tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76390985289108270202012-01-23T08:31:53.580-08:00Musings, rants, political incorrectness, thoughts on Indian Nationalism, strong straight-forward opinions and tid-bits.Namnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-10382097366045469102012-01-23T07:41:00.000-08:002012-01-23T07:54:37.909-08:00

On the 22nd anniversary of the Ethnic Cleansing of the Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley, we would do good to spare a few minutes reading one of the untold stories of India's present, ie. today. The acts described in the following essay took place while most of us were already alive, in the late 1980's and early 1990. This is, without doubt, one of the greatest tragedies of modern times,

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-79845411402715930832011-09-23T11:49:00.000-07:002011-09-23T11:52:04.485-07:00

This is 100% courtesy of Mediacrooks. Read the original post here. This post totally nails the issue about the Indian Sarah Palin, thats why I just had to re-post.There are abundant stories about Rahul Gandhi on the internet that the mainstream media will never report. Full of ass-licking reporters and journalists that our MSM is filled with it is only the small bloggers and passionate patriots

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-59139520687757911732011-09-17T08:31:00.001-07:002012-01-05T07:38:59.527-08:00

Not only is Barkha Dutt 'audio-visually' revolting with her annoying screechy tone and ability to break her own record of not allowing those she 'interviews' to speak or finish their own sentences, not only does the dumb #%$& give away locations of terror victims and Indian soldiers live on TV so that terrorists can find and slay them, but now I've discovered that she has zero writing skills too.

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-88867480886996597402009-07-03T02:24:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:03:22.570-07:00

Young Gujju named Chandubhai moved to upstate New York and bought a donkey from a farmer for $100.The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day.The next day the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry Chandubhai, but I have some bad news. The donkey died."Chandubai replied, "Well then, just give me my money back."The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."Chandubhai said, "

Namnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-33597965591887846832009-06-09T23:43:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:04:36.321-07:00

...by selling fake medicines/drugs to African nations under the "Made in India" label. From the article:Last week, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria issued a press release stating that a large consignment of fake anti-malarial generic pharmaceuticals labelled `Made in India' were, in fact, found to have been produced in China."This is a case of

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-36541981086714264832009-05-19T07:24:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:05:33.376-07:00

I have no time to put down anything original these days. But here is a must-read article by Rajeev Srinivasan - the original can be found here.The great fabulist O V Vijayan had a collection of short stories -- and some of the best were based on the Emergency -- titled After The Hanging And Other Stories.I could stretch the point and suggest that democracy was hanged in India, but perhaps that is

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-34370063057383599922009-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:05:59.509-07:00

"Those who believe its impossible should stay out of the way of those who're trying to get it done."-- Annonymous

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-33483941580288197632009-05-15T05:43:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:06:24.919-07:00

The last few weeks have been very busy and although I generally don't prefer discussing my personal life here, there is some news - I'm engaged!I'm also currently busy preparing for the intense CFA exam. Please wish me luck!So, I'll be gone for a few weeks.See you soon!

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-50448360501286561062009-04-30T08:55:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:06:58.147-07:00

With the world's largest democracy currently heading to the poll booths, here's an interesting definition of the word "Democracy" atleast in its Indian context:"Off the people, Buy the people, Fool the people"

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-46709571060772379262009-04-29T13:43:00.000-07:002011-04-06T12:08:20.079-07:00

I have not read Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger, nor do I plan on reading it. Just as my reading list will never include any garbage written by Arundhati Suzanne Roy.Why I won't be reading/buying it? Read the review below to see why.This is what Gajanan, a regular commentator on Shantanu's blog, had to say about Adiga's novel: "A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler has the following quote: "In a

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-34715330890210369762009-04-22T05:16:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:40:12.823-07:00

Today is Earth Day. On the occassion, I'd like to share an interesting video I came across - How to be Green at work. We all know its good to recycle paper, not use plastic cups etc, but it has some other interesting pointers too. Its cute so do spend two minutes watching it :)

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-54315803588145187082009-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:002009-04-07T09:40:45.131-07:00

The crappy weather continues! Its been raining/cold non-stop for two weeks now, with a couple of sunny days in between. Doesn't bother my too too much as I'm usually indoors, either at work or home studying. But the weather has been re-confirming my suspicions that it does have a lot to do with people's humour.To cheer up the grey days, here is a humorous attempt by the Spanish basketball team (

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-45242935278414000812009-04-07T07:25:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:42:59.182-07:00

CLASSIC VERSION...The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house, gathering and laying down supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.-----------------------------------------------------------

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-2353486280378075392009-03-20T07:58:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:44:07.430-07:00

Chicas, compañeras de clase...y compañero... ¡aquí colgo los videos que grabé el otro día!Stepping aside from my blogging exercise, I'm putting up my Flamenco class recorded the other day in order to practice at home, as I missed a couple of sessions while travelling. Due to popular demand from my classmates, here are two of the videos which feature my Flamenco teacher, María.María is an

Namnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-60187308029722210952009-03-19T07:31:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:45:27.787-07:00

While browsing online, beware of ads like these by a fraudulent organization called "World Vision," with bright colours and poor, innocent children's faces, asking for your money[Please click on the image to see it change to the child's face]. It is very likely that this money will not be used to educate or feed these very children; rather it will be used to spread false propaganda against

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-71613937638642790792009-03-18T11:43:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:46:16.858-07:00

I'm dodging a tear as I read this interview. My heart goes out to these bears. A must-read interview of one of my favourite Indian politician/animal rights activist, Maneka Gandhi. I am seriously considering volunteering at this Bear Santuary the next time I'm in India. Please read this interview and donate, as I have, to save these bears from their nightmarish lives in the hands of "Kalanders."

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-76335947325027061332009-03-16T12:50:00.000-07:002011-04-07T04:50:15.302-07:00

Some years ago (sometime between 1999-2001), when I discovered Flamenco, I became quite intrigued with "Gypsies" and carried out a year-long research on the Roma, their origins, their trail, and their status and lives in the countries they inhabit today.The Roma, commonly referred to as Gypsies, Gitanos (here in Spain), Tzigane, Sinti, Dom, Manush (man in Sanskrit and Romani), Kale (black in

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-51212188326155067422009-03-08T11:44:00.001-07:002011-04-07T04:56:36.022-07:00

I just returned from a lovely weekend in the mountain-country of Andorra, a large ski-resort in reality, tucked away between the Pyrenees in Northern Spain.On the way back, for logistical reasons, we stopped in a town on the Costa Brava for half an hour. This town, like many towns on the North-Eastern Catalan coast (Costa Brava) is a popular summer destination for many English, Dutch and other

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-40950720596934425972009-03-05T01:15:00.000-08:002011-04-07T04:59:07.288-07:00

A mere audience of a Sannyasi is the fulfiller of all desires, says the Padmapurana (Sadhunam darsanam loke sarvasiddhikaram param—Padma Purana 1.79). The Bhagavata goes much ahead and says that the Sannyasis visit the pilgrimages not to purify themselves but the pilgrimages are purified by the visit of the Sannyasis (Prayena tirthabhigamapadeshaih swayam hi tirthani punanti santah- Bhagavata

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-47585189366680958012009-03-04T06:22:00.000-08:002009-04-22T05:24:31.508-07:00

As many already know, NDTV, a popular Indian news channel is funded by Gospels of Charity in Spain which actively supports Communism. As ex-Pakistani President Musharraf allowed only this channel to be aired in Pakistan, NDTV gradually took on a pro-Pakistan stand (Pakistan being the greatest enemy of India withstanding). NDTV CEO Prannov Roy is brother-in-law of Prakash Karat, General Secretary

Namnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-78557674595029391712009-02-27T07:28:00.000-08:002011-04-07T04:59:47.608-07:00

I just had to link to this beautiful post by Indyeah.CONSIDER IT CRASHED: Why do I love India?:)

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-76464504334568334152009-02-26T10:28:00.000-08:002011-04-07T05:23:33.727-07:00

Lately, I've been pretty appalled by the two-faced nature of media (print, television, even radio) not just in India, but around the world. You hear the media's version of the story, which is often far, far from the factual sequence of actions. Take the pink chaddi campaign for instance. There are two sides to the coin, but the completely pseudo-secular Indian media took its own 180º take on

Namnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-65745023093559340672009-02-18T12:21:00.000-08:002011-04-07T05:24:17.742-07:00

Its soon going to be two years since I've been in Barcelona. Strange how time flies, and strange how life progresses. I was reading over this blog, when it was in its early stages. It was a strange feeling. I know I wrote that stuff (early 2007 posts, especially while I was travelling) but it seems as though someone else wrote it. It seems like a little girl speaking. Those writings almost seem

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-63478251542266066322009-02-16T09:39:00.000-08:002011-04-07T05:28:27.396-07:00

I’ve been caught up in life’s struggles, and haven’t been able to dedicate time to the Bodeguita for a while. Today, I’d like to link to François Gautier’s Cry O My Beloved India (Chapter II), written about five to six years ago, but still holds as true today, as it did then. Here he rightly points out that each time a bomb explodes in India, we are quick to point a finger at Pakistan. Each time

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-77490893568561503272009-01-18T08:10:00.000-08:002011-10-07T03:21:47.362-07:00

Some people who read this blog may have noticed that lately I have become focused on India-related topics. I think this is just natural evolution. I've always found that the further I live from India, the more Indian I am, and the more I love my country. I've also become sensitive to what are constant and regular attacks on India, from its long-time, 1000 year old enemy. I'm taking a stance that

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-21580266489827844742009-01-11T02:54:00.000-08:002011-04-07T05:35:37.988-07:00

Before I begin, I just want to say that Aamir has given a mind-blowing performance in this movie.I won't go into the low down as you can find that anywhere on the net, just a brief overview. Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan) is in love with an aspiring model called Kalpana (Asin, who is quite credible in her role) in Mumbai. She is an innocent do-gooder Amelie kind of girl, helping all those around

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-85136109497219300952009-01-11T01:27:00.000-08:002011-04-07T05:48:43.448-07:00

As we go into 2009 in a crisis, economic recession in many countries, higher cost of living, an upturned state of events in the world, lets not forget to be grateful for everything we've got and everything good that is yet to come.Happy New Year everyone!

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-11648279494971267362008-12-11T13:35:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.232-08:00

The trigger was pulled by the Pak U.N. ambassador recently speaking at a special session on terrorism at the Security Council, when he began by saying he was “deeply troubled” by what had happened in Mumbai. “The best outcome of the tragedy,” he said a few seconds later, “would be the resolution of the issue of Kashmir.”He got down to his "jaat" as we say in Hindi. How are the two events even

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-38141732365144315122008-12-09T11:03:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.218-08:00

I just walked into the door of my flat. After work I stopped by one of the vegetable and fruit shops in the neighborhood to buy some veggies. I mentioned earlier on the blog that there is a sizable Pakistani population here in Barcelona. A couple of young Pakistani boys work at the vegetable and fruit shop where I generally go. They should be about 20-22 years old, pretty young really.Today when

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-80892229907737462812008-12-02T11:04:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.203-08:00

"...my own sense is Pakistan has everything that gives you an international migraine. It has nuclear weapons, it has terrorism, extremists, corruption, very poor and it's in a location that's really, really important to us. And now with this issue with India. So, I think that the current president and the current secretary of state, who's on her way to India right now, have a very big job ahead

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-47705688928526111382008-11-28T14:50:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.182-08:00

I have barely and badly slept since Nov 26th when the attacks on Bombay began. I'm so tired and emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted right now, that instead of writing my feelings, I will refer to posts and articles that express what I'm feeling. Here goes:1. A blogger writes, “We cannot tolerate these fanatics arriving in a boat on the Mumbai coast armed with explosives and guns. We

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-72274641077299035392008-11-26T14:23:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.150-08:00

26 November, 2008. Mumbai. Blown up. So far 80 dead, 300 wounded. The Taj Palace, 105 year old landmark symbol of Mumbai in flames.The question - who did it?The Buddhists.Nope, wasn't them.Surely the Hindus?No.The Sikhs?Nope.Jains surely then?Don't think so...Those empowered Jews then?No?Then it must have been those Parsis.Ah no?Hmm...lets see. Catholics then for sure.Wrong again.How about the

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-34509707088117213592008-10-31T04:48:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.442-08:00

I'm on the mailing list for an organization called Animanaturalis that strives for animal rights. Today I opened my mailbox and saw this image, and as curiosity led me to reading a bit more, I'm going to talk about it in this post. I can’t help but bring out this revolting “festival” that is “celebrated” in Soria and Castilla y Leon. As much as I love Spain, it is ALARMING that such activities

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-81772864879864644062008-10-24T12:53:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.428-08:00

So here we are exactly one week before the US Presidential elections. Next week same time, we will know who the resident of the White House will be for the next four years. I guess seeing the way I see it, the election result should be a no-brainer, an easy win for Obama.But back in the States, its a tumultuous road to November 4th. On one hand, you have an old man, with archaic ideas, guaranteed

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-84599845974058937092008-10-08T03:51:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.454-08:00

The crisis, unstable market, lack of investment, low morale, low liquidity- all of it only to get worse in 2009- here in Europe, directly affects the market I’m working in (M&A). All of this is now causing me to rethink how much longer will I be able to survive here (cos that’s what I’m doing – surviving, on a minimal pay check that just covers my expenses, and leaves me with no saving at month

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-31785042678996056802008-09-11T08:50:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.465-08:00

I recycle. Everyday. I carry four trash bags everytime I take the trash out, like hundreds of thousands of people in Spain. The glass into a seperate container, the metal, plastic, tetrabricks, aluminium into another, paper and carton into another and finally organic and other non-recyclable waste into a fourth bin. Needless to say, those of us who recycle are trying to do what we can to put in

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-49846584830924678002008-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.476-08:00

"You know, you can … wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change, it’s still going to stink after eight years." ---Sen. Barack Obama (responding to "phony outrage" over lipstick on a pig comment in the race up to the US presidential elections 2008)

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-51188355564350830132008-09-04T03:15:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.491-08:00

Came across this list of the top 50 Animations ever. 1. The Simpsons2. Batman: The Animated Series3. Cowboy Bebop4. The Family Guy5. G.I. Joe6. South Park7. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex8. Berserk9. Justice League10. Trigun11. Tenchi12. Transformers13. Record of Lodoss War14. X-Men: The Animated Series15. He-Man and the

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-60975358703271754812008-08-10T05:31:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.503-08:00

In its anti-India efforts, Pak's "government" agency, ISI launches a fake currency racket in India."LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: As it reels under the mounting terror menace with the fundamentalist outfits bombing cities to kill and maim innocents, India may also be faced with a grim threat of economic subversion.A spate of seizures of fake currency notes across Uttar Pradesh with the trail leading towards

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-11578785170208485982008-08-06T01:45:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.515-08:00

Of the flood of comments that this article amassed (many ranging from LOL to hahahah), one reader said this, which sums up my views:"Appointing the wolf to guard the hen house, Dr. Singh? This would be funny if not for the tragic murder of hundreds of Indian civilians and diplomats by Pakistan. Attacking the embassy of a country is an ACT of WAR. A country that is a victim of such an attack has

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-15437297862413244222008-08-01T01:39:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.529-08:00

The New York Times today has run a headline that says "Pakistanis Aided Attack in Kabul, US Officials Say." Not that we all didn't already know that the July 7th Kabul bombing on the Indian Embassy was orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence already. On the day of the attack the Afghan officials released a statement saying that Pak's ISI was behind the attack. Days later, India accused the same

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-23977757456278589992008-07-18T08:45:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.543-08:00

After a couple of depressing posts, here is something that almost made me cry, but for other reasons:http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1231230/christian_the_lion/

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-75545408940136143172008-07-07T05:02:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.558-08:00

This is an ad running in Spain of a pork product. Mocking vegetarianism, they show hippy parents trying to force their kid to eat "vegetarian," which unfortunately people here perceive as lettuce and soya. The kid instead says, one last time and the family goes to a meat store and picks out the brand's product and they're convered, into meat-eaters. This video continues the ad to show what these

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-75970034442386024172008-06-27T03:28:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.570-08:00

With the arrival of summer, Spain sees the return of BLOOD FESTIVALS. Summer is here and as much as most of us look forward to this time of year to enjoy the sun, the sand, beaches and the outdoors, lets try not to forget the less fortunate ones for whom this period is very very far from celebration. Many Spanish villages each summer begin their "festivities" by torture, humiliation and finally

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-44983881970649880232008-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.581-08:00

...will you get to see the words "whore" and "slut" in the headline news. Talking about freedom of press...

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-19119517432125706582008-06-17T13:59:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.592-08:00

I've been working almost 11 hours straight over the last few weeks. I may be about to lose my (in) sanity. Any tips on keeping healthy and sane?

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-17349546483402893502008-06-02T14:57:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.626-08:00

Dad sent me a joke today by email. Its called "Appraisals and Increments;" here it is.I'm wondering, if any of my ISM buddies are around- could you read this text without getting frustrated? How about in less then 5 minutes? I can't, and unfortunately didn't decipher the joke.PS. U might have to click on the text to make it a readable size if too small.

Namnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-12803189681507607202008-06-02T14:10:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.604-08:00

The Asian diaspora in Barcelona is now not only seen in the Raval, but all around town. Next to my office, in what could be classified as the business area of the city (Diagonal), there is a Bangladeshi store that sells yummy aloo samosas for 1€, although the price seems criminal for what in Oman used to cost me - mind you, an aloo samosa double the size and double the taste - only 50bz, which

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-78117690640105965772008-05-28T13:39:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.615-08:00

For a few days now, I've been having a tremendous urge to visit the North Pole, find a Polar Bear and give him a big hug.Does that make me weird?

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-91488234055106472062008-05-10T11:04:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.667-08:00

Beautiful choreography between Kathak, the classical dance of Northern India, and Flamenco, folk dance from Andalusia, Spain. I can't wait to watch a fusion performance here in Barcelona.The other day after flamenco class, a classmate asked me if I was from India. I said yes. She said she had recently seen an Indian dance performance that highly resembled Flamenco. She was referring to Kathak,

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-5116296432857413932008-04-02T14:28:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.654-08:00

Someone who knows how much I love dogs and flamenco sent me this.Cute or what?

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-91309215680801386282008-03-30T12:21:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.688-08:00

I'm starting flamenco classes soon which I had kind of left aside since late last year. Yippie :)

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-36400383282423307282008-03-29T12:45:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.710-08:00

In tight-spaced Barcelona flats, sometimes everything you own can't find suitable space. I recently embarked on a closet-cleanout mission. I was hoping to get rid of a lot of stuff, but was disappointed with myself when the final result of the raid was only about 8 pairs of clothes that came out as "good to be donated." At first I thought that I could give away my Dave Matthews t-shirts without

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-54115872315531279122008-03-17T03:47:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.769-08:00

16th of March, 2008. The day I watched Jodhaa Akbar. A day that will go down in my personal history as having changed something inside me.This movie has left me spellbound. My sister told me to write down what I feel so I am going to try and do that, but I'm afraid the bulk of my emotions will remain inside me, unable to be formalised as verbal expression.I was walking down calle Botella in the

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-62456615053522022772008-03-09T10:48:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.640-08:00

I'm going through another Bollywood crazed phase. Yesterday I watched "Bollywood, the Show" at the Tivoli Theatre in Barcelona. It was a spectacular colourful musical extravaganza, and surely quite novel for the Spanish eyes. The theatre with a capacity for 1,643 people, was packed and two and a half hours into the show, all the Catalans were clapping and dancing to the tunes of "Shawa, Shawa"

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-52657565104592851832008-02-01T04:25:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.722-08:00

Last night I went to the Verdi Cinema for the European premier of the film "To Die in Jerusalem." The director, Hilla Medalia was present and the audience was able to ask her questions at the end and have a little discussion.The documentary based on the suicide bombing by a 17 year old Palestinian girl that killed a 17 year old Israeli girl revolved around the mothers and families of the two

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-64114088906779640802008-02-01T04:11:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.790-08:00

Am I lame or what? I dont write in months, and when I do, its to put up a quote or a thought.Hmph. Anyway, yaani, check this out.Christopher Marlowe - "Money can't buy love, but it improves your bargaining position."

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-60951755897005332922008-01-11T01:42:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.370-08:00

I made a trip to Puerto Rico last month. Was wonderful to be in a tropical place in the middle of winter. Reminded me a little of Thailand (everytime I go to a remotely tropical beach, I'm reminded of Thailand). How I wish I could just pack a backpack and head to Thailand.Anyway, we did have a Thai connection in the time I was in PR. On Christmas Eve we made a vegetarian Thai dinner which was

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-91034846785416089252007-12-06T05:29:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.825-08:00

"Don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out.""I must be a mushroom because I'm always kept in the dark and fed bullshit.""Yesterday scientists revealed that beer contains small traces of female hormones. To prove their theory, the scientists fed 100 men 12 pints of beer each, and observed that 100% of them gained weight, talked excessively without making any sense, became emotional, and

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-90522723079068717952007-12-06T05:05:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.804-08:00

On December 10th each year, the International Day for the Rights of Animals is celebrated all over the world. Check out the history and why this day in particular came into existence as one of 365 dedicated to animals.There's a demonstration planned for Barcelona by the organisation "Libera!" on Sat, Dec 8 at 12h in The Ramblas. See ya there!

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-6170031155340630722007-12-05T12:19:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.698-08:00

So, I used to get these emails from Paolo Coelho's fansite or something, called "Warrior of the Light," which I unsubscribed from, cos I just got plain bored of the stuff... but then today, my sis who's a total sucker for the guy ('s work) and who continues receiving these emails, sent me this. and I think its pretty cool...Convention of those wounded in love General provisions:A – Whereas the

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-35034873375403628162007-12-03T12:17:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.881-08:00

I think George W. Bush himself may have invented this:"I believe in peace, even if we have to kill to get it."

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-52342285711154127822007-11-21T02:24:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.001-08:00

Yaaaay! I've finally got internet access at home! I'm making a comeback to cyberworld and I couldn't be happier. Its been a difficult separation :)

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-2166175555451072442007-11-16T05:25:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:10.904-08:00

I've read a very interesting piece by an author that I happened to discover yesterday browsing the web. His name is Don Miguel Ruiz. He was born into a family of healers and raised in rural Mexico by a curandera (healer) mother and nagual (shaman) grandfather. In fact since I discovered him, I've gone and bought two of his books at the Fnac.This article talks about how humans build barriers or

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-34656221760949563132007-10-16T02:55:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.931-08:00

I'm back. My longest break since I started blogging is now over. I now hope to get back into the swing of things around here.What I'm still to blog about:- my trip to Ibiza/Formentera- trip home to Oman- trip to Morocco- review Shantaramand other crap.Do stay tuned....

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-38648227107668489292007-10-16T02:52:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.019-08:00

OMG - Oh My God, OMG.I'm still not done reading this book, although been madly hooked on to it for the last month or so, and in any free time I've got lately (be it a bathroom break!), no one takes this book off of me. What I can say is that I have immense respect for someone, too bad he's a fictional character (Howard Roark ofcourse). I'm pretty sure men like him don't exist anymore (or did they

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-29372585192732066642007-09-14T03:26:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.978-08:00

I've been at war with Telefonica and my future internet provider Orange. Its incredible the kind of patience one needs to have for something as simple as installing an internet connection at home. So anyway, dont have internet since I've moved into my current place with a nice Catalan girl in August. And still waiting... The doubt seems to be who's got to do what to get the connection in place.

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-59060866310727475062007-07-22T05:04:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:10.780-08:00

This past weekend I visited the Baleares. I thought that the much heard of island Ibiza would be the highlight of the trip. But as it turned out, I ended up having a wonderful time in Formentera, a relatively untouched island close to Ibiza.My friend and I hired a scooter and explored the island on it. Would have been better to rent a car actually, since at night, in my mini-clothes, I was

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-71749609118284283182007-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.036-08:00

I've been totally unable to blog over the last few weeks. Actually, make that last few months. I mean just sit down, breathe and let my mind flow. That seems like a far-away state of being right now. More like it has been workdays of about 10 to 12 hours, and then after-work time with colleagues. I've also moved cities (temporarily). I'm currently living in Santander, a city in the north of Spain

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-49381283421916835182007-05-29T02:59:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.084-08:00

Here goes an ad for a shared apartment I came across this morning:(numbers and names erased to salvage poster's identity)I think I'd understand the ad better if it were in Spanish, atleast the "fence and very fence" parts (?)HELLO TO LEAVE 15 OF JUNE I HAVE 3 ROOMS (THE DOUBLE 450EUR.) IN FLAT SHARED IN CENTER OF THE CITY IN CARRER CONCELL OF CENT (EIXAMPLE ESQUERRE). THE ROOMS HAVE GOOD

Namnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-13513704308777024112007-05-27T03:30:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.052-08:00

I've got an interesting oppotunity at work to be part of a project for an Italian client that lists on the NYSE. The only thing is, the project is located in the city of Santander, north of Spain. I'm taking it up and preparing to install myself up north for june and july. That being said, I am going to miss a good part of my first summer in Barcelona! Bo HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-33683589786253572522007-05-16T01:13:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.127-08:00

Women in Spain dress elaborately, and at work female dress code is pretty ample. Americans and English people are usually a little shocked when they first arrive here, enter the business world and notice the liberal way women dress. My first time noticing this was in Madrid a couple of years ago when I was visiting companies for interviews. For me it was a pleasant change. I was used to dressing

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-43997306654802357512007-05-14T11:59:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.140-08:00

Here is a video from one of my favourite movies ever: Latcho Drom. This documental/musical film by Tony Gatlif tracks the road the Roma followed all the way from India (Rajasthan) to Spain (Andalusia) and their journey of a 1000 years over two continents before forming the diaspora they are today.Latcho Drom means "safe journey" in Romani, a language with Sanskrit roots and a verbal tradition,

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-19097084077567850162007-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.155-08:00

After reading things like this, I ask myself: Is India still the land of compassion and spirituality, or have we sold our souls to the highest bidder? On May 24, 1996, a report was carried in Calcutta daily Aajkaal about three dogs who stood guard to a new born baby abandoned near a dustbin in the city. The dogs refused to leave the baby even to feed themselves and left only when the child was

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-53770782294769155452007-05-13T09:32:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.173-08:00

1.) Nicolas Sarkozy, son of Hungarian and Greek immigrants, at the right end of the political spectrum in France and recent President elect vows to strengthen immigration restrictions.2.) With all the debate about how dangerous mobile phone raditation is and whether they should be stored away from the body when not in use, here is an incident that takes the cake!

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-86981724975635021262007-05-12T04:42:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.067-08:00

Each day I come across instances that occur around me that if you think about it, are deeply rooted into history. The defensive nature of people with regards to this region as compared to the rest of Spain. The desire to stand out and be considered different from the rest of Spain, and the more extreme independentistas. However, behind each stand in the Catalan region, there is a reason.Under the

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-87368968217642032772007-05-10T13:24:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.111-08:00

Between working 10-12 hours a day, dancing flamenco, studying for the CIA, having long nights out in town, and a totally unreliable internet connection, I haven't really been able to blog much lately. The "Catalan experience" is turning out to be interesting. After having lived for over a year in Madrid, I can say that Barcelona is different. The Catalan are special people, and their

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-65006503699591354072007-04-18T07:43:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.187-08:00

I like this quote which I saw hanging on the wall of the IT guys' room this morning:"No preguntes por preguntar lo que el tiempo te dirá""Dont ask for the sake of asking, something that time will tell you"

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-23981645110401453382007-04-13T13:08:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.239-08:00

Yo solía llevar un spray de defensa personal (de pimienta), que me quitaron hace una semana en el aeropuerto de Luxumburgo (donde asistí un curso de trabajo o training) porque se me olvidó meterla en el equipaje. Bueno, ayer salí a tomar unas cañas con unos compañeros después del trabajo. Era el cumpleaños de uno de ellos y fue un ratito agradable... después volvía andando a casa como vivo cerca,

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-84553567468163587362007-04-09T11:21:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.256-08:00

Lately I've got a good amount of Bollywood influence around me, thanks to my dear flatmate. The only movies she has are Hindi and every evening when I get home from work, I find her sitting at her laptop listening to her Bollywood course music (I work longer hours, ofcourse!). With this full-on daily immersion, I'm getting into it too. Or rather, I'm "staying with it" as almost all of the last

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-79416111721880667222007-04-09T06:43:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.222-08:00

Those who know me know that I am a strong supporter of animals' rights. One of the great things about Barcelona is that there are lots of other people who think like me, and are are not afraid to vocalise their beliefs. To this effect, the streets of Barcelona recently witnessed an AnimaNaturalis (animal rights group) campaign called "Día Sin Carne" or day without meat.Above: activists simulating

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-3494811116287836632007-03-26T13:47:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.312-08:00

I've slowly been settling into my new home, and done with first week at work. Its been "getting used to the real world" time for me - cooking own food, washing clothes and dishes, packing "taper", buying groceries, cleaning, ironing... Its almost as though upon snapping my fingers I've come out of my ultra comfortable "bubble-life" in Oman.... into the real world.Weekdays are long and intense,

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-35143997883614772062007-03-15T07:44:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.200-08:00

The weather in this city is so unpredictable. One day its cold as hell and you wish you had taken the thick jacket. The next day when you do, it is hot and you come back sweating in your clothes. Similarly, since I've arrived, my spirits have been like the weather. Up and down. I guess its because its all new. One day I'm so happy to be alive, the next I don't know what I'm doing here (¿qué coño

Namnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-92025121284685973792007-03-12T05:15:00.000-07:002009-01-30T10:55:11.288-08:00

I am back in Spain after 16 months and its a lot of mixed emotions. Best of all was to see my close friend and soul sister Mireia at the airport, along with her husband Nigel (bear hugs to you both if you are reading this!) More recently though, I was a bit overcome with sadness and lonliness, which I guess is normal when you find yourself alone at night in a hotel in a city you dont know your

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-47477493197896236572007-03-04T21:33:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.353-08:00

Two words: dragged out. In spite of being a believer of the listen to your heart, follow your dreams philosophy, to me, this book clearly went over the top. I started reading it late last year and normally should have been able to finish it within two weeks. I took it with me on my trip, and found myself reading the book less, and the lonely planet more. Ofcourse, its normal to read a guidebook

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-54351530053440643962007-03-04T20:40:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.271-08:00

After much procrastinating, I am finally able to come up with a summarised account of how I spent the last month, or rather the main highlights.WARNING: Read on if you have lots of time on your hands!Malaysia Majority of my time was spent in Shah Alam, Selangor, the state bordering Kuala Lumpur to the west, where my friend Louisa lives. Selangor could be considered a suburb of Kuala Lumpur and

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-90312018447113350292007-03-03T22:46:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.401-08:00

Found this video on youtube by one of my favourite music groups "elbicho" with a guest bailaora or dancer. This woman clearly knows how to move. Check it out.PS: Also check out the "Perro Records Producciones" ie. Dog Record Productions banner at the back :-)

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-33178403404110225392007-03-03T22:34:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.335-08:00

I'm in Muscat and my situation resembles that what Formula-1 people refer to as a pit-stop, whereby I rest and move on again in a bit. Been sleeping an average of 15 hours every day since I've been back from my month-long adventure. Taking into account jetlag and the fact that I'm not currently working, I guess this is normal. Did the medical yesterday and found out that my haemoglobin is 11.5

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-67983886232250314322007-02-27T02:27:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.385-08:00

Its my last day in South East Asia, and I'm sitting off of Khao San road in Bangkok, been doing the last bit of shopping and even had to buy a new suitcase because all the stuff I've accumulated over the month cannot fit into my backpack anymore. My plane leaves tomorrow morning at 9:45am, and once I am back, I will most likely be running around doing all sorts of organising: closing off at my

Namnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-59548826246431611232007-02-23T02:57:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.468-08:00

I cannot believe it, but I am in Laos. After spending a great week in Koh Tao where yours truly became an "Advanced PADI Open Water Diver," :) I was back on the road when I was told that I didn't need to personally be in Muscat at the spanish embassy for the visa stuff, that my parents could manage it, and that my plane ticket home couldn't be changed anyway - that meant I had another week in

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-57014353060105893022007-02-16T21:01:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.100-08:00

Im on Koh Tao island in southern Thailand. This place gets its name from the green turtles that used to abound its shores ( I think there arent as many now). All I know is that if there is a physical paradise on earth, this should be counted as one. It is so unbelievably green, the sand is so unbelievably white, and the waters are so unbelievably clear.I'm starting my advanced padi in half an

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-24363063543440828432007-02-14T21:53:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.432-08:00

I finally have a few hours to myself. It is 13:50 in Bangkok and I am at my guesthouse's internet lobby waiting on the next bus, and later a ferry which leaves at 6 and which is supposed to get me to Koh Tao island tomorrow morning at 9. The world is definitely a handkerchief (el mundo es un panuelo). What with me, an Indian girl going to Koh Tao at the recommendation of a Basque guy who lives in

Namnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-24802315201070293692007-02-11T22:24:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.452-08:00

I'm in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. This place is so much like India, the streets, the ambiance, the whole atmosphere. The streets are named "rue so and so" so there is an unmistakable french air to the place. The older people still speak the language, since Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam were colonised by them. Also, what a great change from Malaysia which was clean and developed, this is very

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-50314789041163410622007-02-06T07:53:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.498-08:00

The above means good evening in Malay. I have been having a nice time here with my Malaysian host family. I'm staying with a friend who lived in Oman doing whale and dolphin research for three years. She is currently working on a phd, and when she is done with it (late this year) she will be the youngest doctor I know (she is currently just 24 years young). Malaysia itself is a country of

Namnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-55034947968631983622007-02-03T05:59:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.549-08:00

I left my job on January 31st. Was sad to say bye to the people I've been working with for the last year. I detested the bit where you send out that goodbye email and then actually go around saying bye.Secondly, been bummed out the last few days as I was careless enough to leave my beautiful camera under my seat last Monday when I left the flamenco concert at the Al Felaij Castle Theater in Barka

Namnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-62079662195628186732007-02-02T02:25:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.482-08:00

Have you ever tried walking two dogs at a time? How about a 35kg labrador in one hand and a 5kg yorkshire in the other? Its incredible the kind of alertness your brain can need for a seemingly simple activity such as dog walking.The 35kg labrador can give you one tug and you go flying with him. Therefore you cannot not pay attention to him at any given point of time during the walk. The left side

Namnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-92157173552673478032007-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.600-08:00

The French Minister of Health has come to the conclusion that short naps are beneficial to people while at work, as about 10 million people in this mid-sized country suffer from sleep deprivation. A pretty bold move, considering sleeping at work has traditionally been a taboo subject. A comprehensive study was done by a group of researchers and the result was something we all know - a short nap

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-74872079032133157602007-01-30T09:36:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.568-08:00

As promised, here are pictures of Paraddax at the Muscat Festival.

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-86498044786905732502007-01-30T04:20:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.614-08:00

I got stung by a semi-transparent whitish gooey-looking jellyfish last weekend. My entire arm swelled up and became almost double its size (ok, I'm exaggerating a little). Lucky for me I'm not allergic to the stuff or I would have to be taken to the ER at the nearby hospital. Out of a group of 8 people, I was one of three that were stung. We'd hired a boat and gone out snorkelling from the Marina

Namnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7639098528910827020.post-72802211950978002122007-01-29T23:15:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:55:11.585-08:00

We're in the midst of the Gulf Football Cup, and Oman came out as one of the better teams. As a result, the city has been celebrating. Interestingly though, over the last couple of days, I have seen more police cars and ambulances on the streets than I have living here 20 years. Football fans have been going wild after Oman victories, hanging out of car windows and sunroofs. In one case, a car

Namnoreply@blogger.com0