tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26598093090488335642023-11-16T23:19:12.684+11:00MelbourneMangaimelbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-15089609871666211142011-07-25T14:29:00.000+10:002011-07-25T14:29:13.743+10:00I wish I could give a solid reason...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_ri6p6c="104"><div closure_uid_nyow96="101">...as to why I didn't blog for all this while, but since I dont (laziness if that counts ;p), I am not dragging any further and coming straight to the point. Besides managing the cold, rainy and windy winter, Hubby and I are doing well. It's funny because I didnt mind the winter so much when I initially moved to Melbourne in 2009. Believe me or not I used to be fine with just normal t-shirts and track pants on at home. It's not the same anymore. It has taken me 2 winters to feel it..wah!</div></div><div closure_uid_ri6p6c="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_ri6p6c="104"><div closure_uid_nyow96="107">As I had mentioned in my previous post, we did end up having a DOUBLE DHAMAKA..yay! I passed my driving test in the FIRST shot and got my full drivers license (which is a big deal here by the way) after so many weeks of practise and money being spent on the driving classes and also we celebrated our 2nd anniversary on 14th last month. Both set of parents, relatives and friends were jubiliant to know that I passed the test! You must have seen all the phone calls and text messages flying ;) Hubby is now getting to experience "getting dropped off at work" which he has been wanting for over a year now.</div><br />
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<div closure_uid_nyow96="162">Both of us took leave that day being a Tuesday. The day started with my driving test in the morning, after which we had a simple lunch since we had an 8 course meal waiting for us for the dinner! In the evening we drove to the Shiva Vishnu temple and then to the city to have our culinary feast at <strong>Ezard</strong>. My gosh, whaatttaaaa dinner! It was an 8 course tasting menu and we were just awed at the complexity, standard and taste of the food. No wonder it is a 3 hat chef restaurant. It was the first time we ate a tasting course meal and we thoroughly enjoyed it! </div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107">I was this close to taking pictures of the food, but didn't want to look wierd amidst the elite group of fellow diners. Anyway you can get a glimpse of the food that is served here in <a href="http://www.ezard.com.au/">this</a>. Though the size of the meal look small, believe me by the 8th course you will not have space even for a grain of rice! It was an experience on its own and well worth the bucks we paid! With all our senses enticed with such quality food, we drove back home after looking around the city's night life for a while. </div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107">On a different note, hubby and I had our first V-line experience few weeks back. V-line is the train service of regional Victoria which we have been wanting to try for a long time and so it was to Geelong this time. It was an hour journey one way. Once after leaving the city outskirts, till reaching Geelong, there wasn't much on the way at all, almost nothing except for vast barren lands and few houses here and there. Having said that we are beaing told that the city has been vastly expanding from what it was 5 year back! Reaching there, we walked a bit and reached the Geelong waterfront. Though it was bit cloudy and cold (I know not a great combination but be thankful that it didn't rain!) we enjoyed the walk along the waterfront and the pier. Inspite of such a weather, there were people going on helicopter and sea plane rides. </div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107">After looking at the-not-so busy-life in there and serene locality and more importantly beautiful houses overlooking the coast, hubby was very much determined to buy a house there in future, mostly one for a holiday retreat purpose which I would welcome the most..hehe ;) After spending few hours at the waterfront, we went in search of a good cafe for some afternoon tea. Glad that we went to this place called Panache. I was just amused at the range of crepes, cakes and pasteries they offered and the crowd it attracted. We very much enjoyed our orange poppy seed cake with cream and fruits and hot cappuccino! Around 5 we hopped on the train back to city and called it a day! On the whole it was a weekend well spent. We would like to take the Vline to go to Ballarat once the weather improves. </div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107">Otherwise the MM house is doing well and work keeps us busy as usual. Hope all is well at your end too. See you soon :)</div><div closure_uid_nyow96="107"><br />
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While going around the entire market area I could find it a lot different from the suburbs where we stay. It had more of a "country touch" to it. People there seemed to be very friendly, pleasant and laid back. I could hardly find anyone walking quickly let alone rushing to do anything. It certainly made us think of settling in such a country side at some point of our life. Having said that, it also made me think about the choices we had for earning a livelihood there! So after a good search we ended up having lunch at Maloa House, a gourmet cafe which not only served food, but also had an interesting concept of selling household speciality items like cushions, scented candles, back drops, cutleries, wines and wholesale food, all under one roof! It was one of its own kind and I went around looking at them by the time our food was served. The things were a bit pricey, but making food stuff preservative and artificial colour free with gourmet and fresh produce made that difference. After a lovely lunch we headed upto the main attraction "The Hanging Rock". You can read more about that <a href="http://www.visitmacedonranges.com/natural-attractions/hanging-rock/">here</a>. <br />
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Since no vehicles were allowed to the top, we parked our car and set on foot to see this beautiful rock formation formed from the volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. We took the summit walk which was a good 1 hr walk in total. On our way to the top, we saw many huge eucalyptus and fern trees. We walked and climed through these rock structures and reached the top which is about 718 metres from sea level. Thankfully it was a pleasant day with no rain. Enjoying the panaromic view from there, we clicked few pics to mark our visit.<br />
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After returning to the start point, we quenched our thirst with some hot chocolate. Know for its flora and fauna we spotted a kangaroo too once we came out to the car park. From there we drove to the Camel's hump lookout which is even higher than the fomer, 1000 metres from sea level. From there we could see the Mt Macedon.<br />
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Having finished seeing what we had planned, we drove back home via city were we stopped at the Federation Square (a popular spot in city) for some good hot dinner and called it a day! Looking forward to more such day trips (it's too cold to have a whole day trip in this winter). <br />
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On a different note, WE are celebrating our 2nd year of togetherness this coming 14th. Hurray!!! To make that day all the more special, I am giving my driving test too!!! Please pray for me to have a double dhamaka ;) Watch out this space for a special post about those in the coming weeks :)<br />
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Have a pleasant week ahead. Chao :)<br />
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Time being the best tutor teaches us valuable lessons of life. It has taught me to take life as it comes. I know I sound like a <em>sanyasi</em> type. But that is the fact..right? So here I am back with a new vigour and newer perspective of life.<br />
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Moving from the gyan, the weather has become quite chilly here. What more can I expect in winter. Planning to start the long forgotton excerise in next few weeks. Have a goal in my mind and wish to achieve it. So wish me good luck ;) One good thing about winter is skiing. After experienced my first snow in Chicago in 2009, I am longing to go to the Mt Buller which is 3-4 hours drive and indulge in the traditional winter time activity. <br />
Note to self: Plan a trip with hubby soon!!!<br />
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Might sound absurd, but risotto has become one of my recent time favourites! Yes, thanks to hubby I am just loving it which used to be a strict NO-NO previously. The version I like it is with sweet potato, spinach and parsley. Yet to try with mushroom and peas. Passionfruit is another liking I have recently developed. I simply loved the crepes with passionfruit curd which hubby made for dinner once.Yumm...food is always fun, isn't it???<br />
While talking about food, Masterchief Australia has been our daily-after-work-entertaintment at home. <br />
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I wish my sister and nieces who are reaching Chennai tomorrow a super-duper summer vacation with appa/amma. I shall certainly miss being with them but you know how international travel works. Planning and booking tickets alteast 3-4 months prior, asking for leave at work etc etc. Though I have not fully closed the door, they don't seem to be widely open either!<br />
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After a long time watched few new movies, Vaanam, Ko, Payanam and Shor in the city. Now don't picture me as a movie buff, watched it over a period of few weeks. <br />
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Super Short Reviews:<br />
<em>Vaanam</em>: Similar concept like Dus Kahaniyaan, nice Santhanam comedy<br />
<em>Ko</em>: Good movie though the actress wasn't appealing, like the song "Yennamo edho"<br />
<em>Payanam</em>: A must watch movie, no unwanted romance, stunt etc<br />
<em>Shor in the city</em>: Very different movie, good concept, expectated lot more from Sendhil Ramamurthy<br />
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So how have you guys been? I would love to know.<br />
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P.S: <em>sanyasi</em>: saint</div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-13417494733426070912011-02-28T12:09:00.001+11:002011-02-28T12:16:57.836+11:00Weekend in beach, cricket, birthdays, movie and rest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was a while since hubby and I went for a long drive. Thanks to the beautiful weather (bright clear sky and 27 deg C) last Saturday, we went to one of the world famous surfing beach in Philip Island called Woolamai Beach. The one and a half hour drive (one way) was worth it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We strolled along the shore for a while enjoying the cold sea water. The waves were high enough to come upto our waist. After we stood in the water to our heart's content, we had some cheese and crackers for snacks and drove back to our house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yesterday's match was a sheer dissapointment. Luckily we saw only the first innings (yeah we are 5:30 hours ahead of IST) and slept with good hope that 338 was good enough for a comfortable win. It's always heartening to see "the little master" scoring the unstoppable 100+ which seemed effortless! But who could guess that it would end in a tie! When I saw the news today morning I was shattered to say the least! Anyway we didn't lose too. It was definitely a thrilling match from what i read from cricinfo.com and yahoo cricket. But it feels sad when such a big total deserved only a tie :(</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hoping for a clear victory for India in upcoming matches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Saw "King's Speech" last weekend and whaaaatttttaaaa movie! IT IS A MUST WATCH. I mean it...if you haven't watched it, GO WATCH IT! Geoffery Rush and Colin Firth's acting is impeccable! It might look like an art movie but the storyline is just superb (simple yet deeeeeeeeep)! I am sure it's an Oscar material! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hubby has been surprising me with a lot of new and innovative recipes and they have all tasted godly! I thoroughly enjoyed the fig+goat's cheese pizza, bruschetta+goat's cheese salad with herbs. Yup I cook too, don't get me wrong. It's just that we take turns and it is more apt if I put it this way that hubby likes cooking very much esp likes to try out new recipes. He liked my <em>chettinad style kathirikai karakuzhambu</em> as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Both my cute little nieces are celebrating their birthday this Feb, the elder celebrated early this month and the younger celebrates today! My love and hugs to kutty! Have a great birthday darling :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope all is well at your end too. Have a pleasant week ahead!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">P.S: <em>Chettinad style kathirikai karakuzhambu:</em> A South Indian style spicy soup made with eggplant</span></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-4283190317694783272011-02-01T11:23:00.002+11:002011-02-01T11:25:24.540+11:00Here they are..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">...the long pending photos for you to see what we did during our Christmas holiday in Singapore. We did a lot of sight seeing this time which included Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island and Bird park. Needless to say that I did shopping at Orchard Rd too..;-) Got to see the beautiful lighting and decorations for New Year in the city.<br />
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The photos shall speak for themselves!<br />
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Have a good week ahead...Cya!</div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-68370903750679478872011-01-11T12:30:00.001+11:002011-01-12T08:56:54.565+11:00Back after a fun packed holiday!Yup now you know why you didn't hear from me for the past 1 month! I had been to Chennai to visit my parents, relatives and stayed with my parents-in-law along with hubby at Singapore on the way back to Melbourne! I had a fantastic time meeting them all, to say the least! <br />
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Parents pampering, mom's delicious delicacies, aromatic filter coffee,<em> thattai</em>, <em>polli</em>,<em>kalli+kootu</em>, <em>mavadu</em>, <em>mahali kizhangu</em>, <em>margazhi kutcheris</em> and what not! The list is never ending. Spending quality time with parents, eating great tasting food, relaxing, meeting relatives, going to temples, shopping and sight seeing were the main agenda and were fulfilled thoroughly!<br />
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Not even a bit of me wanted to come back, but no holiday can be endless right, so here I am back to reality although I am happy to be back in a way, back to my routine, back to my own world..:-) We are in the middle of spring cleaning the house and sorting out the travel and shipped stuff. We are expected to get back to the routine in a week's time. <br />
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So spare me for few days to elaborate more on the holiday and watch out for this space for some Kodak moments too!<br />
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Have a great week ahead and a very happy new year to all you guys!<br />
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P.S: t<em>hattai</em>: a type of savoury<br />
<em>polli</em>: a type of sweet which looks like thick dosa<br />
<em>kalli+kootu</em>: a recipe prepared on a festive occasion<br />
<em>mavadu</em>: a pickle made of small unripe mangoes<br />
<em>mahali kizhangu</em>: a white coloured pickle<br />
<em>margazhi kutcheri</em>: a series of carnatic music concerts which happens during Decembermelbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-25766151043987074192010-11-12T11:13:00.027+11:002010-11-15T10:55:51.508+11:00ROSE is a rOsE is a RoSe is a rose<div></embed><br />
I am loving it! Yes I am in love with the spring esp with the blooming roses in our garden, the fragrance from them very time I walk along the driveway, the very welcoming sight when I get back home from work. Much to my whinging in the <a href="http://melbournemangai.blogspot.com/2010/10/is-it-really-spring-season-now.html">last post</a>, I am happy that the real spring is here! Thanks to the house owner, who must for sure be loving gardening and ROSES (when I am saying this I am also referring to all sorts of garden tools, fertilizers, potting mix, lawn mower etc placed in orderly fashion in the car shed)! </div><br />
No doubt I have seen many flower shows and hill stations, but this is the first time I got to see so many roses, in so many colours grown in a household garden. In fact I see so many houses here in Melbourne blooming with flowers esp ROSES. Not just one colour, but in colours and sizes you might have not seen before!<br />
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Ok let me just stop talking and let you enjoy this visual treat! <br />
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<div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"></div></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-62340933385932848932010-11-03T13:29:00.009+11:002010-11-12T11:25:23.249+11:00Quarter century and so...<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes I turned 25 on 28th Oct. I am happy that I am now officially old enough to have just 3 months of learner's permit for obtaining drivers license! I no longer need to pay additional car insurance for being under 25. Also it's kind of cool to say 25 because, in your early 20's you are considered YOUNG, also in your late 20's you are categorised as NEARING 30. So 25 is chic and safe..lol..;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We are having a gala time with my MIL for the past 1 week. Sadly she will be leaving this coming weekend. Also with the outings we did, made my birthday exxxxsssshtra special!!! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PEsqio9voMrPGRfD9rTlx68qgktQCDS9zHoOrg6pv695pYOYpMhtzVys8f-JMEdyTIsmUYwP62a4ZHdGKSycZuHM5kAstbph2kQWVHWZuQh8F2g3OC0Bsz_ZUQhRBaE_HS3b-NPXyqY/s1600/P1020783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PEsqio9voMrPGRfD9rTlx68qgktQCDS9zHoOrg6pv695pYOYpMhtzVys8f-JMEdyTIsmUYwP62a4ZHdGKSycZuHM5kAstbph2kQWVHWZuQh8F2g3OC0Bsz_ZUQhRBaE_HS3b-NPXyqY/s320/P1020783.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Entrance of Dandenong National Park</span></td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Though our plan to visit the Lakes Entrance got cancelled due to bad weather (I know but it's supposed to be the beautiful spring season), we did have a plan B. So on thursday morning after a sumptuous lunch, we started for the </span><a href="http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_0317.pdf"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dandenong mountain ranges</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. This place is about an hour drive from our place. Thankfully the weather was superb (25 deg and bright blue sky)! We reached the national park at around 2 and planned to do the Living Bush walk which was moderately steep trail walk out of the many mentioned in the map there. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tall green eucalyptus trees</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The first part of the walk was plain ground with little ups and downs. We walked through gigantic eucalyptus trees and huge fern plants. Surprisingly we saw a lot of people doing the walks though it was a weekday. Some were even running all the way till the top. My attire didn't allow that since I didn't want to sweat in my new birthday dress. But I am sure I shall be running there sometime in near future. It's a very good work out since it's not a monotonous route of plains to the top of the ranges.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmsCr5mIHS8-q5v3wY8P7g2_bg5hv6VTpvD3opYIfosH7PCbDAUUHDWze9Am6CF_Rk4REtFI0k5m4-IYuTHCbykumJprFqEVAmLCmyvSGRzp8Wr2UpSb7u3EChak4ep1eEVupRYtWrbw/s1600/P1020815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmsCr5mIHS8-q5v3wY8P7g2_bg5hv6VTpvD3opYIfosH7PCbDAUUHDWze9Am6CF_Rk4REtFI0k5m4-IYuTHCbykumJprFqEVAmLCmyvSGRzp8Wr2UpSb7u3EChak4ep1eEVupRYtWrbw/s320/P1020815.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's me..:-)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After we reached the start of 1000 steps walk, we delibrated little bit about continuing further since it said that the route is steeper. But we wanted to fulfill the whole purpose of visiting there and so WE DID "THE 1000 STEPS". These stretch of steps were built in the memory of those killed in Kokoda Trail. Along the way there were plaques depicting the lives of the men who fought and died on the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea during World War II. After reaching the top, we got a beautiful view of the city and the walk was worth it! The walk still continued from there but we wanted to return back since we didn't want to get late for the evening plans.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After resting for a while, we climbed down the steps and reached the foot at around 4:30. We drove back home and freshned up for our temple visit in the evening.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Shiva Vishnu temple that we usually go is huge and gives me immense pleasure and peace everytime I go there. After offering our prayers to the God, we drove to </span><a href="http://www.madrasbanyantree.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Madras Banyan Tree</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> for our dinner. I don't need to say much about this restaurant since the food speaks for itself. We had a fantastic dinner and were quite FULL after that. We returned home and called it a day.</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtGdmSpvcaw8ak31CS2cWZfAL57ydvjwD-XIQg_OETO5fYP4s6-LfykijIbqdYj_iqYf-yEp-6koLC2lUYe16kC5qzrAAzAeoTPauIIWzGMlFNPCXG4Dvyr6RPR2DSYD0rWncRDD91DA/s1600/Photo0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtGdmSpvcaw8ak31CS2cWZfAL57ydvjwD-XIQg_OETO5fYP4s6-LfykijIbqdYj_iqYf-yEp-6koLC2lUYe16kC5qzrAAzAeoTPauIIWzGMlFNPCXG4Dvyr6RPR2DSYD0rWncRDD91DA/s320/Photo0168.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Melbourians enjoying their sunbathe</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The next day we didn't want to make the best use of gorgeous weather (because it rains in between) and so went to enjoy the sea breeze. We drove to one of the famous beaches in Melbourne city, the Elwood beach and it was the first time I went there and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wetting the legs in cold clear water in warm weather was such a treat! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUSwb5VPr-ubEAMVROxzmEjRX1cspcUsVwGjsJE8TRWorjEMJPgUeXk-4wkgk-mXpFAhSVWBVaQ8VXg6x7NLsmoyRF2SfFoZxMp3Yt91igux9Le7Z5NVF_1SVmn8eASaumjcziZsbYww/s1600/Photo0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUSwb5VPr-ubEAMVROxzmEjRX1cspcUsVwGjsJE8TRWorjEMJPgUeXk-4wkgk-mXpFAhSVWBVaQ8VXg6x7NLsmoyRF2SfFoZxMp3Yt91igux9Le7Z5NVF_1SVmn8eASaumjcziZsbYww/s320/Photo0174.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The couple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There were quite a few who enjoyed their sunbathe, walked along with their dogs, swam etc. We strolled along the shore for a while and did the very traditional thing of eating ice creams in the end. I loved my gelato..yummy!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And so these outing were like icing on top of my birthday cake..:-)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The next big festival Deepavali is kocking at the doors and we are looking forward for a dhamaka!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Advance happy deepavali to you all. Have a wonderful time with your family wearing new dress, bursting crackers, eating good food, watching newly released movies, catching up with friends and relatives!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cheers :-)</span></div><div id="refHTML"></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-67053419828228855552010-10-19T11:26:00.000+11:002010-10-19T11:26:42.683+11:00Is it really SPRING season now?Yup we are in the southern hemisphere (sounds like some alien) and it is spring here..but not really ;( Spring is one of those ideal getaway times when you just go on long drives, enjoy the beach walks, do trekking and mountain climbing, stroll along the park. Between how do you describe spring season? Temperature around mid 20s, blooming trees and plants, bright and longer days, early sunrise etc etc. I can hardly find any of these indicators here :( May not be us but our lawn is in full spring mood. It needs mowing every week...uffff. You might think I am kidding when I say that the average temperature since the start of oct has been 15 deg C. To make it even better it rains almost everyday and we are still wearing sweaters to keep us warm for the most part of the day!!! Ok ok no more whimping about the climate for hopefully it would get warmer in coming days... <br />
October is special for me for many reasons. My hubby successfully completed his 2nd full marathon (Melbourne marathon) on 10th. Yes it's full 42.6 km and yes it's a very BIG deal!!! My appa celebrates his birthday on 20th, yours truly on 28th. By the way I am going to hit the quarter century milestone this year..;-) <br />
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My hubby's mom is planning to visit us for 2 weeks from coming saturday. We are super excited to have her with us. We are planning to do some sightseeing during this time and have good fun. Also this Deepavali will be all the more special! We shall make sure to see the fireworks at Federation Square which we missed last year.<br />
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Anyway I shall keep you posted about the proceedings. Meanwhile happy shopping for Deepavali..;)melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-11851716490674849922010-09-21T13:48:00.001+10:002010-09-21T13:55:58.861+10:00Licensed Memories!Driving like all other skills needs regular practising. Once you lose touch, it takes a while to get back on track. Last Saturday evening, my dear hubby offered to refresh my driving skills after which I realised that I needed to start from scratch! Though I have the Indian driving license, it turned out out to be just for namesake..;( Partly because since I didn't drive car after I passed the test (which is after I passed out of college and started working), so I hardly drove and also our college driving instructor ("<em>Anna</em>" as we call) was too naive to help me passing the driving test without much driving actually!!! I bet ya getting license here in Australia is real hard. One needs to get L, pass the test and then drive with P for 3 years, have a clean record before getting the full license!<br />
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We bought our own car last weekend (Toyota Camry - Sedan) and from now on the real ordeal starts. My lovable hubby has agreed to teach me driving during the evening. So hopefully I should be able to drive soon.<br />
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That evening when I was trying to drive after a LONG time, I was reminded of those days when we girls in final year in college enrolled for driving class in the mechanical dept in our own institute. Apart from getting good campus placement, we wanted to achieve something more! Our college is fundoo ya..has a driving school too unlike other colleges. "Jia ho NITT" and best part is they made sure most of us got our license!!! They had quite a few batches during both morning and evening. Morning means eeeeaaaarrrrlllllyyyy around 4-5 since there used to be 2-3 sessions then and each needed around 30-45 minutes. So we girls according to the slots available enrolled for both morning and evening sessions. If it were the morning session, we girls made sure that the rest of the goup got up early and were in time for the class. It used to be pitch dark outside then and also cold (talk about climate in Trichy). <br />
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Opalites correct me if I am wrong, the practising route started from the sports club or civil dept - left at library - along the other entrance road along SC/Compsci - till the boys hostel intersection - left at Pearl (not sure though, but some boys hostel) - drive till other end - left again at Chemical eng dept - straight to the Mech dept - practise reverse gear near the T.P building/Meta dept. We drove Maruti 800 (white colour, manual car) and a jeep. Many among us felt driving Maruti was easier but I personally felt the jeep was easier. Anyway apart from the car, we were taught to drive 2 wheeler too. We practised on a old Luna like moped on the sports ground near the main entrance.<br />
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The driving sessions used to be quite fun. I must admit that the <em>Annas</em> were quite patient and instructed us every time we stopped the car while leaving the clutch or speeded when we were not supposed to! While driving near the boys hostel, the guys walking on the corridor or playing cricket on the backyard would yell out our names. We used to get bit nervous during that part of the drive. We didn't want to drive to the ditch with the guys watching us (insulting ya!!)<br />
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With many days of such training, we girls (around 10) appeared for the license test at the RTO, Trichy with our beloved <em>Anna</em>. The RTO office is situated in the outskirts of the city. After finishing the paper work and paying the fee, we proceeded to the actually driving track which was further from the RTO. We girls formed small groups and hopped on to the jeep which we were supposed to drive. The procedure was like each of us took turns are drive the jeep a short distance with the Brake Inspector sitting beside us, <em>Anna</em> and other girls sitting behind. The Brake Inspector must have been in his BEST mood that day, because he let <em>Anna</em> prompt us while changing gears (manual jeep again), applying brake or speeding. Come on ya, we were tensed, don't think we were so dumb! We kept our fingers, toes and everything possible crossed till all our girls did a decent show. Thankfully I was just asked to drive around few turns and not asked to take reverse in which I suck!!!<br />
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After we girls test drove, we were asked to wait under shade for a while. Meanwhile <em>Anna</em> collected Rs.100 from each of us and drove the jeep with the Brake Inspector alone leaving us behind under the tree. We all had butterflies in our stomach. Atleast all these days practise should be worth it. GOK what happened, but <em>Anna</em> came smiling saying "You all got your license!" What more could we ask for then! You won't believe but <em>Anna</em> said that he was not so scared before for any other group for getting their license. May be the Rs.100 helped in sanctioning our license! We had to wait for long to get our photos taken and license made. WHATEVER..we all got our license for next 10 years! Yuppy..;-)<br />
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On the way back to the college, <em>Anna</em> was kind enough to take photocopies of the license and make duplicate license for general purpose. After returning to the college, we stopped at the Mechanical dept and you won't believe, we all took photos with our <em>Anna </em>for we were so happy that we got our LICENSE!<br />
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Hopefully I pass the test here and get the Aussie license too. Watch out for this space for more of my driving adventures!<br />
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Have a great week ahead :-)<br />
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P.S: <em>Anna</em>: Elder brothermelbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-86489008705490741432010-09-02T15:35:00.000+10:002010-09-02T15:35:00.149+10:00Sweet Memories of Gokulashtamiஅப்பம், வடை, வெண்ணை, முறுக்கு, சீடை,தேரட்டிபால், பாயசம்...Yes it's about my memories associated with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokulashtami"><em>Gokulashtami</em></a>. It's the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. This was not a holiday during school days. But conveniently it is celebrated in the evening. <br />
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<em>Amma</em> is an expert in cooking and needless to say she makes numerous sweets and savouries during such occasions. She usually makes <em>appam, ulundu vadai, seedai (uppu and vellam), murukku, payasam, uppu avil, vellam avil, therattipal</em> (yeah the list is long!). Being a school teacher, she used to come home a bit early on this day and start preparing the dishes. When I get back from school the whole house would be filled with aroma of butter...Ummmm yumm! <em>Akka</em> and I used to lend our hands in preparing for the <em>pooja</em>. The job I liked the best was to keep footprints of Lord Krishna from our house entrance till the <em>pooja</em> room. This is made mixing crushed rice with water. At homes where there are small kids, people would make the kid to step on the rice mixture and walk on the floor. These footprints symbolises baby Krishna entering the devotee's house. They also dress up their children like baby Krishna. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The next part was to make the idol of baby Krishna out of clay. Usually it is made in a crawling posture. Amma did this since I didn't have much skills to do that. The clay idol was then decorated with peacock feather and kept in a small craddle stand. </div><br />
Tulsi leaves are very special offering to Lord Krishna and so are used to do the prayers. Since we have a huge garden at home, we had abundant flowers and leaves to offer. We chantted <em>Vishnu Sahasranamam</em> praying God and offered all the dishes. Once the pooja was done, came the best part..eating the sweets and savouries..he he..;-) This way we used to have fun celebrating <em>Gokulashtami</em> every year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbsYC-CL4z7re7lPXPM9xLNEeM6H31tpon-G2aSvOooBlCX3hguDGGq-8ySkYGHGHy68bDTh8EBgwTc3TzES56JxwQqCFGoDZjb8vJzyHMlV-CUskSR_CQmbcEOyo_20IaISkcSXFXFk/s1600/SAM_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbsYC-CL4z7re7lPXPM9xLNEeM6H31tpon-G2aSvOooBlCX3hguDGGq-8ySkYGHGHy68bDTh8EBgwTc3TzES56JxwQqCFGoDZjb8vJzyHMlV-CUskSR_CQmbcEOyo_20IaISkcSXFXFk/s200/SAM_0650.JPG" width="150" /></a><u>On Right:</u> My parents were so thoughful to send me the photos of <em>Gokulashtami</em> they celebrated yesterday. Felt so nostalgic...<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Many thanks to them..:-)<br />
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While I was preparing for the pooja here yesterday, I was reminded of those days at home with parents and sister. After getting guidance from <em>Amma</em> I tried making <em>vadai</em> and <em>appam</em>. <em>Vadai</em> dough was a bit watery so could not make hole in the centre, but appam was a success! Anyway both tasted good...:-) My hubby and I prayed God and offered all the dishes.<br />
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Those leaving away from your parents shall very well understand the homesickness especially during occasions or festivals. Nevertheless the technologies nowadays help you overcome that.<br />
<strong>(To the technocrats in India, please for God sake don't ban SKYPE too!!!)</strong><br />
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I hope you readers also celebrated Gokulashtami and had fun with your family.<br />
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P.S: <em>appam, ulundu vadai, seedai (uppu and vellam), murukku, payasam, uppu avil, vellam avil, therattipal:</em> Hard to explain each of them but they are sweets and savouries<br />
<em>Pooja</em>: Prayer<br />
<em>Amma</em>: Mother<br />
<em>Akka</em>: Elder sister<br />
<em>Vishnu Sahasranamam</em> : Holy mantramelbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-86059542679532787222010-07-28T14:15:00.039+10:002010-07-28T14:55:57.798+10:00My sins against gender stereotypes<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know that it has been quite sometime since </span><a href="http://bunpri.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-sins-against-gender-stereotypes.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Banu</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> tagged me. Not that it has vanished from my memory, but I have been waiting for the right-feel-moment to write this post, for I find it pretty interesting. Meanwhile this unknown guilt factor has made me write this post and delay no further. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(<b> Note to self:</b> Need to post a sequel for the housewarming party after taking pictures of the house. )</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As per this tag - I need to list at least 10 things that I have ever wanted or done which my gender is not supposed to.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpPXp4jlVWsPtvs2n7WsuU_VE1MA_PCwDpTGDqZoLdQC9FJLa6fwTP-EV0WRWm5a_YNZPFBCgMbt65JFIxXej_0W2hK3lJjkHT9_v3piMNJ1vtNdoio519dXb8ZB0acdloamrwuuKZmI/s1600/Baby+Boy+Baby+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpPXp4jlVWsPtvs2n7WsuU_VE1MA_PCwDpTGDqZoLdQC9FJLa6fwTP-EV0WRWm5a_YNZPFBCgMbt65JFIxXej_0W2hK3lJjkHT9_v3piMNJ1vtNdoio519dXb8ZB0acdloamrwuuKZmI/s200/Baby+Boy+Baby+Girl.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First of all, I am not very comfortable with <b>not-supposed-to-do</b> logic. I feel that this kind of notion is affected and determined by society for the most part of it. Any child by birth doesn't know what he/she is entitled to do and not. It's the people around them who form the boundaries and they need to follow them to lead a hassle free life. I am no feminist and at the same time can't stand male chauvinism. There has always been times when the ques WHYs and WHY NOTs have arisen in my mind and where else other than my blog can be an ideal place to pen them down!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Is it possible to practise <i>payyan paakum padalam</i> ?!? he..he..;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Always wanted to stroll <b>alone</b> along the streets late in the night counting the stars, listening to the nocturnal birds and admire night life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3. Want it to be less-a-burden and more-a-fun opening the wardrobe and choosing clothes to wear in the morning </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">4. Happy to have inculcated more interest in soccer and F1 car race </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">5. Wondered how men have conquered the skill of shrinking shopping time to just few min where I end up spending days...please please don't mistake, I still love shopping ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">6. Wish had more interest in electronic gadgets and politics </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">7. When I was in school, it was considered not-a-<i>lakshanam</i> for girls to stand near the street corners and talk with friends</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">8. Wished to get back to hostel well after roll call time (say 10 pm), walk right-royally through the entrance and smirk at the guard</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">9. Tempted to slap those perverts who lean-pull-push you in the bus under the pretense of over crowd or jolter of the bus</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">10. If I could give good (in fact massive) piece of my mind to those "Street Romeos" who utter and do all nonsense just to attract you</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well having said all these, I am not unsatisfied even a bit for how I have been brought up and living till this day of my life. Kudos to my family!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now for the fun part - tagging! I am more than eager to read the versions of you guys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My hubby</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saandy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Subbu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saranya </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meenu</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Vivek Raj</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">See you soon :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">P.S: <i>lakshanam</i>: characteristics</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>payyan paakum</i> <i>padalam</i>: boy seeing/watching ritual instead of the usual girl seeing/watching process when looking for alliance</span>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-53414047720411412822010-07-08T09:08:00.000+10:002010-07-08T09:08:54.420+10:00Housewarming PartyAfter a great ordeal my hubby and I have setup the house and it's now fit to visit. On that note we are organising a small house warming party for our friends here this coming Saturday(10th July) from 4 pm onwards. It's basically a potluck and I am very much looking forward to it since this shall be the first potluck we are organising here. <br />
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We have kind of sorted out dishes that we shall be serving. I am keeping my fingers, toes everything crossed so that they all come out well. Usually my hubby as been the scapegoat for the dishes I make, but I cannot take that risk with the guests...;) Anyway I shall update you with the photos after the party.<br />
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I cordially invite you all for the same and looking forward to see you on Saturday at my place.<br />
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Have a nice rest of the week!melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-41826486658199291532010-06-22T14:26:00.000+10:002010-06-22T14:26:19.539+10:00GruhapravesamWhat a weekend was it!!! We both were busy as bee. As you can guess from the title we have shifted to a new rental house from the previous apartment (I get your point..Gruhapravesam is mostly done for once own house, but still we are looking at this as one more step nearer to that!!!). While living in the apartment, we felt the need of a bigger and quieter house and hence the shift.<br />
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For those who have shifted before might know how tedious this job is. It needs so much of planning and time management. We had organised the moving for yesterday (Monday) since the movers charged ridiculously lot for the weekends. We were not able to do much of packing during weekdays so we did the major part of it last Saturday and Sunday. Music and football entertained us mainly then.<br />
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Yesterday (21st June '10) morning we vacated our earlier apartment and moved to the new house. It has been painted all over and cleaned very well. It's a very spacious and well maintained house. We are in the process of unpacking and have almost finished setting up the kitchen and bathroom stuff. Remaining shall be done gradually.<br />
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We are very happy in our new place and cordially invite you all for the gruhapravesam for which the date and time shall be informed very soon. Watch out for this space!<br />
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I shall also upload photos of the house once we get rid of the cardboard boxes and butcher papers...lol..;)<br />
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Have a nice week. <br />
Cya..:)melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-12011141774692124732010-06-18T21:33:00.000+10:002010-06-18T21:33:36.141+10:00WE, the couple turn 1<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anything which occurs for the first time is quite special like 1st birthday, 1st day at school/college/work etc etc. One such red letter day is 1st wedding anniversary. My hubby and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary on 14th last week. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqvB007wzwwEOM3H_n8e893vSnqc2oaRCyC6JYUuVhS7Ad26elo2H7VYRYvKi4Kx2o8Jiy03WQZpX04XJUcc9mjlz2OF-uHkn0EOII_fiJgnZSiTzdGuj0agSwQ_xYUjzAOcrD8n3sa4/s1600/DSC_0278.psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="132" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqvB007wzwwEOM3H_n8e893vSnqc2oaRCyC6JYUuVhS7Ad26elo2H7VYRYvKi4Kx2o8Jiy03WQZpX04XJUcc9mjlz2OF-uHkn0EOII_fiJgnZSiTzdGuj0agSwQ_xYUjzAOcrD8n3sa4/s200/DSC_0278.psd.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqvB007wzwwEOM3H_n8e893vSnqc2oaRCyC6JYUuVhS7Ad26elo2H7VYRYvKi4Kx2o8Jiy03WQZpX04XJUcc9mjlz2OF-uHkn0EOII_fiJgnZSiTzdGuj0agSwQ_xYUjzAOcrD8n3sa4/s1600/DSC_0278.psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mangalya dharanam</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (an year ago)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being a special day we wanted to make it memorable. Since 14th fell on monday and poor hubby had to work due to unavoidable circumstances, we planned to celebrate in advance during the weekend. To start with on Saturday morning we went to Vakrathunda Vinayaka temple to give a religious start. We hadn't been to this temple before since it's quite far and it proved worth the visit.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9RM_yDs3hqpq_PJ3RdjB3YZHoa56zsTkMRI7GOL3UOl87z_4l8OfeV0pnQxEctRcQfLJsZpA6lEvbnk5eUaf5Bsg9hAz8khqW0gIWvEhjbbJ5MpylikNmoZvx13lbz9uG4EFvMT6sWQ/s1600/P1020705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESQyYk6xU_nF9nXLIvw0RB9Jj506GXJpAGzjxCnnJgLkhHEoYP2W7RohGkrbjnN8OrfZQHBdfIFyj7m7tY3xmOzM56IddO7ZsgzMZQ3Of7K68haLLLFt_VOo1z1fTaRL3Y1SYR3Ki1YA/s1600/P1020708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9RM_yDs3hqpq_PJ3RdjB3YZHoa56zsTkMRI7GOL3UOl87z_4l8OfeV0pnQxEctRcQfLJsZpA6lEvbnk5eUaf5Bsg9hAz8khqW0gIWvEhjbbJ5MpylikNmoZvx13lbz9uG4EFvMT6sWQ/s1600/P1020705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9RM_yDs3hqpq_PJ3RdjB3YZHoa56zsTkMRI7GOL3UOl87z_4l8OfeV0pnQxEctRcQfLJsZpA6lEvbnk5eUaf5Bsg9hAz8khqW0gIWvEhjbbJ5MpylikNmoZvx13lbz9uG4EFvMT6sWQ/s200/P1020705.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESQyYk6xU_nF9nXLIvw0RB9Jj506GXJpAGzjxCnnJgLkhHEoYP2W7RohGkrbjnN8OrfZQHBdfIFyj7m7tY3xmOzM56IddO7ZsgzMZQ3Of7K68haLLLFt_VOo1z1fTaRL3Y1SYR3Ki1YA/s1600/P1020708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESQyYk6xU_nF9nXLIvw0RB9Jj506GXJpAGzjxCnnJgLkhHEoYP2W7RohGkrbjnN8OrfZQHBdfIFyj7m7tY3xmOzM56IddO7ZsgzMZQ3Of7K68haLLLFt_VOo1z1fTaRL3Y1SYR3Ki1YA/s200/P1020708.JPG" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After lunch, we left for city were we had planned to spend the rest of the day. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Casino_and_Entertainment_Complex"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Crown Casino</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> was the first pit stop. Wow what do I say, how do I describe, visiting a casino for the first time, I was enthralled by the crowd, activity and craziness. It was buzzing!!! Majority of games played were slots machine, poker, blackjack, wheel of fortune, roulette, baccarat and casino war. Apart from the games, there were 5 star restaurants, pro poker, free live entertainment, branded shops, cafes, cinema theatres etc etc.</span></span></span></div></span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Having come to a casino, I wanted to try my hands on few simple games which didn't need much of thinking and strategy. So I bet a small amount on the wheel of fortune. Not much to my surprise, I lost..;-) But it was real fun to see how people were crazy and spending money like they were worthless!!! To my surprise most of those crazy people were 50+ (esp asians!!!), GOK from where they get to spend SO much money! Anyway I am no way unsatisfied because I have so common-sense and self control. We we just stopped with few tries. We walked through the entire complex and nice time seeing a place so eventful!!!</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From there we went to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Langham,_Melbourne"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Langham hotel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> were we had booked table for a buffet dinner. OMG it was food and food and only food everywhere. I am not exaggerating but the food was so tasty and delicious that we didn't know what to eat and which to leave. Thankfully being a vegetarian I was not disappointed because I made it to the money we paid! After a gluttonous meal, we managed ourselves to get back to the car park and drove home. It was a feast for the senses!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Sunday, as you might guess we woke up a bit late after a godly dinner. We then left for our usual temple, Shiva Vishnu which was quite pleasant. From there we drove to Madras Banyan Tree, an exotic South Indian restaurant for dinner. Needless to say we had a wonderful dinner and called it a day.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDm3bduiLzdGcWeYdzHqp2PF0TZ3kj7B-ZmAXQ3nBH6KtbCSzuvq1HyIKPRbDr2IjbpEb2KLMf_TKUnNGxSlUn08G2m0hN9_nNvHYEpCx3Dc2t2f5DMRVj3pi4Dhhepa0qgCBKGUt61A/s1600/P1020709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDm3bduiLzdGcWeYdzHqp2PF0TZ3kj7B-ZmAXQ3nBH6KtbCSzuvq1HyIKPRbDr2IjbpEb2KLMf_TKUnNGxSlUn08G2m0hN9_nNvHYEpCx3Dc2t2f5DMRVj3pi4Dhhepa0qgCBKGUt61A/s200/P1020709.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On 14th, the hubby went to office and I wanted to surprise him by the time he returns. So I made his favourite Pal payasam and also baked a Chocolate Swirl cake. The cake is not too fancy since I used a cake mix. I made him cut the cake and it came out so tasty and moist that both of us could not stop eating..;) </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He being the expert of Pal payasam certified my preparation was up to the mark. Hurray!</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For dinner I prepared the </span><a href="http://www.masterchef.com.au/stir-fried-eggplant-with-homemade-chilli-sauce.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stir-fried eggplant with home-made chilli sauce</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> which my hubby asked me to prepare for quite sometime. For me who is not much comfortable cooking non-Indian dishes, it was a success as well.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thus we had a quite relaxing and also eventful anniversary and needless to say I enjoyed every moment of it. It's a day to remember throughout my lifetime and I shall cherish every moment of it. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Note: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mangalya dharanam</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: Tying of the nuptial</span></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-5349515240633401012010-06-03T16:38:00.000+10:002010-06-03T16:38:24.573+10:00Jam packed June!!!We have a lot of things coming up this June. <br />
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The most important is our <strong>1st Anniversary</strong>! It's quite hard for us to believe that we are going to complete our 1st year of married life..hurray..;) Lot of my friends who got married more or less the same time say that 1st year just flies and its TRUE!!! It just feels like I bid good bye to my parents with tears filled eyes at the airport and flew to Melbourne and in a blink it's going to be 1 year..OMG!<br />
Touch wood, we celebrate many more such anniversaries happily...:) <br />
We are in the process of planning our anniversary celebrations and look for a blog once its over.<br />
By the way its on 14th June..;)<br />
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Another important task is shifting to a new rental house. We shall be moving to a bigger unit in few weeks time. The house shall be in the same locality, a bit to the south. But it's still near to work, station and market. Needless to say how much of planning goes into this task. Thankfully we haven't gone to that stage which would need 3-4 shuttling of the truck. We have managed to control things we have been buying all this while and hope it's not that tough a job. We are in the process of contacting mini movers and deciding upon buying appliances for our new house (since our present house came with all appliances). All these stuff needs to be done in next 3 weeks. <br />
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Besides all this it's FOOTBALL time!!! We need to somehow make time to watch the World Cup matches. <br />
Any guesses who will be this year's champion???<br />
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Ufff...this month is gonna be quite eventful and I shall update you guys as and when possible. You all are invited for our House warming function for which I shall drop the details soon..:)melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-2814770943740109862010-05-21T10:33:00.004+10:002010-05-29T21:00:50.935+10:00Our Kitchen Rules - 1<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of late, my hubby and I have been a lot into cooking new recipes, thanks to </span><a href="http://www.masterchef.com.au/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Masterchef Australia</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Unlike the reality show, we are neither time bound nor bothered about any elimination. Come on ya..we are cooking for our own fun! I have found cooking lot more fun with a company and music played in background. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 weeks back, on saturday morning we both decided upon the dishes we were planning to try our hands on and shopped the necessary things. A lot of planning goes into preparing not-so-common dishes. Believe me or not, if the fridge had eyes, it would have burst into tears!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We first split the dishes into 2 each. I was to prepare <strong><a href="http://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe.aspx?RecipeId=1565&Header=Searched">Kofta Noor Jahani</a></strong> (Courtesy: </span><a href="http://madhuthecooker.blogspot.com.html)/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">http://madhuthecooker.blogspot.com.html)/</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,<strong>Vegetable Pulao and Tomato-Parsley-Celery soup</strong>. My hubby is more enthusiatic in trying challenging recipes (I know it should be other way round but..have you heard of exceptions?), hence his share was to cook <strong>Lasagne</strong> and <strong>Capsicum stuffed Mexican rice with mint+yoghurt sauce</strong>. By this time it was 5 PM, so we planned to carry over the preparation to the next day if we didn't finish everything that evening.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We, the chefs sprang into action! My first job was to prepare the koftas. It's bit more elaborate compared to the ordinary koftas involving boiling potatos, carrots and onions and shredding the same on cooling. The stuffing consisted of shredded carrot+ raisins, the sauce onion + cashewnut paste and fresh cream. I know you are pointing to your waistline, but you can indulge once in a while ;-) </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Meanwhile hubby was busy preparing the various layers for lasagne. He used zucchini and eggplant as main veggies. He made the tomato-onion pasta sauce from scratch! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">OMG he has so much of patience when it comes to complexities (exception no. 2). Thanks to little distractions in between, my preparation got delayed by when the betterhalf had put the lasagne into the oven. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My first attempt of frying the kofta balls were an utter disaster..;( The balls got stuck to the frying pan and started crumbling into pieces. I was this close to tears and hardly had anytime to think of alternatives. That is when I remembered that Amma used to roll these balls in flour before frying. That tip proved handy and I did the same.The remaining balls came out into perfect golden brown koftas! Phew..my effort didn't go wasted. </span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I set the koftas aside and made the sauce which was my cup of tea. By the time I finished my recipe 1, the buzzer in the oven went on and lasagne was ready! Hubby's ordeal was a great success except for one layer bit uncooked. We decided to feed our tired bodies some delicious lasagne. Oops we we so much into eating that we forgot to take photos of lasagne..;)</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With this ended our mission for day 1.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvsZN3GxKhVRihKLWg-s-PgU1k1XNAivbUmgC936MxWdjGwehApnxyL5wh1DBRwffZgAy_SLNQnianpJztm6CaTMnXHiBk0osEOBR6acVeClCHyOiUrX-4Gn1c1VAXk4ZRuAPSDEIWVI/s1600/Photo0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvsZN3GxKhVRihKLWg-s-PgU1k1XNAivbUmgC936MxWdjGwehApnxyL5wh1DBRwffZgAy_SLNQnianpJztm6CaTMnXHiBk0osEOBR6acVeClCHyOiUrX-4Gn1c1VAXk4ZRuAPSDEIWVI/s320/Photo0144.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started my cooking for Day 2 (Sunday) making Vegetable Pulao. It's nothing fancy but traditional using carrot, potato, cauliflower, beans, capsicum and required spices. So we had Vegetable Pulao and Kofta Noor Jahani for Sunday brunch. It was a good effort except for a bit strong garlic smell from the kofta sauce. Otherwise we enjoyed it.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Above is the pulao with koftas and </em></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/17105/stuffed+celery+sticks"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>stuffed celery sticks</em></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em> around them.</em></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogwK4NG-6eH2pTgVh2bxZgjkRawwwRh1corEvM2KA1S9cKqepM5bYN6q4lP8EhiYhe18G9SRvQ-mHr-ua3y88HYbk9AUUfJrQeBVbGZtK_iLJ0-MOhT9vgw-I4j43B0KGKcQKw3hRRK4/s1600/Photo0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogwK4NG-6eH2pTgVh2bxZgjkRawwwRh1corEvM2KA1S9cKqepM5bYN6q4lP8EhiYhe18G9SRvQ-mHr-ua3y88HYbk9AUUfJrQeBVbGZtK_iLJ0-MOhT9vgw-I4j43B0KGKcQKw3hRRK4/s320/Photo0146.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After rested for a while, we started our final lap of cooking for the weekend. It was hubby's turn to prepare <strong>Capsicum stuffed mexican rice with mint+yoghurt sauce</strong>. I made the celery+parsley+tomato soup which was quite simple. Hubby meticolously followed the recipe and we enjoyed the mexican dinner thoroughly.</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Capsicum stuffed with Mexican rice and soup</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We enjoyed every bit of cooking. We are planning to have more such weekends dedicated for cooking innovative recipes leisurely. Here are some findings I learnt from this cooking spree:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cooking is like any other art and needs to be performed with all due respect. Its not something magical, on the other hand depends on our sincerity and dedication.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cultinary skills are governed by simple rules -</span></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Proper ingredients/if not suitable substitutes</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow recipe closely</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Correct measurement</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sensible shortcuts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stick to timing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most importantly "Cook happily and serve with all love!"</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bon appetit</span></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-90810653924350940402010-04-19T15:40:00.033+10:002010-04-21T12:22:19.567+10:00MM's Ramblings 1This is what happens if one becomes lazy in blogging. Lot of happenings/thoughts, which I had to pen down, got insignificant now either because it's too late now or I don't have that vigour. Nevertheless, I need to record them, so that later at some point of time in my life, I can read through them and feel nostalgic!<br />
Here they go...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3DYonKzbKXGe5QvmQCnDhAsNjfHBSXxk3SONB9GaFd3X-J3Z_e8C43anO0Toxj9ji-pr86-UhEe3Rj0a0_lMJyUx-6PHOf-iLiEwRu0HftiAccYWAx0punf1wv1fZMJ3EVdvy9urBIE/s1600/P1020372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3DYonKzbKXGe5QvmQCnDhAsNjfHBSXxk3SONB9GaFd3X-J3Z_e8C43anO0Toxj9ji-pr86-UhEe3Rj0a0_lMJyUx-6PHOf-iLiEwRu0HftiAccYWAx0punf1wv1fZMJ3EVdvy9urBIE/s200/P1020372.JPG" width="200" /></strong></a><strong>1</strong>. My hubby and I had been to the <a href="http://www.melbflowershow.com.au/">Melbourne International Flower Show</a> on 27th March. I was very eager to go to this flower show. This was the first time I had been to a really HUGE flower show. It was arranged at the Carlton Gardens in the city. As we went along the various shops and exhibits, my urge to buy a plant grew. Since this was the first time that we planned to buy one, we wanted to buy the kind which needed least care, like once-in-a-week watering, and one that could be grown in a pot.<br />
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So, after much deliberation, we bought 3 asiatic lily bulbs and a <a href="http://images.google.com.au/images?hl=en&q=carnation%20plant&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi">carnation plant</a> sapling. Our lily bulbs on blooming shall look like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnaNfZTn2z4Mr2br6cZd99PYHzsQCPiYv5OZydYZ1RhaJ6YWYtuk4YPWPqY8ZOWpY11tkaFcig_8PrnNtbGQ_qhZ2UsH1FLmBN2u7xT1WVxG8DsNGfFSecS6pKlX8y73TASvOv3_9yu4/s1600/P1020385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnaNfZTn2z4Mr2br6cZd99PYHzsQCPiYv5OZydYZ1RhaJ6YWYtuk4YPWPqY8ZOWpY11tkaFcig_8PrnNtbGQ_qhZ2UsH1FLmBN2u7xT1WVxG8DsNGfFSecS6pKlX8y73TASvOv3_9yu4/s200/P1020385.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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There were flowers of all kinds from roses to orchids, from herbs to chinese bamboo, from strawberries to a fruit salad tree (a single tree which can bear 8 types of fruits!).<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAl5Ohutlt4Frmyv4-eP88d__oMtJtsxz57HV7xUCCOBec5jtmMwMZDRoAJp4w4SW3D1_VmF18NzeurZyxD9q8unq8folIcAQSN8ZvqX1s_sxDQeb23PiRoB67X-H5VR9CjO3QGFtgOU/s1600/P1020446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAl5Ohutlt4Frmyv4-eP88d__oMtJtsxz57HV7xUCCOBec5jtmMwMZDRoAJp4w4SW3D1_VmF18NzeurZyxD9q8unq8folIcAQSN8ZvqX1s_sxDQeb23PiRoB67X-H5VR9CjO3QGFtgOU/s200/P1020446.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There were also flower exhibits by various universities and florists on display in the Royal Exhibition Building behind the garden. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEXSOIgj38f0H_phQ8jIK29lZYKCSBB4q-ElXAGrIjhCmqeCHQ9bcgYt3umfCnypuBPq9EwiEUiFUuhAng5ru1oF0XDCa9aJcwUhHFO80xJJXOoWQL51u7-POG_YsN_bIaG3ANTFSACw/s1600/P1020455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEXSOIgj38f0H_phQ8jIK29lZYKCSBB4q-ElXAGrIjhCmqeCHQ9bcgYt3umfCnypuBPq9EwiEUiFUuhAng5ru1oF0XDCa9aJcwUhHFO80xJJXOoWQL51u7-POG_YsN_bIaG3ANTFSACw/s200/P1020455.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>My hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed walking along the different shops and exhibits. It was a pleasure to the eyes to see the beautiful and exotic plants. This is the best flower show I have seen till now.<br />
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I should say that my hubby cares more for the plants than me. He is more regular in watering them and putting fertilisers. Now I needn't fear and can go ahead and buy more plants at the next flower show..;-)<br />
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You can find more photos of the flower show <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/manoj.sridhar/MelbourneFlowerShow2010#">here</a>.<br />
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<strong>2</strong>. This Easter break was for 5 days. My hubby and I had been talking about doing some sightseeing since it was good enough for a getaway. I had wanted to go to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ocean_Road">Great Ocean Road (GOR)</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Island_(Victoria)">Phillip Island (PI)</a> since I moved to Melbourne. Thanks to this break we had a wonderful road trip for 3 days. Poor hubby drove almost 1000 kms in just 3 days. Thanks honey...:-)<br />
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This time I rendered help to my hubby in planning the trip, which he usually takes care of. Thankfully, we managed to get accommodation at Apollo Bay because motels were quite full during this break. <br />
So our 3 days plan was as follows:<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Day 1 (Friday 2nd April, 2010): Bells Beach (in Torquay), Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay (spend the night here)</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Day 2 (Saturday 3rd April 2010): Proceed further from Apollo Bay to Cape Otway, 12 Apostles and near by attractions, Port Campbell</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Day 3 (Sunday 4th April 2010): Phillip Island (4 attractions)</strong></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-t5FVqkpMGu87QER4FbosH3H1XMCBlfK88cmtbkl-_ry5Pgot6J2psQ7KFpUPzu9316EoQ3BFzfJDsFCuAGDp7QlDbR4bXN8y_4nAeP0i3t8gob7j0Z_bR_DfIrme2lIL9eJLTBijUs/s1600/P1020490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-t5FVqkpMGu87QER4FbosH3H1XMCBlfK88cmtbkl-_ry5Pgot6J2psQ7KFpUPzu9316EoQ3BFzfJDsFCuAGDp7QlDbR4bXN8y_4nAeP0i3t8gob7j0Z_bR_DfIrme2lIL9eJLTBijUs/s200/P1020490.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>We started on Friday morning at 8:15 after my hubby got the rental car. We had enough Google maps and directions to help us in navigation and some music CDs to entertain us during the drive. Luckily we escaped the morning traffic in city and managed to reach our first halt, Torquay, to grab some detailed maps at the Information Centre. Here is one thing I was really impressed about the Information Centres here. There are so many volunteers to assist us, wonderful maps and guides to help plan our travel, good restrooms and lot of eateries near by. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L4vdPH9KEwXulLymeAxoqcLF1iFjTT8_pZ0aLT7h-jh6VzjI8edU7GiGp3EsbkdbAw8Q7LHQmfBzQfTKKWRaQNsKZ-W-nVK6J70PJXd8e2kdJStj8_ax4CKD1Kwv0vmQ3gduwJSBI_g/s1600/P1020504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1L4vdPH9KEwXulLymeAxoqcLF1iFjTT8_pZ0aLT7h-jh6VzjI8edU7GiGp3EsbkdbAw8Q7LHQmfBzQfTKKWRaQNsKZ-W-nVK6J70PJXd8e2kdJStj8_ax4CKD1Kwv0vmQ3gduwJSBI_g/s200/P1020504.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>The volunteers gave us maps, explained in detail the attractions near by and said that the <a href="http://live.ripcurl.com/?bellshome">International surfing competition</a> was going on then in Bells Beach and it was worth a visit. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
So we headed to Bells Beach after a quick lunch at Subway. Bells Beach in Torquay is officially from where the GOR starts. Since we had to buy visitors ticket for seeing the surfing competition and didn't have enough time, we drove past the beach. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKt685x9lyxdnrYvU0MBj369c9j-95kqyeNp8crttomPxgs5NWpYNs2Zmhmd1YvIFEYc8vut8pH9X4nu5O-2SdS83PVAZrKE67tzcK36umqkF2knZ6hcz7O0yRT8iTOmZY7FQponr1zw/s1600/P1020514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKt685x9lyxdnrYvU0MBj369c9j-95kqyeNp8crttomPxgs5NWpYNs2Zmhmd1YvIFEYc8vut8pH9X4nu5O-2SdS83PVAZrKE67tzcK36umqkF2knZ6hcz7O0yRT8iTOmZY7FQponr1zw/s200/P1020514.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>Words fall short to describe the beauty of GOR. On one side of the road is high mountain/rock structure, and on the other is the ocean (Bass Strait and Southern Ocean) just 2 metres from you. We travelled 300 km of this along the blue ocean enjoying the cool sea breeze. Mind you, the roads are not straight all the way. There are all kinds of hair pin bends, turns, steep cuts along the route. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEOd-FkQoOoisAfDnYBElda-3lIRd1egx_Xg0mghCU5CV0HAa39yPMbt4yuXmnMqeqh9AzHCU3qnxHxIZXFg3rNhKyfP_TGJU_7Zawl96FX6OMcMkq242Nc7JaOzffynk4lXNFJCneRk/s1600/P1020519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEOd-FkQoOoisAfDnYBElda-3lIRd1egx_Xg0mghCU5CV0HAa39yPMbt4yuXmnMqeqh9AzHCU3qnxHxIZXFg3rNhKyfP_TGJU_7Zawl96FX6OMcMkq242Nc7JaOzffynk4lXNFJCneRk/s200/P1020519.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the way we stopped at many scenic lookouts to take pictures of the breathtaking ocean and surroundings!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKrKoeN4wHkqvfmagvw9Nlz9L9lsOcZZqm8bwBsHj4FGSQcDqijf2swEK4JfsKEvH_XM1-lglqqeC6LIuG_1ytQHDnxu85u0FJokEY1ru1UOhQrjvw06Y5uzGUK1TlrD3DM43d4Zrqkw/s1600/P1020509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKrKoeN4wHkqvfmagvw9Nlz9L9lsOcZZqm8bwBsHj4FGSQcDqijf2swEK4JfsKEvH_XM1-lglqqeC6LIuG_1ytQHDnxu85u0FJokEY1ru1UOhQrjvw06Y5uzGUK1TlrD3DM43d4Zrqkw/s200/P1020509.JPG" width="150" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After seeing the Split Point Lighthouse near Airey's Inlet, we went to see this beautiful Erskine waterfalls which is approx 8 km inland at Lorne.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We drove past Lorne and reached Apollo Bay, our halt for day 1. After refreshing in our accomodation, we drove to the Marriners Point. It was a trail walk to a hill from were hand gliding was done. After returning we had our dinner at the town centre and called it a day. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZNXgxjMWZMpn4O_G1uUJwKE9f2cg767g9nPc26ueG1JXa0IbpZFMAuJ0b5AU3-5hMH9evrI1KMNOsowdH68G5iM8x51tgUMqPRUqG5AX_k8N49gM_M_V3arZpBOBdkCT6I5RLsBEf3M/s1600/P1020537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZNXgxjMWZMpn4O_G1uUJwKE9f2cg767g9nPc26ueG1JXa0IbpZFMAuJ0b5AU3-5hMH9evrI1KMNOsowdH68G5iM8x51tgUMqPRUqG5AX_k8N49gM_M_V3arZpBOBdkCT6I5RLsBEf3M/s200/P1020537.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>We vacated our room the next day and continued our journey from Apollo Bay to a rain forest called Maits Rest. OMG..it was wonderful to walk through the green foliage with trees as high as 60 m and as old as 100 years. The next stop was at Cape Otway Lighthouse in which we could walk to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the scenic lookout of the ocean from there.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqYAyW8bTSbn68GYh2mumCAB8PLzpJ4qW8qDZUbMND0Za2_Q442tgzP37YOjfuiBoUVRtD6qalCA7GjIYpmjzvqQu-qeSrLo1PDD_ScPEkXBeSnoB9A-5oYd-u3WZuBKWxKxWXr6bKkU/s1600/P1020582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqYAyW8bTSbn68GYh2mumCAB8PLzpJ4qW8qDZUbMND0Za2_Q442tgzP37YOjfuiBoUVRtD6qalCA7GjIYpmjzvqQu-qeSrLo1PDD_ScPEkXBeSnoB9A-5oYd-u3WZuBKWxKxWXr6bKkU/s200/P1020582.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next we drove to the Magic belt, 12 Apostles and near by attractions. This was the highlight of our trip. We were enthralled by the limestone structures and our eyes were not enough to capture their beauty! <br />
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We could count upto 10 of them though there were 11 in total (yup not 12 since one got destroyed by the waves recently).There were helicopter tours also to see these which we shall cover in our next trip. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDLMzlLaE5Y4DlEBrEFh03V-WXKlTZxUlXOEE12HXDqtTcwq3UhN11n4VRxnldfTAJ2reOCkwl2p1tIgBohqtjVc_q-rt4g1Vfa2FUIthoVEWxcXp397gWCPwd1iEIzCCLQ0gVMUV3zo/s1600/P1020587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDLMzlLaE5Y4DlEBrEFh03V-WXKlTZxUlXOEE12HXDqtTcwq3UhN11n4VRxnldfTAJ2reOCkwl2p1tIgBohqtjVc_q-rt4g1Vfa2FUIthoVEWxcXp397gWCPwd1iEIzCCLQ0gVMUV3zo/s200/P1020587.JPG" width="150" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We stopped at Port Campbell for lunch and continued our final lap of the tour to see more remarkable limestone structures like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Ard_Gorge">Loch Ard Gorge</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Blow_hole_and_thunder_cave_zzz.JPG">Thunder Cave</a>, The Arch, and London bridge.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was around 4 when we finished seeing all the above and decided to return back since it would take atleast 3:30 hrs from there to reach home. The inland route was not anywhere close to the GOR yet it was the shorter one and we called it a day after reaching home at about 10 pm.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the whole it was a fantastic trip to GOR and you will agree with me after you see these <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/aishuswami/GreatOceanRoadEasterWeekend10#">photos</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As planned previously, we headed to Phillip Island on day 3 which was fairly closer, about 2 hours drive from our place. We started at around 8:30 and reached the Information centre at Phillip Island at 11. Since the Penguin Parade happens late in the evening, we had to finish seeing other attractions by then.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkscfVyicTs0KOmH23xdMRSvv1gmB09NWTCxuhBZyXK-c1d6KXN9DkZIWTCvsWt6JftVOVzYtmA2M-m-VILAQvWjVXROsQ5ewpuKZ2i6yi_iqBIolrMkBXsO99ULos0-HnBBUF91xw3TY/s1600/P1020614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkscfVyicTs0KOmH23xdMRSvv1gmB09NWTCxuhBZyXK-c1d6KXN9DkZIWTCvsWt6JftVOVzYtmA2M-m-VILAQvWjVXROsQ5ewpuKZ2i6yi_iqBIolrMkBXsO99ULos0-HnBBUF91xw3TY/s200/P1020614.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>After buying the 3 Parks pass (Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Centre and Penguin Parade), we headed to Churchill Island first, which didn't fascinate us much since it was mainly for kids. This is mainly famous for the basalt residue along the coast due to the volcanic eruptions long ago.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My aim was to see the <strong>KKPs...Koala, Kangaroo </strong>and<strong> Penguin</strong> which got fulfilled in the following tours.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj3GefMWaSo5GS768avVFSrgU2RMLfDA5WCq0ISBvYY2qqHgV9c_KSDpddo3L596X-MIpNUtvQKoSR_VI5ziZ364eNJ-SZQCdtMg02-E4Y4XBoENd6Y69jvl3LHx35cDoDmUR6Py1_MQ/s1600/P1020639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj3GefMWaSo5GS768avVFSrgU2RMLfDA5WCq0ISBvYY2qqHgV9c_KSDpddo3L596X-MIpNUtvQKoSR_VI5ziZ364eNJ-SZQCdtMg02-E4Y4XBoENd6Y69jvl3LHx35cDoDmUR6Py1_MQ/s200/P1020639.JPG" width="150" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Koala Conservation was where we went next. We took all 3 trail walks and spotted about 10-15 cute koalas blissfully sleeping in the branches of eucalyptus trees. We learnt that since they feed on eucalyptus which is difficult for them to digest, they spend most of their time sleeping (Lucky Koalas!!!). After accomplishing my first goal ('<strong>K</strong>oala'), we went to the town centre for some food. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzf7MkACHK5GDHyu_22NcCUgBIdYrqDMVCjGALyZIJxXetTTJfrVGZ4M0EB50UyN6yDKqwidIKrbsiUqyfQJ37z91vUk7ZU6KUlwwiex3YTJDrFoAD-1n19j0p-25k9ijsv0I3-WVvGA/s1600/P1020675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzf7MkACHK5GDHyu_22NcCUgBIdYrqDMVCjGALyZIJxXetTTJfrVGZ4M0EB50UyN6yDKqwidIKrbsiUqyfQJ37z91vUk7ZU6KUlwwiex3YTJDrFoAD-1n19j0p-25k9ijsv0I3-WVvGA/s200/P1020675.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>We next went to the Wild Life Conservation Center. Here I not only accomplised my second goal ('<strong>K</strong>angaroo'), I fed them too...yuppy!!! It was simply wonderful to see so many animals and birds left free to roam about. Yes you read that right..FREE RANGE ZOO. We saw kangaroos and wallabys jumping and running all over the place. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ8PUrqrNnfAPqJF8CvCjjJGLMq0wTMsnLsk_4YBSZSsTC5ccLoOKE6N_L5kr9eHR5QXtabEOQTKzLMJigx2dRyUzDXUSZgiHzRDEDujgzxWocD96SKfauYURoKkApfCN6R3yPMnYcac/s1600/P1020679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ8PUrqrNnfAPqJF8CvCjjJGLMq0wTMsnLsk_4YBSZSsTC5ccLoOKE6N_L5kr9eHR5QXtabEOQTKzLMJigx2dRyUzDXUSZgiHzRDEDujgzxWocD96SKfauYURoKkApfCN6R3yPMnYcac/s200/P1020679.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Along with the entrance tickets, we were given food packets to feed the animals. Initially, I was bit hesitant in feeding them, but after looking at other tourists feeding and making sure they didn't bite them, I fed the kangaroos, wallabies, cuckatoos, cassowary and swans..;-) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Unlike me, my hubby was more outgoing in feeding the kangaroos! </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRmj_BAAjjhPwXj778Hf_1DtCA8j8tFVrOlD_lW8vFsvG6QiUZy6AiWl0KZ1ROYp6gXhyNQZQ41EacHgOmqf6XZ0xoqAHBv78t6RHemyio5_czQYVxWN0bMB8AMTAF6rmmb47WkPqp-c/s1600/P1020684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRmj_BAAjjhPwXj778Hf_1DtCA8j8tFVrOlD_lW8vFsvG6QiUZy6AiWl0KZ1ROYp6gXhyNQZQ41EacHgOmqf6XZ0xoqAHBv78t6RHemyio5_czQYVxWN0bMB8AMTAF6rmmb47WkPqp-c/s200/P1020684.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>After being there to my heart's content, we started for the Nobbies Centre where we could supposedly see and hear the seals that live ~1.5 km off the coast. Unfortunately, we were not able to spot any seals but enjoyed the trail walk and the scenic look out from there. </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The last pit stop of our entire road trip was the most awaited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penguin_parade">Penguin Parade</a>. We were asked to be there by 5:45 pm (due to daylight savings) by when the penguins would walk back to the shore from the ocean. Wanting to get a good view from the stadium, we reached there well ahead of time around 4:45 pm. Then came the worst part..WAITING!!! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuknbUQpGpHBlfoSKq_eX4y6WzXjCsimPCJy8wSEAnk2QE0zI539RqTFMwH5H8vjqo67paClINEIZxbJeWsLbFLGOpPfVEJFa6nWN4rB2lfIsO25P1xv0xiEl0GW0YItZmOovsr-a8Lq8/s1600/P1020701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuknbUQpGpHBlfoSKq_eX4y6WzXjCsimPCJy8wSEAnk2QE0zI539RqTFMwH5H8vjqo67paClINEIZxbJeWsLbFLGOpPfVEJFa6nWN4rB2lfIsO25P1xv0xiEl0GW0YItZmOovsr-a8Lq8/s200/P1020701.JPG" width="200" wt="true" /></a>It was about 7 pm when few penguins gradually appeared from the sea and walked towards the shore. We were told beforehand about their size (30-33cm) and so I was not disheartened by seeing their tiny structure. Their wacky-wacky walk, shaking their butt was so cute to watch! A pelican bird which flew to the shore from somewhere caused the penguins to panic since the former were their predators. The volunteers too wanted us to witness a cinematic climax and so didn't bother to shoo away the bird.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Hence after a small drama, the penguins (a group of ~8) gathered courage and walked fast to the shore to their respective burrows. Photography was strictly prohibited since the flash light could blind the penguins. So sorry readers I don't have any photos of the actual parade. But I have put up a photo which can give you a rough idea about the stadium. On the whole we saw some 10-15 penguins till then. (The previous day there were about 67) I suppose the best season for the parade is during December. So plan your trip accordingly..;-) It was around 7:30 by the time this drama ended and I started getting little impatient and hungry. So we had our dinner and headed towards home. We reached home by 10 pm and hit the bed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">You can find our Phillip Island trip photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/aishuswami/PhillipIslandEasterWeekend2010#">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Poor hubby was given complete rest for the next 2 days to regain energy and get back to schedule the following Tuesday.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thus our Easter holiday was fun packed!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry guys for the lengthy blog, but I would not be doing justice if I didn't describe atleast "briefly" about the trip since it needed one.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Look for the MM's Ramblings 2 in next few days. Ciao..:-)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-7339139788477244312010-03-17T09:39:00.001+11:002010-03-17T09:54:13.781+11:00CSKs have opened their account!In continuation to the previous post, my Shivaratri was fruitful yesterday. What a spectacular match by CSK (hey CSKs, you heard me very disappointed yesterday..right?) against the Khan's KKRs. I didn't even doze off for a single ball in the whole match (without a cup of hot coffee..yey)!!!<br />
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I always marvel at Dhoni's captaincy be it a winning or a losing match, perhaps one of the best captaincies in cricket. He is such a stable batsman and skipper. Badri's 43 was quite valuable. Initially the way Murali Vijay was batting seemed like a test match. Thank God Dhoni- Badri partnership did wonders on the field. They put up a total near to impossible. I was thrilled when the whole Eden garden crowd went spellbound by our batting and fielding. KKRs..relax people..you needed a break!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am very happy that my Shivaratri was worth it. Hope it doesn't cause any inconvenience today. Mr.Dhoni and co I expect lot more such spectacular cricket from you in the coming matches. All the best!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><strong><em>Chennai Super Kings ku oru 'O' podunga pa!!!</em></strong><br />
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P.S: <em>Chennai Super Kings ku oru 'O' podunga pa</em>: A way of cheering for CSK in Tamil<br />
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</strong>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-63999809176287860782010-03-16T14:00:00.001+11:002010-03-17T09:53:26.342+11:00IPL means Shivaratri for me !<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yeah you read it right..IPL means </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivaratri"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shivaratri</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for me. IPL, the most awaited cricket matches have begun. I am lucky to watch the matches on the free local TV channel here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I enjoyed watching the last year IPL matches at home in Chennai. It was during the time I resigned my job and stayed with my parents till my marriage. I used to message my hubby(fiance then) in Melbourne to watch CSK matches (Luckily both of us are supporters of </span><a href="http://www.chennaisuperkings.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CSK</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> though his all time favourite Sachin plays for Mumbai Indians), but due to the time difference of 5:30 hours ( it is quite annoying at times), he was not able to watch most of them except during the weekends. Imagine you work all day, come back home, wait till the match to begin at an ungodly time like 1:30 A.M, watch the match till 5 or so, sleep again (which is out of question) till 6:30-7, go back to office by 8:30. I felt sorry for me. Now he has a company!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being true supporters of CSK, we both didnt mind the time difference to watch the first match of CSK against DC. So we planned to have dinner by 7:30, sleep by 9 so that we can sleep atleast for 3-4 hours before the match starts. Thanks to the alaram, we got up dozzing, switched on the TV, laid on the couch and managed to watch the match with atmost concentration. A cup of hot coffee helped my eyes from closing. (hope the Shivaratri point is clear)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't want to discuss about the way CSK lost pathetically to their neighbours. I was on my nerves watching Mr.Tyagi generously giving way valubles runs to the opponent (21.27..whatttttaaaa economy!). Anyway we were still hoping that 191 is not an unachievable total for CSK and hence continued to watch the second innings with a brave heart! Hmmm <strong><em>disaster ke ooper disaster</em></strong>. We were still hoping that Dhoni would make some miracle happen, but after the 5th wicket down at 3:30 AM, we both unanimously decided that it was high time we switched off the TV and went back to bed to give our poor soul some sleep! I was left with a headache the whole of yesterday, prize for my faithfulness..;(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I still checked </span><a href="http://www.cricinfo.com%20next/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.cricinfo.com </span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> yesterday with a small ray of hope, but alas..;(</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today it is CSK vs KKR. We are still deliberating whether to watch the live telecast at 1:30 EST or the delayed telecast tomorrow evening at a very convenient time of 5:30 EST. But the <strong><em>madrasi</em></strong> within me will not let me sleep today without seeing the match. Hmmm lets see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am keeping my fingers, toes and everything crossed for a decent game by CSKs. KKRs are playing like the world is coming to an end tomorrow winning all 2 games played as of now (FYI: KKR was down below in the league table in the last 2 IPLs). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mr.Dhoni and co please don't wipe off the hope in me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Good luck CSK!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">P.S: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>disaster ke ooper disaster</em>: Its English+Hindi meaning extreme ruin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>madrasi</em>: A person from Madras (now Chennai)</span>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-56842981996613808382010-02-20T15:23:00.001+11:002010-02-20T16:08:53.633+11:00"Rose day 2010"<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I apologize for delaying our <b>"This day this year" V-day</b> blog since I was simultaneously working on this <a href="http://melbournemangai.blogspot.com/2010/02/you-cant-handle-truth.html">blog</a> too. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So without any further delay, I'll tell you in short about our wonderful V-day eve experience since my hubby has done the laborious part of it, writing the same in detail in <a href="http://nomadicphysicist.blogspot.com/2010/02/v-day-weekend-in-gippsland.html">his blog</a>..hehe..;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everybody likes surprises, don't you? I am no exception and my husband gave me one for the Valentine's Day! He didn't give me even a single clue till that Friday (12th Feb) when he gave me a copy of our travel plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Guess what??? He planned for a road trip on Saturday (13th Feb) to the <b>Cape Paterson - Inverloch Coast Beach</b> for <b>our first V-day after marriage</b>. Australia is very famous for its clear and beautiful surfing beaches. I was super excited, not that I was going to surf or swim but to go on a long romantic drive to the beach with my hubby on a clear, mildly warm day!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had earlier exchanged gifts for V-day. He gave me a long, sleeveless dress (of course, I went with him to shop). I just loved it. I gave him our wedding photo framed, a greeting card and his favourite Ferrero Rocher chocolate box. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rT3NtBjoQu4epKTFDWt2JDuLl-lm2wIoZEiCWyC8_vysNwHRBZSliq2uDyRO0PCo165nWghKM6b0hJfbu7PBocfuX8qilSxXoLCojg-lFlelpfhyphenhyphenjerTJM7AsK9ksvrkee8HO9cO640/s1600-h/P1020352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rT3NtBjoQu4epKTFDWt2JDuLl-lm2wIoZEiCWyC8_vysNwHRBZSliq2uDyRO0PCo165nWghKM6b0hJfbu7PBocfuX8qilSxXoLCojg-lFlelpfhyphenhyphenjerTJM7AsK9ksvrkee8HO9cO640/s320/P1020352.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I gave this to my hubby.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8YbnL0UO7fNXa9g7MFqDgpbstPpoMR6qo512wmd-GgOpoUO1R8ZNDFiV5VCJaV3U49AwYQw1QXYzXyF44GZsM5Q-TDqORKm6125UN82TM86fnr5HYsFsUVcQohkCusQiKJyN_ghuKWg/s1600-h/P1020316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8YbnL0UO7fNXa9g7MFqDgpbstPpoMR6qo512wmd-GgOpoUO1R8ZNDFiV5VCJaV3U49AwYQw1QXYzXyF44GZsM5Q-TDqORKm6125UN82TM86fnr5HYsFsUVcQohkCusQiKJyN_ghuKWg/s320/P1020316.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is the dress my hubby gifted me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We thoroughly enjoyed the road trip. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you sweetheart for the wonderful surprise. Plz note I welcome many such surprises in future too..;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can read about our road trip in detail <a href="http://nomadicphysicist.blogspot.com/2010/02/v-day-weekend-in-gippsland.html">here</a> and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">see all the photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/aishuswami/ValentineSDay2010#">here</a>. </span><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-46742423443366988182010-02-20T10:00:00.002+11:002010-02-22T09:30:10.799+11:00"You can't handle the truth!!!"<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">This is the first time I have been tagged and thanks for that </span><a href="http://bunpri.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Banu</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> :) As per this, I need to say "10 honest things" about me. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Sorry Banu I could not stick to 10..so "14 honest things about me"..I am very frank you see..;)</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Scene 1: Court scene</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">The clerk calls out " Aishwarya <b>varaar..varaar..varaar</b>"</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I step on to the box. Tensed, sweating all over!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">The clerk asks me to swear on the <b><i>Bhagavat Geetha</i></b> and say " Whatever I am going to say is only truth and nothing else"</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">The lawyer clears his throat and.......</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Scene 2: Where ever you are sitting now and reading my blog</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I am not any distant relative of <b><i>Mr. Harichandra, </i></b>still I don't lie unless I am compelled to. You get the <b><i>naalu-peeruku-nalladhu-panna</i></b> kind of point right..;)</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><i>Amma</i></b>, <b><i>appa</i></b>, <b><i>akka</i></b> and hubby, I am sure you will not get surprised after reading this anyway, because you know me inside and out. For all others, my friends, cousins, relatives <b><i>onnu vitta and rendu vitta </i></b>etc., I am revealing my other side. Can you handle the truth?..lol..;)</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Anyway<b><i> straightaaah </i></b>coming to the <b><i>pointtttuuu</i></b>! </span></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">For <b>GOK</b> why I don't have a liking for odd and decimal numbers. Since school days, during maths test, when I used to get some odd number with decimal as the result, I PANICKED LIKE HELL! I have been scolded by my maths teacher (Mrs. Kalyani, one of my favourite) not to worry when the solution is anyway right! Again <b>GOK</b> ;)</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I can't stand any form of dirt. My hostel mates would have seen me sweeping my room quite often. Now don't think I am the cousin sister of "Monica" (as in F.R.I.E.N.D.S). I am just a believer of "Cleanliness is next to godliness".</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Suspense is something I can't tolerate. When I start reading a book, I quickly turn to the back cover to see if I can get some clues about the end. Cleverly, authors give an overview and not the climax. I know that the whole point is lost when I know it, but then its something inside me which can't take it!</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Even till end of 12th grade, I felt very uncomfortable wearing a <b><i>dupatta</i></b> on just one side. Now I can see you ROFL. Thanks to my <b><i>akka,</i></b> I overcame this. Now I just can't stop trying out clothes of all forms when I go shopping! Poor hubby..;)</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">When I try solving maths/physics problems and don't succeed for a while, I desperately wish for the solution to simply appear miraculously. I know it's not the way it is supposed to work, but I can't keep scratching my head for long. I remember pestering my poor <b><i>akka</i></b> if I didn't get the solution. However, she would want me to keep trying but eventually this would take me to the verge of crying and howling. How silly right..;)</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Till date, I always take my time in getting ready. You must be thinking that since I would naturally take more time than my hubby w.r.t the "ladies-getting ready-rules" this is legal. But then, this was even when I was in hostel. Any outing, girls would ask me to shower and get ready first but alas, I was the last even then. Gosh, it is a lot of work man...!</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I always had a wrong notion that going to tuition was a disgrace till I joined my first tuition ever in 11th for Hindi. Definitely not because my Hindi was poor, but rather to refine my skills so that my total score in the 12th board exam didn't reduce because of language. My <b><i>amma</i></b> tried so hard to convince me it was ok till the morning when the tuition was to start, and I finally overcame the feeling that I was committing a great blunder. I owe my good Hindi skills to my tuition teacher.</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I can't stop talking. Even when I did, my friends enquired if something went wrong! Perhaps this helps me to make friends without any inhibition.</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">In spite of doing a lot of cultural activities, I still have a bit of stage fear. </span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I fight and also reconcile soon. Ok I get the logic that, instead, I needn't fight at all. Still, that instant rush of anger makes me quarrel. I am an ice breaker. <b>"Both good and bad"</b></span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I have acrophobia. Don't know to what degree but I feel so...;)</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Once I dislike a person for some reason, it's hard to change that opinion. I know it's a drawback and I am still working on that.</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Sensitive, get moved by movies easily. I even cried for the climax of <b><i>Alaipayudhe </i></b>picture. Imagine!!!</span> <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Be it any sport (except when Indian cricket team is playing), I don't want others to support my favourite player/team playing, instead I want them to support the opponent (don't ask me the logic behind this). There is no fun if we don't have a <b><i>kutthu sandai </i></b>while the game is on. </span></li>
</ol><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">(<b><i>Appa</i></b> remember our fights when Steffi Graf (my favourite) played against Monica Seles (your favourite)???)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span> <br />
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I hope I have done justice to this blog. Now its my turn to tag people. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span><a href="http://nomadicphysicist.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">My hubby</span></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span><a href="http://theperceptivemind.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Sandy</span></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span><a href="http://superbabe76.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Superbabe</span></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Have fun ;)</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">p.s: I just realised that my wedding date and Steffi Graf's birthday are the same, 14th June! Also I have stated 14 things here..Wow man...:))</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">p.s.s:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Here you go with the translations:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"Varaar"</b></i>: Coming (This is how entry of every person is announced in court in TN, India)</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"Bhagvat Geeta" </b></i>: Holy epic, used like how Bible is in courts of western countries</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"Harichandra" </b></i>: According to Hindu mythology he was one who spoke nothing but truth</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"naalu-peeruku-nalladhu-panna" </b></i>: For the sake of 4 peoples' welfare (literal translation)</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"onnu vitta and rendu vitta"</b> </i>: Distant relatives</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><i>"GOK"</i></b> : <b>G</b>od <b>O</b>nly <b>K</b>nows</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b><i>"dupatta" </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">: scarf-like wrap around cloth, common in Indian women's wear </span></b></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"Alaipayudhe"</b> : </i>A Tamil movie</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>"kutthu sandai</b></i><b> "</b> : boxing (fighting in this context)</span></div><div align="left"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-14147602338318036362010-02-11T10:23:00.000+11:002010-02-11T10:23:39.871+11:00This day that year - "Rose day"<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">This day that year... (14th Feb 2003-07)</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was known as Rose Day in my alma mater for the very reason that roses were exchanged between the boys and girls. Some were genuine and the rest proxies! These proxies later became the seed to kindle romance between them..;) Whaaatttaaa <strong><em>majja</em></strong>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This coming Valentines day, our <span style="font-size: large;">first</span> after marriage, also marks our<span style="font-size: large;"> 8-month wedding anniversary</span>, and I am very much reminded of those "Rose Day" celebrations in my college. This was when the whole hostel (both boys and girls) used to be at the height of liveliness. Preparations for this day were mainly taken care by the "STEP TREC" club. They would put stalls inside the hostel selling Valentine's Day cards and roses. The latter included red, pink, yellow, white and black (we had thorns instead) colour roses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Our versions for these roses were:</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="background-color: red;">Red</span> stood for <strong>Romance/Love</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: magenta;">Pink</span> stood for "the ship which never sinks" you guessed it right...<strong>Friendship</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">Yellow</span> stood for S<strong>ibling-like love</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">White</span> stood for <strong>Peace</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Black</strong></span> stood for <strong>Hatred</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Those who bought roses were given printed cards which had space to write our message. This came with an envelope which had a box on the top right corner to shade the colour of the rose being sent. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Since our college had strict rules forbidding boys and girls from entering each others' hostels, these STEP TREC members acted as the <strong><em>pura</em></strong>, "messengers of love". They collected the roses and cards from both the girls' and boys' hostels and delivered them to their respective destinations. Didn't need any tracking number. So trustworthy were the members (<strong><em>DHL, FedEx laam thothudhu!</em></strong>). Moreover, it was their responsibility to pin the appropriate roses to the cards. Hats off to you guys..!!! You toiled those days even without minding the cycle (monthly) tests just around the corner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let me make this clear, I am not very aware of the happenings in the boys' hostel during these days (I have mentioned the reason before), but this is how it happened in our girls' hostel, "OPAL".</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The sale of cards would begin 2-3 days before 14th Feb. Most of the girls from 1st year to final year, except those who were very <strong><em>paavam</em></strong> and <strong><em>chamathu</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">,</span><em> </em></strong>would spring into action!!! There were some genuine "committed cases" who would express their <b><i>pheelings</i></b><em> </em>by sending red rose to each other! But others were the so called <strong><em>maanathai kooru pottu vikkara</em></strong> <strong><em>sincere</em></strong> <strong><em>thozhigal! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">T</span></span></em></strong>hese friends, in groups, would take great <strong><em>enthu</em></strong> in sending proxy roses to the boys (now you got the sincere point..right?), without worrying about the piles of books to be read for the cycle tests<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">. Oh yeah, and not just "any boy" but to that particular special one with whom the girl is most <strong><em>chaatted </em></strong>with! It could be just one guy or several! (I don't think you want to know how many proxies were sent under my name..do you?) The<strong><em> kavidhai aatral </em></strong>of some in the group came in handy here!<strong><em> </em></strong>They would "smith" the words so well that the reader could really think that the girl had some feelings for that boy! This would be done without the knowledge of the girl, but sometimes even with her acceptance (come on ya..can't she have some fun..or WAIT..did she really have feelings for him and not show it???..whatever)! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So once the "love letter" was composed, the initial job of sowing the seed of love was complete! The rest would be dealt by that boy and girl! ;)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">From early morning, girls would be anxiously waiting to find how many roses they would be receiving, sometimes even more anxiously than the day before the release of exam results! The club members would break the tension by knocking each door in hostel and delivering the card with roses. The <strong><em>gala</em></strong> time begins thereafter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We would go room-to-room to see who got what kind of rose and from whom. If that was a RED rose, that was the end of the story! Someone would read the letter aloud for everybody to know how much <em><b>pheelings</b> </em>that guy has for the girl (it could be a proxy from that guy too). We could see the girl blushing even though she knew that the letter was probably just a proxy. They were some unlucky girls too who received thorns for they might have had some "ruff and tuff" time with some boys. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nevertheless this day was fun every year for many other reasons!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, I don't want to paint a picture like I was the heart throb of my batch (I got few red roses on all 4 Valentine's Days during college) since I am very sure all of them were proxies..come on ya..mine is an arranged marriage. In addition, many proxies were also sent under my name thanks to the above-mentioned <strong><em>thozhigal</em></strong>. Sorry guys, if this caused any heartbreak to you..;) I still preserve those cards as part of other <b><i>senti</i></b> stuff and am eager to see my hubby's reaction when I show them to him sometime...(they are in India) ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The club also honoured<b><i> </i></b>the girl and the guy who got the maximum number of red roses by arranging a date for both of them (sounds cool right..when someone else takes care of your date's expense)! Apart from this, they also organised a Rose day night in the barn or EEE auditorium. It was a get-together where songs were played as dedications from both the sides, some shows were conducted and there were good food stalls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The aftermath of this Rose Day was the very next day in class when the students gossiped about the proxies and true roses shared. From then on, new <strong><em>chaatings</em></strong> would also start! It was always better if these things were not taken to heart and just taken as fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look for the next post...</span><strong>This day this year...</strong> <span style="font-size: small;">in next few days</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">To all those reading my blog, and to every loved one around the world, I wish you A VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">P.S: Look below for the translations:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Majja</em>: Enjoyment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Pura</em>: Dove bird (In olden days this bird was used as a messenger of love)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>DHL, FedEx laam thothudhu</em>: It means "Even DHL, FedEx might not do the job so well"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Paavam</em>: Innocent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Chamathu</em>: Very obedient</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Pheelings</em>: Feelings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>maanathai kooru pottu vikkara sincere thozhigal</em>: it means "Girl friends who make you feel ashamed of something"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Enthu</em>: Enthusiasm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Chaatted</em>: Teasing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>kavidhai aatral</em>: Poetic talent</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Gala</em>: Enjoyment</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Thozhigal</em>: Girl friends</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Senti</em>: Sentimental</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCu7l7xOPKt3yrYYfQL3YezaB1qUkPKZxaWZrfqTYza7UFGo3maLecD5kOeQFclZBXE6eloAFBr2Ei18rOZeSNzP2vZJjHkjWep1qj0Z2prGs1g15G8uxvt0YOvGSaeAt9kCqgorhqhk/s1600-h/valentines_day_mm_112106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCu7l7xOPKt3yrYYfQL3YezaB1qUkPKZxaWZrfqTYza7UFGo3maLecD5kOeQFclZBXE6eloAFBr2Ei18rOZeSNzP2vZJjHkjWep1qj0Z2prGs1g15G8uxvt0YOvGSaeAt9kCqgorhqhk/s320/valentines_day_mm_112106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-81643537229913190572010-02-07T15:43:00.009+11:002010-02-07T16:13:03.161+11:00No.6, 5th Avenue<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I was thinking what my next blog should be, I had no choice other than dedicating one to my house in Kalpakkam Township where I spent the major part of my life. The house which has seen me growing from a kindergarten child to a <b><i>NITTian</i></b>, the house which has seen most of my happy and sad days! If I have a choice of settling where I had stayed before, "No.6, 5th Avenue" would be my first choice though it was just a quarter. But I simply loved our quarter! You all might think what the big deal in a township quarter is, but perhaps by the time you reach the end of this blog, you might think it is.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So here goes a blog exclusively to my "No.6, 5th Avenue, DAE Township, Kalpakkam -603102". ( Wow I still remember the pin code..!!! <b><i>Kalakkare </i></b>Aishu...;) The credit goes to Meera teacher in 1st std in school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I suppose those who have spent some part of your life in a township will be able to appreciate this better. For others, no worries..I'll take you through this wonderful experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ready Set and GO!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Township is basically for those people who work for an organisation/company/plant etc. My <b><i>appa </i></b>worked as the Head of Instrumentation Group in </span><a href="http://www.igcar.ernet.in/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">IGCAR</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Now I reckon you will understand my inspiration to take up ICE in my undergrad though it was the most threatening dept in my college (a whole different story....I don't want to mix that up with this blog.) So where was I? Hmmm.. ya township..</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before living in "No.6, 5th Avenue", we stayed in many other quarters which were smaller in size. The <b><i>funda</i></b> is the higher your <strong><em>amma</em></strong>'s/<strong><em>appa</em></strong>'s seniority becomes in the <b><i>aappice,</i></b> the bigger your quarter. Fair enough?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since my dad was very senior, we got this bungalow with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 living room, 1 dining space, 1 store room, a big terrace, large garden in front, an equally big backyard with washing space, 1 small outhouse behind (for servant maids/others), and a big garage...try calculating how much such houses might cost now..phewwwww!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I vaguely remember the time when we moved into this quarter. I guess I was doing my UKG (upper kindergarten) then. Nallamma (my nanny) used to take me to Shalimar kindergarten school where I think was in Lotus (what a name!) class. Every morning, I would walk to and from school with her. In the afternoon, after coming back, I'd play in the <strong><em>jula</em></strong> and have lunch listening to radio (God knows what I understood!!!). I used to be an attention seeker then (come on ya..I was a kid!), so I would make a big fuss wanting to see<strong><em> amma </em></strong>in spite of knowing the fact that she was still in school. My poor<strong><em> akka<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">,</span></span> </em></strong>after<strong><em> </em></strong>coming back from school, would try hard to dissuade me from crying, carry me and give me a ride on her bicycle. Nothing stopped me from crying though, till I heard <strong><em>amma</em></strong>'s moped's sound.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our garden was the very first thing every guest used to get attracted by. There was a big neem tree in the front garden on which a big money plant (jade plant) would grow leaves as big as plantain leaves. It was beautiful and quite astonishing to see how huge that money plant could grow! There used to be lots of flowering plants and croutons as well, which added to the beauty. <strong><em>Amma</em></strong> used to make bouquets with great care for akka and myself to give the teachers on teacher's day at school. I remember securing first or second most of the times in the flower arrangement competition in my school as it was pretty easy to make a good flower vase with the flowers in our garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Apart from these our garden had 2 orange trees, a mango tree, 2 lemon trees, 2 coconut trees, many plantain trees, a guava tree, a pomegranate tree and many more. The whole credit goes to <b><i>amma </i></b>who took utmost care of the garden, watering them daily and nurturing them in all possible ways. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On Sunday afternoons, we usually plucked the mangoes and oranges from these trees. All 4 of us used to do it and here is how we did it:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. <b><i>Appa</i></b> used to stand on a big stand with the long stick with a <b><i>kokki </i></b>at the end,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. <b><i>Amma</i></b> used to hold the stand from bottom for stability,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. <b><i>Akka</i></b> and I used to hold the ends of <i><b>a</b></i><i><b>ppa's</b></i> <b><i>angavasthiram </i></b>to catch the mangoes/oranges which<strong><em> appa </em></strong>would pluck and throw down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A very simple <strong><em>desi</em></strong> procedure yet effective..right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Akka</i></b> and I<strong><em> </em></strong>would move a bit here and there at times fearing that the fruits might fall on us and miss the target. This would end up in the fruit falling on the ground and we would blame each other for the <b><i>kannunjifying</i></b> of the fruit. Typical <b><i>akka-thangai illaya?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our trees used to bear so many fruits that we used to give them to many of our neighbours. It was to such an extent that if in case in a season our garden didn't bear much fruit, they would even sometimes enquire "where are the fruits this time?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My most favourite spot was the <strong><em>jula </em></strong>in the patio. Right from my school days to college , during every class test, unit test, quarterly, half yearly, annual and semester exam, you could find me on this <strong><em>jula</em></strong> studying! I used to keep swinging and studying so loudly that people walking on the streets could hear me..;-p Actually speaking, I would spend most of my time on the <strong><em>jula</em></strong> except for sleeping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most of the time, it was me who kept <strong><em>Krishna paadham</em></strong> on the cemented path from our gate to the <strong><em>pooja room</em></strong> during <strong><em>Krishna Jayanthi.</em></strong> During <strong><em>Pongal </em></strong>and <strong><em>Deepavali, </em></strong><b><i>amma</i></b> and I used to clean this floor the night before and draw huge <strong><em>kolams</em></strong> and put <strong><em>rangoli </em></strong>on that. I miss doing that here since our floor here is carpeted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The next fascinating thing was our terrace, long and broad. <b><i>Amma</i></b>, <b><i>akka</i></b> and I used to make <b><i>jevvarusi <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">and</span></span> vengaayam vadaam</i></b> and dry them on this terrace. We did <strong><em>kaanum pongal's kannu pudi</em></strong> also here. I used to be very excited to light <b><i>diyas <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">on the walls of the terrace during <strong><em>karthigai</em></strong>. I still remember reading before my exams, lying on the terrace in the dim evening light, something <b><i>appa</i></b> didn't like.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had huge space in front of our house where my friends and I played shuttle and softball in the evening. This also used to be the morning walking area for <strong><em>appa</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, and the place where</span></strong> we used to light the <strong><em>bussvanam</em></strong> and <strong><em>shankachakram</em></strong> during <strong><em>deepavali</em></strong>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our house shared an edge with a coconut groove. Needless to say, we got to see many uninvited reptile guests too, in many colours (green, black, grey)...ya man, I mean snakes! I am scared even to type them!!! Usually, <strong><em>amma </em></strong>used to spot them but the moment I saw them, every wire I saw for the next week would look like a snake! Gossssh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The location of our house was convenient because it was close to my school bus stop, market, playground, open air theatre, temple and most of my friends' houses. I remember Madhu <strong><em>anna</em></strong> waiting with Shruthi in front of our house to take me to school bus stop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Apart from all these, I consider this home special for the following special occasions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. <b><i>Akka</i></b> got placed in IBM in her campus placement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. <b><i>Akka</i></b> got admission in University of Utah for persuing MS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. <b><i>A</i></b><strong><em>kka</em></strong> got engaged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">4. <strong><em>Akka</em></strong> got married.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">5. Those adventurous days <strong><em>appa</em></strong> and I spent without <strong><em>amma</em></strong> when she was transferred to KV-Tambaram for a short time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">6. When <b><i>appa</i></b> used to buy Paneer butter masala (my favourite) for me for dinner and wait for me to come from AIMS coaching class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">7. I came 3rd in school during 12th board exam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">8. I got admission into the NIT, Trichy college.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">9. When <b><i>akka</i></b> came alone first time from USA for holidays.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">10. My parents became <strong><em>paatti-thaatha </em></strong>after Ranju<strong><em> </em></strong>was born.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">11. <strong><em>Appa</em></strong> got retired from IGCAR.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">12. <strong><em>Amma</em></strong> was lucky to get transferred to KV in Tambaram near to our house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I cherish each and every day I spent in that quarter, but the sad part was not being able to accompany my parents when they shifted house after <strong><em>appa</em></strong> got retired since I was having my semester exams then. Good in a way because I might not have even let them do that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope that I get a chance in future to go back to Kalpakkam and get a glimpse of my "No.6, 5th Avenue".</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S: Look for the translations below:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NITTian: National Institute of Technology, Trichy - ian </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kalakkare: Impressive</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Appa : Father</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Funda: Logic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amma: Mother</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Aappice: Tamil/English slang word for office</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jula: Swing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Akka: Elder sister</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kokki: Hook</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Angavasthiram: Towel</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Desi: Indian</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kannunjifying: Ripening</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">akka-thangai illaya?: elder sister - younger sister right? (literal translation)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Krishna padam: Foot print of baby Krishna</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pooja room: Prayer Room</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Krishna jayanthi: Birthday of Lord Krishna</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pongal: Harvest Festival</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deepavali: Festival of lights</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kolam: Decorative patterns made with rice powder</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rangoli: Decorated with colour powder</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jevvarusi and vengaayam vadaam: Sago and onion rings usually deep fried</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kaanum pongal's kannu pudi: Day after Pongal (Harvest Festival)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Karthigai: Birthday of Lord Murugan, Festival 15 days after Diwali</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bussvanam and shankachakram: Fire crackers</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paatti: Grandmother</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thatha: Grandfather</span>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2659809309048833564.post-49834300864952008852010-01-27T15:31:00.032+11:002010-02-04T11:47:05.241+11:00My First BBQ<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">26th January...Republic Day in India. I was reminded of those good old days when I used to go to school early in the morning, dressed in white and white uniform, white ribbon tied to my hair, a small India badge pinned to my shirt. Feeling a bit sleepy I would reach school and join the music troupe to sing the patriotic song in the school assembly. The National flag would be hoisted, a chief guest would be invited to give a talk and we all would be waiting for the speech to get over so that we could get back home and continue our sleep..;-p</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All students would be given small packet of <b><i>laddoo</i></b> and we would rush to our school bus. I would usually finish the<i><b> laddoo</b></i> in bus itself because I would be super hungry. It used to be packet of chocolates at times instead of <b><i>laddoo</i></b>.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hmmm those days were fun..how carefree I was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So it's my first Republic day away from India and coincidentally its a national holiday here too for its Australian day here. Its one of those "Thanksgiving Day" kinda controversial day which is celebrated in a very happy mood much to the opposite of what actually happened on that day. To read more about Australia Day, have a look at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Day">this</a>.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It is a tradition here to have a barbecue on Australia Day. Much to my surprise, I didn't find any flag hoisting and parade unlike how it is in our country. Then I understood..<b><i>that that country, that that tradition</i></b>! hmmm...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My hubby and I also followed the tradition by attending a BBQ at his colleague's place. This was my first BBQ unlike for my hubby who has attended many BBQs when he was in Amrika!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As planned we left home to our colleague's place in Kensington which is quite far (almost 1:30 hrs travel in train) from our place. There was already another colleague of my hubby there when we reached around noon. After waiting for the rest of the guests to come, the BBQ was lit. I was quite excited to see how the food was cooked in that. The host had rented a very nice piece of BBQ and it did do a good job. We had taken along with us a salad and some drinks. Me being a vegetarian (except for egg at times), I was provided with vegetable burgers and sausages apart from the salads, chick pea salad, bread, cheese cake, cream cake, fruit platter, chutney, soft drinks etc. We were 14 in all and everyone brought some food. So there was a lot of fooood...;)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEWSnHhWaC_7agWz8ynBKvXE9DDTB1StyN9Hrdd2Bj-DUg3EdUK59pQ2UhVVFukzXfxYX3Tq2FUH1hUt24vS-TOE646G0KD7QjNxdpIzxB3kF3-zuK22pbps0r-4FgNS8UDzDN28uv1s/s1600-h/P1020255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEWSnHhWaC_7agWz8ynBKvXE9DDTB1StyN9Hrdd2Bj-DUg3EdUK59pQ2UhVVFukzXfxYX3Tq2FUH1hUt24vS-TOE646G0KD7QjNxdpIzxB3kF3-zuK22pbps0r-4FgNS8UDzDN28uv1s/s320/P1020255.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I spent most of my time standing near the BBQ and even trying my hand on it at times. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I met some of my hubby's colleagues and their families whom I hadn't met before. There were 2 kids of my hubby's boss, the boy 4 years old and girl 5. So you can imagine how the atomosphere would have been. Yes shouting, howling, running, jumping playing all over. They kept the environment quite lively. We had very good food and had nice chat with all of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After a few of them left, my hubby, his close colleagues and I had a chat for some more time. It was around 5 when we thought we should leave to reach home before the Aussie Open Quarter finals between Nadal and Andy Murray started.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We reached home at around 6:30 and sat down to watch the match. Unlike other matches, both of us supported the same player, Murray. He played a fantabulous match against Nadal against whom it is not that easy. Losing the first 2 sets straight by itself was very unusual of Nadal and finally his knee didn't co-operate with him any more. I didn't want Murray to win like this, but I am happy that he won. Sometimes it's nice to see some one else other than Federer and Nadal winning (for a change ya!). Let's see who gets to play with Federer in the finals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After the match got over around 10:30, we went to bed and called it a day. On the whole, we celebrated our 60th Republic day in a different but enjoyable way. You can find the BBQ lunch photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/aishuswami/BBQOnAustralianDay2010#">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">p.s: "laddoo" : A sweet yellowish orange in colour and spherical in shape.</span>melbournemangaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950347223782231863noreply@blogger.com5