My X'mas Punch

guys..here's the recipe for the x'mas punch...do try it..it is simply divine!!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups orange juice
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 (4 ounce) jar cherries, with juice
1 (750 milliliter) bottle light rum
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks
1 liter carbonated water(soda)
ice

Directions:
1. In a punch bowl, combine sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add cherries, light rum, orange slices, lemon slices, and pineapple chunks. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavours to blend.
2. Pour in carbonated water, and add ice just before serving.

Cheers!!

Why do I celebrate Christmas?

I was just telling my office colleague on how excited I was when I bought my xmas tree...
Colleague: so are you a christian?
Packan: No..
Colleague: so are you a catholic?
Packan: in my mind...(huh?? last time i checked the vatican church is one category of the entire christian faith) but neways i still replied: No
Colleague: then why did you get a tree??

This really got me thinking...do i need to declare to the whole world of belonging to a particular faith just so that I can celebrate X'mas....

I celebrate it because it makes my HAPPY..
I love putting up a tree and decorating it..i love getting gifts for all friends..i love singing xmas songs...i love the special x'mas drinks in starbucks...I love the Xmas log cakes(try the one from BakersIn)...I love special Xmas punches..i love the fact that everyone around seems to be in a good mood...I loved getting a gift under my pillow from santa when I was a kid (I still dont mind getting one)...

neways..do tell me why u like xmas??

Tis the season to be Jolly!!
Fa..la.la.la.la..la..lalala

Why do I have to work in December?

It is that time of the year again...the festive season has started and it is time to celebrate!!!

but work never seems to end...today is definitely one of those days..when you just don't feel like working...actually...now that I think about it..this whole month I have been complaining about going to work...

I seriously think that December should be declared a holiday...how can one put in their best at work when clearly the mood everywhere is to party and have fun!!! I wish someone at the ministy of labour will listen to me...after all don't they need a holiday too!!!

Wat do u think guys...should we all just run away..and truly Live It Up in this joyous month of December??

Do I have a red nose?

You Are Rudolph

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy. Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

My trip to the Tri-Wizard Tournament

The day finally dawned..and I got to watch the sneak preview for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire..this has always been my favourite book amongst all..and was certainly very anxious to see if the movie did justice to the book..and it did!!

guys..this is the best of all the 4 movies and is definitely THE movie of the year...the effects are just too good..especially the Hungarian Horntail..and the last task in the maze...ya stubborn HP fans will protest about some things being changed or omitted...but after all..I think it is too big a book to fit in 2.5 hours...and we must applaud the director for coming up with a clever screenplay...

Of the new characters...Rita Skeeter is just too good..madame Maxim with her french accent is also awesome!! and thumbs-up to Ralph Fiennes for playing a perfect Voldemort..

Shall write more on the movie later so that I dont spoil the fun for u all...

Go catch this flick today...you will just love it!!!

My Diwali

Spent this Diwali back home in Bombay after 5 years...and it was just awesome..although the spirit was dampened cause of the recent earthquake and Delhi blasts...the fireworks were still too good!!

Wishing you all a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year!!

Some snaps of fireworks illuminating the Bombay skyline:

My Spanish fiesta

Saturday night..its party time!!

Clarke quay is one of the most busy places over the weekend..packed with people from all over the world..and I was there too (along with Angelsera and few others)..celebrating a friend's b'day...
Went to this really exotic spanish place called 'Tapas Tree'...the ambience was just too good and the food was yummy and truly something unique..(try the paella and the potato dish..dont remember the name)
but best of all was the live spanish music..i just love the spanish rhythms..the tunes and the beats...and the band was just awesome..performing all famous numbers from lambada...just wish they had a dance floor as well :)

anyways..guys, do check out this place..enjoy the food..the atmosphere and the music!! Ole!!

The Spanish band

My first encounter with a Piano

I have always wanted to learn some musical instrument...and now with a steady job with currently a "normal" time schedule..i finally have the time to pursue this!!

so now I am taking piano classes..(why piano...well I have always thought that there is a certain grandeur and class in it..and after watching 'the pianist'[yaya..I know it is a horrific film but the piano piece in the end is just awesome]..I have become more inclined to learn to play the piano) and my first class was just last week..I was so excited about this...
The first class was obviously the basics..which might sound really dumb to many..but neverthless I enjoyed it thoroughly...learnt about the keys and reading the wierd shaped notes from the book...now have to practice also!!

Hopefully I will learn enough to play for all of you someday....not as a mozart la but as Packan...

I got Tagged

well..as usual life in singapore has become a bit of a drag...so something exciting finally now that I got tagged by Angelsera

so here goes...

7 things you plan to do before you die:
1. Go backpacking in Europe especially Italy for its culture, Austria for sound of music, Poland for the concentration camps and Germany for the history
2. Accompany Angelsera to Africa or Latin America for some social work
3. Learn to speak as many languages as possible: Japanese, German, Spanish and maybe Russian
4. Learn ice skating and skiing
5. Take a hot air balloon ride in New Zealand and visit Middle Earth
6. Switch careers maybe to interior design or work in Ikea to design new innovative products
7. Visit my five most fascination countries namely Egypt, Turkey, Afghanistan, Russia, Israel

looks like i want to travel the whole world...:)
I think i need to add one more...
8. Make a schedule/timelime/gnatt chart to do all the above...

7 things you can do:
1. Be always cheerful no matter what happens
2. Be always enthusiastic to go new places and do new things
3. Order too much food and then get help from friends to finish it
4. Become a control freak when it comes to mess in the house
5. Plan to go on diet and lose weight
6. Try drinks with embarrassing names in a bar
7. Think of ways to get sick leave in office

7 things you say most:
1. Aai ga deva!! (Something like Oh God in Marathi)
2. Behave yourself in society
3. Hellooooo..I just cleaned the hall
4. What plans for dinner..lets go out no
5. Put no… (Telling someone to change to a particular TV channel)
6. Ok la..me off to bed
7. Aai ga deva satyanarayana..kuthe re tu!! (Long form of no. 1)

7 things you can’t do:
1. Scold or shout at anyone
2. Forget close friends/relatives birthdays
3. Take up smoking
4. Get upset over petty issues
5. Not avoid making an initial judgment on anyone
6. Keep a secret
7. Be mean to anyone

7 things that attract you:

Don’t know la…too difficult to describe…

7 celebrity crushes:
1. Preity Zinta…obviously!!!
2. Courtney Cox (Monica from friends)
3. Steffi Graf..how can I forget her…
4. Dory from Finding Nemo…love her character
5. Kareena from Kareena Kareena on Zee TV
6. Cameron Diaz
7. The main lead actress from Tru Calling (don’t know her name)

7 people you want to Tag:
1. Lehmunade
2. Blurred Pixels
3. Snowbeak’s Muffler
4. Nimbupani
5. Sayesha
6. Dangerous Beginnings
7. Chewlin

My friend Tut

well..nothing exciting is currently happening in singapore..so I am gonna take u guys back to US and my trip..

on my way back to singapore, I took a break in san diego..and from there had gone to LA..to see the world famous Tutankhamen collection currently showing at the LACMA

I have always been fascinated by egyption civilisation...and this visit for me was like a trip to meccca...guys..i have absolutely no words to describe the exhibit..it is just too good..and a must-must see if you ever get a chance...it is permanently placed in the Cairo Museum..

The amount of detail in carving and intricate patterns on the gold sarcophagus and other items is just remarkable..this boy pharaoh lived around 1300 BC..and I simply couldnot imagine how people back then were so advanced and had such a good aesthetic sense...the artwork, the stone sculptures, also the old furniture is designed in such fine detail..it is just amazing!!

Anyways...I am just so glad I got this opportunity to see this collection belonging to the incredible Tut.

Tut as king of Lower and Upper Egypt
The famous Tut mask

My return to the La-land

ya la..i am back to singapore la...:)

it does feel good to be back..meeting all my friends and catching up with them...enjoying nice cheese-less food in the food courts...

but at the same time I now miss the quiet life in Austin..the amazing weather..the picturesque landscapes...and on top of all that..what I miss the most is my car!! back to my EZ-link and "Doors Closing...ta.ta.ta.ta.ta...."

My Adieu to Austin

Time really flies and it is already six months since I came to Austin. I really enjoyed these six months in the US..learning and working in the office..meeting new people and best of all travelling around and visiting new places.
well...at the same time, now, I am really looking forward to return to the Lion City..eager to look at my new house..meet all my friends..and maybe have some chilli carbs!!

Anyways, I shall always remember and cherish the time I spent in Austin.

My Mumbai

Sitting here in Austin..helpless...the only thing I can think of is of Mumbai..the city, the people, my friends and relatives and obviously the water!!

Luckily my parents are in Austin too..and were spared from the brunt of the rain gods..but like me..they too are worried on how things are going...

When i was in primary school..we had a downpour(somewhat similar to this) and getting home on that day had taken me 5 hours which normally takes 20 mins by rickshaw...but wat happened on tuesday..3ft of rain fall...is simply unimaginable!!!

I must say I am very proud of all Mumbaikars..who always stand togehter in times of need...have been reading so many stories and emails from friends on how they managed to reach home and how people helped them..hats off to all of them!!!

But I do hope that the BMC will learn from this incident and plan better storm water drainage system..after all a city which pays 40% of the country's tax revenues definitely requires more attenttion and better infrastrucute

I am truly proud to be a Mumbaikar

Our World, Our UN

As the debate for the expansion of the UN Security Councils gains momentum...let us hope that the G-4 resolution gets the required majority.

It is time for the UN to change..and it is time for India to play a bigger role in shaping the world!!

Here are some snaps I took when I visited the UN headquarters in New york..did you all know that when you enter the complex..you have officially left the US and standing in a land belonging to the 191 member nations...
The tour was quite interesting..got to see a live debate of the UNESCO..saw several gifts given by member nations to the UN..like an ivory sculpture from China..and replica of the Royal Barge from Thailand...
One of my tour members was from Taiwan..and she was certainly disappointed on the fact that Taiwan was been left out..

Anyways heres hoping to a stronger balanced UN!!

UN General Assembly
Security Council (time to order a bigger table)

My unforgettable moment at the MET

While I was in New York..I went down to the highly acclaimed MET..and it was a trip I shall never forget..
I had earlier got to see a Van Gogh at the Ghetty Museum..that trip, itself was so thrillin...but now in the MET in the Van Gogh gallery..surrounded by magnificent master pieces...I was left totally speechless and sooo excited..cant really put in words what I felt...

The force..the dynamic strokes and the use of thick colour...makes these paintings so mind blowing...truly amazing!!

Here are some of the paintings I got to see:
Cypresses
Vase with Irises
Self Potrait with Straw hat
Wheat Field with Cypresses

My stroll through Central Park

I would have never imagined a park to be the very heart and soul of a city...till I took a stroll through Central Park...it is so lively with people enjoying small picnics...grabbing a quick bite by the fountain...musicians playing enchanting tunes...artists painting beautiful landscapes...new yorkers bustling thru to reach their destinations and obvioulsy we, tourists admiring all this..

There are so many things to do in the park itself..visit the famous zoo (from Madagascar)..catch a street show by the fountain...take a boat ride in the lake...try the famous new-york hot dogs..and just enjoy the lush green nature all around...

I really enjoyed my walk in Central Park!!

Bethesda Fountain
Lake by the Park
Tree tops with Concrete jungle in the background
In the Park

My God..so much water!!

Hi guys

I am back from my trip..and it was fantastic!!
My first stop was Niagara Falls in Buffalo, New York...I have never seen anything like it ever...so much water and the force with which it falls..dont really know how to descibe it..it is simply unbelievable...
The Falls are divided into two part the American Falls and the Horse-shoe (Canadian) falls..both look spectacular especially from the Maid of the Mist which takes you right in front of the falls...and you can actually feel the might of the falls as your boat sways up and down...with all the mist coming down on you...
In the night the falls are also illuminated making them look heavenly...and to top it all..there were some awesome fireworks!!!

It certainly is one of nature's best treasures!!

My summer-break

well..4th July is almost here...and I am off to see the majestic Niagara Falls and the bustling bubblin New York city!! The fireworks in New York are supposed to be spectacular..will try to get some good snaps..

Adieu for now!

My first summer in Austin

Days are just goin by..and summer is in full swing here in Austin..it is just so relaxing to have a nice coolin swim in the pool..and as the mercury keeps rising the BBQs get goin..pool parties are happening...last night was woken up by people shouting and yelling..got up to see wat was hapenning and wat did i see..a pool party goin on at 2 in the night...Austinites sure do know how to have a good time!!

Anyways...enjoy ppl and have a wonderful summer...for ppl in sgpore have a wonderful year long summer :)

My New Hope

Wow..with all the excitement of Indian airlines making a mark at the Paris Air show and with IndiGO actually ordering 100 A320's when it has not even started services yet and Kingfisher getting 15 planes including the A380...all I could think of was..I hope flying to Bombay gets cheaper....
I know this looks quite difficult with the all the taxes and ever increasing fuel surcharge...but I shall remain optimistic that the competition itself will drive prices lower...

May the good times roll in!!


The Flying Giant

I like to Move it..move it!!

Loved this movie..even though the reviews are not the best...

and the best part was obviously the dance number..'I like to move it..i like to move it'...the story line was good too..and the pengiuns really added to the humour...
among the four I really liked Melman the Giraffe...he was so similar to Ross..and who could play it best but Ross himself...

Do catch this flick or I will let the Foosas loose on you :)


New Citizens of Magagascar

My happiest vacation

Let me start with my usual apology for not writing for some time now...but the work was getting to me..and after going home all I wanted to do..was RELAX...

As most of you know (from previous post)...I was in Orlando over the Memorial Day weekend...and it was definitely a fantastic..adrenalin-rushing..exciting trip!!

Funny thing I noticed here...how Americans have cut down on their public holidays by clubbing everything together...President's Day in Feb is supposed to be for Washington's birthday but now it is for all the Presidents...and Memorial day is for remembering all the wars US has poked its nose into...was thinking wat will happen if we do this India...there will be a XYZ Jayanthi for all the Jayanthi's possible..people will definitley go to battle over this..

Anyways moving to Orlando now...frankly 3 days are just not enough..when Disney itself has 4 theme parks and Universal has 2 plus there is Cape Carneval and Sea World..but made the most of my time in orlando and after the trip I concluded to wat many great people have said "Disney is indeed the happiest place on this Earth"...I was so excited to just be there..and meet all the Disney characters...
The place is so well-managed with thousands visiting everyday...the parades were fantastic..and so were the shows...liked the Beauty and the Beast show a lot...will try to upload videos some other day...the rides were quite good too..especially space Mountain and Tower of Terror...but for more exciting rides you should go to Universal: Islands of Adventure...

Guys, you should definitely visit this Dreamland atleast once...


Magic Kingdom

My chat in the plane

well..on my way to orlando last weekend..the guy sitting next to me had just come back from Iraq and was going home after a year...he is 21 now and joined the army when he was 18 and the reason he joined..to make money!! aparently you can make like US$ 50,000 in 6 months if you go for any assignment...(I wonder where all this money is coming from..oil from Iraq??) he was in afghanistan earlier and then in Iraq and now is going back to Afghanistan in october...

He was telling me about his experiences in Iraq..was saying that the people there are really rude...but who wouldn't be when you invade their country!!! children throw stones at them..and how do they reciprocate...by throwing small stones at them!!! This was really shocking...after all they are just children!! and what do they do in the night...while patrolling..shoot all the dogs which bark at them!!

But he finally admitted that they should have never gone there..

I must say this entire conversation with him was really interesting...and learnt about waht is really happening...I think it is high time the world realises their mistake and leaves the counrty and more importantly its people alone!!!

My first anniversary!!

Ya..time to celebrate...my blog turns a year old this month...

has seen many ups and downs..long gaps of silence but has still survived..so three cheers for Packan's Perspective!!! Hip Hip Hurray!!

Thanks for all your support, fellow blogmates..and i assure you a fun-filled year ahead!!

My trip back to the Old Town

While I was in San Diego..went down to Old Town...this place takes you back in time..to when San Diego was a part of Mexico..and is very much set like a village from an old western movie...

They have street bazaars, lots of mexican shops selling all possible things from tin work to salt water taffy..All the shops are adorned with birght colours and colourful ponchos and sombreros...really take you into the heart of Mexico...
Had lunch at the famous mexican restaurant 'Casa de Pico' in the Bazaar Del Mundo..and it turned out that it was the last day for the restaurant as they are moving to a new place..must say was very lucky to be there on time..the place was packed with locals as well as tourists..and some were actually emotional that the place was closing..

Really cherished the time I spent at Old Town...


Old Mexican Villa


Mexican Dance

My friends at Sea World

Last weekend made a trip down to San Diego...had a great time at Sea World...especially the dolphin and the Shamu show...it is really amazing how these animals are so well trained...would love to be an animal trainer someday...sounds like a really exciting job..

Fact: Did you know that all the killer whales in Sea World are named Shamu...this is done so that Shamu lives forever!!

Sat everywhere in the Soak Zone..this is the area where you get drenched during the show...was soaking wet at the end of the day..but felt really good in the hot San Diego sun...The sea lion show was damn good too..very funny...

Sea World is a must-see if you are making a trip down here!!!


Here's Shamu!!


Blushing Sea lion..

My walk in the park

This weekend I went to Zilker Park in Austin..this park is located right adjacent to downtown..and still while I was there..it felt as if I was miles away from the city in the middle of a forest..far from civilisation...
There are several nature trails you can go on in the park..took these snaps along the trail I went on..along the springs in the park...ran across many squirrels running from one tree to the other..quite interesting...


A walk along the trail


Springs along the trail

My journey through time

Many of you may not be aware but Texas is called 'The Lone Star State'..I think it is because the state flag has a single star on it...
Because of this..Texans are absolutley obsessed with stars...everywhere you go..every state building you see..every column..every wall...has a star on it!!! It is as if no other design pattern exists in the whole world and the Star is an omnipotent symbol!!

Moving on..I went to see the Bob Bullock State History Museum last weekend..it was definitly a unique experience!! The whole museum is dedicated to history, culture of Texas...right from the Spanish occupation till todate...
The museum has accounts of every small happening in Texas..things like when was barbed wire first used in Texas..and how it affected the people (wow..i have never really cared to think about barbed wire)..some things on the other hand were quite interesting like the setting up of NASA in Houston..

One thing I have noticed Americans are seriously proud of their heritage and their past..and the whole museum drills the sole message..."America: the land of dreams"...

I think there is a lot to learn from this..we don't really pay so much importance to our heritage..it is high time we do...


Texas State History Museum

I flew over the Llano Nest

Texas has always played host to a huge variety of birds migrating to the south for winter..now that spring is in full bloom..these wintering birds are also nesting here..and one of the main attractions is the American Bald Eagles...this is the national bird of America and also the one on the American Emblem...

Not far from Austin...in Llano, these magnificent birds are found in plenty..and the same birds return to their nests every winter to raise new eaglets..I went over to see these llano nests..and must say it was certainly a great experience...

Went to see this one nest..which strangely has 3 parents..one male while two female eagles...(Hmm..i leave this to your imagination..)..and now two eaglets have joined the family...The eaglets have just learned to fly and keep wandering around near the nest..while the parents still get food for them ranging from fish from the river and even turtles..have no idea how they manage to eat that!!
People here defintely take a lot of interest in observing and studyin these birds..the place was packed with people equipped with digital SLRs with huge telescopic lenses and some of them even had telescopes to observe them more clearly...

Enjoyed a lot..watching the eagles and their lifestyle and daily activities totally oblivious to so many people watching them!!

My Austin log: Part I

I thought of starting this section..so I can write kind of a journal about things happening here in Austin..

I finally got my social secuirty..and so could go for my written driving test..felt weird studying after so many days..you actually have to read a 90 page booklet..including things like effects of alcohol..offences like selling alcohol to minors...and how much time in jail will I have to spend for not paying a ticket and so on...
The test went quite well..it is an online test..and you need to get atleast 70% to clear..luckily got 90%!!

Being very close to mexico there is definitely a great mexican influence..mexican food is obviously a favourite for all...nothing like the food in TexMex..much more variety and more exotic..went to this lovely place called 'Hula Hut'..it is along lake austin..the ambience is just too good..reminded me a bit of boat quay...had amazing Shrimp Enchiladas there and my favourite Margarita!!

Latin dance is also very popular here..with many bars having live latin music..took this opportunity to put on my dancing shoes by learning salsa at the university of texas..they organise these informal classes which anyone can take up...it is defintely exciting and fun to learn salsa..basics are quite easy..also makes u feel really energetic and lively!!

As summer approaches..the day grows longer and with the day light saving kicking in from last week...the sunsets around 830..feels kind of funny...

well..thats all for now.
This is packan signing out for Part I of My Austin log.

My Fire Scare

On friday evening there was a huge thunderstorm in Austin..I was nicely relaxing at home when suddenly the fire alarm in the apartment complex goes off...It was the loudest thing I have ever heard..sure to make you deaf if you stay inside for more than 10mins..
I really didnt know what to do...I was running around in the house searching for a fire..luckily found none...then I saw that my neighbour was running down in the open...so I just locked my apt. and grabbed an umbrella and went out in the thunderstorm...there we were standing in the rain..gettin drenched..helpless and didnt know what to do...
one guy called '911' and the reply was 'please get back to us only if you see some fire or smoke'...wow...this was the limit..aren't these guys supposed to come to our rescue...

Standing in the rain I was reminded of 'Friends' and the episode where phoebe disconnects the fire alarm..i think it was titled "The one where they are up all night"

finally we got a maintenance guy who reset the shrieking alarm..apparently a lightning bolt had hit the copper conductors on the top of the building..which set off the alarm...

well this was definitely a unique experience...

My Real Encounter with Spring

It is here in Austin that I have finally experienced my first spring..it has always been just two seasons in singapore..hot and hotter!!

I can actually feel the gradual change in the weather from the cold glommy winter to bright sunshine and happiness...and the nature is certainly responding with full spirit to this change..everywhere the trees are adorned with new leaves and full with flowers...I clicked this snap right outside my office..very unique about this tree (don't know the name) that it has no leaves and only flowers and once the flowering stops will the new leaves emerge...

Must say.. I am truly in love with nature today!!


Purple Paradise

My Impatient Wait

So finally the harry potter covers are out and my excitement has crossed boiling point already!! the covers definitely look very good and mysterious..for detailed analysis of the covers refer to this site...
I wonder why the US and the UK covers are so different..in the UK one harry and dumbeldore look quite tense in the middle of a battle whereas in the US one they look deep in thoughts looking down into the Pensive...
also the adult UK cover shows a book titled 'Advaced Potions'..so looks like Harry is goin to be stuck with Snape much longer..

Anyways I just can't wait any longer for the book..the first thing I did after coming to Austin is to reserve a copy both at Borders and Barnes and Noble...actually i had reserved only with Borders but later found out that Barnes and Noble is gonna be open at midnight on 15th july so i can get the book then itself than on the next day...ya i know i am a freak!! but when it comes to harry potter who isn't!!


US Cover

My National Bird in Austin

nope..you are mistaken...I am not talking about Tandoori Chicken..but the actual national bird of India the beautiful peacock.

well..although being the national bird..I have actually never see them roam freely in gardens or meadows in my own country but always behind steel bars in zoos...however here in Austin these majestic birds seem to enjoy thier freedom and definitely make their presence felt!! found this peacock sitting idly outside an apartment balcony..was so surprised to see it just sitting idly..not scared of the evil humans..well probably because there is no peacock tandoori till today..I wonder if you can keep them as pets here...will be kind of cool..wat do u think?? will also get instant weather updates!!

Anyways..I sure do hope to get to see more of such exotic flora and fauna while I am here..


Majestic Peacock

My trip to the Capitol

Last weekend I went down to see the Texas State Capitol...it is very similar to the one in washington and a surprising fact is that it is actually bigger than the Capitol of the nation..it is the largest capitol in US..
It is an overwhelming structure and certainly gives you a taste of the enormity of the US government...


Texas State Capitol

My Texan Adventure

Ya I know that I have not been writing often..but finally now have a chance to let you know what is happening in my life...

As most of you would know..I started work with Emerson...was working for a while in the lion city but 2 weeks ago moved to heart of Texas..Austin. It is not too big a city (in American terms)..definitey larger than singapore!! yup and it is the capital of texas...

Must say it has been a great adventure so far...new city..new country..new people....

have got my apartment here..will be gettin my own car soon!! just getting settled in currently and planning a big list of 'to-do things' while i am here..also found out that they have sky diving and hot air balloon rides just an hours drive from here..yippy!!!

so for the next few months..this blog is goin to be more of a travelogue/photo blog...of my experiences in the land of dreams(apparently)

so stay tuned!!!

My Mup.sys problem

For the past few days I have been having problems with my computer...keeps restarting even in the safe mode!!!
Theproblem seems to be some file called 'Mup.sys' loaded during bootup..have tried all possible solutions and still havent got my comp working....must say it know..Win XP is pathetic!!!

It is at times like these that really feel like throwing my CPU: Conked Perfectly Useless device...from the window!!! Well if you guys know ne ideas lemme know...

Thinas already tried:
1. Removing all cards..and memory...
2. Disabling USB
3. Trying to disable mup
4. Kicking the bloody cpu
5. Praying to all the 33 crore gods...
6. Trying voodoo

HELP!!!

My trip down an Iris Field

I have always had an admiration for Van Gogh and his fabulous work...from his Self potraits to his Sunflower collection....
But I only realised the impact of his paintings when I saw his original 'Irises' at the Getty Centre in LA...the use of colour and the energetic strokes add such depth to the painting..it is as if you are actually in a field of irises....digital photos or prints simply donot do justice to his work...the layers of thick paint giving a 3D effect is just missing...
If you guys do get a chance to view any of his originals..please dont miss out on the opportunity!!


Irises

My Salute to Dan Brown

I must say this..I have never ever read anything earlier which had so much research put in it...especially a Fiction..
Dan Brown is definietly one of the greatest thinkers today...

'Angels and Demons' and 'DaVinci Code' definitely are masterpeices in their own repect..many people I met prefer Angels and Demons to DaVinci...I agree that the former is more thrilling ..more like a Bollywood movie...but I think DaVinci definetly has a greater impact..it deals with one of the most important aspects of history and one of the world's most enchanting mysteries: The Holy Grail.

I recently finished 'Deception Point'..a must read!!!..totally different theme..but a captivating adventure till the end..

Happy Reading!!!



The Last Supper

My New Beginning yet again!!

Yes after the long silence...I AM BACK!!
I know you all really missed me and I really missed all of you too..

So wat has happenend in the past few months of my silence..life in NTU is over..I must truly say that the past 4 years were the Days of my Life...
now I have started earing my own bread and butter..hmm.. doesnt sound too delicious does it...let me rephrase...so now i have started earning my own Butter Chicken and Paneer Kofta ( Much Better!!!)

I assure you all that I will keep updating regularly..
so stay tuned...
ciao