The History of my Room
Grace is Chinese.
Sita is Indian.
I met these girls in the kitchen of my hall. They live across my room. It has been a sweet & sour story knowing these 2 people.
Well, for starters, they are really sweet people. I can't really help it if I find every other person out here sweet and chirpy. I get into nice, little, lively chats in their presence. We talk about the English weather, Imperial College, Hong Kong, India and the small talk about food. Sita prepares delicious Indian meals. Ghar ki bahut yaad aayee thee jab us din maine palak ki sabzee aur rotiyan khayee thee.
Sita has a British accent to the core. It was pretty tough to actually understand her when we spoke for the first time.
Both of them are Maths Students, just completed their first year.
However, Is it really that tough to talk to the same person when we meet again in the kitchen in the same manner? Sita has no such problems and it is disappointing to realize that 2 persons can't know more about each other.
Well, it was in one of these lively chats, that I came to know the past of my room.
The person who lived before me had been brutally murdered right in the middle of Oxford Circus at around midnight by a gang of White Skins who left behind a message written in blood, "Filth Cleared!". Police Investigations didn't help and the case was closed 2 weeks back for lack of evidence. Since, then Ushnish(The 2nd person living in the room) has had trouble breathing in this city of white smoke.
:-))))
Just kidding!
This is what happens when you go the Sigmund Freud Musuem. You apparently end up throwing clues about your life through false stories!!
hehehehe
Well, what actually happened was this!
Ushnish had kept £500 in his cupboard and apparently forgot to lock it up. The same evening, he found the money gone! He searched frantically for the lost treasure throughout the hall questioning every soul he could find. He psyched out completely and called up the police. However, they were of not much help. In later investigations, random amounts of money deposited were found in Ved's (the roomie) account. But, they could not prove him guilty as there was no proof that he was the thief. In the meantime, These 2 psychos grew tired of each other and Ved decided to move into a separate place in the same hall. 2 weeks later, 15th May, I arrived and 3 days later, I got the room.
On 24th June, Grace & Sita move out of the building.
It is gonna be hard to not talk to 2 people.
esp. Sita and her food!
20-20 later...and also the not-so-exciting weekend
Next weekend, WIMBLEDON!
and possibly Watford.
My Aunt and Grand Aunt have arrived in London from San Jose, California.
There are lot more things now to look forward to!
My 4th Weekend
On Thursday, Akshay booked tickets for us to go to Salisbury on Sunday.
On the other hand, I had no plans for Saturday.
All I knew was that the Queen was celebrating her 'official' birthday. The rules are really wierd. The Queen has an actual birthday which she does celebrate and then she also has an official birthday in the summer months which she again celebrates. This rule was established when one fine day, in the archaic times, a certain monarch had his birthday on a winter day and since winter days in England can be really gloomy, he decided that he should have a summer birthday which he then proudly announced as his official birthday.
SO, how exactly does she go about this?
Well, there are lot of parades on horses and lots of bands marching in and out of parks. There are flypasts by the Royal Air Force and you can see a lot of colour in this grey city.
But the main attraction has to be the Gun Salutes by the antique guns used in the World War. The cannons are wheeled into St. James Park by a horse parade, much in the same manner as they were in the olden times. I stationed myself at Gun point, right in front of the guns and took some good pics. It was generally a joyous occasion for all, with laughter and joy and howling and squealing!
Well, then I made my way into the Natural History Musuem because I had time to kill. The place was humongous! The Earth Gallery was fascinating, but I felt like a small child for which I was in no mood.
It was home again and met up with Sita and Grace who were preparing some lovely meal.
More about them in the next blog!!
:-))
The next day was a disaster to start with.
Bus scheduled to depart at 7:15 am.
Akshay was to arrive from Cambridge at 7:05 am and we were supposed to meet at London Victoria Station itself.
These things did take place.
Well...It was just that I arrived at 7:18 am (almost sure of the time) and the bus had left without us.
The next bus was to leave only at 11 am.
We made our way back to my place, where akshay just fell upon the bed and slept.
and I...
I started reading 'Eaters of the Dead' by Michael Crichton and then also went through some notes on Digital Image Processing. I had nothing better to do.
Of course, the Discman was my saviour and it did help listening to U2.
I made some coffee which was another cataclysm in itself, because, I poured too much coffee powder into it. At this time, I was seriously cursing my bad day!!!!
It may sound strange, but With or Without you was playing and I suddenly had this small spurt of energy and decided that this day was not going to the dumpers!!
Akshay woke up at the right time, or maybe I only woke him up.
I made another cup of coffee.
Just a mere glance at the colour of the liquid convinced me that this cup was the best cup of coffee I could ever make. I was tempted to taste this cup, but instead handed it over to Akshay.
On having a few sips, he remarked, "Aah!, Jaan mein jaan aa gayee!"
I knew the bad times were over.
We made our way back to the bus stop and sure enough, the bus was there and we made our way to Salisbury.
Its incredibly wierd that every trip of mine outside England has made me wonder in awe at the sight of the countryside. But this trip was different.
For the first time in 4 weeks, I was not sad at all for not being able to go to Switzerland!
Of course, there was no snow! but the sight was downright heavenly!
I even, forgot that I had a camera at this point!
On reaching Salisbury, we made our way to the Cathedral which has to be the most beautiful of all England churches, although I wouldn't want to compare with Westminster!
hehehe
All this while, during my trip, me and akshay were having fun just talking and making weird statements. I was convinced that something was different.
We made our way to Stonehenge!
This place is my heaven. I want to be buried at this very spot, if that is possible!
The Circular Stones had stories to tell. Although Akshay was more involved in completing rounds of the stones, I was busy listening to the commentary and the sounds that were in the air. This place has adorned my desktop all through my England trip. I want to come back here and I will do so!
On our way back to Salisbury, we went to this old castle remains which offered spectacular views of the surrounding region. We loitered around a while on the top and took some windy photos.
On reaching Salisbury, we made our way to SUBWAY.
It is really surprising, but in this country, which has sandwich shops at like every nook and corner, it is this Giant that offers most value for money!...
The Veggie Delight for £1.80 gives me infinite satisfaction.
On our way back, we had a 1 hour stay at Southampton, the port city famous for Titanic.
Again, some nice photos!
Then, the luckiest moment of the day arrived when our tired legs brought us back to the bus stop.
The bus apparently has broken down and the carrier had called up this Taxi service to take the passengers by taxi!
So, we had an elegant VolksWagon taxi waiting for us!
The ride was simply fabulous, legs all around the place, the aching bodies had found a befitting posture to just admire the way, people can actually sit!
Me and akshay then talked about wonderful days in IIT Bombay!
about how I spent a few hours at the L&T Police Shed, about How I am crazy about Mocha!
about how H7 and H9 people play Road Rash with the local police!
I knew I had lost the tarantula.
I knew I had found someone with whom I can just be plain old myself again.
The fare was £220, but we had come on a £10 bus ticket!
Somehow, I feel the English life is manufactured in a way and I am tired of living according to the city! I admonished myself when I almost gave respect beyond belief to an English lady!
I would not have done anything like that in India!
I fail to recognize my behaviour!
UK has amazed me!
UK has dumbfounded me!
UK has failed me too!
I am writing this after having a pizza, a sandwich and an unopened pack of swiss chocolate with vanilla roll!
All I see are the 10 15" flat screens!
All I dream is for my wish to come true!
All I care for is a day of sunshine! &
All I hear is the speed of sound!
:-
South...south it was!
The weekend was light,
I was alone,
The tarantula was invisible,
I was in high spirits!
Although on friday, I did ditch the Live gig at the Beit quadrangle!
I was and am perennially tired of gays and lesbians..
Well, actually, aman and his friend, stephanie...i think...i dont remember now..
were off for coffee when I met them at Gloucester Road station.
I got invited and went along!
Me and Aman were busy explaining to her the intricacies of Indian food.
I am not the best person to do that..
but still managed to add a few good points.
She also wants to come for a tour to India!
We guided her about all the places and also invited her to IIT....
Now, that would be fun.....
The next morning...
It was Greenwich time...
well literally as i headed off for Greenwich Village!
Before that, stops at some beautiful south london locations...
The Big Ben, The Westminster Abbey and the Cathedral
I then went off on a river cruise on the Thames!
from Westminster to Greenwich...
The cruise was truly enjoyable...
especially the anecdotes by the guide....
Under the bridges,
across the barrier,
along the old Markets,
along the modern ciy landscape,
The cruise came to a stop at the Cutty Sark.
Greenwich is literally greeeeeeeen.....
parks and roads and parks and roads...
and then more parks and roads...
Main attraction was the Prime Meridian of the World.
Sometimes, childhood fascinations do come true....
I still remember, aditi narula, showing me her pics of the london trip in 4th or 5th standard!!
I decided that day that I would stand across the line and be in the east as well as the west...
:-DD
and it came true...
I was pleased...
The trip included visits to the Royal Observatory and The National Maritime Musuem.
Now, I am actually amazed at London's attractions being a major city...
Mumbai has to progress a lot!
I think it is all a money game!
from the top at Greenwich Village, I saw 2 structures where I couldn't go!
One is the greenwich Power station and the other is the Millennium dome.
Greenwich Power station is special because it features on the cover of Pink floyd's album "Animals" with a pig floating at the top.
I reached the Fan Musuem late, coz i was too busy buying myself a turkish sandwich!
although, it tasted like a normal burger!!!..:-((
I reached Waterloo a bit too late for the London Aquarium.
but then I setup a trip to the Kennington Oval.
The Oval was closed for visitors as it was undergoing some refurbishments, but then I took some pics from the outside!!!
I neared the Main Gate and it was open.
I asked the security in charge, whether he could close it for me and take a pic for me.
thats becoz the gate was huge and looked attractive when closed!
I think he took pity on me and invited me inside!!
although not too much inside.
A picture was taken at the small cartooonish image hung up on the ground since ages!
I came back to Waterloo and went straight for the eye!
The London eye!
Oh! It was stupendous.
Magnificendo!
Inspirando!
Brilliant!
Fantastic!
The City of London from such Towering Heights!
Come aboard, people! For a flight in the British Airways London eye!
I met a sweet lady in the cabin!
She took a pic of mine 5 times just because she thought it was not perfect each time!
the smile at the end of the day was observed by me too!
the next day was sunday!
Off to Stratford-upon-Avon!
the Birthplace of William Shakespeare!
The village is a tiny place....
I covered the entire town in 3 hours!
from the Town Centre to the The birth Cottages....
from Greenway to the grave...
I even had an ice-cream...in the COLD!!!
realized it was a bad idea after all....
but I was tempted by the soft cream and choco biscuit at the top and huge amounts of the ice cream itself!
There were boats selling food...
and the park was lively...
all with circus performers and live bands...
It was a fun evening...
but then i was tired..
the fact that I was alone too made me a bit more tired than what I would have been!!
I came back to London listening to MatchBox 20 and fully engrossed in the Da Vinci code.
Ate a lot of pulao rice....
and slept
slept......
slept.........
This weekend, it is time for Salisbury and Stonehenge!!!
I have things to do...
I have reports to write....
For the first time in my life....
I think I am pleased about who I am and what I do and what I think....
Thank you, London!
You opened my eyes!
It is all a plastic life.
"Guys" or "Ladies"
My project revolves around making bioactive glass samples and analysing them for pore structures and flow fields through a 3-D image processing software.
I don't know why the hell I wrote that but that made me sound pretty important.
Just attempting to brag!
;-)
Now it was evening today, round about 6 pm.
I was busy staring at the images when my prof. walks in with a baseball bat, a football and a bag full of goodies!
I asked him a simple question, "Sir, what are you going to play?"
He replied in his smiling manner, "Oh! a bit of everything!"
he rounded up the rest of the "guys" in the office and asked me too!!
I nodded my head and off we went!
Hyde Park it was!
This park is something equivalent to Central Park in New York but is atleast thrice as huge!
I didn't know that it was someone's birthday!
So, before we started playing, there was a small picnic in the gardens.
Just the traditional way!
a picnic cloth!
Lots of food!
Lots of drinks!
and u know what!
I said NO to free BEER!!!!!!
I simply don't know why!
:-(((
I couldn't even change my response...
still no reason
It was enjoyable with 2 professors and the rest of them all Post-Docs and i was the baby!
My prof's Italian girlfriend soon joined in and it became more fun...
she was the chirpy one in a way!
Then we moved on for some action!
We played frizzball....a sort of combo of football and frizzbee!
and also triangular baseball!
It was exciting to see all of them turned into small kids and arguing over trivial things.
Guys shouting over who is cheating and who is not!
and girls randomly just shrieking!
It was a group of 8 and 7.
and soon enough, it was time to go!
We left and 5 of us were walking together.
The 2 guys turned and left for the college,
whereas the 2 girls ( I mean ladies...;-)) )
and I were walking towards the tube station.
They were talking about parents and how one of them felt cheated becouse her parents didn't allow her to sleep with her first boyfriend!
All I could do at that point was just smile in my mind!
So when they turned and I was to leave them!
I said, "Bye, guys, I will take the turn from here."
WHAT THE HELL!!
GUYS!!
GUYS!!???
What the hell happened to LADIES!!!
I was like continuously shouting in my mind!!
L A D I E S!!!!
LLLLLLLLaaaaaaaaddddddddiiiiiiiiieeeeezzzzzzz
I dont know what is right!!
Plz....someone tell me I was right in shouting out GUYS!!
I went to Tescos!
bought some mango yoghurt.
and now I am typing this!
But it was a change I was looking for....
Had fun.
Oh! The Summer Feels Fresh!
I still need to write about my past weekend...
and the planned trip to Stonehenge this weekend....
Baker Street on Monday
Bharill, Qavi and PD staying at my place.
and I could see Ushnish's face frothing with pain.
Why r they here?
There are 4 people in this room apart from me....
thought the nervous mind.
I was only trying to hide a smile.
So, the three progressed on a london tour, guided by some of my bus routes.
I went to Baker street!
Why the different plans?
Maybe the tarantula would explain things.
There was Sherlock Holmes!!
Of course, he had to be.
He lived at 221b Baker Street!
He is immortalized!!
Right next to it, was the Madame Tussauds!
Now, tickets were highly priced,
£23 per person, but then it also said,
£14 if I buy at 5 pm!
hmmmmm...
I took a right turn and went off in the direction of the Lords Cricket Ground.
Oh, It was a grand spectacle!
The Mecca of Cricket!
I had arrived at the right time.
The last tour was to begin in a moments time!
Thank God for the expensive tickets!
I went around
The Grand Pavilion!
The Grand Stand!
The Media Centre, up and above, the place where Harsha gives his cheerful smile!
The Dressing Room!
The place where Ganguly had swirled his shirt, angrily mocking Flintoff.
The place reserved for Sachin Tendulkar.
Mr. Court gave a wonderful tour,
each of his words seemed like I was at the Grand Residence of the Queen itself.
I stole a picture in the ground!
had too!!!
and then I left.
Satisfied to the core.
Something told me, there were more things ahead,
I headed for Abbey Road,
but took the bus in the wrong direction and reached Oxford Circus instead,
sat in the bus again and finally reached this deserted street!
Just a mere look at the road convinced me that this wasn't the place where the Gods recorded once!
I was heading back to Baker street.
All of a sudden, I gave a glance at this white bungalow seemingly odd for a studio!
But a closer look almost killed me!
Here comes the Sun,
Imagine,
Comfortably Numb, I stood there,
I went closer
and saw the golden words!!!
Abbey Road Studios!
I went in with a blank mind!
I saw the receptionist, looking blankly at me!!
I asked her plainly, "This is the place where the Beatles and Pink Floyd have recorded, isn't it?"
She nodded!
and there was a heavy gasp!!
I told her, I just wanted to have one look inside!!
Plz!!
Plz!!
She would not listen
It is not open to the public!!!
After some intense and heavy pleading, she finally said, "I am sorry, but I will have to ask you to move out!"
And I did so.
I took some photos!
Thats all I could really.
And I went back to Baker Street!
Madame Tussauds it was!
The setting is really one of a kind!
and it is worth every penny!
The Chamber of Horrors was an intense affair!!
I think it would pretty much scale up the ranks of the scariest moments of my life!
I went back to an empty room!
The trio still not back from their trip
and Ushnish obviously studying!
Every weekend is turning out to be a gem!
I have a reason to look forward every day!
There are lots of people whom I miss!!
but then London is such a romantic place,
1 name does stand out pretty much!
Anonymous Anonymous!
I will have more to tell!
The Diaries found a new spurt!
Brighton on Sunday...
...An early morning bus and we were off to the gay capital...
now, that was not the reason for us going there...:P
but it was the last day of the Brighton Festival...
This place is a small fishing and boating town along the South English Coast...
The most fascinating being the beaches...
They are all stony and not sandy...
The walk along the beach reminded me of "Yellow"...
however, it has not been shot here..
some north England town, I believe
There was this amusement park right into the sea, where everyting except food was expensive...
We had arrived at this place blind, not knowing where to go...
so off we went to the tourist info place and enquired about the festival...
turned out...it wasn't the best day at all...
although a big splash was being held...
We first went to the Royal Pavilion...an Indian style palace with dome shaped structures...
and then we took the long walk on the beach along a small electric railway line (the oldest!!!) towards a place known as the Madeira
The big splash was just a general gathering of all nautanki baaz...and we saw some good street plays...
but the one at Covent Garden was actually amazing...the place where I had gone after watching the Arsenal-Man U match...
These talented artists deserve more than what they get...!!
We then took the path along the cliff towards the bus stop from where the view of the English Channel was simply awesome...
Came across a bar & restaurant named Amsterdam...
A Photo was inevitable!!!
The same bar and restaurant was having a gay and lesbian party but then we decided to board the bus....:-??
By this time, the others had begun to believe that I was homo...
but I am not as people would know....
hehehehe
it is just that you are curious to know whats on the other side of the fence, esp., when the fence is too high to clamber upon!!!
The return journey was silent with the high fields offering a spectacular view of the English Greenery...
I saw horses!!!
All of them were free....
just like the ones in Spirit of the Stallion!!!
How often do u see horses without the leather?
Cambridge on Saturday
Now, Cambridge wasn't in the plan,
but was glad that I went.
Left on friday evening,
met up with pd and 2 others (Bharill and Qavi) I didn't know earlier
though we live in the same campus back home...
:P
The bus system out here is pretty neat...
left almost on time (:P...generally leaves on time!!!!)
reached on time....
the destination was queen's college where Akshay was supposed to meet us...
After some loitering around the streets...
we met him on the road itself...
This guy is another person whom I didnt know earlier!!!
for starters...he is DR1 of mech who was caught helping someone cheat in an exam...
hehehehe
stayed up late...just lukkha maarofying....
got up late....
and went around cambridge....
It was the morning light that spoke of the infinite beauty this place possesses...
Stunning 1000 year old buildings
beautiful parks...
a small shallow river running along the town...dotted with tiny wooden bridges...
small stony paths....reminded me of the Asterisk stories...
punting along the river...the Venetian Gondolas typos!!
It is the place for fairy tales...
One of the colleges...Kings College was heavenly...
The building reminded me instantly of the Harry Potter stories...
The English countryside is truly breath-taking!!!
It was also the last day of the Cambridge Beer Festival
All kinds of ales, alcohol and wines were being served in huge drums...
We decided not to drink, but we did,
although at night..:P
we went to this huge bar!!
ordered some local weird ale for myself...
basically ales are supposed to taste just like beers...
but they are more alcoholic...so thodi chad gayee...
:-D
but not that much...so was basically fine...
slept like a baby but got up early the next day...
had an early morning bus to BRIGHTON!! - The Gay capital of UK!!
