Of the end of 2010

Ten years from today , I remember looking at the dark sky above on the same winter night - eve of a new year. It was the start of 2001. It has been a very long journey since then. Sometimes you don't make path, you happen to follow it. Back then, I didn't knew what I wanted to become. And even today, I don't. Never even in my wildest of dreams, I would have thought that I would be writing a computer program on the eve of another new year. But then, stranger things have happened in these years. Of all the things that happened, I took pride in having made not many friends but few chosen ones with whom I can share everything. Ten years is indeed a long period. Things get changed from the way you look to things you want. Let us welcome 2011 as a year to cherish and fulfill all those dreams and things that you have always desired. I wish you a very happy new year.

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Of the sea,the sun, the sand and old friends

It all started with **Goa's visit to India. And what do you expect when you have the sea, the sand, the sun and above all,the old friends meeting at a place? Something really special. Yes the last weekend was much more than special. Greeted with **Goa's parent's hospitality, had wonderful fish fries and curries, enjoyed Hariharan's Ghazal concert and above all, we all met, talked endlessly, pulled one another's leg and rekindled our memories. It seemed no one has changed except for the few Kgs of weight that everyone (less Holdy) have put in. It seems as if many things have happened in those two days.

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PS:- We all went to Goa to meet **Goa.

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Cruising along the Baltic sea

Helsinki -Stockholm

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And yes ,the awaited day came - the cruise trip to Stockholm. We four of us boarded the ship from Helsinki harbour at around 4:30 pm. The ship was a big one - a seven storeyed. I have never been to a ship before so was quite excited. As soon as we entered, we were greeted and the way to our cabin was shown. It was small but very well planned. It had spaces for 4 beds, a small toilet cum bathroom. What else would you you ask for?

After exploring the ship for sometime, we went to the deck. It was damn cold, the wind makes it more chilly.Then the ship started moving cutting the frozen sea. And thus the maiden journey in the Baltic sea began. Inside the ship, a lot of things were there. A shopping arena, a pub, Casino, playing kiosks,dancing floor - these were enough to make you busy for the night. I must say, its a great place to eat and dine. Ofcourse, to drink -thanks to the tax free liquors. Anyway, it didn't matter much to me b'coz I had only juices. We make ourselves busy by seeing people and playing some games. I lost some 5 euros that night. After having the dinner, we returned to the cabin and slept.

Stockholm city:- We reached Stockholm at around 9:30 am swedish time. There is a difference of 1hr  with the Finnish time. Stockholm is a city built in an island which is opened to the Baltic sea. After walking for some 15 minutes from the harbour, we were inside the city. We had to board the ship for our return journey to Helsinki at 4:15 pm. Thus the sight seeing began. We walked across a narrow lane which seems like old medieval city which depicts very much the old European style. As we went far, the buildings started resembling the new architecture and suddenly we were in the city centre. We roam around the city for some 6 hrs . In between, we had our regular coffee breaks and lunch. We visited some important places around. The Royal palace being one. 

The return journey:

Everything was same except that it was a bit crowded than the day before. 

The Jackpot: This time we decided we would play the games and we were ready to spend 20 euros on it. I always believe that I am going to win. After betting for a long time, we lost most of our money. Then, we decided we would go for a final bet. Then things changed and we started hitting Jackpots. Thus, when the day ended, we had accumulated some 140 euros(all in coins) from the 50 euros that we had invested. So you never knew when your luck will change. But you should have the guts to bet even when you lose. Thats gambling :). Then we went to the dance floor and danced till 3:30 in the morning.After having a brief sleep, we were in Helsinki.

On the whole, it was a great trip. Every moment of it I enjoyed.... 

Ps: http://www.vikingline.fi/

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Hiding in the hills of Kodai

A much deserved break from the daily routine of coding and sipping coffee cups - off to Kodaikanal. We (seven in together) were to attend a wedding ceremony of one of my colleagues in a place called Theni in southern part of Tamil Nadu. We took this opportunity to visit Kodaikanal which is just a 2 hrs journey from Theni. We started from Chennai on Friday night in Nagercoil express at 11 pm. Reached Kodai-Road Junction at 9:30 am the next morning. Then we set off to Kodai on a Toyota Qualis- thanks Ela for the timely arrangement. Then in the next hour, we were already in the hilly curvy roads. It was very much alike to the very familiar Dimapur - Imphal road. The road went on and on. Dense forest on the other side and deep gorges on the other. It reminded me of those numerous journey from Guwahati - Imphal during college days. We pass through the water falls on the way. We had hot masala tea with Mirchi bajji and dekhte hi dekhte we were in Kodai. Chilling winds and foggy weather is a typical evening in Kodai. Here weather can change in a jiffy as in most of the Hill stations. We managed to get our self in a hotel on the Seven Road Junction. We took some rest, had a nice bath with hot water (a luxury you never had in Chennai, even in winter :( ). Then we went for a walk around the lake - the Bryant park. Then we visited Coaker's walk - a view point wherein you can enjoy the scenic beauty around Kodai. Then came night and I enjoy sleeping under the warm , thick blankets(its been long time since I faced a winter).
The next morning started with a crystal clear weather. Sun came out brightly as if welcoming the visitors. I decided to go for a walk - It took me around 45 minutes to complete a round of the lake.It would have been around 6-7 kms in distance. But I enjoyed it, although my feet started responding after the long walk. Then I was back to my room. After a heavy breakfast, we all started again for sight seeing around Kodai. We manage to get a Guide. We visited a very old church. Then we had the upper Lake view. The lake looked like a diamond necklace from this point. Then we were in the pine forest. And one thing- if you happen to come here in Kodai, never miss to taste the fresh carrots and home made chocolates.Then we move to Guna caves(we just passed through). Then we cross through the Golf Course. Then we had numerous view points. The Green valley view(aka suicide point), then the Pillar rocks. The Guide showed me the Lyril soap ad point- although it was just a rock in this time of the year. Finally we ended with a Jamun tree (some 500 yrs old they say). There we had the taste of a local fruit(very similar to Litchi) and thus the sight seeing ended. Then after a sumptuous lunch, we had a nice little nap in the hotel. Then all of a sudden it stared raining heavily as if it was saying don't go away.But then every good thing has an ending and we all headed for Theni ...

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/tiken.h/KodaikanalTrip

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