India Trip 2013 (19th July - 19th Aug)
Call it a Photo Album, DayToDay jottings or a Travelogue!
For my own free time reading years later and reliving the precious moments!
(and also for those who haven't visited in recent years...gives a glimpse of today's India)
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7/19 2PM @DFW:
"Dont rely on Instincts and always look at both the sides before you decide which way to go" I said to myself after walking all the way from D10 to D27 for a duty free shop..only to realize later it was just on the other side of D10.
The "lutf" was certainly missing from "lufthansa" in terms of service quality, food and leg-space which I think I always liked about this airline.
7/20 9AM @Frankfurt:
Yes was in Europe for sure. Right from the width of toilet paper to the shut off time of automatic faucets..I could once again see the difference the way natural resource is used on both the sides of Atlantic.
The flight which left before my flight (to Delhi) from the same gate was to Adis Ababa. Surprisingly 90% travelers were westerners, read whites. Naturally curious..and after talking with few realized majority were from different churches going on various missionary services.
Heard on PA "Flight to Zagreb .." Tried hard to recollect which country's capital. Made a mental note to ask the right candidate. Always fun to be on the other side of interview board isnt it.
The boarding experience for Delhi flt was horrible...instead of board as per row..out of nowhere suddenly a long line was formed and me, who was waiting there for almost 4 hrs at the gate found myself at the extreme end of the line. Bad.
7/21 12.20AM @Delhi:
T3: The alpha numeric, which makes every Indian proud. It was my 1st visit thru Delhi after T3 became operational and it is breathtaking indeed. Too good...till I arrived to Immigration.
Nothing has changed on that front...every time I hope and expect that this time I will see some difference..but it is same. The immigration officers seating there...no expression, no smile, working in a very pensive, tired and sometime agitated mode. Dont even greet. However money we spent on terminals and all...unless this immigration counters get more professional in attitude/service the 1st impression of a visitor at grand T3 might remain there shortlived just for few minutes.
3AM
The other thing which needs some attention to retain this T3 feeling good...is transfer ftom T3-T1. Those buses could be improved. The way they filled it up, reminded me of horrible Redline experience of late 90s.
3.30AM
Loved the old domestic T1. This is the place from where I took my first plane trip (thanks to Cdot) back in 1994! It was Delhi-Bangalore. And here I am taking same route almost after 20 years. The place was as lively as it could be even at 4AM. I was happy that I came here much earlier rather than waiting at T3 (as was advised by my co passenger). My flt to Bangalore scheduled at 7.50 Indigo. With so many choices to have breakfast from...opted for southern delicacy only. Had started off with Lunch as Dosa and Masala ButterMilk from TazGrocers at Dallas and ending now at Breakfast with Dosa n FilterCoffe at T1.
7.50AM:
Indigo: what a great and efficient service. Right from checkin counters till I was on flt every step is precise, well co-ordinated and so impressive. Always on time is their motto...and I cant see why it cant be.
11AM:
On the way from extreme Banaglore North to extreme Bangalore south... passed thru Medinova Diagnostic Service....this is the pace where we came for our medical screening on 1st march 1993. The memory trigger started firing...
12.30PM:
At home. I arrived 24 hrs before than expected (was a surprise visit) and that mde it more special. I was great to see mumma (MIL) in a much better condition than I had expected. Meeting family after 2 mnths..a great great feeling.
And then there was the famous bangalore weather! cold breeze...staying at 19th floor with open windows made it extra special. Ideal Beer weather...but there is none. Tea would do for now.
7/22:
After a hospital visit with mumma in the morning (where doc was very happy seeing her condition which boosted everyone's morale), went out with Ritwik for a "mantime" in the evening.
7/23 1PM @Bangalore:
Today Mumma taking her 1st session of chemo of 2nd round. Because of my flt time I could not be there but everyone else was with her at Apollo.
From home to airport...encountered the famous traffic snarl. Cab time 2 hr 5 mins. My would be flt time from Banglore to Raipur just 2 Hrs.
Indigo kept on impressing except for the fact that max weight limit is 15KG now and every time I am paying extra for the baggage. Depending on how well you "impress" the person sitting in counter depends how much can be waived off.
In Delhi: No waive, paid for 8Kg (Rs 2000)
In B'lore: waived 6 Kg , paid for 2 Kg only (Rs 500). So go to the counter where you think you can make it work :-)
7PM
Raipur airport...Brand new Swami Vivekanand Airport. (do you know he stayed here for few years...and I am sure thats the reason of this name..will confirm).
Just like Delhi's T3....superb and extra ordinary!
was so much overwhelmed missed taking a picture....but will get more oppurtunities.
and there was Baba and Biltu waiting for me at the gate.
7.30PM:
Paryavaran kay Neeshaan Teen
Jal Jungle aur Jameen
all at plenty at this rich state and could see the way spending is happening...signs, roads, lights.
Election "mahaul" picking up with Dr Raman's and Mr Jogi's poster everywhere..
However talking to Driver...seems at mass level BJP factor is not that strong (am surprised) rather they started comparing with Archrival MP's progress and its charismatic CM Shivraj Chauhan. Hmm..what happened to Bastion of BJP..I was in impression it is Dr Raman after Namo...Wrong?
9PM:
@ home. All doing great...and now there are two new Gangulys 15 mnths old. That makes it extra special.
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7/24 AM
Went out with Baba for 3 most important works pending/related for/with me (for which I was getting daily reminder since past 1 month).....and got a first hand exp of service.
a) changing of gas agency from "A" to "B". Just a 10 min formality...but took more than 2 hrs. It was in my name so had to be there. However the best part is now gas ordering is thru IVR and witnessed the delivery within 24 hrs. Great improvement and maa was happy she can order it thru her cell phone.
Later Maa's related Quote: " lifelong baba never told me..and i never asked how much salary he gets, how much we have in bank...and now see if he withdraws anything, or when his pension arrives...I am the first one to know it thru my cellphone".
b) visited LIC regarding one of the policy purchased during cdot days....great service and inside office look was as corporate as possible considering this is one of the biggest state owned company.
c) Visit to BankOfBaroda...the purpose was to close one of my inactive NRE account...but the branch manager ( a pukka gujju bhai) convinced me why that is not a Very Good Idea and How Namo is all out to make BoB the best bank in India, and how icici/citi bank might collapse soon. The bank look and the way it was operating has come a long way when I visited it last many years back.
PM:
Met school friends. 3 of them...and for 3 hrs we all went back and talked/behaved as if we are back in those days. Got updated with many other frnds status...got scolded for not being in FB...came to know about teachers..few of them no more. Thats spcl about school frnds...very authentic, genuine and brings back those days memories just like this. All in so different fields...but what a great common bond of those earlier years.
7/25 AM
Nice lazy day. Lots of rains. Glad that all the 3 tasks assigned were completed the day before. Baba had kept this as backup day so now I was free to utilize it as I would want.
PM
Another visit to local "adda" place...and 3 school frnds became 10 now. Went to an open restaurant on airport road...this place had two names...if you enter from one end the name is in Hindi, if you enter from other end.name is in English. We went thru Hindi, Came out of English.
Came across another grp of college/architecture frnds (few visiting, few local). It seemed linkedIn was turning into reality.
Came across another grp of college/architecture frnds (few visiting, few local). It seemed linkedIn was turning into reality.
Tonite other than school college days discussion...significant was chattisgarh politics/devlopment/future/naxalite movement. Clearly found two division one pro..one anti, when it came to tribal's plights and rights. A free for all open ended discussion which all ended in good cordial as soon as the party ended.....I felt good that I was very much in synch (my occasional reading of Dainik Bhaskar and watching Sahara Samay came in handy). ==========
7/26 AM
what a bad news to begin your day with...but thank god it is all rumors.
Later in the day visited the once famous "Gole Bazaar" for some quick shopping. Used to be the heart of city...now with ever expanding city it is not the center anymore but hustle bustle is still there. Here is the pic of Fashion House at Golebazaar....a store which was always in wish list during college days..but never visited.
PM
Mithu, Ritwik arriving today from Bangalore. On the way to Raipur Airport. Rain was still on and the palm/coconut trees, cloud, drizzle, empty road...
And here is the brand new airport..(from visitor lounge). Isnt it superb?
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7/27 AM
Another lazy day. Took Ritwik out to a mall for some game...but game zone opens at 4PM. Instead went to BigBaazar. Got 1kg free onion with Rs 400 spent on pastry. Getting free onion was more fun to me and Ritwik than the pastries.PM
Visited my cousin Puci Di. She still looks exactly the same as she was 20 years back. Same warmth same coziness. Always fun to meet her and Salil Da.
On the way back to home a stop by the fish shop...(sheer delicacy waiting)
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7/28 AM
Went out to meet Lokesh. It is rare to have a class mate from both School and College. He is one such. Now Lokesh (an IRS Signal and Comm. officer) lives in same colony where we used to stay 30 years back. The railway hospital has been turned into his bungalow! Took along Ritwik and felt good looking at his interest to know more and more about my childhood days.
The institute ground...now in a dilapidated condition. During those days it was one of the city's famous place for indoor badminton, a nice library and cricket/soccer tournaments. The podium was reserved for Raipur's famous Institute Durga Pooja/Kali Pooja. Lots and lots of teenage memories from here....
The narrow gauge railways behind the Rly Engineering Colony. Used to be our short cut trip from Engg Colony to Loco Colony where we had moved later.
PM
Get together with close frnds and their families at Celebrations in Fafadih. All had a great time.
Google Now working great....!
Soon the main attractions were Arnav and Aabir indeed.
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| The better halves. |
The friend in left on above pic, Samir Ganguly is also an amateur in Chholywood (Chattisgarh's booming film industry) Here is one of his stills as IG...and he is working next with some big star from Mumbai...hold your breath...Nasiruddin Shah!
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7/29 AM
Nothing much and spcl this day...visited the Station rd Hanuman Mandir...the place where I had visited since 1984. This temple is also in a dire condition..most probably will be relocated to some other place soon.
Afternoon drove by the "new Raipur" coming up around 15-20 kms away from main city today. It was on driver's insistence...and I am so glad that I did agree. It was Awestrucking by all means.
PM
Went to the R K Photo Studio for a picture session of three brothers of next generation. R K Photo studio at Jaistambh is still doing good business as it was doing 30 years back!
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| Later...This is the soft copy of the studio pic. |
And a snap near Civil Lines...had started raining by then..so could not get some more details about this one.
The day ended with a nice (?) Quote seen behind an Ambulance...Though I still think Ambulance is not the right place for this bitter truth to be displayed.
Kuch bhee nahi hai tera...bas do gaz zameen hai Teri,
woh bhee mil Jaye tujhe yeh bhee nahi zarooree.
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Political HighLights during Raipur Stay
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The NarcoAnalysis on which CM was alleged to be involved in a bank scam was highlight indeed. Came across rallies and dharnas. The CD which got leaked contained Narco analyses test. First time I heard about it, was thinking it is some drug scam..but later realized it is about some TruthSerum test...interesting.
http://www.tehelka.com/raman-singh-named-in-chhattisgarh-bank-scam/
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7/30:
Time to leave Raipur for Luknow. With 3 of us and Baba/Maa also travelling...and travel mode is by train for a change. Baba was adamant to travel by train (nothing unusual as he spent serving 32 years with Indian Railways). Garibrath Express from R to LKO (yes Raipur is one of the 6 railway stations which has a single alphabet as its code...interesting isnt it?). The thing which distinguishes Garibarath is the entire train is 3 tier AC sleeper coaches and side berths also have 3 sleepers.
Raipur to Lucknow: Distance: 912 Kms Travel Time: 17 hrs. Dep.12PM Arr: 5AM next day.
One more hug...!
On the coveted middle berth @ 8.30PM
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7/31 AM:
Reached Lucknow Railway station...early morning.. The "running late" are things of past I guess!
Entire route seemed has gone thru electrification..so was little surprised to see the diesel engine for our train...
maybe some part is yet to get electric lines.
The city of Nawabs impressed at the first sight.
One thing I noticed...The registration number of Lucknow vehicles as UP-32. Generally all the capitals had it as StateAbbr-04 (eg KA-04 for Bangalore, CG-04 for Raipur, MP-04 for Bhopal), but for this "nawabi" city it is UP-32.
Maybe it was because of Lucknow's Pahle Aap Pahle Aap :-)
PM:
Visit to famous Ambedakar park. Courtsey Mayavati. Made at the cost of more than 1000 crores. It was already getting dark...but it indeed brings an Wao first and then immediately ..the thought of "the money could have been spent on something more useful". It is true that still in many parts of UP...electricity connection is not there yet...or getting a connection is sheer luxury.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambedkar_Memorial
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| Could not be a better place for some quick pranayaam. |
Another visit to nearby musical fountain...playing the variety from all time Bollywood hits to Dr. Alban's Its my Life!
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8/1
After lunch followed a visit to famous Bada Imaambada and bhool bhoolaiyaa!
One thing I noticed and liked about buffet (in almost all the places we had buffet) is starters and appetizers are served...They keep coming and coming and you keep on eating and eating, when it is finally time for main course for which you have to get up and get it...you are almost full. But no complains.
And trip to old Lucknow in the afternoon...to Bada Imambada. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bara_Imambara
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| Entrance to Bada ImaamBaada |
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| Front View |
The world famous and much heard and read about Bhool Bhoolaiyaa....
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| Inside bhool-bhulaiya |
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| @roof top |
The guide challenged us to return to main entrance on our own...and twice we attempted and both the times failed and returned to same place where we had started...The guide mentioned they took training of 3 months.
Also took a trip down the Baoli (a step well for Royal Bath).
http://lucknow.me/Shahi-Baoli.html
View from the top...far the "chhota imambada" used by the queens could be seen.
And finally....A "tonga" ride....
The rest of the evening was spent mainly on Chikans and Chicken/Mutton Biryani... both of which Lucknow is so famous for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikan_(embroidery)
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8/2
Today we decided to celebrate Raakhi 18 days in advance...
Ritwik, Mishti and Titli.
Evening was mainly on another round of gift exchange shoppings. Tomorrow Mithu is leaving for Bangalore...and I have the extra responsibility of taking care of Ritwik.
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8/3
Mithu left for Bangalore this morning from Chaudhury Charan Singh airport...For a while I had forgotten about our 5th PM.
In the evening...had a black dog time with Chotu.
And when it goes with Tunde Kabab...it makes it more spcl.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunde_ke_kabab
A great time!
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8/4 to 8/6
Tempearture wise..at 9AM lucknow is same as 10.30PM back home at Dallas 32 degree C....Cant complain of hot weather.
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| Releasing extra energy of Ritwik in the evening... |
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| Nothing like a 11PM Thums Up at Gali's Paan Shop |
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| Or a Poha Jalebi breakfast... |
Last round of Mango....(famous Safeda mangoes.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malihabad
Visit to Lucknow Zoo
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| waiting for the zoo train... |
Gorillas a major attrctn...
Went out for a movie called Bhaag Milkhaa Bhaag..
Was amazed to hear Ritwik saying it is the coolest movie he had ever seen...while I thought it is well acted..but not much content for a biopic.
Nevertheless...a good sports movie..but not in the category of ChakDeIndia or Lagaan.
Ritwik's enthusiasm could be seen here....
Before watching Bhaag Milkha Bhaag he said thats how he used to run.
And after watching Bhaag Milkha Bhaag ....
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Political HighLights during Lucknow Stay
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All hell broke loose for the young CM Akhilesh Yadav regarding a new IAS officer (Durga Nagpal) when she took on directly against the sand mafia and UP govt suspended her on very flimsy ground. Lots of protest, debates and media talks on this. Best captured by this Amul Ad seen in TOI
While there in Lucknow one day saw big hoarding coming up...
"Satya Pareshaan Ho Sakta Hai,
Lekin Satya Parajit nahee ho Sakta"
Saujnaya: Raja Bhaiyaa...
This came up the day after CBI gave a clean chit to Raja Bhaiyaa....
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-02/india/41005265_1_nanhe-yadav-gulshan-yadav-cbi-report
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8/7
Journey from Lucknow to Bangalore, Ritwik, Baba, Maa and me.
Goodbye...Phir milengey.
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| @Lucknow Airport. |
Reached Bangalore airport at 7PM, Home around 9PM...another glimpse of Bangalore evening traffic.
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| Home....
Nice to see back Mumma and Baba again. And she seemed to be in great spirits.
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Two Sets of Parents, One Sis In Law and One HomeMinister.....@ dinner table.
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8/8
An easy day. The 4 of them, family friends (established even before I was born) had a great time reminiscing 60s and 70s and their younger days. It was so nice and inspiring to see the camaraderie they share.
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| Morning Tea with Mumma |
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| While one "nithalla" and the other just returned aftyer a busy day at school. |
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| The Beauty of Bangalore weather. Morning 9AM temp is 10 degree C less than Dallas10.30PM |
PM:
evening went to see our aptmt....the club house was brand new which was not ready when visited last.
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| @ shobha lakeview clubhouse |
Later in the evening....it was back to "adda" and "mastee" at home.
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| Ritwik with his Mesho |
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8/9
Morning went to an Eye Hospital as Mithu was having some allergic problem for past few days.
Very modern hospital, efficiency and automation at the registration process was impressive.
Also liked the big LCD screen showing the patient name, queue information giving an estimate of the waiting time. However while doing that..the screen was also displaying other details about the patient as well (like what is the primary problem, visit number, age etc)....Not all would prefer that I am sure. Was out from there in an hour with the medication. That was the main event of the days....otherwise
Another day of just "Rest and Relaxing"....and a great and elaborate luncheon at Shonali's place.
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| The Famous "bhaapa sandesh" by Shonali...was too yummy! |
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8/10
Baba Maa leaving today for Lucknow...
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| One more pic with Grand Parents |
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| Outside look at Bangalore Airport |
8/11 Sunday Holiday
a quick outing for lunch and some mini shopping....
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| Nice Picture....(sunday mood) |
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| Caught a glimpse of bbqNation African dance |
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| Two Sis |
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Monday morning...decided for Chennai Express. Surprised to see 10AM show sold out (Monday) and managed for 11AM. The theater went crazy for each appearance of Deepika Padukone,..a Bangalorian. (not for SRK that much!). Maybe it was the surrounding , or the picturesque southern India, crisp and funny dialogues, SRK doing spoof on himself...thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and was amazed why the reviews were not so good. In next few days critics were proved wrong when it broke all existing records...showing once again Critics and Mass may not always think alike...and for this one I was happy to be part of the "mass".
And here is the Amazon India package...rcvd within two day after ordering. Who needs Amazon Prime there! But if Amazon India needs to worry from any then it will be flipkart indeed http://www.flipkart.com/
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8/13
Today was the round 2 of 2nd chemo session for Mumma. The hospital was nearby and all done within 4 hrs. The doctors, nurse were happy to see her condition...and she too was quite cheerful and in +ve spirits. It helped all. The evening was full family time in and around her...and also it seemed she took it well and there was no immediate side effects
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8/14
Went to my local office in Bagmane Tech Park. Nice complex, nice people, and a great cafeteria to die for!
Finally was able to put faces to many names I was interacting through last 4 - 5 years.
On the way home could not resist dropping by famous K C Dass sweet outlets.
PM:
Took the kids to much requested and much awaited movie..."Smurfs 2". All these ticket buying experience was a new for me @ http://in.bookmyshow.com/ Kids enjoyed...followed by a McDonald visit.
Can we get the same "spicy" menus here in US?
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| Live Demo @hometown :-) |
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8/15
15th Aug...Independence day. Dont remember when was the last time I attended a flag hoisting ceremony. So me and Ritwik woke up early and went to the neighborhood park where they were hoisting it @ 9AM.
Earlier also watched PM's address to Nation. With LOC Killings, Onion Rising, Ruppe falling and Election coming....a challenging year indeed for him and ruling party.
Also a nice WhatsApp msg rcvd showing similar sentiment...
"For the first time in history of India, NECESSITY. COMFORT and LUXURY are available at same price. Onion Rs 75, Petrol Rs 75, Beer Rs 75. Happy Independence Day"
PM:
We had a Satsang held at our home. Around 20 or so joined us to celebrate the teachings and talking about Guruji Maharaj. http://www.gurujimaharaj.com/
It was my first attending any Satsang ever...4 hours passed by in a very spiritual and devotional way.
Later in the night....a priceless pic.
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8/16 - 8/17
Suddenly we all started realizing the visit is coming to an end...Naturally it was not a good feeling for many. Also realized that there are still so many things not done yet. For me it was mainly getting Baba comfortable with Online Bill Payments, Banking, skype etc....and yes last but not the least SHOPPING.
Riwtik @ FabIndia store.
On 17th went out to famous M G Road and Commercial Street (Last I visited these places was in 1995)...could identify few of the landmarks. Commercial street is the place of Bangalore where real "commerce" happens...no doubt about that!
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8/18
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| With Maltoo Di (on her way back to Delhi. dropped by to see Mumma) |
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| Ritwik and Rishi (my nephew now in Bangalore). |
And one more round of "sisterly discussion..". Who is advising and who is listening?
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And that concludes this post.
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Bonus Clippings :-) (as heard in TV shows while there).
a) Chintu kee maa kay teen bacchey. what are the name of the chintu's two siblings?
b) Ek ship mey 40 aadmi and ek chor. Toofan aya..Ship Dooba. Sab mar gaye...par chor bach gaya...Kaise?
Ans
a) chin-1 and chin-3
b) "chor kee dadhi may tinka" aur "doobte ko tinke ka sahara"
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