old city al-balad

Last week I visited the old city Al-Balad the first time. It was really interesting. The houses were amazing, not gorgeous but were very historically rich and fertile. The balconies were mostly wooden, some precariously balanced, delicately put together by many small wooden chips. From what I read, when they build such balconies wood was hard to come by, so they had to piece together small ones. The other main attraction was the market -- a sprawling bazar with variety of items being sold. This market, also known for the gold/silver bazars, we re covered with rows of gold/silver stores. I have to go back to this part of the city again. Once we figure out a good way to travel back-forth between campus/city.

More soon, hopefully.

moving to the campus

I got the apartment. Lot of things to be fixed, but a big step forward. Also moved to my new office with a stable network connection. Classes have started too. Still managing to get some time for reading, the campus library for fiction/non-faction has started, so a good source for now. Should be able to settle down by this week.

Got a glimpse of the climbing wall. Its ok, but not as much as I expected. But optimistic but that we can move things around to get a better one, more entertaining one.

Did I find any gems yet? No. Haven't been to the old part of the city yet, but tomorrow evening is the when we go there. I am looking forward to that. Gems are getting to know the local people, how they live, how they go about with their life, their aspirations and joys, ... more later.

setting up office machine

It turns out that setting up imac is a breeze, provided you have a working mac setup. Here is what I did:
-- install winclone on old and new mac (to copy windows later, working with intel mac)
-- put the two macs on the same network, and run migration assistant on both. follow on-screen instructions and in about 2 hours I had my old mac settings transferred to the new system!
-- next ran winclone to mirror my previous win installation, copied the file over using a firewire cable (boot old laptop while pressing T), and restored win partition on new machine using winclone again. Done!
-- if win partition needs to update driver, use the macos dvd from windows -- bootcamp does the rest.

I realize that I wrote this in a bizarre style -- alternating between instruction mode, and note to myself or experience mode.

settling down

I have not gotten around exploring the city or the campus yet. The first week was spent more to get some administrative stuff out of the way. I hope soon I get things sorted so that Tuhin can join me here. It will be a strange country for him, maybe. It is amazing to see the level of activity out here. Right now the high activity level is mostly focused on construction, and a constant battle to get all things functional by the opening day. Once we go through this stage, the real fun begins when we have a stable environment and get to focus on our work. One of the rec. centers will also open by early September, or rather that's what all of us are hoping.

Last few months have been all over the globe -- china, hong kong, london, stanford, new orleans, and ofcourse jeddah. What was really nice was the few weeks I spent back in my home town -- after a long long time. It was very relaxing. On the other hand, having not being at the climbing wall for months now, I on some weight. I got myself a new pair of climbing shoes, which I hope to be able to use soon. Meanwhile my calluses are quickly disappearing. I hope the wall on campus turns out to be nice, and I am sufficiently motivated to hang out there often.

Short list of what I got done last week: get all things packed/shipped, apply for iqama, get a first tour of the house, hopefully fixed a place for office, and got a quick meeting with the students. The current commute is long -- 3hrs/day :(

back again, hopefully

Months later, another country, another nation, another adventure starts ...

imf again

Had a good time at IMF -- this is my third visit for the week. Towards the end a storm moved in, was a nice feeling to reach the top with nice cool breeze blowing all around. It is going to be almost a week before I can head back -- I think the break will do me good. Still couldnt get past that move. Well not really, got a little past, but not enough though.

imf at 42C

It wasn't fun to start with, the humidity was taking its toll, the place was silent as the birds and dogs were busy finding a hiding place and forgot to cry out once in a while. There was definitely a lull in the air when I reached IMF today around 5:30pm. I didn't meet anyone for the first 30minutes or so. It was definitely a day for swimming and not outdoor climbing. But since I was there what else could I do? The holds/rocks were stuck to their usual places, maintaining disinterested poses. A bit of self coaxing and I had put on my climbing shoes (which are torn by now, should get a new pair at some point). I started easy, but then slowly got into the mood. Having a book to read helped to take mind off the heat, and focus on the sequences. Soon, like most other days in Delhi, the temperature started dropping with occasional breeze trying its best to help. After some interesting sequences and a some success on a few bouldering tasks, it was time to put on the harness. I topped a few times, and made one more move on the sequence I am trying for the last two sessions. Maybe next time I will powerful enough to pull through the sequence, though I feel it is more a question of having enough positive vibes, rather than power or technique on that move, or sort of dyno.

imf and others

A hot afternoon, but a dry one. A tricky evening for climbing but in the end turned out to be a good session. Many failed attempts, many falls, a shouldered injury picked up, and half way through a new route. Good overall.

On a side note: Came across an auto rickshaw driver who was unusually gentle by Delhi standard. Apologized profusely for not being able to drop me off since he was heading the other direction. Helps to keep up faith in good things in life ..

lost in wilderness

Saturday morning, 6:15am, Rishikesh ... With no specific plan about how to spend the morning, decided to go for a walk. An hour later came across a small signpost claiming that few km uphill there is a primary school. I stood at the junction, not sure if to take the chance. I am glad I took it. Didnt know where I was headed, just kept going uphill leaving behind the Ganges and the motor-road behind. I meandered up through the bushes and trees. For the first half an hour nothing special happened, but something told me I should keep going rather than turning back. An hour later, one more uphill stetch brought me to a flat section --- I cannot tell what was special there, but something definitely was. It looked ordinary, but felt out of the world. The noise level was very high, but not from cars/buses but from birds. Birds who were crying out loud but I couldnt spot more than a couple of them. I was unsure whether they were excited to see me or annoyed. It felt great. I was thrilled. I felt that I was not alone, I heard footsteps behind bushes, must have been someone there -- but again couldnt see. Good things come to an end, such is life. I headed back, and ran down the trail. May be next time I am there I stay up there for a day. A place which was simply beautiful --- kind of beauty that can be felt not seen. A rare beauty ...

new places

clay oven: Hauz Khas, very good place. Reasonable decor, and excellent food. The kebabs were amazing, or may be I was just hungry after IMF.

pandara road: Finally we went there. The food was good, but not very sure if we will go back sometime very soon ... the place is not very close.

imf

Nothing special, just did a little bit of bouldering (the area is still a bit wet), a bit of top roping, a put up a few holds. I made a very nice stemming problem, but have to check next day -- may be it felt that way because I was tired a bit?

imf again

Tried leading at IMF for the first time. New experience to lead a roof, or may be overhang is a better description. Had a relaxing afternoon, was not too motivated to climb, but had to convince myself to focus well to make sure that I clip often. Should do this more often I guess -- helps to train mentally.

a weekend trip

a short trip. few new places , few new people, and then back again. more later ...

the weekend

saturday: day trip to mumbai

sunday: a visit to imf; had an amazing session with a bit of bouldering + a bit of top roping. There were two moves that I did which really took me by surprise. On Tuesday I will see if I can again get the moves, but may be it wont happen.

Imf again

Felt very lazy to start with, but in the end got a bit of workout. May be next time I should boulder a bit for a change.

Delhi zoo

After many failed attempts, rather broken plans, we finally managed to visit the Delhi zoo. At the entrance we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we are not allowed to take in any food, plastic bags, bags for that matter. Already I was impressed -- definitely a fool proof way of keeping the place clean. We bought a map from the counter before stepping in, and later this turned to be an excellent decision.

The park/zoo is big, with lots of trees and plants. The place is well kept, and the animals/birds have nice enclosures, specially given the Indian standard of zoos. The highlight was the water-bird area. The place was calm modulo frequent calls by various birds. It was fascinating to just sit there and stare at them. Later we found a way to get to the back of the bird area, and that was even better. The tiger enclosure was also hidden around the corner -- I thought they have intentionally kept the tiger area a bit obscured.

We saw too many animals to list. Overall they were in good shape, and living in tolerable enclosures. Some areas (like for monkeys) new setups are being designed/setup. The white tiger, hippopotamus, rhinos, elephants, etc. all seemed to be enjoying the nice spring afternoon. I saw white buck for the first time, and did not end up finding the white peacock area. Also missed out the reptile area. Enough reasons to go back again.

First encounter with Hoolock Gibbon: The only reason we reached the place was lured by its loud and out of the world place. It is hard to believe an animal of that size can alone create so much noise.

A great day overall ...

a week goes by

Visited IMF twice, and finished reading Khushwant Singh's 'Delhi'. A lazy week goes by ...

new places explored

imf: good session on sunday.

monday: explored the area in and around india gate and cp. Went to Bengali market and municipal market, two of the smallest markets we have seen around here. Visited Triveni, which turned out to be a good find. Finally managed to go up to the indian coffee house in cp (P block?): a nice place lost in a busy world. Other places, for the record, bengali sweet shop, and nizam.

rail museum + islamic cultural center

Rail museum: the toy train ride was short, but an experience. The various coaches, engines, tracks, boogies made it an interesting stroll in the (rail) park on a pleasant, rather almost perfect, spring afternoon in Delhi. The trees were fresh and lively, and the birds happy and chirpy. Overall very pleasant, or that's the impression I recall.

We went to the islamic cultural center afterwards to check out its canteen/restaurant. The place was surprisingly empty, but that was probably we were too early. The decor was good, the service nice, the food above average. Nothing spectacular, but definitely a decent place to go back to.

imf + kabila

Went to IMF today. Was worse that last time, but still had a reasonable session. On the way back ventured into a restaurant havent been to before: Kabila. The food was decent, and the ambiance nice -- overall a place worth visiting again.

imf

Went IMF-ing yesterday. Not a particularly long session, but it was enjoyable. Working on a new route, may be I succeed tomorrow.

sunday run

It was harder than I thought. I finished in good time, but it was just challenging since I was a bit sick and didnt eat/hydrate properly. A lesson learned. In the evening we went to Nehru park for ravi shankar spicmay performance -- a memorable experience. Now if I recover soon ...

running

Went for a run yesterday after a long long time. I have not lost my rhythm yet, felt good. Planning to visit IMF later today ...

Amritsar

We decided to visit Amritsar, the city of the Golden Temple and more importantly the city with people with golden heart. We planned extensively, which means we did not plan anything other than get train tickets a couple of weeks in advance. Rest as usual we trusted wikitravel, and our luck. We took the Swarna Shatabdi (start 7.20am) and reached Amritsar 1.20pm. A short rickshaw ride got us in front of the famous temple rather the gurdwara. The ride itself showed us glimse of few run down lanes, and more interestingly pretty old almost dilapaded building --- we knew we have arrived at the right place. It has its own charm admist all the chaos and mess. Finding an accomodation was surprisingly easy. After 2-3 failed attempts we ended up in Hotel-Temple City Guest House (450/night) located next to Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple.

After dropping off our luggage, we visited Kamal Singh Kulche wala for a quick lunch (Alu and Gobi kulcha, lassi). It was already time to head towards Wagha border parade which lasted from 5-6pm. The autorickshaw brought us back to the temple again --- seems like the heart of the city (also the old city). We had a quick bite from Chocolate planet (Black forest cake ). We walked around checking the side lanes and back alleys and ended up at the karpra (cloth) market. We decided to come back again next day since it was getting late. We stop for dinner at the Brother’s Dhaba (Cheese Paratha, Chane mini meal, lassi).

Finally it was time to visit the Golden temple visit at about 10 pm. It so happened that the Adi Granth was being removed around that time. We wandered around in the temple complex until 11pm. Then we ventured out to some adjacent lanes and by-lanes, before calling it a day.

Next day morning we visited the Jallianwala bagh . The history text was interesting to say the least. Standing in front of the wall we were just trying to imagine how things were on that fateful day .. almost a centrury before. The narration of the widow who stayed at the field overnight surrounded by some 300 dead people touched our minds.

Afterwards we went to the Kapra market and brought some stuff (670). After quite a bit of exploration, and wandering in more old lanes with run down buildings we found the famed Kesar da Dhaba (Roti, Paratha,dal fry, lassi). We headed back and checked out from hotel. Thereafters we went to Golden temple again. Later we dosed off while relaxing at a park. Again explored some areas and bought some local specialities -- Punjabi jutti (150), Kirpan (140), Papad warian . Had some hot jalebi at jalebiwala, and a cold softy at Softy parlour. One last stop for Alu tikki , collected our bag from the hotel and borded the train to reach back Delhi ~11pm.

It will take a few days before we forget the bylanes .. I loved them, and the ambiance -- from an age gone by.

Could not find any proper outlet for fish Amritsari!!!

IMF again

It just gets better. Had a good session there, got a couple of moves further. Should be fun next time around ... once I am fresher and not drained out.

Also explored the back lanes of Kidwai nagar yesterday. Such hidden lanes, so close to South Ex and Defense Colony .. hard to believe. So much difference in so close proximity.

IMF

I am getting addicted to it, again. I long to go back to the place, and the routes, rather the unfinished ones, keep coming back at me. Yesterday, we added a few more holds on the wall and this should open up a couple of new options. Should be fun. Next it is going to be Tuesday, or that's what I hope for.

What also helps is I know most of the regulars by now. So when I am not climbing I can talk with others, explore possibilities, and push each other on up new routes. I should work out to get back in shape, let's see how things work out ...

haridwar and rishikesh

We made a short trip to the mountains: well that is surely an exaggeration. It was more like scratching the surface, and going close to the himalayas. The trip was too short! There's not much to mention about the train journey or about Haridwar. There were few surprises. Things changed when we moved to Rishikesh. The mountains were just visible, the water was clearer, the people friendly, and the air crisp. We took a few longish walks: the walk in the evening along the moonlit trail/road was mesmerising. Even the stroll in the morning will give me company for days to come. It was hard to get away from the place, but had to. I just need to go back there, I know the mountains are waiting ...

(There are too many things to write about the trip, small things. But I find it hard to write since I am just drifting off, and unable to focus on putting down my thoughts. May be it is meant to be that way ...)

the cat

we spotted a kitten near our place some 2-3 weeks back. since then it has been growing cuter by the day, and wonders around the place under strict vigilance of its mother. got some nice pictures.

on a different thread, have been reading the last mughal. not sure how much of it is true, but a fascinating read all the same. my mind drift off more often than usual. motivates me to go back and explore mehrauli a bit more.

after a long break

Before I forget let me jot down interesting things that happened in the past month:
-- first, there was the deadline. It was tiring but fun. Let us see how it turns out to be. Learned a bit in the process, and all those long days were very enjoyable, but a bit tiring.
-- went to Jama Masjid: had (liver) kebabs on the footsteps of the mosque, witnessed a unusually skilled guy tossing giant parathas into hot oil, had a nice stroll in the courtyard of the mosque, had a roll a karim's, had bare miyan's kebab, had phirni, and stopped by at moti mahal on the way back.
-- went to imf 2-3 times. Met some new folks, and had a few good climbs.
-- found/discovered the sabzi mandi (hidden) towards the back of south moti bagh market. Surprisingly fresh vegtables and fruits in lots of varieties.
-- had frankie for the first time
-- had a few success at cooking front.
-- visited the Lotus Temple. The bahai faith is impressive, quite some nice philosophies hidden in there. Also the architecture ...
-- the campus is too pretty these days. Did also visit the campus nursery, and rose garden across the campus. The flowers are so beautiful. I somehow feel more attracted towards the wild flowers, or the hybrid one, rather than the roses.
-- went to deer park and stopped by at naibidyam. The Hauz Khas and the ruins across offered a gentle stroll and a lazy afternoon full with memories.

Have been guilty of not reading much these days. Somehow time is running by, need to be more efficient. Also time to go out running a bit. The evening classes have sort of thrown me off schedule. I am not just motivated enough to go running in the morning.

We are off this weekend, so may be there will be some interesting thing to write down early next week. Lets see how cold and refreshing the Ganges is these days. Fresh snow melt .. may be ..