Europe Tour---- Day 10---- Venezia/Firenze----- ( 24 Oct 2011)

Start of Day 10.

We had the day pretty much to ourselves since our train to Firenze was at 3.27 PM.

We got up late ( 8.30 AM), had a leisurely breakfast and then set off again by boat ( what else?) to Rialto Bridge. We wandered around the alleys of Venezia and Sudha bought two handbags that caught her fancy. Venice is really a very romantic city and one can spend days wandering around the churches and canals.Life moves at a very leisurely pace. Oddly, one can’t see a single advertisement for a car here.

After our walkabout, we came back to the hotel, checked out and went with our baggage to Ferrovia.We planned to keep our baggage in the left luggage room and go to Ganesh Ji again for lunch.The charges were 4 Euro per piece so we decided to keep just the two large suitcases. Ganesh Ji again provided us a good meal and the proprietor once again told me that he had charged us for only one lunch even though we were two. ( I really must give a good write-up in Trip Advisor).

Lunch over, we walked back to Venezia St.Lucia ( to give the railway station its full name).The train left sharp at 3.27 PM.Sudha once again had an expresso and once again got a thimbleful of coffee.The train reached Firenze SMN ( Santa Maria Novella--- to give its full name) at 5.30 PM. We followed the directions on the Google map thoughtfully provided by Greeshma and reached the hotel in 10 minutes time.

Balaji ( Travel Corporation) had once again done a good job. The room was luxurious and so close to everything.We kept our baggage in the room and set off to explore the nearby areas. We checked out Deanna’s Bar ( where the next day’s tour was to start), bought a couple of bananas from a roadside vendor and were back in the hotel.

This is the other thing that we thought we were doing very well. At every place where we stayed, we checked out the local supermarkets and stocked up on fruits and yogurt and ( occasionally) potato chips. We learnt how to weigh the fruits before bringing it to the cash counter. At some places, we also bought noodles which Sudha used to heat up in the bathroom sink with ot water. And, of course, Jai Ho to MTR.

That was the end of Day 10.

Europe Tour---- Day 9---- Venezia,Murano, Burano, Torcelli ( 23 Oct 2011)

The day dawned bright and sunny.It was a Sunday but we had to get up early since we had to reach the pick up point by 9.15 AM for the trip to Murano,Burano and Torcello.

We went down to the ground floor for our breakfast and the first sight of Venezia in daylight took our breath away.The hotel was located right on the Grand canal and there were boats and gondolas already plying.Sudha had her customary first photo taken against the backdrop of the Grand Canal.

After breakfast, we walked across to San Stae Boat Station ( 1 minute away) and took Boat No 1 proceeding towards Lido.These Boat Stations are just like Bus Stations with all the stops and the directions mentioned.We went past Rialto Mercato ( Market- since the vegetable and fruit market is located here), passed under the famous Rialto Bridge and then past San Toma , San Marko and San Giglio on to San Zaccaria. We got off here and walked the 30 metres to the pick up point.The other members of the group joined us here and then we set off in a boat to the island of Murano----famous for its glass.

We went to a glass factory and watched a glass blowing demonstration.The glass blower made a prancing stallion right in front of us---- very impressive.We went to a showroom and saw some very beautiful glass articles here. We bought a blue glass bell here.From Murano, we went to Burano, famous for its lace.We visited a shop and watched a lady stitching lace and bought a table cloth and also a Venezia mask.

We then hopped on the boat again for a visit to the island of Torcello. Nothing much to see here except for an old church and old graveyards.We then got back to the starting point of the tour.When we got off, the Venice Marathon was going on and we joined the others in shouting “ Bravo!! Bravo !!” to the runners. We stopped at a café for lunch and met a girl from Chennai who was here on an official trip.She was from Mogappair and was thrilled to meet us.

After lunch, we wandered over to Piazza San Marco and went inside the cathedral.Very nice and the whole piazzas ( like all Piazzas in Europe) is filled with people and has a festive air about it.It was still 3 PM and our gondola trip was at 6.30 PM.So we boated back to the hotel, dumped our unwanted stuff and went back to San Giglio which was the starting point of our gondola trip. At 6.30 PM, we were asked to get into the gondolas.4 people in each gondola and a total of 5 gondolas. One of the gondolas has a serenader and one person who plays the music.All the gondolas start together and go side by side on the Grand Canal.A very nice sight and lots of people watching and taking photographs from the Rialto Bridge.The serenader sings romantic songs and one that I could remember was “ It’s now or never” by Elvis Presley though the words were in Italian. The boats then turn back on the Grand canal and enter into one of the narrow alleys one behind the other. They come out through another narrow alley and stop at the starting point. This gondola ride was easily the highlight of our Europe Tour.

The time was now around 7.45 PM.We  took the next Boat No 1 to Ferrovia ( Railway Station) and walked down to Ganesh Ji Restaurant. I ordered a glass of wine and we then had roti, aloo palak and vegetable biriyani.Ah !!! Heaven!!After the meal was over, I asked the owner for his card and said I wanted this to do a review of the restaurant on TripAdvisor. Whether because of this or because of genuine hospitality, he gave us the bill and said that the wine was on the house.

We then took Boat No1 back to San Stae to Hotel Palazzo Giovanni and a well deserved night’s sleep.

End of Day 9.

Europe Tour---Day 8--- Milano ( 22 Oct 2011)

Today can best be described as “Find Armani” day. Let me begin at the beginning.

We had the day to ourselves at Milano since our train was only at 3.27 PM to Venezia.We got up at around 7 PM, got dressed and packed our luggage since our check-out time was 12 Noon.We finished our breakfast ( same old croissants and boiled egg and cornflakes and fruits topped with coffee).

One of the rituals we have established during this trip is to take a picture of Sudha in her dress before she dons the sweater and shawl and all the woolen paraphernalia. Actually this one picture helps me establish one day from the next.After the picture was taken, we checked out but kept the luggage in the hotel itself.

We walked the short distance to Milano Centrale ( pronounced Chentraale). Our first stop was at Zara’s in the basement of Milano central where we bought lovely green tops for the beauties in our family.Then we bought our 1.50 Euro tickets and took the green line to Cardano, one station past Lanza. Mistake, since our intention was to get to Cairoli, which was on the Red Line.Anyway, the distance was not much ( or so we thought) and we walked the alleys of Milano.There are a profusion of handbag and shoes shops in these alleys and in short order, Sudha bought two handbags.We walked and walked, went to a trattoria and had some coffee and then walked some more in search of an Armani showroom where I wanted to look for some T Shirts for Sachin and Sandeep.We were directed to via Manzoni which was where the Armani showroom was supposed to be but we couldn’t find it.

Tired, we walked back to Lanza Station and came back to Milano Centrale.It was now around 12 Noon.Sudha was dead tired of all the walking. Just as we were about to come out of the station , we saw an ad for Armani in the station and again went in search of Mr.Armani.We were directed to the Mezzanine, the 1^st Floor, the 2^nd Floor but no sign .So we gave up the search, went to the hotel, picked up our baggage and walked back to the station. Balaji of Travel Corporation/Thomas Cook had done a pretty good job of choosing our hotels so far. We wanted hotels within walking distance of the railway station in all cities and this was provided to us.

We waited and watched for the platform number to be announced for the train ( 17.30 Hrs departure)to Venezia, found our Coach ( No 5) and seats ( 13 and 15) and went in. As simple as that.On the journey to Venezia, Sudha ordered a cup of expresso and was surprised when she got just a thimbleful. She was so surprised that she asked the steward “ Is that all?”.He gave a wry smile and said yes.

We went past Verona, Padova ( all familiar names to Shakespeare readers) and reached Venezia St.Lucia at 20.02.Venezia Mestre is the previous station and is on the mainland.Venezia St.Lucia Railway Station is on an island.Greeshma had given us the Google maps from the station to the hotel for all places on our tour but Venezia had her stumped.

When we got off, I left Sudha in the station and went outside the station to find the best way to get to our station.Right opposite the station was the Grand canal with boats in the water. There was an information booth nearby and I showed the lady our hotel address.She told me to take Boat No 1 and the nearest Boat Station stop to our hotel was San Stae which was only 4 stops and 8 minutes away.I also bought the tickets ( 6.50 Euro each)there and went back to the station to pick up Sudha and the luggage.

We reached San Stae by 9 PM and walked out of the Boat Station and into an alley.The alley was dark and there were not many people about.I asked for directions in a shop that was open and we were told to go back to the Boat Station and the hotel was right next door.There was a small bridge to cross, a narrow alley to go through and voila!!! there we were.

The receptionist was most friendly.He had been to India earlier and had spent a lot of time in Sivananda Ashram and had travelled all over India.He bemoaned the horrible way Gaddaffi had died and expressed his admiration for Anna Hazare.Sudha asked about an Indian Restaurant in Venezia and he told us about Ganesh Ji Restaurant close to the Railway Station.He also  gave us directions to our pick-up point next day for the sight-seeing trip and left us in our room.The hotel name was Palazzo Giovanelli and the room really took our breath away ( see the photos later).

We were really tired and hit the sack straightaway.

End of Day 8.

Europe Tour-Day 7--- Milan ( 21 Oct 2011)

I forgot to mention my misadventure on Day 5. When we got back to the hotel room with the Beajoulais, I realized that we did not have a corkscrew to open the cork.I padded down to reception in my nightsuit and slippers and asked for a corkscrew. The lady had one readily available ( either she kept getting such requests frequently or she had kept it for self-defence). I told her that I didn't know how to use the corkscrew.She put the corkscrew in but didn't have the strength to pull the cork out.So there was the bottle on the reception counter and me and the reception putting our hands together to force the plug out.Anybody coming in then would have thought we were in a wrestling match.

The cork broke and part of it was still stuck in the bottle.So I asked her if I could take the corkscrew back to the room.She said OK.In the room, I pushed down again with all my might and the cork went into the bottle!! Well, the Beajoulais did have a corky feeling thereafter.

Right, the alarm rang at 5.15 AM on Day 7.We got ready and were checked out by 6.30 AM.We left our luggage in the reception and went up to the 1st floor to have our breakfast.At 6.45 AM, we strolled down to Interlaken West and were there by 6.50 AM.The train came in at 7.05 AM and we reached Spiez at 7.21 AM.The next train to Milano Centrale was at 8.0 AM on Gleise 3 ( Platform 3).It was bitterly cold on the platform and we went into a heated waiting room Our Coach was No 5 ( Seats 11 and 13) in the 7 Coach train.The position of the Coach was clearly marked on the platform so we knew where to stand.

The train came in and we boarded.

Goodbye Switzerland. Couple of things we had noticed about the Swiss.They are very friendly, the country is very tourist friendly, many women have nose rings and everything is quite expensive.At this time of the year, it used to be dark till around 7.30 PM and there is sunlight till almost 7 PM. In fact, we saw the moon shining bright at 6.45 AM.

Right, we steamed into Milano Centrale at 10 .30 AM.The station is a magnificent art-deco building.The other thing we noticed about all these stations. Apart from being the place to board trains, they are also hubs for shopping and eating.We took a couple of photographs there.

The map said that the distance to Madison Hotel was 1 KM.With all our luggage,we decided to take a taxi.Before we could properly settle down in the taxi, we were at the hotel.Fare was only 5 Euros and this was the Best Western Madison. We checked in. Clean rooms, if a little smaller than the ones we had in Zurich and Interlaken.The bathroom also had a bidet. Hmmm!!!

We headed out again and asked at the reception for directions to get to the starting point of the sightseeing tour.The Metro Station was right beneath Milano Centrale.We went to the ticket counter and were figuring out how to get the tickets. A helpful girl told me what buttons to punch and pretty soon I had the tickets to Lanza Teatro Piccolo. 3 Euros for the tickets and 1 Euro for the girl---- yes, she asked for some money.Not a bad way to earn pocket money!!!

4 stops away we got down and asked for directions to Furo Beunoparte.5 minutes and we were there.We checked in at Zani Viaggi office .Our voucher was in order and we were told that the bus would come at 2 PM.We were hungry so we went to a nearby cafe and ordered a Margarita Pizza and lemon soda.

At 2 PM the bus came.We were given small radios with headphones.These were to be used in the various sightseeing locations where the guide would whisper into her microphone and we could hear clearly. The guide was Elena, a middle aged Italian woman with her singsong Italian accent and the unique Italian way of rolling the r's. First stop was LaScala.I had heard about this opera house when I was a schoolboy and had determined that I would visit this place one day.Strike one from the list of 50 things to do before I die.

We went to one of the boxes and watched a rehearsal with a full orchestra playing.Sudha was thrilled. Then a short walk from La Scala Square thru the Galleria on to Duomo Square.The Galleria has plenty of shops.Took lots of photos. The Duomo Cathedral is magnificent. I have always had a fascination for Cathedrals and fulfilled my desire of seeing one more. Then on to the other sights of Milan and ending up at a Catle before heading back to the starting point.. From there, Sudha and I took a stroll down to the Galleria again and had a Burgen with french fries and pista ice cream---- heaven !!!We strolled hand in hand and did some window shopping and have decided to come back tomorrow to the same place.

I forgot to mention the Last Supper. This is at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazia.What a masterpiece!!! I had read so much about this and to see it in person was so thrilling.The painting is in perspective so you get the same sense of proportion whether watching it 10 feet away or 100 feet away.This was painted in the Refectory of the Dominican Monks. I innocently asked the guide why the person to Jesus's right looked like a lady.Elena ( the guide) told me that I'd obviously read the Da Vinci Code but didn't say anything more.

Haven't found anything yet for the beauties in our family.We've just seen a Zara's outlet and perhaps we'll go there tomorrow.

Came back to the hotel via Metro by 8 PM and went to bed.

Fully updated now. Tomorrow we check out and leave the hotel but keep the luggage there.

Europe Tour---- Day 6---- Junfraujoch--- ( 20 Oct 2011)

Our original plan was to catch the 6.30 AM train from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch.The previous day, while checking with the lady at the hotel reception, she advised us to leave around 9 AM since the weather forecast for 20th Oct was bright and sunny.

We got up at 6.30 AM and had a hearty breakfast at the hotel.We then took Bus 103 to Interlaken Ost.Trains leave from Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch every 30 minutes. so that was no problem.
This is actually a circular trip.The jumping off point to Jungfraujoch is Kleine Scheidegg.You can go to Kleine Scheidegg via Lauterbrunnen or via Grindelwald.What is universally recommended is that you go one way and come back the other way.We decided to go via Lauterbrunnen and come back via Grindelwald.

The journey is too beautiful to be described in words.It was snowing as were on our way up and the pine trees were covered in snow on the upper reaches while the same trees were bathed in the golden colours of autumn in the lower reaches.There were a group of Koreans travelling with us and it was really funny to see one standing in a pose while the other said "Eeh" before clicking the photos and "Aah" as soon as the photo was clicked.

There were tunnels through most of the way up and there were collective gasps of delight at the scenery as soon as the train came out of the tunnel.

We changed trains at Kleine Scheidegg and then began the climb up to Jungfraujoch.No words can describe the trip and the sights at Jungfraujoch.I hope the photos we clicked will give others an idea of the sights we saw.The outside temperature was -16 Deg C.One doesn't feel it inside but the moment one steps out, the cold hits you and my fingers were almost frozen in the 5 minutes I spent outside.There is an Ice Place with different ice sculptures and this was also nice.We boughts cups of hot coffee and a sandwich and soon it was time to begin the return journey.The cogwheels ( like the Nilgiri Railway) began their clickety-clack and almost everyone dozed off.

We reached Interlaken by 5 PM and came straight back to the hotel. We had BisiBele Bath and Noodles with yoghurt and I polished off the Beajoulais.We hit the sack early since were due to get up early the next day four our journey to Milan.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that we came across Deepika Padukone in Jungfraujoch and I have the photo prove it.

Europe Tour---- Day 5---- Interlaken (19 Oct 2011)

Got up at 6.30 AM at Zurich .Breakfast was ordered for 7.45 AM and you could set your watch by the knock on the door.We checked out at 8 AM and walked down to Limmatquay Tram Station to catch Tram No 4 to Zurich HB.Our train was at 9.32 AM but we were told by a helpful lady at the enquiry desk that we could as well catch the 9.02 AM train.We did so after a cup of hot coffee at the platform.Arrival in Bern at 9.58 AM and move across the platform to catch the 10.04 train to Interlaken Ost( East).On the way, we crossed Interlaken West but didn't think much of it.
The train ride from Bern to Interlaken is very scenic.Two lakes ( Lake Thun) and Lake Brienze are almost next to the railway track and soon you come across the snow laden peaks of the Alps---- very breathtaking.
No picture postcard can match what the eye can see.

We reached Interlaken Ost at 10.30 AM.I went to the ticket counter and pretty soon our vouchers for the Junfraujoch trip next day were converrted to tickets.We caught Bus No 103 to Postplatz( 3 stops away) and landed right in the downtown area of Interlaken.We walked across to Oberland Swiss Hotel.The lady at the reception informed us that our room was not yet ready.So we kept our baggage there and wandered round the streets.Full of souvenir shops ( Victorinox and Wenger everywhere).

We went to Migros ( something like Target or Walmart) and stocked up on Noodles, buns and a bottle of Beajoulais.Also a packetfull of raisins,cashewnuts, almonds etc( something like what I enjoyed at Cary last year). Life was indeed good.We also found out that Interlaken West Station was closer ( walking distance) from our hotel.

We were famished by now and walked across to Spice of India Restaurant.We ordered two rotis, a plate of rice and Aloo Gobi.Wonder of wonders--- the steward actually walked in with two glasses of water. We asked him if it was for free and he said yes with a wry grin---- an Indian after all.

We checked in and hit the bed.It  was raining by now and the weather was really cold.We got up at 5 PM and decided  to walk to Interlaken Ost Station where we saw a big Coop Store---- another Walmart.
There we bought some yoghurt and a green cloth Coop bag that Sudha had seen with another person the previous day at Zurich.

We took Bus 103 again---- except that the bus went off in some other direction.We were confused-- after all, this was Bus No 103 and why was it not going to Postplatz? We asked the bus driver but he didn't understand what we were saying.It was dark, cold and raining and we were the only two passengers in the bus.Sudha was starting to get scared.We decided to stay in the bus since it would anyway bring us back to Interlaken Ost.Then we found that 103 makes trips to two destinations--- one trip to Isetwald and one trip to Interlaken West.Ah well---- one lives and learns and what is travel without such adventures!!

We came back and I settled down to watch a serial on the Borgias ( Lucretia Borgia was the central character) while sipping a glas of wine and munching on nuts.

Life was indeed good.

Europe Tour---- Day 4---- Rhine Falls, Lindt Chocolate Factory --(18 Oct 2011)

Rise and shine at 6.30 AM. Breakfast delivered to the hotel room at 8 AM. Walk to Sihlquay Bus Station at 8.45 PM.

Tour starts at 9.15 AM.There are only 3 groups--- 2 of us, a Pakistani young couple and a group of 4 Canadians.

We drive throough Zurich Flughafen ( Airport), Winterthur and Schaushaffen and reach Rhine Falls by 10.30 AM.Not a patch on Niagara or Jog Falls or Kutralam, but we had paid good money and were determined to enjoy the trip.We paid 16 CHF extra for a boat ride right up to the falls.Took some photographs there and came back.

The drive through the Swiss countryside was awesome.Came back to Sihlquay at 12.30 PM.Then the Pakistani couple told us about Vulcan, an Indian restaurant that was close by.We went there and pigged out on rice and a sabji with a salad thrown in and buttermilk for good measure ( 50 CHF for 2--- literally giulp!!).What next--- that was the question. I wanted to take a train to Mulhouse just to say that we had visited France also.Sudha wanted to visit the Kichelberg Factory of Lindt--- so Kichelberg it was.

The lady at the Zurich HB Enquiry counter printed out the detailed directions.We bought 2 return tickets to Ruschilkon, got off there, walked to the bus stop and caught Bus No 165 to Kichelberg Schoor.The Lindt factory was bang opposite.We were not allowed into the factory but we went to the factory outlet and bought lots of chocolates.The very air smelled of cholocate.

We then caught the 3.32 PM bus to Ruschilkon Bahnhof, walked to the train station and caught a train to Zurich HB.Next stop was Coop ( a supermarket where we shopped for oranges, apples, yoghurt etc) and came back to our hotel by 5PM. To say we are tired is an understatement. It is 7 PM now and Sudha is fast asleep.

Around 8 PM, we'll heat up some more Bisi Bele Bath, have Yoghurt and I'll probably eat an orange.

Tomorrow we check out and head to Interlaken.

I'll upload the photos i Picasa shortly.

Yawn !!! G/Night!!!

Europe Tour--- Day 3--- Lindau (Germany)---(17 Oct 2011)

We got up bright and early on Monday 17th Oct.No time for breakfast since we had to catch the 7.16 AM train to Lindau.

We walked up to Zurich HB ( Haupt Bahnoff-- Train Sation) and had Cup O' Needles on the go while walking to the station.We then  had a cup of coffee there and boarded the train.The day was lovely and soon we were passing through the rolling Swiss countryside.We saw golf courses next to the railway track and cows munching contentedly on the green grass.On the train journey, I finally figured out how to download the photos from the Sony camera on to my computer and did that for Day 1 and Day 2.

We passed thru Zurich Flughafen, Winterthur, St Margathern, St Gallen and Bregenz( Austria) before reaching Lindau at 9.16 AM.It was bitterly cold and we had to don our caps and gloves.The train station is right near the boat jetty and I showed Sudha the Hotels Seegarten, Reutermann and Kindauer Hof where I usually stayed .We walked up to the statue of the Lion which guards Lindau Harbour.The cruise office had not yet opened so we walked thru the cobbled pathways of Lindau. Sudha bought a pair of shoes which fit her perfectly and almost bought a pair of trousers.

When we came back, the cruise office had opened and we bought tickets for a one hour cruise. Then the loveliest thing happened.A bunch of 5 to 6 year old children trooped in with a couple of teachers.All of them were very cute ( teachers included).The ship started off.Soon we made our way to the top deck.The weather turned sunny and it was a real glorious day for a cruise.We touched Bregenz again and were back in Lindau by 1.30 PM.

We came out and then I had a bright idea to see a building that I had always wanted to go to during my vists to Lindau.( In Sudha's words), we walked and walked and walked ----7 Km according to her and not more than 3 Km according to me----.I bought her an ice cream to literally cool her off.The place was a mall and my curiosity had been satisfied.

We took a bus to come back to Lindau Station but it was the wrong bus.We didn't know how to buy the tickets and offered the money to the driver.He said the fare was 4 Euro. I counted out all my change and it came to 3.95 Euros.One old gentleman was watching all this.He spoke to the driver and the latter said our ride was for free.The he asked us to follow him and went to the Bus Office and helped us buy tickets for the next bus to Lindau Hof.

We were back in Lindau Hof( Station) by 4.30 PM.The next direct train to Zurich was at 6.55 PM reaching Zurich at 8.45 PM.I asked the Station Clerk whether there were any earlier train that we could catch.

He said we could catch a 5.27 PM train to Bregenz and we would have to change a train at practically every station ( St.Margathern, St Gallen, Winterthur) and then we could reach Zurich at 7.45PM.We opted to stay back and catch the direct train.In the meantime, a couple of Lindau policemen came in to the station.After an hour, they found us still seated there.They politely asked us what we were doing in Lindau and wanted to see our passports.They were satisfied and wished us a pleasant trip.

Then came the stunner.Our train to Zurich was delayed by 40 minutes because of a train accident near Munich.The train came in at 7.30 PM and we all got in.We were seated next to two ladies who had come in from Munich.After we were seated, came another announcement--- the train driver had finished his duty and we had to wait for a new driver!!!! We had a sense of deja vu--- and things suddenly felt like home again.

We finally reached Zurich HB at 10 PM.Walking to the hotel was an option but we wanted to try out the tram.We learnt how to put the coins in the kiosk and bought two tickets to Limmatquay.We reached the hotel at 10.30PM.I had a hot bath and Sudha had heated up some MTR Kesari Bath,Bisi Bele Bath and Sambar Bath.Yummy!!! We were famished and devoured everything.

End of Day 3.

Europe Diary----- Day 2---- 16 Oct 2011 ( Zurich/Lucerne)

Our day started early---- 2.30 AM to be precise, since I had forgotten to reset the alarm in my Blackberry and it rang as usual at 6 AM IST.

The previous night, we were supposed to get up and make Bisibele bath but it never happened since both of us were too tired.

Anyway, we were ready by 7.30 AM and at 8 AM, our breakfast of orange juice, croissants, buns, rusk and coffee ( for Sudha) and hot chocolate ( for me) was delivered to our room.We devoured it voraciously and then set off.

We were supposed to be at the Sihlquay Bus Terminal by 9.30AM for the Zurich City Tour, but since we were early, we wandered around on Bahnhofstrasse, went to Zurich HB Station and made enquiries for our train tomorrow to Lindau.

We finally went to the Bus Terminal and the tour started.It was a 2 hour tour and took us to the various landmarks such as Bahnhofstrasse, the University of Zurich, Fraumunster Church  which has murals by Marc Chagall, the old town of Zurich. We were back after the tour by 11.30 AM.We then wnt to a Starbucks nearby and had a coffee.

During the City Tour, Sudha had been reading a lot about the attractions of Lucerne.On an impulse, we went to the Railway Station and bought tickets to Lucerne.The train left at 12.35 PM and we were in Lucerne by 1.25 PM.We came out of the station straight into a carnival like atmosphere.There was a merry go round and lots of families with children strolling around.We walked across a bridge spanning Lake Lucerne and went to Hotel Schweizerhof where we caught a city tour of Lucerne.Lucerne is a lovely city and many of the famous watchmakers such as Hublot,Bruguet and Longines are from Lucerne.On the way back to the starting point, we passed Hotel Kanchi and made a mental note to come back here.

We then caught Trolley No 1 to Kriens ( a 15 minute ride) and walked around 15 minutes to the cable car station .We bought tickets for a cable car ride to Pilatus ( 132 Swiss Francs---- more gulp).The cable car ride was really awesome.We were up from 516 Metres to 4000 Metres in no time at all.We relaxed there ( me with a beer and Chakli) and Sudha with Tea and then came back.We did make to Kanchi and had Uthappam there and then caught the 7.05 PM train back to Zurich.

Its 9.30 PM now and time to say good night.Tomorrow, we catch the 7.16 AM train to Lindau.

Europe Tour- Day 1- Zurich- 15 Oct 2011

14th Oct was a hectic day in more ways than one.In the first place, we had to reckon with Sandeep's departure to USA,I came back from office at 4.30 PM and left my car in the R K Nagar colony garage.
The rental car came at 5.30 PM and Greeshma went along with Sandeep to drop him off at the Airport.

Sudha and I finished the last of our packing and we found , to our surprise, that we were actually totally ready by 6.30 PM.Greeshma came back around 7 PM and then we had our dinner and bade tearful farewells to Greeshma. She is one plucky girl and helped both Sudha and I with settings for our Swiss and Italy mobile phones.

We checked in smoothly and then relaxed at the Clipper Lounge.A red wine for me and apple juice for Sudha..

The Jet Airways flight to Brussels took off at 1 AM.I settled down to watch Sherlock Holmes .Sudha watched "Maqbool" in part.We got up around 6 AM ( local time) and felt really refreshed.I had omelette and a croissant for breakfast and Sudha opted for Sabudhana Khichdi.The flight landed at around 8 AM in Brussels.The ground temperature was 3 Deg C and we felt it briefly in the aerobridge as we came out of the aircraft.After clearing immigration, we began the long walk from Terminal B to Terminal A and arrived just 10 minutes before boarding started for the Lufthansa flight to Zurich.

Zurich was cold, really cold.A temperature of 2 Deg C, but you wouldn't know it from the bright , sunny skies.We caught a taxi from the Airport to the Goldenes Schwert---- a taxi bill of 60 Swiss Francs( gulp).

The hotel is situated rught in the city centre and the street is a hive of activity.The room was not yet ready when we arrived, so we left our luggage there and went out for a stroll. The cobbled streets are a delight and there are plenty of cafes with chairs kept outside where you can sit and watch the world go by.We darted into a supermarket and bought some yoghurt and noodles and came back to the hotel.

After checking in and a hot shower, we finished our theplas and noodles and were ready to hit the streets again.We left the hotel at 3 PM and walked down a lane straight on to the Limmatquay Tram Station.We walked along the bank of River Limmat and reached Zurich HB Station in 7 minutes.On the way, we dropped in at another supermarket and bought some mineral water and bananas.

The Zurich Station is grand and we took in the sights, including two men who were passionately kissing each other since one of them was catching a train.That was the moment when Sachin rang up to ask what we were doing.We told him the truth.

From the station, we walked up to Sihlquay Bus Staion to recce the starting point of tomorrow's Zurich City Tour.We then went to a Starbucks Coffee Shop and had a cappucino--- not good. ( Madhura, mom wants to know your tea recipe for Starbucks----pl mail this immdly).

On the way back, we visited Zurich National Museum and then Sudha visited a couple of shops to try on some sweaters.She fears she's not well equipped for Jungfraujoch. On the way back to the hotel, we dropped in at a hotel ( I think it's the Fraumunster Church and we could be seeing this again tomorrow.There was a basket of apples temptingly kept there and we helped ourselves to a couple).

We returned to the hotel at 6 PM and here I am blogging to you.It's 6.30 PM now and Sudha is already fast asleep.We plan to have some Bisibele bath in the night and hit the bed.

Tomroow is the Zurich City tour and we may take a cruise on the River Limmat and a tram ride tomorrrow.

Bye for now.

Cyber Astrology--- Horoscope Matching

Most of you who read this blog are aware of how matchmaking is done in India.

The girl's parents identify " A suitable boy" and then send the girl's horoscope to the boy's parents.The boy's parents then send the horoscopes of the boy and the girl to their family astrologer.

He compares the two horoscopes and then ticks off a checklist ( I don't know how this is done.) Anyway, the maximum score is 36 and the cut-off is around 18 or 20.If the score is above the cut-off, the boy and girl are deemed compatible and then the boy and girl "see" each other.

Here's how I see this happening in the future.

There will be cyber-astrologers equipped with an I-Pad or some other tablet PC.The parents of the boy and girl will now send him the Facebook profile or the Google + Profile of their children.

He will now have a new checklist with him.

Do both like "Friends?"----- 4 Points

Do both have more than 10 common friends?----- 6 Points

Less than 10 common friends?----- 0 Points

Do both like Music?------- 2 Points

Do both like the same type of music?  English, Carnatic, whatever---- 6 Points

Do both spend at least 1 hour on the Net per day?-------- 8 Points

Does one not spend any time on the Net at all?------- 0 Points

This is how it would go on and then the Cyber Astrologer will give his decision on whether their " Cyber Horoscopes" match. This is the signal for the preparations for the big, fat, Indian Wedding.

1992-1993------ A milestone in my career

1992 marked a milestone in my career.

I had all along been involved in Sales & Marketing and most of my travel was to visit customers, even though I did make the occasional visit to my factory in Viralimalai.

In April 1992, at the start of the new financial year, I was called in by my boss and told that I would now have to handle Operations in the Trichy factory.I asked whether this would mean that the family has to shift to Trichy.

My boss said that was not necessary. I could travel to Trichy every week and be back in Chennai on the weekends.So that became my routine for the next year.
I would leave Chennai every Sunday night to Trichy by Rockfort Express and return on a Friday night back to Chennai. I still had to go to my Karapakkam Office every Saturday.

In Trichy, I stayed at Hotel Sangam and would travel the 25km route to Viralimalai every day.I entered into this job with gusto.I found that my customer contacts was helping me take decisions faster and just talking to them helped me get many clearances.

One of our prominent customers was in Bombay and we were required to speak to them frequently over long distance.Since I also had the responsibility of cutting down on operational expenses and since I had met the telephone operator of this customer during my frequent visits to Bombay, I would ring her up and then ask her to call me back.

Around this time, there was some simmering issue over wages with the workmen, culminating in the workmen stopping work and not attending the factory.I helped set up a war council and we carried on work with just the officers and staff.We even called up our people from the Branch Offices and there was a spirit of camarederie that one often encounters in periods of difficulty.The work stoppage went on for 40 days after which normalcy was resumed.

In spite of this, we grew our business by around 30%.

The travel and work put together was gruelling.There were days when I would wake up in the middle of the night while travelling and I didn't know whether I was going to Trichy or coming from there.

In August 1992, I was in the factory one day when I suddenly felt extremely uneasy. I straightaway decided to go to a hospital in Trichy.The doctors did some tests and told me that I had very high blood pressure. I was advised rest for a full day. Next day, I returned to Chennai and underwent some more tests.

Since then, I've been on medication for hypertension. I was, of course, a bit shocked. I thought I had an easy-going nature and couldn't imagine that I was hypertensive.

Anyway, the diagnosis was made and since then I've been religiously popping my pills everyday.

In spite of this hectic schedule, I still found time to take part in a Kannada play "Siri Sampige" staged by Kannada Balaga.Sudha was the Queen Mother and had a major role. The director of the play was H C Srinivas and the leading lady was Veena, son of M.N.Gopal ( a senior Kannada Balaga member--- I think he was the President at that time).

The rehearsals would take place on the terrace of our flat or in Karnataka Sangha, T'Nagar.Srinivas would then escort Veena home. A romance blossomed while he was teaching her the nuances of dialogue delivery and voice modulation and they remain happily married to this day.

The financial year ended in March 1993 and then my stint as an Operations Manager ended.It was back to Chennai again but I didn't know what my future role would be.

Let's wait for the next blog to see what that was.

Tiruvannamalai---- Nobody told us about the blisters!!!( 13th and 14th Apr, 2011)

Malathesh,Geetha,Sandeep,Greeshma, Sudha and I spent a very nice couple of days in Tiruvannamalai on 13th and 14th Apr.

A group of us in my company donate Rs.100 each per month which is sent to Tiruvannamalai.This has been going on for many years so it was not difficult to get confirmed accomodation in the Ramanashram Guest House.

Tiruvannamalai is almost equidistant from Chennai and Bangalore.Geetha and Malathesh came by car from Bangalore.Sandeep and Greeshma came in their car and Sudha and I travelled by my car because Sandeep and Greeshma had to be back at work on 15th Apr morning.

We left at 6.30 AM.13th Apr was Election Day in Tamilnadu and we could see brisk activity in all the towns and villages we passed through.We passed through Gingee which was the scene of a big battle between the East India Company forces and Tipu Sultan in the late 18th Century.The Gingee Fort looks impressive even today.

( A couple of days back I read an article vy Janaki Lentin on the proliferation of puff adders - a variety of snake- near Gingee.However, we didn't have the good fortune of seeing any during our drive.).

We reached Tiruvannamalai at around 10.30 AM.Geetha and Malathesh had already reached there before us and taken the room keys for the Ashram.We had booked 2 rooms but were lucky to get 3.Lunch was at 11.30 AM so we decided to have Lunch in the Ashram before getting back to the Guest House.

We left our footwear in the car and walked around gingerly.The Ashram has a wonderful ambience that is greatly conducive to peace and silence.We went around the samadhis of Ramana and his mother and sat for a few minutes in contemplative silence.

We then joined the queue for Lunch.Promptly at 11.30 AM, a bell was rung, the dining hall doors were opened and people filed in silently.Lunch was spartan but filling.The volunteers who serve lunch are unfailingly courteous and a great many foreigners have no difficulty in sitting cross-legged and eating from a banana leaf.One cute little foreigner boy was going around filling up water.

It was quite warm and the caw-caw of the peacocks was loud and raucous.Yes, peacocks abound in Tiruvannamalai and one can see them everywhere in the Ashram.

After Lunch, we went back to the Guest House which was a short distance away and had a nap.We were back at the Guest House at 4 PM for Coffee, followed by a Veda Parayana. At 5.30 PM, we all went to the Arunachaleshwara Temple which is about 2 Km away.This is a massive complex.To our great fortune, the temple was almost empty.We were told that all the people had gone to collect their blenders, dhotis and sarees ( offered by the political parties in Tamil  Nadu as an inducement for the Election). Unfortunately, we didn't know where to go and collect these items, so we stuck to the temple.

We got back to the Ashram by 7 PM, stood in the queue once again and had our dinner at 7.30 PM.We then walked across the road to get ice creams.

We were back at the Guest House by 8.30 PM and turned in early because we had to be up by 5 AM the next day for the Girivalam.

For the uninitiated, Girivalam means going around a hill.Giri means mountain or hill.There is a hill in Tiruvannamalai which is shaped like a Lingam.This is considered to be a manifestation of Eshwara and is called Arunachaleshwara.
In effect, going around the hill means circumambulating the Lingam.The circumferential distance is 14 Km and is considered best done on foot ( bare feet at that) in order to attain Moksha ( Liberation of the Soul). I had asked my factory colleague whether I can do the Girivalam by car and he said in that case my car will attain Moksha and not me.

Sudha, Geetha and Greeshma did the wise thing ( in retrospect) and walked with their shoes/slippers.Malathesh went barefoot and so did Sandeep and I ( except that I also carried my slippers with me as insurance).

Sudha,Malathesh and Geetha set off at 5 AM and Sandeep,Greeshma and I left 15 minutes later. The road was tarred and there was also a pavement.However, there were tiny pebbles which still poked my delicate feet.The pavement was not smooth but they had these small tiles with gaps in between which were painful to my feet.I was told that the entire expense of tarring the road, lighting  and putting the tiles was borne by Rajanikanth , the Super Star, after the tremendous success of his film "Arunachalam".

The crowd was not much which was again something to be thankful for.On fullmoon days, the Girivalam is said to be teeming with crowds.

The road had signs that said "You have walked 3 Km--- 11 Km to go" and so on.Here was a road that was actually perfect for Johnnie Walker ads "Keep Walking".

We walked and walked.Sudha felt tired and stopped to rest.Geetha and Malathesh carried on.We caught up with Sudha.Sandeep stayed back to walk with her and Greeshma and I carried on.

The last 4 Km is within Tiruvannamalai town.By the time we finished 9 Km, I was finding it difficult to put my feet down eventhough there were no pebbles or sharp objects.I looked down and was shocked to see angry red blisters on the soles of both my feet. I decided that my slippers getting Moksha was better than my walking with the blisters and put my slippers on.

We came to Hotel Aparna in the town and had a hearty breakfast.Geetha and Malathesh were already there.Malathesh's feet were in pretty bad shape but he was very stoic and decided to complete the girivalam in bare feet only.

The previous day, I had seen some people walking around in the Ashram very slowly.I assumed this was because their activities slowed down while in the Ashram. Now I knew the real reason--- they also must have done the Girivalam the first time.

The walk through the town gave me some good marketing ideas.Imagine coming across a Chemist shop that boldly advertises " Foot Cream for Blisters--- Rs.200 only" or  a Spa advertising " Foot Massage-Rs.2000 only ( per foot)". I would have taken up the offer in a flash.

The Girivalam tradition is to pass through the Arunachaleshwar temple but all of us except Malathesh bypassed this. We reached the Guest House at around 10 AM and flopped in bed.We painfully pulled ourselves up at 11 AM so as to be in time for Lunch at 11.30 AM.

The Ashram runs like clockwork and the atmosphere is really serene.The heart rate automatically drops by 50% and I've decided that we should go there at least twice in a year.

We again came back to the Guest House for a nap and went back to the Ashram at around 4.30 PM after tea in a local chai kadai ( delicious). Again the quiet meditation in the Ashram hall, the chanting of the Divya Prabandham and the Dinner at 7.30 PM.

Plenty of foreigners and some of the ladies were so beautiful that it was difficult to concentrate on the prayers.One in particular looked almost divine in her pure white dress with big kunkuma and vibhuti pattu.I'm sure she must have been disappointed in love and had come to the Ashrama to seek solace.

Sandeep and Greeshma had already left by 4 PM and called to say that they had reached by 8 PM.

14th Apr happened to be the 61st Death Anniversary of Ramana Maharshi and a prayer meeting was organized opposite the room where he died.

Sudha and Geetha stayed back and said that it was a wonderful experience.I went off to sleep by around 8.30 PM.

Next day ( 15th Apr), we all got up by 5 AM and left together--- Malathesh and Geetha turned left for Bangalore and Sudha and I turned right for Chennai.We reached Chennai at around 10 AM.

End of Tiruvannamalai adventure and it was a wonderful experience.Sandeep,Greeshma,Geetha and Malathesh provided wonderful company.

Mangalore Express--- A Nightmare of a Journey--- 10th Apr 2011

I'm a frequent traveller to Trichy from Chennai.I take either the Mangalore Mail that leaves at 10 PM or the Rockfort Express which leaves at 10.30 PM.

I'm usually a sound sleeper on trains and I've never had a problem travelling by either train---- until yesterday, that is.

I had had a very tiring week end on 9th and 10th Apr.On 9th, we had an Office Meeting followed by a get -together in a Beach Resort.We had played cricket there and then I got back at 8.30 PM.Sandeep had booked tickets for "The King's Speech" for the 10.30 PM and we got back at 1 AM. Next day, Sudha & I  had gone for a Sathyanarayana Pooje followed by a heavy lunch. When we got back, Deepali was at home and we were exchanging a lot of stories including how she met Anil Srivatsa for the first time and their whirlwind romance and wedding.

Immediately thereafter, we had to rush to R K Nagar for a Colony meeting and got back at 9 PM. I packed my luggage for the trip to Trichy and wolfed down by Dinner and left by 9.20 PM.On the way to Egmore Station, I made calls to Malathesh and Sachin. All this is to let you know how frazzled I was and therefore I was really looking forward to settling down in my 1st AC compartment and having a good sleep. My co-passengers were a 12 year old boy accompanied by his 80 year grandmother and they were to get off at Srirangam at 3 AM.My other co-passenger was a business who was getting off at Karur ( after Trichy).

I had a lower berth.The first thing I noticed was that the lower berths were occupied.I soon sent the 12 year old boy upstairs and snuggled down to sleep.

In a few minutes, the Karur businessman was on to a long business call.By the time he finished, I knew all the details of his business.As soon as he finished, the 12 year old got a call.It was from his dad,asking if he had settled down.Our chap said that he had settled down very well, was into the 3rd page of his Tinkle Comics and also wanted to know whether mum, sis, little bro and their Pomeranian had gone to sleep.He then gave the phone to his grandma who said that she had said her prayers and was settling down to sleep.She also wanted to know whether Prabha( d-i-l), Priya( granddaughter) and Parthiban ( grandson) had gone to sleep--- and oh, she had forgotten to ask about Dolly, the little Pomeranian ( a fuff, in Greeshma's words).

Everyone was well and sleeping ( except me!!). Just when the little brat switched off his dad's call, he got another call--- this was from his uncle at Srirangam.Did he and Paati get on the train and were they well settled ? Yes, said our boy, and for good measure asked if Chithi( Aunt), Vignesh and Prabagaran ( his cousins) had all gone to sleep.Chithappa said everyone was asleep ( except me!!). Our brat then said how he looked forward to getting to Srirangam and playing with Vignesh and Prabagaran and whether they still had the cricket bat. I wished the cricket bat was in my compartment and I would have put it to better use.

By now it was 1 AM and everyone in my coach was sleeping except me.

I was just drifting off to sleep when I was woken up by ( you guessed it!!) our 12-year old. He was on the phone to his dad asking what time the train would reach Srirangam. I looked at my watch.It was 2 AM.His dad said he didn't know and asked the boy to ring up Chithappa.Our friend duly rang up Chithappa and was told it would reach by 3 AM.The sadist in me was happy that I wasn't the only one now awake.

At 2.45 AM, the boy rang his Chithappa again and asked whether he ( Chithappa) had reached the station.He then rang up his dad ( in Chennai) and informed him that the train was nearing Srirangam and he had spoken to Chithappa and Chithappa was waiting for him at the station.

I had borne all this patiently till now.I then got up and told the boy to shut up and let others sleep.He kept quiet for some time and then started speaking to his Paati in loud stage whispers.This was worse than his speaking loudly.

I gave up and resigned myself to catching up on my sleep in the Office next day.

Kota Travelogue-----24th to 26th Mar 2011

My colleague Siva Kumar accompanied me to Kota where we visited University College of Engineering for GET recruitment.

I had just got back on 24th Mar morning to Chennai from Melkote and rushed home to refresh myself and then take a car to the Airport to catch the 11.45 AM flight to Delhi.

The start was ominous.Half-way to the airport, I got a call from Sudha that I had left my laptop behind so I had to turn back and pick it up. There were no further mishaps and we reached Delhi at 3 PM in time to catch the 4.45 PM Paschim Express from New Delhi Railway Station.The car driver had the tickets for us.

Because the trip was made at short notice, we travelled in Sleeper Class.The train from Amritsar pulled in on time and we soon settled in our seats.The India-Australia World Cup match was going on in Ahmedabad and we were getting periodic updates on the score from our fellow passengers.

The train chugged past Okhla,Hazrat Nizamuddin,Ballabgarh,Mathura,Bharatpur etc.There was a Jat agitation going on in Haryana with the result that the railway track to Jaipur was blocked, so all people intending to go to Jaipur and beyond got on this train.The fact that we had reserved seats had no meaning and we got the impression that our fellow passengers were doing us a favour by allowing us to retain our (reserved) seats.Overall, they were a very decent bunch and we all made the journey in companiable silence with the occasional shout coming forth when we got an Australian wicket.

We had our dinner at 8 PM and then my fellow passengers were kind enough to permit Siva Kumar and I to sleep.The train was to reach Kota at 11.30 PM.
I got up at 11 PM and was shocked to find that the entire compartment was choc a bloc with passengers sleeping all over.I gingerly hopped over some of them to go to the bathroom and then got an even bigger shock.There were more passengers sleeping close to the door and this included some infants.How on earth was I going to get across the door without trampling upon them was the dilemna I grappled with.

Kota arrived at 12.30 AM and soon Siva Kumar and I somehow made our way out of the train without killing anyone.A student volunteer from the college was at hand to take us to the University Guest House.By that time, we were also informed that India had won the match so I went to sleep in a happy frame of mind.

I got up at 7 AM on 25th Mar and had a hearty breakfast of Aloo Paratha with Curd, cornflakes and an apple and set off for the college with Siva Kumar at 9 AM.By 5.30 PM, we had shortlisted two candidates.We came back to the guest house, had a shower and then set off again to see the Chambal Udyavan.The river Chambal flows past Kota and is the only river in India to flow from South to North.Just 80 Km away, there are deep ravines that have been cut by the river in the valley.This is where the famous dacoits such as Man Singh,Phoolan Devi etc operated and was virtually ungoverned territory.Even today, tales are told of the heroic exploits of the dacoits and how they cocked a snook at the Establishment and the feudal Thakurs.

We had a boat ride in the Chambal river and then went to see the Kota barrage.
On our way back, we stopped at a dingy shop to taste the famous Kachoris of Kota.Yummy!!! And the Ratlami Namkeen was even better.

We got back to the Guest House in time to see New Zealand give a pasting to South Africa and then caught the 11.30 PM Mewar Express to Delhi.This time we were in an AC compartment and thankfully didn't have to step over anyone to get into the train.

We got back to Delhi at 6.30 AM on 26th Mar.I went to my company Guest House, had a shower, shave and breakfast and again rushed to the Airport to catch the 10.30 AM flight to Chennai.
End of Kota adventure.

1991------ The second freedom for India

1991 will be reckoned as a momentous year for India.In some ways, it is a more significant year than 1947, when India got its independence. 1991 is when economic reforms were introduced. Today's generation has no clue about how things were pre-1991.Let's say you wanted Hershey's chocolates.You would actually have to wait for one of your friends or relatives to get it for you when they went abroad.Anything that had to be imported required an import license and there were many items ( like chocolates, for instance) that were on the negative list because they were not considered essential for India's economy.
I remember when I had to go abroad in 1988 , I had asked for foreign exchange of US$ 2100 ( 21 days @ $100/day). I was called to the local RBI office in Chennai and an Officer there asked me about the purpose of my trip ( it was for product training) and whether it was really essential for me to go.He concluded by insisting that I should give him a copy of my training report!!

Anyway, let me start at the beginning of 1991.Chandrasekhar ( a Young Turk of the Congress) had become the Prime Minister of India.Karunanidhi was the DMK Chief Minister in Tamilnadu.Padmanabha, a leader of one of the splinter Tamil Groups of Sri Lanka had taken shelter in Chennai.He was assassinated in his Kodambakkam apartment and the general news was that the killer gang was allowed to move unhindered to the sea coast from where they escaped to Sri Lanka.DMK was considered to be close to LTTE at that time and therefore, on the grounds of national security, Chandrasekhar dismissed the DMK Government.
Very soon, the Chandrasekhar Ministry also fell in New Delhi and so elections were ordered both for the Centre and for Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the economic situation had deteriorated. India's foreign exchange reserves had dropped down to something like 300 Million Dollars ( it's close to 300 Billion Dollars today) and India had to sell some gold in its reserves to the IMF.

Rajiv Gandhi had been out of power since 1990 ( mainly over the Bofors scandal) and he was criss-crossing the country in trying to win back power.The Congress appeared to be doing well and it was widely predicted that the Congress would sweep back to power in the elections to be held in June 1991.

Unfortunately, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur on 21st May 1991.The Special Investigation Team headed by R.K.Raghavan immediately picked up clues pointing to the involvement of LTTE.The reconstruction of the events leading up to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination was brilliantly done and the duo of Sivarasan and Dhanu were constantly on the run till they were cornered and shot dead at Konanakunte in Bangalore on 21st Aug 1991,3 months to the day after Rajiv Gandhi was killed and on his birthday.

The Congress rode on a huge sympathy wave and emerged victorious.The DMK was routed in Tamilnadu and AIADMK led by Jayalalitha came to power.

P V Narasimha Rao was made the Prime Minister and he chose Dr.Manmohan Singh as his Finance Minister.Soon the Union Budget had to be presented and it was a landmark Budget with the first hint of economic reforms.All controls were abolished and licenses were required for very few industries.

Can you imagine that any industry wanting to increase production above its licensed capacity actually had to seek permission from the Government to do so? The younger generation will hardly be able to understand these issues but these were the very hurdles to the growth rate and India's GDP growth rate of around 3% was derisively called "The Hindu rate of growth".

Meanwhile, the balance of payments position was so alarming that no foreign supplier was willing to execute an order placed by an Indian buyer unless a Letterof Credit was opened up front.Even when a Government Bank like SBI opened a Letter of Credit, the foreign banks were unwilling to trust the LC so the Indian buyer actually had to deposit money equivalent to the LC amount at the time of placing orders.

The Union Budget of 1991 removed all exchange controls and foreign money started flowing in.The cap of 40% on JV holdings was removed and foreign players were allowed even 100% equity in some sectors.

Was this liberalization too late? Perhaps by a year or so, but my personal opinion is that the controls imposed earlier were good for the country.It enabled India to become self-reliant and develop indigenous technology to the extent possible.All this stood the country in good stead when the economy was opened up.If not, we could have perhaps been too reliant on foreign capital and technology and may not have become as strong as we are now.

I've covered the economic situation in some detail because , when India's history is written in the future, 1991 is sure to be reckoned as a watershed year.

Sachin's Munji was performed in May 1991 at the Rama Mandira in Jayanagar.He had completed 12 years and was fast growing into a handsome young man.Sudha was just establishing herself as a dubbing artiste and was also busy with some monthly programs in Doordarshan. Sudha and I did the occasional Kannada drama in the Sourabha programe of Doordarshan.

One of the dramas we did was "Ward No 420"--- supposed to be hilarious but it didn't quite turn out that way. Doordarshan is a Government organization and its staff ( except for a few dedicated men at the top) was notoriously unionized.The cameramen and light boys, spot boys etc went about their jobs mechanically and were not really concerned with the outcome.

The Director for Kannada programs was one Mr.Bhaskar and he would call us up now and then to present a program.We would go there by 9 AM and get our make-up done.By the time this was completed, it would be lunchtime and so the actual shooting would start around 2 PM.If there were any mistakes during shooting, the cameraman would tell us to carry on and said that this would be taken care of during editing.

One such scene involved a person who is supposed to die. Lord Yama comes down with his "Pasha"( Rope") which he would throw  like a lasso and take the hapless person's soul to Swarga ( or Naraka-- depending on the debit/credit of good deeds he had done in his lifetime).

OK, so here was Lord Yama on stage and he throws this lasso to the victim who is off stage.Ramesh was the poor victim.Anyway, when the lasso was thrown, it didn't quite reach off stage so Ramesh put his hand out and caught hold of the lasso and put it around his neck.This action was caught on camera.I pointed this out to the cameraman and asked for a retake.The cameraman assured me that this would be edited. Imagine our horror when we saw the final telecast and the entire scene of Ramesh reaching out, catching the lasso, putting it around his neck and then being "dragged" on stage was shown in glorious Technicolour!!! The people who were watching the TV program with us roared with laughter when this was actually supposed to be a very serious and poignant scene !!

That's it for now.My next blog will cover our drama adventure in Neyveli.

Shafts of KGF

Here's a list of KGF shafts that I remember:-

Edgar's Shaft
Henry's Shaft
Bullen's Shaft
Tenant's Shaft
Gifford Shaft
Oriental Shaft
Golconda Shaft
McTaggart's Shaft ( I think there was one by this name)

Am inviting people to add to this list.

1989 & 1990-- You never know what fate has in store for you

The start of a new year-1989. Little did I know that by the end of the year, I would be contemplating purchase of an apartment--- but I'm getting ahead of my story.
Meanwhile, let me rewind a little bit back to 1988.When I joined Xomox in 1987, I was clearly told that I would have to shift to Trichy in 1988 for the new school year.

After I returned from Bangladesh in Feb 1988, I even visited some schools in Trichy to enquire about admission for Sachin and Sandeep. Sudha and I had by now become active members in Kannada Balaga and the thought of leaving all our friends behind was gut-wrenching.The Ladies program of 1988 was very poignant as everyone thought it would be our last program with the Balaga.

By a remarkable stroke of luck, there were some changes in the Organization and the idea of my relocating to Trichy was given up. So that was that.

In April 1989, we planned a trip to Delhi, Dehra Dun, Hardwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Agra.Mummy and Sunil came along with us.We travelled by Tamilnadu Express to delhi and Prasanna Uncle had very kindly arranged our stay at the ONGC Guest House at the Asiad Games Village in Delhi.We left straightaway for Dehra Dun and spent a very pleasant time with Prasanna, Lambi and Prasanna's mother who was in her sprightly eighties.They took us to Rishikesh and Mussoorie.The dip in Kempty Falls and the splashing about in Sahastradhara are unforgettable.

Back in Delhi, we did the rounds of Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Connaught place and Pragathi Maidan.The kids got into the dashing cars in Pragathi Maidan.The going got a little rough and the car which had Sunil got into a violent collision with another car and Sunil lost two of his teeth in the process.

We travelled to Agra by the newly introduced Shatabdi Express and it was a very pleasant experience.We saw Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri and returned to Delhi. We then took the K-K Express to Bangalore and deposited Sunil back.

In 1988, our apartment owner Mr.M.A.Krishnaswamy had passed away and his wife was now our landlady.In October 1989, Mrs.Krishnaswamy also passed away.The apartment had been willed to the three married daughters of the Krishnaswamys.In Nov 1989, the three sons-in-law ( all of whom were living outside of Madras) came to me and told me that they were looking to sell the apartment.

This was already our 6th house in Madras and the thought of moving out  once again was too horrible to contemplate.Moreover, the children were already going to school and we had to keep in mind the convenience for bus transport. Then the other mundane stuff like new milk card, new postal address, new servant maid, new newspaper guy, telephone shift....... I had nightmares thinking about this. I had just bought a flat in Bangalore in 1985 and we had no intention of buying a property in Madras. After much thought, it occurred to me that the only way to avoid all hassles of shifting was to buy the Madras flat.
It was convenient in all respects.Where to get the money? I didn't even start thinking on these lines.I didn't even know whether I could get another loan from HDFC when I already had one loan going.

Then I had a stroke of luck. My company entered into an agreement with HDFC ( Housing Development Finance Corporation) and they extended a line of credit to my Organization whereby an employee could avail a loan up to Rs.3 Lakhs.I applied to my company and was informed that I could be granted this facility.

The next step was to start negotiations with the owners.They quoted Rs.6 Lakhs and I started at Rs.4 Lakhs.I had one advantage. I was already living in the place and had physical possession of the apartment.As far as they were concerned, this was inherited property and any sale proceeds would be split 3 ways.We finally closed the deal at Rs.4.3 Lakhs. For a 1350 sq ft flat with a garage thrown in, it wasn't a bad deal. How this 1350 sq ft stretched to 2440 sq ft is another story that I'll relate later.

Together with the lawyer's fees, registration charges and other sundry expenses, the total amount came to Rs.4.8L and I stretched all my resources to come up with the amount.

The registration date was fixed for 21st Mar 1990 ( my 39th birthday). We completed the formalities and then I had to leave the next day for Ooty for offical work.

My next problem was to how to repay the loan.The EMI was Rs.4173 per month and I was already paying Rs.679 per month for the earlier loan I had taken for the Bangalore flat. I was earlier paying a rent of Rs.1200 per month for the Madras flat, so this was straightaway an increase of Rs.3000 per month ( a very big sum in those days). But we managed. When I now think about it, I wonder why I was worried over such a small amount..... but there's a lesson in this for all of us.Especially in India where inflation is relatively high, it's good to invest in property at a young age. Someone once said" The earth is not going to expand" and I've remembered this to this day.

The rest of 1990 passed off peacefully. I was busy in my work and travelled frequently within India.

My next blog will cover the tumultuous political events in India including the economic crisis, Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, the general elections and then the economic liberalization measures--- a watershed year in India by any yardstick.