What a boy!

Here’s the story of a 15 odd year old boy, Ravi, who has spent most of his life selling hand-fans in front of Hanging Gardens, Mumbai. Carrying on the family business (which is surely a tiny one), this boy hasn’t been to any school so far. The amazing thing about this boy is what he has demonstrated in the video (link below). He has learnt how to express his content about the fan and its cost in around 10-15 different international languages. And he got to learn by speaking with tourists! Apart from that, he speaks English (broken though) and explains the history and geography of the Hanging Gardens! And moreover he expresses his joy about people praising him and recognizing him as the boy whom they had seen on youtube!!

Interesting guy indeed! Here’s the video:

Sita Falls, Rama Catches!

The title of this blog comes in as a comment during our visit to the very beautiful and pleasant Sita falls (Koodlu-theertha) situated in Udupi, Karnataka. 5 of us, Manju, Shanky, Angelo, Deepak and me, visited this place on April 19, 2008. So, jotting down the memorable journey!

Having had home made idlis and sambar followed by really delicious Mangalore buns and tea at Manju’s place, we decided on to visit Sita Falls. Manju had given us a rough idea about the route and distance to trek (approx. 2 km). Having traveled through ‘green’ roads for an hour via Hebri, we reached a river, which an Omni couldn’t have crossed. So, we got down and started off with our trekking. The sun was shining bright and the weather was hot and humid. We had just plain H2O with us! We knew its gonna be a tough path ahead.

We walked and walked and walked a lot (around 3 km.). Sadly there was no signs of a waterfall and we were all tired and drenched in sweat! Manju was greatly on the receiving end for misguiding us with the distance. This was when came up another shocking revelation from him. There was another couple of km’s to go! OMO, we sat down for sometime in the shock, but then gathered on the strength as we saw the path leading to a forest like area. We were happy and realized that atleast the path ahead would be shady one! And it was indeed cool. We came across a small stream, wherein washed our hands and face. The water was so cool, felt like taking a dip into it. Anyway’s, we walked ahead.

Here awaited our bloodsucking friends, the Leeches! Who knew that! Only Manju had a prior confrontation with them. It had rained the previous night, so along with moisture, surfaced these dirty, small animals! Shanky and Angelo were soon their first targets, but we realized it soon and so luckily, they didn’t loose much of the blood. Deepak was the next, followed by Manju. By the end of trip, Deepak had become favorite of Leeches and donated blood, the most!

Finally, with great difficulty, we walked the total distance (around 5 km.) and reached the falls. What a sight! Trust me, hidden from the outer world, its a world in itself. Ya, the place was not big, but within itself, it held a beauty hidden from the rest of the world. Rocks surrounding the beautiful water gushing down the top was a treat to watch! The rocks were slippery; somehow we managed to get under the falls. The water falling from around 40-50 ft. above, on us, left us all shouting in pain and excitement. The ‘indra-dhanush’ too, had come down and surrounded us! We all we made to feel noble at that time.

On enjoying it for sometime, we all settled down for some ‘boys-talk’ under the water. Better not ask what! First of all let me make clear, we are all straight! So, some secrets were revealed, some revisited. Overall, we all spent a quality time under the falls. The cold, pleasant water-fall had indeed come up as a relief from the heat and pain of trekking such a long distance. Our extreme efforts did bear sweet fruits at the end!

Then started the return journey, which was relatively easier and less tiresome. The leeches were still out there for welcoming us, however, we walked fast to avoid any such opportunistic attacks! Reached the Omni and all of us laid down flat, everyone tired and exhausted, very hungry and thinking of the good natural food that would be soon made available to us by Manju’s parents!

And so ended our half day trip! It was around 3 years since I had trekked and for the first time visiting a falls. It was fun indeed to be in such a great company and playing around in natures own enclave. The trip has left me only craving for more such expedites and explore the hidden and preserved beauties in the nature………..

Few things that were prominent during the trip :

* “Arey its just half a km from here” — Dialog by Manju for every half a km we used to cover.

* The ‘F’ words which Manju had to hear a lot, especially from Angelo and Shanky, owing to the long distance we had to walk.

* The freaky voices by Angelo and Manju while Leeches were enjoying their blood! I suppose the animals in the forest would have got scared for sure.

* Leeches enjoying everyone’s blood except for me. Though one was successful in getting inside my socks, but poor fellow died a miserable death as I crushed it to ‘chutney’. I felt proud of myself!

* Lots of plastic was seen near the falls! Would like to sincerely plead all the readers not to pollute atleast such a place, so that the place retains a dignity and always makes us feel to revisit!

Overall, it was a very wonderful experience of trekking, getting beneath a water fall for the first time and watching the colorful rainbow descend down, surrounding us amidst natures arms!

A very special thanks to Manju for suggesting the place and motivating us to walk along the whole distance!

Positive or/and Negative Signs?

This is a non-technical version of my technical blog on this issue! The issue is me clearing the SCJP exam by narrow margin! And getting pissed with my performance.

There are many other crucial factors other than me not preparing enough for 2/3 topics! It all started with heavy traffic jam with me driving and holding my nerves for the exam simultaneously. It was indeed disturbing! On reaching the prometric center, I came to know that the voucher that I had submitted was not getting registered! Error message popped saying its expired or has already been used! Had to trace back the origin of the voucher from the person (friend) whom I had bought it. Lots of phone calls went here and there which further created a whole lot of chaos! At last, I got the bill number of the voucher and cross checked it at the center. Luckily, the voucher was bought from the same center and on checking the database, was cross verified. And they promised me another coupon. However, I had already got a bit further exhausted by then, spending around half hour breaking my head over this issue! I wondered whether the lady luck is smiling for me (by saving around 7K) or am I being tested for my patience at this crucial stage. Somehow, I had to pump in lot of adrenaline in myself that moment to bring up my energy level and activeness. After all these painful moments, came the real testing moment, the exam, which too, unfortunately seemed against me (as described here!)

But, somehow am relieved that after aggregated study for around 1 months in a period of 2 years, have finally cleared the exam. Will regenerate myself during Diwali Vacations for yet another battle (undisclosed)!

…India Vs. Australia, 20-20 World Cup Semis…

nota bene: I am writing this to show-case the humorous side of feelings associated with the great game called ‘Cricket’. Please, ‘take light’ and enjoy!

A funny incident! Strange but true! A superstitious act! These are the words I would like to express about an act of us (Me and my roomies, viz. Chimti, Bhatya and Bhagwaan). We peed in turn so that India win! Yes……. You are reading it right!

May sound funny and unimaginable but these are some moments in life which would always be worth remembering. Its started off with a bottle of coke! All of us having filled our tummies with so much of fluid, one of us started off with pressure mounting both on the field and in the stomach. And when he was back, there it was! The first Australian wicket.. Gilchrist clean bowled! We rejoiced and from then started our visits to the bathroom turn by turn! Each visit earning India a wicket. Bhagwan delayed his turn and we saw that over very expensive without a wicket. And he was grandly showered with all the possible offensive words available. Then on we made a point that the trick is working a bit. Coke gave way to water gradually for our visits! Also, one more point worth mentioning is that it took two to clean bowl Hayden which was ‘the’ turning point of the match!

Well, a funny incident worth mentioning and remembering! Well, India… Lots in our store for many more matches to win! Come on, Go get the world cup first!

…The day I lay flat on road!…

Yes! Today (August 30) was the day when I first met with an accident riding my Honda Unicorn which I had bought 3 months back! I was waiting for this day for experiencing my first road accident! Offcourse, I hope it doesn’t happen very often… Here goes the story.

And I feel bad that reckless driving by some girl was the cause of me hitting the tempo! Ok let me put it up with some mirch masala. A girl on Activa and me on Unicorn were on a hot pursuit of a tempo which was in front of us. However, the speed was around 30-40 kmph! Without mutual understanding, the girl went for the left side and me on to the right. The tempo decided to take on left side first but applied brakes suddenly on knowing the presence of the girl over there. And there I was, going straight and dashing the tempo. And then laying flat on ground with the vehicle above me! Luckily both of us (me and my vehicle) escaped with minor bruises. And thanks to the caring people around me, I could straighten my gear peddle which had got screwed! But, a lucky day for me I would say!

Well that was it. My first experience of doing a stunt and escaping major damage. Ending with the hope it never happens in future……

…Blog Writing — Application…

Just a few days back, I was learning how to code in Java to connect to internet. Amid the learnings, I came across a thought of how nice it would be if there existed an application wherein I could write down my blogs and directly publish on website with a single click. Being a software developer myself, I thought of writing it down myself!! However, on discussing with some people who have been in the blogging industry (as I term it), I learnt about Windows Live Writer (exclusively for Windows) and Bloged (Open sourced application). So, here I write my first blog using the first application. And would like to comment on it…

As usual, the windows application’s interfaces are just superb. Its a treat using them (am sticking strictly to the user interface right now!) Also, the simplicity that it shows in connecting to the concerned weblog is awesome. Some of the plugins too are cool like inserting code snippets, writer’s firefox plugin, et al. Still exploring them. Well, to say in short, this application rocks and is just a very handy tool to use!

Now, am in search of some other useful utilities that I can develop!! Thoughts invited.

… Sanchita – L’le Champ …

(Sanchita became the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champ). As the final moments dawned wherein the DON was supposed to declare the results, my heart beats had come to a standstill thinking whether it would be Diwakar or Sanchita. And by the Sameer coming third didnt at all come to me a surprise coz his performance in the finals was not as good as his track records. And had the personal opinion that his voice only suited the high pitched songs, not the soft ones! Anyways, my choice after seeing and listening to the final performance was undoubtedly Sanchita. But always till the end had fear that Diwakar would win with the Compassion votes maybe as it was tough competition with marginal vote difference!
Somehow, according to me the deserving candidate did win! Though I have followed only the final two episodes of the whole event, but surely did those two draw me completely into the competition and made me a part of it! Especially with children of 6/7 years of age making it into the final 10! It was just unbelievable. Their voice, their dedication and the most amazing their confidence level at a age of around 10/12, performing in front of the whole world! Hats of to these little champions and their efforts.
Man… .Surely have a lots to learn from them!

… Washington, D.C. …

So, here comes the Washington D.C. trip. First the preparations for the trip and the road maps and stuff. Here, driving is real trouble for people who don’t have a roadmap. With lots of highways of which I have seen the Interstate and State highways and lots of exits, it’s a bit confusing for beginners coz we generally tend to loose our nerves initially!!   A funny incident happened with me while searching for the route and the location of our destination. Searched the distance between Malvern (source) and Washington (destination). The ‘mapquest’ (website) came up with a long route. It was then I came to know of the existence of a state called Washington and the difference between Washington State and the Washington D.C.!!!!  Anyways…. So finally got ready with pre-trip requirements. 

Got up at around 6. We had planned to leave at around 7. But due to unavailability of breakfast before 7.30, had to delay the start by an hour. So, finally started at 8. Then started the fun on roads. With a road map enlisting all the highways and exits to take and the approximate distance to travel along each of roads, our ‘Saarathy’ Aravinda started off with Sanjeev’s car following us. We drove and drove and drove.. But would it happen that we get succeded in first attempt? Na Na Na Na……… got caught up at a point and realised we have missed an exit. Waited for some directions, and took help from a cop. Finally we were on track back again. By then, both the cars had got separated. We reached D.C. at around 11.30 and then searched for a parking lot. Parked the car. And then we were ready to explore the Capital of USA.    

Our first point was the National Air and Space Museum. Therein is a wonderful display of the Rockets and AeroPlanes and Space Satellites and related stuff. Lots of videos were being played explaining and creating interest especially in children about the space, planets and stuff. It was good. Then planned to see an IMAX short documentary on the Landing on Moon. Was directed and acted by Tom Hanks. Wore the specs (for viewing 3D movies) and experienced the world of 3D movies for the first time. It was simply wonderful and just thought how much fun it would be to watch a proper Action or Horror movie with 3D effects!!!! ……. After that proceeded with some flight simulator stuff and models of ships carriages…… Then some pet puja at MacD outlet withing the Museum. And we got out at around 3 p.m.  

 Now with great anxiety proceeded towards the Natural History Museum. There was fine depiction of all Natural things/Beings, ranging from animals to plants, stones, gems, human body, etc…… Models of Dinosaurs, African Elephants, Giant Bears, etc.. Just perfect for kids!!! Ya….. By then was bit bored of these things as they were all artificial (except for the stone and gems)… Anyways wrapped it up in an hour or so… And then proceeded to see the Washington Memorial. It was nothing but a long pillar with flags around it. Nothing great though for a visitor, but definitely it may be meaning lot for them. However, the cool breeze and the bright sunshine brought a kind of serenity and peace to that place. There were seats to just lie down and watch the big jumbo tower!!!! The moment was/is worth preserving!. 

And straight opposite to this memorial stood the WHITE HOUSE shining bright and reflecting the light as sun dawned exactly opposite to it!! There didnt seem to be much of security though near it. But there might have been a lot of hidden security measures, maybe!!! Anyways, took some snaps and by then it was 7.00 p.m. Then we decided to take the dinner and leave as ppl didnt wanted to stay late and drive!!. So, as we walked back to our car, we found all the roads deserted. Thought some election campaingn or what? On enquiring learnt that there was a Cancer Walk scheduled. So, we decided to stop somewhere and watch for some time. I was just taken aback seeing the amount of participation by the people. Right from kids to elderly ppl.. all were participating. Great Enthu yaar and that too for a right cause. A peaceful walk with all holding balloons that had a blinking led within! Felt good to see such a sight especially when its not politically provoked and all the ppl irrespective of gender, sex, religion, cast, creed take part for the betterment of religion called “Humanity”!!!…   Ok so, then we went back to the parking lot. Had our dinner. Waited for the roads to become clear, went back to the other car (they had parked somewhere far) and then left back towards home.. Maa kasam kya nazara tha raston par!!!… I mean the car lights on the highway and the roads at night!!!  And this time I was the guide with the map in hand and directing our driver saab. We reached back home by midnight.  

Wasn’t feeling sleepy so saw ‘Shiva’. …….. And slept at around 3.00 a.m. Thus ended my first visit outside Malvern!!!

Now well have taken picture of myself infront of White House.  Ab soch raha hoon MAMU ke saath photu edit kara loon White House ke saamne khade hoke….. arey bole to BUSH ke saath ekdum dhinchaak photu!!!!!   

… Money, Money, Money!!! … Its the rich man’s world! …

As I live past the days over here at Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA… just keep track of the costs of various things over here… be it cameras, memory cards, laptops, cars and so on .. the list is infinite!! But one thing really attracts me the most is the income over here and the command that a s/w professional has over his/her life as compared to in India….. A Luxury car, for example, over in India earning Indian income it may take 2/3 years to pay back…. whereas over here at US in say half years pay, its quite feasible!! Same applies to other things too… Just work over here and you are sure to possess all the worldly luxuries in say 2/3 years.. including a good house, car and all internal luxuries for these…. That sounds WOW indeed! And moreover the work pressure too is far too less as compared to in India!! But ya offcourse one may have to compromise with the culture, food (esp.. for ppl like me) and lifestyle.. Well but surely worth giving it a try I suppose….. Just a mere observation!! Everything seems to be within reach (affordable) over here without much thinking… Shopping will be surely a great fun with income as per US terms… And all this am telling today after just booking for a digital Camera…. Canon S3 IS worth $320… Doesnt seem much in USD…. .. Anyways. … Do din ki chandni hi sahi!!!!

…. First Flying Abroad Experience …

Hey but you know what can’t leave out citing or keeping a record of my First Flying Abroad Experience!! So writing it all once again….. . and remembering those moments! 

First of all a word of caution for everyone. This particular blog is for more of just myself, for my memories of all those small things.. small events … incase I feel to revisit the times!! So predicting it to be quite lengthy J Here it goes… 

All started with packing things… Thanks to Dad and Niti, I kind of didn’t have to touch the packing section at all except for the necessary documents to be taken. And as a part of cost cutting, had borrowed Sampu’s baggage!! Thanks Champu…. J So by evening was quite ready to go. Flight only at 1.00 midnight, rested for sometime, had dinner and we all got ready to leave. Felt good to see so many friends to see me off… Actually felt moved. And got even more senti with mom crying over phone and giving those pieces of advice (which I feel is common with all the mothers in the world) Great MOTHERS Community!!!!!! Somehow with all these feelings, felt like crying while leaving all and entering the airport for check in. But somehow managed to stay calm. Still was not at ease from within. New place, new procedures, well but nothing caused much of problems inside the airport except for that had to stand in queue for around 45 min to get the boarding pass. Got it , filled up some forms, and entered the waiting room. There was thinking would be alone. Meanwhile my phone was continuously ringing with so many well wishers!!! Thanks to everyone!! I miss you all over here.. just everyone!!!!Well… well… well.. to proceed… felt relieved to see one of my seniors. Then thought of having a coffee and as I was going to take seat somewhere…. Looked at a familiar figure!! Hey it was my college friend Satish. He was too waiting for a flight to
Paris. Thought great….. someone to give company till I depart. My flight was first….. Chatted with him for some time. Then at around 1.30 boarded the flight. Was feeling very sleepy by then…… But the first impression of the flight was just below average for me. The leg spacing , no private screens, male air-hosts!!!!! Well to begin with it seemed bad for me!…. 

Somehow managed, had dinner and snacks. Waited to arrive
Frankfurt… Reached
Frankfurt at around 7.30 A.M. their time….. Was astonished to see the magnanimity of the airport. Such a huge campus!! My God……. A bus then dropped us at one of the terminals. Though there were some 150 Gates where the planes are landed… the directions on the display board were sufficient for me to reach my Gate. But as I proceeded towards the waiting area, they asked its too early and asked me to roam around.. Then thought ok.. Whats the loss.. had almost 6 hours in hand… Started to roam around. The place was WOW!!! A shopping Mall….  Just like Garuda Mall,
Bangalore….. Went through the shops. All being custom free shops….. Well everything was tempting.. (Planning to bring some swiss chocos while coming back..!!!!!)  So caught up with my senior while wandering, and then we sat through the SkyWay and roamed around between the terminals for sometime. Came down and then proceeded towards the waiting room at our Gate. As we sat in the waiting room, could see the wonderful scene of flight landing. As much as a flight in 30 seconds.. And from all nations…. Swiss, Croatia, Korea, China, India, US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan,
Canada… what a place!!!  

Then all of sudden felt hungry…. Thought of having something. Brought Coffee and something called ‘Croissant’ (nothing but toasted buttery bread!!) was ok.. but had to cash out 12$ and got euros in return!!!! Still have around 7 euros.. planning to spend while going back. So, then we waited for the announcement to board the plane… Finally the moment came for the second flight!!!! With great anxiety, I boarded the plane only to find the same situation as in first!!! Middle row sucks!!! But amongst these disappointments, the only thing that didn’t fell so bad about was food!! Atleast they provided some rice item which was fortunately edible. Had it and again opted for a quick nap. Soon announcements started out concerning filling the I94 and custom forms… I94 being the form related to the duration of our stay at US…..Heard those and filled up the forms.. Ya made mistake for the first time.. replaced the forms and refilled them up…… And waited for landing Phily… my destination!!!! At last reached at 4.50 p.m. US timing.. the flight being half hour late…. Got down.. waited for around half hour for lugguage.. collected it..  From the visitors gallery the place outside looked too good.. awesome.. good roads.. speeding vehicles and lush green in background… WOW!! Then caught a cab and got myself seated next to the driver to get a real taste of the roads and speed…. And he did speed up to 100-120 km/hr.. Ha ha ha !! great ride. And then he was originally from carribean but settled in US since many years. So he was just explaining all
US history and Carribean history and stuff…. Was a nice chap! He dropped me at my Hotel.  

By then it was almost 6. and already started to get dark. Got a room from reception and JP helped me out transport my lugguage to my room. Went mad to see the room!! Two bedroom suite with total 3 televisions.. (ya that’s another thing none of channels interesting!!) but still….. and later learnt in all that suite cost me 160$ per night!!!! What a waste of money!!! Anyways…. So got fresh somewhat. Don’t know ate what that night! Nothing I suppose .. was just exhausted .. so slept….. 

But before sleeping wished myself the best for the days I was going to spend over here at
Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States of America!!!!! Well so far, so good!!!! J 

Yeh thi meri choti si kahani!!!!!