It is Christmas time and all of Singapore is lit up and ready for the season of cheer and merry making. So, to get into the "spirit" (pun unintended), I tagged along with my new best friend to the mall to buy some wine. So there we were in front of shelves filled with madira (for the enlightenment of my international audience - this is what the gods in India call alcohol) of every type known to man.
There were rows of different brands of Red Wine, White Wine (it beats me why it is called white wine when it is actually kind of yellow in colour, it reminds me of something else, but I shall refrain from mentioning it here as this is a genteel blog and I will not have anything crude appearing in it), Ice Wine (I told SM in all innocence that I am sure it is a printing mistake, they meant "Rice Wine" and all I got for my pains was a dirty look), Pink Wine, Champagne (Note: Did you know that only wine made in the region of Champagne in France can be called Champagne, see I am not just a pretty face you know, smirk, smirk), beer, whisky (Note : Only Whisky made in Scotland can be called Scotch Whisky) and there also happens to be Dry Wine ( I asked SM why is called Dry wine, she says because it leaves you dry, I pictured myself left out to dry on a clothesline, it is quite possible that such a thing will happen if I drink, cause my mom will wash me... (this is actually a literal transalation of a hindi phrase 'Dho Dala' which means to clean throughly but is used as slang to convey 'that the person was throughly thrashed ').
Before you start questioning whether I am an alcoholic let me clarify that my General Knowledge happens to be good, just because I know so much about Alcohol does not make me an Alcoholic, yours truly is a teetotaller, though enjoys an occasional glass of Port Wine. Just because I know about the ocean does not make me a fish, you know, same logic... but I digress, where as I, Ah, buying wine...
So there we were like two giddy school girls giggling away to glory as we looked at the spirits on display. SM wanted to buy some wine for the upcoming Christmas dinner and was looking for something special.
She finally settled on the Pink Wine and what do you think was the dealmaker ?
- the fact that it was bottled in 2005, thus making it a five year old wine...nope (another bit of gyaan, apparently the older the wine the better, I told SM this and she shot it down saying "I don't think it really matters, I have had really old wine and it tasted like piss". I didn't say this SM did, you are welcome to ask her your smart alec question like "Oh, so you tasted piss ah ?" and I will let her unleash her kung fu skills on you.
-the fact that the printing was smudged, showing that it was indeed stored in a deep, dark cellar, somewhere...nope
-the fact that it was reasonably priced... nope...to be honest it was quite expensive for a small bottle...
-the fact that it came from some fancy vineyard, in the heart of France... nope
Give up already ???
Ok, I will let out the secret, she bought that bottle of wine because it was PINK WINE and thought it was CUTE :-)
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Friday, 17 December 2010
Book Review : Xcess Baggage
I have been a fan of Varsha Dixit's writing ever since I read Right Fit, Wrong Shoe, I love the way her protagonists think and intereact, it really makes for some interesting conversations and monologues (when they are talking to themselves). So, I've been looking forward to for her second book to release... and post that I literally hounded the staff at Crossword, Powai, till they agreed to order the book for me (I am sure they have been dubbed me the "Crazy Book Lady").
Anyways I digress; so I finally managed to get my hands on a copy this week and immediately launched into a full-attention-no-distraction reading mode. The initial write-up for the book promised something interesting and Xcess Baggage delivers just that.
The story is riveting and Meghna's dry wit in the face of certain death keeps you hooked. The name Byron actually suits the male lead as he exudes an aura that is dark, scintillating and something medieval. The questions asked by Meghna, are something that you and me (read Hollywood educated junta) would ask if we had the misfortune of being in her place. The story grows on you to such an extent that you will find it difficult to put the book down. I really cannot and will not say anything more as it will kill the plot.
If you are into sci-fi, vampires, werewolves, crackling wit and have a zany sense of humor, go ahead and buy your copy!!!
Anyways I digress; so I finally managed to get my hands on a copy this week and immediately launched into a full-attention-no-distraction reading mode. The initial write-up for the book promised something interesting and Xcess Baggage delivers just that.
The story is riveting and Meghna's dry wit in the face of certain death keeps you hooked. The name Byron actually suits the male lead as he exudes an aura that is dark, scintillating and something medieval. The questions asked by Meghna, are something that you and me (read Hollywood educated junta) would ask if we had the misfortune of being in her place. The story grows on you to such an extent that you will find it difficult to put the book down. I really cannot and will not say anything more as it will kill the plot.
If you are into sci-fi, vampires, werewolves, crackling wit and have a zany sense of humor, go ahead and buy your copy!!!
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Six types of friends a girl just must have...
I have listed below the kind of friends that a girl just must have:
1) 3 a.m. friends - Atleast two, one of these will most likely be sat next her saying, "we are so dead" and the other will be busy running from pillar to post trying to bail her from whatever quagmire she has got herself into.
2) A couple of friends on speed dial who she can call when the rickshaw driver gets overfriendly and wants to engage her in some interesting anecdote.
3) A couple of friends with whom she can just be herself, no pretence or false facade needed when they are around, normally the 3 a.m. friends will fall into this category. These friends would have seen her at her most vulnerable and would have stood next to her through thick and thin. They will be able to tell her on her face when she is making an ass of herself and also be able to egg her on when she needs the boost to do something radical (like say dye her hair purple, get a tattoo, make a bold career move or ask that cute guy who has been eyeing her for the last one month out for coffee).
4) A couple of gal pals to go shopping, gossiping or gymming (weight is best lost when you have company, else it is a lost cause, ask me the best weight loss I have had was when I had company from other weight gain afflictees).
5) A male friend who will give her the guy's perspective to every ticklish problem.
6) A tee-totaller girlfriend to go to parties with, so that just incase she drinks herself silly, she can rest assured that she will arrive home safe.
1) 3 a.m. friends - Atleast two, one of these will most likely be sat next her saying, "we are so dead" and the other will be busy running from pillar to post trying to bail her from whatever quagmire she has got herself into.
2) A couple of friends on speed dial who she can call when the rickshaw driver gets overfriendly and wants to engage her in some interesting anecdote.
3) A couple of friends with whom she can just be herself, no pretence or false facade needed when they are around, normally the 3 a.m. friends will fall into this category. These friends would have seen her at her most vulnerable and would have stood next to her through thick and thin. They will be able to tell her on her face when she is making an ass of herself and also be able to egg her on when she needs the boost to do something radical (like say dye her hair purple, get a tattoo, make a bold career move or ask that cute guy who has been eyeing her for the last one month out for coffee).
4) A couple of gal pals to go shopping, gossiping or gymming (weight is best lost when you have company, else it is a lost cause, ask me the best weight loss I have had was when I had company from other weight gain afflictees).
5) A male friend who will give her the guy's perspective to every ticklish problem.
6) A tee-totaller girlfriend to go to parties with, so that just incase she drinks herself silly, she can rest assured that she will arrive home safe.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Alone in the crowd...
Tears fall freely
It is all over except for the pain
there is nothing to expect
it was all in vain
Cheer, happiness and gaiety
People all around
then why do I feel
Alone in the crowd...
It is all over except for the pain
there is nothing to expect
it was all in vain
Cheer, happiness and gaiety
People all around
then why do I feel
Alone in the crowd...
Saturday, 6 November 2010
How many people are you ?
Ok so I am back in one piece from my trip to Bintan Island, and I can safely say that this is a just a beginning of my love affair with Indonesia. If I ever get married, I am going to make the poor sod who marries me bring me here for our honeymoon...period. The hotel staff and my colleague who is a native of Bintan Island ensured that I had an unforgettable and heart warming stay is Indonesia. I have come back after experiencing some wonderful Indonesian hospitality, it is 100% true when I say that I spent three days and two nights in heaven.
It all began one week ago over lunch where we (yes, I am part of a desi lunch group S1,S2, A and yours truly) were discussing vacation spots and S1 told me that Bintan Island was a very lovely place and definitely worth a dekho. Back at office I realised that K my co-worker is from Bintan Island and she was going home that Friday, I decided to tag along. She was more than happy for me to go with her, she even graciously arranged for me stay at the Bintan Agro Resort and Spa, going to the extent of haggling with the agent on the hotel room rates and getting me quite a discount!!!
I did have some misgivings about travelling alone and expressed the same only to have it unceremoniously shot down by S1 with, "Darrna kya hai, bacchi thodi hai, marenge thodi". After much deliberation I decided to bite the bullet and I will remain eternally grateful to S1 for the pep talk as I have come back with a new sense of self and heighted independence. Though the news was not received with as much enthusiam back home in India, my parents surprised me by whole heartedly supporting the venture, but my friends thought I was being fool hardy and did not mince words... their main concern being the tsunami & volcano errupting on other islands in Indonesia.With all these happening in the background I arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Friday to take the 12.30 p.m. ferry (yes, you can travel from Singapore to Indonesia by ferry). After breezing through immigrations we walked upto the ferry, the last part of the approach road floats on water so you feel quite disoriented as it tends to rock quite a bit... once inside the ferry it was quite OK.
After an uneventful two and half hours we arrived at Tanjun Pinang. I was waiting at immigration to get my passport stamped when one of the guards broke into a song, he actually grinned and started singing 'Tujhe dekha toh yeh jaana sanam, pyaar hota hai deewana sanam...' I honestly did not know what to do at that point and pretended to be deaf. Afer this warm welcome at immigrations check I was sure this was going to be an eventful trip!!!Outside the ferry terminal the agent was waiting to lead all the tourists to the hotel transport that would bring us to the resort, K walked me to the transport and after ensuring I was in safe hands and telling the agent to 'Look after her tamu' left to meet her family. The resort is 45 minutes away from the ferry terminal and the road winds through some really picturesque locales. The villages along the way reminded me of villages back in my home town Mangalore what with coconut trees, ferns, right down to the red soil!!!
I arrived at the resort and what I saw took my breath away. The resort is situated on the beach and each and every room has a sea view. I made my way to the reception where I was greeted by the staff with a "Miss, how many person are you ??", I was like, 'I am just me" amd they looked quite taken aback, I understand a little background is needed, the resort is white sands, clear waters, palm fronds, peace, quiet and privacy, I am sure you get my drift, yes,it is a chosen destination for honeymooners and couples wanting some privacy. I am sure they must I never have had a SWF (Single Wheatish Female in my case) as a guest. Even the waitress who brought me my room service meals was surprised, 'Why are you alone?' all of a sudden I was tempted to make up a story of how my non-existent boy friend ditched me at the last moment, but I decided to go with the truth. She then took it on herself to look after me, the next morning when I did not arrive at the breakfast table, the reception called me to let me know that the buffet was open till 10 a.m. On reaching the breakfast area the waitress fawned all over me, would you like to eat this, can I bring you some tea, some prata, milk ...actually made me feel like a princess.
After a hearty breakfast I hired a cycle and biked to every corner of the resort. Then I made my way to the spa and indulged the next three hours in being furthered pampered. When the treatment was complete, I went up to the my room and promptly went off to sleep, the massage is absolutely divine and guranteed to ensure that all your tensions leave your body and mind!!! I don't remember when I last crashed out like I did after the massage. The rest of the day was spent relaxing watching the sea throught the french windows.
The next morning I went on an island tour, it consists of a trip via motor boat to a tiny secluded island. In good weather snorkelling is possible here, however due to the rains it was not possible to snorkel so we just mooched over the beach and returned to the resort. Before I knew it, it was time to return to Singapore, I think I have left a part of my soul in Bintan Pura, there are other activities like canoeing, boating, mangrove tour etc, I intend to do it all next time when I come here with someone.. hope this is not just wishful thinking!!!
It all began one week ago over lunch where we (yes, I am part of a desi lunch group S1,S2, A and yours truly) were discussing vacation spots and S1 told me that Bintan Island was a very lovely place and definitely worth a dekho. Back at office I realised that K my co-worker is from Bintan Island and she was going home that Friday, I decided to tag along. She was more than happy for me to go with her, she even graciously arranged for me stay at the Bintan Agro Resort and Spa, going to the extent of haggling with the agent on the hotel room rates and getting me quite a discount!!!
I did have some misgivings about travelling alone and expressed the same only to have it unceremoniously shot down by S1 with, "Darrna kya hai, bacchi thodi hai, marenge thodi". After much deliberation I decided to bite the bullet and I will remain eternally grateful to S1 for the pep talk as I have come back with a new sense of self and heighted independence. Though the news was not received with as much enthusiam back home in India, my parents surprised me by whole heartedly supporting the venture, but my friends thought I was being fool hardy and did not mince words... their main concern being the tsunami & volcano errupting on other islands in Indonesia.With all these happening in the background I arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on Friday to take the 12.30 p.m. ferry (yes, you can travel from Singapore to Indonesia by ferry). After breezing through immigrations we walked upto the ferry, the last part of the approach road floats on water so you feel quite disoriented as it tends to rock quite a bit... once inside the ferry it was quite OK.
After an uneventful two and half hours we arrived at Tanjun Pinang. I was waiting at immigration to get my passport stamped when one of the guards broke into a song, he actually grinned and started singing 'Tujhe dekha toh yeh jaana sanam, pyaar hota hai deewana sanam...' I honestly did not know what to do at that point and pretended to be deaf. Afer this warm welcome at immigrations check I was sure this was going to be an eventful trip!!!Outside the ferry terminal the agent was waiting to lead all the tourists to the hotel transport that would bring us to the resort, K walked me to the transport and after ensuring I was in safe hands and telling the agent to 'Look after her tamu' left to meet her family. The resort is 45 minutes away from the ferry terminal and the road winds through some really picturesque locales. The villages along the way reminded me of villages back in my home town Mangalore what with coconut trees, ferns, right down to the red soil!!!
I arrived at the resort and what I saw took my breath away. The resort is situated on the beach and each and every room has a sea view. I made my way to the reception where I was greeted by the staff with a "Miss, how many person are you ??", I was like, 'I am just me" amd they looked quite taken aback, I understand a little background is needed, the resort is white sands, clear waters, palm fronds, peace, quiet and privacy, I am sure you get my drift, yes,it is a chosen destination for honeymooners and couples wanting some privacy. I am sure they must I never have had a SWF (Single Wheatish Female in my case) as a guest. Even the waitress who brought me my room service meals was surprised, 'Why are you alone?' all of a sudden I was tempted to make up a story of how my non-existent boy friend ditched me at the last moment, but I decided to go with the truth. She then took it on herself to look after me, the next morning when I did not arrive at the breakfast table, the reception called me to let me know that the buffet was open till 10 a.m. On reaching the breakfast area the waitress fawned all over me, would you like to eat this, can I bring you some tea, some prata, milk ...actually made me feel like a princess.
After a hearty breakfast I hired a cycle and biked to every corner of the resort. Then I made my way to the spa and indulged the next three hours in being furthered pampered. When the treatment was complete, I went up to the my room and promptly went off to sleep, the massage is absolutely divine and guranteed to ensure that all your tensions leave your body and mind!!! I don't remember when I last crashed out like I did after the massage. The rest of the day was spent relaxing watching the sea throught the french windows.
The next morning I went on an island tour, it consists of a trip via motor boat to a tiny secluded island. In good weather snorkelling is possible here, however due to the rains it was not possible to snorkel so we just mooched over the beach and returned to the resort. Before I knew it, it was time to return to Singapore, I think I have left a part of my soul in Bintan Pura, there are other activities like canoeing, boating, mangrove tour etc, I intend to do it all next time when I come here with someone.. hope this is not just wishful thinking!!!
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Vacation...Bintan Island...!!!
'WHAT!!!... are you freaking insane !!!'
A screams at me over the long distance international call...I had just informed her of my intention to go to Bintan Island, Indonesia, my first solo vacation in all my years of existance. I am excluding the Birmingham, Mangalore and Kerala trips here as I had people waiting for me in each of these places and it was only the travelling that was solo.
'The place is reeling from the effects of the latest tsunami with the added tension of a volcano that might erupt anytime and you are telling me you are planning to go there via FERRY, have you completely lost it?'.
Holding the phone a few inches away from my ear, I tried reasoning that I am going to Bintan and not the tsunami hit area. But A is beyond caring, 'Why do you have to be so masochistic ?, Can't you think of any other ways to torture yourself and others around you ?'
'But A, it is just a vacation, I have not enrolled myself at a concentration camp of any sort you know, my colleague lives in Bintan Island, she is planning to go so I am tagging alone, OK, granted that I will be on my own once there, I think it is about time I started taking some risks...'
Also come to think of it, this travelling by ferry bit is kind of funny, it keeps reminding me of a film I saw years ago, about two conmen who run a travel cum employment agency who promise people that they will take them to Dubai. The travellers are taken aboard a ferry and after a few hours they are told that they have arrived in Dubai and asked to alight. It is only after the ferry has left that they realise they have been duped and are actually at Madh Island on the other side of Mumbai. I dare not say this to A, she would just punch me through the phone if it were possible.
To be honest I would not dream of going on such a trip if I were in India, but so far this trip has been full of surprises so I am hoping that I will be pleasantly surprised by the good time that I have in Bintan !!!
More on the trip once I am back...
A screams at me over the long distance international call...I had just informed her of my intention to go to Bintan Island, Indonesia, my first solo vacation in all my years of existance. I am excluding the Birmingham, Mangalore and Kerala trips here as I had people waiting for me in each of these places and it was only the travelling that was solo.
'The place is reeling from the effects of the latest tsunami with the added tension of a volcano that might erupt anytime and you are telling me you are planning to go there via FERRY, have you completely lost it?'.
Holding the phone a few inches away from my ear, I tried reasoning that I am going to Bintan and not the tsunami hit area. But A is beyond caring, 'Why do you have to be so masochistic ?, Can't you think of any other ways to torture yourself and others around you ?'
'But A, it is just a vacation, I have not enrolled myself at a concentration camp of any sort you know, my colleague lives in Bintan Island, she is planning to go so I am tagging alone, OK, granted that I will be on my own once there, I think it is about time I started taking some risks...'
Also come to think of it, this travelling by ferry bit is kind of funny, it keeps reminding me of a film I saw years ago, about two conmen who run a travel cum employment agency who promise people that they will take them to Dubai. The travellers are taken aboard a ferry and after a few hours they are told that they have arrived in Dubai and asked to alight. It is only after the ferry has left that they realise they have been duped and are actually at Madh Island on the other side of Mumbai. I dare not say this to A, she would just punch me through the phone if it were possible.
To be honest I would not dream of going on such a trip if I were in India, but so far this trip has been full of surprises so I am hoping that I will be pleasantly surprised by the good time that I have in Bintan !!!
More on the trip once I am back...
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Makan Oh Lydia ??
Can't make any sense lah, no problem lah, read on lah!!
As I inch towards completing my third week in Singapore, I look back at the time that I spent in this magical tropical island nation. This country and its people have such a tolerant attitude and they have accepted me as one of their own. It just feels like yesterday that I landed here full of apprehensions about the new land and culture. The other fear that was plaguing me was the fact that Singapore is 2.5 hours ahead of India and to get to office at nine in the morning I would have to get up at 4 am India time, which is something I have never done in my entire life, if you possibly exclude the time as a newborn I might have woken up every two hours for feeding (the operative word here being might, as knowing myself as I do I strongly suspect I did not!!!) I had these nightmares I would be sent home in disgrace for never reaching office on time! Having said that I think I have done quite OK these couple of weeks and will miss Singapore on my return to India.
The thing that I will miss most is the quaint language known as Singlish. Which is spoken in a sing song manner and I am sure is a literal translation of sentences in their native tongue into English. Quite similar to the literal translations of Hindi into English, "Why you rotating outside the girls hostel" a literal translation of "Ladkiyo ke hostel ke bahar kyon chakkar kaat rahe the" :))
You OK lah ?
Please lah, Dont like that lah!!!
Aeiyo, I don know, but I find for you lah ?
I pass it already lah?
Also Can Lah!!!
Can Can Lah!!!
These ones you can still understand, but the one that had me scratching my head was "You Makan Oh lydia". We have this lady in office who helps keep the office clean and tidy, everyone calls her Auntie. She has been very friendly since day one and I quite like her smiling face, she reminds me of a happy sunflower. I was in the washroom when she asked me "You Makan Oh lydia" and I was left staring at her for a few secs, and I like a dumb idiot told her "Haan main theek hoon", I realised what I had done and answered in English at which she "OK lah" followed by a burst of Chinese amid great laughter!!! I walked back to me desk and asked my colleagues what "You Makan Oh lydia" meant, they were at sea and said it meant nothing! After a while one of girls burst into laughter and said Auntie asked "Whether you had food...YOU MAKAN ALREADY!!!" Apparently most of the Indians in Singapore know Malay and MAKAN in Malay mean food, as in you ate already!!!
As I inch towards completing my third week in Singapore, I look back at the time that I spent in this magical tropical island nation. This country and its people have such a tolerant attitude and they have accepted me as one of their own. It just feels like yesterday that I landed here full of apprehensions about the new land and culture. The other fear that was plaguing me was the fact that Singapore is 2.5 hours ahead of India and to get to office at nine in the morning I would have to get up at 4 am India time, which is something I have never done in my entire life, if you possibly exclude the time as a newborn I might have woken up every two hours for feeding (the operative word here being might, as knowing myself as I do I strongly suspect I did not!!!) I had these nightmares I would be sent home in disgrace for never reaching office on time! Having said that I think I have done quite OK these couple of weeks and will miss Singapore on my return to India.
The thing that I will miss most is the quaint language known as Singlish. Which is spoken in a sing song manner and I am sure is a literal translation of sentences in their native tongue into English. Quite similar to the literal translations of Hindi into English, "Why you rotating outside the girls hostel" a literal translation of "Ladkiyo ke hostel ke bahar kyon chakkar kaat rahe the" :))
You OK lah ?
Please lah, Dont like that lah!!!
Aeiyo, I don know, but I find for you lah ?
I pass it already lah?
Also Can Lah!!!
Can Can Lah!!!
These ones you can still understand, but the one that had me scratching my head was "You Makan Oh lydia". We have this lady in office who helps keep the office clean and tidy, everyone calls her Auntie. She has been very friendly since day one and I quite like her smiling face, she reminds me of a happy sunflower. I was in the washroom when she asked me "You Makan Oh lydia" and I was left staring at her for a few secs, and I like a dumb idiot told her "Haan main theek hoon", I realised what I had done and answered in English at which she "OK lah" followed by a burst of Chinese amid great laughter!!! I walked back to me desk and asked my colleagues what "You Makan Oh lydia" meant, they were at sea and said it meant nothing! After a while one of girls burst into laughter and said Auntie asked "Whether you had food...YOU MAKAN ALREADY!!!" Apparently most of the Indians in Singapore know Malay and MAKAN in Malay mean food, as in you ate already!!!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
New Girl in City...Week 2
I have officially lived in Singapore for two weeks and this period has been an eye opener of sorts, I have stumbled upon facts about myself and have been been left wiser for the experience. Some of the things that I have done and discovered so far are:
1) I suddenly realised that I do not like to experiment when it comes to food, I tried to convince myself to try some local foods, but so far I have been unsuccessful, living solely on fruits, sandwiches and some some limited Indian style foods that are available. I find this weird as in Mumbai I am always game to try new food, be it off the street or in restaurants. Today I had tears of joy in my eyes when I located a McDonalds near the hotel that I am put up at...need I say more...
2) My sense of direction is not as bad as I think it is ... I just get intimidated by crowds. Give me peace, quiet and leave me to my own devices and I can do wonders.
3) I hate having to eat out all by myself, though I must clarify that I have no problem with eating alone per se, its just the thought of having to go to a restaurant alone that really puts me off. I would have loved it if I were put up in service apartment :(
4) Just completed reading 'The Curse of the Singles Table' by Suzzane Schlosberg and realised that I am not alone. I could identify with the emotions and feelings that she went through on crossing the dreaded line from single to...still single.
5) The daily soaps on Chinese Television are similar to the ones back home, I am not sure of the level of regressiveness but I am guessig it will not be very much off the Indian Television mark.
6) I have come to realise that Life is something that happens to you when you are busy making other plans. You just have to stop trying too hard and lighten up.
7) People everywhere are just the same, if you approach them with warmth and an open mind they will welcome you in their midst. Everyone needs a little love and understanding!!
1) I suddenly realised that I do not like to experiment when it comes to food, I tried to convince myself to try some local foods, but so far I have been unsuccessful, living solely on fruits, sandwiches and some some limited Indian style foods that are available. I find this weird as in Mumbai I am always game to try new food, be it off the street or in restaurants. Today I had tears of joy in my eyes when I located a McDonalds near the hotel that I am put up at...need I say more...
2) My sense of direction is not as bad as I think it is ... I just get intimidated by crowds. Give me peace, quiet and leave me to my own devices and I can do wonders.
3) I hate having to eat out all by myself, though I must clarify that I have no problem with eating alone per se, its just the thought of having to go to a restaurant alone that really puts me off. I would have loved it if I were put up in service apartment :(
4) Just completed reading 'The Curse of the Singles Table' by Suzzane Schlosberg and realised that I am not alone. I could identify with the emotions and feelings that she went through on crossing the dreaded line from single to...still single.
5) The daily soaps on Chinese Television are similar to the ones back home, I am not sure of the level of regressiveness but I am guessig it will not be very much off the Indian Television mark.
6) I have come to realise that Life is something that happens to you when you are busy making other plans. You just have to stop trying too hard and lighten up.
7) People everywhere are just the same, if you approach them with warmth and an open mind they will welcome you in their midst. Everyone needs a little love and understanding!!
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Durians are not allowed !!!
Hello All,
I have been away from blogging for a while... not that anyone is complaining :( ... just for your information I was working hard to complete all my pending work in Mumbai so that I could come away on secondment to Singapore!!!
I arrived in Singapore on Sunday, so I have effectively been here for less than three days and in this period I have managed to get lost twice, got sandwiched between the elevator doors, ate some bird (which I strongly suspect was definitely not chicken as touted by the vendor) and almost sent a geriatric to the hospital. Also I find mystefying signs that durians are not allowed in hotels!!! Now that I have your complete attention, let me regale you with my story...
Day 0
First story featuring the geriatric...I arrived at the taxi stand a little after seven in the morning, post a enthralling five a half hour flight in a cramped economy class seat with a little girl about one who decided that my life (and her parents of course) was definitely smooth sailing and decided to rock the boat. The minute her parents sat down she began wailing and I was like "Please God, Why me". Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against kids, I love them, so far as they are all cuddles, kisses and cooing, I am their pigeon, the minute they decide to take on a more rudra avataar, I run for the hills. So, I asked for some cotton wool and resigned myself to listen to the different types of raagas that the tot was practising. After an hour or so I guess they managed to sedate her with a tranquiliser gun and she went off to sleep, but sleep evaded me, have you every tried to get some sleep while travelling on a plane, shifting this way and that trying to find the perfect position for economy class seating nirvana. I still have not achieved it!!! Five and half hours later (more like panch janam) we arrived at Singapore and I sleep walked my way to the taxi stand a little after seven thirty in the morning. I slung my handbag on my back after loading my suitcase in the boot of the taxi and barely missed this old man standing behind me to collect the trolley. God, I was so scared, I was like whoops, I have just been let loose in this country for five seconds and people have to run for cover !!!
Day 1
After resting for a while I decided to venture out to buy a prepaid SIM so, I can make sasta calls to India (Cheap, Cheap, I hear you guys say :)) and a travel card for MRT. That was when I got a bit ahead of myself and decided to check how to get to office via MRT and also partly to get a feel of how it is. I travelled upto Raffles Place(this is the station closest to the my office, btw my train station is called Dhobi Ghaut), and then got horribly lost, I walked in the opposite direction and landed up at a station close to Dhobi Ghaut on another line, did not have the heart to walk back so took a train back to the hotel. I made up my mind to take a taxi the next day and then return in the evening by train so I can get my bearings right.
Day 2
I reached office a little before eight and got sandwiched between the elevator door, some doofus pressed the close button before I could get it. Then he was so embarassed, he tried to lighten up the atmosphere by saying "I am usually a zombie till about ten... and thats at night :p". So I said "Its OK" though for a moment I thought "bas Sen ... tera antt aagaya..."
Before I forget, another one I just have to tell you, I went to the loo and and my bum must have just left the toilet seat and it auto flushed... I remembered an old office joke about employees being asked to take only a 30 second loo break, if the employees takes longer to finish, the toilet would auto flush, the paper would roll back, the door would open and a picture would be taken of the employee and put out on the notice board as a defaulter... For a sec...I thought it really does happen here in Singapore :))
Day 3
Today I left office around seven, grabbed a quick dinner and decided to hit the sack early, but fate decided that I have not had enough excitement in my life. I took the MRT to Dhobi Ghaut and as usual took the wrong exit and landed inside the Shopping Mall(one of these days my lack of sense of direction is going to get me into great trouble) and spent the next twenty odd minutes of my life looking for an exit to get out of the Mall... I went to each of the levels looking for an exit that would take me outside the mall but I kept coming back to the same place, after a point I was nearly close to losing it and suddenly I had a brain wave, I popped into a nearby shop, it happened to be a cake shop, bought a slice of Chocolate Rice Cake, paid S$1.50 (a small price for freedom) and casually asked the attendant directions to the nearest exit ... and freedom. I meekly followed the directions and it is thanks to the S$1.50 Chocolate Rice Cake that I sit here typing... as a free woman !!!
Before I sign off for today here is the reason why Durians are not allowed, courtesy wikipedia:
'The durian (pronounced /ˈdʊəriən/)[2] is the fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio and the Malvaceae family[1][3] (although some taxonomists place Durio in a distinct family, Durionaceae[1]). Widely known and revered in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit can grow as large as 30 centimetres (12 in) long and 15 centimetres (6 in) in diameter, and it typically weighs one to three kilograms (2 to 7 lb). Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species.The edible flesh emits a distinctive odour, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust and has been described variously as almonds, rotten onions, turpentine and gym socks. The odour has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in southeast Asia'.
I have been away from blogging for a while... not that anyone is complaining :( ... just for your information I was working hard to complete all my pending work in Mumbai so that I could come away on secondment to Singapore!!!
I arrived in Singapore on Sunday, so I have effectively been here for less than three days and in this period I have managed to get lost twice, got sandwiched between the elevator doors, ate some bird (which I strongly suspect was definitely not chicken as touted by the vendor) and almost sent a geriatric to the hospital. Also I find mystefying signs that durians are not allowed in hotels!!! Now that I have your complete attention, let me regale you with my story...
Day 0
First story featuring the geriatric...I arrived at the taxi stand a little after seven in the morning, post a enthralling five a half hour flight in a cramped economy class seat with a little girl about one who decided that my life (and her parents of course) was definitely smooth sailing and decided to rock the boat. The minute her parents sat down she began wailing and I was like "Please God, Why me". Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against kids, I love them, so far as they are all cuddles, kisses and cooing, I am their pigeon, the minute they decide to take on a more rudra avataar, I run for the hills. So, I asked for some cotton wool and resigned myself to listen to the different types of raagas that the tot was practising. After an hour or so I guess they managed to sedate her with a tranquiliser gun and she went off to sleep, but sleep evaded me, have you every tried to get some sleep while travelling on a plane, shifting this way and that trying to find the perfect position for economy class seating nirvana. I still have not achieved it!!! Five and half hours later (more like panch janam) we arrived at Singapore and I sleep walked my way to the taxi stand a little after seven thirty in the morning. I slung my handbag on my back after loading my suitcase in the boot of the taxi and barely missed this old man standing behind me to collect the trolley. God, I was so scared, I was like whoops, I have just been let loose in this country for five seconds and people have to run for cover !!!
Day 1
After resting for a while I decided to venture out to buy a prepaid SIM so, I can make sasta calls to India (Cheap, Cheap, I hear you guys say :)) and a travel card for MRT. That was when I got a bit ahead of myself and decided to check how to get to office via MRT and also partly to get a feel of how it is. I travelled upto Raffles Place(this is the station closest to the my office, btw my train station is called Dhobi Ghaut), and then got horribly lost, I walked in the opposite direction and landed up at a station close to Dhobi Ghaut on another line, did not have the heart to walk back so took a train back to the hotel. I made up my mind to take a taxi the next day and then return in the evening by train so I can get my bearings right.
Day 2
I reached office a little before eight and got sandwiched between the elevator door, some doofus pressed the close button before I could get it. Then he was so embarassed, he tried to lighten up the atmosphere by saying "I am usually a zombie till about ten... and thats at night :p". So I said "Its OK" though for a moment I thought "bas Sen ... tera antt aagaya..."
Before I forget, another one I just have to tell you, I went to the loo and and my bum must have just left the toilet seat and it auto flushed... I remembered an old office joke about employees being asked to take only a 30 second loo break, if the employees takes longer to finish, the toilet would auto flush, the paper would roll back, the door would open and a picture would be taken of the employee and put out on the notice board as a defaulter... For a sec...I thought it really does happen here in Singapore :))
Day 3
Today I left office around seven, grabbed a quick dinner and decided to hit the sack early, but fate decided that I have not had enough excitement in my life. I took the MRT to Dhobi Ghaut and as usual took the wrong exit and landed inside the Shopping Mall(one of these days my lack of sense of direction is going to get me into great trouble) and spent the next twenty odd minutes of my life looking for an exit to get out of the Mall... I went to each of the levels looking for an exit that would take me outside the mall but I kept coming back to the same place, after a point I was nearly close to losing it and suddenly I had a brain wave, I popped into a nearby shop, it happened to be a cake shop, bought a slice of Chocolate Rice Cake, paid S$1.50 (a small price for freedom) and casually asked the attendant directions to the nearest exit ... and freedom. I meekly followed the directions and it is thanks to the S$1.50 Chocolate Rice Cake that I sit here typing... as a free woman !!!
Before I sign off for today here is the reason why Durians are not allowed, courtesy wikipedia:
'The durian (pronounced /ˈdʊəriən/)[2] is the fruit of several tree species belonging to the genus Durio and the Malvaceae family[1][3] (although some taxonomists place Durio in a distinct family, Durionaceae[1]). Widely known and revered in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk. The fruit can grow as large as 30 centimetres (12 in) long and 15 centimetres (6 in) in diameter, and it typically weighs one to three kilograms (2 to 7 lb). Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the colour of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species.The edible flesh emits a distinctive odour, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust and has been described variously as almonds, rotten onions, turpentine and gym socks. The odour has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in southeast Asia'.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Koal Sukka (Clams in semi-dry coconut gravy)
This one is for you Manju, thank you for sharing the Dry Pasta and Sidhi Kadi recipe !
I am basically from the coastal village of Someshwar which is just outside Mangalore,Karnataka and five minutes from the Kerala border. So I am a Malyalee from Karnataka and as usually happens with the border people our cusine is a mix of the best of Mangalorean and Keralite cusine. I have some really great memories of my summer and winter vacations at Mangalore and it is still something that I look forward to. Koal Sukka is my all time favourite Mangalorean dish and I love the way it is made at home. The aromas that waft from the kitchen when it is being prepared are quite capable of rousing Kumbhakarna from his sleep. Wake up and smell the Koal Sukka I say!!!
So without much ado, I proudly present the recipe to the delectable manna from heaven!
P.S.: I will put up a picture soon!!
Ingredients
50-60 clams (small sized, black in colour and with thin shell,my mum says that big thick shelled clams have very little flesh in them, the smaller ones are better and much tastier)
For the White Masala
1/2 (half) a Coconut, grated
4-5 garlic cloves
1/2 (half) an onion
1/2 (half) tsp cumin seeds
For the Red Masala
3 Bedgi Chillies (for colour)
2 Madras Chillies
10-12 fenugreek seeds
6-7 black pepper corns
2 tsp corriander seeds
Tamrind (about the size of a small lemon)
1/2 (half) tsp Turmeric powder
Method:
1) Clean the clams throughly to dislodge any impurties sticking to the shells.
2) Add a little water to a pan and steam the clams for about 2-3 mins. Do not cover the pan while steaming. Once steamed the clams will open up. Retain the water left over from the steaming. (Tip: Do not drown the clams in water, just use a little water, enough to cover an inch off the bottom of the pan).
3) Dry roast all the ingredients for the red masala, except the tamrind and turmeric powder. Put the tamrind in lukewarm water and let it sit. (Tip: My mum dry roasts the spices as soon as she buys them, the same ingredients are used for other curries, so it saves time while actually making the dish)
4) Put the roasted spices in a mixer with a little water and make a fine paste. When the paste is just about done add the turmeric powder and tamrind (along with the water in which it was soaked) and blitz for about 30 seconds.(Tip: Ensure that the paste is is not too watery)
5) Grind the grated coconut in the mixer, we are not looking for a fine paste, a coarse mixture is just fine. Just before removing the mixture, add the cumin seeds, garlic cloves and onion. Blitz for about a minute. (Tip: Do not add water).
5) Mix the red masala with the water retained from the steaming of the clams and bring to a boil.
6) Add clams and simmer for 5-6 mins.
7) Add the white masala and cook till the coconut is nicely done.
8) Garnish with chopped coriader leaves.
I am basically from the coastal village of Someshwar which is just outside Mangalore,Karnataka and five minutes from the Kerala border. So I am a Malyalee from Karnataka and as usually happens with the border people our cusine is a mix of the best of Mangalorean and Keralite cusine. I have some really great memories of my summer and winter vacations at Mangalore and it is still something that I look forward to. Koal Sukka is my all time favourite Mangalorean dish and I love the way it is made at home. The aromas that waft from the kitchen when it is being prepared are quite capable of rousing Kumbhakarna from his sleep. Wake up and smell the Koal Sukka I say!!!
So without much ado, I proudly present the recipe to the delectable manna from heaven!
P.S.: I will put up a picture soon!!
Ingredients
50-60 clams (small sized, black in colour and with thin shell,my mum says that big thick shelled clams have very little flesh in them, the smaller ones are better and much tastier)
For the White Masala
1/2 (half) a Coconut, grated
4-5 garlic cloves
1/2 (half) an onion
1/2 (half) tsp cumin seeds
For the Red Masala
3 Bedgi Chillies (for colour)
2 Madras Chillies
10-12 fenugreek seeds
6-7 black pepper corns
2 tsp corriander seeds
Tamrind (about the size of a small lemon)
1/2 (half) tsp Turmeric powder
Method:
1) Clean the clams throughly to dislodge any impurties sticking to the shells.
2) Add a little water to a pan and steam the clams for about 2-3 mins. Do not cover the pan while steaming. Once steamed the clams will open up. Retain the water left over from the steaming. (Tip: Do not drown the clams in water, just use a little water, enough to cover an inch off the bottom of the pan).
3) Dry roast all the ingredients for the red masala, except the tamrind and turmeric powder. Put the tamrind in lukewarm water and let it sit. (Tip: My mum dry roasts the spices as soon as she buys them, the same ingredients are used for other curries, so it saves time while actually making the dish)
4) Put the roasted spices in a mixer with a little water and make a fine paste. When the paste is just about done add the turmeric powder and tamrind (along with the water in which it was soaked) and blitz for about 30 seconds.(Tip: Ensure that the paste is is not too watery)
5) Grind the grated coconut in the mixer, we are not looking for a fine paste, a coarse mixture is just fine. Just before removing the mixture, add the cumin seeds, garlic cloves and onion. Blitz for about a minute. (Tip: Do not add water).
5) Mix the red masala with the water retained from the steaming of the clams and bring to a boil.
6) Add clams and simmer for 5-6 mins.
7) Add the white masala and cook till the coconut is nicely done.
8) Garnish with chopped coriader leaves.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
My interesting Life - Friday the 13th!!!
Anyone who says, Friday the 13th is unlucky can go take a walk, I had the most interesting, fun-filled day yesterday!!! We had Independence week at work, with activities like quizzes, crosswords, contests etc, culminating with a traditional day on Friday.
The day began at seven and voila, the throbbing pain & swelling that I had in my foot all week thanks to a pair of ill-fitting sandals had vanished. I sent a quick thank you to the gods who look after peoples feet (I figure we got 33 crore gods in hindu mythology, there must be a segregation of duties) and promptly went out to the closet to pull out my muted gold three inch heels that is a must with any saree. Not only does it make me look taller, it also makes me look thinner and what woman does not like instant weight loss!!!...So Friday the 13th was looking up alright!!!
After a quick breakfast, I draped the saree in 10 minutes flat, which is quite a accomplishment, given in the past my mum, sister and I would be on verge of world war three after one such session. Sometimes I would be such a nervous wreck after the saree refused to behave that I cancelled out of attending weddings and social events at the last minute. My mum still blesses the day I learnt to drape the saree on my own...Friday the 13th was still galloping the wrong way like a horse on steroids!!!
My office is actually a 40 minute drive, but thanks to the traffic which is further aggravated by potholes and stretches of useable road being cordoned off for the Metro project, of late it takes me two hours at times to get there. Needless to say, I arrive in office already looking forward to call it a day. However yesterday I managed that distance in 50 minutes flat, a miracle no less!!!...Then my team decided to treat ourselves to a buffet lunch at Saffron Spice, the food divine, the conversation sparkling, all in all, it was time well spent!!!...way to go Friday the 13th!!!
In the evening I got a call from an unknown number, surprise, surprise, my cousin who got married last year and went off to Dubai with hubby dearest had arrived in town that afternoon and wanted to catch up!!! We met up for dinner chattering ninteen to a dozen, btw dinner was at Aromas of China, after Mainland China this place has the most amazing food, try the Snow White Crispy Squid, Chilli Butter Noodles and Seafood Fried rice. Yes, we went seafood mad...Friday the 13th, unlucky, sez who???
The day began at seven and voila, the throbbing pain & swelling that I had in my foot all week thanks to a pair of ill-fitting sandals had vanished. I sent a quick thank you to the gods who look after peoples feet (I figure we got 33 crore gods in hindu mythology, there must be a segregation of duties) and promptly went out to the closet to pull out my muted gold three inch heels that is a must with any saree. Not only does it make me look taller, it also makes me look thinner and what woman does not like instant weight loss!!!...So Friday the 13th was looking up alright!!!
After a quick breakfast, I draped the saree in 10 minutes flat, which is quite a accomplishment, given in the past my mum, sister and I would be on verge of world war three after one such session. Sometimes I would be such a nervous wreck after the saree refused to behave that I cancelled out of attending weddings and social events at the last minute. My mum still blesses the day I learnt to drape the saree on my own...Friday the 13th was still galloping the wrong way like a horse on steroids!!!
My office is actually a 40 minute drive, but thanks to the traffic which is further aggravated by potholes and stretches of useable road being cordoned off for the Metro project, of late it takes me two hours at times to get there. Needless to say, I arrive in office already looking forward to call it a day. However yesterday I managed that distance in 50 minutes flat, a miracle no less!!!...Then my team decided to treat ourselves to a buffet lunch at Saffron Spice, the food divine, the conversation sparkling, all in all, it was time well spent!!!...way to go Friday the 13th!!!
In the evening I got a call from an unknown number, surprise, surprise, my cousin who got married last year and went off to Dubai with hubby dearest had arrived in town that afternoon and wanted to catch up!!! We met up for dinner chattering ninteen to a dozen, btw dinner was at Aromas of China, after Mainland China this place has the most amazing food, try the Snow White Crispy Squid, Chilli Butter Noodles and Seafood Fried rice. Yes, we went seafood mad...Friday the 13th, unlucky, sez who???
Friday, 6 August 2010
Matheran Adventures!!!
As doctor Watson would say, the time has come when it is quite safe to speak about events that took place in the past, I can place the facts before the discerning public. About a month ago I had been to Matheran with a couple of my college friends. Just the three of us, a total girly road trip. Names have been withheld in this blog post as my friends are still under a witness protection programme, my friend drove all the way and if any of our parents found out they would have a coronary and we would become orphans, because the road up to Dasturi (the point upto which you can take vehicles) is quite treacherous, what with it winding this way and that. But B, bless her, is the most amazing driver...when B drives, she can change gears, text message, change the music station and talk... all at once...and the way she handles the car is great, she is in total control, no jerky movements whatsoever. I am in absolute awe of her. Back to the story, A, called me on Monday to ask if I was OK with a day trip to Matheran...I was more that happy as the past few weeks had been crazy busy at work and I could use a break. A also dangled the added carrot that I could stay over at her place on Saturday so we could travel together in the morning to B's house. This was but ofcourse an excuse to spend the entire night gossiping and giggling.
Putting that down a good omen, we got dressed and arrived at B's house a little after seven. After a quick stop at the petrol pump we were off on our trip!!! The trip to Mahape was uneventful and we made good time, things got a bit mixed up after that, we kept asking people the way to Neral which is at the foothills and they kept pointing us to Nerul, which is a place near Vashi. One rickshaw fellow confidently pointed us in one direction and after travelling on it for a while B declared that if I take one more right turn on this road we will be back in Mumbai!!! Finally we chanced on a traffic police check post and the constable there helped direct us to the right road. Much to our chagrin we realised that we were on the right track before asking for directions and would have reached this place an hour ago if the locals had not misguided us. All of us decided never to ask for directons going forward!!! We arrived at Dasturi a little after eleven and after finding a place to park the car (the whole of Mumbai seemed to have decended here) we started trekking up to Matheran.
Back to the present when we arrived at Dasturi there was a slight drizzle and a dense fog, we felt like we were walking through coulds!!! After a thirty minute trek we arrived at the quaint town of Matheran, you really feel like you are in an old black and white movie, the shops in this place still play old songs, everyone is on foot and you can see horses trotting grandly down the main streets. After a while you half expect to see an officer from the British era riding a buggy with his lady sitting pretty beside him. I can see the snicker on your face, yes, I admit it, I am a sucker for the victorian era "Angrez chale gaye, mujhe chod gaye". Its like time stood still here!!!
By the time it was four in the evening we were craving for some tea. A small road side hotel provided us with steaming mugfuls of tea, refreshed we hit the stalls for a spot of shopping. We purchased some chikkis, fudges, chappals (you get the most amazing footwear at throw away prices here). With our bags over flowing with all these goodies we desended to Dasturi, this time we walked along the railway track. 
A small toy train is operated here, however it is quite to safe to walk along this route during the monsoons as the train is not operated during this period. We arrived at Dasturi physically tired but mentally refreshed. I quite loved this trip as we could be ourselves, no pretence, no rush, enjoying the simple pleasure which nature offers in the company of the people who matter. I look forward to more such trips in the future!!!
Monday, 19 July 2010
Friday, 2 July 2010
Movie Review : I hate luv storys
I understand a little background is required as to how yours truly who is not an avid movie buff ended up watching this dud on the FIRST DAY of its release. V a temp staff allotted to us whilst one of our permanent staff was off on maternity leave, moves to another team on Monday. At a little over twenty-three she is the baccha of our team and as a token of our appreciation we took her out for a movie. Another reason to go for a movie on work night being - the guys in the team were going to watch a football match (Brazil v Netherlands) at some posh place which boasted of a large screen and complimentary food and drinks, so we girls decided to go out as well!! Mid-way through the movie I was wishing I had accepted the guys invite to go watch the match, at least I could have supported my team Brazil and ensured they went through to the semis. Brazil seem to have found out that I have deserted camp for a lack-lustre dud and the team lost hope and crashed out of the World Cup!!! I digress, but to be honest you are not missing much on the movie story front...as surprise, surprise...there is no story. OK, I will try to reign in my sarcasm, let the movie review begin...
Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Imran Khan
Duration: An eternity...
Music : Uninspiring
Background Music: Seemed to be conspicuously missing at most places...
Story: MIA (for the uninitiated -Missing in Action)
Dialogues: Apparently too many dialogues for Imran to handle and too few for Sonam
OK so we have Jay (pronounced as J) (Imran Khan) who doesn't believe in love. At this point I would like to say J's character is that of a thoroughly messed up brat. Here we have a guy, who has run away from home for reasons unknown, hates love stories and to top it all is working as Assistant to a Director who only makes love stories!!! The man is on a mission to punish himself for whatever wrong he has done in his past 25-26 years of existence on this planet. He hates love stories, treats women like dirt, drinks like a fish, is tardy at his job(for he hates it, point noted) but, Veer, his boss (Sameer Soni) does not seem to have the heart to fire him. to be honest I would have fired him in a heartbeat. After all this in the later half of the film he also says something about wanting to go to film school. I am like why ???, what makes you want to go to film school when for the past two hours all you have done at the film set is roll your eyes at the scenes being enacted and pretend to throw up when anything closely related to love is in your vicinity. If you so hated what you did, why work in a place where you are obviously learning nothing, move on...work for a Director who makes the kind of films you would like to make yourself. This is like a wannabe goldsmith working for a blacksmith using the logic "I am learning the tricks of the trade, both use hammers!!!"
Enter Simran (Sonam Kapoor) who loves everything about Love stories, come on the woman seems to reads Erich Seagal's love story every night. How she manages to get any sleep on a bed cluttered with chocolates, flowers, books and the like is a mystery to me...but she does and wakes up every morning looking radiant, heavenly and peaceful as ever, I would be puffy faced, with dark circles and irritable as hell!!! Her life is perfect, she is engaged to the love of her life, loves her job as the Art Director who makes sets for love story films!!! This woman sure made the right choices in heaven before embarking on her journey to earth. Though the lovey-dovey romance with Raj (Sameer Dattani) is a little OTT, what with him sending her flowers everyday and dressing up in the same colors!!
However, opposites attract and we have Simran falling in love with bad boy J, at the cost of wrecking her perfect paradise. The movie is a parade of scenes from bollywood hit movies like DDLJ, K3G etc, all woven together and thrown at us with a "we are making a film within this film, remember" and we were going "Eeww", "How stupid", "Man, what was the director, thinking??", "Will you please say yes, so that all of us can go home" etc, etc,
Even when J professes his love the first time, the dialogue delivery is so flat, it seemed like J is mocking Simran. No wonder she dumped him!!! If you are looking for good clean fun film to watch with your family, this is not the movie for you as it has too many adult jokes which may leave you squirming in you seat. After what seemed like an eternity the movie finally ended and all four of us swore never to watch a movie on its first day, we would wait for the reviews to come in, not the ones published in the tabloids silly, the ones given by other unfortunates who paid their khoon-passine ki kamai for the tickets!!!
My dream cast for this film would have been Konkona Sen and Rahul Bose who would have set the screen on fire...if wishes were horses...
Note: The season of duds continue...if you hate someone from the bottom of your heart, gush about how good this movie is and once they are safely inside the theatre you can rest assured that your bad deed of the day is taken care of as you would have successfully wasted at least two hours of their life.
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Girls Day Out!!!
P invited El and I to spend a day at her place. Her husband V had to work so we would have the whole place to ourselves, she also offered to take us to Khau Galli in the evening. We agreed as it seemed like a good way to spend a lazy saturday afternoon and an absolutely topping way to spend an evening making our way through the delicacies offered by the street food stalls.
El and I met up a little early at R City Mall and did a bit of Ten Pin bowling (just for the record your truly won) and from there we hit the stores for some window shopping at the expensive boutiques and tried on some dresses at a chain store. I was in the pits as none of the dresses would fit and El had a mini battle on her hands as she tried to lift my spirits. It was only after I ploughed my way through a lovely Irish Caramel Frappe (courtesy EL) and a load of pep talk (again from El) the gist of which was something on the lines of, "the dresses at these stores are actually made for stick insects and not for real women" did I start feeling better.
We had just finished our respective drinks when P called with the all important message"All Clear, you guys can come over". We took a rickshaw and landed at her place around 3 p.m. Since this is an honest account of all that transpired yesterday I have to record that we had to make a few frantic calls to P after we got hopelessly lost (both El and I have absolutely no sense of direction) and P had to come and collect us. But as they say " Alls well that ends well" we finally arrived at her place. We spent a couple of hours chatting (read gossiping), eating pizza(with a wheat bread base, P is very health conscious), playing cards and watched a movie on TV. Time passes really quickly when you are having fun and before you could say "Khau Galli" it was time to go there.
We hit Khau galli at about six-thirty in the evening. The place was positively teeming with people and it seemed like the whole of Mumbai had turned up there for a snack. The aromas from the various stores mingled with each other and gave the place a character of its own. There were stalls selling pav-bhaji, chaat, dosa (some boasting of 40 different styles of dosas), sandwiches, golas, ice-cream etc. Since we had a late pizza lunch (big mistake) none of us were in a mood for anything heavy so we decided against having dosas or sandwiches. At this point I would also like to record that even though the MET department claims that the monsoons have arrived in Mumbai, I beg to differ, apart for a few scattered showers here and there which have done nothing to cool the city, the monsoons have yet to arrive so as a result it is still sweltering hot. This was another reason which really put us off having anything hot. So to cool of a little we started off with pani puri. It felt absolutely divine as we ate the cold-sweet-sour water filled puris. As far as a I could taste the only other ingredient in this manna-for-heaven like dish was boiled whole moong (I dont know what it is called in English and at this point I am feeling too bored to google it). From there we moved on to a small quaint store that P claims has been around since her grandfather's time. Here we had a very unique concoction " Masala Soda" and " Masala Thumbs Up". It may not sound like much but it taste absolutely great. To round things off El and P ate sandwich ice-cream which is a slab of vanilla ice-cream sandwiched between two biscuits, very interesting concept and tasted just about nice.
We did a spot of window shopping (EL and P) and shopping (me) after which I received a sermon from El, when-you-window-shop-you-only-look-you-no-buy which had me meekly nodding my head. As all good things must come to an end it was time to go home, but not before we made plans for a similar outing only change being that we fast the whole day before we hit Khau Galli so as to do justice to the food on offer !!!
Penne in tomato cream sauce
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 cup penne
1/2 cup tomato ketchup
1 large capsisum (julienne)
1 small carrot (julienne)
1 small tomato (chop finely)
3 -4 cloves of garlic (crushed)
1 tbsp of whipped cream
2 tbsp of olive oil
Chilli flakes
Pepper powder
Method:
1) Cook the penne and keep aside.
2) In a large pan, heat olive oil and add the carrots and capsicum. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, stir frequently.
3) Add the garlic and sauté till the raw smell of garlic disappears.
4) Add the tomato and cook till it softens, now add the tomato ketchup and about a quarter of a cup of water and bring to a boil.
5) Add the whipped cream and let it simmer for a while.
6) Add the cooked penne, chilli flakes and pepper powder and mix well. Cook for about a minute.
7) Serve hot.
Monday, 7 June 2010
Is it a bird, is it a plane... its a....
Most writers have to travel far and wide for inspiration... they go to picturesque towns, foreign locations, lock themselves in their rooms till the creative juices flow...but your truly just has to wake up in the morning and there is enough material to fill blogosphere. The scrapes and incidents that seem to plague my kith and kin make for some humorous blogging. Take for instance the latest incident I am about to narrate. I was feeling uneasy all day today so I left work early to rest for a bit. However, it seems like fate was busy scheming against me as what I did when I got home was far for rest, but to be honest it was therapeutic. Nothing lifts the spirits more than a chance to be able to catch a lying thief and be able to pin them down while they squirm!!!
My sister arrived from work laden with some clothes that she had given to the tailor for alteration. Thing is my sister has a penchant for churidars and this tailor has stitched then so tight that she was having difficulty in wearing it, so she asked him to loose it a bit around the ankles. Two of the pieces were altered per her wish but the third one was a bit of a mess. Instead of loosening it he has further tightened it and to make matters worse they stitched on another piece of cloth to make up for the error in original cutting process. All in all it looked like a churidar that a indianised Charlie Chaplin would wear. My sister was livid and insisted I go along with her for moral support in her crusade against the errant tailor. We arrived at the tailors and from here on I will try to reproduce the conversation that we had with the tailor (T)/ Assistant Tailor (AT)/ Salesgirl (S)(Since this is a family space I refuse to type the name normally attributed to the female canine, but that is what she is, period).
S: Arre, aap wapas aage, nahi fit ho raha hai kya , abhi bhi ?
My sister (MS) : Haan, yeh kya kiya aap logon ne, loose karneke jagah pe tight kar dala... pair andar jaata hi nahi hai..
S (smirking): Arre, madam, hum ne jitna ho saka kiya, Arre, AT, jara dekho toh, kya hua hai idhar.(then looking at my sister) "Madam aap hai na thoda diet karo".
AT: Haan madam, jitna kapda tha sab khatam ho gaya aur hum ne apne taraf se aur kapda daalkar loose kiya issko (charlie chaplin style).
MS: Ek toh, cutting karte waqt chota kaata aapne, upar se loose karne ke paise alag liye, yeh sab karne ke baat aap mujhe diet karne ki salah de rahe hai ??, Aise hai toh main aage se aapke paas kyon aaon, aur main aapke madam ko bhi complain karungi. Main ussko phone karke bataungi.
S (trying to make amends): Arre madam, aap toh burra, maan gaye, main toh mazak kar rahi thi, aap baitho, AT, zarra dekh agar kuch ho sakta hai toh.
AT(trucelently): Kuch nahi ho sakta, phir bhi try karta hoon.
We sit down on a couple of chairs that are placed behind ATs work station. After a while I who had been a mute spectator so long, happen to glance at the stuff kept under AT's sewing machine...and what do I find there, he has stitched a cute little BAG out of the cloth left over from my SISTER's DRESS MATERIAL!!!
I pointed it out to my sister and as they in the mystery books ...THEN IT HAPPENNED... my normally long suffering sister practically erupted from her seat and landed at AT's sewing machine.
MS (screaming and pointing at the BAG): Yeh, kya hai, tumne mere dress material ke bag banaya !!!!
AT (whimpering, looking at S): Woh... Kya... Nahi...
S (fear writ large on her face): Mujhe, kuch nahi pata, main nayi hoon yahan pe, mere aane se phele hua hoga yeh...
MS (pointedly addressing S): Yeh, kapda maine aapko hi diya tha, mera kapda ka BAG banake aap mujhe DIET karneko bol rahi thi aap, upar se "alteration" ke paise bhi liye mujhse...abhi tu ruk (this last sentence was said rather ominously, even I was taken aback, my sister is normally a Gandhian and avoids confrontation)!!!!
Then my sister pulled out her mobile phone and jabbed in the tailoring shop owner's (B) number.
MS (on the phone): Is this B ??...Hi this is D, Yeah, I want to talk to you about the clothes that I have given for alteration. Not only has your tailor messed my churidar, by cutting it short, your salesgirl tells me to go on a diet so that I can fit in to the clothes and to top it all off I find that the material left over after making the churidar has been utilised to make a BAG. Do you think this is right??
B (shocked): Did the girl at the counter tell you this ?
MS: Yes.
B: I will look into the matter, unfortunately I cannot come in today, but we can take it offline tomorrow.
MS (calming down considerably): OK.
After this we left the shop in a kind of stupor, the chudidar and bag(main evidence of the crime) in tow. It was only a few minutes later we realised how funny the whole incident was and burst in to peals of laughter. My sister went on to say that we should have ransacked the shop, god alone know what else we might find that has been made from the dress materials she had given over the years..wallets, belts!!!
My sister arrived from work laden with some clothes that she had given to the tailor for alteration. Thing is my sister has a penchant for churidars and this tailor has stitched then so tight that she was having difficulty in wearing it, so she asked him to loose it a bit around the ankles. Two of the pieces were altered per her wish but the third one was a bit of a mess. Instead of loosening it he has further tightened it and to make matters worse they stitched on another piece of cloth to make up for the error in original cutting process. All in all it looked like a churidar that a indianised Charlie Chaplin would wear. My sister was livid and insisted I go along with her for moral support in her crusade against the errant tailor. We arrived at the tailors and from here on I will try to reproduce the conversation that we had with the tailor (T)/ Assistant Tailor (AT)/ Salesgirl (S)(Since this is a family space I refuse to type the name normally attributed to the female canine, but that is what she is, period).
S: Arre, aap wapas aage, nahi fit ho raha hai kya , abhi bhi ?
My sister (MS) : Haan, yeh kya kiya aap logon ne, loose karneke jagah pe tight kar dala... pair andar jaata hi nahi hai..
S (smirking): Arre, madam, hum ne jitna ho saka kiya, Arre, AT, jara dekho toh, kya hua hai idhar.(then looking at my sister) "Madam aap hai na thoda diet karo".
AT: Haan madam, jitna kapda tha sab khatam ho gaya aur hum ne apne taraf se aur kapda daalkar loose kiya issko (charlie chaplin style).
MS: Ek toh, cutting karte waqt chota kaata aapne, upar se loose karne ke paise alag liye, yeh sab karne ke baat aap mujhe diet karne ki salah de rahe hai ??, Aise hai toh main aage se aapke paas kyon aaon, aur main aapke madam ko bhi complain karungi. Main ussko phone karke bataungi.
S (trying to make amends): Arre madam, aap toh burra, maan gaye, main toh mazak kar rahi thi, aap baitho, AT, zarra dekh agar kuch ho sakta hai toh.
AT(trucelently): Kuch nahi ho sakta, phir bhi try karta hoon.
We sit down on a couple of chairs that are placed behind ATs work station. After a while I who had been a mute spectator so long, happen to glance at the stuff kept under AT's sewing machine...and what do I find there, he has stitched a cute little BAG out of the cloth left over from my SISTER's DRESS MATERIAL!!!
I pointed it out to my sister and as they in the mystery books ...THEN IT HAPPENNED... my normally long suffering sister practically erupted from her seat and landed at AT's sewing machine.
MS (screaming and pointing at the BAG): Yeh, kya hai, tumne mere dress material ke bag banaya !!!!
AT (whimpering, looking at S): Woh... Kya... Nahi...
S (fear writ large on her face): Mujhe, kuch nahi pata, main nayi hoon yahan pe, mere aane se phele hua hoga yeh...
MS (pointedly addressing S): Yeh, kapda maine aapko hi diya tha, mera kapda ka BAG banake aap mujhe DIET karneko bol rahi thi aap, upar se "alteration" ke paise bhi liye mujhse...abhi tu ruk (this last sentence was said rather ominously, even I was taken aback, my sister is normally a Gandhian and avoids confrontation)!!!!
Then my sister pulled out her mobile phone and jabbed in the tailoring shop owner's (B) number.
MS (on the phone): Is this B ??...Hi this is D, Yeah, I want to talk to you about the clothes that I have given for alteration. Not only has your tailor messed my churidar, by cutting it short, your salesgirl tells me to go on a diet so that I can fit in to the clothes and to top it all off I find that the material left over after making the churidar has been utilised to make a BAG. Do you think this is right??
B (shocked): Did the girl at the counter tell you this ?
MS: Yes.
B: I will look into the matter, unfortunately I cannot come in today, but we can take it offline tomorrow.
MS (calming down considerably): OK.
After this we left the shop in a kind of stupor, the chudidar and bag(main evidence of the crime) in tow. It was only a few minutes later we realised how funny the whole incident was and burst in to peals of laughter. My sister went on to say that we should have ransacked the shop, god alone know what else we might find that has been made from the dress materials she had given over the years..wallets, belts!!!
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Ghost Stories!!!
Everyone likes ghost stories. Here is my attempt at penning true life incidents. Each of the below mentioned incidents did happen and are 100% true. They were narrated to me by my office colleagues when we took a break from crunching numbers. I would like to thank SK, V and A for sharing these stories with me. They are spooky, seem unreal and all of them entertaining in a goose-bumpy kind of way. So dear reader get ready to be spooked. Enjoy!!
Calcutta haunting!
SK 's father was in the army, so SK spent his formative years travelling all over the country thanks to his father's numerous postings. The incident I am about to narrate took place at the army quarters in Calcutta.
SK's father had to report at 4.30 a.m. every morning for training. Their next door neighbour whom we shall call C, was also required to report for the said training, but had trouble waking up early in the morning so he requested SK's father to knock at the door when he was leaving. SK's father agreed and it was all set.
Next day morning as was the ritual SK's mom walked SK's father to the door. SK's father stepped out and turned to go to C's house, when all of a sudden, they were surprised to see C dressed in parade uniform walking away towards the ground. To say the least SK's father was a littled miffed that C did not have the courtesy to wait up and say hello, but he let it pass and soon forgot about it.
Later in the day C's wife stepped out to water the plants. She and SK's mom chatted for a while and thats when C's wife asked why SK's father did not knock before leaving, she went on to say that C missed the training again today as he to could not wake up. SK's mom was flabbergasted, she told her that both SK's father and she has seen C in full army uniform leave the house and walk towards the parade grounds. To which C's wife said C was still in bed having taken the day off work! Now both SK's mom and C's wife were spooked and they inquired with some old residents if anyone else had such sightings in the past. That was when they were told that that road was haunted by the ghost of an armyman!!!
Ghost Samaritan!
This one took place in rural Maharastra, Konkan to be precise. V's family has an ancestral bungalow in Konkan and spent occasional vacations there. A few years ago when they were on one such vacation V's elder sister fell ill and needed some medicines that were not available at the village. V's father set out to get the medicines. It was raining pretty heavily and V's aunt warned him that the last bus for the village left at 6.30 from the city and if he missed the bus, he would have to walk home.
As luck would have it V's father missed the bus and cursing his luck he started the long lonely trek home. The rain was now pouring pretty heavily and rain water was cascading off his raincoat and joining the river that had formed where earlier in the day had been a kaccha road. He must have walked for half an hour or so when he felt like someone/ something was walking behind him. He stopped, looked around and called out but there was no one,so he shrugged it off and continued walking thinking that it was just his raincoat and gumboots that were making the sound and cursed his overactive imagination. But the feeling of being watch just would not go. After a while he became aware that the sounds came from up ahead and not from behind as he earlier thought. It sounded like grass being cut by a sickle... slick, slick, slick... He walked faster towards the sound and soon ahead in the gloom he saw a faint light...some distance away was a bullock cart.
He called out to the occupant and the bullock cart came to a halt. The person driving the cart offered V's dad a lift and introduced himself as Dhanghar. He said he lived in the same village and knew V's family. V's dad had moved to the city a few decades ago and barely knew people there anymore and was glad for a ride back home. They covered the remaining part of the journey chit-chatting about the village and happennings. Before they knew it they arrived at the village, Dhanghar dropped V's dad at the gate and left. On arriving at the house, V's dad narrated how he missed the bus and was trudging along alone when luckily he chanced upon Dhanghar who dropped him home. V's aunt who was listening silently so far, quielty asked whether he was sure it was Dhanghar who had dropped him. When V's father replied in the affirmative she dropped the bomb...Dhanghar had died three years ago!!!
Study Night Fright!
When A was in school she and her best friend D, would study together as it was good excuse to stay over at each others homes, be pampered by the moms (who supplied food and drink for the hardworking twosome), listen to music and exchange the latest gossip. During one such study night at A's place, sometime after mid-night D said that she would like to use the bathroom. Being scared to go alone she coaxed A to go with her. The bathroom was outside the study to the right and opposite it was a balcony that overlooked huge mango trees. The branches of these trees were so close that A claims she could pluck mangoes straight off the tree. So there A was stood outside the bathroom door waiting for D to come out. She began looking around and happened to look in the direction of the balcony. There sat on the branches of the mango tree was a man with these huge red eyes staring at her. She screamed loudly, on hearing her screams D rushed out and looked in the direction A was pointing, she too saw the apparition. By then, A's parents also arrived at the scene, when they looked out there was no one on the tree...the man had dissapeared!!!
Calcutta haunting!
SK 's father was in the army, so SK spent his formative years travelling all over the country thanks to his father's numerous postings. The incident I am about to narrate took place at the army quarters in Calcutta.
SK's father had to report at 4.30 a.m. every morning for training. Their next door neighbour whom we shall call C, was also required to report for the said training, but had trouble waking up early in the morning so he requested SK's father to knock at the door when he was leaving. SK's father agreed and it was all set.
Next day morning as was the ritual SK's mom walked SK's father to the door. SK's father stepped out and turned to go to C's house, when all of a sudden, they were surprised to see C dressed in parade uniform walking away towards the ground. To say the least SK's father was a littled miffed that C did not have the courtesy to wait up and say hello, but he let it pass and soon forgot about it.
Later in the day C's wife stepped out to water the plants. She and SK's mom chatted for a while and thats when C's wife asked why SK's father did not knock before leaving, she went on to say that C missed the training again today as he to could not wake up. SK's mom was flabbergasted, she told her that both SK's father and she has seen C in full army uniform leave the house and walk towards the parade grounds. To which C's wife said C was still in bed having taken the day off work! Now both SK's mom and C's wife were spooked and they inquired with some old residents if anyone else had such sightings in the past. That was when they were told that that road was haunted by the ghost of an armyman!!!
Ghost Samaritan!
This one took place in rural Maharastra, Konkan to be precise. V's family has an ancestral bungalow in Konkan and spent occasional vacations there. A few years ago when they were on one such vacation V's elder sister fell ill and needed some medicines that were not available at the village. V's father set out to get the medicines. It was raining pretty heavily and V's aunt warned him that the last bus for the village left at 6.30 from the city and if he missed the bus, he would have to walk home.
As luck would have it V's father missed the bus and cursing his luck he started the long lonely trek home. The rain was now pouring pretty heavily and rain water was cascading off his raincoat and joining the river that had formed where earlier in the day had been a kaccha road. He must have walked for half an hour or so when he felt like someone/ something was walking behind him. He stopped, looked around and called out but there was no one,so he shrugged it off and continued walking thinking that it was just his raincoat and gumboots that were making the sound and cursed his overactive imagination. But the feeling of being watch just would not go. After a while he became aware that the sounds came from up ahead and not from behind as he earlier thought. It sounded like grass being cut by a sickle... slick, slick, slick... He walked faster towards the sound and soon ahead in the gloom he saw a faint light...some distance away was a bullock cart.
He called out to the occupant and the bullock cart came to a halt. The person driving the cart offered V's dad a lift and introduced himself as Dhanghar. He said he lived in the same village and knew V's family. V's dad had moved to the city a few decades ago and barely knew people there anymore and was glad for a ride back home. They covered the remaining part of the journey chit-chatting about the village and happennings. Before they knew it they arrived at the village, Dhanghar dropped V's dad at the gate and left. On arriving at the house, V's dad narrated how he missed the bus and was trudging along alone when luckily he chanced upon Dhanghar who dropped him home. V's aunt who was listening silently so far, quielty asked whether he was sure it was Dhanghar who had dropped him. When V's father replied in the affirmative she dropped the bomb...Dhanghar had died three years ago!!!
Study Night Fright!
When A was in school she and her best friend D, would study together as it was good excuse to stay over at each others homes, be pampered by the moms (who supplied food and drink for the hardworking twosome), listen to music and exchange the latest gossip. During one such study night at A's place, sometime after mid-night D said that she would like to use the bathroom. Being scared to go alone she coaxed A to go with her. The bathroom was outside the study to the right and opposite it was a balcony that overlooked huge mango trees. The branches of these trees were so close that A claims she could pluck mangoes straight off the tree. So there A was stood outside the bathroom door waiting for D to come out. She began looking around and happened to look in the direction of the balcony. There sat on the branches of the mango tree was a man with these huge red eyes staring at her. She screamed loudly, on hearing her screams D rushed out and looked in the direction A was pointing, she too saw the apparition. By then, A's parents also arrived at the scene, when they looked out there was no one on the tree...the man had dissapeared!!!
Monday, 12 April 2010
Paneer Tikka Masala
I got this recipe from here. A few minor changes and this is what I made :),
Ingredients
For the paneer tikka
250 gms paneer
1tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp chilly powder
1/2 cup curd
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
salt to taste
For the gravy (masala)
2 Tomatoes (chopped)
2 Green Chillies (chopped)
1 Onion (chopped)
15 cashew nuts (chopped)
1 tsp chilly powder
1/2 cup of tomato ketchup
marinade left over from the tikkas
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
salt to taste
corriander leaves
Method:
For the Tikkas
1) Mix the curd, ginger-garlic paste, chilly powder, garam masala powder and salt.
2) Cut the Paneer pieces into cubes and marinate half the cubes in the above mixture for a few hours (I marinated it for 10 hours).
3) Place the marinated paneer cubes on a tava and fry them, when nicely done on one side, flip over and cook the other side.
4) There will be some marinade left after the cubes are taken out, keep it aside for the gravy.
For the gravy
1) Heat oil and fry the onions until translucent.
2) Add the left over marinade and cook well
3) Add the tomatoes and green chillies and cook till the tomatoes are nice and soft.
4) Add cashew nuts and cook for a few minutes.
5) Add the garam masala amd chilly powder and let it simmer for a while.
6) Remove from heat and cool.
7) Blitz this mixture in a blender.
8) Return the mixture back to the stove, add a little water and bring it to a boil.
9) Add the tomato ketchup and let it simmer for a while.
10) Add the fried paneer and raw paneer pieces.
11) Cook well and top with chopped corriander leaves.
12) Serve hot with chappaties.
Ingredients
For the paneer tikka
250 gms paneer
1tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp chilly powder
1/2 cup curd
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
salt to taste
For the gravy (masala)
2 Tomatoes (chopped)
2 Green Chillies (chopped)
1 Onion (chopped)
15 cashew nuts (chopped)
1 tsp chilly powder
1/2 cup of tomato ketchup
marinade left over from the tikkas
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
salt to taste
corriander leaves
Method:
For the Tikkas
1) Mix the curd, ginger-garlic paste, chilly powder, garam masala powder and salt.
2) Cut the Paneer pieces into cubes and marinate half the cubes in the above mixture for a few hours (I marinated it for 10 hours).
3) Place the marinated paneer cubes on a tava and fry them, when nicely done on one side, flip over and cook the other side.
4) There will be some marinade left after the cubes are taken out, keep it aside for the gravy.
For the gravy
1) Heat oil and fry the onions until translucent.
2) Add the left over marinade and cook well
3) Add the tomatoes and green chillies and cook till the tomatoes are nice and soft.
4) Add cashew nuts and cook for a few minutes.
5) Add the garam masala amd chilly powder and let it simmer for a while.
6) Remove from heat and cool.
7) Blitz this mixture in a blender.
8) Return the mixture back to the stove, add a little water and bring it to a boil.
9) Add the tomato ketchup and let it simmer for a while.
10) Add the fried paneer and raw paneer pieces.
11) Cook well and top with chopped corriander leaves.
12) Serve hot with chappaties.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Aap Korma mein phone karo!!!
My colleague A is setting up her new home in Powai and is currently shopping for furniture, appliance and other knick-knacks. In this process she is being plagued by the species know as the Indian Customerservitus, this particular species has evolved from the apes and works in establishments in the customer service department and is known to cause maximum discomfort to any person trying to get some decent customer service.
Things being as they are we in office are constantly regaled by horror and sometimes humour stories revolving around these sometimes bright and mostly moronic individuals.
The latest in this series happened today(yes, yours truly and team has been working weekends and yes, you may gloat that your life is much better than mine at the moment, but being the true optimist I looks forward to better days).
To come back to the topic, we (A & your truly) were in the middle of a serious discussion and her phone quacked (I refuse to say that it rang as she has this ringtone that sounds like a baby duck trying to escape certain death). She excused herself to take the call and I was left to overhear this interesting one-sided conversation.
A: Yes, speaking
A: Paar yeh to Powaiwale address mein deliver karna hai
A: Arre, par Kandivaliwala address billing address hai toh kya hua, delivery address to Powai ka tha na
A: Yeh baat main aapko pichle hafte bhi samjha chuki hoon na, phir aap baar baar kyon Kandivali wale address mein deliver karneki baat karte hai
A: Arre, aapko main bata chuki hoon na, to phir aap company mein bolo
A: Main kahan phone karu, Korma main???
At this point I was getting really interested, and asked her to inquire whether it was Shahi Korma or Navratna Korma that he wanted her to contact.
A(barely able to control her laughter): Main koi Korma mein phone nahi kar rahi, aap mere husband se baat karo...
After signing off thus she explained that the guy was from CROMA (the electronics megastore) and that the guy was really annoyed that she did not know KORMA and actually spoke to her in a "which-world-do-you-live-in-lady" tone. To make matters worse she had spoken to the same person in the previous week and already explained and sorted the issue about the billing address and delivery address!!!
Things being as they are we in office are constantly regaled by horror and sometimes humour stories revolving around these sometimes bright and mostly moronic individuals.
The latest in this series happened today(yes, yours truly and team has been working weekends and yes, you may gloat that your life is much better than mine at the moment, but being the true optimist I looks forward to better days).
To come back to the topic, we (A & your truly) were in the middle of a serious discussion and her phone quacked (I refuse to say that it rang as she has this ringtone that sounds like a baby duck trying to escape certain death). She excused herself to take the call and I was left to overhear this interesting one-sided conversation.
A: Yes, speaking
A: Paar yeh to Powaiwale address mein deliver karna hai
A: Arre, par Kandivaliwala address billing address hai toh kya hua, delivery address to Powai ka tha na
A: Yeh baat main aapko pichle hafte bhi samjha chuki hoon na, phir aap baar baar kyon Kandivali wale address mein deliver karneki baat karte hai
A: Arre, aapko main bata chuki hoon na, to phir aap company mein bolo
A: Main kahan phone karu, Korma main???
At this point I was getting really interested, and asked her to inquire whether it was Shahi Korma or Navratna Korma that he wanted her to contact.
A(barely able to control her laughter): Main koi Korma mein phone nahi kar rahi, aap mere husband se baat karo...
After signing off thus she explained that the guy was from CROMA (the electronics megastore) and that the guy was really annoyed that she did not know KORMA and actually spoke to her in a "which-world-do-you-live-in-lady" tone. To make matters worse she had spoken to the same person in the previous week and already explained and sorted the issue about the billing address and delivery address!!!
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Have you any kids ???
I have finally learnt my lesson... I hereby declare that I am no longer a Miss Goody-Two-Shoe wannabe...good samaritan acts propounded by Moral Science classes in school will be a thing of the past ... This latest incident which was a consequence of my good-samaritan-saves-the-day-for-old-lady act has absolutely converted me!!!
So here goes.
As you know I travel by auto rickshaw (driving still scares the living daylights out of me). As I rule I offer lifts to people I know and sometimes to random strangers as well. This is because I know how difficult it is to get an auto rickshaw during peak hours and also because some drivers just shoot off like scalded cats when I tell them that I want to go to Powai, it makes me feel as if I just expressed a burning desire to go to hell and take them with me. I take it that this happens to everyone so I play good samaritan by offering lifts. The other reason being, it also helps silence my nagging conscience by auto rickshaw-pooling and doing my bit for the environment.
Last week I was running late for office and with great difficulty managed to convince an auto rickshaw driver to ferry me to Powai. Just as the we were turning onto the main road, I saw Mrs. C trying to get an rickshaw. Now, Mrs.C's daughter and I went to the same school. It is like I-know-her-she-does-not-know-me, (I mean Mrs.C does not know me), but the good Samaritan in me offered her a lift and thus began my ordeal. Firstly I had to change my route to suit her destination, this added another 15 minutes to my travel time, but I decided to endure it. Big mistake!!!
Mrs. C accepted the ride and also invited another lady who I assumed was travelling with her. It was later that I realised that it was a total stranger. There we were the three of us squashed in the back seat of the rickshaw. People who know Mumbai rickshaw will realise that even though three people are legally allowed to sit in it, it is far from comfortable and if one of them happens to be a well fed farex baby types like yours truly it can get very uncomfortable indeed!!!
Somehow we managed, and it was time for small talk.
Me: Hello Auntie, I went to school with Ms.C, she was one year ahead of me.
Mrs.C: Oh, I see, what is your name? I will tell Ms.C the next time she calls. Ms.C her two darling kids and husband live in Dubai.
Me: I am Sen, good to hear that Ms.C is well settled.
Mrs.C: Yes, all my kids are well settled, my other daughter is working for XYZ company and my son works for ABC Ltd. Nice paying jobs, but, no time, the lifestyle, eating habits, always running, always busy.
Me: Yes it can get busy at times.
Mrs. C: So, How are your kids?
Me (slightly taken aback): I don't have kids.
Mrs.C: How long have you been married?
Me (furious but keeping my calm): I am not married.
Mrs.C (with a perplexed look on her face): Ms. C got married five years ago, you also should get married, it is about time, you know.
Me (rather pointedly): I will get married when I meet the right man.
About five minutes, the other lady asked the driver to stop and got off and it dawned on me that she wasn't with Mrs. C after all.
All this while Mrs.C continued to chatter about the traffic, the dust, the pollution, how difficult it was to travel, her kids, etc while I pretended to give the traffic my undivided attention. I kept nodding at regular intervals and replying in monosyllables when it was not possible to get away with nods. Finally her destination arrived and she got off but signing off in her signature style.
Mrs.C: Thank you for the lift, What were the names of your kids again?? I will tell C about you.
At this point I was willing to throw her out of the rickshaw and if in the process a truck ran over her I would surely watch in glee.
Why can’t people listen to what other say, it looks like listening was out of question for this lady as she was busy singing paeans of her super achieving kids, whose main achievement was their marital status!!!
Why do people just assume that since you are a certain age, you have to be married and have a couple of kids!!!
The next time I meet an old lady in need of a rickshaw, I will look the other way and leaving the good samaritaning to someone else!!!
Moral Science teachings will have to be forgotten!!!
So here goes.
As you know I travel by auto rickshaw (driving still scares the living daylights out of me). As I rule I offer lifts to people I know and sometimes to random strangers as well. This is because I know how difficult it is to get an auto rickshaw during peak hours and also because some drivers just shoot off like scalded cats when I tell them that I want to go to Powai, it makes me feel as if I just expressed a burning desire to go to hell and take them with me. I take it that this happens to everyone so I play good samaritan by offering lifts. The other reason being, it also helps silence my nagging conscience by auto rickshaw-pooling and doing my bit for the environment.
Last week I was running late for office and with great difficulty managed to convince an auto rickshaw driver to ferry me to Powai. Just as the we were turning onto the main road, I saw Mrs. C trying to get an rickshaw. Now, Mrs.C's daughter and I went to the same school. It is like I-know-her-she-does-not-know-me, (I mean Mrs.C does not know me), but the good Samaritan in me offered her a lift and thus began my ordeal. Firstly I had to change my route to suit her destination, this added another 15 minutes to my travel time, but I decided to endure it. Big mistake!!!
Mrs. C accepted the ride and also invited another lady who I assumed was travelling with her. It was later that I realised that it was a total stranger. There we were the three of us squashed in the back seat of the rickshaw. People who know Mumbai rickshaw will realise that even though three people are legally allowed to sit in it, it is far from comfortable and if one of them happens to be a well fed farex baby types like yours truly it can get very uncomfortable indeed!!!
Somehow we managed, and it was time for small talk.
Me: Hello Auntie, I went to school with Ms.C, she was one year ahead of me.
Mrs.C: Oh, I see, what is your name? I will tell Ms.C the next time she calls. Ms.C her two darling kids and husband live in Dubai.
Me: I am Sen, good to hear that Ms.C is well settled.
Mrs.C: Yes, all my kids are well settled, my other daughter is working for XYZ company and my son works for ABC Ltd. Nice paying jobs, but, no time, the lifestyle, eating habits, always running, always busy.
Me: Yes it can get busy at times.
Mrs. C: So, How are your kids?
Me (slightly taken aback): I don't have kids.
Mrs.C: How long have you been married?
Me (furious but keeping my calm): I am not married.
Mrs.C (with a perplexed look on her face): Ms. C got married five years ago, you also should get married, it is about time, you know.
Me (rather pointedly): I will get married when I meet the right man.
About five minutes, the other lady asked the driver to stop and got off and it dawned on me that she wasn't with Mrs. C after all.
All this while Mrs.C continued to chatter about the traffic, the dust, the pollution, how difficult it was to travel, her kids, etc while I pretended to give the traffic my undivided attention. I kept nodding at regular intervals and replying in monosyllables when it was not possible to get away with nods. Finally her destination arrived and she got off but signing off in her signature style.
Mrs.C: Thank you for the lift, What were the names of your kids again?? I will tell C about you.
At this point I was willing to throw her out of the rickshaw and if in the process a truck ran over her I would surely watch in glee.
Why can’t people listen to what other say, it looks like listening was out of question for this lady as she was busy singing paeans of her super achieving kids, whose main achievement was their marital status!!!
Why do people just assume that since you are a certain age, you have to be married and have a couple of kids!!!
The next time I meet an old lady in need of a rickshaw, I will look the other way and leaving the good samaritaning to someone else!!!
Moral Science teachings will have to be forgotten!!!
Saturday, 6 March 2010
From Chaand Taare to Din mein Taare...
Just before the declaration of bonus and increments the feeling usually is something like"Chaand Taare Tod Laaooon.." post declaration the feeling normally is Din mein taare...
I have listed below a collection of Din Mein Taare episodes that I have heard over the years...where the employees are reduced to "Kya se kya ho gaya, socha kya kya mila, bewafa...etc ..etc"
1) Europe Dreams...
One day prior to declaration of bonus...
A : This year I am sure to get a good sum, planning to send my parents on a Europe tour.
B : Thats cool ya, all the best.
The next day, post the Bonus Declaration Meeting(BDM) with the Big Boss.
A : Forget Europe,with this bonus Kerala seems too expensive.
B : This is pre-tax, deduct 30% to arrive at the in hand number...
A (in a pained voice) : In which case a picnic to Madh Island is all I can afford...
2) Pappu di gaddi...
One day prior to declaration of bonus
A: With this years bonus I will buy a Kinetic scooter.
The next day, post the Bonus Declaration Meeting(BDM) with the Big Boss.
A:Forget the scooter, I will not be able to afford a tyre.
3) Tu Karm kar...
Overheard in the office corridor.
A: So what plans over the weekend ?
B: Arre yaar, my sister is very depressed about the peanuts handed out to her post appraisal, will have to take her shopping or something to cheer her a bit...
A: Yeah, thats a good plan, you might need someone to cheer you once our bonuses and increments are declared.
I have listed below a collection of Din Mein Taare episodes that I have heard over the years...where the employees are reduced to "Kya se kya ho gaya, socha kya kya mila, bewafa...etc ..etc"
1) Europe Dreams...
One day prior to declaration of bonus...
A : This year I am sure to get a good sum, planning to send my parents on a Europe tour.
B : Thats cool ya, all the best.
The next day, post the Bonus Declaration Meeting(BDM) with the Big Boss.
A : Forget Europe,with this bonus Kerala seems too expensive.
B : This is pre-tax, deduct 30% to arrive at the in hand number...
A (in a pained voice) : In which case a picnic to Madh Island is all I can afford...
2) Pappu di gaddi...
One day prior to declaration of bonus
A: With this years bonus I will buy a Kinetic scooter.
The next day, post the Bonus Declaration Meeting(BDM) with the Big Boss.
A:Forget the scooter, I will not be able to afford a tyre.
3) Tu Karm kar...
Overheard in the office corridor.
A: So what plans over the weekend ?
B: Arre yaar, my sister is very depressed about the peanuts handed out to her post appraisal, will have to take her shopping or something to cheer her a bit...
A: Yeah, thats a good plan, you might need someone to cheer you once our bonuses and increments are declared.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Of fruit vendors, painting the house and injections!!
All things remaining equal, if my mom and sis have their way, our friendly neighbourhood fruit vendor or his wholesale supplier will soon be painting our house and giving us shots(not vodka shots silly, the medical kind, commonly know as injections).
OK, I see the bewildered expressions jostling for space with concern-for-my-sanity kind of looks on your faces. Background coming up.
As we all know in this day and age of genetically modified and enchanced everything (fruits and vegetables included). It is strongly suspected that the sweetness and colouring of fruits are tampered with. With rumors doing the rounds that they actually use paint to enhance the appeal and inject artifical sweetners into fruits.
While we were having high tea today, yeah we still suffer from this Raj hangover, though scones and cakes are replaced by sheera and chips fried in coconut oil. We were discussing the "chinese" apples and papaya palmed off by the vendor to my dad. The apples looked good, juicy and rosy though they tasted like cardboard. My sister commented that the colouring job was absolutely perfect, the supplying agent has outdone himself. To which my mom retorted that maybe we should give them the contract to paint our house this year, such talent should be tapped and nurtured. It would be a crime to see all that talent go to waste, a lifetime spent painting only fruits, sacrilege!!!
My mom then went on to do a small skit featuring the fruit vendor and herself having a conversation.
Mom: "Bhaiya, is saal aap hamara ghar ko paint karneka contract lijiye.."
Bhaiyya(flustered and blubbering): "Main ???, Nahi, main to bas mamuli seb bechne wala hoon."
Mom: "Arre wah, yeh kya baat hui, aap itna accha colour lagate hai sebon ko, ghar toh kamaal rang denge!!"
My sister and I were practically rolling on the floor laughing.
Not to be outdone my sister goes one step further. She goes "While we are at it, maybe we should also consider getting our immunity shots from them, they are super experienced after injecting the water melons and papayas with colour and artifical sweetners."
See I am very sane but there is some sense in this after all, isnt it???
OK, I see the bewildered expressions jostling for space with concern-for-my-sanity kind of looks on your faces. Background coming up.
As we all know in this day and age of genetically modified and enchanced everything (fruits and vegetables included). It is strongly suspected that the sweetness and colouring of fruits are tampered with. With rumors doing the rounds that they actually use paint to enhance the appeal and inject artifical sweetners into fruits.
While we were having high tea today, yeah we still suffer from this Raj hangover, though scones and cakes are replaced by sheera and chips fried in coconut oil. We were discussing the "chinese" apples and papaya palmed off by the vendor to my dad. The apples looked good, juicy and rosy though they tasted like cardboard. My sister commented that the colouring job was absolutely perfect, the supplying agent has outdone himself. To which my mom retorted that maybe we should give them the contract to paint our house this year, such talent should be tapped and nurtured. It would be a crime to see all that talent go to waste, a lifetime spent painting only fruits, sacrilege!!!
My mom then went on to do a small skit featuring the fruit vendor and herself having a conversation.
Mom: "Bhaiya, is saal aap hamara ghar ko paint karneka contract lijiye.."
Bhaiyya(flustered and blubbering): "Main ???, Nahi, main to bas mamuli seb bechne wala hoon."
Mom: "Arre wah, yeh kya baat hui, aap itna accha colour lagate hai sebon ko, ghar toh kamaal rang denge!!"
My sister and I were practically rolling on the floor laughing.
Not to be outdone my sister goes one step further. She goes "While we are at it, maybe we should also consider getting our immunity shots from them, they are super experienced after injecting the water melons and papayas with colour and artifical sweetners."
See I am very sane but there is some sense in this after all, isnt it???
Friday, 22 January 2010
Theory
I have a theory. There is nothing like fluke, everything just fits into the grand plan of things. Just before we are born, up in heaven each of us is sent to a kind of big department store, much like the time before school reopens for another glorious year, where, you have to buy books, uniforms, shoes, etc...
In the heavenly department store you decide the happiness, sorrow, challenges, experiences, etc, down to the smallest task you will perform whilst on earth. While you live your life on earth back in heaven they keep track of the smallest detail of the number of tasks you perform in your day to day life. Yeah they have filing cabinets filled choc-a-bloc with details of all the good/Bad deeds you did.
For e.g.: the smallest thing like the number of plates you wash, the number of clothes you wash, the number of times you run errands for others, the numbers of times you cheated, number of times you hurt someone etc, this is all match against the number you picked before being born.
Then based on your performance you are progressed to the next level in life. Still working on this theory... will come back and post some more :)
In the heavenly department store you decide the happiness, sorrow, challenges, experiences, etc, down to the smallest task you will perform whilst on earth. While you live your life on earth back in heaven they keep track of the smallest detail of the number of tasks you perform in your day to day life. Yeah they have filing cabinets filled choc-a-bloc with details of all the good/Bad deeds you did.
For e.g.: the smallest thing like the number of plates you wash, the number of clothes you wash, the number of times you run errands for others, the numbers of times you cheated, number of times you hurt someone etc, this is all match against the number you picked before being born.
Then based on your performance you are progressed to the next level in life. Still working on this theory... will come back and post some more :)
Friday, 8 January 2010
The Breakup
My first attempt at fiction...let me know what you think.
She: "Is there an us or am I imagining a little too much ??... I am confused and really need to know."
He: "Us in the sense??"
She : "You know what, I read something the other day, Things are to be used and People are to be loved, but the sad reality is that People are used and Things loved..."
He: "What do you mean by that statement?"
She: "All I want is a straight answer to my question, I am getting emotionally involved and need to know if there is something, else I need to step back right now."
He: "Night is to forget the bad, remember the good, and await the happenning of tommorrow. Happy end to the day."
She: "Fine, I am not in the mood for poetry, and I am through with this treatment, happy end to everything."
He: "Wish you the same, btw, the hardest thing to express is the simplest of all...affection."
She: "All I need is an answer to my question."
He: "What question??"
She: "This has got to stop, just spare me."
He : "Spared."
She: "Don't call me anymore."
He: "Dont worry, I won't."
She: "Why did it have to end like this, were you never serious about us for even a moment?"
He: "Who proclaimed the end, me or you?"
She: "I can't take this insecurity any more..."
He: "I am always there for you when you need me."
She: "As a friend or something more, just spit it out, don't worry about my feelings, thats my problem."
He: "What should I say..."
She: "Yes or No, let me be in peace once and for all..."
He: "Peace be unto you, thats what they say in church."
She: "Fine, Sorry for taking up so much of your time, it is clear that you see me only are a friend and nothing more and I just can't be your friend."
He: "As you wish."
She: "Is there an us or am I imagining a little too much ??... I am confused and really need to know."
He: "Us in the sense??"
She : "You know what, I read something the other day, Things are to be used and People are to be loved, but the sad reality is that People are used and Things loved..."
He: "What do you mean by that statement?"
She: "All I want is a straight answer to my question, I am getting emotionally involved and need to know if there is something, else I need to step back right now."
He: "Night is to forget the bad, remember the good, and await the happenning of tommorrow. Happy end to the day."
She: "Fine, I am not in the mood for poetry, and I am through with this treatment, happy end to everything."
He: "Wish you the same, btw, the hardest thing to express is the simplest of all...affection."
She: "All I need is an answer to my question."
He: "What question??"
She: "This has got to stop, just spare me."
He : "Spared."
She: "Don't call me anymore."
He: "Dont worry, I won't."
She: "Why did it have to end like this, were you never serious about us for even a moment?"
He: "Who proclaimed the end, me or you?"
She: "I can't take this insecurity any more..."
He: "I am always there for you when you need me."
She: "As a friend or something more, just spit it out, don't worry about my feelings, thats my problem."
He: "What should I say..."
She: "Yes or No, let me be in peace once and for all..."
He: "Peace be unto you, thats what they say in church."
She: "Fine, Sorry for taking up so much of your time, it is clear that you see me only are a friend and nothing more and I just can't be your friend."
He: "As you wish."
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