Home Sweet Home !!!

After waiting patiently for 3 years, my dream of owning a home and living in it is all set to come true. My builder (Jain Housing) has finally decided to hand over the keys of the apartment in the next few days. And there after work should commence on the interiors which should take 15-20 days.

I am planning to have the house warming ceremony in the விக்ருதி year (that's the name of tamil new year) and hoping that the new year brings along lot of cheer, prosperity, wealth and all good things to my life.

Emirates - When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I wanted to pen my thoughts on the flying experience on Emirates. I wasn't sure about how I wanted to start the article but finally decided that the tagline should be good one. After a good amount of time spent searching for the tagline of emirates, I finally found that it was (or perhaps is) "When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

An airline that had very good reputation for its service (in-flight and outside) a few years ago no longer enjoys the same. And it was first-hand experience for me. The Birmingham-Dubai flight was good as the aircraft was a brand new with a very good in-flight entertainment in place. There was decent enough leg-room (and that was a definitely a big plus for a tall guy like me). Except for the food (they served a vegetarian meal that was horrible!!) and an hour's delay in departure, I wouldn't complain about anything.

The Dubai-Chennai flight was an eye-opener. The flight is a code-share with Air India, but that in no way means that the airline can compromise on the quality of service being provided. The aircraft was very old. Even before the flight was on the runway for take-off, I noticed that the AC was not working properly and water was dripping on me from the duct above. I waited patiently hoping that the issue would get sorted out after take-off, but that didn't happen. After waiting for 15 mins I finally requested for help and help never came. I then stopped an air-hostess and told her about the problem. The response was appalling. She said the problem was normal and that I could change my seats if I wanted to with no courteous-ness whatsoever in her response. So much for customer service. The less said about the food, the better.

When was the last time you did something for the first time - Guess flying in Emirates would fit into this like a tee. I have decided that I will never ever fly on Emirates again.

Birmingham (International ???) Airport ...

They call it international airport. But in my opinion its nothing more than a small airport (likes of Trichy, Nagpur et al) where numerous flights to the EU are operated from, but only a few oustide the European continent.

There are lots of check-in counters which are haphazardly located (it's a maze out there), and you will take some time to figure out how to move to the security check from the counters. Once through the security check (with only 2 scanners for all the passengers, the time taken to go through is eternity), you get into the Lounge which is nothing but a very large hall with seats placed all around for the passengers (the best thing about the airport).

The highlight of the airport is that there are no public address systems. All information on departures are displayed on a few 50" LCD TVs and you need to strain your eyes to the maximum to figure out the gate where your flight is boarding.

I would say that the icing on the cake is the duty-free shopping experience. So many shops with such variety that you would be lost (like a child in a carnival). That statement is apt for Dubai, not for Birmingham. There are a couple of restaurants, coffee shops, an electronic store, a super market and a couple more (can't remember the commodities these stores deal in) store for THE DUTY-FREE experience of your life-time.

Locals airports in India are far better than the so-called International Airport. But alas, we never realise that and always compare our airports wih a few highly sopohisticated airports (Singapore, Dubai et al).

Life at Crossroads ??

I have never had so much confusion all my life, both professionally and personally. The time when I should have actually settled, I am still contemplating on making many important decisions. Wish I had never grown up (many would argue If I have actually). Life as a child was fun, don't care attitude, no responsibilities.

Life at CROSSROADS? I believe so, and ONLY time will answer the million dollar question as to whether I have taken the right decisions.

150 Days Outside India !!

Its amazing that I have spent 150 days outside of India. And all of it spent in the United Kingdom spanning across 3 trips. Just a few years ago I never even thought in my slightest dreams that my passport would have any visa stampings, leave alone immigration seals.

But here I am blogging (away from my country), thanking lord Almighty for having provided me with such wonderful opportunity(s) to explore the world and be amazed at the everything I have seen and experienced outside of my beautiful country.

Time to celebrate? Guess not as always "Home Sweet Home".

Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon ...

Stratford-upon-Avon. A typical English country-side village (or should I say town) which is famous around the globe because of the fact that William Shakespeare was born here and that he spent most of his life in this small, compact, and beautiful town.

The town is a feast for any one (any age, caste, religion) who has an appetite for literature and who wants to get to know about the life and times of Shakespeare. The houses have been preserved so wonderfully well that the moment you enter them, you are transported back in time to a magical world. You realize that you are in the 21st century only when (an annoying ringtone of a) mobile phone rings. That's when you realize how much we have distanced ourselves from nature.

It is a not a surprise how and why Shakespeare could have written those wonderful verses and lines time and time again. The English countryside around Stratford is so very beautiful that anyone and everyone would fall in love instantly (may be that’s how "love at first sight" was first thought of) and the serene and tranquil surroundings would turn on the imagination of every individual.

A walk across the parks and beside the lake is an experience that cannot be described in words. You need to experience it yourself as it stirs up the soul so much that you wish you could stay on forever.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a MUST VISIT place if you travel to the UK, and I am glad I did not miss an exciting and soulful experience of the Shakespearean legacy.

The Big Freeze Returns ...

After enduring the coldest weather in the last 3 decades, most people (including me) here in the UK heaved a sigh of relief after the forecast predicted sunshine starting February. But the happiness has been very short-lived. The chill is back bringing along with it the snow and sub-zero temperatures.

The only bright spot is that I will not be here (back to base this weekend) to experience few more days of the unpredictable english climate. Hope there is enough grit and salt :P

The Argumentative Indian ...

Not knowing what to do while travelling to the office in the bus daily, I finally made the BOLD DECISION to start reading a book. You read it right. I said BOOK.

And the book I selected was "The Argumentative Indian" by Nobel Laurate Amartya Sen. It is amazing how the author has been able to convey his thoughts on India and the Indians in such an authoritative manner. The book is a vast collection of essays that Sen had delivered as lectures to the global audience over a period of time. The book touches upon various issues that are plaguing the country today. From the identity crisis that we Indians are facing to the inequalities based on gender, caste, religion.

It is a book that every Indian must read as there are numerous eye-openers. After reading the book, I now realise that I had lots of pre-conceived notions about myself, my religion, my country and its heritage. Many of these were true, but there were counter-arguments and thought-provoking information and now I feel I am lot more clear about my opinions than before.

I would strongly suggest that you read this book.

Rahman - Grammy 2010, Another Milestone ...

Just as the Oscar hype and the following celebrations finally come to a close, we RAHMANIACS have another reason to cheer about.

Rahman has been awarded not one, but TWO GRAMMY AWARDS for his composition for Slumdog Millionaire. This will again stir-up the hornet's nest if SDM deserved the Grammies (the Oscar debate is still not over). But nevertheless, this is definitely something to be proud of as an Indian.

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
Slumdog Millionaire (Various Artists)
A.R. Rahman, Producer

Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media
Jai Ho (From Slumdog Millionaire)
Gulzar, A.R. Rahman & Tanvi Shah

Another award, another milestone, and another feather in the cap ...
Makes us wonder what more is the "Mozart of Madras" going to achieve.