Break ke Baad in Aamchi Mumbai

AI 130 was hovering over Mumbai to land at Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport. As I stepped out of the plane, the swanky new terminal was the first amongst the many changes I noticed in Amchi Mumbai.  


The new terminal, duty free shops were unlike what I had seen a few years ago when I first travelled abroad. But this was short lived as the two helpless scanners tried best to accommodate luggage of the passengers at the customs.  On my way home, I noticed the new construction at City Light theatre was complete, but was promptly told that it’s just a commercial complex with no theatre. One more landmark with many childhood memories has disappeared in the builder-official-politician nexus.

Prices of vegetables, basic food items have inflated

Eating out is too expensive 

The most striking was the sky high prices of fruits, vegetables and daily items. Prices for dozen eggs, a litre of milk, bread and vegetable made me think, perhaps grocery was cheaper or at similar rate in London. Our staple Idli sambar at DP’s now costs Rs 32 while the favourite sabudana wada from Prakash is for Rs 30. So much for the inflation.....  

It was the next day after Dasara, my first festival since my return J, I got a call from my brother ‘you missed ganapati visarjan this year; start walking towards Gokhale Road you will get a glimpse’. Sure I did, it was a long queue of trucks with Devi idols headed towards Dadar Chowpatty. Sign of another festival becoming bigger, louder, commercialised and politicised. This time my usual long drive at night to Marine Drive took another route on my way back – the new Lalbaug fly over. Another subtle and important change was the death of close relatives, friend and acquaintances when I was away, a loss which will never be relived.  

Want to become backpacker again soon!!

Cafe at Hostel

Apart from the beautiful Scottish landscapes my recent holiday introduced me to budget travel and backpacking. The four days of travel were very different from the family holidays and tours we are used to in India. Must say I am looking forward to become a backpacker again!

Unlike in India, booking a tour did not mean I was offered a ‘posh’ hotel and three meals of the day with services to carry my luggage and local transport. It was fun to learn to travel light, which is so impossible for us Indians. I was amazed to see how western travellers manage to travel for weeks and months with a small suitcase or a travel sack. Here I was with a similar bag travelling for four days.

Travel wagon shaped bar

It was a pleasant surprise to enjoy the ambience that backpacking provides with the company of fellow travellers from different countries. So we had Team Australia, Team China, Team Turkey, Team Korea, etc on our bus. Having read about budget hotels as a professional, I had some idea what backpacking hostels would offer. The most happening part of the hostel was the pub or the cafe where travellers would relax after an early dinner. The self catering kitchen was ready with cutlery, utensils and chopping boards for those who fancy cooking. The lounge was a perfect setting to play cards or for net surfing.

The hostel I stayed in Edinburgh offered complimentary walking tours, pub crawl and pool competitions. It was this walking tour that I realised such hostels also employ backpackers who earn while travelling. Our walking tour guide was a Canadian student on a break, travelling around Europe with Edinburgh as his base.  He is in the city for 10 months, has travelled around Europe, UK and works at the hostel.  “What a wonderful life. I would love to become backpacker like him”, I thought.

The Weatherman

This morning I stepped out to go to the university and realised it was a little dark and the sky was grey. Is it the white cloud or will it rain? Oh shit I forgot to check the weather forecast... The first lesson I learnt when I came to London was – Always check the weather before leaving.

Perhaps the only unpredictable thing in London is the weather.  I was least bothered about the weather in Mumbai as practically we have only two seasons – summer and rainy.  Winter season is a distant cousin who very rarely visits Mumbai. My most concern to know the weather was during monsoon just to know if there is any water logging or heavy rains are expected. Our metropolitan department was infamously famous for inaccurate predictions so these updates were also taken with a pinch of salt. Later the weather reporters clad in corporate suits explaining wind directions on private news channels also failed to get my attention.

In London BBC is my weatherman. I can check weather for London, Kingston and even according to the postcode. I am leaving at 9 am but it’s going to rain at 16.00 and temperature drops at 22.00.  Along with my travel the five day weather forecast helps me to manage my laundry routine.  My friend casually asks – is it a good day to wash clothes? Me – Yes it’s going to be sunny for the next two days.  Or weather forecast could help to decide what to wear. If it was not for London, I would not have paid attention to the wind speed. Once my friend said its sunny today with temperature about 10 degrees. I asked her to check the wind speed. Reason? To know if I need to carry a jacket. She was surprised is when I told her if the wind speed is above 7 mph means it could be breezy. That was my observation. I love to drench in the Mumbai rain, watch splashing waves along the sea shore. But in London, rains, cold weather and wind is a lethal combination.  The wind cheater I brought from Mumbai is going back home as I need a rain coat suitable for the London rain.

This new knowledge has taught me a different lingo – white cloud, sunny intervals, light rain, heavy rain, snow, drizzle. It was a sunny day; I was trying my best to cope with the market research class when suddenly it started thundering followed by heavy rains. Our Greek professor in his own style said "You know guyssss there is a famous saying in London You don’t like the weather? Wait a minute".  

Random thoughts on my mind

 Last week I read some tips to attract new readers to your blog. The most important tip I felt was - Be yourself  and Content is king. I am a rookie blogger but think my blog name says it all. Random Thoughts - I try to pen down random thoughts, sometimes to make sense of my own feelings and thinking.

I identified with another tip of writing about things you actually are passionate about instead of attempting something indifferent. This is what happens with me. Some topic or issues keeps coming to my mind and I write about it. But last few days have been different. I thought of writing on 3-4 topics. Many of my friends are working on their dissertations, which requires us to collect primary data. Hence since past few months I have filled many online questionnaires and irritated others to fill mine. So one of the topic on my mind was Survey Mania. Never in my life I must have consciously thought about advertising effects, juices, supermarket shopping, hotels & restaurants. A dinner at a chinese restaurant made me think about Chinese vs Indian Chinese. How we are always on lookout for Indian Chinese. Another interesting issue on my mind was Is social media becoming a battle ground for political awakening? This was of course related to the ongoing 'Anti-corruption movement in India'. 

But alas I have not managed to write on any of these topics. Reason - The Big D. I mean dissertation. My 3 month break is over and am back  to university library, struggling with numbers, analysing data. But still this mind full of Random Thoughts did make for a new post. Will be back soon with another post. Till then Chow!!

Enduring faith in Indian values and parenting

The following article Raised to rampage, made me write this blog and further endorsed my faith in the Indian values and parenting. Pointing towards timid adults and fearless children, the article blames the parents for the UK having ‘most indisciplined and frighteningly moronic youngsters in Europe’.

It is the same fear that instilled disciplined and taught us values. As kids everyone of us was scared of mother, father, or some elder. It was a daunting task to hide those low grades, complaints or mischief from parents or elders for the fear of been punished or scolded. In return were encouraged to obey and respect elders, not to misbehave and still enjoy the joy of childhood. Once my friend mentioned about her professor stamping on the stack of lecture notes while teaching when an Indian student interrupted and asked him not to do that as Indians consider books as god. Another friend working in a fast food chain regularly narrates incidences of how children throw away money while paying for their favourite fries and Diet Coke.

Early days in London we use to adore chubby kids moving around in buggies on the streets and buses. My friend said ‘don’t adore them so much, the same kid will become a spoilt brat when he grows up’. His comment in a sense summed up the youngsters in general we observe here. As many now opine, the youngsters here can use their freedom and independence constructively to show dissent for the right cause instead of looting shops for frivolous reasons. One needs to reflect why opinion leaders have to emphasise parents to ask tough questions to their children.

We in India have always been given examples of how youth in the western countries start living independently and work from young age. But I believe what we forget is –With freedom comes responsibility. My stay in London tells me, sure youth here are independent and free but lack responsibilities: Responsibility towards their parents, elders, friends and society at large. I admit this freedom allows you to become independent and manage yourself better. I would not have learned many things had I not lived away from home. But the biggest test is to enjoy this freedom with a sense of responsibility and gratitude towards others.

It makes me wonder what must be the relationship between parents/ mother and children when mother of a 14 yr old kid scolds her friend for disturbing her sleep when her son was seen in the riot prone area past mid-night. This is when the memory of my mother waiting late night till I return from work becomes special.

Sometimes is it good not to be ‘socially connected’?

I was enjoying an ice-cream at Leicester Square when a friend from India called and scolded me for not answering her mail. Reason – she was worried after reading reports of riots in London. I was totally clueless about the latest incidences till I reached home to find my room-mates following the London mayhem on-line.

I knew about riots in North London but for some reason was not ‘glued to my lappy’ to know the details. I was at central London when I noticed some missed calls from friends and relatives in London and Mumbai. A friend informed me about some disturbance at Oxford Circus, the same area I had passed barely half an hour ago. The Oxford Street was as usual buzzing with shoppers and tourists. I noticed a police car screeching away while leaving the area but thoughts of riots in that area never crossed my mind. Harrods, London's famous luxury department stores, was also crowded with shoppers and tourists alike.

I figured my lack of knowledge about the fresh violence was that I was not ‘socially connected’. I don’t use a smart phone and hence was not twitting, updating FB messages or checking in places through Four Square application while enjoying a day out with a friend. This disconnection had kept me away from the panic, confusion, concern, discussion on the internet from policing in London to the fate of India-England test match. Later I came across reports and comments on how BBM was seen as one of the reason for spreading the violence. I stumbled upon this skype interview http://www.firstpost.com/world/how-blackberry-messenger-was-used-to-organize-londons-riots-57418.html , which discussed about BBM’s role in the London riots.

No doubt social networking, internet and technology are playing a greater role in every aspect of life. It’s not even a month since Mumbai was yet again rocked by bomb blasts, one of which was very near to my home (http://tejaldeshpande.blogspot.com/2011/07/when-terror-memories-hound-you.html). I was first informed about the incidence and my family’s well-being only through the net. Today also I am seeing how people are comments and organising messages online, which is a positive sign. I have seen riots and bomb blasts in Mumbai and am now in London for almost a year. This kind of riots and looting needs to be condemned and is not justified. But still I thought to myself – Sometimes is it good not to be ‘socially connected’?

Work in progress, Apologise for the delay

Today I got a mail from Transport for London (TFL) informing about bus route diversion on 14^th August due to a cycling test event for London Olympics. Such communication is highly unimaginable for a Mumbai citizen used to unexplained road digging and facing daily traffic snarls. And I realised I am getting used to London’s way of communication and liking it.

One chilly November morning I was late for a morning lecture because of some traffic near the campus. I was fortunate enough to have been allowed to enter the classroom, but the lecturer reminded the late comers about the ongoing gas pipeline work near the campus. This meant we were supposed to factor in that delay and plan our journey accordingly. This was one of the first lessons of travel planning in London as opposed to the assumptions and presumptions of Mumbai travel.

Later I started noticing digital sign boards along the roads at least a week in advance informing about planned engineering works. Importantly the boards apologised to commuters for delay and causing inconvenience. London tube stations have a ‘good service’ sign flashing against a tube line. Once my friend wondered what is ‘good service’. In Mumbai terminology it meant Western / Central / Harbour trains are running on time. Here the tube driver apologises for delay if the tube stops between stations, which was amusing for us in the beginning. Today’s TFL mail mentioned specific bus routes in my area that will be affected and provided a link for further information on those routes. Couple of days back my friend noticed our internet connection was down and we remembered receiving the pamphlet from our internet service provider about possible connection failure from 9am – 1 pm. Aptly our net connection was back at 1.30 pm.

This is in stark contrast to seeing Work in Progress signs on Mumbai roads for infinity. Worse the same road is again dug for some other reason disregarding logic and commuter’s convenience. If engineering works were actually planned a Mumbai commuter will not suffer the annual saga of pot-holed roads during the monsoons. Many will save money spent on doctor’s consultancy for backaches, sprains, maintenance costs for private vehicles and most importantly time and energy to face the same ordeal again and again.

To speak or not to speak

The Maharashtra legislative council members have suggested the government to consider a code of speech that will prevent retired police officers and administrators to leak sensitive information. This is in reaction to some sharp comments from former police officers and bureaucrats on several issues from bomb blasts, security, and infrastructure to various scams.

Today the governments in power are in constant introspection from the civil society, pressure groups and the media. The best fodder in such situations is the former officials in charge of the specific departments. The Indian media regularly features opinions of these officials, who often point out loopholes in implementing schemes or executing some projects. Those in power have began to see this as an violation of official powers where certain decisions and developments must remain classified even if the official is no longer in service. When I pondered over this issue, I thought isn’t it the question of ‘To speak or not to speak ‘in general?

Increasingly the world is becoming a small place with us individual’s donning different roles at different times and through different mediums. There are no strict boundaries or time limits to determine which role are we playing at what time. You are a friend, mother, daughter, son, father whoever and also a manager, politician, sportsman, actor at the same time irrespective of the time zone or geographical boundaries. So often you find ‘views expressed are personal’ on someone’s Twitter profile, making it clear not to link or interpret comments to their professional lives. Then how does one decide what to speak, with whom and when. How does one determine if the particular conversation is official or personal?

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s image comes to my mind. Few days ago he was defending his interactions with the News of the World’s editor Rebekah Brooks in personal capacity. In my brief career many times I have had to think before speaking when casual conversations lean towards your professional role. Importantly you don’t want to reveal things that are not supposed to be shared or spoken prematurely. If this is the genuine thought behind the proposal then the suggestion calls for a consideration. But the intention of blocking fair scrutiny or critical analysis of public issues will certainly be harmful to the democracy.

Rooting for The Lord @ Lord’s

I was looking for one chance to cheer for team India and Sachin Tendulkar as a compensation for having missed the World Cup celebrations in Mumbai. Since past few days my friend was subjected to some illogical, hypothetical and unimaginable situations created by me to just get a glimpse of The Lord who was in London for the last one month. But the thought of seeing him play at The Home of Cricket never occurred to my mind until my brother urged me to watch a test match instead of a one day international in London.

The 100^th test match between India and England was high on emotions and expectations. The biggest of them was Sachin Tendulkar’s 100^th international century on the ground that he has failed to concur during the majestic 21 years of cricket. Standing in the gallery capturing The Lord’s Cricket Ground, I saw Suresh Raina on his way for the net practice. Rahul Dravid followed soon and it was the turn of The Master Blaster. Showing the glimpse of an ace cricketer, Sachin stopped for few minutes at the pitch to get a hang of the wicket from the ground staff. This allowed me to quickly move towards the practice area where all other fans were expecting him. The sound of ‘Sachin Sachin’ became louder as he approached the MCC Cricket Academy Ground for the net practice.

Soon it was time to take the seats. VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid were taking guard as need to draw the match was on every Indian supporter’s mind. Just as Rahul Dravid was out a group of Indian supporters near me were seen cheering and clapping. It was evident that they were hoping for more wickets to fall to watch their favourite batsman play at The Mecca of Cricket. The stadium was alive and crowds applauded the master’s entry as Gautam Gambhir’s wicket paved way for Sachin’s chance to score at Lord’s. Sitting under the hot sun me and my friend were wondering what must be going to through the mind of Sachin Tendulkar. Be constantly under pressure to excel in every match with expectation of more than 1 billion Indian fans. Concentrate on the task and not be bothered with the surrounding noise and mind games on the field. Recovering from the viral fever. Anticipation of that 100^th ton during the 100^th test between India & England, on the ground he was playing after 20 years with not even a half century under his belt. It would have been a dream, just like winning the World Cup at Wankhede stadium was. These thoughts reminded me of watching cricket matches at Wankhede with chants of Ganapti Bappa Morya booming in the stadium.

It was post lunch, Raina was hitting the ball well and it was a slow start for Sachin. He was seen keen on giving the strike to Raina and was stuck with 11 runs for long time. It was when I heard the familiar Ganapati Bappa Morya chants from the North Stand, full of Indian supporters. Sachin’s 12^th run was cheered by every Indian fan inside the stadium. The dropped catch off Anderson’s delivery caught my breath as Sachin survived. But was trapped leg before on the every next ball. As the fall of another wicket sunk in, I realised Lord’s was giving standing ovation to one of the greatest cricketer to dwarf all the possible records in the history. I followed suite, cheering for the man I first saw at the Wankhede stadium, playing a Ranaji Trophy game for Mumbai and took his autograph. Two decades later I was as much eager to get a glimpse of Tendlya as he continues to inspire us.

A tribute to a friend whom I shall meet only in spirit

As I signed in, my FB page listed today’s birthday but the birthday girl left us for her heavenly abode, leaving fond memories behind. No wall updates, no HB messages. My mind raced to so many birthday wishes and calls as we cherished the decade long friendship.

A casual meeting in the corridor on the first day of senior college had transformed into a formidable bond irrespective of the distance and time. She truly epitomised the phrase ‘friend in need is a friend indeed’ when I banked on her for notes during exams. Asking for her History notes was my birth right! The nervousness of appearing for exam disappeared with her assurance that I will do well. Remember the late evening when we both decided to visit the Kalina campus on knowing our graduation results were out. This was when results were not announced online, but pasted on a notice board in building somewhere in the corner of that deadly campus. We checked our results under a dim tube light accompanied by couple of other friends.

I enjoyed her company on the same campus when we both enrolled for post graduation. She failed to quell my restlessness to sit quietly and study in the library, surrounded by thick books on political science and economics. Hard to believe it’s the same me who prefers quite study zone to work on assignments at my university in London. That friendly pestering for missing lectures was not new. I was used to it since college as I visited cyber cafe in the days when personal computers were not so commonly owned. She introduced me to the world of making friends online when Orkut, Facebook were unheard of. Thanks to that I made some amazing friends through the Internet. I always admired her courage and positive attitude to face adversities with a smiling face.

Out of sight is not out of mind is so true for some relationships. Our friendship was one of them. Those long on-line chats were our focal connecting point when both of us were in different cities. The short mail with birthday wishes when we were across time zones meant a lot in the age of on-line wishes. It was yet another chat that turned to be our last meeting until the angels decided to choose my friend whom I shall only meet in spirit.

An outsider’s view of two parliaments – India and Britain

Last two days bought a renewed excitement for me. After a long time I was kicked about following current affairs than worrying about business stories and market trends. Watching Rupert and James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks defending the News Of The World’s phone hacking scandal in front of a committee of MPs was first instance of my exposure to parliamentary committee proceedings. Live streaming of David Cameron’s defence in the parliament today was another such learning experience.

But as I watched these two developments, I pondered if joint parliamentary proceedings on a critical issue like this will ever be telecasted live in India? As of now Impossible seems the answer. Secondly I was amazed to see the discipline, assertiveness and an effort to discuss the current issue by the British MPs. Instead, I imagine in India the blame games and accusation within and against the government would have generated more discussions than the actual issue.

Indian politics and current affairs always fascinated me, which in a sense encouraged me to graduate in political science. Some of my early memories are of following election results and discussions on NDTV moderated by Prannoy Roy and Rajdeep Sardesai and eagerly watching the live telecast of union budget. I remember prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s style of speaking in chest Hindi supported by some nice poems. Arun Shourie, Pramod Mahajan, Yashwant Sinha and P A Sangma’s name comes to mind when I remember parliament debates. Though I keep abreast of the current developments, following it closely has its own charm. This was mostly in late 1990s when National Democratic Alliance was in power; hence recollection is restricted to that time.

As a common citizen with no access to political circle, what I notice is Indian politician’s inability to allow fair discussions. These days media reports of how tax payer’s money is wasted in adjournment motions are as routine as, reports of potholes on Mumbai roads every monsoon. Issues are the same, reports are the same, but no concrete action.Looks like walkouts, adjournments; MPs shouting and coming to the speaker’s well is the order of the day. No wonder eminent parliamentarian like Somnath Chatterjee was frustrated to be the Lok Sabha speaker.

In contrast, the British parliament today, gave me a glimpse how a sensitive and critical issue can be discussed in a professional and civilian manner. The parliament members were obeying speaker’s instructions, allowing fellow members to ask questions and the prime minister to reply. It showed the actual power of the speaker and how debate can be conducted in a dignified and measured tone. It also gives the impression, amongst all other reforms, its high time our representatives reflect on the ways to enhance the level of parliamentary proceedings and discussions with due respect to the institution.

When the terror memories hound you....

As a 12 year old kid one day I was playing near my building, waiting to go with my mother for a relative’s wedding shopping at Dadar market, when she suddenly cancelled the plan. Reason: a neighbour who came from that side informed about a possible bomb blast at the Plaza Theatre. Yes, I did hear some noise, but had thought it to be sound of a firecracker from a wedding at the nearby church. Little did I know that ‘firecracker sound’ in 1993 will become a regular pattern in my life as I grow up in this buzzing city called Mumbai.

Yesterday again the terror struck at my backyard as I watched images of the very area I live in been cordoned off as a bomb exploded on the roof of a bus stop. The live streaming was showing the damaged bus stop in front of the school that my brother studied in, the foot path I have walked on umpteen numbers of times, the familiar Hanuman Temple, the Jesus Cross and the hardware shop that was damaged. It was the same time my mother returns from work and walks the very same foot path to buy vegetables. As I spoke to my father we both were relieved that the school children were safe. Mother was sad to know that old woman from whom she occasionally bought fruits lost her life.

Following the blast updates from my university library in London, I felt as if there is a set time table to blow Mumbai every two years. In 2005 I was returning home from work when I saw unusual traffic jam when a fellow passenger informed about bomb blasts in Mumbai local trains. A year earlier I had covered the bomb blast in a bus at Ghatkopar as one of my early experiences as a newspaper reporter. The Zaveri Bazaar and Gateway blasts followed with a horrific terror attack in November 2008. The terror attack, like 2005 floods, will never be forgotten by anyone. In fact most of the Mumbai citizens by now have some dark memory of riots; bomb blast, terror attacks, floods, and god know what is going to follow.

The famed ‘Spirit of Mumbai’ manifested its online avatar minutes after the blasts. Facebook and Twitter were flooded with initiatives to help people – a car lift towards suburbs, offer to host those stranded, phone numbers and addresses of nearby doctors or hospitals been shared or re-tweeted. This rubbished the cynicism of some who question this habbit of sharing helpline numbers on the internet. This same spirit has made us Mumbaikars strong and resilient. But I am not sure how much stronger can we be or should be as ‘the city gets back to normal a day after’.

Have you wondered about your favourite bus route?

It was hot afternoon when we boarded our usual bus no 71 from busy Eden Street that my friend remarked, ‘I hate 111, 131 their routes are so long, 71 is the best, it goes straight’. This made me think, I am not the only person having peculiar thoughts about bus routes. Living at Dadar, I have mostly travelled by bus to school, college, classes, work, anywhere in Mumbai. These bus travels have developed certain notions and memories about particular bus routes in my mind.

When I think of Mumbai buses I remember bus nos 165, 164, 385, 81, 85, 324, 79, 33, 87, 91, 28 and the list can be expanded. I can associate some memories, incidents, people I travelled with or something or the other with each of these bus routes. Bus no 165 has been a permanent companion from childhood till date. The landmark for my house is ‘ building behind 165 bus stop towards Worli’. This will be amusing for Londoners who depend on tube and location maps to travel. I use to take the same bus in the opposite direction to catch those early morning lectures at college. The 7 am 165 use to be full with school kids, most of them disembarking at my stop, making way for us other regular travellers. The daily routine to see the bus conductor managing the school kids and his witty conversations were fun to watch. The same conductor knew his other passengers and we never had to mention the stop we wanted to get off at, the ticket would be ready in our hands.

There was something I liked about route no 81, but still can’t figure out what was it. So many time when we were engrossed in chatting on the bus stop, my friend would say ‘your favourite bust has come, will see you tomorrow’. Was it the particular seat I use to scramble for while travelling to French classes? But I know why bus no 324 was my favourite while returning home from a tiring day when I was working at Business Standard. Doordarshan was the starting point, I got the window seat and the bus stopped right opposite my house! Bus travels on routes 87 and 91 remind me of several visits to my aunts' house, 79 and 33 will always be associated with my first job at Andheri.

This saga has continued in London too. My first Red Bus ride was no route 131, travelling from New Malden to Fairfield Bus Station. One of the early experiences of travelling in London was the recorded tapes inside the bus – 131 to Tooting Broadway. The journey in 111 to Heathrow Central will always be remembered for my early days in London, horrendous travel time to reach my university campus and for many more reasons. And I cannot forget 85 to Putney Bridge, my all time companion while studying at Kingston University. Another day when I was boarding the same bus home, I heard a guy telling his friend ‘this is my favourite bus’. Have you ever wondered about your favourite or not so favourite bus route?

Shit Happens but All Is Well !!

Last weekend my FB wall was clogged, literally! Aamir Khan's latest movie Delhi Belly had stormed everyone’s mind, making it a must watch movie for Gen Next. So we decided to watch it in theatre here in London. And this is where our story began.

As me and my friends were waiting in the cinema hall to see what this fuzz is about, a technician informed us about possible delay of 10 mins due to a technical problems. Ten minutes stretched to 20, and we were told the problem should be detected in next 5 mins. This 30 mins delay lead to the obvious fear of not been able to watch Delhi Belly today. The general manager came just in time with the bad news and a compensation of one free ticket for any movie at any of the theatre chain’s branches in England. My friend’s first reaction was – Galti kar raha hai, Indians ko free ticket de raha hai. Yes, mistake it was. One woman mentioned about spending on food too, and the one free ticket offer was extended to 2 free tickets to each person present in that hall.

Happy to have got two free tickets each, we walked out of the hall thinking how can we catch Delhi Belly today itself. We thought of watching it at another branch of the same theatre chain at Feltham. That meant we had to travelling for at least 1 hr from Wandsworth in South London to Feltham in West London. Meanwhile enquiry with the theatre staff gave some hopes of movie been screened if the problem is solved. Now another option was to wait and hope the movie will be screened. My friend approached the general manager again who was curious to know why we wanted to watch the movie so badly when others were ‘ready to swindle me’. This persuasion helped as the problem was solved, manager ready to screen the movie. But Alas! No screen was available. There fades our hope again.

As we were about to pack off here comes the manager, again with an offer to reserve tickets for us at Feltham provided we reach there on time. With barely 1 hr to go for the show, no idea how we were supposed to reach Feltham from Wandsworth, we three set off to watch Delhi Belly again. Mind you London is not like Mumbai where you travel on three main railway lines and know station names and their order by heart. Frantic calls to friends to locate route map on TFL (Transport For London website –our all-time saviour), hoping into a bus headed on wrong direction, catching the national rail just in time, we managed to reach the Feltham branch merely 15 minutes before the show. Out trail from Wandsworth to Feltham was perhaps crooning the famous song Bhag D K Bose Bhag!

Once at Feltham we met a rude customer service executive on the ticket counter, his face saying ‘you free loaders don’t bother, my show is full’. Not willing to understand, we asked him to check with his manager. A smiling manager apologising to us with envelope of reserved tickets us made our day. It was an apt example of how good customer service can work miracles. He ensured we got the preference when the screen opened and choose the best seats. Finally we were entering the cinema hall ushered by the manager as 150 people standing in the line were wondering what the fuzz is all about!!

The humble scrambled egg

When I was preparing to come to London one of my friend insisted, go and enjoy the English breakfast there. I always had fetish for hash browns, had tasted baked beans and of course the scrambled eggs. My first English breakfast was as expected, enjoyable and filling. Eating that lovely breakfast on the street side cafe under the bright sun was relaxing.

As always I did not to finish the scrambled eggs soon. Eggs have always been a part of my diet. Mother makes them in different ways, dry egg bhaji, egg omelette, half fry, egg curry and egg bhurji. Egg bhurji is a spiced version of the known scrambled eggs. My all time favourite is the simple scrambled egg. Don't know if I make it as per the prescribed recipe, but I love scrambled egg sprinkled with black pepper powder. Its my first choice whenever I go for buffet breakfast. On the other hand egg bhurji has its own place. I like to eat the hot bhurji made in iron wok or tava, as we call it, with hot chapati. The smell of tava bhurji been prepared on the roadside stalls in Mumbai mesmerizes you. The site of people crowding these stalls and hearing of clanging sound of the wok is common to us Mumbaikars.

Its the same with egg omelettes. I prefer plain omelettes instead of the spicy ones prepared with onion, tomatoes, chillies and coriander. Not to forget the yummy Tibbs egg frankie that becomes your saviour at the Churchgate station. Wrap, eggs, little of chat masala, soya sauce makes one of the yummiest frankies that I have ever eaten. I remembered all this I was relishing another filling omelette breakfast at one of the cafes in Kingston.

I missed it sooo much - The Sea!!

Those who live by the sea can hardly form a single thought of which the sea would not be part. Broch, Hermann

This quote is so true. Its been 8 months that I left Mumbai to study in London but there have had endless discussions remembering Mumbai seashore and rains. I realised how much I was missing sea when I visited Whitstable, near Canterbury this week. The site of calm water with men, women and kids enjoying themselves was so soothing and refreshing.

Born and brought up in Mumbai, my memories are filled with the sea. The childhood trips to Dadar 'chowpatty' as we call it, eating Mumbai street food and making sand dunes and wells on the beach. How can one forget those long drives and bike rides along the queens necklace, Bandra and Worli Sea face. The fishermen boats anchored at Versova, Juhu or Worli. The salty stink one is exposed to while crossing the Mahim causeway. Ah and the sea roar and splash during rainy, windy, Mumbai monsoons. The joy of drenching in those splashing sea waves at Marine Drive or Worli Sea Face cannot be described. The soaring sea, rough sea, sometimes calm sea is witness to the several romantic, gentle, emotional moments in the lives of us Mumbaikars. It swallows our sadness, frustration, anger and celebrates our joy. I am so longing to go back and feel that familiar cool and salty sea breeze in my beloved city - Mumbai.

Apple wants to bite the growing Indian belly - the middle class

Apple has relaunched its 3G iPhone model in India with a lower price tag of Rs 20,000. The first reaction from my friends was again the company had introduced old model and no one will buy 3G when iPhone 4 is officially available. To think of it - I feel its the smart move to capture the mid-market segment and increase Apple's market share in India.

Though Apple products have created a niche in the market and many Indians already have or can buy these products, Apple still has a long way to go in India. Many are buying iPhones, iPads and other gadgets from overseas, but the fact remains that Apple does not have a definitive market share in India compared to more established Nokia, Sony, Samsung and LG. All electronic brands in some way for the other have to capture the Indian middle class, which will give them volume in this growing economy. Last year 3G telephony was introduced in India, with service providers now juggling to capture this market. Its a shrewd move from Apple to relaunch 3G phone when additional services are available and customers are willing to pay. It can leverage on the existing brand awareness and aspirations to grow in this market.

On a broader perspective Indian and MNCS are trying to tap the growing middle class consumer with innovative products, services and marketing initiatives. Bottom of the pyramid theory, coined by late C K Prahlad and Stuart Hart, has become a set benchmark for companies to launch low price and low budget products and services in India. FMCG companies are said to first have focussed on this segment with the launch of sachets for shampoos, detergents , which had now extended to oil, toothpastes, jams, instant noodles and the list is increasing.

When I became a kid again - Cadbury World

For most of us the first memory of eating a chocolate will be relish Cadbury Dairy Milk. I remember those days when a guest at home use to bring a Cadbury Dairy Milk or Five Star as a token of love. My father's love for chocolates - specifically Dairy Milk, makes me a child, which in a way I experienced this week.

The not on agenda trip to CadburyWorld at Birmingham, UK was an amazing experience to know how my favourite chocolate is produced and learn about its origin. What drew my attention was how an interactive experience is created, instead of making tourists go through standard bill boards and posters at an exhibition or a museum. The 4D screen shows of origins of Cadbury and other stories involves you as a visitor. The shadow games, chocolate mould imaging and Cadbara Car are all introduced considering the huge children following. And not to forget the free cadbury chocolates and some hot melted chocolate that you get to taste here. I would love going back to this world of chocolates !

Portobello Market - London's Colaba Causeway

Yesterday was my first experience to venture on the streets of London, and I discovered Portobello Market. Situated in West London, Portobello market was once a farm and is now a famous market to shop for antique items and vintage goods. Recently it has become popular as the shooting destination of Julia Roberts starer film Notting Hill.

The Portobello Street, which turns into a market, is dotted with small stalls and shops selling a variety of antiques from old parking boards, posters, cameras, old CDs,old momentos and many other things. The common site was see stalls of oxidised imitation jewellery. Beautiful hand crafted rings, earrings, necklaces studded in silver. What struck me was its uncanny resemblance to the Colaba Causeway in Mumbai.

Like Portobello market, Colaba Causeway in South Mumbai, attracts tourists and city shoppers alike with stalls selling imitation jewellery, clothes, accessories and electronic items. Both these streets are vibrant with shopping buzz, hotels, restaurants and pubs. I live you today with a glimpse of Portobello Market - London's Colaba Causeway.

Life in a metro – Mumbai

Mumbai or Bombay, like London, has been described and glorified a tonnes of times. Both the cities are financial hub; boast of some beautiful tourist attractions, melting point where people from different cultures and backgrounds live and not to forget their experience with terror. So when I decided to make my mood board on Mumbai for one of my assignments, I pondered what can I focus on which will not be a cliché. The answer was a Mumbai citizen or Mumbaikar’s life.

Born and bought up in this thriving city, I could recognise some finer nuances which drive everyday lives of millions and moulds you as a person.Transport is Mumbai’s lifeline. Travelling in Mumbai literally brings out a person’s determination and zest to live. Negotiating your way in the BEST bus, shoving for a seat in trains and dealing with cab drivers requires some sort of expertise, which you gain only by using public transport.

When on this journey, one will not miss a group of people clad in white clothes, pushing some carts filled with tiffins. These are Mumbai’s Dabbawalas, who deliver lunch boxes from home to office and back with a precision that most of the top companies will wonder about. Their dedication and determination to serve the customer, in time without any extra benefits has been applauded by one and all. This also signifies a fast pace life in Mumbai, where people cannot wait for their lunch boxes to reach work on time. What supports these hungry souls is Mumbai rich street food, general signified by Vada Pav.

Mumbai is dotted with many street stalls selling Vada Pav – a spicy potato filling stuffed in soft buns. One helping is fulfilling till you have the next meal. Every citizen, including me, craves for a vada pav from their favourite street stall. City’s grit is tested when the black monsoon clouds engulf it for three months. Though the heavy rains put Mumbai out of gear, they show a different facet of Mumbai life. Personally the feeling of drenching in smashing sea waves on a heavy rainy day is one of the most thrilling and unexplainable experiences of my life. Each year I look forward to one way of getting wet in rains and enjoying near city’s many waterfronts.

What unites this busy metropolis is the passion for cricket and festivals like the Ganesh Festival and Dahi Handi. Since my childhood Ganesh Festival has symbolised devotion, sharing and the feeling of belonging towards your family, friends and community. Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar is a living legend we adore, not only for his cricket but as a person. He teaches me that praises and rewards are temporary, what matters is your passion, dedication and determination towards your goal, cherish your family values and be humble.

5 pm - Its time to catch the tube

Today I woke up to an article in The Times of India about one of India's respected industrialist Ratan Tata expressing sadness about fellow industrialist Mukesh Ambani's opulent lifestyle. India media widely reported Mr Tata's published interview in UK's newspaper The Times. In a classic case of picking convenient news peg, TOI chose to ignore Tata's comment about Britain's work culture, which was picked by another newspaper Hindustan Times. The same interview mentions Tata commenting on how unlike their Indian counterparts, British managers are 'unwilling to go the extra mile' and offices are empty by Friday 5 pm even if there is a crisis.

For a first timer in the UK and an Indian like me, this comment is not a surprise. One of my early unusual experiences here was see see shops closing at 5 or 6 pm and empty high streets on Sunday evenings. Banks, fashion shops and offices all shut at 5 pm and people run towards the tube or rail station. As an Indian, am used to spend Sunday evenings outside doing window shopping and eating, here high streets are lonely after 4 or 5 pm on Sundays. Brits believe in partying hard on Friday and Saturday and Sunday is a rest day. My university library is open 24x7 the entire week, except on Fridays and Saturdays. If the university cafe is scheduled to close at 4 pm and you land up at the counter at 4.03 pm, you will be disappointed. Same thing applies to the opening times. I believe here people strictly work on time slots and will not sacrifice their social life for professional reasons. And this makes me wonder how do organisations like my professional sector like media work here? Will have to wait till I personally experience it

The Lonely Traveller

One sunny day, sitting on my cosy bed I thought its high time I travelled in London. Eight months flew away working on assignments and withering the chilly winter. Alas my roomies were now busy with their assignments. This meant I had to travel alone. Travelling alone is a strange concept in India, where your life is full of people. Travelling on my own was on my mind since quite a few years, but never managed to travel alone back home.

But here I was, in my apartment wanting to venture out to see London. And must say the first experiment was not bad. I left home to see British History Musuem, but landed up on the bus sight seeing tour of London. Travelling on the open deck, with cool breeze and sun shine, through busy London road was a one memorable experience. Bus rides, especially sitting on the upper deck of the BEST bus always thrilled me. My digi-cam ditched me and I could not click pictures of this first solo tour.But the memory still gives me a kick. The best part of the day was being able to see the madness about Prince William's wedding. I got the close look of the country's love and fondness with the Royal family. Seeing the battery of media vans, photographers and camera crew was exciting and my thoughts travelled to the media events I handled or attended in Mumbai. The short boat ride from London Eye to Westminster Pier was enjoyable. And here I was back home eager to go on another journey all by myself.

Lost Thought

Chilly wintery evening I left the university campus and boarded the usual route no 85 for home. Lost in my own thoughts about assignments and yes was going to meet Anuja, my school friend, after almost 10 years. Absent mindedly I got off from the bus and realised I had forgotten my book on the bus. I had lost the library book on the bus, and most important i needed it for my next assignment..

Upon friend's suggestion and my own judgement i decided to quickly run to the last stop where the bus terminate, if lucky might find the same bus and the book. Here I was again running across the empty, chilly Eden street to try and find my lost book. Luck eluded me and the same bus already left before I could reach . Next, had to request another bus driver if he could help me in any way. Alas, he did but at a cost -of hakf entertaining and lecturing me. TFL control room immeditely tracked the probable bus and located the book. Next day here I was again on route 85, travelling to Putney garage to get my lost book.

This further continued that week when my laptop crashed. I lost my entire data, pictures, all that I had saved and worked on since last 6 months. This was the biggest loss of all.. because it was not only the laptop, but i had lost lot many things...

Had lost my flexibility, had to depend on uni's laptop for doing assignments, friend's laptop at home to entertain myself, and above all it drived me into lost thoughts all the while, making me helpless and irritated all day long. Thats when I started realising homesick bug has finally bitten me. I get lost in the thoughts of friends, family, work, Mumbai and my loved one.... I miss them all, far away in London.

Exams

Today I gave my last paper of this semister, technically I still have another exam in next few weeks. Last night was a precarious one, I slept at 12 am and wanted to wakeup by 3.30 am to complete last leg of revision. More so just wanted the clock to strike 12.30 pm so that it will be over once and for all. This exam was different from so many exams I have appeared for since childhood.

Importantly I am studying after a gap of alomost 8 years. Wonder how does it feel to give exams and work on assignments after so many years? Must admit never studied so hard for any of my earlier exams - not even board and universityexams. I am a early morning person and could never study at night, never mind how important the exam is. Here I was studying till 12 am - 2 am reading the marketing concepts and market research applications. Studying after 10 pm was a task for me in school and college. The first person to deter me from studying at night was my grand mother. Gosh I miss her so much!! My early morning studies during exams were always accompanied by hot cup of tea served by my grand mother. Never mind if it was 5 or 6 am,'a cup of tea makes you fresh', she would say.

I must be a lucky one - here in London too i am pampered the same way. Not allowed to do house chores, 'lower the music volume Tejal is studying' someone will scream. Really lucky to have such friends. Had the pleasure of enjoying spicy bhel on a rainy day while studying, all thanks to my lovely rommies - they rock! The first thing I did today - crashed, that is what I will do soon - see you later

Recap 2010

My first and last post was in April 2008, that's a bad bad record considering the blogging sphere. But of late the writing bug has again begun to bit me, and what could be a better start than the new year. Hopefully i will maintain this resolution.

Aptly i decided to recap 2010. On first thought i never realised when 2010 ended, till new year eve it was not sinking that a new decade is starting. When I look back, i see some immense happy moments in 2010. Last year started with my best friend giving birth to two beautiful twins. And i realised we have had a long journey from school friends to one of us now a mother, the other preparing to go abroad for further studies. Very few people get a second chance in life and 2010 gave me this precious opportunity. After working for 3-4 years i finally found my calling of studying further and decided to come to London. Never in my dreams had i thought that I will leave Bombay to study abroad, but such is life. I like this constant change in life, it is the best teacher. I am reliving the student life here in Kingston, with new university,new friends, new subjects and yes a new perspective of life. And must say am liking it!!
Looking back I think one of the lovely moments of 2010 was my trip to Nainital with my mother. This also made me realise that we have grown up and time has come to look after our parents. Give them that small joy, some happy moments to cherish. It really feels proud when when you can give them exactly what they want on your own. The week of travel was an excellent break from hectic work life and some precious time spend with my mother. And Pappa - it was the memorable sunday of 5th Sept when we celebrated his 60th birthday. I can still remember happiness on my parent's face. It was also my farewell as I was leaving for London on 13th Sept.
How can i forget Abhi's call to ask if things were fine with me here and now his concern now how am I managing here and curiosity to see my pics :)
Lat but not the least the immense satisfaction I felt when clients appreciated my work while quitting and my treasures - friends that I have left behind in Mumbai. I miss them all but can be in touch with them thanks to FB and Internet. World is indeed a small place. No wonder my parents are liking the new toy - Skype- and want me to come online almost daily :))

Shall take leave on this sweet note , more updates later