Month: December 2006

Looking ahead at 2007!

Published by Anita

I don’t know where I’m going But, I sure know where I’ve been Hanging on the promises In songs of yesterday An’ I’ve made up my mind I ain’t wasting no more time But, here I go again Here I go again It’s been quite a year. But it’s time to wrap it up in tissue and relegate it to the back of the cupboard along with all the other memories! And look with renewed hope and optimism at the coming year. Here’s something really beautiful that a friend sent me and I’ve been listening to it again and again. It’s a beautiful chant and do get hold of it if you can… Om Sarvesham swasthir bhavatu (May auspiciousness be unto all) Sarvesham shantir bhavatu (May peace be unto all) Sarvesham poornam bhavatu (May fullness be unto all) Sarvesham mangalam bhavatu (May goodness be unto all) Sarve bhavantu sukinaha (May everyone be happy) Sarve santu niramiyaha (May everyone be without affliction) Sarve bhadrani pashyantu (May everyone see only goodness) Ma kashchit dukha bhak bhavet (Let …

Wandering around in Fontainhas

Published by Anita

You must go to Fontainhas, said my friend Albert on the phone. It’s a heritage area where you can still see influence of Portugese architecture. He’s a true blue Goan so I couldn’t possibly not listen to him! On our last day in Goa, we headed to this old quartier of Panjim beside the Ourem creek. It’s a delightful area with so much colour and beauty that I wanted to spend much more time there. Next time, I hope I can stay somewhere in that area and take some more time to explore it. Inside the courtyard of Panjim Inn

Merry Xmas!

Published by Anita

It’s one of my most favourite times of the whole year – Christmas and New Year! The bright shining stars light up the houses and streets everywhere, there are children singing carols and there’s a general spirit of bonhomie everywhere. In Goa right now, enjoying a chilled out Christmas. Yesterday, took the whole day and explored North Goa driving right up to Fort Tiracol at the tip of the state and watched the sunset. Today, we set off to explore the Old Goa area. A very merry Christmas to all of you! View of the sunset on the way to Fort Tiracol

Racing Buffalos, fried fish and loads of slush!

Published by Anita

Where on earth can you witness hefty buffalos running 100 metres through mud and slush in under 14 seconds? The answer folks is a few hundred kilometers away from the city in Mangalore during the Kadri Kambala festival! And that’s where three of us – Venkatesh, Sandeep and I headed on the Dec 10-11 weekend. Bekal Fort was on my list of places to see – I’d missed it during my earlier visit, so we hired a cab on Saturday and drove down to the fort. It’s about one and a half hours away from Mangalore and we reached around 3 in the afternoon. From the fort, you get a sweeping view of the sea and Bekal beach, which seemed quite deserted. Of course, it was the middle of the afternoon and though it was winter, we were still getting sufficiently roasted.

Air Sahara woes

Published by Anita

(Update – December 21: After more than a week, they finally emailed the ticket! Phew. That was one long wait!) For all their promises to ensure customer satisfaction, it’s hard to understand why they continue to be so slack! This happened to me on Monday while booking an online ticket. The page timed out and I didn’t get the ticket. I called up customer service and they assured me that the booking was done and the lady gave me my PNR number. She also said I could retrieve my booking from the online site. She assured me they would email the ticket. Definitely. Not a problem at all. So far so good. Not really. Tuesday, I made a call and told them the ticket was yet to come. We will definitely email it within half an hour. Please check in half an hour the customer service person says. Okay, I sigh with relief, thinking this time they mean what they say. Day 3: Tried calling their centre and can’t get through : it’s either engaged …