Nostal Goa

Sunset from the cliff-top: at the Greek restaurant 'Thalassa', Vagator, North Goa.


Part of Fort Aguada, Goa .... now being used as the Jail.


Steps leading up to 'Mary Immaculate Conception Church', Panjim.


Basillica of Bom Jesus, old Goa.


Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Old Goa.


Courtyard of the Basillica.


(Above and below) Tiracol Fort, now converted into a resort.



A fresh catch of Jumbo prawns being cooked in garlic butter, a special dinner at home.

Our friends in Goa who made it really special for us.


Our fourth visit to Goa in the first week of January this year was a trip full of nostalgia, bringing back memories of our various previous ones, with the children and close family, and most of all in 1982, the year we got married. This was again a truly relaxed trip and time well-spent with some very dear friends ... the above snapshots convey some of the glorious spots in Goa and the wonderful time we had.

On My Side-Board

This potted orchid was given by a cousin of I's on his birthday. This orchid has been sitting on my side-board for more than five months now. I have tended and watered it regularly. Besides giving it a few glances between sips of my early morning cup of tea I look at it a number of times during the rest of the day as well, and perhaps in response it has been quietly unravelling its beauty only to add to my joy.

I have never tried growing orchids but I really admire the blooms. Orchids have a personality of their own and emit a kind of beauty which seems eternal. The colours, forms and textures sets them apart from other flowers.

Last week the flowers started drying up and perishing one by one. I was helpless. I very much wanted them to last a little longer. Can beauty not last forever? No, and for that matter, nothing does. In short, I was reminded to enjoy everything beautiful. Take the time to stop and look, this does leave an impression on one's mind and its effect hopefully passes on in another form.

I have tried to capture the moods and beauty of this orchid through my ameteur shutter skills (which I hope to improve someday soon!).

To My Valentine

Red roses, hearts, and all the other mushy things that go with Valentine's Day, here's something interesting I came across ..... Ogden Nash relates it to so many things that one would consider highly unpleasant, yet in his light-hearted way he conveys true love.

A twisted version of a standard love poem.

More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That's how much I love you.

I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.

As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That's how much you I love.

I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.

I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oathes,
That's how you're loved by me.

Nearly Thirty

I really can't imagine life without IS. Looking back at how far we have come, the number of years we have spent together doing all kinds of things, raising our two lovely children, having good times and not so good times. It has shaped our marriage, a marriage we made so many years ago is still evolving for the future to tell.

As one has aged we are definitely a different couple than what we were when we began. More relaxed and maybe more realistic with each other ... making us less romantic ..... more acceptance, less expectations.

As far as arguments are concerned they were always there, will continue to be there. Maybe less now, agree to disagree most times ... I freeze for many-a-days ..... then thaw ... and then back to normal. It continues with less ego clashes or takeovers. I think we belong to a generation where compromises were the norm of any relationship.

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.

- Ogden Nash Quote

There is no real secret to a good marriage. It's a way of life, of being together, being open and truthful. We have still to work at our relationship to make it better so we are closer. Do I ask for a lot ... cause then it will be more difficult for us to part. But nevertheless I know I do have a friend who is sincere and trustworthy.

I wrote this small verse for our 25th anniversary (when he was in Dubai and I in Chennai) which I thought I'd share.

“I want to write a song
About our years twenty-five long.

No poetess, but I’ll try.

It was a dream-like beginning,
All set by fate;
That you be my mate.
Made for each other …….
With all the showered blessings
No tall promises we made;
Yet, there for each other.

Sometimes right;
Sometimes wrong;
We shared a space
Without much
Friction or grimace.

Then came two bundles of joy,
Who were more than just toys.
Adding more to our lives.
Time flew,
As they grew.
A feeling nobody could satisfy.

A man all-aspiring;
Optimistic and real.
Machines, lobsters,
Computers, and toys,
He tampered
In all with great joy.
A Don Quixote of sorts,
He definitely rocks!
This man I love!

Distance lies between us now,
One feels fonder and how.
May Silver turn to Gold;
As we age old.
May happiness and health prevail;
I pray to God that this remains
At this juncture; I am sure;
That I could not have asked for more.”

Happy 2011

We are already into the second month of this year.

‘Time flies, this year is already over’ is what one says at every year-end, feeling a bit sad yet we bring in the New Year with celebration … hoping what follows will be as happy as we want to feel at that time. It is almost spring everywhere … the Chinese have just celebrated this turn of season as their New Year. In Iran and elsewhere this will follow next month as Nowroz. The celebrations continue …..

For many years now, New Year ’s Eve parties have shrivelled up into quiet celebrations with family and close friends. For us this year had its beginnings in Mumbai with a very close cousin. A good meal at home with some home-made Yakhni Palao and Haleem, and for dessert fresh figs and strawberries …. ’pet puja’ is the best and the most satisfying feeling .. and to begin one’s New year with such a delightful Puja and good company is truly a wonderful feeling.

A new beginning for some and for others it’s just another day. New resolves made, some to keep and some forgotten soon. Although my resolutions keep happening throughout the year, whether followed or not is another matter …

I never thought of time as such when I was younger ... I had no Time!!!! Time is so relative, it’s how it’s spent .. Getting older makes time a more precious thing to have than it used to be when one was younger.

Enjoy every moment … because the moment is really all one has really got.

I hope this year started well for everyone, and brings happiness, good health and contentment for all. I hope there is inspiration everywhere to live life to its fullest. In the end I feel happy to be alive and still learning to accept things that I cannot change.

After a 2 month gap I hope to be back to more regular blogging, and wish everyone a happy 2011!