, for sure!"

I woke up a little late, this morning, than I planned last night, and I was so sure I will lose it totally. Often when you dont manage to wake up on time (particularly 'waking up'), you are welcoming a bad mood, with no rhyme or reason. But quite interestingly, I was in a brilliant mood this morning. I wish to attribute it to a range of classy and mind blowing product designs that I came across; that got me to laugh and wonder as I was sipping my coffee. It got me to say to myself "I want one of those! NOW." If you can appreciate some funny and fundamental designs, then you have got to check Happily Unmarried (http://www.happilyunmarried.com/index.htm).

When I say, designs that have blown me off, that is what I mean, they blew my mind!!! . Some of the most basic things in life that we know, but would not have thought about as something we could translate into a product and place it on our table...

Let me tell you, these are not products that are a MUST HAVE, in terms of necessity, but they sure are products that you will WANT TO have (you see the difference). Now that is what you expect from design, designers and their aptitude. However you are, whatever is your frame of mind and whatever are your ideals, these designs are said to create an unknown, unrecognized and undying like/ wish. From the famous and most stunning "Procrastinator's Diary" to "Rude Sun Sign Mugs" to "Desi Daru Glasses"; they have taken it to another level, so innovative and creative; that you might be left with an idea or thought; 'how-on-earth-can-someone-come-up-with-that'; because I was...

Check them out, they are very desirable, I must say, because they are not very pricey as well. You sure can afford it even with that meager pocket money that you have, or those peanuts that you earn.

Bottom Line: Worth having, worth flaunting, value for money and a great mood enhancer.

P.S. I just ordered a Happily Unmarried key chain from here, kick ass concept!

Ranjani !

Well to start with, a little gyan about what you might like/ adore/ hate in this package of energy, love, stupidity and spirit! For three whole years now, Ranjani has been in my life and guess what, I can recall, she has been the only person I have had maximum tiffs with, and I love it. A perfect Cancerian, she is so easily annoyed (she just puts up, 'she is okay with arguing/ fighting with me!') and for a person like me, its simply a great thrill to be at minor loggerheads with her. She is one person I can be me to, and I completely mean it when I say this, because, she accepts my opinion like it absolutely mattered to her. Oh, of course, if she did not accept, she would fight back.

A drama queen is almost an understatement to what anyone would call her, but guess what, that is what makes her, HER. When I think of Ranj, I think of energy, enthusiasm, dance, vibrancy, drama, exaggerated talk and gesture, a sweet friend, wannabe (lol! sorry Ranj), an adorable person , a perfect mood swinger (she can cheer you up, she s too good at it), a tantrum throwing kid, a born attention seeker (i cant think of a more reiterating word, but it is sure an understatement, whatever be the word), a believer, a carefree person, just, a patient listener, an ultimate punching bag (sorry for this too, u certainly help me kick stress), a bimbo (the famous nick name), a lovable retard and what not. Ranjani is a combination of this all, a perfect cocktail, an overdose of which is a bit intoxicating [how was that!?!! ;)]

All through, she has been one amazing, amazing lady, whom you can simply count on. If she gives her word, consider it done. Her commitment and intensity is oof! mind blowing...

Of course, there have been times when we did not quite get each other at the right chord, but now, she is one person whom I can completely be Myself to and speak my mind to, because she gets me spot on! =)

Ranjani, on your dearest 20th birthday, I have got to give you a special message for the beautiful person you have been all through. Live you dreams and enjoy every bit of it, I am sure I will be there, but still tons and tons of love and good luck from my side, neatly wrapped in a package for you, on your special day. I am happy about how your birthday flew by, and am also happy about what all is happening at your end. It ought to go your way, for the beauty you are. Be yourself always Ranj, completly love you for what you are.

Of course, these are a lot of pampering words from my end. I mean, can you imagine me saying all this to you??? (its a bit!!) Well, all these three years, I have enjoyed fighting with you so much that, sweet words are boring and un-sweet. I obviously dont know where you will be next birthday (hopefully ashram), so I thought, I ll give you a kitty with sugary words, that you read and be happy about. Drama is something I associate with you so closely that, shit you minus drama is like my mother forgot to put sugar in the payasam! Its of course nice in a retarded way, but dont think all will be okay with so much of irrelevant and unappropriate drama as me... lol!

I have seen changes in you quite lately, all in a great way and hope to see you soar soon. Let me tell you one thing, Sam is the best thing that happened to you, of course after the great G; and am too happy about it. Also be happy always and keep the smile on, it lights you up totally. Do well always and remember me when you earn a good salary!! (lol!!! even if u dont remember me, I will!)

One more last thing, pls come out shopping with me, you just cannot shop for yourself, for NUTS (kidding!). And yes, stop eating one carrot or one apple in the name of dieting, you will never move out from being the same old fat buffalo! =)

Shruti !

Talented, fearless, ambitious, tom-boy, awesome, wacky, crazy, innovative, a thinker, moody, dreamy, gibberish, self-obsessed *giggles*, phenomenal, accommodative, simple, friendly, thoughtful, magnanimous, mature, helpful, brave, reckless and sensational, (i just took a breath after this list, it was spontaneous and completely true) she is a flawless mix of it all; to top it, her energy is marvelous, it can blow you off. BEWARE!

Now you might be wondering who this one is, without much ado let me introduce this little one as the most ideal little sister one can have. In all sense, she is a brilliant critique, a great friend, a fabulous cook, a person who can make the most boring thing, good fun, a fabulous companion, a gossip partner, an incredible masseuse; perhaps these qualify her as the best little sister!! =)

(Now you know, what kind of an elder sister I am!!)

Shru,

On your 15th birthday, here is a message...

Be yourself always, because I love the way you are. I have always thought of you as the most pacifying person around at home, thanks to your tact and patience for dealing with people, you are awesome at making peace all around. Also the striking maturity with which you handle things is also so classic, that trust me, I have got to learn a lot from you. You can ask mom, how I keep talking about your qualities endlessly, I must admit here, that I admire you for what you are! You know what to talk to whom, when, and why to make sure they are happy and you get across your point as well.

Well, besides, you have always gotten across to me as a complete 'ambitious dreamer'. Something about this is so absolutely super sometimes, I simply wonder, how much/ well you can fish for opportunities in whatever comes your way. I love your persistence and that tinge of craziness that shows up all through.

All I have to say to you on this special day, chase your dreams, like your enemy's dog would chase you, and you can see yourself as the best in every thing you do. Be the way you are always, I love every bit of it. Keep up the dreamy ambitions, they are the best part about you! Love you always Shruti Manu... =)

TOIT new week!

Unbelievable is the word. I honestly have no idea how I managed to sail through all days of the week, without cribbing, by that I mean, NO CRIBBING AT ALL!! =) Nothing short of an achievement for a person like me.

Cooked, ate, relished, felt good! I am talking out of experience, you have got to try your own delicacies once in a while when you are bored, because you will come to know yourself better and love every bit of your creation. You will pick up subtle lessons in life, trust me. So subtle that, you might not even notice.

The cook's hat is one you have got to sport once in a while! ;)

From accidentally making upuma (planned chesse peas pulau, bad planning) on day one to aaloo paratha on day two and ghee masala dosa and chutney and some fresh club sandwiches, I managed to get through the other-wise boring week in an interesting manner and loved every bit of it. It was 'ah-so-yumm' !

This week, TOIT will be called THAT ONE INNOVATIVE THING.

Note that 'Interesting' has now become 'Innovative'. Yes, just to break the so predictable and mundane 'interesting' thing to do, every week, the 'I' will be a different thing. Like Innovative one week, Important the other, etc. This will also be decided on the day before the week begins.

The 'That One Innovative Thing' is a surprise, and will be broken after my task is complete.

Its a crazy and bizarre innovative idea, but I shall talk about it, on Sunday next!

OMG! Cant wait to kick start this one, and also cant wait to complete it and tell you how it went by... =)

Vivek

Vivek...

One of my childhood friends, this one today is flying off to Dubai for good! {'m Jealous! ;)}

Last evening he came home, mom and I were there, he said "aunty I have news for you". When he said just that, I precisely knew this guy had gotten a big fat break; quite literally (he hates Chennai). Today he is flying off and is going to drive down everyday to one of the 'biggies'; a logistics company in Dubai. From tiring train journeys to college to a luxuries one in Dubai, he mapped it out quite admirably and his patience, gosh! I wish I had fraction of it!

This guy has a fabulous sensibility that you cannot help but notice so evidently when you meet him for once. A well read guy, his headset is enviable. (He told me he'll leave behind all his books that weigh 18kgs!!, cos he has an upper limit for baggage at the airport!!!!)

Insightful, savvy, down-to-earth, quick-witted, friendly, observant, thoughtful he is such a fantastic blend of it all; I must say, he has everything that makes a great friend.

I have had such marvelous conversations with him and trust me, I mean it when I say this, he is a great critique of my ideas and a encourages immensely when absolutely relevant.

All I can say to him on his special day is, Vivek, I am sure you'll do a great job out there; be the way you are always. Say hi to uncle, aunty and Anu. Good luck, keep in touch!

And REMEMBER when I holiday in Dubai, my coffee will be on you, at ""Burj Al Arab""!! =)

The 'Chest'

Now I am sure you are wondering what this is...

On my way to work today, an idea struck me. I decided to write special notes to people on their special days to make them feel special. Yes, you got that right! It feels good to have people go like "aww, I dint know I was this good. =)". I believe every person out there is one awesome person in his or her own way. Besides all these concepts, I am sure a special note is something we all love to read, re-read and cherish all through.

Well initially I thought this could be a 'category' where I sent out messages to people on their birthdays. But then again, for people who follow this blog regularly, it becomes too predictable. Also I'm too impatient to wait for birthdays.

I am calling this the 'chest' because, it is a special treasure trunk for me, where I store memories, wishes and good luck for all my loved ones.

So watch out, your special day is when I think it is!

TOIT (That One Interesting Thing)

Every morning, we all do our bit of sobbing, I'm sure. Oh, besides, if it is a Monday morning, dont even ask! For instance, today, I just returned from Bangalore (was a fabulous trip!), and all I needed in my mind, to screw up the whole day and the week, was to think about how boring and drabby it could be, or it would turn out. That too, after an amazing weekend, weekdays seem so jail-ly and not very interesting to sail through. Today, I was hoping to skip all the lifeless days of the week and land in the weekend once again, to have a blast! But as I was thinking this, I was in my routine, doing everything I would on a lifeless and stale weekday.

Is there anything I could do to get rid of the monotony of life? Of course, all I have got to do is to 'get-a-life'! That is when a wave rose in my brain.

TOIT

Every Sunday evening, I will zero down on 'that one interesting thing' (TOIT) that I will do all through the week to kill/ butcher/ murder boredom! On my way to office, I was storming for some ideas and came up with a few things that can be my weekly TOITs; and from this week, it is going to be a routine affair by itself. But, I promise to make this one an interesting and fantastic routine, that will engage all through the week and entertain as well. I cant be more excited to kick start this one, my debut attempt.

For this week, that one interesting thing will be treating my family to some scrumptious and yummy (hope so) delicacies from my kitchen, every night. This will not just give me a chance to write about some awesome experiences of being an amateur cook myself, but also give me an equal chance to enjoy every day and sail through, quite calmly and vividly into the much awaited weekend. And, I must add, it will give my mom a chance to celebrate as well. So, here I go!

Dinner tomorrow will be cheese peas pulav (courtesy Saranya's mom) with corn and spinach salad to go with it.

Cant wait no more...

(B)logged in!

I hope this is no boring blog post on blogs, but I have got to get it across...

Over the last few days, I have been doing absolutely nothing but reading some fabulous blog posts from veteran bloggers world over. Today, I sit back and only mull over how better my next post can be. Despite being an (amateur) writer for about a couple of years, I got interested and began to share on the WWW only a week back. When people asked me if I have a blog, I would rather stupidly say, 'I don't believe in the whole act of blogging.' Well, perhaps that is what I thought, back then!! In fact, sometimes, I thought bloggers would just make up stuff to sensationalize their private space (not so private = public).

Today when I see an active blogging community I wonder why I was in deep slumber all this while. People flaunting success in their blogs, writing stories about how their life was saved, about the day they first smoked, got high, got a life!! I read about how people quite 'genuinely' felt about college life, their first re-union after they turned 50. I must admit, I got nothing short of an undying inspiration to keep my blog active and vibrant all through. I sadly, JUST realised blogging is so much fun and honestly, the most brilliant stress buster!

A personal note to my dear cousin, Sneha who says she got inspired by Shruti and me to begin her blog. All I can say to you is,

Sneha Akka, I love your blog (and you) and love the fact that mine got across to you! Keep writing, I will enjoy reading!! BTW, loved your salsa videos. In fact was curious to know who your salsa partner is! (cheap thrills, you see!!)

Now to one of my friends, whose blog turned one today.

Vini, Happie bloggie-day! I caught up with a few posts and loved reading them. Keep writing; I'll keep reading. =)

Mum! Bhai!

Crowed streets, traffic jams, markets on either sides, the local train, vada pav, pav bhaji and nimbu pani, push cart food stalls, cutting chai on one hand; the most plush malls, shopping arcades, luxuries spas, boutique hotels, lounges on the other. When you can sense such a vast assortment and can still feel home; then know for a fact that you are in Amchi Mumbai. A city of dreams, Mumbai is undoubtedly a dream come true if you are one hell of a shop-a-holic! Observe keenly, you will eventually figure out that to call this city a Paradise for shoppers is almost an understatement. Walk in and out of fancy malls and through some famous flee markets in Mumbai, you are sure to get your hand on everything that you wanted, you want or you may want; and if you ask me, I would suggest simply pick them all up. So what if you are carrying a heavy bag back home; be happy and go on a shopping extravaganza!

When I was in Mumbai all I did was... scream MUM!!! lets go shopping!! BHAI (my cousin Anand) lets go out, lets check Mumbai out! Thats how I know all this, a fraction of what exists in true sense

But of course, apart from flamboyant mall hopping, the fun of shopping and picking up squabbles with vendors and bargaining, is a thrill in itself and Mumbai is known for such an unbeatable experience, so here are the top 3 flee markets that you could find yourself in to go all gaga.

Colaba Causeway

Colorful, fancy, in-vogue and reasonable; this market is one of the best and the most renowned ones in Mumbai. Situated in the south of Mumbai, it attracts not just tourists and visitors, but also the ones from suburban areas to shop. You can find almost anything that you want under the sun in this market. From immaculate antique articles, vibrant and mutli-hued bangles, bags, smart and cool tees with sayings, gorgeous accessories, a variety of sunglasses, and some rare books. Besides, you can pick up some good furnishings and stuff for your new homes right across, on the other side of this huge market. Ah! Also you can take diversion and dig into some local Mumbai delicacies and also try out some of the oldest and most typical cafes that brand Mumbai (Leopold, Mondegar) and some truly divine desserts, round the corner at Theobroma.

Verdict – Colaba Causeway is one of the fanciest markets in Mumbai. Pick up all your favorite accessories and books, you might perhaps not find it anywhere else in Mumbai. Don’t forget to bargain! Also plunge into some food stuff; I’m sure you don’t need a reason for that!

Bandra Linking Road

Quite similar to the Causeway, the Linking Road in Bandra has a lot that attracts. You will find college goers throng this market, picking up their college clothes, bags and accessories. It is different from Causeway; it flaunts specifically clothes and accessories. Trust me, you set out with the most specific idea of a dress, you cannot be dissatisfied; because this place has all kinds of patterns, all kinds of colors and also all sizes. A bigger market, it is spread across a few streets and a stopover at each one is worth it. Now; all I can say is be prepared to spend some time here, you will be more than happy about it. Don’t worry for prices, they are absolutely negotiable, besides pretty reasonable as well.

Verdict – At Linking Road, stop by every stall, you never know what amazing stuff he has somewhere deep down in his stock. So go there with some time in your hand and see what all you can get as additions in your wardrobe. You’ll be stunned.

Lamington Road market

Electronic, electronics and more electronics; that is what Lamington Road is known for. If you are one of those kinds of people, who have a fetish for gadgets and electronic stuff; then you will be nothing short of thrilled to check out this market. Named after the Governor of Mumbai, it is located near Grand Road in South Mumbai this street has anything that you want from TV sets, to cables, to plugs, to camera spare parts, and what not. Set out on this one with some time in hand too; you have got to, of course look out for quality and also check on the prices as well.

Verdict – If you drool over gadgets and love electronics, this is the place for you to be. Bargain, to enjoy that ‘value for money’ quotient.

Now you might probably wonder what is it that is ‘famous’ in Mumbai. Well, welcome to this city. Everything is famous here, because it has its style quite attached to them all. I have just mentioned top 3 flee markets, but let me keep tell you, you can make your own list of best markets in Mumbai; there are so many more flee markets in the city, that you can almost lose count. Some other famous ones, you could visit include, the Crawford Market, the Chor Bazaar (Not kidding! It’s really famous), Dadar Market, etc. So what are you still thinking about, plan your next family holiday to this paradise; save up on all petty shopping for some huge and reasonable deals out there.

BBQ anyone?!

Ah finally, one down on my wishlist...

Dinner at BBQ Nation. A plan that has been proving incapable of planning for almost a year now, but I feel successful now. Let me give you a quickie on pre-dinner, dinner and post-dinner at this fabulous restaurant.

Pre - Dad was back at last, and dinner with family in Chennai seemed quite a treat in itself. A slightly monotonous day at work, all I could think of, is the evening. After lunch at work, I decided to call BBQ Nation and book our table (boredom, u see!) Of course I knew, we could comfortably manage one, even if we walked in, the day being a weekday. But guess what, the damn restaurant was booked the day before itself. The excitement that hovered in our minds, got us to leave for dinner at 6:30 (Never ever before). The crowd was provocative and irk. We still shut up and waited for almost an hour to get a seat. The sweat, the traffic, the tiredness (of doing nothing), the irritation, the squabbles with Pranay and mom, the hunger pangs and what not. But was it wait this trouble??

Dinner - Finally, we managed to get a nice, quite, AIR CONDITIONED place to sit. I was quite excited. For those who dont exactly know, this place is fancy and has a facility where you can make your own BBQ! A concept that is crazy and so brilliantly executed that...gosh, its fab! Every table has its own little fireplace, where you can grill your own platter of exotic veg and non-veg BBQ. They have unlimited starters and a small flag that you turn down, when you done. Dont forget to turn it down, they're just waiting to shove grill sticks on you. You have got to give up, and then they'll stop. After starters, is the clichéd buffer dinner menu, but wait a minute, it tastes yummm...

Desserts, yet another fancy in this awesome restaurant. To top it all, the service is so comforting; impeccable is the word! A-wow-experience, all together.

Post - After filling ourselves up to the brim (like we would'nt eat for another week), we set out for home. All I did on my way back was to analyse the place, food, ambiance, service, value for money and I relaised it was certainly not one over-rated place.

Then I forced mom on a long like ride with me, to just end the day like it ideally ought to.

Report (out of 10)

Food - 8; 9 for the starters

Service - 10

Ambiance - 7 (crowd pissed me off)

Value for Money - 9

Tip: Try to fill yourself with starters and desserts, the others are not great. I got an overdose of paneer! =)

Getting better!

Its been 2 whole weeks and 'office' is getting better, I must say. Work is flowing in and am getting a bit busy catching up with the whole thing. My expectations about work have been so high, that perhaps if all are met, it will be a bit too much! It is however at least on the move; Thank God for that!

Let me tell you a bit about PR though. Its good, its crazy and its a bit annoying as well. It is such a healthy combination of it all that, sometimes, you can get confused, quite fundamentally. To start off, let me quote Sam "PR is to fart and make people happy about it!", he burst out with these words when I told him about work. Well, true to a large extent.

But read this, you'll quite get the picture.

"I'm thinking of leaving my husband," complained the wife of a well-known public relations expert. "All he ever does is stand at the end of our bed and tell me how good things are going to be."

Work-a-lohics!!

Quite unlike the people you would have met at school or college or some random unassuming friend's friend, I have to tell you, people at work, especially on day one, are not surely welcoming and certainly not comforting at all. Unless you are smart enough to already catch hold of some friend, well in advance before joining. Or, you have got to be plain lucky to bump into some long lost friend. =)

And guess what, for me, this luck funda worked absolutely fine. Walked into one really old friend (more than 6 or 7 years), whom I would not have recognized at all, (she straightened out her hair!!) and felt a good; blessed is the word!. But then again, that was just for a jiffy, people still did come across as strange, over-smart and highly judgmental 'losers'.

For me, I never got emotional about college, even when it was coming to an end; but trust me, now I say 'College is the best thing that happened to me!!!'. God, that 'apartment' is a divine place. I cross that little memorable street everyday, only realizing that I will have to go towards a really annoying irksome and highly contemptuous place called 'office'; that people out there adore; for God knows what reason!!

But one thing got me thinking for long; even back home and next morning as well... The guys in my office, I realized, evidently (understatement) were obsessed with their daily or weekly alcohol sessions. Oh! more interestingly, their goof-ups thereafter. 'Machan that beer da! hahahaha! this vodka da, quarter da, blah blah da! hahaha!'

OMG!

Over that one day at work and thought back home, I learnt for myself 'Work is the curse of the drinking (men) class!'

The WishList

Yes. That is what this will be called, my personal space on this massive World Wide Web. It has been one of the top most pointers on my wishlist for quite sometime now. Thanks to a bit of boredom and a lot to say, here I am, presenting to you 'WishList'.