Shopping at Kanchipuram…

… or Thambi land, as I like to call it…. is a hot & sultry experience. The city is filled with men in lungis, sarvabhavans, and people who can’t give decent directions.

We were trying to find our way by looking for the famous Kanchipuram Arch, I beg your pardon, its called arse in the local lingo. Cause when we were lost and kept asking ‘the tambis’ for the arch, they kept saying arse, and in response we said, “no no,arch”… Our so-called sophisticated accent caused us to waste half a tank of gas!

Finally we found the silk emporiums (or call them megastores) we wanted. And so began the shopping… On Day 1 we bought (only ;) ) 49 sarees and yes, I did have nightmares of being attacked by the sarees that night. All colors, all designs, all weaves, all patterns, and even price tags looked the same to me after seeing about 1 million of them. And it was hard to choose…especially when your shopping for friends and family who have a refined taste. If I thought that my cousin would like a particular saree, my sister thought otherwise.

But complaining aside, going to Kanchi is a wedding tradition. And it sure does save you the bucks when your buying 50+ sarees. I didn’t find my “exclusive” bridal sarees. Rather I found them, but wasn’t convinced. So I dragged my parents & in-laws to Chennai to the infamous Kumarans, Nalli, Tulsi, Sundari, etc. After visiting all of the above, I finally picked my sarees at one of the Kumarans. Did I come away happy – I think so. At the end of it all, you just hope that you look all bridal in what you perceived as bridal at the time.

So the total on Day 2 was 8 sarees. Day 1 + Day 2 = 58 kanchi sarees & 20 silk dhotis. And mind you, that’s only half of the collective shopping. I’m only counting what my parents bought. Double that and you get what the two sides of my family brought from Kanchi & Chennai.

Booming industry you would think, but it’s a pity to see that such beautiful sarees are being replaced in the new-age Indian woman’s wardrobe by the shiffons and embroidery crapes. I like those sarees too, but these kanchi sarees tell a tale… of our heritage, our ethnicity, our royalty, our celebrations, and our south-Indian pride.

So yes, I will be dressed in kanchi sarees at my wedding, changing about 15 different expensive kanchi sarees in a span of 5-6 days. So help me god!

- Signing away as an excited bride-to-be (my family has already started calling me bridezilla, but they are just being mean)!

P.S: Pardon the picture quality. It was a gloomy day and that was the best I could do with my iPhone camera.

It's gotten busy!

Between work, saree/jewelry shopping, trying to hit the gym 4 times a week, my sister relocating to a different city, renovations at home, people around me falling sick, traffic jams (thanks to evening rains – P.S: I know I didn't complain when made my previous post :P ), scouting for wedding ideas, meeting friends & family, and excel sheets (sadly, the control freak in me will not rest until I have an organized POA, list of things to do, guest list, etc) - its all bought me to the edge of my seat.

My parents are relatively calm though, when I squeak that time is running out – “100 days is a lot of time,” they tell me. So I try to chill. But the effort is failing… miserably!

So though there is a ton of exciting stuff to write about, really, I’ve just not had the disposition to do so! :(

Monsoons in Bengaluru

Smell that rain? It’s a smell I absolutely adore! There's something nostalgic about it… reminds me of all the times that I’ve gotten drenched in the rain as a kid, made paper boats and watched them drown along the footpath steams, played lagori in the rain, caught hailstones and eaten them, and most recent memories of drinking hot coffee and eating even hotter bondas in the rain.

In the US, cloudy days were never welcome. The gloomy skies put everyone in a not-so-upbeat mood. But in B’lore, it hardly matters. Life goes on, and the rain has little to do with people’s emotions. If anything it adds frustration to the drivers on the road, but for a lot that is already frustrated, it can’t do much!

Infact, the city has cooled down so much, that this monsoon is a welcome change in the weather. And I was able to throw on a sweater today, which I haven’t been able to use since January! (I know I sound weird, but I’ve accumulated so many warm clothes staying in Michigan, that I get excited when I finally use them again.) The good thing is that it isn’t as severe as Mumbai’s monsoons, so we get to enjoy it and yet, not suffer as much.

So enjoy this monsoon season fellow Bangaloreans! It’s a great time of the year, unless ofcourse you have an event to host, you have to be somewhere on time, or you live in south B’lore where it floods the living daylights out of your homes.

[Lagori is a street game where you throw a ball at a pile of stones.

Bondas are fried stuffed rolls, best when eaten hot and crisp - that’s the best translation I could come up with – sorry.]

I’ll never take my laptop to bed again, REALLY!

I realized something this week – more than 3 people read my blog (which is a celebration in itself) – but wait, that extra someone actually read my blog and took my post seriously! (To that someone – THANK YOU!!!)

When I wrote that post I was being my usual brazen witty self. I read an article and thought it was an interesting read for others too. But when I got handed an iPad in return, it was one of those GOSH-you-gotta-be-kidding-me moments!!!

So how is this fancy little gadget? It is all that good! I’m an Apple fan yes, but not a gadget junkie.

When you hold that one and a half pounder in your hands, you realize that you are going to get used to a new kind of luxury. And as always, Apple never disappoints. It’s like using your iPhone on a bigger better platform.

The downsides as I see right now are that this release doesn’t have a camera - so I know I’ll want to upgrade later (I have that one complaint against Apple, these upgrades cost me $$$ and think of the e-waste. Apple is proud of it. Seen their new caption for iPhone 4? "This changes everything. Again"); and my 3G iPhone looks ex-gen next to this new iPad.

Even my Dad remarked that it was pretty cool! My Dad checks the news more than he checks his email. So I showed him the WSJ & USA Today apps, he was impressed. Gmail & others, not so much. He wants it every morning between 7-9 am. I told him I’ll think about it…

It fits perfectly into my handbag, and if you are on the move, it substitutes as a pretty good mirror too! I haven’t yet gotten a BSNL sim cause that needs to be converted to a microsim and what not, but it works brilliantly on the wifi. Like we say here in Bangalore, it is bombaat! I also won't be taking my laptop to bed anymore…

My next assignment will be to post from it. Lets see how that goes.

P.S: I was trying to write my wedding journal and to-does in a diary, but hey, wait, I can just jot it down on my new iPad! :D

Running the B’lore 10K

I woke up early two Sundays ago (May 23, 2010). I hate waking up early, especially on Sundays. But, I chose to participate in Bangalore’s Sunfeast 10K, so I had no choice. I dragged myself out of bed, tied that timing chip to my shoes, and hoped that I won’t end up sleep walking.

My dad was kind enough to drop us (two of my cousin’s also ran). He figured we shouldn’t walk to the venue cause we could use that energy! When we arrived at Kanteerava Stadium, the start point for the 10K, I was shocked. I had heard from friends that the B’lore run had a quite a turn out, but seriously, there were like a zillion people. (I confirmed next day that approx 24,000 people showed up for the World, Open 10K and Majja Run together.) Maybe they were spectators?

Nope. They were also enthu runners like us. The race started as scheduled at 8:10 am. But by the time I got out of the stadium it was 8:25. Yes, 15 mins to cover maybe 500 meters, worse than a snail’s pace. For what its worth, I should mention that the chip timing didn’t start until we crossed the start line which was placed strategically, so the crowd was probably responsible for ruining my time by only 4-5 mins.

And so I ran. The first kilometer felt like trying to make your way on crowded Commercial Street (for non-Bangaloreans that is a prevalent shopping street in B’lore). To save myself from the risk of tripping over somebody, I also strolled with the crowd. Then slowly the participants got tired, began to walk, took water breaks, and finally the crowd eased up. I ran for the most part, took a break to greet my Dad and Ira (my Irish Setter dog) and then twice for water. I missed most of the mile markers so my pacing strategy from Runner’s World basically didn’t work!

Finally I finished. It wasn’t bad at all. I won’t swank my timing here, but I’m happy I finished before 70 percent of the others. And so it was… one more experience to remember. And maybe a step closer to the half marathon that I’m targeting next fall?

Some interesting observations during the run:

• Bangalore is getting fitter
• The fitness industry and sport shoes/clothes manufacturers will really milk this (relatively fresh) market
• Nike sponsored the event, and on-the-side completed their own little research exercise about the popularity of their brand
• iPods have become the running companion of choice
• The cheapness of some men spectators still exists – if you know what I mean!
• We wasted a shit-load of plastic from those 100ml Kingfisher water bottles
• Bangalore’s Cubbon Park is charmingly green
• Lastly, Bangalore needs it’s own half marathon

And oh, there were these old couples (70ish) who were running together – being fit, at that age, and supporting each other through the run – totally adorable!

I’ll never take my laptop to bed again!

48 Hours With Apple's iPad. An interesting article by Gary Hamel.

And if anyone I know wants to gift me anything, take a hint. ;-)

The Weekend

There were many contentious issues this weekend. The BBMP elections, the dryness of the weekend, IPL vs Earth hour, and throw in all the issues on E! news. Kim Kardashian is single again – watch out football players – and Miley Cyrus wants to exit the music industry – thank god for small mercies… Jokes apart, I voted for a deserving candidate from a private party yesterday and I’m proud of my participation. Now I have to wait for my nail to grow out for this ink spot to disappear.

BBMP – I didn’t know that the first B stood for Bruhat. But anyway, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike had its 5 yearly elections yesterday. Out of Bangalore’s 6 million popuation I’m hoping at least half a million of us voted. That accounts for about 6000 odd constituencies, so that many bottles of ink used.

Now the other pressing issue this weekend was that it was a dry one. Starting Friday. I realized many of my friends (not me) found it very hard to stay sober and get through the weekend. Of course they made alternate arrangements to bring liquor into the city from Hassan (good job guys!). But I made an interesting observation that the IPL tamasha was low-key cause of lost companionship of Kingfisher.

The IPL viewership took another hit cause of the occurrence of Earth hour. Many people were making en effort to switch off their lights/tv for the earth hour between 8.30 and 9:30 pm, but the Kings XI Punjab & Kolkata Knight Riders continued to entertain – what a dilemma?

Then I remembered reading this article that stated that the IPL was going green. Something about a partnership with UNEP? Then why the fireworks? And why not play without flood lights? It’ll be like the new Vodaphone ad that reminds the white bubble people to pay their electricity bill.

And then I watched the final episode of FRIENDS on Zee Café. Such a charmer it was. It makes me laugh and cry every time I see it, no matter how many times around. That’s one good series I tell ya!

Ah well… the weekend is over. Nothing much accomplished but nothing to complain about either. Have a good week ahead everyone!

The IPL Frenzy

The Indian Premier League is all about the glitz and glamour. It’s not cut out for the die-hard cricket fan that appreciates test cricket… or is it? Personally, I think its for the in between folks who are looking for the entertainment parallel of an NFL or NBA game.

(I was talking about this to my boss and he had a Kannada dialog to add, “Oottake uppinakayi idhange!” Translating: Cricket is to IPL what pickle is to full meals… hmmm…

As you can see, I find Kannada one-liners very amusing, and I’m not being sarcastic!)

I have nothing against all this glitz and glamour; it achieves its objective (which I’m assuming is to attract a wider audience and make the sport more entertaining even for the cricket novice) and has created a different environment in cricket stadiums. And without the allure of it all, you have to wonder if so many viewers would show up for these matches again and again.

The organizers want to create the illusion that they have given you your money’s worth so you’re lured back for the next game and season. They empty your pockets – so they’re happy. You have a good time – so you’re happy! What’s the problem, no problem, just confusion…

So what’s it gonna be -

Serious cricket fans or for those with a handbook on cricket?

Cheerleaders or sixers?

Fireworks or wickets?

Just say, “all of the above” and don’t debate about it. If you can’t stand the extra fittings, and only want the sport, watch it at home.

One last thing, go RCB!

Picture Comments:

Pic ondu (1) Random picture of the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, the best I could do with my poor iPhone camera

Pic eradu (2) The wannabe cricket fans with ‘The Handbook on Cricket’ (detailed with illustrations and pictures) in one hand and ‘Cricket Field Layout’ in the other

Working in NON-CORPORATE India

I mean to say non-cooperate India. In this part of the world, anything goes; deadlines don’t mean anything; and yes could mean yes, or maybe or even no (but everyone will nod as if in agreement).

Not like I’m used to a very sophisticated level of corporate communication or workflow, but boy-oh-boy, some of the private companies in India belong to a different genre. If I had to compare it to something I’ve experienced before, it’s like dealing with a stubborn child in a candy store - who won’t shut-up until you buy him/her the biggest candy available.

The problem is that the CEO and MD want to develop a corporate environment, but my dear colleagues resist change. Who gets hired to do the job – yours truly!

So there are a couple of senior (aka 40 plus gray boring lazy aunties and uncles) employees working here. They cringe that a 20-something with a fancy MBA is trying guide them – and trust me, I’m not an unreasonable person. In fact, my boss thinks I’m way too easy on my team; and that I’m confusing authority with respect and not delegating enough work! Their complacency is something to admire… I admit that I have my days when I procrastinate and accomplish 20% of my target. But I have this one uncle who goes weeks without generating a report. No guilt whatsoever! When I ask him for something, he replies, “koddona koddona” (meaning, I’ll do it sometime in the indefinite future, just chill you crazy boss lady!)

Meetings? What and why? It’s the opposite of the corporate world where all we did was meet. I’m used to attending meetings where we discussed the agenda of the next meeting! Here, people are so averse to sitting in a closed room with you – they associate it to something awful – like getting fired or something. So many times, I’ll just be bored of making sense of numbers, so I’ll call people to the conference room for random chit-chat. But they get so jittery about the whole thing that it is no fun for me.

And they giggle at me when I say “thank you”, “sorry”, and “pardon me” so much. Its not that they think it’s not needed, they are just not used to hearing it as much. So now I’m torn between being a localite and losing my charming polite side!

The cribbing and challenges aside, I don’t mean to make a big deal of all of this. After all most some people are genuine, hard-working and sincere. I’m learning the tricks of the trade. I also nod in acceptance though I know I won’t approve the same later. The up side to this is that I get to delegate all the work and call the shots. It’s a good lesson learnt in the long run… I guess!

The Real Desperate Housewives

No, not Bravo's show. I'm talking about the famous Indian Housewife. Once stereotyped as spending her day in the kitchen cooking meals for her family is now tech savvy, doing brunch with girlfriends, and dressing in make-believe designer clothes... The Indian Housewife has come a long way, eh?

How do I know these housewives? I see them in their different avatars as I go about my day - at work, at the gym, at the stores, at cafes, and every where else. They tell themselves that they are all that - hip, sexy, and smart - they facebook, workout, eat out, plan holidays, and all of those things...

Listening to this conversation made me chuckle. I was on the treadmill in the gym and the pretty lady next to me started talking to her buddy on the next treadmill. "New restaurant try maaddha? My hubby and I went for valentine's day [big smile], nice but pricy ya. All these other younger college kids were there, my husband was starring at those girls[smile disappears]. My gymming wastu [frown appears]. BTW, my MIL is going through menopause I think. Bloody moody she is. Yesterday's bill she wanted to know. WHY? Berre kelsa ilva?" To this her girlfriend replies, "Adhella biddu, you saw Ashwini's baby's pictures on facebook? So cute no! The baby is so much fairer than her, good for her." And the conversation spun in different directions. I switched off my iPod. I can listen to the black eyed peas anytime, but such interesting conversations are hard to come by.

Times have changed and we tell ourselves that our generation has evolved, but have we really? The reason I call these upbeat-sexy-saavy woman desperate is cause they talk of no goals, no responsibility, no personal expectations. They think its about them, but really, its not about them at all. Soon enough, I'll also be a married woman, but someone slap me if I become as desperate.

And in no relation to this topic, I have this other lingering thought which I want to post before I forget. It's about how comfortable parents have become about posting pictures of their adorable babies on facebook. Yes, they are darlings, and all of your friends have the nicest of things to say... but put yourself in your little daughter/son's shoes. Imagine growing up, learning to type aka becoming facebook eligible, and finding all your diaper pictures strewn on facebook. I for one would be pissed if I found my childhood pictures all over the net. Post your own pictures guys, not your children's!

Choco-Là!

I was fortunate to take a mid-week break and travel to Pondicherry for 2 days. It was just what my friends and I needed – aimless, relaxed, and uber fun! And while I want to dedicate this post to the time pass we did in Puducherry, I think this one place needs special mention. It was one of those “gotta do it again” places… Choco-Là… a corner chocolate shop on Mission Street.

Where do I start? Miniature mousses that melt in your mouth? Or better still, cake chocolates that are little bites with moist cake as your choice of filling. Rum-&-raisin, dried fruits, marzipan... the options are endless! One of the unique offerings is a chocolate drink (NO, not hot chocolate), a warm rich chocolate concoction that isn’t sweetened by sugar but cocoa drops. Take my word for it, “it is to die for!”

I ate more than is good for me. I tried 4-5 different creations and they were all very satisfying. I give it a 10 on 10. Try it next time your in Puducherry, it’ll be the best money you ever spent on chocolate!

P.S: I may have a little something to do with one of the miniature mousses, its named after me! :D Not really, but let me enjoy my moment of pride!