These days, against the advise of all my friends and well wishers, I dumped all modes of public and private transport and decide to use my motorcycle to commute to office. It is a 35 KM ride each way and in spite of being stressful and slightly risky, I enjoy every bit of it.
The trip starts 7:10 Am in the morning when I come down from my 7th floor apartment to find the watchman wiping the bike dry after a wash. Man how can he time himself so well every morning? I have tried creeping up to him on the sly, walking across the terrace and coming down the elevators of the adjacent wing and all. No matter what, 'he will be there attending to my bike when I reach it'.- Amazing, this old man!
It is bitterly cold some mornings, so after putting on the helmet, jacket and gloves, I start her (the bike) and ride out. This, by far is the second best experience I have all day, every day. The first being watching my daughter wriggle out of a tight spot I usually put her in. It's complete bliss. Open roads, cool mornings and the sun rising in my rear-view mirrors. This is the time when I and my Glady speak to each other. We reach agreements on how much revving she likes, what rpm suits her best in which gears and how much can she be pushed. All days are not same, some days she likes to be really revved up and other days she seems to be in a more placid mood.
Reaching office in inside of an hour is when this part of our dating ends. Office is as usual. One thing worth mentioning is, my boss has the uncanny ability to bring in the projects in those very areas where I wish I had more time to prepare. Another amazing person, honestly. Well somehow the day passes. Different days pass at various speeds. And it is time to have a duet with my Glady once more.
This evening ride back home is, unlike the morning one, an exercise in skill. Not as much as the skill of riding, but more like the art of negotiating. Every other vehicle on the road has a driver/ rider who is stressed out from the day's work and in a hurry to reach somewhere - mostly home. People, the way we are, are most irritable when in a hurry. So there are these pesky little 100 and 120 and 150 CC two wheelers with all the agility in this world and absolutely no sense of discipline. They weave in and out of traffic, brake suddenly and scare the balls off other four-wheeler drivers every now and then. All drivers wish the 2 wheelers would just vanish, and some actually do try to make that wish come true!! In such a situation I am already branded as "another pest on the road". So when I try to negotiate a fair deal with them that is something like - 'I respect your right of way and you do mine', people just cannot believe it. Too Good To be True perhaps, they think? Any ways I try and use the lane system, in the manner they are supposed to be used - 'Stay in your lane as fas as possible, and change lanes only when it is proper, with ample signal'. Most drivers don't understand this, they honk and curse at the bike in front of their car until, with time and luck they realize that the bike is doing what they hope and want it to do.... ride straight! Then the driver realizes something is amiss. There is a small gap on the left, between the car ahead and the BEST Bus next to it. "Why does this bike not try to fill the gap?" he wonders. Thats what bikes do and should do (??). Why is this bike not confirming to the rules (of bad riding). SO he honks his car batteries dead. In the mean time 2-3 more bikes come out of nowhere from his right and left and block his already crawling speed progress. A ha! Light at the end of tunnel perhaps? He realizes what he was insisting me to do was not all that good. It was just that his mind was attuned to the fact that bikes do not (and hence should not) go straight.
This is the turning point. Next few Kilometers he follows my bike like a good boy, keeping his distance and staying calm. Usually I thank him./ her with a wave. I thank everyone who gives me the right of way and also those who shows signs of accommodating and accepting me as a justified user of the road.Come on they might be going the basics, but it is still a rare gesture right?
My Glady is perfectly fine with the fact that I have not spoken to her or even thought about her all this while. She knows I have been concentrating on protecting her and me from damages and avoidable touch-ins with other vehicle. She knows I am possessive about her and would not tolerate any other to even come close to touching distance. She smiles and dishes out her best behavior - accelerating and braking in total sync with my needs and plans.
After this somewhat exhausting ride through the main city, we reach Navi Mumbai and once again sing along the rest of the last few kilometers. Happy to be together, happy to be through yet another day filled with challenges, disappointments and elations.
One day I will catch the old man not tending to my bike... one day he has to mis-time himself :).
Cheers!
December 24, 2010
December 21, 2010
Lessons from my Daughter
Last night when my wife and I were discussing some event, the term "Bhrahamin" (a cast in India) was spoken. My daughter, who is about to turn 6 asked what it meant. I did not know how to explain the term without injecting the cast difference into her innocent mind. As I was struggling to find the right words, images flashed in my mind, images of 5-6 children standing, staring at each other, their games forgotten, then laughter silenced and wondering what cast the other child is. It was one of the least comfortable visions I have ever had.
My daughter eats, studies, plays, laughs, cries, does every thing that makes us wish we were children again. She does not know what a cast is. She does not know that her friends can be differentiated by color, rich-poor gap, language or anything. She only knows that as friends they play and stick together. When they fight they promise never to talk to each other again and that promise is kept only until they meet the next time.
Why, I thought, do I wish I were a child? Why, I though, am I wishing when I CAN? Why can I not shed the prejudices and other adulterants that my mind is polluted with? Especially since I "know" they are undesirable emotions, why do I still hold them so close? Is it the "sheep mentality"? Or is it I am afraid to be a non-conformist? Or is it that I have been nurturing these stupid ideas so long that I am plain terrified to let them go?
I can let these baggage go.and I will. I will clean my house, and throw away all unwanted stuff. Stuff that gives shelter to bugs and fungus, and I shall do the same with my self too.
My daughter eats, studies, plays, laughs, cries, does every thing that makes us wish we were children again. She does not know what a cast is. She does not know that her friends can be differentiated by color, rich-poor gap, language or anything. She only knows that as friends they play and stick together. When they fight they promise never to talk to each other again and that promise is kept only until they meet the next time.
Why, I thought, do I wish I were a child? Why, I though, am I wishing when I CAN? Why can I not shed the prejudices and other adulterants that my mind is polluted with? Especially since I "know" they are undesirable emotions, why do I still hold them so close? Is it the "sheep mentality"? Or is it I am afraid to be a non-conformist? Or is it that I have been nurturing these stupid ideas so long that I am plain terrified to let them go?
I can let these baggage go.and I will. I will clean my house, and throw away all unwanted stuff. Stuff that gives shelter to bugs and fungus, and I shall do the same with my self too.
November 26, 2010
November 24, 2010
Samsung Wave and Kies Issues
Lot of people are facing the connectivity issue. There are many solutions which are hit and miss type. here is one solution taht should work, for windows XP at least.
1. Read the System requirements while downloading Kies
2. Install Windows Media Player 10 or above
3. Install DirectX 9.6c
4. Install Kies
5. Connect your phone and select Kies when Prompted.
Guys this MTP issue is OS related, not a kies issue.
1. Read the System requirements while downloading Kies
2. Install Windows Media Player 10 or above
3. Install DirectX 9.6c
4. Install Kies
5. Connect your phone and select Kies when Prompted.
Guys this MTP issue is OS related, not a kies issue.
November 19, 2010
Rajmachi - With office Friends
There was a charged feel to the air that evening in office. It was a Friday and we had been planning this for three weeks, way too long to endure. But it was with office guys and all had issues. I was available alternate week-ends only, two of us had newborns and one had a son passing through term exams. But we did it! Come
Saturday morning, all were awake and calling each other to confirm the same. I reached Dhanaji's house and we took the bus to the Pune Mumbai Bypass.
Alok, Raju, Mahesh and Mandar were comming in Alok's Innova. We whiled away our time since we were early and in good time the Innova was spotted, with Raju in the front seat clicking away to all moving and stationary objects.
There were two looooong breaks for food and once all were stuffed we started on our way. It was noon by that time and I started having my doubts regarding timing ourselves for a same day return.
Our driver Vitthal was a short and low profile fellow from Latur. Spoke very rarely. We missed our way for the turn under the expressway, got redirected to Rajmachi Point in Kkandala, (it is just a garden) and finally doing an illegal U Turn on the Express Way reached the location.
It was a very rough road for the Innova and I was dying to get my feet dirty. Vitthal did a fantastic job guiding the van into the trail which was rutted and full of slush. Finally, when the van could go no more, we alighted and started walking. It was a 12 KM walk and we were all fresh and very confident.
Then started the actual trek. About 5 Kms down, Alok's Reeboks gave out.The soles just peeled off!! Luckily it was just next to a stream and a small tea shop. So on mutual decision, we left Alok back and continued.
This stream was across our path and extremely inviting. The Sun was doing it's job and we needed to cool off desperately. IT guys are not naturally suited for trekking :).
The route ahead was a very easy trek and extremely scenic. we came across a waterfall in some distance which flowed off a concave shaped cliff. Some photography and a little rest followed.
On the way we met Mr. Crab. It was just a crab, but when it faced us and almost attacked Mahesh, I started referring to it as Mr. Crab.
After long walk later, we reached teh village at the base. There was another Mumbai Group there on their way back and they had taken the Mumbai route (while we had taken the Pune route).
Some lemon juice and a rest later we started the actual climb to the Machi. This is where our stamina and endurance were tested. Mandar decided to stay back at the village but after a glass of fresh lime juice joined us for the climb.
The climb was tough by our standards. Touch to the muscles, the route was easy.But the scenery and the views were more than worth it.
After reaching the Machi we had another target, the pinnacle and this is where my calf muscles started giving way. I was running a risk of a cramp. Mandar decided to stay back at the base fort and Alok was already back to the Van. If I dropped out it would be a very small part of our team to reach the pinnacle. This was not acceptable. So I started walking on with a very, very flat left foot. Caught up with the guys and reached the pinnacle.
I was experiencing a system overheat and a light shower had started. I instantly removed my T-Shirt and et nature take care of the cooling task. That's it! We did it!
Now we had to return.. what? All the way back? with Aching legs?? Nooooooooooo! I really do not have the heart to describe it here, but trust me it was one painful walk
back and that too in diminishing light. Next morning/ day hobbled around the house cursing the lack of exercise during normal life. Cheers!
Saturday morning, all were awake and calling each other to confirm the same. I reached Dhanaji's house and we took the bus to the Pune Mumbai Bypass.
Alok, Raju, Mahesh and Mandar were comming in Alok's Innova. We whiled away our time since we were early and in good time the Innova was spotted, with Raju in the front seat clicking away to all moving and stationary objects.
There were two looooong breaks for food and once all were stuffed we started on our way. It was noon by that time and I started having my doubts regarding timing ourselves for a same day return.
Our driver Vitthal was a short and low profile fellow from Latur. Spoke very rarely. We missed our way for the turn under the expressway, got redirected to Rajmachi Point in Kkandala, (it is just a garden) and finally doing an illegal U Turn on the Express Way reached the location.
It was a very rough road for the Innova and I was dying to get my feet dirty. Vitthal did a fantastic job guiding the van into the trail which was rutted and full of slush. Finally, when the van could go no more, we alighted and started walking. It was a 12 KM walk and we were all fresh and very confident.
Then started the actual trek. About 5 Kms down, Alok's Reeboks gave out.The soles just peeled off!! Luckily it was just next to a stream and a small tea shop. So on mutual decision, we left Alok back and continued.
This stream was across our path and extremely inviting. The Sun was doing it's job and we needed to cool off desperately. IT guys are not naturally suited for trekking :).
The route ahead was a very easy trek and extremely scenic. we came across a waterfall in some distance which flowed off a concave shaped cliff. Some photography and a little rest followed.
On the way we met Mr. Crab. It was just a crab, but when it faced us and almost attacked Mahesh, I started referring to it as Mr. Crab.
After long walk later, we reached teh village at the base. There was another Mumbai Group there on their way back and they had taken the Mumbai route (while we had taken the Pune route).
Some lemon juice and a rest later we started the actual climb to the Machi. This is where our stamina and endurance were tested. Mandar decided to stay back at the village but after a glass of fresh lime juice joined us for the climb.
The climb was tough by our standards. Touch to the muscles, the route was easy.But the scenery and the views were more than worth it.
After reaching the Machi we had another target, the pinnacle and this is where my calf muscles started giving way. I was running a risk of a cramp. Mandar decided to stay back at the base fort and Alok was already back to the Van. If I dropped out it would be a very small part of our team to reach the pinnacle. This was not acceptable. So I started walking on with a very, very flat left foot. Caught up with the guys and reached the pinnacle.
I was experiencing a system overheat and a light shower had started. I instantly removed my T-Shirt and et nature take care of the cooling task. That's it! We did it!
Now we had to return.. what? All the way back? with Aching legs?? Nooooooooooo! I really do not have the heart to describe it here, but trust me it was one painful walk
back and that too in diminishing light. Next morning/ day hobbled around the house cursing the lack of exercise during normal life. Cheers!
November 17, 2010
Nighoj - One of mah's best kept secrets
I was looking for a Summer location that would "transform" in the Monsoons. This is summer stuff and in Monsoons, I just cant wait to see the havoc the water would play in here.
Nighoj is around 140 Kms from Pune and it is a small village. The river Ghod runs past it and creates Pot-Holes with the stones it carries. The Pot-Holes are said to be the largest in Asia.
Started at around 10 AM, yes late! No hope for Chincholi Morachi. Reached around 12 and the place was deserted except some marriage group who had come to the temple. Chincholi Morachi is a natural park or more like a open forest where one can see thousands of peacocks in their natural habitat. Best time to visit in monsoons as they come out in the open in that season, especially when it is cloudy.
Took from Swargate area (was a little lost inside Pune after Holkar bridge, missed the left as per Google Maps) SH 60 which was excellent. At a fork (around 70 Kms from Aundh, where I started from) took the left smaller road to Shirur. The right one would remain to be a 4 lane carriage way (SH 60) and would carry on to Ahamadnagar. The road deteriorates a little from here, but good.
At Shirur there is a huge poster for Chincholi Morachi, advertised as an agricultural tour location. After Shirur, the road remains the same. You cross a bridge and take the next (almost) hairpin left to Nighoj. this is where the fun starts. The road is at times rough and almost off-road level, at times it is pot-holed and when smooth, it has this undulating nature such that if you do around 60-70 KmPH, you will feel as if you are flying between troughs (crest to crest) at times
.
As Nighoj village ends, the road turns right and on your left you will see a archway (kaman in local lingo). You turn right into the archway and take a immediate left, and continue for 3-4 KMs.
You will reach a flat land and see a temple at the end. The river flows through a gorge here so you get no idea that you have reached. Take your car/ bike past a small lone shop (tapri) till the smaller temple and park. walk about 50 Mts and you get the first glimpse of the wonderful Potholes.
Be careful, the flat space you walk on is actually a river bed (though in summer the river flows about 50 Mts below through the gorge). It looks simple and easy to the eye, but you have to be careful to keep your balance.
Food: there is a hotel Nisarg a minutes walk from where you park, you will pass it while coming in. And also a few more on the way between Noghoj and this place.
On the way back, I missed the right for Shirur from Nighoj and ended up straight on to NH 60. So missed Chincholi Morachi. Did not miss much I guess since it was 2 PM and the peacocks would be resting in shades. But this was a much better route. While going from Pune, One can ignore the form for Shirur and carry on on NH 60. BUT, to get the left cut to Nighoj would be very, very tricky. I am sorry I did not keep a record of actual Kilometers for the Toll booth as a marker. That would have helped. The next person going (any one incl. myself) please do that (Second toll booth to the Nighoj cut off). So for the ones who would like to give Shirur a miss it would be ideal.
Rest, I will let the pictures take over.
Nighoj is around 140 Kms from Pune and it is a small village. The river Ghod runs past it and creates Pot-Holes with the stones it carries. The Pot-Holes are said to be the largest in Asia.
Started at around 10 AM, yes late! No hope for Chincholi Morachi. Reached around 12 and the place was deserted except some marriage group who had come to the temple. Chincholi Morachi is a natural park or more like a open forest where one can see thousands of peacocks in their natural habitat. Best time to visit in monsoons as they come out in the open in that season, especially when it is cloudy.
Took from Swargate area (was a little lost inside Pune after Holkar bridge, missed the left as per Google Maps) SH 60 which was excellent. At a fork (around 70 Kms from Aundh, where I started from) took the left smaller road to Shirur. The right one would remain to be a 4 lane carriage way (SH 60) and would carry on to Ahamadnagar. The road deteriorates a little from here, but good.
At Shirur there is a huge poster for Chincholi Morachi, advertised as an agricultural tour location. After Shirur, the road remains the same. You cross a bridge and take the next (almost) hairpin left to Nighoj. this is where the fun starts. The road is at times rough and almost off-road level, at times it is pot-holed and when smooth, it has this undulating nature such that if you do around 60-70 KmPH, you will feel as if you are flying between troughs (crest to crest) at times
.As Nighoj village ends, the road turns right and on your left you will see a archway (kaman in local lingo). You turn right into the archway and take a immediate left, and continue for 3-4 KMs.
You will reach a flat land and see a temple at the end. The river flows through a gorge here so you get no idea that you have reached. Take your car/ bike past a small lone shop (tapri) till the smaller temple and park. walk about 50 Mts and you get the first glimpse of the wonderful Potholes.
Be careful, the flat space you walk on is actually a river bed (though in summer the river flows about 50 Mts below through the gorge). It looks simple and easy to the eye, but you have to be careful to keep your balance.
Food: there is a hotel Nisarg a minutes walk from where you park, you will pass it while coming in. And also a few more on the way between Noghoj and this place.
On the way back, I missed the right for Shirur from Nighoj and ended up straight on to NH 60. So missed Chincholi Morachi. Did not miss much I guess since it was 2 PM and the peacocks would be resting in shades. But this was a much better route. While going from Pune, One can ignore the form for Shirur and carry on on NH 60. BUT, to get the left cut to Nighoj would be very, very tricky. I am sorry I did not keep a record of actual Kilometers for the Toll booth as a marker. That would have helped. The next person going (any one incl. myself) please do that (Second toll booth to the Nighoj cut off). So for the ones who would like to give Shirur a miss it would be ideal.
Rest, I will let the pictures take over.
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