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

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.

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.

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!

Lovely Dhabha @ Medchal highway

The “kadak” tandoori rotis kept coming from the rasoi and we were given the “responsibility” of rubbing the butter bar on each of them OMG, was this awesome or what!! Sniff sniff …  All the dishes we ordered tasted great and had medium levels of spice. Only the kofta curry was average compared to the rest. Now a silver lining to the cloud – after we finished our little “binging session”, we sheepishly asked for the bill. It was insane when we got it – Just ~300 bucks!! We thought maybe he switched our bill with someone else or just miscalculated; we looked into it and saw that each butter heavy tandoori roti was 3 bucks, each dish was 20-30 bucks and the most expensive was the Shahi Paneer at ~40ish. The look on each of our faces was priceless… We left with our tummies and pockets full

Poorna Tiffins @ Yousufguda

A friend introduced me to this place called Poorna tiffins some time back and I could probably bet him 500 smackeroons or more that I know another place that could counter and murder any new idli place he takes me to. We reached Yousufguda and entered a lane off the main road where this place stood almost hidden from the idli eating world.  The idlis came to us – we ate, looked at each other in joy and ordered again. This sequence of events took place 3 more times The idlis were spectacular! Great consistency, very soft, had an abundance of ghee all over them and on the chutney. The gunpowner (Milagai Podi) was made well. I ate 4 plates of idlis that morning (4 idlis in each plate). The only backdrop was that there was no sambhar along with it (I think maybe we can ask for some – I never did though). This seemed really trivial considering the taste and franky I forgot about the need for sambhar.  This place gets my vote for the Best idli place in town! Cost per plate Rs 25ish

Hard Rock Cafe Hyderabad

We then ordered prawn and chicken starters with cheese Nachos. It was great and we wanted to order for some more but… the clock struck 11pm and the golden chariot turned into a pumpkin I wanted to order a Hamburger and they closed their orders right then – how extremely frustrating! Which place closes down at 11pm in Hyderabad? I can understand this happening in Bangalore or Pune for that matter but here? Hmmm

Snacks n Drinks @ Hard Rock

We also saw children running around; some friends of mine even saw children sitting on the bar stools with their parents and eating. I have nothing against kids but turning a place like Hard Rock Cafe into NTR gardens on a Sunday afternoon is not something I would say sets the “mood”.

On the other side, the service was excellent and we had a great time overall.  Just the fact that we now have a Hard Rock Cafe in the vicinity is a pretty cool.

#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. Yep, we think the best way is to avoid these situations since we do not wanna deal with them but the truth is you have a life too and don’t want to change your plans just because an Ex walked into the same party.

#2 The High Nose Ignore – Sometimes crossing one of your Ex’s is inevitable and there is nothing much you can do about it. In that moment, there’s nothing much that comes to your head and even if she/he sees you, you just plain ignore them. You may just come out as a rude, arrogant person even to the group you’re with – so its better not be snotty in these cases.

#3 The point and back bite – Unnecessary chatter with the group you’re with about your Ex and bad mouthing who they are and the company they are with At times, while pointing at them.. hmmm. Well, you don’t wanna do that since it will just make the situation worse. Since you are back biting in the first place, it means you’re a sissy and don’t want any “real” confrontations. Hence, if the going gets tough and you get into some kind of trouble, your ass is grass :O

#4 The quiet disappointed stare – You look at your Ex constantly so they might catch you staring at them and give them that sad disappointed look about what they did to you or what life is like now. There is no better way of glorifying the other person than by showing them that you are/might be in a pathetic state.

#5 The angry pissed off look – Whenever your eyes may meet, you give your ex an absolutely spine chilling “you wait and watch” kinda look. Oh ho… You didn’t just watch the movie Darr and get inspired did you?

#6 An unfriendly encounter – If your paths do cross very near one another and you got anger, rage and jealousy up to the brim, then this leads to an unpleasant conversation and sometimes even exchange of some choice words. It may also sometimes lead to beating/cursing the crap out of the person with your ex. A BIG no no by me.  Plus, you’ll regret it later. Oh wait, also think about getting man-handled and thrown into a nice “comfy” car with Red&Blue lights plus a loud siren.

#7 The casual nod and extremely fake smile – This is just about alright. If you are not much of a talker or very good with confrontations, then this is possibly the sanest thing to do.

#8 The friendly confrontation – Easier said than done really. If you do notice an Ex, go up to them and say hi, shake hands or even hug. A hug however may not always be possible considering the temperament of the person they are with (if its their date). DO NOT ignore the person or people your ex is with while you have this conversation with him/her or the levels of discomfort will skyrocket Make idle conversation and talk about things like your Ex’s work as if you were a long distance relative who hardly knows anything about him/her.

Rule #8 is the best by me since I’ve used it successfully many times in the past. If you can pull this off, then the levels of tensions go down drastically and the evening will become ideal shortly after. Also, it leaves you will a good feeling at the end of the day with absolutely no regrets about the way you carried yourself that evening/day.

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. They got the order under 15 mins and the meal was simply exquisite! The pizza was thin crusted and there was just the right amount of cheese and generous pepperoni – this with Oregano and other seasoning made it a pizza to die for. The Ham pasta was cheesy and really melted in my mouth – sprinkled the fine grated Italian cheese, added seasoning and it was an explosion of flavor in my pallet! This with a little white wine was the best combination. After the meal, the Italian owner walked up and asked if we enjoyed the meal – really added that personal touch to the experience.

I am ecstatic  about the next time I get the chance to go there. If you ever hit South Goa and love Italian food, this is the place to be