Writing a Story

So a colleague came across my blog writing and suggested that I have the flair for casual writing. Why dont  I write a story or a book or a novella? I had never seriously thought about that until now. So I figured why not? I am not a technical writer in a literary sense. I write the way I think in my mind. I do not use any fancy techniques in writing other than casual style. I like to believe my words on paper or in this case electronic media is very casual and conversation like rather than a more structured grammar. I prefer simpler words and flowing expression rather than a more "structured grammar" approach. The question is would I succeed? I am not sure. I hope to put a story together that will make an interesting read.

The only question remains is that should I do this on-line and publish chapter to chapter or write the whole thing and then do a formal publishing. Well, I will let you know.

Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles

One of the things I did in my US journeys was to catch some awesome new shows despite the WGA strike. One of the new shows is this awesome one called Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Oh! Blimey, I tell you I have never seen such an intense show of action in my TV watching entertainment.

Trinity - Brahma The Creator!

Brahma is the god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. He is not to be confused with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit in Hindu Vedanta philosophy known as Brahman. Also, in Sanskrit grammar, Brahma is nominative singular of generic word Brahman, as Aatma is nominative singular for Aatman. Brahman and Aatman are same in Vedanta philosophy, the Para-Aatma (Supersoul) and Jeeva Aatma (Individual Soul) are Brahman. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of learning.

Referred to as the creator, he is traditionally depicted with four heads and four faces and four arms. With each head he continually recites one of the four Vedas. He is often depicted with a white beard (especially in North India), indicating the near eternal nature of his existence. He is shown as having four arms, with none holding a weapon, unlike most other Hindu Gods. One of his hands is shown holding a sceptre in the form of a spoon, which is associated with the pouring of holy ghee or oil into a sacrificial pyre - indicating the fact that Brahma is the lord of sacrifices. Another of his hands holds a water-pot (sometimes depicted as a coconut shell containing water). The significance of the water is that it is the initial, all-encompassing ether in which the first element of creation evolved. Brahma also holds a string of rosary beads that he uses to keep track of the Universe's time. He also is shown holding the Vedas, and sometimes, a lotus flower.

Another story in connection with Brahma's four heads is that when Brahma was creating the universe, he made a female deity known as Shatarupā (one with a hundred beautiful forms). Brahma became immediately infatuated. Shatarupā moved in various directions to avoid the gaze of Brahma. But wherever she went, Brahmā developed a head. Thus, Brahma developed five heads, one on each side and one above the others. In order to control Brahmā, Shiva cut off the top head. Also, Shiva felt that Shatarupa was Brahma's daughter/son, being created by him. Therefore, Shiva determined, it was wrong for Brahma to become obsessed with her. He directed that there be no proper worship in India for the "unholy" Brahma. Thus, only Vishnu and Shiva continue to be worshipped, while Brahma is almost totally ignored. Ever since the incident, Brahmā has been reciting the four Vedas in his attempt at repentance.

But there are plenty of references to him in scriptures and prayers. In fact the most popular prayer, Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheswara! Guru Sakshaat Para Brahma Tasmai Sree Guru vey namaha has multiple references to Brahma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile Gundam Seed 00

I had the chance to see one episode of the Mobile Gundam Seed 00. To begin with, I am not a anime fan. I like anime movies, Ghost in the Shell and Akira being my favourites but I have never sought actively to watch any of the anime series developed in Japan. I have heard plenty of good stuff about them, in regards to musical styles, storylines, interspersed cultural references to our world and a future or past and not mention a sense of unusual style which eludes even the best Western animation adventures. I was always wondering what Gundam Seed means and the name did not appeal to me to make me want to watch. So before I saw the second episode of this series, I went to my trusty Wikepedia, did a search and read up on the history and development of the Gundam series. Boy! was I fascinated. The series, the settings, and their references to our current state of the world, our history are truly amazing. When I read the premise of Gundam Seed 00, I was amazed at how these story developers were able to create a world in future as chaotic as it could be. The concept of destroying for the sake of achieving peace was truly disturbing and echoes the current Iraq conflict that we are seeing. It is always the decision of a few which puts the rest at danger or face the wrath and brunt of the reaction.

The second episode portrays a group of well meaning warriors armed with the most advanced battle suit called Mobile Gundam have declared that they will be intervening in the current conflicts and destroy both sides unless they make a path to peace and reconciliation. On one side, the warriors have to face a terrible choice of being labelled as mass murderers and on the other is the forces that are bent to destroy these suits or capture them to take advantage of the advanced technology. And on a yet another side is the need to keep the identity of the warriors a secret and hope that one of them wont have a remorseful meltdown.

What caught me by a total surprise was the premise in this episode that the conflict between the Tamil's and Singhalese in Sri Lanka has been used. Being Indian and a Tamil Brahmin to the boot, I abhor violence of any kind. Our forefathers taught her better. Gandhi gave us independence without firing a shot. I always thought that the world could use that as an example but then if only life was that simple. Politicians like George Bush do not  understand the cultural ethos of the world as they remain cloistered in their blinkered existence that one rule applies to all and one glove fits all.

Any way, back to Gundam Seed. So the remedy by the "Celestial Beings", as the warriors with the Mobile Gundam suit are called, take the matters into their hands and decimate both sides of the conflict. And one of the warriors expresses regret that he will always be remembered as a mass murderer as he proceeds to drop bombs to wipe out a whole military base with people inside. Wow! What twisted mind thought of this episode. Should we give him a medal for creative and brilliant writing or take him to the nearest nut house and lock him up. I am sure there are two sides of the fence which is fully occupied by the respective supporters. And for the record, I am right now on the fence and I will give the writer the benefit of doubt.

So are we also headed there? In 30 years, would our civilization reach a point where we will start bombing ourselves out of existence?  At the rate we are going with wars, pollution, depleting resources, over population, and disease, I am not sure how long will human race survive. Praying to our respective God's will give us strength to live and service, but the dude upstairs is basically telling us that he wont help those who do not deserve and right now, our human race is not in a position to ask for sympathy.

If there is one thing I wont deny is that watching this single episode has now made me crave for getting my hands on the entire series and I am in touch with some friends who can procure older season DVD's if and when they become available. 

View from the top!

Many of my friends and family know the location of my office. Downtown Singapore. Right in the heart of the Financial District. According to the GPS Monitor, my office is exactly 842 Feet above MSL. That is one heck of a height to be working every day. I have seen planes practice during the Singapore National Day Parade. A Chinook which was carrying a gigantic Singapore National Flag, flanked by two awesome AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters below the window level and I could see the pilots of the gun ships. It was an awesome sight. By the time I ran and got my camera, the aircrafts had moved on. Bummer! During my early gaming days, I have played the Apache simulator where you get to fire Hell Fire missiles also known as fire and forget missiles.

But I have been observing the construction of the new Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre (Including the Casino) from a high vantage point. What used to be a green patch of land is now filled with cranes, trucks, huge holes which look so tiny that its unfathomable how large they are when you actually pass the construction site.

It is an impressive view of what would become a marvel in construction as I have seen the artist design that was published in the local newspaper after the project was awarded. It will be a sight to behold and admire. I am looking forward to the opening of this monument to entertainment. Maybe I will visit the casino and try my luck at the black jack tables. Martini's anyone?

 

 

 

Not to be outdone, there is giant wheel or the Singapore Flyer. Its the Asian version of the London Eye. The panoramic view offered by the Singapore Flyer will be far superior to the London Eye considering the location. Its 165 Meters (30 meters bigger than London Eye). Already its sold out way before its launch. I think I have to wait a long time before I am able to get my turn. But its still shorter than my vista from 842 Feet. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Esplanade or "Durian" has always been my favourite hotspot. Great theatre venue. Top notch shows and a very pretentious crowd (life is too short not to be pretentious). So I join them in the preening and applauding the shows which fortunately are of excellent quality.  For those who are not familiar, Durian is a local fruit (a very stinky smelly fruit) and it has prickly skin which is sort of resembling the dome structure of the Esplanade. Smart move done by the people behind the Esplanade was not to deny the comparison. The taxi drivers are more apt to take you to the Durian rather than Esplanade. I have been there and done that. The sounds system here is AWESOME and I cannot fault the technical aspects of the sound engineering at these theatres. My cousin's and his wife gave a performance early this year and the sound quality even for a very intimate performance was outstanding.

The Padang is a open ground shared by two clubs (Singapore Cricket Club and one other). A great venue to run around the grounds. Linking Park performed on these grounds. Rugby 7 tournaments were held here. Cricket matches are played regularly. Flanking the Padang is the historical Supreme Court.

Bali! Magical, Fun and Exciting

So after 12 years of living in Singapore, I finally had the opportunity to go to Bali. Everyone who became aware that this was my first trip expressed total shock and surprise considering I have an extensive travel resume. I had my reasons. Most of which stemmed from the past Indonesian policy of applying for visa in Singapore. Due to heavy travels and severe conditions put by the Consular office, I figured the hassle is not going to be worth it if for a short visit, I have to endure a popped blood vessel. Until close to 2 years ago, when my passport was included in the Visa on arrival list. Hooray! So last week, I finally got the chance to go. It was a stag night. One of the boys is getting married this weekend and hence we decided to have a party. But of course, we realized, a bit later, that the bride and her party were heading to Bali for their hens night. The girls have squarely blamed the boys for changing the destination from Macao to Bali. Well, we agree but in the end it was all good. We celebrated all November babies birthday dinner in style at Cafe Warisan. It was hot, sweltering and I was melting. Seriously! I think I lost 2 kilos just sitting there. But later there was some clubbing at Hu Bar.

So where are the pictures? Sad to say that I lost my camera. It fell off the bicycle at 3AM in the morning when I wanted to get some food. So I lost about 400 pictures. River rafting, dinner, party pictures, and lots of interesting shots! All gone! I will wait for the other who have their pictures and post them here.

What do you know! The damn thing works including upload of Photo

Well, Well, Well! I am impressed. This actually works. Well, it made me go to Picasa and create a new account link to my blog account, but all in all, I have no complaints. It looks really good and easy! I guess I will be able to finish my Travel journal after all.

Time just flies and you feel that it was just yesterday that I wanted to update my blog. With travels, work, weddings, babies, holidays and trying to determine if an MBA would help me out, has taken its toll. But I am seeing a way to manage all this. Hopefully, I will have more of my travels here than wait for 6 months before I say whatever it is to say next.

Microsoft has created a new utility called Live Writer!

 

While I am a Windows user and an occasional critic of Microsoft's products, I believe they actually have this right. I figured let me give it a shot by writing a new entry from the new Live Writer and see how it works. I cannot comment if it works or not right now as this is my first entry. My second entry would contain a report card. And to see if the images are uploaded properly.

Eurostar! My favorite mode of transport!

I have always had a thing for trains. Even as a kid, I used to run to the balcony at the mere sound of a train horn. And my grandparents and my uncles used to live right across where the tracks used to pass in the city. And it was a constant stream of trains. Suburban transports, freight, shunting trains, broken down trains, all sorts of engines. It was a thrill to catalog the different styles of engines and I had my own code to define each of them. So much so that I could actually decipher the train codes and their destination sequence. Yeah! I was a whack job. Get this! When I used to visit my grandparents as a kid, they had a balcony which had a utility ladder that had 4 legs and a top. Like an oversized coffee table except it was a ladder. I remember taking pen and drawing dials in the little gap and pretend it was a engine window. Har-di-har! Laugh as much as you will, but that was my fantasy as a 5 year old. And trust me, although I got out of the whole ladder business, trains still fascinate me. And when Microsoft released Train Simulator, it was a dream come true. I could not ever hope to drive one in the real world. But I could do it in a virtual world. And boy! Did Microsoft hit a jackpot.

Enough of that. So I reach Waterloo after a long 14 hour flight to Heathrow, 40 minute immigration, 40 minutes to Waterloo and then 1 hour wait for my train. The journey to Paris was smooth, comfortable and fast.

Close to 300 KM was the speed and it was fun. They have improved since the last time I traveled. More comfortable and less noise. Since I had done an Internet booking, I got a sweet deal for a very reasonable price. I was served Champagne and wine with some nice cheese, breakfast on route to Paris. How cool! 9:30 AM and I am already getting tanked.

Paris, je t'aime .........

What a glorious weekend! I spent 4 great days and nights in Paris and I realized once again why I love the place. Its just an amazing pot pouri of people, sights, scenes, food, museums, art, music, clubs, bistros. I had the good fortune of hanging with some gorgeous friends who were kind enough to let me wine, dine and club with them. And what a time it was!

The next few postings will cover my trip to Paris and of course, London.

50 Years of Atlas Shrugged

Do I have to even ask if you know what "Atlas Shrugged" is? Ayn Rand's prolific novel introduced a culture of raw capitalism unbridled in its depiction of greed, and the argument that greed is good. You also remember Gordon Gecko in the Wall Street. Today I read an article commemorating this book and its influence in the capitalistic ideas. In addition to founding her own philosophical system, objectivism, Rand is honored as the modern fountainhead of laissez-faire capitalism, and as an impassioned, uncompromising, and unapologetic proponent of reason, liberty, individualism, and rational self-interest. We all remember the phrase Who is John Galt? This phrase has been quoted time and again in other books. Heck! Even Calvin and Hobbes made a parody of the phrase (not in its entirety) in one Calvin's diatribe against restrictive policies in his home (meaning being forced to go to school or gulag as he calls it, being made to eat greens and food and not able to meet the national average of TV viewing by being forced to go to bed by 9 PM).

I first read Ayn Rand when I was 14. It was not because I was into reading "heavy" books. Mostly there was nothing else to read and I found this in my father's book shelf and I read it. When I started I nearly cried. Not because I felt the impact of the book. It was more to do with the fact that I thought I had the most boring and heavy duty book and I could not believe I was reading it. And my head nearly exploded and was quite close to shedding tears of frustration. It took a few more years to venture back to read the book. Growing up in a socialist and closed world (India opened its economy only in 1990's), it was fascinating to read the idea of a society bereft of its genius and the downward spiral of civilization. Well, we do now know we are going to hell in a handcart considering all we now know are wars, famine, strife and global warming. Its time to start looking for a new planet to destroy.

For those who have heard of Warcraft III (a million copy selling game), the cheat code to speed up research technologies is WhoisJohnGalt.

99 Problems and a B***h ain’t one?

This morning on the way to work, I was listening to tunes and one of the numbers was Jay-Z's 99 problems from his excellent record called The Black Album. Although, I have listened to this rap number many times, today I paid more attention to the lyrics. The entire context just was mind blowing. I have respected and liked Jay-Z as an artist and his rap numbers were very good to listen to. His collaborations with Pharrell Williams (of NERD fame), Beyonce (his gal), his mash up with Linkin Park (which I think is a brilliant mix of two distinct styles of music). But never have I paid attention to the lyrics.

Back to 99 problems. The lyrics presented a side of the problems faced by disillusioned youth growing up in disfranchised or poor areas with limited education, opportunities and slide into drugs, depression and violence. You would expect this from a third world country but this situation from a so-called first world country just boggles your mind. Some very potent lyrics went like this:-

"And I heard Son do you know why I'm stopping you for? Cause I'm young and I'm black and my hats real low Do I look like a mind reader sir, I don't know Am I under arrest or should I guess some MO? Well you was doing fifty five in a fifty four.
License and registration and step out of the car, are you carrying a weapon, I know a lot of you are! "

WOW! That's harsh stereotyping. And we thought our version of stereotyping was bad. But it's interesting how Jay-Z decided to focus on a road stop and arrest as a scenario for his song and a brilliant music video (all in B & W).

"I ain't stepping out of shit all my papers legit "Do you mind if I look round the car a little bit?" Well my glove compartment is locked so is the trunk and the back And I know my rights so you gon' need a warrant for that "Aren't you sharp as a tack are some type of lawyer or something?" "Or somebody important or something?"

Great writing. So just because you are able to say that you need a warrant, the impression is that either you are a lawyer or someone important. But you are not a ordinary person. The next sentence is absolutely mind blowing

Nah I ain't pass the bar but I know a little bit enough that you won't illegally search my shit

This sentence was also use in one of CSI: New York episodes (Tanglewood boys) where the protagonist states the same. But of course, the shit part was smoothed over by a dialog interruption.

I am not sure how to interpret the thoughts behind the next phrases. Our roots do not give us the same nature of problems faced. Racism, profiling has always existing in Indian culture but its more inward. Affirmative action is given to lower castes to bring them to the main stream of the population.

And there I go trapped in the kit kat again Back through the system with the riff raff again Fiends on the floor scratching again Paparazzi's with they cameras snapping them D.A. tried to give the nigga the shaft again Half-a-mil for bail cause I'm African All because this fool was harassing them Trying to play the boy like he's saccharin But ain't nothing sweet 'bout how I hold my gun. I got 99 problems and a bitch ain't one, Hit ME!

I wonder if Britney Spears would ever make such powerful verses in her songs. Well, she did shave her head like Persis Khambatta (she played the role of Lt. Ilia in the first Star Trek movie. She is a former Miss India, of Parsi ethnicity).

I can see several similarities in applying Indian mythology to most of the lyrics as our ancestors have definitely encountered similar profiling. There is a saying My friend's enemy is my enemy, my enemies enemy is my friend. Indian mythology has several stories that reflect the sense of being trapped, judged and prosecuted with no opportunity to explain or even redemption.

Oh! Well! Just thought I will share this online.

Posting Using New Technology!

 

Obviously, blogging now become more simplified and easier. With the right tools, it can become as simple as writing a letter. Of course, pictures make a lot of difference.

 

Its certainly been a while since I have last updated. Lots have happened and I am going to spend some time to write more on what's going on.

My niece is growing fast and furious!!!

Folks, time to buy that double barrel, double action shotgun to ward off all unsavoury suitors. This is the first pictures of my niece in 4 months since I last saw her. She is so cute (touch wood). She is going to one handful to her parents! Good luck to them! She looks bewildered.

More later! Its been a hard 2 months what with a very busy project and many weddings to attend to. In two different continents. But all in all it was really fun! And I enjoyed my first ever visit to Perth and Margaret River! I purchased a lot of wine and I had a taste of biltong. My teeth will never be the same again.

Have a week ahead! And to my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving!

Been A While!!!

Its been a while since my last update on the joyous occasion of my nieces birth and her naming ceremony. And the progress so far is that the kiddo is settling in and giving less waking hours to her parents. Information from back home suggests that life is back to normal (from whatever new definition of normal).

The next few weeks are going to be extremely busy travelling. Good friends are walking the aisle. And being a good friend, I will be going for sure.

Surely upon my return, I will post pictures of my journey's and of course food.

Here's wishing all a very Happy Deepavali (belated)!!!!

The Party - Evening Celebration

So you think the ceremony is complete. Well, my friends hardly! The evening party was for a more casual settings. Of course, there is no meat or alcohol. After all its a baby's naming ceremony we are celebrating and not mine. So we have a cradle which was borrowed from some family friends. The history is that this particular cradle has been in existance for about 100 years. Yep! Can you believe that? These family friends have kept it and used for all newborns in their family and their friends family. It was one heck of a engineering marvel contains catches and levers which I am quite sure was made by hand measures that computers. So once again, the ladies of the house are dressed to their nines. Resplendant sarees, jewellery etc.

Luckily the weather was a bit chill and hence Amolika is well covered up. And yet she has this beginnings of "I am going to start bawling any second" expression. And she did! The next instant the "The Priceless Siren" started wailing at the top of her lungs. Quick, get help! And it came in the form of grandmother, my sister's mother-in-law. A very gracious, charming and extremely nice person. My sister is very lucky is to have in-laws as proud, doting and loving. Heck! they even like me.


Which is more than you can say about me.They do keep hammering about the fact that I should get married and make babies. Hooray! Can you all imagine? Guru with a few kids! One day it will be there. For now, the focus is on my niece and my dear friends for whom I only wish they will have pictures like these posted on their own blogs. In fact, I think its time to visit a temple and pray for good luck and fortune to all the friends and family I know. After WOMAD!




Proud grandfather and grandmother. My brother-in-law's parents. The father is also a very charming, and knowledgeable with a penchant for enjoying life to the fullest extent. A very relaxed gentleman of old school. A perfect sammandhi (term used to describe the father-in-law's of both the bride and groom).







My brother-in-law's family (his siter, his BIL and his nephews). Those nephews are bigger, brainier than I am. They tower over me. I am usually called as Big Guy by the mexican queen mother of nearly two (Alvaro, I am referring to your wifey Patsy). But these dudes are really big guys.







The last picture is of one of my sister's friends who delivered a boy a few months ago and my niece. Aaaw! her first boyfriend and she cant even seen him because he is trussed up secure in blankets and looks thouroughly disinterested. Damn! you mean we men are already born with the whole "I should be vary of women" attitude or just the bad attitude that many women complain we male homosapien species seem to exhibit. Oh! well, he is just a kid.




Well, folks! I hope you enjoyed reading and viewing as much I did when I wrote and published these pictures. Watch out for the next installments of some sights and scenes of Hyderabad. I also have some foody pictures of Bombay which I must put up soon.

The Naming Ceremony - How the rest went

At this point is where I, as the uncle am supposed to whisper her name in the year. At this time, she had just stopped wailing her guts out. Oh! Joy! I have to whisper her full name Amolika Anathalakshmi Ajoy. I kinda forget the second name. The kid has to get a series of names to honor the anscestors. So sod on me for forgetting it. Sorry, baby! When you are old enough to read this blog, dont blame your poor uncle.

Amolika's Naming Ceremony - Some Pictures

A few friends were wondering what's the deal about the naming ceremony. Its a cultural thing. In my culture, naming a baby is very important. And there is an elaborate ceremony for this. The new parents have to perform some religious rites, write the baby's name in wheat and whisper the new name into the baby's ears. The father, mother, uncle (that's me), grandfather, cousins, well wishers all do this. Oh! And you ought to give cash gifts. I am telling you, my neice is a rich kid and she is hardly 5 weeks only. I guess pampering a new born especially the first in the line is always given.

The day starts very early. My BIL (Brother-in-law) gets ready, wears his veshti (silk sarong equivalent used in important religions functions). The priest walks my BIL through the initial phases where there is lot of invocations a whole caboodle of gods. From experience, you all know of my constant reference to 9000 gods in my culture. And the ladies of the house are dressed to the nines. My sister, looking radiant as ever, was even more resplendent with the glow of new motherhood. And my BIL is a star and champ for embarking on this chapter of life. Good luck, bro!

From the left, my mom's youngest sister from Kuwait, my cousin's wife, my mom's second sister, my sister and my BIL's older sister

As usual my sister is giving some inputs to the entire proceedings.








Some ceremonial items. The copper pot contains water which will be "holified" and then sprinkled on all people as blessings. Coconuts play a very important role in ceremonial events. I am not sure of significance except that it is cosidered holy and auspicious to use coconuts as part of offerings.





More ceremonial duties being performed.













This is me holding Amolika before I give her back to her parents. You have no idea of the people hovering around me considering I do not have experience of holding small babies. She has not yet started WAILING! And man! the kid can be vocal about it. You will see a couple of pictures soon with her vocal chords in action.







Mom checking out her darling daughter before taking possession.














Comfortably perched on her mom's lap!











Proud parents and grandfather. My dad is so happy to have a granddaughter. I tell you the old man has now focus attention on her. Hooray for me!












Kiddo is getting theerthum. Its sacred water.

Hyderabad - The City of Biryani and Bangles

Hyderabad. A City that is 400 years old. Historical, monumental and caught in a frenzy of upward development. Good roads, brutal traffic, 1230 PM curfew for pubs, 24 hour biryani joints, "I know someone so dont mess with me" works, sky rocketing real estate and irani tea.

I had gone home for couple of weeks to celebrate the arrival and naming ceremony of my niece. I think you will all agree that she is a cutie. Noisy! but cute. I hung out with my friends, got a taste of great food (both at home and outside), hads lots of alcohol at pubs, homes, clubs (like Orchid Country Club types not a night club). The weather was perfect. A cool 26-27 during the day and a very nice 21 in the evening. It was the beginning of monsoon season and hence the weather was not hot. I have not been to Hyderabad in July in over 10 years. So I was initially apprehensive about going in July. I was mistaken. I did not roast and die. In fact, I enjoyed the weather.

Hyderabadi Biryani is unlike any that you would have had outside of Hyderabad. Its famous for the way its cooked and the side dishes that accompany it. A truly gastronimical feast that cannot be verbally described. Its a stimulant for all the taste buds one which will keep you burping with satisfaction. By the way, burping is perfectly acceptable method of providing complement to the host. Its a true sign that the food was really tasty and you ate your hearts fill with happiness. It may be disgusting from a courtesey point of view, but its a very strong expression of satisfaction.

Hyderbad is also well know for its bangles. As like biryani, the citi is also popular for its bangle bazaar or chudi (bangle) bazaar. Not a place I would want to go. I mean can you imagine a street full of bangle shops and a million gaggle of women. No thank you! I will wait in the car.

Irani tea is tea made iranian style. Thick and creamy, its not for the faint hearted. Its laced with sugar and has the mixed taste of tea and sweetness. Many a snack ends with a irani chai (tea). As students we used "cut" the tea. Basically, instead of drinking one whole cup, you share the tea. So you will order "by 2" means one cup of tea split into two. Or "2 by 3". You get the picture.

Folks! Presenting my niece - Amolika - The Priceless One

After two weeks of eating, drinking and listening to my cute little niece's wails every two hours, I am back in Singapore. I will put up the ceremonial pictures in a few days. But this is the photo of my cutie niece. More later.

She is a precocious little thing who has a penchant for doing a mean siren every 2 hours. I have to really admire my sister, my aunt's, my brother in law and my dad! This kid can sure keep them all up all night and still gurgle away likes its all fun!