The Land of Merlion and Suvarnabhumi !!

Righty ho.... back after a nice vacation during which I covered quite a few places. So not much writing for now... the travelogue is still being written... so patience please!! Till then enjoy some of the pics... more will follow!! :)

Singapore

Merlion, Centosa Island - Mom and bro in foreground

Seaworld, Centosa Island - Dad, mom and bro

Dolphin Show Venue, Centosa Island

Amphitheatre, Jurong Bird Park

Butterfly Park, Centosa Island - Sis and me

Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok)

Temple of the Emerald Buddha


The Grand Palace

The Marble Temple

The Coronation Hall - Bro

That's not all!! There are more... But then those would have to wait!! Till then cheerio!!

Well, this isn't much of a post..... just one update!!
I will be on vacation for the next two weeks.... and that means a lot of travelling!!
Yes!! I love to travel........ Will meet loads of interesting people see some new places.... and spend time with my family, so till I'm back all you people out there, keep rocking and blogging!! :)

Meanwhile, a beautiful song for this moment!!

Holidays - Scorpions

Standing Silently!!

And there she was,

standing silently over yonder hills,

staring into the open sky,

and smiling secretly at the treasure,

she would now own,

Though the breeze kissed her softly,

she didn't yield to it's touch,

she smiled softly in return,

the unspoken feelings rising through,

a heart full of dreams,

and a mind willing to wander,

that's how she was today,

standing silently over yonder hills.

The Elixir of Life

The Elixir of Life... a means to immortality or eternal youth!!

Well, don't worry I am not here to babble some alchemy stuff or things that are best left in the world of ancient lore, though they might sound interesting. But honestly before I delve much into my theory of the Elixir of Life, I guess a little history or recollection about the actual thing is asked for... the else the importance would be lost completely!!

The Elixir of Life is a legendary potion which if taken would grant the drinker eternal youth. A supposed myth bred by the ancient world of Alchemy, it's existence has still not been recorded. Though the myth has spawned quite a few books, the most popular in recent times being the the first book in the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which was later adapted into an immensely successful motion film.

Coming back to the main topic. At times I have thought about it. I dare say more so after reading the likes of Paulo Coelho, and somehow my train of thoughts being a weird much before that, Coelho just fueled it like never before. So, as I was saying my thoughts, assumptions and observations frequently guided me towards one and only one conclusion, the Elixir to Life is nothing but Happiness!! Surprised?? Or do I hear you saying, "I knew it was coming!!"?? Well, whatever it is, you have to tolerate me now!!

You see as per the laws of Alchemy anything could be created if one knew exactly how to mix the basic things available to mankind. Similarly, if one takes a close look at what constitutes to be happiness (am not talking of twisted/sadistic stuff here....) one would find it has varying degrees of love, affection, kind deeds, honourable intentions, honesty.. values which have been upheld by civil societies across the world, which form the guidelines of our moral existence. (In case, someone is thinking about the morality propagated by the "moral police" please, do not confuse..... that's twisted and vested interest driven.... nothing to do with society per se!!). Wondering about the truth of this statement??? Let me ask you a few questions:

1. When was the last time you smiled and why??

2. Name a gift that made you smile and why??

3. Why do you like to see someone special smile??

4. When was the last time you felt like dancing in the rain and why??

You may have gone through with all that I have mentioned here, but should you be able to answer the why... you'll know what I am talking about!! And frankly if your are happy, then you8 do stay young don't you?? Not only in the spiritual sense, but medically too!! Why do you think some people are all smiles, fit and fine despite being past 60?? That's why it is said, "Don't worry, Be happy". The quality of life is what matters the most. Tell me if I am wrong.... and do chuck you materialistic mental baggage before you start thinking about what I have written over here!! That's a request!!

"It doesn't matter how long you live, it matters how you live"

A Little Liberty

All right now I wouldn't advise people out there to do anything like this, so please take care. And frankly I had a genuine reason for whatever I did. Now in case you are wondering what did I do, well this was last Friday. I turned up late at work... nearly two hours. Wanna know why?? here it goes.........

Well, since the Monday before last my roomate, Neal is suffering from swelling in both of his eyelids. So, after much procastination and pleading he decided that he should visit the doc. So, off I went with him to Jehangir Hospital near Pune Station, for a check up. Having visited opthalmologists for the past 15 yrs or more, I could make a guess about his problem, but then I am a techie right not a doctor!! So there we were at around 11 in the morning (please note the time!!) in the lobby of the OPD of Jehangir and enquiring for the doctor. The registration and visitation fees together would cost 400.00 INR only. Neal, started moving towards the cash counter or so I thought. Now the cash counter is right on the way to the OPD from the entrance so you can imagine why I mistook his movements to be so honourable. To my surprise (naturally, we were there for a check up, right??) he walked straight out and moved towards his bike. I caught up with him. Knowing him I should have expected this. So there we were standing in the parking lot wondering where to go so that he can get his eye checked. Off we went to an eye specialist near BJ Medical Grounds a 10 min bike ride from Jehangir. The check was done for free. For the doc had to do nothing just take a look and asked him to consult a GP as it was a skin infection..... ***** I rolled my eyes, my faith in the doctor shaken completely *****

Quite pleased with things, and especially when he got the same service for free instead of paying 400 bucks, Neal was in a mood to celebrate. It was a little past 11:30... not that I did mind, still 2 hrs to work. When thanks to a severe nature's call Neal had to park his bike at the Pyramid Mall near MG Rd. (now he scouted the area for a parking spot but didn't find any... finally had to park his bike at the mall basement!! wot a ....) I utilised the entire time scouting around the mall for some nice gift for a friend whom I'd be meeting in some time. Did find the right gift... but not the perfect one!! So, I dropped it... meanwhile Neal had joined me on the hunt too... and ended up choosing a stuffed turtle for himself!! lol.... It was 1:00 pm... Surprised??? Wait there's more!!

Oh!! I forgot, before hitting Pyramid we had gone to Fashion Street where Neal picked up a pair of goggles to convert them into glasses.... sucha fashion and price conscious guy!! :) So, now that we were through with Pyramid, off we went to check for the glasses. Some stores disappointed us, some told us it woudl all be done. It was during this sojourn that we went to GKB Opticals on MG Road. They took a look a Neal, and asked him to consult an eye specialist and get medications.... for according to them it was serious condition for him... anymore and it would result in surgery!! Poor guy.... back on doc hunt again!! And a lil bit of roaming about on the streets of MG Road. Both were late for work.... but who cared!! lol.....

Finally, after all the roaming about, feasting our eyes on a Yamaha and Suzuki Sports bike (I forgot the make!! but trust me the Yamaha one was a beauty!!!!!! MT01 is my bet... here's a pic which I got hold of!!)

We were in our office by 3:30 pm.... a full two hours late... and not word against us!! It felt good to spend a day just as if we were college kids..... but reality always kicks in else we'd have stayed on at MG!!! Sheesh!!!

P.S. : Neal finally had a full check up on Sunday is on medication and very much fine now!!

Questions..........

Was this supposed to be a battle??

If it was, was I meant to be a warrior??

Was it really supposed to last this long??

Or was it never supposed be my battle??

Or is it that I am just trying too hard??

Should I call it a day now??

Having come this far, should I surge forth with all might??

Am I getting tired??

If not then, why does it seem to steep a climb??

Why is it that the smile is fading??

Why is that I want to rest??

Why is it that the destination is so unclear??

Why does the fog intensify everyday??

I can't move, can someone help me??

How long do I have to go on??

Why do I despair now??

Why does my spirit betray me, when I need it the most??

Why am I submerged in this sea of questions??

Questions............