GOA: December '08

This year's trip to Goa was absolutely mellow, surreal and serene. I wasn't sober though. I had vowed to never do chemicals again and I could keep this promise made to myself only because of the fuckin' terrorists. Something good did come out of those attacks, I guess, depending on how you choose to look at it. I still see the world from a wierd 90 degree angle. The one that you get with a strained neck. Anyways Goa, due to the attacks on Mumbai, was on high alert and due to that the tourism industry out there saw a dearth of tourists. Which again translated well for me. Me and a couple of friends were the only people in most of the off beat shacks that we visited.

I stayed there for free (A first for me). Didn't get wasted (Again a first). Didn't attend a rave (Another first). Actually there weren't any because of the lack of firangs travelling to India. And I was in Goa for five days (definately a first). And I rode the water scooter, which I must say was nothing short of exhilarating and I was screaming like a girl throughout the ride. I can hear EW say that I always scream or rather behave like a girl, but what can I say ride the scooter and see for yourself.

Since nothing untoward, extraordinary, adventerous or anything remotley funny happened there, I have nothing to write about. So go through the pics below and leave no comments. We are used to that by now.

The pics were clicked when we were at Palolem, which according to me is a pristine beach. It was kind of crowded, albeit with pale skins, but the beach was extremely beautiful.

And yeah, I am seeking funds for a new DSLR. Contact me and I will provide my pay pal details.



























EW, Al, Setore and I are planning on visiting Goa in March once again and hopefully that trip will be eventful and will have something to write about.

My exile ends!

First of all I would like to wish you guys a very happy new year. Hope it was rocking, smoking and extremely drunk *boilk!*. I had a nice one and I hope this new year brings you and your family peace. Yes! peace. Something that we take for granted. I want peace at home, then in my neighbourhood, at the signal that leads to the highway. Peace at work, in the pub that I frequent and most importantly in the fuckin' world.

The fag end of 2008 was disturbing to say the least for us Mumbaikars. Actually wait! 2008 as a whole was infuriating. First, the nephew of the soil held us ransom by opening his trap and that led to his arrest, the death of some bihari, Mumbai bandh, etc. Then we had 10 pakis that came in, holed up in the Taj and Trident. They went on to mercilessly execute the guests staying there and the pride of our special forces took three fuckin' days to kick their butts to hell. We as a city got pissed, tied black bands around our arms to show our protest, held rallies, candle marches, solidarity meetings, asked for the guilty (from among our own) to step down. Two months down the line, very few of us actually remember that something like 26/11 took place. Blasts and now gun weilding men have become a part of our lives. So, what is it that we can do?

I am going to stop cribbing about the state of things and will do something about it. I have decided on printing out newsletters before elections that will describe all the candidates that will go on to represent my constituency in detail (I will require help for that, so all donations are welcome ;)). I have also decided to vote. I'm going to invoke the Rule 49-O if I feel that all the candidates are not worthy enough to represent me in the parliament. I will not pay bribes to get any of my official work done or get out of trouble. Even if that means parting with three grand and/or spending a night in jail because of drunken driving. Before any of you advise me I know that one way to avoid that would be not to drink and ride but then we are not living in Utopia, are we?

My next resolution is to do whatever I feel. I am going to the Himalayas, the Far-East and to New Mumbai. Travel by train, plane and my bike to most of these places. Plans are not just going to remain plans but will finally materialize into something substantial. Inshallah!

The next one is to complete my animation that is factually based on EW's life. The trails and tribulations that he went through as a kid and is still going through. There will be a lengthy scene on his lack of hair and the reasons for it. Watch this space. I also want to rehash a Dylan song or maybe just shoot a video for 'Masters of War'. I'm sure EW will help me out on that one. But he is kinda coy about posing for the animation. A little moral support will do, so please voice out that you want to see him in the animation.

The last one and most important one is to write and update S.C.O.F.F. regulalry. The reason why nothing was posted, other than me growing in to a fat lazy bastard, was that this site was blocked in the office and I do nothing in terms of uncreative thinkging on Saturdays and Sundays. EW has his won reasons. He was watching his hair grow all this while.

So my friends, the exile has ended and we, at least I have come out of the doldrums. This is the year of doing!