Going nowhere…

Take that!

I was starting to get through the fact, to apply myself in travelling the different parts of galaxy each weekend – was kind of important. So today I steered myself right, so me went with me advice. I was in need of my shinning armour!

Bled to death

Took care of the buggers, insatiable morons!

Time for a quick checklist

  • Armour
  • Strength
  • Chariot

 

Hot wheels

Err..A real human ride, please.

Thank you

With half a seat to spare, I obliged its emperor with the most expensive gift.

The cool breeze was no longer to be felt as I precariously found myself in a maze.

I could feel the sweat on my brow, the urge to break free, the path that will lead me somewhere, I climbed  the tallest mountain!

Peak

This torrid journey had left me dry under the scorching sun, and how I wished for an oasis!

After the consumption of heavenly elixir like a valiant gladiator I marched onwards to meet my advisory.

Elixir

I overcome my first larger than life opponent.

(Gladiator OST)

As I made myself to believe  I’d seen it all – until champion of the Champions magically appeared –

I'm the goatie!

He now serves me as a slave, only to answer to his name DSC_0026.

Holy cow!! The gods  have witnessed my triumph.

How ya doin?

Bagging the glory me humbly disappeared amidst the masses.

Spectators

The countryside had left me bleeding for food.

I see to my amazement familiar sights witnessed in my adolescent years, a home away from home that haunts me in my memory. Singing the enchanted songs, a hex that drew me towards it.

Family-rity

While I cannot think of this as an espionage, but I must secure my cover – food they say is a way towards one’s heart, and I needed  a fast fix!

Dial 000 for home delivery

Having successfully completed my mission I needed to sleep away , damn I’d forgotten my rocket boots.

My mom is far, far away in another planet and they have seized my ship!

Hmm...

P.S. : Pictures courtesy Bangalore, Photographer – tangyorangesour.

CakeWalk…

What a gorgeous evening it was, wandering about the city streets of Bangalore, hopping into an auto and asking to be just driven. Destination unknown till the traffic plagued streets cured itself by easing its pain in the free flowing stretch bridging Indirangar. Calmness filled the air, the atmosphere was overwhelmed with passion. Distant laughter easily picked up by the eager ear, harmony had set in. It was different in some way because of the layers of life. With perception such as this, I find myself mentally and emotionally exhausted some days.

Within this peacefulness I discover a way to turn these complicated layers of mine into more palatable entertainment activity. I see layers of life lovingly sheltered in sweetness, topped with darkness, plated for one to dig deep to see the richness, to taste, to experience what lies beneath.

What was it about seeing beyond a first impression? Does presenting it from a gentle, inclusive pace makes it more than art? Is it a living process – a discovery of who one is and how we see, in any place, any context, at any time, and with anyone?  Questions melted away, aftertaste didn’t, perhaps some other time, some other place. It opened my chest as it opened my heart; mesmerized with its flavor, it did something unexpected. It took me as its hostage, a slave, compelling me to dig deep.

It had complex layers, a challenge to sort through but not impossible. Going through it helped me to transition to new occasions. The underlying force behind it was its owner’s creativity. It was just expressing itself, hiding its glory for the one who dares to seek.

CakeWalk

All eyes on me

It was a character, not a type and being different it was absolutely beautiful.

It’s that time of the year

Hey, you know right? Yep…so what plans? Plans you ask… hmm…still planning.

So? Its 5…yeah I know…my clock speaks the same.. and? What? You know where we are going?

I don’t know…what you mean don’t know? Pick a place? Hmm…

So how many people? Ha.. you’re joking right? Nopes…. I don’t know.. something around 40? Kidding me? I don’t even know those many people.. but wasn’t the count something like  that at the last bash? Hmm.. yeah but I’m not that approachable .. so, how many??

 

Let me get a quick head count….ah…I don’t know…maths was never one of my strengths! The only strength you have is your mouth..yeah right!

No …nooooo…not kidding at all! YOU WANT PROOF? Yeah sure as hell I do? Ok go and have a look at the mirror… hahaha.. very funny!!

 

7:30 fine? Yeah.. fine by all I guess…So we meet up at forum? Nooooooooooooooooooo…not again !

Nah..we will not being going to forum..but lets meet up there okish? Yippite-yep!

 

Dude.. yeah? Haha.. you gonna get your ass whopped, you know that, right? Tell me something new!

 

Ghib! – ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch! Man.. I wasn’t even ready!!! So?? So what I need to mentally prepare for it.. ohh.. you want time? Yeah.. I sure as hell do!!

 

Boss… please not here.. CCTV – so.. they will kick us out.. yes..finally saved by security!! Haha…

Like as life was ever kind to me …. Let’s move? ok….

Excuse me sir..yes? All are together? Yep.. so you got a floor empty? Yep .. cool..its our now.

Hey..where is it?? Ah..there it is!  Misers..where are the candles? Oopps.. forgot! What !! what!! What!!

No candles …grrr… wait up man..be right back!.. okie-dokie…

Please not those many candles..ewww…. popat!! Blow the flame out first.. ..told ya..motu after cake again!! Hehe…

 

Lalalalalal…….okk.. now shall we order? Nahh…ceremony..left…… nooooooooooooo…not my scalp..I mean my hair….

Yes please..may I have another of the dish..that they ordered :P

Wow..my gift a box of chocolates.. and a box full of papers!! Hmm… misers !

What is this re? You not ordering anything good.. ha..like I ever will if its veg ;)

So? Shall we head out.. no no..wait- wait; for what? You know the last installment.. arrgghh… no not again…

Barely alive, shall we now head out? Yeah lets better… else the mad black dog comes hunting again…phew! Talk about being saved by a dog!

Ok..here’s your gift…  wow.. a nice jacket!

C’mon try it on! ArrrrrrOOOOOOOOOOO.. see told ya.. fat ass can’t into that..hey who you calling fat? You! Blind people I’m naturally gifted with more space.

So..dude.. yeah..open that box of chocolates.. hmm..okk..

Hey..oye..noo..haha..damn it!! Give me just a piece atleast !!

Haha.. here you go b’day boy!

 

CityTraveler

Let’s face it, for most part; people take for granted everything their own city has to offer. Isn’t that the reason we all wish to “get away” and spend couple of weeks hidden away in the cold mountains to be awaken by the soft touch of the warm morning sun or to feel the cool breeze against the temple as we slowly walk on those sandy beaches. That’s fine I suppose, but usually, the experience is costly in terms of time and money and more often than not, is even stressful than just staying home. So I asked myself, “When was the last time I had a blast visiting a new city or town and didn’t spend a lot of money?” Probably not often, but it can be done with the greatest of ease. What I needed to do is go on a weekend vacation in my own city! The city of joy!

People usually go from work to home and back and they neglect the fact they live in a thriving metropolis that has an abundance of entertainment and attractions to offer. I know the density of people will overwhelm most  but I felt at ease.

All I needed is a plan, a weekend and the enthusiasm. The enthusiasm came in the form of friend who visited – I needed no more reason.

Howrah Bridge

Situated on the banks of Hoogly River Kolkata is one of those cities that still has the age old charm but still doesn’t want to grow into the future. It boasts of a graceful culture, rich history and versatile culture and is the cradle of the Indian Communist movements. But let’s not divert to politics which as a matter of fact is a favourite pastime for most Bengalis who rather spend their time discussing (read arguing) politics over a cup of tea and puffing away till the day dies out. Speaking of which ITC headquarters are here, have you seen the bottom of the cigarette case? You will know.

From people to places to history, this place is as old as it gets. We all know the Red Coats had practically invaded every piece of land they set their foot on and this city is no different. Kolkata’s long association with the British Raj has been highly rewarded in terms of marvelous Victorian style mansions. These proud testimonials of an elegant past have been conserved as national heritage cites. The Victoria Memorials, The

Victoria Memorial

Indian Museum, St Pauls Cathedral, National Library of India, Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Writers’ building, Shaheed Minar and Raj Bhavan; the city is bestowed with a plethora of spectacles. With the first of General Post Office (GPO) in the country is an immense structure – the mere size of it overwhelms me! The mere glance of the Kolkata railway station and the colossal Howrah Bridge is adequate to quench the thirsty traveler.

I took turns visiting the places via routes other than the usual. I saw a different part of the city, its people, the hopes, the demise, the corruption, the reluctance to develop as it still sits in the pre-Independence era.

Electric Tram

From vehicles to electric trams to the underground metro railway this city’s transport is still the best compared to the rest of the country. One can easily get lost in time. If a tram ride through boulevard, covered with colonial buildings delights you, if the blend of pastoral and offbeat thrills you, if you are fond of artistic performances, Kolkata would be a perfect location where you are sure to come across with the hodgepodge of above.

Inside a crowded metro railway

From hopping onto a tram to move across the old city to taking the metro to conveniently travel works up quite an appetite and this place is no alien to the culinary delicacies that awaits the hungry traveler. Renowned for its infamous sweet delicacies such as Rosogollas, Sandesh it’s a sweet tooth’s paradise.

Bengali Thali @Aheli

To add to it fishes are the main delicacies – from fresh sweet fish to the salty ones. One can easily grab a bite on the inexpensive food stalls/shops or make their way to restaurants that caters to the wealthy. From Flury’s all day breakfast to Aheli’s Bengali Thali to Amenia’s Biriyani to the road side chicken roll, the heavenly ice-creams of Kwality to Bhim Nag’s sandesh , you won’t go hungry.

Flurys Confectioneries

If you’re culturally inclined you can come across the Academy of Fine Arts – though personally I’m no artist I prefer to just watch from a distance. I like my space. Speaking of space brings me to the most exciting thing about this place its Maidan (ground) an immense piece of land that is open to all – you can go for an early morning jog to a evening stroll with the loved one’s, believe me when I say it spans a huge area and this place will wear you out.

Just another shop at a Mall

It in fact came as a breath of fresh air as I was getting tired of the pub/mall culture. Sometimes getting back to the roots help. I discovered some new roads, some specialties, came across very harsh people to equally warm one’s – just goes to show the vast demographic we live in. Quite fascinating to be honest with you, but the most peaceful thing is you can always come back home.

Only a small view of Maidan

The last weekend was  quite tiresome, I grew corns under my feet, my wallet no longer heavy, but you know what’s the best thing of the end of the day? Tomorrow it starts all over again….

Burning bright

“Hey you awake?”

“Yup, so what time are you gonna  reach….Hmm.. how about sometime around 6:30ish.. Ok cool..see ya then.”

“Hey you reached yet??  Nopes..waiting..ok..stay put..we are gonna pick  you up.. hmm..pretty darn cool if you ask me!”

“So, what about now? Err.. how about some early breakfast? Like? South-Indian re.. ok”

“Dude..just park it..no worries, its early morning…well if you insist.”

“Bhaiya, ek vada-idli, ek idli aur ek upma aur ha ek chai bhi.”

“Darn it man what are they waiting for – a chief guest  for inauguration or what!! — &!@#$ – about time..they opened – bhaiya, 1000 ka petrol dena”

“Haha..paisa nahi hain…no worries got some; lets head out before the traffic intensifies..”

“Abe..where’s the stereo – WHAT!!!”

“ Ohh…see -see there’s an ATM!! Yeah..chal nikal”

“Hey dude- look to your left, there’s ParleG’s factory—could you roll down the windows so I can smell it – pagal hain kya?? No ways man – A/C chal raha hain..hmm”

You know what’s more ironic is we are heading out to bask under sun.

“Usko puch..arre puch na.. –  yeah..take the left its right! ahem-ahem”

“So where do you wanna go, Sanman?” – No too early better head out to the beach..

“Hey you coming kya?? No you guys go ahead”

“I’m gonna go and sit under the shade – coming kya?”

“What time they gonna come out of the damn sea – look there they are—good.”

“So, shall we go to Sanman then??”

“Arre..lets have a few pomfrets @Mahesh Lunch home na..ok”

“Hey lets sit under the fan na?” – So the family man sitting suddenly voiced –there’s also a fan there- wonder what was his problem had we sat next to his table.

Yes sir, what would you like to have ?

“How about four plates of pomfrets – and a ‘soulcurry’ (konkan health drink)”

“Its piping hot..yeah I know that’s what makes it more tasty” — I devoured it as a feline. My peers as humans.

“Yummmy.”

Now we shall drink to it – gulp-gulp-gulp-gulp!

“Another naka! –arre bas bi karo – so how many tolls did we pay?- hmm..”

“Ok, so we are here..wait let me ask exactly where it is”

“Bhaiya – woh sanman hotel – machli wala kidhar hain?”

“Just go straight, it will be on the right after 4 mins – wait – I see you got a car – then it shall take less than 2 mins” – hmm..talk about observant people!

“Yes…finally!!”

“Suno bhaiya, 4 plates of pomfrets as starters”

By this time, our neighbouring tables have been  served numerous times with a different set of  customers.

“Anything else sir?”

“No just the bill.”

“Haha..we’ve outdone ourselves yet again.”

So what were we talking about?

RECAP: Last time, gang minus me with a fellow vegetarian (count as 5) managed to get a bill less than ours (read as 4 )

“Haha..look at his paunch – I tell you its gonna explode! – no wonder; the amount of food he just ate!”

“Ok, lets head out to the beach now…”

“Too hot re..no re..lets go back to Pune…dhyat..no lets go..ok baba.”

“Hey..what sight re..lets park here..no lets head out a bit more..”

Patience, I tell you…

“Magnificent…Awesome..magni-some.”

So we started walking under the blazing sun soaking in the tranquil environment. Till we reached the end of the shore..This till date has been the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been to.

We sat quietly witnessing one of the marvels of nature. Waves after waves crashing against the rocks. No respite from the burning sun, we simply sat there. Just sat there.

“Let’s head back…”

“Hey hey..lets play a bit with the sand..”

Sand sculptors, and enthusiast were my friends.

From making sun, to multi-tunnel to a fellow passionate photographer who attentively managed to click pictures of a living shell.

“Hmm..hungry kya?”

“Yeah…omelet ..hmm..pakode..lays..aur aur..hmmm..ok let it be just that .”

Indianized beaches help, I tell you!

The weather was cooling down a bit, but we needed to head back.

So I slept as the car found its way to the express-way and the day was no longer burning bright.

Put your mouth, where the money is!

Not that we needed any proof, but if ever did then let me introduce myself.  My name is all-you-can-eat-buffet-holic.

It’s sort of customary these days for west bound contemporaries to throw in a sea-off party. Well, not much of a bash just a laid-back visit to any eatery and the host voluntarily paying off the bill. Hallelujah!

Being an epicurean it was no surprise that I am of gargantuan proportion.  I can down enough food to justify the price tag. It’s not much of a surprise why my peeps are eager to treat me at an all-you-eat-buffet.  Ahem-ahem.

Today was no different. My heart was warming up as I reached the last hurdle. A wooden door stood in between me and my destiny. On the other side I knew true to my heart awaits my glory. Raging within me a hunger for success I marched like a valiant soldier towards the battlefield.

I knew I had to put my mouth where the money is and not wasting any further time I geared up for the ordeal, equipped with effective crockery I recalled the very sacred teachings of our clan which has struck fear in the hearts of buffet restaurateurs everywhere.  And I shall let you in on the secret.

Pre-Meal Planning

  • Starvation is bad. One classic buffet strategy is to skip breakfast/lunch so that you’re starving. If you try this method, you’ll usually find that your stomach can’t handle the shock of going from “help, need food” to “putting a lion to shame” just like that. Eat a normal breakfast and a light lunch earlier in the day and you’ll keep your metabolism in top form well into the night.
  • Clear the runway. Make sure you pay a nice long visit to the bathroom not long before your visit to the buffet. You’re going to need every last square inch of those intestines.
  • Dress for the occasion. Don’t even think of showing up to the buffet in pants that actually fit you. You want two sizes above normal at a minimum.
  • Ride like a king. Take a cab. You don’t want the thought of any physical activity creeping into your head during your meal-a-thon.
  • Be punctual. The food will be fresher if you show up ahead of the crowd. Fresher food is tastier, so you’ll enjoy eating it more.
  • Take your time. What, you had other plans for the evening? No way. Get there ahead of the crowd and plan to stay until closing. You’ll want to take a long break or two, so bring something to keep yourself occupied while your fork is empty.

Attack That Buffet!

  • Sit close, but not too close. If you can seat yourself, don’t pick a table too far from the action. Even a little bit of walking will contribute to your fatigue levels. At the same time, don’t sit two feet from the food stations because all those smells will hit you at once and wreak havoc on your olfaction.
  • First stop: meat. The chicken, lamb, ghost will likely be tucked away in the far corner from where you’re seated, but that should be your first target. Soups, salads, biriyanis and rice are simply road blocks intended to fill you up quickly and save the restaurant money. Don’t fall prey to their gimmick.
  • Your beverage of choice: Nothing. Drink as little as possible. You want as much of stomach space for food.
  • Second stop: meat. Seriously, load up on meat if you want your money’s worth. Fill that plate up!
  • Third stop: meat. Or maybe seafood.  Go for the costliest, prawns, shrimps, but try not to go for the cheap fillet ones. You want to utilize every bit of space left now.
  • Fourth stop: By this time, you surely have had your money worth. But try out the different dishes, what the heck try out the vegetables** too!
  • Take a break. Now you must take some much-needed rest. Laugh,share a joke. Talk on the phone. If no one calls, try calling your cellular operator and go for a mild stroll. Remember: Exercise kick starts your metabolism.  The only digestive aid you should use right now is time.
  • Fifth stop: victory! Desserts. When you have had enough of your money’s worth, its time to celebrate. Storm the desert section, treat yourself with some sweetness. Nothing is more sweet than the sweet taste of victory!

Remember with great power, comes great responsibility, do it justice.

Oh, one last tip: Buffet is bad for your health if you consider having  healthy dining experience.

Bon Appétit!!

**For vegetarians:  Better you visit your friendly grocery store and then plan out the attack. Or better, as my friend did, go commando on cottage cheese aka paneer.

Do drop in your strategies too.

A cocktail conference held @ Hard Rock Café

We are all sensible people, we have grown up to realize the fact that parties works great on weekends and if we get  wasted come Sunday we can use the lemon shots to our advantage.

But then again we are not ordinary. Are we fellas? We like to rock the week as it begins.  And what better place than Hard Rock Café (HRC)!

It will go down as the last party @ HRC for one of our comrade who sails the seven seas to the land of opportunity. The same old deal, fly away to live a life high on it scales. Good luck!

So we waited for other to join in, and we laughed, giggled, shared a joke at one’s expense and we proceeded.  And as you enter you notice a store selling branded merchandise.  But we didn’t spend time there; we wanted something to quench our thirst.

We went to the big Hall with a bar in the center and bar stool all round it. A stool a person we sat next to the bar admiring the liquor rack and not to mention the cashier – oooooohhhhoooo ,,, oooooo —  started the pulsating music. We ordered and as usual with some reluctance and finally giving in came the shots! – This time we stuck to a decent number …shhhh let’s just keep it a secret.

Look into the menu BUT please for crying out loud go only for the one’s its famous for and not indigenous menu. It was big, a big.. no huge plate.. with hmm..like hmm.. uff! I was too busy stuffing my big fat mouth than count the items.. maybe next time!

As it’s a rock foundation, we were treated to the best of music and a bit of ‘Coyote Ugly’ show – well sort of. Hmm..

You just got to go there.. you just got to!!!!!!

Ok! Calm down.. Take a deep breath.. Hu..HU..Hu….

Ahem-Ahem, so where was I? Ah! Our boys night out.. So we had our drinks, we talked all crap that makes no sense, we paid the bill and thanks dude!(not the one whose going, the other one) for the shots. – Happy B’day!

So what does one do after getting high? Eat, silly. No I’m not calling you silly.. I meant eat like a silly.

How about double chicken burgers with cheese, coke all round, chicken nuggets, fries. Did I miss something?? Hope not!

Fast food it sure way, in no time the table was wiped clean. Had it not been for the day after I think we would gone another mile.

But it was not the food nor drinks that brought us together, it was to simply tell each one of us.. as long we are here..in this city far away from home with people who call it their home, we feel great when we are together. And in time with the next tide, all of us will float away to the farthest of corners; we might never keep in touch. There’s one thing that will never change.

Good night.

Tequila Shotsssssss for the Soul


Yeah it all began last night, we people met up at a cool hangout place ‘Shisha’ @ ABC farms. I was a first timer there and though it was packed with people, it was relaxing and fun catching up with friends.

It had a nice old jazzy aura to it, cool music playing that reminded me of godfather (no people I haven’t had a shot yet!). I did manage to look around a bit, it had one of the logy structures, nice bar with the electric ray lamp, next to it was the hall of fame studded with famous artists of that genre(think so).

As we waited more people to join in, came our waiter with the menu card. As a social drinker I tend to think what kind of drink must I order for the night…but woohooo tonight I said what the heck… its party time.

Swiftly I ordered for a tequila shot…and little did I know what awaited me. And for starters we ordered a veg-platter(very nice). With a swift pinch of salt  and a tangy bite of lemon…I flipped the glass …nah.. it just felt like water… hehe…. or so to think…

Bring it on!!!!! Yeah so it began..shot after shot…. But needed something in the middle..so switched to two rum and three rum on the rocks..it felt so passive…now i know… once you tequila… you got nothing that stands in the way except the realization the next day when you have to dash for the next ATM outlet :D

Ah…the food was of little importance as for the first time I felt something out of my skin…yup..I got the first kick of my life…. But hell yeah… get more shots….

The set of staircase felt like a thousand metre mountain…hehe..and I realized seven is the lucky number for me :) Next time lets see if I can beat my best…lol..

Regarding what was served — my friends went for a hookah, well I dislike puffs.. I simply stayed to my part of the paradise…the food was decent but try out the lasagna, the tandoori wasn’t tender as I really like those kind of it and regarding the kebabs…hmm..nopes..

On my way back I was having trouble reading the number plate of the car in front of us.. haha… I had middle sight blindness..go figure..

And yeah..I also got to know more than one usage of the wash-basin :/

Ahhhh….such nice it felt to sleep on the floor…. REDUX!!!!

Dude, I don’t even know what it means…WooHOO!!

On a one-burner stove

I’m not the world’s best emotional man, but when it comes to my culinary skills I leave no stones unturned. Yes I exaggerated a tiny-winy bit as recently I’d taken on the role of being a cook.

If memory doesn’t fail me the last time I made contact with anything sharp like a common man’s blade of steel – a kitchen knife was ages ago. But I did, with a two way small knife with a peeler on the other side. Then came the part of purchasing a stove and as man always has been fascinated with fire, I was no different either.

The best part of cooking is not to cook at all, as profound as the adage – “with great power comes great responsibility”. In this case it’s shopping for spices, vegetables (fresh ones which is hard to get by in the intense summer of India), animal proteins, cooking oil (for health sake I prefer anything that has got to do with groundnut) etc.. So you see, if you think it’s quite simple to cook up a little treat – think again. And as I have no help I also end up cleaning after I’m done with it!

I’ve grown a much better insight of how food and the art of preparation is the simplest of ingredient to bring back the spice in our lives. From making simple changes in lifestyle I end up purchasing food which are more inclined to the betterment of health than taste – though at first it took time, so much time I’m writing this only being comfortable with the changes.

With the simplest of things – I congratulate myself on stirring up some really palatable dishes and my imaginative mind is free to wander to push it to the next level – it doesn’t necessarily means what I cook supposedly be served to others but yes I’m on a learning curve. But that doesn’t keeps me from sharing my new found passion with my friends. So even with a constraint on spices and other ingredients I invited over my fellow friends for a small dinner comprising of a single dish, which they seemed to like – thank you. Though I need to get reviews regarding my other speciality or so I would like to believe – Spinach Chicken Summer Stew – hehe.

At times, the best of dishes is simply making a Maggi which will always be my favourite snack. The point of it being – I’ve become more conscious regarding food. It also has helped me to bring down the monthly expenditure and sure does help in the present times.

Sometimes I do get bored of having to light it up and make myself a meal – but when I look at the bigger picture I wish to look not big in the picture. It’s not something I would automatically choose, but here it’s deeply pleasurable – “some things only taste right in context”.