A story is so perfect in your mind, every little detail sorted out, a warm fuzzy feeling in your chest. But once you pen it down, it becomes harsh cold reality, not nearly as endearing or pleasing to the ear.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry! It really is my fault. I'm just so clumsy. I was talking on the phone and I just didn't realize you were coming from the side. So sorry for spilling that drink on you.."
"It.. it's ok, never mind. I'll just, err, go and change upstairs."
"Oh you're staying here? Me too! My name's Patrick Jane."
"Hi, I'm Miranda."
"Hi it's a pleasure to meet you. Though I do wish I wasn't introducing myself right after I had ruined that beautiful dress of yours. Let me pay for the dry cleaning. Here's my card. Just forward the bill to my address, I'll take care of it."
"Really, there's no need for that."
"Well, let me buy you a drink then. It's the least I can do. After you've changed of course."
"I guess a drink would be fine."
"Great. I'll be at the bar."
"Sure."
As she changed back in her hotel room upstairs and tried to wash the stain out of her dress, she wondered about this man she had just bumped into. He definitely seemed charming. A womanizer? Maybe not. But certainly one who knew his way around women. He had that magnetism, that something in his eye which attracted people to him and made him hard to ignore. She'd seen the kind before.
To be continued...
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Story of a girl
She was getting married today. All her childhood dreams finally seemed to be coming true. Prince Charming. An elaborate wedding. An exquisite gown.
She needed this. She'd had a hard life. She'd couldn't even remember her father, he'd left them when she was still a toddler. Her mother had been all she'd had, and then she too had passed away a few years ago. She had felt so lost then, so anchorless, until her fiance had introduced her to his mother. In her she had found a new mother, a new hope, a new sense of direction. With this wonderful new family, she could imagine spending the rest of her life with.
She had singlehandedly built a career for herself. To someone on the outside, she had it all. Money, career, fame, love, stability. It was only those closest to her who knew of her pain, her struggles, her losses. But today she was ready to let go of that baggage. Today she would let herself be free, be happy.
She heard a knock on the door, and Tony came in. He looked solemn. Concerned, she asked him what was wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No, this could not be happening. This could NOT be happening. She could see her entire world come crashing down around her. She had to leave, had to get away. She packed a small bag and left. No goodbyes, no explanations. She did not have the strength for that anymore.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It had been almost a month since she had been left almost at the altar. The pain still cut through her like an icy knife. She had seen an entire life with this man and his family, and he had ended it, just like that, with a few words.
She was trying to drown her sorrows. She had been living in a daze, a kind of stupor. Too much pain, too much alcohol, too many men. She had not stayed in the same place for more than a night. Just got on to a bus or a train whenever she could. It was like she was trying to run away from her sorrows, but no matter how hard or fast or far she ran, they somehow always managed to catch up with her. A Euro tour had been her lifelong dream, but never in her wildest dreams had she imagined enjoying it so little. One city merged into another, museums to beaches to sunrises to sunsets to yet another sunrise. Sometimes she had just did not had the strength to get up from the hotel bed all day. Sometimes she would go for long runs along beaches, hoping that the beauty would soothe her, or that by tiring her body enough, her mind would stop thinking. Nothing had worked. Days blurred. As did nights.
In the last month, she had called one person close to her every week to let them know she was still alive so they wouldn't worry themselves sick. But she did not want to be found, so she never told them where she was, just that she was travelling. Today she would call the woman whom she knew would be able to tell her what to do. She had wanted to call her much earlier, but she knew being the mother of her fiancé, wait ex-fiancé, it would be hard for her to be objective. She went into the phone booth, put in a few coins, and dialled the number that was etched into her memory.
"Hello?" Just hearing that voice calmed her down in a way nothing else had so far.
"Hi, Ma, it's me".
"Oh my God, I'm so glad you called. I've been so worried. Honey, how are you?"
"I'm fine. I'm trying to cope, the best way I can. I knew you would be worried, I'm sorry for not calling earlier. But I just didn't know what I would say to you. I just don't know, what to do, what to say anymore." She was tearing up. All the pain, the anguish that she had tried to keep suppressed, it was rearing its ugly head again.
"Oh, it's alright honey. Just tell me where you are, I'll come get you."
"It's ok Ma, I'm fine. At least I will be. If only I understood why, where I went wrong, maybe I would be able to accept it. I thought I knew him, knew how he felt. I'm sure the signs must have been there, maybe I just didn't pay enough attention. I was too selfish, too busy being happy to realize he wasn't."
"No luv, you can't blame yourself for this. You deserved happiness. And I thought that you two would make a great couple. And if there were signs that he wasn't happy, I should have seen them too. I'm his mother after all. But then again, he's always been such a reserved boy. The only person I ever saw him open up to you was you. But maybe some things just aren't meant to be."
"Mom, who is it?"
"Oh, Tony, umm.."
"It's her, isn't it?"
"Err.. yeah."
"Can I talk to her?"
"I don't think she wants to.."
"No, it's ok Ma, put him on the line. I think it's time."
"Hi Cassandra."
She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She had been trying to forget the sound of his voice and how it made him feel for the past one month. Yet longing for him, his words, his touch, every moment, every day. And here he was, on the other side of the phone. He must have been on his way out to work. She could just imagine him in his crisp white shirt and black pants and blue jacket, his hair combed back, his shoes shiny. He always had been very particular about looking presentable. She could remember the last time.. No, no, she musn't get carried away in the memories. She had to remind herself of the reality.
She realized she had been unconsciously holding her breath. She sighed, and said "hi".
"I'm sorry."
"I know."
"I've been doing a lot of thinking in the last few days, about why.. how we ended up here. I know I owe you a better explanation than just the few words I said that day. I just.. feel so.. guilty. For breaking your heart, for ending this. I know you were part of my Mom's future dreams too. But I just realized, on that day, that I was going through with the wedding more because it was expected of me, than because I wanted to. And it wouldn't be fair to you, to marry someone who did not love you as much as you deserve to be."
"Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
"I couldn't bring myself to. You seemed so happy. You've been through so much. We've been through so much together. It just seemed wrong to throw it away just because I was feeling unsure. But when I woke up that morning, I just knew. You know in all these years that we've been together, I've been happier than I could ever have imagined, in my wildest dreams. But I think somewhere along the way, we both grew apart. We shared a life, but we never really shared our lives, specially not after the first year together. I'm sorry, I just don't think I love you anymore. I think the best thing for us would be to make a clean break."
"A clean break? Are you serious? After 7 years, after being engaged to you, after all those promises and plans and dreams, you want a clean break? We might not have lived together for all those 7 years, but I have always been there for you. When your career was floundering, when you almost had that affair, even that eccentric abstinence phase, I stayed, and I fought for us. So that one day it would all mean something. And now, when it is your turn, you are just too cowardly to go through with it? Don't shroud it with nice words, don't thank me. You've always known what to say, haven't you? I can't believe I actually used to like that about you. You want a clean break, you can have it. You will never hear from me again. It will be like I never existed."
"Cassandra, I..."
"Goodbye!" He heard a click, and the phone went dead.
It was all she could do to hold on the metal bar in the phone booth to keep herself from crumpling into a heap right there. The cold heartedness of the man to whom she had dedicated it all nearly choked and suffocated her. How could she have been so naive, so blind?
She took a few minutes to compose herself. Then she got up, and walked out of the booth with her head held high. She would remember this day for as long as she lived, but she would never look back. She swore to herself she would never be this vulnerable again. The baby in her womb would be the only reminder in her life of the man she had once loved, and for its sake she would be strong.
She needed this. She'd had a hard life. She'd couldn't even remember her father, he'd left them when she was still a toddler. Her mother had been all she'd had, and then she too had passed away a few years ago. She had felt so lost then, so anchorless, until her fiance had introduced her to his mother. In her she had found a new mother, a new hope, a new sense of direction. With this wonderful new family, she could imagine spending the rest of her life with.
She had singlehandedly built a career for herself. To someone on the outside, she had it all. Money, career, fame, love, stability. It was only those closest to her who knew of her pain, her struggles, her losses. But today she was ready to let go of that baggage. Today she would let herself be free, be happy.
She heard a knock on the door, and Tony came in. He looked solemn. Concerned, she asked him what was wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No, this could not be happening. This could NOT be happening. She could see her entire world come crashing down around her. She had to leave, had to get away. She packed a small bag and left. No goodbyes, no explanations. She did not have the strength for that anymore.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It had been almost a month since she had been left almost at the altar. The pain still cut through her like an icy knife. She had seen an entire life with this man and his family, and he had ended it, just like that, with a few words.
She was trying to drown her sorrows. She had been living in a daze, a kind of stupor. Too much pain, too much alcohol, too many men. She had not stayed in the same place for more than a night. Just got on to a bus or a train whenever she could. It was like she was trying to run away from her sorrows, but no matter how hard or fast or far she ran, they somehow always managed to catch up with her. A Euro tour had been her lifelong dream, but never in her wildest dreams had she imagined enjoying it so little. One city merged into another, museums to beaches to sunrises to sunsets to yet another sunrise. Sometimes she had just did not had the strength to get up from the hotel bed all day. Sometimes she would go for long runs along beaches, hoping that the beauty would soothe her, or that by tiring her body enough, her mind would stop thinking. Nothing had worked. Days blurred. As did nights.
In the last month, she had called one person close to her every week to let them know she was still alive so they wouldn't worry themselves sick. But she did not want to be found, so she never told them where she was, just that she was travelling. Today she would call the woman whom she knew would be able to tell her what to do. She had wanted to call her much earlier, but she knew being the mother of her fiancé, wait ex-fiancé, it would be hard for her to be objective. She went into the phone booth, put in a few coins, and dialled the number that was etched into her memory.
"Hello?" Just hearing that voice calmed her down in a way nothing else had so far.
"Hi, Ma, it's me".
"Oh my God, I'm so glad you called. I've been so worried. Honey, how are you?"
"I'm fine. I'm trying to cope, the best way I can. I knew you would be worried, I'm sorry for not calling earlier. But I just didn't know what I would say to you. I just don't know, what to do, what to say anymore." She was tearing up. All the pain, the anguish that she had tried to keep suppressed, it was rearing its ugly head again.
"Oh, it's alright honey. Just tell me where you are, I'll come get you."
"It's ok Ma, I'm fine. At least I will be. If only I understood why, where I went wrong, maybe I would be able to accept it. I thought I knew him, knew how he felt. I'm sure the signs must have been there, maybe I just didn't pay enough attention. I was too selfish, too busy being happy to realize he wasn't."
"No luv, you can't blame yourself for this. You deserved happiness. And I thought that you two would make a great couple. And if there were signs that he wasn't happy, I should have seen them too. I'm his mother after all. But then again, he's always been such a reserved boy. The only person I ever saw him open up to you was you. But maybe some things just aren't meant to be."
"Mom, who is it?"
"Oh, Tony, umm.."
"It's her, isn't it?"
"Err.. yeah."
"Can I talk to her?"
"I don't think she wants to.."
"No, it's ok Ma, put him on the line. I think it's time."
"Hi Cassandra."
She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She had been trying to forget the sound of his voice and how it made him feel for the past one month. Yet longing for him, his words, his touch, every moment, every day. And here he was, on the other side of the phone. He must have been on his way out to work. She could just imagine him in his crisp white shirt and black pants and blue jacket, his hair combed back, his shoes shiny. He always had been very particular about looking presentable. She could remember the last time.. No, no, she musn't get carried away in the memories. She had to remind herself of the reality.
She realized she had been unconsciously holding her breath. She sighed, and said "hi".
"I'm sorry."
"I know."
"I've been doing a lot of thinking in the last few days, about why.. how we ended up here. I know I owe you a better explanation than just the few words I said that day. I just.. feel so.. guilty. For breaking your heart, for ending this. I know you were part of my Mom's future dreams too. But I just realized, on that day, that I was going through with the wedding more because it was expected of me, than because I wanted to. And it wouldn't be fair to you, to marry someone who did not love you as much as you deserve to be."
"Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
"I couldn't bring myself to. You seemed so happy. You've been through so much. We've been through so much together. It just seemed wrong to throw it away just because I was feeling unsure. But when I woke up that morning, I just knew. You know in all these years that we've been together, I've been happier than I could ever have imagined, in my wildest dreams. But I think somewhere along the way, we both grew apart. We shared a life, but we never really shared our lives, specially not after the first year together. I'm sorry, I just don't think I love you anymore. I think the best thing for us would be to make a clean break."
"A clean break? Are you serious? After 7 years, after being engaged to you, after all those promises and plans and dreams, you want a clean break? We might not have lived together for all those 7 years, but I have always been there for you. When your career was floundering, when you almost had that affair, even that eccentric abstinence phase, I stayed, and I fought for us. So that one day it would all mean something. And now, when it is your turn, you are just too cowardly to go through with it? Don't shroud it with nice words, don't thank me. You've always known what to say, haven't you? I can't believe I actually used to like that about you. You want a clean break, you can have it. You will never hear from me again. It will be like I never existed."
"Cassandra, I..."
"Goodbye!" He heard a click, and the phone went dead.
It was all she could do to hold on the metal bar in the phone booth to keep herself from crumpling into a heap right there. The cold heartedness of the man to whom she had dedicated it all nearly choked and suffocated her. How could she have been so naive, so blind?
She took a few minutes to compose herself. Then she got up, and walked out of the booth with her head held high. She would remember this day for as long as she lived, but she would never look back. She swore to herself she would never be this vulnerable again. The baby in her womb would be the only reminder in her life of the man she had once loved, and for its sake she would be strong.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The beginning of the end.
1st Jan 2012
Today is the First of January, the first day of the year that Nostradamus, among many others, predicted would mark the end of the human civilization as we know it. And the decline has already begun. Today, when we woke up from our hangovers from last night's wild partying, switched on our laptops to start replying to the gazillion emails and New Year wishes, we found out that the damned internet wouldn't connect. It seems to be the same story with all our friends and family, and as the News Channels inform us, it seems to be a much larger scale problem. The whole picture is not clear yet, but it seems to be a global phenomenon.
7th Jan 2012
It's been a week since internet all around the world has been down. Despite day and night efforts by all sorts of technicians everywhere, they are as yet unable to locate the cause behind it, let alone solve it. While speculations in the media are rife about a global terrorist threat, those who had predicted this to be the year of the apocalypse have become even more vocal, and are calling this just the beginning. Many strange and seemingly unexplainable disappearances and weather phenomenon have been noted, despite efforts by governments to suppress such information, for fear of mass panic. Fear and uncertainty have crept into the daily lives of one and all, and many of those who were earlier cynics about the end of the world explanation are now beginning to change their minds.
The gigantic impact that the absence of internet has had economically as well as socially is indeed astounding, and it is gradually becoming clearer how completely dependent the human race had become on technology.
31st Jan 2012
A month into this horrific year, and we are still trying to get accustomed to lives without internet. Some positive points have emerged nonetheless. The resourcefulness of humans, when pushed against the wall, is once again becoming apparent. The quick-fix solutions that various companies and banks have come up with indeed provides some hope in these otherwise gloomy days. Not surprisingly, most of these solutions have come from the 2 Asian emerging superpowers, India and China. If it can indeed be fathomed that someone can benefit from the current world catastrophe, it is these two nations. While countries which are too accustomed to things always following set patterns and going right, for once being used to nothing working seems to be working perfectly in India's advantage. As all eyes turned to the US to be a global leader, all that has come out of the country is panic. The downfall of America, which started with Sept 11 might indeed be cemented this year, assuming any of us make it out alive. Obama, who brought so much hope during his Presidential campaign has seemed unable to deal with something of this magnitude. In his recent press interviews, he has had a haggard look, and his assurances to the American people that they are trying their best, and to have patience and faith, seems to be falling on deaf ears. He is no longer the man with the solutions.
p.s. To all those cynical about the end of the world in 2012 stories, don't worry I am one of you too. This random "story" just came into my head while I was supposed to be studying, so I decided to pen it down. Let's hope the world, and more importantly internet, never come to an end! Cheers :)
Today is the First of January, the first day of the year that Nostradamus, among many others, predicted would mark the end of the human civilization as we know it. And the decline has already begun. Today, when we woke up from our hangovers from last night's wild partying, switched on our laptops to start replying to the gazillion emails and New Year wishes, we found out that the damned internet wouldn't connect. It seems to be the same story with all our friends and family, and as the News Channels inform us, it seems to be a much larger scale problem. The whole picture is not clear yet, but it seems to be a global phenomenon.
7th Jan 2012
It's been a week since internet all around the world has been down. Despite day and night efforts by all sorts of technicians everywhere, they are as yet unable to locate the cause behind it, let alone solve it. While speculations in the media are rife about a global terrorist threat, those who had predicted this to be the year of the apocalypse have become even more vocal, and are calling this just the beginning. Many strange and seemingly unexplainable disappearances and weather phenomenon have been noted, despite efforts by governments to suppress such information, for fear of mass panic. Fear and uncertainty have crept into the daily lives of one and all, and many of those who were earlier cynics about the end of the world explanation are now beginning to change their minds.
The gigantic impact that the absence of internet has had economically as well as socially is indeed astounding, and it is gradually becoming clearer how completely dependent the human race had become on technology.
31st Jan 2012
A month into this horrific year, and we are still trying to get accustomed to lives without internet. Some positive points have emerged nonetheless. The resourcefulness of humans, when pushed against the wall, is once again becoming apparent. The quick-fix solutions that various companies and banks have come up with indeed provides some hope in these otherwise gloomy days. Not surprisingly, most of these solutions have come from the 2 Asian emerging superpowers, India and China. If it can indeed be fathomed that someone can benefit from the current world catastrophe, it is these two nations. While countries which are too accustomed to things always following set patterns and going right, for once being used to nothing working seems to be working perfectly in India's advantage. As all eyes turned to the US to be a global leader, all that has come out of the country is panic. The downfall of America, which started with Sept 11 might indeed be cemented this year, assuming any of us make it out alive. Obama, who brought so much hope during his Presidential campaign has seemed unable to deal with something of this magnitude. In his recent press interviews, he has had a haggard look, and his assurances to the American people that they are trying their best, and to have patience and faith, seems to be falling on deaf ears. He is no longer the man with the solutions.
p.s. To all those cynical about the end of the world in 2012 stories, don't worry I am one of you too. This random "story" just came into my head while I was supposed to be studying, so I decided to pen it down. Let's hope the world, and more importantly internet, never come to an end! Cheers :)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Cuba Diaries 2: The Bad Part
Read the previous post first.
Ok so I went to Havana on 28th, which was a Monday, and the first day I could actually have done that. I was not aware that I needed to have an appointment, considering their website says nothing about it. So then I had to wait till almost 1230, till everyone else was done, to finally get to the counter. Now I had thought that I would be done by 11 latest, and then we would be able to tour Havana, come back at 3, get the visa, then go back to Varadero. But when it finally got to 1230, I was kind of losing hope of having too much time of touring Havana. And then received the shock of my life when the lady informed me that I had not brought the itinerary of Varadero-Toronto, only Toronto-India. I could not believe I had been that incredibly stupid! So then I could not remember if I had the Cuba part of the itinerary in my email, so I decided it would be best to tour Havana then and come back another day to apply for visa.
I did not end up going back, because of some misunderstandings with a lady I was supposed to go with. And I tried calling to get an appointment, but the whole call was automated messages with no way to reach operator, there was nothing on website, so I wasn't sure that even if I went on 31st, I would be able to get the visa. And when I was transiting in London, I was given a transit visa on the spot, so I assumed worst case scenario, that would happen.
So happily on 1st, when I go for check in, the stupid Skyservice staff refused to let me go. The immigration were fine with me leaving, since I had a flight on the next day. But the airlines, stupid stupid airlines, wouldn't let me go. And since it was 1st Jan, every embassy was closed. The next 2 days were weekend, so they would still be closed. And I was told the earliest I could get a visa was Monday, 4th Jan. And my flights back to Singapore (Toronto-Zurich-Delhi-Bangkok-Singapore) were starting on 2nd. They were non-refundable since I had gotten the cheapest tickets. So there was nothing I could do.
So I told my sis, panicked her badly, then got to Havana from Varadero, since there would obviously be more flights from there. Now I had very little cash, needed 25 for airport tax which you HAVE to pay before taking any flight from anywhere in Cuba, and my Mastercard, as I would discover later, could not be used to withdraw money. Cuba uses only Visa, Mastercard is not there in ATMs and only banks and some expensive hotels have it. And apparently the Havana airport had no internet till you checked in. So I was at the airport with very little cash, no internet access, no balance in phone, no way to get out of country, no hope. So I spent the night at the airport, with the plan to go and withdraw money from the bank next morning and then see how it went.
As I was to discover, even banks were closed for the weekend, so the taxi driver took me to Hotel Nacional, which had their own bank, where I was told my bank was denied from withdrawing money and I should contact my bank in Singapore since they were denying the operation. They don't even convert all currencies in Cuba, only US, UK, Canada and a few others. So I had Singapore and Indian but had already used up all Canadian. At this point, I had 10 peso. And the cab driver needed 25 to drive me here and 25 more to drive me back to the airport. He barely knew any English, but definitely needed his money. At this point he suggested I sell my phone to him for 50 peso and he would drive me back to the airport. I think this has probably been one of the lowest points of my life. I could obviously not sell my only way of contacting the world, so I was at a loss. But remember, I had saved 25 peso for the airport tax. So at this point I was told that Hotel Nacional had internet, and so obviously there was no point my going back to the airport and no point saving the 25 peso if I didn't even have a flight, so I gave the 25 peso to the driver and said tata-byebye-good-riddance.
And then went into the hotel, lugging my luggage. The internet was 2.50 peso per 15 minute. Ya it's a freaking expensive country, for no good reason, since nothing there works. So I logged into gtalk, told my sis, who at this point was very freaked out having not heard from me for over 12 hours, the whole story. She called the bank, I retried withdrawing many times, did not work. Told a lady there who knew some English my story. She was one of the most helpful people I have ever met. She called a bunch of people, got me free food since I hadn't eaten since the previous day and had no cash. At this point, I asked sis to try to get my phone card, on roaming from Canada, topped up. She asked a couple of friends in Canada to do it, and God bless them, they did. So she could at least call and message me now. Then I tried asking in the hotels around if I could pay by Mastercard. Since DuBiouS Bank maintained that there was nothing wrong with the card and I should be able to withdraw. It was only later that I was told that Debit Cards cannot be used to withdraw cash from banks for some divine reason, only ATM machines.
So as I went around asking, in one of the hotels even bigger than Nacional, called Habana Libre, while I was asking the receptionist if I could pay using Mastercard, she said "if US bank then yes", I said "how about Singapore?", and the Chinese lady next to me was like "Oh you're from Singapore too?" and I was like "OMG YES! Do you by any chance have local currency, I have Singapore one, can I change with you". And she was like, "never mind I can give you money now, then you can pay me back later, just remember that a Singaporean helped you when you needed help" And she gave me 100USD and her card and took my details. Now I could go and convert it and have some cash (80 peso)! God bless her!
I ended up staying at the hotel where I had been using internet as it accepted Mastercard and was cheaper than Habana Libra, relatively (120 a night, 145 for 1st Jan night :O ). So I now had a room, while sis was still searching for flights from Havana to Singapore directly as it made no sense to go to India anymore. She found one by the next day, transiting in Amsterdam, which most probably did not need a visa, but there was no way to confirm as it was still Sunday. So she bought it online (1220 euro, yes, gasp!) and sent me details. I would call the Dutch embassy the next da to ask about visa.
So now at least I had some cash and a flight, just needed visa. And I had 3 days to do it since the flight was for 6th evening. Since of course God wasn't done with the balancing act of the fun with the torture, the travel agency with whom we got the ticket decided that someone had been tampering with the card, so I had to send pics of passport and both sides of Mastercard to them for verification. I took pics with my dying camera, and send to them. Of course, had to black out the code at the back of the card. Oh and I had found that the hotel had wireless cards that I could put on my room so I did not have to pay cash. I ended up using 11 of them over the 4 days I spent there, freaking waste of money. Why can't they have free internet like normal places?
So when I called embassy in the morning, she told me she could confirm only at 1130, and if I could, I should go to the embassy by 1130 just in case, as getting a transit visa could take 2-3 days. I reached at 1115 as I had to get the itinerary printed and stuff, only to be told that the embassy closed at 11, by a guy who spoke no English. At this point I met someone whom I think was an angel. She was standing outside the embassy when I reached. Spoke a little bit of English. I asked her if there was a phone booth somewhere around, she pointed me to it. I realized it needed a calling card and I did not have one. As I was walking back dejected, prepared to reach the hotel and call again, I chanced upon her again. And explained in sign language that I did not have a card. She said she would let me use hers. And she keyed in the number of her card and gave the phone receiver to me. I asked her to wait so I could talk and then check how much balance I'd used and pay her, but she adamant in not letting me pay here at all, just that I would not use too much of her balance. God bless her, whoever she is! Please pay her back in some way for me! I feel bad that the call took quite long, you know how admin people can be, but the embassy female finally confirmed that I did not need a visa. I narrated the whole story of missed flights as well, so she confirmed with the Immigration Officer too.
So finally my troubles had come to an end. Except for the fact that I could barely sleep. And spent soo much money that I am in about 4500SGD debt right now. So no vacations for the next 20 years and then must get a visa for every country 3 months before I visit in the future!
Ok so I went to Havana on 28th, which was a Monday, and the first day I could actually have done that. I was not aware that I needed to have an appointment, considering their website says nothing about it. So then I had to wait till almost 1230, till everyone else was done, to finally get to the counter. Now I had thought that I would be done by 11 latest, and then we would be able to tour Havana, come back at 3, get the visa, then go back to Varadero. But when it finally got to 1230, I was kind of losing hope of having too much time of touring Havana. And then received the shock of my life when the lady informed me that I had not brought the itinerary of Varadero-Toronto, only Toronto-India. I could not believe I had been that incredibly stupid! So then I could not remember if I had the Cuba part of the itinerary in my email, so I decided it would be best to tour Havana then and come back another day to apply for visa.
I did not end up going back, because of some misunderstandings with a lady I was supposed to go with. And I tried calling to get an appointment, but the whole call was automated messages with no way to reach operator, there was nothing on website, so I wasn't sure that even if I went on 31st, I would be able to get the visa. And when I was transiting in London, I was given a transit visa on the spot, so I assumed worst case scenario, that would happen.
So happily on 1st, when I go for check in, the stupid Skyservice staff refused to let me go. The immigration were fine with me leaving, since I had a flight on the next day. But the airlines, stupid stupid airlines, wouldn't let me go. And since it was 1st Jan, every embassy was closed. The next 2 days were weekend, so they would still be closed. And I was told the earliest I could get a visa was Monday, 4th Jan. And my flights back to Singapore (Toronto-Zurich-Delhi-Bangkok-Singapore) were starting on 2nd. They were non-refundable since I had gotten the cheapest tickets. So there was nothing I could do.
So I told my sis, panicked her badly, then got to Havana from Varadero, since there would obviously be more flights from there. Now I had very little cash, needed 25 for airport tax which you HAVE to pay before taking any flight from anywhere in Cuba, and my Mastercard, as I would discover later, could not be used to withdraw money. Cuba uses only Visa, Mastercard is not there in ATMs and only banks and some expensive hotels have it. And apparently the Havana airport had no internet till you checked in. So I was at the airport with very little cash, no internet access, no balance in phone, no way to get out of country, no hope. So I spent the night at the airport, with the plan to go and withdraw money from the bank next morning and then see how it went.
As I was to discover, even banks were closed for the weekend, so the taxi driver took me to Hotel Nacional, which had their own bank, where I was told my bank was denied from withdrawing money and I should contact my bank in Singapore since they were denying the operation. They don't even convert all currencies in Cuba, only US, UK, Canada and a few others. So I had Singapore and Indian but had already used up all Canadian. At this point, I had 10 peso. And the cab driver needed 25 to drive me here and 25 more to drive me back to the airport. He barely knew any English, but definitely needed his money. At this point he suggested I sell my phone to him for 50 peso and he would drive me back to the airport. I think this has probably been one of the lowest points of my life. I could obviously not sell my only way of contacting the world, so I was at a loss. But remember, I had saved 25 peso for the airport tax. So at this point I was told that Hotel Nacional had internet, and so obviously there was no point my going back to the airport and no point saving the 25 peso if I didn't even have a flight, so I gave the 25 peso to the driver and said tata-byebye-good-riddance.
And then went into the hotel, lugging my luggage. The internet was 2.50 peso per 15 minute. Ya it's a freaking expensive country, for no good reason, since nothing there works. So I logged into gtalk, told my sis, who at this point was very freaked out having not heard from me for over 12 hours, the whole story. She called the bank, I retried withdrawing many times, did not work. Told a lady there who knew some English my story. She was one of the most helpful people I have ever met. She called a bunch of people, got me free food since I hadn't eaten since the previous day and had no cash. At this point, I asked sis to try to get my phone card, on roaming from Canada, topped up. She asked a couple of friends in Canada to do it, and God bless them, they did. So she could at least call and message me now. Then I tried asking in the hotels around if I could pay by Mastercard. Since DuBiouS Bank maintained that there was nothing wrong with the card and I should be able to withdraw. It was only later that I was told that Debit Cards cannot be used to withdraw cash from banks for some divine reason, only ATM machines.
So as I went around asking, in one of the hotels even bigger than Nacional, called Habana Libre, while I was asking the receptionist if I could pay using Mastercard, she said "if US bank then yes", I said "how about Singapore?", and the Chinese lady next to me was like "Oh you're from Singapore too?" and I was like "OMG YES! Do you by any chance have local currency, I have Singapore one, can I change with you". And she was like, "never mind I can give you money now, then you can pay me back later, just remember that a Singaporean helped you when you needed help" And she gave me 100USD and her card and took my details. Now I could go and convert it and have some cash (80 peso)! God bless her!
I ended up staying at the hotel where I had been using internet as it accepted Mastercard and was cheaper than Habana Libra, relatively (120 a night, 145 for 1st Jan night :O ). So I now had a room, while sis was still searching for flights from Havana to Singapore directly as it made no sense to go to India anymore. She found one by the next day, transiting in Amsterdam, which most probably did not need a visa, but there was no way to confirm as it was still Sunday. So she bought it online (1220 euro, yes, gasp!) and sent me details. I would call the Dutch embassy the next da to ask about visa.
So now at least I had some cash and a flight, just needed visa. And I had 3 days to do it since the flight was for 6th evening. Since of course God wasn't done with the balancing act of the fun with the torture, the travel agency with whom we got the ticket decided that someone had been tampering with the card, so I had to send pics of passport and both sides of Mastercard to them for verification. I took pics with my dying camera, and send to them. Of course, had to black out the code at the back of the card. Oh and I had found that the hotel had wireless cards that I could put on my room so I did not have to pay cash. I ended up using 11 of them over the 4 days I spent there, freaking waste of money. Why can't they have free internet like normal places?
So when I called embassy in the morning, she told me she could confirm only at 1130, and if I could, I should go to the embassy by 1130 just in case, as getting a transit visa could take 2-3 days. I reached at 1115 as I had to get the itinerary printed and stuff, only to be told that the embassy closed at 11, by a guy who spoke no English. At this point I met someone whom I think was an angel. She was standing outside the embassy when I reached. Spoke a little bit of English. I asked her if there was a phone booth somewhere around, she pointed me to it. I realized it needed a calling card and I did not have one. As I was walking back dejected, prepared to reach the hotel and call again, I chanced upon her again. And explained in sign language that I did not have a card. She said she would let me use hers. And she keyed in the number of her card and gave the phone receiver to me. I asked her to wait so I could talk and then check how much balance I'd used and pay her, but she adamant in not letting me pay here at all, just that I would not use too much of her balance. God bless her, whoever she is! Please pay her back in some way for me! I feel bad that the call took quite long, you know how admin people can be, but the embassy female finally confirmed that I did not need a visa. I narrated the whole story of missed flights as well, so she confirmed with the Immigration Officer too.
So finally my troubles had come to an end. Except for the fact that I could barely sleep. And spent soo much money that I am in about 4500SGD debt right now. So no vacations for the next 20 years and then must get a visa for every country 3 months before I visit in the future!
Cuba Diaries 1: The Good Part
Ok so this blog post is being written right now because I am tired of individually answering how Cuba was.
I'd planned to spend 1 week in Varadero, Cuba, which is a narrow stretch on land with water on both sides. So it's awesome beaches everywhere. The colour of the water varies from light greenish blue to light blue to navy blue, and many combinations in between. It depends on exact location along the beach and time of day as well I think. Check out the pictures on Facebook, I uploaded lots of them. The weather was mostly calm, except for a couple of days in between where it got very stormy and windy and they chased you out of the water if you went in, which we of course did.
Varadero is mostly a tourist spot, with few locals. It is known mainly for its beaches, though they have a few other attractions like natural caves, Dolphin Show, Jet Skiing, scuba diving, adventure tours, etc. People tend to return to this place many times, understandably, as it offers a unique peace and quiet. Through the all-inclusive packages, you do nothing but get on a small plane for a 4 hour flight. Then there is a bus which takes you from airport to the resort you're staying in, where they place a tag around your hand to show you're on an all-inclusive tour, which you can't remove unless you break it off.
The local markets are very interesting. They are full of wood and leather and sea-shell goods. And of course you can bargain here. The most interesting bargaining I heard was a British girl telling the shopkeeper it was her birthday and then laughing when we asked if it actually ever worked. Apparently their taxi driver told them to try it.
And I love Spanish music. We used to have live music during buffet dinners. And even in the room, we could hear music coming from across the canal. Apparently, some carnival was going on.
Then the Dolphin show was awesome, with the dolphins being able to literally walk backwards on their tail, while completely out of water. And the trainer being carried on their backs and then standing on the mouth of one. Then on to jet skiing, which was really awesome. I just chose to sit and let seb do the driving, since he was obviously better at it. And I would definitely have collided into something had I driven :D
So effectively, the beach part of the holiday was fun. But then I made the stupid mistake of not getting a Transit Visa for Canada. Ok so it seems really really idiotic, but at the time, it did not seem that bad. Which shall be explained in the next post.
I'd planned to spend 1 week in Varadero, Cuba, which is a narrow stretch on land with water on both sides. So it's awesome beaches everywhere. The colour of the water varies from light greenish blue to light blue to navy blue, and many combinations in between. It depends on exact location along the beach and time of day as well I think. Check out the pictures on Facebook, I uploaded lots of them. The weather was mostly calm, except for a couple of days in between where it got very stormy and windy and they chased you out of the water if you went in, which we of course did.
Varadero is mostly a tourist spot, with few locals. It is known mainly for its beaches, though they have a few other attractions like natural caves, Dolphin Show, Jet Skiing, scuba diving, adventure tours, etc. People tend to return to this place many times, understandably, as it offers a unique peace and quiet. Through the all-inclusive packages, you do nothing but get on a small plane for a 4 hour flight. Then there is a bus which takes you from airport to the resort you're staying in, where they place a tag around your hand to show you're on an all-inclusive tour, which you can't remove unless you break it off.
The local markets are very interesting. They are full of wood and leather and sea-shell goods. And of course you can bargain here. The most interesting bargaining I heard was a British girl telling the shopkeeper it was her birthday and then laughing when we asked if it actually ever worked. Apparently their taxi driver told them to try it.
And I love Spanish music. We used to have live music during buffet dinners. And even in the room, we could hear music coming from across the canal. Apparently, some carnival was going on.
Then the Dolphin show was awesome, with the dolphins being able to literally walk backwards on their tail, while completely out of water. And the trainer being carried on their backs and then standing on the mouth of one. Then on to jet skiing, which was really awesome. I just chose to sit and let seb do the driving, since he was obviously better at it. And I would definitely have collided into something had I driven :D
So effectively, the beach part of the holiday was fun. But then I made the stupid mistake of not getting a Transit Visa for Canada. Ok so it seems really really idiotic, but at the time, it did not seem that bad. Which shall be explained in the next post.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Bitch.
What is with this abundance of thankless people that have sprung up like mushrooms all around me? They expect you to do everything for them, and then give you attitude.
For instance, there is this great woman with whom I did 5 programming assignments. We used to split the report and do half the questions each. For the last one, she was kind enough to inform me on the last day that she had not done anything and would not be doing anything as she was busy with another project. How kind of her. Even though we'd had more than 3 weeks for the assignment. And she also gladly told me, "Oh remember to put my name on what you submit ok?" Since I was busy with another project at the time, I obviously did not have time to do the questions which the great woman did not do, and had to submit only half the report which I had done earlier. And obviously I did not put her name on it.
So when the grades came out, and hers showed a zero, she posted on the course forum, literally yelling at the professor for not giving her marks. "I understand that we couldn't submit the complete report due to a situation. but i dont know if that should stop us from receiving marks at all." A situation indeed.
The professor replied saying that "This is a topic that should be addressed through email. (duh! But how can you expect such a female to have any common sense)
No grade has been recorded because I did not receive a report with your name on it.
If you submitted a joint report, then either you or your partner forgot to put your name on the report. If this is the case, then please ask your partner to email me to confirm that you contributed to the report and I will add the grade."
So she called me up and tells me to email him. Yes TELLs. Was it not obvious that I had not put her name on the report for a reason - that she did not deserve the grade since she did NO work AT ALL? And idiot that I am, I should have just given her a piece of my mind then. But for some disturbingly bizarrely annoying reason, this stupid tongue of mine, which is willing to slice people's throats for no good reason at most times, decides to not unleash itself when most required.
Oh and she also asked me on the phone if there was a scanner on campus. I said maybe in the library. Then she tells me, oh can you find the third edition of the book and scan a certain page and send to me. I'll pay you. Oh right, sure. Just one question, WHEN DID I BECOME YOUR FUCKING SLAVE?
So I did email the prof, and then sent the great woman a scathing email telling her "I have emailed to include your name for the report. However, I just want to say that I think it is completely unfair for you to get credit for a piece of work that you did not contribute to. Even more so, it would have been have been good if you could have informed me beforehand that you would not be doing the report, so I could have at least completed it on my own. I understand that you were busy with your other project, but so was I. And in all fairness, we were given more than 3 weeks for that assignment. Anyways, good luck with the exam."
And her reply, "comon yar ..i appreciate u doing the favor cuz i understand where nd what has gone wrong...but u cud've talked about it on phone or last day when i saw u. i wouldnt' want u to keep grudges for me in heart. if i were at ur place, you wouldnt get this from me. i m sorry if i have hurt you. but i dont think we should say bye to each other on a bitter note ;)"
Oh right I'm sorry. My bad, I should have said a big NO in the first place since you seem to have an unusually thick skin.
For instance, there is this great woman with whom I did 5 programming assignments. We used to split the report and do half the questions each. For the last one, she was kind enough to inform me on the last day that she had not done anything and would not be doing anything as she was busy with another project. How kind of her. Even though we'd had more than 3 weeks for the assignment. And she also gladly told me, "Oh remember to put my name on what you submit ok?" Since I was busy with another project at the time, I obviously did not have time to do the questions which the great woman did not do, and had to submit only half the report which I had done earlier. And obviously I did not put her name on it.
So when the grades came out, and hers showed a zero, she posted on the course forum, literally yelling at the professor for not giving her marks. "I understand that we couldn't submit the complete report due to a situation. but i dont know if that should stop us from receiving marks at all." A situation indeed.
The professor replied saying that "This is a topic that should be addressed through email. (duh! But how can you expect such a female to have any common sense)
No grade has been recorded because I did not receive a report with your name on it.
If you submitted a joint report, then either you or your partner forgot to put your name on the report. If this is the case, then please ask your partner to email me to confirm that you contributed to the report and I will add the grade."
So she called me up and tells me to email him. Yes TELLs. Was it not obvious that I had not put her name on the report for a reason - that she did not deserve the grade since she did NO work AT ALL? And idiot that I am, I should have just given her a piece of my mind then. But for some disturbingly bizarrely annoying reason, this stupid tongue of mine, which is willing to slice people's throats for no good reason at most times, decides to not unleash itself when most required.
Oh and she also asked me on the phone if there was a scanner on campus. I said maybe in the library. Then she tells me, oh can you find the third edition of the book and scan a certain page and send to me. I'll pay you. Oh right, sure. Just one question, WHEN DID I BECOME YOUR FUCKING SLAVE?
So I did email the prof, and then sent the great woman a scathing email telling her "I have emailed
And her reply, "comon yar ..i appreciate u doing the favor cuz i understand where nd what has gone wrong...but u cud've talked about it on phone or last day when i saw u. i wouldnt' want u to keep grudges for me in heart. if i were at ur place, you wouldnt get this from me. i m sorry if i have hurt you. but i dont think we should say bye to each other on a bitter note ;)"
Oh right I'm sorry. My bad, I should have said a big NO in the first place since you seem to have an unusually thick skin.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
And as we go on..
10th grade
As I sat there in English class, I stared at the girl next to me. She was my so called "best friend". I stared at her long, silky hair, and wished she was mine. But she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. After class, she walked up to me and asked me for the notes she had missed the day before and handed them to her. She said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I wanted to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
11th grade
The phone rang. On the other end, it was her. She was in tears, mumbling on and on about how her love had broke her heart. She asked me to come over because she didn't want to be alone, so I did. As I sat next to her on the sofa, I stared at her soft eyes, wishing she was mine. After 2 hours, one Drew Barrymore movie, and three bags of chips, she decided to go to sleep. She looked at me, said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
Senior year
The day before prom she walked to my locker. My date is sick" she said; he's not going to go well, I didn't have a date, and in 7th grade, we made a promise that if neither of us had dates, we would go together just as "best friends". So we did. Prom night, after everything was over, I was standing at her front door step. I stared at her as she smiled at me and stared at me with her crystal eyes. I want her to be mine, but she isn't think of me like that, and I know it. Then she said "I had the best time, thanks!" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
Graduation Day
A day passed, then a week, then a month. Before I could blink, it was graduation day. I watched as her perfect body floated like an angel up on stage to get her diploma. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. Before everyone went home, she came to me in her smock and hat, and cried as I hugged her. Then she lifted her head from my shoulder and said, "you're my best friend, thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
A Few Years Later
Now I sit in the pews of the church. That girl is getting married now. I watched her say "I do" and drive off to her new life, married to another man. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't see me like that, and I knew it. But before she drove away, she came to me and said "you came!". She said "thanks" and kissed me on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
Funeral
Years passed, I looked down at the coffin of a girl who used to be my "best friend". At the service, they read a diary entry she had wrote in her high school years. This is what it read: I stare at him wishing he was mine, but he doesn't notice me like that, and I know it. I want to tell him, I want him to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love him but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why. I wish he would tell me he loved me! `I wish I did too...` I thought to my self, and I cried.
As I sat there in English class, I stared at the girl next to me. She was my so called "best friend". I stared at her long, silky hair, and wished she was mine. But she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. After class, she walked up to me and asked me for the notes she had missed the day before and handed them to her. She said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I wanted to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
11th grade
The phone rang. On the other end, it was her. She was in tears, mumbling on and on about how her love had broke her heart. She asked me to come over because she didn't want to be alone, so I did. As I sat next to her on the sofa, I stared at her soft eyes, wishing she was mine. After 2 hours, one Drew Barrymore movie, and three bags of chips, she decided to go to sleep. She looked at me, said "thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
Senior year
The day before prom she walked to my locker. My date is sick" she said; he's not going to go well, I didn't have a date, and in 7th grade, we made a promise that if neither of us had dates, we would go together just as "best friends". So we did. Prom night, after everything was over, I was standing at her front door step. I stared at her as she smiled at me and stared at me with her crystal eyes. I want her to be mine, but she isn't think of me like that, and I know it. Then she said "I had the best time, thanks!" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
Graduation Day
A day passed, then a week, then a month. Before I could blink, it was graduation day. I watched as her perfect body floated like an angel up on stage to get her diploma. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't notice me like that, and I knew it. Before everyone went home, she came to me in her smock and hat, and cried as I hugged her. Then she lifted her head from my shoulder and said, "you're my best friend, thanks" and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
A Few Years Later
Now I sit in the pews of the church. That girl is getting married now. I watched her say "I do" and drive off to her new life, married to another man. I wanted her to be mine, but she didn't see me like that, and I knew it. But before she drove away, she came to me and said "you came!". She said "thanks" and kissed me on the cheek. I want to tell her, I want her to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love her but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why.
Funeral
Years passed, I looked down at the coffin of a girl who used to be my "best friend". At the service, they read a diary entry she had wrote in her high school years. This is what it read: I stare at him wishing he was mine, but he doesn't notice me like that, and I know it. I want to tell him, I want him to know that I don't want to be just friends, I love him but I'm just too shy, and I don't know why. I wish he would tell me he loved me! `I wish I did too...` I thought to my self, and I cried.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Unopened letters to the world.
"You know, I've often considered writing you a letter. Of telling you of the many, many ways in which you have hurt and disappointed me. But everytime I stop myself.
Because, well, firstly, I don't think it will make any difference to you. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Secondly, it would piss me off even more when there would be no reply, like always.
But the main reason why I hold back is because doing such a thing would only be acknowledging that you are still a part of my world. That despite everything, your existence still matters to me.
Would such a letter make me feel better? Would it help me hurt less?
Probably not.
I think it would just be followed by a sense of guilt, remorse and embarrassment. And I don't want to suffer at your hands any more than I already have.
So no, I will not write you a letter."
Because, well, firstly, I don't think it will make any difference to you. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Secondly, it would piss me off even more when there would be no reply, like always.
But the main reason why I hold back is because doing such a thing would only be acknowledging that you are still a part of my world. That despite everything, your existence still matters to me.
Would such a letter make me feel better? Would it help me hurt less?
Probably not.
I think it would just be followed by a sense of guilt, remorse and embarrassment. And I don't want to suffer at your hands any more than I already have.
So no, I will not write you a letter."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Travel diaries 2 - Shuswap Lake
So today has been mainly travelling in the bus. We’ve been going from Vancouver to Banff, and we stop at Shuswap Lake tonight. It’s a tiny bus, and there are only 15 people on it, other than our tour guide/driver.
We stopped in between at a place which had salmon, huge ones. Some of them dead. Apparently they swim back to the place they were born, but the water is very shallow.
And I saw snow! Like on the ground right next to our bus. And the mountains are very pretty. Temperate rainforests all around.
I begin to understand why people here drink so much alcohol. It’s required for survival!
We stopped in between at a place which had salmon, huge ones. Some of them dead. Apparently they swim back to the place they were born, but the water is very shallow.
And I saw snow! Like on the ground right next to our bus. And the mountains are very pretty. Temperate rainforests all around.
I begin to understand why people here drink so much alcohol. It’s required for survival!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Travel diaries 1 - Vancouver
Ok so the first 2 days of our trip are done, and we leave Vancouver tomorrow morning.
The hostel that we're staying in right now is really nice and comfy, with a dorm of 4 and comfy fat blankets and pretty washrooms and decent breakfast!
Vancouver in general seems much nicer than Toronto. The people for one thing are much nicer and friendlier and helpful. It seems cheaper too, at least for transportation. There is no Provincial Tax, unlike the 8% in stupid Toronto. And plus this place is soo superbly beautiful. The fall leaves are all turning red, and this morning when we were walking towards University of British Columbia, a red tree would suddenly pop out of green coniferous (I think) trees. Very beautiful.
Which brings me to how absolutely marvelous the UBC campus is! It seems much nicer than York, bigger, greener, cleaner, with (nude) beaches next to campus. Oh and we saw fraternity/sorority houses, with their Greek names. So much fun. I wonder how popular they are in Canadian unis. I really do wish I could transfer to UBC. I'm sure I would have liked the calmness of the city. To a certain extent I regret not having researched more on unis before coming here.
Then we went to Stanley Park, which is simply HUGE. We spent most of the day walking, mostly in circles. And then at the end of the day got lost, and had to lumber around in the dark towards the Fish House, where we has a reservation. But it turned out to be nice food, I had to have the Penne Pasta, as it was the only thing they had. But then the Lava Cake was quite decent. It's funny how sophisticated and classy the place was, and we were probably the only people who didn't drive there,
instead we hiked :P
Yesterday we walked to Granville Island (we really seem to be doing a lot of walking). It was very nice and the Public Market was very cute too. Oh and the I bought the first season of the original 90210, as I haven't been able to find it online anywhere. Yipeee :)
Tomorrow is a long bus journey, so I'm glad I bought an iPod, brought Sons & Lovers and brought my laptop.
So I think I should go sleep now :)
The hostel that we're staying in right now is really nice and comfy, with a dorm of 4 and comfy fat blankets and pretty washrooms and decent breakfast!
Vancouver in general seems much nicer than Toronto. The people for one thing are much nicer and friendlier and helpful. It seems cheaper too, at least for transportation. There is no Provincial Tax, unlike the 8% in stupid Toronto. And plus this place is soo superbly beautiful. The fall leaves are all turning red, and this morning when we were walking towards University of British Columbia, a red tree would suddenly pop out of green coniferous (I think) trees. Very beautiful.
Which brings me to how absolutely marvelous the UBC campus is! It seems much nicer than York, bigger, greener, cleaner, with (nude) beaches next to campus. Oh and we saw fraternity/sorority houses, with their Greek names. So much fun. I wonder how popular they are in Canadian unis. I really do wish I could transfer to UBC. I'm sure I would have liked the calmness of the city. To a certain extent I regret not having researched more on unis before coming here.
Then we went to Stanley Park, which is simply HUGE. We spent most of the day walking, mostly in circles. And then at the end of the day got lost, and had to lumber around in the dark towards the Fish House, where we has a reservation. But it turned out to be nice food, I had to have the Penne Pasta, as it was the only thing they had. But then the Lava Cake was quite decent. It's funny how sophisticated and classy the place was, and we were probably the only people who didn't drive there,
instead we hiked :P
Yesterday we walked to Granville Island (we really seem to be doing a lot of walking). It was very nice and the Public Market was very cute too. Oh and the I bought the first season of the original 90210, as I haven't been able to find it online anywhere. Yipeee :)
Tomorrow is a long bus journey, so I'm glad I bought an iPod, brought Sons & Lovers and brought my laptop.
So I think I should go sleep now :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
The BIAs of the world
11/06/2009, 8am local time
So I am at the Bengaluru International Airport (ironically also shortformed BIA) and it has just started sinking in that I am back home. And I won't be going back to Singapore for a very, very long time. I always do miss Singapore much more than I have ever missed India. I feel more at home in Singapaw maybe. Or maybe it is the place which I relate with growing up, independence, discovering who I am.
At least the transition from Singapore to India has not been a very drastic one so far by virtue of Bangalore being a relatively sane and modernised city. Not that Delhi doesn’t lay claims to being modern. But the Indian-ness of the place hits you like a blast of strong wind the moment you exit from the airport, with that huge group of people standing outside. I have never figured out whether they are actually there to receive someone or just standing there for no good reason, to add some spice to their mundane lives. Ok that was a bit mean.
Anyway, so I spent the night at CCD (which is Cafe Coffee Day for people who don't know), sleeping on the couch with one hand on the luggage, hoping no one would steal it. In the morning, I had upma, and the guy at the counter had a very amused smile on his face. I'm guessing because I slept in the place at night. In a very mischievous way he asked also “Had a good night’s rest?”
The flight yesterday was not so bad overall, despite being a sad Tiger airways plane, with a bawling (but very cute, with a fountain on her head) baby determined to show her full screaming prowess and a very irritating flying-virgin who kept troubling me all the way with jabs and pokes and stupid questions and also kept trying the poor air-hostesses’ patience. And then towards the end of the flight there was this long haired Caucasian dude who coughed for about 15 minutes as if he was puking-choking and scared the hell out of me because I think he was drunk when he got onto the plane and I was scared he had eaten some medicine or something and an incident similar to the one in PGP would repeat itself.
Kingfisher made me pay a ton of money for my excess baggage, plus they apparently have some fee for staying at the airport since apparently it is a private airport. Apparently. So almost all the Indian currency I had in my wallet is now gone. Sigh. And now what with not being able to find the India sim that sis gave me, and stupid Starhub not letting me activate roaming without having to drag a sponsor to their customer service centre, I have no internet. BIA has WiFi but you need to message them and then they gave you a password which you can use to log in for an hour. So sad.
I have also been trying to forget and forgive a few things. And am left wondering why mistakes aren’t as easy to forget as lecture notes. And realizing truly the merits of distance. A lot of distance. You think you know yourself, and then one day suddenly you do something so not you. It is unsettling. Makes you rethink your whole belief system.
Oh and I would also like to clarify that Taiwan is not a bad place. It was just my initial culture shock that made me totally anti-Cheena. But after the initial shock had worn off, it turned out to be quite a lot of fun! And the pineapple-tart-thingy was very nice! As was Muah Chee. I kinda regret not being a foodie sometimes and trying out random food stuff. Of course being vegetarian makes that a little hard. Not that I have ever regretted not being a carnivore. Food has relatively little importance in my life. It is more of a daily duty to me than a pleasure. So for the people out there who keep convincing me to try meat, well, too bad. You might as well save your breath :)
I have also realized in the past few days (ya I'm a little slow) that life is all about adjusting. Adjusting to new places, new people (and the way they speak), new cultures, and of course, to your own mistakes. And learning to live with what you do. Ok I think this sounds a bit freaky. Don't worry I didn't kill anyone :P
I still have an hour and a half before boarding starts. I want internet :(
So I am at the Bengaluru International Airport (ironically also shortformed BIA) and it has just started sinking in that I am back home. And I won't be going back to Singapore for a very, very long time. I always do miss Singapore much more than I have ever missed India. I feel more at home in Singapaw maybe. Or maybe it is the place which I relate with growing up, independence, discovering who I am.
At least the transition from Singapore to India has not been a very drastic one so far by virtue of Bangalore being a relatively sane and modernised city. Not that Delhi doesn’t lay claims to being modern. But the Indian-ness of the place hits you like a blast of strong wind the moment you exit from the airport, with that huge group of people standing outside. I have never figured out whether they are actually there to receive someone or just standing there for no good reason, to add some spice to their mundane lives. Ok that was a bit mean.
Anyway, so I spent the night at CCD (which is Cafe Coffee Day for people who don't know), sleeping on the couch with one hand on the luggage, hoping no one would steal it. In the morning, I had upma, and the guy at the counter had a very amused smile on his face. I'm guessing because I slept in the place at night. In a very mischievous way he asked also “Had a good night’s rest?”
The flight yesterday was not so bad overall, despite being a sad Tiger airways plane, with a bawling (but very cute, with a fountain on her head) baby determined to show her full screaming prowess and a very irritating flying-virgin who kept troubling me all the way with jabs and pokes and stupid questions and also kept trying the poor air-hostesses’ patience. And then towards the end of the flight there was this long haired Caucasian dude who coughed for about 15 minutes as if he was puking-choking and scared the hell out of me because I think he was drunk when he got onto the plane and I was scared he had eaten some medicine or something and an incident similar to the one in PGP would repeat itself.
Kingfisher made me pay a ton of money for my excess baggage, plus they apparently have some fee for staying at the airport since apparently it is a private airport. Apparently. So almost all the Indian currency I had in my wallet is now gone. Sigh. And now what with not being able to find the India sim that sis gave me, and stupid Starhub not letting me activate roaming without having to drag a sponsor to their customer service centre, I have no internet. BIA has WiFi but you need to message them and then they gave you a password which you can use to log in for an hour. So sad.
I have also been trying to forget and forgive a few things. And am left wondering why mistakes aren’t as easy to forget as lecture notes. And realizing truly the merits of distance. A lot of distance. You think you know yourself, and then one day suddenly you do something so not you. It is unsettling. Makes you rethink your whole belief system.
Oh and I would also like to clarify that Taiwan is not a bad place. It was just my initial culture shock that made me totally anti-Cheena. But after the initial shock had worn off, it turned out to be quite a lot of fun! And the pineapple-tart-thingy was very nice! As was Muah Chee. I kinda regret not being a foodie sometimes and trying out random food stuff. Of course being vegetarian makes that a little hard. Not that I have ever regretted not being a carnivore. Food has relatively little importance in my life. It is more of a daily duty to me than a pleasure. So for the people out there who keep convincing me to try meat, well, too bad. You might as well save your breath :)
I have also realized in the past few days (ya I'm a little slow) that life is all about adjusting. Adjusting to new places, new people (and the way they speak), new cultures, and of course, to your own mistakes. And learning to live with what you do. Ok I think this sounds a bit freaky. Don't worry I didn't kill anyone :P
I still have an hour and a half before boarding starts. I want internet :(
Monday, May 25, 2009
The importance of a comfort zone.
It is one of those things you don't realize you need until you've lost it. And right now I have.
I'm in Taiwan. And feeling really isolated and out of place. People giving me weird looks doesn't really help. Yes I'm an Indian. Probably the first one you've seen in real life. Get over it. Maybe next time someone does that I should just show them the finger. Or yell something in Hindi. Ok I know you will say that I should 'enjoy the attention, 'feel special' and some other bullshit now. But right now I'm too cranky and pissed off to bother looking at the bright side.
You need to experience the 'discrimination' for yourself before you can know what I'm saying. I am not blaming anyone. I do not expect anyone around to know English. This is not a blame game. It is just a means to vent out my frustration. And the fact that no one right now can understand how I feel. Except maybe the one other Indian in the group. Because it doesn't even strike the others what it feels like to be left out of every conversation. Or feel guilty that they have to really strain their brain to find a way to translate what was just said especially for you.
In Thailand it was the food. In Taiwan its the language. Makes me feel hell guilty. And it shouldn't. But it does.
Non-veg people feel weird when they have to eat a totally veg meal. If for one meal they are taken out of their comfort zone, they feel it. Imagine having to live like that for 15 days. I'm very picky about food. I do not like to try out new things. My choice of food is limited to Indian. And junk. Chinese veg is never my choice. And here I need to feel grateful to get rice (for every freaking meal) and some boiled veg. No thank you. I would rather not eat.
If this article offends anyone, well I'm sorry. But I'm really really pissed off right now.
I am as much a vegetarian by birth as I am by choice. Nothing really is holding me back from eating non-veg. My sister eats it. My mum used to. So I do not appreciate it when people 'pity' me about it and say "Oh don't you ever feel tempted to try meat?" NO I DON'T. I feel repulsed by it. I'm not asking you to change yourself. You can go ahead annihilate whole species of whatever animals you want. But don't make me feel like a lesser person because I choose to not join you.
And about Taiwan, most of the people in the group have been here before. Many times. So they know the place quite well. Which makes it even worse. I don't even know the names of the places where we've been to so far. That is why I would rather stay in the hotel room and watch HBO rather than go out with the rest and feel like an illiterate fool.
I really wish I could carry the people in the group to India. And leave them each separately in a different city. Maybe it'll help them understand. I would never EVER have chosen to come to Taiwan of my own free will I think. Or even if I came, it would have been with non-chinks. So we would at least all be stupid and illiterate here. Like we were in Thailand :(
Bloody hell.
I'm in Taiwan. And feeling really isolated and out of place. People giving me weird looks doesn't really help. Yes I'm an Indian. Probably the first one you've seen in real life. Get over it. Maybe next time someone does that I should just show them the finger. Or yell something in Hindi. Ok I know you will say that I should 'enjoy the attention, 'feel special' and some other bullshit now. But right now I'm too cranky and pissed off to bother looking at the bright side.
You need to experience the 'discrimination' for yourself before you can know what I'm saying. I am not blaming anyone. I do not expect anyone around to know English. This is not a blame game. It is just a means to vent out my frustration. And the fact that no one right now can understand how I feel. Except maybe the one other Indian in the group. Because it doesn't even strike the others what it feels like to be left out of every conversation. Or feel guilty that they have to really strain their brain to find a way to translate what was just said especially for you.
In Thailand it was the food. In Taiwan its the language. Makes me feel hell guilty. And it shouldn't. But it does.
Non-veg people feel weird when they have to eat a totally veg meal. If for one meal they are taken out of their comfort zone, they feel it. Imagine having to live like that for 15 days. I'm very picky about food. I do not like to try out new things. My choice of food is limited to Indian. And junk. Chinese veg is never my choice. And here I need to feel grateful to get rice (for every freaking meal) and some boiled veg. No thank you. I would rather not eat.
If this article offends anyone, well I'm sorry. But I'm really really pissed off right now.
I am as much a vegetarian by birth as I am by choice. Nothing really is holding me back from eating non-veg. My sister eats it. My mum used to. So I do not appreciate it when people 'pity' me about it and say "Oh don't you ever feel tempted to try meat?" NO I DON'T. I feel repulsed by it. I'm not asking you to change yourself. You can go ahead annihilate whole species of whatever animals you want. But don't make me feel like a lesser person because I choose to not join you.
And about Taiwan, most of the people in the group have been here before. Many times. So they know the place quite well. Which makes it even worse. I don't even know the names of the places where we've been to so far. That is why I would rather stay in the hotel room and watch HBO rather than go out with the rest and feel like an illiterate fool.
I really wish I could carry the people in the group to India. And leave them each separately in a different city. Maybe it'll help them understand. I would never EVER have chosen to come to Taiwan of my own free will I think. Or even if I came, it would have been with non-chinks. So we would at least all be stupid and illiterate here. Like we were in Thailand :(
Bloody hell.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Night markets..
So its 12:50 at night (yep same time as sg) and I'm sitting in some random guy's ( :D ) room coz my room net doesn't work. Stupid cable thing. The whole thing disintegrated into my hands when I tried to use it. And chatting. And missing Indian food. I'm sick of having to always be a trouble and ask for special meals. And I'm sick of eating rice and Chinese Vegees. Sigh.
So we went night market before this. And I bought this random funky cap which I would normally never ever have bought. So fun :D And then the hanging thing for my phone, a necklace, bracelets, random top and, accidentally, leggings. But they were only 19 Taiwan Dollar, which is like less than 1 SingD, so who cares. Who knows, I might even end up using it.
Oh I've been talking sooo much Singlish here. OMG. But if I don't, no one will be able to understand what I say and I'll have to repeat a million times.
Oh and we went to Dharma Drum Mountain today. Its so freaking cool. The place is so hilly and pretty and clean and beautiful. The evenig service was in Cheeni so obviously I couldn't follow. Even though they gave us the English translation version. But it was very musical. And I like their uniforms. And I really liked the teachings of Sheng-Yen, the founder. He looks like one of those pure guys who are uncorrupted even in the midst of society. And what he says can appeal to both lays and monks.
And one dear friend of ours yet again asked a very smart question: "Are your flights to Malaysia and Singapore free when you go for public outreach?" And the other day he asked the Abbot (or was it Deputy Abbot?) what they pack in their bag when they go to other monasteries. So you see he makes our trip very interesting. I think I shall take the personal vow for tomorrow to speak no evil the entire day. Let's see how it goes :D
I think I should go sleep now. Though I'm not sleepy yet. Sigh. Why did I have to sleep so much yesterday night.
And I think I really have to do something about my appetite. It seems to be getting smaller and smaller by the end. And I'm tired of making up excuses to people about why I don't want dinner.
So we went night market before this. And I bought this random funky cap which I would normally never ever have bought. So fun :D And then the hanging thing for my phone, a necklace, bracelets, random top and, accidentally, leggings. But they were only 19 Taiwan Dollar, which is like less than 1 SingD, so who cares. Who knows, I might even end up using it.
Oh I've been talking sooo much Singlish here. OMG. But if I don't, no one will be able to understand what I say and I'll have to repeat a million times.
Oh and we went to Dharma Drum Mountain today. Its so freaking cool. The place is so hilly and pretty and clean and beautiful. The evenig service was in Cheeni so obviously I couldn't follow. Even though they gave us the English translation version. But it was very musical. And I like their uniforms. And I really liked the teachings of Sheng-Yen, the founder. He looks like one of those pure guys who are uncorrupted even in the midst of society. And what he says can appeal to both lays and monks.
And one dear friend of ours yet again asked a very smart question: "Are your flights to Malaysia and Singapore free when you go for public outreach?" And the other day he asked the Abbot (or was it Deputy Abbot?) what they pack in their bag when they go to other monasteries. So you see he makes our trip very interesting. I think I shall take the personal vow for tomorrow to speak no evil the entire day. Let's see how it goes :D
I think I should go sleep now. Though I'm not sleepy yet. Sigh. Why did I have to sleep so much yesterday night.
And I think I really have to do something about my appetite. It seems to be getting smaller and smaller by the end. And I'm tired of making up excuses to people about why I don't want dinner.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Ni hao ma :D
So we're in Taiwan now. Cheena cheena :(
I shall feel even more illiterate and useless here since at least in Thailand none of us (except Ajaan) knew any Thai.
And I got a hangover. Zomg I sound like such a boozer.
FAQ for the trip: Where is Xin Zhao :D Where is the banner?
Ok I can't think of anything to write. So I shall do this later.
I shall feel even more illiterate and useless here since at least in Thailand none of us (except Ajaan) knew any Thai.
And I got a hangover. Zomg I sound like such a boozer.
FAQ for the trip: Where is Xin Zhao :D Where is the banner?
Ok I can't think of anything to write. So I shall do this later.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 2
5:30pm local time
So we are in Nakhon now. Went to Suanmok in the morning. It is a monastery that was set up by Buddhadasa about 75 years ago and is something after my heart. I so like the whole concept of back to nature, instead of the insipid rituals and well adorned temples and statues. Though it has lots of dogs, whom I was obviously scared of, though they seemed harmless overall.
Then it was on to a temple. And the Chaiya National Museum. Weird place. But they were nice enough to not charge us, so we gave them one of the USP pens :)
Then the shopping mall was like so sad. Though I did get to eat vanilla chip ice-cream, which tasted more like butterscotch than anything else.
Everything in this country is in Thai. Majority don't speak any English. So it's very interesting to try to communicate with them. Like to ask when Carrefour closes, tap on watch, then make a curtain closing sign. Haha.
And now that we have internet at our hotel, I'm using it. And realizing how useless it is. I should really renounce the world and become a forest monk and go pray in like the Himalayas or something.
I should go up and sleep now. But before that we should be having a boozing session :D Let's see how it goes.
5:30pm local time
So we are in Nakhon now. Went to Suanmok in the morning. It is a monastery that was set up by Buddhadasa about 75 years ago and is something after my heart. I so like the whole concept of back to nature, instead of the insipid rituals and well adorned temples and statues. Though it has lots of dogs, whom I was obviously scared of, though they seemed harmless overall.
Then it was on to a temple. And the Chaiya National Museum. Weird place. But they were nice enough to not charge us, so we gave them one of the USP pens :)
Then the shopping mall was like so sad. Though I did get to eat vanilla chip ice-cream, which tasted more like butterscotch than anything else.
Everything in this country is in Thai. Majority don't speak any English. So it's very interesting to try to communicate with them. Like to ask when Carrefour closes, tap on watch, then make a curtain closing sign. Haha.
And now that we have internet at our hotel, I'm using it. And realizing how useless it is. I should really renounce the world and become a forest monk and go pray in like the Himalayas or something.
I should go up and sleep now. But before that we should be having a boozing session :D Let's see how it goes.
Swadika!
I'm in Thailand now. Woohoo! :D
And here's the 'diary' that I am keeping. And hopefully will continue to keep.
Day 1: 16th May 2009
12:30 local time
Phuket => Surat Thani
So we are in the bus now, on the way to Surat Thani. With our guide talking. He doesn’t seem to ever stop talking, I’m rapidly learning to become wary of the moment the mike is brought out. He keeps reminding us about “shoot the rabbit” and whatever “pluck the flower” or something (which means to go to the loo). So irritating.
Flight in the morning was ok. Managed to get to the airport in one piece with passport and all. Thank God for Salvation Army. Without them I wouldn’t have remembered about the passport thing. So as I was saying, flight today morning was quite ok. Even though I got the much feared neighbour. He slept half the way and the flight was only 1:20 hours. Then we got to Phuket and realized that the tour people thought we were coming by the 2pm flight. So we had to wait for him to rush to the airport. So I got to buy my first stick of chewing gum. And drink Minute Maid from a glass bottle. As Jie Hui pointed out, why does Singapore have only plastic bottles?
And we went to some random temple by the name of Wat Chalong or something which sounds like that. And I was re-reminded that it’ll soon become impossible for me to figure out what photo is for what temple.
Why does the guide not stop talking? “Phi” means older brother, and we’re supposed to call him that. And call Prof Pattana “achan”. Haha. Achar.
And he was talking about the monastery. And got me scared about how strict they will be. I don't know how to use chop sticks :(
It was super sunny when we were at the temple. And now its raining. Which is quite good. Cooler. And the guide stops talking. So I should sleep/look out the window/read “Children of the New Forest. Hmm.
Quote of the day: intelligence turns me on :P
11:00 pm local time
Ok. So the river cruise was very nice. I've never seen fireflies before. And they were amazing. Whole trees blinking one after another like Christmas lights. So pretty. And then the process of trying to catch one. And then Alicia making her clock blink. And Elvis getting one on his hand, which refused to leave and he didn't want to blow on it in case it fell into the water and drowned. Hahaha.
And then the Karaoke. And the love triangle. So fun :D
And the dinner was quite good. They made special veg food for me. Which also tasted decent. I’m hoping Thailand food will be ok. Coz Taiwan I am sure will be quite bad.
The hotel has no internet. So I cannot post this on my blog.
And I want to get drunk. Yet again. I'm sure we’re going to be doing that at least 2-3 times before we leave.
And here's the 'diary' that I am keeping. And hopefully will continue to keep.
Day 1: 16th May 2009
12:30 local time
Phuket => Surat Thani
So we are in the bus now, on the way to Surat Thani. With our guide talking. He doesn’t seem to ever stop talking, I’m rapidly learning to become wary of the moment the mike is brought out. He keeps reminding us about “shoot the rabbit” and whatever “pluck the flower” or something (which means to go to the loo). So irritating.
Flight in the morning was ok. Managed to get to the airport in one piece with passport and all. Thank God for Salvation Army. Without them I wouldn’t have remembered about the passport thing. So as I was saying, flight today morning was quite ok. Even though I got the much feared neighbour. He slept half the way and the flight was only 1:20 hours. Then we got to Phuket and realized that the tour people thought we were coming by the 2pm flight. So we had to wait for him to rush to the airport. So I got to buy my first stick of chewing gum. And drink Minute Maid from a glass bottle. As Jie Hui pointed out, why does Singapore have only plastic bottles?
And we went to some random temple by the name of Wat Chalong or something which sounds like that. And I was re-reminded that it’ll soon become impossible for me to figure out what photo is for what temple.
Why does the guide not stop talking? “Phi” means older brother, and we’re supposed to call him that. And call Prof Pattana “achan”. Haha. Achar.
And he was talking about the monastery. And got me scared about how strict they will be. I don't know how to use chop sticks :(
It was super sunny when we were at the temple. And now its raining. Which is quite good. Cooler. And the guide stops talking. So I should sleep/look out the window/read “Children of the New Forest. Hmm.
Quote of the day: intelligence turns me on :P
11:00 pm local time
Ok. So the river cruise was very nice. I've never seen fireflies before. And they were amazing. Whole trees blinking one after another like Christmas lights. So pretty. And then the process of trying to catch one. And then Alicia making her clock blink. And Elvis getting one on his hand, which refused to leave and he didn't want to blow on it in case it fell into the water and drowned. Hahaha.
And then the Karaoke. And the love triangle. So fun :D
And the dinner was quite good. They made special veg food for me. Which also tasted decent. I’m hoping Thailand food will be ok. Coz Taiwan I am sure will be quite bad.
The hotel has no internet. So I cannot post this on my blog.
And I want to get drunk. Yet again. I'm sure we’re going to be doing that at least 2-3 times before we leave.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Reddy's Cinderella Story
Once upon a time there lived a tall, dark prince(ss). Her name was Harsha Reddy. She had 2 step-sisters, Srajna and Swati, and an evil step-mother, Anjali.
Her stepsisters had everything. But for the poor unhappy girl, there was nothing at all. No dresses, only her stepsisters’ hand-me-downs. No lovely dishes, nothing but scraps. Even when she bought her own meals, others used to eat them up. She had to work hard all day, sitting in COM1 and coding.
Reddy used to spend long hours all alone talking to her laptop. The laptop used to tell her, "Cheer up! You have something neither of your stepsisters has and that is beauty." It was quite true. Reddy, even when dressed in old rags, was a lovely girl.
Her graduation was to be held at the grand Hon Sui Sen auditorium and the stepsisters were getting ready to go. Reddy didn't even dare ask if she could go too. She knew very well what the answer would be: "You? You're staying at home to wash the dishes, scrub the floors and do the projects and lab reports for your stepsisters. They will come home tired and very sleepy."
Suddenly something amazing happened. As Reddy was sitting all alone, there was a burst of light and a fairy appeared. She said "Don't be alarmed Reddy. My name is Saaket. I am your fairy Godmother. I let people take my case so that you will be spared. I know you would love to go to the graduation. And so you shall!" "How can I, dressed in rags?" Reddy asked, "My batchmates will turn me away!"
The fairy smiled. With a flick of her magic wand Reddy found herself wearing the most beautiful WHITE dress she had ever seen. "Now for your coach," said the fairy; "A real lady would never go to a ball on foot! Quick! Get me a pumpkin!" "Oh of course," said Cinderella, and brought back Akshay. The fairy turned him into a carriage and reminded Reddy that she should be back before midnight else she would get lost in the darkness of the night.
As she rode away to the graduation, Reddy thanked her lucky stars for having sent her such a wonderful fairy Godmother in the form of Saaket.
Reddy had a wonderful time at the ball. She met her Prince Charming, a handsome young man with a tendency to go pink every now and then. She didn't even realize when the time flew by. But when she heard the first stroke of midnight, she remembered what the fairy had said, and without a word of goodbye she slipped from the Prince's arms and ran down the steps. As she ran she lost one of her high heeled slippers, but not for a moment did she dream of stopping to pick it up! If the last stroke of midnight were to sound... oh... what a disaster that would be! Out she fled and vanished into the night.
The Prince, who was now madly in love with her, picked up the slipper and said to his batchmates, “Go and search everywhere for the girl whose foot this slipper fits. I will never be content until I find her!”
And since then the hunt for the beautiful dark princess has continued.
[THE END]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)