Srinagar in September 2013

“If you love someone, you say it, right then, out loud. Otherwise, the moment just passes you by.” – My Best Friend’s wedding 

View from the room of Peacock houseboat no 5.

As far are loving somebody is concerned, I have included it as a batch process in the backdrop of life. It shall be found whenever it shall be found. However, until then I have decided to work on everything I tend to love intuitively, travel being one, and taken up seriously on not letting the “moments pass me by.”

This year, Kashmir picked me and I decided to celebrate a year of getting older in a place that stands out as exotic for its unprecedented, breathtaking natural beauty. This has been my third visit, once as a toddler and the second as a school kid, making this the only one where I can share my experience uncompelled for a school essay.

There’s a ‘troubled’ dimension to this paradise for a couple of decades now and those impressions cannot be easily dismissed. 

A picture is worth a thousand words

The thrill of a weekend brings with it some Friday Bollywood releases for the metropolitan masses, while Srinagar, on the other hand, shows no fervor for mall culture or multiplexes. Four of the five theatres that existed have been converted to hospitals or other social institutions. Kashmiris don’t prefer paying visits to theatre gatherings that could become targets to terrorism. Nonetheless, the songs of Aashiqui 2 have emerged absolute favorites with most of the population. A September tourist of 2013 would have gotten to hear those on cell phones gallivanting through Nigeen and Dal Lakes on leisurely Shikara rides. I noticed Kashmiris don’t smile much but some of whom I met bowled me over with their warmth. Everybody I chatted up with, and my interface to Kashmiris has been cab drivers, service staff in hotels and houseboats, pony riders among others, has an opinion on politics and fiercely know who should run their government for the benefit of the future. I won’t boast as if I know their souls but spending a week in a place where men and women work together rather industriously growing vegetables for home meals, navigating water traffic through kayaks, collecting lotus leaves as food for cattle, and some modest traders who take overzealous pride in showcasing Kashmiri creations to potential customers, I returned with a feeling where I wanted to indulge myself in the history of the place and better understand the ‘troubled’ piece.  The vegetation of fir and pine at the highest points of sea levels, landscapes with crystal clear flowing water are just complementary bonus. In the wee morning hours of my birthday when I wondered what is it to have lived, I said to myself, “To be affected like someone touched your soul,” and that is exactly what Srinagar did to me.

NIGEEN LAKE, SRINAGAR

Some gold spotted enroute Khyber

As part of tiny research I came across a teaser that read, “The onset of autumn, perhaps Kashmir's loveliest season, is towards September, when green turns to gold and then to russet and red.” However, realistically, Srinagar was just about turning to gold. I learned from an ex college mate of mine on my return flight, who is born and brought up in Srinagar, that to see the gold extravaganza October 15 through October 30 should be the best time. This is also the time when chill starts to set in. The last week of September during the day in Srinagar is hot. I didn’t want to step out even for a walk. While we, my travel mate Jitendra Singh and I, stayed inside during the day, I watched kingfishers flutter their wings over the Nigeen Lake to feed themselves fish. I was advised to stay at Nigeen Lake instead of Dal because it was less crowded and commercial. I would recommend Nigeen Lake as well, especially to bird lovers. A morning shikara ride around the lake between 6:45 – 8:00 is the best time for bird photography where light works in your favor. Kingfishers, pied, common and white-breasted, all are ready to prune and pose for the camera. One can get up close and personal with them. An evening Shikara ride should start at 4:30 p.m. and take you around the Dal Lake and back in three hours.  Eagles hover around the Dal Lake and the sunset is absolutely gorgeous. Make sure to carry some warm clothing because the evenings get chilly. The Shikara ride costs you 600 INR per hour and any shopping time over the Dal Lake is part of the Shikara ride ;-). We stayed at Peacock houseboats and absolutely loved the stay. Food was wonderful. Make sure to ask houseboat no. 5 or 6. I stayed in 5 but both are good and hosted by wonderful staff, Din and Tanvir, respectively.

GULMARG

Exquisite Khyber property

After two nights in Srinagar, we travelled to Gulmarg, which is the highest location from sea level. Gulmarg shows off an unpredictable weather; it can rain anytime but here’s where you get the chill in September. One has to carry warm clothing. We stayed at Khyber, an absolute spectacular piece of property. I was happy to devote part of my (birth) day in company of such exquisite luxury. We had planned two nights here and were told two nights may see two much for Gulmarg. Nevertheless we decided to execute as per plan. The Gondola ride, only attraction of this place was closed but that really didn’t disappoint us. Instead we decided to trek from the hotel to Drung waters in Tangmarg. This trek, walking through the Pine and Fir forests, was the highlight of Gulmarg. Not being able to hit the gym on vacations doesn’t really mean one cannot work out. Trekking shall help you keep the calories in check. Our guide, Manzoor, who was also the liveliest person we met, shed 10-15 kgs just by taking tourists to and fro on Gulmarg treks. Heading out at 9:00 is the morning is perfect. The weather is nippy cold with stunning sunshine for company. En route the trek we came across a remarkable plateau with astonishing view. When we got back, we were hunger struck wolverines. The dazzling dinner menu at Khyber was the best we could ask for except that this place has one, unforgiving failing: they don’t serve wines (or alcohol I think). WTF moment, right? Turns out the owner is not in favor of wines (alcohol) being served.

Someone to make me a Kahawa each eve ;-)

The next day we could have done the Frozen Lake or plateau uphill but we were six months late for spring. So instead Manzoor decided to take us trout fishing to the Drung waters. This was another, slightly tedious trek on pipes and stones but all in vain. I would say, “we were fooled” because later we learned there is no trout in Drung. Manzoor and his companion who took us fishing, believed otherwise. From experience I would advise “no trout fishing” in Drung. Do that in the Lidder river in Pahalgam with permission. That afternoon as we left for Pahalgam, Sajad, service staff at Khyber, advised a visit to Gulmarg in February. Gulmarg is at it’s gorgeous best in winters: thick ice laden mountains for all skiing activity, which is now fostered professionally for amateurs and professionals alike. Everywhere around the property one can find snow. How gorgeous is that? I shall visit Gulmarg again sometime in February and bring myself a date: for some skiing among other adventurous things.

PAHALGAM

Quick guide to travel distances around Srinagar

Gulmarg to Pahalgam is three-four hours of drive depending on stops and therefore one may wish to evaluate deeper on planning Srinagar and surrounding excursions depending on their vacations agendas.

A view of of Pahalgam from Aru valley

View from the Heevan courtyard

As you drive into Pahalgam from Gulmarg, you leave behind mountainous terrain and move into the earthy extravaganza of golden fields over a stretch followed by flowing water from the Lidder river over another. We stayed at Hotel Heevan, which means a flower in the forest, and the best bet to stay in Pahalgam because it is the only property that has the Lidder river view from the window and the front yard. There are other lavish and lovely properties but none with the same view. The rooms are a let down because they are old world and we were in the Khyber-frame of mind, however it may have to do with some legislation that prohibits building any more hotel properties in Pahalgam or renovating them.
On a wonderful early morning, one can simply sit in the front yard and enjoy the music of rattling river water. The front yard at Heevan is adorned in flora, a Kashmir-like sighting, which draws in Himalayan bulbuls and a few other not so people-friendly birds.

Immortalized 'Betaab'

On the first day, I took a pony to Baisaran, the famous plateau of the place: vast expanse of greens surrounded by trees around which yesteryear actors and actresses would have flaunted some dance moves. Over the plateau there’s not much to do except for walk around and revel in the greens. Some small taparis are set up where I got my cup of coffee.

After the pony ride at walking distance from the hotel, we went to the deer park which was awful and where we wanted to teach a bunch of kids and grown ups about behavior towards caged animals.  However we let go of the knowledge sharing opportunity to avoid sounding like visitors who preach behavior. The golden sunset of the evening was spent at Betaab valley, a valley named after the hit romantic film. “Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh have effectively been immortalized,” I was convinced. As the gold turned to dusk, we took a quick drive around Aru valley that presented a magnificent view of Pahalgam from a hilltop. Aru valley presents opportunities for camping and hiking around Pahalgam!

While modest living is a routine sight across Srinagar (and more than half of India), Pahalagam is the only place around Srinagar where I experienced money being solicited by a child. Now, I don’t wish to promote the act, but until I was equipped to run an institution that offered self reliant opportunities for the deprived or found such an institution worthy of donation, I gathered I can offer some money for a picture!! A couple of the hotel Heevan housekeeping staff were uncool to list their names on a visiting card and cram it in my hand for a good review on trip advisor. That’s not a way to win brownie points now, is it?

DACHIGAM SANCTUARY, SRINAGAR

Jitendra Singh (l) and Manzoor on Gulmarg trek

I scheduled a visit to Dachigam sanctuary as the final highlight of the trip and so we travelled back to Srinagar for our one-night last stop. Dachigam is around 16-20 kms from Srinagar airport and a 45 minutes drive from Peacock houseboats.  Unfortunately, let down by our cab driver and mismanagement, we didn’t get the sightings we had hoped for. However, I had a chance of a brief conversation with Nazir Mallik, a wild life expert who knows the sanctuary at the tip of his hands. I saved his number and shall look forward to my next trip during which time I hope to see the grandeur that this sanctuary offers.

Visit to the Dachigam sanctuary and trout fishing needs prior written permission from designated authorities. Please make sure to have one and take note that the sanctuary is closed on weekends.

The idea of a vacation was to do the planning all by ourselves so we chose not to go through any tours or travels. Perhaps, we like the project management of our professional lives experienced in the real world ;-). We didn’t set a budget for the trip and simply decided to explore the place and experience hotels first hand. It came to approximately 33,500 INR per person for eight days (from September 21-28) after some good discounting from friends and coupons. Flight tickets booked three months in advance cost 10000 INR.

I have been so smitten by Srinagar that I want this visit to mean more. So, I shall look forward to visiting again, hoping to make an enduring connection.

More pictures can be found on facebook.

Making it large?

Birthdays and New Year’s are the two times I find myself asking the question, “Have I made it large?” Then I want to stand in front of the mirror and give myself a tight bitch slap for not matching up to the larger than life plans I have for myself.

“Never mind, it shall happen someday,” I tell myself.

This year, a friend gave me a call and asked whether I wanted to join him in Amsterdam since stay would be free. The schedule was planned during this week. Excited by the idea, I made a quick assessment of funds and spending 60K on flight tickets for a week didn’t make sense. So instead, I decided to travel someplace more affordable for a week. After a quick research, Kashmir picked me.

It has been a wonderful day. I feel blessed to have a family who stays awake until 12:00 am so that they can wish me. My nephew sang me a birthday song at midnight. My travel mate to Kashmir, Jeet, pleasantly surprised me with a cake that was shared by everyone at the houseboat. Srinagar has a French restaurant where they picked up the absolute yum pineapple blend black forest cake. Shalva was missed during the trip but we shall make up for it with better plans in the future. Many thanks to Ishan for helping me book a fantastic two days at the gorgeous Khyber resort. My dinner today was indeed ‘shahi’.

The process of getting older is inundated with another that filters the fluff out of your life and leaves behind the meaningful core. This evening I was watching Ellen DeGeneres show where she featured a tap dancer whose leg was imputed at 19 and who survived after 16 months of chemo. With years, I hope the least I have is more empathy. I admit life has always been very kind to me and I am very thankful for that. I hope it continues to be. Kinder, I wouldn’t mind that either. ;-)

So I may not have made it as large as I imagined. I will work on it tomorrow.

However today, I am happy that some colleagues became friends and keep me in thought on my special day. Good friends across Auckland, Amsterdam and Alaska send a warm wish as wall posts or whatsapp messages. Okay Alaska is a lie :P. Great friends send lovely notes or make a quick catch up call. And beyond everything else, today, I am in a place that screams ‘paradiso’ in and out. That’s a whole great deal large enough to me!

So, my heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent a wish!

Photoshop lesson 1 today!

Photoshop lesson #1: Merge couplet with the picture :-)

 

Coddler, playmate, bosom of comfort
Disciplinarian, guide, philosopher
Nature’s version of unconditional love
A personal home delivered SUPER HERO

#mother #happy mother's day 2013

Summer's in
'Kadi limba' plays it cool
Gudis stand tall
welcoming all that's new

#festive

The primal gift of talent
to flirt the camera, pose!
as A for apple is
R for RAVISHING

#time with friends

A latent quest in everyday
discovering self, a thing or two
flaunt all you got, exercise;
soak in vitamin D, all you can, at sun rise

#Great Cormorant #prep talk for a brand new week #;-)

With Sylwia in 2012

In camaraderie with solitude
done with over rated conversations
coffee as my date
until someone can silence read

# mytime — with Sylwia Gac at Cafe By the Beach

3rd time's a charm

Models make
only beauty queens
smiles rooted in the nave
cast mood spells unforeseen

Second hit?

Fiery red

a dream in green

Is horizon an orange testimony

of beauty lies in coupling?

Jlt

Stolen moments
in contagious smiles
Silent affairs
sipping through the minds
 

Range Rover or pick up truck?

It was one of those weird dreams again. 

I am not much fond of SUVs. Okay, correction: I am fond of SUVs backed by a multitude of thoughts. I like small cars because, I believe, I have better control over them. Probably, I like them because they are self sufficient, get you around, don't consume as much fuel and my middle class upbringing has never harvested realistic dreams of buying luxury cars. Luxurious vacations, yes: like tasting fine wines across the world, attending the Belgian beer fest, taking a vacation to Bora Bora among others but it's never been buying a super luxury car. I fell in love with the open convertible BMW at 23. Sometime back, I loved the BMW X1 but now I think of the style as slightly compressed in height. These days, I tend to notice every passing SUV from Yeti that's over priced to Duster that holds decent appeal. I like the Maruti Ertiga, an excellent family car, again dictated by my middle class mentality and ease of service stations in India. I was telling my mum the other day, "Next car, either in another country or when another new house comes up."

Luxury dreams?

So, it was kind of a shocking surprise when I dreamt that I had picked up a white Range Rover for myself. I had parked it at work and on my return it was even more shockingly converted into a white pick up truck. One of my colleagues, who I haven't seen in my life ever before, asked me, "So, this is your truck?" I said "Yes", flabbergasted over my own choice of vehicle. But suddenly, the truck drove away by itself and hidden behind was a SUV that looked like a RANGE ROVER, waiting for me. It looked taller though. Weird dreams get a whole new dimension, right?

Hmm...

But someday, I would buy an SUV and it won't be just for myself but 'us': a lover, our kids and our dogs. That suddenly won't seem exorbitant, would it now?

Are flamingos snoots?

On February 24, I made the very coveted excursion to Kumbhargoan, Bhigwan, a conscious decision after my first visit to Diksal lake around the same vicinity. Aloha joined me. His better half was kind to pack us some lovely breakfast and lunch that was enjoyed en route and return journey.

The Pune-Solapur highway is sleek, although, I miscalculated the travel time and didn't reach by 7 am. I wished to photograph the birds in the golden light of dawn. Nevertheless, I was mesmerized by the green fields and the species of birds that inhabitated the water bodies during this period of time.

As I clicked photos, I noticed that flamingos didn't mingle with the other species. Grey herons, painted storks, egrets, ibis' hung out together but flamingos were found in far corners away from all these. However, what they lacked in inter-species networking, they made up in team effort. Once they decide to take flight, the entire flock clears space within minutes a few far kilometers away from the cameras that are hoping to get closer and closer.

I wish to shoot the birds during dusk and dawn. Hopefully later this year again!

Celebrating the real deal

♥ is unisex, comes in varying sizes and fits right to about anybody who has the desire to shop

Recently, I encountered a “share” on Facebook written by Regina Brett. Of the 42 lessons that life taught her, I picked up my top 3 of which number one was: “Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.” I don’t stock candles or nice sheets but I admit, I may tend to pick up fancy briefs. However, the “today is special” philosophy resonated with me instantly. My surrounding world of friends and family has transformed me into a hardcore believer.

As a result, I tend to make a million impromptu decisions like buying a Canon 70-300mm lens to shoot Sula fest 2013, or taking excursions to see the vicinities around Maharashtra or participating in the Bangalore pride parade of 2011. If not today, when in the future would I ever do these things? I reason with myself: someday when tomorrow stops, I would have lived, left with some unaccomplished agendas, but still lived. There probably would be people who say "Oh, he shot some wonderful photos."

Ever since I was born, I have believed in love. Of all the years that I have lived; I have undeterred faith in the institution. I don’t know why, it’s perhaps the influence of the stars during my birth or a genetic syndrome inflicted by God on my soul. I am not the only one. Other than me, I see an awful lot of people who share this condition.

So, in the spirit of today, Valentine’s day 2013, I thought of sharing two beautiful love stories that I have had a chance to get to know.

Aaji <3 Bappa

Leela (Raja) & Vinayak (Bappa)

During 1945, a handsome young man, Vinayak Veni was studying B Ed at SP College, Pune, during which time he found friendship in Mr. and Mrs. Joshi. Mr. Joshi was his fellow class mate and married to a nice, lively girl, Sindhu. Sindhu and Leela [Leela Hrishi] were childhood friends from Ahmednagar. When Vinayak finished his studies and started his career as a lecturer in Amravati, Sindhu came forth with the idea of his marriage to Leela.

After a series of letter exchanges between Vinayak and the Joshis, Leela and her brother dada mama, a Sanskrit scholar, decided to meet Vinayak and his parents in Amravati. Amravati had no hotels then, so Vinayak made lodging arrangements for the Hrishi’s next to his rented home stay. The 20 hours of hectic railway journey (Ahmednagar to Manmad in one train, and Manmad to Amravati in another) exhausted the Hrishi's.

When Vinayak received them at the station, he wore a spotless white shirt and white dhotar. Leela was in a navari sari. It was probably love at first sight, although, Vinayak or Leela have never put their first meeting in those many words. In the afternoon, Leela helped Vinayak’s mother make lunch and in that one gesture she had grown fond of her. Dada mama also liked Vinayak and a wedding date in the consecutive month was fixed. On July 10, 1947 Vinayak and Leela were bonded in holy matrimony.

I know them as Aaji and Bappa, who are grandparents to my dear friend, Aloha (nickname). Over the past decade that I have known them, they come forth as a couple "in love". This year in July, they would have shared 66 years of marital bliss. They probably have never said “I love you” to one another, but in their actions, each day, they say it a million times. Bappa, today, is 95 and still very active (touch wood) compared to aaji who is 90. He makes her a cup of tea every morning. He irons her clothes and then goes about doing his regular chores. These days aaji doesn’t step out much but soon after marriage both of them took evening walks together. The evening walks were quite a scandal during their times in the place (Vidharbha) they lived. Society was conservative and people weren’t used to seeing couples take evening strolls. Evening strolls was their romance. Aaji loves new things, even today. A brand new watch, a beautiful sari will bring a smile to her face. She lives upto her Arien sign of zodiac. A smile on Aaji’s face will bring a smile to Bappa.

Aaji nicknamed Vinayak as 'Bappa' because Vinayak is another name for Ganapati Bappa. He, lovingly, calls her raja.

They are old world and like a fortunate few of those times, a match made in heaven. Bappa continues to be a very dependable man. He has looked after aaji and his family, and is a father figure to other close relatives. Aaji, Bappa have two daughters, three grand kids, and three adorable great grand kids. This family has been their world. They live a 100 yards away from each other.

Recently, a tumor lump reappeared on Bappa’s upper chest and he had to undergo surgery again. His greatest pain though was if something went wrong with him, who would make Aaji her morning tea? Such is their love.

I wonder whether Bappa was lucky in love to find a soul mate in his wife and marry the first woman he ever met! Did love choose them over others? For now, all I can say is, as far as this real love story goes: “Prince charmings don’t always ride white horses. Damsels don't always need to be rescued. True love becomes grand through simple gestures of everyday morning tea.”

Stacy <3 Donna
 

Stacy and Donna

In a little modern times, 15 years ago, in NY, another wonderful woman, Stacy, became friends with Donna who lived in Queens. Both of them were involved with different people when they met. Conversations of life and love over beer brought them closer. Soon, Donna became one of Stacy’s best friends.

However brewing under the beer of unadulterated friendship and healthy camaraderie lay hidden a latent attraction that Donna admitted to, one day. Once that confession cat was out of the bag, Stacy tried to trace back and reason logic of all the excitement of having her “alone-time” with Donna, their conversations on love and life. Upon reflection, she realized that she had fallen in love with Donna, as well. Of course, both of them carried the guilt of hurting their then respective partners but Stacy discerned, “I had never been loved so fiercely. And so I decided I was going to be selfish and keep what we had sacred.”

They began their journey together when Stacy was 29 years old. They had their commitment ceremony in May 2000. I believe, both of them always wanted to be mothers and raise a family. So they found a fairy God mother who had the ability to get a card board box pregnant and had their first boy, Hunter (name changed), in 2001. Skye (name changed), their daughter, came five years later.

I got to know Stacy as a fellow IBMer. I worked on one of her articles and through the reference links reached her personal parenting blog. I must say, in spite of being a million miles apart and knowing her in a virtual world, their love for one another as a family permeates across to the readers. They have faith in their church and are raising wonderful kids. Recently, Skye announced to them that she wants to marry a woman as crazy as Donna and then deal with her like Stacy deals with Donna. She has a belief system that tells her having two mothers is a sign of "luck". Therefore, she wants her kids to be as “lucky” as she is. Her two mothers talked to her, and in a very neutral manner, made her comfortable with the idea that in the future, if she decides to marry a tall, dark, handsome man instead, it would be perfectly alright too. 

This parenting philosophy rocks (at least in my world)! A family in which a six year old feels free to express who she wants to love and marry irrespective of any gender barriers is awesome! ‘Parents presenting more traditional alternatives’ are awesome-r.

Unfortunately, a large part of our world is not accepting of gay marriages or parenting or the plain diversity idea of LGBT communities. This inequality is apparent even in a nation like the US as Stacy herself says, “Today, nearly 13 years later, we still wait for same sex marriage to come to New Jersey. We had our civil union in December of 2008, but we're still waiting for true marriage equality.

As we wait, I look over at my wife and notice that her hair, like mine, has more gray in it; her eyes, like mine, have deeper laugh lines; and fatigue sometimes feels like a constant companion. However, our love story is still being written. I love her more today than I did all those years ago. Marriage equality won't change that, but it will at least reflect the commitment we made so long ago. I don't want equal rights as some kind of political stand. That's rarely why anyone gets married. I want equal rights because I want the protection that equality grants us."

Hopefully, president Obama over the next four years shall change this. I didn’t walk the Mumbai pride march in February 2013 because I have nothing new to say than what I did in 2011, which is, “in support of a society that’s more inclusive and accepting of diversities and equal rights of marriage and adoption to the LGBT community.” Any and every pride march I participate in the future in any part of the world shall be in support of this philosophy until the world over people are legally recognized to choose, love and marry a partner of their choice. However, today, in spite of an unequal world, as said in my earlier blog post, Stacy and Donna are exemplary of the statement I made: “What impresses me though is against these adversities people stand up for who they are or want to be, who they choose to love and demand they be recognized by law.” They are exemplary of probably a million people in the world who are not recognized by law to marry the one they love.

I blame the fire of this activism on the genetic syndrome. I also blame it on my part libran birth that makes me want to have a just world. I don't understand the politics of 'marriage inequality' but shouldn't it be simple that anybody in love should have privilege to exercise a marriage right?

Turns out Regina Brett had a life lesson for all the losers with similar genetic syndrome. She said "All that truly matters in the end is that you loved." Kinda beats it right that it was my second in the top three lessons.

I see the diversity between aaji, Bappa and Stacy, Donna. Some are cosmetic (genders), some cultural and some deal with faith. However, in the larger picture I see they are simply two couples insanely in love with one another. The love for their individual families is equally fierce.

I cannot change the world, I realize. Not with blogging or pride walking in random places on earth. But Gandhi said:

"Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it's very important that you do it, because nobody else will."

So this is my insignificant blog as a Valentine wish of fantastic health to aaji and Bappa in their togetherness. It is a Valentine hope that someday I shall get to see Stacy and Donna's wedding pictures with a recognized marriage license in NJ. That is the better tomorrow. In Regina's life lessons, "The best is yet to come." If this life lesson is true, who knows, in the year 2050, on February 14, I shall share my love story. It sure would be a hot, hot Valentine day ;-). 

p.s. Thank you Aloha, thank you Stacy, for sharing your beautiful stories with me. With this blog, I express my deepest sense of gratitude.

Sula fest 2013

I seem to have started 2013 with a bang by spending the weekend at Sula fest on Feb 2 and 3. I wanted to do it one day for the excitement of grape stomping but the fest was so much more.

The first thing that occurred to me at the fest was everybody dresses up. Golden bags, matching shoes, Oscar-like dresses (well, a little exaggerated but the women were no less); it was like ‘Sex and the city’ came to Nasik. However even greater than all this fashion fiesta was the spirit they brought with them. Each and every one wanted to have a great weekend with friends, family, girl friends, boyfriends; chill out, drink wine and enjoy music. If there was no table to sit, they simply squatted on the grass to enjoy their glass. Some drank directly from the bottle. ‘Cool’ and ‘crowd’ assumed a new definition here.

The last three bands (Swaratma, Deep forest, Gaudi) on the second day put up a phenomenal show. I am not much of a music or concert person however the live music experience can make one groove. Even if some of the music just appears like noise on a CD, in a live scenario, the same noise becomes an IMAX 3D experience by a pleasant sunset.

Personally, I drove a total of 600 kms over three days (300 kms one way from Pune to Nasik). We took the expressway and NH3; sleek, sexy roads all way through. The drive was a delight. The 10000 kms milestone was achieved on the return journey.

In reflection, I was in awe of Rajeev Samant, the man behind the Sula brand. Apart from the fantastic wines that the vineyards serve, he pulls the cream of Mumbai (among other places) every year over the weekend to Nasik, a small district which otherwise would have been famous only as a grape growing region.

Grape stomping memoir, for keeps! (Aniket shooting the photo but stomping in spirit)

Click for more pictures on Facebook

January jackpots

One of the nice outcomes of moving part of your home into another is you bump into pleasant surprises stored in boxes. This cheque reminds me of a time I earned in $. It’s special because it was dated on my birthday but most of all I like it because of the whales in the backdrop. The orcas hold a particular significance in my life; so I believe. Someday when I have them painted on my soul, I shall explain their significance. I wanted to keep this memory so alive that I had the cheque laminated.

I always knew my grandmother (aai) was gorgeous, and still continues to be, but I had never seen any pictures of her in the younger days. The picture (below) was taken when she was just about married. “Another jackpot of January,” I said to myself.  “That’s my wedding sari, in silk,” she said, also mentioning that the blouse design was “in vogue” during that period (1950s). 

I love her. She is a woman of strength and substance, right before my sister. My mum is very lady-like fascinated with jewelry and all the so called womanly things but aai and my sis are less materialistic and more spiritual.

Aai birthed five kids, four girls and a boy. During her times too, boy or girl, were both equal to her. She never felt the urge to birth a particular gender. A nice, healthy child was fine by her. The man next to her is my grandfather (Bapu), obviously ;-)! I never really liked him. No love whatsoever but he was a responsible man with Gandhian philosophies. If I was to discuss with him about Gandhi and his German wrestler boyfriend, he would probably beat me unconscious for even thinking that Gandhi had a male lover. Needless to say, he was very Indian in that aspect. To a majority of Indians, freedom fighters were all WHITE. No shades of grey or black. I like Gandhi. Personally to me, apart from freedom, he has given two great philosophies which I shall discuss someday later. He is a great philosopher, great man but I am open minded to listening some of the dark secrets he had buried. When Bapu died, I didn’t go to his funeral. My excuse was, “I didn’t love him, anyways.” I have more empathy now and let people be what they want to be unless it doesn’t affect my course of life. If it was today, I would have paid my last respects. I respected him although didn’t have the love. Even without the love, I am sure part of his blood runs in me. He was also super proud of the fact that his first grandchild went to the US in his early 20s for work. Aai and he fell apart after the loss of my mamu but she came back to nurture him during his “sickness.” She was strong enough to believe in separation and soft enough to nurture the only man she ever loved.

Me and Jaidu (my nephew, Jai,) had a republic day date. He wanted to see “Main Krishna hoon” and I took him along to Cinemax at Infinity Malad. He has no love for the maternal side of his family but there have been a few instances over the past days that his love for mamu is overflowing. He actually kissed me twice before going to school once. Doing that on his own, without coercion from me or his mother, is something. He’s a very kind, soft and gentle boy, I have realized with the time I spend with him. There are kids who are jerks but he can never harm anybody he knows. He loves any food other than the one cooked at home. The afternoon we spent together he had a filet-o-fish meal, two samosas and an ice-cream. He wanted to pack a double trouble doughnut for later but I was very worried of all the things his stomach had been digesting that day. I became the disciplinarian and said, “No, Jayu, enough eating outside for the day! We shall have the doughnut another time.” I reasoned, he pretended to understand. :-). He is a mirror image of his mum; same eyes, same lips, and similar kindness. x o.

Oh yeah, someday in life, I am going to visit the lavender Garden in Mont Ventoux, Southern France. I was the 555th person to like it on facebook. It should be a sign, yeah?