There is a phenomenon amongst us humans (when I refer to our species as humans, you can be sure I've been reading yet another book about vampires), where we crave certain things and need to fulfil that need before we proceed any further. It's called having an addiction.
Now, drugs and other such parafernalia I am not familiar with. My poison of choice is chocolate.
Chocolate has a very long history. It originates back from Latin America from the time of the Aztecs, who introduced it to the Europeans in the 16th century. Chocolate is associated with Xochiquetzal, the Aztec Goddess of fertility, and the word is derived from the Aztec words for bitter and water. So you can see now that the Swiss have a lot to be grateful for!! One of their chief industries would not exist had it not been for the New World and their quest for new territories!!
I don't know the statistics about how many people around the world too love chocolate. But I'm sure that it must be at least a billion. Being a psychoactive drug, chocolate is also said to be an antidepressant and to have a number of positive attributes such as being able to lower blood pressure and to be an antioxidant. Ofcourse it is also said to increases chances of obesity (a more fancy way of saying you'll get fat if you eat too much of it - which is true for everything in this world though).
There is a nice book called "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel. It tells the story of a young girl who doesn't get to marry the person she loves and is forced instead to watch his life from afar. The book is beautifully written, and the movie, like most movies, cannot begin to encapture the poetry of the book. The book is about food as well; and the emotions that go into food. One should read it if one gets the chance.
Now yesterday I was neither sad nor angry nor uncalm; but I had this sudden urge to have a Twix candy bar. I had gone to the store to buy some mosquito repellant (a must in this great country of ours), when my eyes spied the Twix candy bar behind the counter. As I was paying for the insecticide, I decided, what the hay - and I bought the chocolate as well.
What surprised me was the speed at which the bar was devoured. Two sticks were eaten in less than 3 minutes - no world record I agree and considering I had not had dinner yet - it was surely not too fast.
The moment I had consumed it though, the world seemed like a happier place.
If only all of us could eat more chocolate.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Earth Hour 2009
Did you know that 40% of global warming is a result of electricity usage?
Neither did I.
This was one of the reasons why it was collectively decided to turn off all lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on 28.03.2009 all over the world. The campaign, that I too was a part of in my own small way where we switched off all the lights (made easier by the fact that a. there was no electricity b. the weather was so brilliant you'd want to sit outside anyway), is the result of a global campaign that was launched in Australia in 2007 where the lights were shut off for an hour. This year, the campaign's aim was to get 1 billion people all around the world to do the same.
I don't know if they succeeded or not, but I can assure you this. If they took a satellite picture of Delhi and the NCR that evening, they surely would have seen a number of dark areas all over the city.
Is it because I'm reading Hot Flat and Crowded by Friedman and State of Fear by M Crichton that I've become more aware about climate change? Or the fact that I played Holi this year with very cold water and didn't feel cold in the first week of March? Or that I'm going trekking in May but I know that when I look at the Himalayas in the back of my mind I'll be wondering about the depleting snow line?
What's the point of all this wisdom if we are not wise about our decisions? Americans consume 1/6th of the resources an average Indian does. They are one of the chief polluters in the world today. I know we all have our problems - but shouldn't the developed world sit up and take responsibility as well?
Let's hope a solution is in sight. I don't want another conference on climate change. I'd much rather we actually had something change.
Neither did I.
This was one of the reasons why it was collectively decided to turn off all lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on 28.03.2009 all over the world. The campaign, that I too was a part of in my own small way where we switched off all the lights (made easier by the fact that a. there was no electricity b. the weather was so brilliant you'd want to sit outside anyway), is the result of a global campaign that was launched in Australia in 2007 where the lights were shut off for an hour. This year, the campaign's aim was to get 1 billion people all around the world to do the same.
I don't know if they succeeded or not, but I can assure you this. If they took a satellite picture of Delhi and the NCR that evening, they surely would have seen a number of dark areas all over the city.
Is it because I'm reading Hot Flat and Crowded by Friedman and State of Fear by M Crichton that I've become more aware about climate change? Or the fact that I played Holi this year with very cold water and didn't feel cold in the first week of March? Or that I'm going trekking in May but I know that when I look at the Himalayas in the back of my mind I'll be wondering about the depleting snow line?
What's the point of all this wisdom if we are not wise about our decisions? Americans consume 1/6th of the resources an average Indian does. They are one of the chief polluters in the world today. I know we all have our problems - but shouldn't the developed world sit up and take responsibility as well?
Let's hope a solution is in sight. I don't want another conference on climate change. I'd much rather we actually had something change.
Pangs of hunger
The title of this blog sort of reminds me of the movie title "Days of Thunder". But that is a long shot I think.
I'm going to talk today about how much our choice of food influences where we are and what we do. If you think about it, would you like to live in a country that didn't have masala dosa or idli anywhere? It's one thing if you can make it - it's another if you can't!! Former President A P J Abdul Kalam never went abroad because his funda was simple - Where would I get my sambar idli from?
I too love South Indian food - particularly the idli. It's made out of rice and is truly delectable. Being a Punjabi, I sit and usually at South Indian restaurants end up eating two breakfast items - Masala dosa and a plate of idli for lunch.
According to wikipedia, idli has a long history, being mentioned as far back as 920AD in some texts. These days, you can buy idli in a packet - already the batter has been made - you just have to cook it. Instant idli so to speak. It's quite economical and tastes brilliant. My mouth is watering just as I write this blog. For someone who has never eaten idli, I would strongly encourage you to.
It's funny though how much food influences our lives. It's a common denominator with everyone - though I have come across a very thin senior who himself said "I do not like the taste of food." I can't understand that. I love food. I even like shows about cooking. There is one called "Top Chef" hosted by Padma Lakshmi. Initially I couldn't understand how you could have a cooking competition. But after watching the show, it's really quite engrossing - seeing the challenges and the way the chefs in a short span of time are able to come up with unique dishes. Sometimes the materials are so zany, you wonder how they came up with the items in the first place.
Cooking is another form of creation. Being an artist (lazy one at that), I can understand how one can take components and create a piece of art. It's an endeavour that requires all your senses, and perhaps why I like watching cooking shows.
Maybe I should start on a madhubani now. I have all the ingredients. Except maybe the will to do it.
True with most things in life I suppose.
I'm going to talk today about how much our choice of food influences where we are and what we do. If you think about it, would you like to live in a country that didn't have masala dosa or idli anywhere? It's one thing if you can make it - it's another if you can't!! Former President A P J Abdul Kalam never went abroad because his funda was simple - Where would I get my sambar idli from?
I too love South Indian food - particularly the idli. It's made out of rice and is truly delectable. Being a Punjabi, I sit and usually at South Indian restaurants end up eating two breakfast items - Masala dosa and a plate of idli for lunch.
According to wikipedia, idli has a long history, being mentioned as far back as 920AD in some texts. These days, you can buy idli in a packet - already the batter has been made - you just have to cook it. Instant idli so to speak. It's quite economical and tastes brilliant. My mouth is watering just as I write this blog. For someone who has never eaten idli, I would strongly encourage you to.
It's funny though how much food influences our lives. It's a common denominator with everyone - though I have come across a very thin senior who himself said "I do not like the taste of food." I can't understand that. I love food. I even like shows about cooking. There is one called "Top Chef" hosted by Padma Lakshmi. Initially I couldn't understand how you could have a cooking competition. But after watching the show, it's really quite engrossing - seeing the challenges and the way the chefs in a short span of time are able to come up with unique dishes. Sometimes the materials are so zany, you wonder how they came up with the items in the first place.
Cooking is another form of creation. Being an artist (lazy one at that), I can understand how one can take components and create a piece of art. It's an endeavour that requires all your senses, and perhaps why I like watching cooking shows.
Maybe I should start on a madhubani now. I have all the ingredients. Except maybe the will to do it.
True with most things in life I suppose.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Firaaq (2008)
What do you do when there's no solution to a never ending problem?
I liked this film. One line that was brilliant was - In response to "Hindus are killing Muslims" was "Human beings are killing human beings".
It reminded me of Gandhi's "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
What is honour? What is guilt? What is revenge? Will the simple only survive? Are we breeding hatred? Is the state apathetic?
Will the guilty ever be brought to justice?
Nandita Das peels back the layer of calm that seems to pervade the riot affected Gujarat a month after the indiscriminate killing. It is a very good film. A very important film to watch and sincerely, a film that every one should watch. Deepti Naval is brilliant as the traumatised housewife, Naseeruddin Shah as the ageing music teacher - the whole cast did a good job.
Do watch it.
I liked this film. One line that was brilliant was - In response to "Hindus are killing Muslims" was "Human beings are killing human beings".
It reminded me of Gandhi's "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
What is honour? What is guilt? What is revenge? Will the simple only survive? Are we breeding hatred? Is the state apathetic?
Will the guilty ever be brought to justice?
Nandita Das peels back the layer of calm that seems to pervade the riot affected Gujarat a month after the indiscriminate killing. It is a very good film. A very important film to watch and sincerely, a film that every one should watch. Deepti Naval is brilliant as the traumatised housewife, Naseeruddin Shah as the ageing music teacher - the whole cast did a good job.
Do watch it.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What is cool?
Recently I saw an interview with President Obama on the Jay Leno show. I usually don't watch Jay Leno - off and on from time to time and then usually if nothing else is playing on any other channel.
However this interview I'd read about in the paper and I thought it was cool that a president had decided to appear on a TV show. I got lucky in that when I was flipping channels I managed to catch the episode.
What essentially comes across is that the President is a very nice guy - someone you'd trust your money with. I wish we had more such people here. He made a few jokes - and I liked the way he himself seemed awed with some of the "perks" of being a president.
He was talking about how it was cool that he had such privileges - but how his daughters appeared to be completely unaffected by the change. In one instance, he recalls how they were dividing up Starbucks among themselves while he was marveling at the Lincoln Memorial. They have a different view of what is cool he said.
So what is cool? Some time back voting in the General elections was considered a pain. Now thanks to TV campaigns, ads and rise in general public awareness, its not cool if you don't have the indelible ink mark on your finger on voting day - its not cool that you did not vote and you didn't contribute to the democratic process.
Some time back, it was not cool if you did wear a seat belt. Now ofcourse, you'd just be considered stupid. Same for helmets, same for speeding. Why take the chance - you only live one life?
When I was in school/college - it was so uncool not to know who was no. 1 - which movie was playing and who was the lead actor/actress of the time. Now as we've become older - it's just generally accepted that you may not know all these things - being lost with what is in is fine for our generation. Listening to songs from our school days is perfectly acceptable - who listens to new age music anyway? But I'm sure a teenager would not agree with you. I remember conversations with my niece and nephew and they look astounded when I appear dumbfounded on a new actress whose entered the scene. I can hear them thinking - you are so uncool massi!!
Going to see a serious film like Gulaal (2009)? Perfectly cool.
But my point is, it really matters who you ask.
However this interview I'd read about in the paper and I thought it was cool that a president had decided to appear on a TV show. I got lucky in that when I was flipping channels I managed to catch the episode.
What essentially comes across is that the President is a very nice guy - someone you'd trust your money with. I wish we had more such people here. He made a few jokes - and I liked the way he himself seemed awed with some of the "perks" of being a president.
He was talking about how it was cool that he had such privileges - but how his daughters appeared to be completely unaffected by the change. In one instance, he recalls how they were dividing up Starbucks among themselves while he was marveling at the Lincoln Memorial. They have a different view of what is cool he said.
So what is cool? Some time back voting in the General elections was considered a pain. Now thanks to TV campaigns, ads and rise in general public awareness, its not cool if you don't have the indelible ink mark on your finger on voting day - its not cool that you did not vote and you didn't contribute to the democratic process.
Some time back, it was not cool if you did wear a seat belt. Now ofcourse, you'd just be considered stupid. Same for helmets, same for speeding. Why take the chance - you only live one life?
When I was in school/college - it was so uncool not to know who was no. 1 - which movie was playing and who was the lead actor/actress of the time. Now as we've become older - it's just generally accepted that you may not know all these things - being lost with what is in is fine for our generation. Listening to songs from our school days is perfectly acceptable - who listens to new age music anyway? But I'm sure a teenager would not agree with you. I remember conversations with my niece and nephew and they look astounded when I appear dumbfounded on a new actress whose entered the scene. I can hear them thinking - you are so uncool massi!!
Going to see a serious film like Gulaal (2009)? Perfectly cool.
But my point is, it really matters who you ask.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Gulaal (2009)
I just finished seeing Gulaal and I thought I'd share my views on this film before I turn in for the night.
It was really really good. Very very serious, but really very good. The acting was brilliant and at times it felt like I was watching a play. Anurag Kashyap has really done a good job.
I had read up a bit on it before I went to see it. But you don't really understand the reviews until you see the film. It had some very strong characters, interspersed with some characters who were just not that strong. I couldn't believe some of the things that were happening in the film though and the involvement of the police in some of the disputes was almost negligible.
The females in the film were like an Ayn Rand book - when they're strong - they're slightly wierd (Ayn Rand readers will know what I mean).
I can't understand why the film was called Gulaal though. Ok - Khoon was not apt. What was the symbolism behind the Gulaal theme? In one scene the character based on John Lennon says - why do you put gulaal on your face? If you don't want to be recognized - does this really make a difference because you can still see who I am? Best is if everyone just wears identical masks - then we'll all just become the same.
Can you also just go around killing whoever you want? In your last moments before death, will you see the people you loved the most? Is it really the people who plot and manipulate that get on top?
I was surprised though that there weren't that many people watching this film. I would've encouraged everyone I knew to go see it!!
It was really really good. Very very serious, but really very good. The acting was brilliant and at times it felt like I was watching a play. Anurag Kashyap has really done a good job.
I had read up a bit on it before I went to see it. But you don't really understand the reviews until you see the film. It had some very strong characters, interspersed with some characters who were just not that strong. I couldn't believe some of the things that were happening in the film though and the involvement of the police in some of the disputes was almost negligible.
The females in the film were like an Ayn Rand book - when they're strong - they're slightly wierd (Ayn Rand readers will know what I mean).
I can't understand why the film was called Gulaal though. Ok - Khoon was not apt. What was the symbolism behind the Gulaal theme? In one scene the character based on John Lennon says - why do you put gulaal on your face? If you don't want to be recognized - does this really make a difference because you can still see who I am? Best is if everyone just wears identical masks - then we'll all just become the same.
Can you also just go around killing whoever you want? In your last moments before death, will you see the people you loved the most? Is it really the people who plot and manipulate that get on top?
I was surprised though that there weren't that many people watching this film. I would've encouraged everyone I knew to go see it!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Reminiscing
Sometimes you get into that kinda mood where you just start thinking and talking about the past. It's quite funny how these moments creep up on you. You don't even realize it but before you know it, you're talking.
Ofcourse you use your discretion. But then, I think that sometimes what you have deep down within you needs to come out. That's why people visit shrinks right?
I had drinks last evening (mocktails in case any one is thinking anything else) - and over a plate of nachos we had a discussion on the various phases our lives seem to go through. It wasn't too deep our conversation - I shared how I really wanted to work in Hong Kong one day (God only knows when that will happen) and she was talking about how she worked in one of the coolest buildings in Hong Kong. From that we skipped onto how W keeps having sales where they give these fabulous discounts, and in which I end up buying "aspirational" clothes that don't fit me.
Something though has started to happen. I've realised that with some planning and meticulous care - things have started to pan out and fall into place. Maybe I've also just become more positive.... but something has changed. Yesterday I got some great news regarding an adventure that will be the highlight of my 2009 Indian summer (that sounds so awesome but it's going to be crazy in the heat here). I was ecstatic - this news will keep me going through the week, if not through till the end of the month.
I try to look forward and not back. There's no point. Once in a while you'll think and talk about the past..... but it is largely mood dependent.
What should one do when one is in a mood like this? I think the best thing would be to just let the moment pass and be grateful for what you have.
Ofcourse you use your discretion. But then, I think that sometimes what you have deep down within you needs to come out. That's why people visit shrinks right?
I had drinks last evening (mocktails in case any one is thinking anything else) - and over a plate of nachos we had a discussion on the various phases our lives seem to go through. It wasn't too deep our conversation - I shared how I really wanted to work in Hong Kong one day (God only knows when that will happen) and she was talking about how she worked in one of the coolest buildings in Hong Kong. From that we skipped onto how W keeps having sales where they give these fabulous discounts, and in which I end up buying "aspirational" clothes that don't fit me.
Something though has started to happen. I've realised that with some planning and meticulous care - things have started to pan out and fall into place. Maybe I've also just become more positive.... but something has changed. Yesterday I got some great news regarding an adventure that will be the highlight of my 2009 Indian summer (that sounds so awesome but it's going to be crazy in the heat here). I was ecstatic - this news will keep me going through the week, if not through till the end of the month.
I try to look forward and not back. There's no point. Once in a while you'll think and talk about the past..... but it is largely mood dependent.
What should one do when one is in a mood like this? I think the best thing would be to just let the moment pass and be grateful for what you have.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Getting together
Recently me and a few of my batchmates got together for a casual dinner in a cool restaurant in Delhi. And we had a great time.
It's always nice to meet old friends - but it's even nicer when you sit around and can joke about life and your job.
One interesting thing that we discussed was how we all have changed since we joined our jobs. I was told that yes, I have finally perfected my dilapitated Hindi... and I have become more mature. I think that becoming more mature was the main theme for everyone on that table. One of our friends has become more pragmatic in his approach to life, another has become more wise, another has become more cautious....
At heart though I think we're all still the same giggly kids we were when we were teenagers... But some have had different experiences. Two on the table had kids - and having a baby really changes your whole life. The baby I met yesterday was adorable and totally loved my company, which was great!! It's always nice to be in the company of a goo goo gaa gaa kinda individual.
I feel like a tubelight sometimes though when obvious things are brought up and I still haven't figured it out. It makes me think that my brain works in a different direction sometimes. Ignorance is bliss is a famous quote that is often thrown around. But it's true to a large extent. Even the Brahmakumaris believe that you should not concentrate and keep your mind away from disturbing thoughts and images in order to lead a more peaceful existence. Even I think that is right to a large extent.
You can't shut your eyes to all reality though, and it is our responsibility also to change what is there around us. After all, you only lead one life right?
It's always nice to meet old friends - but it's even nicer when you sit around and can joke about life and your job.
One interesting thing that we discussed was how we all have changed since we joined our jobs. I was told that yes, I have finally perfected my dilapitated Hindi... and I have become more mature. I think that becoming more mature was the main theme for everyone on that table. One of our friends has become more pragmatic in his approach to life, another has become more wise, another has become more cautious....
At heart though I think we're all still the same giggly kids we were when we were teenagers... But some have had different experiences. Two on the table had kids - and having a baby really changes your whole life. The baby I met yesterday was adorable and totally loved my company, which was great!! It's always nice to be in the company of a goo goo gaa gaa kinda individual.
I feel like a tubelight sometimes though when obvious things are brought up and I still haven't figured it out. It makes me think that my brain works in a different direction sometimes. Ignorance is bliss is a famous quote that is often thrown around. But it's true to a large extent. Even the Brahmakumaris believe that you should not concentrate and keep your mind away from disturbing thoughts and images in order to lead a more peaceful existence. Even I think that is right to a large extent.
You can't shut your eyes to all reality though, and it is our responsibility also to change what is there around us. After all, you only lead one life right?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Holi Hai
"There are worse things than looking stupid. Sleeping through life is one of them." - Laura Preble
Holi is one of those festivals which you should only celebrate if you have a good gang to do it with. It's messy - there's toxic "herbal" chemical powder .... grease ... banned water balloons, little devils with pichkaris waiting at street corners... bhang... bhujias...
It may be so cliched but this is one festival that allows you to let your hair down and be totally chilled about life. I like it because for once even though you're now this stupid responsible adult planning your taxes - you can actually now be a kid again and do silly things like run around throwing water on people...
Ofcourse, only for one day though - when we in India usher in spring.
Spring is here now - full blown with the temperature to match. Today was a nice day to play holi - India even won in the match against New Zealand and no one plastered my car with colour and water even though I was out in the morning at an hour which can only be best described as "risky". But apparently others felt the same way with the result that most of Gurgaon's Sector Road was empty.
I'm so tired now... Even though I've been sleeping most of the day after I came back - probably the result of all that kesri milk I had to drink.
Ah well, the rest of the week beckons. Time to become an adult again.
Holi is one of those festivals which you should only celebrate if you have a good gang to do it with. It's messy - there's toxic "herbal" chemical powder .... grease ... banned water balloons, little devils with pichkaris waiting at street corners... bhang... bhujias...
It may be so cliched but this is one festival that allows you to let your hair down and be totally chilled about life. I like it because for once even though you're now this stupid responsible adult planning your taxes - you can actually now be a kid again and do silly things like run around throwing water on people...
Ofcourse, only for one day though - when we in India usher in spring.
Spring is here now - full blown with the temperature to match. Today was a nice day to play holi - India even won in the match against New Zealand and no one plastered my car with colour and water even though I was out in the morning at an hour which can only be best described as "risky". But apparently others felt the same way with the result that most of Gurgaon's Sector Road was empty.
I'm so tired now... Even though I've been sleeping most of the day after I came back - probably the result of all that kesri milk I had to drink.
Ah well, the rest of the week beckons. Time to become an adult again.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
28 weeks later
I like horror movies. It is a shocking confession; but I do. I'm always pestering family and friends to go and see the latest flick with me. I remember for Jeepers Creepers, all my friends REFUSED to accompany me to see it. They said it was going to be a waste of two hours of their lives and despite my pleading - did not go. I ended up watching both instalments on television.
I sometimes wonder though why I watch horror movies alone. I remember in Ludhiana, I watched Saw II alone. Now that is just a typical slasher movie; but the images were just so disturbing that I ended up wishing I hadn't seen it at night in my apartment. Same with the Exorcism of Emily Rose. I don't care what anyone says about possession. That movie had me convinced totally.
Now I have not seen the first instalment of the horror movie 28 weeks later, which is called 28 days later. But that film is also quite scary. It's about a group of survivors who are facing this deadly contagious virus that gets transmitted through blood. And once you get it, within seconds you are infected and turn into a mindless killer zombie. Yes, this is very silly and insipid and you'll wonder how and why these kinds of movies are made - but there is an audience out there!! What happens in the end is reminiscent of an old quote by Keynes - In the Long Run, we are all dead anyway.
I didn't know that the first instalment was directed by Danny Boyle - of recent fame due to Slumdog Millionaire and his Oscar for best director. He also directed a film that I watched last year called "Sunshine". That was also a vision into a apocalyptic type future where the whole human race depends on the successful space mission to rejuvenate the sun and bring sunshine back into our lives. The space mission encounters a glitch though with half its crew members going mad after encountering another mission.
You'd think that these end of the world type scenarios are recent - what with all the global scale problems of war and poverty and death and ecological degradation looming. Sometimes even I think that the future is bleak. But visions of a doomed future have been there since centuries. Hindu myth believes that we are currently in the age of kalyug - the dark age. Until recently I did not know that December 21, 2012 is considered to be the day when something called the Doomsday Prediction will come true - and something catastrophic will happen on this date. It even has its roots in Mayan philosophy.
Hmmm.... food for thought oui?
I sometimes wonder though why I watch horror movies alone. I remember in Ludhiana, I watched Saw II alone. Now that is just a typical slasher movie; but the images were just so disturbing that I ended up wishing I hadn't seen it at night in my apartment. Same with the Exorcism of Emily Rose. I don't care what anyone says about possession. That movie had me convinced totally.
Now I have not seen the first instalment of the horror movie 28 weeks later, which is called 28 days later. But that film is also quite scary. It's about a group of survivors who are facing this deadly contagious virus that gets transmitted through blood. And once you get it, within seconds you are infected and turn into a mindless killer zombie. Yes, this is very silly and insipid and you'll wonder how and why these kinds of movies are made - but there is an audience out there!! What happens in the end is reminiscent of an old quote by Keynes - In the Long Run, we are all dead anyway.
I didn't know that the first instalment was directed by Danny Boyle - of recent fame due to Slumdog Millionaire and his Oscar for best director. He also directed a film that I watched last year called "Sunshine". That was also a vision into a apocalyptic type future where the whole human race depends on the successful space mission to rejuvenate the sun and bring sunshine back into our lives. The space mission encounters a glitch though with half its crew members going mad after encountering another mission.
You'd think that these end of the world type scenarios are recent - what with all the global scale problems of war and poverty and death and ecological degradation looming. Sometimes even I think that the future is bleak. But visions of a doomed future have been there since centuries. Hindu myth believes that we are currently in the age of kalyug - the dark age. Until recently I did not know that December 21, 2012 is considered to be the day when something called the Doomsday Prediction will come true - and something catastrophic will happen on this date. It even has its roots in Mayan philosophy.
Hmmm.... food for thought oui?
Crystal caves
Sounds like something out of a Superman movie don't it?
I recently saw a picture of crystal caves deep down below in a desert in Mexico. The picture was quite extraordinary - it had these tiny figures (us humans) walking along the magnificently shaped crystals - which looked surreal. If I didn't know better, I would've thought it was a creation of the imagination. I've even put a picture of it in my blog today.
Remarkable isn't it?
I've begun reading Thomas Friedman a lot recently - and though I don't quite agree with all that he says - his most recent book on the environment called Hot Flat and Crowded brought something across that I had to agree with. He was talking about how the ice caps are melting and slowly biodiversity will disappear. He contemplated the impact this would have on one crucial aspect of humans that distinguishes us from the rest of the animal species - that being - our imagination.
How can we create beautiful poetry and painting and ponder about the beauty around us if there is nothing to inspire us and nothing to think on? Will imagination die?
Will all that our future generations have will be pictures of crystal caves - will we never be able to show them for ourselves?
I certainly hope not.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
An ode to Mumbai
This weekend I got the chance to visit Mumbai and old friends from college who are there. Mumbai is an amazing city - and I've been there many times - I spent a long time there while I was vacationing during college, and I got a chance to spend a week there in 2006 when I was on my Bharat Darshan. I also visited Mumbai in 2004 while attending the World Social Forum in Goregaon, a suburb of Mumbai.
I loitered around, as I tend to do during holidays... and according to me - should be done. I finished The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury and started Friedmann's Hot Flat and Crowded. I went for an evening walk on Marine Drive, sampled the local cuisine and ate crab for the first time.
Me and my friend watched two movies almost back to back - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (tooooooooooooo long) and Dilli 6 (toooooooooooo blah.... no words can aptly describe that experience). We all went for a heritage walk around the Precinct area of Mumbai -- starting with the old Town Hall (now the Central Library). We ended up at St Thomas' Cathedral - which is actually the oldest part of Bombay.
Did you know that Bombay is the portuguese for new bay? Interesting right? The walk taught us quite a bit and it was just a great way to spend a nice Sunday. Even sitting on the steps of the Central Library was an experience - and I had a good friend along with me which made it even nicer.
Driving through Mumbai is a nice experience. I attended a wedding reception of a very handsome young man which made me feel a bit on the oldish side.... but on the other hand I met up with a very old friend and we all had a great time!
Furthermore --- I was there in Mumbai for another friend's birthday!! So all the more cause for celebration!! :) Had nice chinese food (now I'm paying for all the excesses). We met up in (This is going to sound very very cool) Alisha Chenoy's old apartment in the posh locality of Bandra (Yes, I am a jet setter!).
So even though my flight entering Mumbai was an hour late and the train reaching Delhi was an hour late .... the travelling wasn't too bad. I finished 1/3rd of Friedmann's new book and I'm just dying to get through the whole thing now. As a person who loves nature and the Himalayas, it is very sad to read about what is happening in the world today.
I loitered around, as I tend to do during holidays... and according to me - should be done. I finished The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury and started Friedmann's Hot Flat and Crowded. I went for an evening walk on Marine Drive, sampled the local cuisine and ate crab for the first time.
Me and my friend watched two movies almost back to back - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (tooooooooooooo long) and Dilli 6 (toooooooooooo blah.... no words can aptly describe that experience). We all went for a heritage walk around the Precinct area of Mumbai -- starting with the old Town Hall (now the Central Library). We ended up at St Thomas' Cathedral - which is actually the oldest part of Bombay.
Did you know that Bombay is the portuguese for new bay? Interesting right? The walk taught us quite a bit and it was just a great way to spend a nice Sunday. Even sitting on the steps of the Central Library was an experience - and I had a good friend along with me which made it even nicer.
Driving through Mumbai is a nice experience. I attended a wedding reception of a very handsome young man which made me feel a bit on the oldish side.... but on the other hand I met up with a very old friend and we all had a great time!
Furthermore --- I was there in Mumbai for another friend's birthday!! So all the more cause for celebration!! :) Had nice chinese food (now I'm paying for all the excesses). We met up in (This is going to sound very very cool) Alisha Chenoy's old apartment in the posh locality of Bandra (Yes, I am a jet setter!).
So even though my flight entering Mumbai was an hour late and the train reaching Delhi was an hour late .... the travelling wasn't too bad. I finished 1/3rd of Friedmann's new book and I'm just dying to get through the whole thing now. As a person who loves nature and the Himalayas, it is very sad to read about what is happening in the world today.
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