tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27766205334703192502024-03-06T13:15:20.842+08:00Traveling, photography and beyond~~~Doing the Things I LoveMoonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-19584506703852147142014-07-01T18:30:00.001+08:002014-07-01T18:30:44.871+08:00The Old Church, A Sanctuary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Years ago, I went to Macau. It was only a day trip before I took the ferry to Hong Kong. That was when I met my good friend Andrea, and now he is like a family, since my sisters "adopted" him. It was a long story.<br />
<br />
So... Years ago... I was in Macau, strolling through the square near Saint Paulo Cathedral, and on to the museums and spoke to an old man tending an old Museum. I had his photos somewhere, it's gone now. I don't know where my backup is.<br />
<br />
Macau was meant to be a touch and go trip anyway. I wanted to go to Hong Kong, but Airasia does not fly to Hong Kong then. So with RM400 budget on flight, I decided it was not a good idea to get in from Macau. It was only a ferry ride away.<br />
<br />
I believe I have became a bad writer since I have not been writing properly for a couple of years...<br />
<br />
Back to the story, again.<br />
<br />
It was after lunch. I was walking along the street, wander along the streets to back alley way and on to a park where old folks and birds are hanging out. The sound of birds singing and the quiet chatter of old folks, the crisp sound of newspaper filipping, the April wind brushing old trees... I remember I sat in the shade for a while, watching people and the still world in front of me.Such a huge difference from Saint Paulo Cathedral where all the tourists hangout.<br />
<br />
And then I got up and walk further, and found myself in an old church.<br />
<br />
I went in, put in some money in the donation box, and sat down at one of the pews.<br />
<br />
An old lady was sweeping the floor. The light, short stroke of the broom against the floor, so careful so the dust will not dance around the hall... and her footsteps light and careful.<br />
<br />
The echo of both sweeping and footsteps filled the hall... it was so quiet, I can hear the dust rising and falling...<br />
<br />
It was one of the most peaceful moment I had in my life...<br />
<br />
It was the longest time I spent in a church, on my own, not during a mass.<br />
<br />
The old lady sweeping the floor slowly got closer and closer to me, and our eyes met.<br />
<br />
"Haven't seen you for a while," in a low voice, almost whisper, she said "How are are you?"<br />
<br />
I smiled. Not going to correct her, and said in the same manner, "Yes. How are you?"</div>
Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-32318048815361335482011-12-02T19:48:00.004+08:002011-12-03T12:42:38.162+08:00Kolhapur - Part 4So, we went back.<br /><br />I went back to my room and Angana was watching TV. We checked out a few HOT HOT HOT Bollywood music video, checked out a few pretty cool condom commercials, and kind of watched a movie... in case you're wondering, we were switching channels every 10 minutes... and then we slept.<br /><br />So I went back to the club later, did not know what to expect. I only knew it was a Mahendi function and only ladies was invited. But I did not know what it was all about.<br /><br />It turned out to be a party where girls getting their hands don with beautiful flowery patterns and I totally loved it.<br /><br />those Mahendi artists work pretty fast.<br /><br />This is a party where all the girls would get to chit chat, have snacks and drinks, and admire the bride's Mahendi and look for the groom's name on her arms.<br /><br />After I learned that it was for the groom to look for his name on the bride's Mahendi, I went, "Wow! that's Kinky."<br /><br />But of course, all the girls would check it out and giggle the entire evening.<br /><br />So I got to know Anju's girl friends from school - Sai Dheepa, Anusha, Aiswarya, and Randeep. They were really nice. They took care of me and made sure I am involve in the party. It felt like I've known them for years.<br /><br />The even invited me to go shopping with them tomorrow.<br /><br />It was quite nice until the light is off and everybody started dancing, and it was the hottest party ever!<br /><br />Bangra! I would only party in India from now on. It was so good you don't need anything else to feel the joy and happiness. Of course a couple of hard drink would help but this is totally GREAT!!!<br /><br />Everybody move together and it just like those in movies. It seems everyone went to the same dancing school.<br /><br />Slowly, guys join in the party and the dance floor came alive.<br /><br />Late that night, Angana joined us also, that shocked me because she said she was not coming.<br /><br />We dance and laughed the entire night.<br /><br />One song after another and another and another, when the clock hit 12 mid-night, I thought, so this is what Sangeet is like. We just snack, drink, and dance all night. That's not too bad isn't it.<br /><br />I was actually hungry.<br /><br />So when the light came on and music stopped, I thought we should be making a move and started looking for Angana, wondering if we could find some place to have some food...<br /><br />Strangely, everyone still hangs around, chit chat, some uncles even opening new bottle of whisky.<br /><br />5 second later, the waiters started arranging long tables with chairs.<br /><br />10 seconds later, the groom's father announced, "Please be seated, dinner is served."<br /><br />Dinner at mid-night?<br /><br />That's a first.<br /><br />So dinner ends around 1 and we slowly adjourned back to our hotels.<br /><br />Next adventure - Church wedding.Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-77355369850902133482011-09-10T21:37:00.002+08:002011-09-10T21:43:49.248+08:00Kolhapur - Part 3And now! The very event that every lady would look forward to - Mahendi!!!!!!!<br /><br />In the invitation it said 4pm. Angana was not up for it but Emma was. So Emma and I met downstairs at the lobby and got ourselves an auto and off we went!<br /><br />Guess what! As we arrived at the club, the people just started to decorate the place and Anju was just getting her Mahendi done, which would take hours!<br /><br />"The party is not going to start until 6:30pm." Anju said.<br /><br />Well that's great! Because we was told that Mahendi supposed to start at 4pm!<br /><br />Here we learned: Everything in India is not going to go according to plan, so don't plan. Just be very very late!<br /><br />So we went back to the hotel and I continue to nap.Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-63652994928067632222011-09-02T08:36:00.003+08:002011-09-02T08:41:33.941+08:00The Girl<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2bep-cSIFdUr2RhWRo7X8L0dm6lCt2dxmjHsJ1_TdvxWfH1dC_h_TqiCIbsSYqWxXw39jR3T9S8Oc3EXpR0ODzxzQiQ67_UlNeLJUzuK5LNeH9-zs17BoDykOMNsIiY0Apuahfy8GYVA/s1600/DSC_7502.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2bep-cSIFdUr2RhWRo7X8L0dm6lCt2dxmjHsJ1_TdvxWfH1dC_h_TqiCIbsSYqWxXw39jR3T9S8Oc3EXpR0ODzxzQiQ67_UlNeLJUzuK5LNeH9-zs17BoDykOMNsIiY0Apuahfy8GYVA/s400/DSC_7502.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647555720114245826" border="0" /></a>She is from Delhi
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She works @ Google
<br />She has great smile
<br />She likes Transformers and X-men
<br />I do not know her name
<br />I think she is beautiful
<br /></div>
<br />Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-40368598353332650522011-08-25T20:35:00.008+08:002011-08-25T21:40:14.547+08:00Ladies Sangeet<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangeet">Sangeet</a>, traditionally means "sung together", in modern term, it means party.
<br />
<br />It is an event everyone look forward to. Men and women, young and old, in true Bollywood fashion, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhangra"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bhangra</span></a> is the only way to go.
<br /></div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltcf-uIokHn-9bqouzk-i0sGpEph5HoSBtQlT7I2QvWKrKi3lIOATPLZGEp08LZ-vqE7tfh131wiZnlKgDwvkoHAyH15fQ5YcLn15jvuEo-THtPpGg7ByUvfXZ71JsHCgDxh4j20Gkagr/s1600/DSC_6342.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltcf-uIokHn-9bqouzk-i0sGpEph5HoSBtQlT7I2QvWKrKi3lIOATPLZGEp08LZ-vqE7tfh131wiZnlKgDwvkoHAyH15fQ5YcLn15jvuEo-THtPpGg7ByUvfXZ71JsHCgDxh4j20Gkagr/s400/DSC_6342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644771489725604130" border="0" /></a>Ladies <span style="font-style: italic;">Sangeet</span>
<br />
<br /></div>This is ladies <span style="font-style: italic;">sangeet</span>, only mothers and daughters was invited to this event. It may look mellow here, but these mamas are hot on the dance floor. You might want to start a bonfire to complete the look.
<br />Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-58199583000609546722011-08-09T17:29:00.005+08:002011-08-09T20:56:18.264+08:00Kolhapur - Part 2So it was dead 3am in the morning, and I found a Chinese girl greeting me at the door and I was like...
<br />
<br />Blur.
<br />
<br />How exciting is it?
<br />
<br />So I was there with my mouth half open for like a few seconds, and she was looking at me with her just out of bed eyes.
<br />
<br />Finally... "Am I at the right room?" I asked.
<br />
<br />"Yes. I've been expecting you. Come in!" She said, with faint Indian accent.
<br />
<br />I dragged my luggage in and watched her getting back into bed.
<br />
<br />"Where are you from?" I asked.
<br />
<br />"I'm from Manipur, north east of India. I'm Indian." She smiled, "My name is Angana."
<br />
<br />"My name is YY... Please. You sleep. I'm sorry to wake you at this hour." I said, "trying to think where Manipur is, beginning to appreciate how diverse India is. "I'll come to bed when I'm done washing."
<br />
<br />"Ok. Good night."
<br />
<br />It was a very big but basic bathroom. There was a shower head, a sink, a bucket with ladle, and toilet with washer.
<br />
<br />No toilet paper.
<br />
<br />Sleepy... I filled the bucket with cold water, bathed, brushed my teeth, washed my face... and then went to bed.
<br />
<br />I fell asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.
<br />
<br />I woke up around 6:30am. it's already bright and sunny out there.
<br />
<br />Kolhapur was quieter than Mumbai. I can hear motorbike puttering around, but they hardly honk.
<br />
<br />Probably no need to.
<br />
<br />I stayed in bed for awhile... read a bit of book (I can't remember which book I brought with me now...), and then moved near the window. The air condition was to cold.
<br />
<br />The window panel was wide enough for me to sit on, so I continue reading there, with curtain drawn so the sunlight would not disturb Angana, who was still sleeping.
<br />
<br />I was not sure what the exact plan was, because there was a last minute temple wedding, which I was not quite informed what time was the session, and where it will be held. Basically I will have to depend on Angana.
<br />
<br />Angana woke up just after 7:30am...
<br />
<br />We went for breakfast. It was a very simple and clean vegetarian breakfast.
<br />
<br />And then we went back to the room and chill.
<br />
<br />I asked her what's the plan, and she said just wait for them to call. we probably leave after 9:30am only.
<br />
<br />So we chill... watched some TV (Bollywood MTV rocks!), read some book. Talk a lot about other thing like what India is all about and what Manipur is like, what your father do, what your mother do, how many brother and sister do you have etc..
<br />
<br />9am, we start getting ready. She helped me drape the sari. and then we started doing makeup... in less than half an hour, we are ready, and waiting for someone to call.
<br />
<br />9:45am, phone rings.
<br />
<br />It was Emma.
<br />
<br />"Hi YY. It's nice to hear your voice..."
<br />
<br />So her story was, she and Ben went down to wait for a bus... but there was not any bus waiting for anybody, so she doesn't really know what's happening and thought whether or not they were left out of the convoy.
<br />
<br />I told her we were waiting for someone to call too...
<br />
<br />Angana started calling Anju's brother, Keshav.
<br />
<br />Apparently they should not be any bus, but cars arranged by the groom's family and so for and so forth...
<br />
<br />Apparently everyone should be at the club or at the temple already...
<br />
<br />Apparently, we and Ben and Emma was left out.
<br />
<br />Apparently, now the fastest way is to hop on an auto and get to the club so Keshav can arrange our transport from there.
<br />
<br />So, I told Emma, you know, I think we just get an auto, everyone left already.
<br />
<br />And then, 4 of us was at the lobby, me struggling to walk properly in my sari... trying to get an auto across the road.
<br />
<br />Emma and Ben got an auto and went, Angana and I got the next one in less then a minute, and we went to pick up another guy, Robbie, from another hotel.
<br />
<br />And then, we were at the club 10 minutes later.
<br />
<br />We paid, and went to Anju's room.
<br />
<br />She was getting ready and there was many girls admiring her sari...
<br />
<br />She was stunning!
<br />
<br />She looked up as we arrived, when a lady was doing some final touches on her sari, she told her mom, "Mom, help YY to draped her sari again?"
<br />
<br />My drape was on the wrong side of my shoulder.
<br />
<br />So Anju's mom, Mini, pulled me aside and start donning the sari for me.
<br />
<br />A few minutes and a few safety pin later, the sari was done. And I felt alright.
<br />
<br />So we chit chat and hangout with a few other, I got to know Anusha, Aishwarya, Sai Dheepa and Bala, Aruna, Randeep and Keshav (finally we got introduced).
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237900222_JNMZa-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6079/1237900222_JNMZa-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a>
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pretty ladies
<br />(From left to right: Randeep, Sai Dheepa, Aishwarya and Anusha)
<br /></span></div>
<br />After about half an hour later, all of us was arrange to hop on a few cars, with Anju's cousin, and we were well on our way to the temple for the wedding.
<br />
<br />I was quite excited.
<br />
<br />10 minutes later, we arrived at the temple and something didn't feel right.
<br />
<br />After asking a few people around, and a few phone calls later, we were at the wrong temple.
<br />
<br />The misunderstanding was because Anju's cousin can't speak much Hindi so he pronounced the name wrongly, hence we were at the wrong temple.
<br />
<br />It was quite funny and we laughed about it. Everyone put their hands up to the temple direction to seek forgiveness, and then hop on the car and off we go again.
<br />
<br />We rushed to the other temple and the rest of them already there, the wedding was just about to start.
<br />
<br />Unlike South India, the Hindu temple here are quite simple. No idols towering the sky, just plain white stupa modestly sticking out just above the roof of the other buildings.
<br />
<br />The wedding was quite small, but it was nice. It was a Maharathi wedding. A lot of rice and ghee were used... on 2 coconut was used, but not broken.
<br />
<br />First, we put the bride and groom on stage, and then 2 persons would hold up a piece of cloth so they can't see each other.
<br />
<br />The priest will recite and at some point, everyone would throw rice and them. A sign of happiness, prosperity and good luck.
<br />
<br />And then, the cloth would drop and they would see each other.
<br />
<br />The Priest would then go and start a fire at one corner of the temple, this one was next to the stage, while we waited.
<br />
<br />Now it's time for them to put thali (Gold chain) on the bride... presents from relatives.
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237899193_QXcyF-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6024/1237899193_QXcyF-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a>
<br /></div>
<br />And then they adjourned to the fireplace and sat.
<br />
<br />The priest will start reciting, and then the groom will spoon some ghee and pour it into the fire.. with the bride hand on his arm.
<br />
<br />That gone on for about 20 minutes... at one point, Keshav, was to tease the groom for marrying the sister.
<br />
<br />The groom would tie a string around the bride wrist. Think it's significant of they are married and their lifeline is now tied together.
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237900597_H3hDj-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6101/1237900597_H3hDj-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a>
<br /></div>
<br />I wish I know the language, at least I would know what they talk about.
<br />
<br />Anyway, moving on, the ceremony finished, they are married, and everyone, well, not EVERYONE, rushed to the canteen where they served lunch.
<br />
<br />Angana and I sat down to take a break. we had been taking photo and it was getting hotter.
<br />
<br />Keshav came to invite us for lunch, and we said let's wait for the other's to finish first.
<br />
<br />"It is a shame to say, " Keshav smiled shyly, "That people just rush to the food everytime when the ceremony is finish, instead of waiting for the host to invite."
<br />
<br />I didn't notice that, but I did notice most Indian do not believe in cuing up. Even when it comes to friend and relative's party.
<br />
<br />Anyway, when the crowd subsided, Mini came to invite Angana and me to join her.
<br />
<br />It was a wholesome lunch. I really enjoy it.
<br />
<br />Mini and I talked a lot. She used to work in Malaysia and she knew some of the people I worked with.
<br />
<br />After lunch, Keshav arranged transport for us to go back to the hotel.
<br />
<br />It was a very hot afternoon.
<br />
<br />Kolhapur is so flat and so bare, there were hardly any trees or green. You get direct heat from the sun everywhere you turn.
<br />
<br />Angana and I decided to stay in the room and chill, watched Bollywoon movie and music video (Men! Watched them move!), watched a little bit of cricket, and sleep...
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237900972_8nrCR-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6133/1237900972_8nrCR-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a>
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">This is Angana and me :)
<br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-33013575721708878082011-08-08T21:36:00.007+08:002011-08-08T22:37:28.492+08:00Kolhapur - Part 1Dheepa and I took an auto to the domestic airport because Anju's dad flew in from Cochin, so the bus will be waiting for us there.
<br />
<br />Being in Mumbai super rush hour, the traffic was jam packed with lots of cars, busses and auto. There was many people selling strawberries.
<br />
<br />"Wow! The strawberries here are really pretty." I said.
<br />
<br />"Really?" Dheepa looked at them from afar, frown, doubted.
<br />
<br />"Ya! These are red, plum and pretty. I wonder what it taste like." I admire them further without lifting an interest on my face.
<br />
<br />"Do you have strawberries in Malaysia?" Dheepa asked, adjusting her seat, her knee really was hurting.
<br />
<br />"Ya. They look like cancer."
<br />
<br />Dheepa laughed.
<br />
<br />When we reached the airport... honestly, this is one of the best domestic airport I've ever been. The waiting area was open and large, and the walkway was well paved.
<br />
<br />Anyway, we found Anju's dad and joined him. We had a little chat. He was a very quiet man, apparently a well known camera man in India.
<br />
<br />Anju and the rest of the convoy came about 20 minutes later.
<br />
<br />The reunion... well, I forgot how tall she was. The young pretty face replaced by a matured, beautiful young woman face.
<br />
<br />I met the mother, a soft spoken lady with strong character. She worked in Malaysia for a few years, and that's how Anju and I met.
<br />
<br />And then we adjourned to the bus, where there was 4 peoples waiting for us, excluding the driver.
<br />
<br />Ben and Emma (an Australian couple), a very bubbly Canadian girl (I forgot her name), and Yogita, Indian lives in UAE. All of them are working friends of Anju in Dubai.
<br />
<br />After we said goodbye to Dheepa, we hop on the bus and started our journey, directly in the traffic.
<br />
<br />The traffic was awfully solid on the way out of Mumbai. Later, we found out that there was a fire at the train station, therefore the entire city stop.
<br />
<br />It took us 3 hours to get on to the highway, when it was already dark.
<br />
<br />This is what I was excited about. Every single lane on the highway was occupied by big huge cargo trucks. All of them was huge, heavy, and FAST!!!!
<br />
<br />All of them had "HORN OK PLEASE" painted on every one of them. Agaist the boring red or black or brown; or the colourful, sometimes tattooed with lord Ganesha on them.
<br />
<br />They HONK ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Every few seconds you'll get a honk without fail.
<br />
<br />See. The culture of honking here is basic road manner.
<br />
<br />The truck was too big to see what's behind them, so they wouldn't know when to give way for the car behind. So the car behind, if wish to overtake the car or truck in front, they honk to ask for permission, and the car or truck in front would honk to say "it's ok (to overtake or the coast is clear)".
<br />
<br />so just honk to your heart content driving in India. It's good manners. Get used to it.
<br />
<br />very soon, we need dinner.
<br />
<br />2 hours later, we are in the McDonald's by the highway.
<br />
<br />The vege burger was really really good.
<br />
<br />After dinner, we hit the highway again, and this time, we stuck at the tol... with 10 to 12 rows of trucks in front of us.
<br />
<br />Since every one was moving was slowly, those truck driver had fun with their melodic horn, and ladies and gentlemen! We had India very own highway symphony.
<br />
<br />It was quite funny really.
<br />
<br />After that... I kind of drifting to sleep, but every so often, I was woken up by a honk here and there, and I notice we went into one tunnel after another, and all of them are so ancient, I thought I just about to enter the ice age when coming out of the other side.
<br />
<br />After a few drifting in and out of sleep, we arrived in Kolhapur...
<br />
<br />Gosh~~~ I finally get to stretch my legs.
<br />
<br />Since Dheepa can't come, I was supposed to be on my own, but Anju's brother's girlfriend decided to attend the wedding, so I suddenly have a roommate.
<br />
<br />I was overjoyed that I did not need to drape the sari on my own.
<br />
<br />I looked for my room #109. It was 3am in the morning, and I knocked the door... 3 times.
<br />
<br />When I was about to give up, a girl opened the door.
<br />Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-78358809400111668802011-08-01T22:21:00.009+08:002011-08-08T22:28:46.095+08:00Chennai - A Cultural Experience, June 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Chennai-A-Cultural-Experience/18221403_SVKD3x#1400981072_VpZMjHG-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Chennai-A-Cultural-Experience/i-VpZMjHG/0/M/DSC7346-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a>
<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Farewell - The bride and her father
<br /></div>
<br />Mr. Virdi said Randeep is his favorite daughter, it was hard to let her go...
<br />
<br />The rest of the album of Chennai - A Cultural Experience, June 2011 is <a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Chennai-A-Cultural-Experience/18221403_SVKD3x">here</a>.Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-61229712014689908092011-05-23T21:34:00.005+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.537+08:001 & a Half day in Mumbai - FinalI am going to finish this fast because I can't wait to get on to the next destination.<br /><br />I woke up at 7am and relax on the couch until Dheepa woke up.<br /><br />Shops are not open until 10am so we watched a movie on her laptop - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_to_Sangam">The Road to Sangam</a>, and had breakfast.<br /><br />And then we get ready and went out to find our guy who promised to take us to the tailor.<br /><br />And then we realised something is dodgy because he said he will take me and Dheepa can stay. Dheepa insist that she will not leave me alone.<br /><br />We were at the tailor and it was close (for some strange reason), so we walked around a bit and found a tailor.<br /><br />The blouse was ready to be picked up at 2pm<br /><br />We went to those jewelry shop to pick up some accessories to go with the saree. Oh my God these men are fast in picking the right size and the right colour. I ended up with many colourful bangles at INR 35.<br /><br />I also picked up some pretty ornamental Bindee. The little jewel Indian girl stick on their forehead.<br /><br />And then we went to the facial parlor to do all the girlie staff like threading, waxing, manicure and pedicure.<br /><br />I had a latte at Cafe Coffee Day.<br /><br />And then we rushed back and had lunch at High Point - Dosa and Cheeku (ciku) shake.<br /><br />And then we went to pick up the blouse. It was perfect, beautifully stitched.<br /><br />And then we went home to get ready to leave for Mumbai domestic airport to meet Anju and the convoy.<br /><br />After many phone calls and traffic jam and people selling strawberries and funny haha later, we arrived at the Domestic airport.<br /><br />It was a very nice airport.<br /><br />And I forgot how tall Anju was.<br /><br />We bid farewell with Dheepa, hopped on the van and the 9 hours journey to Kolhapur begun.<br /><br />It was 6:30pm.Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-89132795469637060032011-04-19T17:22:00.003+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.537+08:001 & half day in Mumbai - Part 5When we arrived at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchgate">Churchgate Railway Station</a>, the after office hour crowd was there too. There was easily thousands of them!<br /><br />It was a very grand, very dirty, very overused, but also very well maintain.<br /><br />Because it was so crowded, and we are quite tired, Dheepa and I left almost immediately. Practically like fish swimming against the current, just to get out.<br /><br />So, we continued with our mission to look for Fab-India, however, according to our source, Fab-India is in Juhu Street, which was not near where we were, and then according to another source, we should be able to find a Fab-India in central Mumbai.<br /><br />It is getting late, so Dheepa suggest let's just go around Juhu street since the Punjabi couple lives not far from there.<br /><br />So we told the driver to send us to the couple's home, for a visit.<br /><br />It took us half an hour to get there.<br /><br />The couple lives in the most expensive area in Mumbai, and they were very very nice.<br /><br />Uncle was not feeling so well, but he was still jolly and chat with us. And auntie was one nice lady.<br /><br />According to Dheepa, they met when she and her husband was living in Vietnam. The old man (sorry I forgot his name) was a banker (That explains the wealth) and his sons are now banker too.<br /><br />We showed the old lady my sari and she complimented it and said it was very nice colour and it was perfect for the temple wedding.<br /><br />And then we joke about not getting a blouse since we are running out of time.<br /><br />They also advised me on do and don't in Goa, "Don't be too adventures," Uncle said, when I told them I will be staying near Anjuna beach, "Those peoples can be notorious."<br /><br />They invited me to join them for dinner when I come back from Kolhapur.<br /><br />Anyhow... I think I was almost half dead now and we are still have not found me a saree blouse.<br /><br />We told the driver we are looking for Fab India in Juhu street and he took us marry go round so place else and finally we are in Juhu which is not quite Juhu street and then Dheepa's friend's called said need to pass her something so we are going to meet him in Infinity Mall.<br /><br />45minutes later, we can't find Fab-India and we were already in Infinity Mall and found Dheepa's friend who was a film editor and he is getting married in Varanasi in a week time.<br /><br />He invited me to his wedding.<br /><br />We were home an hour later... which was around 10pm.<br /><br />Tired and hungry, we went to the chat shop down the street to have some snack.<br /><br />We bought coupons for vada-pav (vadai sandwhich) and belpuri (rice salad). The must try in guide book. And then I saw Panni puri on the menu. I asked Dheepa what panni puri was, and Dheepa had no idea so she asked the boss behind the cash register.<br /><br />The boss looked at us like 'how can you not know what it is?' and then explain in (more like mumble) in Hindi it's something small and crispy, with some puffy thing inside, and then dung in spicy liquid, "and you should eat it as a whole." He gesture putting the entire bite size thing into his mouth with a satisfying look on his face.<br /><br />"Try first." He said.<br /><br />Ok... we went ahead to get our vada-pav and belpuri, and the boss showed us the Panni puri stand and told the boy what we want.<br /><br />Everyone was lining up to get their Panni puri. The guy behind the stand took out a puri (crispy ball about the size of a ping pong ball) from of a big round container that look like a giant size cookie jar, punch a hole with his thumb, fill it up with bits and pieces that looks like corn, and then dung it in a metal jar, and the thing came out filled with spicy liquid.<br /><br />This is why you have to put the entire thing in your mouth and take your time to savour the juice and the crunchy deep fried puri.<br /><br />It was fantastic! Spicy, sweet, and salty at the same time.<br /><br />Dheepa and I liked it very much. And because of that, we didn't enjoy the vada-pav and Belpuri as much.<br /><br />Vada-pav was vada sandwhich - very straight forward - vada + bun = vada-pav. No vege, no sauce. Just that!<br /><br />Belpuri was puff rice salad with some deep fried cruncy stuff all over it. It was nice... but not as nice as Panni puri ;)<br /><br />So, my favorite snack in India is = Panni Puri!!!!!!!<br /><br />Panni = water<br /><br />Puri - deep fried ping pong ball!<br /><br />Tomorrow, I will be going to Kolhapur and I have not found my blouse. This is a big huge disaster.<br /><br />And then we saw this accessories shop next to the chat shop, so we stopped by and 'look at' what they are selling.<br /><br />Suddenly, Dheepa asked the girl, "Do you know any tailor that can stich a blouse in 2 hours?"<br /><br />"Oh yes!" The girl said, and then a guy who can't speak English came along and said he can take us there tomorrow morning.<br /><br />Apparently if we go there (because we are not local) the tailor might cheat us. So, it is better for him to bring us.<br /><br />So, we are going to get a blouse stitch before I leave to Kolhapur :)Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-68414629061559520432011-04-11T14:05:00.005+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.538+08:001 & half day in Mumbai - Part 4Ok... Enough for hating myself for not taking photo. I blame Dheepa.<br /><br />Anyway, it was great to be there looking at the monument, blaming myself for not being Indian enough to don't plan, just do it. I also blame no one warn me before head.<br /><br />So... along the way there was many army and police since it was right next to the Taj hotel. Security is extremely tight here. They can't afford to lose another life, the Cricket World Cup going on, it is better to tighten up the security to protect fellow human being.<br /><br />So road was a narrow one way street and you can't turn back unless you are riding on a horse and carriage decorated with tons of flowers and gold.<br /><br />The driver dropped us on the side of Taj Hotel, we walked passed police, soldiers and mix of foreign and local visitors, passed a very smelly public toilet with vendor selling flowers and big huge balloon, and occassionally 1 feet long cricket bat, pen, watch and boiled peanuts.<br /><br />After passing through the security scanner, we are in the compound of the Gateway of India!!!!!<br /><br />We looked at the Gateway of India and sigh how grand it was, how nice the sunset was, and those pigeon pecking and shitting away spreading virus/bacteria, and how disgusting it was for peoples to spit all over the place like the entire place was a public toilet!<br /><br />"Just now I saw a guy who spit 3 times in a row!" Dheepa said, as I watched a dusty woman clad in sari with a dusty child in her arm and spit about 2 feet away from me as she walks, "How disgusting."<br /><br />"Spitting is fine. I am surprise where he got some much of flam!"<br /><br />We laughed. What else can you do?<br /><br />So we walked at ease, Dheepa fished out her Sony point and shoot and we took some photos (which I'm still waiting for her to send them to me).<br /><br />The wind was so cool we forgot about the heat in the afternoon, and join the crowd looking out at the Arabian Sea.<br /><br />It was very nice, and surprisingly calm (with ranging horns and traffic noise 5 meters away).<br /><br />We spent about 20 minutes there and we decided it's time to go.<br /><br />As we walking back to the main entrance, an old man holding some prayer stuff and dressed like a priest, obviously fake one saw us, or rather, saw me and walk towards us.<br /><br />As I had been a poor tourist with nothing much to offer for many times now, I instinctively (trying) to walk away before he catch me, but...<br /><br />Dheepa, she paused and wondered what the old man was doing, despite me trying to drag her away.<br /><br />And the old ma started doing all kinds of "ritual" on her - mumbling away whatever it was, don a red dot on her forehead, tying a multi-coloured string on her wrist (This is when she, "What is he doing?!" on top of her voice) and then gave her some candy like flower looking beats on her palm...<br /><br />And then he turned to me and done the same thing...<br /><br />Dheepa, is more a tourist than Indian.<br /><br />So after he finish mumbling away, pointed at the string on our wrist, "This is for good luck." And then the candy like flower looking beats, "This is sweet."<br /><br />Both of us looked at her, wide eyed.<br /><br />"And now I will need some money."<br /><br />All in less than 10 second.<br /><br />I looked at Dheepa, and Dheepa looked at me, she opened her bag, fished out her purse, and gave the man INR20.<br /><br />The man thanked us and walked away... Happily...<br /><br />Business must be good that day.<span jsid="text"><br /><br />Dheepa was suspicious of the guy might have voodooed us, so she quickly called a friend to find out if they know anything.. Again... these few calls away seems to work for everything.<br /><br />Or she was just paranoid.<br /><br />Anyhow, her friend said it's ok. don't worry about it. Just throw and wash away anything the fellow don on us if we don't want to keep them.<br /><br />So that's what we did.<br /><br />It was quite funny actually.<br /><br />Anyhow.. it was getting late. So we decided to continue with our mission. But the driver had other plan for us - the Churchgate Railway station.<br /></span>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-68106913120195203342011-04-07T20:22:00.005+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.538+08:001 & half day in Mumbai - Part 3The lunch and sari shopping was productive and fun... in a way. at least I can strike off Paan from my list on my next visit. However, I will definitely get cotton saris on my next trip.<br /><br />So, we sort of completed our shopping, which only some minor accessories and sari blouse left for hunting, we are heading to Central Mumbai with Dheepa's "change of plan" - we are going to look for Fab-India and some sight seeing (Surprise surprise!!!!!).<br /><br />Because India and Indians are ever changing, all you need is a little patience and be ready to go with the (very super fast kind of) flow, or you will get, "This is now how its done here," lecture again.<br /><br />It was almost 3pm when we came out of City Mall. It was getting pretty hot (though the wind was cooling), and we had no idea where and who our driver is.<br /><br />So, Dheepa did the usual 5 phone calls away routine.<br /><br />25 minutes later, we found our driver, who was waiting there for like more than 25 minutes in a white colour van.<br /><br />I would love to figure out why Dheepa spoke to the feller who booked the van than to ask for the driver's number instead. Well, it's how its done here, everyone can be your brother, your friend, and total stranger so better let the local do what they do best - 5 phone calls away routine.<br /><br />But Dheepa is not quite a local, but... never mind. I stopped minding already.<br /><br />So we got on the van and took off to the city.<br /><br />There was tol when crossing the causeway.<br /><br />Dheepa saw some pretty cool residential area against the hill on the other side of the causeway.<br /><br />She asked the driver if it was (insert a name of the place), and the driver said yes. Dheepa turn to me, "Would you like to experience some Punjabi's hospitality?"<br /><br />"Sure." I'm up for all things Indian.<br /><br />"Great!"<br /><br />And she started making a call.<br /><br />Long time ago, Dheepa and husband was living in Vietnam. The Indian expat's community was very small in India, so everyone knows everyone. She met these couple there and very soon they became like family. she called them uncle and auntie.<br /><br />We will stop by their home after we done out things in the City, but I wasn't sure if there will be dinner.<br /><br />Ok. Now... what were we suppose to do again?<br /><br />So... about 45 minutes later (traffic was good), we arrived in Central Mumbai.<br /><br />We took a slow drive through Marine drive and the city is full of beautiful colonial building. It was so cool... Intercontinental Hotel was one of them... and many more. I totally immerse in the beauty of it.<br /><br />Other than hotels, all the buildings, no matter how beautiful, was covered with a layer of black... something... It used to be green and yellow, I believe.<br /><br />Anyhow, we drove by Marine drive... It was almost sunset, so a lot of elders, elderly couples, young couples and family with small children are taking a leisurely walk there... Occasionally, you'll find someone giving services like massage and shoe polishing here and there.<br /><br />As we drove passed a roundabout and saw this really huge mansion that was the police headquarter, also beautifully erected with pride but covered with black thing I mention before.<br /><br />As we were crossing the city, the driver pointed out a hideous looking multi-stories building because it was some VVIP's residents.<br /><br />Slowly we arrived to an area full of colonial residential looking places. Rows and rows of beautiful houses with all its already faded glory...<br /><br />Its glory was so poorly maintained all of them was covered with black thing all over it, but hey! You cannot deny that they were beautiful once many years ago.<br /><br />"We are going to the Ghandi's house." Dheepa said.<br /><br />I thought we were looking for Fab-India.<br /><br />"And he said," She pointed at the driver, "There's nothing much in there to see."<br /><br />I don't think the driver been in Ghandi's house before, because he dropped us at the wrong street, and we found the house about 2 streets away.<br /><br />It was very nice. A small part of the house was still under renovation, but all the exhibits are pretty well done.<br /><br />Ghandi's hand written notes, letter, newspaper articles, photos are well preserved. Painting and sketches of Ghandi, he life stories complete with photo, and an area with miniature/sculpture of events that took part throughout Ghandi's life.<br /><br />It was weird walking in the house where this great man used to lived and worked. The one man that united India and killed by his own people...<br /><br />"I have to show you a movie," Dheepa whispers, "It was about Ghandi, but without Ghandi in it."<br /><br />We spent about 40 minutes in there.<br /><br />The driver was glad to see us. He thought we went shopping!<br /><br />Anyway, our next destination was...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">GATEWAY OF INDIA!!!!!!!!!<br /></span></div><br />This is so far the most beautiful and symbolic destination in Mumbai.<br /><br />Right next to Taj Hotel!<br /><br />And Pigeons!!!!!!!<br /><br />Locals, foreigners, beggars, police, soldiers, tankers, scanner for bombs and the "priest", girls clad in Saris Maharathi style, and the statue of the very popular Maharathi king...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">SUNSET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /></span></div><br />All of Mumbai! Was here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />And I left my camera at home...<br /><br />So much for the very affirmative, "We wouldn't have time for sight seeing."<br /><br />I am upset now... Stay tune for part 4.<br /><br />Sulking~~~~~Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-33466011920978223442011-04-03T14:39:00.003+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.539+08:001 & half day in Mumbai - Part 2So, Dheepa and I had really deliscious Thali in Rajdhani.. free flow of bread and rice and dishes and yogurt and sweets for less than RM30, 2 persons!<br /><br />I can't stop letting out sigh of satisfaction each time I put a handful of food into my mouth... Dheepa was so please she asked, "Is it worth coming to India?"<br /><br />"Oh yes..." I said, and gobble up the rest of the food.<br /><br />Rajhani have a special way of working. There are 3 captains on the floor and many servers responsible of different dishes. So, the guy who serve you chapati will not serve you rice, the guy brought you yogurt will not bring you sweets.<br /><br />Everytime you ask for something, the captain will wave and do a simple hand signal and the right guy will come with the right food. There was no use of calling and shouting.<br /><br />Very cool.<br /><br />Though, I do not like Indian sweet very much. But Indian loves their sweets like how they love cricket. Every course will have something sweets in it, and it'll always be dairy based.<br /><br />A guy came by with a basket of things wrap with betel leaves with a price tag INR20. Dheepa said those are <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paan">Paan</a>, very good for digestion after a full meal.<br /><br />You have to do what Indian do when in India, so I took one, opened the outer layer that was not edible, and found it came with a silver leaf.<br /><br />I had doubt... really... I was not sure if it was a good idea to try it.<br /><br />As soon as I put it in my mouth... GOSH!!!!!! It felt like I just put Hindu temple in my mouth.<br /><br />Well... It was not a racist remark. It was sweet... with some areca nut and rose mixture, the after taste was similar to the incent in Hindu temple.<br /><br />The first thought that crossed my mind was I should spit it out.<br /><br />Dheepa observed my expression and asked, "Do you like it?"<br /><br />She obviously liked it, so I politely replied, "Not my favorite."<br /><br />I finish it anyway, and it was not that bad. Everyone should try it at least once. Not for me, thank you.<br /><br />We'd spotted a few pretty girls clad in beautiful silk chiffon saris and I went gaga about it...<br /><br />But Dheepa never fail to put me off with its price - Darn! You can really tell the different from these to the cheap one! I even found sari with LV's logo all over it!<br /><br />So I kind of accepted that I can't afford the sari I want.<br /><br />We descended to Nalli and was greeted with rows and rows of colourful and neatly folded fabrics categorised in different price.<br /><br />Dheepa told them what we looking for, or more like pointing at me and said, "She wants to buy a saree for a temple wedding, and our budget is around 2k to 4k, and the colour must suit her skin tone."<br /><br />We were lead straight to the INR2k to 4k rows, and very quickly, about 6 to 7 pieces of different colour silk saris lay before us.<br /><br />All of them felt like really good Thai Silk.<br /><br />India is one of the largest textile industry in the world, I truly believe the demand of saris made it that way.<br /><br />How many people in the world actually wrap themselves around 6 meter of cloth and walk at ease like Indian women do?<br /><br />Indian women ROCKS!<br /><br />So I spent quite a while in the shop trying on sari to see which is better and finally, I like the purple one with green and gold lining.<br /><br />I basically ran out of patience.<br /><br />By the time we paid and came out of City Mall, it was already 3pm. Convinced that we may not find a tailor to get my blouse done, we hired a car to central Mumbai to look for Fab-India.Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-60820113429434944342011-03-25T20:55:00.004+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.539+08:001 & half day in Mumbai - Part 1As you know, my mission in India was to attend Anju's wedding.<br /><br />And then Anju hooked me up with Dheepa to help me do some shopping for Sarees.<br /><br />Dheepa suggested Sarees may not be practical and hardly anyone stitch Saree blouse in a day now. So she suggested maybe Salwar is a better idea.<br /><br />So, I said I will get a pair of Saree and a pair of Salwar... so we had to do 2 sets of shopping in one day.<br /><br />No shops in Mumbai is open until after 10am. So waking up early is not a good idea. However, I woke up with the sound of crows! And many many distant honking filled air.<br /><br />It was 7am. and it was a beautiful morning.<br /><br />Dheepa was still fast asleep, so I got up and read my book.<br /><br />2 chapters later, Dheepa came to ask me if I would like some coffee.<br /><br />"Sure!"<br /><br />"Do you want Nescafe instant coffee or filter coffee?"<br /><br />I gave her a very long, "Errrrrmmmmmm..."<br /><br />"The coffee is south India coffee, very nice. Would you like to try?"<br /><br />Sure!"<br /><br />20 minutes later... Oh my God!!!! The coffee was so nice, I wanted to ask for another cup and bring a few packet home.<br /><br />Anyway, Dheepa told me she bought the coffee from Chennai because it is difficult to get it else where. But I can get the similar taste in Starbucks, All I have to do is to ask for cafe latte, double shots, without foam. That's what she usually have when she is back in the U.S.<br /><br />By the way, Starbucks do not exist in India. The Starbucks version in India is Cafe Coffee Day, and they made very good coffee too! Nescafe is also a hit, they have their own cafe. Very cool...<br /><br />Anyhoo... we also had berries cornflakes with banana for breakfast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Indian fact:<br />Milk is essential in India. Everyone drink milk and is very fussy about it. Any milk that is not full cream and fat reduced, is water.<br /></div><br />Dheepa briefed me activities for the day during breakfast, which basically was just shopping...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Destination 1: Inobit<br />What: Buy Salwar, and accessories for Salwar<br />Estimated time: 1 hour<br /><br />Destination 2: City mall<br />What: Lunch<br />Estimated time: Half an hour to an hour<br /><br />Destination 3: Mumbai Central<br />What: Buy Saree<br />Estimated time: Travelling, 1 hour, shopping, give and take about 1 hour<br /><br />Destination 4: FabIndia, Mumbai Central<br />What: Buy Matching Saree blouse<br />Estimated time: Travelling, give and take about half an hour (depending on traffic); Shopping, give and take about an hour.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So that basically takes up the entire day. And we do not think we have much time for sight seeing (She had not seen Mumbai, by the way...), So I left the camera at home and we went out around 10:30am.<br /></div></div><br />We took an auto rickshaw to Inobit.<br /><br />Traffic in Mumbai and a ride on auto rickshaw may not be for the faint hearted. Not only it moves crazily fast in the traffic, honk to its heart content, and there was just too many emergency break. The rule of thumb is, as long as there's no accident, there is no problem.<br /><br />Though, the traffic was not as bad as I thought. But it was flowing with school children walking to school at ease with motorcycle and auto rickshaw zig-zag between them you thought they going to knock those kids down anytime.<br /><br />There are small shops along the way selling all kind of stuff you could imagine, you may spot a couple of people urinate in the open, vendor selling flowers and small stuff from one car to another, and beggars begging with children in one hand...<br /><br />The journey took about half an hour, and there was police greeting us at the entrance.<br /><br />Terrorism is a problem in Mumbai. We can see signboards everywhere that says, "Let's fight terrorism together" and the like. The terrorist attack in 2008 that killed 170 people left many Indian hold grudge against it.<br /><br />Anyway, police are performing routine check on all shoppers - Check bag, walk through scanner, into the booth, get another scan, and then we are off. They were very friendly though.<br /><br />Inobit had everything world class you can imagine. Just to mention a few - Mark & Spencer and Mac and a few other well known cafe except Starbucks and 7-eleven.<br /><br />We went into SS department store. With Dheepa's help, I tried on a few Salwar and picked the green and gold one.<br /><br />After that we looked at earrings. We spent almost half and hour there picking and making a fuss about everything... everything must put against the dress to see if it match perfectly. well, basically being a pain.<br /><br />I tell you, Indian women and their matching accessories! How fussy they are to achieve the style and that perfect look. I salute those server who served us with such amount of patience.<br /><br />Finally, after about 12 earrings later, we decided the traditional looking one is the best.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Indian fact: "We serve with a smile" is just a tag. We don't smile. We only serve.<br /></div><br />On the way to the check out counter, we saw a pearl counter with buy one free one promotion. So we picked up 2 sets of pearls necklaces and earrings as Anju's wedding present. That also took quite awhile because we want "NEW ONE!"<br /><br />So there you go. It was almost 2pm when we left Inobit.<br /><br />We took another auto rickshaw to City Mall to have lunch in Rajdhani Thali Restaurant.<br /><br />Dheepa was on the phone many times talking to many peoples, one them was brother who ran a successful Saree supplier/distributor. Honestly I'm not very sure.<br /><br />Anyway, I heard the word "Nalli" many times. and apparently that's the only shop we will not get cheated because they priced their merchandises. As we were on the escalator to go up to the restaurant, I saw "Nalli" on the ground floor.<br /><br />"Dheepa..." I tapped her on the shoulder, and point,"Nalli."<br /><br />And her eyes sparkled, "XXX... listen! There's Nalli in City Mall."<br /><a href="http://www.rajdhani.co.in/" class="l" title="Rajdhani Thali Restaurant"><em></em></a>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-56840827707040173952011-03-25T17:44:00.008+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.540+08:00Tying the Knot<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237900637_qUUNp-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6106/1237900637_qUUNp-S.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237900597_H3hDj-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6101/1237900597_H3hDj-M.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></span><br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-41969228082374270162011-03-24T20:44:00.007+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.540+08:00Wedding<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDEiYy-2LqA7J14pyrEaCEZP8T_HWT5Yk6VbppGFVfoXabI5lYuyf4cO0z5nnnXFKEACo_cLVWA4PRs5iwKOp20THbeuMxSm9KMrlRaiEaKYut_xvLRv-sPXyWXDuG6NKYVktb0rKCf_J/s1600/DSC_6066.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237900074_fk72Z-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6066/1237900074_fk72Z-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br />Anju<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5txlLpJhLYrBLUpN5KRnoIpF5JO_EWpb_JNgx6a9-_e7ZvAg33ItqXP2qtLMqoPhaVrksr54PImaSwFlKdApBApXWH_dZVDgNdv0kEip1nTudCdJ_eQTfFxYJpltyKQSWaak1Hd5kFv4Z/s1600/DSC_6040b.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237899399_THLMz-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6040b/1237899399_THLMz-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br />Ashish<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoDSZIcGwyLax4VI_nVU3BByV7F8l1XhqpDUYdNyx_acL9ZRgbbLploP4xKKBBhB73iX3_dMhYIUJ08awBKhTKnbWuFNGIcoONdL7McA7TVYL_DWGPjuFTPChxU83mugJkLBTFZ8oIPG6/s1600/DSC_6051a.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/16450699_M8vnV#1237899572_Vf9DL-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Wedding/DSC6051a/1237899572_Vf9DL-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br />Anxious<br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-10542333867317230652011-03-20T21:53:00.004+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.541+08:00Take-off and LandingA week before I went to India, Anju the bride hooked me up with a really cool lady named Dheepa and she was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />We exchanged a few emails before I finally left from our beloved LCCT with the Airasia, Now Everyone Can Fly, I was really really nervous. So Dheepa offered to pick me up from the airport.<br /><br />The flight was delayed for about an hour because of runway closure and there was a plane coming from Melbourne and some dudes in there are going to Mumbai too!<br /><br />I sat with a Gujarati boy. His name was Vihar and we chat all the way from KL to India.<br /><br />He just graduated from a University and went to Melbourne for few months.<br /><br />He was very talkative and always have many "One Thing" to tell me; he scribbles a lot too.<br /><br />I asked him loads of question about India and he told me my knowledge about India is better then him. So we concluded that India is the only place where you can find the most beautiful and the ugliest anything on earth.<br /><br />He also taught me what cricket is all about.<br /><br />We landed in the great Mumbai International Airport at 9:45pm local time.<br /><br />I asked Vihar what is his plan that now he is home.<br /><br />"I think I'll enjoy the world cup first." He said matter of factly, with a smile.<br /><br />It was Cricket World Cup and it is the only thing that unites India.<br /><br />Remember Peter Russels and his joke about India? I expected a mixture of bad smell as soon as I step out of the plane.<br /><br />I didn't smell anything.<br /><br />There was a long que at the immigration, and then a very long walk to the arrival hall...<br /><br />I hired a prepaid taxi and as soon as I step outside, I saw Dheepa in her orange Salwar.<br /><br />She had a bit of problem with her knee. I felt bad to had her come all the way to the airport. But she was so warm and made me feel like I have known her for a long time.<br /><br />As soon as we settled down in her 1 room apartment in Lokhunwala, I felt at home already...Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-62317987618346083712011-02-27T11:39:00.003+08:002011-08-08T22:22:59.541+08:00My West-India Rendezvous<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >I have finally finalised my itinerary of the trip to India. After realizing India is actually a rather HUGE country, I have to drop the romantic idea of travelling on the train for 25 hours just to visit Khajuraho (Temple of Love) in Madhya Padresh.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >For Mumbai being so hugely expensive! The cheapest hotel @ the most strategic point cost RM100, which is not too bad if you think about it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Thanks to the guide book, the internet, and Anju’s (the bride-to-be) who hooked me up with Dheepa, who is so kind to offer to share her apartment in Mumbai :)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >There will be some travelling, the wedding is in Kolhapur, a princely state 5 to 6 hours south of Mumbai, 3 to 4 hours south-west to Goa.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Since I will be staying with Dheepa when I am in Mumbai, I decided to spend the money on mineral water, decent food, busses, and 4 nights in Goa.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >My itinerary on shoestring budget:</span><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" ></span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >2<sup>nd</sup> March - Mumbai</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Check in to Dheepa’s Home</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Sleep</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >3<sup>rd</sup> March - Mumbai</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Buy local phone number and lots of mineral water</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Shopping for Sarees, accessories, postcards</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Must visit Muhammad Ali Street</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Beauty parlor ;)</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >4<sup>th</sup> March – Mumbai/Kolhapur</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Send postcards</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Pick up Sarees and Blouse, if need to</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Walk about town, Snap Snap Snap.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Getting ready to meet Anju</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Travel to Kolhapur</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Check into Kolhapur</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >5<sup>th</sup> March - Kolhapur</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Wedding and party</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >6<sup>th</sup> March - Kolhapur</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Wedding and party</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >7<sup>th</sup> March – Kolhapur/Goa</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >1 day sight-seeing a.k.a nursing hangover in Kolhapur</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Arrange transport to Goa</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >8<sup>th</sup> /9<sup>th</sup>/10<sup>th</sup>/11<sup>th</sup>March - Goa</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Check out from Kolhapur, travel to Goa</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Check into Evershine Guest House </span>:)</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Buy Postcards/Send Postcards</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Activities TBC</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >12<sup>th</sup> March – Goa/Mumbai</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Check out from Goa, bus to Mumbai</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Taxi… Check into Anjali Inn</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Sleep</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >13<sup>th</sup> March - Mumbai</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >Go home.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">:)<br /></p>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-12557855992720465942010-10-28T23:28:00.005+08:002010-10-28T23:40:20.625+08:00Low Tide<div style="text-align: center;">They are heavy during the day,<br />because the tide is low...<br />They rest and they lean against the mud.<br />The lighthouse watch over them.<br />They will be lighter when night falls...<br />Under the moonlight...<br />You can hear muted chuckle amongst them.<br />Klunk... Klunk... Bloop~~ Clung...<br />This is when you know a pint of Guiness is not a bad idea.<br />The lighthouse grin...<br /><br />*****<br /><br />But now...<br />It is too early...<br />Because the tide is low~~~<br /><br /><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1067448881_SnjGn-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4027/1067448881_SnjGn-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Harbour, Riverside Road</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Lynton & Lynmouth</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Devon</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span><br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-91563801707928005082010-10-28T23:19:00.004+08:002010-10-28T23:27:06.811+08:00Funny?We, at least those from the South East Asia, where the monkey roam the world, know very well that monkey is very dangerous if we feed them.<br /><br />In England, well, at least in Lynton & Lynmoth, is a slightly different story.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1067448686_y7mt2-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4024/1067448686_y7mt2-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Harbour, Riverside Road</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Lynton & Lynmouth</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Devon</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span><br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-46354555970832458202010-10-27T20:27:00.002+08:002010-10-27T20:35:12.043+08:00Slow...<div style="text-align: center;">"...if we can all just slow down and realize this is why we started loving photography/art/life in the first place."<br /><br /><a href="http://sararemington.blogspot.com/2010/10/slow.html">~~Slow~~</a><br /><br />by <a href="http://sararemington.blogspot.com/">Sara Remington</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1066024601_iYDA5-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4268/1066024601_iYDA5-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">North Walk</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Lynton & Lynmouth</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Devon</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span><br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-64905358159848791002010-10-16T18:13:00.008+08:002010-10-19T13:39:11.535+08:00Gold Mime<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">After visiting the <a href="http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/">Roman Bath Museum</a>, we went walkabout in the square of the city of Bath.<br /><br />There was a lot of activities going on in the square. Music performances, choir practice and Chinese Tourists chilling out on benches around the square.<br /><br />I found them outside <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath_Abbey">Bath Abbey</a> and took the first shot.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1054375725_ibi8P-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4737/1054375725_ibi8P-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I want to take more shots of them, so I told my friend to put a pound into the can in front of them.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1054375935_tumLj-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4739/1054375935_tumLj-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatEpNOCVQWJc3SGx7T4eukbJwaWRMesTeJX7Z2o8ysC1ZKITE7i0AyL8TBIuIZpN3po_M7rt1aDDxgGRCSaoRDUZL8Pas6fxFEcHBiCotykw39TSRusIY4CkaRmPCRn1IcG2HhwtLPnkU/s1600/DSC_4739.jpg"><br /></a>They moved!<br /></div><br />So there! My £1 models in gold :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Bath Abbey</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Bath, Somerset</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span><br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-10535780446405411762010-10-05T20:50:00.007+08:002010-10-19T15:47:36.482+08:00Angel<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1054421710_YTdqk-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4246/1054421710_YTdqk-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Seek, and you shall find...<br /></span></span><br />Lee Lane</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Lynton & Lynmouth</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Devon</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-17278617576115981622010-10-01T21:38:00.009+08:002010-10-19T15:48:18.591+08:00Wind Swept<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I took a walk on North walk, which was where our bed & breakfast was located.<br /><br />The feeling of walking above the cliff was amazing. The view was spectacular, and my right ear was in pain because of the freezing cold wind.<br /><br />Up the hill, round the corner (literally), is the Valley of the Rock. It was made famous by a suspected to be a non-fiction novel, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorna_Doone">Lorna Doone</a>.<br /><br />This tree, belongs to the Valley of the Rock.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPWIBz42x85xwZ4RjZFKZDFNV1KbPaiI_6Ztvn4-O8oRcXlSnGvYBlMkfeqSIyTyzxSwRV414kVQuGv5Dy75nwDHzA-6TxbbiGWh0DAip0enZnw0JJRRicFUhq2FXv7Ov_Pob2B7EEMg_/s1600/DSC_4237.jpg"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1054421488_P5GUf-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4237/1054421488_P5GUf-S.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The Valley of the Rock</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Lynton & Lynmouth</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Devon</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> </span></span><br /></div></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2776620533470319250.post-87567627702719948352010-09-30T22:30:00.005+08:002010-10-19T15:48:48.938+08:00How much is that doggie in the window???<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We were walking around town during sunset, and found this doggie in a flat, eagerly waiting for his master to come home.<br /><br />I thought of the song when I snap the shot.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjE3oDK8MLSNaQbZefbUFNWdT7511IvjKpmumdNQe4NgUGEi0W2SxU17u0oCuT0P8S-bC5M07qaZKTQVHs46yXTSshaG-N0i3MkIWglfwITsxh5Cq4yUpzRjW8YZGEvs7MB06hQT4S-3N/s1600/DSC_4215.jpg"><a href="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/14239159_iYckU#1054421160_QK4F4-A-LB" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://www.damienphotography.com/Travel/Moonfish/Somerset-England/DSC4215/1054421160_QK4F4-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lynton</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lynmouth</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Devon</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">England, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">United Kingdom</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">September, 2010</span></span><br /></div>Moonfishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11919747099387346439noreply@blogger.com1