Indian contribution to English

After all the chaos, the stage is set, it's final. I am traveling to London today. In fact, in my mind I am already roaming the streets of London and I am eagerly waiting to meet old pals tomorrow. In "Tuesdays with Morrie", a professor on a death bed defines a perfect day as a day when you meet your family members, friends. Spend time sharing news, view, humor and guffaws. The same things should come to life in a few hours time. Looking for a fantastic looooong weekend ahead!!!

I am remembering this incidence as I am about to travel. I was traveling to Berlin last year. Eurolines Bus journey from Leuven to Brussels-North en-route to Berlin is hardly around 20-30 minutes and it was in my destiny to be occupying a seat along side a stage actor from Jordan, who apparently was traveling to perform in London. He seemed know everybody in Bollywood. From Bacchans to Khans and Rekhas to Deepikas. After a while he said to me, "Don't take it personally but take it as a joke." I wondered,"What the hell this guy going to narrate". "You know British ruled India for a long long while and you surely have a lot of bad memories about it". He continued as I nodded. "So once a British guy tells an Indian, you know dude, we f**ked Indians for 150 long years...you imagine....150 long years." And then the cool Indian responded," You know dude, you are right, you fucked us for 150 years and we have been fucking Engligh forever.....you imagine....forever."

With "Jay Ho" entry in the litterary world, it's but obvious that we have been doing a fantastic job.

Adios!!
Guru

Emotional Atyachar (Emotional Turmoil)

I am writing this blog in a state of despair. Still coming to terms to the shock that the defending champions (is there any meaning to this term?) Blues are not even in the semis of T20 World Cup and I am not in the Vilayat this week. It made me immensely sad yesterday as I was watching the semifinal of the T20 WC between Chokers and Pakeezahs and I am watching the second semifinal between Islanders and Calypsos with the same sadness. Honestly, I dreamed one of these to be an Ind-Pak affair and I dreamt to be at the stadium witnessing it. In fact, we chaddiyaars did make BIG plans for this BIG match. After looking at the T2o WC draw we were sure that both India and Pakistan would qualify for the semifinals and to mitigate any risks missing THE GAME we reserved 4 tickets each for both the semifinals. If both of them would have clashed in the finals we were even prepared to buy out the expensive second hand tickets to enjoy the finals @ The Lords....all this only for the country sake and it would have been a dream come true. Indeed!!!

Well, I have watched the Ind-Pak Cricket test match @ Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. But, as a cricket lover, there is nothing like a BIG Ind-Pak world cup cricket match as all of them bear a special significance. There seems to be a pact between Ind-Pak cricket teams. India will never defeat Pak in Sharjah and Pakistan will never ever win against India in the World Cup. History proves to be an evidence. How can we forget Javed Miandad's last ball six that sent shivers through our entire nation. Ten times better Indian teams failed to overpower the most mediocre Pak teams in Sharjah. I tend to think that to keep up with the national pride BCCI just stopped touring Sharjah ever after. World cup matches have always been an Indian print all over. The monkey hops of Javed during the 1992 WC in Australia were proved inconsequential when India registered a famous victory. Jadeja's onslaught against Waqar Younis @ Bangalore in 1999 WC is as memorable as Sachin sending Shoaib over third man for six during the 2003 WC in South Africa. Mis-by-5-run's shortcomings to seal the game in the last T20 WC came very close to change the course of history and the pact still remains in tact. And as an eternal optimist I dream the pact to continue and I dream to witness a BIG Ind-Pak World Cup tussle some day...

As the tournament progressed, it looked as if Pakeezahs or Weapons of Self Destruction (WSD) as termed by FIP will fall a bit short to make it to the semis but as it was scripted it was India who were found wanting during the crucial super 8 stage. They deserved the defeat. Indian effort was not at all in sync with the effort the professional planners and my chaddiyaars, A Millionaire of Leeds (Amol) and Dr. Shubhang alias The Bond (ebay login to sell the tickets is doctorbond....lol) put in place. All Tickets were booked in advance. The power packed UK tour itinerary came to life. Visa for Vilayat also came just in time. What was not planned was how to get Indian team to the semis? If some of you have any ideas to do this bit, do share your ideas. Or else we'll undergo same emotional atyachar (turmoil) as now and as millions of fans have already experienced in the past.

For now though, I am rooting for Pak or Calypsos to take over the crown as it would benefit the cricket in those nations a bit, if not a lot. I would love to see Calypsos to be as strong as they were. Crickdeos like me will return to the game they love anyway, that's assured. Amen!!!

Identify The Drink...

Identify this drink. The options are:
(A) The Champagne
(B) White wine
(C) Water
(D) None of the Above

Dumb Clue: If your answer is correct I will offer you the same drink whenever and where-ever we meet :)

DATE with French Riviera (Part-II: Momentous Monte Carlo)

While French Riviera is a heaven on the earth, Monaco - Monte Carlo is heaven of the heavens. I had exciting plans for the last day, the day when I was traveling alone as Arindam and Narasinga were back to the pavilion, Leuven. I had planned to bike the whole trip from Nice to Monaco (20kms along the French coast line) with a halt at Eze, a town that offers panoramic view of the Mediterranean. There is something good about biking as one need not fight for the window seat...haha. As I went to hire a bike, it started pouring in heavily and I decided to catch a bus to Monte Carlo. This time again I did not miss the window seat. In fact, I saw to it that I grab the right side window so that I can enjoy sea view to the maximum and as always it proved to be an excellent decision. The entire highway is on the coast line and it's a very fantastic journey, one you don't want to miss at any cost. The serpentine roads provide such as incredible view of the peaks, the valleys and the sea that I was feeling like getting down and spend the day near every bus stop and trust me it would have been worth it. Thanks to the pouring rain, I decided to continue till Monte Carlo and got down near the Monte Carlo Casino.

Swanky Car in front of Casino. You can also identify the mirror image on the road :)

Honestly, I had not seen anything more or even as ostentatious as this before and once here you could almost smell the richness - filthy richness. The cleanness of the roads, lavish cars, the yachts, luxurious brand shops in addition to the natural splendor decorate the town, you do not want to give a miss. Moreover, there seems to be no sign of economic slowdown here. I must have reached Casino at 11am in the morning (I guess it should not be a usual time to gamble) and there were many tables already occupied...in fact a few were empty. Gambling certainly looks a better business to be in at this time or rather any time. From experience, it must be better than semiconductors and may score over banking/auto or many others. Neither you have to worry about job cuts nor you'll have to depend on government to bail you out in the event of crisis. You always rock on as Junta's morbid habits seldom go off easily.

Need For Speed Tunnel & Formula 1 GP
After Casino, I started a walk in the direction of a funny looking the tourist train. I wanted to catch the train but it was too fast for one and I could not cross the road quickly. It was impossible. Monte Carlo is not Belgium where every pedestrian is the King and everybody will stop for you whenever and almost wherever you cross. Remember, this is a F1 town with 7 out 10 cars are Ferraris or Masaratis or other lavish brands and more importantly 10 out of 10 drivers consider themselves as Schumacher but no less. With a small walk down the hill I could recognize the much familiar Need for speed tunnel.

The Need for speed tunnel.

Monaco is my favorite route in Need For Speed and this very tunnel was my favorite path. Looks so similar. I could not imagine that I was here on a F1 racing path. OMG!!! I have driven a ton times here...Although the roads are small I have attained unimaginable speeds right here...crashed on fellow cars right at this venue...raced a lot...have lost plenty and have won many. Yeah!!! The route I was walking on was the F1 racing route and I confirmed it the with the lady in the souvenir shop at the end of the tunnel. As I walked along the route upwards the castle on the next hill, I could see the Monaco gearing up for the F1 GP scheduled during the next month. The stands were being erected and the seating arrangements were being prepared. It was fun to watch all this preparation. What was astonishing though was very few roads were closed for traffic and it was business as usual.

Form the castle top the panorama of Monte Carlo was looking pretty attractive and I was itching to take as many photos as possible. But, the rain was playing a spoilsport but still I could not resist myself clicking a few.

Monte Carlo town

Monte Carlo gearing up for Formula-1 GP

One of the stunning spots in Monte Carlo has to be the Monte Carlo train station. I have not seen a better looking train station so far. It's underground, swanky and to me looked an engineering marvel. No wonder, engineers can build anything and everything. Have not seen on National Geographic Mega structures though....should search for it.

Monte Carlo Train Station

After visit station, I was a bit tired and walking in the rain was getting painful as well so I decided to see all corners of the city traveling through city buses and took an arbit bus to a location. The location was Jardin Exotique and the same road the same road leads to Nice. I was energetic again as I could pace myself decently I should be able to walk at least most of the beautiful highway through which I came in the morning. Also, if I get tired in between or fall short of time, I can catch the bus to Nice on the way. The walk would also make up a bit for the NBH Hike 4 that I had missed because of the conference and I started walking on the beautiful High way. I proved to be an excellent decision as weather also improved a bit later on and I could witness some breathtaking views, cited unimaginable luxury, natural beauty. would love to go here again and again and again. Sharing a few pictures with you...

View of the Monte Carlo town soon after I started my walk...

The terrace of the building/Villa whatever had a swimming pool with breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. I wanted to take the clothes off and dive...But, it was a bit distant and i gave up the idea.

Picture speaks a thousand words and I have no more words...

Don't miss the swimming pools at the edge of the peak. The owner can as well jump into the sea. But you obviously know why swimming pool in a house is a necessity. Bad weather, thermal control must be a few reasons...

Let's get it straight. Every villa has to have a swimming pool. Do remember, when you make one!!!

After about 10kms of beautiful walk, I reached Eze, the town that is again not to be missed at any cost. Here is the Eze castle view.

Eze Castle: was lucky to get on top

I had only half an hour to catch the bus while the castle tour takes about an hour. I sprinted on the hill to grab as much as possible and I was awarded with the rare rainbow captured in the picture below.

Rare Rainbow from the Eze Castle

Last picture of the day!!!

Again, not to mention that I could catch the last bus from Eze to Nice to reach airport on time.

DATE with French Riviera (Part-I: Nice and Cannes)

"Please organize the conference during June-Sept. every year", recommended Arindam, an IMEC researcher on the DATE-2009 conference feedback form. I was totally in sync with him. The surreptitious reason could decipher the attitude of the research community towards conferences. The Ferry in the Mediterranean operates only during June-Sept. period and we wished the conference to be shifted during the same period as we could enjoy the sea as much as the technical interaction during the conference. There should be a consensus about one thing within the research community. We want good conferences and we want them on the heavens on the earth. Top notch conference in Bhivandi or Govandi or any other shabby areas in Bombay would attract as much attendance as a mediocre conference* in Goa, Hawaii or the heaven I just had just been "French Riviera".

There is something mesmerizing about the mountains that invite you to explore them time and again. Deep sea provides an ideal ambiance to relax and indulge into as deep thinking as much as the sea itself. But, the combination of the two is simply outstanding with limitless opportunities and in my opinion it's peerless. The French Riviera region, located in the the South French is blessed with both. Alps located on the North and Mediterranean in the south, this entire 225km stretch from Marsellie to Monte Carlo is a very hot tourist destination all over the year. Popular International events such as Formula-1 Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, Monte Carlo ATP tours make the place very much vibrant and add to the grandeur. No wonder then that this place is the favorite destination of the richest of the rich. Right from legendary Elton John, the Posh and the Becks to AJos have their Villas and it's considered a French dream to own a property in French Riviera.

When I embarked upon the Journey to Nice from Brussels, I was hopeful that I would at least get to get the glimpses of the some of these famous personalities. But, I got really disappointed as I did not spot any as I boarded the flight. I decided to try my luck and glanced the business class as well but the business class was almost empty. Then I thought to myself, why in the world the Posh and Becks would fly through Brussels Airlines? They would have their own chartered jets....So, relax. These flights are for mundanes like us and took my well deserved window seat.

The Window Seat
Although candies do not attract me anymore, I am still addicted to the window seats as much as I was as a kid. Be it the bus, the train, the boat or the flight, I make it a point to request for a window seat or to rush for one as soon as I board them. I do get thoroughly disappointed if I do not get one. In this flight, I was happy and disappointed at the same time. I was happy to find that my request for a window seat was useless as I could have as many window seats as possible. But, what's the value of money for a rich kid? A Big Zero. The real fun is in grabbing the window seat by catching a running local train in Bombay or a crowded bus by throwing the kerchief through the window and occupying the seat after quarrel with co-passengers. It's a hard fought victory and you savor it more than anything. The good part though I was ready to capture Alpine heights though the windows of the plane yet again and this time I was not disappointed. The most beautiful sight as you land in Nice is the view of the Mediterranean and Alps from the sky. Here are some of the aerial shots.

Snowy Alpine Peaks: A Treat to Eyes!!!

Beautiful View of Mediterranean Coastline. Nice Airport stripes are located in the upper part of the picture

This would have been a spectacular picture if I had a better lens. The view of snow clad Alps mountains and the Mediterranean in the same sight in the sky was magical.

Nice airport is located next to the sea shore and both the landing and take off are enjoyable experiences.It's a pity that my 18-55mm lens is not adequate enough to capture an apt picture of any of these events. I really need to look for some sponsorships to advance my photography to the next level.

"Nice" is Nice

Nice has two prominent places to watch. One is the castle view from the curvy beach and the beach view from the castle. Nice beach view resembles the neckless view of Bombay. What's different though are some of the cruise ships on the shore demonstrating aristocracy and the spicially provided sun bathing places depicting French connosseureness when it comes to rejoicement. It's fantastic, simply outstanding. Here are some shots and their description.

Aristocratic Cruises on Nice Shore

Nice Beach-A view vis-a-vis Bombay

A Night shot of the Nice Castle

Nice Dawn

To grab this dawn, I had to wake up 5.30 AM in the morning and walk to the beach to catch the Sunrise. As I was walking towards the beach, I was remined of my friend Rajat from National Semiconductor. We Natsemites used to play cricket over the weekend and I used to take Rajat to the venue on my bike. While deciding on time, when I used to tell him "Rajat, be at this spot tomorrow @ 7:30AM, ok?" This cricket buff used to reply,"Guru, Don't worry. I will be here from 7:15AM itself. No problem." "Why 7:15AM?, you come at 7:30AM", understanding the value of 15 mins more sleep in the morning hrs. Rajat used to reply,"Are Guru, ye Math Tution thodi hein. yeh to cricket hein.(Guru, this is not a math class but an enjoyment) I will be here by 7:15AM. No problem." and He was never late and so was I, ON time, spot ON this time to witness the sunrise. While Arindam preferred to watch the sunrise in his dreams Narasinga accompanied me at the beach. I admire some people's commitment to cause. Narasinga is one of them. Unfortunately, it would have been better if we had gone up the castle than the beach in the morning hrs.

Cannes and the celebrities
Cannes must be special during the film festival but otherwise it is as good as any French town, nothing special or extravagent. Again, the filthy richness is on display though the private yachts and all but The Sea does provide solace to everyone who views it with an open heart. If you are traveling to Cannes, I would recommend traveling to nearby islands. They are beautiful. It also provides an opportunity for a small cruise from Cannes to the island and back specially when the longer crews are off. We went to Ile Saint Honorat because it was little farther than the other as we could enjoy more cruise time. It was a perfect trip. The other island called St Marguerite should be nice too. Clear sea water near the islands should give you some idea:

Sea waters near Cannes Islands. This picture is taken from around 50mts in altitude.

Narasinga had to leave early for his flight and unfortunately he missed an important Palais des Festivals tour. If you are filmy buff, you will love being on the red carpet and take your photos in astonishing poses. We saw the audience going berserk giving poses and taking shots. It's certainly true that everybody is a born actor. We were not far behind as well.

Palais des Festivals, Cannes

Aristocratic Yachts next to Palais des Festivals

There are hand prints, autographs of many famous cine personalities on display here. Although not a huge cine buff (I prefer theater more than films but I do make it a point not to miss good ones) I would always cherish this photo:

Ben Kingsley - Autograph and hand print in Cannes

Palm Beach @ Cannes is not only a place to own a property but a great place for plenty of water sports as well. Here are some action shots:

Water sports near Palm Beach-Cannes.

Water sports near Palm Beach-Cannes.

Not to mention that I very much missed the NBH Hike-4 becase of the date clash with this conference trip (Work comes first, isn't it?) and tried to make the most of my time in Riviera. To make up for loss in the NBH Hike, I ended up traveling (and even hiking from Monte Carlo to Eze, a rocky stretch of 10kms) French Riviera more than anybody (I know) in the conference even though I joined them later than all of them at the venue.

Also, not to mention that I really enjoyed the techie interaction to find that I am able to follow and contribute in my research area, 3D ICs. There is certainly a lot to do!!!

And something more important to mention is that the momentous Monaco-Monte Carlo was the best place I visited during this trip. I would certainly call it the Crown of French Riviera. I could see the town gearing up for the F1 GP scheduled in a months time. But that's for another blog. To be continued...
______________________________________________________________
* Someone (like me) might be prefer to go to Hawaii/Goa as at least an excellent stay is guaranteed.

NBH-Hike 5 with Harry Potter

Some people have universal faces, the appeal is so familiar that you can immediately recognize them. When I saw Frido, a new NBH Hike-5 joinee, in a Table Tennis/Ping pong room for a the first time, I wondered where have I seen him?... somewhere for sure...he looks so familiar. But, it was Yao who resolved the conundrum during the fifth NBH Hike for me, that too in her first look. Girls have special sight, watta say? "Hey, you look like Harry Potter." Yao yelled and everybody nodded. "Well, you are not the only one who thinks so....almost all Chinese think of me as Harry Potter." admitted Frido as he was not bemused a bit. Frido indeed has a face resembling Harry Potter protagonist Daniel Radcliffe (You all can Judge for yourself) and the name Harry Potter would stick to him during each and every NBH Hike it attends henceforth.

Frido- The Harry Potter

I for one would like him to display his magical skills once in a while. It would indeed be nice to take us to newer and newer exotic locations that would make us awe with serendipity. He may heal our tiring legs after every 10-15kms so that we can hike longer distances. Prevent showers when NBH is at work. Create water fountains, chocolate buffets whenever the group get tired and may be make all of us fly on a single carpet so that we can have the splendid view of the beautiful Belgium, Europe and the World from the sky.

Woods in Belgium seem to have a pattern. I thought some part of forest was similar to the Tervuren park that NBH has visited previously. I mean at one spot there were around 8-9 paths meeting at a point when compared to the 13 in the Tervuren part. Also missing were the 3 characteristics stones in the Tervuren park. As we proceeded further we reached a point where for the first time during an NBH hike, we had to pave our own way and Amir lead us admirably. We all knew that we had to cross a rivulet (Belgians would call it a river) but had to take the path from the head high bushes, thorns and trees to locate the bridge. Later Johny and Marlene discovered the tick bites. But, we all are safe and sound and can aptly upgrade our status as "Natural Brave Hikers".

May be I will be missing the Waterloo reenactment Hike and I am sure you all gonna have fun out there. Catch you during the next Surprize Hike. Till then Copper (Cu)...