Wound

By the Smashing Pumpkins (from their album Machina. Which explains my email address...)

there you are
as you always were
in bathing light
and naked blur
you're a part of me
eternal one
my grand design
and setting sun

if you wait, i will wait
taste, i will taste
if you love, i will love
run, i will run
to my last breath

last night i turned around and thought i saw myself turning
inside the strangest dream of life unloved and cities burning

awake in my arms
you cry unharmed
our age of the hours
when they still devour all

so take it all
i doubt if we
will know it's gone
cause we've been here
since time began
begged god awake
and make these plans

wound opens
reveal this broken man
and soon there's notions
of blood on his hands

if you wait, i will wait
taste, i will taste
if you love, i will love
run, i will run
to my last breath

last night i turned around, i thought i saw myself turning
last night i turned around and thought i watched the world ending
inside the crushing pain i felt a pang, the tide was turning

destroyed in the wake
the jealous ingrates
will tear this world down

to spite god above
with his own love
with his own love
if you wait
if you wait

if you wait, i will wait
taste, i will taste
if you love, i will love
run, i will run
to my last breath

Express Article

The fact that I forget to do things is pretty well known... Anyway I finally found the link to my one and only article published so far (mentioned here).

Too early to quit and start writing I guess!

p.s. I't wasn't my idea to label the article "a bald move"

This is India

[Driving later than normal to work and getting quite irritated with the traffic... Cop asks me to pull over]
Cop: Show me your license
Me: Why? (handing it over begrudgingly)
Cop: You were not wearing a seatbelt, which is against the law
Me: Alright
Cop: [Gets out his magic book and starts writing a ticket] I will have to write a ticket for this, is that ok? [expecting me to offer a bribe]
Me: Sure
Cop: [Writing very slowly and looking at me with expectation] You will have to collect your license from the police station and pay the fine of 100 Rupees
Me: Ok
Cop: [waiting, expecting me to crack]
Me: [looking impatiently]
Cop: [After pausing for a minute] Ok fine, take your license back... But remember to wear your seatbelt
Me: Yes
Cop: [Waiting like a little puppy dog who expects a prize for bringing the stick back].....
Me: ?
Cop: [Still expecting something]
Me: [Hand over 50, not quite sure why]
Cop: [Smiles like a puppy who just got his reward]

Things I Want to do

That I can think of right now in a 5 minute time period -

1) Watch Synecdoche, New York - Written by Charlie Kauffman (who wrote Eternal Sunshine For the Spotless Mind)
2) Try an adventure holiday like living in Vorovoro for a week or two
3) Work for, or write a similar publication (if that were possible) to the Michelin Guides

More to follow soon I am sure!

Gullivers Travels

Now that I think about it, it seems entirely bizarre how little I have travelled this year in comparison with my first year. Since my holiday last year, I did a few weekends out of town and one 4 day "work" visit to Bahrain, but nothing really significant. To make up for this, even though not entirely, I took a weekend off to go to Delhi during the fashion week there. Nothing to do with the opportunity to see hot models. Honest!

Last weekend I managed to visit Bangalore and my old work friends... Was a fantastic break, I also got to spend a lot of time reading and generally just enjoying "me" time. However, It seems unlikely that I would go back to live there again unless I really HAD to. I was pleasantly surprised by the impressive Cohiba Club - they had a decent collection of Cigars and drinks... Did not try the food but certainly would visit often if I lived in Bangalore. I forgot how amazing the Dosa + Chicken currey at Pecos was. Interestingly enough, if you Google "Pecos Bangalore", on the second or third page is an ex-colleagues Rupam's picture of him and Guru there... Lastly, I can't go on enough about the food at Sunnys, so glad I went there instead of some Punjabi joint.

I have re-discovered my youth by just randomly getting new music on iTunes. Very pleased with the results so far - most notably 1500 Miles by Stephen Speaks and Dream Catch Me by Newton Faulkner. And of course I now make better use of my iPod by actually carrying it everywhere I go.

Which hopefully should lead me to my annual summer holiday, most likely to Corsica and good old London!

Back to Basics

I am pleased that this year I have so far resumed my habit of reading books, lost years ago due to computer games and the distraction of... well, a social life. So far I started with the popcorn book, Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsay. This was followed by the slightly more "proper" novel - A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon, and currently Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Of course, now that I have written this I am certain it would bring bad luck and I will go back to reading the Economist every night.

Passion of Mangal

You know you go to a bar too often when they name a drink in your honour!

Suffice to say, I'm pretty pleased and feel it is in the top 10 of my greatest achievements so far.

Go to Henry Tham's , check out the christmas menu. Lets hope they make it permanent!

Intellectual Vitality

Is on the top three of Stanford Graduate School of Business' admission criteria. I honestly feel that so far the Stanford MBA application is the best - it is the most in-depth and personal admission process I have ever come across and frankly that makes it a bit daunting. That's why I've missed my deadline for Round 1 in order to really think about what I am going to write.

But Intellectual Vitality is so attractive. So essential. And this immediately brought the realisation that the discussion part is exactly what is missing. I don't feel the environment I am in enables intellectual vitality. And I miss it. I miss having lively discussions with colleagues and friends in London about everything from the ethical aspects of the Congestion Charge to the advantages of Organic food. Or how OCR can be adapted for mobile phones with a good lens. Or how Rafa got it all wrong with his rotation policy.

I definitely am not going to get any intellectual conversations at work, unless you count reasons for sesame market fluctuations. And sadly my friends seem perennially preoccupied with their personal lives or money. And sometimes alcohol. It was highlighted by the fact that most of my friends did not want to see Letters from Iwo Jima purely because it was "serious" (which was a brilliant film, especially given my dislike for war films). I suppose a resentment toward war or war films might make more sense but the mere fact that films are supposed to be only mindless entertainment really makes me question my friends and Indian audiences.

I suppose my answer lies in reading. I should read the Economist, the FT, the Times, as well as books like A Brief History of Nearly Everything. But that is honestly half the fun. The other half lies in discussing things with people - to me intellectual vitality is mostly the sharing of ideas. Or even listening to others debates. Besides, with my concentration levels I can't get through more than one book a year (that too I usually finish it during 3 days of my holiday)

Anyone offering a lively discussion on this topic?

Blah Blah

It's been very quiet for a while now, I suppose since the start of the month. I suppose its a lack of excitement due to no major foreseeable events, such as another holiday of exciting travels or anything new in general. That's not to say I am unhappy, just not mentally challenged enough. Or should that be not challenged enough mentally? (smirks to self)

Would you believe I actually care about cricket again. Ok, I'm lying in that I don't really care but I care enough while the world cup is going on. The Twenty over version of it anyway. Yes, call me the cricket-slut that I am, loving it only during the world cup. I do feel the limited-limited version of the game is now closer to other popular sports in terms of the time consumed per match and adrenaline. But I must say it does feel that the sanctity of the game has been smudged a little, but who the hell am I to have a say on cricket. Last night was the final of the Twenty20 world cup, where India managed to just about beat Pakistan by 5 runs.

And I must say, that was a pretty impressive game! India continued with the so-far successful policy of batting first, and seemed like it would stutter when Yuvraj got out (biggest hitting batsman for India). However, it was good to see the team bat well and get a respectable score of 157. To be fair, Pakistan looked to be out of it at 76-6 and it took pretty clever batting by Misbah-ul-Haq to put them back on track. And with two overs and some 20 odd runs to get one got the familiar feeling that India was going to mess things up when it should have won. However, thanks to the two Pakistani batsmen losing their cool (rather than India winning it) they lost their last two wickets with 5 runs to go.

All in all a fun match, and I have to say watching it at Henry's was a pretty good idea. The crowd was good looking (as usual), the music good and the thoughtfulness of the two brothers meant the people sitting had a pretty cosy evening. However, what surprised me the most was the celebrations on the streets after. Yes, it was a world cup, but It was the limited version of limited overs cricket. And the first world cup of its kind. Obviously I'm the only Grinch in town, you should have seen the streets last night. Absolutely packed with cars and people waving flags all over. It was like.... like... winning the Champions League or something as important!

In other news I am now officially indifferent to most of my friends. It's not that I don't care about them, I just don't care generally. Too much effort to talk, keep in touch, Facebook, email, text, etc. So the ones who are still getting attention, good on you. I was just counting the people who I don't really know what to speak with and the list has gone beyond my 10 large fingers. So anyway, I guess this is a sort of apology to the ones who I haven't been keeping in touch with.

I must say though, I do intensely dislike Ganesh Chaturti as it surely must be the only festival in the world where one wastes 10 bloody days not working very much. It really is a bit of a coincidence that my staff decide to be ill during these 10 days, especially the peons. I'm not against religious celebration, but does it have to be for so long? Although I'm not complaining today, it is the last day and hence most offices in Bombay are shut. Mine isn't, and I can see the foolishness in that. None of my staff have turned up, and I probably should head home after lunch. So essentially, a waste of a day as I didn't enjoy the holiday and didn't get any work done either !

But strangely, I don't care and I'm suspiciously happy. Must be the patriotism kicking in.

Humpty Dumpty

In every young mans life there needs to be adventure, excitement - that adrenelin rush you get from facing challenge... and since I live in an urban jungle, in the conservative Gujarati/Marwari part of it and have a mundane job, I suppose the next best thing is shaving your head. Of course, it's the most obvious thing to do right?

It does help that my girlfriend likes shaven heads, and it was her birthday yesterday. Which is a fantastic reason, as I have been quite curious to know what it would be like for a while now. Don't get me wrong, I did my research on the internet - pretty useful in know how its going to feel. If you ever wish to do the same, have a look at Headshaver.

So the other day, I wandered into the salon, spent a good half hour watching the barber get rid of every tiny hair on my skull, which does take a while given my fat head. I like the results, although it took me a day to get used to the look. Must say though, it is weird as now I can feel even the slightest breeze - thankfully I don't live in a cold country.

The reactions? Well .... mostly negative. Most people think I look like a psycho mobster. I got one "cancer patient". But the funniest description was that I look like Humpty Dumpty ! Have a look for yourself -

I do expect to go bald sooner than I would like, lets hope that doesn't happen too soon

What the ....?

Ok, so I've been posting a lot of Restaurant Reviews. WTF must surely be the expression on your mind, as this blog has thus shifted focus from... well nothingness to food.

To be fair a lot has been happening, but mostly personal stuff. Which I try to avoid blogging about - I would like my blog to be a reflection of my views and opinions and not the actual events in my life. However, some might argue that the latter would be more interesting, but that could just mean that my views are that uninteresting. And the only other topic of note would be applications for an MBA next year. If anyone would like to volunteer to either be a referee or a reviewer of application essays please say so now.

Anyway, let the gluttony continue...

Last Entrance Exam?

After a long and tiresome three weeks of preparation for the GMAT (in addition the occasional tutorial class - which was a complete waste of money), I finally sat the exam yesterday. And I'm just glad I did well - a 730 on 800 (average for Harvard I believe is a 710). Of course this is an unofficial score, but I get my confirmed results in two weeks.

So it's weird, instead of the joy and relief one should normally feel, right now I'm just a bit apprehensive. About the future - which colleges to apply to, where I will be next year, etc. But the most prominent feeling is that of nostalgia - having to go through applications, deadlines, recommendations, interviews, etc.

Ah, to be young and dumb again.

This and That

Been a while since any blog post contained something more interesting than photos or DVD updates.

I visited New York for the first time since 1990, so it was like a whole new City yet it does strike me as any other big city. Firstly I didn't venture past Manhattan so honestly can't say I visited all of NY, but I suppose it is similar to sticking to Central London which really isn't the biggest disaster.

The best thing about that City for me has got to be the nightlife. Unlike both London and Bombay, partying goes on till really late and you can always find a bar your type to go to in the wee hours. I liked the Pizza Bar - purely for the novelty of it. Rather than going to get some greasy rolls or burgers I like the idea of getting greasy pizza - at a bar so you can continue drinking. Culturally NY is not as bad as I thought - where it lacks in centuries of art and architecture it makes up for in a few pretty good museums. Don't get me wrong I still think most of the city lacks historic character or charm, but every once in a while you see something interesting.

Getting around is probably the easiest thing in the world given the Grid system, and surprisingly affordable taxis. Central Park has got to be one of the nicest Urban parks in the world. I particularly liked the rock formations which are presumably natural formations dispersed around the park giving it a very "jungle" effect. Of course the other best thing to do is shop - variety of shops is unparalleled to any other city, and given the exchange rates it does make sense to fly over from London just for shopping! All in all NY is a nice-ish City to live in, but really one cannot compare with London or other European Cities. If I ever do move there, feel free to remind me of the step down it would be.

Since coming back a few interesting things have happened. But only a few. I must install a board with my ex's names and a slot where I could fill in who is talking to me and who isn't, and the third option of a cold war. Been making an effort with an ex I had past grievances against but given we were such good friends at one point it would seem the right thing to do (now that I have recieved an apology). Another one seems to have nothing to say to me yet is consistently 10-20% of this blog's readership. C'est la vie.

I've begun to loathe Gossip a lot more than I used to. Perhaps this is the effect of living in a City where a lot of people know each other, or atleast that's what happens in South Bombay. But surely people have better things to talk about (I know, I know... how silly of me). What is really annoying is the people who don't know you well enough for them to come and talk to you but not distant enough for them not to gossip about you. So eventually you will find out they've been talking behind your back which really is daft of them.

What's worse is an instance of a close friend of mine telling things about me to a semi-closeish friend who then goes and passes it on to my ex. Why would anyone who claims to be a friend of mine talk behind my back - and if they concluded something about my behaviour why not talk to me about it first? Specially given the negativity of that observation.

The result is now a huge distrust in most people around, and having to watch what I say in front of supposed friends. Which really is not me, I'm one for saying what's on my mind normally. Perhaps I should either decide not to care and say what I normally would OR just avoid certain people. The only problem with the latter being that it would result in my having only about three friends left. Gossip is clearly an inherent problem with a small-ish society in general.

Take me back to London, anyone?

Stressful

Going back home to London, was actually quite hectic for holiday standards. Well, mine anyway. My idea of a holiday was pretty much what I achieved today - woke up at 10, decided it was too early and woke up again at 12. lazed about listening to music and finally got to lunch with Bugs Bunny at 2.

It was perfect, the sun softly caressing my skin, the wind gently blowing through my hair and a soft light making my white wine look like a golden beacon of happiness and hope. The food was lovely and we watched peacefully as the cars passed by, wondering how time was passing by so quickly.

This fantastic meal followed by an evening walk and nap before a lovely Moroccan dinner and drinks. Perfect.

Anyway, before I digress, back to London. The meals were just amazing. But it did feel like barely enough time to do all I wanted. Though am quite happy that i got a few days in London and time to meet most people, and now a couple weeks in America which really feels like a whole new holiday.

The highlight was spending time with Prash and Bow Wow, and of course my big Wednesday meal at the Waterside Inn (review to follow soon). Managed to watch a film - The Lives of Others, which I had read about and really wanted to watch. Fantastic film too, which helped.

Did manage to catch the Liverpool vs Chelsea second leg match at the Sports Cafe which is always a good place to catch big games. Can't say I was impressed with either sides creativity/finishing but it was a good result, so lets look forward to a Liverpool vs Milan rematch for the Final!

Anyway since London I flew to New York and then onward to MSU in East Lancing (Michigan) for a weekend of drunkenness and graduation talk (these kids!). Flew from there to Washington yesterday and am loving my time here with Shanu.

I concluded my perfect holiday day with a DVD - Before Sunrise. A simple plot and good yet sometimes bad dialogue, this film is romantic and meant for romantic fools. In my opinion its a very well made film and must admit though that perhaps someone cynical or just having a bad day won't like this film. I really like it, and can't wait to see the sequel Before Sunset.

Anyway I should go sleep more, can't deal with all this stress of staying awake for 10 hours in a row.

Mangu Maamu go to Foreign

Sang my brother all day (Maamu would be Mama=Uncle=what my sister's kids call me by), and now since it is 3.30 am I can safely assume I am Officially on Holiday!

Head tomorrow to London and then from there to America, my first visit since 1990. I don't remember very much of my last visit so this time I plan to take my Digicam to ensure the same does not happen. The exciting bit is, as always, the restaurants and favourite bits of London that I always have to visit. Since this trip to London is so short, have had to book meals from Bombay and here is the tentative meal plan (I can't wait):

Saturday Dinner: Quiet meal at home, takeaway from Beirut Express. That chili sauce always gets me excited

Sunday Lunch: Good Earth, Knightsbridge.
Sunday Dinner: Sirena, James Street. The old favourite local Italian restaurant.

Monday Lunch: The Big One. Three Michelin Stars and all that - Gordon Ramsay, Chelsea. Enough Said.
Monday Dinner: (tentatively) Sushi. Probably Itsu No not the one where Russians get poisoned.

Tuesday Lunch: Pizza at St. Katherine's Docks. Just hope the weather is nice!
Tuesday Dinner: The best / only Swiss restaurant in town - St. Moritz, Wardour Street. I can already taste the Raclette!

Wednesday Lunch: (tentative) The even bigger one. Again, Three Michelin Stars - The Waterside Inn, Bray. And a copy of the Sunday Times to keep me company. Might end up meeting Symbian friends at a local eatery instead.
Wednesday Dinner: Cafe Creperie, James Street. Asparagus and Cheese, can't really go wrong there.

Thursday Lunch: Either Paul or Jeff's (local fry-up near Symbian)
Thursday Dinner: Open. Probably a quiet last meal before I fly to NY on Friday.

I've got Nobu Fifty Seven lined up for NY so far, but really have to plan that leg of the holiday. And don't you judge me, I really should have become a food critic instead.

2am And All Is Quiet

All is calm as my house is empty of the "elders", parents having gone on holiday and grandfather back at the retirement village that is Pondicherry. Well, relatively anyway, seems as my brother and me played gracious hosts to friends over for dinner two nights in a row. Of course his plan included Poker, always a crowd pleaser.

I've always hated the months of March-June, as a kid because they've always been boring and pointless, and when in London because I would be too busy working on exams and coursework to enjoy Spring. This year seems the same, just really not very fond of March and April so far. I think I need a holiday for some change, have not been on one since June '06 (well a proper more than weekend holiday).

Been travelling locally a fair bit, but thankfully no more than a couple of days at a time. Went to get dinner at Bangalore last week which was fun as I caught up with a few Symbian friends. Well not for too long (the Symbian bit, hopefully not the friends bit). And now that the house is comparatively empty am quite happy to stay at home for a change, lounging about doing absolutely nothing. Wake up at odd hours and then hunt for food etc. I suppose a guy never loses the slobbish student behavior ever.

Anyway, nothing really to report. And am loving every bit of it.

Everybody's Changing

The song by Keane is quite apt, as I notice a lot of change around me. A lot within myself mostly.

Since certain events I have been set back into Figuring out My Life® mode and it really is a daunting prospect. I remember the days just before graduating from Uni, without really having any idea of what to do after graduation. I did eventually figure that one out, with the help of a certain phone call from Sally at Symbian inviting me to an interview one day when I was walking across Hyde Park to Imperial.

Similar situation but the stakes seem higher for some reason. I suppose the choice really is between your typical "Indian" lifestyle or not. Because any self respecting South Mumbai resident really does need to concentrate purely on millions of Dollars and not much else. Culture or happiness seldom enters into the equation. But then again the number of people involved are larger and sometimes therin lies the comfort. Which one is the long term happiness provider - people or Doing Your Own Thing? I might idealise and convince myself that having brunch at Paul alone with the Saturday Guardian is the best thing ever, but is meeting Pinky for a brunch and Pedicure really what I want?

I wonder why Blogger allows people who drink too much to Blog

Things To Do

I've procrastinated coming up with a List of Things To Do, which really is a bit too much, I know. I do apologise to anyone who expected an interesting post. But with the concentration levels of a goldfish it really is hard getting things like these done. Here goes:

1. Apply for US Visa
2. Get cars repaired
3. Read the Economist
4. Read World Soccer (They Should've called it World Football dammit)
5. Finish GMAT English exercise overdue
6. Pick up NSCI club membership card
7. Reply to Inland Revenue letter about p45
8. Apply for International Driving License
9. Copy music from Vishal's DVD's
10. Obtain No Emigration Check stamp from Passport Office
11. Take up Amateur Photography lessons
12. Reply to emails from 2006
13. Call up (list of people)
14. Do GMAT online tests
15. Plan holiday post-GMAT
16. Get laptop repaired
17. Read (list of books)
18. Come up with a Business Plan to start a Smoothie factory
19. Get Camera repaired
20. Invest money in Mutual Funds
21. Figure out how to file Income Tax Returns
22. Get iPod repaired
23. Burn CD's for Shaina
24. (catch up on) Sleep
25. Find time to Work on this list

And that's exactly it. I just never get most of these done due to either one of three thngs -
A) I can often live perfectly fine without doing them.
B) I can often live perfectly fine without doing them Now.
Most likely
C) I am out.

Which gets me thinking about getting things done. I always get stuff I enjoy done quickly. Took me a lot of time and effort but I found exactly the camera I wanted even though in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter as long as the important people are captured by it. In general I spend too much of my time going out and meeting people - leaves me with no time of my own to finish things like these.

Does it make me happy? Yes.

Should I be spending less time doing what makes me happy and getting these done? I suspect so. In the end, it really is about balance isn't it?

Damn, bad timing for Manish to call me downstairs for a cigarette.

Net Worth?

Arranged Marriages are always a different experience depending upon the family in question. I can't say I know anything about it but it's interesting to discover how the world (or at least India) functions. Whereas there is a lot of effort and it is a difficult process, I would at least expect the Selection process to be something like this -

1. Shortlist respectable family with eligable son/daughter
2. Based on personal values weigh the pros/cons of the eligible person.
3. Make boy meet girl.
4. ....

However what has surprised me is the introduction of wealth into this whole equation. Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive and know that money plays a part but it amazes me how blunt and direct a part it can play. The surprise to me is how the Net Worth of the family is taken as a criteria, and how this differs from community to community. As a general principle the boy's family is always better off than the girl's - something common across most communities.

For example, someone I know has her family completely ignoring any family who is worth less than 1000 Crore (roughly 250 million USD). First off, how would you know exactly how much someone is worth considering that a lot of money in India is siphoned off abroad / hidden to avoid tax + (although this is gradually changing) people don't often spend even a tiny share of how much money they have - probably due to fear of being noticed by gangs / Income Tax. Secondly, question in my head is what is a few million USD here or there? Surely a few hundred Crore Rupees should suffice given in my opinion that spending doesn't really change too much when a person is that rich - it all boils down to personal habits.

Another example is the Marwari community, particularly the Aggarwal clan, where the practise of Dowry still exists. The Aggarwal clan is known to be fairly open in their demands for Dowry, and matches are made based on how much Dowry is on offer. This does sound a lot worse as families discuss prices, bargain and ultimately the couple is herded together once the Dowry is agreed. Interestingly enough here apparently (?) from the girl's family one needn't be that rich - if one can afford the required Dowry that is all that is needed.

At the end of the day ancient values and methods are still core to modern day Indian families. The method might be updated, and the couple in question may personally not care about any of these things. Ultimately, money can be a factor in decisions which have life-long repercussions. Just ask me.

It's Official!

It's been a month.

Yet, I score 40 on the Goldberg Depression Questionnaire.

Score Interpretation
54 and up Severely Depressed
36 - 53 Moderate - Severe
22 - 35 Mild - Moderate
18 - 21 Borderline depression
10 - 17 Possibly Mildly Depressed
0 - 9 No Depression Likely

Oh well, back to soccernet.com

Cultural Differences

My observations are probably specific to working in a family business in an industry that requires dealing with suppliers and logistics firms from all over India, but here goes -

Sensitivities are very different in the workplace in different countries. My experience is that back in London one would usually get the job done by requesting nicely. Sarcasm or disappointment over the speed or quality of work would be expressed only if needed and often addressed swiftly, or at least justified in some way by the recipient. Hence the typical British raising of eyebrows to express displeasure, or perhaps a strongly worded letter to go even further - people seem to understand / take responsibility for their actions quite easily.

However I find that a lot of times, I might have to use a firm tone of voice to get anything done (best case scenario), then perhaps a bit of harshness and applying arbitrary deadlines for less sensitive people. And finally the last option left is raising my voice or just outright yelling in order to get the job done. What I don't get is people like my ex-Clearing Agent who would have to be yelled at constantly for him to get any work done.

Why?!? How could anyone be so thick skinned??

Nobody can listen to clients yelling at them all the time and not want to improve on things or just get that persons job done instead of ignoring them all the time. But that just happens too often with too many people I deal with. A lot of times government employees are like this, which is worse as one has to keep chasing them to get the job done but can never scream at them for not doing so.

I wonder if this is common across other different cultures too? Maybe even within the same culture but this sort of issue coming up across different industries? Any ideas on how to encourage people to be independent and get things done on their own without constant pushing? Am hoping that at some point people become a bit more sensitive and understand the work to be done without being screamed at constantly.

Until then, I need to make my standard 5 phone calls a day to get the smallest task done.

Smoothies + Bombay

So I've been thinking that Bombay, or in general, the Indian retail market does not have any (good) Smoothies.

First off, are they popular within the UK? Going by newspaper articles and the pretty impressive growth of firms like Innocent and PJ's, one would think they are doing fairly well, even if they are yet seen as unaffordable. Smoothies are marketed as healthy, convenient and natural drinks and would therefore be targeted mostly to your average person working in London who does not have enough time (or worse who would not be able to get exercise). Theyre not exactly going to make you lose weight but are a much healthier alternative to fizzy drinks, coffee or beer. Anyway I would intuitively think that they are mostly popular with residents of big busy cities (but I could be wrong) - either way they seem to be quite the success.

Secondly, the question is whether these drinks are popular outside the UK. I've been accustomed to having one everytime I hop into Sainsburys and especially on a nice summer day when just lying in the park, theyre healthy and yum. Given that the concept seems to have started in America, I suspect they are doing quite well there but this maybe only at Smoothie shops and not in retail (unlikely though). A friend tells me that apparently it is quite big in the far east too - the added advantage of mixing herbs and medicines which does present a great opportunity for parents to make their kids have foul tasting medicine.

Thirdly, would they do well in India? Thing is Indians are notoriously unhealthy (any doctor would admit that south asians are more likely to get diabetes and have high cholestrol). Mums would love their kids to have a smoothie instead of Coke. But the question is where one can get them. Of course, you could get a decent one at cafes like Mocha, Indigo Deli or Moshe's but then again they're not exactly retail shops. And to be honest, and this might sound a bit pretentious, but I can't remember the last time I stepped into a general store so I'm not sure whether health conscious people will too (Tropicana for example can work because it would be perfect for bars and restaurants even if people don't keep any at home).

Anyway as you can see I am wishing Innocent come to India, or am quite willing to set up my own smoothie company. But just don't know what everyone else thinks about them - I certainly love them and cannot see why anyone wouldn't. Any comments?

Gay Paris!

My brother just got accepted into INSEAD, one of the best Business Schools in the World. And more importantly it is in Paris, sounds so much fun.

To most of us Paris conjures up this romantic image of gastronomic delights, artistic heritage and elegance no other city can match. Bar the racist attacks and unemployment, of course.

Of course, he still has to wait for other university applications, but at least an MBA this year is guaranteed. Congratulations to him..... whee!

Radiohead + Cocktails

I say that not just because of my penchant for manly cocktails such as a mojito or a white russian (plus strawberry diaquiris when nobody's looking)... This weekend has been a complete Radiohead session. As usual, the root cause was a woman. A particularly special woman at that.

I've been asked by a few people how I feel. Once they don't accept the mandatory "I'm OK", the only way to express it is by choosing the correct song. From the classic High and Dry or Fake Plastic Trees to the more appropriate Let Down or the more hopeful True Love Waits. But ultimately the song that really makes sense in any situation is Bulletproof..I Wish I Was.

But that's just not possible, is it?

E.T Came Home

Nothings Changed here.

But why would it, I was only away from Bombay for 5 weeks. But I feel a bit different. The obvious one being that my previously subdued tummy has by now re-stated its claim to being an obvious identifier. I'm not a digital camera virgin anymore. And admittedly, I do enjoy the work I do more, which doesn't say that much but its a start. It really is odd how most people compare ex-girlfriends or boyfriends but I compare old jobs.

So the camera invested in is the Canon IXUS 800IS, more expensive than my original intended buy - the Casio Exilim Z60, but from a firm known for cameras rather than a general electronic company. Here is a photo from my Desert Safari in Dubai:

Anyway the true judgement of a camera is always the results of photos taken during a night of heavy drinking. To be done fairly soon I hope!

Not quite sure whether I should upload photos to Flickr, Blogger, my website (limited space) or not uploaded at all. Facebook is another option but just isn't accessible or easily linkable either. The conundrums of modern human existence. I suppose its better than wondering whether to hunt for four legged or winged creatures back in the days where mating involved using a club rather than going to one.

Wrapping Up

Today was officially the last working day on my trip. And celebrated with a relaxing lunch and a bit of shopping for DVDs and a Liverpool Jersey.

In the past month besides Ali G (very funny!), the last film I watched was The Departed, which was bloody but nothing special. However, there was this DVD shop at the mall - never been able to resist them. Or leave without buying any DVDs. So I shortlisted and bought only three - The Squid and The Whale, Paradise Now and West Beirut. The latter two sounded a bit more "intense" than the first, so I ended up watching The Squid and The Whale.

Last night I finished reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Essentially it talks about using our unconscious judgements (or instinct) well, giving examples of it being both good and bad. Anyway the same applies to The Squid and The Whale. I won't give away much (Guardian Review does a good job of giving away important bits of the story), but I just finished that film and I like it but I don't know why. It has dark humour, an interesting plot but most importantly brilliant performances from all the leads. But still is so messed up and at times disgusting! Definitely a must see, just be prepared for some squirmy scenes.

To celebrate though I invested in a Cohiba Pirámide (Limited Edition 2001). A very pretty Cigar (shaped like a torpedo), its smell is intoxicating and probably as thick as a Robusto. I considered going out to a club tonight but would rather stay in watching a DVD. Besides, drinking alone can be done in a hotel room too.

I Rock. Clearly.

Exit Music

No, not that song by Radiohead. This is a happy occasion - leaving The Kingdom for my next destination - Jordan. Except there is no music in this room, bar some whirring of the PC's fan.

So it has been two weeks in The Kingdom - first Dammam, then Riyadh and lastly a week in Jeddah. Jeddah is a fairly large market for our business (agri-commodity export from India) so it is a good destination, but not your first choice for a holiday for sure. Admittedly the Corniche (sea front) stretches for an impressive 84 KM and is quite peaceful and pretty. Al-Hamra district has some pretty good restaurants too, but the city just does not compare to Riyadh for vibrance and character.

Interestingly enough though i missed a really rare chance - to see a public execution. They execute their criminals facing capital punishment by beheading them in public outside a Mosque that was actually just across from my Hotel. Unfortunately for me though, the government have shifted executions from Fridays to working days and hence I missed watchign the 3 Pakistani drug smugglers losing their heads.

Can't hide my excitement to board the flight - not sure whether it is because Jordan permits alcohol & bars, or whether it is the thought that I head back home in a week. Either way blogging at 6.20AM doesn't seem so bad.

P.S. - Can anyone figure out why NONE of the public toilets in The Kingdom have Urinals!??! Yes, the Gents toilets, I'm not confused (in either sense).

Alcoholic

Alcoholic
n.
A person who drinks alcoholic substances habitually and to excess or who suffers from alcoholism.

Suffers? I don't suffer, I love every minute of it. Except closing time, of course.

Don't think I quite qualify for an alcoholic just yet, but i do feel like one today as I am very excited about a client taking me for a drink. It's not that I haven't had anything to drink, lunch today was accompanied by a glass of very average white wine. I think what I am addicted to is the whole going for a drink thing - heading to a nice bar, getting a few drinks and hopefully admiring the pretty girls at the bar. Who just might one day walk up to me, offer to buy me a drink and then whisper sweet nothings in my ear. Turns out they need to be drunk for that kind of thing and the sweet nothings turn out to be loud complaints of how they can't stand straight. Anywho, I'm off now, excitable as a boy going to burn his first snail alive.

Quiche

Or just a quickie spelt wrong. Afternoon's are for rest here so I'm going to catch up on my database + PHP work.

Bahrain is the second country on my month long "tour" of the Middle East (since this is our biggest market, henceforth will be referred to as Wheeee Land), been to Dubai already and after this Kuwait, Saudi (17 days!) and lastly Jordan. No, I'm not going to bother getting a US visa after this for quite a while.

So far the trip has been interesting. It certainly is more fun meeting clients face-to-face and selling them goods rather than all the admin to deal with back home. Dubai was such a funny city, it's either very shady or Over The Top. *Very* OTT.

Bahrain on the other hand is just shady. The only country in Wheeee Land which allows normal licensing of bars and alcohol shops, it attracts Arabs from Saudi (just 20 odd KM away), Qatar, etc. But the shady bit is the prostitutes. Went downstairs for a snack at the bar and for a second was just perplexed by the large ratio of oriental women to everyone else, till i figured they weren't just smiling at me for my good looks. The other restaurants have "dancers" and one bar actually has a stage which is suitable for strippers. Of course I don't think they actually do strip, but i didn't stay to find out. Our host here later told me that he actually specified to the hotel that we were not to be "disturbed" at night, apparently it's common to have your door knocked on in the middle of the night.

Of course wait till i get to Saudi, am sure I will miss all of this then. I hear they cut your hand off for most regular offences. Wonder what you get for chatting up a lady in a burkha (besides an angry girlfriend).

In the Sun

I picture you in the sun wondering what went wrong
And falling down on your knees asking for sympathy
And being caught in between all you wish for and all you seen
And trying to find anything you can feel that you can believe in
Ref: Joseph Arthur

How does being happy listening to sad songs work? I don't know, it just does. Maybe not so much happy, but i do feel quite at home listening to mellow and usually melancholic music. One for the shrinks to work on when i get my bog-standard mid-life crisis. Good thing Porche is coming to Bombay for me to start saving up.

Work has actually been quite enjoyable these days - but sadly enough only because i have been keeping busy doing some coding. A postgresql database accessed through PHP on Apache. Why Postgresql? because that was what i learned databases on, all thanks to a certain large funny man.

Google buying over YouTube. Everyone has had something to say, i suppose i may as well. Good move - if you can't beat 'em, buy them over despite the legal ramifications. However much they are just throwing money on everything these days, you have to be in awe of that gigantic firm. Innovation in an industry that can be so deadbeat and jaded. And some top-notch people too, three ex-colleagues at Symbian moving there who were all highly respected. Of course some others didn't even get an offer. But they weren't the highly respected kind.

I've been on a long and painful quest for a new digital camera. But tonight at Jazz By the Bay reminded me why my Polaroid is so useful after all. Not for my upcoming amateur photography phase but they do produce the most memorable photos by far.

Usually happy ones.

Long Island Iced Tea

Well, technically there were two but what the hell, it does not take much to make me sing and embarass everyone else when its loud enough for me to sing. So I did - Leaving on a Jet Plane and Unchained Melody - just not to the one I requested . Wonderwall is a bit cliche'd but then again so is drinking and karaoke. Shame we did not get a chance for our 4 minutes of fame though. Next time - not that the whole going for karaoke has ever ended up in karaoke.

Anyway, the decision has been made to drink every night this week as next week I will be running two hours behind in the land of no-tax and sheikhs. will the alcohol help? of course not, i should be drinking there not here! but i think i've found home and i will miss it.

Especially singing Yellow very loud and very badly.

Not Applicable Anymore

Bon Jovi - It's My Life

I've never particularly liked it, but it did strike an ironic chord on Sunday night while some drunk guy was screaming it out at karaoke night @ Jazz. "some guy.. nobody gives me credit for anything!" Ref: Scrubs.

Yes of course I am free to go drinking and free to stay out till whenever I want but one must question whether one restriction is just the start of a slippery slope... Is this how things are for everyone or is it just the blessed few? do things get worse after the big M? Honestly, I don't think I want to hear the answer to that one.

For some particular readers they must know i am just upset at the situation, too tired to be upset at anyone.

I guess Snow Patrol are right -
What have I done; it's too late for that.
What have I become; truth is nothing yet
A simple mistake starts the hardest time
(Ref: Chocolate)

Weird Beds and Chikoo Milkshakes

This weekend was just perfect. Well almost - there was a bit of drama back home in Bombay which i missed (i suspect that is a good thing). I went to Bangalore to meet old colleagues at Symbian and it was really nice to be back and remind myself of how things used to be just a few months back. A large office with 300 employees against 12, a professional environment and some honestly amazing people to hang out with. Don't get me wrong, I think i am much happier in Bombay but i do appreciate how things were at Symbian too.

The best part was catching up on sleep - think i slept about 20 hours over two days, bar a few cheerful morning phone calls. This, despite having a weird bed and pillows to get used to!

Besides the usual visit to the pub, cinema, crossword and bowling, the highlight was sunday lunch at Olive. The city has some really nice sunday brunch places, and Olive is one of the better ones. It has a cocktail and food thing, so I tried a whole list of "sunday" aka girly cocktails. There was a pink Mojito, a Lychee-tini, a Chocolate-tini, a Guava-tini and something else i can't remember. Food was fantastic as always, but the best part was chilling with a bunch of people from all over the world. People who have travelled to so many interesting places and had other things to talk about than the latest bar or how bored they were at work.

Oh did i mention the Chikoo milkshake? God they do them so well at Empire. Cold milk and no ice, just how it should be...

Jai Maharastra

Is such a fantastic way to answer your mobile, it really is...

Translated into Hail Maharashtra (the state Bombay is in) i think, some chap from a local union (wearing a saffron shirt so you can guess which one) was at my office and answered his phone with Jai Maharashtra all the time. Classic declaration of allegiance i think, but just really bizzare and a gangster sort of thing. And in reality i bet he could not care less about the state as much as photographs of dear Gandhi and the number 1000 next to it.

I have one last episode of Scrubs series 5 remaining to watch - when it comes down to the last one you really can't resist watching it but yet you don't want it to end. I guess there is always Scrubs music ... Did i hear someone saying Grey's Anatomy? You're 'avin a laugh!

Any suggestions for a follow up to a series of Scrubs?

p.s. Don't be surprised if i start picking up my mobile to Jai Grey Goose

Eskimo Friend

Anyone who's listened to Damien Rice should know this. I think mine has got to be my ipod / my music in general. All you enemies out there really should destroy it first - but beware of the backlash
I think the entire week of sleeping lesser than normal is getting to me - usually by now i show signs of moodiness and depression. I really did quite well until this evening - was really cheerful at work even with stuff happening. Today's highlight - went to this launch party for this brand of watches in India: Milleret. My friend's family is distributing them in India and this was the first sort of launch party i have been to. A ramp, hot models, the press, everything. The models were quite pleasing to the eye i must admit, but weirdly enough the watches were really pretty too! I've already got three that i would love to buy.

Back to the tiredness catching up with me though. After the presentation, my friends wanted to head after the food so we had one drink and did - our host was a bit upset though as a certain someone wanted to leave though. I do feel bad that we left so early, but theres something else. I do feel a bit like Antonio from Merchant of Venice. It's funny, of all the songs i love i can't think of any thats happy or cheerful.

But back to my Eskimo Friend - Smashing Pumpkins today

Fat Camp and Nice Asses

Two filing girls hired today - On a trial basis. Then we had a discussion and concluded that we really didn't need two - the telephone operator was just covering for the non-existant operator and would go back to filing when we got a new operator.

So, the fat and slow one just had to go. not that her fatness had anything to do with it, the other girl just was smarter and more efficient. Of course, the letting her know that her services were not required was left to me cos i told her to come for a trial in the first place.

Right, I had to fire someone who was barely there a day. I don't know if that is better or worse than someone there for a few weeks or even longer. So I/we just told her the truth - we didn't think she was required as the other one was good enough to do all the work. Of course, the surprising thing was that she was really calm and ok with it. Didn't look surprised - weirdly enough.

My first ever sacking of staff. I am just glad it wasnt someone who i really liked and was there for ages. Next week if the temporary operator doesn't show signs of improvement, she goes too. Sigh....

On the bright side, I love my gym. It was full of hotties today, it really does make the day much better. A little eye candy can cheer up anyone methinks.

Later on I found out that the fat girl asked my brother if he had any other role for her , so tomorrow she is coming back to have a chat with me. God, I suck at firing people too! I guess I will get better with time. If better is the right word to use!

Drowning Out the Noise....

Recipe for a fantastic saturday afternoon:

1 X iPod with something mellow (e.g. Coldplay or Snow Patrol)
1 X Bose headphones (or any other company that does the mickey mouse headphones - people who have it know what i mean)
1 X quiet street to walk on
1 X credit card to indulge in some shopping after

I think i should have lowered the volume when the taxi driver started mouthing swear words and presumably was honking too. But Yellow just has to be heard on full volume, can't avoid it!

Of course, this saturday should be fantastic - walking around bangalore on my little weekend visit to see old colleagues. And a lot of beer i hope!

Funny story...

So i was driving to my sister's place (other side of town) and this guy walking on the road just banged into my side mirror and broke the glass. How inconsiderate! What the hell, he had no right to be in the way ..... when i had to swerve to avoid some jackass cutting in my lane. Err... ummmm.. I would have claimed compensation but i suspect his broken ribs would have cost me more.

To be fair i did stop to check if he was ok - he got up and continued his conversation on the mobile so i drove of to avoid any mob beating me up.

Ok, so that wasn't so funny. More tragic....

But i suppose thats how Bombay is. The guilt has died down by now which probably makes me a bad person. Or just someone who has lived here too long.

On the plus side miss "drivers are people too" just tagged me in some photos from this weekend on facebook. The fun side of living in Bombay!

Flashlights and Explosions

thats what's missing. i've been blogging for a good week or two and i think what is so weird is that this is a one way conversation. lets see how long this monologue will go on.

Anyway, my itrip ceased functioning over the weekend, probably due to some drunk guy throwing it around. (some guy, don't i get credit for anything!?). ref: scrubs. RIP itrip, you served us well but succumbed to all the physical abuse.

songs. some of them remind me of things. i know ~"what else is there" (royksopp) and "world hold on" (bob sinclair) will always remind me of this summer. of course, its been monsoon but i am still sticking to london weather patterns dammit.

i have to say, im really enjoying myself socially back in bombay. of only whats her name was here :-(

Weekend by the beach

Since today was a bank holiday and more importantly since it was a dry day (no alcohol), a bunch of us decided to head to this place called Dahanu, which is north of Bombay by about 3 hours. Of course, a lot longer when it rains and roads get flooded to about a foot deep, but thats another matter altogether.

It was actually pretty good. Can't honestly say I would recommend either the place or the actual resort we were at. Admittedly, we did get our money's worth at the resort. But anyway, it was an alcohol fuelled weekend. The highlight most certainly was two of us polishing off a bottle of Absolut in one night. Yes, there was a bit of throwing up involved but i wasn't there. Oh and of course weirdly enough there was a bit of forcibly-removing-someones-tshirt, thankfully i was only an observer. Must say though, the next time there must be more poker played - just not the same.

Oh and for those who really want to know, some bars have measurements of alcohol in half-nip's and nip's. No, really.

Facebook...

Its too early to tell , but it does seem a bit more interesting than orkut or hi5. perhaps its because you can tag people on photographs, who knows...

Anyway so thats my entertainment for the night . Im uploading a few photos tonight while im browsing through this friend's photos - he apparently has some from this guys party where i passed out. funnily enough, i met this guy at the gym today who said "oh youre the guy who passed out at that party".... hmmmm thats a bit mean! Drunken slobs who pass out are people too!

(Sorry M, i've copied your line and used it for my benefit)

That big brown box

hu·mi·dor (hyū'mĭ-dôr')
n.
A container designed for storing cigars or other tobacco products at a constant level of humidity

I don't like that description. A container!?!? Would you really call something that keeps something so sacred as cigars in good condition a container? We sell grain in bloody containers.

Anyway, my brother and me finally bought one today. And by bought i mean he paid and i will pay him my part eventually . Now if only we could afford cigars to put in ;-) Since its an expensive month for him and ive had an expensive couple of weeks i guess October is a good time for cigar shopping.

Its pretty though - tan brown rose wood on the outside with the mandatory cedar on the inside. Can hold upto 50 cigars i think.

Cancer, here i come!

....

by Coldplay

Stuck here, in the middle of nowhere,
With a head ache, and a heavy heart,
Well nothing was going quite right here,
And Im tired, I cant play no part.
Oh come on, come on,
Oh what a state Im in,
Oh come on, come on,
Why wont it just stay here?
Help is just around the corner, for us.
Oh my head wont stop aching,
And Im sat here, licking my wounds,
Im shattered,
But it really doesnt matter,
cause my rescue is going to be here soon.
Oh come on, come on
What a state, Im in,
Oh come on, come on,
Why wont it just sink in?
Help is just around the corner, for us,
Help is just around the corner, for us,
Help is just around the corner, for us.

Little Things

as i type, liverpool are managing to produce a spectacular 0-0 against spurs. still a half hour to go though, who knows what may happen. highlight of the day? eating lunch alone at indigo deli, sometimes you just need time to yourself. Oh and mark gonzalez managed to score, life gets better!

over lunch a conversation over the phone was had about how no one can truly be happy as everyone has problems to deal with. probably true, but i suppose thats why there are little things. which are better cos there are more of these. Todays little things?

- Downloading Tere Bin, been stuck in my head for a few days now.
- having the house to myself for dinner, to spend alone time
- being able to wear jeans and a tshirt to work today
- watching liverpool walk all over the mighty Spurs
- did i mention indigo deli?

p.s. Aaron - i hope you travelled to anfield to see your men in tight white tshirts lose 3-0