We went to Jungfrau (top of Europe), to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Oh No..this is not another travelogue. It's all 'bout simple but amazing coincidences we encouter in our lives. Everyday in our life, we meet lotsa new faces - some known, mostly unknown; But I am the most happy person if I see someone from India, even if I dont know them. Its a typical pattikadu effect. Being a normal Indian woman, I often feel overwhelmed with joy when I see people from my country in a foreign land. And if they speak Tamizh, I fly!!!
One such memorable acquaintance happened when we travelled from Interlaken to Jungfrau. We met a relatively young couple (obviously Indian). But mind you...we too are Indians. We mind our own business. We rarely step up, smile, or say hello to another Indian (as far as my experience). So did we!! We never smiled, nor did we said hi.
We reached top of the mountain, and were happily taking pictures with our new tripod stand, when we saw that Indian Couple struggling to take a happy-family-pic!! The moment I turned towards the couple to help them, did the man (or the guy!) turned up to me, and requested me to take them a photo.
I smiled and took a few pictures for them. We just had a brief conversation, when we came to know that they know tamil. Hurray!! I was so happy to know that. As usual, we shook hands and went away in our own directions. After our entire visit, we again met them in Sphinx observatory. That was another moment to start the conversation. We again chit-chatted for few minutes and said bye. After spending more than 3-4 hours at Jungfrau, we decided to leave Jungfrau to catch our 2.30 Pm train. While we were waiting, we came to know that the train is delayed by 30 odd minutes.
We took our seat at the waiting area when we saw the same couple heading towards us. We exchanged smiles, and asked how the day was. All of us comfortably sat, and started talking more. Here is the conversation....for convenience sake, I am using C1 (us) and C2 (the unknown indian couple).
C1: So how was your day here?
C2: Ya, very good. we are enjoying.
C1: Where are you guys coming from?
C2: We live in Stuttgart, in Germany.
C1: Oh ok. M.Benz museum is there right?
C2: Ya..it is too goood to see. And where are you guys from?
C1: We live here in switzerland. How long are you people touring in swiss?
C2: We just came sterday, and we will leave in 2 days.
C1: oh..just for a short period.
C2: ya..actually, we've already been to zurich. We came here to spend our wedding anniversary!!
C1 (kling!!): Oh is it!! when is your wedding anniversary??
C2: It is today (march 16)...
C1: Oh great...ours too!! Which year??
C2: last year we got married!
C1: so nice...same here...where was the marriage?
C2: In chennai... (now thats gettin too much)
C1: Ours was too in chennai, in anna nagar.
C2: Oh ok..ours was in T.Nagar.
Now that both the couples rejoiced the coincidence, they probed more details to each other....
C2: My family lives in Coimbatore, but my wife's family are basicially from Rajasthan settled in Hyderabad.
C1: Oh ok...where in CBE were you living?
C2: Near Marudhamalai, in a place called "Vadavalli"
C1: Oh wow!! cant beleive...my aunt's house is in Vadavalli, near to that Subiksha hospital.
C2: Oh ok...its near to my house tooo!!
C1: So, where in Hyderabad were you living? My another aunt lives in Taranaka, near to St.Ann's school.
C2: OMG!! I studied in the same school too!!!
And so the conversation continued...
Too much of coincidence in life. It just happens. It happened to me in many occasions.
I sometimes wonder how beautifully such acquaintances are born. But it is up with us to stop it, or to nurture it. Many times such passing clouds remain as it is, and the relationship is dead. I wish this one is not a passing cloud.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Monday, 16 March 2009
~~* Wedding Memories *~~
You are the gateway of my happiness
For our memoirs made me speechless
The sweet surprises you make
And the wedding anniversary cake
Made me feel really glad
But the tussles made me sad;
Best mate you are
Bliss of my life is your care
Lifetime forever with you dear
With you beside me I never fear
Your care and affection to the core
Makes me warm and that I adore
You make me feel strong
And guide me when I am wrong
You have been by my side
Than just a passing tide
A blessed gift sent from above
You are the one I cherish and love.
~ From Your Beloved Wife.
Marriage is said to be the most imperative element in the life of an Indian women. The Women leaves her parents, her home, her place, her friends, and start to live a life with a new person (sometimes it could be someone you never know...phew!!), new place, and new people. Even the taste of food could be completely different. You are no more independent (in taking decisions); you ask permission for everything; you cannot sleep for long hours (can't sleep for long hours anymore), you have to cook (Ok..but who will eat my food!!), satisfy your husband, in-laws and people around you. OMG! So is that I had an aversion …hmm...not exactly an aversion…it was rather an uncomforted feeling about marriage and nuptial knots until I met S. I initially said ok to the proposal merely to satisfy my parents. But as days and months went by, I realised that S is my man.
Our wedding was a pure arrangement by our parents - Thanks to them! I still could not treat it as an arranged marriage. Only our first meet was arranged by both of our parents. We took it forward, forward and to the height that we started speaking every day and night.
We are completely two different personalities. I believe in the saying that opposites attract each other. He is a silent and responsible person, talks less, talks only sensible words, patient, systematic, gets up early in mornings, good cook blah blah blah…I am a chatter box, non-stop talkative person, restless, irresponsible, absentminded, restless and hyper active, not that organised like S, late-to-bed-late-to rise types, hate cooking. If I have to count on the similarities, it’s just very few – music, sports, adventures, travel, games. But, we enjoyed these differences between us, though made a few compromises here and there.
For our memoirs made me speechless
The sweet surprises you make
And the wedding anniversary cake
Made me feel really glad
But the tussles made me sad;
Best mate you are
Bliss of my life is your care
Lifetime forever with you dear
With you beside me I never fear
Your care and affection to the core
Makes me warm and that I adore
You make me feel strong
And guide me when I am wrong
You have been by my side
Than just a passing tide
A blessed gift sent from above
You are the one I cherish and love.
~ From Your Beloved Wife.
Marriage is said to be the most imperative element in the life of an Indian women. The Women leaves her parents, her home, her place, her friends, and start to live a life with a new person (sometimes it could be someone you never know...phew!!), new place, and new people. Even the taste of food could be completely different. You are no more independent (in taking decisions); you ask permission for everything; you cannot sleep for long hours (can't sleep for long hours anymore), you have to cook (Ok..but who will eat my food!!), satisfy your husband, in-laws and people around you. OMG! So is that I had an aversion …hmm...not exactly an aversion…it was rather an uncomforted feeling about marriage and nuptial knots until I met S. I initially said ok to the proposal merely to satisfy my parents. But as days and months went by, I realised that S is my man.
Our wedding was a pure arrangement by our parents - Thanks to them! I still could not treat it as an arranged marriage. Only our first meet was arranged by both of our parents. We took it forward, forward and to the height that we started speaking every day and night.
We are completely two different personalities. I believe in the saying that opposites attract each other. He is a silent and responsible person, talks less, talks only sensible words, patient, systematic, gets up early in mornings, good cook blah blah blah…I am a chatter box, non-stop talkative person, restless, irresponsible, absentminded, restless and hyper active, not that organised like S, late-to-bed-late-to rise types, hate cooking. If I have to count on the similarities, it’s just very few – music, sports, adventures, travel, games. But, we enjoyed these differences between us, though made a few compromises here and there.
S is the best life partner I could ever get in my life time (touch wood) – which I realised a little late after our engagement. I like almost all of his characteristics, the way he speaks with me, the subtle humour in him, the support he extends to me, the unconditional love he showers on me, the level at which he understands me, the comfort he creates around me, – the only soul that expects nothing from me but love and does anything to just see a smile in my face (touch wood again). I love him a lot with the whole of my heart. He made this year the best year in my life. He was the reason for my sweet yesterdays (touch wood)
Today is our First Wedding Anniversary day, and I cherish these 365 + days of fun and here is the memoir of the bygone year…
The day we met, exchanged few looks, few words, few smiles.
The weekends S never fails to visit my home for no reasons, but just to see me.
Our first unofficial meet at Marina beach.
Our first official dating was too good but one of my kind!!
First time when he left me for work after engagement. (Actually speaking, I was not all that sad when he left, because whole of the magic started only after he left me)
Surprise gift on my B’day.
Day-night skype calls - at home, at office and wherever we went – that continued for 3 months after engagement, until his arrival for marriage.
The whole fun of building our wedding website.
The marriage purchases without S were those I hated that time.
Our flop plan to meet at Singapore during New Year.
Our endless arguments and fights over phone.
His arrival for marriage was definitely our most memorable moment. We were just waiting for that day to come.
Our outings and purchases started all over again.
The D Day arrival….
Reception galattas and post reception fun we had at the mandapam.
Early morning poojas for marriage, nalangu function and the fun around
The oh-so-expected-night!!
Our kutti trips to lotsa places….
S leaving me in India – again for the 2nd time, and this time it was so miserable.
Couldnt bear the 2 months of seperation...
And the 2nd D day – It was the longest day in the year but the most memorable day for us. I travelled to Zurich to join my purushan.
The wonderful arrangement made by S to receive me and the welcoming decorations.
Our memorable trips.
Our non – stop back packing experience
House cleaning
Fights and arguments
Laughters
Sleepless nights (Hey!! Don’t take it in a wrong way!! We play cards till 12 or 1 in night!!)
Our cooking experiments
Celebrating Indian Festivals bigtime ....and lot more….
Hmm..pretty long but nice recap for me. Today is our First Wedding Anniversary day, and I cherish these 365 + days of fun and here is the memoir of the bygone year…
The day we met, exchanged few looks, few words, few smiles.
The weekends S never fails to visit my home for no reasons, but just to see me.
Our first unofficial meet at Marina beach.
Our first official dating was too good but one of my kind!!
First time when he left me for work after engagement. (Actually speaking, I was not all that sad when he left, because whole of the magic started only after he left me)
Surprise gift on my B’day.
Day-night skype calls - at home, at office and wherever we went – that continued for 3 months after engagement, until his arrival for marriage.
The whole fun of building our wedding website.
The marriage purchases without S were those I hated that time.
Our flop plan to meet at Singapore during New Year.
Our endless arguments and fights over phone.
His arrival for marriage was definitely our most memorable moment. We were just waiting for that day to come.
Our outings and purchases started all over again.
The D Day arrival….
Reception galattas and post reception fun we had at the mandapam.
Early morning poojas for marriage, nalangu function and the fun around
The oh-so-expected-night!!
Our kutti trips to lotsa places….
S leaving me in India – again for the 2nd time, and this time it was so miserable.
Couldnt bear the 2 months of seperation...
And the 2nd D day – It was the longest day in the year but the most memorable day for us. I travelled to Zurich to join my purushan.
The wonderful arrangement made by S to receive me and the welcoming decorations.
Our memorable trips.
Our non – stop back packing experience
House cleaning
Fights and arguments
Laughters
Sleepless nights (Hey!! Don’t take it in a wrong way!! We play cards till 12 or 1 in night!!)
Our cooking experiments
Celebrating Indian Festivals bigtime ....and lot more….
Here is one of my all time favourite song I dedicate to S on our Wedding Anniversary....
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Schwarzsee and the Ice-Palace
The winter morning with early sunshine was pleasant when we reached Schwarzsee. Quite a scenic route.
Schwarzsee Bad is a small area in Friborg region which has panoramic pre alpine mountains and valleys on all possible angles.
Walking through these snow filled path was real fun. If you do not follow this path, and try to get into the side paths, your legs get trapped inside the snow till ur thighs. True. I tried it and fell down struggling to get up.
Beautiful house we encountered on the foots of pre Alps.
The frozen Schwarzsee with the backdrop of Snow covered mountains.
Cuddled with the snow capped mountains, a small river flows through the pebbles amidst the dense forest region (which is also covered with snow indeed) and the huge Schwarzsee (Schwarz Lake) that is frozen completely- was a visual treat for us. And I was glad we spent a day at Schwarzee.
Adventuours trial path which took us through the beautiful wonderland. We travelled our way from Schwarzsee Bad to Lichtena through this snow covered forest. It was more a trecking trail and we were so excited to walk amidst that wonderland with a narrow river flowing beside us.
After 7-8 kms of trail, we headed towards the famous Ice Palace (Eispaläste) in Lichtena. 
Ice Palace is very famous tourist spot and is open only between Christmas and early March. You can witness the most artistic and imaginative illuminated ice castles, towers and grottos located in the centre of the forest.
Karl Neuhaus is the ice sculptor who designed and created this open ice palace. The freezing cold climate helps to maintain this ice palace in its shape for upto 3 months.
It’s truly a winter wonderland especially during night time when the colourful lights decorate the ice grottos. 
We were not able to see the completely illuminated Ice Palace as it was still not dark. Here is a photo of Ice Palace taken at night. 
Schwarzsee & Ice Palace - a winter wonderland. I am sure kids will enjoy this place than us.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
79th International Motor Show, Geneva
As everyone around me, I too was eager to attend the 79th International Motor Show. This show is held in the month of March every year at Geneva. We already made our train reservations, and purchased the entrance tickets for this show 3 days before the trip. Headed towards Geneva in special salon-auto train, we reached our destination after 3 hours of journey. From 10.30 AM till 7.00 PM, we were inside the Hall. Name the famous auto brand and you can see their car display there (ahem…of course with a beautiful hot model *sigh*).
The displays (I meant the car displays here!!) included 3 or 4 wheel cars, Electric cars, special bodywork in cars, converted cars, accessories, spare parts, workshop installations and anything and everything related to the car industry. They included Passenger cars, SUVs, Racing cars, cars for disabled persons, Estate cars, luxury cars, Fun cars etc.
Auto Industry giants from all countries were present in the exhibition, including Tata Groups. Yes. Tata Nano Europa was one of the showstoppers there amongst the displayed cars. Other models of TATA were Indica Vista and some other model. Lamborghini, Benz, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mini Coopers, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Audi, Bugetti, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dacia, Ferrari, Fiat, Hyundai, Honda, Mitsubishi were some of the show stealers. Some of the stalls were amazing especially with the dazzling lights, super music, beautiful hot model, wonderful cars, beautiful neon light arrangements et cetera.
Click here to view some of the best car dispays.
Click here to view some of the best car dispays.
Monday, 2 March 2009
All play and no work makes Jill a dull girl :(
Yes. I had quit from HCL last March 3rd. And I have successfully completed 1 year as a Vetti Officer. It is the toughest decision in my career front. But still, I did it with a lot of confidence (or over confidence?? *sigh*) that I will definitely get a job in that non-English speaking country.
I love everything about Zurich – its lifestyle, the work-life balance, the climate, the people, the clean atmosphere, the romantic mountains and lakes – Everything. But I truly had an aversion to learn that F-O-R-E-I-G-N Language - - - Deutsch; Oh not just Deutsch – u should know Schweizer-deutsch. I just learnt it for the mere survival. Let’s talk about the difficulties and my early aversions about the language in a different post. Now back to the vettiness.
The only part of my life that really sucks is being alone and vetti at home. The vettiness quotient (VQ) is very high for the last 1 year. What did I do all this 365 days to while away my time??? To be very honest, being at home as Vetti Officer did lots of not-so-good things in my life.
Earlier ---------------------------->Now
I don’t want to be alone----->I am alone most of the day
I hate going to kitchen ------> I spend 3-4 hours in kitchen everyday
My thought process was good-------->I don’t think these days!!!
I was continuously keeping busy----->I am always free
I see ways for improvisation---------->I hardly improvise
I was active-------------------->I’ve become a lazy pig!
I eat less & work more----->I work less & eat more!(courtesy: swiss chockys)
I walk a lot (at work)-------------->I hardly walk
I had lots of hobbies----------->what are those??
I hate sitting in front of laptopfor more than 2 hours----->I spend most of the day sitting in front of a laptop
I know that I am the reason for what I am today. I mean, I need not necessarily waste time in front of a laptop whole day. I can definitely continue to think and improvise things around me. But, I am not able to do them at home. I need a job. I want to attend those endless meetings and confusions in resource allocations, work with difficult targets and deadlines, difficult times in handling emotional employees, solve the work place and team conflicts, face the hard time appraisals and post appraisal concerns, campaign for new OD interventions, and lot more. I miss working. I miss working at HCL....
Today, I feel defeated. I feel I am losing my confidence level. But I’ve not lost my perseverance. The fire is still burning in me to find the right job here. The desire and determination will definitely lead me towards my dream. And soon...
I will write a blog saying –“Aathaa, Enakku Velai Kedaichiduchu!!!!!”
I love everything about Zurich – its lifestyle, the work-life balance, the climate, the people, the clean atmosphere, the romantic mountains and lakes – Everything. But I truly had an aversion to learn that F-O-R-E-I-G-N Language - - - Deutsch; Oh not just Deutsch – u should know Schweizer-deutsch. I just learnt it for the mere survival. Let’s talk about the difficulties and my early aversions about the language in a different post. Now back to the vettiness.
The only part of my life that really sucks is being alone and vetti at home. The vettiness quotient (VQ) is very high for the last 1 year. What did I do all this 365 days to while away my time??? To be very honest, being at home as Vetti Officer did lots of not-so-good things in my life.
Earlier ---------------------------->Now
I don’t want to be alone----->I am alone most of the day
I hate going to kitchen ------> I spend 3-4 hours in kitchen everyday
My thought process was good-------->I don’t think these days!!!
I was continuously keeping busy----->I am always free
I see ways for improvisation---------->I hardly improvise
I was active-------------------->I’ve become a lazy pig!
I eat less & work more----->I work less & eat more!(courtesy: swiss chockys)
I walk a lot (at work)-------------->I hardly walk
I had lots of hobbies----------->what are those??
I hate sitting in front of laptopfor more than 2 hours----->I spend most of the day sitting in front of a laptop
I know that I am the reason for what I am today. I mean, I need not necessarily waste time in front of a laptop whole day. I can definitely continue to think and improvise things around me. But, I am not able to do them at home. I need a job. I want to attend those endless meetings and confusions in resource allocations, work with difficult targets and deadlines, difficult times in handling emotional employees, solve the work place and team conflicts, face the hard time appraisals and post appraisal concerns, campaign for new OD interventions, and lot more. I miss working. I miss working at HCL....
Today, I feel defeated. I feel I am losing my confidence level. But I’ve not lost my perseverance. The fire is still burning in me to find the right job here. The desire and determination will definitely lead me towards my dream. And soon...
I will write a blog saying –“Aathaa, Enakku Velai Kedaichiduchu!!!!!”
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