Thank You Alma Mater

Last week I had an opportunity to go to my Alma Mater for Campus Recruitment for my present organization. It was a very proud moment for me. Not only did I stand brimming in front of the aspirants, presenting about the organization, I was equally happy showing my institute to my colleagues.

As an alumnus, I have visited the institute on numerous occasions, but going back to hire is always different. It was nostalgic as well, remembering the days when I was sitting on the other side of the dais. 

I always feel proud of all the institutes I have studied at and am eternally grateful to them. But for them, I would not be the person I am. Not wanting to sound too cliched, but I would like to use this opportunity and forum to express my gratitude to all my teachers and batch mates and seniors and juniors, for all the learnings. Thank You!

Crossing The Street- New Interview Tool

How many times have you wondered about the manner in which you cross the street? After reading this article written by Guy Kawasaki you surely will.

The article mentions that you can select candidates for a job, merely by watching them cross a busy street. There are five categories based on this logic.

As a HR professional, this is quite insightful. Recruiters spend a lot of time and resources to ensure that they get the 'right fit' for the position open. There are psychometric tools that are used, aptitude tests are given, body language is analysed... Any new tool in the market is up for grabs, just to find the right / best candidate. But more often than not, the recruiter has to take the blame for a non-performer when the buck starts getting passed. Wondering how many recruiters will adopt this new method also.

At least I am going to be a Wader now, if not already. You never know who is watching!

Knock-Knock! Its Winter

Dilli ki sardi is early. And not just early, its too early and hitting hard.
Its cold. Its raining. Its foggy. And its a working day!

Yesterday morning was quite a shocker, and today its colder. Woollens are not out yet. Didn't feel like getting up in the morning.

Thank God it is Friday today. At least over weekend I can enjoy the winter morning... I want moongfali

Airtel Delhi Half-Marathon

On Sunday, 1st November I went for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. It was a sea of people.

Adesh was running 21km, and he went off at 7.30am. I had two more hours to bide and I decided to make the most of it by visiting every single stall/ kiosk. It was a good opportunity to indulge in one of my favourite past times- observing people.

It was much more crowded than last year, and the weather was also hotter.

For the first time, I got a face-paint done, in tricolour, though very small in size. After all, how can a female take chance with her skin!

There was a live band, there were jugglers, there were long-legs.

There was a separate enclosure for senior citizens where they were being offered tea and snacks.

Sadly, there was no provision for water for those loitering around like me, waiting for our turn to run. I tried the refreshment counter, they expressed inability to offer help till the time counter opened. Only thing that kept me going, though I was dying of thirst, was the opportunity to see Shah Rukh Khan, in person. And what a crowd puller! He connects so well with the crowd...amazing!

Finally, I did catch a glimpse of my favourite actor, ran for Great Delhi Run, and gobbled down water at the first water stop!

Now I am waiting for the Gurgaon Marathon on December 6. I am sure it will not be crowded and weather will be cool enough to make this marathon a cooler one

If you happen to be in Gurgaon on December 6, do come to run, walk, cheer and have fun.

Moreover, you never know whom you may run into. You can find details about the run here.

Weekend in Shimla

The last weekend in Shimla was all fun and excitement. Adesh was a part of Shimla Half Marathon and completed the run in under 3 hrs.

On Saturday, 3rd October, we reached Shimla at around 12pm and after checking into Hotel Holiday Home, we went straight to the race expo at The Ridge. And then, we set off to do a recce of the route that Adesh was to take next day. For me walking on that terrain itself was so exhausting, I was just wondering how the runners will complete their 21km. Thank God I had decided not to run and be a volunteer. I clicked photographs of the route during recce and on the race day. I was trying to live up to the role of the photographer assigned to me.

Adesh has shared his experience here.

And, when it was time to start the return journey, we were already exhausted. Nonetheless, we carried back with us fun filled sweet memories. Looking forward to the Diwali weekend round the corner!

Chutti Time, Again

It's a long weekend starting tomorrow. Three days off and so we are also hitting the road.

Adesh is running the half marathon in Shimla, organized by Running and Living. And I am accompanyig him cheer him up and click some nice pics. It is going to be three days on hills, in Mashobra and Shimla. And I am going to have fun!

Experience in Bangladesh

I went to Dhaka for 5 days in the last week of August. It was an official trip, and I did not have an option but to agree to go. This was to be my first international trip and I must admit that I was little excited too. But then, I never wanted my first international experience to be in Bangladesh!

Anyways, I had to fly from the international airport and I was to spend in foreign currency, so I was somewhat contend. I had a Jet Airways flight and the service was good.

The feeling changed quite a lot when I landed in Dhaka. The international airport was OK. The hotel cab was there, so I was happy. Finally, I was on foreign soil!

The first thing I noticed was the number of Toyotas on the road... so many Corollas. There were other models also, Yari, Noah, Ace, RAV4 apart from Camry and Prado. Nissan was also present in a big way. It was a Saturday and weekend there. So the traffic was not much.

As were were driving down, what seemed to be the main road of the city, I could see many familiar brands' hoardings. I even crossed the Radisson. Globalization has definitely led to familiarization.

I was happy when we crossed a KFC. I could definitely do with a Zinger. It was the holy month of Ramadan starting the next day, and people were gearing up for that. The hotel room was comfortable, and I did not venture out. I am a vegetarian, by choice and not compulsion, when I travel. And this was a challenge for me. Well, I thought of playing safe and ordered the plain dal-roti.

The next foor days were going to be hectic in office. I had meetings lined up from morning till evening.

Next day while coming back from office, it was iftar time. The markets were buzzing with vendors selling sweets and pakoras and other delicacies. It was a very different experience. I was advised by friends back home to venture out alone. And, since it was Ramadan, all colleagues were busy with family gatherings.

Four days spent in office, hotel room and in the cab transiting between the two.

Finally, on the day of return, I reached Airport early morning. I had an 8.30am flight for Kolkata. The sight at the International Airport was very different from our IGI in Delhi. It was more like the domestic airport in a Tier-II city in India. Un-hygienic environment, dingy place. I was waiting for my flight after checking in, and it was about 7.45am and there was no announcement for boarding or moving to boarding gate area. After another half an hour I came to know that the flight has been delayed, till when no idea! The airlines staff were all communicating in Bengali and I was feeling so helpless. I had to ask the co-passengers for the update. After another 1 hour, we came to know that the flight has been delayed till 6.30pm as there was some 'technical snag' in the aircraft. They could not make any other aircraft available for the international flight though they had aircraft for the domestic flight. They were unable to transfer us to another carrier. Another 1 hour of arguement with the staff. The airline manager and the airport manager were unavailable. The airlines staff plainly refused to help. They said that we will have to buy tickets for another flight on our own and they will issue a credit note from their airline as the flight has been delayed. We had just 30 minutes left for the flight to depart for India as the next flight was at 4pm. I just ran to the ticketing counter and to my horror they were not accepting International Credit Cards and Indian Currency. They only wanted USD or Takas. I ran to the bank counter, but they refused to exchange INR. Finally a Scottish lady, Barbara, who was also travelling on the same flight, offered me USD to buy the ticket. I was so grateful to her and finally managed to board the flight. I was so gald to land back in India.

I was so amazed at the casual attitude of the people at the airport. There was a critically ill person who had to be admitted to a hospital in India. The mother was begging the airline staff for help as every moment was precious for them. But her pleas were falling on deaf ears. Till then I had thought that Indian sarkari babus were the worst one could find. But after that encounter, they also seem far superior.

Phulkari Treasures

I went visiting Adesh's relatives in the interiors of Punjab during the second leg of the vacation. It was hard core Punjabi culture at its full. Since I was visiting them first time after our wedding, (though its seems a lifetime ago to me!), the ladies were all decked up to welcome me. And I, the supposedly new bride, was dressed in summer casuals. Thank God I was in right mind to dress in Salwar Kameez. Anyways, back to the relatives. They welcomed me with Phulkaris, my favorite. And I was already loving them. Generation old phulkaris adorned by these beautiful ladies.

Each Chachi had a different story to tell about her phulkari. How and when it was made? Who gifted it to her? What was the occasion? I was enthralled. How I love these tales, they did not even know.

Since it was peak summer, with no rains and long power cuts, the hand fans or pakhhis were out. These pakhhis were also embroidered with phulkari and had been in the household since ages. The ladies still make these hand fans on their own, and they even showed me a couple of these with work in progress. I could not help requesting them to make some for me as well. I was going crazy and Adesh was just laughing at me.

In the evening when we left I still had those beautiful treasures in my eyes.

Travelogue: Sarahan & Sangla- V

Day 5: 19th June

We were all set to bid adieu the beautiful Sangla Valley. Our bus left at 6.30am. We bought tickets till Narkanda, as we planned to stay overnight at Thanedhar.

We reached Narkanda at around 2pm and after lunch at the New Himalayan Dhaba, we caught a bus for Thanedhar. Thanedhar is a small town around 18kms from Narkanda. It is the apple country with apple orchards and cherry trees spread as far as the eye can see.

At Thanedhar, we stayed at Hotel Sunset View. It is small guest house run by a local family. Complete homely environment. We paid couple of hundreds extra for a room with a view, and it was absolutely worth it. The sunset was beautiful. The placed lived up to its name.


There is another property of Banjara Camps in Thanedhar, but the rates were steep for us.

Thanedhar is a sleepy town with complete silence post 8pm. Not a soul on the road. There is not much to do here, except for strolling around.

Samuel Stokes had introduced apple plantations in this region, and it gave the town's economy a boost. It is still the major source of income for the locals.


Day 6: 20th June

After a heavy breakfast of Aloo Paranthas we caught a bust to Simla, from right outside our doorstep! The luxury of a small town. Another interesting thing that we observed... any courier, of any size, to be sent to the nearby village is done through the local bus without any escort. Just tell the driver/ conductor the receipents name and village, and delivery is guaranteed. Social networking at its best!

We also witnessed a procession carrying the local diety. Himachal is after all the Devbhumi- Land of Gods, with every village having its own presiding diety.


We reached Shimla at 2.30 pm and caught a bus for Chandigarh. We were already feeling the heat. From Snow covered mountains to burning plains, it was quite a transition.

Finally, we reached Chandigarh at 7.00pm and one week of holiday in 'Wonderland' came to an end. Our first leg of chutti was over. And we were headed for our hometown, Patiala the next day.

Travelogue: Sarahan & Sangla-IV

Day 3: 17th June

After a goodnight sleep tucked in quilts, we got up all charged up. After breakfast, we went around exploring the small town. It was a bright sunny morning.

We decided to trek up 2 kms to the village of Kamru. We could see our destination up on the hill, with the local temple being the highest point. The trek was through a narrow path amidst apple and walnut orchards. The last 500m was too steep and I was out of breath! But the view from temple was worth all the breaths lost. The temple, like all others in the area, had a Buddhist monastery and the Hindu temple in the same complex. Also, through the complex there is the route to the old palace of Bushahr dynasty. It is a seven storey wooden structure, and only the temple committee can enter it. general public is forbidden. In this complex also, leather goods are forbidden and you have to cover your head and remove your shoes. The temple caretaker patiently explained the history and the local customs. He also happily posed for us !

The caretaker told us that in a certain month in the summers, the locals go for a pilgrimage of Kinner Kailash. They do a parikrama on foot, and the entire trek lasts for seven days. I was impressed.


After spending half an hour there, we trekked down and enquired about the bus to Chhitkul. Chhitkul is about 26kms from Sangla, and it is the last Indian village on the old Hindustan Tibet Road. The bus from Reckong Peo to Chhitkul leaves Sangla at around 12pm. It is a 2 hour journey through Batseri and Rakcham villages. The view of the valley is heavenly. It can not be expressed in words and you have to experience it.


The bus stays in Chhitkul for 10 minutes and returns back. There is a dhaba there, that proudly calls itself as 'Hindustan ka aakhri dhaba'. There are old houses of wood and stones, and you can experience the Kinnauri culture to its core. The Indo- Chinese border is 60 kms from there.

Another bus for to Chhitkul leaves Sangla at 4pm and stays overnight at Chhitkul to return next morning at 6am.

We reached back Sangla at 3.30pm and after lunch at "Tast of Tibet", a Tibetan eatery serving Veg thalis as well, we headed for our siesta. The momos at this place were yummy. We returned in the evening for a cup of coffee and were rewarded with creamy home-style coffee with loads of milk. The Punjabi in me just loved it. You can enjoy the hustle-bustle of the town sitting in the balcony of the restaurant, sipping coffee, feasting on momos and thukpa and reading a book.

The dinners were at Baspa Guest House. Home cooked food for us. We were loving this place, and dreaming of settling to a peaceful life here.


Day 4: 18th June

We planned to trek to Batseri village, which was 5 kms from Sangla. We trekked down to the riverside. There is Sangla Nag temple in the village downside. After crossing the Baspa river, there is a small hydel power project. You reach a small village named Azaad Kashmir, after crossing the hydel project. There is river on one side, and pine forests on the towering mountains on the other side. It was definitely an adventure.



The locals kept guiding us and we crossed the Government Trout Fish Farm. Suddenly, we encountered a stretch full of stones and rocks. Actually, there had been a landslide a couple of weeks earlier and the normal path was blocked. Our hotel person was not aware and he had encouraged us to go for the trek. The original path is supposed to be a straight one along the river side. We crossed this stretch and were exhausted. There was some relief in terms of a stretch of green grass. But another 100 metres and we encountered another rocky stretch. Fearing that we would be lost in the wild, we took a u-turn. We came across some locals who asked us to follow them to Batseri, but we regretfully declined. We still needed some energy to trek back up to Sangla.

Finally after 3 hours, with water and cereal bars devoured for energy, we were back in the main street of Sangla. We were tired and we were hungry. And we barged into Tast of Tibet. All we could think of was FOOD.

After a short nap, we were back for our coffee and momos. I also tried the pan cakes at the neighbouring Sonu Cafe, a favourite of foreign tourists, but was disappointed. We decided to retire early as we planned to catch an early morning bus next day. We were on our journey back.


Bus fare to Chhitkul: Rs 15 per person
Meal for two at Tast of Tibet: Rs 100- Rs 150
Stay at Baspa Guest House: Rs 550 - Rs 850 per night
A hospitable host and great customer service: Free

Travelogue: Sarahan & Sangla- III

Day 2: 16th June

We got up early in the morning to the view of rising sun from our room's window. It was time to explore the small hill town of Sarahan. We trekked to the Pheasantry only to discover that it was closed for the season. We trekked further 2 kms and realised we need to trek back also!

While trekking down, we met some locals who guided us the shortcuts. We landed in the compound of the palace of Bushahr dynasty, the current king being Virbhadra Singh (the political biggie). One of the locals explained to us the legend of Bhimakali Temple and tales about the royals.


We reached Hotel Shri Khand and headed straight for thr breakfast. After shower, we decided to pay obeisance at Bhimakali Temple. It has magnificent architecture. The wooden carvings are just beautiful. The main temple building does not allow you to carry any leather product. After the darshan, we bid adieu to Sarahan and boarded bust to Jeori. We had planned to take bus to Sangla from Jeori.

We reached Jeori at around 11.30am. We were told that the bus to Sangla will come at 12.30pm. We waited on the road itself. Eventually one bus came at 1.00pm, but for Reckong Peo. We boarded it nonetheless, as we decided to carry on till Karcham and from there take any bus or taxi to Sangla. We were short of patience to wait any more.

It was a cliffhanger ride up and down the mountains and valleys. We crossed many hydro-electric projects being constructed by Jaypee group. At a couple of points the traffic was stopped as there was blasting going on. We observed that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sarak Yojna was on full swing here, connecting remote villages.

There is a small temple of Taranda Maa on the roadside. Every vehicle stops there and our bus also stopped. We went to the temple and paid our respects.



We de-boarded at Karcham and fortunately for us, just then another bus for Sangla came. We were on our way to our final destination. At Karcham we had crossed the hill, and were now in the valley of Baspa river. Earlier we were travelling with the Satluj river. In fact, Baspa is a tributary of Satluj. Another 45 minutes and we were in Sangla. It was 6.00pm and it had started to rain.

Our place of stay, Baspa Guest House (recommended by Lonely Planet) was near Bus Stand and we rushed to the safety of a cosy room. It was chilly and we needed our woollens. Finally, we lay down to starighten our backs, and it was time for some pet pooja.


Places to see at Sarahan:
- Bhimakali Temple
- Pheasantry
- View point
- Rangori village (4kms from Sarahan): has some old houses


One night stay at Hotel Shrikhand: Rs 1100 to Rs 1500 for double room

Route taken: Sarahan-Jeori-Wangtoo- Karcham- Sangla

Travelogue: Sarahan & Sangla-II

Here is the first in the series of our trip to Sangla and Sarahan.

Day 1: 15th June
Chandigarh- Sarahan

Route taken: Chandigarh- Dharampur- Shimla- Narkanda- Rampur- Jeori- Sarahan

We left Chandigarh at 6.20 am by HRTC Deluxe bus- Chandigarh to Rekong Peo. It was early morning and we were sleepy, but too excited to sleep. I was enjoying the ride uphill and Adesh dozed off.

We stopped for breakfast at Dharampur. It was a dirty non-descript dhaba, and we decided to skip the breakfast being offered. Dharampur has the famous Giani ka Dhaba, which serves awesome paranthas, and we were very disappointed that the bus had not stopped there. We were already missing our car.

Anyways, we continued and the next stop was Shimla at 11am. We could see the "Toy Train" from Kalka to Shimla chugging away. It was starting to get hot. As we started uphill from Shimla, the weather became cooler. We crossed Kufri, Shogi, Theog to reach Narkanda at 1.00pm. It was lunch time.

Once you cross Shimla, the apple orchards start. There are also cherry orchards. It was so beautiful. A completely different world.

After lunch, we started off again. Our next stop was Rampur, and we got down there. It was 3.00pm. We were told to take the bus to Sarahan which was to be at 3.30pm. We waited till 4.30pm and there was no sign of bus. So we decided to take a taxi to Sarahan, though a little costlier.

We crossed Jhakri power project, Jeori and reached Sarahan at 5.30pm. Finally, our journey for the first day ended.

We had booked Himachal Tourism's Hotel Shrikhand, and were glad to see the neat and clean room. It was drizzling and we were eager to explore. A stroll around the hotel, and we decided to call it a day. We decided to have an early dinner and headed for the restaurant. The steward assigned to us, Neetu, took our order and recommended a local delicacy, 'Kheroo'. It was tadke wala curd. Also, the desert kheer and a Shrikhand special. They were yummmmm!!


After another stroll, we retired to our room. It was cold there and our woollens were on. We planned to go for an early morning trek and tired as we were from the journey, we just hit the bed.



Bus fare- Chandigarh to Rampur: Rs 450/- for two
Taxi fare- Rampur to Sarahan: Rs 700/-
Lunch at New Himalaya Dhaba, Narkanda: Two veg thalis, two fresh lime sodas, one water bottled: Rs 100/-
This dhaba has decent food and more important, clean washrooms.

Trvelogue: Sarahan & Sangla -I

We had been planning for a fortnight vacation for over six months. It was to be in the end of May or beginning of June. Eventually we planned it for the second half of June. Since the economic downturn, we were contemplating whether to go ahead with the planned vacation or not. But what the hell! Approved leaves of 15 days are hard to come by, for me as well as Adesh. So we thought of 'budget holiday'.

One week of budget travel and one week at home in Punjab.

We decided to go to Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh. And, we planned to travel by Himachal Roadways bus.

The itinerary was:

14th June: Gurgaon- Chandigarh
15th June: Chandigarh- Sarahan
16th June: Sarahan- Sangla
17th June: Sangla
18th June: Sangla
19th June: Sangla- Thanedhar
20th June: Thanedhar- Chandigarh

Lonely Planet and K Srinivasan's blog helped a lot in planning the trip.

The stay was in budget guest houses and Himachal Tourism hotel. We booked the Himachal Tourism hotel in Sarahan beforehand through their website. The bus schedule at HRTC website also helped, and my brother got the bus ticket booked in advance from Chandigarh.

The bags were packed. The excitement was high. And, we were raring to say- "Let's Go!!!"

Chutti Over

I am back and back after a long break. Break not just from the blogger's world but from the maddening metro life as well. I went on a vacation! It was chutti time. Adesh and I took a fortnight off and hit the road up to hills to escape the burning Delhi.

It was a vacation that we both thought was well deserved, though our respective employers may disagree. First one week was in Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, in the towns of Sarahan and Sangla. The next week in the villages of Punjab.

Details of the entire vacation will be in the following posts. For now, its just great to be rejuvenated, but sad to be back in the rush.

Of Strikes, Traffic...and Stink

I was travelling to Kolkata early this week. I landed at around 8.00am, and took a taxi for South Kolkata, which usually takes 45min to an hour. Just as we crossed Science City, the driver slowed down and there was this huge stink. I had just started to wonder, when I realised that there were lorries after lorries loaded with garbage parked on either side of the road. The drivers were preparing for a chakka jam. Somehow we managed to cross the stretch at moderate pace, since it was still early morning by Kolkata standards. But, in my heart of hearts, I was dreading the return by the same route a couple of hours later. I had to be at a conference in Salt Lake.

And my worst fears came true, when we were stuck for almost 3 hours on that road, on our way back. I almost threw up because of the stink, and it was a very humid day.

But the question to which I fail to get an answer is, what purpose was solved by this blockade/ strike. My cab driver was also a Bengali, and he was equally angry. There was wastage of time, fuel, money. The aam janta surely was not sympathising with the strikers. Who likes the stink!!!
And I guess, this can happen only in Bengal.

Travelogue- Goa: 4th to 6th May- II

After an evening of drinks and dance with the divas of the organization, I just fell on the bed and slept like a log. Only, to be woken up after 4 hrs with a wake up call from front desk.

We were to leave for the nearby Colva beach, for water sports- Jet Ski and Para-sailing.

Sleepy eyed, I reached the lobby, waiting for the team to come, and watching the other teams heading for the bus in herds. Being in HR, it was compulsory for me to go. The previous night I was so eager to go, but in the morning, all I could think of was sleep, sleep and more sleep... and sleep was evading me!

Well, another 15 minutes drive, and we were at the beach. It was 6.30 in the morning, and the only human beings visible were our colleagues, a couple of shack operators, a lifeguard team, and the adventure activities operators.

This beach was not very clean, as I had heard about Goa beaches. Probably, we were in the wrong part of Goa. Anyways, after a quick chai at a shack, we queued up for Jet Ski. Now I was excited. When the turn came, it was all over in ten minutes!!!. It was total fun. Adrenaline pumping and all. And, there was saline water all over me... clothes, hair, eyes, mouth, nose...errgh. But it was FUN. I wanted to do all over again. Though we were not driving on our own, there was a guy who was steering and I was sitting in front. All the waves just hit me in the face, I just loved it.

Now, it was time to try the other activity- Para Sailing. Another queue and finally our turn came. This was even better. It make me feel like a bird. Just flying in the air for 10 minutes, literally a bird's eye view of the land and sea and the beings inhabiting them. Well well well... it came to end with a thud... our falling on the sand!!!

I would want to do these two activities, along with rafting, again and again.

Well after satisfying the adventurous soul, it was time to satisfy the palate. We headed for the breakfast laid out for us at a shack. We just stuffed ourselves, and headed back for the hotel in small groups. It was just 8.30am, but it was so HOT already. I was gain dreaming of the bed.

Distance from Park Hyatt: 15-20 minutes

Auto fare: Rs 150/-

(that's what the going rate was, though we then waited for our bus)

At around 12pm we checked out, and headed for the lunch at Martin's Corner. The experience I have already shared here.

Our flight was at 7pm. So we had at least 3.5 hrs with us to kill. We headed for the local market at Margao. A small town in South Goa, and most of the trains from Mumbai end here.

The first liquor shop was literally attacked by all of us. The sight of females managing a liquor shop was quite a surprise, for a North Indian like me.

Well, I explored the local port wine and fanny brands. I also bought few miniatures of IMFLs. Another thing left to buy was local cashew, one with the skin on. And then I was done.

Distance from Colva: 6km/ 15 mins

Nearest rail head: 0km (Margao has a railway station!)

It is difficult to take away a bunch of females from a shopping place, how so ever small it may be. And that was the case with us. Finally, we started for the airport and our rendezvous in Goa came to end. Delhi here we come!!

Travelogue: Goa- 4th to 6th May

In my previous post, I wrote about my experience at Martin's Comfort and Martin's Corner. That was the day we had landed, Day 1.

Distance from Airport: 30-45 minutes

Here is what we did on Day 2

We had a conference scheduled in Park Hyatt and the further stay was also arranged there. So we moved over early morning to Park Hyatt Resort and Spa.

Distance from Martin's: 15-20 minutes
Distance from Airport: 20-30 minutes

The drive between the two hotels is a winding road with fields and villas and coconut trees on both sides. The bright and vibrant colored villas just pep you up. And when the drive ended, the sight that awaited was a treat!

The resort is a sprawling property spread over more that 20 acres of land by the sea. As we checked in, the front desk efficiently guided the porters to our rooms. Considering that we were joined by other colleagues from across the country, making a total of around 120, they were fast.

We quickly had our breakfast and rushed into our conference. The lunch was also there. Finally, in the evening we moved into our luxurious rooms. And, it was time to explore the hotel.

Some of us went to explore the private beach that the resort has. It was neat and clean and we watched the sun go down. After sometime, we were ready for an evening of fun, organized in the resort's 'Magical Forest'. It is a lovely piece of sand surrounded by tall coconut trees.

The resort has a fantastic coffee shop, The Village. The pastas served there are just amazing. Also try the tiramisu and walnut tart.

My room overlooked a pond and it was pretty picturesque. The entire resort is so green, it just makes you forget the metro life. You are transferred into an entirely different world.

I could notice some guest lazing by the pool, and it was quite a temptation to join them. The ride in the battery operated buggies was fun. Alas, we had our meet!

The resort was more than what I had expected, considering this was my first experience at such luxury. And I was smitten, completely.

Musings: Goa- 4th to 6th May

This week I was on a business trip to Goa for a couple days. Though this is not the best season to visit the beautiful coastal state, nonetheless I was excited. I will post a detailed travelogue over the weekend, in few parts. Here is the first in the series- this one not exactly a travelogue, more of musings.

We reached on 4th evening at 7pm through SpiceJet flight. The very first night we were to stay at Martin's Comfort, a small hotel in South Goa's Betalbatlim village. This is about 30 minutes away from Airport.


It has an adjacent restaurant, Martin's Corner, which seemed to be a local favourite, going by the number of cars with Goa number plates, parked outside. Another interesting thing is that there is a private villa on a stretch of land separating the hotel and the restaurant.The hotel manager informed us that a sumptuous buffet awaited us at 9pm at Martin's Comfort.




We stepped in and were amazed to see the crowd, phirang as well as desi. Live band. Lively crowd. Dancing couples. Wow! I was impressed.

But the story was pretty different when we asked about our seats and 'the buffet'. The stewards had no clue. We were a group of 30 persons, and they seemed to be unequipped for handling such a large group. After arguing with the restaurant manager, we were given a corner in the restaurant, tables were laid, but no sign of food. It was already 9.30pm and we were informed that we will not be served any buffet. The menu for us was pre-decided and would be served on the tables, but only when all the 30 members were present. I some how convinced the manager that already 20 of us were there, and people will keep coming and going, and he should start serving.

Even then the food took another 30 minutes to be served. The stewards were not proactively serving. They did not keep an eye, if any item needed to be replenished. We had to remind them continuously, and the entire group was hugely dissatisfied. When the remaining 10 members came, they had to wait another 30 minutes to be served, and that too with the condition that all be seated on only one table, together.

Well, first night, at a well-reviewed restaurant, did not go down well with most of us. All of us being from service industry, and from the organization which lays immense emphasis on customer service, this was a huge disappointment.

We were scheduled for lunch at the same place day after the next day. This time we were a 120 strong group. The promised buffet was there, but only one set. It seemed that they did take the learning, but did not have the farsightedness. Only one set of serving bowls for buffet for such big group was not adequate. The queue stretched till the entrance of restaurant. And by the time our turn came, the first set was ready to replenish. The stewards were again unable to manage the drinks orders.

Though the ambience was good, the food must be good (if served hot), going by the waiting crowd, but the place sure needs lessons in customer service.

My recommendation: Visit the place if you are a small group. Variety of drinks and sea food. For vegetarians, less options and not good on the taste buds.

Dot is Hot

I overheard the following conversation at an upmarket coffee shop last evening, among a group of youngsters:
"What's hot this season yaar?"
"Silly, didn't you know, it's the Dot?"

It took me a minute to register that the Dot being referred to is the election ink mark, and the conversation was referring to the Radio Mirchi campaign of "Dot hai to Hot hai".

It is great to see young college going citizens of our country being so excited about elections. It has become a matter of pride for them. And believe they do not want to see an octogenarian as our Prime Minister. I know I am treading the often discussed topic of why politicians do not have a retirement age, but then for the youth of this country, it is an important question.

Anyways, 7th May is approaching. Its the date for elections in Delhi. And then we will see a new fashion accessory- the hot Dot.

Tryst with Phulkari

My tryst with Phulkari began years back when as a young girl I accompanied my mother to the market while she was scouting for a Phulkari dupatta for her bottle green suit. And years later when I was looking for a dupatta to complement my suit of similar shade, I could settle for no less. Somewhere in the back of mind, that outing had stuck and I somehow convinced Ma to give me her dupatta. I eventually wore the same dupatta for my wedding celebrations, during the ceremony. mehndiPhulkari is considered to be auspicious and forms an essential part of wedding celebrations in Punjab, a must for any Punjabi girl’s trousseau.

A reference to Phulkari in literature comes from Guru Nanak Devji who wrote: "Kadd kasidha paihren choli, tan tu jane nari" (only when you can embroider your own choli, will you be accepted as a woman)

Discovering the family heirlooms: Phulkari

I am writing this post on our way back from trip to Patiala, while Adesh is driving on NH1.
During my last visit, I had discovered some Phulkaris at home and I continued from where I had left last time.

Beeji often tells tales of how as a bunch of young girls, she, her sisters, cousins and friends, they used to sit together and embroider their Phulkaris. Phulkari, literally means, embroidery of flowers, and is usually done in geometric patterns. She recalled that they used to get a special fabric called tool, from the town of Bathinda as they could not get it anywhere else. She showed one of her creations on tool. This one is in red colour with embroidery in mustard thread. It also has her name embroidered. It says: “Dari buni Gurdial Kaur Harnam Kaur Chatan Kaur te Jasmer Kaur.” (This piece was embroidered by Gurdial Kaur, Harnam kaur, Chatan Kaur and Jasmer Kaur). The piece of art also had some stains and marks on it. Beeji explained that this is on the part which was used to cover the head, and the stains are of wet earthern pitchers, which were used to carry water in those times.



I got the piece dry cleaned, and wow, it has some original sheen still left on it. I am going to use this piece of family heirloom as a dupatta for myself.


PS: We just crossed Karnal. iPod playing ABBA song I had a dream...

Thought for the day

"When one is out of touch with oneself, one can not touch others."

- Ann Morrow Lindbergh

Election Campaigns: All Q and no A

Today morning, while driving to office, I heard the BJP election ad on FM. They had a long list of things which the ruling party has not delivered on, for example, the slowdown in economy, concerns on job security, rising prices and so on.

Generally, or so I think, all political parties tend to take the similar route during the election campaign. They would highlight and question what the incumbent has not done.

Agreed that these are all concerns and I am also concerned about these issues that effect me. But, what is the solution? And, I am not a staunch Congress supporter. But, what I do want to know is that what will BJP do about these issues if they are voted to power? Or, for that matter, what will any other party do about these issues if they become the governing party? Will they please stop questioning and start answering...

Travelogue: The Kikar Lodge

Last week, we planned a trip with office people to this place called The Kikar Lodge. I stumbled on this place through a travel website, as the area listed happened to be my Grandparent's place- Ropar in Punjab.

The website showcased a lovely resort with picturesque surroundings and some adventure sports, and we were game for it. As it turned out, this is a Welcome Heritage property.

The route we took was:
Delhi- Panipat- Ambala- Chandigarh- Ropar- Nurpur Bedi- The Kikar Lodge
Delhi to Ambala was through NH1, then on to Chandigarh through NH22 and to Ropar through NH 21. Just after Ropar barrage, turn right to Nurpur Bedi. Kikar lodge is about 27 kms from that turn. The best thing is that there is signage all through.


We started on 4th March morning at 5am from Delhi, and we were a group of 13 young (!!) ladies. As expected, we were fast asleep till about 8am, and the first pangs of hunger started hitting the stomach. By then we had already crossed all decent dhabas enroute, but we stopped near Kurukshetra at Sheetal Complex for tea. The road till Ropar is all good. Only when you enter the village area after Nurpur Bedi that it gets bumpy but its only a matter of 3 kms.




We reached The Kikar Lodge at 11.30am and the first reaction was shock!!! We entered the gate but we could only see trees and a kuchcha road. Another 2 minutes drive and we could see the resort emerging from behind the trees. Well it was like an oasis in desert! The decor was traditional Punjabi... Ah! my homeland. We were given cottages, and we could see the swimming pool. After a quick breakfast of sandwiches, some of the eager ones hit the pool while we soaked in the beautiful surroundings. Soon it was time for lunch and then a nap to freshen up.

The resort has a Spa and games like Billiards, Carrom, Table Tennis and Volley Ball. But the most exciting part was the Quad Biking and I was so much looking forward to it. At about 4pm some of my colleagues went into Spa for relaxing while I chose to hit the dirt and try my limbs at Quad Biking. At the first sight it looked so easy. After all I do know how to ride both a two wheeler and a four wheeler. But I didn't realise that a cross between the two could be so challenging. About 5 minutes of trying to get a hang of it and I was riding pretty good. Another 25 minutes and I was a pro!

Later we went for night safari in the jungle in a tractor trolley. I must say it was fun though a little spooky.

After a round of drinks around the bonfire and dinner we hit the bed. An early day and a late night had discharged our batteries.

Next morning, we left after breakfast and reached Delhi in the evening,.

Now, some description of the cottages. It was definitely good. The bed was comfy, loo was also clean and the decor was to my liking- Punjabi to the core, with traditional bedspread and a file folder with Phulkari cover. There was an LCD TV with Tata Sky connection in each room, plus AC.

Food at the resort was very good. We had opted for the buffet and were not disappointed. The service was also good and the stewards were very prompt. The bar (named Watering Hole) has a very cool decor. Two couches and walls adorned with old Hollywood movie posters.


I strongly recommend this place to all the adventure and nature lovers. Hit the road the next weekend and you will love it!

Bagh and Phulkari- Traditional Treasures

I went home to Patiala last week and this time I was on a mission. I wanted to re-discover the traditional stuff of Patiala- Phulkari, Salwar, Jutti, Parandiyan. Though I have been using all of these in my day to day life, but the beauty of these never fails to enthral me. So, off I went to the local market, tagging along Bhuaji. And, there was beautiful antique stuff to chose from.

When I reached back home and showed my new acquisitions to Beeji, she said, "Aide layee bazaar jaan di ki lorh si. Eh sabh ta ghar hi bathera peya hai." (Why did you have to go to market for such stuff. All this is lying at home in abundance). And was I surprised!!

I went into the attic and started exploring th

e old stuff that had come from village when they shifted to the city. What came out was absolute treasure, wrapped in everlasting memories...

Among other things, I came across my favourite, 7-8 Baghs. Beeji saw me draping around myself and got nostalgic.

Traditionally, Baghs were woven and embroidered for the trousseau of the bride. During Beeji's childhood and times before that, young girls were taught the intricate Phulkari so that they could decorate the furnishings and apparel. The patterns could be floral (phul) or geometric or animals. Actually, the name Phulkari comes from Phul, which means flower. Young girls would first weave the cloth- red, orange, brown- and then start the embroidery. One Bagh would take at least a month for the entire start to end process. Baghs are full length dupattas covered entirely with phulkari.

I brought a couple of them with me. These one's are really special as they are not just family heirlooms, but a labour of love and gifted with love.

Tax saving woes

It is the time of the year when every one you know is on an investment spree. Reason being, it is time to submit proofs for tax saving investments. I have been signing these declarations for four years now, but still can not make head or tail out of it. Every year I resolve to invest on a regular basis all through the year, but some how the resolution fades away. And the panic button strikes in January.

Actually, I am never able to calculate how much tax will be deducted. Thankfully, this year the payroll guy in my organization is a little friendly and has told me exactly how much I need to invest. Alas, it too late! All the hard earned money went into holidaying, partying, watching movies, eating out... and for EMIs of the house that is still to be occupied!

Woes of a middle class + service class Indian citizen. Wondering why can't holidaying be tax free?

Happy New Year

"If you want to be happy, be."

- Leo Tolstoy