Day out

The planning for the day out began somewhere a month ago and after much delay, was decided as 19th of Jun. This day was decided considering that everyone in MS Support team would be available for the trip. Even with the date decided, we were struggling to get the venue for the trip. The venues shifted from water places to amusement parks to trekking spots. After much thought and participation, we decided to head to Gopal Swami Betta. Now that we decided on the spot and the date, we were to find the people who were IN for the trip. Nikitasha backed out citing reason that she was spending time with family, Santosh Konnur backed out with sprained ankle,

Padmanabha no idea why he backed out, Preeti backed out citing health reasons(and I must say she really looked ill) and finally Huma backed out, well because she would not want to miss her husband I believe(Well this happens till the first year of marriage). Finally, with much changes in people joining, I, Anish, Sharath, Manju, Anupama, Priya, Syeda, Vishwanath, Surya, Thiyagarajan and Ramya headed out for the trip.


In the morning of 19th of Jun, as decided everyone assembled at the decided venue for pick up. To everyone's surprise, we found Syeda in a total make over. She was praised by everyone to which her standard reply was "Yeh go ya". We started our journey chanting lords name as "Venkataramana Govinda Govindaaaaaa". We travelled towards BHEL circle to pick Priya and her daughter Anergya(Sorry if the spelling isn't correct). After picking Priya, we headed straight to travel towards some hotel where we could finish our breakfast. Towards this journey, we started entertaining ourselves by dancing, singing and pulling everyone to join. Syeda was a bit reserved, Anergya was warming up, Surya made all mad moves, Sharath enjoyed the tune, Anish made all attempts to control his emotions of missing Preeti and Anupama enjoyed good view of Vishwanath's butts while he was dancing. Some couple of Kms from Bangalore, we found hotel KAMAT. Had a good breakfast and I, Sharath, Manju and Surya headed for photo shoots in the background of the hotel where we found rabbits, cows and a small farm land. I headed towards the farm where I found a shawal. I took out my shirt and took the shawal in my hand and posed towards the Camera. Sharath clicked a couple good ones. Then we found a lone bike and car. Again photo shoots and then we headed on our way to Gopal swami Betta. Few kms away, Syeda started to run towards the driver and asked him to pull over. I realised later that she went out to puke. After about 2 hours journey, we reached Gopal Swami Betta. For me this was a revisit to the place which I would love to come over and over again.


We all hopped out of the TT and headed straight towards the lush green grass. But we decided that we will head for the temple first before that. After praying a quick one, we headed towards the green grass. we had a quick photo shoots. During the photo shoot, I realised that Sharath is loved by many men in the team. He posed with all the guys more like jack and rose of titanic. At one point, it was one rose and many jacks all around. After all the photo shoots, we decided to cover a good amount
of trek. I was in an impression that only guys would cover up the trek. I was thinking that Anupama, Priya and Syeda would back out thinking it would not be possible for them. I was sure Ramya would join us as I have seen the adventure streak in her and was sure she would cover the distance without problem. But to my surprise, all the ladies covered the entire trek distance without problems and enjoyed the same. I sincerely apologize to you ladies for underestimating you. At the end of the trek,
we all headed towards TT where we started munching on snacks that Priya had come with. We had a good amount of potato chips, biscuits and cakes. After this, we headed to find a hotel to have our lunch. Time was around 4PM when we found a hotel where we quickly finished our lunch. Then we decided to head towards Bandipur Safari.


When we reached Bandipur, we realised that the governor of Karnataka had come to visit the place. We started to enquire about the trip to which we received a reply that the trip would start around 5.30 PM. I handed the money to Priya and headed with gang to roam around places. We found a couple of captive elephants to which manhouts were feeding food bundled in small balls. We spotted some dears and a wild boar. We received a call from Priya, that the tickets were taken and the journey was to start in some time. We headed towards the safari bus. When we got into the bus, I picked up a quarrel with a guy who was not realising that the seating
arrangement was numbered. I asked all the gang to get in and not to wait for anyone and find and sit which ever place they find sutitable. Later ticket collector came along and made the guy realise his mistake and rest all was settled. After this the journey towards the jungle started.


The Safari started with the driver warning us of not making any noise when inside the jungle to avoid any untoward incident. Later we realised that how his words had a strong impact and how this rule should be strickly followed to stay alive. We headed inside the jungle. A short distance later, we found spotted dears. Then we found wild dogs and followed by a herd of elephants and then peacocks. We finished one round through the jungle and took a U-turn back inside the jungle. This U-turn was the deadliest I faced in my life. We headed a couple of distance inside the jungle when we spotted a lone elephant and a small tusker. We were all having fun, when the elephant started flagging its ears and raising its trunk. We thought this was a normal reaction elephants would give. To our surprise and shock, the elephant started charging towards us with full speed. At one moment, I was not able to react and was lost in different world. When I realised that the driver had moved the vehicle, did I realise that I just escaped death. I was thinking if the elephant had a collision with the bus, Anupama and Anish would have had a head-ON collision with the elephant. I would have had a solid blow and rest all I did not have time to think as the elephant again started charging from the sides. This time I came completely back to my senses and realised that our lives were all dependant on the very driver driving the bus and the vehicle we were travelling IN. When the second time the elephant charged us, a scene from the movie "Jurassic Park The Lost World" started running through my mind where the Dinosaur hits the bus from sideways. I could see the same anger in the elephant and the same way in which it was heading. Again it was the presence of mind of the driver, we were again alive.
Later the elephant started moving back towards the jungle with its little fellow. But this was one incident that almost killed many, sent shock ways to many and made many realise that nature at the end of the day is the boss and one needs to respect it. When all this was over, I turned over to the other side and saw Syeda sitting in my seat in complete shock. I enquired what happened to which fattak came back the reply "Vinay! I want to go back home. I dont want to be here." I tried convincing her that it was all over and after some time managed to calm her down. But at the end of this safari, we thanked Anupama for insisting on this trip.


Out of the safari, we headed back home. On the way finished dinner. Somewhere around 12.30 AM reached Bangalore. Dropped Ramya at Jayanagar. Then Surya, Manju, Anish, Sharath, Thiyagarajan were dropped at Estate. Later, Syeda was dropped at Shivajinagar. At this point, we got stuck up with no way out of Shivajinagar. We found the entire street decorated for some function and there was no way out. Somehow we managed ourselves out and went ahead towards R.T.Nagar to drop Manju. On the way, we found someone meeting with a accident and dieing on the spot. The complete traffic on one side was blocked because of this. We had to again cover up extra distance to drop Manju. After this we dropped Priya, Anupama and finally Vishwanath. After dropping all, I headed to my place and made the payment to the driver and went straight to room to find my friends waiting for me to join the drinks.

Thus ended one of the best weekend trip I had.

Beer, Breezer and Vodka cocktail friday

Friday 28th of May 2010 is definately the day to remember. It started slow, picked up pace and ended with a bang.The date being special to me as I finished 3 years in SAG-India. As I had put down my papers, I did not expect a congratulations mail from HR, but I really was lookingforward to all the congratulations from my colleagues. But as expected, none knew about it and no congratulations received. Was a little upset but sab kuch chalta hai.

The day as usual started with little work and more talking. My gang decided to go out for lunch together and as planned all landed up in Brigade road. Sitting in the restaurant the plan for the night started. We all decided to head for the party at "Lady James Bond" place. I was not sure to join as I had couple of interviews to attend. We all finished our lunch and headed towards office. In office, as usual I fell to sleep. I woke up when my cell ringed for the interview calls the followingday. I decided not to join the party and informed rest. At end of office hours, I was heading towards my room when suddenly received a call from my manager. Also the same time I received a message that my interviews the other day got cancelled. I headed back to office when I received numerous calls from my lovely friend "Hangover Queen". Sorry dear, I dont pick calls when I am driving. Reached office and had a quick discussion with my manager. I was really happy at the end of the meeting as my expectations were met and I was to continue being around my lovely friends for couple of more months. I went straight to my gang and we decided to head to "Lady James Bond" place for the party.

I and "Hangover Queen" started up early and reached the decided place. Parked my vehicle and went out for some groceries. Roamed around places to find all the required items but we did not get the main ingredient Pudina. Well we thought for a while and decided to drop it from the menu. We headed out again to get drinks.Purchased two KF strong, 1 Smirn OFF and 2 KF pints. I thought this should be enough and I dont have to come back again for more. My mistake though. We headed back toroom and started preparing the dishes. I asked Hangover Queen to chop the onions. Poor girl, never had she entered kitchen before I believe. She was crying when chopping onions and I was having fun. I gave my little secrets to her. At the end of the process, we had prepared one of the spicier chicken I had ever prepared.

Then as usual I headed to speak to my mom over a call when I saw "Fhatyak Queen" and "Lady James Bond" coming. I asked them to prepare rice which was a real mess at the end. Then I and Hangover Queen started to pick "I hate you guy", reached room, got fresh and started with what was the best weekend I had.

Now all sitting around and bottles started getting open. 2 bottles of KF strong, 3 bottles of breezer and 1 smirn off. "Fhatyak Queen" started with Breezer in singlegulp. Next "Hangover Queen" finished her glass. Then "Lady James Bond" finished with her glass and I and "I Hate you guy" were wondering if this is happening for real.Frankly speaking I never had a drink before with any girl and was not sure how I will handle things today. Then I thought lets forget and enjoy the drinks. Bottle afterbottle, pint after pint drinks got over. Now my world was rotating around me. Then came the best part of the night, Music. Man! I must say "Fhatyak Queen" you are a energy house. The moves you were making were all in sync with the music. The energy you were showcasing made me think are you really the silent girl you tend tobe when normal. Really appreciated. Then we all danced slowly shaking our shoulders and butts. Then after this, we decided to get more of alcohol and headed straightout in the middle of the night. To our luck we found one bar open and picked 3 KF King cans and 1 smirn OFF. Headed back to party zone and I had a little dance and drink and I and "HangOver Queen" headed on the terrace for some fresh air. Had a good time with her and shared a little beer we were carrying. After heading back down,I went straight to bed. Hangover Queen vomitted her first drink out and after that I dont remember anything that happened.

The following day we started with a casual chat and quick tea. Hangover queen was suffering from the hangover the last night. This is when I got to know that the lastnight I missed some of the best parts. "I hate you guy" received multiples of 4 or 6 slaps from energy house "Fhatyak Queen". Poor chap he would never dare to ignoreher again in office. Then discussions poured in about Bhang, horror movies and rest common interests.

To end I headed back to room for quick sleep and "I hate you guy" headed to office for work.

Thanks all for making this day worth remembering.

Cheers to my new friends,

Smart slim guy

Coorg(Kodagu) coffee with me

Me

Guruprasad SyedArun Kapil

Myself, Arun, Kapil, Syed, Guruprasad and Sudhir Jangam were planning for this trip from long time. Finally after deciding between Mangalore, Bheemeshwari and Coorg, we decided to go to Coorg. This was the first time I was to go to this place. I was excited as I had needed a break from boring work and job hunts. I needed a welcome break and was eagerly waiting for this trip to start. After the place was decided, I was still not sure if the trip was ON or OFF as Arun was backing OFF citing monetary reasons. I convinced him that money will never be an issue as I will fund him for now and he can pay me later. One more bomb was blasted when Sudhir decided to back OFF as he had some urgent work to be delivered before he gets relieved from the company the following week. After all the YES and NO, me, Arun, Syed, Kapil and Guru finally decided we will head to Coorg on 12th March 2010 night. But even after deciding this, we could not arrange for the cab. I asked Syed to get it arranged and it was all done.
Now that the trip was ON, Syed as decided, collected me and Guru from Navarang. Next we picked Kapil from Koramangla Forum Mall and finally picked Arun from Mattikere Total Mall. Now that we all were in cab, discussions started pouring. The main topic for some time was SAG and Sonata. Then discussions shifted towards April hikes and March bonus. Then started the main discussion which lasted the entire Journey(Nargis(alias Kofta) and Lagna - The new babes in office).
We all had some interest in Kofta but no one was ready to expect the truth and as boys do, started firing bullets with guns on other's shoulder(Our shoulder being Arun). Discussions lasted from, her dress to the way she behaved till the way she is faring till now in the company with some what knowledge she has. Then Lagna being matched with Kapil(in every possible way I tried pumping him up for it).
With all these discussions and fultoo masti, we reached Hunsoor at around 3 am with just couple of kilometers left to reach Madikere. Our cab driver was not sure if we are heading in correct direction and decided to check with someone, but in the middle of the night only dogs greeted us with barks. With all this confusion in mind,we set for a walk in night. On the way we found some person heading towards our direction and we thought if he knows the correct direction to reach our destination. The reply that he gave was something that made us laugh with our belly out. He said he was walking from past 7 hours just to find his own way back home. Then further continuing with our walk, we went and sat at some roadside resting place. Again discussions started pouring at which time couple of policemen were patrolling in the night. Seeing us they came towards us and enquired about from where we are, where we are heading and asked us to catch the same route we were going to go to Madikere. After sometime we headed back to our cab and started our journey towards Khushalnagar. We all fell to sleep and woke up when suddenly the car rear wheels jumped throwing all of us couple of inches in air from our seats. When we woke up we asked where we were and the driver told us that we reached Madikere. I asked Arun to checkwith the hotel if the arrangements for the stay are made. At this point we realised that we have travelled around 30 kilometers extra from our resort. We got out of cab and had tea and coffee whichever was available. Then set again to travel back to Khushalnagar.
On reaching our resort, we rested for sometime, got fresh and were about to go out when we spotted some babes checking out the resort. All of us were out in one go and started looking at whichever babe we managed.
After good breakfast, we headed to TalaCauvery. After grilling journey at the back seat for around 2 hours, we reached Talacavery. The place being famous as the pointwhere river Cavery originates. Syed and Arun decided to sit inside the cab while I, Kapil and Guru headed towards water. The first glimpse we had of water, we all folded our jeans and all were resting our feets in cold water. Real relief. Then after sitting sometime, we decided to go at the top of Bramhagiri. We climbed tiresome 350 odd steps to reach the top of Bramhagiri. The view from top was worth our efforts. Lush green view all around. Quick photo shoots and we headed to Abbey Falls. By this time, Syed and me wanted to jump into water to cool our bodies. But poor luck. We only managed to see water but not enjoy it. We decided that we will end our journey for the day by visiting Tibetian colony. With IPL season ON, we hardly could have got up from our seats. But as decided, we headed to watch Tibetian colony at around 6PM. At the entrance of Tibetian colony, we found a huge poster of some monk. The entire place was decorated with flowers, candles and posters. On enquiring of the occasion, we found out that they are celebrating the death anniversary of the monk in the photo. With no interest any further in the monk and the surroundings, I and Kapil started with our photo shoots and checking out any possible ladies(not even spared the lady monks). After Tibetian Colony, we headed towards VeeraBhoomi resort. This resort is famous for its food and folk dance. We all went with lots of excitement to eat some good chicken and see some traditional attires and dance of Coorgi's. But to our disappointment, nor the food was good except fish and nor the dance was entertaining. At the end of day one of our journey, we reached our resort and collapsed like dead bodies till the dawn of next day.
The day two was the last day of our journey. I and Syed had already decided that it will end at Irupu Falls. We both were wanting to get inside water. We headed towards Irupu falls and on reaching the place, I could hardly control my excitement watching the water falling from top of the stone mountain. Quickly got myself undressed and moved towards water. The first touch of the water on my body completely frooze my body. The water was damn chilling. I jumped with joy and as usual, the child in me was out with no concern of its surroundings. Later, Syed and Kapil joined. Arun was relluctant to get into water, but I, Syed and Kapil were never gonna let him go with hispant intact. We tricked him to come towards us and then held him by hands and took him in the water. Later Guru joined. After playing for sometime, I and Syed were sitting on stone bench, when I heard someone calling my name. It was Sathya. Pulled him also in water and at around 12 PM decided that we should move back to Bangalore. When we all were dressing, we spotted some butterflies. I hardly could control and started getting closer and taking photos.
At around 1 PM we left the place and headed back to Bangalore.
Towards the end of this trip, we all concluded that Coorg is place for fun but not for honeymoon as Syed is getting married sometime this year and planning in advance his trip plans.