Keep Running

'16th December 2007’ marks an important fete in my life history - this line describes the great feeling of completing the BSNL - Bangalore International Marathon, non-stop in 130mins. Non-stop completion was the target; the legs tearing apart in pain did not hinder my will power. The drive behind this fete was just 2 words and they were - ‘Keep Running’!

It was a Sunday and I got up at 5AM. This could happen to me on a Sunday, only if some real action had to follow. It was the BSNL – Bangalore International Marathon that was organised at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. After registration, I met up with the only pal whom I knew was running for the half marathon. The run had to start at 6.15AM; but started only at 6.40AM. I started with my pal, but my pace left him behind in just a few minutes.

The first 10 kilometres were really cool and I ran without difficulties. As I crossed the midway, a race official marked my shirt with ink. The next few kilometres were a little tough; but I could push myself with few gulps of water along the way. I also cheered myself by cheering others; it was indeed fun!

As I approached the 14th kilometre I felt my legs were giving away. I then started to tell myself that I can do it and it kept me going for next couple of kilometres. The last 4 kilometres were the toughest and I could really feel the joints tearing apart in pain and I started to shout to myself ‘Keep Running, Keep Running’. Those words really were the drive for the last few kilometres and I did not stop. Why walk when I can run! Lack of water stations along the last 3-4 kilometres only fuelled my will power.

As I entered the stadium, I started to speed up a little in enthusiasm, only to realize that I had to take another lap inside the stadium. The last lap was indeed the most difficult and also the happiest moment of the entire run. I touched down approximately in 130mins and I felt perfect. I ran with one message in my mind to all the terrorism happening in the world; ‘Please stop it’!

Wanna Fetcha Cuppa Kapi?

Coffee! Someone who has watched the Hindi movie “Pyaar Ke Side Effects”, would guess that the actual topic is SEX; but thats not the case here! I will now pen down my love for coffee as I sip at a cup of it . . .

My childhood mornings would start with someone waking me up with a cup of coffee. Then I would just gobble and start sipping. The taste of it would actually kick start my day. During college days, Coffee Day used to be one hell of a hang-out. We would enjoy Cappuccino watching some cuties around. I also remember the days when my college buddies used call me up and talk about doing something the same night; I used to say lets do COFFEE [;D] They would say “Hey huchcha, balls to you!” and end up going to “Tavern Inn” for beer and then to the “Java City” for coffee. Oh yes, of course “Empire’s Grilled Chicken” would be the stomach filler. Those days still linger and I would cherish them forever. These days, coffee is the catalyst at work and people get hold of a cup; be it happy times or sad; be it project delay or appreciation. Coffee with snookers, coffee with chat, and coffee with anything in Namma Bengalooru’s weather is a sheer pleasure!

Even to this day, my love for coffee has never reduced, but I love it more and more. Coffee has been one of my best friends from a long time. Probably coffee is my substitute for alcohol or cigarettes. People say that they consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes when they are happy, sad or stressed. Coffee has done the same to me; be it success or be it fiasco, it’s been there for just 10 bucks or even less. So, “Wanna Fetcha Cuppa Coffee”?

Love Affair With The Northern Winter Chill

It's always fun to be part of a pal's wedding and if it requires more than 2000km of drift, its truly a unique experience! It took me less than a week to confirm my presence at Deepak's marriage, after he confirmed his wedding dates. It took about one sleepless night to decide the trip itinerary and later the train tickets were booked with ease; thanks to IRCTC. Ramakanth and Jyothi were my travel mates this time; unfortunately Rajeesh had to back out at the end, for his US of A travel. He did shell out a good bag of money on all the bookings. It was then the start of my love affair with the northern winter chill!

Jyothi had taken an earlier AirDeccan flight to reach Delhi before us. Ramakanth and I had a very bad experience, with the SpiceJet flight getting delayed by more than 3 hours; only to land at Delhi airport at 22.40hrs. It was then a total rush to catch the train scheduled to depart at 22.50hrs. We reached the Delhi railway station by around 23.20hrs. After a couple of platform juggles, we were finally at the correct platform only to realize that the train had not yet arrived. The departure finally happened at 01.50hrs. The train journey was memorable with the UP-style Hindi classes delivered by an elderly Lucknow resident. It was then sweetdreams for Ramakanth and me; but not Jyothi as she wasn't comfortable sleeping in trains.

Train arrived at Moradabad at 08:00hrs next morning and we were received by Deepak's cousin. After freshening up and breakfast, we hit the streets of Moradabad, shooting pictures of shops and people (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thyagaraj/). The actual marriage masti started with the evening Baraat, where we started dancing to glory, all along till the end of the wedding reception. The couple looked gorgeous and they spent time smiling to other's happiness and to the pain of their cheeks. Marriage was sure beautiful and eventful. It was around 03.00hrs the next day, when the couple finally tied the knot and we had to depart for our next train. Not to our surprise, the train was delayed again; but this time just by an hour.

The best planned city of India, Chandigarh welcomed us in the morning. We only spent about an hour in Chandigarh, only to deliver a package to Jyothi’s Infy colleague which was sent by his client, and to get the taxi for Shimla (costing us Rs.2500/- for an Indica). The journey to Shimla was about 121km pleasant drive, with us sleeping on and off; not to forget a good desi meal on the way in a daaba. Our immediate attention as we reached Shimla was the lovely sunset; best viewed from the Mall Road. The vehicle access to Mall Road is completely restricted and it is only open for pedestrians. The uphill is made ease with an elevator plying for Rs.7/- per head. We then went in search of the Academy of Audits and Accounts, where my friend, Deepna had booked the guest house. Thanks to her invitation, the stay turned out to be an excellent experience at the Yarrows. The dinner at the Yarrows was yummy and the night was really cold; thanks to the Shimla winter.

We were up and about by 09:00hrs for the breakfast. The next stop was Shimla railway station. We took a small wonderful trip downhill for about 40 minutes in the Himalayan Queen train. The taxi picked us up from that station and we drove to Sankat Mochan, a peaceful temple of Lord Shiva. Kufri was our next uphill drive, which was beyond Shimla. Kufri offers hourse rides for site seeing and costs about Rs.250/-. We decided against it as we were short of time and directly headed to the Zoo which housed a Snow Leopard. It was a great experience to watch the elegant beast walk around. After the brief visit of Kufri we got back to Shimla’s Mall Road. The Mall Road has structures that typically resemble European structures and it looks gorgeous. I spent most of the time of Mall Road shooting pictures and enjoying each moment in the cold. Back at the Yarrows; we tucked our bags on our way back to Chandigarh by evening. On the way back, we stopped over at the Mc Donald’s for quick bites to save time. It was then a train from Chandigarh to Ambala Cant and then another to Amritsar. Surprisingly all these trains were on time!

Amritsar too welcomed us with chilling weather. Couple of cycle-rickshaws assisted us in finding a decent economical guest house. We then took a walking tour along Amritsar streets to reach Jallianwallah Bagh. This place reminds of the terrible deaths caused at the hands of a British commander, which was otherwise a peaceful freedom protest. As we walked out of Jallianwallah Bagh, our stomachs reminded us of lunch and we had to cater to its need. The Golden Temple was the next visit and I was awestruck by its beauty. People’s wonderful faith, their belief, their holy dip in the lake, long wait in the queues and the copper carvings all along the main temple, were remarkable and unforgettable. Our last plan was to visit Wagah Border which is about 27km from Amritsar. Taxis to Wagah Border can be booked from outside the temple, but be cautious and do not pay any cash in advance before you actually board the taxi. We decided to take an auto-rickshaw as we could not find a taxi and we were getting delayed. A historical ceremony starts at 17.15hrs everyday at the Wagah Border; it’s a delight to be part of the wonderful ceremony. The rigorous marching of the soldiers look elegant; the patriotic slogans shouted, add to the excitement. It was packed with loads of people on both sides of the border and its truly an experience to be cherished forever.

The train from Amritsar to Delhi was again on time and I was the first one to depart from Delhi to Bangalore early morning. Jyothi had an evening flight and Ramakanth had another wedding to catch up at Meerut.

This 4 day Moradabad-Shimla-Amritsar trip was a great hit. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting with my new Nikon D80 all along and the experiments with it were great. With every place providing a unique experience, I definitely fell in love with this winter.