My Shock!!

7 bomb blasts in Mumbai..and 2 of them right in Khar and SantaCruz!!! I am seriously shocked!!

I hope that there are not too many casualties!! and pray for the safety of all Mumbaikars!!
This is a sad day in our history and it is time we take proper action and not just moan over it and proclaim that it is a cowardly act of terrorism...it is time to DO SOMETHING!!

My Today and Tomorrow

Today is the day I landed in this tiny island state 6 years ago!! I have absolutely no idea how time has gone by...absolutely no idea what I have done in this time..absolutely no idea on what I am goin to do...
SO is it time to celebrate?? or is it time to brood over the past?? or is it time to conjure some master plan to leave this land and look into the future??
I HAVE NO IDEA!!!

Tomorrow is the day one of my close friends leaves us all to seek new adventures in a new land..I wish my friend all the success and all the luck!! I want to thank my friend for being there always..for accompanying me on long walks around NIE..for lovely 4 years in university and for being such a good friend..
I will really miss you!!

SO life goes on...and you never know what tomorrow has in store for you...so live every day to the fullest
(y the hell am i so senti today!!)

My journey continues to Ellesmera

After my first encounter with Eragon...I was so anxious to get hold of the second book in this amazing trilogy...

'Eldest' is just too good for words..the story just turns more and more interesting as u flip the pages..and it is certainly one of those books which you just cannot put down till you have finished the entire thing!!

Only problem now...I have to wait till 2007 for the last book in the series and the anxiety is just killing me!!

I always tend to day dream...(I think Pisceans r known for it)..and for the past few days since I finished this masterpiece..the only thing in my mind is how I wish I were an elf...(i thought about this after LOTR as well)...there is something just so noble about elves!!
I think each one of us loves to run away to some fantasy land..escape from reality..I think my fantasy land is certainly Alagaesia or even Middle Earth..

here's something for all of u to think about...where would you escape to? and what would u like to be?
ohh...reality sucks...

Why the silence?

It has happened again...once again I seem to have gone into my hibernation and not updated all u guys with my new thoughts and happenings...
well..some say silence is golden...but I think...silence is just a manifestation of my boredom..silence is just a side-product of my non-happening existence for the past few weeks...I need some medicine...i need a 'Josh' stab....and i think it is finally here!!!

so many things to do!! need to watch Xmen, Fanaa...drool over the wonderful gizmos at the PC show at suntec over the coming weekend!! I think a nice Macbook will certainly end all my misery :)

ahh..it feels so good to break the silence....

My journey with Eragon

Sorry for the lack of updates..but have been quite busy...not just with office work..but with time I spent in Alagaesia!!
Guys..do check out this amazing book by Christopher Paolini...'Eragon' is the first book in a three part series called the Inheritance Triology...

If you are a huge fan of Harry Potter..or if you arecrazy about the Lord of the Rings...u will surely love this!!! Some might find it a bit similar to LOTR..but it is surely a great read!! Dragons, Elves, Dwarfes, Men...its all there!
For some book reviews go here

Can't imagine the author was only 15 when he wrote this masterpiece...

PS: Thanks to Venkat for introducing me to this magical world of Alagaesia...

My Hongkong trip: Part 3

Day 2:
From the beginning…we knew that this day was goin to be really hectic..and so we needed all the energy we could muster…so a good breakfast was a must!!

Found this really amazing coffee shop next to our hotel and they had the most amazing French Toasts ever!! The secret ingredient..peanut butter between the two slices and lots of honey..
So off we were for another adventurous day…

Agenda:

1. Wong Tai Sin Temple: This is the Temple of Luck in the heart of Kowloon and has become a must-visit for everyone who comes to hongkong…it is ‘the’ place to get your fortune read and unravel the future…
Everyone who goes there is given a canister of bamboo stick which are numbered….so you close you eyes and shake-shake-shake till one falls down…so you take that one to the fortune teller who will then pick out a paper with the same number and answer 1 question for you…
and wat was my question…’how will be my career in the next 1 year’..turns out a picked a chit which told a story of a general who faced hardship for a long time..but in the end was very successful!!
So in simple words…I am going to suffer a lot and face a lot of obstacles but in the end will have rivers flowing with milk and honey….

Is today my lucky day?

2. Temple of 10,000 Buddhas: Next stop was this amazing temple..I had read about in my hongkong bible…we made our way to Sha Tin in the New Territories..and tried to find our way to the temple…I knew it was on a hill..with about 500 steps leading upto it…we found a temple-kind of place..and went all the way up…only to realize that we had landed at the wong place..it was actually a Memorial for the dear-departed..oops!!
So down we went and finally took the right steps to the temple…the walk up is really interesting with sculptures of monks all the way up…
The temple was so serene and peaceful..felt like out of this world!! The main temple is really amazing…inside the temple..all along the walls..are small effigies of more than 10,000 buddhas..really very unique!

Potrayal of Emotions

Buddhas lining the walls

3. Repulse Bay: After a late lunch..we went back to hongkong island..and took a bus from Central to Repulse Bay…this is on the south side of hongkong..and is really a contrast to the buzz in central…as it is made up of beautiful beaches..long promenades hugging the south china sea..and the wonderful mountains in the backdrop..oh I wish I had a house in one of the wonderful condos along the sea!!

The breath-taking Bay

4. Stanley Market: This is an open air market on the south side of hongkong…and you get all possible souveniors..and kinck knacks..we were a bit late and the place was closing already…but still managed to get some beautiful water colour paintings of hongkong

5. Wan Chai and Causeway: This is one of the most lively places ever!! The streets were packed..the shops were glittering with all gizmo lights…and the atmosphere was just so electric!! We also ran into a anti-WTO protest march…quite interesting…Had some nice pork dim sums for dinner..while my veggie friends stared at me..

Hustle-bustle in Wan Chai

Here comes the Tram!

6. Avenue of Stars: It was quite late by now..we took the MTR back to Tsim Sha Tsui to go back to hotel…but on the way went to this beautiful promenade facing the harbour with the tall buildings of Central in the backdrop…was a bit misty..but still enjoyed the spectacular views of Hongkong

My Hongkong trip: Part 2

Day 1:

Caught the early morning to HongKong .. JetStarAsia was really quite good.. as each hour went by.. my excitement was rising..and finally after 3 hours we landed at HongKong Airport..being a budget airline we acutally got down on the tarmac..and were greeted with a nice chil air..it was such a nice relief from sulty sgpore!!..the airport itself was just amazing..it is so huge..only downer...the immigration just took too long!!
Once we were in the Arrival Hall..we got our Octopus cards..very similar to Ez-link..but much better as it is used more extensively in all shops as well!! Got the free coach for our hotel transfer...and planned our agenda for the day...

Agenda:
1. Cover Central District: This is the heart of Hongkong with all the financial centres housed in majestic sky scrapers..in addition it is also a historic district..with all the old British administrative buildings with their magnificent facades..the whole area is really impressive!!

Legislative Assembly

Towering Bank of China

Walkways on upper level!!

The new and the old..what a contrast!!

2. After roaming around in Central..we had to book our ferry tickets for Macau..so did that..and then off we went to the famous Victoria Peak..we took the tram..and god it goes steep..nearly like a 40deg angle!! the view from top aws really breath-taking..on one side is the whole central area..with the bay in the background..while on the other side is the quiet south hongkong and the open south china sea...
and it was really freezing up there..but felt better once we got some hot coffee and donuts!! We stayed till dark..to catch the night view of hongkong..and this is one sight you cannot miss!!

Up and away!! in the tram...

Sunset over the South China sea

The VIEW!!!

3. It was alreay quite late by now..so we made our way to Lan Kwai Fong..this is the place to be in the night..it is packed with pubs..restaurants..people are literally just spilling out on the streets..having drinks..chatting..partying and living it up!!

Finally we took the ferry across the bay...back to Tsim Sha Tsui..to our hotel..to call it a night..

The day had been just awesome!!!

Day 2 coming soon....

My Hongkong trip: Part 1

Yup..it has already been 3 weeks since I got back from Hongkong and today I finally have the time to share my adventures with all of you...

Planning:
A lot of preparations went into this trip..I believe that when you are goin to a new place..it is always wise to research the place fully in advance so that u know exactly wat u have to do once u r there...plus as you read more...the more excited you get..and the more fun you have!!!

Got this wonderful book from Borders.."City Guide:Hongkong and Macau" and this was literally the bible for me..it is so good..really if u r planning a trip..do get this!!
The next thing was to find a good fare and a good hotel..and the winners were..for the flight:JetStar Asia and for the stay: Hotel Kimberely..right in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui..and the right agent for all this was "Holiday Bagus"

So after all the planning..I finally set out for hongkong with Aye Kay, NMK and another friend..Oh and what a trip it was!!!

Stay tuned for Day 1 of the trip....

My new Hobby

I am back from Hongkong..and the trip was just awesome..detailed account and pics will be posted soon...

but for the time being I have discovered a new hobby, all thanks to Orkut!!
wow...this is just an amazing thing...have spent hours looking up for old school friends...and was really glad to find them and chat with them after so many years...

I know there are many similar websites like batchmates, friendster...but this Orkut is too good..very simple to use..and I love the scrap-book concept..

Do try it out..if you need invites let me know..

so happy Orkuting and happy scrapping!!!

My spring break..yohooo!!

Yup it is spring again..time really flies..last year I celebrated spring in Austin..
and this year I shall celebrate in Hong Kong!!!

So I am off to Hong kong tomo for 5 fun-packed days..of roaming the great city...trying the exotic food...and obvioulsy gettin some good bargains..

Hong Kong here I come!!

How do I give up Chicken?

With the bird flu taking a grip over the world..I had resolved a few weeks ago not to lay hands on my primary means of sustainance in sgpore..my feathery friend..the chicken.
But in this country..where veg food = some leaves boiled in water..it has been really hard to get good veg food around (unless i go down to some indian rest.)

So was thinking today of what to do..to solve my predicament..
1. return to my so-called diet..which will just solve all problems
2. carry a thermometer to all places and check if the chicken is cooked above 70degC
3. substitute daily meal with mock chicken
4. and finally relish my favorite seafood...

I think #4 seems to be the most convineant thing to do...so ppl..remember if u r calling me for lunch/dinner..i wud love some prawn curry with some tandoori pomfret..and maybe chilly crabs...
thank thy lord for giving me this opportunity to express my love for seafood!!

My Disbelief

Wow!! I am really amazed by the amount of damage caused by a handful of Danish cartoons..I just cannot fathom the fact that these cartoons have now led to massive violence and tremendous economic damage!!

I have no problem in people believing in something or being a staunch follower of some faith...but what seems to have happened over the years..is that..this faith has got disillusioned...it has now become a weapon for violence!!

I agree that freedom of expression and free speech comes with a responsibility and I also agree that in this case the boundary for this has been overlooked....but even then...there is simply No excuse for what is happening all around us today...everyone has the right to protest and uphold their values but that doesnot mean that one turns to violence to do that..

I think it is high time people realise that it is because of such ridiculous behaviour and ignorant fatwas...that led the caricaturists to draw the cartoons in the first place!!
By protesting violently all they are doing is simply adding fuel to the fire...

So do protest and be commited to your faith but do it Peacefully...after all we have to share the same world for eternity...

Part II: My dream job

After my last post...I was thinking a lot on what my dream job wud be..I definitely know that I need a job which is very dynamic and not the same old 'staring at the computer for 8 hours' kind of job..
So here is my dream list

1. Work as an Anchor for Globe Trekker: I just love to travel and what better job than be a travel show host...I have spent hours tuned to Discovery travel and living watching this awesome series...It is definitely not like any other travel show..but has a lot of adventure and creativity involved in it...
I have always had a passion to explore and interact with different cultures...so this is right channel for it...

2. Architecture/Interior Design: With my whole family in this line..I have often been asked why didn't I go for it too..but back then..when I had to make a decision..I thought that I should be doing something new and different from everyone in the house!!
Anyways I have always had a strong inclination for this..lets just say it runs in my 'blood' and will definitely help me develop and nurtue my creative side...

3. Archeologist/Historian: with the amount of research I have done on Egyptian and Byzantine civilisation..I have developed a strong interest in this field..it is the excitement of uncovering ancient mysteries and coming up with theories which has truly captivated me...

4. Work in Disney: This has been my dream job since I was 5...always wanted to work in the animation studio...but after a horrible professor for Computer Graphics in NTU..lets just say my strong incline for this has sublimed...strange how things can change...but even then I wud still like the chance to work in the creative team with Disney...

so thats my list...put down on paper finally....
so what is the next step? what is the plan of action?? How do I try to make this a reality? is it even possible to do this now?
These are the questions to be answered!!!

Part I: My dream job

Everyday I get up at 6..push myself from the bed..and somehow manage to get ready..then it is off to the bus stop..take the 197..get off 4 stops later to change to bus 30 and then take a singapur darshan for about an hour..to finally reach near my office..and after another 10 min walk...i have finally made it to my desk!!
Then the day goes by...answering customer mails...doing some project work...drinking coffee a zillion times to keep myself wide awake...and then it is time for lunch...
Off to the same old food courts with office colleagues...thank god I like the food I get there...nave a decent lunch over some good conversation..and before you know it.. its time to get back to work...
The afternoons are the most dreadful..doing some work after a nice lunch is something I find the most difficult thing to do!! I stretch myself..gulp some more coffee...try to figure out the problem in the design...come up with some feasible solution..send again a bunch of emails...
and then finally...it is time to leave....

So finally 1 day of my work life is over and a zillion more to go!!!

Is this my dream job?

My X'mas Tree

Hi Guys

Sorry for the delay in putting up this pic...now isnt the tree just lovely!!

Enjoy!!

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!!!