Happy Diwali

Festival of lights is back for the year. One festival we used to wait eagerly for, went back to my memories of days when there was fun
The Eager Wait
Starting preparations a week before
Demanding for more fireworks
Finally when on the festive day
Early morning oil bath
Starting the day with Bijali
Carefully preserving more fireworks for the evening
Start the evening by bursting atom bombs
We did not know what a space shuttle was
All we knew was to send rockets to neighbouring houses
Closing the day with a 10,000 wala
Ohhh it was fun:)

Cheers.....

Vinay

Get-away to Mysore

I would say i was desparate to go to Mysore to watch the Dassera celebrations. I had heard a lot of the festive season around Mysore during the Dessera festival. I am not new to Mysore, i used to frequent the place during my school days. It was practice to go to my relative's house in mysore to spend the summer holidays. WoW!!!! those were the days i still cherish but again they are memories now.



I had actually planned to visit Mysore on the first weekend after the festival started and was prepared for it, few of my friends could not make it up and were busy with other things and i had to drop the plans. I don't why at times i don't feel like going out without my close pals.



Daseera was to end on Thursday and i was eager to find out if there would be any charm left for the weekend . I very much wanted to see the Mysore city from hill top of Chamundi Hills . Spoke to my cousin a localite in Mysore who asked me to come down as the city was prepared to extend the festive mood for the weekend. Invited few of close pals to join, but again there were busy for the weekend. So called upon my trusted classmate and a very good friend of mine Vadi. He had to attend a marraige and intially did not agree. After much pestering he was all set and confirmed he would be coming. Stage Set :)):):):):):) when i got to know that finally i am going to Mysore i had big smile on my face . Thanks to Vadi. Vadi agreed to come to my house by 3:00 pm. All set and packed we had planned to stat over night in my aunt's place. We reached Mysore by 5.30 pm and trust me the long ride was so beautyfull with our conversation of good old college days and changing times,people etc. Got frest and spent about half hour in my aunt's place and we decided to go to Chamundi hills and vist the temple first and get to the view point to see the beauty of Mysore city with the glowing lights. We had to wait for a couple of hours to get the darshan and it started to rain quite heavily, i was just praying Oh God not today i have come down all the way to see the stunning view of mysore from the hill top and finally my prayers were answered and the rain came down to a drizzle. Spent some time on the hill top and got a glimpse of city decorated with lights. I only wish that i was their on the first weekend of Dassera as the city did not have that charm when i was around as the festival was over, but again thinking something is better than nothing we decided to move on and visit the palace and exhibition. It was around 9.15 when we got down to the city and by that time the palace lightings were switched off :(... disappointed ) I don't remember if i had seen the palace with the lightings in the childhood days, but this time around i eagerly wanted to see. With the palace lightings turned off , we decided to visit the exhibition. The slight drizzle did not stop us moving from one store to the other. With the hot bajjis accompanying us we had a good time walking around. So having spent over an hour we decided to head home and i was tired by this time with just about 3 hours of sleep the previous night, we decided to call it a day and finished dinner. We planned to got to Balmuri Falls in the morning and headed to sleep.





Oh boy i never thought Balmuri Falls will be an amazing place to remember. It has been ages since i stepped into a water falls and played over. Their is walkover block constructed on the flowing water which allows you to walk to the middle of the flowing water and this is the place where everyone would like to be. You can rest on the block, water splashes and runs past you.

We decided to call it a day and headed back home. Oh... what a day to remember, never thought i could have so much fun in the water. After lunch we left mysore and reached back home at around 4.30. Reached home and had a refreshing Tea. Thanked Vadi for joining me to Mysore.

It was time to take some rest. Will be uploading some photos soon.

Changing Times

I had never thought this for some time now. Life teaches you so many things in a day. I don't know i sometimes envy my approach to many things in life. I wonder why, how,what made me do certain things. I have always made people comfortable in my company, even if i had to sacrifice.

Off late i have realised that " Everyone will have their own life to lead" With the demanding world my so called friends have been busy. No i am not complaining cause this is life and if has different directions :) so accept the change with a smile and move on.

I know it sounds strange i might take some time to get adjusted to it.

Finally would like to sign off by saying " Don't let a small dispute spoil a great friendship"

So times are changing and i look forward to see how things progress in this busy world where everyone cannot be you and you cannot be everyone.

Cheers......

Vinay

My game - Cricket

Hello Folks,

Its been some time since i posted anything, past few months have seen a lot of activities ,work, home front, play...etc etc...

September was filled with cricket over the weekend. We had organised interdepartment games and everyone at work was exicted to participate,who does not want to from regular course of work. Adding to our exicement was cricket and we were scheduled to play our first match with the design team. If i remember it was close to one n half years since i had held a cricket bat. Gone are those days where we used to eagerly wait for the school to get over to play cricket. Still remeber those days when we played cricket in all forms

Leg Cricket
Book Cricket
Six n Four

We just wanted to play no matter with what, we played it with what ever possible.


The stage was set, we were scheduled to play the design team at 8.00 am which was the first match. The wait was long as the ground was occupied, finally the game began at quarter past 9.00am. Having won the toss we elected to field, having been out of cricket action for more than a year i had difficulties in finding my bolwing rythdm, With the team conceding more extras ( round about 60 0dd runs :)) design team managed to score 132 runs. With 15 overs it was a difficult ask. Having rested for about 15 minutes we began our innings. With the team confused on who should be opening i chose to stand forward. With the opening parter Janmajay the stage was set, I preferred to take srtike, having judged the first two balls i sent over the third delivery out of the fence....WOW what a way to open the scoreboard. Yes i was exicted ... see the action caught with the camera (amazing work with the photo). I was not alone, Janmajay started scoring as well,with the opening stand of 80 runs for 9 overs we were set for a win. I went a shot and was caught at long off, with a few quick wickets design team were back on game .... with 15 runs required from 18 balls the match turned out to be a thriller. But we managed to score 15 runs with 9 balls to spare. Good Win and equally exicted as we got to know we had got the walkover in the first match and were through to finals.:)



With having won the match, i was happy that i contributed to the win. A quite luch with all the team players had us depart to home. With over 18 hours of continous activity, sleep was calling. Reached home late in the afternoon and took a hot water shower and headed off to sleep. Oh what a day to end.....



A win surely brings a smile no matter in what.

Will be posting some photos soon

Thinking why

"Events in life make us busy, neglect and ignore few things which may be precious one cannot get back".

Thinking why??? :)

Oh! What a day

Oh! what a day
A pleasant afternoon, cloudy sky
A warm breeze
Welcoming the signs of rain
Finally yes it's the rain god
In what ways do we admire this rain
Tiny little drops, a soothing sound
Invites me to play
Oh!what a day
Wonder why i have grow up to miss those days
When i used to play in the rain
With friends close by, splashing water on each other
Coming home drenched in rain! A smile from mom
Wondering what this guy is upto
Oh! what a day
With little to worry, no presence of commitments,no signs of thinking of future
We had reasons to play and just play
Wonder why i have grown up!
Oh! what a day.........

Woke up in the afternoon today to see a warm welcome by the clouds outside, it started to rain. I went back few years thinking about good old days...just penned it down.

Good day:)

Quote

I simply love this quote
"Birth was not our choice
Death will not be our choice
How we lead our lives is certainly our right"
Absolutely our right!!!!!!!

Life is a book written by unknown authors
Some chapters are easy some are difficult
You are the star, shine bright
Keep your character
Feel proud!!!!!!!

Good day

I miss

Being in school
Dad dropping me in his scooter
Growing up to travel on my own
Saving that rupee to buy a candy after school
Asking for a lift/drop to the nearest place (home) to save that extra rupee to buy a cool drink
Being called "KV"
Being caught for pranks in class and kneeling for hours together in the pricipal's cabin as a punishment
Practice dad's signature to sign the markscards and leave dairy, ( Not been possible till date)
School group captain elections
Those politics in inter class sports, the grudge to win
Playing leg cricket after school
Giving proxy attendence in college
It goes on n on n on....
Wonder why? Life has promised to miss something somewhere everywhere ahhhhh :)......

The day

School : VVS
Standard: 7th
Event : Selection for the Shuttle Badmitton team to represent the school.

"The day when i walked out like a hero beating the opponent to get selected for the badmitton team"

This has been a memory, i would say some thing that makes me proud. A day when i had to prove myself. I still remember i did not have a racket, nor did anyone offere to buy me one, cause no one knew my potential back home:(.....anways this did not stop from getting one from a friend.

I had leave early that day to be right at time, match was scheduled at 9.00am and was planned to end before 11.15 am as the classes had to start.

Opponent was a strong contender, dont remember his name though, its been many a years. Belive it or not

I lost the first set by 4 - 15 seeing me play, The PT master decided i was not fit enough and was eager to end this match declaring my opponent as the winner. I wonder why??????? . I had to pledge him to allow me to play the second set. It was apprx 10.15 many students and other teachers had gathered. I was right in the middle surronded by close to 300 people watching me play the game, support was entirely to oppenent end as i played very badly in the first set. I was determined won the second set after a long fight 10 -15 :)................"I am back" Stage set for the final set, as we just had about 15 mins for the classes to start again there was a plot laid to set 8 points for the final set. This time i was confident but nervous and sweating. I had the whole crowd behing me, classmates cheering me it was close set that went on for half n hour, yes for 8 points no one s ready to give up....finally i made it won the set by 6 - 8 sign of relief.....As i won the match there was a loud cheer, i walked with almost pride and statisfaction and crowd made way....

Woke up eary in the morning today remembering my past memories,just thought of penning it down...

Good day...

Hmmmmmmm

Just Thought

Life:
Life is lead by dreams and hopes
Dreams lead to imagination
Imagination leads to hopeHope leads to desire
Desire leads to path
Path leads to way
Way leads to encounters
Encounters lead to experience
Experience leads to confidence
Confidence leads to stability
Stability leads to success....
Life is like a matchbox, with minimum sticks which can burn for good or bad
Life is an encounter with different situations
Life is a journey in fast rail, encounter with charecters, personalities,attitude,hopes,desire,care and more
Life is not promised
Life is like a clay, it is upto us to provide shape.
Life is to learn, experience, lead and set example.
Life is not certain but death in life is.
Make most it........


Life is not promised
As we walk the journey it teaches a lot
Things change as we grow up
Past is a unforgateble kiss, It only leaves beyond memories
I was, I could, I did, I wanted....
Remember those who helped you learn
Remember those who were inspiring
Remember to care and to help
Don't avoid things that make you smile
Cause these one day would be your past.......

Nagarhole - Outing

Nash....had been insisting on a outing, we managed to drag it for a few days but finally decided yes lets all go to "Nagarhole".Hatched a plan and zeored on 10 guys who agreed to join, i was doubtful as i had to attend a wedding, managed to drop in at the last moment. Finally we were set and 3 guys pulled of at the last moment.

Destination: Nagarhole

Date: 08/02/08

Members: Neil, Myself, Bappa, Nash, Chiranthan.

Distance: 230kms approx - One way

Duration: 4- 5hrs ( With pit stops)

"Nagarhole lies within the Coorg and Mysore districts.There are a few rivers that drain the national park; Kabini is the largest river on which a dam was built in 1974. Other rivers that flow through the park are Lakshmana, Teentha and Nagarhole. Nagarhole National Park has deciduous forest and a beautiful landscape."

It was a 2 day trip, planned to get back by Sunday evening. All set we started of 7.15am , the place was calling as we set out it started to drizzel. Stopped for breakfast at Kamath ( Neil and Bappa) like the idlis here... Its is stop over for many weekend travellers. It is the atmosphere, place, food that keeps calling people to Kamath. As we stepped out it started to rain...........Weather was perfect and it was a pleasure watching the clouds....Chiranthan

had been playing games all nite and he prefered to sleep for a while. As we had a DVD in the cab ..... we travelled watchin movie Spider Man 3 :) ... (guess this might be the 10th time). We stopped near Gundalpet ( not sure though) to pick up few of our companions Mr.Smirnoff, Mr Signature,Mr Beer....had a few breezers ( Account opened):)....Around 2.30 Pm entered the forest area......Our vehicle was checked by the security and advised not to stop anywhere in the middle jungle...Chiranthan got up from his sleep...he had a nice 2-3 hours of sleep. As we ventured into the forest first thing that caught our eyes were the Bison's ( they

were in a group) started to run deep inside the jungle the moment we stopped ( common we just wanna see u!!! :)...) managed to click this photo.

Moved on few distance spotted a "Dear".... he/she was brave and stood right there....kind enough to phose for a photo. We reached Nagarhole reception by 3.15Pm waiting for a person to guide us further. There was a bit of confusion here as we were told that we will be lodged in Kabini river ( Jungle lodges) but apparently we did not. He informed that he had arranged a home stay and we will be going there for lunch....we had no clue where the place was and travelled around 15 kms further from Nagarhole..... We can find a lot home stays as we venture through COORG. They offer accomodation, food etc... for travellers. The place was good but lacked the privacy we needed..... had lunch ( BIG TIME BATTING) . We were supposed to go back to Nagarhole for a evening safari... we decided not as we were tired.....Finally decided to move to a different place....Valli our contact person informed us to come near IRAPU FALLS .... he had booked a different home stay....Time for the SUN to go down... Evening 5.40 we reached IRPU Falls .... we were not allowed to visit the falls as per the rules. No one is allowed to go on after 5.45 Pm. Valli had been to the falls with a different group of people had to wait for him to come down.......Played with a nice little doggie and gave him so CASHEW as he looking hungry....6.45 Pm Finally arrived at a new home stay... Place was very good and had privacy..... NASH went to sleep ( He was seeings stars) ......My self, Neil, Bappa and Chiranthan sat down at the balcony. Bappa has some snacks and wanted to sleep for some time.... Chiranthan and Neil are a good company adding to that we invited Mr. Smirnoff and others....i was comfortable with a beer.....Had a very long chat discussed many things.....with some nice music on phone ( Got to know that Chiranthan plays piano and he loved the music which i had from " Life Like")..... I was pestering Nash to get up from sleep and join us ...finally after much torchure he comes out ... 11.30Pm we were served dinner .... Neil n Chiranthan decided to go to bed...hmmmmm i was not sleepy caught hold of Nash ....Got inside the cab and watched movie " Tarle nan Maga" ( hehhhehehe :).......) around 1.30 Am finally i decided to go back to the cottage.... Had a good 4 hours sleep and got up by 5.30 Am..... Tourchure session pestered Nash and got him up from sleep :)........ It was very silent outside ...... could hear the pleasing sounds of different birds.... ( Wish i get to see n hear them everyday in bangalore) 7.00Am was served with Tea.....did not quite like it but that"s okay cannot expect everything to be as good as what mom gives:)......... Good Morning Good Morning Neil, Bappa, Chiranthan are awake.... We had decided to leave the place by 10.00Am and go to IRPU FALLS and travel bacl to Blore........ had break fast ( Bread and Omlet)........Settled the bill and reached IRPU Falls by 10.30 .... we had to walk a few distance to reach the falls passed through the big bamboo tress...Got to see the falls from a distance ....... Its takes about 15 - 20 mins on a average to get the falls by walk..... It was sooting to see the falls from a close....Water is so pure....We were not carrying additonal clothes n could not get inside the water ( :( mistake....) just managed to see others play and enjoy took a few snaps ....stayed there for about half hour and returned back 11.30am started climbing down.....the river that flows through is "Lakshmana Teertha"

Once we get down there is also a "Rameshwara" that can be visited. Usually its during weekends people come over and summer holidays....and stricly not advisable to visit the falls during winter season as level of water will rise and lot of leeches can be found. It was good experience and nice place to visit.

11.45 Am set to return to Bangalore...... i am wanted to catch up with some sleep ...slept for while....not it was Nash 's turn to torchure me to get up.... woke up after some time.... Bappa wanted to go for Go - Karting in mysore it was around 2.15 Pm .....decided to go to Mysore.....but had to stop for lunch....stepped in to a very good restuarant BOPY'S had food ( Batting) .... Bappa says no to karting ....Back to Bangalore - reached around 8.00Pm ....got down at Mysore rd as it was near to my house....Shook hands :).......and wished good nite for all and reached home by 8.20pm.....

Few Things i would recomend for people having plans to visit the place

1) Plan in advance - Go for :TREKKING" don't miss this - Not sure if you can see Tiger's and other wild animals ...but they would take you deep inside the jungle - people there know the best

2) Jungle Lodges & Resort is a good place to lodge - Although i have not see the place, have heard a lot of good things about it... It is situated on the banks on river Kabini - and they offer Safari, Accomadation, Food...etc.... as a package

3) There are many home stays in COORG - Like the one in which were lodged ....they are pretty econimical and charge 500- 600 per head for accomadation and food ( that includes - brakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) ....

As i was talking to Valli - he has organised various trekking camps and there are lot of places in Nagarhole to visit. Its not just about visiting the falls there are lot of nature camps n trekkings organised.

Overall it was a good experience , but feel we missed trekking and playing in the water.....

Photo courtesy: Sony Ericsson W550I

Vinay

How Bangalore got its name

Here is a small fact on how Bangalore got its name ……Long Long ago there was a King Veerballa of Vijayanagara who once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans Benda kalu in Kannada .He found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare.To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru" Intresting isn’t it ....

It's now "Bengaluru"

Bengaluru has been a center of activities be it in Information Technology, Biotech, Automobile,Infrastructure, Real estate, Education, Politics etc .

The next big thing is the "New International Airport" in Devanahalli which is just days away from the grand opening. Its been much talked about and will for sure give a new face to " Bengaluru"