Boston... And when the sun shines....it brings all smiles!!

I simply love spring and summer in Boston. It is such a contrast after harsh winters... and you get to see/experience the change in all aspects...

1. Colors and Flowers. It is just so beautiful when you smell ( sans pollen) fresh flowers, and see all color blooms.

2. Tourists Inflow - Suddenly, too many people come to Boston. Tourists, families of students who are about to graduate, conferences, games... and a numerous list of reasons ....

3. Leisure Walks - as opposed to brisk walks when there are harsh winds and bone-chilling cold. And of course, runners too. 

4. Kids Playing Out and Adults Soaking in the Sun

And just too much of chatter, happiness, and cheer around!! 

Food Coma @ AZULIA, GRT Grand, Chennai

What do you do when you land in Chennai, and check-into a hotel - yeah, I know most will say relax -- but what I say is FOOOOOD. And seriously, it doesn't matter that I have, most of the times, have already had a snack and plane food. 

So, this time, while checking in when the person presented me with a 15% discount for Azulia, I was like – really, a Mediterranean restaurant in Chennai hotel – with a 15% discount – how inviting that could be?

So – I make a stop at Azulia – with an intention of having a sandwich and sleep. And I promise that was the intention, till I entered. Azulia has a very romantic setting with the escort dressed in a red fancy outfit.  She hands me what looks like a perfect Coffee Book table, and I was like – wow. 

So, I start flipping the book, and realize that it is “the Menu”. It was very intelligently laid out menu – with a number of dishes that can be overwhelming. However, each chapter is dedicated to a country in the Mediterranean region – briefly talking about the region, and then type of cuisine – and then the dishes. So – clearly, I was all settled in, and the sandwich thought was clearly out of the door.

I started with Patata Harra – Lebanese spiced potatoes. These were fried potatoes with herbs. It was definitely one of the bestest best fried potatoes with subtle flavors, very finely chopped and fried red peppers, nice herbs and spices – and a very crunchy taste.

They were something that one person could polish off in a few seconds. 

They asked me if I needed an Apron before I start eating - apparently a Mediterranean tradition, but the food was too inviting to ….

Then, to wash the herb taste, they serve basil sorbet --  very sweet for my taste, and strong – but OK. That was the only thing – by the way – that I did not polish off.

And now came the main course Pasta Verduras. I had requested a lot of vegetables with this Pasta, and I was pleasantly surprised that they did adhere to the request. Thought the Pasta did not look as good, but taste – that was definitely yawesome– and the best was hidden vegetables ;). The spices, the mix, Pasta – everything was nearly perfect.

  

Now – with my denims already bursting at seams, the head chef came and convinced me for a “light” desert – Fruit Romanoff – finely chopped fruits, in Grand Mariner, almond flakes and vanilla ice-cream. Now, that was something “to –die-for”. It was amazing, and one of the best that I had ever across the world.

All –in –all – it was a very fine restaurant, yummiest food, amazing, pleasant service, and super expensive food… but some place, where I can eat again, and again and again!! 

Flight Risk???

Came across this when I was in an animated discussion on Attrition - and reasons why people leave... appropriate!! Literally!!

Are we safe anywhere....

Devastation... that is the only thing that I can think of...i was in my Boston office... a couple of blocks away from the heinous incident site... it is terrible to see what the world has come to... a site of celebration, and ever buzzing heart of Boston is at a stand still...

Thoughts go out to the beautiful city and its even beautiful people... and prayers to victims and their families.

Hopefully, we will live to see a world of peace and harmony!!

Love Birds - Literally!!

All for love!! -- I had a wonderful experience of shooting these love birds one fine March morning at Qutub Minar. The post on the original Qutub Minar walk to follow soon.

Decaying Morals in Indian Society…Or Outdated Me!!

Today, I learned some shocking facts about one of my friends. And off-late, I have been having one too many conversations that lead to same thread -- 

• Is this the same society that we grow up in? 
• Do people have no values anymore? 
• Is this happening in real? 

I would not judge any of these people, because I don’t know what their situation is – but far too many instances make me perceive that values and morals are actually decaying.

I was told that Marriages are made in heaven – Really? – Is it still a sacred institution?

• It is surprising how many conversations happen around extra marital affairs. What is more shocking – the number of people I know who are having a little something outside of their marriage.
• This man – I happen to know… he lies about his marital status, has himself up on the dating site – have multiple relationships. Lies. Cheats. Has sex with his partners in his house, on the same bed that he shares with his wife. Lies that his dad is dead to gain some sympathies. Lies about life and death in general to forge relationships. And then, if he doesn’t get what he wants, he calls the other person as outdated and maniac.
• This women – apparently a philosopher keeps on writing about standards/ morals/ philosophical quotes. Always having issues with people. She is married with a cute daughter and an apparently loving husband. Guess What – she is having extra marital relations with two dudes. Really? How does she manage time? And how does this she deal with her hypocritical self? And how does her conscience allows her to sex-text her multiple boyfriends when she is sleeping with her husband?
• This dude cheats on her wife with her best friend. Gets super mad when finds out that wife is flirting with his friend. Divorces and marries another person. Still trying to maintain relationship with Ex’s friend. God… I went crazy listening to his story.
• This dude is having a relationship with his sister-in-law.. It runs in the family – literally!!
• And on and on and on….. gawd!!!
• A classic -- if you tell a person your observation, then you are sticky. Wonder what prompted a person to lie about a death in the family to get some extra marital sex? And the fact that he is sleeping with more than one person outside of wedlock - i am wondering what he told the other person. Who did he kill?

If a person develops something with one person outside his/her marriage – I can still not understand. With one to many – well, I must be a maniac. Extra marital relationships with multiple people – even my friends across the world will disdain … is this what has happened to India? Or did I have a very different, clean view of the world. What happened to fidelity? Sanctity of relationships? What is happening to emotion called Love? Or, are we so devoid of love that we go to any extent to satiate our primal needs?

There is nothing better than the truth… OK, what if you catch people compulsively lying all the time – and you don’t see a perceived benefit?

• She and I went to same college. We are old college friends. Really, you were in DU and she was in Agra. None of you pursued further education. You must be kidding me! Or, probably they have a college that runs across the two locations. Silly me!
• There was a death in the family – then how come you are on the Mobile store, buying your Note 2.
• I need money, because my husband has a slip disk, and is on bed rest. OK – I see your photographs next week when he is running on the beach. You forgot about the excuse you had to borrow money. Seriously!! Are you even aware how much can online presence reveal about you?

Treat all as equal… well… the society is thriving by suppressing the weaker

• Screaming/shouting at people who are below you – or working for you
• Charge more if there is an urgency – even in a matter of life and death
• If someone overtakes you on the road… oh well – the person must have committed a crime
• Ok.. will not even start talking about the women angle

Why do we always need to take an advantage of the situation? Why does it always have to be one up the other? Why, why and why so much of aggression?

Be a doctors because that is a noble profession –no. not happening.. not anymore!!

• Apathetic attitude
• Invent diseases to extract maximum out of patients – because they are at your mercy – literally
• Money, money, money – and misdiagnosis… and god save you if you have the insurance

And I better end my list here….

OK.. I think I should stop writing, or I will be a maniac. It could be also that I am being a cynic – but what I learned today has left me a little unsettled. I really pray that I don’t lose my humane side. I know if I confront anyone of the people, I would be called a looser. Seriously – I would rather be a looser than lose my humane self, or the values that I grew up with. 

And though I am tracing Dennis Brown, I do have to thank him/her for sending some shocking facts my way. 

Fake IDs and Account Hacking

It is funny how creative stalkers are. First Sarah White, then Dennis Brown, then the person who used my card for Matrix connection ... and now some person in London who likes my friends enough to log in as me --- wow... I must be popular/ infamous :-).

And seriously - you did have enough time to track what I was doing -- and telling me that you are watching out for me!!

But seriously, who so ever you, you all are, I do have to thank you for showing me some light or colors :-). Cheers!! 

Dubai Desert Safari – An Enchanting Evening

Desert Safari in Dubai definitely made it to my top 10 things to do in Dubai. It is a roller-coaster ride in the Arabian sands, which gives you an experience of culture and food as well. 

The Desert Safari includes:

• Pick and drop
• Dune bashing in 4WDs
• Camel riding
• Quad biking
• Cultural experience – henna painting, sheesha, belly dancing 
• Dinner and drinks – Soft drinks, tea and coffee are on the house. You can purchase alcohol. To eat are plenty of local food and kebabs - enough for both vegetarian and meat eaters’ palette.

Even though I experience motion sickness, I thoroughly enjoyed dune bashing – and skipped camel ride and quad biking. Yeah – had to trade off. 

The dune bashing led to an enchanting Bedouin camp. It almost looks like a storybook site. We had plenty opportunities for photo, and then the entertainment, and drinks and dinner started. There are side kiosks for souvenirs and henna. If you are interested, you can wear an abaya and get a photo shoot.

The cultural entertainment is also good – there is a male dancer whose skirts lit up with fluorescent lights and then of course – a mesmerizing belly dancer. The best part about the belly dancer was that she was thoroughly enjoying her dance.

My 2 cents - one of those things you have to try and it is fun if you have realistic expectations (I have camped in Wadi rum – but I didn’t compare).  I personally enjoyed it and think it's definitely worth the price I paid.

Some Tips –

• Take your pills if you feel car/motion sickness.
• You will surely be tossed and turned around – so, ensure you have eaten at least an before you sit in the car. Don’t drink too much water either on the way ( yeah – seriously!)
• Wear shoes with buckles, the ones that you can easily open to get the sand out.
• Use one of the deal sites to make your reservations. This will surely save you the money.
• Try not to sit in the back. It can get cramped.
• We took the evening tour. There are morning and overnight options available.

2013...

2013...

Fresh start .... fresh 365 days... and I am hoping they will be far better ... far better than 2012 :-).

Loved this message from one of my best friends..."wishing you a very happy, prosperous, fun-filled, less travel intensive, shopping-full, peaceful,and safe 2013 - with loads of love".

Thank you my dearest -- and I hope the same for you. I also hope that i am able to forgive more - and let go more often :-).

Cheers to fresh start and to new beginnings!!