
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2010: A New Year with a New Prospective

Saturday, December 26, 2009
Vibrant Rajasthan - Udaipur


Friday, December 11, 2009
Packing for a journey
One of my friends told inorder to have an intimate look at the state, avoid the tour buses and hitch-hike. So that thing is definitely in my mind, though pretty tough to follow sometimes from past experiences. I am planning to cover Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar, Ajmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. I am pretty sure about these places though I can’t deny of some later additions, which happens with me almost everytime.
There was a time, I’d pack days ahead of any journey. I’d start thinking about what to take a week before setting off, and be mentally piling things and considering gadgets and options. Those days have gone. These days, I’m more likely to have a vague idea what I’ll be taking, and then throw it all together the night before I go, because there is such a thing as leaving it too late.
Hope the weather would be alright. Forecast looks OK and not super hot which is a great sign for a great trip. Keeping a daily journal of a trip sometimes get a bit cumbersome and boring, so you can expect postings in the coming days once my journey comes to its end… summarizing my experiences in Rajasthan in greater detail about the most interesting events. Can't wait to get packed... so much to do!!
So gotta’ do less typing and more packing :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dracula stigma?

However, Dracula’s unofficial castle can be found in the town of Bran, about 20 miles south of Brasov. Bran Castle’s towering white walls, red-hued shingles, and threatening towers combine for a truly breathtaking site. The mystery and folklore surrounding Vlad Dracula’s involvement in the castle’s history add a sense of intrigue that will leave you hanging on the tour guide’s every word. You’ll climb through secret passageways, hear tales of violent battles and brutal impalement, and stand atop soaring turrets.
Romania’s most famous fictional citizen, Dracula, has certainly become a key promotional tool for the Romanian tourism industry. Even with the fallacy surrounding the Dracula myth, Romania’s tourism industry would be foolish not to use the legend of Dracula to attract visitors. So, if you’re feeling courageous and willing for an adventurous journey into the past, a rewarding and eye-opening experience is soon to follow back there in Romania, and who knows… maybe you turn out to be the lucky one and meet Dracula in person.

Thursday, October 8, 2009
In my own apartment!
Seriously it’s quite nice inside. We have a nice entry, two bedrooms, living cum dining area and tiny kitchen (actually a passageway). The bathroom is kind a nice. We had a washing machine; well it’s not there anymore, a good terrace to hang the laundry outside to dry, like everyone else.
What to say?? Worst of all, , OR best of all, I cooked very first time in my whole life! Romanian food is largely pork, chicken, salami, cheese, cabbage, and potatoes. The national dishes are cabbage rolls, called sarmale (“sar-ma-lay”), a sort of cornmeal mush called mamaliga (“mama-leega”), and Papanasi, traditional dessert recipe from Transylvania. They don’t like spicy food AT ALL, and still, being an Indian, I want spicy food, maybe not that hot. I managed to score some “hot salt, spices” and Indian food courtesy a friend back from India staying in the same apartment. The local folks usually shop every day, and eat whatever is in season.
I've been doing a LOT of walking, so I'm probably losing weight, hopefully. Unbelievably, I have high-speed Internet at dorm and a cable television. Soon I’ll have a new cell phone…I guess, after my first cell got stolen somewhere in bucharest.Everyone in Romania adores flowers, gardening, all growing things, babies and animals… ESPECIALLY DOGS! But some things are funny to me: they always carry flowers upside down, with the stems up (I wonder if the flowers actually stay nicer that way), all hamburgers and other sandwiches include the french fries INSIDE the sandwich, pizza doesn't have any tomato sauce and hardly any cheese, but it's always served with Romanian ketchup, dulce (sweet) or picante (spicy). Most women wear very high heels, tight low-cut clothing, and care a great deal about fashion and women of all ages often have reddish, almost maroon-colored hair. I’ve heard that Romanian women are the most beautiful in the world, and it’s likely true!!
The stories of the communist years are really scary, the dictator’s control lasted for forty years, and finally in December of 1989 the people revolted and killed him and his even crazier wife. So this country has only been independent for 17 years!
Being a part of EU for past 2 years, modern conveniences are also arriving fast. They are expensive, but they are here. In some ways, three months seems like a very long time, and in other ways it seems like home here. I hope someone manages to come and visit while I’m here….you never know!!
I went to quite a few places around Romania like Sibiu, Sighisoara, Sinaia, Constanta..etc..etc…This weekend probably will be going to Brasov located in the central part of the country, about 166 km from Bucharest. I’ll be back soon with more escapades of my Romanian travel….soon.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Escapades of Romania I
Romania, well first thing which strikes our mind are - land of the Dracula (a myth of course…I figured it out myself after coming here); home to the mysterious Transylvania region, where vampires are said to appear from fog-covered castles set high in the desolate mountains towering above rural villages.
In reality it is quiet a mesmerizing and charming experience to come here and in some way or the other become a part of this beautiful European country for three months. The enchanting landscape is spotted with picturesque windmills, articulate monasteries, and ornate churches, all perched in an untamed, mountainous terrain that rolls across Eastern Europe.

In August of 2009, I embarked on this European internship travel journey all alone from Mumbai (India) after completion of my internship tenure back in Pune. I would be working here in an architectural firm for almost 80 days. After almost 16 hours of travelling, I finally landed in Otopeni international airport, nestled in the capital city of Romania - Bucureşti.
For first few weeks it was pretty tough on my part to adapt to the food, roads and the ROMANIAN language. It was probably among the first of the romance languages to split from Latin, greatly influenced by Spanish, Greek, Turkish, German and Hungarian!!
The other international interns, who were incredibly warm and generous, welcomed me with open arms. In fact its all because of them that I don’t feel lonely staying thousand miles away from my home. Over the next few weeks, I became engrossed with the Romanian culture and the language.
The people are quiet hospitable though the same doesn’t apply for everyone, the tourism industry is bit underdeveloped at the moment but would definitely catch adequate pace in the coming years..
By this write-up I suspend my almost one year long mourn… Remember this is just the pilot write-up for my travelogue, I’ll be back soon with more escapades of my Romanian travel.

Sunday, August 2, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Year 2009 is here >>
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Monday, October 27, 2008
Bums....yeee!!

Its diwali(one of the biggest national festival) here in this part of the world. Iam terribly missing my family and school friends. Sky high and ocean deep kind of misses, misses with no measures . . .I wish I could weep the world away, or at least roll around in bed and forget it all, but you guys and my mates are here who fill my void starving for familiarity, affection and companionship…
Friday, August 1, 2008
My new roomie !!

Lets come straight to the point...my new roomie...well she ...ya whatever you are reading is a fact...a
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Life at trichy>>
Got a new hostel room, far better than the last one...name of my hostel is garnet (its a kind of precious gem...if I go for the literal meaning)...neways its the nomenclature they…the college administration use for the hostels here, probably cos’ the south indian people are too fond of gold jewelleries and stuffs related to it...ya ya including precious stones as well...Name of my last year hostel was jade(again a kind of gem) before that it was agate and coral....for girls its opal...It actually creates lot of confusion in my mind as well, am I studying in some technical college or some gem-jewellery designing school..
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Chao!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Leaving for college
On 20th I m leaving for the college after a long vacation and when I say long - it was really long...semester break.. So another few days to go!!
Leaving For College
My final day with familiarity
My last day at home before
I must
Leave for college
A lonely feeling
Is unshakable as
I realize what I leave
And what I leave it for
All my things to be packed away
Hugs will be shared and
Tears will be shed
When I leave for college
The place I once called home
Will soon only be a place to visit
All my things, all my friends
Are to be left behind
I am so cold as I think
About the uncertain future
That my solo move holds
And I am scared
Scared, lonely, and sad
I will miss everything, everyone
As the world I once knew changes
And I must deal on my own
Excited, I am as well
For all the new things waiting
But right now, the fear
Of the unknown permeates my being
It's hard to look forward
When part of me still
Wants to hold on
To Mom's hand
A security blanket no more
I must grow up instantly
As my parents leave me
And I am scared
Scared, lonely, and sad
I just want to hold onto that
Hand forever
To be protected forever
Change, uncertainty
They scare everyone
But fear must be overcome
So I will go
I know the tears will flow
I am already choked up
I know I will miss them
I know I am afraid
But I must face the fear
Bravely
To grow into someone
They can be proud of
Scared, lonely, and sad
Nervous, afraid, and worried
Excited, anxious, antsy
The time has come
The time to leave the nest
And fly on my own
Even if it means
Falling a few times first
My love for them
My family and friends
Knows no boundaries
Always
I will miss you
But the time has come
So wish me luck
And I'll see you soon..
Monday, July 14, 2008
Guitar : definitely not my cup of tea!!
I still remember what it felt like when I was first learning guitar...majorly frustrated, did'nt expect it to go this way. It requires lot of finger strength, stamina and patience..well requires tonnes of it...seriously. Its not that easy as I thought it would be - big time misconception.
I actually tried my best to fulfill all the requirements but the major reason for my failure was in the practice department, I was unable to fulfil this because of the tight academia. Practice makes perfect isn't just some old wives' tale. Well another reason is bit unusual but pretty true in my case.

I always have had problems with constant breaking guitar strings which makes me go infuriated. They say it is actually attributed to my playing style, simply playing too hard on my guitar strings. Whatever!! Mostly after finishng college I'll again switch back to guitar and try to achieve what I longed for!!

Saturday, July 12, 2008
Bhopal lake - its big..really big!!
Boating, water sports and kayaking....or simply hanging around are the most common thing that people use to enjoy in this lake. I just include here some images or photos of Bhopal Upper Lake and ya me...hehe.
There is a temple in the center of the lake in just a small island. And you can go up to the temple by boating. When to go there?? Well best time to go there according to me is in the evening when the sun is near the horizon and about to verge. Cold wind of the lake in the evening will take away all the sorrow and tensions off your mind, this thing goes for me I dunno about others. This is a peak time and you will majorly find couples and college youth hanging around in promenade and cafeterias....and ya the fresh water cruises (namely "LakeView Princess") are another center of attraction.
In the other side of the lake, there is marine drive and it must be around 4-5 Kilometres long. The road is totally straight and it runs by the side of Upper Lake.
This Marine Drive is even a better place to hang out with friends in bikes and other open vehicles to feel some fresh air during summer and autumn...ahh this place is definitely a paradise if you are committed or into some kind of relationship, just come here with your dear ones, I bet you will remember time spent here for quiet a long time....
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But plz do think twice before coming here if you are a SINGLE DUMB like me, mentally prepare yourself to keep yourself cool, and don't get frustrated chewing peanuts and cashews all alone...lol!!
Cheers:)
Anurag
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Relationship between music and architecture!!
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Rhythm and pitch can invoke soul in music listioners and elevate it altogeher into a new level, the same way visual rhythm of forms and spaces in architecture with pitched elements like colour and texture can elevate soul to boundary-less and timeless ambience of architecture.
Well this is my view, I enjoy music a lot while designing and hope the same goes for many architects and architecture students all around the world...still there always can be exceptions...If there is no music...err....I can't think at all, my brain goes dead and stiff as frozen ice...I think thats the only reason I find it difficult during the design exams - music is not allowed in the exam studios...shit, they should allow it atleast for people like us. Anyways I need to mention, other than architecture its also quiet true to a certain extent for other core professions as well....I think...lol!!
Your personal views on this post are most welcome>>
If you are also addicted to music during work like me, you are most welcome to join arch-muzik group!!
Cheers:)
Anurag

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