A Day in Milano, Italy - Caffe Macchiato, Tiramisu, Gelatos and Prada

April 2011

My love for Italy had started way before - but after my tryst with Italian food, deserts, gelatos, and coffee, it had only gone stronger. So, when I was in Brunnen, Switzerland, I decided to seize the opportunity, and hope over (ok - not literally hop over, but take a 3 hour train to Milano Centrale) to Milan for lunch.

The world goes to Milan for fashion, high-end brands, and The Last Supper, but my priorities were totally different. I wanted to get a feel of Italy ( didn’t have time for Rome, Venice, Naples or Florence), and eat  authentic gelatos and tiramisu. 


So, on an unusually nice and warm Spring Saturday, I got up at 5:00 AM and boarded the train to Milan. The train ride from Brunnen to Milan is an experience on its own – with a panoramic view of the Alps. And to top that, I was lucky to have a fellow Italian traveler. She was reading a book on India, and was totally fascinated with India and its culture. And here I was, making a trip to Milan – and totally fascinated with Italy. So, after three hours of talking about India and Italy, I landed at Milano Centrale. 


The station from the inside is like any other European train station – the only difference being that you need a Euro to use the washroom. But when you step out, and look at it – it is beautiful and intricate.

Piazza del Duomo

Out of the station, I took a cab to the Duomo Cathedral. On the way, the cab driver pointed the Pirelli towers – glass-bound skyscraper, and very beautiful. The towers clearly stood out – rather than blending in. When I reached the Duomo Cathedral, I was welcomed by a breath taking and a grand site - The Gorgeous, Gothic Cathedral. The exteriors of the cathedral were striking with numerous spires, and the interiors were massive. It is said that the interiors can hold over 40,000 people at a time. What I missed was going to the top. I only got to know later about the raving reviews of the view from the top afterwards.

 The other thing that was breath taking, literally were a million pigeons around Vittorio Emanuele II Statue. I was too scared to go near them, and click them. But what amazing was that people were actually paying good money to get clicked with them.

After spending an hour there, and clicking over a 100 pictures, I went to what is called as Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II.  The boutique shopping plaza, was lively. It had elegant dining and shopping places, and vibrant energy inside, and fake goods kiosks ( including GUCCI, Prada, Louis Vutton bags and sun glasses) outside. The two things very interesting were the fake and genuine shops together; and the glass ceilings and art in the plaza.

 This was “the place” for Tiramisu, Prosseco, Caffe Macchiato, and Brick Oven Pizza. In addition to food and shopping, there were  entertainers and a lane where you could eat the “to-die-for” GELATOS.

Next to the galleria was an Opera House; and a numerous options for city tours. Even though I just had a few hours to spare, I decided to take the hop-on and hop off tour. I am a big fan of these tours – they give you the feel of city and some nice nuggets of information. 
On line A, my next stop was Sforzesco Castello.

At the entrance of the castle is a beautiful fountain – a welcome break from the heat. And also a kiosk to buy drinks and some food – Tonic Water topping the list.  

The mighty red brick castle was built in Renaissance Milan – with Leonardo da Vinci designing the defenses, and Napoleon altering the design. In the modern era, the castle hosts a series of museums. The inner yard of the castle is beautiful to walk around, and click some pictures. And if you are alone, there are people who would offer to click your pictures for a Euro.

I hopped back on Line B – skipping the Last Supper because I did not have reservation in advance. ( Note to self – mark this for next time).  Soaking the city, and listening to the audio guide, I decided to make another stop. Now, being in the fashion capital, a girl’s gotta do what she gotta do – SHOP. So, I finally stopped at Buenos Aires. It is a shopping district, with numerous shops, and some of them are pretty affordable. After walking around, I bough a pair of  Prada sunglasses – literally Prada from Milano. J

Finally, I had another Caffe Macchiato, and took a cab back to Milano Centrale – having done what all I love to do – explore city, admire well dressed citizens, chat, eat good food, and shop J.  And I am thinking if I can holiday in Italy next summer!

Petrol Price Hike or Panic Attack?

May 23, 2012

Breaking news of the day – the petrol price are “atrociously” hiked by more than 11% - to Rs 75.70 per liter. For most people, this is quite steep. Today, this is the most talked about news – all people, social media, news channels – all communication channels are talking about it. Petrol pump ( gas station) owners are seeking protection, because they are fearing protests/mutiny. Opposition is riding high.  This is another down ward spiral for Congress; another upward for inflation – where is the world headed? Where is India headed?

After cribbing and sharing practically non-existent political opinion, I started driving back from work. Suddenly, as I approached the petrol pump, I see an extremely long, long queue of cars at the petrol pump. Since the price hike is effective midnight, all the commuters were trying to take advantage of every last drop that they can buy at the lower price. This is a standard phenomenon you notice whenever there is price hike for petrol. The amount that they are able to save is meager – in the larger scheme of things. And the stress that they get in exchange– long queue at the end of long work day – is probably not worth it. But, that’s my opinion. I don’t know what their situation is, and every penny counts. This will always be a mystery for me. But what I definitely know is:

• -  For today, the petrol pump owners will make excessive money
• -  There will be additional stress for all the people who are in the queues.
• -  The traffic will be at peak till midnight
• -  People will get their tanks full – rather than a regular Rs 1000 full
• -  There will be no reduction in petrol consumption. If at all, baseline of consumption is going to increase
• -   People are going to buy pricey cars with reduced mileage
• -   And most important, half of every liter will be still wasted in crazy traffic jams

Why does a price hike means a panic hike? Why does it mean that we add one more stress to complicate our life, rather than simplify it? In this era, petrol is basic necessity – in the same league as Air, Water, Food and Clothes. Then, why panic? Why not think of alternative solution – to commute, and to manage budget??

15,000 + Calories Weekend

Prologue- Friday – In the last couple of months I have put on more than x pounds. Now, I cannot fit decently into my business shirts; and these shirts were perfect in December. OK – time to get serious now – time to start going to the gym. I am so regular at paying my annual fees at the gym – now, is the time to start some serious workout.

Chapter 1 – Friday Night

Friday night, after dinner, I decide to go for a quick walk. It was hot, and there was some shimmering bluish light. I walk in the direction and saw this ice cream vendor parked right around the corner. Right then and there, I finished a whole  choco bar – in less than a minute probably. If someone noticed me then, they would have thought I was starving. But remember, it was a post-dinner walk. Thank god for these ice cream vendors – 6 of them within 10 minutes of walking distance. They are parked perfectly to lure all these people who come for after dinner walks. I am so glad that I don’t go for these post dinners walks often. Not only I don’t have the time and energy, but probably my subconscious mind already knows that I will eat ice creams.

So – I come back after my ice cream trip, and sleep. And that was the start of binging weekend. I don’t know if it was something to do with the ice cream, or the guilt of adding those additional pounds that I just couldn’t stop eating the whole weekend.

Chapter 2 – Social Saturday

The morning started with a Grande Latte, served right in my bed.

Then, I went to Medicity for some checkups for my mom. While I was waiting for her at the lounge, I remembered airport lounges. Suddenly, I was missing my crazy travel days. Now, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of airport – outside of the planes of course – YES – Coffee, and the sexy aroma of freshly brewed coffee. So, I had to do what I do best – either compulsive eating, or compulsive shopping. Now, there isn’t much to shop in a hospital – so, I look for coffee. And yes, there it was -  a Costa Coffee outlet. Was I lucky or what. There, I go and order a Grand Cappuccino and an Almond Cherry Muffin. Yes – it was some healthy breakfast time. Now, around noon, I was still waiting for the final tests, and I walked into the Costa Coffee again and ordered a coffee and a Veg Focaccia Sandwich. Yeah – who cares that I had to start my day with workout. There’s always a tomorrow.

Then, I had a late lunch date with a very dear friend. I had been wanting to meet her for the longest time, and meeting over food is always good. After all, you need to replenish/refuel your energy for all the chatting. So, shortly, I was at the Asian Bistro ( don’t remember the real name) at The Palms; ordering a Mint Lemonade and a light lunch of FRIED babycorn and mushrooms.

Went to pick up my sister – and again – as if I was starving, there were cups of Chai, with cookies, multi grain sandwich, poha and chila. And Watermelon. And Butter Milk.

And before I knew, it was dinner time – out with family at The Coriander Leaf for some great Pakistani and North India Cuisine with Ginger Ales and Red Wines and delicious Paans and Litchi Ice cream.

Time for bed time guilt – when you have eaten food that a normal person would eat in four days. And that happens daily with me.

Chapter 3 – Sloppy Sunday

Sunday started with a Latte again. All the food on Saturday was making me too full to go for a workout. So, I decide to postpone the whole thing. What’s the hurry, and let’s get real – I can’t loose all the extra pounds in a day.

Because I was feeling full, I make a mental note of eating healthy. So, I start with a healthy breakfast of watermelon. Then, there is some pooja at home, and everyone had to eat Halwa. Now, being a bit traditional, I had to eat. Eat a lot f it. 

And then there is lunch – full Indian lunch. The midday was full of guests and chai and snacks from Haldirams – and all the fried and sweet ones.

And it was complete dinner again - with ice-cream and fruits.

 If I was maintaining a food diary I would have clocked 15,000 and counting.

Epilogue

As I am writing this, I am eating a huge slice of pound cake. I have to start my workout… Well, there’s always tomorrow!!


Confession– this is not a paid writing. And none of the food vendors, restaurants, ice cream parlors or food items have paid me for mentioning them – no credits at all.

Crazy Traffic or Messy Attitude?

May 10, 2012

It was one of the rare evenings when I left work at so-called “peak-traffic” hour. OK – if we get real, there is no non-peak traffic hour now. The roads are always blocked, there is perpetual construction on my commute to work, and traffic is always bad – whenever you get on the road. The three miles stretch at times take as much as an hour. It would be faster if I stroll, but probably that would be simplest way to commit suicide. Anyways, today was one of the most stressful drives back home. And trust me, I am not exaggerating a bit.

So – this is what happened – I had about 40 minutes before I had to get on a call, and the weather was turning yellow. I thought why not get on the road, and go home. Right – not the smartest decision. But anyways, I started.

1. The narrow lane which can barely manage two cars driving together at a time, was chocked with something funny happening for the metro construction. And my fellow drivers, had no patience, and were probably imagining that they were in a car video game, and with the competitiveness and killer instincts, they wanted to reach their destination as fast as they could. So, there, they formed multiple lanes. Seriously, summers, and the Continuous Honking Syndrome that we all NCR drivers possess, why would you want  to drive brushing each other? And even before, do you think you would be able drive at all on what is left of the road?
2. There were tankers and tractors among the regular vehicles. Seriously, they must be thinking that they are riding a bike. Dude, with that kind of traffic jam, you don’t just change lanes for the fun of it. It blocks other traffic, and delays you further.
3. Now, dear sir, didn’t someone tell you that if you have to turn left, it might be ideal if you are in the left lane. In such a chaos, you will bang someone… and yes, there you did bang into that Xylo.
4. Wait – will you actually get out, and show the rage/power? Seriously – you blocked the other traffic, let people honk, and delayed us all for over 10 more minutes.
5. Now, madame, do you even have room to change lanes? And the purpose? Like what is it that you are trying to achieve. Oh silly me – must be wanting to satisfy your “james bond” wannabe.
6. Most people ( OK that includes me as well) were checking emails on their phones, texting, talking. We are so busy – what can we do. Probably the world will end if we focus just on the driving for the killer three miles.
7. Now – this dude and damsel ( Ford Fiesta, Red Color, UP #) were actually fooling around/messing around in the middle of traffic. Dude, I am honking – mess around all that you want, but don’t turn your steering. You almost banged into my car. Darn!
8. Now this guy, in white city, actually turned around, in the diversion on the wrong side, and sped. How I wish I could do that.
9. Finally, when we crawled, and reached another narrow multi lane, there were cars parked on the road(without drivers). They were occupying more than a lane. Really dude, you are the only one who pay taxes. Or wait, what am I thinking  - probably you own the road. I should be grateful that you left some place for people to drive.

I had read somewhere that driving is a reflection of attitudes prevailing in a society. Seriously, does that mean NCR is abundant with impatience, breaking rules, fighting , entitlement mindset? Only if we show patience, respect lanes, and believe that all of us share roads, wouldn’t driving be far better? Wouldn’t roads be less jammed? What if there was someone who needed to be rushed to the hospital, or some other emergency? Do we even wait and think what are we making of a society?

Workaholic or Call Addicted...

Today was one of those rare Mondays when some calls got cancelled, and after 7:30 PM, there was nothing at the top of my mind that needed urgent attention. I was trying to respond to a few emails, when someone at home requested me for something. I felt angry at being distracted, but responded to the request nevertheless. And then, I started feeling nervous, fidgety, and started thinking that something is a miss – and there it was- I was experiencing some kind of withdrawal symptoms. I closed my laptop for the first time on a work day, and started to think why am I so preoccupied with work always....

• -          I check my blackberry blink every 2-3 minutes
• -          I get excited about work
• -          I mostly always take work to bed, vacations, and read emails over the weekend ( off late though, I try and not respond to them)
• -          I have taken work calls during vacations
• -          I have started talking about work the most
• -          I think about work while driving, eating, sleeping, ....
• -          I work while driving (taking calls) and eating
• -          I read emails in the middle of night
• -          I have read and responded to emails while on a treadmill
• -          I have started to believe that it is OKAY to work long hours 

The only reason I thought of writing this now was because my BlackBerry services are not functional. And don’t get me wrong – I LOVE MY WORK.

Am I addicted, or simply feel compelled to work? Or have I naturally fallen prey to the culture that prizes work ethics, long work hours and achievements?

Pseudo Countryside of DLF Gurgaon

Something funky is going on with Indian summers these days. After an almost cool April, there have been a couple of May days with a slight nip in the air. Today morning was one of those days.

The sun was shining bright when I stepped out to pick up the newspaper. To my surprise, there was a light cool breeze. On an impulse, I decided to go for a stroll ( yeah – not a morning walk, but a stroll).  So, I stepped out, in my slippers with an idea of a quick stroll, and to get some fresh, cool air – and stepped into a journey of discovery. The moment I strolled to the right, I was greeted by a towering Gulmohar, and a not so tall Indian Laburnum. The trees were in full bloom, looking majestic, and beautiful, and festive. This made me think – really, I live here, and I did not notice this.

I noticed another strange thing – chirping birds. Sparrows, tiny blue sparrows, pigeons, two for joy ( yeah – I don’t know the name), and a few other with beaks who I recognize, but don’t know the names. Something overpowered me, and I started walking in the lanes of my so-called neighbor-hood. Besides the Gulmohar, and Laburnums, I noticed other not-so tall temple trees and queen flowers.

There was a pattern. Each of the lanes had these trees, and a few more. The Gulmohar and Indian Laburnum were in full bloom. Every street/lane looked like a tapestry of colors. Some of the flowers, bright red and yellow petals, had fallen on the ground. The roads were covered with them, and they looked like a brilliant carpet of bright yellow and red. Each lane looked very inviting, and story-book like. There weren’t many people outside – it was a Sunday morning after all. The cars were all parked, and a very few were out to walk their dogs besides the usual walkers ( for the lack of better word ;)). I kept walking, for almost an hour enjoying every bit – and feeling calm and grounded every minute.

And there I was, one hour later, returning home to start my day – nice and fresh!! And with a promise to myself, that I need to notice some more… 

Today, I discovered the pseudo –countryside of DLF Gurgaon – the real side is of course the concrete jungle.

Winter Wonderland – Switzerland

“When it snows, ain't it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.”


I love this Christmas carol –festivities and happiness all around, cheery lights, mulled wine, cinnamon toasts, coffee, gingerbread cookies, sexy jackets, cashmere, scarves, boots, and layers of clothing.

It also reminds me of beautiful pristine snow, bone chilling winds, and thin layer of ice in my hair, teeth, and tongue. 

November -December 2010  – I happened to be in yet another winter wonderland – Switzerland. It is a wonderland all seasons, but in winters, it has a magical charm – snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, people singing carols, and Christmas bazaars with small kiosks of mulled wines, and potato and cheese. It has all what it takes to transpose you into one of those fairy tales that you grow up reading.

Bahnhofstrasse

Famous for Swiss Banks, and all the luxury international brands really turn into gold when Christmas lights go up/down. I was lucky to go there, right at the crack of dusk, when they turned on the festive lights. And the moment I looked up, it felt fresh snow-flakes on my face. I have never been to heaven – but it was sure a heavenly experience ;). 

After walking the night through picturesque Zurich,  I went to Christmas Bazaar the next afternoon. Amongst many attractions, I noticed that a huge  tree was set up. 

I could never guess that there were small benches hidden in each layer of tree ( yeah – not the best description). Then, suddenly,  all these carol singers appeared. They almost looked like real-life lights on the tree. 

Next to whole set up were small kiosks with all the Christmas goodies, mulled wine, traditional swiss food, friendly people, and cheer and laughter around. The evening ended with an awesome, happy parade

Jungfraujoch 

One of the other many things that I did was Jungfraujoch and Interlaken – It was the last tour of the season to Jungfraujoch ( Top of Europe). I am sure though, every year, it might be a great idea to go there in November-December – in 2010, it was almost insane. However, taking the faith of leap, and my mind off work for the weekend, I decided to take the group tour.

I could barely see Sphinx and Glaciers because it was snowing and crazy, and it seemed like a white oblivion, I ran out of Oxygen – but walking and slipping through Ice museum was an experience on its own. 

Like they say, enjoy the journey. The cog-wheel ride, frozen crystal lakes, and the guide explaining everything was worth the day. And this is my definite “to-do” again if I happen to go there again in Spring/Summer.

Most people ( non-skiiers) go to Switzerland in Spring and Summer – I would say don’t miss winters in Switzerland ;).

Circular Conversations - Aha or Aaargh???

A – It frustrates me when you don’t respond. It freaks me out!!

B – You only complain. You don’t care if the person is dead or alive!!!

A – Well I do care, and that’s why it freaks me out….

B – You freak out for no reason. It is just too irritating….

Really – are you trying to listen, or emotionally abuse, or you just simply don’t get it!!!

Relationships Ahoy!

“ Relations are like stapler pins - easy to attach, but very hard to detach... and even if the pin is removed, it always leaves its mark.”

Before this week, I had read many similes for relationships – some profound, some funny, and some simply interesting. But somehow, this one did leave a mark – and it did make me smile.

I guess just the word relationship, in itself is complex. It involves expectations, emotions, and this inane desire of being liked/accepted. And what adds to the complexity is that what we want to like and accept what we “want”. And if that’s not enough, we “want” to be liked and accepted what we project – and that is not necessarily what it is. Top it with stress, lack of time, absence of open communication, “i-me-myself”, my desires, my goals, yada, yada, yada – and the reality that familiarity exposes.

That’s when familiarity starts breeding contempt, and gives birth to power games, strategies, and unpleasantness. If one person tries to be honest, and talk – the other one is hurt, disappointed, and there is this never ending downward spiral.

What is more desirable – staying attached, or detaching, and living with the mark. Or just to be honest, and realistic when you attach yourself?