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Love.Life.Great Parents.Training,Blogger.Speaker.Travelling.See India.Trekking.Himalayas.Reading.Long Drives.Yoga.Beer.Making Mistakes.Explore Life Everyday!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Durga Puja and Diwali!

The festive season of Durga Puja and Diwali has come to an end.

This year i guess the main highlight was Pia enjoying all the moments in true sense of word as now she could relate to the many moments of celebrations associated with all such occassions.

The main highlight this year was...

1.Pandal hoppinog was less and thus activities surrounded around the local DLF PH-I puja in Gurgaon
2.Did the Dhunuchi dance and aarti for the first time
3.Saw some great cultural programs which ended with a show by the Bengali Band Chadrabindu on the last day of puja.
4.Pia fired a bit of crackers mainly 'Tarabaaji' but the best part was she was not afraid of sounds.
5.Saw Kali puja and had late night bhog.

Now we all are waiting for the last part of festivities in the year end celebrations.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Back from Bangkok & Pattaya

I came back on 6th October after a weeks official trip to Bangkok and Pattaya.It was an official conference in Pattaya and a days shopping trip to Bangkok.

It was really hectic as i was one of the guys responsible for overall arrangement.The whole show was a big success.

Being my Ist visit to a foreign land i was quite excited and tried to enjoy as much as i can.My visit to the famous Walking Street which is the main attraction in Pattaya was a revelation on it's own.It throws a strange surprise to know people come to this place in search for lust and nothing else and how easily it's available.

The best thing that happened was the fact i bought my dream Camera Canon S5IS from Bangkok.

Overall some great memories to cherish of a land which throws many surprises at all times.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Back from Himalayas!

We are back from our trip...
It was simply awesome.
A brief outline of the trip is given below:

Hardwar-Sultanpur-KedarnathTrek and stay in Kedarnath
Stay in Ukimath
Trek to Deoriyatal
Stay in Chopta
2 days stay in BadrinathDarshan and Charanpaduka trek
Badrinath-Rudraprayag-Hardwar
Overall the trip went on very well and the biggest experience was my daughter enjoyed the whole trip and was comfortable with heights. We did the best we could do with a small kid.

Kedarnath trek was a beautiful experience with the beauty of waterfalls all through the route.We had an excellent darshan and wonderful view of the snowcapped peaks.My daughter was in a kandi,my wife took a pony midway and i trekked.
Next we stayed in Ukimath GMVN and i went for the Deoriyatal trek.I can never forget the first glance of the chakhambi peak and it’s reflection on the tal.It was simply mindblowing.

Next we went to Chopta and stayed in a hut. The beauty of Chopta got to be seen to believe and calling it mini-switzerland is an understatement.Unfortunately the next day as I got ready at 4:30 in the morning for my Tungnath & Chandrashila trek I found the entire valley engulfed under fog with zero visibility.Everybody including the locals suggested against my going for the trek and thus I had to give it a miss.BTW in Chopta I had one of the most delicious dinner of my life in the Rajendra Singh Bhandari’s(the hut owner) dhaba.I think it’s the best place to stay in Chopta and his phone no is 01364-268287/234.

From Chopta we straightaway went to Badrinath..We had an excellent darshan and then I did the Charanpaduka trek.It was again a wonderful trek where you reach very close to Neelkanth.The place has some Sadhus living in gufas.Overall a very pleasant experience.We went to Mana in the evening to do the short walks to Bhimpul.Again heavy rainfall and fog prevented me to go to Vasudhara falls next morning.

Way back we stayed in Rudraprayag GMVN which is virtually on the prayag.
Just to give an idea on Cost front for other’s benefit.
Scorpio for 8 days – Rs 13000 (approx)
Pony in Kedarnath –Rs1000
Pittu-Rs500
Per day boarding ,lodging & food(we tried staying in the best places with the kid)-Rs1300
Shatabdi tickets (Del to Hardwar)-Rs350 per ticket
Some photographs from the trip is given below:
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailsh...1/t_=107285821

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

One more new plan!!

Am back again with yet another plan (Pls don't kill me )

Our Parents and friends kept suggesting for a visit to Kedarnath as we are already touching the route and somehow it was always an aim for us to do the Chardhams.

Now here's the all new plan....

14th Sept (Fri)-Leaving for Hardwar via Jan Shatabdi (O/N Hardwar)
15th Sept (Sat)-Hardwar to Guptakashi (O/N Guptakashi)
16th Sept (Sun)-Trek to Kedarnath (O/N Kedarnath)
17th Sept(Mon)-Back to Guptakashi/Ukimath(O/N Guptakashi or Ukimath)
18th Sept(Tues)-Trek to Tungnath (O/N Ukimath)
19th Sept(Wed)- Trek to Deoriyatal (O/N Ukimath)
20th Sept(Thurs)-Ukimath to Badrinath (O/N Badrinath)
21st Sept (Fri)-Trek to Mana/Vasudhara (O/N Badrinath)
22nd Sept (Sat)-Badrinath to Rudraprayag (O/N Rudraprayag )
23rd Sept (Sun)- Rudraprayag to Hardwar (O/N Hardwar)
24th Sept (Mon)-Train to Delhi

Pls pls give all your inputs

Thanks for bearing us!!!

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Pia's birthday and our new travel plan

Pia became two year old on 5th Sept.....but on her birthday she suddenly had severe cough and cold which made all our plans go haywire. Never before saw her in such a bad state.
The day was primarily spend trying to keep her excited with a new gift every hour over the entire day. A yummy cake was cut.

We had to postpone our entire travel plan looking into her present health.(We should have been in Auli today).

The alternate plan drawn is appended below:

14th Sept (Fri)-Leaving for Hardwar via Jan Shatabdi (O/N Hardwar)
15th Sept Sat)-Hardwar to Rudraprayag (O/N Rudraprayag)
16th Sept (Sun)-Rudraprayag to Auli (O/N Auli)
17th Sept(Mon)-Treks around Auli(Garson Bugiyal)(O/N Auli)
18th Sept(Tues)-Auli to Badrinath-temple visit (O/N Badrinath)
19th Sept(Wed)- Trek to Mana & Vasudhara (O/N Badrinath)
20th Sept(Thurs)-Badrinath to Chopta (O/N Chopta)
21st Sept (Fri)-Trek to Tungnath (O/N Chopta)
22nd Sept (Sat)-Deoriyatal trek and back (O/N Chopta)
23rd Sept (Sun)- Chopta to Hardwar (O/N Hardwar)
24th Sept (Mon)-Train to Delhi

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Our Plan for Valley of flowers

Now i'm all set to start in next five days.
Can't wait to see VOF anymore
My final plan chalked out ex Delhi
7th Sept (Fri)-Leaving for Hardwar via Jan Shatabdi (O/N Hardwar)
8th Sept (Sat)-Hardwar to Joshimath (O/N Joshimath)
9th Sept (Sun)- Roam around in Auli (O/N Joshimath)
10th Sept(Mon)-Joshimath -Govindghat- Ghangaria(O/N Ghangaria)
11th Sept(Tues)-Ghangaria-VOF-Ghangaria (O/N Ghangaria)
12th Sept(Wed)-Ghangaria-HS-Ghangaria(O/N Ghangaria)
13th Sept(Thurs)-Ghangaria-Govindghat-Badrinath (O/N Badrinath)
14th Sept (Fri)-Badrinath Darshan and Vasudhara Trek (O/N Badrinath)
15th Sept (Sat)-Badrinath to Rudraprayag (O/N Rudraprayag)
16th Sept (Sun)-Rudraprayad to Hardwar and board train

There are 5 of us now-Me,Wife,Kid,father-in-law and maid

Key logistics worked out
:-We are hiring a Scorpio from Hardwar for the entire trip (Cost-Rs6500 for first 3 days and then Rs 1200 for each day)
-Consulted child specialist for kid and are taking along all necessary medicines for us and kid-Booking done for Hardwar and Joshimath
Suggestions needed:
-Hope the vehicle chosen and the cost is ok-How is the weather now (If anybody is aware)
-How to get a booking done in Ghangaria and Badrinath(Is it necessary)
-Is the overall plan ok...any thing i missed out on

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Life for past few months!!

Life was quite mundane for last couple of months.

Few highlights....

1.My birthday went by on June 9th ...making me more aware of life passing by.
2.Saw some good movies
3.Pia looks to be growing up into a naughty,talkative,quite sharp and intelligent girl...i'm enjoying my time with her more these days.
4.A trip to Shimla in June
5.A grand trip to Valley of flowers,Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath being planned in September.

Keep looking for details of my trip in next post.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Our Anniversary

We celebrated Marriage Anniversary on 11th May.So now we are togetherinlife for four years.It's been a journey of immense learning,moments of great exhilaration,some real tough challenges.Overall we can look back and think it as some of the best years of our journey called life.

Life has seen some sea changes in last four years with the experience of having visited some great places in India together,change of three jobs,three houses.We can only look at ourselves having grown in life as individuals,as partners and friends.

We can only thank God for bringing us togetherinlife.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Life's getting Interesting - Bid by RBS led Consortium

An interesting entry by Pauline-(ABN AMRO Worldwide HR Head) in her blog and my reaction entry to the same.

It clearly reflects the present mood and uncertainty

Interesting week.....

Date
26 Apr 2007, 18:21 CET Category

It has been a few days since my last blog. This week has been among the most interesting weeks of my life, in many ways.


Oscillating between sadness and hope, excitement and concern, and all other colours of the emotional spectrum. Senior management worked all through the weekend on the various transactions, and when the first announcements came out on Monday most of us new that this was not the end, but a new beginning. And then the world changed again, when three new banks entered the arena. I have spent more time in town hall meetings this week than in most other weeks in the last 4 decades, and yet I know under the circumstances we can never communicate enough.

On the positive side, I can see a lot of opportunity in a combined bank with Barclays. My biggest concern today is that the current situation will destabilise the business, our clients, our people. The longer this goes on, the higher the risk that we will lose focus. I am writing this blog at the shareholders meeting, which is as hostile as was to be expected.

I am buckling up for a long and bumpy ride....

Reactions
27 Apr 2007, 08:00 CET

Kaushik Chakraborty, Consumer Banking - India
Thanx Pauline for your Update. You wrote after quite a gap.We all truely appreciate the time you take out to write this blog. I think it's during such times we as individuals and Organisation should show our true mettle and character. Lets not forget 'Tough times don't last but tough people do'

Monday, April 23, 2007

Aditya Kashyap dies

Suddenly saw in today's newspaper Aditya Kashyap died at the young age of 60......He was a childhood idol as one of the youngest Jt MD of TISCO and foster son to the man i admire the most as a professional Russi Modi.

It's indeed a short life and death can strike anytime.

ABN AMRO finally turns into Barclays PLC

The announcement finally came in today....the merger of ABN AMRO with Barclays is complete.There was telephonic townhall by Indian CEO Romesh Sobti and ofcourse the formal email to all by Worldwide Chairman.We still have to wait for the shareholders approval.

With all the new things happening around it was surprisingly a quite day in office for all.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

ABN AMRO Merger talks

Uncertainty in life is increasing by the day with ABNAMRO merger talk and the surrounding uneasiness.

God knows what life will be next month this day.

An excert from the Chairman's message says it all.....


We have extended the exclusivity period with Barclays until the end of Friday 20 April.

The discussions are progressing, but there can be no certainty that they will lead to a transaction or the form it will take.

Separately, we have
responded to the joint letter we received from Royal Bank of Scotland, Banco Santander and Fortis. We have agreed to meet with them in Amsterdam early next week in order to seek clarification on their intentions and interests.

Shubho Naba Barsha

The Bengali New Years day Poila Baishakh passed quitely.

Tried making the day quite eventful with a morning show movie 'Bheja Fry',which was a complete laugh riot.

Evening was a quite dinner in the best Chinese Restaurant in Delhi 'China Club'.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

'NAMESAKE'

Just saw Namesake last weekend.

It's a movie which should be termed as a classic by all standards.

One of the best movie i've seen which is simply perfect from all aspect with it's subtle emotions,humour,storyline and some great acting.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Barclays and ABN AMRO merger talks

There looks to be some exciting times awaited in life due to some changes expected in my workplace ABN AMRO in next few days.....

A press release will reveal the present state of affairs......

Press release: Barclays and ABN AMRO outline of preliminary discussions 20-03-2007 Barclays and ABN AMRO announce outline of preliminary discussions

Further to the announcement of 19 March 2007, Barclays PLC (“Barclays”) and ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (“ABN AMRO”) confirm that they are in exclusive preliminary discussions with regard to a potential combination of the two organisations that would create value for both sets of shareholders. These talks are at an early and exploratory stage and there can be no certainty that they will lead to a transaction or the form it will take. Barclays and ABN AMRO have agreed to engage in discussions that seek to incorporate the following broad objectives: The holding company of the combined entity would be a UK incorporated company (PLC) with a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and secondary listing on Euronext Amsterdam. The new entity would have a UK unitary Board and clear governance and management structures. The first Chairman would be nominated by ABN AMRO and the first Chief Executive Officer would be nominated by Barclays. The head office for the combined entity would be located in Amsterdam. Discussions have been initiated with the UK, Dutch and other relevant regulators as regards seeking the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) to act as lead regulator for the combined entity. The ultimate outcome of these discussions generally, and in regard to these specific objectives, will depend on the consultation with and the approvals of the multiple regulators and other stakeholders in the various jurisdictions. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Pia turns One and half years

On 5th March Pia turned 1 and 1/2 yrs and started uttering her own name.

There was not much of celebration except cake cutting but we all could feel she has suddenly grown quite a bit.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Pia-WILL ALWAYS

I will always open the door to explore the World
I will always open the door to dream the impossible
I will always open the door to think the unthinkable
I will always open the door to know the unknown
I will always open the door to visualise the invisible
I will always open the door to speakout the unspeakable
I will always open the door to see the unseen
I will always open the door to hear the unheard
I will always open the door to walk into the road less travelled
I will always open the door to smile your life away
I will make you a Woman of substance

Welcome Guruji!

Went to the Airport to Welcome Guruji on his arrival to Delhi for his onward journey to Rishikesh.

It was midnight and we had a great darshan.

Pia was showered with his loving ashirwad and i got a pinch on my cheek.

Back to Badminton

I'm back into playing Badminton...a game which used to be my life in early School days.

Got hold of a group who practice on everyday basis and it was awesome holding the racket after so many years.

The best part was i've not lost my touch yet.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Week-end trip to Hardwar & Rishikesh

We decided to take advantage of the long weekend due to Shivratri and drove down to Devbhumi-Hardwar & Rishikesh.

It was simply awesome staying in one of the best properties available in Hardwar 'Haveli Hari Ganga'....we simply enjoyed the spiritual glow of the ganges which was at it's magnificent best.

On Saturday we drove to Rishikesh and a little further to get a feel of mountains.

The main highlight was some sumptuous shudh ghee food,bathing in the Ganges and the Har ki Pauri Aarti.

Valentines

It was one of the best Valentines we celebrated together.The day started with exchange of gifts and in the evening we went out for dinner.

We decided to go to our favourite restaurant in Gurgaon 'The Cafe'.....to our surprise we found the place totally decked up for the day with candle lights in each table,live bands and wonderful dance floor.

Thus,we ate chinese,dranked a bit and danced a lot till 1 AM.

The highlight of the evening was watching an old couple full of life who were totally in love and first one to start dancing and stole the show completely.

A true example of 'Togetherinlife'

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

I lost 4 Kilos

It all happened through a diet program called GM Diet

General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcoholYou must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Back from Lucknow

Just came back day before yesterday from Lucknow....

It was 5 day trip with the objective of relaxing and leaving Shoma to her parents place for a break.

Lucknow trip primarily comprised of having lots of tunde kabab's and quite a bit of shopping.
A surprise discovery was the fact that most branded showrooms have non-metro rates in lucknow and during discount season one gets further discount on them.

Thus this surprise discovery created quite a dent in my pocket.

I think the best part of a city like lucknow today is it maintains it's old world charm yet one can enjoy the luxuries of a big city.....as per me one should always spend some part of one's life in a smaller city.

Life alone without Pia and Shoma siddenly looks quite lonely....never thought a kid who didn't exist 1 and half years back can become so much a part of your life.

But i think with the time available to myself i should try and introspect and take certain long pending decisions on life.

What should i do with my life!

An article from the net has been copied...very interesting


Those who are lit by that passion are the object of envy among their peers and the subject of intense curiosity. They are the source of good ideas. They make the extra effort. They demonstrate the commitment. They are the ones who, day by day, will rescue this drifting ship. And they will be rewarded. With money, sure, and responsibility, undoubtedly. But with something even better too: the kind of satisfaction that comes with knowing your place in the world. We are sitting on a huge potential boom in productivity — if we could just get the square pegs out of the round holes.

Of course, addressing the question, What should I do with my life? isn’t just a productivity issue: It’s a moral imperative. It’s how we hold ourselves accountable to the opportunity we’re given. Most of us are blessed with the ultimate privilege: We get to be true to our individual nature. Our economy is so vast that we don’t have to grind it out forever at jobs we hate. For the most part, we get to choose. That choice isn’t about a career search so much as an identity quest. Asking The Question aspires to end the conflict between who you are and what you do. There is nothing more brave than filtering out the chatter that tells you to be someone you’re not. There is nothing more genuine than breaking away from the chorus to learn the sound of your own voice. Asking The Question is nothing short of an act of courage: It requires a level of commitment and clarity that is almost foreign to our working lives.

Monday, January 1, 2007

Welcome 2007!

Year 2007 ushered in today amidst fog and zero visibility in Delhi.

The last day of 2006 was spend quite eventfully starting with lunch with two of my School time buddies and family.My old friend Manickavelu from USA was in here Delhi for a day with his wife Anu.We caught up for lunch along with Krisnan and his wife.It was some great food at Moti Mahal,some old time reminiscenses....One realisation meeting my friends after many years was we are getting old and life moves pretty fast.In fact lookwise my friends have changed quite a bit in last few years.

The evening was more of a homely affair with bonfire in the balcony,a bottle of champaign,looking into the fog thinking back into the year,listening to some music and overall quitely stepping into 2007.

My key achievement in 2006 is primarily seeing PIA grow into a healthy lively child and being able to spend enough time with her.

My key failure is i have no great achievement to look at in professional life (an area i must completely change in 2007)

My key resolution for 2007 is to commit myself 100% towards personal development,live a life of focus and growth on a daily basis,bulid up a great body and mind,professionally take up more challenges,be more creative and innovative.

This year has to be the year for me to step into a better life which should clear the direction on which i plan to move for rest of my life.With action i should ready and commit myself into a great successful life ahead.

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