Couldn't find any vantage point to shoot this Mosque in its full splendor. Fading light came to my rescue. A dash of color in the sky could have worked wonders.. but the evening light wasn't flattering enough. "Light" is the single most important element which can make or mar a pic . We are truly at the mercy of the "elements".
Monday, December 19, 2005
This Way Up
The moment I looked up this house.. I knew what I was gonna call this pic.. Although the "Arrow Pointing Upwards" effect hasn't come out that well.. I think with a lil bit of cropping..I cud still do some justice to the title.But I don't like to tinker with my pics.. What U see.. is what U get.
Monday, September 05, 2005
No News.. Is Really No News..
I was away from work for almost 2 months (2nd Jul to 31st Aug). A friend mailed me saying .. "Hey long time !! Wazzup ?? Hope No News is Good News.."
Well No News..is really No News !! I am slowly getting back in2 my "working" groove. I am working for the same client for almost 5 yrs now.. & the work out here isn't that challenging (not that I look for challenges!) , just routine Application Support kind of stuff. One can really sleepwalk through the work that I do. So far as work is concerned, it was not really that hard to pick up from where I left.
On personal front too, I have got back in2 my "drifting" groove. I am really appalled at the ease with which I have accepted the loss of my father. I guess it has got something to do with my age. At 32,one becomes mature enuff (or maybe insensitive enuff) to accept the harsh realities of life & accept death as a part n parcel of life. Besides that I have been away from my folks for past 5 yrs, so in a way we have gotten used to not being there,"physically", for each other. This longish separation has kinda made it easier for me to come to terms with this loss. Dad passed away on 2nd Aug-2005 , he was 69.
I am trying to stop any guilt creeping into my mind, but deep down I know that I failed in my duties as a son by not being there in last few years of his life. I was too busy drifting in my life for past 3/4 years. Although the thought of my dad's mortality did cross my mind..But i never thought the end would happen so swiftly. Or maybe I fooled myself in believing that I had enuff time on my hand to regain focus of my life & that somehow I could makeup for the lost time with him.
My dad (like me) was also of the silent type. We had healthy respect n love towards each other,though we never expressed it in plain words. I guess in some relationships you don't really have to say the words. In that sense we had an old fashioned father-son relationship. No Hindi movie style back slapping or hugging or any overtly symbolic gestures for us. But sometimes I do wish we had a relationship like that. Alas that would never be the case now that he is gone.
He was, by no means, a strict parent. Infact he never ever hit me or my sis anytime, not even once. All of the spanking was done by my mom.More or less we had been quite obedient siblings. I don't have any memories of having any fights with my sister either.Just remember this one instance when we had fought over Diwali Crackers & I don't even remember the juicy details,so I can safely say that it was quite a minor,not so memorable, spat between siblings.Life was quite uneventful then.. Even now life continues to be quite uneventful.
Life is just a never ending chain of weekends thesedays. There isn't much happening in my life. No News is Really No News..Life is very much the same,except that my Dad isn't around anymore to have dreams about me. Dreams about seeing his son married.. Dreams about seeing his son settled in life..Dreams about seeing his son cured of arthritis.
Although Dad never said this openly..but he had these simple dreams about me. If only I was focused enuff in my life,I could have made those dream come true while he was still alive.
Well No News..is really No News !! I am slowly getting back in2 my "working" groove. I am working for the same client for almost 5 yrs now.. & the work out here isn't that challenging (not that I look for challenges!) , just routine Application Support kind of stuff. One can really sleepwalk through the work that I do. So far as work is concerned, it was not really that hard to pick up from where I left.
On personal front too, I have got back in2 my "drifting" groove. I am really appalled at the ease with which I have accepted the loss of my father. I guess it has got something to do with my age. At 32,one becomes mature enuff (or maybe insensitive enuff) to accept the harsh realities of life & accept death as a part n parcel of life. Besides that I have been away from my folks for past 5 yrs, so in a way we have gotten used to not being there,"physically", for each other. This longish separation has kinda made it easier for me to come to terms with this loss. Dad passed away on 2nd Aug-2005 , he was 69.
I am trying to stop any guilt creeping into my mind, but deep down I know that I failed in my duties as a son by not being there in last few years of his life. I was too busy drifting in my life for past 3/4 years. Although the thought of my dad's mortality did cross my mind..But i never thought the end would happen so swiftly. Or maybe I fooled myself in believing that I had enuff time on my hand to regain focus of my life & that somehow I could makeup for the lost time with him.
My dad (like me) was also of the silent type. We had healthy respect n love towards each other,though we never expressed it in plain words. I guess in some relationships you don't really have to say the words. In that sense we had an old fashioned father-son relationship. No Hindi movie style back slapping or hugging or any overtly symbolic gestures for us. But sometimes I do wish we had a relationship like that. Alas that would never be the case now that he is gone.
He was, by no means, a strict parent. Infact he never ever hit me or my sis anytime, not even once. All of the spanking was done by my mom.More or less we had been quite obedient siblings. I don't have any memories of having any fights with my sister either.Just remember this one instance when we had fought over Diwali Crackers & I don't even remember the juicy details,so I can safely say that it was quite a minor,not so memorable, spat between siblings.Life was quite uneventful then.. Even now life continues to be quite uneventful.
Life is just a never ending chain of weekends thesedays. There isn't much happening in my life. No News is Really No News..Life is very much the same,except that my Dad isn't around anymore to have dreams about me. Dreams about seeing his son married.. Dreams about seeing his son settled in life..Dreams about seeing his son cured of arthritis.
Although Dad never said this openly..but he had these simple dreams about me. If only I was focused enuff in my life,I could have made those dream come true while he was still alive.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Postcard Perfect
All Fired Up
Originally uploaded by Parikrama.
Eclectic.. Mesmerizing.. Dramatic.. Tranquil.. errr Whatever!!
I tried hard to come up with a decent piece to go with the collection of photographs listed in this post, but mid-way through the write-up I gave up. I guess, I am not equipped with the literary finesse to do justice to the imagery. So I will spare you the usual set of cliché’s & instead would just leave my pictures to do all the talking.These were taken more than 3 yrs back during a short trip to Sibu Island - Cabanas, Malaysia.
It's one of the most un-spoilt stretch of beach that I have been to, absolutely untouched by urban milieu of Souvenir Shops, Restaurants, Traffic, & most importantly, of Crowds. Nature at its barest bare, with just the beach & a self-sufficient Resort offering the most basic amenities of air-conditioned Chalets & un-interrupted supply of hot water in the shower. For me, these are the two things to look for when I travel, other services are just frills that are totally unnecessary .
For those who swear by "Liquid Diet" during such outings, therez an open-air Mini-Bar located smack down on the white sandy beach. It takes life of its own during the evenings. With soothing jazz tunes being played in the bar , one can sip on to a wide variety of exotic cocktails while witnessing the last ray of lights disappearing over the horizon. We were there for 2 nights, on the 2nd nite dinner was followed by "bonfire" by the sea. One can just pick some booze off the bar , walk down the beach & settle down on the sands by the fire. It was a memorable experience watching the flames reach up the night sky. The crackling sounds of the embers , soothing beat of the lashing waves & music wafting from the near by Mini-bar transcends an ordinary setting into something truly magical.
Coming back to the pictures, I was lucky enough to witness two of the most spectacular sunrises of my life (Not that I have witnessed many!!) . To be quite honest, I had not planned to take any pics so early in the morning. I wasn't aware that one can witness a sunrise off the coast of Sibu. That morning when I woke up,I was drawn to the early morning light reflecting off the window panes. Out of curiosity I opened the front door & was literally dumb-stuck at the sight unfolding in front of my very own eyes. All of the chalets open-up to sea-view & are just few hundreds of feet away from the shore. Without so much of a thought, I just splashed some water on my face, picked my camera & made a mad dash to the beach. Choosing a good vantage point was not much of a problem, there is this pier which is almost on verge of being washed into the sea. The only useful purpose that it serves now is to offer an excellent backdrop for pictures & I sure milked it for all its worth !! It popped up in almost every alternate frame I snapped over the two days. And yes, I almost managed to ram straight into it while kayaking with a friend, but then that story isn't half interesting as the pics which I would like to share with you guys. Besides, this post is now meandering aimlessly,so without further ado, you guyz can check out the remaining set of pics in my flickr folder.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/parikrama_sg/sets/282611/.
Happy Viewing.
If you want information about how to get there, room rates etc etc, then U can check out the resort website
http://www.sibuislandcabanas.com/
P.S. : With this I have exhausted all of my picture archives. This year has been a real struggle, I haven't traveled much in recent times, & the pictures I have taken in last 12 months have been pretty disappointing to put it rather mildly. Aaarrg.. seems like I can't end a blog without whining !!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Fading Beauty
There isn't a better place than the "Singapore Botanical Gardens" to iron out the rustiness out of my photo taking skills.I have been quite tardy n lazy off late & I really needed a good workout with my camera.
Armed with my Canon EOS 300 , I finally ventured out last Sunday to my favourite shooting location. As luck wud have it,I was in for a major dissapointment.The place now resembles a war-zone with trenches dug up in every possible corner !! The whole place has been turned Upside Down for a major makeover , and believe U me, It's not a pretty sight right now..
I got no new pics to show from this outing (cud just manage 3 sorry looking frames) . So the next best thing I cud do was to excavate some of my old pics taken during previous excursions to same place.
The "Fading Beauty" featured here is amongst one of my most satisfying pics. I am glad that I was able to capture this leaf before it withered totally into oblivion..
U can find couple of more pics in my Flickr Folder http://www.flickr.com/photos/parikrama_sg/sets/271743/
Will be posting some more (old) pics soon. Right now my 20 MB per month quota offered by flicker is almost consumed **sigh** Any suggestions vis-a-vis hassle free photo upload sites will be highly appreciated !!
Friday, March 11, 2005
The Jury Is Out (yet again)
The Jury is out ladies n gentlemen.. Sachin has yet again "failed" much to the merriment of all the naysayers who must be shouting from rooftops.. "Told U So" (Indirectly implying, hey look at "Me" I am so smart..)
But exactly who is this "Me". Herez a small sketch of this "Me",
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An average middleclass armchair cricket buff, who's only noteworthy
achievement in life wud be to cram few Textbooks.. tread on2 the "safe" educational streams of Science,Commerce, Arts..4 yrs in the "safe" confines of Classrooms.. Armed with a "safe" Paper degree this Desi John Doe is then known to embark on2 a "safe" career path.. Follwed by a Safe (as in Arranged Marriage mostly) Matrimony.. End of Safe Life Story.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am harping on the "Safe" part coz when this Desi John sits in front of a TV to watch his favourite game of cricket,this safety first approach is thrown out of window.He has this sudden rush of blood & bravery,He brands Sachin, who scored a 94 at an average of 46.53, as coward & selfish.
Sachin,a guy who plays only for record..Someone said yesterday..from ball 1 , he had century nbr 35 on his mind. Well if U go by cold statistics alone,then this may appear as true..Zero to 50 in 80 Balls.. 50 to 94 in 122 Balls... But is Cricket so Elementary ??
Okay I must admit I didn't watch the match..but some reports on Cricinfo hinted that Pakistan team resorted to negative tacticts once they realized that they can't stem the flow of runs..For better part of Day-3 Paki Seam bowlers resorted to generous doses of bouncers & widish deliveries..The leg spinner was asked to bowl negative line by making him bowl round the wicket. The 7/2 field was changed to 5/4 with just a lone slip. But then who cares for such seemingly irrelevant details ??
Paki game plan apparantly succeded to some extent.It doesn't help to have guys like Saurav,VVS who just don't know how to tap the ball round the corner & run for a cheeky single..thereby keeping the strike rotating & forcing the bowler to think or try a different line..
Sachin who apparently had not held a bat in his hand for over two months(tennis elbow)..comes back in2 a Test Match & scores at a decent clip..While these so called Match Winners just scrach around aimlessly.(Saurav strike rate 28.38 ... VVS strike rate 38.37).
But who gets the flak at the end of day ?? Sachin..This guy has become victim of his own success. If U take out the name of Sachin against the runs he scored yest & put those runs against some other players name,it wud be considered as a decent performance.. But when U see Sachin's name against that score.. it somehow comes across as an below par selfish safe performance..
Damn if he did.. Damn if he didn't.Well I am not going to deny the wicked pleasure that some of U Sachin bashers might get in putting a great man down.Well perhaps thats Ur only chance in life in coming close with True Greatness.
But exactly who is this "Me". Herez a small sketch of this "Me",
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An average middleclass armchair cricket buff, who's only noteworthy
achievement in life wud be to cram few Textbooks.. tread on2 the "safe" educational streams of Science,Commerce, Arts..4 yrs in the "safe" confines of Classrooms.. Armed with a "safe" Paper degree this Desi John Doe is then known to embark on2 a "safe" career path.. Follwed by a Safe (as in Arranged Marriage mostly) Matrimony.. End of Safe Life Story.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am harping on the "Safe" part coz when this Desi John sits in front of a TV to watch his favourite game of cricket,this safety first approach is thrown out of window.He has this sudden rush of blood & bravery,He brands Sachin, who scored a 94 at an average of 46.53, as coward & selfish.
Sachin,a guy who plays only for record..Someone said yesterday..from ball 1 , he had century nbr 35 on his mind. Well if U go by cold statistics alone,then this may appear as true..Zero to 50 in 80 Balls.. 50 to 94 in 122 Balls... But is Cricket so Elementary ??
Okay I must admit I didn't watch the match..but some reports on Cricinfo hinted that Pakistan team resorted to negative tacticts once they realized that they can't stem the flow of runs..For better part of Day-3 Paki Seam bowlers resorted to generous doses of bouncers & widish deliveries..The leg spinner was asked to bowl negative line by making him bowl round the wicket. The 7/2 field was changed to 5/4 with just a lone slip. But then who cares for such seemingly irrelevant details ??
Paki game plan apparantly succeded to some extent.It doesn't help to have guys like Saurav,VVS who just don't know how to tap the ball round the corner & run for a cheeky single..thereby keeping the strike rotating & forcing the bowler to think or try a different line..
Sachin who apparently had not held a bat in his hand for over two months(tennis elbow)..comes back in2 a Test Match & scores at a decent clip..While these so called Match Winners just scrach around aimlessly.(Saurav strike rate 28.38 ... VVS strike rate 38.37).
But who gets the flak at the end of day ?? Sachin..This guy has become victim of his own success. If U take out the name of Sachin against the runs he scored yest & put those runs against some other players name,it wud be considered as a decent performance.. But when U see Sachin's name against that score.. it somehow comes across as an below par selfish safe performance..
Damn if he did.. Damn if he didn't.Well I am not going to deny the wicked pleasure that some of U Sachin bashers might get in putting a great man down.Well perhaps thats Ur only chance in life in coming close with True Greatness.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Fear Factor - I N D I A
I am scared to go back to India.
Does that sound bit too far fetched ?? Too dramatic ?? Well, its the truth.Why should I be scared to return to my own home ?? Afterall, I've spent 26Yrs of my life there.. What has changed in just 4 yrs ?? Well to be quite fair..nothing has changed !! or atleast thats what I wud like to believe.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
These days..I,often,wake up in cold sweat,with my heart thumping wildly against my chest.. Can't put my finger down to exactly what I am scared of.Therez a feeling of dis-orientation..not knowing where I am.. or why am Ihere. Its a Nameless,Faceless Fear.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
I wonder,is it really worth to do all the "sacrifices" ?? I know there wud be quite a few raised eyebrows..saying 'Huh ? Wot Sacrifices fella ?'.
Well to be brutally honest..Therez this thing called "Mortality".. Nobody is spared from this TRUTH..Yes, Not even Ur parents.How long can I go fooling myself, that nothing has really changed..everything is fine.. when the harsh reality of life is that..my folks have aged by 4 more yrs.. That means I have 4 less years of being blessed by their presence in my life. And in these 4 years where was I ?? I was far away, in an alien place amongst alien people..Okay, I have a small bank balance to show for these 4 yrs.. But wud this money buy immortality for my parents ??
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
During that confused state of my mind,my thoughts wander..thinking, in some faraway corner of this world, my folks too must be lonely, at this very moment.How are they coping with the **loss** of their son for past 4 years ?? Are they really *alrite* as they claim to be ??
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
My work has driven me out of my homeland. The place/country where I am working isn't bad..In fact its so good.. that in a very short period it has lulled my Senses, has made me Handi-capped.. has Pampered me.. has made me Lazy..has made me Mediocre.There is no everyday struggle to grab that 4th seat of a berth while travelling to work ,There is no humiliation of being pushed & shoved in a rickety train compartment with people packed like sardines.And this is just the tip of the iceberg of the things that await me back in India.
An intangible "Fear-Factor" is holding me, from jumping back into the "CHAOS" that is INDIA.Maybe its just my outlook ,which, has changed in last 4 yrs.I want to go back & be with my folks..I really do..But I am scared.Thats the truth.
Does that sound bit too far fetched ?? Too dramatic ?? Well, its the truth.Why should I be scared to return to my own home ?? Afterall, I've spent 26Yrs of my life there.. What has changed in just 4 yrs ?? Well to be quite fair..nothing has changed !! or atleast thats what I wud like to believe.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
These days..I,often,wake up in cold sweat,with my heart thumping wildly against my chest.. Can't put my finger down to exactly what I am scared of.Therez a feeling of dis-orientation..not knowing where I am.. or why am Ihere. Its a Nameless,Faceless Fear.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
I wonder,is it really worth to do all the "sacrifices" ?? I know there wud be quite a few raised eyebrows..saying 'Huh ? Wot Sacrifices fella ?'.
Well to be brutally honest..Therez this thing called "Mortality".. Nobody is spared from this TRUTH..Yes, Not even Ur parents.How long can I go fooling myself, that nothing has really changed..everything is fine.. when the harsh reality of life is that..my folks have aged by 4 more yrs.. That means I have 4 less years of being blessed by their presence in my life. And in these 4 years where was I ?? I was far away, in an alien place amongst alien people..Okay, I have a small bank balance to show for these 4 yrs.. But wud this money buy immortality for my parents ??
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
During that confused state of my mind,my thoughts wander..thinking, in some faraway corner of this world, my folks too must be lonely, at this very moment.How are they coping with the **loss** of their son for past 4 years ?? Are they really *alrite* as they claim to be ??
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
My work has driven me out of my homeland. The place/country where I am working isn't bad..In fact its so good.. that in a very short period it has lulled my Senses, has made me Handi-capped.. has Pampered me.. has made me Lazy..has made me Mediocre.There is no everyday struggle to grab that 4th seat of a berth while travelling to work ,There is no humiliation of being pushed & shoved in a rickety train compartment with people packed like sardines.And this is just the tip of the iceberg of the things that await me back in India.
An intangible "Fear-Factor" is holding me, from jumping back into the "CHAOS" that is INDIA.Maybe its just my outlook ,which, has changed in last 4 yrs.I want to go back & be with my folks..I really do..But I am scared.Thats the truth.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Middle Of Nowhere
If I you ever wanted to know what one really means by the phrase "Middle of NoWhere", then I would take you out for lunch to "Mei Ling Food Court",the only purpose of its existance is to give meaning to such expressions.
Today I had lunch at Middle of Nowhere.This joint is so (in)conviniently located at a place where no matter which route I take it takes the same damn time to reach it.I have explored several ways to reach there and no matter which way I choose,each one takes roughly the same amount of time & efforts.
I have tried "WALKING" to this place,it takes me 20 minutes on foot to be there.
I tried "BUS + WALK", it takes 20 minutes.
I tried "BUS + BUS",it takes the same Damn 20 mins!!
Amazing! is the only word which comes to my mind .One would think I would be undergoing such ardous ordeal to enjoy a Gourmet Meal Right ?? WRONG!! Coz I go there just to eat a lowly "Cheese Burger" :( Well, there is no reason for me to frown coz I immensely love the burger at that joint.That is the reason why I am more than willing to embark on this weekly (once) sojourn to "Middle Of Nowhere".
Among all the possible routes,I enjoy the "WALKING" trail,coz it passes through a peculiarly rustic weather beaten road.Actually one can as well call it a Long forgotten road,coz I am sure this road must have had seen many a better days.The passage of time has rendered it useless for its original purpose.So there it lies, reminiscing on its lost glory,willing to tell its glorious past to whoever dares to tread this offbeat path. What once might have been a shining black tarmac is now thick Mossy overgrowth covering most of the road with a velvetty green blanket .The remaining strip is covered with brown dead leaves which crackle under your feet as you walk by.Well this "Crackle" may actually be a gasp uttered by these leaves as we crush whatever life that remains by carelessly trampling over them.There is a rusty yellow signboard which warns "ROAD HUMPS AHEAD",but now, only a couple of crows stop by to read the message, since the road has ceased to be of any utility for traffic.
A narrow gauge railway line cuts the road in two.Another signboard stands guard alongside the rail tracks,Is simply says "778-25".I guess its some secret code for the trains Motorman.The railline dissapears etching a S-shaped curve with its tracks.Whenever I cross this track, I promise myself to take a Pic of this thin spiralling rail track.But I need someone who could stand in the forground,or maybe someone sitting on the railtrack to make the picture more interesting.The track would be a perfect backdrop for a Moody portrait.This railway line dutifully chugs passengers between Malaysia & Singapore.
The road on one side of the track is dotted by some neat "Scary" row houses. Scary for those who are scared of DOGS!! Most of these houses have mean looking dogs tied outside their main doors.A very thin fence separates the pedestrians from these dis-trustful guards.They break into angry howls on the slightest hint of footsteps.I always try to walk with muffled steps whenever I pass by these houses,less I catch attention of some alert dog.But my eyes invariably wander to the window panes of these houses.The voyeurist inside me can't resist the temptation of catching the eyes of bored Mistresses of those silly dogs!!.But so far this has never happened. I will tell you when this wish of mine comes true.No wonder those dogs are so suspicious of strangers walking past those houses :))
This road eventually leads up to an Archery range which runs alongside a football field.Once past the archery range I am back to the urban jungle of my office.Once inside Office,I am back to my desk hastily hitting at the keybord writing about "Middle Of Nowhere".
P.S.:
I wrote this almost 3 years back,since then that burger joint has closed down.The archery range and the football field have been rundown to pave way for a new road/flyover.I am not sure whether the walking trail is still accessible or it too has been cordoned off due to the ongoing roadworks..One of these days I will have to venture again thru that rustic route Juz for "Old Times Sake" **sigh**
Today I had lunch at Middle of Nowhere.This joint is so (in)conviniently located at a place where no matter which route I take it takes the same damn time to reach it.I have explored several ways to reach there and no matter which way I choose,each one takes roughly the same amount of time & efforts.
I have tried "WALKING" to this place,it takes me 20 minutes on foot to be there.
I tried "BUS + WALK", it takes 20 minutes.
I tried "BUS + BUS",it takes the same Damn 20 mins!!
Amazing! is the only word which comes to my mind .One would think I would be undergoing such ardous ordeal to enjoy a Gourmet Meal Right ?? WRONG!! Coz I go there just to eat a lowly "Cheese Burger" :( Well, there is no reason for me to frown coz I immensely love the burger at that joint.That is the reason why I am more than willing to embark on this weekly (once) sojourn to "Middle Of Nowhere".
Among all the possible routes,I enjoy the "WALKING" trail,coz it passes through a peculiarly rustic weather beaten road.Actually one can as well call it a Long forgotten road,coz I am sure this road must have had seen many a better days.The passage of time has rendered it useless for its original purpose.So there it lies, reminiscing on its lost glory,willing to tell its glorious past to whoever dares to tread this offbeat path. What once might have been a shining black tarmac is now thick Mossy overgrowth covering most of the road with a velvetty green blanket .The remaining strip is covered with brown dead leaves which crackle under your feet as you walk by.Well this "Crackle" may actually be a gasp uttered by these leaves as we crush whatever life that remains by carelessly trampling over them.There is a rusty yellow signboard which warns "ROAD HUMPS AHEAD",but now, only a couple of crows stop by to read the message, since the road has ceased to be of any utility for traffic.
A narrow gauge railway line cuts the road in two.Another signboard stands guard alongside the rail tracks,Is simply says "778-25".I guess its some secret code for the trains Motorman.The railline dissapears etching a S-shaped curve with its tracks.Whenever I cross this track, I promise myself to take a Pic of this thin spiralling rail track.But I need someone who could stand in the forground,or maybe someone sitting on the railtrack to make the picture more interesting.The track would be a perfect backdrop for a Moody portrait.This railway line dutifully chugs passengers between Malaysia & Singapore.
The road on one side of the track is dotted by some neat "Scary" row houses. Scary for those who are scared of DOGS!! Most of these houses have mean looking dogs tied outside their main doors.A very thin fence separates the pedestrians from these dis-trustful guards.They break into angry howls on the slightest hint of footsteps.I always try to walk with muffled steps whenever I pass by these houses,less I catch attention of some alert dog.But my eyes invariably wander to the window panes of these houses.The voyeurist inside me can't resist the temptation of catching the eyes of bored Mistresses of those silly dogs!!.But so far this has never happened. I will tell you when this wish of mine comes true.No wonder those dogs are so suspicious of strangers walking past those houses :))
This road eventually leads up to an Archery range which runs alongside a football field.Once past the archery range I am back to the urban jungle of my office.Once inside Office,I am back to my desk hastily hitting at the keybord writing about "Middle Of Nowhere".
P.S.:
I wrote this almost 3 years back,since then that burger joint has closed down.The archery range and the football field have been rundown to pave way for a new road/flyover.I am not sure whether the walking trail is still accessible or it too has been cordoned off due to the ongoing roadworks..One of these days I will have to venture again thru that rustic route Juz for "Old Times Sake" **sigh**
Sorry "Marry By" date has expired !!
Have i gone past my "Marry By" expiry date ??
I guess I am among the rarest of rare species of Indian males,who even after reaching ripe age of 31 hasn't had the good (or bad) fortune of even single marriage proposal coming my way..not even a damn pic/bio from a prospective bride :(
Is that an indication of my "Market Value' (Yuuck) in the marriage market ?? What makes me so un-marketable ?? Why isn't anyone showing an iota of interest in me ?? Why hasn't my marriage stocks soared even after me working in "foren" for over 4 yrs ??
I guess my Marketing team is to be blamed.This team comprises of my Mom,Dad ,Sis & Me.I have to excuse my dad,he is getting old,has problems with his health becoz of which he hardly ventures out of home these days. Mom,poor soul,she is far too timid & shy,she hasn't got network of any sorts amongst our community / neighborhood / relatives. That leaves my sis, She again is a poor thing..she is having her hands full juggling her job & raising a 5 yr old hyperactive kid. She did bring-up this topic couple of years back..but back then I dismissed any discussion saying I don't want to get married (ever).Period.
So I guess I will have to shoulder most of the blame for having sunk so low down the Eligible Bachelor category that no one wants to touch me even with a barge pole. Its not that nobody has approached my parents,its just that I have been so damn stubborn & ill-tempered & vague whenever the subject of marriage was brought up that so far none of those proposals made their way to me for a final scrutiny. My usual response use to be..a trade mark "Hmm...lets see Next Year.." That line use to work quite well while I was still in my late 20's..but..time & tide,they say,doesn't wait for anyone..Least of all for a"Procastinatinor" like me..Years flew thick & fast..ALAS.. the fabled "Next Year" is yet to arrive.
I am in a fix.I have built an image of a introvertish recluse,and withme being tucked away in Sg'pore over last 4 yrs,the chasm in communication has widened even further..I don't have to face up to my parents/relatives/neighbors day in and day out,The topic now comes up just once in a year during my annual holidays & as fate would have it on last two occasions when I was holidaying in India,I was not in best of "marriageable" condition healthwise!!! So my parents wisely didn't pressurize me..
I am in dilemma "To Marry or Not To Marry " ?? Can I offfer quality companionship to my SoulMate ?? Maybe not, not with the health issue which has been troubling for more than 10 yrs now..Its nothing life threatening but its an issue which I can't ignore..Its an issue which has driven me into depression for so long. Would marriage complicate my life even further ?? Are my best years already behind me ?? Can I get into a relationship with so much negativity & pessimism inside me ?? Its quite fair that I am not in much demand..I haven't got any "positives" to offer to anyone so it serves me right being a dismal failure in the thriving marriage market.
I remember some lines,which I am loosely translating here :
"Life is like a game of Musical Chairs..Everyone is trying to grab a chair & therez always one chair less.We are running...& the chairs of Love,Marriage,Fame etc comes around just once..If we miss the chance...Then all that remains in life is just running round n round n round..."
Have I missed my chair ??
I guess I am among the rarest of rare species of Indian males,who even after reaching ripe age of 31 hasn't had the good (or bad) fortune of even single marriage proposal coming my way..not even a damn pic/bio from a prospective bride :(
Is that an indication of my "Market Value' (Yuuck) in the marriage market ?? What makes me so un-marketable ?? Why isn't anyone showing an iota of interest in me ?? Why hasn't my marriage stocks soared even after me working in "foren" for over 4 yrs ??
I guess my Marketing team is to be blamed.This team comprises of my Mom,Dad ,Sis & Me.I have to excuse my dad,he is getting old,has problems with his health becoz of which he hardly ventures out of home these days. Mom,poor soul,she is far too timid & shy,she hasn't got network of any sorts amongst our community / neighborhood / relatives. That leaves my sis, She again is a poor thing..she is having her hands full juggling her job & raising a 5 yr old hyperactive kid. She did bring-up this topic couple of years back..but back then I dismissed any discussion saying I don't want to get married (ever).Period.
So I guess I will have to shoulder most of the blame for having sunk so low down the Eligible Bachelor category that no one wants to touch me even with a barge pole. Its not that nobody has approached my parents,its just that I have been so damn stubborn & ill-tempered & vague whenever the subject of marriage was brought up that so far none of those proposals made their way to me for a final scrutiny. My usual response use to be..a trade mark "Hmm...lets see Next Year.." That line use to work quite well while I was still in my late 20's..but..time & tide,they say,doesn't wait for anyone..Least of all for a"Procastinatinor" like me..Years flew thick & fast..ALAS.. the fabled "Next Year" is yet to arrive.
I am in a fix.I have built an image of a introvertish recluse,and withme being tucked away in Sg'pore over last 4 yrs,the chasm in communication has widened even further..I don't have to face up to my parents/relatives/neighbors day in and day out,The topic now comes up just once in a year during my annual holidays & as fate would have it on last two occasions when I was holidaying in India,I was not in best of "marriageable" condition healthwise!!! So my parents wisely didn't pressurize me..
I am in dilemma "To Marry or Not To Marry " ?? Can I offfer quality companionship to my SoulMate ?? Maybe not, not with the health issue which has been troubling for more than 10 yrs now..Its nothing life threatening but its an issue which I can't ignore..Its an issue which has driven me into depression for so long. Would marriage complicate my life even further ?? Are my best years already behind me ?? Can I get into a relationship with so much negativity & pessimism inside me ?? Its quite fair that I am not in much demand..I haven't got any "positives" to offer to anyone so it serves me right being a dismal failure in the thriving marriage market.
I remember some lines,which I am loosely translating here :
"Life is like a game of Musical Chairs..Everyone is trying to grab a chair & therez always one chair less.We are running...& the chairs of Love,Marriage,Fame etc comes around just once..If we miss the chance...Then all that remains in life is just running round n round n round..."
Have I missed my chair ??
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