As we waited for the elevator last evening, we saw a perfect globe of glowing amber poised over the horizon, standing out against a background of white, blue and grey. Reminded me of an ace swimmer poised to dive into the unknown deep. And just like the swimmer, the amber globe began its rapid descent, so that by the time we reached the ground floor, the sun had disappeared into the vast white-blue ocean, leaving behind only traces of golden light to remind us of its beauty, and hope in our hearts that it would be back in its kingdom tomorrow.
There is something magical about watching a sunset.
As I gazed at the white mist settling over the mountains that frame the central valley, I couldn’t help thinking that it’s like nature is retiring for the day too, settling into a comfortable white blanket to rest and recover … to leave behind all thoughts of joy and sorrow, for there is work to do on the morrow.
Tomorrow is another day...but for now it’s time to go home.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Habit
Costa Rica has managed another first – managed to bring consistency into the life of someone who hates habit and routine.
After about ten days of experimentation with restaurants and food, I have (subconsciously!) settled into a dinner routine that has very low variation. For my last meal of the day, I alternate between Matsuri and Rosti Pollos. From Matsuri, I order a Matsuri salad and Shake (Salmon) Maki or Salmon Skin Roll. From Rosti Pollos, I alternate between Chicken Fajitas and Quesadillas, both with 'maas papa fritos' (extra nachos – sigh!). Usually I brew a cup of tea in the room to go with dinner.
Aarrrgh. I cant believe it. I love variety, hate standardization (except while preaching it at work : -)), certainly hate routines. But I suspect I am beginning to enjoy my new found dinner schedule. Sheesh, I need to escape from here before it’s too late – my mom will actually believe there is hope for me if she hears of this.
Today is the Matsuri day.
After about ten days of experimentation with restaurants and food, I have (subconsciously!) settled into a dinner routine that has very low variation. For my last meal of the day, I alternate between Matsuri and Rosti Pollos. From Matsuri, I order a Matsuri salad and Shake (Salmon) Maki or Salmon Skin Roll. From Rosti Pollos, I alternate between Chicken Fajitas and Quesadillas, both with 'maas papa fritos' (extra nachos – sigh!). Usually I brew a cup of tea in the room to go with dinner.
Aarrrgh. I cant believe it. I love variety, hate standardization (except while preaching it at work : -)), certainly hate routines. But I suspect I am beginning to enjoy my new found dinner schedule. Sheesh, I need to escape from here before it’s too late – my mom will actually believe there is hope for me if she hears of this.
Today is the Matsuri day.
Where are the dogs?
While hunting for a Sushi place close to my hotel, I passed a huge mansion where I could hear some dogs barking. Somehow it sounded out of place, till I realized why – I hadn’t seen any dog in Costa Rica till now. And then it struck me – I haven’t heard/seen any street dogs in any of the countries I have visited (excluding Pakistan)! Let me say that again - across nine countries in five continents, I have never, ever seen a stray dog. Lots of pampered and well pruned pet dogs (though not necessarily well mannered), especially in US & Europe, but not a single stray dog.
Weird, given that you practically live with street dogs back home. I am usually greeted with at least five street dogs in my house lane, and the number multiplies after 11 pm. Several of my friends have repeatedly petitioned the government about the menace of these night creatures close to their homes – one of them carries a stick with him if he is returning home after 10. As a kid, I remember the sense of adventure in visiting my aunt’s house, because it was haunted by a street dog that would bite any non-family member who visited the house. Oh, the fun in sneaking through the back door, always on the look out for a sudden appearance of the deadly animal, and the thrill of horror when my favorite uncle had to take 16 stitches when he dared to enter the house in the dog’s presence.
Whoever said it’s a dog’s world was probably born in the sub-continent.
Weird, given that you practically live with street dogs back home. I am usually greeted with at least five street dogs in my house lane, and the number multiplies after 11 pm. Several of my friends have repeatedly petitioned the government about the menace of these night creatures close to their homes – one of them carries a stick with him if he is returning home after 10. As a kid, I remember the sense of adventure in visiting my aunt’s house, because it was haunted by a street dog that would bite any non-family member who visited the house. Oh, the fun in sneaking through the back door, always on the look out for a sudden appearance of the deadly animal, and the thrill of horror when my favorite uncle had to take 16 stitches when he dared to enter the house in the dog’s presence.
Whoever said it’s a dog’s world was probably born in the sub-continent.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Stupid Innovations
The conference room I sit in has an auto power saver thing...which means that if the sensor does not perceive any movement for about ten minutes, the lights go off automatically.
Since I sit here alone, there isn't any movement of the kind that the sensor expects. So every ten minutes the lights go off, and I have to stand up and do a little jig or wave my hands vigorously at the sensor. Duh.
Since I sit here alone, there isn't any movement of the kind that the sensor expects. So every ten minutes the lights go off, and I have to stand up and do a little jig or wave my hands vigorously at the sensor. Duh.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Costa Rica Fast Facts
Info gleaned through my conversations with locals....
The name Costa Rica means Rich Coast – supposedly christened so by Christopher Columbus when he passed by the coast and saw people wearing jade necklaces.
Tempted by the promise of riches, the Spanish invaded the region, only to discover that the name was a mirage. Costa Rica did not turn out to be a storehouse of gold or other precious metals, and the Spanish used this as a destination for outcasts and exiles…much like Andaman islands was for India during British rule.
Costa Rica is the first country in the world to officially abolish the Army. We are a peace loving country, say the people, and it shows.
Coffee, banana and sugarcane grow aplenty here. However, in recent times numerous coffee plantations have been sold off, to be converted into shopping malls, luxurious condominiums and villas. Pity.
A majority of the population is Christian Catholic. However, the country is secular to other religions. The government is democratically elected.
Cars are imported into the country from the US, and carry an excise duty of 58%! Nonetheless, one sees various luxurious brands on the road. Apparently, there was a time when Costa Rica had the highest number of BMW’s per number of inhabitants anywhere in the world! SUV’s are very popular, possible partly on account of the largely mountainous terrain and the poor state of the roads. Nissan and Toyota appear to be the favorite car brands – Hyundai is perceived as definitely down market. I still love my Santro though J
Most of my colleagues in office are Industrial Engineers – looks like that was the hot career option here!
Since the area is prone to earthquakes, the government has mandated that no building can be taller than 4 floors. So the office buildings and malls are prettily landscaped villas spread over acres of land…quite scenic.
The phrases that I use most often are Buenas (Good), Gracias (Thanks) and No avayol Espanol (I don’t know Spanish!).
Some of the problems faced by the country are similar to ours. Bad roads, for instance (though I personally feel their roads are far better than ours…sigh). I had an interesting conversation with a colleague where he said Costa Rica’s two major problems are lack of planning and absence of a common identity. Again, problems faced by India too.
Mountain biking is very popular in the country. Most of my colleagues belong to a group that goes mountain biking at least once a fortnight. In fact, my 50 year co-passenger on the flight was also an avid biker. No wonder most people look so fit and athletic!
The locals appear to be fairly conscious about their appearance. Most women wear light make up and matching jewellery, and the men gel-style their hair. Almost everyone has fab bods, thanks to a love for physical activity and gym workouts. I notice that many people brush their teeth after lunchtime - something I saw in Thailand too, another country that is very appearance-conscious. Must say though that people carry their age well...most of my 29-30 year old colleagues don't look a day over 25!
Recently, the country has witnessed a lot of migration from neighboring Nicaragua, something the locals obviously don’t like. When I was telling a colleague that I didn’t like downtown Costa Rica, he explained it was because it is full of Nicaraguans!
Tourism is a mainstay of the economy. Not surprising, given the proximity to the US, the fantastic beaches, rainforests and volcanoes, and the relative inexpensiveness of the place for American tourists (The local currency is a Colon, and 1 USD equals 500 Colons…most people convert their money into dollars since they think its safer). Surprisingly, however, all road signs are in Spanish, most people do not understand English….even my hotel voice mail is in Spanish!
The country witnesses only two seasons – dry and rainy. During the rainy season, it is usually sunny during the morning, and it begins to rain heavily during the afternoon. However, most days have been cloudy, with a minor sprinking of rain sometimes. The only day during my trip that the weather stuck to its schedule was the Sunday I decided to drive out into the mountains. Arrrgh. More on that later.
The name Costa Rica means Rich Coast – supposedly christened so by Christopher Columbus when he passed by the coast and saw people wearing jade necklaces.
Tempted by the promise of riches, the Spanish invaded the region, only to discover that the name was a mirage. Costa Rica did not turn out to be a storehouse of gold or other precious metals, and the Spanish used this as a destination for outcasts and exiles…much like Andaman islands was for India during British rule.
Costa Rica is the first country in the world to officially abolish the Army. We are a peace loving country, say the people, and it shows.
Coffee, banana and sugarcane grow aplenty here. However, in recent times numerous coffee plantations have been sold off, to be converted into shopping malls, luxurious condominiums and villas. Pity.
A majority of the population is Christian Catholic. However, the country is secular to other religions. The government is democratically elected.
Cars are imported into the country from the US, and carry an excise duty of 58%! Nonetheless, one sees various luxurious brands on the road. Apparently, there was a time when Costa Rica had the highest number of BMW’s per number of inhabitants anywhere in the world! SUV’s are very popular, possible partly on account of the largely mountainous terrain and the poor state of the roads. Nissan and Toyota appear to be the favorite car brands – Hyundai is perceived as definitely down market. I still love my Santro though J
Most of my colleagues in office are Industrial Engineers – looks like that was the hot career option here!
Since the area is prone to earthquakes, the government has mandated that no building can be taller than 4 floors. So the office buildings and malls are prettily landscaped villas spread over acres of land…quite scenic.
The phrases that I use most often are Buenas (Good), Gracias (Thanks) and No avayol Espanol (I don’t know Spanish!).
Some of the problems faced by the country are similar to ours. Bad roads, for instance (though I personally feel their roads are far better than ours…sigh). I had an interesting conversation with a colleague where he said Costa Rica’s two major problems are lack of planning and absence of a common identity. Again, problems faced by India too.
Mountain biking is very popular in the country. Most of my colleagues belong to a group that goes mountain biking at least once a fortnight. In fact, my 50 year co-passenger on the flight was also an avid biker. No wonder most people look so fit and athletic!
The locals appear to be fairly conscious about their appearance. Most women wear light make up and matching jewellery, and the men gel-style their hair. Almost everyone has fab bods, thanks to a love for physical activity and gym workouts. I notice that many people brush their teeth after lunchtime - something I saw in Thailand too, another country that is very appearance-conscious. Must say though that people carry their age well...most of my 29-30 year old colleagues don't look a day over 25!
Recently, the country has witnessed a lot of migration from neighboring Nicaragua, something the locals obviously don’t like. When I was telling a colleague that I didn’t like downtown Costa Rica, he explained it was because it is full of Nicaraguans!
Tourism is a mainstay of the economy. Not surprising, given the proximity to the US, the fantastic beaches, rainforests and volcanoes, and the relative inexpensiveness of the place for American tourists (The local currency is a Colon, and 1 USD equals 500 Colons…most people convert their money into dollars since they think its safer). Surprisingly, however, all road signs are in Spanish, most people do not understand English….even my hotel voice mail is in Spanish!
The country witnesses only two seasons – dry and rainy. During the rainy season, it is usually sunny during the morning, and it begins to rain heavily during the afternoon. However, most days have been cloudy, with a minor sprinking of rain sometimes. The only day during my trip that the weather stuck to its schedule was the Sunday I decided to drive out into the mountains. Arrrgh. More on that later.
Here comes the sun again
I just can’t understand it…a week into into Costa Rica, and I still feel strangely depressed. This couldn’t be happening to me, an avid traveler, a professed lover of all things new and beautiful…I stuck out for 1.5 years in one of my jobs simply coz whenever I’d plan to leave they’d send to me some exotic country!
I hate to admit it, but part of it is home sickness…yes, looks like I am finally beginning to get attached to a place…and Bangalore of all places! I guess I miss my fully reclined routine there…late mornings, weekend drives, long walks in fantastic weather, and tons of freedom to try out arbit things. Don’t like the thought though…comfort zones make me uncomfortable.
Another reason is language. Everything, including the road signs are in Spanish, everyone around me speaks in Spanish….my colleagues revert to Spanish over lunch, everyone in the hotel greets me in Spanish. After the initial novelty of a new language wears off and you have mastered the few cute phrases, you long to hear something familiar. So I have been playing English/Hindi songs in the background at work. Comfort zone again? This gets worser and worser.
I also realize that, being used to over populated India, I miss seeing people around me. Here a neighbour’s house will be at least a mile away from yours…I was completely taken aback to see a crowded mall over the weekend, coz I barely see two people on the highway. Looks like the Pied Piper of capitalist dreams has his lure here too...malls are as popular here as back home.
But probably the biggest reason is the long leave of absence of the sun. I have arrived at the beginning of the rainy season in Costa Rica…which means that when it isn’t raining, it is cloudy. I have barely seen the sun come out since I arrived here…coupled with the mountainous landscape and the scare population, it is a depressing sight...somehow it appears that the clouds have coated everything in a dreary soot of grey.
Two days ago when I was going to return my car, Senor Sun was out for a brief stroll, and the countryside appeared completely transformed to my light-starved eyes. Now I understand why the Brits make such a big deal about sunshine.
I hate to admit it, but part of it is home sickness…yes, looks like I am finally beginning to get attached to a place…and Bangalore of all places! I guess I miss my fully reclined routine there…late mornings, weekend drives, long walks in fantastic weather, and tons of freedom to try out arbit things. Don’t like the thought though…comfort zones make me uncomfortable.
Another reason is language. Everything, including the road signs are in Spanish, everyone around me speaks in Spanish….my colleagues revert to Spanish over lunch, everyone in the hotel greets me in Spanish. After the initial novelty of a new language wears off and you have mastered the few cute phrases, you long to hear something familiar. So I have been playing English/Hindi songs in the background at work. Comfort zone again? This gets worser and worser.
I also realize that, being used to over populated India, I miss seeing people around me. Here a neighbour’s house will be at least a mile away from yours…I was completely taken aback to see a crowded mall over the weekend, coz I barely see two people on the highway. Looks like the Pied Piper of capitalist dreams has his lure here too...malls are as popular here as back home.
But probably the biggest reason is the long leave of absence of the sun. I have arrived at the beginning of the rainy season in Costa Rica…which means that when it isn’t raining, it is cloudy. I have barely seen the sun come out since I arrived here…coupled with the mountainous landscape and the scare population, it is a depressing sight...somehow it appears that the clouds have coated everything in a dreary soot of grey.
Two days ago when I was going to return my car, Senor Sun was out for a brief stroll, and the countryside appeared completely transformed to my light-starved eyes. Now I understand why the Brits make such a big deal about sunshine.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
How much is life worth
Remember 21 grams? Yes the Sean Penn movie with the tagline - how much does life weigh? And then it claimed that 'we all lose 21 grams at the exact moment of our death... everyone. The weight of a stack of nickels. The weight of a chocolate bar. The weight of a hummingbird...'
After yet another series of blasts in Bombay, I cant help wondering - how much is life worth in our country? It appears that the authorities had prior info on the blasts, but were not sure where they would occur and hence took no action. In a country of a billion, life is cheap. But how cheap?
In the west, they would condemn this as an act of terrorism and immediately go and bomb some country. That is one extreme. In India, we forget about it in 10 minutes, because death is an integral part of our lives. That's another extreme.
After yet another series of blasts in Bombay, I cant help wondering - how much is life worth in our country? It appears that the authorities had prior info on the blasts, but were not sure where they would occur and hence took no action. In a country of a billion, life is cheap. But how cheap?
In the west, they would condemn this as an act of terrorism and immediately go and bomb some country. That is one extreme. In India, we forget about it in 10 minutes, because death is an integral part of our lives. That's another extreme.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
State of my Mind?
I haven't really ever found a place that I call home
I never stick around quite long enough to make it
I apologize that once again I'm not in love
But it's not as if I mind that your heart ain't exactly breaking
It's just a thought, only a thought
But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
I've always thought
that I would love to live by the sea
To travel the world alone
and live my life more simply
I have no idea what's happened to that dream
'cause there's really nothing left here to stop me
It's just a thought, only a thought
But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
If my life is for rent
And I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
Ohh.. my heart is a shield and I won't let it down
While I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try
Well how can I say I'm alive
If my life is for rent
And I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get '
cause nothing I have is truly mine
If my life is for rent
and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
Life for Rent
Dido
I never stick around quite long enough to make it
I apologize that once again I'm not in love
But it's not as if I mind that your heart ain't exactly breaking
It's just a thought, only a thought
But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
I've always thought
that I would love to live by the sea
To travel the world alone
and live my life more simply
I have no idea what's happened to that dream
'cause there's really nothing left here to stop me
It's just a thought, only a thought
But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
If my life is for rent
And I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
Ohh.. my heart is a shield and I won't let it down
While I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try
Well how can I say I'm alive
If my life is for rent
And I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get '
cause nothing I have is truly mine
If my life is for rent
and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
'cause nothing I have is truly mine
Life for Rent
Dido
Friday, July 07, 2006
Will you erase me?
Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders.
How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd
Look at it out here, it's all falling apart. I'm erasing you and I'm happy!
How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd
Look at it out here, it's all falling apart. I'm erasing you and I'm happy!
Match Point
I finally managed to see Match Point - on a long trans-Atlantic flight. I had wanted to watch it since someone forwarded me this quote (which is narrated at the beginning of the movie):
The man who said "I'd rather be lucky than good" saw deeply into life. People are often afraid to realize how much of an impact luck plays. There are moments in a tennis match where the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, remains in mid-air. With a litte luck, the ball goes over, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose.
Quite an awesome concept - it completely ridicules the idea of 'moral justice', claiming everything in life is pure chance. Some people get lucky, others just get by (to quote Notting Hill). As the main protagonist himself says towards the end - It would be fitting if I were apprehended... and punished. At least there would be some small sign of justice - some small measure of hope for the possibility of meaning.
Something I tend to agree with - I think human beings take themselves, and their goodness, too seriously. And end up getting caught in a mirage of conscious, morality and justice.
There is an interesting statement somewhere in the middle, when the characters are debating 'easy way outs' - Faith is the path of least resistance, claims Jonathan Rhys Myers. Amen.
The man who said "I'd rather be lucky than good" saw deeply into life. People are often afraid to realize how much of an impact luck plays. There are moments in a tennis match where the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, remains in mid-air. With a litte luck, the ball goes over, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose.
Quite an awesome concept - it completely ridicules the idea of 'moral justice', claiming everything in life is pure chance. Some people get lucky, others just get by (to quote Notting Hill). As the main protagonist himself says towards the end - It would be fitting if I were apprehended... and punished. At least there would be some small sign of justice - some small measure of hope for the possibility of meaning.
Something I tend to agree with - I think human beings take themselves, and their goodness, too seriously. And end up getting caught in a mirage of conscious, morality and justice.
There is an interesting statement somewhere in the middle, when the characters are debating 'easy way outs' - Faith is the path of least resistance, claims Jonathan Rhys Myers. Amen.
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