I get a ride from my neighbour-aka-friend-aka-ex-colleague-aka-travel buddy(aka-not mommy!) every day. We used to work together in Mumbai, and on my third day in Delhi, I bumped into him on the third floor of my building. It was a pleasant blast from the past.
So, it's never a dull ride with this guy and we end up having some very bizarre conversations, every now and then. The other day we were talking about the M word: Marriage.
He thinks I should land myself a VERY rich chap. "He will need to be either Gujju or Punju," he elaborated with absolute conviction (incidently he is Punju, too, so, I suppose it's warranted!). Something to think about.
Music is also a part of the journey. We listen to 95 on the radio and share a chuckle everytime the RJ's imaginary cow Adam moos. But of late the RJ has been talking absolute crap. So, my pal got a CD of...80's music. We listened to Rick Astley, Thriller, The remixed version of Thriller by dance duo Signature for the Britain's Got talent show and...Tarzan Boy!
The last number we listened to, twice. And my pal especially swears by what sound like gunshots at the start of the song. By the way, he is a fan of the blood, gore and violence of God Of War. That should explain it!
Monday, May 4, 2009
THE MAID
My maid is most enthused by the new old sofa set. She noticed that the wood was had plintered on one arm, and demanded in her usual overzealous manner to knowhow this came to be.
I really feel for her, this woman-child who has three kids at the age of 21, no education, and yet, is bright, enterprising and has a memorable personality.
So, this morning, whilst I was sipping chai and lounging on sofa, accepting new Facebook requests, she was mopping the floor and suggesting (rather vociferously) that I get two sets of covers for the cushions -- so, she can wash one whilst the other sits snugly on the Sleepwell cushions.
Also, get a small centre table (wooden), she suggested, so, that she can serve breakfast and sip chai, here when friends pop over. She said all of this rather dramatically, like as if she was visualling a scene, and herself playing a major part in it.
I really feel for her, this woman-child who has three kids at the age of 21, no education, and yet, is bright, enterprising and has a memorable personality.
So, this morning, whilst I was sipping chai and lounging on sofa, accepting new Facebook requests, she was mopping the floor and suggesting (rather vociferously) that I get two sets of covers for the cushions -- so, she can wash one whilst the other sits snugly on the Sleepwell cushions.
Also, get a small centre table (wooden), she suggested, so, that she can serve breakfast and sip chai, here when friends pop over. She said all of this rather dramatically, like as if she was visualling a scene, and herself playing a major part in it.
EMPTY SPACES
Going from living in a 1-BHK to a 3-BHK is akin to a journey of self-discovery.
Sure I had my own room in school. But eight years in Mumbai, where the rents are high and space is money, makes these spaces seem somewhat intimidating.
Suddenly my TV resembled a midget. And my living room looked so very bare. Filling up space on a budget can prove to be a challenge. Sure I could spend a pretty penny and get a bunch of nifty stuff from a swanky, air-conditioned furniture store. But where's the fun in that?
I have ecclectic, vintage tastes, with a smattering of contemporary thrown in. And in the recession, the key is to buy good quality stuff for a great price. So, I got a fab second-hand 5-seater, which adds this warm, homely touch to such a stark, wide space.
Sure I had my own room in school. But eight years in Mumbai, where the rents are high and space is money, makes these spaces seem somewhat intimidating.
Suddenly my TV resembled a midget. And my living room looked so very bare. Filling up space on a budget can prove to be a challenge. Sure I could spend a pretty penny and get a bunch of nifty stuff from a swanky, air-conditioned furniture store. But where's the fun in that?
I have ecclectic, vintage tastes, with a smattering of contemporary thrown in. And in the recession, the key is to buy good quality stuff for a great price. So, I got a fab second-hand 5-seater, which adds this warm, homely touch to such a stark, wide space.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
QBA
This weekend we headed to a lounge-nightclub-restaurant in Cannought Place, called the QBA. I expected some motif of Cuban culture. But there weren't any. So, we wondered if this was a watering hole for Q folks, since one of the gang with us was Q and loving it.
We smirked at the significance of our own conclusions. The patio upstairs is a good bet, and let's you escape the burst (sans any warning) of filmy music inside, playing to a gallery of private party folks. We arrived in time for happy hours, and ordered mojitos and white wine.
That's the beauty of Delhi life. You can reach a bar before 7.30 pm and actually enjoy the benefit of happy hours, unlike in Mumbai where you are sure to NOT reach the venue before 11 pm. Of course on the flipside, this city parties at 8 and sleeps at 11 pm.
On New Year's eve we were grooving in Mumbai. And here we were, the same group, some of who work in Mumbai and hail from Delhi, and some of us who used to work in mumbai, and hail from Goa and Pune, all sipping mojitos on a patio in Delhi, where the giant floor fans emit sprays of water, to beat the heat.
How time flies.
We smirked at the significance of our own conclusions. The patio upstairs is a good bet, and let's you escape the burst (sans any warning) of filmy music inside, playing to a gallery of private party folks. We arrived in time for happy hours, and ordered mojitos and white wine.
That's the beauty of Delhi life. You can reach a bar before 7.30 pm and actually enjoy the benefit of happy hours, unlike in Mumbai where you are sure to NOT reach the venue before 11 pm. Of course on the flipside, this city parties at 8 and sleeps at 11 pm.
On New Year's eve we were grooving in Mumbai. And here we were, the same group, some of who work in Mumbai and hail from Delhi, and some of us who used to work in mumbai, and hail from Goa and Pune, all sipping mojitos on a patio in Delhi, where the giant floor fans emit sprays of water, to beat the heat.
How time flies.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
ON THE MOVE
My office is relocating from Noida to a place called MG Road in Dilli, in the next two days. The metro is being constructed along the length of the road, and we can expect lots of dust, traffic and concrete, in all directions.
On the bright side, there's a decent furniture hub in the vicinity. And the malls of Gurgaon are just a stone's throw away, in case, we feel like some retail therapy.
Yes, this Dilli adventure is getting more interesting (conveniently ambiguous word that reveals absolutely nothing!).
The swimming is coming along great. I find it rather amusing to watch the ladies in the pool sport little frills attached to the swimsuit. Personally, I think it looks tackier than flabby thighs, which are meant to be seen in a pool. The men though are very satisfied to show off their f(l)ab abs, and in fact, freestyle along with a quiet air of contentment, flabby thighs or not.
On the bright side, there's a decent furniture hub in the vicinity. And the malls of Gurgaon are just a stone's throw away, in case, we feel like some retail therapy.
Yes, this Dilli adventure is getting more interesting (conveniently ambiguous word that reveals absolutely nothing!).
The swimming is coming along great. I find it rather amusing to watch the ladies in the pool sport little frills attached to the swimsuit. Personally, I think it looks tackier than flabby thighs, which are meant to be seen in a pool. The men though are very satisfied to show off their f(l)ab abs, and in fact, freestyle along with a quiet air of contentment, flabby thighs or not.
LOTS IS HAPPENING
So, I finally have some new friends, who remind me of the gals in Mumbai. It's like I suddenly don't feel alone in this city, anymore.
They have similar interests -- books, shopping, partying, animals, romance, et al -- all the girly interests without silly chicklet trimmings. And it feels good to connect on a real, non-superficial level.
On the other hand, I attended this gathering of obviously interesting people, but they came across as somewhat clannish. Yet, I know that there must be a smattering of depth in their beings. Or else how would they make such soulful music?
These days I have a new indulgence -- swimming. It's the best part of my day, post office. Lounging in the pool. Doing laps. Waiting patiently for noisy swimmers to whisk past.
They have similar interests -- books, shopping, partying, animals, romance, et al -- all the girly interests without silly chicklet trimmings. And it feels good to connect on a real, non-superficial level.
On the other hand, I attended this gathering of obviously interesting people, but they came across as somewhat clannish. Yet, I know that there must be a smattering of depth in their beings. Or else how would they make such soulful music?
These days I have a new indulgence -- swimming. It's the best part of my day, post office. Lounging in the pool. Doing laps. Waiting patiently for noisy swimmers to whisk past.
Friday, April 17, 2009
CONFIDENCE ON STEROIDS
THE other day I meet these two gals for lunch -- well-travelled, sophisticated types (in a Sex And The City and not a South Bombay way) -- in who's presence I felt a wee bit self-conscious. In the first few minutes of the meeting, I was transported back to school; I was the fat, ugly one, and they were the 'popular' people. This feeling decreased in intensity, as the afternoon wore on. But it did not go away completely.
There was this one booboo moment, where their Italian guy friend stooped down to catch my name. Stupid me -- I thought he was being all Portuguese about introductions, and giving me a peck on both cheeks. He smiled and asked, "Do you want a kiss?!"
The girls smirked (I don't blame them) at my little faux pas, and maybe, two years back I would have shrivelled up and died. This time round, I smiled awkwardly for a few seconds and then the moment was over, overshadowed by a volley of clever repartees from two gals and the guy.
The afternoon proceeded fluidedly. Food, drinks, conversations, confidences and lots of launghs. They were very conversant, and had news, views and staunch opinions to share on all topics under the sun -- from politics to high fashion, food and culture. But they are far from perfect. One had much to desire in her personal life. The other had much to desire in her professional life.
Yet, I have a feeling they will exude confidence in any setting, due to some inherent X-factor, which one can't define. Or maybe it's due to their Ivy League education, having lived in more than one international city, and being born to somewhat affluent (and by that I don't mean necessarily rich) backgrounds.
These girls were funny and smart and nice. At first I thought I was in awe of them. But no, I don't want to be any of them. But I do envy that level of confidence, of being able to hold your own anywhere.
Yes, I felt both envious and slightly in awe -- of this quality in them.
There was this one booboo moment, where their Italian guy friend stooped down to catch my name. Stupid me -- I thought he was being all Portuguese about introductions, and giving me a peck on both cheeks. He smiled and asked, "Do you want a kiss?!"
The girls smirked (I don't blame them) at my little faux pas, and maybe, two years back I would have shrivelled up and died. This time round, I smiled awkwardly for a few seconds and then the moment was over, overshadowed by a volley of clever repartees from two gals and the guy.
The afternoon proceeded fluidedly. Food, drinks, conversations, confidences and lots of launghs. They were very conversant, and had news, views and staunch opinions to share on all topics under the sun -- from politics to high fashion, food and culture. But they are far from perfect. One had much to desire in her personal life. The other had much to desire in her professional life.
Yet, I have a feeling they will exude confidence in any setting, due to some inherent X-factor, which one can't define. Or maybe it's due to their Ivy League education, having lived in more than one international city, and being born to somewhat affluent (and by that I don't mean necessarily rich) backgrounds.
These girls were funny and smart and nice. At first I thought I was in awe of them. But no, I don't want to be any of them. But I do envy that level of confidence, of being able to hold your own anywhere.
Yes, I felt both envious and slightly in awe -- of this quality in them.
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