I had heard story of Akbar and Birbal where Birbal proves to Akbar, whatever happens, happens for good.
One of the things I heard about this country was Fjords. When I came here got to know there is a cruise to Fjords. When inquired, it came out to be reasonably costly. But since have to see it, booked the tour called Norway in the Nutshell for almost kr 2000. Everything was set for the Saturday 19-Jun. Come that day and we were on the bus stop at 5:30 am. Reached the NSB railway station at 5:50 am and the train was at 6:30 am. Too early.... But somehow this time went by and we boarded the train. It was moving slowly, stopping for signals. At @ 8 am it came to standstill and the conductor came over to tell that there is a power failure ahead and train cannot move for at least next 2 hrs. So our tour was canceled and we returned to Oslo. Stood in a queue to get the ticket postponed to next day i.e. Sunday. But due to this incidence, one of our members dropped out. But guess what another one joined in his place. So we were still four planned for next day. But inside there was very much frustration. Can power on a railway line fail. This does not happen in India and this is supposedly developed country. But lets keep our hope alive.
Next day was bit casual. We planned for slightly late bus and reached railway station at 6:15 am. Train was on the platform. We boarded and the train was almost full. We could notice quite a few yesterday's faces. But the day seems to be better. Bright and sunny, no clouds at all. Train was running at quite nice pace. At @ 10 we were reaching Finse. What a spot. The water is less than 50 mtrs from the platform and on the midsummer day, it had snow. Amazing.. We were thrilled. Don't know what was in the store.
After reaching Myrdal, we had some food that gave us some energy for second half of the day. And there comes Flamban. The Flam railway has outstanding view outside. It has to be experienced. Crystal clean water, dense woods. Fabulous journey it was and we met a doctor from Kolhapur on that train. He was in Oslo for a convention and was out on weekend. We heard announcement that there is a photostop. And suddenly everyone shouted wowww....
The Kjosfossen waterfall was amazing. The sprinkles were coming on the camera lens but no one bothered. It was an awesome feeling. Everyone was trying to save it to them. Total experience in the Flam train is fabulous. The train we had been told that takes a 180 deg turn in order to go round the rock.
Then came another beauty of nature. Fjords cruise. It was wonderful 2 hours. Looking at the mammoth natural structures, we realise how small creatures we are. They are wonders of nature. There is lot to write about the experience. The only thing that can describe what I experienced there is 'peace'... At some moment there was silence and I think it can happen at such a serene place where everyone on such a big cruise would like to be peaceful and enjoy the nature.
We got down from the cruise and headed towards bus towards Voss. Thought the tour is over but there was a surprise. We were headed to a road that was having 1 in 5 gradient and hairpin turns. The driver was telling us the history and I was thinking "Man look straight and drive" That is the oldest road that connects Oslo and Bergen. The bus took us to Voss and then the train to Oslo.
All and all an amazing experience and I am sure I would not have enjoyed the same had I done it on Saturday in the bad weather. So it was meant to be for best.
For some more photos check out this.
Norway, till now only thing I heard about this country is Land of midnight sun, Fjords and the emperor. Come May 2nd week and I have plans to travel to this country. My current assignment demands to travel there for 3 weeks. Now that's manageable considering the things back home. So it is all set for this visit.
Unlike UK and US visas, this one has a lengthy process and month of May has 3 Public holidays in Norway and obviously to the consulate. Hence what normally happens in 5 working days took almost 10 working days for me and I received my passport just 2 days prior to my travel. Thanks to my travel coordinator in the office, Forex, Insurance are all done and a day before I have everything in hand, including the airport transfer arrangement.
Travel to Oslo was not straight. I had an international flight from Delhi. So there was domestic travel from Pune to Delhi. Keeping track record of past week, Kigfisher Airlines, started the flight almost one hour late even though we were boarded in time. Reason: Air Traffic Control... After landing into Delhi and being transferred to International airport, all was set for the flight. But I am very disappointed by national capital airport. Considering the space available, it could have been fantastic. But the present one is crampy and dull. I feel the new renovated Mumbai one is far better in country. The Delhi Zurich flight was cool. Mostly in night and unlike my previous international travels, I spent most of the time sleeping, even skipped the snacks. Then came the interesting part. We had 45 mins time for our connecting flight from Zurich to Oslo. Had a transfer from one terminal to other via train. Completed immigration in EU zone. Cleared security checks. When passed the security gate, the official came over and asked if I am to board on Oslo flight. When answered yes, he said you and another person are the only one missing. Please run fast. At least once in my life flight was waiting for me. :-) Then again a two hour journey over Germany reaching Oslo as per schedule. The interesting part of this journey was about someone I met over the flight. It was one of my team member in my previous project. He has traveled to Oslo for a long term assignment. Earth is round.... IT world is very small.
Came out of Oslo airport, had converted Euro to Krona and waited for bus to Oslo city. Checked with a driver and he said he will drop @ 3 mins walk from where you have to go. We boarded the bus and it was literally 3 mins walk from apartment. It was @ 12 in the noon and I was in big 1 bedroom apartment. This would be my home for next 3 weeks.
Watch out for this space for further news / updates from me. Good night. Its 11:20 pm. Welcome to my blogs in Norway...
Today it has proved again that the country has a very strong law and order system despite of all the problems that we have seen in past. Ajmal Kasab has been sentenced to Death in 4 counts. Within an year, the case was completed. The pessimists I am sure will question about the actual execution but I think the law still prevailed in the country (http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/kasab-gets-death-sentence-on-4-counts-life-on-5-counts-23619.php). Just can't imagine what the members of the victim's family be thinking at the moment. But this will definitely satisfy them upto certain extent.
I had just moved to the UK on an year long assignment in October and moved to my home there in first week of November. Did not have Internet connection at home till end of November. We were preparing for a client visit to our office in India and was working with my counterpart in India. 27/11 morning and at 7 am in the morning, I received call from office. My colleague told me that we dont have to rush in for preparation. The visit have been postponed indefinitely due to conditions in Mumbai. Upon asking why he almost shouted at me saying which world I live in? Have you not heard, read what's happening in Mumbai? HE gave me some some information about what's happening. But it was only when I went on checking some news sites, I got to know the horror. It was horrible.
That was a time I felt, I was in the jungle without connectivity to rest of the world, especially my motherland, India. The country who gives chance to killer like Kasab to say something in his favour......
Long live the law...
I am not that pessimistic as some of my friends and relatives are who have travelled abroad are about state of affairs in India. Especially in areas of infrastructure etc. Twice when I returned from abroad I was asked questions by few of my collegues as what makes you take decision to return? Why don't you live nice life here? I keep on arguing with them that we back home may not have best in the class facilities but they are not worst as well. But Monday was really a depressing experience.
I started for office at my usual time at around 9 am to reach between 9:30 - 9:45. But there was something in store for us. Usually it's me and my brother travel together to office (some efforts towards green earth - of course there is money saving as well), but that day we called up another guy in our apartment who works for the same company as he was leaving around same time. So we were three started for office. Till we hit the Mumbai - Banglore bypass at Chandani Chowk, it was all okay. Soon we started seeing that traffic was a bit more. Thought it might be due to some slow moving vehicle ahead. By the time we reached HEMRL at Pashan, it was completely at halt. My brother got out of car, walked some distance and realised that it's choc-a-bloc traffic and no way we can get out soon. We simply came out of the car, locked it and stood road side under a huge tree in scortching heat. It was much better than sitting in baking car. It was about 30 mins and then the traffic was on the move. We reached near the Hinjewadi bridge and again same scene. We decided to take the alternate route which was a bit longer but were hoping to have a moving traffic there. But to our misfortune we had a slow moving traffic there as well. Finally it was 11 am when we reached office. Distance @ 25 kms from home, time taken @ 2 hours.
Well the pain is not about the time taken due to traffic but it is the reason why the traffic was blocked. We had the first citizen of country in town yesterday. Mrs Pratibha Patil was in Pune for visiting HEMRL, attending function to celebrate 125 years of F C Collage and some other functions. The highway was blocked for traffic during peak office hours for the same. It is disgusting. It has wasted time / energy of so many people you can't imagine. And what did you get out of that? Our city mayor and University Vice chancellor was made to sit in auditorium due to "security" concerns. Having said that there were changes accommodated for Mr Shekhavat on the stage. We are unable to understand why the city residents are hold for ransom for such high profile visits. We have all due respect for the position and the person holding that post. But it is unfortunate if they are going to affect us in this way.
No one had thought (including MI fans like me) when IPL 3 started that MI will produce such a result. But half way through the tournament, it is the only team, who have such a consistent record. Most important of all is their local lads are shining and the foreign players are just chipping in. Needless to talk about the contribution of SRT who is in pursuit of Orange Cap. A man at 38, what is driving him in this form of cricket?
After 8 matches today, 7 wins, Net Run Rate of +1.412. It's a dream run.....
Let's cheer the team and see you all at the finals at D Y Patil, Navi Mumbai.
Duniya hila denge hum..... (Boys you are really.....) Keep it going......
It was amazing Saturday I had this weekend. Went to Mumbai (Brabourne Stadium) to watch encounter of MI v/s RCB. Mind blowing experience I must say. Had seen live match in the UK. But watching cricket in India.... Must say that's awesome. The atmosphere, the people, the energy. It is such an amazing place to be.
We had planned this event almost 3 weeks back. Booked the tickets in advance to ensure we get right seats (jaliwala tickets and all). Then comes the logistics. My bros did a fabulous job to close that thing as well. So on Wednesday this week, we had all confirmations for this and we were all set for this.
A day before I get an SMS from my bro asking I am planning to wear MI jercey? He was planning to come wearing RCB jercey. A die hard Jammy fan. An amazing experience was all set. I could not deny this. Come Saturday morning and I went shopping. With couple of shops, finally I managed to get one of my size :-).... At one in the afternoon we all, even Bhargav my little one, were ready to move. He kept on asking as when is taxi arriving. At @ 2 we set off for Mumbai from my place. Till Vashi it was probably the familiar route. But after that it was a challenge. I never drove into Mumbai. Here is where my Gautam, my bro did a fabulous job. Had managed to get the route using maps on internet with major landmarks en route. Everyone was so charged up.... We were slowly near our destination. We were just confirming with cab drivers on road that we are on right track. We were asking in Marathi and getting answers in Hindi.... :-(
Finally we saw the stadium and were off our seats in car. With a round to the stadium and asking couple of cops for parking places, finally we managed to secure a parking spot. With the big event the parking man charged us "premium" for parking. Of course seeing Pune vehicle he knew we have no choice. The only advantage was it was right out of the gate we were to get in the staium from. So good for us. Not lot of walking to be done. On that round trip, we noticed the Queen's neckless and plan was setup to be there after the match.
After doing pet pooja, we got inside the stadium for match. We had our faces painted with the Indian Flag took some snaps and walked inside with the placards prepared by Pranav. There was one for the little master and one for Jammy. Got seated on our seats and what an atmosphere we had there. (Of course partly because we were right behind RCB cheerleaders) Everyone was shouting for the little master. With the announcement that MI won the toss and elected to bat, the stadium charged up as we were close to see Sachin batting in no time now. It's a fantastic experience to see Sachin batting live though from a distance. Leaving aside result of match it was a grand experience. We got disappointed with MI loosing the match. But think that's part of tournament and its just 3rd game out of 14 in total. So nothing to panic. We can still make it.
The match is over and we were just about to leave and Madan noticed that the entry to ground was open and guess what in next 5 minutes we were standing next to MI dugout. We walked over the grass on which Sachin played.... It was an amazing walk. Unfortunately got to know from security that the players will not come out. But still Dhaval Kulkarni was around and managed to get some snaps there. The came pinnacle of the experience. Saw Jonty Rhodes came out and was signing autographs for us. Few of us shaked hands with him and were amazed. Stunning experience of life. All the money and efforts were worth this moment. Also saw Neeta Ambani going out.
Finally we were out of the stadium. Now towards the next destination, Marine Drive. We spent some time there and it is stunning to see that at 1 am in the night there was so many people there. It was refreshing to be there and after about 45 mins we set off back for home.
Then it was a journey back home with most of the members sleeping and we had to keep ourself awake for the sake of driver (even though I took a nap for a while)..... It was @ 4:30 in the morning when we returned.
What an awesome experience we had. It just confirmed that we will plan for the final. Moreover when the news came today that Pune Franchisee will be there for IPL4, we will continue this even next year supporting my Pune team.
IPL Season 3 started with an amazing match last night. We missed this fever last year due to me and IPL both out of India -:) Not this year though. Both back to India and we enjoyed yesterday's match. A last over finish, team finishing last in season 2 beating the one on top. Surely there is lots in store for us in next 45 days of IPL dhamaka. For us this season would be awesome as we are all set to watch match of our god (should I say MI) live on the ground. Looking forward to that next weekend. An encounter between little master's MI and Wall's RCB. सबसे बड़ा तिकीट already grabbed. Looking forward to have the delivered and most important utilise it next weekend. I am sure it will be amazing experience with 8 of us including my little one watching the match together. Hope his innocent question turns in reality. Every time he sees Sachin on tele he asks "Is he hitting 200?" Keep the fingers crossed.
If this is not enough, F1 season starting this month. I think that's the only way we will be a bit cool. With mercury hitting 35 deg celcius, it has become really difficult to sustain. Not sure though whom should I back in this season. Faiths are divided. Schumi gone to Mercedes and Alonso and Massa with the Reds. Not sure whom will I cheer. But surely the sport.....
So let's enjoy this season of sports.....
