Travel Times

Munich trip snaps

2007-01-10T22:52:00.001-08:00

Munich

Wayanad trip snaps

2007-01-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

Wayanad

Hohenschwangau village

2006-12-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

Hohenschwangau village
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Three months back, i was in Munich for a week and during that time, got a chance to visit some nearby places. This was taken near Neuschwanstein castle. From Hohenschwangau village, where we park our cars, we can either walk, take a horse drawn carriage or a Bus to reach the castle. We decided to take and walk . it takes around 30 to 45 mins. It s very beautiful place. This snap was while we were walking to the castle.

Neuschwanstein castle

2006-12-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

Neuschwanstein castle
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Neuschwanstein Castle is a late 19th century castle in Germany, near Hohenschwangau southwest Bavaria and it is the most photographed building in Germany.

Bavarian house during sunset

2006-12-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Bavarian house during sunset
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

There is a whole new world out there!

2006-12-18T22:44:00.001-08:00

There is a whole new world out there!
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

i took this snap while visiting lake Chiemsee near Munich. Chiemsee is a fresh water lake in Bavaria and is 1 hour journey from Munich towards Salzburg.
It was very interesting to watch this girl play with the telescope. Guess she wanted to see the stars!

Wilten Basilica, Innsbruck

2006-12-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

Wilten Basilica, Innsbruck
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

While in Innsbruck, we went to see the Bergisel ski jump. On the way we saw this beautiful basilica. The ski jump is 20 mins walk from this place.

Nubra valley

2006-11-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

Nubra valley
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Ladakh ("land of high passes and once part of the Silk Route") is a region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in Northern India sandwiched between the Karakoram mountain range to the north and the Himalayas to the south.

This photo was taken from Nubra valley, which is towards the north and about 130 kms from Leh. This is also one of those rare places where you can see the bactrian camels (two-humped) and also one of the very few places where you find greenery in Ladakh. To reach Nubra valley, you have to pass Khardung La pass, which is the highest motorable road in the world.

Pangong Tso

2006-11-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

Pangong Tso
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Pangong Tso (or Pangong lake; Tso: Ladakhi for lake) is a lake in Ladakh situated at a height of about 4250 m. It is 134 km long and extends from India to Tibet.
Two thirds of the length of this lake falls in China.

Hogenekal

2006-11-20T02:49:00.000-08:00

Hogenekal
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

This was taken from Hogenekal water falls, which is in Tamil Nadu. South India.

Just after Sunset

2006-11-14T02:40:00.000-08:00

Just after Sunset
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Just after sunset in baga beach Goa

Sunset, couple and Beach!!!

2006-11-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Sunset, couple and Beach!!!
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Sunset at Baga beach in Goa.

Chimmony Jungle Camp : Day 2, Part II

2006-11-10T01:53:00.000-08:00

Soon we started our descent. We took a different route which was shorter but little steeper. All of us were tired and so the pace was not very fast. Our guide wanted us to cross two difficult parts before 5 and we were struggling to do that. Anyway we somehow managed that part and they said the difficult part was over (in terms of steepness) But for us it just began!! The route seemed never ending.. :(

It was getting dark and there were symptoms of a heavy rain. The ranger was getting anxious and was asking us to hurry up as there is a possibility for the elephants to charge us. But as JK rightly said “In that case you run and take care of yourself. None of us are going to run even if it happens. This is the max pace that we can walk in the current situation”.

For me I was loosing my strength and was finding it difficult even to balance. Many a times I had to depend on JK. So was the state of Rashmi. Pint and Sid was helping her. Pint was saying “Even I’m tired and I can imagine the state of you ppl”. Sid was like “I’m stretching my limits”.

Rashmi was continuously asking “Can I be tired” but KK’s diplomatic answer was “I have faith in you”. I really pity the state of boys. Although they themselves were tired, they had to take care of us also :(
Soon night fell and it started pouring heavily and no umbrella (not that it would have made a difference). Since we never expected such a late return, we didn’t have any torches and to make it worse - it was an “amavasya” night (new moon). The situation was abominable - pitch dark, dense forest, heavy rain, uneven ground and possible hidden dangers behind the bushes.

Soon we had another hurdle to overcome – a stream crossing. Even before, we didn’t have any idea where we were stepping. Now we don’t know what the depth is, whether the rocks are slippery and also how strong the current is!!! We somehow managed this also and soon

I had the next set back. During the wayanad trip my leg was twisted and it was not completely cured. The same leg was twisted again and the cold made the pain worser.From there on I couldn’t apply force on one leg and literally had to manage with one leg. After rambling in the dark like this for more than an hr we finally saw some light (of the jeep ofcourse) and a big crowd to receive us.

The walkie-talkie was also not working and so they just couldn’t contact us. They were clearly worried and were happy to see us back safe and sound (?). Anyway all of us were unanimous in saying that we stretched a little too much (tho KK won’t agree).
Anyway we soon reached IB, packed and bid adieu to the place taking with us some long lasting memories…

Info: Chimmony is 35 km. from Thrissur. There are buses from the North bus stand. If you are coming in your own vehicle, turn east at Amballur jn. Amballur is 11km. from Thrissur on the NH47 to Kochi. Chimmony is 24 km. from Amballur, the road end at Chimmony Dam.

PS: Far from the hustles and bustles of city, this place unleashes a whole new world of sunshine, fresh air, varieties of birds, trees, mountains, streams, flowers,… In short, Chimmony doesn’t disappoint :)

Chimmony Jungle Camp - Day 2, Part I

2006-11-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

We got up early and started off to the mainland after dismantling the tent and other stuff. The early morning ride was really awesome. Weather was simply gorgeous with the sun shinning its golden rays through the clouds and giving it a fine blend of colors. Mist was there all over the place. In addition, the high rise mountains and it’s reflections in the placid water was like a perfect painting...

After a tasty breakfast of puttu and kadala it was time for the Ponmudi trek which was around 1100 mts high. I had my own apprehensions about it mainly coz of the story from Simanta about the leeches. Also I was not sure of my health and fitness level as I was on medication for quite sometime. Anyway everyone ignored my reasoning as lame excuses and so by 10.30 we started our trek (tho we were supposed to start at 6.30 am!!).

The climb was not very difficult except for the leeches who gleefully welcomed us Except for that the route was definitely interesting with dense forest, some stream crossing, interesting creatures, rare flowers etc. Our guides were giving us gyaan about the different trees, medicinal plants, it uses and all on the way

By around 1.30 we reached a clearing from where we could see the chimony dam. We then thought we have almost reached the top and slowed down a little. After a while thick fog surrounded the entire place and it was lovely… But then only we realized that we were no were near the top and had to hurry up. The climb further was becoming bit difficult also. Our guides asked us to be in a close group as well since the visibility was greatly reduced coz of the fog.

Once we reached near a stream we had packed lunch and continued our ascent. By around 3.30 we reached the summit. It seems on clear days we can see three dams from that point and that view was supposedly very breathtaking. But unfortunately for us it was little foggy (Although it had a beauty of its own). The mist was clearing fast but we couldn’t stay there for long as it was quite late…

Chimmony Jungle Camp : Day 1, Part II

2006-11-10T01:44:00.000-08:00

To the Wilderness
After lunch we started towards the camp site. A 45 minute ride in the speed boat along the lake took us to the depths of the sanctuary on the eastern edge of the Reservoir. We were accompanied by an armed forest guard with communication facilities and 4 tribals. Once we got out of the boat and trekked to the campsite, we were exposed to the virgin forest which was the home for all sorts of creatures and many medicinal plants. We could spot some huge praying mantis, some rare flowers, medicinal plants, different varieties of mushrooms,…

The camp site was a clearing near the stream and some elevated base was already there. Our hosts (they are the tribes from the settlement of Echipara) were quick in setting up the almost ready made tent

After spending some time near the stream we headed towards a waterfall nearby. That was a beautiful sight indeed.
There was a tree lying horizontally from one end to the other (kind of natural bridge) and it seems they used it for collecting honey (info from kk). We walked on that tree and went near the falls. But after sometime it started raining and we got completely wet.

After spending sometime there we headed towards the next falls. It was a stream flowing through the huge rocks. They said in monsoon the entire rock area will be covered by water. By then the light was very dim and Pint tried out some excellent long exposure shots.

As the dusk fell, we came back to the camp site. There the lanterns (I’m seeing it after a very long time) were kept on the dining table (don’t mistake. It is a nice bamboo structure) and a camp fire was also lit(tho it got extinguished soon). We were ready to crash but discovered that the tents were wet due to rain. Our hosts immediately changed two tents under the tarpaulin and they were busy preparing dinner for us – chappathi and peas curry. After relishing the same we immediately went to the tents and crashed while our hosts were awake. It seems in the middle of the night some wild boars came and they shooed them off. They then lit a camp fire so that some more attacks will not be there.

Chimmony Jungle Camp : Day 1

2006-11-10T01:41:00.000-08:00

We went straight to Chimmony on Friday morning. At the check post, met the officers and they took us to the dormitory. After freshening up and a quick breakfast we were set for the first activity – the bamboo raft ride. This was the one all of us (except may be JK ;)) were eagerly waiting for. Since there were 6 of us they took us in two rafts. The rafts were beautifully made with nice bamboo seats so that we can sit comfortably without getting wet. It was a bit sunny in the beginning but later it changed to a pleasant one.

The place had a very soothing effect and had all the settings of a perfect holiday - far far away from the crowd, just amidst nature, nature and nature all around. And about the scenery surrounding us – what can I say? It’s far too stunning to describe in words. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the silky, shimmering waters and the stately mountains and hills filled with trees that stood proudly on almost all sides. We were busy savoring (or trying to savor) the beauty around us in the cameras (These are some situations were we realize that man/camera has limitations but nature doesn’t).

Once we got used to the raft’s balance we were comfortable moving up and down. We even tried our hands in pedaling (not the main one of course). After sometime Pint got the idea to jump into the water (he can never resist a plunge). So Pint dived first. KK and Sid followed. Sid even swam from his raft to ours which was little far apart (n got exhausted).

Pint was insisting us also to jump but we didn’t want to wet ourselves…We then heard some elephant’s noise and so decided to try our luck in spotting it. So everyone returned to the respective rafts and we started again. But after some time pint got restless and started splashing water all over me. I was totally wet and so we decided not to leave others too.
The first target was obviously JK who is hydrophobic. In order to escape from us, he took 2 cameras, put it through his neck and was running around. But after a lot of effort we managed to take the cams from him and then it was real fun time. Splashing water all over, jumping from one raft to another, pulling others to water,… Pint even tried some diving and ended up in some distance from the raft and I had to pull him towards the raft.

In another 10 mins all the 6 of us were in 90 ft deep water without any life jackets and none of us were expert swimmers either!!!! Anyway after frolicking in water to the hearts content we returned to the IB. All of us were really hungry and so devoured the simple and delicious lunch waiting for us.

Day 1, to be cont....

Chimmony Jungle Camp - A Jungle to get lost in

2006-11-10T01:17:00.000-08:00

We have been traveling extensively for almost 4-5 years now. But the trip that we had during the diwali weekend has beaten everything heads down. It is full of unique and crazy experiences and I just can’t resist penning it down

It was KK who found the details of the programme from outlook traveler and booked for the five of us – KK, JK, Sid, me n Rashmi.
The Jungle Camp package was roughly like the following:
We will be taken to a tented accommodation on the eastern edge of Chimmony Reservior. Once in the camp on the banks of a stream we can go for treks, birdwatch, swim/relax in the pool at Cherpulikkuth etc. Check in time 10 am and check out after breakfast the next day. But since we wanted to be in Chimmony till evening they suggested us to go for either of the following the next day.
a) Come back to Chimmony and go for a bamboo raft ride (can combine with short treks as well).
b) Go for a trek to the highest peak in the PA, the Ponmudi peak (1116 m). They said the trek passes through some good rainforests and the view from the peak is breath taking and the trek will take about 6 hrs.
KK was too keen in making the most out of this trip and so he wanted to have both. So we decided to take the 2 hr raft ride before going to the camp. We had gone to the dam last year and were impressed by its calm n quiet atmosphere and so all of us were looking forward for the opportunity to be there for two days. Our plan was to start on Thursday evening around 6.30 pm and reach the place by Friday morning. Two hours prior to the trip Pint called up and said he also wanted to join. He just couldn’t resist the raft ride and joined us in 1 hr :)

Berries

2006-11-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

Berries
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

These are some kind of berries that my mom brought from her native in Kerala. They are edible and are good for making pickles.
I just took some of them, put it in a white china plate sprinkled some water and took some snaps :)

Crossed legs

2006-11-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

Crossed legs
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

I was sitting in front of the raft and had put my legs into the water as it was quite hot that day.
I noticed this nice wave formation clicked couple of shots.

PP: only USM

My photoblog: www.pinto.shutterchance.com

Thinking man!!!

2006-11-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

Thinking man!!!
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

This was taken from a boat during the trip to Chimony Resevoir, in Kerala. We had to travel by boat for around 45 minutes before we reached the place where we pitched our tents and stayed for the night. While going, we left at around 4 in the afternoon and the light was too harsh, so i did not click much snaps but i knew that ,next day, we had to come back very early in the morning and lighting conditions will be much better. This shot was taken on our way back next day morning. This person was sitting right in front of the boat.
I am not sure if i did the right thing by not framing him completely. If i had to do so, then part of the boat was also in the frame and i thought it was distracting a little bit. Do let me know what you think.

Chimony Reservoir

2006-11-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

Chimony Reservoir
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Another one from the Chimony Wild life sanctuary series.
We went on bamboo raft to explore the reservoir. This was taken around noon and hence the lighting was very harsh but the reflection was gorgeous.
This ride was amazing. We were 6 of us on 2 rafts and miles and miles of water surrounded by very thick forest and not a soul anywhere nearby. It was one of those relaxing trips that i have ever had.

Visit my photoblog @ http://pinto.shutterchance.com

Gods own country

2006-11-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

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Stream

2006-10-29T02:20:00.000-08:00

Stream
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

This one again taken during the trek last week. The tent where we were staying in the forest had a stream flowing nearby. The Sun had set and it was getting dark very fast when we got there. The lighting i thought was perfect for a long exposure shot. I've been trying for a long time to get a snap like this. Do let me know what you think about this and if i could have done something better.

Visit my photoblog @ pinto.shutterchance.com

Chimony Wild life sanctuary

2006-10-27T03:29:00.000-07:00

Chimony Wild life sanctuary
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

This Photo was taken during the trek last week in the western ghats in Kerala, South India.
It was a day long trek and this photo was taken just before we reached the summit. The atmosphere was so beautiful that its hard to descibe it in words.

This place along with lots of other forest reserves in Kerala is home to lot of tribal people and The government is doing a very good job of providing them with employement in an eco freindly manner.
The whole program was arranged by the govt with the help of the tribals and govt helps the tribals by providing treking equipments, tents, etc.. The tribals are not paid salary but they get 90% of the money that we trekkers pay for the program.

visit my photoblog@ http://www.pinto.shutterchance.com

The Dandelife Blog » How to take a better photograph

2006-10-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Dandelife Blog » How to take a better photograph: "How to take a better photograph"

Kurinji Flowers

2006-10-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

DSCN3591
Originally uploaded by krishnakumar_cs.

Came back from Kodaikanal Today morning. The trip was great - enjoyed every moment ;) However, couldn't see the ocean of Kurinji flowers - the season has ended ;( This is a snap of the flowers left over. Guess I have to join the Munnar Trip to really experience it.

Kodai Trip during Kurinji season

2006-09-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Kodai Lake
Originally uploaded by dhanyacm.

Guys, I am going to Kodai once again. Hope to see some "Kurinji Flowers" ;) It will be a very short trip (for 2 days, next weekend) with my colleagues. Dhanya & Sid, so sorry that you'll miss it ;(

My Photo Blog

2006-09-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Finally i started my photoblog.
Its a small world
I hope i can update it regularly ;-)

There is a whole new world out there!

2006-09-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

From Munich

Take from lake chiemsee near Munich. It was facinating to watch this little girl using this telescope.

Thumbappoo

2006-09-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

tumba
Originally uploaded by dhyanji.

Onam is always nostalgic. And so is this thumbappoo. Deadicated to those who missed ONAM due to whatever reasons ...

Mist, Tree and Tea

2006-09-06T03:59:00.000-07:00

Mist, Tree and Tea
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

One of my favorites. Taken by Pint during our Munnar - Kodai trip.

Final Catch

2006-09-05T03:09:00.000-07:00

Final Catch
Originally uploaded by dhanyacm.

A recent photo from CM. Wonder which is this place! Off late madam is travelling a lot, I guess ;)

Kaashi Thumba in Germany !!

2006-08-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

IMG_0398
Originally uploaded by krishnakumar_cs.

Went to HerrenChimSee near Prian (1+ hrs from Munich, Germany) on sunday. We were walking around the island when we spotted this. Our good old 'Kaashi Thumba" (Don't know its name in English).

Palolam Beach

2006-07-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Palolam Beach
Originally uploaded by dhanyacm.

Feels so nostalgic about Goa. Guys, when will we go there again ?

2006-07-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

A snap from "Love Parade 2006" [ Berlin, July 15 ]

A bug's life

2006-07-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

You know, being a bug is a very difficult task. Everybody call it a bug, bug it, de-bug it, or photograph it. This is a photo by Ms. CM on their trip to Coorg. Apparently there was a huge array of promising photographers to bug this bug endlessly. Finally to esacape from this dreadful fate, the bug committed suicide. I am happy that I am not a bug.

2006-06-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

Bangalore rain - A view from my cubicle

Church in Mumbai

2006-06-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

This was the church where my cousin got married in Mumbai.

Taken on 2nd January 2006

Kumarakom

2004-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

Kumarakom
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

Trip to Kumarakom in Kerala can be a costly affair unless you explore the place a little bit and find cheaper alternatives. This boat ride cost us Rs. 150 while the ride organised by the local tourism board costs Rs. 650!!!

River Crossing

2004-12-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

River Crossing
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

The trip to Wayanad during October 2003 was an really amazing. This shot was taken just before we crossed this over flowing river on a rainy day!

Camera: Minolta Dynax

Magalore Bangalore Highway

2004-12-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Magalore Bangalore Highway
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

First week of November 2004, while on a trip from Bangalore to Mnagalore, we stopped over at a point called the 'Panorama View'. This snap (3 snaps actually!) was taken from this point.

M.G. by night

2004-12-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

M.G. by night
Originally uploaded by pintoalex.

MG Raod, Bangalore by Night!
This was taken from outside my office canteen using Olympus C750.

Goa Travelog-u

2004-12-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

Sea Fever
I must go down to the seas again,
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship
and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song
and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face
and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again,
for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call
that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day
with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume,
and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again
to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way
where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn
from a laughing fellow rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream
when the long trick's over.

-- John Masefield

Table of Contents
The beginning 3
Friday 3’rd September 2004 3
Saturday 4’Th September 2004 5
Sunday 5’Th September 2004 11
Monday 6’Th September 2004 17
Poor KK 19

Table of Figures
Figure 1 Somewhere near karwar 5
Figure 2 Calungute beach 6
Figure 3 Baga beach 7
Figure 4 Dance on the cruise 8
Figure 5 an artist’s impression of our beach candle light dinner!!!  9
Figure 6 cocktails! (The green yellow combo is electric jam!) 10
Figure 7Church behind the Goa museum 11
Figure 8 Old Goa church 12
Figure 9 The broken structure mentioned in the document 13
Figure 10 colva beach from KK's cam 14
Figure 11 sunset in Palolem, KK’s cam, Isn’t it amazing? 15
Figure 12 Chapora fort from a point near sterling resorts 17
Figure 13 View from top of the chapora fort (the beach u see is vagator beach) 18
Figure 14 The plain region explained above 19
Figure 15 Boat ride in Dona Paula 20
Figure 16 rain as seen from our qualis on our journey to Vasco 21
Figure 17 Vasco port [all that glitters ain’t gold! ...this place is very dirty ] 21
Figure 18 Train!!!!! 22

The beginning
Travel plans started off somewhere in April, we were not sure of where to go. People traveled to Munich and returned. Some visionaries saw a long weekend coming up in September, started planning for the trip. They chose a dynamic marketing/promotional officer for marketing the Goa trip. After being intimidated by the Goa trip promoter a lot of people agreed to join trip. Started off with booking the Volvo bus tickets and the train tickets. SB and PA took care of arranging for the tickets. Signals were not so good; we saw an anti-travel weather forecast.

Friday 3’rd September 2004
Started on the travel straight from the office, had been longing to buy a memory card for my digital camera. Went to brigade road to buy memory card, one shop it was 2800 and the other it was 1900!, bought the economical one. Had dinner at earthen oven and started hunting for the auto. Asked ASP to stop the auto because they never stop when I ask them. Some idiot asked 80 rupees to go till race course road where we will be boarding the Paulo travels bus.
Some how managed to get an auto who agreed on meter+10 cost.
Reached Paulo travel’s office @ 9:00. Waited for others to join us.
Every one arrived right on the nick of time 9:30 PM. Bus started sharply @ 9:30 PM. We had four seats and four sleeper tickets.
The sleeper compartment reminded me of the Nazi concentration camp. Team Goa was not in a mood to sleep (except me!). The team joined together and started chatting. Felt very happy when the bus operator gave water bottle and the vomiting bags :). I occupied my place and started counting the sheep’s to fall asleep. ……………Came to know people were chatting for a very long time next to me….and I was not aware of that 

Saturday 4’Th September 2004
Slept for around 13 hours with some interrupts in between,
I guess the bus stopped in karwar @ around 6:00 am. The bus was going very slowly.

Figure 1 Somewhere near karwar

Finally reached Goa at around 11:00 or 11:30 AM. Hunted for a taxi for a fair amount of 150Rs per taxi to calungute. Searched for Calungute annex for 5 minutes. Finally found it. The place looked pretty ordinary from outside. But it was manageable. Got into the room to get fresh. Every one was ready by around 2 PM. The Girls went out for shopping before we were ready. All were very hungry, went to sher-e-punjab to have brunch’s (breakfast-lunch-snacks).Had some slice, coke and roti's
Time to hit the calaungute beach! Everyone was eager to get into the sea water….except KK….

Figure 2 Calungute beach

KK was more than eager to look after our luggage ;) …….There we go….every one jumped into the sea water of calaungute beach…spent around 1 hour 30 minutes in the water………was good fun….......................Time to pack up and move to Baga beach…it was adjacent to calungute beach…so packed our stuff and started moving towards Baga beach……Even though it looked so near it was a long walk…..

Figure 3 Baga beach

On the way found some dead snakes and live snakes on the shore……hmmm feels scary to get into water now…. Finally reached Baga beach…..had a small photo session there….Feeling hungry again…..got into Laxmi Restaurant (I hope the name is right!....cause there was no name plate over there)…Guys eagerly had some Malibu……..was tasty……had a tinge of coconut in the taste.
Detailed List
MMS: Fosters
JK, PA, ASP, Me: Malibu
JK, PA: Gimlet
and food was fish finger/veg cutlet etc.
Panjim cruise was in our agenda for the day…enquired if dinner was served till 11 PM near the beach and fortunately the answer was yes……

Hunt begins to catch a bus to Panjim…Taxi drivers try to trap us…but we are intelligent. Started walking towards calaungute bus stand….caught a bus towards calaungute midway…reached calaungute and caught a bus to Panjim…..The bus was moving very slowly…was not sure if we will reach Panjim on time….some how managed to reach Panjim @ 7:10 PM…PA and SB ran towards the cruise booking office (I could hardly manage running!) Sad to hear that the cruise called Paradise was booked, and Santa Monica had left…So booked our tickets for the next slot (from 8:30-9:30)…in Santa Monica. And simultaneously arranged for a travel arrangement to go back for a reasonable price of 300…
Walked on the Panjim bridge to reach a veg restaurant to have tea/kapi……cause some were having headache
Tea was similar to what we get in apisu (good!)…..Walked back to the Cruise pickup point…..waited for around 20 minutes……finally the cruise ship(?) (or can I call it a steamer?).....arrived…we jumped in….The cruise host was behaving like a school teacher!!!!!....Listened to few songs……..and saw few dances……danced to pose for photos 

Figure 4 Dance on the cruise

When the cruise ship turned back…we went to the top of the ship to get snaps in titanic style……Back to ground……

Thankfully the vehicle we had booked was there…..we got into the maruti versa……reached Baga @ somewhere 10-11 PM………we managed to arrange the vehicle for next days travel…thankfully the restaurant on the beach was still open………the ambience was too good….the tables were set on the sand……and candles were set………how romantic!!!!

Figure 5 an artist’s impression of our beach candle light dinner!!! 

Started our orders with Malibu (now u can imagine how good Malibu is) since some people were electrical and electronics engineers they decided to have electric Jam …electric jam was the bitterest thing I have ever had…somehow managed to finish it…had fish finger and French fries……then in main course had fish vindaloo(yummy)…prawn chilly fry………

Figure 6 cocktails! (The green yellow combo is electric jam!)

Detailed list of cocktails:
MMS: Gimlet
JK: Cuban
Me, ASP: Electric Jam
PA: Malibu

It was around 12:30 in the night when we started walking towards our resort…………………the walk on the sea shore @ night was amazing…out of the world!...decided to repeat it next day. Reached the room and had cold water bath @ 1:00 AM in the morning………………eager to fall asleep and get energized for tomorrows travel……….

Sunday 5’Th September 2004
Felt the world was shaking….opened my eyes……someone woke me up….
It was my turn to take bath first for that day. So I was ready by 8:15 AM. Was feeling very hungry,
so went into the lodge’s restaurant and had bread/omelette and Tea alone. The quails we had booked the previous night arrived on time.

The driver looked like sanjay dutt’s friend in vaastav to me. (He also told us later that he was sanjay dutt’s driver in goa for one day). Went to “Plantain leaf” to have breakfast. The restaurant was more than happy to serve us stale idli/vada. He might have put a board like “fresh idli vada available” after we had left.(we ate the stale ones)
Reached Old goa church @ around 11:00 AM. Had a look at the museum and the church along with it…also saw the old goa main church....Team Goa spotted a old broken building nearby. Thought of going there. It was a beautiful place... where the ruins of an old church were there... If the church had existed, it would have been a major attraction, now not many people visit this place....

Figure 7Church behind the Goa museum

Figure 8 Old Goa church
Heard lots of movies were shot at this place. MMS never came out of the quails till she heard this! :) Met a cattle looking like salman khan (in tere naam) took photos of the same. When people came back, PA stepped on a thorn and was in pain. So some surgeons from Team Goa started helping him out, our driver was finally successful.

Figure 9 The broken structure mentioned in the document

Time to hit the beach again! Traveled to colva, had a nice swim for a very long time. JK, I and Prashanta were trying to learn swimming in the sea. It was very good. KK went on a lone walk on the beach and said he will join us @ 2:30. (He spent some time reading some book and had a beer!) Swim,swim,swim was the agenda for the next 1 hour 30 minutes…Some sharks( :) ) attacked our models…but the poor creatures had to face some retaliation...started feeling hungry,

Figure 10 colva beach from KK's cam

so all of us dried ourselves and hit on to a restaurant nearby. Place looked Ok, but the service was pathetic. To add salt to the wound, we ordered Fish curry/Rice which was pathetic. Finally out of the bad restaurant (I think the name was steak…)
Detailed list of cocktails:
JK, PA: Blue Monday
Me, ASP: Pinacolada

Now next on the agenda was a visit to the palolem beach. Based on my last trips experience, I knew this was going to be the best beach we will be visiting. We reached there at around 5:00. The view was too good. As usual we jumped into the water. Our models (read SB/MMS/DCM), super model (read JK) and photographers (read SB/JK/KK/PA) went in search of some good photographic sites. ASP and I had no other option but to look after slippers? :( and have some beer ;) …..Any way, we were enjoying the beautiful sunset of the palolem beach n having KF….

Figure 11 sunset in Palolem, KK’s cam, Isn’t it amazing?

It was very very beautiful. When our models/photographers arrived,
Decided to take a walk on the sea shore. Was amazing. Out of the world
As usual all good things come to an end, we started our journey back to Baga (to have dinner at the same place where we had yesterday).
I thought of organizing an anthyakshari. (JK/PA/ASP/Me) in one team and (KK/DCM/SB/MMS) in the other team. KK and I showcased our singing talents (?). . The songs ranged from KK to Bryan Adams…yesu das to pink Floyd…Reached Baga @ 10:00 PM in the night. It was JK’s unofficial birthday the next day (after 2 hours).MMS and DCM arranged for the cake in complete mystery. We had decided to stay back till 1:30…or as long as we could……
Started ordering our favorite cocktails…
People were getting a bit sentimental now…and started discussing their problems! I was hungry…people started having starters and cocktails on the beach.
Detailed List:
MMS: Malibu, Gimlet, Malibu on the moon
JK: Screwdriver, Coffee liqueur, Malibu on the moon, Cuban
PA: Malibu,JK was sloshed, so he cannot remember
Me, ASP, KK: Wine, Signature
Somehow I was feeling sleepy, so took the main course and slept on the beach...Some one woke me up @ 12:00 to cut cake for JK…
Wished JK a happy birthday and fell back on the sand….again someone woke me up @ 1:30 AM. The beach looked so empty...and we were the only ones on the beach @ 1:30.and asked me to walk back to the resort. So we started walking back to our lodge. Titto’s comes on way between Baga and Calungute. Some people were interested in having a look at that. So we went outside Titto’s and saw people dancing like crazy to “It’s the time to disco” I felt it wasnot the time to disco (1:30 AM?)…
Spent 15 minutes there and started walking back to calaungute… we were escorted by some beach dogs till our lodge…
Reached Calungute at 2:00 (I think so)…JK got the b’day bum’s in the lodge. People who were cribbing against JK took the opportunity and kicked him to their satisfaction….I got fresh and went to sleep.
I came to know in the morning that KK was taking classes to poor JK on playing cricket in life!!! How to overcome the difficult bowling from parents at their poor sons........hitting it over to six etc.....blah blah…but poor KK did not know that fate had some other decisions Poor KK …….One more highlight of the day was the fundas given by JK. They were flowing throughout the day…can’t quote any here as they are too precious to share

Monday 6’Th September 2004
The dry day
Samir, Sid and Akash were on the agenda for this day , we were heading for the chapora fort. We had made arrangements for the taxi the previos night. It arrived right on time. We asked him to wait till we finish our breakfast. There was’nt much on offer in “infanteria”, MMS and DCM dared to try porridge, but were not so pleased after they had it. I had a plain omlette, JK/KK had some sandwich. ASP had boiled egg. Once we finished our breakfast, we came back to the lodge, settled our bill and loaded our luggage on top of the quails. We were now heading to the chapora fort near vagator beach where Dil chahta hai was shot.

The trip took us around an hour, we reached the fort @ 11:00 AM, the view from the chapora fort was amazing. It was out of the world!.

Figure 12 Chapora fort from a point near sterling resorts

Figure 13 View from top of the chapora fort (the beach u see is vagator beach)

We spend a lot of time at this place, we sat at the place where amir,akshaye,saif sat and gazed at the sea. And repeated the film dialogues . We walked down into the plain region by the side of the walk.

Figure 14 The plain region explained above

Our models/super models and photographers were on a big portfolio shoot. I was enjoying the nature. It was a very good experience. We did want to go to the vagator beach, but realized it would take a lot of time and did not venture into it. The visit to the chapora fort was truly amazing. It was around 1:30 when we decided to go for lunch. We decided to go to Panjim to have our lunch. We bid farewell to chapora and started off to Panjim. The driver took us to a road called “18’th June road”. We decided to go out for some shopping and buy some kaju etc.
We landed in a good kaju shop, bought a lot of stuff for ourselves and people back at office. We decided to split the group and go out for shopping and decided to meet outside delhi darbar @ 2:45 PM.

We split the group ASP/KK and I entered some handicraft shop. We bought some key chains, handicrafts made of mud/bamboo etc. I billed to around 500. KK bought something for his nephew. We rushed back to Delhi Darbar and reached there 10 minutes behind schedule. The place was good. And for the first time we were having only food . Taste was good. I n KK had egg biryani and Rabdi/fruit salad.

After the lunch we set out to our final destination, dona Paula. We had plans to take a power boat ride here.
Poor KK
MMS started pestering KK on his engagement to a girl and started discussing the cube matching funda.
The questions ranged from

Whats her name?
How often do you meet?
Where do you meet?
What time do you meet?
Who pays the bill?
How do you pay the bill?
When did it start?
Why didyou buy the bag in the handicraft show room?
What do u eat in the coffee day? (no guess that KK goes to coffee day)
.
.
.
.

Poor KK was blushing ;)
Some philanthropic people like JK,PA/I joined together to form a group and protect KK. But KK always believed in the proverb “The best way to defeat your enemy is to be his friend” MMS and KK negotiated and came to some understanding…..

When we reached dona Paula, we bought the tickets and the boat ride was real fun. I recorded my boat ride from beginning to the end.

Figure 15 Boat ride in Dona Paula

It was too good. We traveled to some watch points near by and took some good snaps…….
Tip tip barsa paani…..hmmm it started raining now, we were so lucky that the rain started just when we were about to leave goa……
We started or journey back to Vasco, where we needed to catch train back to Bangaloru.

Figure 16 rain as seen from our qualis on our journey to Vasco
We reached vasco @ around 7:00. Decided to take stroll of the market and have a walk near the port.
It was a dirty place.

Figure 17 Vasco port [all that glitters ain’t gold! ...this place is very dirty ]

Decided to pack some food for ourselves to have it in the train. We had parked or quails near rly station. I was surprised to c a lot of buses near the station. I assumed rly and bus station are next to each other…. We packed the food and reached back the railway station to get into the train……
Bad news, there was a notice put up in the rly station stating, “The train route from vasco to londa is disrupted, please use the busses outside for free and reach Londa, the bus train will leave londa @ 1:00AM in the morning” Aha …..travelling in KSRTC bus, but there was no other option, there were around 10-15 buses outside. All the people with reservation could use it. We reluctantly got on to the bus. The driver of the bus was a kannadiga. He started narrating his stories……
Got to know some scary stuff from him later on….
He had not slept for the last 36 hours….and our lives were in his hand 
Some how managed to reach goa at 1:00 AM in the morning, got into the S2 compartment and tried eating the food we had got packed. It was arghhhhh pathetic.
It was time to sleep. Slept till 9:00 AM In the morning.

Figure 18 Train!!!!!
Struggled to get fresh. The train sink was tooooo dirty. I n KK got down in tumkur to get some biscuits… the train started when we were still buying some stuff…. Somehow managed to get into the train….
Reached Bangalore @ 1:00 PM. Caught an auto and traveled to home.
.
.
Overall an amazing experience.

The very first post

2004-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

The beginning is the most important part of the work.

-Plato