The Ladakh Series: To Leh Via Zozilla

I was Pondering how i would wind up the Photoselection process this week and as well as write atleast an article on the ladakh series. I had soon identified my solution in Murali-my colleague, roomie and good buddy who also accompanied me to ladakh. I convinced him that writing an article for my blog would make him famous. It worked.lol.

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The Jammu- Leh travel thru Murali Rajan

The Aii Jat Express dropped us at Jammu 2 hours late... fresh though from a luxurious second AC travel, we searched out for options to reach Leh. Finally one sardar approached us and bellowed “where to...?” a few minutes later, we were in a innova careening through the streets of Jammu, under the guidance of Tiger aka D S... tiger was to drop us at Leh in couple of days time. Once out of Jammu, the beauty of this place began to reveal itself...on the climbs to Srinagar, the landscape changed dramatically and just as we wanted, all in gorgeous green (news of argentina’s destruction of Korea added to the glee)...but the most terrific moment of the day came after we crossed the 2.5 km Jawahar Tunnel. The first sight of the magnificent snow capped Himalayas caught us all in awe... just mind numbing experience... we sat all the way to Srinagar grinning in quiet satisfaction...

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At first light, we set out again... breakfast by the Jhelum river, feasting on some sumptuous aloo parathas and puri bhaji, we were luving it...

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“Gar firdaus zamin hasto, Hami asto, Hami asto, Hami asto ...”

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Kashmir is truly a land of extraordinary beauty... lush green meadows, snow capped mountains, frothing rivers... truly a spectacle to behold... we hit the first pass of the many to cross at Zozilla pass...the route also held the war memorial for the war of ’99... the war was fought on the mountains of Tiger Hill, Kargil and the Tololing Range... we stopped for lunch at Drass which is the second coldest inhabited region in the world (Siberia hold the record), and set forth for Kargil, where we initially planned to stay... a tiny little town with a bustling market awaited us... had the first taste of namkeen tea from Kargil which Dilip loved... however since we had reached very early, we decided to leave for Mulbekh... the local tourist office confirmed that a guest house was available... we hit the roads immediately to reach Mulbekh before sundown. The beautiful village with the guest house bordering the farmland... it was deadly cold that night, lit up a campfire though... and thanks to ali bhais hospitality, we slept like logs...

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We left mulbekh at half past seven in the morning; hit some bad road patches before we reached Fotu La, the highest point on the Srinagar Leh Route. We had our first sight of a monastery at Lamayaru... the Alchi monastery was also on the way, but since both required detour from the main road, we decided to skip them both... Lunch at Basgo was our last stop and we eagerly looked forward to reaching Leh... well into the third day in innova, a nice warm room with a good bed beckoned us... MES accommodation, thanks to mahima, Chang La was just what the doctor prescribed..

The Ladhak Series :Day Zero- The Deadly Run…..

We (Murali and Self) were excited and looking forward for our trip to ladakh. We were scheduled to fly at 6.45 pm from Pune airport to Delhi and then catch a train to Jammu from the Delhi old station. We had a gap of 1.45 hrs to cover up the distance between airport and station, which seems quite reasonable with the help of the Delhi Metro.

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Abhi dropped us at 5.30 pm at the Pune airport and we were pleased to see the Indian Airline flight on schedule. We comfortably checked in and boarded the flight at 6.40 pm. All seems on track.

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But surprise, surprise. The flight scheduled to depart at 6.45 only departs at 7.25 pm, i.e. a loss of 40 min and we could touch base Delhi airport only by 10 pm. No way, can we now reach on time at Delhi station by 10.30pm to catch the scheduled train. We still rushed out (thank god, we hadn’t checked in our luggage), caught a cab and let him know that we needed to zoom off. We did not realize that we had jumped into “a sheep in wolf’s clothing” The cab was a CNG vehicle and was not capable of zooming past the 50 Kmph mark even on the empty eight lane super highways of the capital. Holy shit we screamed and seeing even bikes overtaking us, helplessly said to our self “Allz is well”.

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Dilip & Mahima had been waiting for long at the station and they informed us that the train was running behind the schedule. The Hope brightened. But our CNG cabwala was convinced that no way we could get to the station in 30 mins. Infact he wasn’t even making an effort. He even stopped for a Gas fill. But Dilip kept calling us, keeping our hopes alive and kicking.

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At 11 pm we touchbased the Delhi Old station. As we stepped in the train blew its horn and arrived elegantly at the station as if she was just waiting our arrival. It was a scene just like the Hindi Filmi movie, but unbelievingly true. Maybe somebody somewhere was praying for us. However we didn’t have to run and hop to the compartment, as the sweet train decided it would halt for another hour at the Delhi Station.

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I couldn’t have asked for a better and exciting start to this journey. Just before a dozed off in the comfortable two tier Ac compartment of the train, my heart beat fast and politely said to me “Kahani abhi katm nahi huan hain dost”…………..The Journey had just began.

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P.S: With the Manali Leh highway blocked, we were not left with any option but to take the Srinagar-Leh highway on both the counts.

Off for a While....

I have a dream. All of us have a dream. People dream of wealth, joy, happiness and Offcourse vacations. The Couples dream of Paris, the Vacationers dream of Europe, the Oldies dream of the State's and the Singles dream of Bangkok. I dream too. I have always dreamt of Ladakh.

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I had promised myself last year, when i had just returned from my bagpacking stint in Uttaranchal, that same time next year, i gonna land myself in the Mountains of Ladakh. I see myself fulfiling my dream. The 16th of June 2010, along with Murs, Baba and Mahima, I start my 11 days trip to " The land of numerous Passes". And off course accompanying us will be my camera kit ( Canon 1000D, 18-55,55-250) and a new babe, the gorgeous, the beautiful and the elegant (did I fgrt to mention the " Expensive"?) Canon 10-22mm wide angle lens.

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The Journey starts from Pune- Delhi-Manali-Sarchu-leh-Nubra-leh-Pangong-Leh-Kargil-Srinagar and Back. Sound exciting isnt it. But there is a catch to the plan. The Manali Leh highways isnt open yet and BRO isnt sure of it too. But then whats life without a sense of mystery. So folks pray for me. Pray for my dreams. Luv.S.
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“Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you.”

Shitty Bored.....

I havent been doing much these days. I aint reading a book, nor playing tennis, nor doing Photography, or anything interesting. And the suprising part being that my Office isnt keeping me busy too....

So what am i doing i ask myself?

I am reading a little, flirting a little, playing a little and enjoying a little. Isn't that enough i ask me? Isn't a bit by bit making up for the whole. No i guess!!!

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M Bored to death. Why do i of death so much these dayz.

The 100th Post

Life they say is a drama, where every protagonist has a script custom designed for him. A script; you are completely unaware of and written by someone up there. Some scenes require you to meet specific people every day, who never influence you and sometimes some people only once, who infact change the course of your life. I say, isn’t this an Irony…….

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I have been influenced, loved, hated and been dismissed by many. At each stage of my life, with each scene I deliver, I have been confident of predicting the next one. But gosh, every time I am convinced of the script, Bang Bang - a new twist with vivid turns is embedded in my script. I say, Aint I lost yet again…..

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Such is the uncertainty of life that if people now ask me what I plan for the future, I stare back at them with convincingly blank look. Yes, I am best being blank. Blank against planning, blank against being prepared for my next scene and just blank against my future.

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I say, let me live life as it comes. Let me extempore my journey as it comes……

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“Life is a culmination of Happiness, Sadness, Awe, Anger and Peace. All packed in a single drama, whose show begins at the birth and ends only with your existence”

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P.S: Thank You all for sticking here for the last 3 years. Its been a pleasant journey so far and i am sure, the future holds lotsa more suprises. So stick On....

Cant be Transparent......

Ask anyone who knows me and all of them will tell you just one thing- that I am extremely a cute fella. However they also say that i look cute and simple only on the first impression. And once people know me, they loudly proclaim that i am a Devil In Disguise.

Is this the reason, this fellas are staring at me? But this was the first time we met. Could they have seen me in and Out. Could they have done that?

Food for Thought...

Our reason for sheer hardwork and slough is mere Food. But over a period the factor has taken a backseat and other luxuries in life have just popped out. But anyways notthing is as good as good food. And Nothing can beat Moms food.

Mom- I luv you and ofcourse your delicious food.

The Suspicious Creature

Once upon a time, there lived an weird cock called Mr. Suspicious. He was a pleasant looking man, but with a susupicious eye. He looked at his wife with Suspicion and so, his boss and peers. His relatives and close friends werent spared at All. All their good effort in helping him resolve this grave behaviour would backfire and they would meet their dead ends.

Few months turned into year and years into decade. Alas nothing could change this man. One fine day, his wife brought in a servant called as Mr. Good. Suprisingly things became better that year and the family ties improved. Now this lead to a good news in the family and a baby boy born. The mother named him Mr. Happy. And believe it or not the the Mr. Suspicious suddenly changed and became neutral. Abh Bolo Kyun??

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Kyun ki , Suspicious ko good and Happy ne balance kiyain na baba. Arey yeh maine nahi newton ne Bola. I was trying my scriptwriting skills. Ok fine, no more stories from now on. Happy? Who says we have freedom in this Country?

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Enjoy the pic now:)

Another Big North Indian Wedding

What do i say of about these North Indian wedding. They are big, infact Grand. Right from the clothes, Food and the Music, everything is planned and given utmost importance. The good food flows and there is so much of energy around. And then how can i miss the crowd. Folks the gurls are Hot and there is hariyali everywhere, just Everywhere. A sight for Sour eyes i say.

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Was wondering when my friends drop down for my wedding ( many many yrs later)in Goa. The poor folks will be thoroughly dissapointed. Forget the food, there will be no hot babes too. The only gurantee i give is the Booze, Unlimited booze. So cheer, Lifes isnt that bad!

My Heartiest congratulations to the new couple on the block, Mr. & Mrs Jigyesh Mehta. Cheers.

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"To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you're right, shut up."

Catching Time....

I wish time never passes by. But neverthless, i know its passing. And at a quite steady pace. How can i stop it?

Can SomeOne help me please???

"Oh! Do not attack me with your watch. A watch is always too fast or too slow. I cannot be dictated to by a watch."

Touch and Run: Rajasthan

Another short trip to Rajasthan and this time again it's for a friends wedding. The best part of north indian weddings is the 2B's and 1K. Matlab Babes and Booze accompanied my mast khana. Wat can one ask for in life?

The trip though short was rather pleasant one. The only curse remained the sleeper compartment of my train. I need a bloody Ac one. And with india economy back on track, the AC tickets get sold out like hot cakes.

Ok fine, I know i am spoilt.

Random Sunday and Random Scribling

Why?

I say, why are we expected to do something in this journey called life. Do something that makes us proud, makes your parents happy and makes people to remember you after you are long gone. Born arent we with expectations. lol.

I dont want to achieve anything or overachieve nor Underachive. Let me be in peace.

" Watt the Fuck. I am good doing Nothing. Thank you."

A Slow death...

My past is crystal clear and the future is blur. The present is just stuck.

Am i dying a slow death??

" Tears are words the heart cant express"

FC- Faces that count

When i started my photography journey, I was asked " Dude, whats ur focus area". I had laughed then. How could one have a focus area in photography. You click things that you liked. How could one restrict themself to Potrait, Architecture, Landscape and All. However suprising, i am today into Potraits. Faces charm me and b\w photos induce me.

I have taken the liberty of posting photos of my workshop mates without seeeking prior permission. Kajari, Atul, Radhika -I just couldnt help posting this. Spare me.

Peace, Love and happy Click.

Fergusson College

Gods has been good to me these day. Lifes been better in terms of money, friends, health. Quit things that i would have loved too. Few things fallen in place, few more to settle.

As the Saying goes " Harr Kutte ka din Atha hain. Today is Mine"

PhotoGraphy Workshop @ British Library

Attended a Workshop at British Library. The idea behind my attendence were two things. Point A, that there would some fundamental technical learnings, that i could take out from the sessions. And B - Meet like minded people who have or wish to develop a passion for photography.

Point A proved to be decently good. However i have realised that i am more inclined towards what i exactly require in my frame, rather than keenly being involved in the technicalities like shutter speed and aperature. Point B - We have did a Photosession at Fergusson college which was a good start. Lets See how far the folks keep this passion alive.

The bottom line is that such activities keeps, One going. And sometimes, this is all That Matters.

2009..Here I Run..2010....

I wish that I could run,
Run into this world of photography of mine,
But Instead, I am just stuck here in office,
Until the clock strikes nine

And when no work hits me hard,
I enter into the web world of mine,
Where I sit, browse and drowse
Charming the beauties all the time

But then it strikes me of all,
How long will I be able to take this nonsense fall?
Scared to face this ruthless society,
Scared to break the shackles its set

So maybe it time to run,
To lope, jog and sprint
In the world of photography of mine
Back to the place I belong.

Congratulation !!!

Super Excited!!! My photographs have been published in the ASIAN PHOTOGRAPHY November 2009 issue. I had submitted the Ajanta & Ellora trip photographs in September this year and hadn’t heard from them since then. Luckily got to visit the Crossword store today and was truly amazed to have got my photographs published in the well known photo magazine.

Its wonderful for an amateur photographer to have got his photographs published. Cant express the feeling through words.
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Excerpt:

Dear Asian Photography,
I would like to this opportunity to share the photographs of my visit to Ajanta and Ellora caves. The Unesco World heritage sites are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The rock-cut cave monuments dating from the second century BCE, contain paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

The photos had been taken in January 2009 from my Canon 1000D, predominately using the 18-55mm lens. I was amazed by the sheer beauty of the sculptures and paintings, thereby inspiring me to capture this truly world class state of art.

I hope these publications encourage more Photo Enthusiastic to visit and appreciate the history engulfed in this art.

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Thanks ASIAN Photography and I shall impatiently await the besotted prize.

Marriage - Not mine though

Its Raining Marriages. My school friends are getting married, My college friends are doing the same and my cousin seems to be following it too. I juealised that i have recieved atleast 15 mail invites in that last 1 week. Wow, Its raining Marriages for Sure.

Anyways, until i aint marrying, i have nothing to worry. So cheers to all who got married and a greater cheers to those who are still single and very much eligible.

Stuck in my Glorious Past

One day, as i was lazing about, God appeared out of nowhere and started a conversation.

God: Mr. Saish, where are heading to?

Saish: Me? Nowhere God. where do i need to go. Its such a lovely place up here.

God: You mean you arent heading anywhere in Life?

Saish: Errr.

God: Are you atleast waiting for someone?

Saish: Yup, my friends. They have gone somewhere but will be back soon.

God: haha. Poor Boy. They have all moved ahead in a new world and a new life.

Thats when it hit me that “There's only one me, and I'm stuck with him.”