My pics in the month of Oct and Nov. Dad is experimenting with his new SLR - so out of 900 pictures, we get 9 which are reasonably ok.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Deewali celebrations
Deewali was a lot of fun this year. Parties and food galore. Here are some pics from the occassion
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
A trip to the London Zoo
Now that I started recognizing every animal, Dad and mom thought it would be a good idea to take me to the zoo. Plus, I had been yearning for a long time to travel in the train. So it was double the fun for me. Although I must admit, I was scared in the tube.
Here are some pics from the day.
Here are some pics from the day.
Monday, 25 August 2008
Birthday party
My birthday was on a weekday and its hard for my friends Tamanna, Aarav, Aryan, Anusha, Shivi , Saanavi and Vivaan to come all the way to my place. So we decided to hold the party on a Sunday so that their parents could drive them to our home. It also becomes a good excuse for my parents to meet up with their close friends. Aryan and Shivi could not make it, but the rest of the lot had a blast. As usual, the caterer did not disappoint and the weather did not play up - so it was a fairly successful day. Here are some pictures from the day.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Grandpa has taught me a word...
.. that gives the shivers to my parents. I know how to say "Why" now thanks to the expert coaching of Grandpa, who has also taught me words like "Please come", "Please go" etc.
But it is the Why that will stay with me for my life. I can foresee a future where I am pointing to things and events and asking why. Oh its gonna be fun... for me.
But it is the Why that will stay with me for my life. I can foresee a future where I am pointing to things and events and asking why. Oh its gonna be fun... for me.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
My 2nd Birthday
Yay I am all of 2 now. Legitimate time for me to show my "terrible 2s". But I remained well behaved for my birthday.
Dad had got 2 cakes. A small one for home and a larger one for the nursery. The nursery one was a cake in the shape of Pooh the bear and Tigger.
We cut the cake in the morning at home. In the afternoon, I had one more cake cutting, with all my nursery mates singing happy birthday for me.
Mom made my favorite dish or at least what she thought was my favorite. I didnt eat it much - admittedly all the cakes and puddings had waned my appetite. I even went off to sleep relatively early. It was a day to remember. There is one more party on the way - on coming Sunday. I am so looking forward to it.
Here are some pics from my bday.
Dad had got 2 cakes. A small one for home and a larger one for the nursery. The nursery one was a cake in the shape of Pooh the bear and Tigger.
We cut the cake in the morning at home. In the afternoon, I had one more cake cutting, with all my nursery mates singing happy birthday for me.
Mom made my favorite dish or at least what she thought was my favorite. I didnt eat it much - admittedly all the cakes and puddings had waned my appetite. I even went off to sleep relatively early. It was a day to remember. There is one more party on the way - on coming Sunday. I am so looking forward to it.
Here are some pics from my bday.
Raksha Bandhan
Saanu sent me rakhi with some goodies like raisins and cashwenuts. I am so lucky to have a sister - you just have to see my dad's side of the family to know that. All my cousins are boys - and they really have to search far and wide to find a sister to tie them rakhi.
Dad's rakhis didnt arrive till the very morning of Raksha Bandhan day. Grandpa's rakhi was in it too. Mom obliged by tying it to all of us.
The sweet she made didnt turn out as expected thanks to the non-scientific instructions rolled out by nani. But we enjoyed the day overall. Here are some pics from the day.
Dad's rakhis didnt arrive till the very morning of Raksha Bandhan day. Grandpa's rakhi was in it too. Mom obliged by tying it to all of us.
The sweet she made didnt turn out as expected thanks to the non-scientific instructions rolled out by nani. But we enjoyed the day overall. Here are some pics from the day.
Friday, 1 August 2008
Picnic at BoxHill
Last Sunday, we decided to show grandpa the beauty of Surrey Hills. The jewel in the crown is Box Hill in Dorking, a relatively short distance away from our home. It was a fun drive up there and I fell asleep only to wake up after 2 hours. I was tired from my 45 mins of swimming in the morning. It being a bright sunny day, there were a lot more people than our last visit. Anyways, it was still fun.
Pictures from our trip here.
Pictures from our trip here.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Yash's birthday and Trip to Trilakes farm
Happy Birthday Yash bhai on your 13th birthday. As is our tradition, we cut a cake in your honour. A delicious carrot orange cake..mmmmm
We also went to Trilakes farm in Sandhurst. One can feed farmyard animals like Sheep, goat, ducks, chickens, horses etc. I really loved playing with the duckies. The place is very scenic and the children's play area was pretty popular. Here are some pictures from the day.
We also went to Trilakes farm in Sandhurst. One can feed farmyard animals like Sheep, goat, ducks, chickens, horses etc. I really loved playing with the duckies. The place is very scenic and the children's play area was pretty popular. Here are some pictures from the day.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Monday, 26 May 2008
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
The king is dead.. long live the king
Yesterday was a watershed moment in sporting history and I feel obliged to comment on it. Years later when I look back I want to remember the day when the young pretenders usurped the throne from the ageing greats. That the two events happened on the same day is fateful.
Firstly in the morning, a resurgent Indian team won the CB series, an annual tri-series held in Australia. The reigning world Champions Australia were favorites before the best of 3 finals. In fact even after they lost the first final on 2nd March, the general view was that it is an aberration and that Australia will come back to conquer. Not quite. India dominated and although at one stage Australia threatened to take the game away, India came up with killer blows like the wickets of Hayden and Hussey. They deservedly overcame the champions. The fact that the team's average age was less than 24 means that the core group will be around for a long time and enjoying successes together. It is the team of the future.
A similar event happened in the evening. Arsenal overcame the experienced reigning champions AC Milan. It was a virtuoso performance from the Arsenal side. A defensive line up boasting the likes of Nesta and Maldini and the attacking threats of the World Footballer of the year Kaka and upcoming talent Pato in a magnificient and intimidating stadium like San Siro suggested an uphill struggle for the young Arsenal side. Media pundits in England had written off Arsenal's chances before the game. Of course, their words came back to haunt them as the midfield trio of Hleb, Flamini and man of the match Fabregas turned up the pace and aggression which was too much for AC Milan to handle. Adebayor played well upfront and the defensive back four had one of their best games in recent times. Once again we have the age parallels - the average age of the Milan side was close to 30 whereas Arsenal was about 23.
Two different games. Two different sides. Yet, the same lesson being taught to doubting Thomases. Both were hounded by media - the Oz media on the backs of the Indian team and the xenophobic jingoistic English media on the back of the Arsenal team. But the self belief, the desire and the togetherness made them overcome their toughest opponents.
Firstly in the morning, a resurgent Indian team won the CB series, an annual tri-series held in Australia. The reigning world Champions Australia were favorites before the best of 3 finals. In fact even after they lost the first final on 2nd March, the general view was that it is an aberration and that Australia will come back to conquer. Not quite. India dominated and although at one stage Australia threatened to take the game away, India came up with killer blows like the wickets of Hayden and Hussey. They deservedly overcame the champions. The fact that the team's average age was less than 24 means that the core group will be around for a long time and enjoying successes together. It is the team of the future.
A similar event happened in the evening. Arsenal overcame the experienced reigning champions AC Milan. It was a virtuoso performance from the Arsenal side. A defensive line up boasting the likes of Nesta and Maldini and the attacking threats of the World Footballer of the year Kaka and upcoming talent Pato in a magnificient and intimidating stadium like San Siro suggested an uphill struggle for the young Arsenal side. Media pundits in England had written off Arsenal's chances before the game. Of course, their words came back to haunt them as the midfield trio of Hleb, Flamini and man of the match Fabregas turned up the pace and aggression which was too much for AC Milan to handle. Adebayor played well upfront and the defensive back four had one of their best games in recent times. Once again we have the age parallels - the average age of the Milan side was close to 30 whereas Arsenal was about 23.
Two different games. Two different sides. Yet, the same lesson being taught to doubting Thomases. Both were hounded by media - the Oz media on the backs of the Indian team and the xenophobic jingoistic English media on the back of the Arsenal team. But the self belief, the desire and the togetherness made them overcome their toughest opponents.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
The remaining holidays
Sorry for the very late update. Here's a quick summary of the rest of my holidays
19th Dec - Dad's neck pain was bad. He had to go see a doctor who confirmed that it wasnt serious. Daada came over from Ghatkopar to be with me for the day. They both left in the evening for home, but not before enduring a 3 hr wait for Mom and Naani to come back from their shopping.
20th Dec - Harsh's birthday. Mom and I reached Urvi Fia's place in the morning. The bday celebrations were in the evening.In the afternoon Daada, Dad and I visited Mota Faiba's place. My first opportunity to meet my cousins Ronit and Dhruv. We played a lot but returned home in time for the party.
The party was a small affair, but I love them anyways. Fia's food was fantastic but I really loved the cake, despite the disapproving glances from Mom and Dad. Stayed over at Fia's place for the night.
21st Dec - Back in Kandivali. Good to see everyone back. There was a buzz and excitement in the air. The mystery cleared up in the evening. We were headed in a long distance train to Gujarat. Fun. I really enjoyed the train ride until I went off to sleep. So many buttons to press, so many people to play with etc - You get the picture.
22nd Dec - Reached Ahmedabad and spent the whole day travelling to various Jain temples starting with Mahudi. Urvi Fia had especially wanted to come here to fulfill her vows she had taken for me. The whole day we travelled in Tata Innova, yashu bhai's favorite car. The day was long but a lot of fun and we capped it off with a fine dinner sponsored by Dad. And then it was back in the train again. Hurrah !!
23rd Dec - Reached Kandivali in the morning. I was so tired from the journey that I slept till 11 a.m. There seemed to be a buzz in the air again - a sort of festive and party mood. Well again the mystery cleared in the evening. There was a party in my honour. An opportunity for all relatives who wanted to see me but didnt get a chance to do yet. I met Dad's Maamas and Masi and their families for the first time. The food spread was good and I was looking dapper in my new kurta pyjama. Vikram Mama was the superstar for me that day - loved playing with him, Yash and Fia during the festivities.
24th Dec - Fia, Yash and Harsh had stayed over and were planning to be there for the whole week. Yay !! But this was a very slow day. There were plans to go either shopping or to beach etc, but Dad just couldnt get moving. Ultimately we spent the time at home. Boring Boring dad.
25th Dec - Happy birthday to Jesus. Christmas day was full of fun and cheer. We decided to go to InOrbit, a mall close to our place expecting Santa Claus and other festivities. Bad choice. The mall was overflowing with people and it was intimidating. It was tough to walk around for a while. Amends were made when Dad treated everyone to Pizzas at the Pizza Hut. I ate 1.5 slices - you better believe it. It wasnt fun to begin with but by the end we felt we had a good day.
26th Dec - The highlight of the day was our trip to Juhu beach. It was fun playing there and in the end I didnt want to leave at all. Fia bought a beach set for me which I had fun with. Dad treated us once more to some spicy Indian fast food at his old favorite restaurant - Khasiyat. I was not to be held back as I tucked into Dahi Batata puri. Dad and Mom were trying hard to protect me from all such items - but I can be a very determined sort of person.
27th Dec - Cant remember doing anything exceptional. Memory a bit hazy - so I guess we must have spent the time at home. Mom cooked some lovely Aloo parathas which both Harsh and I stuffed ourselves with.
28th Dec - Time for me to go back to Mama's place in Thane. Dad was not going to join us as Yash and Harsh were still in Kandivali. It was wonderful to see Naana and Naani again. I also met Kaka and Kaaku for the first time. They must have been amazed with me the whole time I was there. Kaka was probably reminiscing the days when he carried Mom around when she was a toddler and could possibly see the similarities there.
29th Dec - Mom does not miss an opportunity to shop. So the fact that Vikram Mama was home ( and available to drive) meant that we ended up in another mall. This time it was the Hypercity mall in Mulund. Mama kept me entertained while Mom shopped till she dropped inside the Mall. I dont think I understand women. To make amends, Mom treated us all to a Thali at Rajdhani, a chain restaurant.
30th Dec - Mom's cousins all flocking to see me. Mayank Mama and Vaibhav Mama came around to see me.
31st Dec - Mom and Mama made the trip to Mom's office while I stayed home. The good news is that now I will be not flying on 3rd as first feared, but on the 5th. Two whole days in India..mmmm. Mama went away in the evening for his 31st night celebrations. Dad was in Kandivali with Fia and I was in Thane with mom. Dad had spent the entire day cooking delicacies like Pasta and Fajitas for everyone in Kandivali - I have yet to taste his cooking though. Watched a bit of TV show in the evening - its shocking what gets served as entertainment these days.
1st Jan 2008 - Happy new year to everyone. I am almost walking in this new year. Dad decided to come over in the evening, but not alone. He went to buy his books in the city and came back home with a heavy load. Not just that Yashu bhai also came around with him to stay over. This is fun.
2nd Jan - Kaka and Kaaku left for home in the morning. The earlier plan had been that I was going to return to Kandivali today. But the fact that our stay was extended by 2 more days meant that I now get to spend 1 more day in Thane. Urvi Fia decided to come over and meet me here along with Harsh. We spent the whole day playing and then they went back in the evening. She planned to come to Kandivali on Friday again. Yash cried in the evening because he felt he wouldnt be seeing me again till my next trip. Daada stayed over
3rd Jan - We headed back for Kandivali. Mom was engaged in packing for our trip back home. I played a lot with everyone. Rekha Kaki was almost getting emotional again - she couldnt bear the thought of not having me around in 3 days' time.
4th Jan - Final packing almost done. Dad and Mom spent the time sorting out their last minute financial thingies. Daada handles all their affairs back home, but the processes in India are very rigid requiring signatures in 1000 places. But they finally got it out of their way. Urvi fia, Harsh and Yash came in the afternoon. The mood was a bit sombre because the reality that we would be going away soon hit people. Fua came in the evening and then there were some more final goodbyes and hugs. Fia had tears in her eyes. Yash bhai decided to stay over and drop us off at the airport. Goodbye Fia, Fua and Harsh.
5th Jan - The day we were supposed to fly. Never happened though. Air India has never been renowned for efficiency and today was yet another example of this. They cancelled the flights for today and so we were to fly the next day. Luckily we got the message at home - so we could plan things easily. Luckily Dad also checked us in for the flight - so we got the best seats on offer too. So now we had an extra day to spend with the family and well, to shop. Dad and Mom went to a lovely shop near the house where they have exquisite art and artificats. They bought a couple of paintings and a decorative piece for our home in Woking. Think about it - it would never have happened but for the cancelled flights.
6th Jan - Finally the day when we really left for the airport. Mom asked Baa to travel with us to the airport sensing that Baa wanted to be with Dad and me for as long as possible. It was sad waving goodbyes to Hasu Kaka, Rashmi Kaki, Hari Kaka, Rekha Kaki, Kalpesh Kaka, Kajal Kaki and Mittal fia from the taxi. There were a lot of tears shed too. I guess I should count myself privileged to be loved so much. But the tears didnt end there. Dad, Daada, Baa and Yashu bhai were travelling with us to the airport. And they were joined there by Naana, Naani, Vaibhav Mama, and Vikram Mama. Mittal Kaka along with his fiancee Kinjal Kaki were also there to meet us. After spending about an hour at the airport, we finally went inside to check in and depart. My heart was heavy, but my eyelids were heavier. I slept and thus missed a whole 2 hour chaos at the airport. According to Mom, Dad would have made an excellent deputy airport manager - he managed to make himself useful in that chaotic place and ensured that we boarded the flight for the day.
Home - here we come.
19th Dec - Dad's neck pain was bad. He had to go see a doctor who confirmed that it wasnt serious. Daada came over from Ghatkopar to be with me for the day. They both left in the evening for home, but not before enduring a 3 hr wait for Mom and Naani to come back from their shopping.
20th Dec - Harsh's birthday. Mom and I reached Urvi Fia's place in the morning. The bday celebrations were in the evening.In the afternoon Daada, Dad and I visited Mota Faiba's place. My first opportunity to meet my cousins Ronit and Dhruv. We played a lot but returned home in time for the party.
The party was a small affair, but I love them anyways. Fia's food was fantastic but I really loved the cake, despite the disapproving glances from Mom and Dad. Stayed over at Fia's place for the night.
21st Dec - Back in Kandivali. Good to see everyone back. There was a buzz and excitement in the air. The mystery cleared up in the evening. We were headed in a long distance train to Gujarat. Fun. I really enjoyed the train ride until I went off to sleep. So many buttons to press, so many people to play with etc - You get the picture.
22nd Dec - Reached Ahmedabad and spent the whole day travelling to various Jain temples starting with Mahudi. Urvi Fia had especially wanted to come here to fulfill her vows she had taken for me. The whole day we travelled in Tata Innova, yashu bhai's favorite car. The day was long but a lot of fun and we capped it off with a fine dinner sponsored by Dad. And then it was back in the train again. Hurrah !!
23rd Dec - Reached Kandivali in the morning. I was so tired from the journey that I slept till 11 a.m. There seemed to be a buzz in the air again - a sort of festive and party mood. Well again the mystery cleared in the evening. There was a party in my honour. An opportunity for all relatives who wanted to see me but didnt get a chance to do yet. I met Dad's Maamas and Masi and their families for the first time. The food spread was good and I was looking dapper in my new kurta pyjama. Vikram Mama was the superstar for me that day - loved playing with him, Yash and Fia during the festivities.
24th Dec - Fia, Yash and Harsh had stayed over and were planning to be there for the whole week. Yay !! But this was a very slow day. There were plans to go either shopping or to beach etc, but Dad just couldnt get moving. Ultimately we spent the time at home. Boring Boring dad.
25th Dec - Happy birthday to Jesus. Christmas day was full of fun and cheer. We decided to go to InOrbit, a mall close to our place expecting Santa Claus and other festivities. Bad choice. The mall was overflowing with people and it was intimidating. It was tough to walk around for a while. Amends were made when Dad treated everyone to Pizzas at the Pizza Hut. I ate 1.5 slices - you better believe it. It wasnt fun to begin with but by the end we felt we had a good day.
26th Dec - The highlight of the day was our trip to Juhu beach. It was fun playing there and in the end I didnt want to leave at all. Fia bought a beach set for me which I had fun with. Dad treated us once more to some spicy Indian fast food at his old favorite restaurant - Khasiyat. I was not to be held back as I tucked into Dahi Batata puri. Dad and Mom were trying hard to protect me from all such items - but I can be a very determined sort of person.
27th Dec - Cant remember doing anything exceptional. Memory a bit hazy - so I guess we must have spent the time at home. Mom cooked some lovely Aloo parathas which both Harsh and I stuffed ourselves with.
28th Dec - Time for me to go back to Mama's place in Thane. Dad was not going to join us as Yash and Harsh were still in Kandivali. It was wonderful to see Naana and Naani again. I also met Kaka and Kaaku for the first time. They must have been amazed with me the whole time I was there. Kaka was probably reminiscing the days when he carried Mom around when she was a toddler and could possibly see the similarities there.
29th Dec - Mom does not miss an opportunity to shop. So the fact that Vikram Mama was home ( and available to drive) meant that we ended up in another mall. This time it was the Hypercity mall in Mulund. Mama kept me entertained while Mom shopped till she dropped inside the Mall. I dont think I understand women. To make amends, Mom treated us all to a Thali at Rajdhani, a chain restaurant.
30th Dec - Mom's cousins all flocking to see me. Mayank Mama and Vaibhav Mama came around to see me.
31st Dec - Mom and Mama made the trip to Mom's office while I stayed home. The good news is that now I will be not flying on 3rd as first feared, but on the 5th. Two whole days in India..mmmm. Mama went away in the evening for his 31st night celebrations. Dad was in Kandivali with Fia and I was in Thane with mom. Dad had spent the entire day cooking delicacies like Pasta and Fajitas for everyone in Kandivali - I have yet to taste his cooking though. Watched a bit of TV show in the evening - its shocking what gets served as entertainment these days.
1st Jan 2008 - Happy new year to everyone. I am almost walking in this new year. Dad decided to come over in the evening, but not alone. He went to buy his books in the city and came back home with a heavy load. Not just that Yashu bhai also came around with him to stay over. This is fun.
2nd Jan - Kaka and Kaaku left for home in the morning. The earlier plan had been that I was going to return to Kandivali today. But the fact that our stay was extended by 2 more days meant that I now get to spend 1 more day in Thane. Urvi Fia decided to come over and meet me here along with Harsh. We spent the whole day playing and then they went back in the evening. She planned to come to Kandivali on Friday again. Yash cried in the evening because he felt he wouldnt be seeing me again till my next trip. Daada stayed over
3rd Jan - We headed back for Kandivali. Mom was engaged in packing for our trip back home. I played a lot with everyone. Rekha Kaki was almost getting emotional again - she couldnt bear the thought of not having me around in 3 days' time.
4th Jan - Final packing almost done. Dad and Mom spent the time sorting out their last minute financial thingies. Daada handles all their affairs back home, but the processes in India are very rigid requiring signatures in 1000 places. But they finally got it out of their way. Urvi fia, Harsh and Yash came in the afternoon. The mood was a bit sombre because the reality that we would be going away soon hit people. Fua came in the evening and then there were some more final goodbyes and hugs. Fia had tears in her eyes. Yash bhai decided to stay over and drop us off at the airport. Goodbye Fia, Fua and Harsh.
5th Jan - The day we were supposed to fly. Never happened though. Air India has never been renowned for efficiency and today was yet another example of this. They cancelled the flights for today and so we were to fly the next day. Luckily we got the message at home - so we could plan things easily. Luckily Dad also checked us in for the flight - so we got the best seats on offer too. So now we had an extra day to spend with the family and well, to shop. Dad and Mom went to a lovely shop near the house where they have exquisite art and artificats. They bought a couple of paintings and a decorative piece for our home in Woking. Think about it - it would never have happened but for the cancelled flights.
6th Jan - Finally the day when we really left for the airport. Mom asked Baa to travel with us to the airport sensing that Baa wanted to be with Dad and me for as long as possible. It was sad waving goodbyes to Hasu Kaka, Rashmi Kaki, Hari Kaka, Rekha Kaki, Kalpesh Kaka, Kajal Kaki and Mittal fia from the taxi. There were a lot of tears shed too. I guess I should count myself privileged to be loved so much. But the tears didnt end there. Dad, Daada, Baa and Yashu bhai were travelling with us to the airport. And they were joined there by Naana, Naani, Vaibhav Mama, and Vikram Mama. Mittal Kaka along with his fiancee Kinjal Kaki were also there to meet us. After spending about an hour at the airport, we finally went inside to check in and depart. My heart was heavy, but my eyelids were heavier. I slept and thus missed a whole 2 hour chaos at the airport. According to Mom, Dad would have made an excellent deputy airport manager - he managed to make himself useful in that chaotic place and ensured that we boarded the flight for the day.
Home - here we come.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
