tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40306762520585795622024-02-21T22:57:47.239+05:30Perky HoursJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-61085715169602318202017-09-05T11:19:00.001+05:302017-09-05T11:19:33.031+05:30Planning your Europe Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our Europe trip was really decided during a random phone call one evening, last year. And it took us almost 6 months to make that random decision, an actual reality. Well once you have decided you want to go and you have the decent funds for it, what you really need is some amount of decent planning and a good amount of enthusiasm to travel. </div>
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We went on a trip for 21 days, 6 countries and on a budget of 1,80,000 with an additional 20K personal shopping, per person. Here are some tips on how you can also plan this trip at this budget. </div>
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<b>Selecting what countries you want to travel:</b></div>
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This is important before booking the flights tickets, so that you can plan your port of entry and exit accordingly, mix and match the destinations to get the cheapest fare while entering and exiting Europe. Also, chalk your internal travels such that, you spend the least amount of time travelling between the countries. We choose, Paris as our port of entry, traveled to Brussels, Belgium (because that's north of France), onwards to Amsterdam(Netherlands), to Blackforest (Germany), to Munich( Germany), to Prague(Czech Republic) and finally Budapest(Hungary). We flew out from Budapest. Try to go in one direction, i.e. West to East, or North to South and so on, so that at no point you are retracing your steps back to go to a different destination.</div>
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Website/App we used: </div>
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Lonely Planet : Well this has quite the cliched photos and destinations, but you get a fair idea of what places you want to visit.</div>
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Trip Advisor : This is like the <i>baap </i>of travel websites. It has awesome reviews on anything and everything that place has to offer.</div>
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Tripto : Thanks to a dear friend Pooja, who told me about this App. It has accounts of people who have been to all these places and amazing amazing tips. Download it and you wont regret it.</div>
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<b>Selecting the date:</b><div>
The next thing we decided is on the dates. The ideal time to go to Europe is between Apr - Sep. Initially we wanted to travel in May 2017, which then moved to Jun 2017 and finally we decided on a date in Jul 2017. The only reason we moved it is because we were too busy with our work to dedicate proper time for planning this trip. And if you have going that far, the better you plan, the better you save and the more you have fun!</div>
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Travel on a weekday and you will be saving money</div>
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We traveled on a Wednesday and our return flights were also on a Tuesday. Don't book return flights from the same destination. Like in our case, the return flights from Mumbai to Paris and back were cheaper, but because as mentioned above, you don't want to retrace your steps back to the same place( If you do that, you would be spending money in Euros and not to mention time, to travel back to Paris from Budapest. Instead pay some more in INR and take the flight back from Budapest). We paid 20K for Mumbai to Paris and 26k for Budapest to Mumbai per person in INR.</div>
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<u>What we didn't do, but are highly going to recommend -></u> Try and avoid travelling between Jun - Aug. Agreed the days are the longest and you get more time to explore during the day, but almost everything would be swarming with people and the sun is really really harsh in these places. Would suggest to travel in May or Sep. Cheaper air fare, hostel prices and lesser people!</div>
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Website / App we used: Makemytrip</div>
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<b>Decide on what you really want to see:</b></div>
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Europe has something for everyone, so try to go with people who have similar interests :-) , else you may end up seeing a lot of things which you really are not interested in. Like in our case, both Priya and I wanted to steer clear of museums. We visited the Louver, but from outside. Agreed we went all the way to Paris and didn't see Mona Lisa(shocker :-|), but for all we know, you can really just catch a glimpse of her from far, and we have like zero clue about whats happening with all the other paintings in there. Yup, you do get the audio guide, but it will cost you more. We instead, spent some time with the Pyramids outside. But, we did stand in the line for 2 hours and spent 25 euros per person to go right up the Eiffel Tower, because we didn't want to miss this view for anything and we didn't regret it. So, this is really a personal preference. </div>
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We almost had an hour by hour itinerary on what we wanted to see in each city, each day. We split the cities among-st ourselves and then sent it for reviews early on. Like for instance, Priya religiously followed Fox traveler before we were to go and I remember she clearly told me to change the restaurants where we were going to eat and the gelatos which we were going to try (yup, we had researched that as well!, because local food is also a part of the travel), based of some of the shows she watched on TV and those were some amazing places where we ate.</div>
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One more instance would be -> We also wanted to visit DisneyLand in Paris. And instead of booking the tickets at the park, we booked them in advance and got a discount of total 4k INR on two tickets.</div>
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Another instance would be researching the different travel cards each city has to offer, and where you can buy them. For instance, we bought a Paris travel card for 4 days at a cost of 22 euros per person, which gave us free access to the trains, trams and buses in four zones of Paris (yes this covered Disney land as well). Travelling by uber /taxi is a big no and no for a budget trip and really you can't compare the hustle bustle with the local commuters against a boring lonely taxi ride!</div>
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Website / App we used: </div>
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Apart from Lonely Planet, trip advisor and Tripto, we also used Wiki travel, local blogs(just type backpacking Europe and you have tons of stuff to read) and of course Fox traveler channel.</div>
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<b>You HAVE to ditch the hotels:</b></div>
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Trust us when we say this. Staying in an airbnb acco with your host who is a local or in a hostel room with 4 other people from different nationalities, comes no where close to a lonely hotel room. Want one more advantage, COSTS way way less! We budgeted for 2K INR per person per day, and we ensured we didn't cross this.</div>
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<u>Go for Airbnbs and Hostels such as -> </u> </div>
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Airbnbs which offer free laundry service. You end up carrying less clothes and you have clean cloths for free :-)</div>
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Airbnbs which have an open kitchen. Why? You can cook your own breakfast and probably lunch </div>
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and save on money. But Do have one meal outside, because as we said before local food!!!</div>
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Mix and match between airbnbs and hostels. We did this, but we stayed in airbnb for the first half of our stay and the remaining part were hostels. Airbnbs give you more privacy, which we craved for, near the end. </div>
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Hostels which offer free breakfast or atleast an open kitchen, again to save costs. Except Munich, all our hostels had free breakfast/open kitchen. </div>
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Hostels which offer free late checkin. We ended up paying 5 euros for a late checkin and we were not too happy about that!</div>
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And most importantly, check the location as well (apart from the reviews) of your airbnb and hostel. You don't want to be spending time and money in reaching your acco daily. Try and choose a place which is near to the city centre. Its safer as well for women travelers.</div>
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<b>Pack Less and Ditch the backpack</b></div>
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Carrying our stupid big bag-pack and our another stupid small sack between the countries was like our lowest point on the trip. Instead do what all the Chinese people did (well they were so many Chinese around us at almost all destinations, that at one point we really wondered if there any of them left back in China! Man these guys travel and how), travel with one big suitcase and a tiny little purse. Almost all of Europe have escalators if you worried about the stairs. Please do this and you will thank us later.</div>
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You really need to pack smart and use the laundry services in all places effectively. Take an account of what kind of weather you will be encountering in all the places you are traveling to and pack accordingly. Quick tip would be (this is of course for the females :-) carry lots of scarves, skirts, and one good shawl,2 very good pair of walking shoes, and not more than 2 pants. Instead please laundry them. For tops and t Shirts-> well that;s really as per your facebook/insta needs :-P </div>
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Well, I am really going to wrap this one up now, to avoid more frying of my brains(whatever is left of them) now. If I forget something, I will either edit this post, or add it to the following country wise posts. Next up, how to apply for a Schegen Visa!</div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-18480106615940715422012-07-01T11:46:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:25:38.076+05:30The yearn for Serenity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bon voyage</td></tr>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />Stretching my arms, I ache to fly the inexhaustible azure above</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>To break free of the shackles constructed of guilt and remorse.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Glide across an expanse of greens, and the barriers called mountains.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>To Breathe an air not contaminated with emotions of love or antipathy.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Shy the birds while they acquaint and make a </span><span style="background-color: white;">tête-à-tête</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">To not fall in the allure of this new shackle called companionship.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Surge past the eagles and zoom across to that desolate new pinnacle</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">To smile gratifyingly, and the embrace the serenity finally!</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-36013129850457417482012-06-28T13:10:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:25:38.085+05:30The true definition of Traffic signals in Pune<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come school, and we were taught the meanings of the colors on the traffic signal. It was basic and simple.</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red : Stop</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Green: Proceed</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amber: Prepare to stop</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Courtesy google) The School version</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come Pune, and you drive for 100 meters and then bam. It hits you. It hits you, how your parents were cheated out of their money by the schools. None of those bookish terms and traffic rules applied to the Punekars and this budding city. Because the city had made some of their own! Astonishingly everybody from the school kids, to professionals, to old kakas, to aunties and to the traffic police men are aware of these special rules, and abide by them no matter what. And if fate feels like it and you land up on the roads in Pune, don't be surprised with yourself. It would just be a matter of days, before you also start following the special rules, while the school rules are busy escaping your memory. Adaption; remember from science in school? At least, something they taught was right!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well ok, so before I explain the rules, here are few characteristics.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are tough to follow and it all comes down to Darwin's theory. The survival of the fittest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are accidentally dangerous and scary. But darr ke agge jeet hain</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And most importantly they are dynamic, prone to change as per your vehicle position in the signal. But again isn't changing constant?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And now the rules! Check your vehicle position and apply wherever applicable please.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are on the front line and the signal has/is :</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just turned green</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></b></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Try to ignore it first, and then get the kid out in you. Start and stop your vehicle, you know, just for fun!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Green with a timer of 60 seconds:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Admire all the pretty girls' figures on their scooters and activas. (Of course you can't see their faces!! Duh, it is a crime to drive a 2 wheeler without a head and face scarf if you are a girl in Pune). Ensure the speed is nothing above 20kms/hr.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Green with a timer of 30 seconds:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Continue the admiration, and keep the speed below 30kms/hr. Please practice the combo before the real test. Also don’t forget to catch the abuses of those behind you. Bask in them but act nonchalant.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Green with a timer of 10 seconds:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> </em>Ok enough of goffeying up. Chuck the gals, accelerate the vehicles to a good 60kms/hr. Ensure your bikes and cars are well serviced, to make this hyperbole (or is it parabola?) acceleration from 20-30 to 60-70 kms/hr in 10 seconds.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Amber:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> </em>Drive with full gusto and a speed of 80km/hr. Focus and dedication are of utmost important here. Applying the brakes on the sight of an oncoming vehicle from the opposite direction or on the sound of a police whistle is a sin and looked down upon.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Red</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></b></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Keep up the speed of 80kms/hr till a vehicle almost hits you. Ensure you are well conversant with the tactics of twisting and gliding styles of bike riding. If in a car, maintain a ice cold stare on your face and act as if you are king of the world and you will glide through the mess(which by the way you just created).</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhETgkqnK3Ps_Jz9l21ZbP6AcwOOafKw1CgRc8F6L8bQ3CMKWs4Bp_GgG6HdzaatK7lh6sPbYiDxVjz_NI6lM5AuAoUHzF4krQXXgh1qlVmXTVM3DVULygoMQw2h5W1q0vP_LKGedjlRvS/s1600/sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhETgkqnK3Ps_Jz9l21ZbP6AcwOOafKw1CgRc8F6L8bQ3CMKWs4Bp_GgG6HdzaatK7lh6sPbYiDxVjz_NI6lM5AuAoUHzF4krQXXgh1qlVmXTVM3DVULygoMQw2h5W1q0vP_LKGedjlRvS/s1600/sig2.jpg" vca="true" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Courtesy google) The Pune Version</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now if you are behind 5-6 front line vehicles and the signal has/is:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just turned green</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></b></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Practice your tabla skills on the horns. This is to ensure people know, you want to get out of the signal even if you have five to six vehicles ahead of you. And to ensure, even if everyone in front of you has noticed the green light, you want to pretend to be the only intelligent one who has.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Green with timer of 60 seconds:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Abuse to your heart's content at the vehicles ahead of you.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Green with timer of 30 seconds:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> </em>Continue the abuse. Also increase your vocab by listening to the vehicles next to you, and put that to use immediately.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Green with timer of 10 seconds:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Don't panic. You are destined to cross the signal and you will. Never lose hope.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Amber:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> </em>Ok, you can lose hope now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Red:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Time is money. Start revising your abuses.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 signals, one for right and one for straight and:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>If you want to turn right:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ensure you place yourself on the leftmost lane of the road. As soon as the signal for Straight goes green, start your indicator for right and block the entire road. Guilt and remorse on the face will make you lose your brownie points. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep going right, because you know, indicator to diya tha maine!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>If you want to go straight:</em></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ensure you place yourself on the rightmost lane of the road. As soon as the signal for the right turn goes green, smirk blissfully and don’t budge an inch. All the cars behind you who want to turn right, will honk and cringe and abuse, and of course all that would be music to you. Because jo bhi ho, if I can’t go, the world can’t go!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other rules which are not on a signal but apply to the road!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you see a 2 wheeler woman driver, with her feet touching the ground from both the sides of the activa, that's allowed. Because her feet don’t reach the ground and Oh, she still wants to drive an activa. The entire journey has to be and will completed, with both foot firmly dragged along the road.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you see a woman on an activa, who has just hit an indica from the behind, but is just pulling her bike back and driving away, then that's allowed. No matter who strikes whom, the woman cannot be at fault.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are taking a reverse which will just take 10 seconds, and you have couple of more cars patiently waiting for you to finish, 4-5 two wheelers will still trying to zoom past from the rear, making you also halt your backward journey, but then that's allowed. Two wheelers are always busy even though they would get home and just flop onto a huge sofa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And lastly, if you see a two wheeler stop right on the middle of the road, because he has to take an important(?) call, that's allowed. Because doesn't matter if you jam right into him, he would prefer that, than to face the GF's enquiry commission.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So people, next time you hit the road in Pune, you know what to do and how not to react. Punekars are rigid. Any attempt to modify these rules will not be entertained. Because you Do What the Punekars do when in Pune.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Till then, drive safe :-)</span></div>
</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-24074584556503723252012-05-28T23:40:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:25:38.079+05:30My Prince Charming - Really?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Certain but Naive</i><br />
With sunrise in the scene, springs my prince charming<br />
All tall and exquisite, a smile so disarming.<br />
The heart escapes the being, and leaps strides to the horizon<br />
To resign itself to this thirst, so marvelously deluding!<br />
<br />
<i>Hopeful still</i><br />
The prince never seems to be in reach; Exasperatingly<br />
But does the gullible heart relinquishes? Oh not so early!<br />
It frantically journeys, to this glimpse so promising<br />
For the mirage of love ahead, is still flickering.<br />
<br />
<i>Distraught and strained</i><br />
Days and nights; Months and years of wandering<br />
The anxiety finally enters, after an infinite era of waiting.<br />
The heart though overpowered, clings to love, a feeling<br />
But resigns when grasps, the path so long to recovery.<br />
<br />
<i>Wise and pragmatic</i><br />
Healed and learned, but at the horizon I am still staring<br />
Through the windows, the allusion of him is still thriving.<br />
But the conscious heart knows the nuances of this living<br />
And gladly accepts this time, just the sun rising.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-81605271744091077032012-05-27T22:02:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:25:38.096+05:30Its London Baby - First new Friend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show.</i><br />
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i>Samuel Johnson.</i></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span><br />
This is a travel series about my times in London. You can read the first part <a href="http://jennyshetty.blogspot.in/2012/05/its-london-baby-first-travel.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Once outside London Heathrow, always opt for a non black cab. You can find local cab numbers on the net which are very reliable. My colleague had already booked one for us. The difference between the two is, while a local cab would cost you 25 pounds for a distance of 15 miles, a black cab would cost you 50-60 pounds. Although the company pays for the travel costs, there was no way a 50 pound taxi bill would be re embursed by HR.<br />
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For the first month, a guest house is provided in Wembley (north London) which is a 2 bedroom hall kitchen flat fully furnished and equipped flat for every associate. After a journey of 45 minutes we reached the guest house. Surprisingly I felt no jet lag, considering it was 1:30AM in India. I was just plain excited and upbeat.<br />
<br />
Soham was my colleague, who I was too replace. He was a very skillful resource, and my client had high regards for him, so I knew I had very experienced shoes to fill. But I was looking forward to all the hard work, and Soham being my friend, I knew would help me a lot. He had come to receive me at the airport and took me safely to the guest house. He had even purchased a SIM card for me. Purchasing a SIM is very easy in London. You can simply go into any of the grocery stores and buy a prepaid SIM for the rates of 5,10,20 pounds. I always used a Lebara SIM, because India calling was very cheap. You can choose your SIM on the basis of the country you belong to.<br />
<br />
Sudha: My first new friend in London<br />
<br />
Sudha was the person with whom I was to share my guest. She was 4 years my senior and 2 designations higher, but one look at her, and you would feel she was just out of her college. Petite and extremely thin, she looked like a girl not too friendly, but she did greet me with a smile. Unlike most London roomies I have heard about, she didn't retreat to her room, but instead stayed with Soham and me, till the time he was there. Both of them had made arrangements for my dinner, which felt so good. It didn't feel lonely anymore.<br />
<br />
Sudha, was there on a business visa, so she was leaving in a month's time. And although I had the luxury of 6-8 months to discover London, Sudha ensured I was only sight seeing and looking at places all over London on all four weekends that I shared the guest house with her.<br />
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The first month in London, with Sudha was fun, but more than fun, it was more of a learning experience. She taught me to cook chicken curry, using fried chicken from the Sam's takeaway(don't try it, very unhealthy place), and I really enjoyed the times spent with her while she cooked(which happened almost everyday, because I had this aversion to cooking then :-P). She was 28 and she was not married. And I judged her, but after I heard what she went through, I felt ashamed. Call me slick minded but I used to think that girls should get married at a certain age. At least I wanted too. But 4 weeks with her, changed my prehistoric notions. She had bought a house back in Pune, and was clear she was there only to replay the loan quicker and faster. Sudha is still my friend and we do meet sometimes. She is still not married and she still looks the same, but each time she meets me, she always think I am growing prettier :-)<br />
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More about the whirlwind 4 weeks and the places I visited in the next post. But for now leaving you with a decent pic of Sudha and me :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7MSsayxc1nPXd9_o7jCISucZecJJQVGVD01zxOrU3QzNR1f4uoNfFrEN1gZngA05dj4LkmK3QEHMCuPMACfivIWh4m9r15AfVkVdBzrAIk3XKGeq0AITtoyuaxFRidXozGilknbPf-pR/s1600/sudha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7MSsayxc1nPXd9_o7jCISucZecJJQVGVD01zxOrU3QzNR1f4uoNfFrEN1gZngA05dj4LkmK3QEHMCuPMACfivIWh4m9r15AfVkVdBzrAIk3XKGeq0AITtoyuaxFRidXozGilknbPf-pR/s640/sudha.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudha and me at the Slough station, waiting for the national express in the cold!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-63712999099905754902012-05-19T02:14:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:25:38.092+05:30Love, Heartbreak but Freedom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Then,<br />
I loved you; I never let go of you<br />
You loved me, yet you had your own dues.<br />
I clung to you; the parasite, which feed on you<br />
You suffocated, asked for freedom from this servitude.<br />
I, the sanguine, promised this would work, stayed resolute<br />
You, the defeated continued to stay put.<br />
I, relieved; in the fairy world I continued<br />
You for my happiness, tagged alone no clue.<br />
I, all along choose to ignore your woes<br />
You, all along developed a hatred, deep root.<br />
<br />
Today,<br />
I realize too late, how wrong set were my views<br />
For the naive and romantic me, only always knew.<br />
How love was over caste, how love was over religion, how love was over the almighty above<br />
How love was unconditional, a feeling too delicate, a feeling so painfully true.<br />
I, 'now the selfish?', have steps to turn back to<br />
To grant you the freedom, you endlessly pursued.<br />
The path now for me, has been bedecked ahead<br />
With traces of wilderness and abundance of solitude.<br />
The heart takes a beat as it dejectedly concludes<br />
But the conscience is what sighs and is finally rescued.<br />
<br />
PS: I wrote the poem at 2 last night and posted it. Today morning, I felt how silly it was, and it was just the lack of sleep and a mind filled with unnerving thoughts which bought out those words, so I deleted it. Thank you <a href="http://www.sarusinghal.com/" target="_blank">Saru</a>, because you felt it was worth posting, so now I repost it.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-29658406497742116132012-05-15T10:03:00.001+05:302017-09-05T11:25:38.083+05:30Its London Baby - The First Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>I wanted to write about my times in London for a long time, and wanted to make this a series. Connie who blogs at <a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">bhulbhulaiyan</a> has traveled the world and how and has all travel encounters on her blog. So when she asked to write a guest post for her, I thought, what better way to start this series! Thank you Connie. So here it is, my first guest post and the first part of this series.</i><br />
<i><a href="http://unbirthdayescapades.blogspot.in/2012/05/guest-post-its-london-baby-part-i.html" target="_blank">Its London Baby: The first Travel</a></i><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-61593765899309812482012-02-24T12:51:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:26:20.637+05:30Amsterdam RLD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUVAj0zGgs5R9kzfVOh4zf7gNP0qPVI8MOX6CKC_P6b7_p3HtjRF18_JcxLS_aT_cJZJprIlNyg4QLcM1HWr_erGYaDTOPcZLoCRq21vhP-vksB_B7Kt3Z51PjHzGYbX_y-QYnojgLlh-/s1600/300px-De_Wallen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUVAj0zGgs5R9kzfVOh4zf7gNP0qPVI8MOX6CKC_P6b7_p3HtjRF18_JcxLS_aT_cJZJprIlNyg4QLcM1HWr_erGYaDTOPcZLoCRq21vhP-vksB_B7Kt3Z51PjHzGYbX_y-QYnojgLlh-/s1600/300px-De_Wallen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Wiki</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Janet, Deepti and Me the three of us had visited Amsterdam in Aug 2009. Windmills, Canals, tulips and cheese were on our list of things to see. Since drugs(soft drugs) are legal in Amsterdam, Deepti also wanted to 'eat' hash. Yes eat, since it is actually mixed with a brownie. More about this below. But what actually became the highlight of the trip and the only thing which I now seem to remember and picture very clearly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">was the 'De Wallen'!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">De Wallen, also known as the <i>rosse buurt</i> to the amsterdammers, is the largest red light district and one of the major tourist attractions in Amsterdam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Right! So we girls never really had any intentions of actually visiting the RLD, but a day cycle tour changed our prehistoric notions and convinced us to see the liberal attitude of the people of Amsterdam towards prostitution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, after about 10 minutes of walking distance from the Centraal Station (the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">main station in</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Amsterdam), is located the RLD. After the entire morning city tour on the cycle (which was awesome by the way), our very handsome guide, made the group halt and in a proud tone, started to explain about the RLD and its culture. This was when we realized that the RLD visit is also a part of the tour and we would soon be actually visiting the RLD! After that information </span>sunk<span style="font-size: small;"> in, as if on cue, the three of us started blushing and exchanging quick glances amongst each other..!!??</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>So this was what he had to say:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prostitution is legal in Holland, and it dates back to the 14 century, when sailors used to arrive on the banks of the Amstel river for pleasure. There are about 4 million visitors each year in Amsterdam, who specifically come into the city, just to visit the RLD. The prostitutes stand in windows which are lit by red fluorescent tube lights to attract customers.Safety is the key here.Sex workers have their own unions, body guards, plenty of police protection, an information center for the visitors, frequent monitoring and testing and very high professional standards. Each sex worker has a secret buzzer which is hidden in her room, which she uses for violent clients, or clients who don't pay up later. The police arrive within minutes after the buzzer is pressed and then, necessary action is taken. The prostitutes are legal tax payers of Amsterdam. (And most surprising) The maximum number of customers for the RLD are locals and not tourists. Most of them visit the RLD after they have left home, for work OR before they return home, after work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We three, in total awe..and amused</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So after this </span>tantalizing<span style="font-size: small;"> introduction, we were led into the RLD. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What did I see?</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The district had tall thin buildings which overlooked the canals. Beautiful canals with lined trees and amidst them the famous windows, all of them lit. Since it was still almost day time, the fluorescence of the windows was not very bright for us to be attracted, but the scantily clad women in the windows were.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I clearly remember that I saw 2 very beautiful women, in 2 adjacent windows, wearing white bikinis with great fit toned bodies. Both were blondes. The windows were not actually windows. They were glass doors which were rectangular in shape. The rooms were about 4*8 feet sized rooms/cubicles which had a basin and a bed, and the opening to it was covered by these strong glass door-windows, which ran all along the length of the door. And behind those doors were those prostitutes who made very seductive expressions to attract us. We of course were more shocked than attracted..!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before we could see anything else, the guide effectively led us out of the RLD, and then concluded the tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But 'jate jate' he did mention to us, that, if at all we were looking out for a real RLD tour, it would have to be at night 10PM, and it would start at the Centraal station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Noting the quick advise in our minds, we set off to have an early dinner and then roamed about aimlessly around the city. After returning to the hotel, Deepti reminded us that, she wanted to eat the 'drugged' brownie. And then suddenly we were like, why not go for the tour at 10, and then find a cafe where we could buy the brownie(yes, they sell drugs in cafes in Amsterdam).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since no one, except Deepti opposed to this idea (Well she was the eldest, so I guess she thought, it was the best if she was the one who opposed), we all set off to the Centraal station, instead of sleeping in into our warm beds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So we just knew that we have to be at the Centraal station. Actually, outside the Centraal station, but where the tour starts, and who would be our guide, is something we had no clue of! Nevertheless we waited, and eyed every sleazy man with doubt, assuming he would be the guide to this tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But weren't we in for another surprise. After 15 minutes of waiting, we saw a pretty middle aged well dressed women walk towards us. And following her were a group of 8-10 people. Yes so, the guide for this RLD tour at 10PM in the night was not a sleazy man, but actually a pretty decent woman. And who were the part of the group? Couples, old young middle aged, every kind! So we did feel a bit better and safe, amongst this group, and with enthusiasm went along for the tour..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The tour was one of a kind!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">From brothels to sex shops to museums, the RLD left nothing to the imagination. There were gay clubs, lesbian clubs everything! We came across a shop named Condomerie, which had condoms in all colors, shapes, sizes and flavors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">There were the smoky cafes and joints as well, just like how you actually see it in the movies!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And then of course, there were the windows with the girls. The glow of the fluorescent red lights above many windows became very very obvious as it was dark now! There were a lines of windows, all adjacent to each other in lanes running zigzag across the canals. The guide mentioned to us, that currently this RLD had around 250 windows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The RLD windows were actually divided as per preferences.. There were lanes which housed Asian women only, lanes for blondes, lanes for African women. And of course, there were the windows with the blue lights, which meant these were the homosexual windows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She also showed us the buzzers, and the information centre, and the police station. There were a lot of lanes which were very small and as we walked into them, we could practically feel the girls' eyes bore into us. There were also a lot of windows which had curtains across them. This, the guide explained, meant those windows were currently in use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">After going through couple of lanes, we came across theatres with huge lines outside them. I saw couples standing outside with prams. So the obvious thought which came to our minds were, what was a movie theatre doing in the middle of the RLD?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So firstly, the RLD does house respectable people like doctors and lawyers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">and secondly, the theatre was not a normal movie theatre, it was actually a theatre where there were artists performing the different positions of performing sex. The guide told us that, the theatre houses a huge round rotating stage, with 6 couples performing with the audience below. She of course did offer the group free tickets, but since we had an overdose of knowledge transfer in so many other aspects, we choose to skip the theatre. And about the couples with the pram?? It was something which was the most difficult to digest amongst all the heavy stuff which we saw that day!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The guide also told us that, the oldest prostitute working in the RLD was 72 years old. In spite of her age, she is supposed to be one of the most sought ed out woman in the RLD. The guide words were : 'Experience is what is her friend!'</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So after this long post, what did I learn??</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amsterdammers have embraced the fact that it only human to be into soft drugs and prostitution..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">They have the most liberal attitude and are very tolerant for something which can be very disturbing in other countries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The cycle guide, the RLD guide, and others are proud about the RLD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So instead of demeaning the prostitutes and criminalizing everything, they are upfront about sex and drugs, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">enjoy the honesty and don't hide behind closed doors. This is something which you would get to see only in Amsterdam and no where else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The prostitutes lead a good life and their profession is just a profession like every other profession. They are not judged or are outcasts in the society. They are treated with respect and have honor.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And now what do I think?</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a country like ours, where almost every city has a RLD and none of them still out of business, sex and drugs are still a taboo, prostitutes only exist to provide pleasure and then be dishonored. All in the name of culture and ethics. Is this right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">At the end of the journey, my notions have changed, and I have learnt that sex is not a taboo, but is infact the most natural thing in the world. Accept it, but also those women who sell it. Respect, and nothing more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">PS: If you go visiting anytime, and please do visit, it is really an eye opener, not for the sex, but more for the outlook, Do not take photos of the occupied windows - this is strictly prohibited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Disclaimer: This was couple of years back, so I have used the Internet to refresh my memory and provide appropriate information to the readers. The experiences are my own and the views are not meant to offend anyone.</span><br />
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<em>This post is an entry for a contest by </em><a href="http://www.cuponation.in/"><em>CupONation</em></a><em>, an online retailer of discount coupons, and </em><a href="http://the-shooting-star.com/" target="_blank"><em>The Shooting Star travel blog</em></a><em>.</em></div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-58518707252124561792012-02-20T11:43:00.001+05:302017-09-05T11:26:20.634+05:30Which F.R.I.E.N.D are you?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am addicted to F.R.I.E.N.D.S, so much that when I go home, the first thing I do is, boot my lappy and watch any episode of FRIENDS. I have seen all the reruns on the TV and am the proud owner of all the 10 seasons! I know all the trivia about friends, and can tell which episode, a particular scene belongs to, so much that sometimes I dream about friends, and imagine myself to be one of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_-xg5FvYCOWhwDBuJ9LbZJ_hSWraq2pAHfA5TuqIgvw9pxPHOYxvxV0T8aP4iqfplPgSVDmDAaOb6x-c9adRtgrj8lwDEI8gD-mukTDuO1PpfBP7gPCDVsNd7OAIw2tMjeqNSTCiOYKp/s1600/imagesCAK282MJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_-xg5FvYCOWhwDBuJ9LbZJ_hSWraq2pAHfA5TuqIgvw9pxPHOYxvxV0T8aP4iqfplPgSVDmDAaOb6x-c9adRtgrj8lwDEI8gD-mukTDuO1PpfBP7gPCDVsNd7OAIw2tMjeqNSTCiOYKp/s320/imagesCAK282MJ.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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Although I like all the 6 characters, I feel the closest to Monica. The thought of me being one of them, has actually triggered this post. Have you ever wondered which of the 6 FRIENDS, you resemble the most?<br />
Even if you have no idea what FRIENDS is, please don't skip the post. Read it, and immediately rent out a video of any of the seasons. I am sure you are bound to love it!<br />
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So guys now tell me, what kind of a FRIEND are you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-rw8tIhNNC64d6MHhwvz3JlzBXgQ_4rJwnGu1so5pOLl9OoytAT94Jr_9hnjUFL1TiauqSel9jSQg60N4iUypHT6MmICe2TGc6ADOzZVd5mvLL1vkVBGN2byQDS2lZ-tNG-_XefqYxEv/s1600/imagesCA5GO24J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-rw8tIhNNC64d6MHhwvz3JlzBXgQ_4rJwnGu1so5pOLl9OoytAT94Jr_9hnjUFL1TiauqSel9jSQg60N4iUypHT6MmICe2TGc6ADOzZVd5mvLL1vkVBGN2byQDS2lZ-tNG-_XefqYxEv/s200/imagesCA5GO24J.jpg" width="160" yda="true" /></a></div>
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If you are childlike and innocent but at the same time mature.<br />
If you are weird but street smart and tough, tough as in 'traumatic experiences tough'. <br />
If you believe that Santa Claus exists and believe in reincarnation and God.<br />
If you are not a sucker for romance, and are cool with casual relationships and one night stands and heavy drinking sometimes.<br />
If you have such a big heart that you readily agree to become a surrogate for your brother.<br />
If you are so comfortable in your skin, that you can carry any weird outfits, play and sing music out of tune in the loudest possible voice and run around in the jogging park like a 6 year old running towards the swings!!<br />
Then you are Phoebe!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrBukBx6yw-eqhhL3HVKqN-OYYgp-QuL-XrIwcHaCHZERlfEvf4RFuJE8EYjdVSMOJWY8QGo06zt2A5ibyo-iGvW46-Ho6EycMztN4mmeLwL2Fa3fTyOY7eMGYzQsvq-NtQtyGkgP-O6F/s1600/imagesCAQM7KGK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrBukBx6yw-eqhhL3HVKqN-OYYgp-QuL-XrIwcHaCHZERlfEvf4RFuJE8EYjdVSMOJWY8QGo06zt2A5ibyo-iGvW46-Ho6EycMztN4mmeLwL2Fa3fTyOY7eMGYzQsvq-NtQtyGkgP-O6F/s200/imagesCAQM7KGK.jpg" width="149" yda="true" /></a></div>
If you are extremely pretty and beautiful.<br />
If you are the more secure, independent one in a relationship.<br />
If you are image conscious, so much that, you may change the size and shape of any of your body part.<br />
If you were the spoiled daddy's self absorbed girl, but have changed to the responsible one over the period of time.<br />
If you are slightly dim in the area of domestic skills and cooking but extremely fashion oriented.<br />
If you are very supportive of your friends, that you would move out, to accommodate the BF of your roomie, with no qualms.<br />
If you are independent and mature, to give birth to a child out of wedlock.<br />
Then you are Rachel!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg8DUOoSg5nFV1yX1dkOUcggRVSPXRiNNAPWpMBKpn4OhyC5jDzJmgg2EEaG5coPRyCt8ZhxmsJ24syz7XxygabELEwKMBE7RkUjo2gcTy02hM-yUiCv78pLcfTj3RLgz3v3dpXSbBL55/s1600/imagesCA2I5QK3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg8DUOoSg5nFV1yX1dkOUcggRVSPXRiNNAPWpMBKpn4OhyC5jDzJmgg2EEaG5coPRyCt8ZhxmsJ24syz7XxygabELEwKMBE7RkUjo2gcTy02hM-yUiCv78pLcfTj3RLgz3v3dpXSbBL55/s200/imagesCA2I5QK3.jpg" width="168" yda="true" /></a></div>
If you are very good looking, but still simple minded.<br />
If you are a womanizer, but doesn't disrespect them.<br />
If you would be in a constant dilemma, if you had to choose between food and sex!<br />
If you are caring and a kind hearted person, despite being dim.<br />
If you could forgive your best friend for kissing your GF, because friendship means more to you than the girl.<br />
If you are so determined to make it in your profession, that you would do any kind of job, to stay active in the same.<br />
If friendship and happiness of your friend, means more to you than money.<br />
Then you are Joey!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Q7jwPy2qEaLyJ-NOyMINUfu7VcRx6GXlzZxqtNDCMZaJc7vzxe2n3dE2-rNfik3TNvbxkmi78OVU66Lua75yhwIHabRHmui0_yqF8KIOLBMaFFMsax7wjPsO_TgWfdj99g-8yMcqqHD/s1600/imagesCAMG87XQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Q7jwPy2qEaLyJ-NOyMINUfu7VcRx6GXlzZxqtNDCMZaJc7vzxe2n3dE2-rNfik3TNvbxkmi78OVU66Lua75yhwIHabRHmui0_yqF8KIOLBMaFFMsax7wjPsO_TgWfdj99g-8yMcqqHD/s200/imagesCAMG87XQ.jpg" width="163" yda="true" /></a></div>
If you find yourself in difficult situations, where people consider you to be gay, due to your behavior!<br />
If you use your humor and sardonic attitude as a defence mechanism, again due to a traumatic childhood experience.<br />
If you were first allergic to commitment and long lasting relationships, but eventually mature into a responsible husband.<br />
If friendship means so much to you, that you support your friend all along, paying rent, paying for the classes of your friend, and paying for food all along.<br />
If you choose friendship over love, where you would sit in a box and not say a word, even though your GF is going away for ever, just for your friend.<br />
If you love your girlfriend, despite her bossiness, neatness, and overly competitive nature.<br />
If you are so mature, that you can handle infertility, and decide to adopt, because you want to be a parent no matter how and more because your wife is already in a place where she is a mother.<br />
Then you are Chandler!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKmLWmxvn4xCNqsdlEB5-jkVPdUENkg6iNOvRQE07CrClZJxtFIbELXDPG072lfXdb0TYyPPccTN8C8WF1sVmaWStpcrewO8NbAR1RlSbYGru9BVOWDQL_g_LIgqwV7Tt1hvbGFlvkojl/s1600/imagesCAB8YTNJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKmLWmxvn4xCNqsdlEB5-jkVPdUENkg6iNOvRQE07CrClZJxtFIbELXDPG072lfXdb0TYyPPccTN8C8WF1sVmaWStpcrewO8NbAR1RlSbYGru9BVOWDQL_g_LIgqwV7Tt1hvbGFlvkojl/s200/imagesCAB8YTNJ.jpg" width="175" yda="true" /></a></div>
If you are an attractive woman, with an hourglass figure.<br />
If you tend to be the mother hen of you group of close friends and love to play the perfect host and cook for them.<br />
If you are very careful around men and relationships, because of your past body imperfections.<br />
If you are a cleanliness freak, and have an obsessive personality, bossy and competitive nature.<br />
If you are a sucker for strong relationships, and love and want to have kids, so much that you would consider becoming a single mother through artificial insemination!<br />
If you always on guard in front of your mother!<br />
If you are quite affectionate towards your friends, so much that you would make the friend (who doesn't invite you to her wedding) as your roomie and support her till she is her independent self. That you would be the more mature and supportive of your sibling, even though you are the younger one. That you would give up a special name, which you have decided for your child, for your friend's daughter.<br />
Then you are Monica!<br />
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If you are a geek, but still charming, sweet natured and the most romantic of all your friends.<br />
If you are not scared of commitments, so much that, for you, marriage is the first step of every relationship.<br />
If you are the one who always seems to have the greatest body mishaps, such as excessive whitening of teeth or a lot of tan only on the front side.<br />
If you are such a good friend that, you being a guy, would even kiss your guy friend in order to help him practice for a gay role.<br />
If you are insecure, jealous and possessive in your relationships.<br />
If you have the annoying habits of correcting people grammar, and are unable to pull out a sentence straight when nervous.<br />
If you are wonderful father and the most supportive husband for all your wives. Such that you would give away your lesbian divorced wife because her parents would not, on her wedding. That you would bring up your illegitimate child with the most care and support her mother and your friend always.<br />
Then you are Ross!<br />
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So here we are! I have tried the best to get out the best traits of all 6(google helped me out) of them and <br />
now I await to know which one are you?<br />
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</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-17672274198823946272012-02-07T12:58:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:26:20.625+05:30My Binani cements - Sadiyo ke liye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My life has been sculpted by a lot of people, but there are only few who have moulded no cracks, mixed the correct proportions of ingredients and carved the right curves, so that this body of the perky girl stands proud and erect always. Welcome people to the Michelangelos, the Berninins and the Rodins of the 'Jen' era. Welcome to the most important women in my life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE8G8368l9INKp_psdyDEpMXI6j8rksXONcOxmmDXjTEy58EGsC2XccgLFKKMY8ll7K6yL4_5d91Pm053-7Ys0zlk2vevRO-40sqRVP1IwVc-2mvSuhXLpt5uzL8KmuIlHqnnQ3-Jt6tY/s1600/982f3d85cc1953d3631c0eb8c4709435-lady-face-cartoon-clip-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE8G8368l9INKp_psdyDEpMXI6j8rksXONcOxmmDXjTEy58EGsC2XccgLFKKMY8ll7K6yL4_5d91Pm053-7Ys0zlk2vevRO-40sqRVP1IwVc-2mvSuhXLpt5uzL8KmuIlHqnnQ3-Jt6tY/s200/982f3d85cc1953d3631c0eb8c4709435-lady-face-cartoon-clip-art.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
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<strong>Amma(Mother): </strong><br />
<em>For being the god send angel, specially for made for me. </em><br />
<em>For handling all my tantrums and odd ways and still always being there for me. </em><br />
<em>For teaching me everything from ABC, to how to cook paneer, to how to write a check.</em><br />
<em>For waking up at 3 in the morning with me and making tea while I study, so that I don't fall asleep again.</em><br />
<em>For standing outside the examination hall, so that I don't feel alone, not even for 3 hours. </em><br />
<em>For being the most warm hearted person in the world. (She gives free tuitions still and has bought up my cousin as her own son from the time he was 3). </em><br />
<em>For being the most independent women, who can cook, clean(we never had any maids), teach, pay bills, send emails, fix motors, get insurance for herself and me, and still come shopping with me anytime.</em><br />
<em>For crying and fighting with me, but in the end always trying to fill that void which Papa left 3 years back! For just being what you are, My God!</em><br />
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<strong>Malamma(Aunt):</strong><br />
<em>For being my agony aunt, from the time I understood that you were my aunt.</em><br />
<em>For being the super woman, who can teach yoga, who can learn classical dance at the age of 40 and teach a class of college students philosophy</em><br />
<em>For being the wonder woman, who love is unconditional and who has whole heartedly arranged my entire wedding.</em><br />
<em>For being the strongest woman I have ever known, the tigress, who can endure any amount of pain for the family and me.</em><br />
<em>For being what you are for me, My Guide!</em><br />
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<strong>Kiniamma(Aunt 2)</strong><br />
<em>For being the person, I always wanted to be like and whom I almost look like.</em><br />
<em>For being more of a friend, unlike Mummy and Malamma, who can ask me if my husband says 'i love you' or not :-P</em><br />
<em>For being the person who gets paranoid at the drop of a hat, and can even call at night to ensure, I have not worn my lenses and gone to bed :-P</em><br />
<em>For being the most patient woman, who will treat the kids in the house as adults, and give them the same attention and respect.</em><br />
<em>For being what you are for me, My Friend!</em><br />
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<strong>Khushboo (Best friend since school)</strong><br />
<em>For being my friend from 17 years and still wanting to continue :-)</em><br />
<em>For being someone which I felt, was always around, even though we have not met for the last 4 years.</em><br />
<em>For guiding me all along, in the most difficult times when Papa left in 2008 and then again during my wedding in 2011. Always being the one to call me, even though I always forgot!</em><br />
<em>For being the only person, who life runs parallel with mine, you going through all those things which I went, just couple of years earlier!</em><br />
<em>For being what you are for me, My Gaurdian!</em><br />
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<strong>Ashvini (My roomate for the last 3 years)</strong><br />
<em>For being the person who turned from the senior in the team, to the confidante in my life.</em><br />
<em>For being someone who is very independent, and an achiever and I look up to in all matters.</em><br />
<em>For being the person who held my hand and took me home from office in London when I heard about papa. Who packed my bags, and held me till the departure gates at the airport and has been there for me since then.</em><br />
<em>For being the sole counsellor of my relationship with my husband, and the person who helped us go through the toughest times before our marriage.</em><br />
<em>For being what you have become over the years for me, My Sister!</em><br />
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<strong>Raisa (Sister)</strong><br />
<em>For being the most prettiest girl in the world for me, 8 years my junior.</em><br />
<em>For being the person who only listens to me in the family, where everybody else is scared of her, rather her temper :-P</em><br />
<em>For being the girl, who makes me proud each time, she wins a medal, and gets great grades, and the only one who had achieved my Mom's dream of becoming a doctor(SE MBBS)</em><br />
<em>For being the my greatest critic, and at the same time, my follower.</em><br />
<em>For being what you have always been, My Doll!</em><br />
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<strong>Gomathi, Pooja, Prachi(College friends)</strong><br />
<em>For being my faithful friends through college and then the initial years of co operate world.</em><br />
<em>For being my companions in sharing the anxiety of college exams, and then the placements.</em><br />
<em>For being the envy of the college as the 'best good group of girls'.</em><br />
<em>For almost having grown together from girls to young women to now wives!</em><br />
<em>For being what you would still be, My Chums!</em><br />
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<strong>Priya(My London roomie)</strong><br />
<em>For being an exact replica of me, nature wise.</em><br />
<em>For being the better daughter for my mom, when she was in London.</em><br />
<em>For being the least selfish person and the most innocent person (never guessed I had a BF, even though he used to come home in London almost everyday!) I have ever met.</em><br />
<em>For coming for my wedding with your mom. Your presence was such a postitive change for me, most needed then!</em><br />
<em>For being what you are, My Twin!</em><br />
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Thank you all for being a part of my Life, enriching it with so much of goodness, that in spite of all those tough times, this world still seems such a beautiful world to live in. Thanks for being my Binani cement, Sadiyo ke liye!<br />
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PS: No feminist takes here please. The men are equally important. Maybe someday would write about them as well :-)</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-449921833044214802011-11-11T12:25:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:26:20.631+05:30The Intruder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I stare across the hall in a shock. It is almost dark but I see the sly winning look again, the creeps are back in me, and a shiver goes down my spine. I again feel an outsider in my own house .. Today I dont run away.. but instead decide to fight back. I want to overcome this fear once for ever..I cant bear to live like this anymore.. I glare and maintan eye contact, but grope around for a weapon.. The vase is what my hand touches..and the weight of it gives me a boost. I surge ahead with a new confidence.. but the intruder stands his ground.. I know I have to act fast, and I know the intruder is now alert..The narrow stream of moonlight shines in from the window.. For a split second, I break eye contact..and look out of it, The intruder takes the bait and the eyes follows me..The distraction is enough, and in the next instant I crash the vase.. Beaten, the intruder fleds ground and jumps out of the window.. And then suddenly I go blind!!!<br />
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I have now finally overcome my fear for cockroaches.. and the lights have also come back..Home is home again :-)<br />
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PS: In reality I am not afraid of rats/lizards/cockroaches. The slimy ones bring about the above effect for me :-P<br />
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</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-11886643054498547192011-05-23T18:30:00.001+05:302017-09-05T11:26:20.622+05:30Scotland Trip - Apr 29 – May 2 2011 - Day 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This year, the <em>royal wedding</em> gave us mango people in UK, an extra holiday making the long weekend an even longer one! 4 good nice ‘sunny days’ were meant to be spent well. A lot of thoughts were put across.. Initially we(Ash, Bhuvana, CK, Teju and myself) thought of going to Gibraltar, but since we faced visa issues, we decided to join the All guys group of 9 people who were off on a road trip to the Highlands in the beautiful Scotland!!!<br />
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So let me first list down, all the people who were a part of this memorable trip!<br />
Have split up this group in different categories, and some people may overlap between the groups, but yes there were eventually only 14 people!<br />
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<strong><em>The drivers (most imp, w/o whom the trip was fruitless) </em></strong><br />
<strong>Swaroop</strong> (the mother hen / Momma of the group)<br />
<strong>Chaitanya</strong> (The Mr careful driver)<br />
<strong>Qusai</strong>(The Mr FAST and the FURIOUS driver)<br />
<strong>Rahul</strong>(The Mr Calm and Composed driver)<br />
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<strong><em>The photographers </em></strong><br />
<strong>Ajay</strong> (The official photographer – captured some beautiful scenic views of the highlands)<br />
<strong>Teju</strong>(Who captured all the beautiful flowers in their beautiful colors)<br />
<strong>Lalit Khatri</strong> (Who made the portfolios for the models below, plus all the above)<br />
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<strong><em>The models </em></strong><br />
<strong>Narotam</strong> (Where there is a Momma there is a Roshesh as well, alias Mr Hrithik)<br />
<strong>Rakesh</strong> (Mr Saif)<br />
<strong>Qusai</strong> (Mr SRK :-P )<br />
<strong>Sandeep</strong> (Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger)<br />
<strong>Satya</strong> (Mr Rajnikant, beats all the above!)<br />
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<strong><em>The Food gatherers </em></strong><br />
<strong>Ashvini</strong> (Pretty woman 1 :-P)<br />
<strong>Jenny</strong> (Pretty woman 1 :-P)<br />
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<strong><em>The Senior associates</em></strong><br />
<strong>Bhuvana</strong> (SA 1)<br />
<strong>Ashvini</strong> (SA 2)<br />
<strong>Satya</strong> (New promoted 1)<br />
<strong>Ajay</strong> (New promoted 2)<br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600;"><u><strong>28 Apr 2011 Thursday Night 11 PM :National express from Victoria Station London, to Glasgow Scotland. </strong></u></span><br />
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The trip was fun right from the start. We were to take the bus from London Victoria 11PM coach to Glasgow(Scotland) and then hire cars from there.<br />
Even though nobody was looking forward to the bus journey, it did turn out to be fun :-)<br />
Firstly, WE found Sandy's long lost brother at the Victoria bus station. Kumb ke mele mein bichde hue judwe..Everybody agreed that he was a 100%5 look alike of sandy .. but Sandy ne usse pehchanne se inkaar kar diya :-(<br />
and later, after we settled down in the bus, Swaroop started messaging movie names to anybody and evrybody (from our group only) in the bus becuase he was bored!!! Still not sure .. why movie names??!!Eventually when he reliased, it is not working and people are not reciprocating in the same way(and now not sure what he was expecting people to reply back..what does one reply , if people message you movie names only :-P), he went off to sleep..But to the dismay of everybody else who could not manage to sleep at all, esp QC who sat right next to him, he slept all through out the journey uninterrupted.. Sab kuch bhej bhaj ke so gaya tha!!!<br />
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Anyways, the bus was on time and we finally reached Glasgow by 6:15 AM the next Morning.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ff6600;"><u>29 Apr 2011 Friday: Glasgow</u></span></strong><br />
As decided the girls went off to Teju’s place (Teju stays in Glasgow and thank god for that!) to get fresh. Guys having no other options, got freshened up at the bus stand. And then later, since they didnot have anyting better to do, they posed for photos!! For the first time, Ash and I came across a group of boys, who posed and clicked and posed again for more photos than gals!<br />
and mind you, none of the poses were like the simple, all in a straight line, straight face pose.. the poses were proper Model portfolio shoot types.. where in, looking direclty at the camera was a sin.. and one has to always focus on something far off.. and have that far away look on the face!! you know the correct face angle types!!GOD! Ash and I feel so much better about ourselves after watching these weird shoots!:-D Sorry guys ;-)<br />
Well, while the guys clicked off photos, the food gatherers(Ash and me) picked up all sorts of khana ka chatapar patar items for the trip ahead..!<br />
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Clicks from the Bus stop:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRki6xydaVBOavMPHhW8Moyntp5EqpHWdRv7uhjs8kADJQE5hVoWNWFIOC823UbL_-7ZMKMtMi876ifzwDxpvlGESB3VJJJbTaCRNXZ9-ajlw2AHgfSe8CotsXZunjcK5Gh2hYxii_TSu/s1600/bust+stop+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610683509142967266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRki6xydaVBOavMPHhW8Moyntp5EqpHWdRv7uhjs8kADJQE5hVoWNWFIOC823UbL_-7ZMKMtMi876ifzwDxpvlGESB3VJJJbTaCRNXZ9-ajlw2AHgfSe8CotsXZunjcK5Gh2hYxii_TSu/s400/bust+stop+1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip51RsH-50RzYnUC8VImwMDZgYv-9aGJLBR758InWDcadCr7Fj06j85RqbFZbq1GAJE0T-jhCBwaGmDBl5BjHiCLLDB1l-iMGXqn451jvRpyH65X7vju0Yu6rtoSem9zDUzz0RVKbnzUS1/s1600/bs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610683465596128050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip51RsH-50RzYnUC8VImwMDZgYv-9aGJLBR758InWDcadCr7Fj06j85RqbFZbq1GAJE0T-jhCBwaGmDBl5BjHiCLLDB1l-iMGXqn451jvRpyH65X7vju0Yu6rtoSem9zDUzz0RVKbnzUS1/s400/bs.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxbMW4Pv0ijnN1GF6Ke1v6iEjPS9iMWYlJxE0yFzKcMw4KUDNDHfbcq_e1rswWWk5mt65OnURLO5LzcPITnZ3ImNaWKl66JAeutg6Fes9XIZaZD1-TAGQLSpiNCcI64LjfrX2v-MNjJh9/s1600/bs4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610683408704341202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxbMW4Pv0ijnN1GF6Ke1v6iEjPS9iMWYlJxE0yFzKcMw4KUDNDHfbcq_e1rswWWk5mt65OnURLO5LzcPITnZ3ImNaWKl66JAeutg6Fes9XIZaZD1-TAGQLSpiNCcI64LjfrX2v-MNjJh9/s400/bs4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyztMyUxiJn3h-Bad5JSy9idsrRb1JMwoFg_1nrmR6Wqr9v4U8MghyvfwkSHpQuT9fG4krEt2AU26G2KJTtlcDQblVddXiQ2cYKANvR0QuZ3BPuyz475HDXd9eGEG_THTONb_hSLO_qu22/s1600/bs3.jpg"></a><br />
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<strong>The Side Poses: </strong><br />
<u>Posing for shirt ad??</u><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd678EFXYbJBiZy7YA7Yb84yjCV2eNUJAhHUO_PldS_vr4alpeJzK9Bh-d_NWVnLiv9cbBFhxxGhElEwxAb5h1rcbPBQExvF448mIjkU8zQXsqj8LsmagHRcx72VP9Ouei4LiFtHJEEKLN/s1600/side+pose3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610682245527060258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd678EFXYbJBiZy7YA7Yb84yjCV2eNUJAhHUO_PldS_vr4alpeJzK9Bh-d_NWVnLiv9cbBFhxxGhElEwxAb5h1rcbPBQExvF448mIjkU8zQXsqj8LsmagHRcx72VP9Ouei4LiFtHJEEKLN/s400/side+pose3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a> :-)</strong><br />
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<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd678EFXYbJBiZy7YA7Yb84yjCV2eNUJAhHUO_PldS_vr4alpeJzK9Bh-d_NWVnLiv9cbBFhxxGhElEwxAb5h1rcbPBQExvF448mIjkU8zQXsqj8LsmagHRcx72VP9Ouei4LiFtHJEEKLN/s1600/side+pose3.jpg"></a></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbesWIBHtwiHYVu3RMEEU_IsPoD_OaZ7PYI0nCBVRK8m9TDzgtmSKbkvK3OarAOjrZ-O-VhtDSiN-hUMWBM0iWUnLzohVToOExrSH7s3ErpJ1FfUdisRIc0ewCvAUEM8h2ktkpszqKIy9n/s1600/side+pose2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610682198231482946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbesWIBHtwiHYVu3RMEEU_IsPoD_OaZ7PYI0nCBVRK8m9TDzgtmSKbkvK3OarAOjrZ-O-VhtDSiN-hUMWBM0iWUnLzohVToOExrSH7s3ErpJ1FfUdisRIc0ewCvAUEM8h2ktkpszqKIy9n/s400/side+pose2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<u>We have to look and point in some direction just like that! :-D why??</u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzgv-sKaetO7WqrK1QA3DWpmPXbgdaxqvRgEJ0OGkvVmj61BZFOfk_1mgVEJk7XSQaa__joBHVLT_M9ghJFdMTQw7d6xGqYBnRT0E2puPdT07-jTiKJQ-KIqhUzu8cMO3q98TkEEulZNC/s1600/SIDE+POSE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610682150872274082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzgv-sKaetO7WqrK1QA3DWpmPXbgdaxqvRgEJ0OGkvVmj61BZFOfk_1mgVEJk7XSQaa__joBHVLT_M9ghJFdMTQw7d6xGqYBnRT0E2puPdT07-jTiKJQ-KIqhUzu8cMO3q98TkEEulZNC/s400/SIDE+POSE.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<u>This is to full to Gladrags ka photoshoot out!!</u><br />
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The next stop was at the car hire. All of us were there by 9. 3 vauxhall cars were booked for 14 people. We(CK and the girls) picked up our car at Euro cars and joined the other 2 cars.<br />
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For the first 20 mins, Ash CK and I were trying to figure out, how the GPS works. It was a scary 20 mins, wherein we got lost, always took the incorrect diversions and always took the wrong turns. But it was a good experience. This was my first real hand experience of a GPS! Finally we were on the highway, after which the 3 of us finally relaxed and got to enjoy the scenery.<br />
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<strong>Loch Lomond</strong><br />
Our first destination was Loch Lomond. A Loch is the Scottish term for a lake. Loch Lomond is a fresh water lake .It is supposed to be one of Scotland's premier boating and watersports venues. But sadly, none of that was open on Friday, so instead we wandered about and ofcrse clicked a LOT of photos :-P<br />
Few more snaps!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmRaNQsqiAVTuWEsZTpP_AMLGypTwFeXi7Lzo0L7njreGL_Ia-6Dtd-FQfcu3j78BQ4rSFmWIDl3FfUCR78JpeMbFsTksGCv47flrtFJIgWQViUbkL3fFotzIOOOVzEgmmjpC8ljhF-Vi/s1600/Lochmond.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610680400427971026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmRaNQsqiAVTuWEsZTpP_AMLGypTwFeXi7Lzo0L7njreGL_Ia-6Dtd-FQfcu3j78BQ4rSFmWIDl3FfUCR78JpeMbFsTksGCv47flrtFJIgWQViUbkL3fFotzIOOOVzEgmmjpC8ljhF-Vi/s400/Lochmond.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4J7Xi6tYfHtjpTkEHSKGSNVz3e9onw-k44tkRowKcEoZ1OpXEuPEHbzwPxUlPOjjNgGlvgjVmLIrsKmal3-tdxXASnL13bXNo30fwdt2Qix_VwsmIVcZp0_6y6ljyTsdMwzGQAVbw0pP/s1600/lochmond-3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610680349959086162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4J7Xi6tYfHtjpTkEHSKGSNVz3e9onw-k44tkRowKcEoZ1OpXEuPEHbzwPxUlPOjjNgGlvgjVmLIrsKmal3-tdxXASnL13bXNo30fwdt2Qix_VwsmIVcZp0_6y6ljyTsdMwzGQAVbw0pP/s400/lochmond-3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlvye7GXz-0Gv1nlaxH52d3zMI_ABmct2H0O5_Fp7MYr1YBp-sh7c4F6F51PgB1_eMJC29UyVyQpNLtoSjNaYOLx35ItfEYjLJI34sW2tEA1tJBJOAKO-GJqdDfwxDJBixeRaYlBFBlHs/s1600/lochmond+2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610680301574899090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlvye7GXz-0Gv1nlaxH52d3zMI_ABmct2H0O5_Fp7MYr1YBp-sh7c4F6F51PgB1_eMJC29UyVyQpNLtoSjNaYOLx35ItfEYjLJI34sW2tEA1tJBJOAKO-GJqdDfwxDJBixeRaYlBFBlHs/s400/lochmond+2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBDvS2SLvXWvOoxiWy6ewT3FBMon0ZL2MJG_yxFcqsOwaVsCaPWcoGqBY3mpaI_8_qpA7dEWtE6NMf_enXVF9fA9FxIp9IfhvINVBE6r0PQ963QjKRq3UMVD1euiCqCQ1kxw1bsex3tui/s1600/lochlomond.jpg"></a><br />
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After a good breakfast of burgers and coffees at Lochmond, we then left for Fort William by around 12, where we were to halt for Lunch. I had carried by office laptop (since I had to work for few hours over the weekend), hence Ashvini decided to carry the Ipod connector so that we could charge our Ipods. This proved as a blessing in disguise.. The Ipod connector was used to play songs in our car.. and the irony was only our car has the ipod connector :-P This eventually made our car the most wanted car in the followings day.. since only our car had music :-) ..but more about this later ;-)<br />
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The distance between Loch Lomond and Fort William is 85 kms which took us an hour to reach. We enjoyed some breathtaking scenery.<br />
Few more snapshots below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Au-Yi4Ow4prNzbRGh7QZKpVuZMbbt8zM2-7344JEvQze1wjodPagg-8PDXj38bX4MGxzjbVlzXfFNe_7tYnDKB9Zva4UoOLEL46L1tsbfsJds6qMjo7H6wvaJw29x_XLMdRBU0Fi9fO/s1600/wow4.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610681581209236802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Au-Yi4Ow4prNzbRGh7QZKpVuZMbbt8zM2-7344JEvQze1wjodPagg-8PDXj38bX4MGxzjbVlzXfFNe_7tYnDKB9Zva4UoOLEL46L1tsbfsJds6qMjo7H6wvaJw29x_XLMdRBU0Fi9fO/s400/wow4.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5gvV26P8ZcNVyYmzqnrdjeCOT9xRaGOQvOfNN7A4nYWCguVEVorG5c_fP822BtDR4bcWWhyK9Sa6g37oMSyGEjlaYDcL_YbCnvRVlNTIjVImiv26RzBtTZH29HNnsmyVTIGP19eMu1I4/s1600/while+on+theway+3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610681531877083986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5gvV26P8ZcNVyYmzqnrdjeCOT9xRaGOQvOfNN7A4nYWCguVEVorG5c_fP822BtDR4bcWWhyK9Sa6g37oMSyGEjlaYDcL_YbCnvRVlNTIjVImiv26RzBtTZH29HNnsmyVTIGP19eMu1I4/s400/while+on+theway+3.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ix0e6BVRXQzhz7d7Fk1VaoZpMU2veZJvD-W3s7DkIPI6DbAMGDHFGj7k-y9_OibMw_ZAfWOj_ihVUzigj4Ct1pur0rBwTFxLRvncq7odZAeUl0YDIg7GbBU_P760-Dhv5Dt4azTfOFnx/s1600/whileont+the+way+2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610681485673470450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ix0e6BVRXQzhz7d7Fk1VaoZpMU2veZJvD-W3s7DkIPI6DbAMGDHFGj7k-y9_OibMw_ZAfWOj_ihVUzigj4Ct1pur0rBwTFxLRvncq7odZAeUl0YDIg7GbBU_P760-Dhv5Dt4azTfOFnx/s400/whileont+the+way+2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSm0n8Y-OgTobsqro5t_VnwhLAMKeMn1-ElzodlGpIu99ed8eaQWFTWwuV4kdiua1iE-WQPpXYb2BX1EcwCLfaIqH7UWOEyMm0zp1KkYO-Bt-E8YdcsHr0iJCKG1lALshn8mFHXOWh_us/s1600/whileontheway.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610681448316286146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSm0n8Y-OgTobsqro5t_VnwhLAMKeMn1-ElzodlGpIu99ed8eaQWFTWwuV4kdiua1iE-WQPpXYb2BX1EcwCLfaIqH7UWOEyMm0zp1KkYO-Bt-E8YdcsHr0iJCKG1lALshn8mFHXOWh_us/s400/whileontheway.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<strong>Fort William</strong>Fort William is the largest town in the highlands of only being exceeded in size by the City of Inverness . It is supposed to be a major tourist centre with Glen Coe just to the south, Aonach Mòr to the north and Glenfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles(Dont ask me how i know all this, all courtesy wiki).<br />
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We reached Fort William by 2 in the afternoon. Even though everyone was famished, we dutifully followed Swaroop, as he led us, in the narrow lanes of Fort William to an Indian restaurant, where he had food once. Desi khane ke liye log kuch bhi karenge :-P<br />
The Everest Indian Tandoori Restaurant was where we had lunch. It was right along the Loch Linnhe and had a beautiful view. The food was great, although the veggies had to suffer the torture of mushrooms, carrot and broccoli sabji.. they also claimed that the curry was good.<br />
The staff was not very hospitable though, and they eventually proved that, by serving a very special cappuccino to QC :-P<br />
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<strong>Donan Castle</strong>By around 4, we left Fort William, and headed for the Donan Castle. It is supposed to be the most photographed castle in Scotland and the castle is open to visitors during the day only. So even though it was closed when we reached(after 6),we made sure it is the most photgraphed ;-)<br />
Few snaps from the OUTSIDE of the Donan castle!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZAvl22_kvluvAsx21hHZWiMuvr7Uzuo5kp8RSDB24NqaGGObgX2yGkfdfGRu6cvXtnmWTdeDAvPhzwI1_3xKfbHoNbyajXrCUZmxMVmqdVxr_FjwoniQVxVvQucRzXfdRoLyENRJJjcZ/s1600/donan3.jpg"><strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610680852690989154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZAvl22_kvluvAsx21hHZWiMuvr7Uzuo5kp8RSDB24NqaGGObgX2yGkfdfGRu6cvXtnmWTdeDAvPhzwI1_3xKfbHoNbyajXrCUZmxMVmqdVxr_FjwoniQVxVvQucRzXfdRoLyENRJJjcZ/s400/donan3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></strong></a><strong><br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_Tk0tYjyZY5Z0RfENo8WxYzKgiL7-psRyZb4nqnFp6l1vkHq2E4C_dGNbBOa3MiOirKYFQbp_lXlEjT_1kHJN3N-77Qs_KnJcHyKHdxygmiSRXKA4yVYg_mT1OZ7_uyL1HovysUU8QRx/s1600/donan2.jpg"><strong></strong></a><strong><br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BCnvMY4JvM7H-NRJkcS4E_gIaS7rP_g07o7ogVkf_o0rtjiNxOpDIBUi9Dz_fsiorAueo8m9FjvD3_62IeHzQnkR-L5VnClTndBrZ0P0NxuyNBUAfVZARMuahsIsUS6xVeFR9piWwQsf/s1600/donan+castle.jpg"><strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610680738661566306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BCnvMY4JvM7H-NRJkcS4E_gIaS7rP_g07o7ogVkf_o0rtjiNxOpDIBUi9Dz_fsiorAueo8m9FjvD3_62IeHzQnkR-L5VnClTndBrZ0P0NxuyNBUAfVZARMuahsIsUS6xVeFR9piWwQsf/s400/donan+castle.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></strong></a><strong><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6-OmypHDQ0O5XmEdbCd1pyKSOnCkkPUCfPR2uUl3ibWHDMycp3hdbupxpqOsttoyF3rxwTftXL-A0il6NFOLuaeG2F7Ejzrq0Hn8Rw63Fmf7h-l_zWdicW9BlrtKIKaccELCUBzsatpv/s1600/IMG_3547[1].JPG"><strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610681995527522178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6-OmypHDQ0O5XmEdbCd1pyKSOnCkkPUCfPR2uUl3ibWHDMycp3hdbupxpqOsttoyF3rxwTftXL-A0il6NFOLuaeG2F7Ejzrq0Hn8Rw63Fmf7h-l_zWdicW9BlrtKIKaccELCUBzsatpv/s400/IMG_3547%255B1%255D.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px;" /></strong></a><strong><br /><br /><br /></strong><br />
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<strong>Isle of Skye</strong>From Donan Castle we headed for Isle of Skye, which was the last stop for the day. The passage to Skye is open via three entrances. The first is via the Mallaig ferry, the second is the Glenelg ferry and the third which joins the town of Kyle is the Skye bridge. We choose the Skye Bridge. Itis a road over Loch , connecting mainland with the Isle of Skye . (wiki again!)<br />
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The bridge ride was beautiful!!!!.. and everybody suddenly turned silent in the car.<br />
A Crimson orange haze was cast over the horizon, with the crystal clear blue waters of the Loch below. It had lighted up the sky as if lit by fire. This breathtaking view of the Sun set left us all mersmeriesed, as we breathed in the last of this long long day! A perfect ending to the day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcFtDwce1Q0b95bD-Ty_BbRcbI9FuLi3cB_qYK0weIbdZv6qzuOV5MNEDmAHMUmx8NX4ca_Vqs4qUXlDZFCG4LqgVPBth-1a6_UzrwBLHYfV0Hri0Aj_RnfGsq1XfkRFSPgvPvS_65gtx/s1600/SunsetatanchorbySkyeBridge[1].jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610682430991491634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcFtDwce1Q0b95bD-Ty_BbRcbI9FuLi3cB_qYK0weIbdZv6qzuOV5MNEDmAHMUmx8NX4ca_Vqs4qUXlDZFCG4LqgVPBth-1a6_UzrwBLHYfV0Hri0Aj_RnfGsq1XfkRFSPgvPvS_65gtx/s400/SunsetatanchorbySkyeBridge%255B1%255D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<u>Awesome beauty!!</u><br />
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10 miles after the brigde was our BnB The Sky Bridge - Broadford . CK, dropped the girls here, and we quickly checked in. The rooms were simple but very neat and tidy . We loved the concept of this BnB, where there were commons shower rooms, around 8-10 shower rooms, free wifi and a common free food fridge!!!! Although the next hotel was 9 miles from our BnB, we really weren’t short of food, thanks to all the free food!!! To Ash’s and Teju’s delight, there was a beautiful little black cat as well, which belonged to the owner..and her name was HAMISH.. After a dinner of Bread butter, cheese and jam, we finally got to sleep, after a long, tirining but an exciting day! Looking forward to the next day!<br />
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PS: The boys, we got to know the next day, played pool.. Supposedly on the only Pool table, a guy was playing awesomely well, and was winning literally all games.. But such is the charm of our Rakesh, that when this so called Mr Pool champ played with Rakesh, not a ball managed to make it to the hole!!<br />
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More on day2 coming soon..</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030676252058579562.post-43630661683063007422011-05-11T18:19:00.000+05:302017-09-05T11:26:20.628+05:30The Pink Slippers!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we were in Vishakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh, we used to visit this famous UDA park beach many a times. Those used to be, one of my most looked forward moments.. and the main highlight of my weekends then. I loved the beaches..Amma, never liked the water so she used to stay back to watch our chappals..But Papa and me never used to lose a minute to remove those BATA slippers and rush to the oncoming waves to wet our feet..Papa like every other PAPA, used to only allow me to wet my ankles.. Every step ahead in the water, after that, would follow with 10 words of caution.. (Like.. u don’t know the sea.. it pulls you in..This is THE BAY OF BENGAL.. It is supposed to be a rough sea..ur a kid.. ur don’t understand.. And so on..) After all that, I would never dare to go ahead and wet my knees…On one of such weekend trips.. Amma could not accompany us.. so as we didn’t have anyone to look after our precious BATA slippers.. Papa and I decided to go ahead into the water with those on.. Papa had buckled shoes, so they could never come out on any case..I had my fav pink strap slippers on..<br />The moment I went into the water, the receding waves went back merrily, taking one of my pink slipper along with them.. Leaving me with a expression of shock and disbelief..<br />One thing to note here is , I was super possessive about my stuff.. I never even used to lose a eraser in school!! Amma tells me she used to throw them away eventually..(Ever seen a eraser getting over?? I have many a times )Seeing those pretty pink slipper vanishing in front of my eyes.. the easy tears came up..Papa, after one look at me, went after my pinky slipper and dived into the so called dangerous Bay of Bengal and came back after 10 frightful seconds, with the slipper in his hand and a sheepish but a victorious grin on his face..The man who never allowed me to even wet my knees.. Was drenched in salt water from head to toe just to get back that Pink slipper..!!I ran up to to him in the water wetting my knees finally :-), and he held me up high and gave me my beloved slipper..Eventually those slippers weared off and many Pink slippers came after that.. But even after 17 years since that day, never ever has anyone done such a HEROIC act for me..That incident always had a special memory in heart and mind..and unfortunately that memoryspace is going to be a “USED SPACE” for LIFE!Remebering you ALWAYS PAPA..Love you always!<br />
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<br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13646466740681280522noreply@blogger.com4