Bachpan ke din!!!

bachpan ke din chaar
na aayenge baar baar
jelee jelee mere yaar
jeb khali to udhaar..
jee zindageeeeeeeeeeeee

This is the ending of a song in TZP (Taare Zameen Pe)
I have been listening to songs of TZP from day before yday and these 4-5 songs are in my playlist and this is what I have been playing continuosly...

These 5 lines above just caught my attention and it seems so true... howmuch ever we try to get recollect those memories... howmuch ever we try to relive those moments.. We all know that all that is just momentary and we have to come back to our lives which we are currently a part off...
Hats off to those wonderful days of childhood, where the only concern in life was play and study and the wonderful things we got to eat :)

Last photo of my car

Today I sold my car... This is the last photo I took off my car before I sent this with the new person..
For more than a year, my car was with me for any trip I wanted to go.. It was there for all my Atlanta trips.. All our long drives.. The great trip which we had to Callaway gardens...

I was initially very happy that my responsibility with the car is done and now I can peacefully move on.. But today when I came back from office and saw that the buyer had taken the car I felt some kind of emptyness...

Its hard to believe but I will miss my car...

Swaminarayan Temple - Atlanta

Had been to the SwamiNarayan Temple in Atlanta... The temple is so wonderful.. The carvings and all the work thats been done is mind blowing..
There is one such temple in Chicago too.. And the interior is very very similar. The exterior, enterance to the temple are little different...
I wouldnt want to compare both coz both are equally beautiful...

Here are some pics of the temple.. Can't post the interiors as photography is not allowed.

Happy Birthday to me!!

I had my Birthday on 24 Sep. It was a good day.. I dont know if it was the best of all.. But these days when I am going thru a lot of down time.. I sure felt good about everything on my Day.

At 12 AM my roomie got a yummy plum cake( I remember having those cakes on chritmas every year). We cut the cake and it had lots of nuts. I was to take a picture of the same, but its already over. After this we called another friend of mine R in India.. It was her bday too. After this I was busy either on phone or replying to my mails, checking e-cards.. Orkut... I was so over whelmed that people wished me.. By the time I slept it was 3 in the morning. I had to get up and go to office too.

At office, they had a banner put up on my desk with baloons stuck all over my desk and every one going pat my desk wished me a great birthday. So many hesitated to ask my age.. and when I said I was 25.. they would say "Oh!! U r just a baby". It was a fun filled day at office.. I left around 6.45 from office..

I came home, wore my new kurta and off I went to the temple.. I had to come back by 8.30 coz all my projmates were to come home. I was back by 8.15, and we were waiting for project mates to come. Before this used to be surprise cake cutting.. Now its no longer a surprise :)
Once all of them came, we cut the yummy cake.. it was a vanilla with choclate icing. We had a nice 1 hr of pulling each other's leg.. cake eating, face painting...

They left by 9.45 and me n my friend raced to an Indian Restaurant. We ordered pakoras, puri, vegetable korma. lassi. The meal was yummy (for a change - Indian Restaurants near my place, not so good). Once we were done, the manager (he is very friendly) asked us how come we were there on a week day.. We told him and he insisted that we eat some gulab jamuns (on the house) and also take some bangles (on the house too). We dint take bangles but had hot gulab jamuns... That was very sweet of him.

We then came back home, had a chat for a while and thus another birthday was spent..

Suraj ki Garmi

I was listening to songs on http://www.bollywoodondemand.com/
It has been gr8 to listen to radio...
But today was one of the days which was very nostalgic...

There is this program Moody mood.. and today's theme was worship, prayers...
It was mainly to thank god for everything he has given us...

The program started remembering the Sep 11 attack which happened few years back..

From whatever is happening in Hyderabad today, I just hope this just stops..

One of the songs which were being played was "Suraj ki garmi".. I remember watching this in Rangoli and Chitrahaar... But had totally forgotten about it..
Today when I heard I just fell in love with this song all over again.

Whatever form you beileve in.. if not God.. there must be some super power which guards us all

Here is the lyrics of the song... and the audio of the song -

indi Song Title: Jaise Suraj Ki Garmi Se
Hindi Movie/Album Name: PARINAY
Singer(s): SHARMA BANDHU


Hindi Lyrics:

Jaise suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
(Bhatka hua mera mann tha koi
Mil na raha tha sahaara) - 2
Laheron se ladti hui naav ko - 2
Jaise mil na raha ho kinaara
Mil na raha ho kinaara
Us ladkhadaati hui naav ko jo
Kisi ne kinaara dikhaaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Sheetal bani aag chandan ke jaisi
Raaghav krupa ho jo teri - 2
(Ujiyaali poonam ki ho jaaye raatein
Jo thi amaavas andheri) - 2
Jo thi amaavas andheri
Yug yug se pyaasi marubhumi ne jaise
Saawan ka sandes paaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
(Jis raah ki manzil tera milan ho
Us par kadam main badhaaoon) - 2
(Phoolon mein khaaron mein patjhad bahaaron mein
Main na kabhi dagmagaaoon) - 2
Main na kabhi dagmagaaoon
(Paani ke pyaase ko taqdeer ne jaise
Jee bhar ke amrit pilaaya) - 2
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya

Long Trip Part 3

After the Great Canyon I was all set for Sky Diving...

And how did I get to that?? Well I was going through the brochures I had got on the way to the Canyon, this one caught my attention. I called and made an appointment. I had to be at the pick up spot at 8.00 AM
So off I left my hotel at 7.00 AM and got the bus to the end of the strip. I did a silly calculation and got down 2 stops before, so had a walk till the pick up point. It was just 7.45 or so, but was already so hot with the scorching sun. I wend to McDonalds, took the hash brown. Then at 8 got into the shuttle which would take us to the point of skydiving.

We were shown some videos of what we need to do and instructions. We even practised our postures (what we were supposed to do after jumping off the plane). By now there were butterfiles in my stomach. I was already rethinking my plan of junmping off the plane from 3 miles (15000 ft). After this we paid for the jump. Signed papers saying the company was not responsible if anything happened ..blah.. blah..
The wait was pretty long.. 8 of them finished off before I started. But that delay gave me some time to talk with people who were there.. There was one girl who had just finished her graduation and this was her gift, she was here with her grandparents.. They were so sweet. I had a nice time talking to them.

The time was nearing when I would just fly of in the plane and then jump off 15K ft from the ground. I had butterflies in my stomach, when the staff said, the first set of people are going to jump, and we could go out n watch... It was a thrill to watch, firstly we could hardly trace the plane (my thoughts inside : Oh God I cant even see the plane from here).. And then we saw people jumping off and after a min parachutes opening and everybody just coming down floating down.

Now we were all set with the costumes on. this had lot of stuff with buckles and knots and straps.. It was quite funny wearing this. There was so much tension too... But I got the courage from the 80 year old lady who was all set to jump. I was amazed, being so old if she can have the courage to do this, then why not me. Our instructors came up and we were introduced. Mine was a Japanese (Yuki). He has been doing this for 7 years. He made me feel comfortable with him. Then tightened a few straps and we walked towards the plane. The we sat there in lines and he tightened the straps even more.. and was attaching his straps to mine.. I was all nervous by this time. Finally my turn came...

We went near the door. Seriously the wind out there is so fast and loud, you can hardly hear anything else. So now he just tapped on my shoulder and off we jumped in the air. Out of the plane.. facing down and looking at the earth. The desert seemed even more beautiful, the colorado river in between seemed like an Oasis. And at one side was Las Vegas. I was trying to scream but only my mouth was open, no voice came out. And my face was getting pulled back.. It was so amazing.. I just couldnt believe it that I did this. After a min, Yuki opened the parachute. And then it was we were sitting there floating in the air... I even directed the parachute a little.. and had the most relaxing ride ever, back to the ground. And after I came back my excitement stayed with me the whole day.

We were dropped back near a casino called Mandalay Bay. This was pretty huge. I roamed around this and took pictures of Lexus too, which had the Egyptian theme. There is a big Pyramid and the spinz (i think thats what its called). I was so excited and hungry.











I just wanted to hold onto the excitement and so wanted to take rest and not exhaust myself in the heat. I knew there was an Indian Restaurant on the strip. Took a bus to this place and had excellent food there. I am not sure if the food was too good or I was extremely happy n hungry to find fault. If you stay for a few days, 1 visit is surely worth it. After this I took the next bus. But the traffic is so much that it took nearly an hr to reach my hotel. I went to my room and just crashed on the bed.







Around 5 or 6 in the evening I again left the hotel to explore more of LV. This time I knew where I wanted to go... So went into Ceaser's palace, Bellagio [All these are the biggies there. Actually hugies :) ]

















Saw the musical fountain for the nth time and then was back pretty soon this day. I had to drive the next day so wanted to catch up with some sleep. I saw some tv, and then floated into the dreamland by 11......

Pyaar ka Sagar hai

I remember this song from an old movie.. I always used to sing this song in the most miserable way. Any person would feel like crying.. My dad was always the bakra.. esp when it came on Rangoli.. I used to sing along. My dad had to do so much to stop me from singing.

I used to know the lyrics, movie name everything about this. Now I just rememebr the first line and the music but those memories live forever..

There is this line "Tere ek boond ke pyaase hum" and I always sang "tere khoon ke pyase hum". Now wonder dad was always behind me :)

I love India - Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day everybody...
Whereever we are, I am sure all of us would never forget August 15. This is the Indian Independece day.

Until the time we were in school, this day used to be a day of celebrations. But when in school, it meant speech by a freedom fighter, some cultural programs.. Patriotic songs sweet distribution and go home.

Though we were not keen on those speeches. The patriotic songs surely did make you feel proud of being an Indian. The intensity with which all the students used to sing always gave goose pimples.

Once school got over, Independence day was always a holiday. Nobody forced us to celebrate it. But this is when, I missed it so much.. I wished I was in school.

I thank all the fighters who fought for our freedom. Its because of the sacrifice of thousands of Indians that we are now in the free Inida. Ofcourse there are lot of problems, but then as in Rang De Basanti 'Koi Desh Perfect nahi hota, Use perfect banana padta hai' (No country is perfect, we have to make it perfect)

These days the frequency of my posts are too less... But i wanted to post this somehow..

Gaana dedicated

Yeh Duniya ik Dulhan
Dulhan ki mathe ki bindiya
Yeh mera India.

Patriotism in me.. is just oozing out..

Long Trip Part 2

Was so tired from Saturday's stuff that my alarms (I had 2 one at 4.30 and other at 5) rang and I dint even notice.. I was fast asleep.. Then my hotel room phone rang and I just sat up on my bed.. That was my wake up call (thank God, else I wouldnt have got up atleast for another 2-3 hrs). I had to be down near the pick up point by 5.50 in the morning.. [5.50 on a vacation day is too much]. So I reached there at 5.45 itself hoping that the bus dint leave without me.. Once we were in the bus.. I was very excited.. We went to the tour office.. checked in, had continental breakfast, picked up some brochures and got into the respecitve buses (South Rim or West Rim). I got myself a comfortable seat in the bus going to the South Rim..

The trip started off with our driver/guide telling us stories about Canyon and hoover dam.. We reached the architectural wonder - Hoover Dam in half an hr. Though we dint get to spend more than 15 mins there.. it was nice.. I was trying to enjoy the beauty there.. I always wonder deserts are so barren and yet so beautiful.. But the heat was really getting on to me.. Clicked a few memories.. and started walking to my bus... Just met a college friend of mine.. It was nice to see a familiar face there esp after 1 day of being alone.. We spoke for a couple of minutes and left to our respective buses.

Hoover Dam







On the way to Canyon ( this was taken from the bus)


Then we started finally towards the Grand Canyon. I was so tired and since the bus was relaxing, I just caught up with my sleep. We stopped for lunch (had pizza) and went to the IMAX where national georaphic had a movie on the Canyon. That was surely amazing.. Now I was getting impatient to go to the Canyon..After 10 mins or so.. we entered the 'GREAT' Grand Canyon.





The first stop was Mather Pt. We were given 1 hr here to look around. So I walked fast and as soon as I reached the point from where I could see the canyon.. I was just stunned. It was amazing.. This was something which I had never seen... Seems there is a saying

"Nothing said written or pictured can beautify the grand canyon other than the Canyon itself"

I totally agree with it.. Anything I write about it, I will not be able to justify the beauty.. But here are a few pics.. this is just what I saw and was so lost in the beauty.

















Since we had just 1 hr, I ran from one view point to another and took as many pictures I could take... With a sense of joy I left from there to the bus.. I reached on time and we headed towards the next stop. This is more famous than the previous point. This was the Bright Angel Point. We entered this from a small hotel and the back door led to the great view.. Again here I ran with enthusiasm capturing everything possible in my eyes and in my camera.. In the meanwhile there was a show going on about endangered birds.. Spent some time there and then after an hour started back to the bus.. Just on the way got an icecream (it was like heaven esp in the hot sun).























What are u looking at??



Now the journey started back to Vegas. With a heavy heart we all bid good bye to the wonderful Canyon. The journey back was very lazy.. I was still catching up with sleep.. And finally reached my hotel at 10.30 PM. I was a little hungy, but was very tired. I thought I'll just go to bed.. But my stomach wouldnt listen. So I just felt that I'll go out eat something and come back. As soon as I got out of the hotel hot air just blew over my face. I then got into the monorail. It was a nice ride, I got down at Bally's Casino and then spent a few hours roaming around. I again saw the musical fountain at Bellagio. It was already 12.30 so, I thought its time to go and eat.





I got down at Hitlon station and got a shock. It was a little far away from the strip. So now I had to walk all the way. It was little scary coz I was alone at the road was totally deserted. I walked as fast as I could, finally reached Dennis and then had nice dinner and then went back to the hotel and as soon as my head touched the pillow I started to float in dreamland.