pensioner-researcher syndrome?

The education loan SMSes that I now receive do not irritate me that much!

is this a 'pensioner-researcher' syndrome?:)

Thank you!

There are moments when you want to thank all the people who have made a difference to your life.

I take this moment to thank all of you who read my blog;
I thank all of you who comment, your thoughts help me understand even better what I pen;
I thank all of you who are yet to comment, because I hope some day I will touch a chord within you with my words...

This thank you could have waited another opportune moment? Nahh... say it when you feel it, the psychedelic of life keeps evolving... don't lose a moment that was meant to be...

Thank you for reading my psychedelic thoughts...

lots of sunshine,
M

M trails...the stat line

Just when u think,

this was the end of the road;

a new trail emerges

and fills you with hope!

OMG! statistical issues of my thesis are making me philosophical:)

Miki...Eki?

Dear Seal Kaku,

Heavy is the heart
the tears do roll down
but will keep them in check
bcos Kaku, you would then frown...

you always smiled...
brought laughter whereever you went
made us laugh till our cheeks hurt
enjoyed life in its every moment.

you were a big awsum package
made us kids feel loved
the child in you gave many guest appearances
your "miki...eki..." is just one instance

wherever you are Kaku...
want you to know
you will always be in our hearts
your vibrancy is here to stay

love you and miss you...

your Eki... (miki)

Keep it simple silly!

BasicHalli has got this concept at its core. About 80kms from Bangalore central (Read M.G Road), off Kanakpura town, located in the village of Sundagatta is this perfect weekend getaway. No plush rooms, no fancy service, no jacuzzis, no champagne and cheese cake; yet, so soulful! A large land that had a soiree of opportunities, now houses 11 thatched huts, shaped like tents; a mini farm and a functional kitchen.

I have always planned what I do, how I will do it…when I shall do it..I basically plan. Back from my summer school course, Prashant planned this surprise weekend holiday. I was asked to pack minimal; carry water, torch and lighter. Having little clue where we going, I anticipated every turn on the road, craned my neck to read every board and signage. Imagine my surprise when I land into this basic village, named basically basicHalli!

A coconut tree by every hut and a rock bench in front of it; a large hammock over a water tank and vegetables grown in the garden used for cooking absolutely sumptuous vegetarian food. Not to forget the hot piping chai and heavenly ‘mensinkai’ bhajjis. We also had a barbeque and grilled chicken was made. The experience of eating all meals in huge steel plates and washing your own plates made perfect sense. The restrooms are common and about 25mts away from the huts. They are a no-nonsense utility restrooms, which could do with an extra rack to keep the toiletries. There are various activities that are possible. We could choose from a range of boardgames like housie, business, ludo and snake n ladder; or even play football or volleyball. I did try my hand at some of them and Prashant hosted housie for the group of people that were staying. There is a lake closeby where we did take a walk and felt one with nature. There is also a temple up the hill, where we were taken by a tempo early morning. The inhabitants of the tempo included some early risers and some cycles for the brave hearts who wanted to cycle 10kms downhill on an almost non-existent road stretch of 6kms. While Prashant cycled, for me it was a time to explore the hills and valleys through the lens.

Two of the founders, Anand and Lobo were there and made us feel so at home. Their exuberance, conversations and participative nature makes the holiday at basicHalli all the more interesting.

So, here is my Rating (../5) for this haven away from the chaos of the city.

• Concept:4.5

• Food: 4.5(extra pat for the garden grown veggies; one of the crunchiest beans I have had in a long time)

• Hut:4

• Restrooms: 4

• Overall experience: 4.25

Do I recommend this place to you: Of course. Why else would I blog about it!

Disclaimer: Not for the fainthearted and luxury seeking holidaygoers. If you want to enjoy nature, like your hut and ‘chape’ (mat) experience; want to sleep below the stars and eat simple yum food, then knock on the doors of basicHalli!

Read about BasicHalli here:)

5 years and counting!

It seems like just yesterday,
I walked through the gates of the Institute...
A little dreamy eyed,
Lot of apprehensions,
Cartloads of hopes...
I admit, wanting to change the world!

Five years now,
Experiences galore, onstage and behind the screens,
Papers, presentations, exams...
Challenging self,
Finding a new meaning in every Voice.
Finding permeating boundaries...
Wanting to still break new grounds...
Debates, dynamics and some daring thoughts
A little disillussioned...yet very hopeful;
A new spring in my step,
Countless 'e's in the enthusiasm...
Many friends for life...

Guess it has been good five years...
Five years and counting,
Need to giftwrap it soon!