Check out my Flickr album… January 22, 2007
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Hey Guys…
Click here to check out my Flickr Photo Album featuring the best snaps from my India trip. Enjoy!
Weekender Movies in Muscat January 22, 2007
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The long weekend was a blessing (Saturday was a holiday in Oman because of the advent of Muharram, the Islamic New Year). Finally cleaned up my home, two weeks after returning from India. Watched Tamil flick ‘Pokkiri’ at Star Cinema Ruwi for the third time. Vijay’s Pongal release ‘Pokkiri’ is a movie not to be missed, for the amazing screen presence of the ‘larger than life’ hero Vijay, who stars as a ruffian who is in fact an undercover cop. Songs are good to the ears. Directed and scripted by, surprise surprise, ace dancer Prabhu Deva, this flick promised to be a delight to Vijay fans who were let down by his last release ‘Aadhi’. Another one I went for was the rocking ‘Happy Feet’ at Ruwi Cinema. It is an amazing flick, never knew that every Penguin had a ‘heart song’ to woo a mate. Happy Feet is the story of Mumble ‘Happy Feet’, an Emperor Penguin in Antarctica who is probably the worst singer in the world – a deformity attributed to the fact that he was dropped as an egg by his father – but has a unique talent that eventually gets him thrown out of his community – his ability to tap dance. A dancing penguin is considered taboo – and Mumble has to leave his colony, when his tap-dancing is attributed to a fish shortage. Though it is an animated movie targeted at tiny tots, adults can surely watch ‘Happy Feet’ and appreciate it for its powerful message – that every one has a unique talent and one can always change the world by passionately pursuing that talent. A review on Wikipedia says that Happy Feet “astonishes,” it has brilliant choreography and orchestration, and is entertaining for younger viewers.
Also went for a supernatural mystery ‘The Illusionist’ at Ruwi Cinema again. Was so tired that actually dozed off in the deserted theatre. By using brilliant hues of browns and yellows, the movie sure did an amazing job of conveying how Vienna looked in the late 1800s. ‘Illusionist’ is simply the story of how Eisenheim, a famous illusionist uses an illusion to win his childhood love Sophie back from the clutches of Leopold, a ruthless crown prince. I’m now eagerly awaiting the release of Maniratnam’s ‘Guru’.
As a parting shot, here’s some trivia on Penguins…
– Not all penguins are found in the Antarctic. The Galapagos Penguin is found on the Galapagos Islands and has even been known to breed north of the Equator.
– Female Adelie penguins prostitute themselves as a means of collecting valuable stones that they use to help protect their nests.
– Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet in the air.
– When Penguin moms lose a chick, they sometimes attempt to steal another mother’s chick, usually unsuccessfully as other females in the vicinity assist the defending mother in keeping her chick.
– Penguins either waddle on their feet or slide on their bellies across the snow, a movement called “tobogganing”, which allows them to conserve energy and move relatively fast at the same time.
– The Linux mascot is a penguin named Tux. A penguin’s striking black and white plumage is often likened to a tuxedo suit and generates humorous remarks about the bird being “well dressed”.
Schmoozeby in India January 14, 2007
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in India, Indian Railways, Travel.add a comment
This is the story of my travels in India from December 2006 to January 2007.
16 destinations. 22 train journeys. Over 2000 snaps. And 8 movies. All in 30 days.
My blog covers most of my experiences, adventures and moments on the move. Understandably, I have left out quite a few adventures, especially the ones that can’t be shared on a public domain. Also, there are a lot of moments, which words or pictures failed to capture.
India is such an amazing country, and I don’t think one can ever be done seeing and experiencing ‘incredible India’. Last, but not the least, this blog is written from the perspective of a hardcore ‘rail-fan’ – so please bear with constant references to ‘the stunning Erode WDM2* at the helm of the 7229 Sabari Express effortlessly notched up the gradient….’ – just kidding!!!, I don’t think there is such a line anywhere in my memoirs. Rail-fanning offers a great avenue to explore large stretches of India, at less time, energy and money. You haven’t seen the world, if you haven’t seen India. I look forward to your comments, and queries, if any. Thank you for visiting my blog.
*WDM2 – One of India’s finest diesel locomotives (See the above snap). Often called the workhorse of Indian Railways. Has a power output of 2600HP and is designed for mixed traffic service, passenger or freight. Geared for a maximum speed of 120 Kmph.
Here are the links to my travelogue:
Thursday, 7 Dec 2006: Delhi beckons
Friday, 8 Dec 2006: Delhi Deewana
Saturday, 9 Dec 2006: Down in Delhi
Sunday, 10 Dec 2006: Adieu to Delhi
Monday, 11 Dec 2006: A ride on the Brahmaputra Mail
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2006: A date with the Gods in Varanasi
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2006: Crossing India’s heartland
Thursday, 14 Dec 2006: Mumbai madness, Konkan respite
Friday, 15 Dec 2006: An encounter with Bharathapuzha
Saturday, 16 Dec 2006: Rail-fanning in Cochin
Sunday, 17 Dec 2006: Killer Kovalam
Monday, 18 Dec 2006: Konkan, here I come!
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2006: Schmoozeby hits Goa!
Wednesday, 20 Dec 2006: The Miramar Magic
Thursday, 21 Dec 2006: Calangute comes calling…
Friday, 22 Dec 2006: Mangalore Siesta
Saturday, 23 Dec 2006: Wandering Ministrel in Mangalore
Sunday, 24 Dec 2006: Disaster at Pollachi!
Monday, 25 Dec 2006: Santa visits Kodaikanal
Tuesday, 26 Dec 2006: Adventure in the Kodai Forests
Wednesday, 27 Dec 2006: Taking a Break
Thursday – Saturday, 28 – 30 Dec 2006: The Cochin Sojourn & How to haggle in India
Sunday, 31 Dec 2006: The Ashtamudi Lake Cruise
Monday, 1 Jan 2007: Happy New Year!
Tuesday, 2 Jan 2007: Bits & Bytes from Bangalore
Wednesday, 3 Jan 2007: Blighted in Bangalore
Thursday, 4 Jan 2007: Toddy time at Thirumullavaram
Friday, 5 Jan 2007: Finding solitude at Paravur Lake
Saturday, 6 Jan 2007: Rail-fanning in Kollam, Kerala
Sunday, 7 Jan 2007: Back to Muscat
Friday, 8 Dec 2006: Delhi Deewana January 12, 2007
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Decided to explore New Delhi Railway Station which is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Was greeted by the glorious sight of a stunning Vatva WDM2 beast lugging the Ahmedabad Rajdhani which had earlier arrived on platform 1. Felt a tremendous adrenaline rush… later got to the International Tourist Bureau to pick up the INDRAIL pass. Was advised by the helpful officer that it’s always best to buy the pass, after pre-booking all journeys. Since my journey plans weren’t clear as of then, didn’t end up buying the pass.
Later went on a 1-day package tour of New Delhi that cost around 150 Rs. Clicked my first snap since my visit to India. Visited Red Fort, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Parliament House, Qutab Minar, Bahai Lotus Temple and Iskon Temple. The sights on the road were pretty interesting. Gave an impression of Delhi as a city with a lot of buzz, even thought it was quite unclean. Got back late in the evening. Felt ill the entire day, as I was coming down with a terrible cold and fever.
Apparently a cold wave was on in Delhi, with the mercury dipping down to 6.5 degree Celsius, the coldest day that season. I had gone to Delhi quite unprepared without appropriate winter wear for this chilly weather, and it was no surprise that I fell ill. Crashed into bed after hogging tabs.
And oh yes, let me describe my ‘Vicks trick’, that came in handy during my Delhi sojourn. I always kept dabbing Vicks ointment around my nostrils, during my bout with cold. Gradually I realised that it kept me immune from the stench in streets of Delhi, especially in Paharganj. The Vicks stayed with me, even after the cold went away. Thus, I basked in a blissful ‘vicks generated aura’ wherever I went.
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Thursday, 7 Dec 2006: Delhi beckons January 12, 2007
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Left Muscat for New Delhi on WY 845 at 3am. The flight departed an hour late due to some problems with loading baggage. Arrived New Delhi in the morning, 30 minutes after scheduled arrival, in near fog-like conditions. Completed immigration and waited in the arrival terminal for a friend who was to travel with me over the next few days. Once we met up, we got prepaid cell connections from the Airtel booth at the airport. Took a cab from the airport prepaid taxi counter, and finally discovered Smyle Inn – the budget hotel we stayed in at Chandiwalan, Main Bazaar Road, Paharganj next to New Delhi Railway Station.
The ride was bumpy, yet adventurous. Checked in, had difficulty catching up sleep, and spent the evening navigating the dingy, but hectic alleys of Paharganj.
Went exploring Connaught Circle later. Watched Casino Royale at the Rivoli. Really swanky theatre; was pretty amazed at the level of security! Ate from a Punjabi Dhaba, and went to sleep with MTV blaring in the background.
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Saturday, 9 Dec 2006: Down in Delhi January 12, 2007
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Missed the sightseeing trip to Agra to catch the Taj and Agra fort. Spent the better part of the day fighting a lonesome battle against cold and fever. Managed to venture out to the IGIA (Indira Gandhi International Airport) to speak to the Airtel guys regarding my prepaid connection which they hadn’t activated as of then. Took an auto rickshaw to the airport from New Delhi Railway Station, asked the driver to wait for me, while I promised to return within 5 minutes. Came back to discover that he left without taking his fare from me. Watched him scoot away with another passenger, as I yelled in my frail voice for him to come back. Felt quite amused! The Airtel connection kicked itself to life in the afternoon. And then broke into cold sweat when I discovered that my ATM card from India wasn’t working! Thanked God for my NBO Card, which I promptly used to take some cash. You bet they charged me crazy for that. 😦
Took a much anticipated joy ride on the Delhi Metro from one end to the other in the evening. Enjoyed it tremendously… hats off to Delhi for coming up with such a marvellous transit system. Hit Connaught Place in the evening, dined at Berco’s, a swanky Chinese restaurant. Nothing better than Tom Yum soup for a soul down with the flu!
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Sunday, 10 Dec 2006: Adieu to Delhi January 12, 2007
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Spent the better part of the day exploring Connaught Place. Was among the first customers at McDonalds in the morning. Three cheers to the veggie burger. Went to New Delhi Railway Station to get tickets for our journey to Varanasi the next day. Was told that all trains were running full and was asked to come back three hours before the departure of a particular super fast train we wanted to catch. Headed to Connaught Place which had become our regular jaunt by then. Ate at TGI’s late afternoon. I gulped down a Mojito, while my friend devoured pasta and beer. Took the metro to Chanakyapuri and then had a round in a cycle rickshaw. Came back to New Delhi Rly Station, braved the long queues, the unbearable heat and put on a brave front as we were told there were no tickets available in Sleeper or AC classes on our train. Was recommended to see if Delhi Station had tickets. Took the metro to Delhi, stood in the long queue only to be told there were no seats. Was finally approached by a tout, who got us tickets on the Brahmaputra Mail to Mughalsarai which is 16 odd kilometres from Varanasi. Bought them with some trepidation, as I was kinda worried if they were bogus. Also felt quite annoyed about this criminal practice where railway officials told passengers that there were no tickets, but sold them to touts. Headed back to New Delhi by metro rail, got our baggage and then headed back to Delhi Station in an autorickshaw. Saw numerous marriage processions on the road (baarat). Apparently it was the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar to get married. And then it rained! Ran into a quite swanky eatery at Delhi station, couldn’t help laughing out aloud hearing another of those funny radiomirchi ads. Tucked into a sombre plate of curd rice…
To view more snaps from New Delhi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘New Delhi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Monday, 11 Dec 2006: A ride on the Brahmaputra Mail January 12, 2007
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The 4056 New Delhi – Dibrugarh Town Brahmaputra Mail departed a little after 11.40pm. Settled into my berth for a rather uneventful journey. The 780km journey to Mughalsarai took over 15 hours. The train, which was hauled by a WAP5 – Vijay Utkarsh, halted at Aligarh, Tundla, Kanpur, Allahabad and Mirzapur. The highlight of the journey was idly crossing the spectacular Yamuna on a really long bridge. Got to Mughalsarai around 2pm, 3 hours after ETA. From the train, North India looked pretty green but quiet. Took a ride from Mughalsarai to Varanasi in a really strange vehicle called Vikram, which is a cross between a mini bus and an auto rickshaw. Held for dear life in the cramped and crammed vehicle which deposited us in front of Varanasi Railway Station. Went to the International Tourist Bureau to get train tickets for our next destination. Was advised by the very helpful officer at the counter not to get the IndRail pass, but to buy tickets for point to point travel, as I would be saving more money that way. We got two sleeper berths on the 2166 Varanasi – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Ratnagiri Superfast departing next evening. Had a walk around the railway station at Varanasi, was enamored by the monkeys goofing around the platforms. Met a rickshaw driver outside the station, struck a deal with him to explore Varanasi and Sarnath for a day in his auto and then get dropped at the station, all for 400 Rs. Checked into the Hotel Surya, loved it. Enjoyed the food in their restaurant, splurged on indigenous Sula white wine and hit bed. Pure bliss.
To view more snaps from Central India, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘Central India’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2006: A date with the Gods in Varanasi January 12, 2007
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Woke up early to begin our tour of Varanasi aka Banaras aka Kashi (which means luminous), the oldest continuously inhabited city on Earth, supposedly founded by the Hindu deity Shiva. Navigated the narrow and winding alleys to get to the Ghats. Jostled for space with the cows. The atmosphere was very relaxing, soothing, almost felt like being surrounded by the Gods. Went to the Ghats, rented a boat for 600 Rs for a ride on the holy Ganges along the ghats. The atmosphere was filled with the scent of holy fragrance, religious chants and a breezy wind. Went to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, was amazed by its gold covered roof. As I repeated the mantras told by the priests and made an offering, I felt like on top of the world.
The boat ride was interesting. Was regaled by tales of Varanasi and the Ghats by the boatman. There is a ghat in Varanasi called Narada Ghat, where only buffaloes bathe. It seems that any couple who bathes together in that Ghat will never know peace for the rest of their lives. Even watched a bloated dead body float by, a very scary feeling. A passing boatman commented – Sab ka gathi yahi hoga (this is the fate that awaits everyone). Loved the shudh hindi / Bhojpuri dialect of people in Varanasi. Ate breakfast from a Kerala restaurant in Varanasi which has been there for over 50 years!
Visited Banaras Hindu University, famous temples in Varanasi such as Durga and Birla Temples before setting out to Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon. Was awed by the Dhamek Stupa, a stunning monument paying tribute to Buddhism. Visited the Japanese temple and learnt how to say Budham Saranam Gachami… in Japanese! Fed carrots to the deer at Sarnath Deer Park. Did some rail-fanning in Varanasi Railway Station, even caught some junkies sniffing glue at the outskirts of the platforms. Didn’t hang around a lot… the guys were intimidating. Got back to the Hotel, indulged in a lavish traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage, felt like ready to take over the world. Got on the Ratnagiri Superfast at 8.45pm. Mumbai beckoned.
To view more snaps from Varanasi, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘Varanasi’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2006: Crossing India’s heartland January 12, 2007
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The 1482km ride on the Ratnagiri Superfast was interesting. Was quite hassled by a drunk co-passenger who was mad at me for exchanging my berth with a German traveller. He had asked me for the same berth, but I had absent-mindedly told him no. The German dude took out his guitar and strummed on as a crowd of curious onlookers gathered around him. Indulged in idle chit-chat with Rajneesh Kumar, a medical representative working in Allahabad, and the son of a railway guard. Found pleasure in swapping tales about raunchy SMS forwards. A new day began as the double WDM2 headed train ran from North India to Central and then Western India, as I soaked in the landscapes outside. I settled into John Grisham’s first work of non-fiction – An Innocent Man – didn’t enjoy it much. Bought a joke book from Itarsi. Laughed to myself frequently and had fellow passengers wondering what had gone wrong with me. Later, had fun explaining how flash-memory based mp3 players worked to a group of street urchins who had boarded the train in the evening. We stopped at Allahabad, Satna, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Nasik Road, Igatpuri and Kalyan before reaching Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) around 11pm, after a 26 hour journey. Caught an auto rickshaw from LTT, spent some time looking for rooms, apparently most hotels were full. Finally checked into Hotel Plaza at Sion, quite expensive for its modest amenities.
To view more snaps from Central India, click on http://new.photos.yahoo.com/schmoozeby/
Type ‘Central India’ in the ‘search tags’ field in the top right corner and click ‘Go’.
Arun Rajagopal 