HOMEWARD BOUND

Christmas is a time for bonding with the family and hence I head in that direction. My family being the crazy one, always manages to make every such event a one to remember. Its that time of the year where the kids [my age and below] will be all quiet after midnight mass and watch the parents dance, crack jokes and make a complete ass of themselves. It’s so much fun. The mad dance steps which would have even looked funny in the 1970’s look funnier now, the attempts to jive and waltz always leaves behind some casualties and the best part is that everyone is engrossed and does not one to miss a moment of fun that we always forget to take snaps.

The two crazy uncles keep us in splits with their jokes and one liners and comments about everything and everyone. You can see the fear in everyone eyes if the feel my uncles are looking at them because that means you will be the butt of the jokes for the next 10 minutes or so and everyone else will join in. We do the whole Peter Russell thing with jokes about the various ethnicities, etc. then when it is time to show off our individual skills we have the singings cousins, the dancing cousins, the shy cousins and the invisible cousins who all come into prominence.

This time should not be any different and I look forward to another session of Christmas laughter therapy.

AGE OVERCOMES YOUTH - Boys In White vs Team Bong

2005, Sharjah

With age comes wisdom. Not true I say. I say with age comes experience and that was exactly what lifted us yesterday to a huge 61 victory over Team Bong.

In a dashing display of skills and wits the senior players of the Boys in White showed the way its done. After winning the toss and electing to bat Faisal and Kannan gave a steady start putting on 21 runs in 5.3 overs. After the departure of Kannan Mahesh joined the company of Faisal who looked in no hurry to come back and was happy taking the singles. Mahesh soon departed without a major contribution and Vydya begun his stay at the crease with a first ball boundary clubbed over the fielder at square leg. He soon opened up himself and a six and another four soon followed much to our delight in the dressing room. Vydya has become the mainstay of this batting line up and he is quite in the mode of Zulu when he bats. Unluckily he departed and Mohan was promoted up the order.

Mohan[uncle] has never really been given a chance to display his wares and he made best use of this opportunity with an innings that simply took the match away from the opposition. He paced his innings to perfection with singles initially and as he begun to cut loose he looked even more elegant. Well I had the best seats in the house first watching him from square leg and later on being his by-runner which was almost like watching the ball from his point of view. Two huge consecutive sixes and he had stamped his authority over the bowling and he never once did let up after that picking up the gaps regularly while always threatening to clear the ropes. Faisal departed and Shabbir walked in and he too wasted no time and joined the elite club by clubbing a big but simply sweetly timed maximum over long off.

Shabbir departed with just an over to go and Vimal joined Uncle Mohan who offered that he sit out to give another batsman a look in but with the form he was in there was no way I'd let anyone else have a go. We finished off in style stealing 3 runs off the last ball and ended up with 127 in twenty overs. A great finish to the innings and almost 50 runs were yielded in last 5 overs.

The defence began well and but for a dropped catch that yielded two runs the over was uneventful. Anwar bowled two tight overs and picked up a wicket. Amin too kept it simple and quick from his end and they were in a stranglehold that they couldn’t seem to break free from. Wickets kept falling at regular interval and we awaited the arrival of Gangadharan the only person capable of giving us some competition. He did arrive and we had the perfect plan set up for him. I had a first go at him that he just kept poking at and immediately the unused Vimal was bought on. He totally softened him up with short pitched stuff and the occasional pitched up deliveries and one such delivery knocked the wind out of his sails and literally brought him down on his knees.

Next over Faisal was introduced and he picked him up first ball with a low full toss that was hit straight to Vydya. Faisal has been awesome with his slow stuff and he is getting squarish turn off the seam which Gangadharan has not been able to come to terms with. Vydya slipped in maiden wicket unnoticed and it was just a matter of finishing off the match from then on. Shabbir came good again with his leg spin and this bowling attack is looking menacing with the variety we have. I came back for my third over and had the batsman scoop the ball up towards point but a little away from the fielder and to my surprise I see Jameson run backwards and take a brilliant catch two handed after judging the ball to perfection. What a catch that was! Next ball I had Jerry bowled and was on a hat trick and missed out by a whisker. Rajesh, Murali, Jameson and Kannan bowled an over each at the death and picked up easy wickets.

Kannan again was brilliant behind the stumps and pulled of a cunning stumping. His keeping has helped the bowling as the batsmen seem very reluctant to leave the crease and use their feet against the bowling while he is behind the stumps. Another aspect of our game that stood out was our fielding. Four direct throws resulted in run outs. Amin broke the stumps with his accurate but powerful one from cover and Vydya wrapped up the innings with another one at the non strikers end.

The batting was a revelation and I am very impressed with the senior guys who took up the challenge of pulling us out of the slump of the last two games. A lesson well learnt that experience does count and sometimes is more valuable that youth and energy. The batting has been dominated by the Uncles and the bowling by the Fresh Bloods. I have an embarrassment of riches available at my disposal when it comes to the bolwing department. Vimal, Vydya and myself all ended up with an economy rate of fewer than 2 and it is going to be some task giving everyone a chance to be part of the action.

A lesson well learnt also when considering the order of the batting line up and from now on the emphasis will be on winning rather than giving everyone a chance. Great game guys and there was no better result that I could have asked for. Uncle Mohan is going to cherish this innings for a long time and UncleJameson is going to be remembering that catch for eternity. Well done all the Uncles of the team. Jameson made a great gesture to sacrifice his place so that others may get a chance to play and I hope everyone learns from his gesture and places team interest over everything else.

If we continue playing in this vein the time is not far when we will soon have to rename ourselves as “THE UNTOUCHABLES.”

My Diary - Roomie falls in love

Saturday, February 5, 2005

Ahem. Let’s hear from the other side. So I had a couple of friends staying over at my place over the weekend. Girls. Went partying. Ate. Drank. Watched TV. Slept. My roommate fell in love with one of them at first sight. Wow. Got me thinking why do men like love at first sight? And all I could come up with was that it saves them a lot of time. Men. Men. Men.

At the party my roommate showed he's planning for the future? He bought two cases of beer instead of one. He says you never know when it will come in handy. I do know. And so does everyone else. Dancing in this part of the world is very different from back home. And so are the clothes women wear. So that’s why men find it difficult to make eye contact? Because cleavage doesn’t have eyes. Not that he minded it. So he spent all his time with them at home watching those silly soap operas with the girls just to show them he is like them. Made me think. I can you tell soap operas are fictional. How? In real life, men aren't affectionate out of bed. True isn’t it? Not that I would know but I’m guessing from talking to so many women.

Was so tired after coming back that we all hit the sack immediately. Couldn’t sleep a wink. Then I realised why black widow spiders kill their males after mating? To stop the snoring before it starts. Damn it. I know I snore but not like my roomie. It’s 1200 watts of pulsating sound.

Well Mr love at first sight tells me he is thinking of dating miss I saw you for the first time. Well he knows things will never work out between them in the long run but nonetheless. What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying? The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving. Just for kicks.

And as we approach the conclusion of this rare gyan I’m giving I will let you unto more gyan. What is the thinnest book in the world? What Men Know About Women.

My Diary - Love at First Sight

Saturday, December 4, 2004

Hey,

I fell in love all over again yesterday. The gals name is Kresha. She is an angel. We met at a beach party yesterday. It was her bday. Her dad is a friend of my uncle. Talk about love at first sight. We became close in no time. Obviously initially there was a little shyness. In 15 min all the shyness was gone. We spoke like we knew each other for ages. And she is a big chatter box. We walked on the beach. I pushed her into the water. She was a little upset cos she didn’t have spare clothes. But she came around. She has lovely hair. And she sings well. Loves pizzas. Ask her what’s her plan for the day? - “I’m freaking out". So by the end of the day we were spending most of the time with each other.

I had thought I was incapable of falling in love again. And there it was happening! And I didn’t want to stop it. Her parents didn’t mind either. In fact they were happy. So we made plans for the next weekend. She said she’ll carry her swimming costume. And well watch movies and eat pizzas. So many emotions were brought to the fore. This angel had me wrapped round her little finger. I was trying to write in her big bday card a message but I had a writers block. I wanted my message to be the best but nothing I came up with seemed good enough. So finally my uncle wrote the message. She kissed me and I showered her with 100s of kisses. I recorded her voice singing “har ghadi badal rahi hain” on my uncle’s mobile .Towards the end of the day she wanted me to carry her, which I did. As the time to leave came close by I was not sad but happy that I met her and am looking forward to meet her again. She brings laughter into this life.

Yesterday she turned 4.

Suddenly I am craving to be a father. You know the thought of being a parent is scary. But for me the thought not being one is even scarier. I know I may never be one. Maybe that’s what making me crave for it even more. I wanted to be a father yesterday. And the thought occupied my mind all night. What a feeling. Her mom said “usually u don’t find youth like you so taken up with children”. Untrue! I’ve wanted to be a father ever since I started taking care of my baby brother.

My Diary - Her Voice

Sunday, December 5, 2004

The sun rises earnestly and smiles
Eager to bring me another day,
In vain, I’d rather see no more light
If I were to have my way.

The torment tears me apart
Burning fire garb my cadaver attire
Agony embedded deep into my soul
Essence dead alas! No desire

Ardent words ringing in my ears
Accolades being said in honor mine
Encouragement intended to convey cheer
Peace at last, I heard her voice divine.

My Diary - Think Different?

Sunday, February 6, 2005

I got spoiled milk from a pampered cow
And virgin wool from an ugly sheep
Nitrogen, hydrogen and dioxide from the fart
Met shallow people in waters deep.

Why is aibohphobia the fear of palindromes?
And the honest politician the mythical creature?
Why is hindsight the perfect science?
And people with troubled past’s good preachers?

A fine is a tax for doing wrong.
A tax is a fine for doing well
Passion always feels like heaven
And the after effects like hell

Who measured the speed of light?
To say it travels faster than sound
Is that why people appear bright
Till you hear them speak profound?

I wish the buck would stop here
I could sure use many or a few
I always go the extra mile at work
Makes the boss look like an incompetent true

I do a good job, go the distance and work hard,
That I may get a job with a better company someday,
I always smile in the face of adversity
Because I will have a scapegoat who will pay

CHANGING TIMES

Look how times have changed
Its become autumn now
Why did we become so different?
And where, when and how?

I loved my ol music
Bee Gees, Beatles and Rolling Stones
The Stones have been made ‘rock’
And remixes for the clones.

I loved to do my gardening
Had some special pots
Now ‘pot’ is what they are having
And letting their bodies rot.

I lived in times of plenty
Lots of clothes to wear
Look how poverty has grappled us
Even with clothes they are bare!

My hair was long and lovely
Like snow over the Alps
Now I thirst to see hair
All I see is scalps

I worked hard for my body
Exercises gave me the boost
I heard metal is the in thing
So silicon rules the roost.

God gave Moses two tablets
Those are all I lived by
Now you pop pills for everything
To live and to die

Well times have changed now
All I cherished is torn apart
But I still see the same emotions
Deep down in their heart.


-MELWYN ABRAHAM

YOUNG WOOD MAKES HOT FIRE - Vikings. F. C. Newsletter

VIKINGS. F. C. NEWSLETTER

This was the final newsletter for Vikings F.C. as we soon moved outdoors.

SOCCER CLASSIC - Vikings. F. C. Newsletter

VIKINGS. F. C. NEWSLETTER

The Awards were started from this edition.

A SOCCER BASH - Vikings. F. C. Newsletter

VIKINGS. F. C. NEWSLETTER

SHAKESPEAREAN SOCCER - Vikings F.C. Newsletter

VIKINGS. F. C. NEWSLETTER

FAST N FURIOUS - Vikings F.C. Newsletter

VIKINGS F. C. NEWSLETTER

These were the days when we just about started playing soccer at Insportz. The newsletter started out as a very basic one but later we made it more jazzy. Love those old days when were still young.

MUMBAI BLASTED

Post 26/11 I don’t think we shall have any more terrorist attacks in India anymore. The home minister resigned, the Catholics said a mass with candles, whole lot of people dressed up one day in black, another day in white, the chief minister of Maharashtra resigned and so much more.

So now the terrorist will think, “hmm I achieved all that I came for, so no more attacks anymore.” I think the gang must have been one put up by some corporates. Some clothing apparel company had loads of black and white clothes in stock and wanted to get rid of the stock so they hired guys to go on a killing spree and then they floated messages for everyone to wear black and white clothes. Then I guess some political party also must have been involved because they wanted the chief minister and home minister to resign. Well, mission achieved. Are we that naïve or are we plain stupid?

Honestly. The only reason the attacks happened is because we did not do our jobs. Why blame someone else. Some guys whose job was to man the sea did not hence these guys got in. some customs official who was supposed to check the luggage did not hence the weapons got in. we encourage some people. And all of us also fail to do our jobs. Be it throwing the garbage all over the places, spitting all over, littering the city, breaking traffic rules, stealing government property. We tolerate hardliners who divide us on the basis of religion because we say as long as we are not affected who cares.

I read that some bloke from Mumbai wrote a stinging letter to the OM. Lol. Yes and now all our problems are solved. I see all the news channels go on and on about the attack. Show us sad stories of people who died. Do they know that there are more people dying of various other diseases and corruption and various other reasons that they don’t think important enough to cover? Let’s not just sit and complain that we don’t have politicians to choose from. If you don’t have a choice, then go be one. When no one cooks for you what do you do? Starve? No you go and cook for yourself. Do the same here.

Let’s not expect any immediate change. I mean for 60 years we been used to this nonsense and its probably going to take us another 60 before we can change anything completely. We need to plant the seeds, we may not get shelter from the trees or enjoy its fruit in our lifetime but the next generation may. Its worth it.

The Best Recession One

Recession has hit us so badly that Women are actually Marrying for Love these days

WISDOM HURTS

God finally decided that I cannot survive only by my charms much longer and took a decision to grant me some wisdom. Too bad for me he decided to give it in the form of a Wisdom Tooth. Me being me, my gum's are refusing to let the wisdom out and its hurting me like hell.

Thank God for painkillers though.

[am thinking of all the possibilities that will open up to me now post my newfound wisdom]

A Little Less Conversation Little More Action

www.smallchange.in

For those who would like to do more than just talk.

GOVINDAS RESTAURANT: A DISASTER

Karama, Dubai,

What do you do if there is a vacant table of eight and ten available that are not reserved and neither is that big a group expected and you are just a group of five at a restaurant?


1. You call three more people so that you can be the exact number
2. You wait for the people at table for five to finish eating and then you go and sit there
3. You go and sit at the table of eight, place the order, tell the guy that when the table for five gets empty you shall shift there.

Well option number three is what we chose. And yet they refused to give us the table and asked us to wait outside for fifteen minutes till the people seated at the table for five finish eating. We then asked to speak to the manager and they guy tells us that he himself was the manager. LOL. Well we know what to expect from a restaurant that has a manager who himself drives away customers.

TIPS


• Ensure that you either in groups in 2, 4, 5, 8 or 10 when you visit Govinda’s because they do not have seating capacity for in betweens.
• Call in advance and make a booking
• DO NOT GO THERE

CARTER WEDS JONES [Reception]

Aaron Weds Sharon


WHAT OTHERS DID NOT KNOW


We took a rick and headed for Sarita Lawns after mass. We reached there early and had almost an hour with us and since Peter [Shel] was nervous about the toast and wanted to have a drink to calm his nerves, we headed out to look for a bar. He seemed to know the place well and all the sidey bars that were in the gallis and since we had Tashu with us we were spared that horror. Makes me wonder how come he knows all these places. Some youth he must have had. We ended up going to Quarterdecks [its nothing like the one in Dubai] and we had to walk quiet a bit and we had people staring at us three guys in suits and one decked up gal walking towards this bar and it looked pretty shady types but since we didn’t have an option we went in.


Picked a secluded spot, which wasn’t too difficult because there was only another couple in the place besides us and straight away ordered our drinks. I don’t usually drink but since it was a special occasion I decided to give these guys company. 3 shots of rum for Peter, 2 flaming B-52’s for Vee, one for me, one for Tashu who also had some other drink. I love the taste of Bailey’s liqueur and this one was full of it.


Peter still had not calmed his nerves and we headed back to the venue nonetheless. Three of us took a rick back and Peter ran the distance in his suit. Why? No one knows the answer to that but I think that maybe the drink finally showed some effect.


THE VENUE


The place was well done up from the outside and we met Jones [Sharon] mom at the entrance and we introduced ourselves. Jones obviously had been talking to her mom about us because she goes [aah you are Melwyn] and I was like [Jones I am going to kill you]. The lawns were spacious and had a nice ambiance. I think I found where Ganpati Mandap’s put up all their decorations after the festival celebrations were over. Also there was the typical Shehnai music playing which is usually heard at Indian weddings. Just kidding on that one, but they did have some amazing décor done up in golden, red and white which I guess was the theme color of the wedding.


There were two large tables on either side of the stage and I guessed correctly that those were for the families and close relatives. We picked a spot on the right and sat down and listened to the DJ belting out love songs to set the mood right.



THE EVENT



Confetti was distributed, party poppers distributed and we all stood in a circle to welcome the newly wedded couple. They arrived and we did our part in throwing the confetti into Jones hair that made it look like a black bouquet with confetti and Vee was giving us his scientific gyaan on how to angle the party popper in the proper direction so that it goes right above them and ended up blowing the whole thing on ourselves. Thanks Vee. We then stood back to to enjoy the traditional makka pav reception. When I say "traditional" I don't mean it strictly in the mainstream way. They have their own traditions which are slightly different than what you may be used to.


The emcee maraoed some jokes to start with. Have heard these so many times that I think they might as well just announce that I am going to tell you the joke about so and so. He then invited them to cut the cake which they did. I was hoping that Jones would not be her gourmet self and eat more than 1 slice and she did not. Good Girl. They then proceeded to the stage and the whole bridal party was introduced. [I noticed the Bridesmaid Nisha had a cool tattoo on her back.]


THE TOAST


Some more jokes later Peter was called to deliver the much awaited toast. He started off well, wove his humor into the speech so that it did not look like jokes were included in it simple for the sake of being funny. Some interesting lines from his toast were:

• It was only a matter of time before the PR turned into Pyaar!
• They say in marriage, you need to have a lot in common. But it’s actually just three things, love, trust and respect.
• May you share everything with each other... and that includes the housework…
• May you have many children and may they be as sought after as the contents of this glass…
• May all of your ups and downs be only in your bedroom…

I found the humor very subtle and very good but I do not think that too many people at the wedding got them. There wasn’t a great response to the humor really. I guess most people were taken up by the starters, the cake and the wine. Great Toast Peter!

There were a few oops moments too in the toast. Peter rewrote the Old Testament with Eve being made out to be a lesbian and he changed the nick Jones gave me.

• “Eve could have married any girl she wanted to.”
• Pelu [that is me] was made Pullu

THE RESPONSE

Carter [Aaron] responded very well to the toast and had very good stage presence and was very sweet to address his beloved as his wife of two hours. Already feeling the effects of marriage ha Carter! Counting the hours already?

Jones too had a few words of thanks to her parents, she mentioned us too as we had come all the way down from Dubai to attend, her boss from Dubai who was there too and all the other boys who had proposed to her who and who were kind enough to not attend.

Nisha in the meantime had already downed the whole glass of wine and was left with an empty glass when it was time for the photograph.


DANCE MASTI

The couple did their first dance and we all did what was expected out of us, we said “awww”. Then we had to join in. now the problem was that we were three guys and there was just one girl with us. So very smartly Vee takes Tahsu and goes for the wedding march, [Tahsu introduced us to Neha who was Jones friend and works in Dubai and her kid sister Nikita], so Peter was quick in asking Neha out and before I even knew what was happening I had to walk the pretty but little Nikita out to the March. Peter your wife is going to hear about this.

We did all the usual dances, I was as awkward as ever, and Nikita and me danced with a gap big enough between us, that Vee and could come and stand in between if he cared to. But I did dish out some career and academic advice to her on the dance floor. Vee did one jive with Tashu which had everyone looking at them in awe [he loves that feeling] and then one with the Bride who managed to look graceful dancing even in her wedding gown. Then there was a salsa number on for a bit and the Maid of Honor Sue Ellen entertained us with a well executed number.

The masala songs started and it was funny to see some old aunties trying to outdo the youngsters on the floor. One aunty in particular did not know the steps and was struggling to keep rhythm. [The video will have it all] Peter did his Mithun and Bobby Deol moves, Carter surprisingly was bindaas on the floor and he to executed some Mithun moves. Full I am a disco dancer types. Tahsu and me did some Kolhi dancing which I am sure made us look like idiots over there but then again who cares.

[on popular demand by the bride this sentence is included] - Jones continued to dance well [she always does] and was looking very gorgeous.


THE WANDERERS

Vee let his wandering eyes wander and he was caught red handed on camera ogling at Neha’s anatomy. Peter too while dancing kept glancing her way. Neha - you have two fans and one of them has bad thoughts in his mind. Beware!


THE CIRCLES AND THE CHAIRS


The boys formed a circle around Jones and the girls around Carter. While the boys had a good time dancing with the Bride, the girls did not exploit the situation and Carter escaped unscathed. Sahil did some funny and weird dance that left us in splits and the Best Man showed off some Sunny Deol ant killing steps as well.

Then we did the whole picking them up on the chair thingy and I opted to go for Jones cos she is lighter and Vee and Peter had a tough time with Carter cos he ain’t as light as he looks like. After almost dropping him down twice they finally managed to get the two into the middle and the couple indulged in a long passionate kiss and I literally had to yell, “enough guys it ain’t the honeymoon yet”, before the pulled themselves away.


CARTER GETS THE GARTER

All the unmarried men and women were asked to form two separate circles and Jones was blindfolded and she threw the bouquet which was caught by the lil flower girl and hence had to be done again. That was a really good catch though as the bouquet was almost behind her and she took the catch at full length. Anyways another girl caught the bouquet and she was now the ‘selected one’.

Then Carter blindfolded, had to put his hands under Jones gown and look for her garter and take it off. He took awfully long for that. I am sure he found it easy just took his time to get a good feel. Must be the effects of that long kiss. Anyways it took so long that it gave Vee a chance to put his incredible large feet into his mouth. Again. So whats happened was as Carter was looking for the garter, his mum passed our way and Vee jokingly mentioned, “Aunty, see what your son is doing.” His mom looked that way and you could see the horror on her face when she saw her son with his hand under her daughter in law’s gown. “Aaron what are you doing?” was the response but the words did not reach him with all the cheering happening. [I am sure he got it later from his mum]

So this time Carter is blindfolded and he throws the Garter and unfortunately it falls short of everyone and right in front of us. Vee and I pretended not to see it and to our delight Sachin swoops in like an eagle eager to get his worm and he picks it up. Then Sachin and the girl whose name I cannot remember were asked to kiss and he kissed the bouquet instead. It was fun watching the embarrassed look on their face.


STAGE RAGE

After mingling, Carter and Jones took the stage. People poured in to wish them even as they eating. Peter had some funny expressions on his face even when we went to wish the couple on stage. A friend from UAE wanted to wish them and Carter was on the phone while Peter was wishing him and Peter was standing there for a good 20 seconds holding his hand.


FOOD MOOD

I decide to give the meals a skip since we were planning on going to Hard Rock after the reception. Tahsu gave me a few bites from her plate and my whole resolve went to the bloody dogs and I returned with a plate full to the brim. Vee showed how much he loved the food by feeding some to his shirt and tie as well.


THE END


We had a blast. Fun wedding and it’s always more enjoyable when you know both sides. Love you two and have a happy married life. [Carter that means you are going to have to do all the adjusting].

A 'Ball' of a Time

Dec 2nd, Dubai

Whether it's a cricket game at Safa Park or at the N.I.Model parking lot, Sheldon Serrao is simple boundaries ahead of the opposition and his teammates when it comes to batting. His classy innings helped PubliLink claim a 38 run victory against Pune XI.

In every respect, our approach to the game was superior to that of our opponents. After winning the toss I decided to have a bat first because we were a player short and I thought that would give us some time to get another guy in while the game started. Flinty [Ganesh] and Willy went into the middle and faced three tough overs from the opening bowlers who did not give an inch. Flinty departed playing down the wrong line and Ganesh joined Willy in the middle, but lost his leg stump on the second ball after shuffling across a little too much and Willy was caught at the extra cover boundary in the very next over.

That brought Shel and Dheraj at the crease and the two began to rebuild the innings. Nahid had just claimed the wicket of Willy and Shel dug out a first ball Yorker from him before sending the next ball straight over the bowlers head for a perfectly timed six. That broke the shackles and from there on it was a display of super batting. Shel bats like a combination on Dravid and Sehwag put together. He scores at the rate of Sehwag with the shots of Dravid. He epitomized the difference between the two teams - the bulk of his scoring came via boundaries and he rotated the strike effectively. He was batting with a view to lasting for 16 overs, and in the final analysis you could tell the difference between the two teams was his batting. Dheraj chanced his arm often and had the full nine lives of the cat as he kept teasing the fielders with lofted shots that fell tantalizing close to them. He lost his wicket to a yorker that castled his middle stump but by then a reasonable platform had been built. Vee and Shel seemed to be building a good partnership before a mix up between the two left Vee stranded in the middle of the pitch.

Naveen came in and from the word go he started upping the run rate with some well executed cover drives and straight drives that went past the ropes with a pendulum straight bat. Shel in the meantime suffering from backache used a runner but did the bulk of his scoring via hits to the fence. The two took the score past 120 and PubliLink for once felt in a safe zone. Naveen who was really looking good was run out trying to steal a two and that brought me in. Smashed the first ball for four and was out a couple a balls later caught behind trying to be too cheeky. Reghu hit a skier that the fielder made an absolute mess of and we got four runs for the error and was out bowled next ball. Tangles [Parvindar] the last man in and he started by belting the first ball he faced over long off for a six and the next one for a four at the same place in his unbeaten little cameo. Shel finished off with a single and was unbeaten on 80 odd runs that was the backbone of the innings.

I started the proceedings for our defence and had five wides in a first over that went for nine runs and my next over went for the same amount of runs this time also with five wides but with two dropped catches. Willy claimed a wicket in the next over with Flinty taking a good catch at Long On. Willy was exceptional with his bowling that was full of pace, swing and control. His slower ones could not be picked up by any of the batsmen and the batsmen never got off to a good start and were stifled from then on. Tangles was brought on first change and took a wicket with his first ball for a miserly over and Naveen was also bang on target with his first ball that got him a wicket. Tangles took a superb one handed catch at the cover boundary that seemed to be going over for a six and Naveen took another beauty of his own bowling, one that was skied up high. Tangles and Naveen bowled their quota on the trot and we had almost bowled the opposition out of the game by then. Tangles took some stick on his last over after Zaheer took him for fourteen runs of the first three balls, but I had that covered as I castled Zaheer the very next over, the first among my three wickets in the same fashion.

Our dominance at this stage was so total that all of us were able to burst out laughing after an attempt to take a catch by Reghu at the boundary that went for a four got nicknamed ‘Crocodile’ for the manner in which the attempt was made. Willy took two in his final over to end with three for seventeen off his four overs.

In the final analysis, the unrestrained splendor of Shel, the cameos from the lower order batsmen, coupled with the superior bowling skills that the four bowlers displayed proved decisive.

JONES WEDS CARTER

Sharon WEDS Aaron

We arrived at the church half an hour early. Vee told us that Jones was standing outside and we caught a glance of her from behind standing there. We walked towards them and they disappeared towards the side of the church. Vee then introduced me to a couple and a young boy and I assumed those must be Jones parents and her brother. Before I could open my mouth as ask anything a decorated wedding car drives in and I see Jones in it.

They wait in the car and I thank God for preventing me from stuffing my foot into my mouth. As we waited and watched the bride to be, enjoying the ac conditions while we stood out in the heat, Carter’s car drives us and out steps the groom to be. He heads straight for the bride of the previous wedding and while we hoped there would be some drama, his father in law comes to the rescue and saves him from the blushes. Imagine grabbing someone else bride who just got married right before you just get married.

Mass started and we seated ourselves on the 8th row near the choir. Some very animated faces in the choir and some major seconds and thirds in the chorus kept us entertained. I forgot to mention that Jones looked absolutely stunning when she stepped out of the car. Smooth. The rest of the mass was uneventful save for Vee’s timely comments and some modern art at the altar. Seriously what were they thinking? And then at the big moment they lift up the veil and … thadang… we see Jones hair… anti gravity. I guess it did look stylish but for a conversationalist like me it was as though they had just blasted loud music in the car as they drove to church. As you can imagine there was 5 minutes of laughter at our bench and Peter [Shel] and Tashu joined in. But for all of that I must admit it did not look odd on Jones at all who was very poised throughout.

Rest of the mass was uneventful, they exchanged the rings on the right fingers, said the right names, Jones sang a hymn that was almost a whisper, the bridesmaids did their part is looking good, Carter looked interested in the wedding and no one knew of any impediments why these two shouldn’t have been married. Yeah so we stepped out and met Keav [Kevin] who was all cleaned up and we exchanged a few laughs outside the church. While the family photographs were being taken, Peter was standing with the rest of the family and making weird faces, much like Kaalia and his two cronies from Sholay in the scene where they play Russian roulette with the loaded gun. He wasn’t sure whether to smile or not, and if he did he wasn’t sure how much to. It was so funny that Vee and me held our stomachs and laughed for a good 10 minutes while he waited in agony for the photographer to end his misery.

Post stomach pains from the laughter we all hailed a rickshaw to go to the reception.

Communication Training Workshop

click on the picture above to open the album.

Birthday Card - I am the client and the groups had to make a birthday card for me

Chinese Whisper - I am not present. And I am not even present that I an not present. And because I am not present that I am not present I am not even listening.

Movie Review - Fashion

Fashion is a mix of Page 3 and Chandni Bar. The look is very Page 3 but the treatment is very Chandni Bar. Madhur Bhandarkar has done a good job with Fashion. The overall feel of the film is good and it leaves an impression on your mind. It could have been made better though. They could have woven a few more characters or shown the stories of the other characters as well as was the case with Page 3. Priyanka has done a decent job.

The Titles are well done[fonts and styles], Music is good without distracting you from the film. Considering the last few bad Hindi movies that have been thrown our way Fashion is a welcome break.

Atlantis Aquapark

My dear roomies decided to treat me to a splash at the Atlantis Aquapark as my birthday gift. We set out at 12.30, arrived by 1 at the parking lot and took the shuttle from the parking lot to the entrance. The entry is AED 285, another 50 bucks per locker and after being separated from all that money we entered the place.

The rides were good. I did not try the leap of faith but my daring roomie Vee, did it thrice and I was content with the next best thing. You can laze about the place, take a tube and venture into the river and try out all the rides that it has to offer. The best thing according to me was the wave pool and I did that ride thrice. The last time all eight of us held each others tube and braved the turbulent sea and that took some effort.

Shel screamed like a girl most of the time as did Tashu who also made me take her piggy back just for kicks. I lost a few pounds I reckon with all the carrying and the splashing around. The prices are a little steep [even for the food available inside] but it was a fun day and we were really tired at the end of it. It’s a good exercise for you stomach as I realized the next day and you pick up a good tan as well [not that I need one]. If you can afford it go for it.

Thanks Vee, Thanks Tahsu

BanGalore

Back from my trip to Bangalore. The place has its highs and lows. Roads are wide, lesser potholes than other places in India, malls are good, the Airport is classy [international standards] and the young crowd is very switched on.

The people love to fight, witnessed three fights in my short stay [Bang Galore – I think they take their name pretty seriously], the angry young man influence still remains, people love keeping the city clean so instead of pissing on the walls now I see people standing with backs to the wall and pissing onto the footpath. All joints shut by 11 pm [Ban Galore] so did not really get to see the nightlife because there isn’t one. Traffic is a real bitch and there is absolutely no sense of lane discipline or following the rules.

Rickshaw drivers should be kept in a museum because their thinking is ancient and they are a rare specimen. I stopped four rickshaws. The place I had to visit was 5 minutes away by rickshaw hence they did not take me aboard but they went that same way empty. [Now would it not make more sense to make some money going that same distance rather than go there without fare?] Weird! And the two guys who agreed to take me there requested double the fare and refused to keep the meter on. [And the whole point of having a meter is?]

The street book vendors know good English and have decent knowledge about books. That’s encouraging. They know authors, they know how old the books are and they know the classics. It’s always good to see that knowledge seep down to those sections of society. I was mighty impressed with the airport taxi drop. As soon as I called “just call” and procured the number of the Easy Cabs they called me with a few seconds asking if I had enquired about Easy Cabs. I booked my cab drop and within a minute I had the details on my cell sent by the company via SMS. After an hour I get a call from the driver who gives me his name and car number and tells me that he will be there at a particular time and arrives 15 minutes earlier. While the ride is pretty expensive I don’t mind it because they are professional about they way they approach work. Kudos Easy Cabs.

BanGalore

Back from my trip to Bangalore. The place has its highs and lows. Roads are wide, lesser potholes than other places in India, malls are good, the Airport is classy [international standards] and the young crowd is very switched on.

The people love to fight, witnessed three fights in my short stay [Bang Galore – I think they take their name pretty seriously], the angry young man influence still remains, people love keeping the city clean so instead of pissing on the walls now I see people standing with backs to the wall and pissing onto the footpath. All joints shut by 11 pm [Ban Galore] so did not really get to see the nightlife because there isn’t one. Traffic is a real bitch and there is absolutely no sense of lane discipline or following the rules.

Rickshaw drivers should be kept in a museum because their thinking is ancient and they are a rare specimen. I stopped four rickshaws. The place I had to visit was 5 minutes away by rickshaw hence they did not take me aboard but they went that same way empty. [Now would it not make more sense to make some money going that same distance rather than go there without fare?] Weird! And the two guys who agreed to take me there requested double the fare and refused to keep the meter on. [And the whole point of having a meter is?]

The street book vendors know good English and have decent knowledge about books. That’s encouraging. They know authors, they know how old the books are and they know the classics. It’s always good to see that knowledge seep down to those sections of society. I was mighty impressed with the airport taxi drop. As soon as I called “just call” and procured the number of the Easy Cabs they called me with a few seconds asking if I had enquired about Easy Cabs. I booked my cab drop and within a minute I had the details on my cell sent by the company via SMS. After an hour I get a call from the driver who gives me his name and car number and tells me that he will be there at a particular time and arrives 15 minutes earlier. While the ride is pretty expensive I don’t mind it because they are professional about they way they approach work. Kudos Easy Cabs.

HAPPY DIWALI

HAPPY DIWALI to ya All.

Advait Weds Gargi - Toast

Addy and Gee,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Before I undertake the customary duty of giving Addy an uncomfortable few minutes it is part of the official duty of the best man to thank Addy on behalf of the bridesmaids, [all Gee’s pretty friends here who lit up the reception – Andy, Sumana, Louise and all the other names I can’t recollect] for having them play a part of this really special day. I have to say they all look wonderful and have done an excellent job. Indeed they are only eclipsed by Gee herself, who, I’m sure you’ll all agree looks absolutely stunning.

For those who do not know me, know this Addy has been one of the closest friends since we studied together. We did more than that actually. [Hold your horses, it ain’t what you thinking].

When Addy told me he proposed and Gee accepted, my first reaction was that of joy and happiness. Then reality struck me and struck me hard. It means Gee will now be sharing the bed with him and not me, and the house, TV, cupboard and my beloved microwave where we heated many a meal together.

Addy is one of those who is loved by both sexes - Men and women alike. He is adorable, seldom loses his temper, has a good sense of humor [in English, Hindi and Marathi], is very gentle and considerate and is a connoisseur of food. On the subject of food, it was there that Addy began a love affair which still lasts to this day. Hershs, Bandra. Age twenty two, we were ever so excited to make our first visit there and Addy had gone on and on about the place and how the burgers there were the real thing.

Some of you may be aware of his passion for cricket. What many of you don’t know is that his interest in the sport was borne during his time at school. Addy is a modest man - well, that’s what he has insisted I tell you - so his cricket achievements are little known. But I can reveal today that at school, Addy SCORED………… more runs than any other person in the entire cricket team - that was because he was always 12th man putting up the numbers the scoreboard at the pavilion. Jokes apart he is a very good cricketer with a good bowling action and a decent technique. With so many talents which girl wouldn’t be lucky to have him as a life partner?


As for the Gorgeous Gee, I haven’t known her as well as I have known Addy [and isn’t he glad about that], but let me quote what I told Addy the day he introduced me to her. “If she has a younger sister, I’d marry her right away.” To know how deep that compliment goes please know this has come from a guy who does not believe in marriage.

A few words of advice to Addy before I end this long speech,
1, never forget birthdays or anniversaries.
2 buy flowers regularly, but not too often, that it becomes suspicious.
3 keep telling Gee those three lovely important little words. “You’re right dear.”
And 4 and most importantly, make sure you get on with your new mother-in law.

I didn’t say a word to my girlfriend’s mother for nearly 8 months. It wasn’t that we didn’t get on. It’s just I thought it was rude to break her off whilst she talked. Luckily both the stars of today have been blessed with wonderful parents, I experienced Addys parents hospitality when I stayed with him for two months at his place in Mumbai, and Gee’s parents when I visited Cal. Man I am still craving those Rasgullas.

Let me then conclude - Addy you got lucky and make sure you continue to make her feel that way every single day.

Ladies and Gentlemen, To the Adorable Couple



The Toast I raised for Addy and Gee.

SALAAM MUMBAI

I usually do not watch Indian news channels as soon as I reach home from work but yesterday something prompted me too. I guess it probably was a desire to see if I could catch a few glimpses of the 20 -20 match highlights where Tendulakar, Afridi and Dhoni blasted away the bowlers. Well I did get to see blasts but of a different kind.

The immediate reaction was to call all family and friends in Bombay and it took a while before I got through. Addy I got through. Shweta, Varsha, Nakkay, Shinu I couldn’t get through. Ansha luckily stayed at home. Vinu was still at work. Nish, Abha I couldn’t contact. And I was wondering what must be going through everyone’s mind sitting out there in that cursed city. “Bombs” was the answer I came up with. There are bombs on everyone’s mind. Just waiting to explode.

I was sitting at home watching images that fill me with rage so furious that I could erupt in fumes any moment. And yet I felt so helpless. Other than the phone calls and prayers there was nothing much I could think of doing. Then I began calling everyone over here who I knew had relatives back home and then more panic began to set in. What if someone over here lost his near and dear ones?

And then I think that such acts not only bring people together but links nations. Gives them something in common to combat against. Acts of terror. I was trying to figure out the significance of 7/11 and I could not come up with any. Maybe someone could enlighten me on the same.

But what fills me with awe is that tomorrow all of you guys will be back at work. Talk about it a little and carry on with business as usual. The resilience that the city has is mind blowing [if I may use that term]. Hats off to you guys! I would have simply rebelled.


Melwyn Abraham to folks in Mumbai post 7/11

Let’s Blame the Government

Let’s Blame the Government

That seems to be mantra of the moment. So what has been your contribution to the city? Besides leaving heaps of garbage around. Think. How many times have you chided people for throwing stuff around the city, be it your friends or family? How many times have you littered the place? Is your society clean? If not who is to blame? The government?

Mumbai is filthy because the people make it filthy. If they were disciplined this would not have been the case. How many rules do you break? Have you ever bothered cleaning up your own city? It’s not your duty right? Okay I agreed that the guys atop are not perfect, in fact far from it. But then again neither are we. When have you raised your voice against what your fellow citizens did? It’s easy to sit and blame the government every time something goes wrong. But in reality you are living with the bomb ticking every day. It is bound to explode at some point or the other. The filth. The hustle. The thieving. The pushing. The lack of discipline. The pickpockets. The rapists. The people who take bribes. The people who give bribes. Who are they? Aliens from out of space?

They have grown in this very society. And yes we ourselves are to blame. Because we have a “chalta hain” attitude. We could have disrupted proceeding for a day after the blasts and said I will not tolerate this anymore. Resolve this for me. But then you did go back to work right. Were you willing to take initiative and lead a revolution? No. That is someone else’s job. Well who the hell wants to lose a days salary for the sake of the others? It’s not that we do not have a choice. We do have a choice. It’s just that its an expensive one.

And this is just not Mumbai. It’s about India . Its about each and everyone of us. I do not say that the government did their job. They failed. And so did we. I hold nothing against my fellow Indians. Just wanted to express my thoughts that we are the government. Not just a bunch of people elected. Lets all do our bit. Stop and take a moment to look around. Can you spare time on holidays to organize cleanliness drives? Is there anything you can do to make the city better? Then do it.

I am sure to receive a backlash for this. But then that’s all that I will receive. Words and mails. No concrete actions.


Melwyn Abraham to friends back home after the Mumbai blasts in July 2006

I Had a Dream

[After I spoke up for what I believed in]

I had this dream.

I was in the chair. And all of you had come to attend. Crimes against society! And it felt so real. I couldn’t see you. Because the glass was one way. But all of you could see me. But I could know everyone was there. I could sense their presence. Mom, dad, siblings, aunts’ n uncles, friends and relatives alike. And there was a plethora of emotions that filled the room. There was hatred. There was grief. Happiness. It was all there. Relief.

I think i got cold feet. I wanted 2 wiggle out. My courage failed me. My body didn’t want to die. My principles were weakening. And yet there was nothing I could do but sit and wait till they gassed my ass to the maker.

I could see despair and hurt on my parents. Disappointment more like it. Regret also perhaps. And somehow I felt thank God I didn’t talk to them after what I last did. At least they didn’t get an opportunity to shout at me and tell me how much they regretted having given birth to me. I still had a happy place with them. The last memory wasn’t that bad with them. And I could feel all my siblings. It’s as thought they could feel what I was going thru. My four best friends were present. Lending support to the five siblings. Saddy, Mitu, Chicks, Nandu. Brave faces.

Also present were those who felt I had wronged them. I could see smiles. Jeers. People who thought I was insane. Alien. Longed 2 see me go. Somehow I felt nothing for them.

I finally went. Without much hoo haa. It was quick. And I tried to see if my soul could see you guys. But it couldn’t. All those talks about you leaving your body and seeing the world, Was all wrong. Anyways, it felt so real. But I was happy that I finally went. I think looking at all the people gathered there it was better that I went than stayed. I felt bad for my parents though. I had tagged them for the rest of their life as " the parents of the guy who spoke up and all...".

And that’s how it ended. And I fell into a sleep that I didn’t want to wake up from. I was hoping that when I awoke I would be elsewhere. But it was the same old room and the same old alarm. Had to get to work.....


Melwyn Abraham to the family in August 2006

Anti - Condition Yourself

Yeah Yeah,

You see both sides of the coin. And all that jazz. Good. Even I do. I understand both sides. Does not mean I have 2 accept it. Sometimes you have to go to hell to fight for a heavenly cause. To fight for the right to be allowed to decide what’s wrong and what’s right.

The world will be better by this that one man scorned and covered with scars, strove till his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star. It’s what I fight for the right to freedom to dream my own dream. I don’t want someone else to tell me what to dream. The perfect dream is always readymade for us. Its already been decided. I don’t want that dream.

It’s like that scenery painting we did in school where scenery meant mountains, house, tree and waterfall. That isn’t my scenery. The maximum scope I was allowed in that was to choose between having pointed mountains or curvy ones. That’s not freedom. That’s not how I perceive scenery. That’s what we take away from children. The freedom of thought. We put blinkers and you have been born and brought up with the same thought. That’s all that is right. Scenery cannot be something g that not visually beautiful. It has to be perfect. WHITE. If it’s not white it’s BLACK.

We are born into slavery. You and me both. It’s like those ants you see on discovery. You know these big giant ants capture the colonies of the others and kill the living and carry away the larvae. Then the larvae are born into slave ants. And they do not know they do not actually belong there. They think it’s the way of life and happily engage in becoming slave ants. And that’s what they do till they die. That’s us. Just that I refuse to be a slave. I know there is more to me than what the colony says. I know I will be shot down trying to escape. But I will keep trying till my last breath. To go beyond what is visible. We are all servants. The question is not about whether to serve or not it’s about whom to serve and I will serve my consciousness.

Like Truman did in the Truman show. Everything around is so fake and controlled. I know there is a world beyond this. Like what Frisco tells his sweetheart in atlas shrugged. And that’s what I pursue. Utopia isn’t it?

And I know if only I’ll b true to this glorious quest then my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I am laid to rest.

Melwyn Abraham venting out at a friend

Movie Review: Max Payne and Eagle Eye

Max Payne much like its name is an absolute pain to watch. Mark Wahlberg is good in the movie but the plot is absolute crap and some of the scenes make no sense and some characters simply die off after being built up well. I hope the video game is better than the movie. [4/10]

Eagle Eye was very disappointing because it is nothing more than a remake of I-robot minus the robots. I actually fell asleep during the first 10 minutes or so and had to struggle to keep myself awake. How on earth did Mr. Spielberg get involved with this movie. [4.5/10]

Dubai's Best Food

Being a total foodie, I am always on the lookout for places with great ambiance, super food and good service. I found one place that has all the necessary ingredients and is one of the best restaurants that you will ever go to in your lifetime.

Zen is the name. The setting is beautiful and I just wish that I knew more women who I could take out for a date to Zen. You can place your order and whisk your date off for a boat ride and whisper sweet nothing into her ear. It’s a family place too, simply carry along Pictionary or Taboo and you have the privacy to play the games and make as much as noise as you wish.

But the seller for Zen is the food. It’s simply amazing, and it’s not just an off the menu kind of place. Nicky [he owns the place and is a total sweetheart] will come personally and suggest, and take down your choice and make it to suit your taste. I can go on and on but you got to experience it yourself to know what I am talking about. He has won the second place at the Thai food festival if I am correct but do not go by that, simply visit Zen.

Nickys Birthday Gift

I had dinner on the house - thanks to Nicky who also prepared my food himself.
THANKS NICKY

Taxis in Dubai and Sharjah

My brother being the good one in the family never swears abuses or uses foul language. I just figured a way to make him do so – make him wait for a cab in either Dubai or Sharjah. The expletives that leave your mouth are many a time well deserved.

The usual wait for a cab is on an average an hour to an hour and a half. During that wait you are likely to encounter empty taxis that do not stop because they do not like the look of your face or your posture, taxis that stop but refuse to take you to the destination that you want to go to and others that just go past you as if you did not exist.

The other day I waited for over an hour for a taxi from Sharjah to Dubai. Nine empty taxis zoomed past me but did not stop. Three taxis stopped but the moment I told them I want to go to Dubai, he looks at me as though I was from out of space and repeats “Dubai?” “Yes Dubai,” said I. he just nodded his head as though it were impossible to go there because the economy is doing so badly and if his cab sets wheel on the ground in Dubai, the rate of the dollar will drop even more and we shall be facing the great depression before one can shout George Bush. So I asked him, “Singapore or perhaps Hong Kong?” I was so infuriated that I was thinking to myself if I ever find a man lying injured on the road and I go to help him and he turns out to be a cab driver from Dubai or Sharjah, I shall leave him unattended. That is how pissed off I was.

I finally managed to get one and we are on our way to Dubai and he starts taking all these weird routes and I ask him why and he says that it’s shorter. Needless to say we got stuck up in really bad traffic and I let out some more expletives to calm myself. So he then asks me if he should take the Salik [toll] route and I nodded in the affirmative. As soon as we passed the toll bridge he informs me that I have to pay him AED 8 for toll and I ask him why since the toll is only AED 4. Very coolly without any hesitation he says’ return toll’.
“What on earth is that” I asked him. He tell me that he does not know any other way to go home but the same route so he has to pass the toll bridge and that will cost me AED 4. “And how is that my problem I ask him?” He nonchalantly mentions that all the other customers give him the 4 bucks. I was so irritated by then I told him if he wants I will give him the fare of the next person he takes as well if he will just keep his mouth shut and take me home. I did pay him the 4 extra bucks and I knew it was no point in calling the Sharjah taxi number to complain.

I usually have to wait for an hour or two to get a cab from work to home and I do not expect the situation to change at all. If I happen to work three extra hours at work I manage to get a cab fairly easier and on one such day I did get a cab around 22.00. we had a very interesting conversation. The cab driver tells me of the girl he just dropped before me and how she got into the cab and started talking into her expensive mobile to her friend how she had got a job in the bank and would be earning a salary of 25000. after he dropped her, the fare was about 27.50 and she gave him 30. He returned AED 1 and she kept standing there waiting for him to return the remaining change. And he was so agitated that he gave her the change back. And the man was furious and told me, “See how these women are? They have 25000 dirham salaries and yet they expect the change back.” I had to control my laughter and my urge to debate with him. I face drivers like him often who just assume that they do not have to give you back the change because you have dressed well so obviously you have no need for the change. In fact they probably think that they are doing you a favor because if you had kept the change in your pocket it would cause a jingling sound and what kind of a ‘rich’ person carries coins with him.

The situation is very frustrating and it kills the productivity of the people big time because by the time I have reached work I am so infuriated that I am tempted to take out my frustration on the others as I am in a foul mood.

Wake up officials. Dubai is a wonderful place to live in but with this kind of a public transport system you are not doing yourself any favors in endearing yourself to the people who live and work here or who come visiting.

Euro Trip - Day 2

Oct 2. Paris

Happy birthday Gandhiji

A lazy morning saw me get up past eight and Bijo and Karine were off to work by then and the kids to school. Bijo lent me his magic blue book of Paris and I devoured the breakfast that Karine had left me. The metro system was amazing and it so easy to figure your way with a map in hand that is available so easily and people seemed friendly especially since I always asked, “Bonjour! Parlez vous anglais?[Meaning do you speak English or at least I hope that’s what it means]”. It’s good to buy a day pass or a pass for the number of days you are going to be in Paris because you are very likely to use the public transport a lot.

The people are usually very well dressed in Paris and it’s not just about wearing expensive clothes but they have a good fashion sense. That means knowing color combinations, styles, hairdos, shoes, importance of accessories etc. I spent loads of time on the metro staring at the local citizens with my mouth wide open. First stop Arc de Triomphe. I took many pictures and saw loads of Japanese tourists who took many snaps too but they always ensured that they were there in the snaps too. I personally must have taken over 10 pictures for them, cute couples, single smiling guys, and old people in groups. It’s very typical Japanese [at least from whatever little I know of them] to take snaps of themselves every place they visit.

From Arc de Triomphe you take a look down Champs Elysees and you know exactly in which direction you need to be headed. One of the first things you will notice is that there is a McDonalds that is full and overflowing. So I was like wow ‘familiar food’ and to my horror the only veg thing you can have is French fries. Cheeseburger is beef. You do not have to actually say French fries in Paris; you say fries and it is understood that it’s French. I guess the same goes for toast and beans as well. Anyways, so loaded with my fries, and a hair band that made me look very bad I began my walk down the Champs Elysees. Brands, brands and more brands is what you see and if you have lived in Dubai in 2008 you know all of them. So the walk was a brisk one and soon I was past the Champs Elysee.

From there on, on both sides of the road was the exhibition of the French Air Force celebrating 50 years I guess. Falcons, missiles, helicopters, engines, small planes, big planes, weird planes, landing gear, rear end of planes and the likes was on exhibit. And the place was heavily guarded as well with armed personnel who did not allow you to get too close to the exhibits. But it was an amazing display of the development of the armed forces over the years and you could actually see how technology has progressed over the years especially in the field of figuring out how to end human life.

More of day 2 later on…

Euro Trip - Day 1

Paris, Oct 1st.

It was a 7 hour flight from Dubai to Paris on Qatar Airways and I almost wished that it did not come to an end. The in-flight entertainment was superb and the service was good. No adventure getting to Paris. There were two hot European girls in my row but unfortunately they were not seated next to me. Just my luck. But anyway, with the movies and TV series that I had at my disposal it was very unlikely I would give them too much of eye time.

Landed at Paris airport and boy that was a shocker. After being at the Dubai airport I kinda expected this one to be all glorious but it was a big let down. I guess renovation work was underway but I was not prepared for the gloomy look and decade old baggage systems. It took me over an hour before the luggage did arrive and by that time the cold had gotten to me and so I had to make a trip to the john. And that’s when I realized how difficult things would be in Europe. The loos are not equipped with water sprays and you have to make do with toilet paper.

The only consolation was that since I was not going to be consuming spicy Indian curry that prevents the use of toilet paper which is likely to catch fire and necessitates the use of water, the European food may just be the change that I needed. Out of the airport and straight to Bijo’s [my cousin / uncle] [he is actually my uncle but because he is almost my age it’s easier referring to him as a cousin] place for day one of Paris.

Did not have much trouble reaching there, in fact I reached there early and walked about the place familiarizing myself with the key landmarks and grocery stores and pharmacies just in case I needed them. I then met Karine [she is French by birth and Indian by hospitality – if that makes any sense] my sister in law for the first time as well as Lavanya and Nalaini, two angelic looking kids before I was left in charge of them till Bijo returned from work. Bijo walked in a few moments later and gave me a big hug but only after entering the house shouting I have hired a Dubai nanny.

After a good dinner and enquiring about how to move about in Paris I hit the sack and was looking forward to my next day in Paris. I was given the kids room and it was so much fun to sleep on the bunk bed [I have never had one at home] and I really wished I would have had one of these growing up but then Nelson and me would have constantly fought over who gets to sleep on the balcony bed.

ONE SHOT- I’VE TAKEN IT

Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity,

To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment

Would you capture it or just let it slip?

These are the words that come from the celebrated singer/rapper Eminem. How true? Isn’t this so true in the world we live in today? So few opportunities and so much competition. Do we have the time to catch our breath and stop for a moment to look and appreciate things around us? Or is it rush hour 24/7?

Perception is reality. You are caught in the matrix and you don’t know which the real world is. The one you live in or the one you want to live in? Time flies. Moments pass by. People come and go. Marriages and funerals are aplenty. Is time new or are we living the same moment over and over again and just not realising it? Well its time to take a moment and look at our lives.

Another week goes by…. spills over into the weekend and before you know its time to head back to the same routine. Well so how did the weekend go? Well I rushed home hit the couch and picked up the remote and the idiot box was turned on. Flipped through channels aplenty, hardly absorbing anything that I saw or heard. Where has my sensitivity gone? Well I have seen and heard so many crimes day in and day out that it has become a way of life for me. The violence and sleaze I’m used to does not allow me to get surprised at the events taking place around me. I spoke to a friend and she told me the incident about a school in Russia where children were kept hostage for almost a week with the kids having to drink their own urine as they were kept thirsty for days. Her reaction was, “a shiver ran down my spine…. what ghastly people as that do live on the face of the earth and I felt disgusted and scared to be sharing this land with such heinous souls?” The hype that was created by the media was unbelievable. It helped TRP’s and business is at its highest. So which was the idiot box – the one I’m watching or the one lying there like a vegetable not reacting to anything being controlled by the remote and the images that are flashing on the screen at 24 frames per second.

So how much do you care? Do you care at all? The last time I heard they were packing drainage waters in cola bottles and animal kingdom inside chocolates…what do we have next? Cockroaches in cakes and moss breads…naah, not too exciting for my taste buds yet! But has that stopped you from buying any of this stuff. When are we going to stop violating our bodies and the bodies of others for a little bit of pleasure? For some it’s the pleasure of the taste buds, for some profit motive and others power. So in which category do you fit in? And stop lying to yourself that you are different because you are not. You are not!

So again I spoke to my friend and she said, “I am telling you, there sure is some great powers involved in breathing life out of humans…why, we still have child sacrifices riding the upward curve…. upsurge of ridiculous rituals… bewildered I am to believe this to be a digital age.” So we just sit there in our chairs and talk about it and do nothing. Get up and go to work again tomorrow and forget about everything else. Well well missy welcome to the real world.

So do you want to be different? Ha! Fat chance you have. So you have the latest gelled hair style with spikes, the soul beard, the designer party clothes, the attitude, the noodle straps, the vroom vroom, those revealing skirts (hey if I have a great body why not show it?), boots, your mobile phone, the hip low waist jeans, the English accent and some generations ago some ancestor of yours knew Hindi and some regional language (your mother tongue) you cant even spell now (in English). Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against all this. I am part of it. We are from the production line. All of us are homogenous products of this system. All in all just another brick in the wall.

So here I am on the dais with a chance to present my Oscar speech. But what can I say? This is my one shot. Let me start by thanking the right people. My creator for breathing life into me, my parents who have given me a cherished life and the few values that I have intact, my family for all the support and the healthy environment they created around me, friends for all the special moments and the growing up and finally my teachers. They have instilled a sense of discipline in me and filled me with knowledge of knowing right and wrong. They have been an integral part of my life and a special mention to all my teachers. Those 5 years have been the golden years of my life. I blossomed into the person I am under their care and its been a memorable journey- the treks, the presentations, the lectures, the punishments, the associations, the trophies, the pranks, the teaching and so much more. So I conclude saying that there is hope and we can make a difference because someone in my life made a difference. And it was a teacher from college and a colleague at work who taught me never to give up and they never gave up on us. With words from the same song I confirm….

…The clock's run out, time's up over, bloah!

Snap back to reality,

Oh there goes gravity, Oh, there goes Rabbit,

He choked He's so mad,

But he won't give up that Easy,

-

Melwyn Abraham in conversation with close pal Madhavi Mukherjee