Trip to Mont Saint Michel

Date 24/12/2011 ! May be its last blog of the year!

Read http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/index.htm for book information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint-Michel

For practical info, read below

I started my journey with covoiturage.fr by booking my one way trip with awesome couple Flore and Phillipe. Nice guys to company for journey. We did chit chat while on the way with African, Brazilian, Spanish music. Couple speak French, English, Portugese and Spanish so it was OK for me. We started around 10am and reached by 2pm at Mont Sainte Michel ( Pronounced as Mo-Sa-Mishel in English). We followed the path http://g.co/maps/r7gng
I had not booking my journey back to Paris. Flore was bit surprised to know it and was very curious on "how i will travel back to Paris?" I too wasn't knowing it but i said its adventure to go for unplanned and unknown first time journey! You get to learn lot of new things. And surely I did it!!!

I went inside the big doors. I saw couple of museums and reached to main door to buy the tickets. Its 9Euro normally. I reached top of the mont and came back by 4pm. I meet Flore and Philipe on way back in restaurant for lunch. Omlette with fries was good for me.

I reached down to look for transport. Best way is to meet guys from tourism office. Lady gave me path details and handed me over the small paper to track my way to Paris. I had to take bus at 5.15pm from  Mont Sainte Michel to Rennes and from there I need to catch hourly train to Paris. Bus took the way http://g.co/maps/d7jwr .

French speaking couple was sitting on first sit at entrance. I was just second in row so got front seat just behind the driver. I was watching people of multiple ethics and languages were riding the bus. There were many of Japaneas, Chinease, Turkish and one English speaking family. There was no one who knew French except the driver and couple on front seat at entrance. Bus moved slowly and said good bye to  Mont Sainte Michel! It was beautiful in evening.

We cross road toward Rennes for an hour. I was thinking to take a train to Paris from Rennes. I was worried if they have train from Rennes and obviously I had pay heavy for booking at last minute. There was clear signal on next circle. Driver was running at speed of around 30km/hour. Suddenly signal light turned red and bus stopped with couple of glitches. Signal turned green in small time, we were good to go. Driver turned the gear. Grrrrrrr...rr.. and peeep peep peep... sound started.
Driver couldn't start it.
I was getting worried. I understood something is wrong with the bus. Its public transport bus and could be possible to go down anytime! Drive now called his superior sub station member for help. I could only understand word like "Merde, ohh.. putain!!"
Its was sure, its going to take some more time. People on back side starting gossiping among them.

Driver got up from seat and wore his over coat and came in from. Started speaking with French guy sitting in front row. French guy pointed his finger to me!!! I had understood, they said English (Anglais) while speaking.
I was seeing the console of display was shows windows commands on black prompt. It was again MS Windows and bus never started running. It was lot of electronics and software stuff in bus. I never understood why French make things more complicated and comprehensive to use. Bus is simple device to run an engine and move on with help of mechanism of ignition engine and fuel. It will only need light and power supply for ignition and front lights. I was afraid, what is use to this shit electronics display and 100s of button on driver panels. Its all use less to fix the bus. Even driver wasn't sure on whats wrong with bus. It was bad!!!
Below conversation in French written in English to read it correctly. Correct spelling and meaning in bracket next to it.

Driver turned to me asked,"vule vu parle aungle?? (Do you speak English?)"
I understood what he was saying, so said "Oui! j parle aungle" (Yes! I speak English.)
Now driver started in fast French, which was impossible for me to understand or guess. "£%^*&(*(*$£%$"!
I said, "J compre ampu faunce!" (I  understand little French )
French guy sitting on front explained to me that, driver will go out and look for another bus to carry tourist to destination. He want me to explain same to passengers as most of them were non-French tourist.
I said,"J compre. I understand. I will do it!"

I stand up and announced clearly to everybody,"Hello all, bus is not working properly. Our drive is going to bring another bus for us to go to Rennes bus station. Please wait for him. He think he will come back in 5-10 minutes. Don't worry. Thanks!"
Japaneas couple sitting in 5th row was little worried, they asked, "what wrong with bus and when he is going to come back?"
I said,"Hope so he will be back in 5 minutes with bus! But I don't know whats wrong exactly. Its all electronics more then mechanics in this bus!"
passengers on back side started gossiping on same. I think so all understood the problem.

After 8 minutes, drive came back and with bus. As bus reached near us and drive was visible. Passenger on back benches said in single volume,"Yatto!!"  It wasn't so laud but was in sync. I knew the word !! Yes finally ! I repeated with them, "Oui, yatto! Its done!"
We moved out of bus as instructed by driver. While getting into the bus, I said "Merci" to driver, he decently replied with "de rien!! Desole! Merci!". He knew, i can understand these words.

We took the bus and it moved to Rennes train station. We came out and diverted on our own ways. Lot of chinese and japanease touriest started running towards train station as they had already booked the train ticket for 7.10pm train to Paris. I too wanted to catch the same one. But I didn't booked the ticket. I started walking towards the train station in same direction.

I saw the 7year old little girl and her mother. They were sitting next to me in second bus. They were 10-15 meter away. The lady looked at me to bye bye. He bows half and said good bye in Japanease way. I shook my hand toward them and said good bye!! I also saw French couple sitting on front seat. The guy knew me, he waved his hand and said good bye. I did same and said "Good bye!!!"

I managed to buy 62Euro ticket to Paris from Rennes at 8.03pm TGV  with help of French guy who was waiting for his brother to come. His brother knew train ticket booking better then him so he asked to his brothers help in booking the ticket. I guess, its costliest train ticket I had ever booked!!! I had no options. I moved to big display waiting to see platform number to come up. It was peaceful journey way back by TGV train. I reached Montparness by 10.20pm. I took metro and reached home by 11pm.

Was too tired and sleepy. I managed to upload 2-3 pics on Facebook and went to bed! It was long long day!
Bon nuit!!!

Apartment search in Paris

First thing come to mind, its not so easy. "C 'est pas tres facile!" and its going to be very very costly!
I'm writing this blog considering you as new to the city. Paris- awesome city with sparkling lights and beautiful girls. But behind every French face, there are things they do for living and compenciating the cost of living in Paris.

First and most important of it is finding good home in Paris. Its slow and long process!

Step 1.
Roam around the town to figure out good area for you. Consider locality and living in place.
a. Like if you consider cheap is good. Look for sub-urban area in district 92, 98, 95, 20 and so on.
b. If you are ok to live in little dirty but close to city centre with 75XXX as postal code. Look for Barbes, La Chappel, Gare de Nord area. 750  09, 10, 18
c. If you love to see Eiffel tower everyday, wish to spend few more bucks and find place in district 750 08,07,06,15, 16
d. If you love latin districts, look for area 750 05, 06, 14
e. Remember to consider your place of work for location. Its very important to have place near by your work location.

Step 2.
Now you decided couple of areas which are ok for you to live.
Start search with online site given below:
Remember, all agency's ask for the fees to book the apartment for you. You have to go via agency if you don't know much in Paris. Its usually around 1 month rent of the apartment. But it varies with agency and conditions.
a.

http://www.parisattitude.com/

or

http://www.parisattitude.com/search2.asp
==> For tourists who speak English and don't know French. It don't ask you guaranteeing for apartment. They ask only money. Remember, they ask you more then actual rates in market as you can't speak French and communicate with apartment owner. 
Its good for small time stay and quick booking of apartment.


b
other among my search list
http://sublet.lodgis.com/en-gb/paris/listing/

==> Again in English but good site for quick search. Rates are little reasonable with very nice info on site.


c.

http://www.paristay.com/
Nice site to start with. In English and many other languages to use.

d.
http://www.leboncoin.fr/locations/offres/ile_de_france/paris/?f=a&th=1
In French but its easy if you use language translator. Refer to direct posts from owners and so you can save 1 month agency fees. Its easy that way. But its again complicated to arrange meet with owner and proof you are the one who can pay the rent on time and have enough money to feed his apartment.

e. http://www.seloger.com/
==> In French. Little complicated. Its filled up with many agencies listing apartment details here. Site is free but you have to pay to agency who is booking apartment for you.

f. http://www.pap.fr/
==> In French. Easy site. They call it Particular to particular. Again its more of less same as seloger.com

3.
Keep contacting as many owners as possible and see the apartment. Its like keep on hitting the balls in dark so finally you may have one of them hitting the target. Keep applying to apartment which are good for you.
I feel, few apartment owners are too arrogant to choose their tenant as if they are choosing the son-in-law (gendre) ! Its funny but owner may ask you :

1. How old you are
2. Family or living alone
3. what is your income
4. Letter from company where you work
5. Guarantee for payment of rent
6. How long you live in Paris
7. What contract you have with company
8. bla
9. bla

I feel its none of their business. But as you know 'Beggar don't have choices!!' . He can't choose if to get 1 coin or 10 coins! Its same way here. You are a beggar and your boss is apartment owner. 

Don't be afraid and share all info to apartment owner.

4. 

Now its wait and watch game. Owner is going to check all list of application and choose the final strongest contestant to be his tenant.

I imagine this like a animal matting game. Its usual case in dogs, snakes and lions! If the female want to have sex with male from her own species. She send a specific kind of scent/aroma in nature. All interested males goes to the common place where she would be waiting for them to arrive. Now, poor and little ones goes away as they don't dare to fight with strong contestants. Even sometime female could be strong enough for them to handle. Strong one come face to face to show the fist of their jaws! They understand the strongest one and he is declared as the winner by female. I guess, its usual case in all species except humans. Humans go with weird kind of selection. 

Ooops, I'm goes away from root topic. So, Owner will finally choose the best person to be his tenant. 

They will have to do formal things like, creating the agreement with help of lawyer, arrange agency fees if any, handover of apartment, list of working and non working furniture and instruments in apartment. 

Along with it tenant has to sign the insurance for apartment. Matmut is good one to do it. 

Finally, you gets the key to apartment and start shifting to new home!!!

I may write another blog on home shifting in Paris. I understand it well the complication and depth in such activities. Experience is the best way to understand things!!! Hope you get it just by reading ;) 

Bon chance!

Related articles

• holidays rentals in Paris (locationsvacances.wordpress.com)
• 2010 Paris Furnished Apartment Market Report (prweb.com)

Drop me email or comments if you need any assistance in particular!

Toilets in Paris

Today, I make confession that, I broke few rules of general public hygiene in Paris!! I guess, doing pee at public place is considered so! That too, near GREATEST ICON of the city!

From last 2-3 years, I have been visiting Paris for work purpose. Unarguably its one the most fascinating, beautiful city of the world. The City of Lights, city of Fashion, bla bla ..

In my obvious observation, i could see long long queues to get in toilets.
I understand that, French people don't go to toilet and they have developed huge capacity to just control it until they reach home. So, its like don't drink a drop of water and keep your hand crossed till you reach your home! Its indeed said too too bad if someone goes for toilet to friends home. Its under Very bad manners!!
Discovering a public toilet is really difficult job when you are really on edge of pouring out some water. I'm sure beer drinkers knows it very well. I guess, that the reason why I don't see many French people drinking beer on public places or roads.

Here you can find the toilet. I 'm sure google map should show the signs with public toilets on it. Its the most important thing in Paris. I'm afraid google didn't did it. http://maps.google.fr/maps?rlz=1C1SKPL_enFR451FR451&q=Toilet shows no such place.





So, the story goes like this. One upon the time ... February'2010 or 2009! My apartment was located very close the Icon of Paris- Eiffel Tower. I was staying with my friends. We planned to visit Pantheon and on way back I lost him and cut my way towards the apartment via Gardens of the Luxemburg. My rectum was full of liquid and I wanted to pour it out urgently. I walked the way from small lanes from Musee de Army - Invalids.

It was around 7 pm. It use to be dark by 5pm in Paris in Winter days. I was searching for public toilets on the way. I knew, there are couple of them near Eiffel tower. I walked by Gardens near Eiffel tower and searched for the lonely standing toilet on the corner of road towards Bir Hakim metro station. I was very happy to found the destiny of the moment!! I reached the place and started pressing button to open the door. But my bad luck, it wasn't opening. I could barely read on side wall of toilets. Its open in limited hours only. If I'm not wrong, from 8am to 1pm and 2 pm to 6.30pm. (I was wondering if some French guy is working inside to make this as working hours! Hope it works on Weekends ;) ) This was terrific discovery for me. Shocking one !! Oops!
I got another shot when I couldn't find my apartment key in my over coat. I thought it was with me but it wasn't. It was with my friend and we didn't had mobile connection to call and confirm if he had reached the apartment. That was another bug shock for me !!!
Being Indian, I 'm very optimistic to find the way around to meet the need. It was bit deserted evening. I could hardly see people roaming around the garden area of Eiffel. That was the moment, I found the other way, bushy area around the garden was good option. There was small store which was close and could give me good place to do pee. I moved in the bush to find the covering space and got poured out all the liquid ammonia from my rectum to soil of France. I was looking up toward the great Eiffel tower. I wish Mr Eiffel had created few public toilets near Eiffel tower. I would have been much more thankful to him!!!

I suppose, this could be also reason why metro station staircase and deserted places smell bad. Someone must be in urgent sometime to release the pressure on time! Its all about the time.

For visitors, here are some must know things if you visit Paris:
From http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/articles/paris-public-toilets.htm

Paris Public Toilets Sanisettes ABOVE: This sanisette is near the Opéra Bastille (the glass building behind the tree). Not so many decades ago, the phrase "Paris public toilets" evoked images of smelly streetcorner pissoirs, hole-in-the-floor squat toilets at neighborhood cafés, and lavatories ruled by female attendants with the demeanor of prison guards. Today, nearly all of the vespasiennes or pissoirsare gone, and tourists of both sexes are well-served by modern, self-cleaning toilets known assanisettes on boulevards and in parks throughout the city. The sanisettes come in several styles, but all have the same basic design: You press a button (or, in some cases, insert a coin) to open the door, and when you step inside, a sensor in the floor causes the door to close and lock. You do your business, then open the door and exit. The door closes again, the toilet is automatically cleaned and disinfected by a motorized mechanism, and a green light signals that the lavatory is ready for the next user. In the past, sanisettes were pay toilets, but the city of Paris began converting them to free operation in February, 2006. Free toilets are identified by a sign that reads "Toilettes - Accès Gratuit." (Toilets in the suburbs usually aren't free, so if you venture outside of Paris,  keep a few 20-cent coins on hand for emergencies.) Here are a few more things you should know: Sanisettes are normally open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. After 2200 hours, you'll need to find a café or the nearest wall. For safety reasons, children under 10 shouldn't use sanisettes without an adult companion. (There have been reports of sanisettes beginning the cleaning cycle with small, lightweight children trapped inside.) In addition to sanisettes, the city of Paris has two dozen public lavatories that are open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. The lavatories have attendants and are mostly located near major public buildings and tourist attractions. Older sanisettes aren't wheelchair-accessible, but the newest models are. Sanisettes are complex, high-tech devices, and you may encounter one that's out of order. If that happens, look for another one, or head for the nearest café.

Last note: Toilets in Europe are uni-sex. They usually don't have ladies and gents toilets as separate. You may find a women and men doing pee on same row and waiting release their enormous pressure !! :)
Keep posting such memorable incidences of life!
By the way in India, you may find someone peeing out of corner of road with small place to hide himself. Its still not see as crime. Its kind of freedom to do pee when its really uncontrollable.

Halloween in Paris

It was 31st Oct'2011 Monday. I didn't knew if it was Halloween. I went to office as usual way and came  back in evening at my apartment. 


The door bell rang at evening time. Its very rarely to have unexpected visitors in Paris. We were quite surprized to see the visitor. I opened the door. I could found 3 little cute adorable girls with cute devil makeup and dress! Someone would have hardly scared to see them. They were carrying lots of sweats and chocolates in  carry bag with them. They kept on showing me the bag and asking for something. I couldn't understand what they wanted to say. There were 2 younger girls who could understand that I don't speak French. 
Somehow, I manage to say, "Je ne parle pas Francais! Je parle anglais."
They told me the way they celebrate Halloween. Kids are suppose to visit all residents and they should give sweats and chocolates to kids. That is kind of gift to kids for Halloween dressing! I barely said, Happy Halloween and asked them to wait for 1 min.
I went inside and brought a large chocolate and handed it over to Little girls who was showing me her chocolate bag! It was nice feeling to make smile on those adorable faces!
Eventually, I missed joining some party outside for Halloween celebrations but could enjoy small part of Halloween. I was still great!!!


We had many such visitors from evening time but kids were not speaking English so it was impossible to guess if its Halloween! I should keep track of such celebrations in Paris. 

India against corruption Mumbai

Date 27/08/2011 :

I found above cartoon made at Aazad maidan camp in Mumbai CST. Well design expression of corrupt guys. I loved to take the snap and share on blog! Thanks to artist who have made it.

Summary of All scams of India : Rs. 910603234300000/-

Summary of All scams of India : Rs. 910603234300000/-

  See how Lokpal Bill can curb the politicians, Circulate it to create awareness

Existing System	System Proposed by civil society
No politician or senior officer ever goes to jail despite huge evidence because Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) and CBI directly come under the government. Before starting investigation or prosecution in any case, they have to take permission from the same bosses, against whom the case has to be investigated.	Lokpal at centre and Lokayukta at state level will be independent bodies. ACB and CBI will be merged into these bodies. They will have power to initiate investigations and prosecution against any officer or politician without needing anyone's permission. Investigation should be completed within 1 year and trial to get over in next 1 year. Within two years, the corrupt should go to jail.
No corrupt officer is dismissed from the job because Central Vigilance Commission, which is supposed to dismiss corrupt officers, is only an advisory body. Whenever it advises government to dismiss any senior corrupt officer, its advice is never implemented.	Lokpal and Lokayukta will have complete powers to order dismissal of a corrupt officer. CVC and all departmental vigilance will be merged into Lokpal and state vigilance will be merged into Lokayukta.
No action is taken against corrupt judges because permission is required from the Chief Justice of India to even register an FIR against corrupt judges.	Lokpal & Lokayukta shall have powers to investigate and prosecute any judge without needing anyone's permission.
Nowhere to go - People expose corruption but no action is taken on their complaints.	Lokpal & Lokayukta will have to enquire into and hear every complaint.
There is so much corruption within CBI and vigilance departments. Their functioning is so secret that it encourages corruption within these agencies.	All investigations in Lokpal & Lokayukta shall be transparent. After completion of investigation, all case records shall be open to public.  Complaint against any staff of Lokpal & Lokayukta shall be enquired and punishment announced within two months.
Weak and corrupt people are appointed as heads of anti-corruption agencies.	Politicians will have absolutely no say in selections of Chairperson and members of Lokpal & Lokayukta. Selections will take place through a transparent and public participatory process.
Citizens face harassment in government offices. Sometimes they are forced to pay bribes. One can only complaint to senior officers. No action is taken on complaints because senior officers also get their cut.	Lokpal & Lokayukta will get public grievances resolved in time bound manner, impose a penalty of Rs 250 per day of delay to be deducted from the salary of guilty officer and award that amount as compensation to the aggrieved citizen.
Nothing in law to recover ill gotten wealth. A corrupt person can come out of jail and enjoy that money.	Loss caused to the government due to corruption will be recovered from all accused.
Small punishment for corruption- Punishment for corruption is minimum 6 months and maximum 7 years.	Enhanced punishment - The punishment would be minimum 5 years and maximum of life imprisonment.

 

 

Dear All,   Please go through the details carefully & try to be part of this mission against corruption. Things to know about Anna Hazare and Lok pal Bill-:  

1.Who is Anna Hazare?

An ex-army man(Unmarried). Fought 1965 Indo-Pak war.

 

2.What's so special about him?

He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra.

 

3.This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.                                                                                                                                                                                      

4. This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities.

 

5. He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.

 

6. How that can be possible?

He is advocating for a Bill, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), bureaucrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds. 

 

7. It's an entirely new thing right..?

In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit their theft (corruption).

 

8. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time? The first thing he is asking for is: the govt should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed. Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50% government participation and 50%   public participation. Bcoz u can't trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

 

9.What will happen when this bill is passed?

A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election   Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished.                                                                                          

 

Pass this on n show ur support..                                                                  

 

Spread it like   fire; Our Nation needs us... Please Contribute... This is not just a forward, it's the future of our Nation.

 

India against corruption

Date 27th August :

It was lonely day. Raining heavily still streets were full of water and commuters travelling. I decided to come out in support with Anna Hazare's fast to pass Jan-Lokpal bill. I took public transport to reach Andheri station and by fast local train to Churchgate station. I preferred to walk to Azad maidan tent near CST station.

I found the major camp of police outside entrance to Azad maidan tent. I was bit nervous to join the place, however managed to go inside and took the support card and pin which can be hanged to your chest and show you are as part of "isupportIndiaAgaistCorrution"! After a while, I feel normal as people around keep on supporting everybody to support Anna.

People were shouting specific slogans to make they don't harm anyone while supporting Anna Hazare.
Vande Matram !
Bharat mata ki Jai !
etc etc

At around 3 pm, group of young dump and deaf supporter joined the place. I loved to see their energy and emotions to support India against corruption. It was amazing.

Best part is, they can't speak but express their desire strong by, raising both hands up and shaking fingers !!
Group of some 40-50 guys doing this at same time was great stuff. Awesome. I feel, if some handicap can manage to come in such bad rains then why can't a normal Indian come forward and stay on road to support the cause!
Here is video I got at the place :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MzuA_q7VjI

http://youtu.be/9MzuA_q7VjI




On 21 August'2011 :

I was in Pune and managed to attend the bike rally to support India against corruption :
Here is video showcasing about 30000 bikes moving on roads of Pune in  row.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEAx8zAiVrw

Anna Hazare and My support against Corruption

Thanks to http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-is-anna-hazare-96883

He once contemplated suicide and even wrote a two-page essay on why he wanted to end his life. Anna Hazare was not driven to such a pass by circumstances. He wanted to live no more because he was frustrated with life and wanted an answer to the purpose of human existence.

The story goes that one day at the New Delhi Railway Station, he chanced upon a book on Swami Vivekananda. Drawn by Vivekananda's photograph, he is quoted as saying that he read the book and found his answer - that the motive of his life lay in service to his fellow humans.

Today, Anna Hazare is the face of India's fight against corruption. He has taken that fight to the corridors of power and challenged the government at the highest level. People, the common man and well-known personalities alike, are supporting him in the hundreds swelling to the thousands.

For Anna Hazare, it is another battle. And he has fought quite a few, Including some as a soldier for 15 years in Indian Army. He enlisted after the 1962 Indo-China war when the government exhorted young men to join the Army.



In 1978, he took voluntary retirement from the 9th Maratha Battalion and returned home to Ralegaon Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra's drought-prone Ahmadnagar. He was 39 years old.

He found farmers back home struggling for survival and their suffering would prompt him to pioneer rainwater conservation that put his little hamlet on the international map as a model village.

The villagers revere him. Thakaram Raut, a school teacher in Ralegaon Siddhi says, "Thanks to Anna's agitations, we got a school, we got electricity, we got development schemes for farmers.''

Anna Hazare's fight against corruption began here. He fought first against corruption that was blocking growth in rural India. His organization - the Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan (People's movement against Corruption). His tool of protest - hunger strikes. And his prime target - politicians.

Maharashtra stalwarts like Sharad Pawar and Bal Thackeray have often called his style of agitation nothing short of "blackmail".

But his weapon is potent. In 1995-96, he forced the Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra to drop two corrupt Cabinet Ministers. In 2003, he forced the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state government to set up an investigation against four ministers. In April this year, four days of fasting brought thousands of people out in support of his crusade against corruption. They also made the government realise it could not be dismissive about Anna Hazare and his mass appeal.

His relationship with the UPA government continues to be uneasy. The truce of April was short-lived. An exercise to set up a joint committee made up of equal numbers of government representatives and civil society activists, including Anna Hazare came to naught when the two sides failed to agree and drafted two different Lok Pal Bills. The government has brought its version in Parliament and Team Anna is livid.

The Gandhian is soldiering on. From one battle to another in his war against corruption. He fought from the front to have Right to Information (RTI) implemented. He is now fighting for the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the anti-corruption bill drafted by his team of crusaders.

This year, more than 30 years after Anna Hazare started his crusade, as the 74-year-old plans a second hunger strike in Delhi against large-scale corruption at the national level. Nothing really has changed except the scale of his battle.


Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-is-anna-hazare-96883&cp

Mumbai Blasts

I left office at around 7.00 pm. It was usual evening. I walked to nearest bus stand and travelled to Marol depot to catch direct regular bus to Airoli. As I reached bit early than usual peak hours, it was no crowded. I got call from my friend at 7.15 asking my where about. He asked me to stay and wait in office as bomb blasts have just rocked the Mumbai! Hell, it was shocking news for me. I googled the news on mobile but didn’t showed any update as it was very fresh news and media had not grasped & posted any content on web. 


I asked fellow commuters in line. One of them knew about the bomb spots.
1. Zaberi Bazzar – Prime Diamond merchandize place in Mumbai
2. Opera House/Khau galli – Charni road, Open place with crowd.
3. Kabutar khana – Dadar. Very crowded place in evening

Important observation from somebody revealed that it was Kasab’s Birthday and Terrorist group wanted to give him the birthday gift in such a terrific way. Eyebrows are raised on questions like
1. Why Kasab is still not hanged?
2. Does he believe in our justice system? Its infact, biggest shame for us to not punish him on time! It’s been 2 years.
3. Why governments take action on Kasab case?
4. Why governments don’t have enough security, cameras, CCTV and high tech securities inspite of repeated bomb blasts in high end place like Zaveri bazaar?
5. Why Home ministry says, “it’s not Intelligence failure!”? Rather Mumbaikar’s say “Its huge shame!”

Citizens of India need results and not just reports and committees to analyze the impact of bomb blast! As usual Government announces 2 to 5 lakh rupees compensation to deaths and about 50K ruppes to injured people. Is it enough for somebody’s wife? or Somebody’s mother? or Someone’s brother? Somebody lost their only son in their old age and left newly married wife behind. Can government money cheque of 5 lakh going to give them their dear ones?
Questions of last terror attack are still unanswered! It’s futile to expect more from government when they can’t fulfill our promises. Forget the growth; we need basic livelihood and security to our lives while living in Mumbai!!

Aggressions of Mumbaikar’s are very obvious reactions. Relatives of injured people didn’t allowed Chief Minister of Maharastra Prithviraj Chavan to visit hospitals. It was more like pouring salt on injured wounds of affected people.

I followed tweeter stream. Here is mine http://twitter.com/#!/mahendrat :
• @timesofindia he dont understand terror attack! bullshit comments by chchota gandhi. Seems Diggy is teaching him to give such comments.
• Maximum city! We love!! @meerasapra I love how Bombay comes together at times like these. This is what defines the true character of a city.
• oh hell! 13/7 Its all like 2006, 1993 central mumbai & town rocked! @mid_day Also at KEM, Varsha Kariya. #MumbaiBlasts
• Let's stop turning the other cheek each time someone slaps us. Whack someone back! Hard! Our restraint is not our weakness! Enough is Enough
• Govt need to prove! Figure of dead is now 10+ ! @TIME What we know so far about the blasts in #Mumbai | http://ti.me/pNlFc6 (via @TIMEWorld)
• why dont first hang kasab? #mumbaiblast @starnewslive PM asks Maharashtra CM to keep him posted on the developments related to blasts (PTI)
• true! Why dont make #govt #deathday? #justice @BDUTT @dharmeshG It is actually Kasab's birthday. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajmal_Kasab
• every kid of mumbai knows it :P ! Tell #ministry tell something new!!@BDUTT home ministry calls it a terrorist attack #mumbaiblasts
• More blasts.More people dying.Quick Mr Prime Minister, shuffle your fucking lame-duck cabinet again. #mumbaiblasts #fb #yam
• Action needed?? @mid_day 3 blasts reported. Home #Ministrysources claim 10 people dead.6 killed at Dadar,4 at Zaveri Bazaar. #MumbaiBlasts
• no screening on roadways/bus? Why? @mid_day Terror attack confirmed in #Mumbai. Both airports sealed. CISF screening airport parking lots. • why #police never warn ever before any blast/riot?? @starnewslive #Security alert in Delhi following #blasts in #Mumbai: Delhi Police.(PTI)
• Why bloody terrorist choose 13 again?? Its not with bad lucky but bad people made 13 bad! He is prime & good number. #fb #mumbaiblast
• Oh Shit! Serial blasts in Mumbai!! 13/07.! Hope people r safe!
• any more update on central, western areas? @starnewslive #Mumbai: Blast occured inside a taxi in Dadar
• @ndtv any update on mumbai bombs?? Pls update us.
• Why it dont rains on #mumbai bombs to #defuse #terrorist plans !!! #fb
• 3 Bomb spots in #mumbai !! Dadar, zaberi baazzar and mumbadevi!
More detailed streams are: 
http://twitter.com/#!/search/mumbaiblast
http://twitter.com/#!/search/mumbai 


At end of the day, i reached at home in another AC bus. I and many of fellow commuters couldn't hide the shadow of fear on their face. It was silence all over but it meant to mourn for those who lost their life in blast. 


Mumbai - the Maximum city never stops. 
Rain keep on pouring more water.... 
Terrorist keeps on pouring more deaths and bombs.... 
and 
our lame-duck corrupt politician keep on pouring money in their black holes!!! 

Mumbai Bomb Blasts: 13 july’2011

Today 13 july’2011, it was another black day in history of the Maximum city-Mumbai. I thought to make regular blog on experiences on travelling in Mumbai city. 3 bomb blasts rocked the city which caused death of more than 21 people and injured about 130 people.


I woke up late in morning at 8.40 am. I had to reach in office around 12.00. I was living in Airoli-New Mumbai area. Airoli is bit old style peaceful area with native Mumbai people living in small houses. As it was was hardly 10 min walk to Bus depot, I decided to walk my way to Bus depot from my place. It was just another Wednesday for me. I carried “Mumbai Mirror” news paper to read while travelling my way to office in Andheri-east. After hardly waiting for 5 minutes, I managed to get the 10.20am direct bus to SEEPS, Andheri-E bus number 545.


We were hardly 10 people in bus. I can still remember faces. Lady with dark blue silk saadi with her husband was sitting in front of my seat. Few guys with office dress to catch their office time. Noticeable person was old drunkard sitting on very first sit close to front door (The seat is reserved for handicaps only. In fact, such a drunkard was greatest handicap in bus!). He had few strong drinks of local alcohol and was continuously chit-chatting with bus driver in loud voice. He was repeating, “Smile and make others smile!”! For most of commuters, it was entertaining. Uncle sitting on next bench was imitating him by giving me look and laughing. It was very strange incidence. It rare happens on long route bus. Drunkard wasn’t sure of where to go. He was shouting to go sometime at Goregaov or Mulund or Andheri. Finally he agreed to go to SEEPZ by taking 14/- Rs ticket and kept his entertainment going. Drivers usually need someone to talk while driving. This makes their work easy. Eventually, bus moved to Nahur village area and starting gathering more crowd on the way. Still it was below normal. Drunkard was exhausted by shouting his words and fell slept on this reserved bench.
I started reading Mumbai Mirror after completing Sudoku and Loop puzzles on second last page of newspaper. It has been my hobby since couple of years. I was at SEEPZ by 11.40 and reached office on my time. Day and work at office was just fine. We had couple of meetings, calls with mates and teams. As most of work load was well shared among the team, it was altogether good day.


I left office at around 7.00 pm. It was usual evening. I walked to nearest bus stand and travelled to Marol depot to catch direct regular bus to Airoli. As I reached bit early than usual peak hours, it was no crowded. I got call from my friend at 7.15 asking my where about. He asked me to stay and wait in office as bomb blasts have just rocked the Mumbai! Hell, it was shocking news for me. I googled the news on mobile but didn’t showed any update as it was very fresh news and media had not grasped & posted any content on web. 


I asked fellow commuters in line. One of them knew about the bomb spots.
1. Zaberi Bazzar – Prime Diamond merchandize place in Mumbai
2. Opera House/Khau galli – Charni road, Open place with crowd.
3. Kabutar khana – Dadar. Very crowded place in evening

Important observation from somebody revealed that it was Kasab’s Birthday and Terrorist group wanted to give him the birthday gift in such a terrific way. Eyebrows are raised on questions like
1. Why Kasab is still not hanged?
2. Does he believe in our justice system? Its infact, biggest shame for us to not punish him on time! It’s been 2 years.
3. Why governments take action on Kasab case?
4. Why governments don’t have enough security, cameras, CCTV and high tech securities inspite of repeated bomb blasts in high end place like Zaveri bazaar?
5. Why Home ministry says, “it’s not Intelligence failure!”? Rather Mumbaikar’s say “Its huge shame!”

Citizens of India need results and not just reports and committees to analyze the impact of bomb blast! As usual Government announces 2 to 5 lakh rupees compensation to deaths and about 50K ruppes to injured people. Is it enough for somebody’s wife? or Somebody’s mother? or Someone’s brother? Somebody lost their only son in their old age and left newly married wife behind. Can government money cheque of 5 lakh going to give them their dear ones?
Questions of last terror attack are still unanswered! It’s futile to expect more from government when they can’t fulfill our promises. Forget the growth; we need basic livelihood and security to our lives while living in Mumbai!!


Aggressions of Mumbaikar’s are very obvious reactions. Relatives of injured people didn’t allowed Chief Minister of Maharastra Prithviraj Chavan to visit hospitals. It was more like pouring salt on injured wounds of affected people.


I followed tweeter stream. Here is mine http://twitter.com/#!/mahendrat :
• @timesofindia he dont understand terror attack! bullshit comments by chchota gandhi. Seems Diggy is teaching him to give such comments.
• Maximum city! We love!! @meerasapra I love how Bombay comes together at times like these. This is what defines the true character of a city.
• oh hell! 13/7 Its all like 2006, 1993 central mumbai & town rocked! @mid_day Also at KEM, Varsha Kariya. #MumbaiBlasts
• Let's stop turning the other cheek each time someone slaps us. Whack someone back! Hard! Our restraint is not our weakness! Enough is Enough
• Govt need to prove! Figure of dead is now 10+ ! @TIME What we know so far about the blasts in #Mumbai | http://ti.me/pNlFc6 (via @TIMEWorld)
• why dont first hang kasab? #mumbaiblast @starnewslive PM asks Maharashtra CM to keep him posted on the developments related to blasts (PTI)
• true! Why dont make #govt #deathday? #justice @BDUTT @dharmeshG It is actually Kasab's birthday. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajmal_Kasab
• every kid of mumbai knows it :P ! Tell #ministry tell something new!!@BDUTT home ministry calls it a terrorist attack #mumbaiblasts
• More blasts.More people dying.Quick Mr Prime Minister, shuffle your fucking lame-duck cabinet again. #mumbaiblasts #fb #yam
• Action needed?? @mid_day 3 blasts reported. Home #Ministrysources claim 10 people dead.6 killed at Dadar,4 at Zaveri Bazaar. #MumbaiBlasts
• no screening on roadways/bus? Why? @mid_day Terror attack confirmed in #Mumbai. Both airports sealed. CISF screening airport parking lots. • why #police never warn ever before any blast/riot?? @starnewslive #Security alert in Delhi following #blasts in #Mumbai: Delhi Police.(PTI)
• Why bloody terrorist choose 13 again?? Its not with bad lucky but bad people made 13 bad! He is prime & good number. #fb #mumbaiblast
• Oh Shit! Serial blasts in Mumbai!! 13/07.! Hope people r safe!
• any more update on central, western areas? @starnewslive #Mumbai: Blast occured inside a taxi in Dadar
• @ndtv any update on mumbai bombs?? Pls update us.
• Why it dont rains on #mumbai bombs to #defuse #terrorist plans !!! #fb
• 3 Bomb spots in #mumbai !! Dadar, zaberi baazzar and mumbadevi!

More detailed streams are: 
http://twitter.com/#!/search/mumbaiblast
http://twitter.com/#!/search/mumbai


At end of the day, i reached at home in another AC bus. I and many of fellow commuters couldn't hide the shadow of fear on their face. It was silence all over but it meant to mourn for those who lost their life in blast. 


Mumbai - the Maximum city never stops. 
Rain keep on pouring more water.... 
Terrorist keeps on pouring more deaths and bombs.... 
and 
our lame-duck corrupt politician keep on pouring money in their black holes!!! 

Paris to Mumbai 3rd time!

Two days ago news headlines was showing bad weather reports for the day. Air France and most of airlines were running in late or functioning badly. Chales De Goule airport was down. Winter came suddently to make French lifes difficult. Metro & RER local trains were running late or were not functioning well. Many people had to sleep in cars as roads were filled up with snow. People were not ready for the change so suddenly. Car tire changing is always necessary before winter. In fact, some people had to stay in subways and cars to survive the cold.

It was 11^th December'2011, i was suppose to reach on flight in morning 10 am. On day before, I tried hard to get taxi booking. All of the taxi services rejected request to take morning reservation. Finally, I decided to get any taxi while on the way. I got up early and stated moving! Couldn't found a single taxi on the way, most of taxies were parked or busy to attend me. I walked to nearest railway station Duplex with my friend. I had metro pass for zone 1 and 2 so I took metro Denfer Rouchor to get direct RER train to CDG International Airport. I reached Denfer Rouchour by 8.15 am, was running short of time to reach Airport. My metro pass was not valid to go Airport, so I joined the queue to get the ticket. It was figure of 8.70 Euro. I had couple to big notes of 20, 50, 100 Euro so had no worry about money. But to my surprise, ticketing machine had "no input" take notes. Hell!! I checkout few coins I had. I started putting them together to get 8.70 Euro. It was just 7.90 Euro! I had no idea what to do now?? Even if you have money, it hardly helps in such situation!!! You are damm stuck!

I remembered the similar incidence in my last visit to Paris in Feb'2010 with French guys. I was taking RER ticket to reach Champs-de-Mars from Porte-Nuilly-Malliot with my collegues. I was barely able to speak French at that time. French man started asking me if I have spare coin of 10 cents. There was no way they could tell same thing in English. I just spread hands before them showing all coins I was having. They picked up few small coins and said, "Ok?". It was understandable, i said "its ok and left for my journey". One of the guy who could speak a bit of English said, "next time, i pay"! I just said,"merci!". That was only word I could speak properly.

In same way, i found someone who could help me. Young couple behind me where French but fluently speak English. They understood, i 'm facing problem with getting ticket. I asked them, if its possible to insert these notes in machine. Girl was speaking fluent English. She said,"Machine don't take notes, you have insert coins. Let me help you in getting ticket." . She took the charge. She choose French language, asked couple of details about the travel. I told her, I want to go CDG airport. Again, we started putting coins and it stuck at 7.80. I had no more coins. I had few Franks (Currency used in nearby countries. I had saved few while coming for Switzerland in last visit). I showed all available coins to her. She had an Euro coin whic she inserted. Finally, I got the ticket!! hurray! But I had to give exchange of 1 Euro to her. I had no option other than 50 Euro note and few coins of Frank. I tried to give her 5 Franks as exchange. She kept on refusing to take it. She kept on saying."Its ok. Its ok my friend". She finally refused to take any coins. I could only say,"Merci beacoup"!

Somehow I got the right train to airport and catched my flight. Flight and company for journey was good. I spend time chit chatting with Australian uncle and aunty who were also stuck in Paris in snow fall evening. I said, it was bad duing snow night, many of friends had to stay in cars or subways on that night, it was really bad. Aunty couldn't resist herself, she said, "It wasn't bad! We had to walk 2 km on open road to get safe place to stay for night!! That was really bad!" They had to walk 2 kilometer to get to safe place. Vacations were bad experience for them. Girl sitting next to me was French. She could hardly speak any English and was travelling to Sydney. We played "Reversee" game in LAN. Talked few things in French to make her know English place. I found a nice facecut which was good to make a sketch. I made a sketch of her on back side of Passport xerox. It was good timepass as I had seen most of the movies they had in collection. One of the air hostess got the sight on it and she complimentes it well! It was wonderful flight to Abu Dhabi. Journey was good and reached on time for next connecting flight at Abu Dhabi.

I checked for mobile network, got some sms from friends. I came on airport and checking status for my next flight to Mumbai. Oh boy!! it was "delayed"! I asked the Etihad guy, he conveyed message that, its been delayed by 2 hours. Matter of fact, it was delay of 4 hours! I woundered around airport. I did my chocolate shopping. People were really arrogant while taking food. No queue, no manners. Most of them were middle-east uncles. Somehow I checked for compatible food for me and joined the Indian people staying at departing gate. I met some Mumbai guys who were waiting to catch the same flight. Most of them were flying from US via connecting and connecting flights. While waiting for delayed flight, I got couple of calls from friends from India. My roomies were waiting for party and car driver waiting at Mumbai international airport to receive me. I texted him to come on airport after 7am! So, somehow I reached at my place at 8 am instead of 2.30 am !! It was bad but wasn't too bad! I had nice sleepy in morning at my home. It took couple of days to adjust the