Day 11 - Home Sweet Home

The best thing about home is not the food, the big TV or the cozy comfort of my recliner…It has to be the loo…After driving over 2500 kilometres and visiting all kinds of rest rooms (the plush, the dirty and even the thorny shrubs) it’s definitely good to be back home.


My reflections from the holiday…The 7 wonders of a road traveller!

1. The roads were simply awesome…imagine covering 330 kms between Bikaner and Jaisalmer in 4 hours flat!

2. The mobile connectivity was seamless. One could find mobile towers every few miles. Infact the only places where my phone didn’t work was the border area (understandably) and the deserted dunes where we celebrated Christmas eve (thankfully)

3. Google Maps Rock - Never thought the application on my phone would be a life support…not just on the main highways but also in remote towns and villages.

4. Click Happy Generation – Indians are sure going the Japanese way…we click more pictures than we can print. The entire spectrum ranges from the high end SLR to the Chinese model cell phones.

5. Bongs love to travel – I hate the concept of stereotypes but my brethren with all their quirks are just too typical. Every holiday destination will see the quintessential bong family…The ‘professor type’ grand dad who doubles up as the time keeper, the ‘temple trailing’ grand mom, the ‘know it all’ daddy dearest who oscillates between getting bullied by his father and hen pecked by his wife, the sari clad mommy who is forever trying to please her mother in law without much success and the ‘bratty monkey cap donned’ kiddos with the most horrendous pet names. The knowing smile on your face indicates you have come across this tribe!

6. Baba Ramdev effect – Finally realised why the Hindi news channels make a beeline to cover Baba Ramdev…Everything from roadside tea stalls, dhabas and grocery stores have been named after the celebrated yoga instructor!

7. Luck counts – It always feels special when lady luck is smiling down on you. How else can one explain the car running out of fuel 20 metres before the petrol pump…Or for that matter the clouds opening up a day after we finished with the dunes!

Inspite of visiting some of the most beautiful parts of Europe and South East Asia – my top 2 holidays would be the one in Kashmir and this one in Rajasthan. ‘Incredible India’ is not just an ad slogan but a definite reality…Ironically the west realised it before we Indians did. Can’t wait for my next Indian holiday…Leh is currently topping that list…suggestions are always welcome!

Distance – 2545 km (Over and Out!)

Day 10 - Jaipur

One did bargain for a few hiccups on a road trip, but not for all of them to be packed into one day. How else can one explain driving over 400 kilometres and taking a marathon 9 hours for the same? By the time I reached the hotel in Jaipur – Every muscle was aching and all the bones in my body were rattling.

The Gujjar protests was gaining momentum and spreading thick and fast across strategic locations on highways and rail tracks. We did experience them in a couple of places and had to take detours through villages and state highways. It was indeed commendable the way the Gujjars braved through the rain and the winter chill and parked themselves on the highway. Wonder if they got their innate strength from all the media attention?

While some of the detours were forced…a few were courtesy our daftness. In both the instances we went against google maps and used our own wisdom and paid a heavy price. The detour was endless and bloody tiresome. Should have remembered…In the 21st Century – Google is always right!


The only highpoint of the day was the lunch in Pushkar in a café that overlooked the lake. I have visited Pushkar after 6 years and the lake looks visibly cleaner and definitely a lot fuller.

Distance so far – 2289 km

Day 9 - Khimsar / Nagaur

The action shifted to the fort palace today. The place is at par with Neemrana, probably even a shade better. While the fort was more accessible and luxurious, the memory of the dunes was still lingering…


We took a short day trip to the Nagaur fort. The fort was huge and not neatly restored like the other tourist destinations. It still had the ‘ruins’ feel to it and thoroughly enjoyed just walking about on a lazy winter afternoon. I can bet my bottom dollar that it’s a matter of time before this place is also converted into a tourist trap.


This was actually the last night of the holiday. The next 2 days would be part of the mechanics to reach home. Full marks to Khimsar Fort for creating magic out of regular stuff…The dining room was actually called ‘ruins’ and was created in a partially broken open air dome structure. It was also a refreshing break from the Rajasthani cuisine and enjoyed a well prepared conti meal…

Distance so far – 1887 km

Day 8 - Khimsar

Khimsar is about 100 kilometres off Jodhpur and the beautiful hotel property is divided into the fort complex and the huts in the dunes. Like greedy travellers we decided to get the best of both worlds and stay a night in each of the places.

The stay in the dunes was simply awesome…There was sheer poetry in the very approach. A jeep takes you through the village and you can experience the vegetation turn from green to mean as one nears the desert area. On the foot of the dunes, you board a camel cart that takes you over the dune to the mud huts. There is a man made oasis in the middle of the huts that magnifies the overall experience.

This place was a perfect marriage between the pristine beauty of nature and the comforts of luxury. The sand dunes on a winter night looked marvellous and the thought of a clean loo, running hot water and a heater in the room made the experience somewhat snooty but definitely memorable. This is the best an urban slicker can hope to achieve…

Can finally say - been there 'dune' that!

Distance so far – 1796 km

Day 7 - Jodhpur / Luni

By now fatigue had started to set in. It was a longish drive and the roads weren’t as good as what we were used to. Besides the city traffic of Jodhpur can even sap energy out of a playboy bunny!

The Mehrangarh fort was probably the best maintained. Infact it’s sad that the same effort wasn’t taken to maintain the fort in Jaisalmer that is 5 centuries older and has a more premium “heritage” tag.

The drive to Luni though only 50 odd kilometres almost seemed like a trip to infinity…probably because the flesh was weak and the spirit was failing. It was a beautiful ancient haveli that was converted into a fort. There was probably more to discover in and around the place…however the weary soul took solace in a few drinks by the bonfire.

Distance so far – 1657 km

Day 6 - Tanot / Longewala

Today was indeed a memorable day. One of the biggest high points of a road trip is to visit places most tourists dare not venture…

We drove down to the border town of Tanot. The drive was breath taking through some of the biggest sand dunes in Thar Desert. There is an interesting back story to this sleepy village. During the 1971 Indo Pak war – None of the shells from the enemy camp exploded near the temple. All those shells are still there…prominently displayed for all the visitors.


On the way back we took a detour and came through Longewala. This was the village where the entire 1971 war started and is the backdrop for the movie ‘Border’. Infact this scarcely populated village still has a Pakistani tank and crane that had made it to the Indian side and was eventually captured by our army.

In trying to make Christmas eve special – We hit upon a jackpot of an idea…Imagine Christmas eve sans turkey, sans plum cake and even sans Christmas carols. Yet it has to rank as one of my most memorable evenings.


We drove down to an area with secluded sand dunes and carried a local cook cum guide with us. We lit a bonfire and a just sat back while the temporary ‘man Friday’ prepared an amazing 3 course Rajasthani meal…fresh in the desert. It almost seemed like time stood still and the stars were shining only for us. Wow! What an amazing evening. Christmas can’t possibly get merrier than this…its sure going to take some doing to beat this

Distance so far – 1304

Day 5 - Sam Sand Dunes

An early morning walk through the bylanes of Jaisalmer meant the breakfast was well deserved. It also ensured that the partially digested dinner was by now fully digested!


In the afternoon we were picked up by a fancy SUV and taken to the Sam Sand Dunes (pronounced Sum). We had signed up for a session of dune bashing…This agency is famous for adventure sports in the desert and runs a successful franchise in Dubai. Dune bashing is similar to a roller coaster ride through the dunes. It’s quite a thrill…Pictures or written words cannot do justice to the experience…One has to live through it!

The best part of this day was that I was driven around for a change…The break from driving was probably required for the car and much needed for my back!

Day 4 - Jaisalmer

The drive to Jaisalmer has to be one of the best so far…The road was even, empty and straight…one could even drive blindfolded. Infact it was a case of - Desert to the left of me, Desert to the right of me and Desert in front of me! I guess the good monsoons this year ensured there was some vegetation even amidst the large quantities of sand.

We stopped at a dhaba in Pokhran for lunch. This town is famous for being the test site for India’s nuclear program. The way I stuffed myself – one more mouthful of the missi roti with ‘gatte’ ka sabzi would have surely triggered a nuclear reaction in my stomach.

We entered Jaisalmer just before sunset and saw the fort in all its glory…Its indeed magical the way the fading sunlight makes love to the yellow sandstone walls of the fort and radiates a golden glow. No wonder it’s also called the ‘Sonar Kela’.

This is supposed to be a ‘living’ fort. Inside the complex there are about 400 houses and 30 odd hotels. This also means every nook and cranny is a tourist trap. Reminds me of the Dal Lake in Srinagar where the fresh water lake is actually a civilization by itself.

Dinner was at a nice open air restaurant that overlooked the fort. We treated ourselves to some more Rajasthani specialities. This time we had the super tasty (calories laden) Dal Baati Churma…The steep walk back to the hotel in the fort definitely did my digestion a world of good!

Distance so far – 919

Day 3 - Gajner

The one thing that strikes you the most about this part of the country is the “extremes”…One needs the AC in the car in the afternoon and a heater in the room at the night…

The extremities is not just restricted to the weather…There is a hidden oasis in every part of the desert. We drove down to Gajner for a short day trip…The 30 km drive through the arid plain ended in this beautiful palace by the lake that overlooks a wildlife sanctuary. Gajner is home to a wide variety of migratory birds and makes the entire setting fitting for a postcard or two…


We decided to experiment with the extremes in the eating options as well. Having tried out the roadside treats earlier we decided to go for the tonier options today. The traditional Rajasthani lunch at the Gajner Lakeside Palace was heavenly. For dinner we decided to visit the Laxmi Vilas Palace. The bar was full of hunting trophies…from alligators to cheetahs. Forgive me PETA but I did enjoy a few pegs of scotch sitting there!

Finally it was a case of a complete circle…The day had to end at “Choto Motu Joshi”…A few extra Gulab Jamuns and some piping hot Gajar Ka Halwa will never harm anyone (except adding to the inches around the waist)!

Journey so far – 576

Day 2 - Bikaner

The best way to begin a winter morning is to visit a local tea stall and have a strong cup of ‘cutting chai’ with Parle G biscuits and the morning newspaper…When a couple of peacocks join in to enjoy the winter sun one truly feels blessed!

The drive from Alsisar to Bikaner was typical of this region…Great roads, negligible traffic and the ‘barren beauty’ of the deserts. Unlike the highways in Punjab which are dotted by dhabas that double up as a shelter house for the truck drivers, the highways in Rajasthan are similar to the topography of the region…they are completely barren. Infact the very thought of the car stalling and finding no one for help surpasses my worst nightmare.

The haveli we are staying in is a quaint little place that overlooks the Junagarh fort. The owner is a well travelled sassy gentleman who has done up the property with subtle class. Indeed a refreshing option in the otherwise busy and dusty down.

The evening was particularly memorable due to roadside “madras masala dosa cart” that served the most amazing dosas I have had north of Andhra…The stuffing was very different from the regular “potato fare” and was infact similar to the bhaji they serve with Pav Bhaji in Bombay. The next stop was the famous “Chotu Motu Joshi” sweet shop. Will sacrifice umpteen meals in any fancy restaurant for an extra helping of the special “sponge rasgullas” at this semi roadside place...

Journey so far – 492 KM

Day 1 – Alsisar

The drive from Delhi from Alsisar is supposed to be the worst stretch of the entire trip…The adage “well begun is half done” is definitely not applicable here. The road is so bad in patches that it almost felt like a camel ride. In hindsight it was an apt welcome to Rajasthan.


As one drives from Delhi to Rajasthan via Haryana it is interesting to note the visible difference in the soil and vegetation…Something we learnt in the geography text books in school! Experiencing first hand was so much fun…Maybe the schools can take a lesson from here…

Alsisar is a tiny village in the Jhunjhunu district, part of the Shekhawati region…while the Shekhawati region is famous for havelis and palaces – Jhunjhunu scores high on primary and secondary education. It is heartening to see a school pop out of every corner…Reminds me of the ad – “Padhega India to Badhega India”.

Alsisar Palace is a beautiful heritage haveli that has been converted into a hotel. The dining room is to die for…Yet the wannabe Rajasthani folk music during dinner is something I can kill them for. I guess this is one of the many perils of catering to the foreign groups who come to get a taste of rustic India.


It was interesting to note that amidst the haveli’s and the ruins – there were enough telecom towers that ensured that not only was my cell phone network on full strength, but even the GPRS was working. Telecom revolution zindabad!

Journey so far – 261 KM

Day 0 - Road Trippin'

This year end break is going to be very different from the last few…For starters it’s not a beach vacation! More importantly it’s a road trip…I’m reminded of the line from the Aerosmith song ‘Amazing’ – “Life’s a journey, not a destination”

This year the theme is “fort spotting”…we are visiting about 6 to 7 villages and towns in Rajasthan and staying in forts and havelis…While the experience of staying in heritage property is interesting the thought of rubbing shoulders with the European tourists who descend by the hordes in this part of the country is not!

A road trip also means a lot more responsibility…Cant drink and party all night and wake up with a hangover…Similarly the car needs to be well oiled and the body needs to be well rested.

Besides, packing for the winters is a nightmare. For someone who travels very light, it’s a bit frustrating to see a couple of jackets and a pair of shoes occupying half the space in my strolley. Anyway Bani is joyous at the thought of not having to pack to the limit of the check in baggage!

Armed with all the trip advisor hotel ratings and the Google map mobile application - Its time to step on the gas!

If Rajni Can't...No one Can!

The year is 2050. ‘Torpedo’, the forever curious geek robot had just chanced upon an article at the Google Museum that chronicled the most successful motion picture ever made…Torpedo bypassed the firewall, altered the restricted access settings and hacked into the secure server (much like the protagonist of the movie) to access the You Tube library and witnessed the phenomena first hand…

It was a movie in which Endhi-ran, jumped, flew and kicked…serious butt! The movie was the epic Robot that starred the ‘Superstar’ Rajnikant. The film was so inspiring that Torpedo instantly uploaded it as a video application on Trakbook (the social media site for robots) and within nano seconds it had turned into a rage with the robot community.

The Motion Picture Producer’s Association of Rollywood (Bollywood for Robots!) had commissioned a script for a movie on ‘Rajnikant’. They thought it would be a fitting tribute to the legend who introduced the concept of ‘robotics’ to the world.

The best minds in the business tried hard to digitally create Rajnikant…The only issue was that the servers the animation application was built on. They were just not as fast as the real man and it was becoming tough for the digitally created Rajni to dodge bullets the way he did in flesh and blood.

Finally the movie was ready for release…giant size jpeg images of the posters were downloaded on every tablet PC and hand held device. The poster read – Rajnikant! The Emperor Strikes Back…

The plot was simple - Aliens were planning a large scale attack on all the Bio Mass Converters (the primary energy source) in order to wipe out the Robot Civilization and Rajnikant was given the mission to save the planet!

The climax had the alien chief in a state of the art battleship equipped with the latest electro magnetic armoury in a face off with Rajni who was armed with nothing more than a toothpick that did a fine job in removing the last remains of the spicy masala dosa!

No points for guessing – Rajni won hands down. The toothpick remained unharmed…

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 9

This was a pretty simple day…Afternoon flight back to Munich, a ride back to the hotel to collect the luggage and an evening flight to Delhi. There was ample time in between and how complicated could it possibly get?

Hold on...We reached Schiphol (one of the busiest airports in the world...I might add) just 45 minutes before our flight. I stood in the serpentine queue while Rahul was busy begging, pleading and even threatening to sue KLM before they made us jump the queue and check in. Still not sure what turned out to be the catalyst...my guess would be the veiled threat to sue them!

Finally we reached Munich and had 5 hours to goto the hotel and come back. We even joked that with our penchant for cycling – We could even take the cycle and still be back on time...

I wonder why we forget that the funniest jokes often turn into the worst nightmares. We boarded a train that stopped in the middle of nowhere. We got down and kept waiting for the next one...After half an hour we were told that this track had shut down as someone had committed suicide by jumping on the tracks...and you thought this happens only in India. Stranded in the middle of nowhere with no sign of civilization...We took another 45 minutes to get a taxi that dropped us till the nearest station. Instead of building up the suspense will cut to the “chase”...We finally reached the hotel picked up the luggage and headed back to the station...The train to the airport left in front of our eyes...typical DDLJ style...I also realized we cant run half as well as the lead pair in the movie and had no option but to watch the train disappear into the horizon.

We finally had to hire a cab to the airport...Once again made it just in time for the flight back home

I guess Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines have already put me on the banned list for my last minute arrivals. I get the sneaky feeling that Lufthansa and KLM will also follow suit...

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 8

Since we strongly detest conducted tours, we decided to venture out on our own. Took a bus to Volendam and decided to cycle from there to Marken. The 20 km track is by the famous Holland dyke and has to rank as one of the most breathtaking journeys I have ever taken. The pit stop at Monnickendam happened by chance when we couldn’t resist the temptation of fresh strawberries. This quaint old town reminds you of a French town from the “Tale of 2 Cities” ala Dicken style. Just the horse drawn carriages were missing.


Marken is a tiny fishing village and has some wonderful cafes at the harbour. The hallmark of Europe is that you can throw a pebble randomly and wherever it lands – it is good enough to be a picnic spot. All the enthusiasm that served as fuel during the 20 km cycle ride had now given way to tired legs and some good sense. We took the ferry back to Volendam

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 7

We began the day on an artistic note. We looked up Lonely Planet and felt it would be grossly unfair if we didn’t visit a couple of museums. We started by visiting the Van Gogh Museum. We sat through his film and walked through the aisles looking at paintings that have attained cult status. While we were not able to comprehend the extent of Van Gogh’s pain, we definitely realized that we didn’t want to inflict anymore pain on ourselves.

The next few museums were struck off the ‘to do’ list and we settled for a large pitcher of chilled Heineken beer at Leidseplein.

A couple of days here and I realized both Christianity as a religion and Amsterdam as a city make a very liberal combination. The famous red light area is between 2 churches. Can you imagine a theka that is 100 metres away from a temple? Infact the most popular night club – Paradiso is a converted church.

Before I get all philosophical about the state of the church…or is state and church...forget it, back to some liberal options - chilled beer and doner kababs.

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 6

The break in Munich was over and it was time to move to the next destination – Amsterdam. The decision making process to select the place of choice was an interesting one. We first looked at all the neighboring countries...Austria was struck off the list because we went there a couple of years back. Switzerland was struck off by me as I was there for more than a week during the ISC Symposium. Rahul was not too kicked about Germany as he covered the last World Cup there. France and Italy were a strict no no as they are countries one would rather visit with his partner...Thus we had to finally settle for the party capital of the world – Amsterdam.

It was important to make the selection of Amsterdam look strategic due to the sullen reputation of the extra curricular activities in the city...

The red light district was not half as impressive as it is projected. However we did bump into a lot of Indians there…more than what we had seen in Munich and Amsterdam combined. I had to restrict my activities to what can be termed moral for a married man...watched an erotic show and got a ‘simple’ Thai massage (not together dummy!)

With Holland’s amazing run at the World Cup this place had suddenly come alive and as management would say...We were indeed at the Right Place at the Right Time!

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 5

This was the first day of the extended break and we decided to stay back and explore the outskirts of Munich. We boarded a train to the border town of Garmisch and decided to go all the way up to the highest peak in Germany – Zugspitze. Unfortunately, the weather was really bad and I can’t write much about the view from the top as it was covered in a shroud of white cloud. However on the way back we stopped at Lake Eibsee. This has to be the most beautiful part of Germany...A heady cocktail of a beautiful lake, a forest skirting it and mountains in the backdrop.

We made it back to Garmisch with an hour to kill before the next train to Munich. Barely had we stepped out of the station that we were pulled up by the border police. What transpired for the next 45 minutes is enough fodder to write a book. In a nutshell - I was not carrying my passport; my pan card having a different spelling of my name added to the chaos and eventually the cops could not trace my ID. All the begging and pleading didn’t help and I was on the verge of being arrested. Finally, they agreed to call the hotel. I had to ask the manager to go to my room, open the safe and provide the cops with the information they required to realize I wasn’t an illegal immigrant. Phew! That was a close call...

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 4

Another day of the conference and we were fed some more of the “Right Place Right Time” bullshit. Nonetheless the strategy of nodding your head in agreement to what everyone says and the odd question is enough to prove that one was partially interested and fully attentive.

The “insightful” conference made way for the delightful cycle ride in the English Garden by the Iser River. The temptation to jump into the water was well resisted as one had to be back in time for the gala dinner.

The picturesque setting of the dinner by the lake was straight out of a postcard. While the venue was indeed out of this world – the dinner was as predictable as it gets. The social butterflies fluttered, the alcoholics stuttered and the management uttered...right place right time!

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 3

The football hangover was still lingering from the previous evening and our spirited effort to join a local football team has to be the highlight of my stay in Munich. Rahul and I were put in different teams to ensure liability was equally distributed! We did put up a stoic effort...The best we could do without studs, shin guards and god gifted talent!

After an hour of football, some well deserved rest and a quick lunch and it was time for the conference. We couldn’t crib as the conference was the moot point of our presence in Munich. The conference was indeed ‘insightful’...The management told us how all of us were in the “Right Place at the Right Time”. I have never understood this...I have been fed this mumbo jumbo right through my formative years. What I fail to understand is that if everyone is at the right place what is so damn special about it?

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 2

This was the big day...The knock out quarterfinal match between Germany and Argentina and we had a day off in Munich. It was important to not piss away this golden opportunity and locate the most buzzing venue to watch the match. We finally zeroed in on the Olympic stadium where over 30,000 screaming fans were expected to watch the match on a giant screen. Probably the next best option to watching it live in the stadium...

When we checked for the availability of the tickets, we were politely told – “only if you support Germany”. Support we sure did and what a carnival it turned out to be. It was a complete rout of the solid Argentineans by the young and dynamic Germans.


The ride back home was indeed a memorable one. The entire city was celebrating and every corner was buzzing with victory cheers. Germany as a country is known to be inclusive. Consider this – 9 out of the 11 football players are children of immigrants. Thus it comes as no surprise that all of us were whole heartedly welcomed in the celebration...the flag was painted on our face and everyone obliged when I was roaming around the streets clicking pictures!

Journal of a Wanderer – Day 1

I would often think a late night long distance flight was the most torturous. However I stand corrected after braving an early morning flight with no sleep the night before. Besides, I contemplated filing a legal suit against Lufthansa for serving more chocolates than beer. They should definitely be stripped of their status as Germany’s national carrier.

Reached the hotel in Munich barely an hour before the all important Brazil – Netherlands match. The immediate objective was to dump the luggage in the room and get to the closest beer garden to get a seat. Luckily the beer garden was next door; unfortunately all the good seats were taken.



Nonetheless we used our good old Indian sensibilities of creating space where none exists and watched the match feasting on beer and sausages. While the match created the biggest upset as tournament favorites - Brazil crashed out. I was secretly pleased as that meant our sojourn to Amsterdam would be a lot more fun...

10,000 Hours...

Thanks to all the endless waiting at the airport lounge and few cups of crappy coffee – I have managed to knock back Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.

I wasn’t too excited about the book until Bani read it and finally I saw this young chap’s interview on CNN. With his mop top hair and the spunk in his attitude, he resembled a rock star more than an author...My initial lackluster response could be because his earlier books failed to impress me. Tipping Point and Blink made it to the never ending list of hip business jargons...yet like all jargons they only sound nice and mean nothing...

Outliers is different...It’s a concept that’s interesting and backed up with a lot of research where the data has been sliced in a rather intuitive and interesting manner.

Besides, various concepts – the one that caught my fancy is the 10,000 hour hypothesis. This bloke proves that to excel in any field (sports to music) one has to put in 10,000 hours of practice. He has done a fine job in convincing his readers with examples ranging from Beatles to Bill Gates.

In fear of emerging as an ordinary rookie – I tried to analyze what have I done for 10,000 hours? The first activity that crossed my mind was “sleeping”...firstly the number far exceeds 10,000 and my back of the envelope calculation reveals a whopping 90,000 hours. More importantly, it counts for nothing...Similarly Bull Shitting doesn’t count either!

Finally I arrived on something that’s a little more respectable...I have watched television for 10,000 hours. Everything on television…sports, music, movies...the works. Here is the calculation – I got cable TV at home when I was 10...thus the last 20 years into about 90 minutes of television a day adds upto a little over 10,000...

Infact as a kid I used to watch television much to the chagrin of my parents. The only time my dad grudgingly approved was when I won a quiz with the clincher being a question on Doogie Howser MD! Ofcourse I could never figure out if his respect for the idiot box went up or his respect for intellectual quizzing plummeted!

However warped this analysis...I’m left with a nice feeling...Guess one day the world will see some sense in why I gave up more lucrative offers from TCS and Philips to join a television network during b-school placements!

Blow Hot Blow Cold

This was an idiom we often used to describe the behavior of giggly girls in schools. Today I relate it to the weather and my current mental state.

Picture this – On 30th I was frolicking on one of the beaches in Sri Lanka in my trunks and guzzling some local beer. To borrow a phrase from Lewis Carrol – ‘The sun was shining with all its might’. The very next day, every part of my body was freezing as I was ringing in the New Year with my family in North India. This was more like a case of the Prodigal ‘Sun’. I resembled an Eskimo as I draped myself in multiple layers. My body is still in a state of shock.

This winter seems a tad too severe. Being a Bengali from Bombay is as bad as it gets. My ability to withstand the winter chill is similar to Tiger Wood’s ability to practice abstinence (from Golf dummy...What did you think?)

On a more philosophical note – This extremity is exactly what we all witnessed in 2009. The year began with fears of a global meltdown and ended with cheers of a recovery. The instability in the stock market was balanced by a stable government in the centre. The constant fear of losing one’s job was overcome by all loved ones regrouping.

So while we all hope for a Happy New Year...The extremes will continue to haunt us. As one learned idiot said – Aal iss Well!