Bye bye 2008...

Have never been happier to see an year go by. Fervently hoping that 2009 brings on something to cheer about.

At the fag end of the year, my thoughts go out to all those affected by the Bombay attacks.

To those who gave up their lives for the country.
Salute.
Respect.
Awe.

You get some. You give some.

You can get anything in life, if you want it badly enough. Even if it's out of turn.
But as usual, there is a catch. You have to pay for it with something you value.

2008: The year that was...

"Different"

If I sum up this year in one word, it would be DIFFERENT. It was a mixed bag of emotions. A roller coaster in the true-st sense.
2008 was the year, my long-standing dream came true. I finally made it to Leh on my Bike.

The first half was a built-up period, which peaked around June end. It was a dream come true…with a few incidents and memories etched in my mind permanently.

And it was all downhill from there. August was full of turmoil...Sept was even worse, with my company going bankrupt. October was spent coasting along, trying to cope with the various issues with life. And it was just about to turn worse.

The Bombay attack happened in Nov, and it has a deep impact. It was quite a traumatic period. Thankfully, Dec was quite busy with work and I atleast had a few things to keep my mind occupied.

When I step back and sum all these up, it was a pretty average year. But this year is not something which I will ever forget. I have learnt a few lessons, made a few decisions, and moved on (or still trying to).

What do I want in 2009? Peace of mind, and spirit.

Change...

Changing yourself is easy. It's getting the compelling reason tough.

Time...

 


Sometimes, time is short,
Sometimes, it is unnaturally long.
The object is the same, the perception different...

Post #150

Well, three cheers to the 150th post.
Happy Holidays everyone.

Cheers!
PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE...

Never Take Someone For Granted

Never take someone for granted.

Hold every person close to your heart,
because you might wake up one day,
and realize that you've lost a diamond,
while you were too busy collection stones.

From here

Friends...

I found this interesting. Here's an small sample:

Our $10 food-for-thought questions this week are:

* How do you define friendship?
* Would your friends describe you as a true and real friend, or more as an acquaintance? Would you feel comfortable asking them?
* Do you feel safe disclosing your innermost thoughts and feelings to your friends? To your partner or spouse? If not, why not?
* Do you ever feel alone or lonely when you’re in a group—or even at home? How do you deal with that?
* Does your lifestyle exclude time and room for developing meaningful friendships? When was the last time someone referred to you as a “real friend”?
* Do you pride yourself on amassing a huge number of social-network friends? How many of these “friends” do you really know and trust enough to share your true feelings and secrets with?

Read the full post here

Times Of India - Et tu, Brutus?

I wonder how long will it be, before the media moves on - from the Bombay terror attack.

The Times Of India is already showing signs of moving on with life. They started off very smartly with their Heroes die when..you forget them campaign. And published 10 questions from the readers on the front page, on top, on a black background...
As days passed, the 10 questions sections slowly moved to the bottom, and the count decreased from 10 to 5 and now 2 questions on the very bottom, with the rest relegated to the last page...


I wonder how many days before they stop publishing them altogether??

Paranoid

Is it just me, or you too are actively looking for fire exits, places to hide, escape routes every where you go?

Bombay under attack - Mail 2

Who ever appeals to the Law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward;
Who ever cannot take care of themselves without that Law is both;
For if a wounded man were to say to his assailant If I Live I will Kill you, If I die you were forgiven

Such is the Rule of Honor "

- Lamb of God

Sent by Niket Bhusari

Bombay under attack - Mail 1

"To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods"

Read more here

PS: This comes from one of the mails I received last week...when Bombay was under attack.

Greatness...

It takes two to make greatness, one greatness itself and another who recognises greatness.
- Ayn Rand

And DARK clouds loom over Bombay...

And its not even monsoon...

 

Crabs...

Some people are like crabs. When under duress, they crawl into their shell and wait for it to pass...

Sometimes, its ok. Just don't make an habit out of it, my dear friend. Life is meant for living, and tackling issues head on. You can run and hide, but you can't escape.
:-)

 

Pic taken on Velneshwar Beach.

What are you mourning for?

A friend of mine recently asked me this question, in connection to the terrorist attack on Mumbai.

And this is what I wrote back:

Like I have said before, each time something like this happens, it kills something in me. Its not something from which I can bounce back easily. Each time, it takes more and more active effort to overcome.

Im mourning at my own helplessness. At the same time, I am pondering over what I can do, however minuscule it may be.

(Though I am not entitled to) I am mourning at my misfortune of being governed by spineless bastards who are interested only in retaining their power at a time like this. Who do not even spare the father of an martyr from their vile games. I am disgusted by humans like these.

Im mourning over the petty ego games I(people) play, when death might just be an heartbeat away? And even though I know this, I still continue doing it. Why?

And the most, I am mourning at what *my* city is reduced to. This is not the Mumbai I know.

I am really missing all my friends right now. But each's life takes different twists and turns and takes everyone further and further away.

Given time, it will wash away the hurt. But I want to come back to this post some day, and remember this feeling.

War on Mumbai - Update

I choose to live. I choose to fight back. I choose NOT to fear.

You LOSE.

When to advice?

I follow these three golden rules:

1. When asked.
2. In a life-threatening situation.
3. When I feel that the person is unable to take a right decision (And I care).

Are these rules correct? I don't know! There is no right answer for this. Most of the people I know offer unsolicited, unwanted, and unwarranted advice, which often is detrimental and is also not appreciated most of the times.

On the other hand, following these rules makes people feel that I am aloof and disinterested, which is not true.

To each, his own!!!

EDIT: Realized it yesterday, that most of the people do follow similar set of rules. The only difference is that, others assume that people are unable to take a right decision till proved right, and I assume that people are able to take a right decision, until proved wrong.

War on Mumbai - Stirred and Shaken

I used to be one of them who used to brush himself off, and head to office the next day. Have seen enough blasts, and have had dad/sister/friend & family narrowly miss the Ghatkopar blast. One of my very dear friend was even in the damn bus in which a bomb went off.
Each time, the freaking media 'salutes' the Bombay spirit. Crap. Its because nobody has a choice.

We really do not need moronic politicians trying to milk the situation for a few votes. Why don't you guys do some 'real' work instead? What is the point in making visits to The Taj, and causing even more distractions? Can't you spare a thought for the poor police guys who are on 'bandobast' duty trying to sanitize the roads? What difference did u make by visting there? If you really have the balls, go inside, and flush the terrorists out.

Today, stepping out of home after a day at home stuck to the telly, has not been without apprehension. Each incident like this kills something inside me. I really don't know how much more I, or rather we, can take it.

Right now, my thoughts are with the police and the NSG commandos who are doing their best to finish the terrorists.

Im totally stirred and shaken.

PS: There must be something, which we can do? However small, but there must be something, other than sitting around and blaming the system? At the cost of sounding clichéd, I really am sick and tired of being at the receiving end.
PPS: Read the Big B's blog here. This is exactly how I feel.

Bubbles - II

 

Soap bubbles...

Somethings are as beautiful and as shortlived as soap bubbles ;-)

Photo taken on a bright sunny day when my son was blowing soap bubbles out of the window...

 

Change...

By now, most of you must have realized that change is the only thing which is consistent in life.

Extending the thought a little bit, I was wondering if the 'rate of change' has also changed.

Look around you. Things are changing so rapidly now.

Old is GOLD...

I met up with old friends today, and realized that, while things are changing at a fast pace, some things still remain the same.

We still laugh at the same jokes, still have the same fond memories, and still are trying to grow at the same pace.

Inflation comes and goes, market goes up and down, jobs come, jobs go, family grows, responsibilities change, priorities change. But, deep down under, when the mask is off, the people still remain the same. (Thank GOD!)

Its difficult to let go...

Someone special went out of my life recently. I thought it would be easy to close that chapter and move on. But, I was very very wrong. Every time I see her, it brings loads of thoughts, longing and memories.

Life's just not the same. The spark is missing.
They say, time heals all wounds.

Lets see...

:-D
:-)
;-)

Sunset @ Nariman Point

After a long long time, had been to "town" today for a Shantaram tour.
Ended the day watching the sun go down. One unforgettable sight was to see the lights go on at the Queen's necklace. Was like watching tiny pearls glowing and forming the necklace right in front of our eyes.

Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words...

PS: Was truly, madly, deeply missing my camera there.

Lonar Ride

Me and Black Blurr in Aurangabad


That's MV modeling for me in front of his Verna



MV's Verna lighting up the night. He has 4 hella halogens, in addition to the stock 2 headlights + 2 fogs.



Tail view of the Verna.

Life's motions

How do u like life to be? Should it be continually moving (forward/backward) or it should stay at the same place?

Me? I prefer it moving forward all the time. If I am not growing, not learning anything new all the time, I feel quite depressed.

Black Blurr-The Exorcist - Followup

Finally back home yesterday. Was quite a trip, with its share of breakdowns, spills and thrills.

Personally, it was a learning experience riding all night. I am no longer afraid of it. In some ways, it is better than day time rides with less traffic, no morons crossing the roads, no animals on the road. At the same time, drowsiness is a major issue.

Stats: Took the Mumbai - Lonavala - Talegaon - Shikrapur - Ahmednagar - Aurngabad - Jalna - Sultanpur - Lonar route. Total of 525kms, one way.
While going we took 16hrs to reach due to the breakdowns, spills, and drowsiness setting in.
Return journey was done in 12 hrs flat. Was a beautiful, but gruelling ride. The ZMA is an awesome highway tourer. We were doing 90-100kmph 90% of the time. I am sure, I could not have done this ride on my Pulsar. The vibes would have been killing.

Ummm... wondering whats next :-)

Black Blurr-The Exorcist....

Another 12 hrs to go before I do something I have never done before. Am leaving for a night ride of @550Kms to Lonar. As a part of the preparation, Black Blurr has been upgraded with a louder horn, and more powerful lights (100/90 watts).

And, I still am apprehensive about this ride. I don't have to do this, but still am doing it, because I have been running from night rides for a long time now. It’s about time I did something about it. And this is it.

Lets rock and roll, and exorcise a few ghosts today ;-)

Thoughts...

How many of you have the habit of taking a step back in life, and looking at the big picture at time intervals? Check where you are headed, and check where you want to be?

How many of you are willing to the wrong things for the right cause? Taking a tactical decision, which might seem myopic, but will work out in the long run?

Velneshwar - 3

It was a dark night...

Velneshwar - 2

Velneshwar - 1

My nephew

I became a mama all over again, last month. Meet the little one.
Tentatively named Omie :-)

Krish

Krish Deshpande.

My experiments with blackout...

Last week, we had an enforced blackout since the JCB - generically known as the backhoe - accidentally dug up the electrical cables.

So, it started experimenting on photographing the candle flame, and this is what I captured...

This is right before the L&T flyover, as seen from my home...

Mee and a tree...

The story of a tree and a cloud...
God began his day making a tree...
He changed his mind and, instead, made me...
My roots go deep into the ground...
Seeking treasures that were never meant to be found
I looked up and saw this beautiful radiant cloud
Dancing in the skies...laughing aloud
I realized that I was anchored and she was free
Every breath of wind took her away from me
Fly away little cloud...fly away if the need be...
When you are ready...come back and rain down upon me

Picked up from here

BLACK BLURR

I have finally decided on a name for the ZMA.
Hereby, she is going to be called as BLACK BLURR.

PS: The extra R is for luck ;-)

My trip to Choki Dhani

I had been to a place called Choki Dhani, a few kms after Thane. Its a setup of a Rajasthani village complete with magicians, astrologers, potters, folk dances, camel rides, bullock cart rides, horse rides etc.
The ambience is that of a village fair. Let my pictures do the talking...

Change...is inevitable

People quit and change employers. I did not have to quit to do that.
I used to work for Lehman Brothers. Now I work for Nomura Holdings.

The last few weeks have been quite eventful, and everyone of us had their share of ups and downs.
I take every thing in life as experience, and truly believe that what doesn't kill me, makes me better and stronger.

However, this is one experience i do not want to repeat in life. Ever. Once is enough :-)

It, really, is in adversity, that the real personality peeks through. Rest of the time, its just a mask.

I have lost her...

8 years of togetherness.
8 years of trust.
8 years of wild rides.

Hundreds of unforgettable, priceless memories.
Devil, this one is for you. No-one can ever replace the special place you have in my life.

:-(

TFTD

Sometimes, less is more.
:-D

The Graph...

Demons...

I can battle new demons.
Its the recurring demons that wear me out...

I Was there...

Years later, when I read these lines, I would recollect that - I Was There when it unfolded.

The Phoenix lost his strength to be reborn.

Believe me First Hand Experiences are not that GOOD.

Copied with permission from here

The truth of life...

We make them cry who care for us.
We cry for those who never care for us.
And we care for those who will never cry for us.

This is the truth of life, its strange but true.
Once you realise this, its never too late to change...

Breaking News

She is mine. All mine.

The lone ranger

The lone ranger
Originally uploaded by ihrishi

Somewhere between Keylong and Sarchu...

The last 100...

The last 100...
Originally uploaded by ihrishi

The last 100 kms to Leh were simply magic. The roads were extremely beautiful. The weather was perfect. There was no traffic. There has never been an better ride in my life till now.
Ever.

I got her back...

After many many days, which seemed like months, I got her back, and also spent some quality time with her. Brought back some fond memories, a few worries, and many rocking moments spent together.

They say, distance makes the heart go fonder. I disagree. Its the reunion that makes the heart go fonder....

This post is for u, baby... :-D ;-)

Morey plains

After Pang there was 50 km stretch of plain landscape
called as MOREY PLAINS. One can cross this landscape from where ever
they feel like coz there are no roads just flat landscape with loose mud
and dust like talcum powder.

I kept following a bus, assuming that he would know the way, but after
he took a couple of U-turns, I understood that he was as lost as I was.
I was quite concerned that if I get stuck somewhere, or lose my way its
not possible for me to pull the bike out of it and spending a night at
this place is again risk for life as the flat landscape allows wind to
flow in full force and it chills like hell. I stuck to the bus as close
as possible, without blinding myself with the dust. In my mind I was
calculating the time my rations would last, and if reqd I would pile
onto the bus if it gets dark.

I finally pulled up alongside the bus and asked him if he knew the way..
And found out that he didn't. Thankfully, low on the horizon there were
a couple of trucks headed at a 90 degree tangent.. So we decided to
follow them, since they would be acquainted with the diversions better.

It was such an 'interesting' experience riding in 1 foot deep talcum
powder. My biggest fear was dropping the bike, so was riding with my
legs sticking out and skimming the surface. Now that I look at it, it
was good fun.

I have never been happier to see tarmac  :)

Leh hangover, and acknowlegements...

Was just looking at my Leh pics yet again. I can hardly believe them. Can't still believe I did it. It was a dream come true. 2 years. 2 years, I was dreaming nothing but leh. Day night. Leh. Just that. All this sounds like a cliché? Believe me, it isn't. There couldn't be truer words. Those close to me at that time, know how obsessed I was with this. The feeling when I actually entered Leh is unimaginable. The last 100 kms were MAGIC. Similar was the feeling on reaching Khardung la. I know what it feels on a dream coming true.

Now that its done, its left an empty feeling in me. Its like a void which needs to be filled. I have been a little over the top lately trying hard to come to terms with life after getting Leh'd. Things have changed, and however, things in the 'real' world have not.

Before I officially close the Leh thread, a round of thanks to the following:

1. Family - for allowing me to do Leh :)
2. Arpan - For getting the bike done. It was perfect mate. No hiccups. Could not have done it without your help.
   
3. Dr Arnob - For the slime pump, and med kit.
   
4. Ryan & MV - For guidance and support.
   
5. Rearset - for the massive packing list.
   

If i have forgotten somebody, its purely unintentional. I have a very bad memory :D
Let me know, and i will update the list.

A couple of more pics...

Dont talk and drive

Please avoid using your mobile phone while you drive..
'Coz..... i cannot follow you everywhere.....

- Special thanks to ViVi for sending this one...

One for the road...

Im back!!!

The dream finally ended. I am back home. Here is one teaser for starters... :)

khardung la

we finally made it to k-top yesterday. the weather became pretty bad
on the way back. cannot go to pangong tso today since the passes are
closed due to yesterdays rains. :-(

--
Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com

Cheers,
Hrishi
http://ihrishi.blogspot.com

Got LEH'D

my dream finally came true. i reached leh on my bike yesterday! and what a ride!
wil post the entire log whn i get back to civilization. juley frm leh...

--
Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com

Cheers,
Hrishi
http://ihrishi.blogspot.com

Leh!

Reached Leh! - 19:15 !!

 

ROHTANG PASS - conquered !

Started from Manali in morning.
Crossed Rohtang at 9.25am.
Stopped for the day at Keylong 2.40pm

Manali...

Hi All,

Reached Manali yeserday. Covered @325 odd kms yesterday. All beautiful roads. Had good fun riding. The mountains sure are quite intimidating when riding on a bike...

Tomorrow will be starting off for Keylong. Night halt there, and then on to Sarchu for the second night halt.

Final leg will be Sarchu to Leh.

Here are a few pics taken till now. Might not have connectivity till Leh.

Cheers mates!!!