tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83146601449507071212024-03-13T22:00:17.372-07:00D Writer SpeaksD Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-12565361247036147002015-11-04T23:32:00.002-08:002015-11-12T05:46:15.521-08:00EXCUSE ME, I AM A DIVA BUT DESPERATE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1sm8OedvRI/VjsE451Kw1I/AAAAAAAADzc/hj8lqkJnpd4/s1600/o-DELHI-METRO-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1sm8OedvRI/VjsE451Kw1I/AAAAAAAADzc/hj8lqkJnpd4/s640/o-DELHI-METRO-facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Source www.huffingtonpost.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Decoding the women in the Delhi Metro’s Ladies Coach.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This piece has been triggered by an observation made by a male
colleague of mine who said that women in the Delhi Metro tend to cling to each
other far more than men. Although at that point of time, I vehemently denied it;
on retrospection I realized it was absolutely true!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Picture this, any bench inside the Delhi metro can seat up
to seven people. But the moment an empty Metro enters the platform; a mob of
womankind darts ahead to wiggle and wag, twist and turn, almost throwing you
into the ‘mind the gap’ territory that they keep warning you about. In the end,
at least nine of them fit into one single bench. This only means that each of
the girls sitting on the bench has one butt-cheek up in the air and is in far worse
shape than the ones standing. It also means that the girls have a much lower
size assessment of their behinds. Come on girls, your asses are not as small as you
think. I mean those demarcations on the benches are there for a reason.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If for some reason, one of them doesn’t get a seat, they
simply stand hovering over you, silently willing you to shrink in size. Or
simply glaring and staring till you get off at your metro station. Some of them
will demand outright <i>“thoda adjust kar
lo”</i>, which basically means you have to adjust her bum, her laptop bag, her
lunch bag as well as some shopping bags. Few minutes into the journey, when one
of your butt has already been mid-air for some time, your shoulder has got used
to stooping over your bag simply because there isn’t enough space to adjust
both the shoulders, your lunch bag been kicked around some and you have
overheard the choicest Honey Singh songs on your neighbour’s phone, begins the
game of <i>bhutta</i> eating. No matter
what, there will be one woman who is eating <i>bhutta</i>
in the Delhi Metro while you are busy trying to breathe and banging you on your face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz-CLPbv8Sc/Vjsa9eNneHI/AAAAAAAADzw/EjlI_DRYYks/s1600/metro1-621x414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz-CLPbv8Sc/Vjsa9eNneHI/AAAAAAAADzw/EjlI_DRYYks/s640/metro1-621x414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now the question arises, why is there such a huge overwhelming
mind-boggling passion to sit down? Most of these women are either going to or
coming from their office or home or college. At any of the given places, they
were obviously already sitting for few hours at a stretch. Then why this huge
urge to sit down again? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It also makes me think, what actually happens when you are
standing. If it is a very crowded metro, you are clearly pushed and pulled
about, and you obviously can’t sit. But what if it is not that crowded? What is
the desperation then to sit down? I mean do you get an instant heart attack or
something like a meteor comes and strikes you down if are standing? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often these women might be the ones who carry salads in
their <i>tiffin dabbas</i> and hit the gym
regularly. Haven’t you people heard that by simply standing, you can burn so
much of calories?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is this other problem that women in the metro have.
They very conveniently tend to forget that they have elbows. I, hereby, declare
that we womenfolk do have a necessary bendable part residing in the middle of
our hands, known as, and referred to hereinafter as ‘elbows’. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When there is just a centimeter of space between you and the
girl next to you, you can’t fold your elbows. Not to watsapp, not to fiddle
with your bag, definitely not to stuff chips in your mouth and not even to
remove that errant strand of hair. Your elbows need to be ram rod straight,
under any circumstance in a crowded metro. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On second thoughts, add your ass to that list as well.
Bending down to pick up your bag every now and then, unmindful of where your
ass is, is simply unacceptable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-34854855682959148082015-11-04T23:23:00.002-08:002015-11-04T23:25:17.523-08:00NORTH GOA OR SOUTH GOA? WHAT SHOULD YOU PICK?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Goa as a place is full of
character. It can be throbbing with music one moment and poignantly serene the
next moment. It is like light reflected on a drop of water, shinning with many
colours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Much has already been said
about this captivating place of sun, sand and surf. What more could I possibly
say to add to its glory? As I mulled over this, it struck me that even now a
lot of people are confused as to which part of Goa they should head to – North
or South.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
An ideal trip would be one
which includes a stay at both North and South. For such a trip anything between
5 nights to a week would suffice. But if time and budget are a constraint, you
will be better off if you plan ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
To begin with, Goa with
its numerous beaches has something for everyone. However, it is important to
figure out what you are expecting from the trip beforehand. If you are a party
and action loving person, North Goa is the place to be. On the other hand, if
you want tranquility away from the maddening crowds, head straight to the
picturesque South Goa.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Now let’s look at both
these parts of Goa at some length.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOXRg2lLBcM/VjsBS16-3HI/AAAAAAAADyo/E9bSx0JpkGY/s1600/Lighthouse%2Bat%2BFort%2BAguada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOXRg2lLBcM/VjsBS16-3HI/AAAAAAAADyo/E9bSx0JpkGY/s640/Lighthouse%2Bat%2BFort%2BAguada.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighthouse at Fort Aguada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>North Goa</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Beaches</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Calangute, Candolim, Baga and Vagator are
the must visit beaches in North Goa. If you love water sports, staying
close to Baga or Calangute makes sense. Both the beaches are
speckled with many budget friendly shacks which come for as low as Rs. 500
during the off season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Get up early in the
morning and hit the beach to try your luck at jet skiing, para sailing,
kayaking, boat rides, etc. It is best to start early for a number of
reasons. Firstly, the rates for the rides are not fixed and we were quoted
different prices on different days. By starting early, you get to recce the
rates a bit and strike a good bargain. Also as the day proceeds, the rates
become more and more steeper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
When I went for jet skiing,
the life guard offered me to ride the boat by myself for an extra 200Rs. Don’t
be fooled by this ruse, as he will only allow you to hold the steering of the
boat and not ride it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
While in Goa water sports
seems to be the thing to do. However, I would highly recommend you to try your
hands at go karting. You can have a taste of go karting on the
way to Fort Chapora and it is the best that I have experienced till
date.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If you are not a sports
lover, don’t fret. Baga beach is also frequented by temporary tattoo
artists, masseurs and sea shell trinket sellers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Nightlife</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
North Goa is famous for
its pulsating nightlife. Right from Club Tito’s to Café Mambo, North
Goa is abuzz with activity. What’s amazing is that even the small timers,
hidden in the lanes behind Calangute come alive with music in the
evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If you like alfresco
arrangements try one of the shacks on the beaches or
the Calangute Towers, which is located on the main road
behind Calangute Beach. They play awesome live music on the weekends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
While in Goa don’t forget
to try some of the mouth watering delicacies like King Prawns,
Chicken Xacuti, Grilled Pomfrets, Prawn Vindaloo, Sea Food
platters, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
You can also take a short
river cruise at river Mandovi, Panjim. The area is also famous for
its casinos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI-UgGkLN6I/VjsBSCxboCI/AAAAAAAADys/43IAScbSbfo/s1600/A%2BChapel%2Bat%2BOld%2BGoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI-UgGkLN6I/VjsBSCxboCI/AAAAAAAADys/43IAScbSbfo/s640/A%2BChapel%2Bat%2BOld%2BGoa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Chapel at Old Goa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sight Seeing</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Very close
to Calangute is Fort Aguada with the lighthouse. Visit it
on a sunny day to click some great snaps. Another place that is a must visit is
Fort Chapora of <i>Dil Chahta Hai</i> fame.
The fort being at a little height, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes
for the short trek.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The drive down to the
Fort was truly memorable with yellow fields soaked in sunlight
strewn on both sides. The sight that awaited us at the top is one of the best
things that I have seen in my life. The sunset seen from the fort was
breathtaking and definitely not something you would want to miss. In fact, we
liked the place so much that we decided to revisit it again the next day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
North Goa is also close to
old Goa which the home to Basilica Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of
Assisi and the museum within it. Both these places are marvels of Portuguese
architecture. A word of caution though that old Goa doesn’t have good eateries
and it is better to eat in advance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aS7jWAwrIH4/VjsBT3AcEcI/AAAAAAAADy0/6Brf1J_CdxQ/s1600/View%2Bof%2BVagator%2BBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aS7jWAwrIH4/VjsBT3AcEcI/AAAAAAAADy0/6Brf1J_CdxQ/s640/View%2Bof%2BVagator%2BBeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Vagator Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPjqe0TQu_8/VjsBTYN5WKI/AAAAAAAADyw/COZFNzhED9Y/s1600/Tourists%2Bat%2BCalangute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPjqe0TQu_8/VjsBTYN5WKI/AAAAAAAADyw/COZFNzhED9Y/s640/Tourists%2Bat%2BCalangute.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists at Calanguate Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>South Goa</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Beaches</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
South Goa is an ideal
destination for couples and those who want an idyllic and laid back trip. The
most popular beaches of South Goa
are Palolem, Agonda, Varca and Cola beach. Go for long
walks along the coastline, read a book, watch the sun set and spend some time
in the company of silence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The
beautiful Palolem beach surrounded by coconut trees is a great place
to spend half a day. It offers a number of competitively priced water sports. However,
do not venture too far into the water as the beaches in South Goa are not safe
for swimming.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Stay</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
If you don’t mind spending
a bit of money, then book a sea facing cottage at H2O Agonda. These spacious
and tastefully done cottages are the kind of places which are in itself
complete. You just arrive and spend all your time enjoying the beauty around
you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The place has a live bar
and also a beach restaurant which provides good food. Another good news is that
they are soon starting a spa in their premises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
There are a lot of other
budget-friendly cottages available at Palolem beach. You can also
explore a variety of cuisines in the restaurant lined close to the beach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og4eGgN-NEk/VjsBSAzyx3I/AAAAAAAADyc/RrV2TMsXv0E/s1600/Entrance%2Bof%2Bthe%2BPlantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og4eGgN-NEk/VjsBSAzyx3I/AAAAAAAADyc/RrV2TMsXv0E/s640/Entrance%2Bof%2Bthe%2BPlantation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance of the Plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PncNK9_c6i0/VjsBUKi5tWI/AAAAAAAADzE/C5tto2DGiDU/s1600/Walk%2Binside%2Bthe%2BPlantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PncNK9_c6i0/VjsBUKi5tWI/AAAAAAAADzE/C5tto2DGiDU/s640/Walk%2Binside%2Bthe%2BPlantation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors taking the Plantation tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Wildlife</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Close to Palolem,
about 9km south is Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t expect to bump
into its more exotic residents (including gaurs, sambars, leopards
and spotted deer), but you can easily spot plumed birds, frogs, snakes
and monkeys at the scenic santuacry. Set off early morning for the best
sighting prospects from one of the sanctuary’s two forest watchtowers, 6km and
9km from the entrance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Although I wanted to visit
the sanctuary I couldn’t manage the time. In its place, I chose the Tropical
Spice Plantation. I will talk about it in detail in the next segment.<b><br /><br />
<!--[endif]--></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSN8ZKrZrhc/VjsBSN3A1-I/AAAAAAAADy8/yejnr1wOZDM/s1600/A%2BTourist%2BEnjoying%2BElephant%2BBath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSN8ZKrZrhc/VjsBSN3A1-I/AAAAAAAADy8/yejnr1wOZDM/s640/A%2BTourist%2BEnjoying%2BElephant%2BBath.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tourist enjoying the elephant bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmDhsMGtjtQ/VjsBTPkSYYI/AAAAAAAADy4/Ja0bwS5PeGA/s1600/Sunset%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBeach%2BRestaurant%2Bof%2BH2O%2BAgonda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmDhsMGtjtQ/VjsBTPkSYYI/AAAAAAAADy4/Ja0bwS5PeGA/s640/Sunset%2Bat%2Bthe%2BBeach%2BRestaurant%2Bof%2BH2O%2BAgonda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at the beach restaurant of H2O Agonda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sight Seeing</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Besides spending time in
the beautiful beaches , you could also visit Fort Cabo Da Rama.
While the drive to the spot is through hilly lanes and fields of rice, the fort
itself is not much to look forward to. The fort is not well maintained and is
quite deserted. However, if you have the time and want to ride around in
a scooty this could be a good place to head to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
On the way to South Goa,
we also stopped over at Tropical Spice Plantation. I thought this would be a good
opportunity to see some of the plants and trees inside the plantation. The tour
of the plantation was slightly disappointing as I was expecting a much longer
trek. Also I was already familiar with most of the plants as they are commonly
found in my hometown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The tour was however,
compensated by the tasty traditional Goan lunch at the plantation. You
can also try elephant rides, horse rides and elephant bath at the plantation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In conclusion, I would say
that both North and South Goa has its own charms. What are you looking for? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Note: This article was first published on <a href="http://www.thethumbprintmag.com/goan-odyssey/" target="_blank">The Thumprint Mag</a></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-46804358592885054282015-11-04T22:57:00.001-08:002015-11-04T23:06:55.389-08:00WHY IS MCLEODGANJ THE IDEAL BUDGET ROMANTIC DESTINATION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For a long time, Mcleodganj has
been overshadowed by the more popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali and
even Nainital. What couples tend to miss is that Mcleodganj along with
Dharamshala has a lot more to offer in terms of things to do as well as see.
While it has some claim to fame as far as adventure tourism is concerned, its
scenic beauty, quaint cafes, spiritual atmosphere deserves a special mention. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To begin with, most hotels and home
stays in Mcleodganj are adorned with beautiful rooftop terraces. It is the
perfect way to spend hours lazing over a delicious breakfast. In the evening,
the balconies that open out into the hills prove to be the ideal place to spend
some quality time with your loved one. An impromptu round of <i>antakshari</i> can also be fun. Those who
want to explore the place better can head on a directionless walk around the
town. You will find many warm cafes with happy music awaiting you.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Some interesting ways to spend
time with your beloved are summed up below. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cLjF48yyqo/Vjr2PvpI4XI/AAAAAAAADxE/EloRUVYBWEM/s1600/A%2Btourist%2Btaking%2Ba%2Bcloser%2Blook%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDhauladhar%2Bat%2BNaddi%2BView%2BPoint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cLjF48yyqo/Vjr2PvpI4XI/AAAAAAAADxE/EloRUVYBWEM/s640/A%2Btourist%2Btaking%2Ba%2Bcloser%2Blook%2Bof%2Bthe%2BDhauladhar%2Bat%2BNaddi%2BView%2BPoint.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tourist taking a closer look of the Dhauladhar at the Naddi View Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-228WIorn3yc/Vjr2cOSeRUI/AAAAAAAADxM/ExwDmN4k6qU/s1600/Dharamshala%2BStadium%2Bflanked%2Bby%2Bthe%2BDhauladhar%2B%2BRange.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-228WIorn3yc/Vjr2cOSeRUI/AAAAAAAADxM/ExwDmN4k6qU/s640/Dharamshala%2BStadium%2Bflanked%2Bby%2Bthe%2BDhauladhar%2B%2BRange.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dharamshala Stadium flanked by the Dhauladhar Range</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Take a day trip to Dharamshala
Stadium</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> – If your better half is into sports, he or she will totally
dig this. On the other hand, don’t worry if you, yourself aren’t much into
sports. The sights at the top of the stadium will more than make up for
everything. Situated 1,457m above sea level and set against the backdrop of the
picturesque Dhauladhar range, this is a stadium you will never forget. No
wonder Dharamshala is Aussie cricketer Mathew Hayden’s favourite holiday
destination.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A small section of the stadium is
open to tourists and offers a delightful view. You can spend a couple of hours
in the gallery, simply gazing at the lush green field and the snowy mountain
tops. By the end of it, don’t be surprised if your partner ends up thanking you
profusely for suggesting this place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Learn a skill together at
Norbulingka Institute</i></b> – For couples who love trying out new things
together, a day trip to Norbulingka is a must. Named after a palace of the same
name in Tibet, Norbulingka Institute brings together the best of Tibetan
hospitality, spirituality, craftsmanship, tours and workshops. Within its
premises, you will be able to enroll together for different short courses,
right from wood crafting to finishing your own <i>thangk</i>a painting. You can also take guided tours of varied types,
visit a doll’s museum, sample local delicacies at their restaurant, shop
artifacts and spent some peaceful moments in their monastery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3pWpQeeI3k/Vjr2jadLMOI/AAAAAAAADx0/HpWe4HlFdU8/s1600/The%2Bgolden%2BBuddha%2Bat%2BNorbulingka.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3pWpQeeI3k/Vjr2jadLMOI/AAAAAAAADx0/HpWe4HlFdU8/s640/The%2Bgolden%2BBuddha%2Bat%2BNorbulingka.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Buddha at the Norbulingka Monastery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2NPaqOrs_w/Vjr2jGhw8zI/AAAAAAAADxw/WQ2GkHBhJsM/s1600/Tribal%2BTibetan%2Bcouple%2Bat%2Bthe%2BDoll%2527s%2BMuseum%252C%2BNorbulingka.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2NPaqOrs_w/Vjr2jGhw8zI/AAAAAAAADxw/WQ2GkHBhJsM/s640/Tribal%2BTibetan%2Bcouple%2Bat%2Bthe%2BDoll%2527s%2BMuseum%252C%2BNorbulingka.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tribal Tibetan couple at the Doll's Museum, Norbulingka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Spend a day in the open, War
Memorial</i></b> – Built in memory of Indian soldiers who martyred in 1971 war
with China and the Kargil war, War Memorial is placed within a pretty park in
Dharamshala. The place is lined with beautiful trees and small artificial
rivulets. Spend a couple of hours sitting on the benches doing absolutely
nothing. Try the canteen for basic snacks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Pray for something nice at St
John’s Church in the Wilderness</i></b> – Little outside the market of
Mcleodganj is the beautiful neo gothic Church of St John, built in dedication
to John the Baptist. This is a perfect place to spend some quiet leisurely
time, resting in the dreamy sunlight. Stroll around the campus, click some
photographs at sunset and walk back to the town at dusk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Conquer a waterfall at Bhagsu </i></b>–
If you are the kind of couple who love hitting the gym together or playing a
sport together, this is for you. Set out early for the Bhagsu Falls located right
beside the Bhagsunath temple. Come prepared to walk a bit and be surrounded by a
touristy crowd. At the top of the falls, you can dip your feet in the water and
savour piping hot Maggi.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Spend a night under the stars at
Triund</i></b> – The trek to Triund can easily be one of the highlights of the
trip. The best way to reach Triund is to save some energy by taking a taxi till
Galu from Mcleodganj and then start on the 7km trek. The trek is medium to easy
except for the last 1km. It can be a delightful way to spend time with your
loved one. There are many places to spend the night at top, be it a bungalow
with modern facilities or a camp with basic amenities. But it is better if you
plan something ahead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFToqXJfua4/Vjr2OcK_vOI/AAAAAAAADx8/ufw2b4qpOu8/s1600/A%2Bwoman%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMcleodganj%2Bmarket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFToqXJfua4/Vjr2OcK_vOI/AAAAAAAADx8/ufw2b4qpOu8/s640/A%2Bwoman%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMcleodganj%2Bmarket.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woman at the Mcleodganj Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cGValSIXMw/Vjr2cZC3rOI/AAAAAAAADxU/kDnScySLx6c/s1600/Few%2Bhours%2Bbefore%2Bthe%2Bsunset%2Bat%2BNaddi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cGValSIXMw/Vjr2cZC3rOI/AAAAAAAADxU/kDnScySLx6c/s640/Few%2Bhours%2Bbefore%2Bthe%2Bsunset%2Bat%2BNaddi.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Few hours before sunset at the Naddi View Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Complete a kora around the Monastery</i>
</b><span style="text-align: justify;">– Mcleodganj being the home to the 14</span><sup style="text-align: justify;">th</sup><span style="text-align: justify;"> Dalai Lama, most
visitors and pilgrims embark on a </span><i style="text-align: justify;">kora</i><span style="text-align: justify;">
at the Tsuglagkhang complex. A </span><i style="text-align: justify;">kora</i><span style="text-align: justify;">
is a clockwise walk around the complex beginning at the end of the Temple Road,
passing through excellent views of the valley, buzzing of sound of Om Mani Pad
Me Hum, a forest strewn with prayer flags and Tibetan shrines.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The monastery can provide a
tranquil escape for those couples for whom rejuvenation is a priority. But do
keep in mind that this is a religious place, and the best way to enjoy it is to
sit on one of the sheltered benches, under the canvas awning, and listen to
constant chants of the monks. All in all, it is the perfect place to get
nostalgic and weave new memories.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Drive into the tea gardens of Palampur</i>
</b>- What could be more romantic than driving down to a picturesque tea
garden? The journey itself is the destination in this case. Plan a surprise
trip for your beloved without revealing the destination. You can pack your
picnic basket in advance and set up your little corner amidst the gardens. However,
make sure not to dirty the beautiful surroundings. Spend the day enjoying your
surrounding and clicking some wonderful pictures. End the trip by gifting your
partner a pack of exotic tea sold at the garden itself. For those who can’t
make it to Palampur, Dharamshala too has its own tea garden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Watch the sunset at Naddi View
Point</i> </b>– Away from the hustle and bustle of the town, Naddi offers a
beautiful view of the Dhauladhar Mountain range. Consider it as an evening date
idea to spend a couple of hours before heading for dinner. You can either trek
down to Naddi, a 3km trek or take a ride on one of the taxis plying that way.
On arriving, do catch the view with one of the telescopes for just Rs 10. It is
amazing to discover what lies hidden on the mountains. And afterwards don’t
forget to compare notes with your partner. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yK5VO3MgYg/Vjr2kV0IJvI/AAAAAAAADyM/8p6vx2Y3pnk/s1600/Verdant%2Btea%2Bgardens%2Bof%2BDharamshala.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yK5VO3MgYg/Vjr2kV0IJvI/AAAAAAAADyM/8p6vx2Y3pnk/s640/Verdant%2Btea%2Bgardens%2Bof%2BDharamshala.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verdant tea gardens of Dharamshala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LE-37tWFqJo/Vjr2OxZUGvI/AAAAAAAADyE/alxTOEfiwN4/s1600/Buddha%2Bat%2Bthe%2BNorbulingka%2BMonastery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LE-37tWFqJo/Vjr2OxZUGvI/AAAAAAAADyE/alxTOEfiwN4/s640/Buddha%2Bat%2Bthe%2BNorbulingka%2BMonastery.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha at the Norbulingka Monastery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJbOXu2Iofo/Vjr2bKUH50I/AAAAAAAADyA/ztXKEI2tncc/s1600/Constantly%2Bspinning%2BBuddhist%2Bprayer%2Bwheels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJbOXu2Iofo/Vjr2bKUH50I/AAAAAAAADyA/ztXKEI2tncc/s640/Constantly%2Bspinning%2BBuddhist%2Bprayer%2Bwheels.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constantly spinning Buddhist prayer wheels </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.65pt; margin-bottom: 10.65pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="color: #191919; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Witness a witty
debate at Tsuglagkhang Complex </span></i></b><span style="color: #191919; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">– A great way to
strike a conversation to remember is to listen to the monks debate at the Tsuglagkhang
Complex. On any given afternoon, you can find them sitting in groups and
engaging in a stirring debate in the courtyard. These debates done in good
humor are usually conducted with energetic gestures, shouts, clapping and stomping
of the foot. While it may not be possible to follow what the debate is actually
about, watching the monks in action is an experience in itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Embark on a gastronomic journey</i>
</b>–<b> </b>Mcleodganj is known to be a
food lover’s paradise. Apart from the famous roadside potato and chicken momos,
the town has a number of cafes which serve delicious Tibetan, Bhutanese and
Nepali fares. A few good options would be - the Shiva Café, Khana Nirvana, Café
Moonspeak, Café Mc’llo and Café Hummingbird. Head over to Khana Nirvana, located
in the main market of Mcleodganj for dinner and listen to lively music as you
enjoy a delicious meal. For vegetarians Café Hummingbird at the Norbulingka
Institute offers a great spread of Continental and Italian food along with
local delicacies. Most of the cafes at the main market have free Wi-Fi too.</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.65pt; margin-bottom: 10.65pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lxnCzHyrzY/Vjr2dT-dsTI/AAAAAAAADyQ/8NQIdPcwNAQ/s1600/Monk%2Bwith%2Ba%2Bmission.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3lxnCzHyrzY/Vjr2dT-dsTI/AAAAAAAADyQ/8NQIdPcwNAQ/s640/Monk%2Bwith%2Ba%2Bmission.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monk with a Mission</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3clJEIgskQ/Vjr2gGdJxEI/AAAAAAAADyI/GN0dbKkEvPw/s1600/Mutton%2Bin%2BApricot%2BGravy%2Bserved%2Bhot%2Bat%2BCafe%2BMoonspeak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3clJEIgskQ/Vjr2gGdJxEI/AAAAAAAADyI/GN0dbKkEvPw/s640/Mutton%2Bin%2BApricot%2BGravy%2Bserved%2Bhot%2Bat%2BCafe%2BMoonspeak.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mutton in Apricot Gravy, served hot at Cafe Moonspeak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Stay</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Chonor House</b> – If you don’t mind spending a bit of money for
traditional Tibetan hospitality, book your room way in advance at the Chonor
House. It is a branch of Norbulingka Hotels and set amidst tall cedar trees
very close to Dalai Lama’s residence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Norling House</b> – Located within the Norbulingka premises, this guest
house provides many advantages. You get easy access to cultural workshops, a
chance to be part of many organized tours, access to the in-house monastery and
a taste of local life. However, the guest house is located off Dharamshala and
main Mcleodganj market.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Deodar Villa</b> – Situated bang at the centre of the Mcleodganj market,
Deodar Villa is your best bet for great views in medium budget. Most rooms are
accompanied by balconies and the hotel also boasts of a rooftop restaurant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mcleodganj Home Stay</b> – If you want to stay in a beautiful private
house that has modern amenities yet an earthy feel, go for Mcleodganj home
stay. You again need to book your room way in advance to ensure that you
actually get one. The place also serves organic home cooked food and has a stand-alone
hill-top wooden hut with stellar views.<br />
<br />
Note: This article was first published in <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/travel/theme/why-is-mcleodganj-the-ideal-budget-romantic-destination_1652581.htm" target="_blank">Zee News India</a><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-28746806143482178282014-11-02T00:47:00.000-07:002015-11-05T00:54:19.538-08:0010 DELHI MUGHAL ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While it is a known fact that Delhi owes much of its
cultural glory and grandeur to the Mughals, not many know much about Mughal
Architecture. In fact, one out of every four people residing in Delhi hasn't even visited any of these architectural
marvels.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The arrival of the Mughals was a turning point in Indian
history, more so in its architecture. Greatly influenced by the Persian styles,
all the early Mughal rulers constructed excellent mausoleums, mosques, forts,
gardens and cities. The Mughal buildings show a uniform pattern both in
structure and character. The main characteristic features of Mughal
architecture are its bulbous domes, slender minarets with cupolas at four
corners, large halls, lattice work, massive vaulted gateways and delicate
ornamentation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beginning of the Mughal era under Babar, followed
by Humayun doesn't have much architectural
significance for Delhi. Akbar on the other hand, was spiritually inclined and
with him began a flourishing era of Mughal architecture. His son Jahangir, an
aesthete contributed to this era with many tombs built in the glory of nobility
who had been at court since his father’s times. The chief amongst his works was
refurbishing and restoring the tomb of the venerated Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucrt5uX8rCk/VFXbTOtC7wI/AAAAAAAACHk/WMst-Fb3jYw/s1600/HPIM3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucrt5uX8rCk/VFXbTOtC7wI/AAAAAAAACHk/WMst-Fb3jYw/s1600/HPIM3289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shah Jahan needs no introduction to the architectural world.
While his masterpiece Taj Mahal is located in Agra, his magic touched Delhi
also in form of the city of Shahjahanabad, built along the banks of the Yamuna
in Delhi. Architecture of Delhi during his era was done at a very idyllic pace,
as if the entire city was in love with the process of building itself. His son,
Auranzeb on the other hand, proved to be
a disappointment in the annals of Mughal architecture. Busy dealing with
political strife, whatever little he contributed was within the walled city of
Shahjahanabad itself. Gradually, as the Mughal Dynasty declined and the British
rose to power, the rulers to seemed to have less and less resources in their
hand to devote much to architecture. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mention must however; be made of the women in the Mughal Empire
who despite being behind the purdah, yielded immense wealth and power to
contribute radiant architectural wonders. The first amongst them is Haji Begum,
wife of Mughal emperor Humayun who built the Humayun’s tomb. Again,<span style="background: rgb(237, 237, 237); font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>Nur Jahan was known as a great patron
of architecture and built many beautiful palaces, gardens and mosques.
Jahangir’s daughter Princess Jahanara participated in major architectural projects
in the new Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad. She was the patron of at least five
important buildings there. The pulse of Shahjahanabad - the bazaar of Chandni
Chowk (“moonlight square”) - was designed by Jahanara.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
While it might not be possible for everyone to devote time
to each and every architectural marvel of the Mughal era, the best of it can’t
be resisted. Here’s a list of ten Delhi Mughal monuments you have to make time for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmxpBR-S9i8/VFXarZC15dI/AAAAAAAACG8/RwfN2cAfsJk/s1600/DSCN0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmxpBR-S9i8/VFXarZC15dI/AAAAAAAACG8/RwfN2cAfsJk/s1600/DSCN0498.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Humayun’s Tomb<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Right up on this list is Humayun’s
Tomb, built as mentioned before by Haji Begum in memory of her loving husband,
Humayun. Listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, it is the first garden tomb
to be built in the Indian subcontinent. This original masterpiece made in red
sandstone is known to be the inspiration for Taj Mahal. Ironically, neither
this monument nor the love story associated with it is not as popular as the
one it inspired. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZkuL0Vq_-I/VFXa8tYmhfI/AAAAAAAACHM/0uUlw_wW9Ks/s1600/HPIM3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZkuL0Vq_-I/VFXa8tYmhfI/AAAAAAAACHM/0uUlw_wW9Ks/s1600/HPIM3135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Red Fort<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
If you are history junkie, there’s
no way you can miss out on this one. Though not as well maintained as the Agra
Fort, this fortified palace built by Shah Jahan brings alive the stateliness of
the Mughal court. Diwani - i - Aam and Diwani - i - Khas, Rang Mahal, Khas
Mahal, Hamam, Delhi Gate, Lahori Gate, Moti Masjid, Naubat Khana, Hira Mahal,
Shahi Burj are some of its memorable structures. It combines the architecture
of Islamic era with that of Persian, Timurid and Hindu design. Spend some time
here imagining that you are a Mughal royalty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Purana Quila<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Built on the site of the most
ancient of Delhi’s city Indraprastha, the Purana Quila as the name suggests
stands stoically against the vagaries of time and nature. This can be an ideal
place to spend a winter afternoon, basking in the sun and figuring the three
huge gateways out. Once you are done with admiring Humayun’s ambitious plan for
his city Dinpannah, there’s also a moat surrounding the fort for boating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoEImcaKdoc/VFXag2iT28I/AAAAAAAACGs/Hz7mGijvkzU/s1600/DSCN0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoEImcaKdoc/VFXag2iT28I/AAAAAAAACGs/Hz7mGijvkzU/s1600/DSCN0497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Jama Masjid<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
With a courtyard capable of
holding 25000 devotees and innumerable pigeons, this ancient masjid brings you
one step closer to divinity. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the mosque was a
result of the hard work of about 6000 workers, over a period of 6 years. Visit
the place with your socks on, as the red sandstone flooring of the mosque can
be very hot to your bare feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Safdarjung Tomb</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
The last flicker of the Mughal
architecture can be seen in this monumental tomb garden. This enclosed tomb was
built in the memory of Safdarjung, the minister of Avadh during the reign of
Muhammad Shah. While it bears resemblance to the Humayun’s Tomb, it is of a much
lesser stature. Some interesting structures of this monument are Jangli Mahal,
Badshah Pasand, Moti Mahal, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrTOtD9OEmc/VFXanc35GdI/AAAAAAAACG0/Z7XIziFPAMc/s1600/DSCN0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrTOtD9OEmc/VFXanc35GdI/AAAAAAAACG0/Z7XIziFPAMc/s1600/DSCN0516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Chandni Chowk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Chandni Chowk or the moonlight
market was commissioned by Shah Jahan and designed by princess Jahanara.
Originally criss crossed by canals, this densely populated area still remains
one of India’s largest wholesale markets. Visit this place to check out the old
havelis of Ghalib, Begum Samru and Chunnamal. Binge at places running since
Mughal era like Ghantewala Halwai and shop anything and everything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Zafar Mahal<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
The last monument constructed by
the Mughals is the Zafar Mahal. Situated in the heart of Mehrauli, to the
western gate of the <i>dargah</i> of Khawaja
Bakhtiyar Kaki, this Mahal was named by Emperor Akbar II after his son Bahadur
Shah Zafar. Much of this summer palace is today in ruins. However, one can still
see glimpses of the gone era in its white marble Moti Majid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Fatehpuri Masjid <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
A 17<sup>th</sup> century mosque
built by Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan’s wives this mosque is located
in Chandni Chowk. Built with red
sandstone, the mosque has a prayer hall and a fluted dome on top. It is flanked
by both single and double storeyed apartments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbW9oX15Cpo/VFXayT_kpwI/AAAAAAAACHE/04_tI8s84vA/s1600/HPIM3120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbW9oX15Cpo/VFXayT_kpwI/AAAAAAAACHE/04_tI8s84vA/s1600/HPIM3120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Tomb of Atgah Khan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
This quaint little tomb was built
for a noble man in Akbar’s court, who was murdered by a rival. Located in
Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, this 16<sup>th</sup> century monument remains a secret
to many. Sadly, not much has been done to maintain its beauty. Visit it before
its gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b>Khan – i – Khana’s Tomb<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Abdul Rahim Khan - i - Khana, was
the son of Bairam Khan and one of Navratnas of Akbar’s courts. Situated in
Nizamuddin, this tomb was meant for his wife but eventually he himself was
buried here. A paved lane lined by trees leads to this weathered tomb
highlighted by a dome and chattris. Ironically, the marble used for this
monument was stripped of the Safdarjung tomb later on. </div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-23338312179458660662014-06-18T01:08:00.000-07:002015-11-05T00:55:11.476-08:00THE GOOFINESS OF LIVING ALONE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bz05dVPPEBQ/U6FHYUgsgjI/AAAAAAAAB1s/FOvdgm62Ung/s1600/dana-fradon-the-little-dutch-boy-with-his-finger-in-the-dike-he-holds-out-his-cap-to-new-yorker-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bz05dVPPEBQ/U6FHYUgsgjI/AAAAAAAAB1s/FOvdgm62Ung/s1600/dana-fradon-the-little-dutch-boy-with-his-finger-in-the-dike-he-holds-out-his-cap-to-new-yorker-cartoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This has to be documented. Delhi summers have made me
partially demented. Take a look at the events of the past few days.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Night One.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am unable to sleep even after showering three times in the
evening. My flat being a corner flat kept locked up throughout the sweltering
hot day is like a furnace at night. Unfortunately, I can’t afford an AC either.
It doesn’t matter that I spend all my money on shopping and eating, this is the
only thing I am going to be miser about and suffer in pain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow late at night, I fall asleep with my Symphony Cooler
so close to me that had I been wearing a wig it would have flown away. Sometime
in the middle of the night, I wake up feeling extremely hot. The room is humid
and heavy with the cooler’s constant thud thud. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my sleep induced state, I imagine that the water in my cooler
has finished. It lasts precisely for 3hrs in Delhi heat. Perhaps that’s the
reason why the copywriter christened it Junior Jumbo, ‘Jumbo’ being the
addition made by the client. I sleep walk to the bathroom and fix the pipe to
the cooler. Opening the tap, I go outside to the balcony for some fresh air.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not finding any respite there either, I turn back only to be
greeted by a sound heard when water pouring from the tap hits the floor. I
frantically search for the source of the sound and discover that my cooler has
been designed with a hole to drain out the excess water automatically in case of
an overflow. By the time I figure this out, my bedroom floor is a pool of water
and my slippers and laptop cord is floating in that pool of water. Quickly, I throw
the laptop cord on my bed and start disaster management. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After staring at the hole for quite some time, I decide to stick
my finger into it. Luckily it works, and the water stops pouring out. I vaguely
remember the Dutch story of Hans Brinker that I had read as a child and find
great similarity in our situations. The only difference being that while he was
rescued, nobody was coming to my rescue. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Few minutes pass. While still standing in a pool of water, and
not too sure whether I was dreaming or not; I look around myself for divine
inspiration. I see my bucket lying near the door. For once I am happy that I
keep my buckets in the living room not inside the bathroom. But here too things
cannot be simple, the bucket has to be out of my reach. Now I am calculating whether
it would be wise to pull my finger out of the hole and let my room submerge in
some more water or come up with some other plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Operation ‘other plan’ begins. I twist and turn my body,
till I am almost lying on the floor, while my finger is still stuck in the
hole. I try to widen my legs and push the bucket towards me. I can hear my mom
saying in my subconscious mind ‘Keep your feet together. Sit properly’. Instead
of the pulling the bucket towards me, I push it further away from me and fall
almost flat on my face. Wide awake now, I resume once again. This time, I am
able to stick my toe under the bucket’s handle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a sigh of relief I pass the bucket from my toe to my
other hand and finally place it under the ‘overflow’ hole. Like a weirdo, I watch
the excess water empty into the bucket, not daring to move an inch away, lest
some new adventure begins in my absence. By 3 am it’s all done. There is still
a lot of water on the floor. I tell myself it will all dry up by itself and
proceed to crash once again thinking something about the concept of evaporation.<br />
<br />
... to be contd.</div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-82163588671162570652014-05-24T01:16:00.001-07:002015-11-05T00:55:33.014-08:00WHAT'S YOUR ONLINE PERSONALITY?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2jl_8zJCbg/U4BSdJfXwhI/AAAAAAAAB0E/O4Z-8bpWwK4/s1600/Online+8.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2jl_8zJCbg/U4BSdJfXwhI/AAAAAAAAB0E/O4Z-8bpWwK4/s1600/Online+8.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You bump into them in the virtual world every other day. They
might annoy you, they might pester you or they might entertain you. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Read further to see how many of them you know personally. And
to find out if you are one of them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcm2_QbTgi0/U4BSVciq4-I/AAAAAAAABzY/kZ2dzhxx4Uw/s1600/Online+1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcm2_QbTgi0/U4BSVciq4-I/AAAAAAAABzY/kZ2dzhxx4Uw/s1600/Online+1.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Their profile picture would probably be a selfie or a shot taken
in front of the mirror wearing the skimpiest of clothes and a pout. They are
here to make </span><i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘frans’</i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> preferably of
the opposite sex and spend their free time sending friend requests to
strangers. Most of them in reality, perhaps, wouldn’t dare to step out of their
rooms in those clothes but online they are someone else. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qIPjl8kvU/U4BSVcZO28I/AAAAAAAABzc/wPBoFlEcNwY/s1600/Online+2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qIPjl8kvU/U4BSVcZO28I/AAAAAAAABzc/wPBoFlEcNwY/s1600/Online+2.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">These fools have a deep love for gross photographs of strange
diseases. They truly believe liking a page can save someone. And with good
intention plead with you to like the same, send you invites to join the most extraordinary
causes from saving crows to cleaning roads! What they actually need is to be
told that to make a difference they need to first get up from that comfortable
chair of theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WIHJu234s/U4BSVRdCJiI/AAAAAAAABzg/l1GCPB53Z_I/s1600/Online+3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WIHJu234s/U4BSVRdCJiI/AAAAAAAABzg/l1GCPB53Z_I/s1600/Online+3.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If you look at their friend list, you will have a mini-heart
attack. They have a fan following as big as the Schinderler’s list. They
consider themselves to be the center of the world and don’t let go of any
opportunity to flaunt their narcissism. They’ll bombard your homepage with pictures
of themselves bathing, hallucinating, sleeping, crying, and the list simply goes
on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NliovKol9BU/U4BSY5gA9AI/AAAAAAAABz8/Hfx-nmoSVhE/s1600/Online+4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NliovKol9BU/U4BSY5gA9AI/AAAAAAAABz8/Hfx-nmoSVhE/s1600/Online+4.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They can only talk in puns, without them they are mum. Every
comment of theirs, every link they share, every tag, every status needs to be
witty. Else they get constipation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib3XqWgXMts/U4BSY6fOQdI/AAAAAAAABzw/kXgGnziHeQo/s1600/Online+5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib3XqWgXMts/U4BSY6fOQdI/AAAAAAAABzw/kXgGnziHeQo/s1600/Online+5.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">These fellows might not have read a single play written by
Shakespeare but will quote him every other day. For them a status is equivalent
to a quote. Rumi, Einstein, Osho, Neruda, and Eliot no one is spared from their
quoting spree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVsLDvwgOYs/U4BSZb1d3NI/AAAAAAAAB0A/UPVqsJh7uXQ/s1600/Online+6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVsLDvwgOYs/U4BSZb1d3NI/AAAAAAAAB0A/UPVqsJh7uXQ/s1600/Online+6.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They are like the silent observers of the social networking
world. They lie dormant for months at a stretch making you to forget them
completely. And then suddenly they give you the creeps by commenting on your
oldest possible photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Zm7RkFi9c/U4BSakKSsZI/AAAAAAAABz4/I7tK2DMLVSE/s1600/Online+7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Zm7RkFi9c/U4BSakKSsZI/AAAAAAAABz4/I7tK2DMLVSE/s1600/Online+7.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The poor souls don’t believe in letting a like go waste. They
practice what they preach and begin by liking their own status and photos! For them
random statements about the weather, everyday laments, falling ill and even a
person’s demise is like-worthy. They follow it up by pinging and pestering you
to like their cousin’s daughter’s baby’s photo. And lord save you from their
wrath if you fail to like them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-56499335734954493332014-03-16T22:59:00.001-07:002015-11-05T00:55:46.177-08:00HOLI NAHI HAI NA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This festival has permanently damaged my sanity and erased
all the good memories I had of it. When I was a child, Holi always meant
playing with friends and family. But as I grew up things seemed to change
drastically. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am sure many girls will agree with me that Holi is a
not-so-nice festival. This is not to discourage you from playing Holi but to
steer clear of some morons. Here is a list of people I am definitely not
playing Holi with along with my <i>fundas</i>
to deal with them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0w_FcgUJevw/UyaOgqS1AxI/AAAAAAAABr0/JBB0MrzuyrI/s1600/colorful-vivid-water-color-splash-26751911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0w_FcgUJevw/UyaOgqS1AxI/AAAAAAAABr0/JBB0MrzuyrI/s1600/colorful-vivid-water-color-splash-26751911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
#1. You see me walking down the same road everyday. We might
have smiled at each other someday. But please <i>bhaiya </i>for you<i>, holi nahi hai</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#2. You are half my height and very excited about your new
<i>pichkari</i>. You are a kid so no one’s going to say anything. Sure I will not say
anything, I will just squeeze your ear so hard you will forget that you had an ear
in the first place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#3. You were an acrobat in your past life and therefore,
suffer from an acrobatic hangover. You will twist and turn your body till you
get to hit me inside the auto or cycle rickshaw. Well let me tell you one
thing, now that you have ruined more than my clothes and mood, I will happily go
ahead and spoil your day,week or even month.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#4. You feel I don’t understand Hindi, so I am a wall where
you can throw anything and keep smirking. Wait till you hear the profanities I
can scream in Hindi. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#5. You have locked up your kid inside your house and feel
your duty is over. Just one word, if that monster of yours dares to throw a
balloon at me from the balcony, I won’t feel too bad to lock it behind the
bars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#6. You have grown up but haven’t really grown up. You hide
in your balcony and throw balloons at passerbys. I see who you are creep! And
I might just start playing Holi with you with my favourite pepperspray.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#7. You want to dry up the entire Brahmaputura in the course
of a week, go ahead. But I refuse to take bath just to satisfy your whims each
time I get dressed to go somewhere. Why don’t you take a bath yourself? You
seem to need it anyways dirty mind!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#8. You pretend you are high and you have the license to
grope anyone who comes your way. Then please continue to be high, for I think I
know where I am going to hit you hard.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#dwriterphilosphy</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-14876883065024468252014-03-15T22:08:00.000-07:002015-11-05T00:55:59.984-08:00PARANTHE WALI DRIVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you have a name like Ahuja No.1, do we need to say more? This dhaba can easily be spotted on your left when you reach Murthal, on Delhi Karnal
Highway. The journey itself, could prove to be one of the fun ways to spend a
day if you want to go for a long drive and end it with some good food. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The moment you enter Murthal, a number of Dhaba’s welcome
you. There’s Gulshan’s Dhaba, Pehelwan’s Dhaba, Jhilmil, Sukhdev apart from the
one I am talking about here. We chose Ahuja No.1 because the crowd seemed
better here. They have a separate sitting area for the families too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REONubgFQ90/UyUsSlgRbRI/AAAAAAAABqk/qib9T9E1xTE/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REONubgFQ90/UyUsSlgRbRI/AAAAAAAABqk/qib9T9E1xTE/s1600/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTq3DPJaPQE/UyUsNXYzrCI/AAAAAAAABqc/Y7bh9I2JEyo/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTq3DPJaPQE/UyUsNXYzrCI/AAAAAAAABqc/Y7bh9I2JEyo/s1600/039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8kxaihvUM4/UyUsTYqcfBI/AAAAAAAABqs/n8757xE_-gI/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8kxaihvUM4/UyUsTYqcfBI/AAAAAAAABqs/n8757xE_-gI/s1600/055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Had it been located in Delhi, Ahuja No. 1’s paranthes would
definitely given the Paranthe Wali Gali a run for its money. Firstly, because
unlike the paranthas served at Paranthe Wali Gali none of the paranthas are
deep fried. They are all made in the tandoor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a whole list of paranthas to choose from, some of
which are listed below –</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Aloo Parantha</b> –
The classic mashed potato stuffed parantha sprinkled with red chilli powder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Aloo Piyaaj Parantha</b>
– Same as above except that you will bite into crunchy pieces of onion every
now and then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pudina Parantha</b> –
This is a type of lachha parantha peppered with mint. It looks quite different from
the other parathas and is best savoured when hot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gobi Parantha</b> –
Cauliflower chopped into tiny bits and stuffed inside a usual parantha. Tastes
quite nice and different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mooli Parantha</b> –
This is the only form in which I find radishes tolerable and quite tasty
actually.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqGnNDQen5s/UyUs5-ogiGI/AAAAAAAABq0/vNOPQkqbSOQ/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqGnNDQen5s/UyUs5-ogiGI/AAAAAAAABq0/vNOPQkqbSOQ/s1600/058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sy9joAcNXiA/UyUtWd-XSuI/AAAAAAAABrE/GUKotSmpGX8/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sy9joAcNXiA/UyUtWd-XSuI/AAAAAAAABrE/GUKotSmpGX8/s1600/060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uj0Vzkk9gM/UyUtRg6h0VI/AAAAAAAABq8/Hf57kLFUY60/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uj0Vzkk9gM/UyUtRg6h0VI/AAAAAAAABq8/Hf57kLFUY60/s1600/061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUxdfY0EtWI/UyUt177u6VI/AAAAAAAABrM/Sm2gggNbsEE/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUxdfY0EtWI/UyUt177u6VI/AAAAAAAABrM/Sm2gggNbsEE/s1600/064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the paranthas are served with <i>panchranga</i> pickle, <i>sirce wala
pyaaj</i>, and huge dollops of white cow butter which is amazingly yum. Team it
with Dal Fry or Dal Makhani and your day is made. Curd could also be a god
option.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is best not to think of calories that day. Have your fill
and then head out for a stroll in the nearby fields. You can always hit the gym
later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MgiBDBaFEI/UyUuJ5dOEhI/AAAAAAAABrU/MwQL_VDVuy8/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MgiBDBaFEI/UyUuJ5dOEhI/AAAAAAAABrU/MwQL_VDVuy8/s1600/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwcXQ4z4bwU/UyUuONU_pGI/AAAAAAAABrk/Nstm8j1iD0o/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwcXQ4z4bwU/UyUuONU_pGI/AAAAAAAABrk/Nstm8j1iD0o/s1600/068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4WiO45q5mXs/UyUuMQe-YZI/AAAAAAAABrc/44FLEERlL8o/s1600/087+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4WiO45q5mXs/UyUuMQe-YZI/AAAAAAAABrc/44FLEERlL8o/s1600/087+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quite funnily these dhabas have started serving noodles and
burgers too. I just hope people stop demanding noodles at such places and let
authentic food survive.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-81539788568784002082014-02-27T02:23:00.001-08:002015-11-05T00:56:20.069-08:00SORRY, NO SNAKES AND LIZARDS FOR DINNER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Among other things, people do have the strangest of questions
on their mind when it comes to food from north east (of India, just in case you
got confused with the north east of China, Africa or the antipodes). In fact, I
have often replied the polite enquiries of my colleagues of what I was cooking
for dinner with a cold glare. I was bored of explaining time and again that
Assamese food also consisted of </span><i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">dal
chawal, </i><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">arguably the most common Indian meal.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXh9EenMmZA/Uw8VOyHz9qI/AAAAAAAABmE/pR6ikzTsvoE/s1600/1896748_10151968539723616_1216421987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXh9EenMmZA/Uw8VOyHz9qI/AAAAAAAABmE/pR6ikzTsvoE/s1600/1896748_10151968539723616_1216421987_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-123ySHM-pw8/Uw8VUvkBZ9I/AAAAAAAABmM/4uULcCvQYEM/s1600/1904052_10151968530178616_1574651053_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-123ySHM-pw8/Uw8VUvkBZ9I/AAAAAAAABmM/4uULcCvQYEM/s1600/1904052_10151968530178616_1574651053_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But when I pondered over this topic deeper, I realised this
lack of information was actually a lack of the availability of the food itself
in other parts of the country. Rosang Café is an exception in this regard. For
all those who have no clue what food from north east is like, do head to Rosang
Cafe. Located near Upahar Cinema in Green Park, it brings the finest food of
the seven north eastern states.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jokes apart, despite being an Assamese, I myself have limited
knowledge about the north eastern cuisines. I am desperately trying to rectify
this problem by visiting Rosang frequently. While I would highly recommend the
place to everyone, here are a few things to keep in mind before trying out food
from north east.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#1. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">North eastern food is light on your taste buds and tummy. Not
excited? Then try the piping hot dry fish chutney!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#2. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some of the dishes may have strong aromas, often not so
pleasant if you </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">aren't</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> used to it. Come prepared.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#3. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All the dishes are extremely healthy. Do tell your trainer
about it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#4. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s not only about noodles and momos. What were you expecting
a chocolate momo or a paneer one?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#5. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do not expect it to be spicy and oily. But count on it to be
flavoursome.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#6. For God's sake don't come and ask for a roti or naan. Didn't you know the best thing on earth is rice?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">#7. You think it will be like Chinese and Thai. You couldn't be more wrong. The spices, herbs and process of preparing the dishes are all different.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#8. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Vegetarians are welcome too. We don’t sit at the
slaughterhouse 24 x 7.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#9. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The curries won’t look red; turmeric is not a favourite here.
Did you say you already knew it?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#10. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Taste a new vegetable like </span><i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">kol posola</i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (banana stem). You’ll soon realise vegetables go beyond
cauliflowers and peas.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3j-4wab3c8/Uw8VoFivA9I/AAAAAAAABmc/mPAWe8FiJ7s/s1600/1620440_10151968541388616_1051965340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3j-4wab3c8/Uw8VoFivA9I/AAAAAAAABmc/mPAWe8FiJ7s/s1600/1620440_10151968541388616_1051965340_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTJPSnpN1lg/Uw8VoL3ohqI/AAAAAAAABmg/8BEboBIIGSg/s1600/1798610_10151968532358616_1503168473_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTJPSnpN1lg/Uw8VoL3ohqI/AAAAAAAABmg/8BEboBIIGSg/s1600/1798610_10151968532358616_1503168473_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While trying food from north east, please do remember that
they are seven states not one. This is another problem I want to deal with it. But
let’s just stick to the food here. Being neighbouring states the cuisines of the
north eastern states do have similarities, however, they are as varied as the
seven states and the people living in them are. Thankfully, Rosang Café picks
some of the best dishes from the seven states.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Go with an open mind. Do try the spicy Dry Fish Chutney, Aksa
Meh a delicious chicken curry, Fried Fish in Burmese paste and Dohneiihong, a
Meghalayan pork dish cooked in black seasame seeds. Yes, the names are
difficult. But admit it they can’t be more difficult than that of the Thai,
Mexican or French dishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Enjoy the hospitality of the super friendly owner, Mary. And
hopefully you’ll get to understand that part of the country slightly better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">P.S. These pictures have been taken on a mobile phone by a not so great photographer. The food actually looks much better than this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-37494487343236614722014-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:54:45.858-08:00 GOING THE GWALIOR WAY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMJGhAloM9E/UwjXiL3KbRI/AAAAAAAABfA/-uf7ra3hwX4/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMJGhAloM9E/UwjXiL3KbRI/AAAAAAAABfA/-uf7ra3hwX4/s1600/195.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Gwalior is often
considered the poor cousin when compared to the likes of Shimla, Manali,
Nainital. At times, it is not even in the consideration set. But if you dig
forts, palaces and ancient love stories, Gwalior should be high on your
priority list. More so, if you are running out of weekend getaway ideas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gMSsv7dYWA/UwjZyaEMMxI/AAAAAAAABfg/Rs8XfK6DaVU/s1600/243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gMSsv7dYWA/UwjZyaEMMxI/AAAAAAAABfg/Rs8XfK6DaVU/s1600/243.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwv7j2iLwjQ/Uwjbg1xeC4I/AAAAAAAABf0/K7B9V4YozMc/s1600/247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwv7j2iLwjQ/Uwjbg1xeC4I/AAAAAAAABf0/K7B9V4YozMc/s1600/247.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Last month, I spent a
weekend at Gwalior. Needless to say, a weekend is not sufficient for a place
like Gwalior. Me and my friend were dead tired and there was still so much left
to see. On the contrary, if you are up for a stamina crunching trip, even a
weekend might suffice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Here is a quick snippet on what to expect on a Gwalior trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Stay</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gwalior doesn't have
many hotels; at least my internet search at the
time didn't say so. However, it has
a few budget hotels like Hotel Landmark, Hotel Grace and a few
two star hotels. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending some money don’t
look beyond Deo Bagh, a Neemrana Hotel. It’s an idyllic setting to relax and to
some extent a destination in itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUx1BXMj0C8/UwjVpz_B1mI/AAAAAAAABeg/jH0ksIh2KyE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUx1BXMj0C8/UwjVpz_B1mI/AAAAAAAABeg/jH0ksIh2KyE/s1600/014.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kl6iKkHHhA/Uwjd6B0a6II/AAAAAAAABgw/f67RrEVCi4k/s1600/300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kl6iKkHHhA/Uwjd6B0a6II/AAAAAAAABgw/f67RrEVCi4k/s1600/300.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Originally a summer
palace of the ruling dynasty, this hotel has a range of rooms each overlooking
a lush green lawn and two quaint 17<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>century temples on the horizon. All
the rooms have been named after the royal family members like Jayaji Villas,
Aruna Villas, Rohini Raja Mahal, Dhruv Villas etc. Read more about them here<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://deobagh.neemranahotels.com/">http://deobagh.neemranahotels.com/</a>.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Ironically, not a single auto wallah
at the railway station knew anything about the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGjc9zFKp-4/UwjeclOKwTI/AAAAAAAABhA/6PRwwoMy6ys/s1600/326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGjc9zFKp-4/UwjeclOKwTI/AAAAAAAABhA/6PRwwoMy6ys/s1600/326.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2chhzOvxgw/UwjeXuLfXhI/AAAAAAAABg4/2BMCy9r6MBg/s1600/331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2chhzOvxgw/UwjeXuLfXhI/AAAAAAAABg4/2BMCy9r6MBg/s1600/331.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DKaYBSenPo/UwjewCEfzmI/AAAAAAAABhI/AsZmSoaqSJw/s1600/376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DKaYBSenPo/UwjewCEfzmI/AAAAAAAABhI/AsZmSoaqSJw/s1600/376.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">See</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If you are a sightseeing
kind of person, there is a plenty waiting for you. Keep a day aside for
supposedly the largest of its kind - Gwalior Fort, the outer boundary of which
stretches as far as 3.5 km. Also come prepared for a long trek, as the autos are
not allowed to enter the fort premises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9ryk_fppg0/UwjcALrxkXI/AAAAAAAABf8/ZbgKdJH4baI/s1600/252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9ryk_fppg0/UwjcALrxkXI/AAAAAAAABf8/ZbgKdJH4baI/s1600/252.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Inside the fort are
Gujari Mahal, an Archeological Musuem, Man Mandir Palace, Saas Bahu Temple,
Teli ka Mandir, Jahangiri Mahal, Karan Mahal, Shahjahan Mahal, Jauhar Kund,
Suraj Kund, a Gurudwara, a chapel and even more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6H_BSpvNyc/UwjZzYuQBmI/AAAAAAAABfo/yJut-23vqBc/s1600/203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6H_BSpvNyc/UwjZzYuQBmI/AAAAAAAABfo/yJut-23vqBc/s1600/203.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qypf_5dUf-E/UwjYEhkwWWI/AAAAAAAABfM/dFMAEdIGXS0/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qypf_5dUf-E/UwjYEhkwWWI/AAAAAAAABfM/dFMAEdIGXS0/s1600/200.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If you have to choose
between the monuments due to paucity of time, then settle down for the Man
Mandir Palace and the Saas Bahu Temple. Both of them are exquisite to look at
and the best that the fort has to offer in terms of architecture.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meUzAbqjbXw/UwjcybLqmII/AAAAAAAABgQ/3Azhfe6DDgI/s1600/254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meUzAbqjbXw/UwjcybLqmII/AAAAAAAABgQ/3Azhfe6DDgI/s1600/254.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9FhaHuz7gq0/Uwjc6xE9sGI/AAAAAAAABgY/Fs9HW36wDPo/s1600/260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9FhaHuz7gq0/Uwjc6xE9sGI/AAAAAAAABgY/Fs9HW36wDPo/s1600/260.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFTzL-RKqcs/UwjdHJ3BQ8I/AAAAAAAABgg/r2a869Go1Lc/s1600/266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFTzL-RKqcs/UwjdHJ3BQ8I/AAAAAAAABgg/r2a869Go1Lc/s1600/266.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just like the history
of the city, Gwalior architecture is an interesting mix of mughal, deccan and
hindu designs. You will be able to see glimpses of this everywhere you go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjxQ6LjnJXA/UwjcKjCkzzI/AAAAAAAABgE/dL1STzD8KZs/s1600/249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjxQ6LjnJXA/UwjcKjCkzzI/AAAAAAAABgE/dL1STzD8KZs/s1600/249.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCmjQ42arZE/UwjZxii-LdI/AAAAAAAABfY/Ozeal0qlGg8/s1600/234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCmjQ42arZE/UwjZxii-LdI/AAAAAAAABfY/Ozeal0qlGg8/s1600/234.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The other two must
visit places in the city are the Jai Vilas, erstwhile palace of the Scindihias
and Tansen Ka Maqbara. While the former is standing there in all its glory, the
Tansen’s tomb could have been better maintained. The fact that the entry to the
Maqbara is free and also that it is in a bustling market area has transformed
the place. At best it is comparable to a local park where people feel free to
come and sleep. Despite the indifference of the government, Tansen’s resting
place manages to give its visitors what they come seeking – peace. In fact,
both I and my friend were anxious about spending so less time at such a
beautiful place. Given a choice, we would have happily spent the entire day
dreaming there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCRp89chbkk/UwjXYpmR5LI/AAAAAAAABe8/xZXKl0dggeY/s1600/181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCRp89chbkk/UwjXYpmR5LI/AAAAAAAABe8/xZXKl0dggeY/s1600/181.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">On the other hand, the
pristine white Jai Vilas that has often been shown as the home of heroes and
heroines in films of the 80’s has now been turned into a museum. The rooms of
the palace are still laid out as they were used once upon a time, each of them
with a unique colour scheme and a magnificent story to tell. Some
parts of the palace continue to be used by the royal family even today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_19UagHbEc/UwjVuQ_6bAI/AAAAAAAABeo/XBfkw0EsDWc/s1600/147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_19UagHbEc/UwjVuQ_6bAI/AAAAAAAABeo/XBfkw0EsDWc/s1600/147.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOMalNJQH1g/UwjVyiAZ_hI/AAAAAAAABew/ZqXr9WD8VL4/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOMalNJQH1g/UwjVyiAZ_hI/AAAAAAAABew/ZqXr9WD8VL4/s1600/109.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Do give the Kala
Vittika and the Light and Sound Show a miss. The Kala Vittika has absolutely nothing
inside and the Light and Sound Show is way too outdated with almost no
lighting and graphics. In fact, those who have seen the one at Delhi
Old Fort will not even call it a Light and Sound Show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Eat </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sorry to say food
lovers, there is not much to eat here. The food at the Deo Bagh was average,
and beyond that we couldn't find anything. There are few<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>dhabas</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>lined up near the railway station that
dish up spicy stuff. But they can hardly be called sumptuous. Also it will
be best to stick to vegetarian food, as majority of the people at Gwalior seem
to be vegetarian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbxR7fUK4zU/Uwjdn62rVtI/AAAAAAAABgo/hX6OfPX97fo/s1600/295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbxR7fUK4zU/Uwjdn62rVtI/AAAAAAAABgo/hX6OfPX97fo/s1600/295.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Feel</span></b></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gwalior is full of
interesting stories. The fort itself was built by Raja Surya Sen when sage
Gwalipa cured him of leprosy. Again Raja Man Singh fell in love with a tribal
girl named Gurjari whom he named Mrignayani. It is said that Mrignayani’s love
for her husband was such that even Emperor Akbar couldn't do
anything. After conquering the Gwalior Fort, when he took her to his Agra
harem she continued to love her husband even after many days and refused to
comply. Seeing her dedication for her love, the emperor reunited her with Raja
Man Singh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23dtJmJsy8U/Uwje5ctBYBI/AAAAAAAABhQ/12NLOEuY2GM/s1600/420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23dtJmJsy8U/Uwje5ctBYBI/AAAAAAAABhQ/12NLOEuY2GM/s1600/420.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So, the next time
someone says there is not much to see or do you know what your answer should be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-20877547557117050872014-02-21T22:49:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:56:43.540-08:00WHEN THE CLASSIC MEETS THE ROCKING<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This 22<sup>nd</sup> of December, Assam Association
celebrated the 150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of Laxminath Bezboroa. The
event took place at the renowned Siri Fort Auditorium. I am not much of a music
lover myself. However, I decided to go ahead with the show for lack of anything
better to do.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The event started off with a chorus “Aami Asomiya Nohou Dukhiya”
a composition by Beboroa. A common refrain throughout the programme was remembering
the contributions of this illustrious son of the state, who explored almost
every possible form of writing and gave Assamese language a new identity. Apart
from that, the pertinent question was how we can keep alive the language with
the newer generations, especially with those kids who live away from their
motherland.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quite interestingly, the line up of the function consisted
of the second generation of artists. The first being, Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan
Ali Khan, both sons of Amjad Ali Khan and Subhalaxmi Khan. Mrs. Khan, a
classical danseuse happens to belong to Assam. And the second being, Angarag
Mahanta with his band East India Company. Angarag is the son of popular Assamese
singer Khagen Mahanta. While both the Khan brothers and Papon have an association
with Assam, the similarity ends there. The music they represent and their
presentation were poles apart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spiritual Conquest<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was heartening to see the audience maintain a pin drop
silence throughout the performance of Amaan and Ayan. While Amaan came across
as a serious and disciplined performer and Ayaan was more on the flamboyant
side. The<i> jugalbandi</i> that both of
them created along with their companions was amazing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s only when you watch a classical performance you
realize, the amount patience and <i>riyaas</i>
that goes into a recital. I deeply regretted the fact that my understanding of
classical music was so limited. I am a trained Bharatnatyam dancer myself.
However, I still do not understand the <i>ragas</i>
well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a point of time, my ignorance got the better of me and
I found the music repetitive. I cursed myself silently for not being able to
enjoy true talent. I could only appreciate the highs and lows of it. Sadly, my
opinion was also the opinion of my friends present in the hall. Despite that
the audience maintained perfect decorum throughout their performance.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The performance continued non-stop for about an hour. It
would not be wrong to say that we were transported to a different spiritual
level altogether. Needless to say, that it ended with a thunderous standing
ovation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Power of Rock<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next performance was that of Angarag and his band. The
crowd welcomed him with loud cheers. Angarag is consummate performer, his body
language confident, his voice captivating. From the moment he appeared on the
stage till the time the show ended, no one looked anywhere else. He belted out
his popular numbers from his albums, Coke Studio and some Bollywood songs. He
handled every cat cry every demand comfortably. And when a young fan declared
her love for him he replied with great panache that he loved her too.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before long, he had every one on their feet and the ‘<i>sitting comfortably auditorium’</i> became something
close to a rock concert. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Two Worlds in One Universe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the aftermath of the show, it wouldn’t be wrong to say
that his rocking performance which had everyone on their feet overshadowed the
standing ovation that the Khan brothers received. It brings to forefront an
important question, how we as an audience should appreciate art? Do we know how
to take our culture forward?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this regard, Papon aptly said that we have to present our
culture to the younger generation in a way that is not imposing. His songs, his
music truly reflects his thoughts. Be it <i>Boitha
Maaro</i> or his version of acoustic folk Bihu, it all spells his belief.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, we cannot underestimate the magic of something
pure. Perhaps, the best way to judge them is to understand that they represent
two different worlds. One has the remarkable power to instill a rare stillness
in the otherwise restless audience, and the other has the magic to get everyone
up on their feet. While there is place for the popular there is also place for
the classical. And in tandem, they become a whole that is our culture. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-77261231531896444322014-01-23T09:38:00.003-08:002015-11-05T00:57:01.768-08:00TONIGHT'S POEM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phvBQrXBeJs/UuFUkjAsdAI/AAAAAAAABYQ/L99e8IVJdXM/s1600/Poem+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phvBQrXBeJs/UuFUkjAsdAI/AAAAAAAABYQ/L99e8IVJdXM/s1600/Poem+4.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-90440955717234471742014-01-14T10:09:00.001-08:002015-11-05T00:57:18.310-08:00WHAT DELHI HIDES IN IT'S HEART<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever fascinated with ancient monuments, when I heard about
this place I was very excited. I immediately googled about it and read up
whatever was available. Strangely, even though it is in the heart of the city, not
many people know about <i>Ugrasen or Agrasen
Ki Baoli</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, there is no general consensus as to who built this
historical stepwell. The popular belief however, holds that it was built by the
Raja Agrasen of the agarwal community in the pre Lodhi period to preserve
water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdJqcHWy5Kk/UtV7BTtBdwI/AAAAAAAABUk/5dgY24iFOB0/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdJqcHWy5Kk/UtV7BTtBdwI/AAAAAAAABUk/5dgY24iFOB0/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In December 2012, I had visited another step well,<i> Anangtal
Baoli,</i> located in Mehrauli. It had been a memorable trip with two of my
friends. Something I had wanted to repeat soon but hadn't got the chance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Baavris</i> at Baoli<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then one fine day, me and a friend, who is equally gung ho
about quaint places, eagerly set off for the Ugrasen Ki Baoli. The place is
located inside a tiny lane called Hailey lane on Hailey Road in CP. The fact
that it can be easily reached by an auto or by the metro made us too happy. For
your information, the closest metro station is Barakhamba or Rajiv Chowk.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1uzedXsEAU/UtV7Dy2-6pI/AAAAAAAABU0/UtBNO5ImT8U/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1uzedXsEAU/UtV7Dy2-6pI/AAAAAAAABU0/UtBNO5ImT8U/s640/Picture2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyVsvmIkx_k/UtV7Hut73LI/AAAAAAAABVM/VDopaXqyDs4/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyVsvmIkx_k/UtV7Hut73LI/AAAAAAAABVM/VDopaXqyDs4/s640/Picture3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Quite interestingly, the road that leads to the Baoli has
graffiti art all over. It’s a stark contrast to what awaits a visitor inside. The
entrance to the Baoli is very unassuming and low key, with a very small
courtyard leading in. See more pictures of the Baoli <a href="http://dwriterclicks.blogspot.in/2014/01/a-well-of-wellness.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
When we entered the place, we met the usual crowd that
greets you at all Delhi Heritage sites. College kids, photographers, love birds
and a few elderly people who visit the place to crib about the rest of the
visitors.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The moment we reached the Baoli, I went ahead on my snap
happy spree and my friend became my muse for the day. The light however, was
not very favourable. The deeper we went into the well, the worse the pictures
turned out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isIX12k9Trw/UtV7FXGjDDI/AAAAAAAABVA/wgeO2wnvW18/s1600/Picture22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isIX12k9Trw/UtV7FXGjDDI/AAAAAAAABVA/wgeO2wnvW18/s640/Picture22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkljgjz64eo/UtV7H4i3brI/AAAAAAAABVY/7Y-EmzIxCWs/s1600/Picture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkljgjz64eo/UtV7H4i3brI/AAAAAAAABVY/7Y-EmzIxCWs/s640/Picture7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Simplicity at its
best<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a relatively simple structure, consisting of a single
flight of 103 steps that culminate in a now dry water tank. The stone walls of
the well are stark yet beautiful, forming a 60 x 15 meter rectangle made up of
a series of superimposed arcades.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you go down the steps, the silence deepens. The air too
becomes putrid with the smell of bat shit, making one wonder what we are doing
to preserve such places. However, all is not lost. Unlike other places, this
Baoli did have some caretakers who if nothing else saw to it that people don’t
enter the restricted areas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swNJTOv8d6g/UtV7Ar6T8EI/AAAAAAAABUo/Cs0ViTAP5yA/s1600/Picture11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swNJTOv8d6g/UtV7Ar6T8EI/AAAAAAAABUo/Cs0ViTAP5yA/s640/Picture11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSv8H3CWtKE/UtV7Ezbbo-I/AAAAAAAABVE/oAgYipmv4CA/s1600/Picture23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSv8H3CWtKE/UtV7Ezbbo-I/AAAAAAAABVE/oAgYipmv4CA/s640/Picture23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Walkways interrupt the walls at three levels, allowing the
visitor to explore various alcoves and rooms. Today, the more hazardous of
these rooms are secured with gates. One can easily see the craftsmanship and
the intricate work on the ceiling of the dome. It’s a pity however, that most
of it is in a poor condition. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many years ago, this Baoli must have been a solace for
people suffering because of the summer heat. There used to be water in the
Baoli till as recently as 2001. Lovers threw coins to wish for something, boys
threw pebbles and the birds alighted for cool dip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4-10DM0AKQ/UtV7BdG8p3I/AAAAAAAABUs/cECshnXTV_4/s1600/Picture18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4-10DM0AKQ/UtV7BdG8p3I/AAAAAAAABUs/cECshnXTV_4/s640/Picture18.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As with all relics, the silence was all encompassing making
it hard to believe that this place is so close to the commercial capital of
Delhi. The only giveaway is the skyscraper which outlines the horizon seen from
the Baoli. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While people have deserted this place to a great extent, the
wise have taken abode. Every nook and cranny of the Baoli has been taken over
by the pigeons. Now it is their world.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you ever visit the Baoli, do look out for a mosque
nearby. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the time to visit this place. Instead,
me and my friend preferred to walk down the Hailey Road which itself is quite a
nice place for a walk.</div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-35693929081362045922014-01-05T08:19:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:57:30.004-08:00ON LOVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1gNO6s28i4/UsmFdKtf8rI/AAAAAAAABUE/o_W_xQCM9pQ/s1600/HPIM3628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1gNO6s28i4/UsmFdKtf8rI/AAAAAAAABUE/o_W_xQCM9pQ/s640/HPIM3628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Who said love increases when you admit, I have found it to be otherwise. What do you say?</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-9546075941125698202014-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:59:49.455-08:00ON A HUMOUROUS NOTE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrLQy47hg-o/UsWJ6vlcjwI/AAAAAAAABTw/zMbggJ01jho/s1600/Happy+New+Ears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrLQy47hg-o/UsWJ6vlcjwI/AAAAAAAABTw/zMbggJ01jho/s640/Happy+New+Ears.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-48422143870257544222013-12-31T22:16:00.001-08:002015-11-05T00:58:03.726-08:00HAPPY NEWEST YEAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urnIVKO8wq0/UsOyE1CFypI/AAAAAAAABTg/ipuGWMCOFdU/s1600/Philosophy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urnIVKO8wq0/UsOyE1CFypI/AAAAAAAABTg/ipuGWMCOFdU/s640/Philosophy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-16296958407310499342013-12-31T21:05:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:57:48.661-08:00A TRIP FOR THE TASTE BUDS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Those who have been thinking of visiting Karims in Old Delhi, there is another option to try out. Many of you might already be aware of it. The eaterie referred to here Al Jawahar. It is located in the same lane as Karims, opposite Jama Masjid and is much more pocket friendly.<br />
<br />
I happened to be in Old Delhi last week and couldn't return without visiting Al Jawahar. I strongly recommend the vegetarians to stay away from the place. As the way to the restaurant is lined with not so appetizing sights of non veg food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8vomplEi6Y/UsL4Zc_p4BI/AAAAAAAABS0/ew43fzeKggw/s1600/Picture11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8vomplEi6Y/UsL4Zc_p4BI/AAAAAAAABS0/ew43fzeKggw/s640/Picture11.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
The restaurant has three floors, the 2nd floor of which has been marked for families. I and my friends decided to settle in the 2nd floor. They have all the regular Mughlai food from Chicken Jahangiri to Mutton Roganjosh from Sheermaal to Shami Kebabs.<br />
<br />
Not much can be said about the ambience and the presentation. The crockery looked old and dirty, the paper napkins were of the poorest quality possible. However, the food more than compensated for the lack of everything else. We ordered Shami Kebabs, Chicken Qorma, Palak Gosht and Roomali Rotis. The portions were good. Ordering half plate makes sense as it allows you to try two dishes in the price of one full plate. They also served complimentary salad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqp5yAkr0Xo/UsL4cHodGbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/1bcw7u6Qyzc/s1600/Picture15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqp5yAkr0Xo/UsL4cHodGbI/AAAAAAAABTQ/1bcw7u6Qyzc/s640/Picture15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIOUWowFpYc/UsL4Zm_XcyI/AAAAAAAABS8/8DgxrXirT64/s1600/Picture10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIOUWowFpYc/UsL4Zm_XcyI/AAAAAAAABS8/8DgxrXirT64/s640/Picture10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The kebabs were tender, succulent and served with green chutney. Unfortunately, they were served cold. But considering the Delhi temperature these days, I think that was excusable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJqmMsCvP6Y/UsL4b2o4NvI/AAAAAAAABTM/lGuRrHCpOcQ/s1600/Picture13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJqmMsCvP6Y/UsL4b2o4NvI/AAAAAAAABTM/lGuRrHCpOcQ/s640/Picture13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GiaKUG9A1g/UsL4Zpf1gAI/AAAAAAAABS4/t7GhfkUpHYs/s1600/Picture12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GiaKUG9A1g/UsL4Zpf1gAI/AAAAAAAABS4/t7GhfkUpHYs/s640/Picture12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Both the curries were delicious and the roomali rotis did actually look like roomals. Personally, I liked the Chicken Qorma a lot and would definitely recommend you to try it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZogIW6Z1ds/UsL4cZ5qe_I/AAAAAAAABTU/9-QOFrX1gqE/s1600/Picture14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZogIW6Z1ds/UsL4cZ5qe_I/AAAAAAAABTU/9-QOFrX1gqE/s640/Picture14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The best part was when they presented the bill to us. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the bill was only for Rs 500 when I was expecting something around one grand.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-89568637756769679162013-12-29T06:55:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:58:15.979-08:00ON DEATH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MclneNZRiLw/UsA20eZ8ypI/AAAAAAAABO8/M4vyWKzqLR4/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MclneNZRiLw/UsA20eZ8ypI/AAAAAAAABO8/M4vyWKzqLR4/s640/024.JPG" width="423" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This poem is about a curious pigeon who came to die on my balcony yesterday. It lay there listless for sometime and today morning I found it had died.</span></div>
<br /></div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-70653556035647707892013-12-27T09:41:00.002-08:002015-11-05T00:58:45.316-08:00THE GIRL WHO MADE TH EKING DANCE TO HER TUNES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>The Other Boleyn Girl - Review</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Two sisters and as unlike each other as can be. One a shy, fair haired girl. The other bold and dark haired. One longed to be in the simplicity of the country side. The other loved the glamour of the court. Mary and Anne Boleyn make interesting characters for a novel. And their ambition to win the heart of a vain and eccentric Henry VIII makes the novel a gripping read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The novel is told from the viewpoint of Mary who enters the court of Henry as a fourteen year old lady in waiting to Katherine, Queen of England. She catches the eye of the King, whom she learns to love even though she is already married to William Carey. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">However, she soon realizes that she is a mere pawn in her family’s ambitious plots. The king’s interest wanes and she is forced to step aside for her best friend </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and rival - her sister, Anne. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzK8L50nrDE/Ur24QxXAKzI/AAAAAAAABKk/S1WR1TB5Olo/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HzK8L50nrDE/Ur24QxXAKzI/AAAAAAAABKk/S1WR1TB5Olo/s640/157.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Creating captivating characters </span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The triumph of this novel is in Gregory’s skillful handing of her brilliant characters - the two sisters, Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, the Duke of Norfolk, Jane Boleyn or even George Boleyn. Each one of them sparkles in their own right. However, Anne’s mysterious character steals the show. Quick witted, temperamental, extraordinarily determined, and almost cruel in her ambition, she is one woman who knew what she wanted and made it against all odds.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">At a time when the word ‘divorce’ did not exist, it is she who attempts to think the unthinkable. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She plants the idea in the King’s mind that Katherine was not a virgin when she married him </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and therefore, he is not married to her. One is almost forced to think that Henry is a mere puppet in her hands not the King of England.</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether Anne was still a virgin when she got married to Henry is doubtful. However, in the novel she played Henry VIII till he kept coming and then turned him away till he </span>couldn't<span style="font-size: small;"> bear it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When Mary is pregnant with Henry’s child her mother says, </span></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>“Thank God Anne has him in her toils. She plays with him like you might tease the queen’s dog. </b></i><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>She has him on a thread”</i> </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and Anne tells Mary that she is going to </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>“hold out till he sees that he has to make me an offer, a very great offer”.</b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3x5MqCIMUM/Ur24Q3-wc8I/AAAAAAAABKs/zM7URSV-Suw/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3x5MqCIMUM/Ur24Q3-wc8I/AAAAAAAABKs/zM7URSV-Suw/s640/154.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pace of the narrative<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Despite the gripping plot and interesting characters, Gregory’s hold slackens towards the middle of the novel. The long drawn delay in the annulment of the marriage to Katherine, Anne’s bouts of temper, the successive miscarriages all seem repetitive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Historical accuracy and creative license<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The historical accuracy of a number of facts can also be doubted. Whether Mary was the younger sister or the elder is not sure. Mary is worried about sleeping with the King and says to George and Anne</span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">, </i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>“I don’t know how to do it… You know, William did it once a week or so, and that in the dark, and quickly done, and I never much liked it. I don’t know what it is I am supposed to do.”</b></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But in truth, Mary was not a naive maid. Before coming to Henry’s court she was in fact a mistress to the King Francis I of France.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Likewise George’s homosexuality and attraction towards Anne is also unclear.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ6lYargnWc/Ur25GjJfKCI/AAAAAAAABKw/LzjAWM6M4LI/s1600/158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ6lYargnWc/Ur25GjJfKCI/AAAAAAAABKw/LzjAWM6M4LI/s640/158.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An era comes alive</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The book subtly rebukes the sanity of a King who could discard one wife after another on the mere pretext of a male heir. What’s more the reader realizes with growing horror, that being beheaded was as much everyday news at Henry’s court as the weather forecast in today’s world. Gregory beautifully brings forth the beauty of England, and depicts a glamourous and hedonistic court and at the same time bountiful countryside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When Anne comes to power, Mary finally decides to take her life into her own hands and start a new life with her lover. Little does she know that the sibling’s strife will continue till the time Anne is alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The book culminates in a powerful climax with George and Anne being beheaded. Mary continues to live in the countryside with her husband and children. And even though it is Mary who is the heroine of the novel, one remembers little of her afterwards.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-8962414660963450852013-12-26T08:41:00.000-08:002015-11-05T00:59:09.346-08:00EASY PEASY THREE COURSE MEAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This is a continuation of my post on my other blog <a href="http://dwriterclicks.blogspot.in/2013/12/santa-comes-with-cake.html" target="_blank">Santa Comes With A Cake</a>. I intended this three course meal to be pan Asian but because of paucity of
time had to make improvise. Again not everything has been cooked by me like the
Marble Cake and the Shami Kababs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>The Menu</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Starters</b> – Spicy
Prawn Schezwan & Mutton Shami Kabab</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Appetizer</b> –Thai
Noodle Soup</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Entrée</b>- Chilli
Chicken and Chicken Sausages fried Rice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Dessert</b> – Marble
Cake in Chocolate Sauce</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Ks3oKHXno/UrxWLQMCh8I/AAAAAAAABJw/6ud_9B6lywg/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Ks3oKHXno/UrxWLQMCh8I/AAAAAAAABJw/6ud_9B6lywg/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So let’s start where it starts, that is the starters. I brought a packet of ready to cook Mutton Shami Kababs from Green Chick. However, had I made it, this is how I
would have done it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mutton Shami Kabab <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Preparation Time – 45
mins<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Difficulty Level –
Difficult<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Mix 200 gms minced mutton with <i>chana dal</i> soaked in water for half an hour. To this mixture add
garam masala like cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, a cup of warm water and salt to
taste. Cook till dry. Remove from heat and add chopped ginger, chopped garlic, red
chilli powder, garam masala powder, peppercorns, coriander powder and cumin
powder. Grind to a fine paste and knead well. Divide the mutton mixture into
lemon-sized balls, flatten each ball in the palm of your hand. Shape into
kababs and dip in a beaten egg. Heat a tawa and shallow fry the kababs on both
sides till golden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Ideally Shami Kababs should be served hot with chopped
onions and green chutney. But since</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I didn't have either of them, I grated
mozzarella cheese on top of the kababs. The combination </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
turned out to be pretty decent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAz1g_fA4U/UrxWAzWIJyI/AAAAAAAABJk/-GzXdKhhg3U/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYAz1g_fA4U/UrxWAzWIJyI/AAAAAAAABJk/-GzXdKhhg3U/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Next on the list is Spicy Prawn Schezwan. This was the first time I was making this dish </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
and it turned to be surprisingly good. And considering the fact that it needed minimum effort,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I was really happy with the outcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spicy Prawn Schezwan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Preparation Time – 15 mins<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Difficulty Level – Super Easy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take 200 gms of cleaned and deveined prawns in a bowl and mix it with 3 tsps of Ching’s Schezwan Sauce, 2tsps of white sesame seeds, chopped green chillies and salt. The prawns could be the frozen ones or fresh. After half an hour, heat oil in a pan and break 3-4 dry red chilies in it. Add lots of chopped garlic </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and one onion to it. Saute till golden and then add the marinated prawns to it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fry till the prawns become tender. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmdZ042fTi0/UrxWAGeP1pI/AAAAAAAABJg/WMxabdYh3CQ/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmdZ042fTi0/UrxWAGeP1pI/AAAAAAAABJg/WMxabdYh3CQ/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My appetizer was a Thai Noodle Soup. Again, I was making it
for the first time. I realised that </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I had added too much of noodles to it and
the soup was less. Another thing to keep in mind </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
while making this dish is that
it is better to add the noodles just before you are serving the soup, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
else the
noodles tend to soak up the soup.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thai Noodle Soup <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Preparation Time – 30
mins<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Difficulty Level –
Easy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Boil Ching’s noodles in hot water for 2 mins leaving it <i>Al dente</i>. Run it under cold water and
drain. Chop lots of juliennes of carrots, capsicums, onions along with peas,
slit green chillies and spring onions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Fry 1 tsp of ginger garlic paste in a
little olive oil. Stir fry the vegetables with salt and black pepper. Add some
prawns tossed in salt and olive oil to the vegetables along with some mixed
Thai herbs to it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Then mix 5 tsps of coconut milk in a cup of normal water. Add
this to the vegetable and bring to boil. Cover and sim for 5 mins. Add the
noodles and garnish with chopped coriander and sprind onions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv_iST4VnsA/UrxW8B5vebI/AAAAAAAABJ4/LztyKVRmv6c/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv_iST4VnsA/UrxW8B5vebI/AAAAAAAABJ4/LztyKVRmv6c/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Next on the list is Chicken Sausages Fried Rice.
This is something I thought of in the last minute. If you do not want to serve
plain rice or want to avoid making a <i>dal </i>on
any other day this recipe could come handy. It just needs three pieces of
sausages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Chicken Sausages
Fried Rice <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Preparation Time – 15
mins<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Difficulty Level –
Easy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Wash and soak rice for 5 mins. Drain it properly. Chop
sausages in half cm wide pieces. Finely chop french beans, carrots and onions.
Also keep a handful of peas ready and slit green chillies. In a pressure cooker
add some vegetable oil. Fry the sausages till golden brown, then add the
chopped vegetables, green chillies and peas. To this add 3 tsps of Ching’s
Miracle Masala. Once the vegetables are done add the drained rice to it and fry
for another 5 mins while continuously stirring it. Lastly add salt, pepper,
aajinomoto, water, and pressure cook till two whistles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euzOWYHH3w4/UrxXcwU2sSI/AAAAAAAABKA/ywMRMhq_-fw/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euzOWYHH3w4/UrxXcwU2sSI/AAAAAAAABKA/ywMRMhq_-fw/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Next in line is the very popular and my personal favourite
Chilly Chicken. This version of the recipe is easy to make and tastes as good
as those served at eateries. I have used chicken wings for the recipe however,
you can give it a shot with boneless chicken as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chilli Chicken <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Preparation Time – 45
mins<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Difficulty Level –
Easy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marinate the chicken in 4 tsps of soy sauce, 2 tsps of all
purpose flour, 2 tsps of cornflour, salt and pepper. Chop capsicums, tomatoes,
onions, green chillies, ginger and garlic separately. In a pan add 2 cups of
water with 4 tsps of Ching’s Chilly Chicken masala and bring to boil. I like a
thicker gravy so, I have added more of the masala. Fry the chicken in olive oil
and keep aside to cool down. In the same oil add few dry red chillies followed
by the chopped vegetables. Add salt and stir fry for 2 mins. Then add the gravy
mixture to it. Bring to boil. Finally add the fried chicken and cover for some
time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdFAgtmCax4/UrxXnYsYUXI/AAAAAAAABKI/zU94psBiGxA/s1600/150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdFAgtmCax4/UrxXnYsYUXI/AAAAAAAABKI/zU94psBiGxA/s640/150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So guys this is it. And by now you guys must have figured
that I love a lot of Ching’s products. I guess they should pay me for the free
publicity. <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-34312701069009259142013-06-23T23:21:00.000-07:002015-11-05T00:59:30.409-08:00THE TUDOR SERIES - THE CONSTANT PRINCESS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGAJ8pje_S0/UcfkyhrwKCI/AAAAAAAAA1c/0LueAlxaRXA/s1600/9780007190317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGAJ8pje_S0/UcfkyhrwKCI/AAAAAAAAA1c/0LueAlxaRXA/s640/9780007190317.jpg" width="420" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you are the kind of person who is fascinated by
Henry VIII’s six wives then Philippa Gregory’s books could make for an
interesting read. Although the books are not written in strict chronological
order or even like a series, the correct order to read them would be <i>The
Constant Princess </i>followed by <i>The Other Boleyn Girl</i>, <i>The Wise
Woman</i>, <i>The Boleyn Inheritance</i>, <i>The Queen's Fool</i>, <i>The
Virgin’s Lover</i>, and <i>The Other Queen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The first book in the series, The Constant Princess introduces one of
Gregory’s most unforgettable heroines - Katherine of Aragon. Known to history
as the Queen who was pushed off her throne by Anne Boleyn, here is a Katherine
the world has forgotten, the enchanting princess that all England loved. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The best part of the novel is easily the depiction of Katherine’s
childhood in Spain. Her early years were spent on the battlefield, as her
parents drove the Moors from Spain, and later in residence at the Alhambra.
Since her infancy Katherine was betrothed to Henry VIII’s older brother,
Arthur. When at 15 she makes the journey to England, she is shocked by the
comparative barbarity of the people (though she admits that the luxuries she’s
used to—indoor plumbing, hospitals, good food—were introduced by the very
people her parents have tried to exterminate). At first she dislikes Arthur, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“When I first saw him I thought he was as beautiful as
a knight from the romances, like a troubadour, like a poet. I thought I could
be like a lady in a tower and he could sing beneath my window and persuade me
to love him. But although he has the looks of a poet he doesn't have the wit. I
can never get more than two words out of him, and I begin to feel that I demean
myself in trying to please him.”
<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Katherine is infuriated by the ungraceful ways of Arthur, especially
when he boasts that he has been in Spain all night after spending the first
night together. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“In Spain," indeed! He would have got no closer
than the Indies if I had not showed him how to do it. Stupid puppy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gregory
masterfully captures the trials and tribulations of a new bride in a foreign
country, in the home of a rude and lecherous father in law and a weak husband. With
time however, Katherine’s passion turns their arranged marriage into a love
match. Soon the young couple is full of plans for a progressive England. Unfortunately,
even before they could celebrate their first anniversary, Arthur dies. On his
deathbed, Arthur forces a promise from Katherine - tell the world the marriage
was unconsummated, marry little brother Henry and carry on with Arthur’s
dreams. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
merciless English court and her ambitious parents, the crusading King and Queen
of Spain -- have to find a new role for the widow. Ultimately, it is Katherine
herself who takes control of her own life by telling the most audacious lie in
English history, leading her to the very pinnacle of power in England. This lie
becomes the turning point of the novel and eventually in the later novels the
reason of Katherine’s downfall. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In a cruel
twist of fate, while Katherine is eyeing Arthur’s brother, she catches the eye
of her father in law. At first the lecherous king makes a play for his
daughter-in-law, but Katherine holds out for ten-year-old Henry. After years of
living in poverty, she finally becomes Queen. Of course, our Catalina is not
destined for a happy ending, but the early years of her marriage to the devoted
Henry are joyous. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Constant Princess</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> is strongly informed by
historical events, but is more engaging and exciting than most historical
novels. At its heart, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Constant
Princess</span> wants to be a love story about the Spanish princess and her
first husband, and her efforts to keep a promise she makes to him. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWUF6x4x0L8/Ur28lxH7SxI/AAAAAAAABK8/-G-A1XADNHE/s1600/160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWUF6x4x0L8/Ur28lxH7SxI/AAAAAAAABK8/-G-A1XADNHE/s640/160.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gregory’s Katherine is a consummate actress, a head strong, role defying
woman who has the audacity to lead a king like Henry VII, her father in law to
boot. Ambition is the sole driving force of her life, for which she is ready to
marry even her father in law at one point of time. Yet she is an endearing
woman and beloved of the people whose constancy helps her endure betrayal,
poverty, and despair, until the inevitable moment when she steps into the role
she has prepared for all her life - Henry VIII's Queen, Regent, and commander
of the English army in their greatest victory against Scotland.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-5142920562070794082013-06-21T11:31:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:31:12.972-07:00Hello Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been an year and more. I don't know what I was doing all this while. </div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-23561759005748258362011-12-08T23:44:00.001-08:002011-12-08T23:45:06.840-08:00A letter to nobody<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Nobody,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mind is filled with so many questions that I thought I
better spit them out. You might not be able to come up with answers to them, or
maybe to some you could. In either case there is no harm in trying. So, here I begin…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do Delhi girls wear their dupattas like terrorists,
covering their head and face? Is it because they are trying to scare people off
or because they are trying to get mixed in the crowd like dust? Is it because
it lends them some invisible anonymity or because they don’t like how they
look?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is it that sex is associated with nights? Why only when
you spend the night out it also means you must have done that? Is it not possible
to make out during the day time? Then why is there such a big hullabaloo about
being out at night?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is it that people get shocked when a girl is out at
night? Why is it that the ‘night’ is owned by men? Why is it that good girls (I
find these words offensive, but I am making an exception right now) can’t walk
alone on the road at night? Why restrict our lives to the days and retire at
night?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do people keep pets? Why don’t they keep other people? Hungry
people, poor people, old people, orphans….there are so many breeds to choose
from.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is it that the very birds which we write poetry about
irritate us no end when they start living in our air conditioner? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why aren’t there windows anymore? I shall not even mention
the ventilators.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is full of sound and fury and has no meaning. Every one
has heard that. Then how come everyone is chasing something or other always? Well
this is not making sense anymore. I shall stop here and now. Thanks for
listening my dear Nobody. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-26961853231297724062011-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:002013-12-26T08:58:45.707-08:00Stories in 55 Words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">55 # 4</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">“Lovely my dear… pretty earrings” complimented someone. A smile touched Amina’s lips but didn’t reach her eyes. She ignored the guilty drone inside her head. All she wanted was to look beautiful. That day too she wanted the earrings. No reason, no excuse. She didn’t have the money to buy, so she just took it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">55 # 5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Today I retire. I have been drinking since morning. I am not unhappy. Good retirement benefits always help. They have found a successor for me. I am not unhappy. People don’t respect my job. But my father did it and my grandfather too. I am not unhappy. I will be hanging the last man today.</span></div>
</div>
D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8314660144950707121.post-89837083943575087272011-10-19T12:23:00.001-07:002011-10-19T12:36:00.168-07:00Stories in 55 Words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">55 # 3.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Isabel you cannot leave”
says Aaron weeping. “What will I do without you dear? It’s all because of the
work. When things are not under control I just lose my temper.” Isabel
remembers the numerous times he had got drunk and spoken like this. Yet like
every time she replies “I know… I know boss”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>D Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16384854574535782207noreply@blogger.com3