From the campus... SMS

We were a part of the crazy SMS maniac campus generation. Thanks to service providers like Airtel and Aircel, ours was controlled frenzy. The maximum number of free SMSes per day was limited to 100 for student pack. And for those who think that 100 is a good figure, trust me, it wasn't.  To survive a long day of boring lectures and that too with the numerous gossips floating around, it was actually too less. I remember the day when I woke up to my best friend/roomie promising me my ever fav Diary Milk. I realized that something was up since she is not this sweet, usually. And the reason became quite obvious in a few minutes - my free SMSes for the day were done for, and the day had not even begun! Moreover she didn't look like she had lost her sleep!! Those are the figures we are talking about. Hope you get a picture now.

SMSes helped classmates let the late comers know what was in store for them, or if the lectures had been shuffled (so that you can plan and avoid a particular subject for which you already have enough attendance). For cross-department friends, it was absolutely necessary to synchronize their bunking. And while in auditorium, who doesn't like a well coordinated booing? And most of all, it made one feel like a hero(ine) for mobiles were banned in the campus. There was a friend of mine who had made a storage closet for a mobile on her notebook. She had carefully cut a neat dwelling fitting her phone in one notbook, and one befitting the charger in another. Such were the ingenious methods devised to smuggle the phone in and out of the college hostel and to charge them inside empty classrooms.

Not to mention the numerous funny, crazy, and chalu forwards, silent sorries, fights and as my friends recently reminded me, pranks! One of us once received a forwarded message. What made it special was that it was sent by a spirit(or so it claimed!). All we had to do was to give a missed call to a number at night, and the ghost will call you back at midnight. And well, the courageous ones gave miss calls, and midnight swept by without anything happening. But the phone did ring, early in the morning. As we picked the call all so scared, there was a guy at the other end of the phone shouting and screaming. He was indeed blood-thirsty, caused by the fact that he received numerous miss calls during the night spoiling his sleep!

And oh, this will not be complete without saying about messages gone astray. How would you feel if a gossip about you landed rght on your inbox? Well, definitely not an intended gesture, but a small 'spelling' mistake :) The consequences depend on how well you manage it at the moment, and of course, on your luck. I really really do not want to explain more.

There are probably numerous more incidents to quote, but the point is made. Campus was where we enjoyed everything to its most. And simple as it may seem, SMSes contributed big time to it. Love you, my dear friends... such a time will not come by again, but the memories are ours, forever...

My relationship with ghosts

As the girl walked towards the tree on a no moon day, there was suddenly an eerie silence, and the screech of an owl from a distance disturbed the silence. But she continued walking, and then suddenly, there was a figure right in front of her... it was a little girl, and her face was distorted and she walked  towards her....


It was at this point of the movie that I heard a knock on my door and boy, wasn't I scared to the core? As I walked to the door taking teeny-weeny steps and checked, I found to my immense relief that it was my neighbor who had dropped in to ask for a cup of milk!  But nevertheless, this incident made me think about the hate-hate relationship I share with ghosts.

I know that there exists this class of 'abnormal'(what else?) people who love to watch horror movies, and later (can you believe it) do not flip or flinch about it... and then the other class who actually watch these hiding behind their chairs. Cowards, really! Why take the pains of watching it and scaring oneself to death? I have never understood the psychology behind that behavior. And then comes the third section, the one I am proud to belong to, who changes the channel as soon as they see its a horror flick. But wouldn't mind watching ever favs (read, Manichithrathazhu) or a few minutes of some gross horror movie(though we later regret it and walk around as if ghosts are all jobless and in search for you!).

But then horror doesn't really start or end with movies. I remember that as a child, I had listened to numerous stories of ghosts haunting paddy fields at night. It might have been a clever parent who floated those stories around as we kids, never strayed alone after dark listening to those (which now seem like) crappy stories. But ghosts had made a permanent scar on me right then. I have never been scared of the lack of light, but the notion that there are unworldly creatures lurking in the dark waiting to pounce on you, has always always always scared me. And with me grew the fear which gradually gave way to hatred. I hate ghosts (well, who would want to love them, eh? )

This reminds of an incident from my college life. Onam was around the corner and to make sure that I get good seats in a bus bound home, I woke up before dawn and walked down to the bathroom area. It was while I was brushing that I heard a sound behind me. I strained myself and tried to listen. A panic-struck me could not bear to turn back and see what's happening and hence opted to look in the mirror right in front of me. The mirror gave a good view of the corridor and I couldn't spot anyone/anything. And then suddenly, from nowhere, I saw a figure on it, with a long robe draped around it and hair all around where the face should have been. There was no mistaking that it was staring at me, I could feel it, I could sense it. But I couldn't make a noise, it was as if I could no longer talk or make a noise. As it walked towards me, I turned around with all the energy I had and managed to throw everything I could find then at it and ran. At the door I met my roommate, and she saw me on the verge of tears, but I wouldn't explain anything, she said later, I just ran! As she put her head in, and checked to see what happened, she was blasted, in full-fledged Tamil, by some bewildered girl in all so drenched night clothes! I had thrown mugs of cold water onto some girl who decided to use the bathroom when she woke up in the middle of her sleep. My best friend did her best to explain to the girl that I was scared and mistook her for a ghost. But that kind of alleviated her feelings (I wonder why ;). And once I had calmed down enough and they managed to pull me out from under the blanket, it was not just the wet girl that I had to face but also my best friend who by then was agitated by all the Tamil bad words showered upon her so early in the morning!!!

And now, my husband has resorted to hiding in the house and scaring me every now and then so that I get around this fear of mine. But a couple of days back, when he did this at a time I least expected, I threw the spoon at him. I had a knife with me on the other hand but thankfully, I did not throw it! And now, he has withdrawn from his attempts too. Oh, dear life!

Scary houses, Halloween stories, and all horror movies freak me out. I make out strange patterns lurking behind the shower liners. And the strange coincidences drive me crazy. Anytime, I talk about ghosts, I feel its eyes on me. And oh God, there is a knock on the door, and am not expecting anyone at this time of the day!

The Magnificent Niagara

The fall of 2011, and we decide to visit the mighty Niagara...
It was not a decision taken on impulse. That's a place I have always wanted to visit, right from the day I learned about it from my Social Studies book. And when all conditions seemed to meet, off we went and that too, driving all the way!

As we started early morning and drove along the roads, which was more like a fall foliage drive, we could not but only admire the plethora of colors that nature presented before us. It was a beautiful drive and even more so for me since I did not even budge from the passenger seat :)

With just a pit stop, we reached Niagara a little after noon and rushed to the falls area minutes after we checked in. It was the American falls which welcomed me from a distance  and I had absolutely no idea that the 'Cave of the winds' trip would take me right next to this damsel. As we were given the raincoats, I actually contemplated wearing it, but no sooner than I put one feet out of the small cave, I realized why it was provided in the first place. Icy cold water from the falls were splashing upon us, and Ms beautiful was smiling from above. We could climb up the wooden stairs along the falls letting her soak us up. It was as if she wanted to show off her beauty and with each drop of crystal clear water falling upon us, we couldn't agree more. It was a dream come true for me. All I wanted was to see the Niagara falls, and there I was actually getting showered by her!

It was only early in the evening and we could have moved to any other attractions offered by Niagara, but we were so muck taken aback by the beauty of the falls that we chose to spend our time walking around the American falls. We walked to the Three Sisters Island, and to other points which gave us wonderful views of both American and Horseshoe falls. Once it turned dark, the falls were illuminated and that added to the spectacular sight. Had it been summer, we could have taken the boat ride at the time, but the cool winds blowing against one and the colorful trees made up for that miss. As it turned darker, the only sound was that of the waters and it was as if she was showing off even then trying to scare people ;-)

The icy morning took us to the adventure theatre which showed the story of Niagara - the legend, the myths and the miracles. The video was incredibly shot and the story of Lelawala, the maid of the mist, who lives in the cave of God Hinum kind of struck me.

And wasn't I thrilled when I got to know that the next trip was aboard a boat named 'Maid of the mist' which would take us near the American falls first and then the Horseshoe falls. I should say that this was when I really saw Niagara falls for what it was. I had not realized how mighty she was until we approached horseshoe falls. I took a glimpse and could not but bow to the majestic one. It was a sight which I know for sure will be with me for a lifetime. And know what, the boat actually crosses the US border and into Canada before it turns back. No one can say that they put their foot in Canada, but we were in all in Canadian waters then :)

It was time for a guided tour, we felt, and off we went by the trolley within the Niagara state park. As the driver explained the geography/history/geology in his own witty manner, am sure everyone had their ears glued and eyes moving! It was then that we saw 'the point of no return', the pedestrian bridge to Canada and the small streams which flow into Niagara.

We also made time for the Niagara Discovery Center museum which just didn't capture my interest. People who like geography might like it but then, we most definitely did not. Soon we made our way to the Niagara Aquarium. I really don't want to write that I saw fishes, penguins and seals here though I have already made the point here :)

It was time for us to bid goodbye but not before we took another glimpse of the falls and waved her our goodbyes. And there she was thundering, to be seen and to be felt... The trip had left us soaking wet, not just with the water from the falls but with memories worth a lifetime.

Madison, at its best

When I generally write about any place I have been to, I kind of filter, put in what we have done, describe the place ans just move on. But to write about Madison will not be all that easy. Coz it is to be seen and felt... But I would still like to try...

Madison is a small little town in the state of Wisconsin. This was where we spent 2 days out of the long weekend mentioned in my last post Go Chicago. This is a quaint little town with all the beauty that a typical American neighbourhood has to offer. The city is based around their state Capitol and built all around it. Yes, exactly the way Trichur round is :)

As we were put up near Monona Terrace, there was the very beautiful Lake Monona flowing with an elegance I have rarely seen. And cycling around the lake and the capitol is a very common task for people there making the environment more eco-friendly and making the people, much healthier.

We were indeed happy that we didnt visit the place during winter as the place freezes even before winter seeps into other places. It's generally cool and has an inviting touch to it. As we spent our days stolling around the small city and taking in some of what it had to offer, we realized that this was the first time that we felt American culture at its best.

It's home to University of Wisconsin and the merry student population adds to the picturesque town. At evenings, the university has a lot to offer to the general public and this includes food and music at a park overlooking the lake. Trust me, you couldn't have seen both young and the old looking happier!

Once in a year, the city hosts a food festival 'Taste of Madison' and weren't we lucky to be there at the very time? With Peruvian, Brazilian, Indian, Thai, Italian and all kind of cuisines(complete with desserts), it was not just a street food fest, it was a celebration. And the food was just yummy.

The Dane county farmers market, the Botanical Garden and museums are all listed in the things-to-do wiki for Madison. But once you are actually there, all you gotta do is walk out and enjoy the city for what it is. And you will not eb disappointed for it celebrates all the time, the Celebration of life...

Go Chicago!

To make up for the anniversary trip that hurricane Irene blew away with it and to make the most out of the labor day weekend, we went to this small town near Chicago. The place was beautiful, and displayed American culture at its best with restaurants lined up, awesome Tiramisu, biking around lakes, an university overlooking the lake, jazz and pop music in the evenings(with country food, of course), cool breeze at all times of the day, and a food festival over the weekend to top it all with.

The place had a healing effect to it, which could soothe one. After spending a couple of days in this serene location, we embarked on our journey to Chicagoland. The city does not have the hustle and bustle of New York, but is busy in its own natural manner. There is no rushing, but there still is so much energy and adrenaline. And yes, it is truly beautiful.

As we got into the elevator in the Willis Tower(formerly known as Sears tower), we were eager to see the Skydeck and go out onto the ledge. The first step into the glass floor was slow (I should probably add that a few heart beats could have been missing then :), but soon excitement took a better hold and I stepped out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, the tallest building in the western hemisphere!

The view from here was breathtaking and on a clear sky day like the day we visited, one can see the four states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

After Skydeck, we took a nice long walk in the city, all the way to Shedd Aquarium. And when I said long, I really did mean loooong. On the way we passed 'Agora'. It's a sculpture of men withour arms and head. Though wiki says that it depicts democracy, we felt that it more suited us, the IT professionals :)

For someone whom the biggest aquarium visited ever was the one at Trissur Pooram Exhibition, Shedd's was indeed a magnificent place. From tiny-weeny fish including the jelly fish to the killer sharks, they are all there. We were indeed thrilled at our first meeting with Penquins, sea lions and dolphins. That was about it. For the rest of the meetings, like the ones with killer sharks, anacondas and the sort I was really happy that there was a glass between us and hoping that I would never see them this close again without this amorphous solid material barricading between us!

It was then time for a cruise in the sprawling lake Michigan. It had taken to drrizzle by then, and the view was spectacular.

As we got off at Navy Pier, we watched a few weekend shows there and took a long stroll around it. The rain dampened the spirits a little bit at this point as all rides were cancelled. That was the only disappointment in the whole trip, I would say.

A trip to Chicago will not be complete without visiting the Millennium Park which is why we decided to make a pit stop there and walked away from Navy Pier. Though we lost our way and ended up walking on the bridge instead of the river walk, we eventually made our way. Thank goodness I was not the one with the map!

The 'cloud gate' was indeed bristling with tourists but we couldn't not resist taking a few pics there before we headed to Buckingham fountain in Grand Park where a music fest was happening.

A beautiful fountain, a cup of coffee and music was all we needed to decide that we should stay just there and wind our trip up without further ado.

And that was precisely what we did.
After spending quite some time there, we started our journey back home, happy that our plans for this trip worked out really well and craving for more...

I, Me, Myself...

I have been in another country for 15 days now. And it has been a totally different thing for me. Before coming here, I thought I might not be able to take it at all. Not being in another country, but the fact that I will not feel the adrenaline rush that the working-lady in me used to experience . But surprisingly it hasn’t been all that bad. I realized much to my surprise that am not a bad cook after all. In fact, I can even make it taste good. I can read books and watch movies whole day, and even bug my husband to take me out for long walks in the evenings. But something was still missing. No, and am not talking about sprint and scrum – something more than that which I was not able to recognize.

And when this chore of going to post office came up, I wanted to back out, just like how I would have in Bangalore. Just that it was for a different reason this time - I was scared. And even more so to accept it. The new surroundings and way of life had got me. And I was desperate, to break open, to break free…

As I got ready, I dropped the plan many a times.  I was not sure of the bus routes, and everyone who knows me well that road sense is something God totally forgot about when he made me. The thought of my hubby who did not let his fear show upon his face and trusted in me when I volunteered for this drove me this time. I was determined to make it. And I stepped out of the house, alone, for the first time since I came here.

As I walked to the bus stop, and got into wrong bus not just once but twice, my confidence level was more like our economy – shooting right down. But thank goodness, I had a friend on the other side of the phone who tried to help me out of it with google maps. My confidence boosted again. And at last, I boarded the bus, paid the amount right and even picked out the right pamphlet with the bus route and timings. As you can guess, I was already feeling better.

I got off at the wrong bus stop(which I ofcourse didn’t know then)  and walked nearly 2 miles and found no post office (‘no surprises there’, I can hear you say!). Thankfully my map-reader was still over the phone and I realized that I will probably get back home walking the way I did then, but definitely not the post office. This time, I was not scared. I just had to make up my mind and make use of the good one hour I had before taking the bus back home. Talking about maps, work and life with her, I walked all the way back to where I got down and sat down for a coffee at McD.

There was a ‘Walmart’ nearby and I decided to spend my time there. And after my exploration where I actually found some stuff we needed for our home, I set off.  I was right on time for the bus and made absolutely no mistakes and got down at the right point. The elated me made calls to my hubby and my friend to announce that I had got back safe. I am not really sure if they heard the pride in my voice, but I definitely heard the sigh of relief in their voices J.

This was most definitely not a Herculian task. I had gone in search of a post office, and had not found it in spite of walking a few miles in the hot sun. But I still feel triumphant. I feel  good, I am no longer scared. I have taken the first step and am sure that I can make my way. I have found me – I, me, myself…

From Bengaluru, To Amrikaa

Chapter 1 – Bengaluru International Airport Limited

All set to check in. Luggages intact. Those which are not intact have been opened and reshuffled right in front all the astonished onlookers in front of the check-in counter. Immigration counter in sight and we soon reached the front of the queue. ‘We’ here refers to me and SreePriya – both participants of ‘onsite-offshore’ programme. The guy at the counter looks up and asks what he feels is a very obvious question, ‘can you please show me the invitation?’. It’s obviously non-obvious to me and I chose to respond politely, ‘may I know what you need MY wedding invitation for?’. He probably thought in his mind ‘here comes another lousy passenger’, and said ‘not yours, your husband’s’.  This time, the frustration clearly showed up on my face and he proceeded to explain,  ‘did your husband send you an invitation asking you to join him in US?’. I chose not to respond when he asked the same question to Sree. The look on her face was much better than mine for it spoke a thousand words and he immediately shut his mouth up. 

We soon passed all the hurdles, and were all set for boarding.

Chapter 2 – The flight

We boarded into the Air France flight set to Paris, and chose not to look at the good looking flight attendant.  It’s very true that we made that choice ourselves, and this was not a reaction to the fact that he not even threw as much as a glance at us. Guys can be really stupid at times.

After 2 failed attempts to upgrade ourselves to the Premium class, we soon settled into our respective seats, and fell asleep discussing about the CSAT(Customer satisfaction) points for this particular flight. It ought to be in the negatives. And before long, the Captain made a very smooth landing in Paris. 

Chapter 3 – Paris

After frantically searching for Eiffel tower during the landing and having seen only a couple of mobile towers, we realized how beautiful Europe was. Every single field, every vehicle and all trees reminding us of DDLJ and SRK J. We were looking forward to see Charles De Gaulle Airport. As good Samaritans, we waited patiently for the bus to arrive, did not scamper for seats and Sree even made the silver lining by giving away her seat to an elderly person. But the next few hours at CDG did not live up to our expectations. The picture-hungry beasts in us died of starvation! I had to console myself clicking a pic of that of Sree lying down in a make-shift bed of 2 chairs(yes, she fits in!). Soon, I went in search of 3-4 beds lined up(and yes, I don’t fit into 2). After a short nap, we fought a war of Dollars and Euros, and we finally found coffee. It was over coffee and croissants at CDG that this particular master-piece took birth.

Chapter 4 – The flight, yet again

The next flight from Paris to Newark definitely scored better CSATs(Air France, again). I slipped into sleep and pusued my dreams(literally), and Sree browsed though the movies available before falling asleep. By the time, we woke up and got all set, the crew announced landing. Probably the flight was indeed long, but having good company always helps.

Chapter 5 – United States of America

We moved into the immigration counter. One look at us and we were both placed into this huge room which was most definitely not the place to be, as far as we knew. There a girl sobbing and this set off another animated conversation between us – whether we will be bound on a passenger flight back home or will that be by cargo! 

Not sure which of these helped – our innocent looks/never ending conversation now in whispers/complete info about our lineage on their screens – but they soon let us out. We sighed out of relief. But alas no, not so soon. The customs officer decided to check our luggage in the next counter. Hooooray(n uff) we came out clean!

At this point, we had this huge grin pasted onto our faces as we collected our baggage and this further widened on the sight of our wonderful husbands standing at the Arrivals gate. As we ran to them, it was love and hugs and stories and smiles everywhere. To hell with jet lag, there is so much to say…

Weekend getaway - to Kodai

We had an approved leave on Monday and decided to get set n go to Kodai. The journey kicked off on Friday evening from Bangalore by our fav 'Rajahamsa' and I soon drifted off to sleep (no surprises there, I can hear you say!). I woke up to my loving hubby gently calling me and pointing to the huge mountains covered in mist, and I felt our bus spiraling up through the many hairpin bends to this paradise which is 2300 meters above sea level. There were trees on both sides of the road bearing beautiful wild flowers, and there was absolutely no traffic along the way giving us the intuition that this was going to be the relaxing weekend we were looking forward to.



As we reached the bus stand, our cab for the next few days was waiting to pick us up to the resort. Villa Retreat resort was all that they promised in their website - few beautiful rooms, with a valley view and opening up to a even more beautiful lawn from where we could see Cocker's walk.


After refreshing ourselves, we decided to do some exploration on our own. A walk along Cocker's walk(ofcourse eating Cotton candy n boiled peanuts) was the very first thing we did. And the chilling cold weather enhanced our spirits for sure. And then we walked along Kodai town least bothered about anything else in the world. I was really feeling happy that I chose to carry the over-sized sweatshirt which Amazon gifted me. At last, that was put to good use. After lunch and more time at the resort, we walked to the lake (popularly known as Kodai lake), n walked by the lake before renting out a pedal boat. At the end of this, we decided to call it a day and retired to our room.

On Sunday, we decided to visit Berijam Lake - the road less travelled by many who visit Kodai. This needs special permission from the Forest department but most hotels there can take care of the procedural stuff required. As we drove off to Berijam, our driver gave us a tip - carry water n snacks - for there are no shops there. Afterall, who expects shops in the middle of a forest where there are no electricity lines and not even the most feeble of the network coverage from the numerous mobile towers cast their range? However, it turned out to be a trip much more wonderful than we had anticipated. We stopped at various places on our way in the forest which gives a great valley view. We lingered around each point for some time for the mist to clear for a better view. Trust me - walks along those mountains were toooooo good to be true and is definitely a memory worth a lifetime.At the end of our jouney, we saw this beautiful lake sprawling across quite some area with unpolluted water, carefree birds singing, mist rising from a side and mountains guarding it. As we walked towards Berijam lake, we were totally speechless. It had an uncanny scenic beauty and was very peaceful -the best location where one can get in harmony with oneself. And to all my friends who are 'photographoholics', guess this is a place you should add to your 'must-visit' list.


We decided to spend the rest of the day strolling aimlessly across the streets of Kodai and drinking tea from the many tea shops along the road.

Monday evening being when we were bound on our journey back to Bangalore, we decided to spend the day doing some local sight-seeing. Meaning not straying too very far. We visited the usual tourist places like the Guna Caves, Green Valley view point(Suicide point of olden days - not open for suicides anymore with barricades all around ;) , pine forests, a temple, Byrant Park, Moyer point and Fairy falls. Horse riding along the pine forest and a long long walk along it was quite filmy but romantic and we thoroughly enjoyed it :)

As our cabbie dropped us at Kodai lake and said a bye, we decided to cycle around the lake. That's something almost everyone who visits the lake does but I had never had a chance to do in my last trips to the place.I was excited about it and after riding for sometime even raced with hubby dear (if you are interested in the results, I was not bad - I came second :P ) And Oh yeah, and we bought Home made chocolates and marsh mellows like any other chocolate-freaks to carry back with us!

Soon it was time for us to say 'bye' to the land which offered us a relief from the hectic work schedules for 3 days. As we packed our bags, sipped another cup of coffee and boarded the bus (Airavat, this time) - we knew from our hearts that we will come back!

Badminton couple

Yes, we have taken the decision at last. After months of hogging and more hogging, and of course - more hogging, we have decided to start with our exercise regime after what we call a quite short 'wedding break'. After deciding upon our over spaced terrace to serve as the badminton court, we went shopping. As you may very well guess, we are now proud owners of brand-new light weight badminton rackets. Only sad thing that he had to encounter was that we could find only pink shuttle corks(to his utter dismay!).
And we started off today with a half an hour game. Needless to say, my hands started aching and I felt a cramp in its coming-soon mode, and immediately stopped playing (not that I was lazy, I just dint want to over do it, you see...). The reluctant hubby was convinced for the same only by Mr. Maruthi (a.k.a. wind :). Guys!
And now, a strict pattern is in its blue-print. We have decided to wake up early every morning and spend some time playing. I am a little scared because I know that if we do stray off the idea, it's mostly going to be because of me - an avid morning sleep lover. And to think that I used to wake up at 5 and go for 2 hours badminton session with friends while in school!! Gosh, that thought is depressing!!!
Anyways, the alarm is set and the game is on. Let's see if we make it. Three cheers for us.