Showing posts with label social. Show all posts

Friday, February 2, 2024

Dimbhe Dam ( Dimbhe Khurd ) Trip!

It's was short planned trip with scope of previous day evening 3pm onward and return to Pune by 11am next day.

There are other spots to visit and see for you more exploring:

You can park car on road and walk down the lane to find water reservoir. I enjoyed this sunset view from there. It was great pleasure and feeling although sun goes behind the mountains but reflection it creates on dam water is really nice. Also depends on which time of year you visit the place and what level of rainfall is received in region. Water level will allow us to explore area accordingly.

I would suggest to go https://www.google.com/maps/dir/19.0998043,73.7504954/19.0962889,73.7464815/@19.1002528,73.7494985,580m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!4m4!1m0!1m1!4e1!3e0?entry=ttu for night camping if you have the tent and setup.

Good for bachelor group of 4-5 guys. Mr Kiran Borade +91 95944 38990 takes care of the place and food. Stay location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UkZsjaKELFKxF7Nt8 . Mr Kiran arranged nice bonfire and food for us!

I would highly recommend his home made matka biryani and fresh water fish. Fresh fresh water fish are too fresh and freshly brought from dam within just 2-3 hours before they are prepared. Taste is really awesome for both of these items and I suggest to have it in lunch to fully enjoy with full appetite.

Word of caution of those who are more in salt water fish, number of small bones on fresh water fish are little more. Still go with Chilapi and you won't be upset.

Ask Mr Kiran to prepare food and bring your own table/setup for dinner. Keep locals informed to avoid any issues. Local villagers/farmers have Fish farm setup on other side of dam. Mr Totre has huge setup for fishing. You may find him at https://maps.app.goo.gl/iZ4sw6HJs6BmJuKU9 where you can get fresh fish if there are fishermens around the spot. Also note that fish prices are way way too cheap here so it's also nice idea of bring storage and get them eating later at home. Prices were around 150/- per kg, same is sold at 400-600/- per kg in Pune or other nearby town places.

There is fish point, competitor of folks whom we visited/met there. https://maps.app.goo.gl/DtcaL7etsi4cYfdV9 (check photos)

Fish Farms:

Ghod River bridge point:

Sunset lake view:

Bon fire:

Chickoo (Sapodella or Sapota) plant flowers: (Ref https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manilkara_zapota ) aka sapote, chicozapote, chicoo, chicle, naseberry, or nispero, soapapple

Important Note:

Do NOT swim in dam without supervision and locals informed, its deep and backwater has lots of muddy clay which can make you drown if stuck in it. There had been such death instances.

Do NOT enter in water! There are no crocodiles but slippery and sharp rocks can harm you. Most fishes smell the blood in water to enjoy the fist! Never know who eats whom! Water is their territory!

Do NOT argue with locals, they recommend things for your safety! It's always ok to pay and get their services and enjoy your trip!

Last but not the least, whole trip expense was 2500/- for 4 of us. per head 650/- including:

Diesel in my car (Kia Carens),
Snacks: Pakoda, Tea and later on hot and fresh Fish fried (may be half to 1kg)
Dinner: Matka biryani, Fresh fish, roti, chicken curry and chuliwarchi bajri chi bhakar along with bonfire!
Night stay arrangement. (no camp but indoor bedding)
Next day breakfast misal on way back

If you are family and want to enjoy more peaceful place with luxury of good resort stay, visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/fSPQyMKCaiaqM4eU9 Squirrel Resort OR https://maps.app.goo.gl/AbEHa7pS871fA6tB8 La Moire Resort. Both are having good reputation/rating and good to family stay with more luxury (and cost!) and peace! You can still call Mr Kiran to get his Matka biryani and enjoy it!

Friday, November 11, 2016

Tarkali/Malvan-Achare-Tondivali-Scuba-Vijaydurg-Ratnagiri-Aarrey-Ware-Ganapatipule-Jaygad-Velneshwar MSH-04 sea road trip

Planning phase:

Original plan was to have 5days trip spending each day in one destination. Here is detailed plan for 5days which we didn't make due to limited time.

Places to cover:

Day1:Start from Pune

Satara, Kolhapur
via Radhanagari NH179+NH116, Gaganbawda NH277, Amboli NH134+180 to Talere, Kankavli or Sawantwadi
Opt1: IMO: skip if no time.
Goa evening drinks and optional. ?
Anjuna/or in northen Goa region.
Opt2:
Vengurla - should go. red beach
stay@ Goa/Vengurla/Devgad

day2:Scuba - must do if haven't - 3hrs from Malvan beach

Tarkarli / Tsunami island. / Dolphin arc view - good to go - local tour
stay@ Tarkarli beach homestay/

Day3:Sindhudurg - take a day. Not worthy for time. To/from jetty and round to fort takes 3-4hrs day time from Malvan ferry. IMO: skip

Tondavali - Must visit
Vijaydurg fort - SH115 dead end. Ferry to Madban beach? bypass this if go SH04 . IMO: skip
Devgad = mithbumbari / Tarabumbari IMO: skip, dont know
Jaitapur bridge -
Purnagad - fort
stay@ Bhatye

Day4:Bhatye beach - Titanic point IMO: Go

Kurli beach
Ratnagiri
After Shirgav mangroves, Basni, Are. Take left via Arrey-Warrey road. Joins SH04 later.
Aare-warre beach IMO: Go
2-3 resorts and enter in Ganapati-Pule
Ganpati pule -
stay@ Ganapati-Pule/ Jaigad

day5:Malgund beach - lot of resorts nearby

Anamik beach,Kachare - lonely. near JSW plant.
Jaigad fort
For ferry ref: http://goindia.about.com/od/maharastra/ss/Mumbai-to-Tarkarli-Motorcyle-Road-Trip-via-SH4-Coastal-Route.htm#step5Jaigad to Vijaygad by ferry/ to Tavasal Jetty SH04 cross Jaigad river ===> take exit via NH105 to Sawarde -> Chiploon --> Koyananagar. -> Patan -> Umbraj , Satara.

Its typical to see actual execution differs from planning. Same happened in our case. Time was limiting factor as one of us had to join office on 8th.

Who?

Manoj - Main driver
Anoj (its not typo of Anuj :P) - Adviser
Mahen (blog writer) - Navigator and technical. 2nd driver.

You will notice Anoj is part of Manoj but don't get confused with names, they are fairly opposite.

When?
05th to 07th Nov'2016 . Just after Diwali.

Route?

Pune to Malvan: via Satara, bypass Kolhapur, Kagal, Radhanagari, Kankavli, Achare.
Malvan to Pune: Tarkali/Malvan-Achare-Tondivali-Vijaydurg-Ratnagiri-Aarrey-Ware-Ganapatipule-Jaigad-Velneshwar-Kaynanagar-Patan-Umbraj-Satara.

Note: Google map Route

Google acts weird sometimes, it doesn't allow to show road joining from Dajipur/Radhanagari to Phondaghat. May be becasue, its reservered area and is open in specific day hours for travelers. Gaganbawda-Vaibhavwadi is another route. FYI: Both routes are more or less bad to drive but scene if you go in rains.

https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Pune,+Maharashtra/Kagal,+Maharashtra/Radhanagari,+Maharashtra/16.3379053,73.8880724/16.3581839,73.8285079/Malvan,+Maharashtra/@16.4019811,73.5374229,9z/data=!4m43!4m42!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc2bf2e67461101:0x828d43bf9d9ee343!2m2!1d73.8567437!2d18.5204303!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc0fbe3ea86aacf:0xed8af5a130723d95!2m2!1d74.3099863!2d16.5884342!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc044eec90c1d15:0x8490ce131b11435!2m2!1d73.9976946!2d16.4151164!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d73.8656074!2d16.3509818!3s0x3bc040c00694ad47:0x778e342ef907103c!3m4!1m2!1d73.8637817!2d16.3837853!3s0x3bc0474810886c1f:0x51c6bc2beeb2c52e!3m4!1m2!1d73.8614381!2d16.3880418!3s0x3bc04746ba399d2f:0xd03c24cebe15b3c0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x3bc01d5bb3176f0d:0x7400dce0b3eaa2aa!2m2!1d73.471054!2d16.0630693!3e0

Refer google maps for details.

Bag packing?

I always prefer to start bag packing early so I can keep adding stuff which I might forgot. Well, that doesn't stop me from forgetting things ;)
Must carry:

- Water bottle: 2 liter per head. So, you dont have to buy so called "packaged drinking water"
- Enough clothing: 4 shorts, 2 3/4th ie larger short, T-shirts, casuals, innerwares, etc.
- Shoes if planning to trek. Floaters/sleeper is good in sands.
- Towel, hankies. Hotels usually provide towel but better keep your own.
- Swimming goggles, cap, costume short. Sea water is salty and cause eye irritations. Better be prepared.
- Sun goggles, thin cloth for humid and sunny weather. Konkan is mostly humid.
- Warn cloths- Jacket or sweater is good. Other side of mountains is pretty cold. (optional)
- Hat/cap (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Mobile and mobile fast charger (optional Joking, its mandatory these days. ;) )
- Navigation system. Dedicated or app on mobile is OK.
- enough cash
- suns cream. If you have very sensitive skin, better stay home :P

However, in packing i forgot to take: waterproof camera from one of my friend, goggles (it was all sunny in route) and water bottles.

Tools and navigation?

Its always better to have reliable navigation system with below features:

Offline maps functionality - No range in many parts of route
Route finding and voice announcement in route
Less power usage
with GPS but without network need.
No need of real time traffic like google maps. Sometimes its hard to find a single vehicle on road.

I had this wonderful tool called HERE maps which I have been using since few years. https://here.com/en
Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps
You may find similar apps for iPhone or other OS. Better have good battery life and charger. This thing really saved lot of time and energy for us during traveling. Which turn to take right or left and after how much distance. :) . It worked like charm!

Let's get to trip execution. Manoj was ready to drive his Fiat Punto for long drive. Let me clarify, he alone wanted to drive the whole trip, which he indeed did with all fatigue he had got in driving. Believe me, even hired driver would have taken some extra rest. Other two of us enjoyed the route and scenery :) !

Wonderful trip to Malvan-Tarkarli-Devbaug

We had 3days family trip (wife and 3 year old daughter) from Pune to Tarkarli by car. It was great time and memorable outing. Here is details of how to?, when?, where?

When?

26th January'15 Thursday to 1st March'15 Sunday.

How to reach?

We started on 26th early morning 5am from Pune. Took Mumbai-Banglore express way. Reached Kolhapur via Satara-Karad around 9am. Decided to go for Mahalaxmi temple for blessings. It was quick 1hr trip to find temple and parking. I took one of wrong turn and it added another 20min more to reach temple. There are multiple ways to reach Malvan from Kolhapur.

1. Gaganbawda,

2. Radhanagar-Phonda

3. Sawantwadi

I preferred 1. Gaganbawada as it's scenic route and famous ghat. Road from Kolhapur till 20km is not good. It's Ok type, once can go with 40-50 km/hr speed. After that, patch of 20-30km is good. Ghat area is ok type. Be careful of rock/land slide if you are going in rainy season. via Rangala-Gaganbawada-Vaibhavwadi-Kankawli-Malwan is good start.

Google Map

You will joing NH17 at small joint called Tarele. Take left on highway and go to Kasal via Nandgav, Kankawli. Reach Malwan ST bus stand via Kudal-Malvan road. It's good road for konkan city.

Where to stay?

We checked for multiple home stay on the spot. I had not booked place to stay in advance as I wasn't aware of quality being offered and off-season availability wouldn't be problem.

Here are some of resort/home stay names and rates:

Chintamani - near MTDC - rate 1000/- Nice rooms on 1st flor but no private beach.

Gajanan - Nice resort - rate 1500/- Nice view from room and good rooms. They had booking full. We wanted to for 3 days but they had only 2 days availability.

Visawa - Nice location. 1000/- but was already full.

Soham - Nice location, on private beach and large play area. 1000/- . We stayed here.

If you want MTDC, please book 2-3 months in advance. You can still go to MTDC canteen for food. Food is awesome here.

What to do and when?

day 1 :

1. Dolphin school: Feb-March is odd season to find Dolphins. However, we were lucky to find them. They weren't so close but found schools of Dolphins. It's suggested to go early in morning around 7-8pm for Dolphin sites. Guy took us to Devbaug. Took a boat from small jetty and got us to Karli river creak joint. One can see different color of water in Arabian sea and Karli river. Dolphins likes to hunt river water fish and come to eat them at river delta. They hunt in group so you often see school of Dolphins at a time. Smaller the Dolphin, they will jump higher. We couldn't catch pic of them but got few in video shoots.

2. Tsunami Island:

It's place for all water sport rides like banana ride, sofa ride, speed boat, jet scooter, para gliding and swimming. Place is in low tide zone formed after Tsunami.

We had nice time swimming around. My daughter enjoyed the place, saw crabs, sand forts. Little one wanted to swim in sea. Well, she raise question, who put all salt in this water? It tastes salty!

day 2:

3. Scuba:

You need to reach at Malvan jetty beach area to catch Scuba guys. Charges are normally season based. Guy told us 1500/- for cylinder dive, 1200/- for commercial (with long underwater pipe). We bargained same easily for 1200/- and 800/- . If you stick there for a while, they could agree to reduce another 100/-. We got video shoot and photo included in deal.

You don't need to know swimming, just don't fear water. You will get a guide who will take your hand and show underwater world. You will see all those colorful fishes - yellow, stripe, black, bluish. Just don't try to catch them in hands, you won't get them :P .

Age limit is 10years. Generally, snorkeling is not suggested as you might not see anything at that depth. Your ears will feel water pressure after going down to 20-30 feet.

4. Sindhudurg fort:

Go to Malvan jetty. Take 50/- ticket to go by ferry. Boat guy will give you 1 hr to explore the fort. It's nice place memory of great Maratha king Chchatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He had foresight to build such a strong and beautiful fort.

5. Enjoy sea food wherever you are eating.

Where to eat?

I and my 3year old daughter enjoyed sea food. Specially, king fish/Surmai and Prowns.

- Hotel Chintamani - at Market road in Malvan. Near Naka on conjusted one way road.

- Hotel OnlyFish - Near Malvan Jetty. They have lot of special sea food items like Prowns, Tisra, and variety of sea food.

- MTDC resort - If you are home sick and want something in Panjabi/North Indian type. MTDC offers variety of food. They are best in area. Another advantage is, you get a table right on beach to eat food. It's awesome view, place and food and right fit to wallet.

- Ask locals to suggest good hotels. You 'll surely get good suggestions.

Shopping?

Look out for special made cashew shops in Malwan market area. There are plenty of local made brands and varieties. I got salted, masala and normal double drun roasted cashew. It's nice in taste.

One can buy fish and carry it in thermocol box to preserve for few days. We didn't opted for it as I had enough of it in Malwan.

On way back, we left Tarkarli at 8am Sunday. It had rained on Saturday evening. It was pretty odd for season to rain. Weather was beautiful to drive. Had breakfast break at Kankawli. We reached Kolhapur around 1pm. Moved straight ahead on Banglore-Mumbai highway. Had lunch at Sai internation fast food hotel. It's on other side of road. We reached Pune around 6pm.

Expenses:
Fuel : 3000/- WagonR petrol
Tolls: 600/- To and fro.
Food: 4000/- for 2 of us.
Stay: 3000/-
Scuba: 2000/-
Dolphins: 1000/-
Tsunami Island and watersport rides: 1000/-
Shopping cashew: 400/-

Total : 15000/-

Few pics:

Scuba dive with cylinder on back

Scuba with commercial pipe to breath.

To Dolphin ride. Me and my cutie daughter

At Tsunami Island

At Rock garden

At Rock garden sunset

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Makarandgad Trek

Couple of weeks back, I visited the Fort Makarandgad.

We started the journey at 5.30 am from Pune. We were five guys in SUV so we had comfortable journey out from city. We preferred to bypass katraj ghat as ghat is shorter road and filled with morning rush of truck drivers struggling to push their vehicles in 30 degree slop.
By around 8am, we were near Nasarapur. Took a breakfast break at famous tappari hotel called "Shiram" . It was nice place to eat wada paav, misal and poha. We billed around 170/- for 5 guys. Place is pretty much crowded morning commuters. We left the place after our tummies filled up and couple of guys also attended morning nature's call.

We moved fast since then to reach Hatlot village on time. We managed to reach at Hatlot by 10.30 am. Got the place to park vehicle near village school. Village have good road and on daily basis only 2 buses visit the village and that's only to pick of students for school/college. Well, this also means that State Transport bus do NOT visit the village on Sunday so make sure you have transport before you plan your trek to this great fort.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/7pcz8

View Larger Map

There is small foot path from base village Hatlot. Feel free to ask villagers about path if you are not sure.

Things to carry:

raincoat / rain hat if visiting in rainy season
Salt - NaCl This is good anti-agent for Leeches. Jungle is fully blood sucking Leeches. They are active after seeing heat around. It hard to notice them. Don't keep exposed body. Carry at least 100 gram of it.
Full body covered cloths
Water bottles
Food item - Biscuits, light food, glucose. You may not get anything in Small village on top
Pair of cloths.
Good Trekking Shoes
Medicines if you have any known medical problem
Knee caps if issue with knee pain.

Jungle is said to have Raan dukkars who tend to attack people. Keep making noise as you move. Always, keep moving as leeches will catch your feet if you stop for break.

Enjoy the view to village and small temple while on climbing the route. There are couple small plateaus where you can take stop for rest and allow team to move together.

There is nice sweet water pond on fort where you can fill up your water storage. Ghonaspur is small village have bare electricity supply and seasonal connectivity by road in summer. You can find families who can provide lunch for a day. Enjoy the route, time and natural beauty.

Welcome comments for more details!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Jai Shivaji - Paris. Gare de Nord

People of India knowns many kings of India who fought against British Emperor to keep their home land safe from Britishers (while many kings who changed their color by joining British). One of the great Maratha king - Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivaji) was one of the biggest rival for Britishers in early 18th century. Full historical name as Shivaji Shahaji Bhosale founded the Maratha emperor which became one of the largest in 17th century http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/India-1760-map.jpg . I studied it all in history book. Seen in many motivations movies on king Shivaji and his bravery to challenge Mogal Emperor, Aadilshaha and Nijamshaha to forbid them while entering his home land. Well, its still unfortunate that, King Shivaji's birthday is celebrated two times a year because historical data indicates one date and another political party says its some other date. Its still controversy!

Here goes our story. It was about 10.30pm, Paris, near Gare de Nord. I was looking for nice India hotel for dinner. I knew Sarvanabhavan is good place to have dinner but wasn't sure if it would be still open till 11pm to serve me food. I decided to try and turned my way towards the hotel.

As usually, place was little crowded due to its famous typical India food. I took a place as service tambhi pointed the table. I ordered for North India thali and was doing some pass time on mobile. Three drunkards in their mid 50s with bottle of rhum in pocket drinking while sitting on next table brought my attention. They were shouting something in their local language and sometimes in French. Neither of them was known to me but i was just guessing what they are talking. One of them was too drunk. Other one was trying to keep him in control. I washed my hands and got refreshed and took my seat again.

Conversation started as they started talking to me in their local language or French. At that time I could't guess exactly what language it was. So was the condition and the way to throw words from mouth with smell of whisky and rhum (Thanks my dinner was not on table!!).

I said politely (its better to be polite with drunkard at first conversation) , "je ne pas parle francaise! (I do not speak French) or the language you are speaking!" . I had habit of speaking phrases in mixed French+English when I don't know what to call it in French.
Other guy who was less drunk, asked me in English,"You speak English"
I said, "Yes, I speak English, Hindi and Marathi and little little French but do not understand French. I am Indian."
Reply,"Oh good! ce bon. We Indian."
I just said, "Good." Hoping to end the conversation.
Now the drunkard said,"Where from India?"
I: "Bombay, Mumbai , Maharashatra"
drunkard: "Ce bon. I know. bon place. oui"
Little smile and reply, "Good. nice"
Drunkard: You know, king Shivaji of Maharashtra. Great king. Come to Tunjawar in Tamilnadu. Good person and king. Fought with British. bla bla bla (something in Tamil, Telgu or malayalum or French)
Less drunk drunkard: Its nothing. He is drunk too much. no problem. its fine.
I: Yes, Great king. I respect king Shivaji.

Well now, hotel waiter was worrying that drunkards are making me uncomfortable and its causing harm to reputation of hotel. He came asked 3 of them to leave the place. Again, the conversation was in their local language and I had no clue what they are trying to say. Less drunk man spoke to me, my friend is too much drunk. Its OK.

Drunkard was happy to common known and interest from Indian.
He said, "Jai Shivaji. Great king. He fought with British. I no speak English. I not like British. French is Ok. "
I: "Yes, British did lot of bad things in India... bla bla .. Shivaji is great!"

Waiter was bringing my dinner and i had stop further talking with drunkards. Anyways, Tambi (the waiter) came in and pulling drunkards to gate. He had to do it to save reputation of place.
I said,"Merci, Au revoir." (Thanks, good bye)
Drunkard was just shouting,"Its no problem. Our friend Shivaji. Jai Shivaji !! bla bla"

I waved my hand while the leaving from main door to good bye.

Its just coincidence but few kings made great impacts on society. Well, Tanjavor was never a home land of king but he ruled the province with equal respect as to his home place. Thats makes the great kings. Shivaji was never called himself a Ruler or dictator. He was kind of people. People loved him and they were ready to dye for him! That was Maratha Kingdom! But as Indian kings keep on fighting with each other and leading to ultimate victory to British Emperor.

I still feel, most worst thing of history of wars was "Battle of Plassey" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Plassey ! What a shame was it!

Story or incidence is real but there is no record of what happen and who were those drunkards while shouting "Jai Shivaji!"

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Brussels Trip

For regular info on city and what to see:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Brussels#b
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belgium/brussels/things-to-do
http://matadornetwork.com/trips/10-things-to-do-in-brussels-besides-drinking-beer/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g188644-Activities-Brussels.html

Here is my experience and way to see city. Some great person said, experience is best teacher so people don't understand until they try and experience it. Its worth learning. :)

Recently I planned a trip to Brussels (or Bruxxeles in French). Its interesting to see and understand the spirit of the city and its culture! It was middle of Jan'2012. It wasn't cold enough to snow or warm enough to be sunny. But weather was just OK to go out. I guess, that was still best weather for Brussels as its said to be mostly raining with bad weather.
I started journey from Paris at 9am. Reached to Gare de Midi / Brussel-Zuid. Names are confusing but the city has protocol to write all names in French as well as in Dutch. Its confusing for tourist but you will understand the protocol very soon. Most of people also speak English. Here most of people means almost 90%, while 80% are said to be French speaking and small portion with 20% Dutch speaking. Its good that 100% population knows more then 2 languages. Either of French or Dutch is must and English is secondary. I observe lot of Muslim originated population so naturally they also speak Arabic or Urdu. However preference of language is more natural and easy to change unlike Paris. Parisian love their language and don't prefer to change it unless its really needed. In fact, only 50-60 Parisian may be knowing English well. Rest of them keep using some of French common words in English. No wonder 30% of English and French have same vocabulary. Brussels is better in that context.

Brussels is full of tram ways. All over the road and each main route connecting various site-seeing places and town place, its all filled up with dense network on tramways and their wires pulled over the building around the tram way. But its still interesting to maintain the city traffic signals for tram, metro, bus and private transport. My experience with tram was not so great as 1 or 2 times in 2 days journey, I (along with all passengers) was asked to go out of tram as it was not functional due to some technical reason. Be careful, no such announcements are made in English. It only happens in French and Dutch. Tram-ways are spread all over the sub-urban areas and you could end up at unknown strange place if you try to just roam around the place so be careful before to take the tram.
Ticket rates are interesting. If you take ticket in bus, it will cost 1.80 Euro while if you take before entering in bus, it will cost 1.70Euro. logically its good policy to reduce pain for driver. Transport system is good and they have short planes to go for 2-3 days duration. I prefer to understand complete thing as native citizen so I could understand the core part of living in city. Metro lines in Brussels are very limited. Roaming around in tram is best way to explore the city. I would suggest the same if someone is visiting the town for couple of days.

Arabic Bangla-deshi professor and Muslim teachings:
As I got in to the metro, i saw a guy with Indian look and pyjamas walking on platform. There was drama going on with police and girl who didn't had ticket. I was wondering why girl is lying on platform while police were trying to wake her and let her go. It was strange but I didn't bother much as police were doing their job. As metro approached , I got into and found decent place to gather my way and direction of metro. Guy in pyjamas got place next to me. I thought to check on my direction with him.
"Hello, I want to go to Atomium, is it right direction?"
"This is metro 6 but there is tram which i know"
I was little confused to believe the strange so easily. He asked me,"Are you from India".
I said, "Yes. But I think train is in opposite direction."
Pyjama guy said,"Yes, you are on wrong direction. Don't worry. I will tell you best way to reach."
I said, "How do you know I am India"
Pyjama guy: I'm from Bangla desh and I live here.
I said, "Oh good! So you should be speaking Hindi ?"
Now Bangladeshi said, Yes, I do. Accha hai.

I could easily understood, he is Muslim and is good guy to rely for direction. I felt little good when he said he speaks Hindi. Its little weird to find someone who speaks Hindi at so far place.
Its wasn't so difficult to discuss after that. We discussed the city and its way of living. He said, he is professor in Arabic college where they teach Muslim history and culture. I understood the city and immigration happening from Middle-East Asia to Europe. Ottoman had huge effect on Europe. I gather info needed and moved my way to tram 7 to reach Hyzel station to see Automium.

Spirit of City: Manneken Pis
Status of little boy pissing with cute costume. Its very near from Grand Place. Just roam around and follow direction on road to get to see him. This status is surrounded by many small gift shops and waffles shops.
There are many stories around this little kid pissing. Some one said, witch converted the boy to statue as he was pissing on her palace. Others said, he is some price who is pissing on army who had lost the war against some enemy.
People of Brussels follow same spirit of pissing on road after drinking lot of beer without caring for the city's cleanliness. City have good architecture but not as good as Paris!

Atomium: 1958 Science exposition : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_58
Its large structure representing atomic structure. Its allowed to go on top flor. Its nice view to the city from top. You should not miss it. You have to take metro line 6 from Gare de Midi. OR Tram way 7 going toward Hezel.

European parliament:
Brussels has been more famous for European meetings and other international peace meetings. Its interesting to visit parliament. If you are European or hold residence of European country, you can attend the session of parliament if want to. Don't forget to carry your identity card for visit. But its not open on weekend so i couldn't visit it.

Grand Place:
Its nice old road with grand square with grand buildings surrounding. Right in center of the town. You can reach by walking from central Brussels metro station. This place is nice to have food. There is small lane nearby where you can easily find some Italian and crepary to have quick food. Its worth a try with price they offer with quality. I had nice lunch here. Its open most of time in late afternoon 4pm so no problem on time.

I gathered special chocolates of Belgium from Marconi. It was nice trip for a weekend. There is always lot of things to see, understand and learn more while exploring the world !!! Just open up your mind. :)

Sunday, December 25, 2011

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/

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 :

How old you are
Family or living alone
what is your income
Letter from company where you work
Guarantee for payment of rent
How long you live in Paris
What contract you have with company
bla
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.

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!

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.

Pay Toilet on a street in Paris.

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

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!!!

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