Mists of Magod

I took to another weekend of travelling home. There were none of the problems I faced last week. But but but, there's always something happening in my bus travel. :) I took the my seat that was a long way back. I took the aisle seat. Seated next to me was a couple. The couple was odd. The guy was fair, middle aged and wore good clothes. Beside him was this lady who was more than middle aged, fat and wore not so good clothes as the guy. So, I thought this must be a fishy couple. ;) I know I shouldn't be concluding so fast. I know I might be wrong too. But, what the heck, most times I am right. I had hardly noticed the couple. Just after the bus started to move, I just couldn't help close my eyes. I was deep in to sleep. After half an huor or so, I suddenly woke up hearing some noises beside me. Lo, there was this guy who was all over this woman. Eeeeek, guys is there some decency? I mean i was feeling embarassed sitting there. I guess all the passengers who were sittign around me felt the same. Anyway, there was lot of commotion and I coudl hardly sleep. Han, and like a good boy or guy , I didnt stare at them. Luckily the bus driver made it to my place in good time. Before my place, this couple got out and i sensed a heave of relief. I went home an slept for a while. My dad had applied leave and we had decided to go out in the weekend. So, we decided to go to Magod falls which is near Sirsi (actually Yellapur). The drive was all wet. Just after an hour's drive, we were hit by torrential rains, The rapid speed of the wiper also wasn't good enough to keep my sight opn the raod. My mom was all shocked at the rains. She wanted me to stop for a while. I hardly care for anyone when I am at the wheel. :P My mom had packed some corn. i love corn. We ate them at around 1 30. Also I took some guavas and cucumber too near the railway gate on the national highway. We decied to have food at Sirsi. We reached by 3pm and had one of the tastiest North Indian food. Also, rice and sambhar was good too. After that we went to Marikamba Devi temple. It was rainign heavily. Luckily my parents had an umbrella that they shared. i was left to my good old red jacket. I love gettin my head drenched in rain water. It helps me keep my head cool and just above the shoulders. :P After that we went to Magod. There is a nice road that goes till 3kms before th falls. 3kms is a road of slush and you have th eproblem of the wheels sliding. Also, there was mist all aoround in a thickly forested area. It was 6 30 in the evengn too. My mom got a lot more scared of the eeerie atmosphere. I just didnt talk and then reached the place. We reahced a platform where the falls could be viewd. All we could hear was the loud sound of water crashin inside the gorge. There was lot of fog and we coudl hardly see anything. But after 10 mins, it sort of cleared and we coudl see brown wide stream crashin against the rocks. It was finally a good sight to watch. We just wanted to go out and it was fruitful. We came back and decide to go to Hubli to my granny's place. After the overnite sleep, we left fro my place and then i took the night bus back to Blore. I was fast alseep through otu the journey. :P

Dry Weekend !!! *sarcastic*

I wrote the whole episode and kaboom, my connection screwed up. I was left with no material published. Anyway let me attempt to write back about things that happened two weeks back.

I was going home. It was raining. I was so involved with teh AOM that I totally forgot I had to leave for home *parent's place*. Luckily, wiseness prevailed and I packed things. I searched for my new sweater. I coudln't find my sweater. I took out my old green sweater. BTW, I got 3 sweaters. :P. This green sweater is very loose. I mean the texture is very diferent n just don tlike it. I wear it when there aint any alternative or when its raining. That morning I was searching for my spectacles. I coudln't find it and had to wear my new jazzy ones. But, I got my old set before i left.

I reached the bus stand. The bus stand was relatively dry. Before I could contemplate the bus to take, I heard a conductor shouting my place's name. He also was shouting that the bus is leaving immediately. I foronce thought, let me tajke the first bus to my place. I dont care about luxury in transport. I am anyway goign t o sleep all day the next day :P.
I got in to the bus and took my seat in the third row. It was a two seater. Statuatory warning for this bus is that "Beware!! you are about to enter the world of two clowns." Who might be the two clowns? Who else than the two messiahs for the passengers in this rain, the driver and the conductor.
The conductor was getting his herd in place i.e people in the bus. He got all wet in the rain. The bus slowly made its way out of the bus stand. Our clown 1 i.e the conductor now was hungry already. He wanted to have his dinner. One passenger suggested a hotel just before Tumkur. So, the bus stopped and the two clown along with 3 passengers made their way in to the hotel. An hour passed and there was no sign of the two clowns. Nor did any of the passengers who had gone to have dinner were seen. After a while, the driver came and started the bus. He was roaring with laughter. Then , the conductor was seen hurling abuses at the attender who helped park the bus. Both the two clowns were asked to pay for thier dinner. While the normal norm is that the hotel gives them free food and a token amount for having stopped at the particular hotel. Here, leave the token amount, the two clowns had to shell out money from their own pockets. Clown 2*driver* was too ecstatic with the turn of events. He was mocking at Clown 1. Both of them were discussing through out the journy. Clown 2 was driving the bus slowly. Probably the rain too prevented him to drive fast. But, this guy was too busy mocking at the conductor.
At around 2 am, clown 2 suddenly got a desire to have tea. Another half an hour to drink tea. Meanwhile clown 1 is taking his frustration out and getting consoled by this hotel owner. After half an hour, clown 2 suddenly remmebered that he had to fill air. There was a small shop near the hotel. There was no sign of the attender. After frantic shouting, two guys woke up from the sleep and made an entry with keys. They put fuel in to the machine and started. There was pressure drop. The two attenders now started fixing the machine. Both the clowns also joined them. Clown 2 , the driver was fixing the machine with enthusiasm. After 15 mins, the machine was fixed. Another 10 mins to fill air and we were off. I finally reached by 7 30 am. A good 2 hours late thanks to the two clowns. The passengers were more amused than angry at thier antics. Beware of the clowns but they sure are entertainers.
I slept most of the morning. When i got up, I coudl see anotehr set of birds building the nest. Another set of birds , anoterh set of eggs and anyone with an inclination towards filing these birds get in touch with me. The whole of Sat n Sun was wet with rain pouring without any halts. I was dry as a duck in water. :)

Cool And Wet Sunday

Sun started as usual for me *weekend thingy* I got up late and then decided we gonna have bread n omlette for breakfast. I normally like to prepare everythign myself, right from the cuttign of onions and chilies to preparing the omlette. Fortunately, I did all that. Then, got a call from Harry for another showdown. Myself, Viks n mama went there and decided to watch F1 at Amoeba in Leela galleria. We got wet in the rain but none could stop us from reaching our dest.

Met another couple of friends, Vish n PJ. Later, during the race , met Kir. Leela Galleria is good for people who don tlike crowds. I loved the music of the piano. I think that gives Leela a royal feel. Spent the evenign there till 7ish i think. Then headed to Bangalroe Central. Bought some thigns and had dinner. By the time we decided to part, one of the bikes had a blown tube. Another hour in the chilly night and then we were back totally exhausted n tired.

Bloody Saturday!!!

I actually thougth of writing on something. I have totally forgotten. Before we go to Sat, on Fri at around 9ish I started playing AOM with the difficulty level "Titan" with "lightning" mode. I have never tried this difficulty. I was scared of it. But, on Fri I said how many times are you goign to win with hard as the difficulty level. So here i was playing the mighty computer. It started with me as usual moving ahead of the computer to the Mythic age. Then, as I started gathering other town centres. I soon realised that I was being forced to play defensive. The more I attacked the more he stuck to his defense. Then, soon he was attacking me. I just repulsed attacks after attacks. I guess if there was any other player, he would have gievn up and resigned. *gives a wide grin* I was able to win later by around 1 30 am. My wrist that took a beating was red at the base. But, victory sounds more sweet.

Sat began with me waking at up at 8 30am. I wonder how some people get up so early in the morning even after they spent the whole time helping me. My mama (Uncle)that he is, had got up early and made tea for me. Most times its me who prepares tea. Chai wala hoon [:P] coz I am the first one to jump out of bed. I love preparign tea. I am sure I prepare the best tea. :D

I went about reading the newspaper and spent time watchign the tele. I watched teh Tour De France and then started watching a program on the famous Gorilla fight. Yes, I am talking about the famous Manila fight between Gorilla "Smoking" Joe Frazier and the best boxer til date Mohammed Ali. Some history behind the fight is that Smoking Joe beat Ali at madison Square garden to take the Heavy weauight champion of teh World. Then, Smoking Joe was beaten by George "Mighty" Foreman in the famous Rumble in the Jungle fight held in Zaire. Ali then beat Foreman to take the title. He always wanted to avenge his defeat and invited Smokin Joe for a showdown. Manila was the venue after Marcos won the bid.
In this famous fight of 16 rounds(i totally forgot whetehr its 15 or16), Ali beat Smoking Joe after the boxing coach of Smoking Joe gave the nod to stop the fight after 15 rounds. Smoking Joe was blind in one eye all his life and it was revealed only during this fight. Both men fought hard and they acknowledged that they woudl have died with sheer exhaustion. Only their sheer will power held them on the ground.

After that, an episode of confusion at the end of which left my friwend devoid of his cell phone. I spent the next 2 hours talking , watchign the F1 qualifying and oterh sundry [:P]. After that had a showdown with Harry. Harry was defeated in half an hour. He still needs to tighten up. At the moment, I am the King of the World ala Ali style.. Arrogance written all ove rme *shows his shiny white teeth*.
That was the Sat.

Hospital Visit

I hate hospitals. I mean I love the smell of formalin but can't see the suffering of patients. I had been to Manipal hospital to visit a friend. *older to me by a long way* He had been involved in an accident and he had been hospitalised. I wouldn't like to describe the accident. I guess its better left to rest in peace than publicized.
I entered the hospital and took a quick look around. Lot of people in the lobby. Are we having a major health crisis? I mean, see the number of people in the hospital! I have been to Sagar Apollo, Mallya and now Manipal. There are lot many people in the hospital. Is our life style the cause for this or our over enthusiasm to "gather hay while the sun shines" attitude responsible? In any case, its a disturbing trend. Those in the health services, you are in for a good time. Doctors your time has come and HE has heard your knocks *love the knock knock knocking on heaven's door line*.
So, i entered the lift. As it was the visiting hours, there were lot many people who were visitng the patients. I had the helmet in one hand. Its a nuisance to carry helmets especially in a hospital. I went to the 11th floor. Thats the last floor in Manipal Hospital. I quickly made a quick look around. I could see some rooms. I was searching for my room . I got the room. A friend called me inviting me inside. I went inside and was a lil' shocked to see. He was sleeping on one side, His left side was totaly bruised . His hand had been broken at mutiple places. He was happy to see me. He mumbled words but he spoke clearly. I could see the same enthusiasm in him as was in his hey days.He asked about what I was doing etc. I just told him to relax and try to rest and sleep. He then said yes and closed his eyes. He was in lot fo pain thanks to the various skin grafts and the rods and the sutures to stitch his flesh. I must say it really shows how a man can fight for his survival skills even when he is in lot of pain. Thats the endurance of the survival of th fittest funda that Darwin put. And, some foolish buggers end their lives for fun or for the reason that they think they are losers. Noone is a loser. Its just the confidence and the rigth path that they don't find that they end up thinkign as losers. Where there is a will, there is a way. And , all's well that ends well. I am happy to see him recovering. I left the hospital feeling good that the spirit of liveliness is still kicking in some people.

Seek the blessing

I am kinda of religious. Priest that I am :P. I men I cant wear anything made of gold. I fall sick whenever I wear a gold chain or a ring or a bracelet. I don't know what causes the reaction. I just fall sick. I feel feverish all the time. I feel uneasy and just want to blow the whole world when I am wearing gold. So, the last attempt I made on teh Akshaya Thritiya day too went in to the locker to be kept safely rather than wear it. :P I feel good now. I am all well *touch wood*. Back to my priestly best with two dangling malas.

I had been to Tirupati with friends. I had been attempting to see HIM for quite sometime. This time thanks to my friend's persuasion I made it at last. We opted for the KSTDC package trip and we got our darshan ticket for Sun morning though we arrived early Sat morning at Tirupati. The whol eof Sat was spent visting all the relatives of Lord Venkateshwara. I just hate temples that have more than 3 gods in them. I mean, these days there are so many Gods in temples that by the time you go to the 4th God,, you are left with very lil' feeling. I mean I knwo that people are getting restless and impatient. But, this is not a way to bring the belief in people. I strongly vouch for one god in one temple. Ok make it 3 maximum so that the poojaris can atleast get their daily moolah.
I went to Padmavathi temple. There are atleast 8 sub temples inside catering to various Gods, Each God has a poojari who is spreadign his plate. All that the poojari says is for 5 bucks, I will do the archana. I decided that I won't be spending a rupee on these poojaris. Goddess Padmavathi is Goddess Lakshmi herself. And, i was feeling a lot jittery for having refrained from the pooja thingy. By the time i came to the 7th sub temple. This was another temple where Lakshmi was worshipped. My friend was paying up 5 bucks in every temple(sub). Other friends who had not even spent a single dime elsewhere were spending here coz it was Goddess Lakshmi they were dealing with. This friend passed by the poojari paying up 5 bucks. The poojari was asking the person's gothra *don't knwo what it is* or nakshatra *this i knwo :) ) and parent's names. I just walked pass the poojari after praying becoz I didn't want to become party to his venture. As I was about to leave the garbha gudi, I heard a strong voice calling me.. The poojari was calling me in Hindi asking me why I didnt want blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. He said you shouln't be doing this.. and asked me to come back. He then asked my parent's name and the gothra/makshatra. I told him and immediately this guy started speaking in Kannada. I guess he was an expert in identifying ppl by their names. This poojari actually didn't expect money from me but was actually doing it for free. I guess he hd sympathy for me or he may have been advised by Goddesss Lakshmi to bless me or guided him to get me to seek blessings. Whatever was the intent, he performed and chanted some things. I quietly dropped a tenner and left. I still don't understand why such encounters happen to me. This is the nth time it has happened. I felt happy and left.
The next day was the big day of the daarshan. We started in the Q at around 8ish and were bundled in to a chamber. We bought 3 news papers and it kept me busy. A baby who was enthusiatically playing was my next bakra to kill my boredom. Babies amaze me as well. I have never been wet by a baby. This itself is an achivement. I was playing with this kid for a good 1 hour i think. Then, the chamber got opened and ppl pushed and shoved each other. It was a quick walk to the main entrance and in half an hour I was standing infront of HIM. I felt a sudden chill run my spine. I came out and I had a wonderful feel about the whole thing. I said to myself, I am comig back in 3 months time. *if HE wishes*
That was my weekend. :)

First Flight

First Flight
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This happened a week back. I was home (refer parent's home as home :) ) and am really amazed that birds always pick our house *read balcony* to pitch their tents *read nest*. This has been happening every year. I guess I was in 8th when the first tent was noticed. It was more like a wasp nest. We actually thought it was a wasp nest and asked some gardener to clear it up. Unfortunately, there were 2 young birds and that was the end of it. My mom was upset and guess still has it in her mind when something ill happens.
In the last two years( I am never at home, just visit them alternate weekends), I have seen many birds building their nests. I think the success rate is just 1 in 5 attempts.
Coming back to teh present, here there were two birds *read parents* who had their nest built balancing on just one nail. The nail supports the drying line. I arrived at around 6 30 a.m and I opened the balcony door to see two young birds *read chicks * on the balcony floor. I enquired and found that it was the result of a mischevious act of Fatso. I am using Fatso becoz this particular chick was the biggest, had a tummy already and a cute one too to look at. Fatso got too enthusiatic and got his sibling Thinloo to fall off the nest. Thinloo as his name suggests was thin and a lil' weak. He got himself injured in the fall and was motionless for more than an hour as I was told later. But his parents picked him up and pushed him to a corner to rest. Mr Fatso, unhurt was just biding his time to recoup himself for his first flight.
The action started around afternoon. The day was cloudy. Dad was the feeder for the parents and their children. The birds were nto scared of anyone in our house. They would just come very near us and pick food. They wouldn't even scare us even if we came near the young ones. I guess its called bonding and I feel nice that they chose our family. So, here we were feeding the birds. The parents were trying to coax Fatso to climb by constantly prividng him food and then teasing him to come and get the food from teh balcony parapet. Fatso. tried once ,t wice, thrice. I wondered how with his ovre sized tummy he coudl fly. The first time he flew , he went up for 15 sec and hit the balcony wall and fell down. He attempted this many times. And he got tired.. Now, our Thinloo was still motionless. I thougth this is the end of Thinloo. The END must be near. But all of a sudden, Thinloo got a new lease of life and the parents started feeding him. He justateand sat motionless. I thought he was the laziest of the chicks.
Fatso after his numerous attempts got frustrated. Fatso had an amzing jump. He could well have beaten anyone with his frog like jump. It remined me of the frog races I had won when i was a kiddo too. The parents kept persuading Fatso to attempt flying. Then, the parents hit upon a plan and asked Fatso to climb the pot where a Money plant had its branches hanging. Its amazing how the parents communicated this idea. I didn't hear any sound. May be teh sound is not audible to the human ears (20-2000 decibel range if i can remmeber correclty). Mr fatso jumped on to the pot and with all his might started climbing the Money Plant. After 10 minutes of constant trying, Mr fatso had won the first battle of conquerign the towering Balcony wall. I thought Fatso would fall just like Humpty Dumpty in the nursery rhyme. Fatso waited for two minutes and lo he made his first flight. It was not smooth, His flappping of wings , his body motion was not stream lined but he had made it to the first branch * branch of a mango tree*.

My mom was satisfied that one was successful. There was Thinloo still!! Did I miss out to mention that there was Mr. Confident still in the nest. All I could only see initially was the constant shit he was pumping out. Thinloo meanwhile suddenly got courageous, adventurous and started hoppeign around. he also made a few attempts to fly but in vain. His parents kept trying to help him to fly. Alas, darkness set in and he simply crawled to the corner of the balcony.
All that happened was on a Sat. Sun started with a bright sunshine. I think it was around 8ish when I opened the balcony door. Everything was normal,. Thinloo the weaakling still motionless in a corner and Mr. Confident now perched on top of the nest. Suddenly at around 11 30am, I found Mr Confident fly towards the window. Firrst flight of Mr Confident was perfect. It landed on the window of the bedroom. The very next moment he took the next flight and he fell on the floor. The towering Balcony wall again had to be conquered yet again. Before I could even think of how he would do it., he made an attemp and he perched on top of the blacony parapet. The next flight in to ht ebranches fo the mango tree. Mr Confident had done it all on his own without his parent's advises. Just one to go now. But, I had to leave for Bangalore too.
The next mornign I called up to hear about Thinloo and he had also made it thanks to his parents and also his never die spirit.
It is really amazing how your parents just guide you in those very first steps of life. They protect you, feed you and guide you. True spirit of life was seen. I have some pics. I didn't want to disturb the birds in attempting to take pics or record a video. None of us even touched the birds coz I have heard and read that the parents leave their children if we touched them. I gues the past sins have been washed away with this triumph and we are eagerly waiting for the next set of birds to nest in our good old balcony.
* I hate to proof read again Never did it in school so I refrain from doing it now :P*