I couldn't put Cherrapunji on a map, but it's one of those funny names I'll never forget. From countless repitions in geography classes - wettest place in India, record highest rainfall. And of all the places to erase that 95-year-old statistic and take the record for highest rainfall recorded in India in a day - Bombay. Unfathomable. 26 inches in one day, most of that in the space of a few hours. And if you know Bombay, and have some idea of what life is like for its 17-or-so million residents, you'll know what I mean. I remember thinking Bombay's pitter-patter monsoon was a joke when I lived there. Afterall, we had real 'cyclones' down in Madras, so what was all the Mumbai monsoon fuss about. Of course, in Madras, the slightest pitter-patter rendered life in a disarray and everyone grabbed the excuse to recede indoors and slow life down a little more, as if life wasn't slow enough in Madras. On the other hand, I admire ever-alive-Bombay, for no matter how much or how long it rained, life carried on as always. Hey, there was money to be made afterall, and why let rain or anything come in the way. Possibly for the first time in decades, not only did life actually come to a standstill on account of rain in Bombay, but the casualties mount, over 800 last I heard.
My heart goes out to Bombay, that crazy place where I was born, my all time favourite city in the world, and arguably the most resilient city in the world. She's been through rough times before, many times before, and as she always does, we know she will bounce right back. All my Bombay homies, hope you're fine.
:: naazita ::
Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 17:56
Cats & Dogs
Friday, July 22, 2005 at 18:00
Sad
I've been in a daze today. It's 6pm now and it feels pretty much the same as it did at 9am when I got in to the office and heard the devastating news. A good friend, Bharat Bhasin, passed away in India. Like KB said, it's not really important how it all happened, just really shocking and sad that it did. Bharat was no more than 28, was on his honeymoon at the time, and was due to leave for London tomorrow to do a Masters at London Business School. Simply unfair.
I knew of Bharat long before I actually got to know him. He was, afterall, one of those AIESEC legends (MCP 98-99). I can't help but look back now on all those great times we had together. How Krishnalekha and I would shamelessly crash at his cozy Colaba pad late on a Saturday night, being way too broke for the expensive taxi ride back to the suburbs. Scrambled eggs and garlic bread in the morning being our way of repaying him. Jazz festivals, plays at Prithvi, ice cream at Marine Drive, the watermelon juice marathon in Goa. I could always pick up the phone and count on Bharat to be game for a plan or answer my stupid questions about what the latest budget meant for the country. Bharat was a brilliant and fantastic guy with a big heart - and he was a big part of my fabulous year in Bombay. And now he's gone. And I wish it wasn't true.
I'm reading these lines that a friend just sent me from Steve Jobs' speech at Stanford last week, not quite sure what to make of anything right now, but I reckon there's something to think about in this.
"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
My deepest sympathies to Bharat's family and friends and all those who knew him and were touched by his charisma. He will be missed.
I knew of Bharat long before I actually got to know him. He was, afterall, one of those AIESEC legends (MCP 98-99). I can't help but look back now on all those great times we had together. How Krishnalekha and I would shamelessly crash at his cozy Colaba pad late on a Saturday night, being way too broke for the expensive taxi ride back to the suburbs. Scrambled eggs and garlic bread in the morning being our way of repaying him. Jazz festivals, plays at Prithvi, ice cream at Marine Drive, the watermelon juice marathon in Goa. I could always pick up the phone and count on Bharat to be game for a plan or answer my stupid questions about what the latest budget meant for the country. Bharat was a brilliant and fantastic guy with a big heart - and he was a big part of my fabulous year in Bombay. And now he's gone. And I wish it wasn't true.
I'm reading these lines that a friend just sent me from Steve Jobs' speech at Stanford last week, not quite sure what to make of anything right now, but I reckon there's something to think about in this.
"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
My deepest sympathies to Bharat's family and friends and all those who knew him and were touched by his charisma. He will be missed.
Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 17:35
Si Si Colombia
Colombia is arguably one of the top contenders for countries that gets the worst press. Unfortunately, when many people think of Colombia, it's drug cartels or guerilla violence that come to mind. Which is such a darned pity, because there is so much to this country. Every day I find something fantastic here that blows my mind or takes my breath way. Coming back to my point about bad press, as you would imagine, it's not easy being Colombian when you have to put with these steroetypes outside the country, and you watch your country lose out on foreign investment, tourism, and a lot more.
Some years ago, a group of Colombians started a fab organization called 'Yo Creo En Colombia' (I believe in Colombia) - which attempts to heal in some way the negative image of the country. Right from educating young Colombians about why they should believe in the country and what they can do to create positive change - to educating people around the world on Colombia - past, present and future. The first time I saw one of their presentations, called 'Colombia - The Best Kept Secret in the world', (when JCLG presented it in Norway) - I was really impressed. Not just by some of the interesting new things I found out about Colombia, but more by the sheer passion of this movement. Most of all, I am impressed by how ordinary people take the cause of their country so personally.
If you think you know something about Colombia, or if you think you'd like to know more, take a peek at the presentation, and tell me what you think.
Some years ago, a group of Colombians started a fab organization called 'Yo Creo En Colombia' (I believe in Colombia) - which attempts to heal in some way the negative image of the country. Right from educating young Colombians about why they should believe in the country and what they can do to create positive change - to educating people around the world on Colombia - past, present and future. The first time I saw one of their presentations, called 'Colombia - The Best Kept Secret in the world', (when JCLG presented it in Norway) - I was really impressed. Not just by some of the interesting new things I found out about Colombia, but more by the sheer passion of this movement. Most of all, I am impressed by how ordinary people take the cause of their country so personally.
If you think you know something about Colombia, or if you think you'd like to know more, take a peek at the presentation, and tell me what you think.
Thursday, July 14, 2005 at 18:12
Who said hangin around an airport can't be fun
I don't care what skytrax or anyone else says about the world's best airports (although my love for and loyalty to Hong Kong shall not abate). My pick for coolest airport is Santa Marta, Colombia. I'm not sure how this sleepy, somewhat insignificant airport would rate on all the usual criteria. But this much is certain - if 'ambience' was the most important criteria, then Santa Marta airport would rock the vote. This is simply the cutest airport I've seen. Almost feels a bit more like a holiday resort than an airport. Right by the sea, beaches lined by the Rodadero mountains all nicely in view as you check-in, and no air-conditioning to ruin the sweet effect of cool sea breeze and stickiness. The sweetest part though, is post-check in. Imagine this. You check-in, there's plenty of time to kill (since its almost certain your plane will not take off on time, but who cares when there's quality Colombian coffee to be had). You head straight for the cafe, which is essentially a big terrace overlooking the beach. You sit under the shade of some coconut trees, drink some coffee, take in the breeze and the great view. Sigh.
(Not the best photo, but the only one I have of the famed airport cafe)
(Not the best photo, but the only one I have of the famed airport cafe)
Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 19:16
Passage from India
I don't know much about Suketu Mehta (author of Maximum City...). But I do know that we share at least some common views on Bombay and its infinite madness. But I quite liked his article in today's IHT. Starts off on this somewhat funny (if a bit ridiculous) note.
"According to a confidential memorandum, IBM is cutting 13,000 jobs in the United States and in Europe and creating 14,000 jobs in India. From 2000 to 2015, an estimated three million American jobs will have been outsourced; one in 10 technology jobs will leave these shores by the end of this year.
Stories like these have aroused a primal fear in the Western public: that they might soon need to line up outside the Indian Embassy for work visas and their children will have to learn Hindi."
While the subject matter itself is hardly original (dont complain about outsourcing you ex-colonists, yada yada) - I like the way he puts it.
"According to a confidential memorandum, IBM is cutting 13,000 jobs in the United States and in Europe and creating 14,000 jobs in India. From 2000 to 2015, an estimated three million American jobs will have been outsourced; one in 10 technology jobs will leave these shores by the end of this year.
Stories like these have aroused a primal fear in the Western public: that they might soon need to line up outside the Indian Embassy for work visas and their children will have to learn Hindi."
While the subject matter itself is hardly original (dont complain about outsourcing you ex-colonists, yada yada) - I like the way he puts it.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 18:43
Of Mountains, Rainforest, Beaches in the space of 10 hours
Caribbean Coast Adventures Vol 2- Jul 3-4
Cartagena was cool and all, but my favourite part of the Colombian Carribean Coast, thus far, is Tayrona National Park. This place is just awesome! Stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a lush green mountain range right on the coast (home to the highest peak on the coast - in the world - trippy, trippy!) A short (read 60 min) trek through the rainforest brings you to some fantastic beach territory - no big mamas selling 'coco loco', no babies bawling, no tourist trash - Here a hippie, there a hammock, all still fairly unspoilt. One day gave us the chance to cover about 10% of the place. Didn't make it up the mountains to see the little pueblito of the Tayrona Indians, the indigenous community that lives there. I've made up my mind to go back there and spend a few days camping. (any takers?)
Cartagena was cool and all, but my favourite part of the Colombian Carribean Coast, thus far, is Tayrona National Park. This place is just awesome! Stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a lush green mountain range right on the coast (home to the highest peak on the coast - in the world - trippy, trippy!) A short (read 60 min) trek through the rainforest brings you to some fantastic beach territory - no big mamas selling 'coco loco', no babies bawling, no tourist trash - Here a hippie, there a hammock, all still fairly unspoilt. One day gave us the chance to cover about 10% of the place. Didn't make it up the mountains to see the little pueblito of the Tayrona Indians, the indigenous community that lives there. I've made up my mind to go back there and spend a few days camping. (any takers?)
Saturday, July 09, 2005 at 15:56
Of Pirate Legends, Sun & Sand
Caribbean Coast Adventures Vol 1- Jul 1-2
Cartagena de Indias. One of Colombia's oldest cities. Founded in the 16th century, named after the Spanish city, with the 'de Indias' added as a distinguishing feature. Being a major port of the country, Cartagena was prime target for English and French pirates. Many of fortifications built by the Spanish to protect the city still stand: lengends come alive in the immense walls, forts and castles.
Cartagena has different faces. Inarguably, the most beautiful part is the old city, built within the fortress walls - with its pretty colonial buildings and laid back atmosphere. I absolutely love the colours.
Some other parts of Cartagenga, like Bocagrande, where most of the package tourists flock, are not as lovely. Skyscrapers, resorts, beaches with more vendors than sand and endless tourist traps.
A great getaway from the tourist traps, is some island-hopping around the Islas del Rosario - 50km out from Cartagena, a group of 30-or-so beautiful islands. Now that was cool.
Culturally, Cartagena is interesting. About 70% of the population is Afro-Colombian. The Spanish they speak there is... well, different. In fact, most of the coste�os (people from the coast, duh) in Colombia have a funny way of speaking: they talk super fast, drop the letter 's' most of the time, and generally swallow up half their words. So any illusion I had about my Spanish conversational abilities sort of came crashing to the ground, having to resort to more rudimentary forms of communication : ) Another thing I found hilarious is how everyone (and I mean nearly everyone) calls you 'mi vida' or 'mi amor'. The hotel staff, the vendors, the cabbies, and just about everyone on the street. It's just so funny. I mean, imagine walking around Bombay and having all the vendors call you 'jaan' o algo asi.
For me, the coolest part of Cartagena was Cafe Del Mar. The Colombian version of the Ibiza ambient music bar, which is probably more famous for the record label it spun off. Sitting at the Cafe Del Mar, located atop the fort right by the sea, and looking over the old city - is just paradise. Sprawled out on a futon, watching the sun go down, listening to some great tunes and sipping a pina colada. Yeah baby.
Cartagena de Indias. One of Colombia's oldest cities. Founded in the 16th century, named after the Spanish city, with the 'de Indias' added as a distinguishing feature. Being a major port of the country, Cartagena was prime target for English and French pirates. Many of fortifications built by the Spanish to protect the city still stand: lengends come alive in the immense walls, forts and castles.
Cartagena has different faces. Inarguably, the most beautiful part is the old city, built within the fortress walls - with its pretty colonial buildings and laid back atmosphere. I absolutely love the colours.
Some other parts of Cartagenga, like Bocagrande, where most of the package tourists flock, are not as lovely. Skyscrapers, resorts, beaches with more vendors than sand and endless tourist traps.
A great getaway from the tourist traps, is some island-hopping around the Islas del Rosario - 50km out from Cartagena, a group of 30-or-so beautiful islands. Now that was cool.
Culturally, Cartagena is interesting. About 70% of the population is Afro-Colombian. The Spanish they speak there is... well, different. In fact, most of the coste�os (people from the coast, duh) in Colombia have a funny way of speaking: they talk super fast, drop the letter 's' most of the time, and generally swallow up half their words. So any illusion I had about my Spanish conversational abilities sort of came crashing to the ground, having to resort to more rudimentary forms of communication : ) Another thing I found hilarious is how everyone (and I mean nearly everyone) calls you 'mi vida' or 'mi amor'. The hotel staff, the vendors, the cabbies, and just about everyone on the street. It's just so funny. I mean, imagine walking around Bombay and having all the vendors call you 'jaan' o algo asi.
For me, the coolest part of Cartagena was Cafe Del Mar. The Colombian version of the Ibiza ambient music bar, which is probably more famous for the record label it spun off. Sitting at the Cafe Del Mar, located atop the fort right by the sea, and looking over the old city - is just paradise. Sprawled out on a futon, watching the sun go down, listening to some great tunes and sipping a pina colada. Yeah baby.
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