Anything that involves a random plan is probably the most liberating thing to do (after running). Walking to me has always been a nice stroll; something that I used to do to explore, travel, seek and experience new places. Now, after a month at London, I feel as if walking was slowly morphing into something different… something I didn’t quite like. Walking seems more like a task now, a mode of transportation from point A to point B, headed to my lecture center, going to Tesco to buy stuff, and so on.
After a long week of MBA lectures, I decided that I could not really study in my room with the sun ‘partially’ out. I had to go and rekindle the explorer within me (missed my Royal Enfield at tad bit though) and the spirit of walking for pleasure. I snatched my books, a bag of chips, my mp3 player, my camera and set out on a random journey with no plan whatsoever. On my way, I decided that I must intervene in the ‘randomness’ to create a goal …. a more ‘scenic’ goal 
So I started up Google maps on my E71 and headed to the closest ‘body of water’ on the map. I walked and walked and walked some more (hats off to the awesome music on my mp3 player)… crossing the little brick houses all along, many traffic lights, till i started hitting a little countryside.
As I strutted along the beautiful green countryside, I crossed two rivers; one with boats on its banks. This just got me more and more intrigued about walking on … expecting better things to come. I started to hit some thick woods with a walkway full of beautiful autumn leaves and cows grazing a few feet from me. I walked for at least another 3 kms when I started to give up hope and thought that I should probably turn back (I had walked at least 5-6 kms by then). Then, I came across this sign that said Farlows Lake! I immediately stepped up my pace and entered the fencing around the lake.
The Lake was spectacular! Well worth the effort getting there and I felt energized! I walked along to another corner of the Lake where I ‘set up camp’. Took my book and bag of chips out, sat on the bank of the lake reading and munching. Right about now, the clouds started to clear up; sunlight started pouring through the clouds like the gods had decided to reward me for finding that lake and trying once again to be one with nature. It was suddenly very bright (5pm in the evening) and the lake acted like a bright mirror of the sky with its pristine clear water and un-rippled surface. I went into a photography frenzy and came to a halt after clicking like a kazillion shots 
Chilled out by the lake with the book in my hand, the warmth of the sunlight making all my tasks and worries seem insignificant. A majestic swan crossed right by me while I rested and the experience became surreal.
This magnificence however lasted only half an hour or so after which the sun began to kiss the horizon. It seemed as if the temperature plummeted 10 or more degrees in the last 5 mins. Everything around got dark and chilly as if ’dementors’ (soul-sucking wraiths that live off of people’s worst fears) started to surround the lake and it seemed like a scene straight from a Harry Potter novel. I decided it was time to head back and I briskly walked back to the my dorm room at Brunel. Strangely, the journey back took half the time it took me to scout and get to the lake
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A walk to Uxbridge, a short trip in the tube, an amazing experience at Central London. This post is about the 3rd time I came to Central London with my camera ‘locked and loaded’. My friend Lin and I got off the tube and hurried from Piccadilly to China town where he had to buy some “overpriced” groceries shipped all the way from China at this famous supermarket called Loon Fung. I was out roaming around and after a day and a half, Lin returned with half the store and struggled like an ant carrying a huge bag of chips. I of course offered to help
We headed in a real hurry to Big Ben since I was terrified of losing the last few streaks of sunlight before nightfall. We made it to Big Ben and just kept staring at it from all angles. Lin got a little flustered about the 3 pound hot dogs but everything else worked out great. London eye was absolutely magnificent!! Just to stare at the leviathan standing under it was a spellbinding experience. Saw a couple of street performances, and ended up making it to Trafalgar square.
Trafalgar square was very well lit and I particularly enjoyed the water fountains and the way the London museum looked in the background. London is cold, vast, crowded, dirty and I love it! The streets are always bustling no matter how late it gets. I remember arriving at Leicester square in London around 2am once and it seemed like it wasn’t later than 10pm looking at the hustle and bustle. I had to take a look at the time just to assure myself it was really that late at night or early in the morning. Leicester square is the ‘party square’ where all the good night clubs and restaurants are located.
London, hmm.. arty, happening, well lit, historical, fun and pleasant If u haven’t been here already, put it on your ‘must’ visit list of cities.
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Time apart takes sight,
dreadful we’re in this plight.
The simplest task goes bland,
cant even hold you hand.
The days tread on,
and memories spawn.
Your texts and voice,
are my only choice.
Life does move further,
share all with each other.
We joke and play pranks,
our patience gains ranks.
Slowly we mark time,
for the sweet sublime.
Know right and wrong,
share our favorite song.
As more time drifts by,
emotions grow and fly.
To meet is so divine,
warmer than sunshine.
Hope we make the test,
wish for only the best.
Dedicated to someone beside,
Don’t want no bitter divide.
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Today, I shall take some time out to talk about a community called ZOF! started up by a friend and I. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking – it aint some Greek god or one of those Gothic clubs – we never go dark side Please find below the definitions for ZOF! and various terms associated with ZOF! -
ZOF!: ZOF refers to “Zone of Frustration”
Zoffer: A person who practices the art of Zoffing
Zoffing: The act of breaking random stuff to feel awesome
Zoffed out: When a person is all tuckered out from Zoffing
Psychology and ZOF!
The age old practice of Psychology studies Human beings and their psychological responses to various factors. The psychological facet behind ZOF! is that breaking random old stuff (that belongs to you) and that is of no/less value to you can release bent up stress and give you a “feel good” factor. In addition, it is a whole lotta fun
Visit the ZOF! Community on Facebook for random updates and to share your Zoffing stories, pictures and videos!
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Hyderabad –
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This Dhaba is the first one to the left on the Medchal highway. Its got Khatiyas to sit on and a Rasoi you can peep into This place serves Vegetarian Punjabi food. The service is pretty good since the owner sits overlooking the whole operation all the time and talks to the customers often. Enticing smells from the Rasoi get you even more hungry waiting for your order. [...]
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The best idlis in town hmm – That place was … yes “was” the Woodlands restaurant on the road to Alwal. Woodlands was THE place to be when it came to idlis – The soft, thin and steamy idlis with perfect batter consistency; the sambhar was excellent with just the right spice; the chutney & gunpowner (Milagai Podi) were great too. [...]
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One of those fun days – farewell to a good friend with some great food and drink. Hard Rock Cafe GVK One Mall was where we decided to plonk. The ambiance was great compared to similar joints in Hyderabad but I’d say it was a patch on the other Hard Rock Cafes I’ve seen. Great music of course – we thoroughly enjoyed “smoke on the water” with some beer and long island ice tea.
Hard Rock Cafe Hyderabad
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How many times have we come across an Ex at a party, restaurant or some kind of social gathering? A general sense of discomfort plagues in most of these cases and different people deal with these situations in a wide array of methods.
#1 The Disappearing Act – Many of us would like to do nothing but run and jump out the nearest fire escape before the slightest possibility of interaction. [...]
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Magic Italy @ Palolem Beach, Goa
The best Italian food I’ve had in India! This nice cosy eatery is owned by an Italian family. The first thing that caught my eye was the ambiance of the place – Mildly lit and colorful. I ordered the Chicken Ham pasta in Alfredo Sauce and a pepperoni pizza. [...]
