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Walking Wanderlust

If you were to explore a congested city like Mumbai, what would you prefer as your mode of transport? You may prefer a car, taxi, public transport or some other vehicle but I would choose to walk! Many people say they love to travel. Now travelling doesn’t mean you must have a car or a comfort vehicle to carry you all around the city. Walking is one of the simplest and more healthy way to wander around the places of interest within a city. While walking you can experience the zeal various places and things exhibit. The best walk is from under the side trees which house cool breeze and offer refreshment. Of course there are some places where the roads are uninhabited by these green and shady living things, but you may find a good number of plantations along the footpath.

Now, traveling in a vehicle does provide you with comfort, but if you happen to see some interesting place out there, you think it’s worth visiting, you can’t just call out the driver every time to pull over for you. Moreover there is such a horrifying traffic and lack of parking space in the cities. Not to mention your contribution to air and noise pollution!

While you can wander capturing the memories with a camera on your own along the narrow spaces and shortcuts, visit the market place, waste time in the parks, cafes and spend time in the museums, libraries all on your feet; you don’t have to worry about the car you have parked while you are enjoying the trip! Moreover you benefit from not having to follow the traffic rules, such as one way, traffic lane, speeding, license, emissions and many more!

Alright, so much said in favor of the little feet, what will you do if you want to travel to some place a bit far from where you stand? If you have the stamina you could walk straight exploring more, if not you can always cab in and head where ever you want to be. Or ask for a lift or get in the public transport!

What I want to emphasize here is the better way to explore the city is by foot. There is always an option of alternate means, if you feel tired. But simply going to places with a car along with you all the time does not serve your purpose of exploring the city. You actually miss the most attractive highlights and in sights a city has to offer!!

Sure, there are certain things that one has to plan before just setting along on foot. One has to decide what places you have to visit, where to start and where to eat! If you don’t know the location simply hire a cab and you will be there shortly!

In my college days I used to travel on foot along with my friends to places that were famous in town. We rarely hired a cab, cause we were many and used to walk gladly anywhere cracking jokes and discussing current affairs of our college life. If the place was unknown to us we always had the pannwallas or people around or a cop to guide us through the right path! It helped us in exploring this huge congested city and soon I knew the shortcuts and other small interesting places the made Mumbai shine!

The area near the railway platforms from Grant Road to Churchgate became known to me, as I strolled around with friends or with colleagues. This way I got exposed to the life in Mumbai city. The sprit of travel, walking along the streets and causeway while exploring the city, had gripped me. And I loved it!!

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Coming soon!

The Mumbai Floods...voyage through death zone

Destination Cet!

Engineered entry

***

Vasai to Churchgate to St. Xavier’s to Sinhal’s and back

When relatives and some associates asked me about my college most of them had ‘raised eye-brows’ ;) for quite a while! And it was all natural. Because they just wondered; how do I travel such long everyday...and then they questioned me about managing my studies and tuition classes. But before that I always heard them say “NICE COLLEGE!” and that was enough for me.

It was certainly a challenge for me to travel from Vasai to the last stop down town, 50kms away! But traveling never got across my way, in fact it was a pleasure. I always had the Vasai local ready for me most of the time thanks to western railways, I rarely had to get into crowded Virar local train. The coach I travelled in everyday, was like my second home! Everyday was different, there were surprises, concerns, there was contentment, sadness, jokes and parties, fights over silly issues which only led to more jokes! The only days I became concerned were those before my HSC board examinations.

The good part was that the college had very favorable timings. My first year in junior college was a fantasy! There were no coaching classes, no load of studies and it was so much fun in college. The suffering began once the second year started...

My schedule was as follows:

I wake up in the mornings, wait for a bus, reach the Vasai station, catch the 7:17 Vasai local, travel for an hour and a half revising or completing journals, then the Marine Lines station would arrive and I was in college within the next 10 minutes! Alright, college was fun but the suffering doesn’t end here...as the lectures would end at 4, I used to wait in the college killing time in the library or in the canteen as I had classes every evening at Borivali! Sometimes I was with my friends or sometimes with unknown colleagues. Sharp at 5 I left college to catch a Borivali local. On reaching Borivali at times I felt very frustrated and whenever I saw a Virar local train ready to depart I used to say good bye to my friends and the tuitions and simply head home!! If I attended the tuition class I always got anxious of the rush in the late hours in the Virar local! It was like a nightmare! Life was hard at such time. You never know what would happen.

I literally travelled on one foot on the extended floor of the train, one hand held onto the pole and the other holding a heavy bag! The other foot had absolutely no place to rest it was left hanging out! The situation was that feeble! But at least I could enjoy the fresh breeze...! On the other hand if I got pushed inside the coach with the rush it would become very difficult to even breathe in, forget about moving your body or turning the head! There was stale air all around and smelled irksome! I used to reach home late at around 10!

I mostly tried to avoid such traveling so it was natural for me to miss my classes.

My board exams were absolutely normal, the trains were never late, I would reach well before time, on exam days some of the fellows even used to offer me a window seat so that I could prepare well while I promised them sweets after my results! I actually felt better studying in trains than at home...

This was my journey form home to Vasai to Churchgate to St. Xavier’s to Sinhal’s(tuitions) and back...safe but tiresome!

***

Coming soon!

Walking Wanderlust

The Mumbai Floods...voyage through death zone

Destination Cet!

***

Love Letters in School...from obscurity?

In my high school I may have done may not have done many things which I remember and also which I don’t...but this part of my life at school was more or less pathetic; at least at that time...!

I was without a doubt “good” boy, or at least considered one, by many at the time when I had just got into class eight. By good I actually mean not so chic and witty. In the sense, I never tried out things that were beyond my reach and even if given a try, never got close! I was least concerned of the current affairs in my class. Even in studies I was strictly an average learner.

I had many friends and literally not a foe (that’s bad!). I used to consider everybody in class as my friend. It was no big deal to have a lass sitting besides me. Reacting not so reluctantly, it was not a sign of maturity as you might think; I may have still been innocent!! Or simply may have not thought about it any time...By the way, I did have some in mind I would love to be with! Every thing was normal and I had no big troubles; life seemed in high spirits! Until one bizarre day I entered the classroom...

I remember that day I was a bit late to class, as I took an entry I was greeted with strange and weird faces. One more thing, there was an absolutely unusual silence in the class! Now, that was extremely outlandish. I had never seen my class so silent before. As soon as I noticed the silence I new it! Something had to be wrong. My mind rolled on; may be the teacher would have yelled for disorder, may be the principal was on round, may be warning, may be inspection...; never ending thoughts. I silently went straight to my seat and before I could settle the fellow besides me just said “What’s up Rohan...!” Even this seemed strange but I just nodded my head in reply.

There was a pin-drop silence until the CR walked in from somewhere and called out my name! She had come to fetch me to office; I was stunned...! On the way I asked her what was the matter and who had called me? She told that our class teacher was waiting for me but refused to answer my first question...We soon reached the cabin and there I could see our class teacher having a talk with one more teacher who taught mathematics in higher classes. My impression about him was that he was very well-mannered, many times obstinate and had firm thoughts. Seemed like it would be the first time I will have to encounter him. I knew that he dealt with students having issues such as bad behavior and juvenile guts.

But wait a second...Why was I thinking of it? What had I done? Why am I taken to the office, Why, Why...? I had no answer! I had already become nervous. Just then the sir, I was reviewing about, opened the door and let me in; the CR had already left without my notice! He made me sit on the chair as our class teacher read something from a crumpled piece of paper. I just wondered what was that shit! Now were the shocking moments. Sir was shocked when I straight away told him about my knowledge. I simply knew nothing; I had no idea what was the issue and why am I called here. Hearing this he kept staring in shock on me; strange...I thought!L

Then my class teacher handed me the piece of paper from her hand and told me to read it carefully. As I read, the two of them kept a wide eye on my reaction...and from then I knew nothing about their acts. The piece of paper which I had just wondered if it was a shit...turned out to be a LOVE LETTER in my name!!! I was traumatized. But our class teacher confronted me with some support. Even sir figured out that I was in a state of sudden distress...and he knew I had nothing to do with the letter and then he told me he would do his best to unearth the culprit. I was then sent back to class; I was shy and disturbed the whole day. I just thought, had it been a dream I could have enjoyed it!! But here I had to reply reluctantly that I knew nothing about the letter whenever I was, like, bombarded with all sorts of questions from friends.

I then stared wondering who could have done this. I just tried to observe and analyze the faces of my class mates, but then again I got confused. There were all sorts of faces! Some straight, some serious, funny, sad, crooked and I can’t reminisce how many... In the break time I had my friends telling me what happened that morning. One of them told he had noticed no one inside before he entered the classroom.

The one who found it said, she thought it was just a scrap paper and was about to throw it in the dustbin, but then she suddenly noticed the red ink and realized it was something unusual! Opening it she enlightened her friend about it; and the news spread in class within seconds. And the class turned in a Live Rock gig! So naturally some staff had to bring them down. When the teacher asked for a reason for such a nuisance, it was the letter’s turn to respond! On reading it, they told me, the teacher was shocked and warned about such a mischief. The teacher even made a statement for fewer penalties if the offender confessed and warned to take a tough stand on whoever would be found guilty later. But no one reacted. She told the assistant CR to mind the class and hurried to the principal’s office...

That was the time I entered the class and noticed the strange silence...!! Now that I knew the letter had been found under the desk where I sit, I became sure that some one from this or the neighboring class had done it! I just tried to forget it. I thought it was over once and for all.

But I was mistaken it was just a start... For the next day in the morning when I sat in class completing homework, my friend came to me and told they had found another one! I never believed him, but I was in distress once it was in my hand! I kept it with me quietly. Later that day, I with the CR reported it to our ma’am and the sir who was in charge for such matters. He took us to class and invested the writing style, the ink and the paper, of each and every student. He even found some suspicious ones but then concluded it was not their job! I had suspicion on absolutely no one, at least in my class!! The whole day I tried to be normal. But the news spread, I believed I was at least safe in my tuition class, but just then I had to make a face and ignore when our tuition teacher asked me about it! I prayed to the Lord for help.

The other day I was anxious; I landed in school as early as I can only to find out some of the curious mates searching for any paper scrap! I was amazed...that day nothing was found. Now I could breathe a sigh of relief after two days of terror. Even this day it seemed no fewer questions were asked. I was fed up with what was going on but had to face it. I tried to be calm, sir Matthew had been working hard with those letters analyzing them and watching over those who came early and left late after school!! Even this did not help. I was relieved that day for no letter was found. The next day again I was early to class, I searched for them and found nothing in our row. But suddenly one of my friend found two scrap papers in the neighboring row. My heart started pumping fast as I thought not again, I tried to be calm, at last both the scrap papers turned out to be LOVE LETTERS...! The situation was pathetic I myself tried to investigate the site. Same writing, Same style but now a different paper and pink ink!!

I thought on the color of ink for a moment and realized that it was some girl most probably writing to me such foolishly. Anyway, I couldn’t figure out who was playing with me. At last I decided not to be bothered about such things, there were many people to take care about it... I handed them to sir and sat calm. From then on I never thought of it. Any issue over it and I used to transform it into a joke and this way I felt good. From next day on I feared for the letters but luckily never received any.

Then unexpectedly later that week, two more were found but they were not for me. They had someone else’s name on them. What a relief!!!

Those were the last pieces of foolish scrap... what followed was nothing but absolutely normal life! Everyone overlooked on the matter and so did I.

Now after so many years, when I look back, I feel sorry for the person behind that shabby pieces of writing. But I think it was a sad or rather a pathetic ending because at least I, if not others, could have had some clue of the responsible person. I would have loved to know the person who was my secret admirer! It seemed the letters were from obscurity, what’s the point of such a fusty play...?

***

Coming soon!

Vasai to Churchgate to St. Xavier’s to Sinhal’s and back

Walking Wanderlust

The Mumbai Floods...voyage through death zone

***

Good and Bad with Me and my Bicycle

After a great start, I had become used to the routine. Same story everyday; wake up, pack bag and off to my friend’s house and then straight to school! I had lost all the excitement. Taking the bicycle to school seemed to be a burden lately...! But one day I happened to recall the excitement I had back then. Later that day I investigated the reasons for such dullness. I found the fault within me. I had stopped maintaining my so called friend and used to ride it recklessly. From then on it was decided the bicycle should be given a wash at least once in a fortnight. I oiled the parts and it was again fun to ride! Next morning I waited for no one and took the longest road as I had taken off very early. It was winter and I could perceptibly feel the cold breeze. I could certainly feel the excitement again.

I had already become a cycle mechanic. I could easily repair many small components, but struggled mainly with the rear axle and the gear. Any problem in there and my bike was in the garage! One day I had some problem with the front wheel, I thought I could repair it; so from eve I worked on it till dinner time. Due to that I couldn’t complete my home work neither did I eat nor did I pack my bag, just took a bath and was fast asleep. I had the alarm clock set at 5 in the morning, so that I can easily complete my work. But negligently I had set it at around 6:15!! The next morning I woke, got fresh and scandalously looked at the clock...; WHAT TIME IS IT? I barked like a dog! I was told it was 6:20. I grabbed a pen and started completing the Homework, I had to finish it. Homework was done and now it was quarter to seven. I was starving, had a headache, my pockets were empty, had to pack the bag and travel all the way hoping my bike will have no problems.

At that morning I decided to fight all the challenges. Half an hour left for school to begin, I packed the bag and snatched away 50buks to eat in school. Thinking I could easily make it to school I quickly got to the cycle only to find a flat tire! Grabbed the hand air-pump and pushed it hard and fast. It was time to ride! Just on the road and I fell off and hit my shoulder hard. Lying down on the road I saw the front wheel roll into the gutter! I could hardly believe what was happening...It was time and I was sure my friends had already left. Now I had a broken cycle, an empty stomach and an agonizing shoulder! I washed the dirty front wheel and rushed to get the tools. I had left the main axle screws wide open! That was the reason for the crash. I tightened them rapidly and before getting exhausted took off on road. It was a smooth ride...!

Certainly I opted for the short cut to reach school. As I reached half-way I was surprised to see one of my friends in a same hasty condition like me! I reached him somehow and learned even he was late. But he had no problem like mine. It was decided we should race as it would help us reach school faster.

Fortunately the warning bell just rang as we crossed the entry gate and rushed to the parking area. But more unfortunately before we could park another crash was scheduled for me! Our bicycle handles interfered and all four of us had a great fall...me and my cycle, my friend and his bike! I was already colored with grease and dirt; but now it seemed I had a color dress on!!

We were welcomed in class with strange murmur and faces of all kind. I sat in class that day praying for a safe journey back! It was pathetic, but in a way I felt it was really grand!

There are also many good memories, one of the cherished one is the advantage I got over others who travelled in the school bus. They had to wait, had to squeeze into the packed vehicles, had to pay fees and I don’t remember what else. On the other hand we cyclists ruled over our lives, I had to wait for no one, sat comfortable like a king on the bike, only had to maintain them, the rest of money was in my pocket!, could roam as and when I liked more over I had a good exercise cycling.

But above all I was more exposed to the real world that existed around. I knew the many shortcuts, the various paths and we also used to have cycle trips to sea shores, the Vasai fort, the country side and lot more enjoyment...

The thrill was at the time of rainy season, whenever there was a heavy downpour; all of us used to deliberately ride to school with just a couple of books in our bag, as we knew it would certainly be a holiday. Some roads would be filled with flood water and we used to cycle through, as if cruising over! Safely wrapped in the rain-coats we then enjoyed the long and muddy road trails, the dirt race and the greenery all around the area. The trees we saw everyday which seemed to be thirsty, now had blooms appearing green and alive! I marveled at nature’s ability to sustain life and energy into plants and animals. On such days we got home late in the morning as we wandered around passing the time for good...!

There are other such memories, good and bad, of which I sometimes recall and just hope good days will be here again!

***

Coming soon!

Love Letters in School...from obscurity?

Vasai to Churchgate to St. Xavier’s to Sinhal’s and back

Walking Wanderlust

***

School, Shit and one more thing!

School is where the Shit is; and it smells good! Believe me, it is one thing that most of us simply love to cherish!

The shit here I am referring to is all the stupid, crazy, bizarre even clever and witty memories of the things we‘ve done in school days! Those little magic moments we always remember which make us laugh and feel bashful. Always proud of the monkeyshines and high jinks, fights and crushes deposited on our account! While most of us take pleasure in recalling such things that make us feel we have ended doing something enormous; we tend to forget some of the important values and habits that bloom in our minds at school. In here I would like to narrate; not the shit which smells good, but one of the few simple overlooked practices of our life back at that time; The Expedition...from home to school and back!

School and all the shit I referred to certainly have an imperative place, but one more thing-a simple thing on which I never thought until now was the journey from home to school on time and back safe and sound!

My Uncle was responsible to drop me on his motorbike to the play school. Later I travelled in the humble auto rickshaw to my pre-primary school. Then came the sturdy Mahindra-Commander and a little later a mini-bus which took me to my primary education institution. So far so good so safe and so also on time! After that came the High school. This meant new timings apart from all the new gear as normal. And so was one thing sure to me that something will drop me to school...!

On the first day I recall, there was heavy downpour in the early hours. It drizzled as I waited for the van to carry me to school. Soon I had to squeeze into it as it was jam-packed! I some how settled with my fat bag thinking I was the last one to get in for sure. Not far from home the van abruptly made a stop to accommodate some more! I could some how figure out a sudden force pushing us hard inside. From the rear section I was pushed into the middle of the van. It made me feel in torture. But then an idea struck and I had to move out immediately! I simply pushed aside the ones who blocked me, shot the door open and ran home, snatched away the keys from the cupboard and exiting from the back door I unlocked my cycle and very soon I was on my way to school! Soon I was in the school. I tried to settle in my class as I could clearly feel the over excitement.

Now that, no one had to carry me to school, I was happy I never had to wait for the bus. I discovered the joy of riding bicycle at high speeds in those good old days, in the early hours when I ruled the road with my bike! Soon, I made very good friends. I was exposed to the world that I never thought of, that existed between my home and my school. I also developed a special relation with my bike and started to maintain it in good condition. I learned a lot of values from school, of course, but I believe I actually learned some from riding my bicycle! A decade has already passed, but I’ve still maintained my friend in a top form. I ride on it everyday, and promise my friend you will be with me till the end!!

***

Coming soon!

Good and Bad with Me and my Bicycle.

Love Letters in School...from obscurity?

Vasai to Churchgate to St. Xavier’s to Sinhal’s and back.

***

The Introduction

Hello Bloggers!

I am Rohan; long been thinking of blogging myself. Lately, but certainly, I've discovered the joy of SHARING in life. Life could be a waste with selfishness on mind. Even if you are not selfish please don’t be unbiased; just come out and share anything you can. You shall feel the difference and your life will be rewarding, it is simply great!

Right here I start SHARING my thoughts, works and deeds-good bad, happy or sad, even ugly and dirty! with all of you.

I’ll try my best to serenely and calmly handle any sensitive and controversial issues. But I would like the VIEWERS whoever concerned to correct me on my blog by commenting on the issue. I will certainly give a thought to it.

Let’s make Blogging a way to SHARE all and any kind of thoughts, beliefs and in a way make this a better platform for open minds.

About myself:

I live in Bassein, outskirts of west Mumbai and study engineering. Practically, the things with which I would breathe are love and peace and some money of course!! The things I am fond of are nature, elegant lifestyle, travel adventure, electronic hardware and computer free and open source software. Oh, the latter are some material things!

The subjects I loved in high school were little of History (loved the world history) and General Science, all of Geography. None of Math (except 9th and 10th, I loved it!), I seriously missed the Environmental Studies I had in primary school!

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Coming soon!

School, Shit and one more thing!

Good and Bad with Me and my Bicycle

Love Letters in School...from obscurity?

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