tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64094924406373426252021-07-26T15:36:49.764+05:30गुमटी वाला / the tea stall guyगुमटी की गप शाप/ road side tea, road side chatस्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-37287422067497765912020-05-07T01:36:00.001+05:302020-05-07T01:36:22.091+05:30थम्ब्स अप इंचार्ज<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">डॉक्टर चच्चा के बेटी का बियाह था। अपनी रजनी दीदी। मई का महीना रहा होगा। १३ - १४ साल के रहे होंगे हम। सब लोग अपना मारुती भान में भर के देबघर पहुंच गए। रास्ता में खाते पीते। गर्मी छुट्टी था। हॉलीडे होमवर्क मिला था लेकिन चिन्ता किसको था।<br /><br />शादी में तरह तरह का काम रहता है। कोय पंडाल लगवा रहा है, कोय जनवासा का इंतजाम देख रहा है। कोय खाना बनवाने का व्यवस्था करवा रहा है, तो कोई अरोसी परोसी के घर में दरी जाजिम लगवा रहा है, घरवैया लोग के रहने के लिए।<br /><br />भंडारा का कण्ट्रोल जिसके हाँथ में रहता है उसको बहुत पॉवर रहता है। भोजन पानी चलवाना रुकवाना कोय खेल बात थोड़े है। जिसको मन हुआ एगो रसगुल्ला खिला दिए, जिसको मन हुआ मना कर दिए। जिम्मेदारी भी बहुत है। भोजन पानी ठीक से रखा जाना है, सबको खाना पानी पूरा होना चाहिए। बरियाती के लिए अलग से सब कुछ सही से रहना चाहिए।<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpaGBPlwPyc/So-IlVBE8yI/AAAAAAAAGO0/omQzxizbpOE2zYSVqPsWKKFyEbdwLSL7QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/for%2Bblag3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="662" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpaGBPlwPyc/So-IlVBE8yI/AAAAAAAAGO0/omQzxizbpOE2zYSVqPsWKKFyEbdwLSL7QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/for%2Bblag3.JPG" /></a></div><br />खैर शादी के एक दिन पहले मंझला भईया हमको बुलाए और एगो चाभी दिए। साथ में लेके चले अ दलान के बगल बला रूम खोले। अंदर में एगो बड़का ड्रम में बर्फ भरवा दिए थे। इ था ठंढा (कोल्ड ड्रिंक्स) को चिल (ठंढा) रखने का इंतजाम। ये हिंदी भाषा भी अजब हो गई है। अंग्रेजी को हिंदी और हिंदी को अंग्रेजी। मेरे गांव में लोग कोल्ड ड्रिंक्स को ठंढ़ा कहते हैं। और क्या कोल्ड ड्रिंक ठंढा है, ये पूछने के लिए कहते हैं: चिल है क्या जी? तो दूकान पे जाएंगे और पूछेंगे: ठंढ़ा चिल है क्या जी?<br /><br />ख़ैर ठंढा को चिल रखने का इंतजाम था बड़का ड्रम में। ड्रम में बर्फ के साथ ठंढा भी भरा हुआ था। मने थम्ब्स अप, माजा, लिम्का, फांटा, स्प्राइट। सब तरह का ठंढा आया था। भईया कहे सब बरियाती के लिए आया है। चाभी अपने पास बढ़िया से रखना। जब कहेंगे तब खोल के निकलवा देना ठंढा। अ बरियाती के बाद बच जाएगा तब घरबइया लोग को पिलाने का बिचार किया जाएगा।<br /><br /> ठंढा हमको भी खूब पसंद था तब। लेकिन इतना बड़ा जिम्मेदारी के बोझ में हम चोरा के ठंढा पीने के बारे में सोचियो नै पाए। खैर बाराती आया। सब आव-भगत बढ़िया से हुआ। बीच बीच में और तरह तरह का बात हुआ। दूसरे बार कहेंगे और कहानी। अभी इसको आगे बढ़ाते हैं।<br /><br />बाराती सब चला गया। बहुत ठंढा का बोतल बच गया था। भईया कहे अब अगले २-३ दिन घर बाला लोग सबको पिलाया जाए। ठंढा के तो सब लोग शौकीन थे ही। लेकिन ठंढा पीने वाला लोग का एक खासियत होता है। सबका एक रंग का ठंढा पसंदीदा रहता है। किसी का करका (कोला), किसी का पियरका (फांटा टाइप), किसी का उजरका (मने स्प्राइट टाइप)। मजबूरी में तो जो मिले फ्री में उसको गटक लेंगे। लेकिन चॉईस रहे तो जो पसंद है वही लेंगे।<br /><br />खैर ठंढा का राउंड चलने लगा। बड़का चाचा भी ठंढा के शौकीन थे। लेकिन करका उनको एकदम पसंद नै था। कहते थे कड़वा लगता है। पसंद का था उनके पियरका। नारंगी का स्वाद। आह हा है! नै है पियरका ता उजरका चलेगा। लेकिन करका, नै हो नै। वैसे बड़का चाचा अकेले नै थे करका को नापसंद करने वाले। उनके उम्र का बहुत लोग को देखते थे उस समय करका नापसंद करते। सायद करा था जादे, पीने में। थम्ब्स अप का मर्दानगी भरा प्रचार इसी छवी के साथ तो होत था और होता है। कड़ा है, सबके बस का नहीं है। मर्दों के लिए, जवान मर्दो के लिए, जिनके दिल में जोश है, जस्बा है। सलमान भाई जैसे। कहाँ सलमान भाई और कहाँ हम और हमारे चच्चा। खैर उनके उम्र के ज्यादा लोग करका ठंढा को एवॉइडे करते थे। और हमलोग जैसा नया नया बच्चा लोग करके के पीछे जाता था। खुद को मर्द सिद्ध करने का जल्दी था सबको।<br /><br />अच्छा तो ड्रम से ठंढा निकलना शुरू हो गया। रोज कोई आते जाते रहता था और एक दो राउंड ठंढा चल जाता था। बड़का चाचा हर बार पियरके पर रहते थे। खैर एक दिन बड़का चाचा थोड़ा परेशान लगे। हम पूछे क्या बात है तो कहे कि दो दिन से गैस से प्रचंड युद्ध हो रहा है। गैस से बहुत पड़ेशान हैं। थम्ब्स अप इंचार्ज के पास एक ही दवाई - थम्ब्स अप। हम कहे चाचा जी, करका बला ठंढा तनी पीजिएगा, खूब ढकार होगा। ठंढा अंदर, गैस बाहर।<br /><br />चाचा जी थोड़ा हिचकिचाए, थोड़ा घबराए। कहे, करका त पीए में बढ़िया नै लगै छौ।पियरका से नै होतै? हम कहे, एक बार टॉय करिए न चाचा जी। नै ठीक लगे तो पियरका निकाल के दे देंगे। अच्छा तो मान गए हार पार के। गैस से परेशान थे ही, टॉय करने में क्या था? खोल दिए हम एगो थम्ब्स अप। टुप्पप्प, झिस्ससससससस.....<br /><br />चाचा जी एक घूँट मारे। फिर थोड़ा मुँह बनाये। करके का स्वाद ..... फिर २-४ घूँट और मारे। फिर .... बोययययय ययययययययय बोयययय। ढकार पे ढकार। ५ मिनट के बाद चाचा जी कहे। गैस त सब निकैल गेलौ। आराम लगै छै। थम्ब्स अप इंचार्ज के लिए इससे जादे ख़ुशी का बात क्या होगा। ठंढा अंदर, गैस बाहर।<br /><br />ये सुबह का बात था। शाम को चाचा जी मेरे पास आए और बोले, एगो करका निकाइल के दे। गैस भे गेलो फेरो। बस फिर क्या? सुबह शाम थम्ब्स अप चलने लगा चाचा जी का। ठंढा अंदर, गैस बाहर। ठंढा का बोतल सब ड्राम के पेंदा में सट गया।<br /><br />इंचार्ज हम नामे के रह गए। थम्ब्स अप त सब चाचा जी का हो गया। चाभी मेरे हाथ में, थम्ब्स अप उनके हाथ में। ठंढा अंदर, गैस बाहर। </div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-6465217662947943242018-01-09T04:04:00.002+05:302018-01-11T00:23:41.550+05:30ऐसा काम ही देखने को मिलता था / This was rarely seen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">जीवन ठाकुर अक्सर ठाकुर जीवन भी कहे जाते थे। जात से ठाकुर थे, और गांव के ठाकुर भी। ऐसा काम ही देखने को मिलता था। <div>वैसे अब तो नाम के ही ठाकुर थे। परिवार छोटा था। कुछ ज़मीन अपने लिए रख के बाकी गांव वालों में बाँट दी थी। ऐसा कम ही होता था। </div><div>जीवन पढ़े लिखे नहीं थे। खेती बड़ी का भी ज्यादा उत्साह नहीं था। खाने पीने का बहुत शौक था। खाने का, और पकने का भी। कोई रोता हुआ बच्चा मिल जाए तो तुरंत गोद में उठा लेते थे। २ मिनट में बच्चा चुप। घर का खूब ध्यान रखते थे। मन भी लगता था। </div><div>ठाकुर साहेब की घर वाली बीए पास थी। पंचायत के कॉलेज में मास्टरनी थी। सप्ताह में ३ दिन पढ़ाती थी और ३ दिन खेत देखती थी। देखती क्या, खुद ट्रेक्टर चला के खेत जोतती थी, टाउन जा के बीज़ और खाद खरीदती थी। घर का हिसाब क़िताब रखती थी। वैसे धीरे धीरे अब ठाकुर साहेब को भी सिखा रही थी हिसाब किताब। </div><div><br /></div><div>मंगलू पंडित का परिवार हमेशा से पूजा पाठ में रहा था। उनके बाबूजी गांव के पुरोहित होते थे। गांव का मंदिर भी मैनेज करते थे। मंगलू का मन कभी इसमें लगा नहीं। उनको टेक्निकल काम बढ़िया लगता था और चमड़े का गंध से आनंद आता था। बचपन में एक बार बाबूजी के साथ दुर्गा के मेला में गए थे। वहाँ मोची का काम देखा तो उसी में रम गए। क्या कलाकारी, कितना जरूरी काम। गांव में जूता बनाने लगे और टाउन में दुकान खोल दिए। अब तो गांव में कोई जानवर भी मर जाए तो खरीद लेते थे और खुद उठाने पहुँच जाते थे। ब्राह्मण जात के थे, लेकिन काम तो काम है। </div><div><br /></div><div>गांव के मंदिर का क्या? राधेश्याम डोम की बेटी अलीगढ मुस्लिम यूनिवर्सिटी से संस्कृत ऑनर्स की थी। पंचायत के कॉलेज में ठाकुर साहेब के वाइफ के साथ पढ़ाती थी और मंदिर का पूजा पाठ भी देखती थी। अब वो गांव की पुरोहित थी। उसका पति भी यहीं गांव में रहता था, ठकुराइन के खेत में काम करता था। </div><div><br /></div><div>आज जुताई का दिन था। ठकुराइन ट्रेक्टर ले के खेत पहुंची हुई थी। राधेश्याम का दामाद टाइम पे पहुंच गया था। आज लछमी और सगरू का भी काम था। दोनों का घर अगल बगल में था। आज लछमी का दुल्हा और सगरू की घरवाली बाल-बच्चा का ध्यान रखेंगे और साथ में खाना भी बना लेंगे। </div><div><br /></div><div>ठकुराइन लछमी और सगरू को आते हुए देखी। लछमी सगरू को कुछ कही। सगरू जोर से हंसा। </div><div><br /></div><div>महिला कॉलेज के गेट पे <a href="https://babblingblah.blogspot.nl/2018/01/dont-you-have-mother-or-sisters-at-home.html">नीम के पेड़ के नीचे सोए रिक्शावाले</a> की नींद टूट गई। सपना देख रहा था कोई। उसने अपनी आँखें हलकी सी खोली, करवट बदली, और वापस सो गया। </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFire0YVlbg/V8SEWEyN0qI/AAAAAAAAORk/njEjrKRypHwpQ0ffOR6z7bGq6TH6SoRqwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_8410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="1600" height="542" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFire0YVlbg/V8SEWEyN0qI/AAAAAAAAORk/njEjrKRypHwpQ0ffOR6z7bGq6TH6SoRqwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_8410.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the village Durga Puja fair</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">______________________</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Jeevan Thakur was also often called Thakur Jeevan. He was thakur by caste, and also thakur (landlord) of the village. This was rarely seen.</div><div>By the way, he was thakur only in name. His family was small. He kept some land for himself and rest distributed among the villagers. This rarely happened.</div><div>Jeevan was not educated. He wasn't very enthusiastic about farming either. He was very fond of food; of eating and even cooking. He was very found of children. He had magical powers of pacifying crying babies. He took great care of the house. He enjoyed this too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thakur Saheb's wife was BA pass. She was a teacher in the local college. She taught 3 days a week and watched the farm 3 days. In fact she drove the tractor, farmed the land, and bought seeds and manure from town. She also kept the family accounts. By the way, she was now slowly teaching Thakur Saheb.</div><div><br /></div><div>The family of Mangalu Pandit had always been handled scriptures. His father was the village priest. He also managed the village temple. Manglu never got into it. He liked technical work and enjoyed the smell of leather. Once in his childhood, his father took him to the Durga Puja fair. There he saw a cobbler and got into the work. What artwork, and how important it was. He started making shoes in the village and opened the shop in town. Now if an animal died in the village then he bought it and even picked it up. He was Brahmins by caste, but work is work.</div><div><br /></div><div>What about the village temple? Radheshyam Dome's daughter had Sanskrit Honours degree from Aligarh Muslim University. She taught in the local college, with Thakur Saheb's wife (Thakurain), and also conducted prayers in the temple. Now she was the village priest. Her husband also lived in the village, and worked in Thakurain's fields.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today was the plowing day. Thakurain drove the tractor to the farm. Radhey Shyam's son-in-law was there on time. Lachmi and Saguru were also needed at the farm. Their houses were next to each other. Today, Lachmi's husband and Saguru's wife will take care of the children and make dinner together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thakurain saw Lachmi and Saguru coming. Lachmi said something to Sagru. Saguru laughed loudly.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://babblingblah.blogspot.nl/2018/01/dont-you-have-mother-or-sisters-at-home.html">rickshawala sleeping under the Neem tree</a> on the gate of women's college woke up. He was dreaming. He opened his eyes, turned and went back to sleep.</div></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-86264989293132503392018-01-07T02:18:00.001+05:302018-01-07T02:18:27.936+05:30Don't you have mother or sisters at home? / घर पर माँ बहन नहीं हैं क्या?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Summers in North India are always harsh. But this year is particularly hot. In the middle of the afternoon there is barely a soul on Bishanpur Road. On a rickshaw under the Neem tree a rickshawala dozed on his passenger seat. The women's college was closed for the summer but she still visited the college to run some experiments.<br /><br />She got out of the college gates and turned left towards Kaliasthan Chowk. Thats where she will find some transportation. Waking up the sleeping rickshawala is probably not the best idea.<br /><br />She walked, wiping the summer sweat off her face, lost in her thoughts. She missed Rati (Parvati), her college best friend who has away at her grandparent's place. Suddenly, a sharp whistle brought her back to. She looked around. Kaliasthan was still far.<br /><br />Another whistle. And a Atlas cycle appeared next to him. A boy wearing the friend cap from the Bollywood film Maine Pyar Kiya winked at her.<br /><br />She shouted at him, "Don't you have mother or sisters at home?"<br /><br />This irritated him. He shot back,"What's it to you?"<br /><br />She smiled a half smile, walked to steps to him and whispered in his ears,"I am not interested in you", then paused and smiled again, "I am interested in them".<br /><br />The boy lost his balance and fell of his cycle. Her smile turned into a laugh that mildly pierced the silent afternoon. The rickshawala under the Neem tree opened his eyes, turned and went back to sleep.<br /><br />She walked on with a smile fixed on her face. This is the first time she told anyone. She felt light. Free.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kI4pD5VMl9o/WlE1aYgl-aI/AAAAAAAAPHU/WO5pWjCd7f8oODHAyVV1JQmFY0oWrlsGgCLcBGAs/s1600/jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1024" height="417" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kI4pD5VMl9o/WlE1aYgl-aI/AAAAAAAAPHU/WO5pWjCd7f8oODHAyVV1JQmFY0oWrlsGgCLcBGAs/s640/jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maine Pyar Kiya 'Friend' cap <br />(https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/ten-reasons-maine-pyar-kiya-is-an-evergreen-tale-of-young-love-1.113218#6)</td></tr></tbody></table>____________________<br /><br />उत्तर भारत में गर्मी के मौसम हमेशा कठोर होते हैं। लेकिन ये साल कुछ ख़ास गर्म है। दोपहर में बिशनपुर रोड पर एक भी आदमी का नामोनिशान नहीं है। नीम के पेड़ के नीचे एक रिक्शावाला अपने यात्री सीट पर ऊंघ रहा है। गर्मी की छुट्टी के लिए महिला कॉलेज बंद था लेकिन वह कुछ प्रैक्टिकल करने के लिए अभी भी कॉलेज आती थी।<br /><br />वह कॉलेज के फाटक से बाहर हो गई और कालीस्थान चौक की तरफ मुड़ गई। चौक पर कोई और रिक्शा मिल जाएगा। सोते हुए रिक्शावाले को जगाना अच्छा आईडिया नहीं है।<br /><br />वो आगे बढ़ी, चेहरे से पसीना पोंछते हुए, अपने विचारों में खोई हुई। वो अपनी कॉलेज की सबसे करीबी सहेली रती (पार्वती) को मिस कर रही थी। रती अपने दादा-दादी के घर गई हुई हैं। अचानक, एक तेज सीटी उसे वापस ले आई। उसने चारों ओर देखा, कालीस्थान अभी दूर था।<br /><br />एक और सीटी और एक एटलस साइकिल उसके पास प्रकट हो गई। बॉलीवुड की फिल्म मैने प्यार किया वाली फ्रेंड टोपी पहनने एक लड़के ने उसे आँख मारी।<br /><br />वो उसकी तरफ देख के बोली, "घर पर माँ बहन नहीं हैं क्या?"<br /><br />लड़का झल्ला गया। उसकी तरफ चिल्लाया, "इससे तुम्हें क्या मतलब?"<br /><br />उसके होटों पर आधी मुस्कान आई, वो लड़के की तरफ़ बढ़ी, और उसके कानों में फुसफुसाई, "मुझे तुममें कोई दिलचस्पी नहीं है", रुकी, और फिर मुस्कुराई, "मुझे उनमें दिलचस्पी है"।<br /><br />लड़का अपना संतुलन खो गया और हड़बड़ा के साइकिल से गिर गया। उसकी मुस्कुराहट हंसी में बदल गई, जिसने दोपहर के सन्नाटे को हल्के से चीर दिया। नीम के पेड़ के नीचे रिक्शेवाले अपनी आँखें हलकी सी खोली, करवट बदली, और वापस सो गया।<br /><br />अपने चेहरे की मुस्कान लिए वो आगे बढ़ गई। पहली बार उसने किसी को बताया है। वो हल्का महसूस कर रही है, आज़ाद।</div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-46008670905073618462017-03-01T04:10:00.000+05:302017-03-02T03:03:15.137+05:30Its a wonderful life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">25.12.2016, Ljubljana<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310214780&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br />There is an announcement. I hear Ljubljana. I ask the young couple in front of me. They confirm. Many people get up. I pack my stuff. Off the train.<br /><br />Its freezing and the train station is wrapped in darkness and silence. The station is very concretey and non fancy. Reminds me of Delhi. There is a massive car park outside. Very quiet. A few people are receiving their loved ones. I follow the people. I check the GPS on my phone. The blue dot is going away from my hostel. I turn back.<br /><br />I see a sign for my hostel. Its a quiet alley. Its foggy all around. Surrounded by concrete, fog and silence, I am slightly scared. I look at my little dot on the map. Left, right and then right. A group of young boys approaches. I quickly put my phone in my pocket. Right. There's the hostel from the website. Thank god!<br /><br />I am buzzed in. The hostel is quiet too. Holiday time. I ask for an upgrade to a cell. It works out. I ask the receptionist about food. She says there is a Christmas festival in the town. Everyone is there. Its 15 min from here. The area is quiet and cold. Do I want to go? I put together some courage and my day pack and head to town. After 5 min I see some people. And some more. As I reach the river, I see some more. And then, everyone. EVERYONE!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/146697843@N04/31466626074/in/album-72157677439648211/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Christmas decorations in Ljubljana city centre"><img alt="Christmas decorations in Ljubljana city centre" height="425" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/306/31466626074_ff06a620a5_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Christmas tree in the city centre</td></tr></tbody></table>Its the biggest party, ever! A massive tree, lots of food and drinks. Families, young, old, prams, musicians, lovers, couples, they are all walking by the river. Talking, laughing, hugging, kissing, eating, drinking, singing. The Christmas spirit I saw in Munich has followed me here.<br /><br />I grab a burger and some mulled wine. I walk around. Its -3C. My fingers freeze. My burger becomes a piece of cold meat, a leathery substance that you can chew on. The wine is warm. There is a concert. Old men are playing in a band. The song is "Its a wonderful life". It is, isn't it? It feels like that in this atmosphere. No one has worries, no problems exist.<br /><br />Its a big family here at the city centre. A big home, for everyone.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/34315904&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-4909059524559102862017-01-14T23:44:00.002+05:302017-01-14T23:49:56.286+05:30Why do we travel by train?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Munich, 25.12.16<br /><div><br /></div><div>Ok, I couldn't reach the station 45m before my train (as previously planned). I am here 30m before. I have to buy food for the 6.5hr journey. I check the arrival/departure board. No train to Ljubljana or Zagreb (the final destination in Croatia). There is some other train for 12.17pm. It will probably come up in a moment. Meanwhile I'll just go buy some food. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk8ho2fqcVI/WHppHmaUnpI/AAAAAAAAOnE/GU_ahGYf2s05hXK0pTDb56SIIfYvjA_QQCLcB/s1600/20161225_115000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk8ho2fqcVI/WHppHmaUnpI/AAAAAAAAOnE/GU_ahGYf2s05hXK0pTDb56SIIfYvjA_QQCLcB/s640/20161225_115000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munich train station</td></tr></tbody></table><div>After a trip to various shops around the station I have chips, cookies, bananas, sandwich, pretzel. Its a long journey. I look at the board. My train is not there. I visit the enquiry counter. She says its platform 30. Or is it 13?! I go to 13. My train is not there. 30 is far away. I walk fast. 30. No train. What do I do? A ticket counter! I ask again. She says 14. Oh shit! Its 12.05pm already. I walk faster. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here I am, at 14. My train is not here. There is <i>a</i> train. I see a ticket checker. I ask him. This is <i>the</i> train. I am standing in front of my coach. I get in. Its very different from my earlier train. This one is full of people. Putting things on overhead racks. Finding seats. Settling down. The little chaos of the coach that reminds me of an Indian train. Now this is the real deal. </div><div><br /></div><div>I find my seat. There is an old woman on it. Here even older mother sits in front of her. I sit next to them. They don't speak much English. 1 or 2 words. They ask where my seat was. I say they are sitting on it. They ask where I was going. I say Ljubljana. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Former Yugoslav"! </div><div>"We former Yugoslav"! </div><div><br /></div><div>I nod and smile. Reminds me of Madagascar. "Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave."</div><div><br /></div><div>They are traveling to the next station. I tell them I was also going to Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. They are slightly impressed. That was my intention. More questions come my way.</div><div>"Are you coming from England?"</div><div>No, Holland</div><div>"Study?"</div><div>No travel</div><div>"Tourist?"</div><div>Yes</div><div><br /></div><div>Next 10 min are quite. For us, not for the coach. There is a lot of chit chat, laughing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their station is here. They ask for help with their bags. i help. They are very short. I wonder how they got their bags up there in the first place. They thank me. The old lady says bye. I say bye. The older lady says something in Slovak (?). I smile and say bye (like the Penguins). </div><div><br /></div><div>This is what train journeys are about. Random encounters!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I have my window seat. The whole space is free. I have my book, food and water on the table. I sit comfy. I can read, write. Look at the landscape, the green landscape in the shade of winter grey. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gur6kMe8DGU/WHpqBnuBinI/AAAAAAAAOnQ/_AsCJmoi9gcxp7a6g-fb9ejgxy9siWhCQCLcB/s1600/20161225_121934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gur6kMe8DGU/WHpqBnuBinI/AAAAAAAAOnQ/_AsCJmoi9gcxp7a6g-fb9ejgxy9siWhCQCLcB/s640/20161225_121934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A train full of people and luggage. Cloths hanging around. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0jKJa2EHAQ/WHpp0ziRT6I/AAAAAAAAOnM/p_A327x-vRcb_EDzHsPbN9ogbGp-cNJhQCLcB/s1600/20161225_140519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0jKJa2EHAQ/WHpp0ziRT6I/AAAAAAAAOnM/p_A327x-vRcb_EDzHsPbN9ogbGp-cNJhQCLcB/s640/20161225_140519.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 6 hour journey. No internet on the train. Plenty of time to relax, read, write, listen to music, contemplate. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7GUtEr9oUM/WHpp00Vf43I/AAAAAAAAOnI/OH9rGcOmS9ESvSeqv-oPsx-22dph1-0zwCLcB/s1600/20161225_131806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7GUtEr9oUM/WHpp00Vf43I/AAAAAAAAOnI/OH9rGcOmS9ESvSeqv-oPsx-22dph1-0zwCLcB/s640/20161225_131806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-5905411129230366342017-01-13T01:18:00.002+05:302017-01-13T01:18:47.728+05:30The waiting hostel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Munich, 25.12.16<br /><br />Its Christmas day. In the hostel it doesn't feel very Christmasy. Business as usual. People coming and going, doors opening and closing, metal hitting metal, whispers, alarms, snoozing, alarms, snoozing, alarms, snoozing.<br /><br />When I arrived 2 nights ago there seemed to be members of the same family on the beds around me. A mother, a daughter and a son. Are they long term residents of the hostel? Are they here to try and get jobs, asylum, help!? Like the people who stayed with me during the summer. Or the Pakistani guy I met in Uppsala. People are known to live in hostels for extended periods. Looking for jobs, housing, help.<br /><br />The family is gone. I don't know where. Back home? Another country? No help here?<br /><br />Hostels are places of transition. People coming and going. But are they also places of waiting? I am waiting for my train. There are others too. Luggages in the common area. People looking in their phones and laptops. The cleaner moving around with the vacuum cleaner. Buzzz. The family that I think waited for something. The family in my room. The family that left. There are others too. The Pakistani guy in Uppsala. You see on hostel forums people complaining about long term residents. Those who are waiting. For jobs, for homes, for help?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYQP16DIG_A/WHfde2rD7iI/AAAAAAAAOm0/tOqlVC2F89gszaiz7_UrY_Mou7FJ_qb4QCLcB/s1600/20161225_191416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYQP16DIG_A/WHfde2rD7iI/AAAAAAAAOm0/tOqlVC2F89gszaiz7_UrY_Mou7FJ_qb4QCLcB/s640/20161225_191416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hostel in Ljubljana </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-37223095226158160472017-01-11T03:22:00.000+05:302017-01-14T23:45:15.243+05:30The Curious Case of the Christmas Mug<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56N9Y77vkDs/WHVTlzlpQiI/AAAAAAAAOmI/RZHWgdw6Th4qkJqkeb1HBWH2AC1xTSX9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56N9Y77vkDs/WHVTlzlpQiI/AAAAAAAAOmI/RZHWgdw6Th4qkJqkeb1HBWH2AC1xTSX9ACLcB/s400/IMG_0656.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree at one market</td></tr></tbody></table>Munich, 23.12.2016<br /><br />It is not very difficult to find the hostel. It is very close to the main train station - cross the road, turn into the alley, walk a bit and there it is. I check in. The receptionist advises to visit a big Christmas market near by. It is only until 23.12, 11pm. It is already 9pm.<br /><br />I quickly put my luggage in the room, take out my day bag, lock my backpack in the cage under my bed and head to the Christmas market. After walking through the dark (not literally) on many secluded streets I see lights. And people. Its the market.<br /><br />The market is nice but I don't know if it is very traditional. But then, what is traditional?! There are big tents in which food from around the world is being served. I do not enter these tents. I am in Germany for Germany, not for the whole world or rather the rest of the world. I want German food. the rest can wait for when I get to them.<br /><br />I walk around in the open. I look at what is being bought and sold. Every other shop has food or drinks. Lots of Gluhwein. Its 9.30pm. I grab something to eat, a bratwurst. Got to love them. I notice that most places are serving gluhwein in special little christmasy mugs. Red, yellow, grey, green, black, blue. I must have one of those. What better souvenir from Munich?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I go to one of the many stalls. I wave at the barkeep. He waves back making a cross with his hands. Its over, no more gluhwein. The shop is shutting down. Suddenly everyone is heading in one direction (not the band). Its the U-bahn station. They are leaving. The market is shutting down. This is the last day of of the market. But what about my mug? Red, yellow, grey, green, black blue - I will take any. I am disappointed. No gluhwein mug for me.<br /><br />I leave. There is a young couple walking in front of me. They have a wein mug in their hands. I am jealous. Should I snatch and run?! But I don't have the right shoes. And what about the running injury. It hasn't healed yet. May be another Christmas. May be another Christmas market.<br /><br />24.12.2016, Christmas Eve<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oGv4maF05U/WHVVWTCHHjI/AAAAAAAAOmU/Ru5JXzuCn2c92Ca5E_lAu2z2H7tMaD_UQCLcB/s1600/20161224_112458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oGv4maF05U/WHVVWTCHHjI/AAAAAAAAOmU/Ru5JXzuCn2c92Ca5E_lAu2z2H7tMaD_UQCLcB/s640/20161224_112458.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Precious!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Last night I remembered that the main Christmas market in the city centre is open until 24.12. Could this be my opportunity to get that elusive souvenir. Or were those mugs special for that Christmas market. The market that is no longer there. The mugs that are gone.<br /><br />So thats my one target for the day. Get one of those mugs. I am reading my short story book while having breakfast. I look at the watch. Its 10. I am half way through a story. But I should head out. A traveller must travel. A visitor must visit.<br /><br />I head to the city centre. Marienplatz. On the way I take photos. I am a bit irritated with my camera these days. It doesn't autofocus. Its the lens actually. I need a new one. A better camera too. I stop at several places. Take several photos of the same things. One of the perks of travelling alone. I have not been able to make up my mind. Do I like travelling alone or with someone? Travelling with many people people is just problematic.<br /><br />After a while the crowd builds up. I see many wooden stalls. Its a Christmas market!! Roasted chestnuts, nativity statues, sausages, pulled pork, gluhwein......the mugs!! They are here too!! Red, white, brown, black, yellow, green, blue. I can't take them all. I would like to. Last night I saw a red, shoe shaped mug. I want that. I don't see it. I will keep looking.<br /><br />I reach Marienplatz. There is an even bigger Christmas market. Its chock-a-block. Women, men, grannies, grandpas, prams, dogs. They are all there. Of course, a lot of tourists. Families walking around buying las minute presents and decorations. Food being had. Lots of gluhwein going around. Its cold. People hold mugs of the hot drink. The holiday drink flows and so do the conversations. Smiles, laughs, hugs, kisses. They are jolly. The atmosphere is festive. Songs are being sung. Music is being played from town hall balcony.<br /><br />I walk through the crowd, smiling, infected by the spirit. The holiday spirit that is. There it is! The red shoe!! The illusive mug! I head to the counter. "One gluhwein please". They take a blue mug out. I stop them. "Can I get the shoe please"? I have the mug. 7 euros. Slightly expensive. It includes a deposit for the mug. You can bring it back and get some money. I am not bringing it back! My precious!! I got my Munich souvenir. And its slightly special. You can get it only during Christmas. It has Christmas market written on it. Some mugs also have 2016 written on them. I would have liked that. The red mug doesn't. Its evergreen. </div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-45378284558462903752016-12-15T02:30:00.001+05:302017-01-14T23:48:08.035+05:30Munjoul Indigo Concern: a piece of colonial and industrial revolution history in a Bihari village I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This post has been in the making for a long time.<br /><div><br /></div><div>There is one place is my village that has fascinated me for long time. You cross the river and within 5 min there are some old buildings on the left, right in front of the village college. Grayish orange walls, bricks falling off and weeds taking over. The buildings are spread across an area the size of 2-3 football fields. Sometimes you see cows grazing there and sometimes goats. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aXURqYkaUI/WE1q1501USI/AAAAAAAAOlA/59BynFrRxuw8usJeEZZoGWntjuAy5BzNgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aXURqYkaUI/WE1q1501USI/AAAAAAAAOlA/59BynFrRxuw8usJeEZZoGWntjuAy5BzNgCLcB/s640/IMG_1403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a name='more'></a>I have been passing by this place since I was born, I think. First on public transport buses or on tractor trailer and later on my father's Rajdoot. Then it was the LML Vespa scooter. Now it's a car. Every year, initially 5-6 times, then 2-3 time and now, may be once in a few years. </div><div><br /></div><div>The place is still the same. No better, no worse. The bricks are in the same place as I saw them the first time. The same shades of orange and grey. No change in patterns. </div><div><br /></div><div>Its telling that I don't remember when but once our father told us that these old buildings used to be an Indigo factory. One of the many established in Bihar and Bengal by the British. Indigo factories were established and local farmers were contracted and often forced to grow indigo for the factories.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a piece of India'<span style="font-family: inherit;">s colonial history in my village. 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</w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><span lang="EN-GB">Father told us that a local person owned the land and buildings.</span> </span>He didn't know much about its history though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cxW7G2fl7c/WFGu6-LvzhI/AAAAAAAAOlQ/mtOKG4JOcS0dxeiXRLylbluNeYjInl5XACLcB/s1600/IMG_1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cxW7G2fl7c/WFGu6-LvzhI/AAAAAAAAOlQ/mtOKG4JOcS0dxeiXRLylbluNeYjInl5XACLcB/s640/IMG_1445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Out of curiosity for a piece of local history and India's colonial history I wanted to find out more about this place. So, in the last few years I scoured the internet to find whatever information I could get about the Indigo factory and its people. I do not have any cohesive information on the history of this factory, only some events that the factory passed through and some people that passed through the factory. So here it is, some events, people and connections from Manjhaul Indigo Concern (as it was known back then).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">__________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Manjhaul Indigo Concern</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtXdvW7uN3E/WFGu9Uj3e8I/AAAAAAAAOlU/f9_jziEM21Ed5uXjZ-XjrDOv8FOSpRrAwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtXdvW7uN3E/WFGu9Uj3e8I/AAAAAAAAOlU/f9_jziEM21Ed5uXjZ-XjrDOv8FOSpRrAwCLcB/s640/IMG_1389.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b></div>There is very little mention of this concern in documents before the 1900s. This makes it one of the newer Indigo <span style="font-family: inherit;">concerns in Bihar and Bengal. The Statistical Account of Bengal, 1877 mentions some basic statistics of Manjhaul Indigo factory:</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Manjhaul concern cultivated 6000 bighas, produced 600 mans of indigo, employed from 1000 to 3000 hands, and annually expended £11,500; at £25 a man, the average price of Monghyr indigo in the Calcutta market, the value of the produce would be £15,000.</span></span></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Indian Racing Reminiscences, a book from 1883 about polo players and horse riders among the indigo planters and History of Bihar Indigo Factories from 1908 add key information to these numbers. They </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">infuse the 'social' in this very financial information. They humanise the place. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The information about when the concern begun is slim. No accurate date is available. Apparently one Mr Moorhead built the Manjhaul concern and its bungalow. The first manager and owner that we know of is Mr Phil Crump in 1847. Mr Crump's son, also Mr P Crump was managing Sessowni. I am not spotted them at the factory ruins but <span style="font-family: inherit;">History of Bihar Indigo Factories records that Munjoul (Manjhaul) has two graves related to the </span>factory. One is of James Thomson, died on 27 September 1843 at 41 years (we don't know who he is). This second is of Mrs MJ <span style="font-family: inherit;">(Mary Jessie)</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span>Smith who died on 6 August 1844. We don't know at what age. She was Mr P Crump senior's daughter and married to one Mr JS Smith (we don't know who he is). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently, old man Crump had his own peculiar style of indigo planting. He didn't like think crops and weeded some of it out once when he though it was too thick. I wouldn't know the difference of course. 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</w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He seemed to me to live in breeches, boots, a black velvet hunting cap and a dressing gown, for the two days I passed at Munjoul this was his style of dress, and yet I never saw him mount a horse or even one brought to the door to be mounted. He had a queer idea about indigo, that is, disapproved of a thick crop, and when he had one he weeded out a good part of it. No wonder the factory came to grief. </span></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">After some search (ok o<span style="font-family: inherit;">k, a lot of search) on genealogy websites, I found that Mr Crump senior died on 16 October 1855 at 55. His grave is at Lal Darwaza cemetery in Munger. 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Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the Crumps<span style="font-family: inherit;">, Messrs. Baddeley, Cox and others bought the place around 1862 and then sold it to FH Holloway. At this point the factory expanded. Holloway built several outworks of Munjoul concern - Bundwar (1866), Gumereah (1870), Sowri (1878), Bisunpore (1881-82) and Beerpore (date not clear). In Beerpore there is a grave for Mr Lindsay who died in 1883. This outwork must have been built before this.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will stop here this time. There are several other people and stories to mention. So there will be at least another post and possibly two. And there will also be a surprise. Watch this space.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">__________________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Manjhaul, also mentioned as Munjol or Munjoul in many colonial documents is a village in Begusarai District of Bihar. Bihar is a state in eastern part of India. Bihar and Bengal were two key states for Indigo production in British India. Gandhi begun his struggle for Indian independence with Indigo farmers and plantation workers in Bihar.</span></div></div></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-9346280608322500542016-08-29T18:26:00.001+05:302016-08-29T18:26:51.361+05:30that wonderful sorcery <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you seen nature?<br /><br />No?!<br /><br />Neither have I.<br /><br />Its all around us but its impossible to see. We just can't see it. We can see parts of it.<br /><br />Part, part here and a part, part there.<br /><br />And all these parts are so fascinating, exciting, interesting. Pure sorcery.<br /><br />Why sorcery? Because we can understand them, but never completely. They all come together and we know how, but never fully. The pieces of puzzle fit and we know how, but never smoothly.<br /><br /><br />Exhibit 1<br /><br />The amazing light show created by a combination of lake, trees, sun and wind. The colours, green, yellow, brown, grey, blue. They all align in such a way that you could stare for hours. I personally would like to strap myself to one of the tree branches and have the amazing light show all...over...my...body...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d_spaPEb-hI" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />A perfect place to spend an evening reading a book or just catching on some sleep.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fG-TJmt1epQ/V735Ty-7TYI/AAAAAAAAOQI/VFuxnr0ptXQ7Mm0-wMKok3TiuEgMDuhRwCLcB/s1600/20160824_194655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fG-TJmt1epQ/V735Ty-7TYI/AAAAAAAAOQI/VFuxnr0ptXQ7Mm0-wMKok3TiuEgMDuhRwCLcB/s640/20160824_194655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkDJ7C34dUU/V735T0faToI/AAAAAAAAOQE/B5r1egfPNY4jw2-GFrmK1MzEhMUQOLu_gCLcB/s1600/20160824_205310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkDJ7C34dUU/V735T0faToI/AAAAAAAAOQE/B5r1egfPNY4jw2-GFrmK1MzEhMUQOLu_gCLcB/s640/20160824_205310.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Louis says it much better than I ever would.<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75308415&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-48671145318155226052016-08-25T01:59:00.000+05:302016-08-25T01:59:45.923+05:30with a little help<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I wasn't sure if I would be able to find my way to the centre. I was new in the city (and the country). I didn't speak or understand Polish. I did not have any cash. A well planned trip all in all.<br /><br />I came out of the house and somehow managed to find the bus stop. But there were two bus stop, one on either side of the road. I had no idea which one would take me towards the city and which away. I sure did't want to go further away from the city.<br /><br />A grandma (babunia) was waiting on a bench with her grandson.<br /><br />A women was passing by. She had a child in a pram. I asked her (in English) if she knew English. She said, a little. I asked her if the bus to the centre left from there. She said this was the stop and went on to check the bus number for me. I told her, I knew the number (Google God) but wasn't sure about the direction. She confirmed that I was headed in the right direction.<br />Wonderful! Level 1 cleared!<br /><br />5 minutes later a long two part bus with one of those flexible connector things arrived. Number 127. Middle doors opened and many people entered. Babunia followed them. I went up to the driver's door. What an unusual thing to do? The driver didn't know how to react. This had never happened before. After few seconds, he opened the doors. I asked him for a ticket. He didn't speak or understand English. I didn't speak or understand Polish. What an unusual situation to be in?<br /><br />But I think ticket is a more or less universal word. You enter a bus clueless and say tickets 5-6 times with a question mark on your face. People know what you want. You enter a bus looking clueless, make vague square gestures with your hands. You think they look like a ticket or some sort of a slip. People generally understand.<br /><br />The driver said something in Polish and made a gesture towards the back of the bus. I walked to the back of the bus. A young woman and another fellow traveller pointed towards a machine attached to one of the hand rails. There it was, the ticket machine.<br /><br />Everything was in Polish, of course. I was thinking of asking the young woman for help. Suddenly I saw a little British flag in one corner of the screen. Thank god for those general knowledge lessons. I touched the flag and everything turned to English. God bless the Poles! Level 2 cleared!<br /><br />I choose a day ticket, touched my bank card to the machine and just like magic, a ticket came out, 2 minutes later. Level 3 cleared!<br /><br />I looked around for a seat to settle down for the journey. Thats when the babunia looked at me, said something in Polish and pointed to another machine opposite to the first one. I guessed I was supposed to validate my ticket. I put the ticket in a little slot in the machine. It made a creaking noise. The ticket was punched and I was set for the journey. Thanks babunia! Level 4 cleared!<br /><br />Several stops and some co-passengers later I was in Plac Jana Pawła II. I could see the city centre in front of me. Minutes later I was sitting under a tree in the centre with some really cool Polish music played by some buskers. I found out what ticket was in Polish - Bilety.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7qMCUGnyDk/V7y2EaV3mYI/AAAAAAAAOP0/IIeb6CeHj7UUesc24A33Mfnt668tX2_zACLcB/s1600/20160712_164936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7qMCUGnyDk/V7y2EaV3mYI/AAAAAAAAOP0/IIeb6CeHj7UUesc24A33Mfnt668tX2_zACLcB/s640/20160712_164936.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billet machine on the left (grey) and validation machine on the right (yellow) on another bus</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">____________________</div><br />For the next few days I kept travelling to Plac Jana Pawła II. It was a massive plaza. I kept wondering who this woman Jana Pawła was. She must be some queen or something to have a plaza named after her. How wonderful? I asked my friends. It was Pope John Paul II. We all had a good laugh!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">___________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Its amazing how we can communicate with each other. We speak but we don't understand. But we want to help each other. We find ways. We don't need to speak. People on bus 127 proved that. With a little help from random strangers and Google, I made my way across a strange city safely and successfully. On that note, its time to enjoy a song that is very close to me. The beautiful music of Joe.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/65480462&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-47265490916018654312016-08-23T02:59:00.000+05:302016-08-25T01:58:52.243+05:30Part of the froth, part of the painting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It was a lovely morning. Chilly but bright. The night had been cold but the crackling fire had kept him warm. The long trek and cold night had affected many members of the party. Back aches, leg pains and head aches were all around.<br /><br />But the morning made everything better. The clear sky, thick green forest around them and the river water frothing when it hit the rocks. They created a perfect picture worthy of a water colour painting. Such are the Himalayas. Only if he could paint.<br /><br />A thin fog hung over the river creating a tunnel through which you could cross to another universe. It called him. Their camp was on the river bank, deep in the forest. Last evening he had walked up to the river. It was very shallow. He was tall. Could he walk across it? This should not be difficult. But he had never crossed a river. But there's always a first time.<br /><br />Everyone was busy having breakfast, gathering cloths, making a trip to the toilets. This was a good opportunity to attempt the crossing. No one was looking. Attention makes him conscious. Performance anxieties.<br /><br />He pocketed his camera and phone and approached the river. The water was really shallow. He kept walking. The bed was flat, full of pebbles. He had to be careful, walk in small steps, try not to slip.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />A minute later the water was up to his knees. That was expected. It's a river for god sakes. 20 sec later, the bed became deeper. The water was up to his waist. He took the camera and phone out of his pants pockets and put them in his jacket pockets.<br /><br />He could see the great flow of of the river coming from upstream. Downstream was more peaceful. Snaking through the massive boulders the river looked angry. There were massive rocks around him, mostly submerged in water. The water crashed into these rocks to create froth. Froth that formed part of the water colour painting. Up close, they looked dangerous, as if someone was drowning beneath them. Bubbles rising. Blub, blub, blub.<br /><br />He stopped. The flow of water was very strong. It hit his legs with all its strength. He had to make efforts to keep his feet on the floor. The water wanted to uproot him. In the struggle between the water and his legs, the water was winning. It had infinite energy. He had limited energy. The energy in his legs was being sapped by the water. It crashed into his legs, sucked his energy and moved on with greater force.<br /><br />He realised, this was foolish. He must return. He started turning back. The water tried to push him. If he tried to turn back, the river would take him away, for itself. He would become part of the bubbles next to the rocks. The one in the water colour painting. He would probably still cross to another universe. Blub, blub, blub.<br /><br />It was still not the time to become one with those bubbles, to cross to another universe. The best course of action was to try and cross the river and look for another spot upstream to cross back. The river opened up downstream. Downwards from their camp, there was no river bank, only a steep cliff. No place to cross back. Upstream, the river was narrower and full of massive boulder. This was the best opportunity to cross.<br /><br />He pressed on. The water was up to his chest. Few more steps. Now the shoulders. Will this be it? End game! It was. He took a few more steps and the water level reduced. And more. He was on the other side. Drenched. Water flowing down his body. The camp on the other bank looked beautiful. Little tents with little people walking between them. No one had still realised that he was missing. That was relief.<br /><br />He must move before anyone notices. He started climbing upstream. The boulders were massive but he could climb some of them. There was no water, only froth. The angry river was crashing into the boulders with its full force, as if warning - you will become part of this if you dare. He didn't dare. He climbed further. There was too much gap between the boulders. Crossing was difficult. This part was also steep compared to where he had crossed. That part was more or less flat. Steep meant more force in the river.<br /><br />After 10 minutes he realised this was futile. If he is to go back he must cross from the same spot. Portals don't have doors everywhere. You must take the same way back. Same way or no way.<br /><br />His blood was loaded with adrenaline. His hear was hitting his chest. It was a mix of fear and excitement. More fear. He was on a school trip. He feared that if his teacher saw this, he would be punished - probably fail the course. That is what was going through his mind. Not the fear of becoming part of the froth next to the boulders and of the water colour painting. If that was to happen, everything would become immaterial.<br /><br />He stepped back into the river. No one had seen him yet. He focused on taking small steps. Not lifting his legs too much to take the next step. Putting the body weight on one leg for too long might mean giving the river a chance. He didn't want to give the river a greater chance than what it already had.<br /><br />Left leg and right leg and left leg. Sow and steady. Firmly on the floor.<br /><br />The water was back to his shoulders. He was in the middle of the river. They saw him. He saw them. Oh shit! He waved at them to gesture that he was ok. He will be able to cross back. He was confident with his progress.<br /><br />Being found and having to reassure broke his focus. He slipped. The river took him. He was with the flow. One of the trekking guides quickly ran down the bank, towards the river. Help was on the way. But was it faster than the river?<br /><br />He was part of the river. But only for 5 seconds. He caught a boulder and found the ground beneath his feet. He was standing straight again, in the froth by the boulder. Part of the froth, part of the painting. Blub, blub, blub, next to his feet. He gestured again, he was ok. The trekking guide stopped next to the bank.<br /><br />The water was back to the chest. Then to the waist. Then to the ankles. He was back.<br /><br />Many friends awaited him. Some smiling for he had survived, some with tear in his eyes for he had been stupid, some just surprised at his stupidity.<br /><br />It was now sunny. The fog above the river had lifted. The portal was gone. The doors had closed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing he said was an apology to his teacher for putting everyone through a rough time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing he heard was from a friend - "you impressed all the girls"<br /><br />The next days were spent doing rappelling and aerial river crossing, of course with expert guidance and safety equipment<br /><br />He did not fail the course. In fact he did very well.</div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-4590885929420491542016-07-26T19:58:00.000+05:302016-08-03T20:07:31.564+05:30There and back again: Visiting Auschwitz <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><br /></div><div><b>Taking the road less travelled </b></div><div><b><br /></b><br /><div>I visited Poland recently and took a trip to Auschwitz, the famous Nazi concentration camp. I though I share details on getting there and getting in with those interested.<br /><br />While in Poland I was staying with some friends in Wroclaw, the largest city in west Poland and fifth largest in all of Poland. Most people who visit <a href="http://auschwitz.org/en/links/information-for-visitors/">Auschwitz go from Krakow</a>. Its only about 65Km from Krakow and buses go up to the Museum. It take only about an hour. There are also train services from Krakow to<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>Oświęcim. Auschwitz camp is located on the outskirts of Oświęcim (Auschwitz is actually the German name of Oświęcim). There are also several organised tours which run mostly from Krakow and some from Wroclaw. Here's a useful link for more information: http://www.beyondmyfrontdoor.com/wp/tips-for-visiting-auschwitz/ </div><div><br /></div><div>I was travelling from Wroclaw and didn't want to take one of those expensive (90-100 euros) bus tours. The tourist centre in Wroclaw suggested I take a train to Krakow and then a bus to Auschwitz. That would have been a long and tiring journey. Thank god I have friends smarter than the tourist centre. They suggested I take a morning bus from Wroclaw to Katowice (a city in between), followed by a local train to Oświęcim. This meant getting up at 4am, taking the bus at 5am and reaching Auschwitz around 10am. That's what I did. All in all the travel cost me 48zl (12 euros).<br /><br />Reaching the bus station before 5am was easy. Trams in Wroclaw start running very early and go up to the bus station. I was a bit confused at the bus station because the bus arrived at a different terminal than advertised. The crowd of people in front of the bus and the board saying Budapest didn't help. No queue. Felt like home.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PyfUKatoRw/V4peAgRfxTI/AAAAAAAAOAo/LGwqdgpySwUkfCBdAKXYKn42IH-LBlhvQCLcB/s1600/20160714_053852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PyfUKatoRw/V4peAgRfxTI/AAAAAAAAOAo/LGwqdgpySwUkfCBdAKXYKn42IH-LBlhvQCLcB/s640/20160714_053852.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5am Polski bus from Wroclaw to Katowice. Clearly, like Indians, Polish also don't have any thing called a queue.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a>The bus reached Katowice half an hour late and I had only half an hour left for the train. Fortunately, the train station was near by. Unfortunately, I didn't know where. I asked two young girls at the station who didn't understand me completely and I didn't understand them completely. However, combining their instructions with google maps and GPS, I got to the train station in quick time. There was a automatic ticketing machine and the train was waiting at the platform.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjYWnwa6VAM/V4peRp4Ai5I/AAAAAAAAOBo/t2-PNPJxcCk5xfEOKBG7jN4qmf1437rhwCLcB/s1600/20160716_180911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjYWnwa6VAM/V4peRp4Ai5I/AAAAAAAAOBo/t2-PNPJxcCk5xfEOKBG7jN4qmf1437rhwCLcB/s400/20160716_180911.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Train tickets from Katowice to Oświęcim (top) and back (bottom)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Katowice station is small but modern. It is connected to a swanky mall. There are escalators everywhere and the platforms are clean. Young people can be seen improvising the platform space to get some rest.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ys9Mkk1zY4/V4peAu9uwUI/AAAAAAAAOAs/efp2RjcgC_UFLq1cfc2vwg3jKeXkpiYUwCLcB/s1600/20160714_083029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ys9Mkk1zY4/V4peAu9uwUI/AAAAAAAAOAs/efp2RjcgC_UFLq1cfc2vwg3jKeXkpiYUwCLcB/s640/20160714_083029.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katowice train station</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This was a local train on which very few people were travelling towards Oświęcim. For Indians, think of an upgraded version of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_multiple_unit">EMU</a>. For the Dutch, it could be similar to the <a href="http://www.amsterdamtips.com/tips/trains-in-netherlands.php">sprinter trains</a>, only slower. It covered the distance of about 30Km in about an hour, stopping at every little station (like halts in India) and waiting for goods trains and other faster trains to pass. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez-cD4HdwPA/V4peAny_mWI/AAAAAAAAOAw/UJFFXcwi86oN3V_INPuRzEXbmFsDQ3sywCLcB/s1600/20160714_082434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez-cD4HdwPA/V4peAny_mWI/AAAAAAAAOAw/UJFFXcwi86oN3V_INPuRzEXbmFsDQ3sywCLcB/s640/20160714_082434.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train from Katowice to Oświęcim</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gE74M8JqB4I/V4peCWbjQgI/AAAAAAAAOA4/zri0YBjkEK84uSH8rWzqgU0deA7TmVcOACLcB/s1600/20160714_090214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gE74M8JqB4I/V4peCWbjQgI/AAAAAAAAOA4/zri0YBjkEK84uSH8rWzqgU0deA7TmVcOACLcB/s640/20160714_090214.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train from Katowice to Oświęcim</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The train was mostly empty with a few locals travelling to intermediate stations. As far as I could see, I was the only tourist on the train. The seats on trains from Katowice to Oświęcim had nice padded seats but the return train had only plastic seats and seemed older.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHFRxWXs8oA/V4peCP097AI/AAAAAAAAOA0/_gvtovxEWsQJ7lVYlopSdlPfIahpcpxWACLcB/s1600/20160714_085134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHFRxWXs8oA/V4peCP097AI/AAAAAAAAOA0/_gvtovxEWsQJ7lVYlopSdlPfIahpcpxWACLcB/s640/20160714_085134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sE35ZV6DsDY/V4peCicT4lI/AAAAAAAAOA8/-PgdxfTOA1AL8WcFNe7ELsUnLFQNSSaMACLcB/s1600/20160714_085940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sE35ZV6DsDY/V4peCicT4lI/AAAAAAAAOA8/-PgdxfTOA1AL8WcFNe7ELsUnLFQNSSaMACLcB/s640/20160714_085940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polish countryside and tiny stations on the way</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-822U5fGYL88/V4peQxnzGqI/AAAAAAAAOBc/SMQdFqMIrbcyU6RAyA8Q6Y9mJaO33o7oQCLcB/s1600/20160714_153631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-822U5fGYL88/V4peQxnzGqI/AAAAAAAAOBc/SMQdFqMIrbcyU6RAyA8Q6Y9mJaO33o7oQCLcB/s640/20160714_153631.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oświęcim station</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I arrived at Oświęcim. The station was under construction. I made my way around it and soon found little blue board on a pole (like an electric pole not a polish person). It pointed in the direction of Auschwitz museum. There were more boards at fixed distances. I followed the boards.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjil2Vl7970/V4peD6OgtcI/AAAAAAAAOBI/rVgrt4qXFF8CM52ME1ITpbZqXnZ2N7OfQCLcB/s1600/20160714_100055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjil2Vl7970/V4peD6OgtcI/AAAAAAAAOBI/rVgrt4qXFF8CM52ME1ITpbZqXnZ2N7OfQCLcB/s640/20160714_100055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boards like this are hung at fixed distances to direct tourists to the museum</td></tr></tbody></table>After a 20 min slow and unsure walk, I was at the museum (return walk was less than 15 min).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FkHhteB6uY/V4peEHmPTQI/AAAAAAAAOBM/xIsmzVpFL68_IbhxKLQGUbG077bCLOJ7QCLcB/s1600/20160714_101222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FkHhteB6uY/V4peEHmPTQI/AAAAAAAAOBM/xIsmzVpFL68_IbhxKLQGUbG077bCLOJ7QCLcB/s640/20160714_101222.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum entry for pedestrians and cyclists</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until now I had walked mostly empty roads and foot paths. It seemed there were very few people in town. But as I entered the museum area, I saw people and vehicles everywhere. Apparently, I took the road less travelled.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QoVjq0slHM/V4peEG_xIvI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/gMBKMfvLWZkh9B18fUmGnL-8h7d8FrshQCLcB/s1600/20160714_101440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QoVjq0slHM/V4peEG_xIvI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/gMBKMfvLWZkh9B18fUmGnL-8h7d8FrshQCLcB/s640/20160714_101440.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That were all the people are</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: center;">________________</div><div><br /><b>The museum</b><br /><b><br /></b>I made my way towards the museum gates. You can book entry tickets for the museum online here: http://visit.auschwitz.org/?lang=en<br /><br />Individuals needs to book a guided tour slot. Guided tours are available in all main languages - Polish, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Hungarian etc. When I checked the website in Wroclaw, there were no English language slots available. This put a spanner in the works. Then I decided to just go in with a a different language group. I thought, the museum will have plaques in English which will be helpful. Now that I was in Wroclaw, it would have been a shame not to go, just because English language slots were not available. I also called the museum to check if I could visit without a guided tour. They said no. But they also said that they kept many tickets at the museum entrance which are seperate from those available online. So, I could just come there and get a ticket. Hurrah!<br /><br />That's what I did. There was a little queue for the tickets and a long one for entrance to the museum. I arrived at the museum at 10.30am, got my ticket for 11am entrance by 10.45am and was inside by 11.10am. All the people in my guided tour group were delayed due to the long entrance queue.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsySsepr2iU/V5cz6xTBmxI/AAAAAAAAOGM/qRopF5Si0AAun-1p1A0Yow7agTBs-UyNgCLcB/s1600/20160714_101726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsySsepr2iU/V5cz6xTBmxI/AAAAAAAAOGM/qRopF5Si0AAun-1p1A0Yow7agTBs-UyNgCLcB/s640/20160714_101726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ticket queue. Ticket counter in the white box</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z28dIX7YP00/V4peSG8WMcI/AAAAAAAAOBs/UZoLcWZCBZc6fX5BPdXWlQWaSqCMr_KjwCLcB/s1600/20160716_181007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z28dIX7YP00/V4peSG8WMcI/AAAAAAAAOBs/UZoLcWZCBZc6fX5BPdXWlQWaSqCMr_KjwCLcB/s400/20160716_181007.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum ticket</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The ticket was 45zl (about 11 euros). With the ticket I got sticker for english language group. I was supposed to stick it on my top/blouse/shirt/jacket and stick with my group.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vas-C_wLYc4/V5cyq2K5lmI/AAAAAAAAOGE/MiQkWAfFH2U-H2Eqx2Z5fdug0eg85O5jwCLcB/s1600/20160726_114913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vas-C_wLYc4/V5cyq2K5lmI/AAAAAAAAOGE/MiQkWAfFH2U-H2Eqx2Z5fdug0eg85O5jwCLcB/s400/20160726_114913.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Language group sticker</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Next I submitted my bad at the bag counter. If you have a bag bigger than a particular size (30x20x10), you must leave it outside the museum. There is a locker system and each bag costs only 2zl. After this, was the long queue to the entrance and security check. It took about 20min, longer than usual I was told. I found out later that this June and July, the museum has received more visitors than ever.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqhljlzTHuY/V5c2mP8p8EI/AAAAAAAAOGg/Bvv4HGIaz08JzAuiq9Pxa7dzv7e1BD60gCLcB/s1600/20160714_104700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqhljlzTHuY/V5c2mP8p8EI/AAAAAAAAOGg/Bvv4HGIaz08JzAuiq9Pxa7dzv7e1BD60gCLcB/s640/20160714_104700.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entry queue</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcrg4DxJkrY/V5c2lzqz54I/AAAAAAAAOGc/ADrrHLTj0jQ8p5lSssR9Lwh4UY2OCEJKwCLcB/s1600/20160714_105649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcrg4DxJkrY/V5c2lzqz54I/AAAAAAAAOGc/ADrrHLTj0jQ8p5lSssR9Lwh4UY2OCEJKwCLcB/s640/20160714_105649.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">security checks like an airport</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdffRacRuqQ/V5c2l3Px6cI/AAAAAAAAOGY/kU-VXAr4V-kb8lJ-vFvk7Z5QFoG-3VtXACLcB/s1600/20160714_105802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdffRacRuqQ/V5c2l3Px6cI/AAAAAAAAOGY/kU-VXAr4V-kb8lJ-vFvk7Z5QFoG-3VtXACLcB/s640/20160714_105802.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Board on the way to security check. I don't want any one getting enriched at my expense.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After security checks, I was given headphones and a radio receiver through which our group guide communicated with us. And off I went on a tour of Auschwitz.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrvQdrMrFjc/V5c2mdleBOI/AAAAAAAAOGk/v2wIW_4jjA0lz2HWKgYxa1Mxa7ST87rawCLcB/s1600/20160714_110145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrvQdrMrFjc/V5c2mdleBOI/AAAAAAAAOGk/v2wIW_4jjA0lz2HWKgYxa1Mxa7ST87rawCLcB/s640/20160714_110145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collecting headphones and radio device</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGo15XM50Nc/V5c3xJRZ2VI/AAAAAAAAOGw/IKmS_590m5gna_sLeglpZUGYM4XX_iKDwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGo15XM50Nc/V5c3xJRZ2VI/AAAAAAAAOGw/IKmS_590m5gna_sLeglpZUGYM4XX_iKDwCLcB/s640/IMG_0220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our guide and the group</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Auschwitz was one of the most profound experiences of my life. You can read more about it in my other post - <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.nl/2016/07/in-heart-of-death-star-visiting_23.html">In the heart of the death star</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-56910754820507016862016-07-23T20:02:00.001+05:302016-07-26T16:01:49.832+05:30In the heart of the death star: Visiting Auschwitz <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Some time ago, I visited <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz_concentration_camp#Medical_experiments">Auschwitz</a>, one of the most famous memories and memorials of World War II. About 1.1 million people died here.<br /><br />I went through an emotional whirlwind and came back mentally exhausted and heartbroken. I was guided through various barracks in which inmates were kept in overcrowded conditions with minimal facilities for sanitation hygiene. I saw various exhibits of piles of bags in which people brought their belongings to the camp, thousands of shoes, purses, pieces of utensils and corridors full of photos of men and women who died at Auschwitz. A quarter of one of the rooms was filled with blond hair taken from people who died in gas chambers.<br /><br />As I walked through these rooms hearing stories of atrocities and inhuman behaviour, I was slowly getting overwhelmed. The tipping point came when I entered a room dedicated to children. One one side behind the glass was a heap of toys and the room was filled with photos and stories of children who died or had medical experiments conducted on them at the camp. This is when my eyes filled with water and a single drop rolled out. I am not trying to be poetic here. Most people who visit Auschwitz do get overwhelmed by the experience. At the end of the our guide said, "I hope now you will tell others about Auschwitz and help them understand what happened here better" (paraphrased). I thought I would take a shot at it.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUq-qvY9FzI/V5N4rWTuU8I/AAAAAAAAOFw/qIvVw1viJ3MFaWVfjLtjn55Q5cm0Y-AbgCLcB/s1600/20160723_155937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUq-qvY9FzI/V5N4rWTuU8I/AAAAAAAAOFw/qIvVw1viJ3MFaWVfjLtjn55Q5cm0Y-AbgCLcB/s320/20160723_155937.jpg" width="204" /></a>As I write this post I am also reading a book I bought there. Its 'This way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen'. Its written by a Polish literary genius, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadeusz_Borowski">Tadeusz Borowski</a> who spent 2 years in the concentration camps from 1943 to 1945. He was not a Jew and survived the concentration camp. He killed himself at the age of 28, ironically by breathing gas from a gas stove. I will quote paragraphs from his book at places to illustrate what happened in Auschwitz.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">______________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">Civilisation is a farce<br />Human to inhuman is a thin line</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">Auschwitz was the biggest concentration and extermination camp run by Nazis during World War II. Auschwitz I used to be a Polish army camp before that. The concentration camp stated in 1940 and exterminations in 1941, initially for Polish prisoners. From 1942 onwards the camp became a site where Jews from across Europe were brought to put into forced labour and extermination.<br /><br /></div><br /><b>Auschwitz I </b><br /><b><br /></b>When the camp was first set up by the Nazis local residents were forced to move out of the area and bricks from homes were used to build camp buildings. By the end of 1941, the camp was overwhelmed with prisoners and construction was started on Auschwitz II.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2T9kjujp3CY/V4ptQUyeWcI/AAAAAAAAOCE/vKZh8hce5aEw_lZi098L-A2IPbBd4UP1gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2T9kjujp3CY/V4ptQUyeWcI/AAAAAAAAOCE/vKZh8hce5aEw_lZi098L-A2IPbBd4UP1gCLcB/s640/IMG_0228.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work brings freedom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a>The entry gate to Auschwitz I has the motto <i>Arbeit macht frei</i> meaning 'work brings freedom'. This gave those arriving at the camp a false sense of hope. They were given the impression that they were brought here for work which would lead to a better life. However, for most there was only forced labour (work) and only freedom they got was through death.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt_7bw7i4jU/V4ptQ5UUWdI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/UIpmJlwqdcQ75r0zi-z_cWwNvERZzOUdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt_7bw7i4jU/V4ptQ5UUWdI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/UIpmJlwqdcQ75r0zi-z_cWwNvERZzOUdgCLcB/s640/IMG_0234.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedom</td></tr></tbody></table>When people arrived at the camp all their belongings were confiscated. They were told that they would not need these at the camp and all their belongings will be kept safe for when they return. So people put their names and other identification marks on their luggage. Their cloths were also taken away and they were given camp cloths.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"The heaps grow. Suitcases, bundles, blankets, coats, handbags that open as they fall, spilling coins, gold, watches; mountains of bread pile up at the exits, heaps of marmalade, jams, masses of meat, sausages; super spills on the gravel". (pg38)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OT6ItBvqggQ/V4ptTwFgH4I/AAAAAAAAOFM/8qB4yZ1Hw4wd6QFV98OqZ3XU787AcvFZwCKgB/s1600/IMG_0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OT6ItBvqggQ/V4ptTwFgH4I/AAAAAAAAOFM/8qB4yZ1Hw4wd6QFV98OqZ3XU787AcvFZwCKgB/s640/IMG_0279.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luggage with name and other identification details</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even when people found out the reality of the camp, escape was close to impossible. The camp was completely surrounded by electrified double fencing.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g_GiM6m2AA/V4ptQflWxDI/AAAAAAAAOFM/aF94KQ618fcnAKbRDETwVPRh9HYhF5MiACKgB/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7g_GiM6m2AA/V4ptQflWxDI/AAAAAAAAOFM/aF94KQ618fcnAKbRDETwVPRh9HYhF5MiACKgB/s640/IMG_0230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electrified double fencing around the camp</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qskVpy4PHB0/V4ptQs-4mTI/AAAAAAAAOCM/iFDnlkNwUJE-3Z4t3040GWLCVYX35hTbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qskVpy4PHB0/V4ptQs-4mTI/AAAAAAAAOCM/iFDnlkNwUJE-3Z4t3040GWLCVYX35hTbwCLcB/s640/IMG_0231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygs_Mb_kIxc/V4ptYB5Y8MI/AAAAAAAAOEU/fQu_KNCU7WsITRfaRjLtVb5UOdZ5-UXxQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygs_Mb_kIxc/V4ptYB5Y8MI/AAAAAAAAOEU/fQu_KNCU7WsITRfaRjLtVb5UOdZ5-UXxQCLcB/s640/IMG_0340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caution: high voltage, danger to life</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS1ynVSBJsY/V4ptU9KbuSI/AAAAAAAAOFM/zcWnfxGgvnYLwavnxINpOxdD6ABOFpinACKgB/s1600/IMG_0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS1ynVSBJsY/V4ptU9KbuSI/AAAAAAAAOFM/zcWnfxGgvnYLwavnxINpOxdD6ABOFpinACKgB/s640/IMG_0299.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danger signs are everywhere</td></tr></tbody></table>Beyond the electrified fences were several watch towers with always alert Nazi guards ready to shoot at the smallest of infractions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"the two story barracks, the double row of barbed wire, the concrete wall beyond it, the solid watch-towers.. And they did not even know that the wall extends two yards into the ground, to prevent us from digging our way out!" (pg111)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfPakyU_s0I/V4ptTnaJ8XI/AAAAAAAAOFM/WM1zQ_yi2J8MFEYMZq8RQLUQsZPyh6cJACKgB/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfPakyU_s0I/V4ptTnaJ8XI/AAAAAAAAOFM/WM1zQ_yi2J8MFEYMZq8RQLUQsZPyh6cJACKgB/s640/IMG_0276.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many watch towers around the camp</td></tr></tbody></table>Within the camp there were separate areas for housing inmates and guards and officers. Close to 7000 SS guards and officers managed the inmates. Unfortunately only a small number of these were convicted after the war. Auschwitz I was the head office for SS guards of both Auschwitz I, II and other satellite camps around. In total there were about 16,000 prisoners here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fd6Gomcqcus/V4ptQGXDgVI/AAAAAAAAOCA/olWuWilxQhMkikAOg2xxh-Jywfa355LmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fd6Gomcqcus/V4ptQGXDgVI/AAAAAAAAOCA/olWuWilxQhMkikAOg2xxh-Jywfa355LmQCLcB/s640/IMG_0224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raPBlS4NRYc/V4ptQzpJVUI/AAAAAAAAOCU/HE6cPnYxjXwT3Zpz5_I55a6N0AMJ65bEwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raPBlS4NRYc/V4ptQzpJVUI/AAAAAAAAOCU/HE6cPnYxjXwT3Zpz5_I55a6N0AMJ65bEwCLcB/s640/IMG_0237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here also lived <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_H%C3%B6ss">Rudolf Franz Ferdinand Höss</a>, the commandant of Auschwitz camps. He had the company of his wife and five children. The house is just outside the double fencing but next to one of the gas cambers. Höss played a key role in devising the plans for extermination of Jews at Auschwitz. A year after the war when Höss was caught and convicted, he was hanged to death right next to this house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZA6HjuaOQE/V4ptXfBuJcI/AAAAAAAAOFM/9OPoQBs24QwhVU1qfM1BxPsBl6ZnCyarQCKgB/s1600/IMG_0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZA6HjuaOQE/V4ptXfBuJcI/AAAAAAAAOFM/9OPoQBs24QwhVU1qfM1BxPsBl6ZnCyarQCKgB/s640/IMG_0333.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TY5zPPzaDR8/V4ptXXXWybI/AAAAAAAAOFM/NHVLrNVve387QySQNPZB3ej9p0bFWC5RgCKgB/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TY5zPPzaDR8/V4ptXXXWybI/AAAAAAAAOFM/NHVLrNVve387QySQNPZB3ej9p0bFWC5RgCKgB/s640/IMG_0334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commandant's house</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKfwvH9I1hw/V4ptRG6rmNI/AAAAAAAAOCc/u3bfApHX7ksmXOxXCRPMDTvbuMuvtrHLQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKfwvH9I1hw/V4ptRG6rmNI/AAAAAAAAOCc/u3bfApHX7ksmXOxXCRPMDTvbuMuvtrHLQCLcB/s640/IMG_0243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A block to house inmates</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_EAiDq8aXo/V4ptSLcfVrI/AAAAAAAAOCs/rssxYcPl2eswqhMN0W3WVjvA3D1s2KMDACLcB/s1600/IMG_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_EAiDq8aXo/V4ptSLcfVrI/AAAAAAAAOCs/rssxYcPl2eswqhMN0W3WVjvA3D1s2KMDACLcB/s640/IMG_0263.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more inmate blocks</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaMN7ryOZqQ/V4ptShWjqYI/AAAAAAAAOC0/BTQv6gWlLzMnSti3nF7jrbiqdO3uUqwqACLcB/s1600/IMG_0272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaMN7ryOZqQ/V4ptShWjqYI/AAAAAAAAOC0/BTQv6gWlLzMnSti3nF7jrbiqdO3uUqwqACLcB/s320/IMG_0272.jpg" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkQ6HzPwV8s/V4ptSdR91rI/AAAAAAAAOCw/8bnADJmaTKwLO4kSJR-c-pNuS6qPZE3ugCLcB/s1600/IMG_0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkQ6HzPwV8s/V4ptSdR91rI/AAAAAAAAOCw/8bnADJmaTKwLO4kSJR-c-pNuS6qPZE3ugCLcB/s320/IMG_0267.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MQv-yDpVsQ/V4ptSwkSS-I/AAAAAAAAOC4/dAh7-kVa1o8NHAdLjILfTv-gyG38apx6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MQv-yDpVsQ/V4ptSwkSS-I/AAAAAAAAOC4/dAh7-kVa1o8NHAdLjILfTv-gyG38apx6gCLcB/s320/IMG_0273.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wegs6OVzwM0/V4ptS5uAAJI/AAAAAAAAOC8/NgHM-STkZOcgw-TMsmNcSCGu7t_a0oeggCLcB/s1600/IMG_0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wegs6OVzwM0/V4ptS5uAAJI/AAAAAAAAOC8/NgHM-STkZOcgw-TMsmNcSCGu7t_a0oeggCLcB/s320/IMG_0275.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Auschwitz I was also the cite of medical experiments by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Mengele">Dr Josef Mengele</a> of the SS. One of his key experiments was to understand how and why twins were born. According to our guide, he wanted to find this out for a quick acceleration of German population growth by birth of more twins. Experiments were also conducted on particular racial groups. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"The women in No. 10 are being artificially inseminated, injected with typhoid and malaria germs, or operated on". (pg108)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UD7S1v6MsV8/V4ptUfi0IMI/AAAAAAAAODM/4b6M4P0n2Cwzu7hpXEI7qOGbGTDGf1K8gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UD7S1v6MsV8/V4ptUfi0IMI/AAAAAAAAODM/4b6M4P0n2Cwzu7hpXEI7qOGbGTDGf1K8gCLcB/s640/IMG_0296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Block 11 was a key block of Auschwitz I. Here a periodic hearing was held to convict deviating inmates. I say 'convict' because every case was given only about 1 min. In this time one had to defend and also get the sentence. On top of that, the judges only understood and spoke German. This made things difficult for Polish, Hungarian and prisoners from other countries. So, the idea was to put up a farce and convict people. Under this block were also the torture chambers. There were rooms were inmates were hung by their arms until they separated from their sockets. There were suffocation chambers where people were crammed in until eventually oxygen became scarce and they started dying. Then there were standing chambers, each the size of a mobile toilet or smaller. There was a small door at the bottom through which people were supposed to get in. Each room was filled with 4-5 people so that there was no space to move other than standing. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwGeuceyMq8/V4ptVXhQkSI/AAAAAAAAODc/OGSsHLyW5xAwzcPM_8lcwJetsb9sXMJOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwGeuceyMq8/V4ptVXhQkSI/AAAAAAAAODc/OGSsHLyW5xAwzcPM_8lcwJetsb9sXMJOQCLcB/s640/IMG_0306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juU-zEukpyg/V4ptU5JRm5I/AAAAAAAAOFM/QOjxKGgPsMUwE0I8zJBphn5bOKMvrtKJQCKgB/s1600/IMG_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juU-zEukpyg/V4ptU5JRm5I/AAAAAAAAOFM/QOjxKGgPsMUwE0I8zJBphn5bOKMvrtKJQCKgB/s640/IMG_0305.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infrastructure to hang people (at the far end)</td></tr></tbody></table>Between block 11 and 10 was the execution space. Convicts were made to stand with their face towards the wall at the far end and shot in the back. The windows of block 10 which housed inmates were blinded so no one would know what was going on between the two blocks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnV95V9RfEE/V4ptWYQ3D-I/AAAAAAAAOD0/a7-AmNln6o4es91izP0t5Np9jqDUw2SWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnV95V9RfEE/V4ptWYQ3D-I/AAAAAAAAOD0/a7-AmNln6o4es91izP0t5Np9jqDUw2SWwCLcB/s640/IMG_0315.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Execution space between block 10 and 11</td></tr></tbody></table>There were also wooden poles to hang and execute people.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8oO-9aCGRPQ/V4ptV2l3xeI/AAAAAAAAODk/rv0j5VypvSg4hvNkfHzSUlp24c8gJz8MQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8oO-9aCGRPQ/V4ptV2l3xeI/AAAAAAAAODk/rv0j5VypvSg4hvNkfHzSUlp24c8gJz8MQCLcB/s640/IMG_0317.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden poles and hook to hang people. Blinded windows of block 10 in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjDiNZzZwCw/V4ptV3OpgOI/AAAAAAAAODo/z6oqgLNnmbYdoTMpajCgXtWFdOBaby5EwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjDiNZzZwCw/V4ptV3OpgOI/AAAAAAAAODo/z6oqgLNnmbYdoTMpajCgXtWFdOBaby5EwCLcB/s640/IMG_0321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr6eKCFSjLU/V4ptWS7UgAI/AAAAAAAAODs/JIVJJqQ-6pkT-p8KvOo3EuZReGzt-aR7wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tr6eKCFSjLU/V4ptWS7UgAI/AAAAAAAAODs/JIVJJqQ-6pkT-p8KvOo3EuZReGzt-aR7wCLcB/s640/IMG_0323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another space to hang people by their arms. This public space was chosen so others could learn from example.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Auschwitz I had one killing installation. This consisted of a gas chamber, lifts to move bodies from gas chamber to crematorium and of course the crematorium itself. Later this was converted into a storage and subsequently a bomb shelter.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZhbfP1Q4E8/V4ptXsfP4aI/AAAAAAAAOEI/W_984gLnxiIFcL8YDbvUH0w0PnAHHlFEQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZhbfP1Q4E8/V4ptXsfP4aI/AAAAAAAAOEI/W_984gLnxiIFcL8YDbvUH0w0PnAHHlFEQCLcB/s640/IMG_0336.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gas chamber. Opening to introduce gas</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6Y5U9rUIMY/V4ptX5JkvDI/AAAAAAAAOEM/nVX0bydCO-sqn7U0a9rU11MyQ7UFKOl6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6Y5U9rUIMY/V4ptX5JkvDI/AAAAAAAAOEM/nVX0bydCO-sqn7U0a9rU11MyQ7UFKOl6gCLcB/s640/IMG_0339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crematorium</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Auschwitz II - Birkenau </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Auschwitz II ended up being much bigger than Auschwitz I. It became the main concentration and extermination camp. Auschwitz II covered an area of 175 acres and had the capacity to house 200,000 inmates. It became the main site to carry out Hitler's '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Solution">Final solution to the Jewish question</a>'.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dcoAmo885s/V4ptYA_1sDI/AAAAAAAAOEY/IqCc06oP5XgJ5A1erEkxe60Gt5rVJPluACLcB/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dcoAmo885s/V4ptYA_1sDI/AAAAAAAAOEY/IqCc06oP5XgJ5A1erEkxe60Gt5rVJPluACLcB/s640/IMG_0344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjqfnTFSHdI/V4ptYlnPA1I/AAAAAAAAOEg/15IqlWrvGcETRqSsKBdhe1jWY2_RaMmCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjqfnTFSHdI/V4ptYlnPA1I/AAAAAAAAOEg/15IqlWrvGcETRqSsKBdhe1jWY2_RaMmCgCLcB/s640/IMG_0352.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch tower at Auschwitz II</td></tr></tbody></table>Railway lines were extended to Auschwitz II and subsequently a long platform was built to disembark and segregate Jews brought to the camp.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UKiv2Q5yCs/V4ptYbPQrJI/AAAAAAAAOEc/X5PpHN_KgKo2p9HCfCGY5dzmtdfiic5BACLcB/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UKiv2Q5yCs/V4ptYbPQrJI/AAAAAAAAOEc/X5PpHN_KgKo2p9HCfCGY5dzmtdfiic5BACLcB/s640/IMG_0349.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate of death: entry to Auschwitz II</td></tr></tbody></table>The train coaches that people travelled in were the ones used to transport cattle or goods. Filled much beyond their capacity, they carried people for days. During this time people often had no access to toilets, fresh water or food. The train was slow and had to often give way to faster trains and freight trains. It often waited at stations for days during which time people travelling in coaches were not allowed to get out. Many perished by the time they reached Auschwitz. At the height of its functioning in 1943-44 Auschwitz II received 2-3 trains full of Hungarian Jews everyday.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"In the tiny barred windows appear pale, wilted, exhausted human faces, terror-stricken women with tangled hair, unshaven men....Heads push through the windows, mouths gasp fanatically for air. They draw a few breaths, then disappear; others come in their place, then also disappear". (pg36)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upxiC-9xqpI/V4ptYitWGvI/AAAAAAAAOEk/PVDeKlRNZhcMME1O63aUfY4mFzSkM5ogwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upxiC-9xqpI/V4ptYitWGvI/AAAAAAAAOEk/PVDeKlRNZhcMME1O63aUfY4mFzSkM5ogwCLcB/s640/IMG_0357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train wagon</td></tr></tbody></table>Everything in the camp worked like a well oiled machine. When a train arrived in Auschwitz, people were quickly disembarked and their belongings confiscated. Women and children were separated from the men. Children were kept with the women so they do no create a commotion. After this SS officers gave a cursory look to each person and selected them either to go the camp where they would be engaged in slave labour or to be directly sent to the gas chambers. Those arriving had no idea what was going on. They expected to meet their families later. So they did not resist. Most women, children and old were directly sent to the gas chambers. That is why in the camps there were only about 30% women.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"It is the camp law: people going to their death must be deceived to the very end. This is the only permissible form of charity". (pg37)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNP5RiffNpE/V4ptZO7KxMI/AAAAAAAAOEs/k7cSivKGTJ0cwWGJG8I4nDWuqZtz9HAJQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNP5RiffNpE/V4ptZO7KxMI/AAAAAAAAOEs/k7cSivKGTJ0cwWGJG8I4nDWuqZtz9HAJQCLcB/s640/IMG_0360.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Segregation platform where families were separated never to see each other again</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrXk_BwYP3U/V4ptY-aGu1I/AAAAAAAAOEo/17Tk2KAf8OgRuHLr6B7mFkOfNHmm_wWNACLcB/s1600/IMG_0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrXk_BwYP3U/V4ptY-aGu1I/AAAAAAAAOEo/17Tk2KAf8OgRuHLr6B7mFkOfNHmm_wWNACLcB/s640/IMG_0359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate to one section of the camp</td></tr></tbody></table>Auschwitz II had 4 mass killing installations. These consisted of 1 gas chamber, lifts to bring the bodies up and multiple ovens forming the crematorium. People who were sent to the gas chambers were told that they were going to take a shower and get disinfected for a life in the camp. Most people did not suspect that they were walking to death or that they would never again see their families. That is why they mostly did not resist and everything went on smoothly. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zyklon_B">Zyklon B</a>, a pesticide was used for gassing. This process lasted all of 20 min.<br /><br />After this hair was shaved off the bodies, gold teeth and other valuables removed and the bodies were moved to the crematorium using lifts. Cremation took days. At the height of its functioning when the camp received 2-3 trains everyday, the crematoria capacity fell short and bodies were often piled up in the open and burnt. Human ash was then either filled in several ditches dug around the camp or used as fertiliser in the fields around the camp.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCYtHBF4BOw/V4ptZTW7BOI/AAAAAAAAOEw/qfKC83rOHtgyRvaD-iTWLZu7JN8quohDwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCYtHBF4BOw/V4ptZTW7BOI/AAAAAAAAOEw/qfKC83rOHtgyRvaD-iTWLZu7JN8quohDwCLcB/s640/IMG_0366.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of a gas chamber and crematorium</td></tr></tbody></table>Barrack here were also similar to Auschwitz I but they were single storied compared to double storied blocks of Auschwitz I. Initial barracks were made of bricks but soon there was a shortage of construction material and later barracks were built with wood.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o66XeZ1l2u0/V4ptZhQ4GxI/AAAAAAAAOE0/jn6cOzte884l58kd5CYxsOrQ3se8OzSqwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o66XeZ1l2u0/V4ptZhQ4GxI/AAAAAAAAOE0/jn6cOzte884l58kd5CYxsOrQ3se8OzSqwCLcB/s640/IMG_0368.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barracks of Auschwitz II</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymxZlNmKr6M/V4ptZjzYk5I/AAAAAAAAOE4/mMfBq2GTn_oiZ4m1gz9zGTsTQEVBZcb0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymxZlNmKr6M/V4ptZjzYk5I/AAAAAAAAOE4/mMfBq2GTn_oiZ4m1gz9zGTsTQEVBZcb0ACLcB/s640/IMG_0372.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />However, each barrack here housed many more inmates. Initially each barrack was to house 550 inmates but finally the number went up to 740. There were three tiers of sleeping space with the lowest being on the floor. Each space was shared by 6-8 people. There were some windows for light but only accessible from middle and top bunks. Obviously this was a privilege to which only stronger inmates had access. There was limited heating and often due to lack of fuel it didn't work.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Below us, naked, sweat-drenched men crowd the narrow barracks aisles or lie packed in eights and tens in the lower bunks. Their nude, withered bodies stink of sweat and excrement; their cheeks are hollow". (pg31)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-faw5aF6Dfds/V4ptaBspqfI/AAAAAAAAOFM/YzhzC5SKNAsCAlD3ejqmBK_vBpy8HEKCgCKgB/s1600/IMG_0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-faw5aF6Dfds/V4ptaBspqfI/AAAAAAAAOFM/YzhzC5SKNAsCAlD3ejqmBK_vBpy8HEKCgCKgB/s640/IMG_0377.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three tiered barrack</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFAh88ZwJ_I/V4ptaNji1JI/AAAAAAAAOFM/nki-1GlJ8709Eo96GuCqfw_n1yNYo611QCKgB/s1600/IMG_0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFAh88ZwJ_I/V4ptaNji1JI/AAAAAAAAOFM/nki-1GlJ8709Eo96GuCqfw_n1yNYo611QCKgB/s640/IMG_0380.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window privilege </td></tr></tbody></table>For the 200,000 inmates there were only 10 barracks of bathrooms and toilets. Needless to say, this was much lower than required. The toilets consisted of a several holes in a line and were mostly packed with people. So much so that often two people shared a hole at the same time. Toilets were cleaned manually by taking shit out manually, with a bucket. These jobs were privileges as they were often indoors away from the harsh summer sun and winter chill.<br /><br />Bathrooms and water were similarly in short supply. Most people got to bathe only once a month. They had no access to soaps. People lined up in the crowded bathrooms to somehow wash their bodies.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBRE-inrb20/V4ptZ9paqKI/AAAAAAAAOE8/urXBybUlvGMKoK8hruSmI_bo-fKV8cBigCLcB/s1600/IMG_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBRE-inrb20/V4ptZ9paqKI/AAAAAAAAOE8/urXBybUlvGMKoK8hruSmI_bo-fKV8cBigCLcB/s640/IMG_0375.jpg" width="374" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom in Auschwitz II</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Since this visit my mind have been in a turmoil. I don't know how to put this place and what happened there in perspective. Does this help put our own lives in perspective? There was so much pain and suffering there. Does thinking about it make the pain and suffering in our own life smaller? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was so much loss. Loss of life, of friendship, of love. People struggled to find support, friendship, love, human affection. Sometimes they came to the camps with these but lost them as soon as they stepped onto the platform. Sometimes they found these in the camp but lost them soon to the gas chambers. Do the stories of these people tell us that we should not shed tears over lost affection, friendship and love for we are still free to find them? Or do they tell us that we should hold on to our affections, our friends, our love for we are fortunate to have these in our life? We should not give up on them as easily as we do for we could be in a situation that they are snatched away from us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am left confused.</div></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-51669376670842105542016-01-18T18:41:00.000+05:302016-01-18T20:26:04.662+05:30हम लोग लिफाफी हें<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">हम लोग लिफाफी हें। </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">गांव घर में कोई काज, मने ओकेजन जैसे कि श्राद्ध या शादी-ब्याह हुआ तो ऐटेंड करने वाले रिलेटिव लोग के लिए अलग अलग नियम होता है।</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">कल इ-रिकशा पे हर हर महादेव चैक से धर आ रहे थे तो बगल में बैठे हुए महतो जी से गप होने लगा। पब्लिक ट्रांसपोर्ट पे अगल बगल के लोग से गप सराका आम बात है बिहार में। कौन कहाँ जा रहा है, क्या कर रहा है पब्लिक नॉलेज होना चाहिए पब्लिक ट्रांसपोर्ट पर।</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">खैर, महतो जी 2 बच्चा, 1 बोरा, 1 झोला और 1 डेकची साथ में ले जा रहे थे। पता चला कि बुतरू लोग के नानी का देहांत हो गया या आ सब लोग ऊसके काज के लिए जा रहे थे। </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">महतो जी कहे लिफाफी बने से काम नै चलतो। </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">महतो जी के हिसाब से नियम है:</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">मृत्यु: 2 किलो चावल, 2 किलो दाल, 2 किलो अल्लू आ 5 किलो दही। यही सब बोरा, झोला आ डेकची में ले के चले थे महतो जी ससुराल।</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">लड़की का शादी: कपड़ा लत्ता आ पैसा।</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">लड़का का शादी: हाथ डोलाते डोलाते चले जाइए आ कुछ कपड़ा लत्ता लैये के आइए।</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">आ हम लोग जो सहरी हो गए हैं न सो सब चीज में ऐगो लिफाफा में पैसा लेके पहुंच जाते हैं। नो थाट, नो इफोर्ट।</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">हम लोग लिफाफी हैं।</div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-70233950849113917742016-01-16T18:03:00.001+05:302016-01-16T18:03:42.004+05:30Oxymoron का मतलब<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">अंग्रेजी में एक शब्द होता है Oxymoron। कुछ साल पहले तक इसका मतलब समझ नहीं आता था। पर जब सलमान भाई का बॉडीगार्ड सिनेमा देखे तब समझ आया।<br /><br />Oxymoron का मतलब विरोधाभास होता है।<br /><br />एक्साम्पल:<br /><br />"मुझपर एक एहसान करना कि मुझपर कोई एहसान न करना"<br /><div style="text-align: right;">सलमान खान (२०११), बॉडीगार्ड </div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-4737834542079217592015-02-16T00:50:00.000+05:302015-02-16T00:51:17.789+05:30वो तीन दिन बर्लिन में<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">२०११ में पहली बार यूरोप जाने का मौका मिला। अगर आपने मेरे लंदन वाले पोस्ट पढ़े हैं तो आप अंदाजा लगा सकते हैं क्यों? अगर आपने नहीं पढ़े हैं तो आप पढ़ सकते हैं <a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/london-2014.html">यहाँ</a> और <a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/london-2013.html">यहाँ</a>। खैर, पहली बार यूरोप जाने का मौका भी मिला एक कांफ्रेंस में हिस्सा लेने के लिए। जर्मनी की राजधानी बर्लिन में एक विश्वविद्यालय में आयोजित इस कांफ्रेंस में एक पोस्टर ले के चला था मैं। कांफ्रेंस के एक दिन पहले पंहुचा। बर्लिन हवाईअड्डे पर जैसे ही अपना बैग उठाया सामने कुछ मुश्टंडे खड़े दिखे। नीली जीन्स और टीशर्ट पहने एक मुश्टंडे ने मुझे कोने में बुलाया और बैग खोलने को कहा। मैं थोड़ा डरा, थोड़ा सहमा, थोड़ा जेट लैग में, हैरान परेशान उसकी तरफ देखता रह गया। मुश्टंडे ने फिर कहा बैग खोलने को। मैंने बैग खोल दिया। उसने पूछा अगर मैं कोई ऐसी चीज़ लाया हूँ जिसकी इजाज़त नहीं है। मैंने कहा नहीं और अल्लाह के करम से उसने मुझे जाने को कहा। बाद में मित्रों से मालूम हुआ कि ये मुश्टंडे कस्टम के अधिकारी थे। जर्मनी में ऐसा होता है। हिन्दुस्तान में तो वर्दी का रोब दूर से ही दिख जाता है। पर कौन जाने आज कल हिन्दुस्तान में भी सादी वर्दी में मुश्टंडे जैसे दिखने वाले पुलिस वाले हुआ करते होंगे।<br />खैर वहाँ से निकला और होटल पहुँचा। छोटा रूम, उसमें कोने में गुसलखाना, बिस्तर के ऊपर बिस्तर। प्यासा था बहुत। पानी की बोतल थी ही नहीं कमरे में। थका हुआ था। नीचे जाने का मन नहीं हुआ। और सोचा रहा था न जाने होटल वाले पानी का कितना माँग बैठें। हिन्दुस्तानी होने के नाते पैसे बचाना मेरा पहला कर्म था। चाहे प्यास क्यों न रहना पड़े। शाम में वैसे भी जलपान के लिए कुछ लोगों से मिलना था एक रेस्तरां में। तभी खाने और पानी भी पीने का तय किया। अब तक हर चीज़ से अचंभित था। खर शाम में जो लोग मुझे रेस्तरां ले जाने आये उनमें से एक ने मेरे गुसलखाने का इस्तेमाल करने की इज़ाज़त मांगी। उसके बाद उन्होंने कमरे में रखा गिलास उठाया और नल से भरके पानी पी लिया। मैं देखता ही रह गया। दोपहर से प्यासा बैठा था मैं बोतल के बिना और यहाँ लोग नल से पानी पी रहे थे। मित्रों ने बता कि यूरोप में नल का पानी भी पीने लायक होता है। उसी पानी से पकाना, पीना, नहाना, और धोना भी। ओह नहीं, धोते तो लोग यहाँ हैं ही नहीं। कागज़ से पोछना। खैर और भी कहानियां हैं उन तीन दिनों के खट्टे मीठे एहसासों की। और सुनाऊंगा अगली बार। अभी तस्वीरें देखिये उस पहली यूरोप यात्रा की।<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4v280_-sGbo/VODNGes6qbI/AAAAAAAALuM/Dd7LLgi_LU4/s1600/DSCN1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4v280_-sGbo/VODNGes6qbI/AAAAAAAALuM/Dd7LLgi_LU4/s1600/DSCN1565.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">पुरानी सोवियत कारें। कभी पुलिस घूमा करती थी इनमें। आज कल टूरिस्ट आनंद उठाते हैं इनका। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUeIQkV_dRg/VODNIDrosqI/AAAAAAAALuU/G4B_h-bRxYI/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUeIQkV_dRg/VODNIDrosqI/AAAAAAAALuU/G4B_h-bRxYI/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">चेकपॉइंट चार्ली। पूरबी और पश्चिमी जर्मनी के बीच आने जाने का जरिया। अब टूरिस्टों के लिए नकली सिपाही खड़े रहते हैं। फोटो खिचाइये, पासपोर्ट पर मुहर भी लगाइये। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqU4vPuMTlY/VODNKDZVfcI/AAAAAAAALuc/cp9K2ZMFiMs/s1600/DSCN1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqU4vPuMTlY/VODNKDZVfcI/AAAAAAAALuc/cp9K2ZMFiMs/s1600/DSCN1579.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">नहर में सफर का जरिया </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Tciw54RKOI/VODNLto1VrI/AAAAAAAALuk/dJnNHG-a-uw/s1600/DSCN1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Tciw54RKOI/VODNLto1VrI/AAAAAAAALuk/dJnNHG-a-uw/s1600/DSCN1606.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">मेट्रो मैं साईकिल, व्हील चेयर, प्रैम और सूटकेस सब रखने की जगह। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfbeqXdWcrI/VODNM9b_eLI/AAAAAAAALus/F7Ps3TL0_ls/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfbeqXdWcrI/VODNM9b_eLI/AAAAAAAALus/F7Ps3TL0_ls/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बर्लिन की मशहूर दीवार </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tOVBpKaP5u0/VODNVhPDlaI/AAAAAAAALvY/zAWcNUAE880/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tOVBpKaP5u0/VODNVhPDlaI/AAAAAAAALvY/zAWcNUAE880/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बर्लिन टीवी टावर </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2EQo0MBkBg/VODNSz_fHXI/AAAAAAAALvM/bcR9d3uzN5M/s1600/DSCN1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2EQo0MBkBg/VODNSz_fHXI/AAAAAAAALvM/bcR9d3uzN5M/s1600/DSCN1687.JPG" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">नदी के किनारे सैंडविच का आनंद लेती महिला </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4qtU0osMpo/VODNRU2KJRI/AAAAAAAALvE/4kOiH85uNDY/s1600/DSCN1682_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4qtU0osMpo/VODNRU2KJRI/AAAAAAAALvE/4kOiH85uNDY/s1600/DSCN1682_edited.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कौन न पड़े बर्लिन के प्यार में </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQOIC4iLOoE/VODNQRbJfMI/AAAAAAAALu8/6rxs82VAO6Y/s1600/DSCN1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQOIC4iLOoE/VODNQRbJfMI/AAAAAAAALu8/6rxs82VAO6Y/s1600/DSCN1635.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">टूटे फूटे घर यहाँ भी </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muK95bBXPjg/VODNOSeupQI/AAAAAAAALu0/nT86VH1A0Gc/s1600/DSCN1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muK95bBXPjg/VODNOSeupQI/AAAAAAAALu0/nT86VH1A0Gc/s1600/DSCN1634.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बागीचे का इस्तेहार </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0NZalI7Bgo/VODNXgAWpsI/AAAAAAAALvg/1tonWHn5FrY/s1600/DSCN1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0NZalI7Bgo/VODNXgAWpsI/AAAAAAAALvg/1tonWHn5FrY/s1600/DSCN1697.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">मित्रों ने बताया कि आज वसंत का पहला दिन है। महीनों के बाद सूरज के दर्शन हुए हैं। पूरा बर्लिन सड़क पर और नदी के किनारे आ बसा है। रविवार भी तो है </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emI6nC9Uo7Y/VODNY-zu1GI/AAAAAAAALvo/Fvlsun6ov7c/s1600/DSCN1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emI6nC9Uo7Y/VODNY-zu1GI/AAAAAAAALvo/Fvlsun6ov7c/s1600/DSCN1702.JPG" height="264" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">जर्मनी की संसद </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mecOkhkhuqs/VODNZhDKvZI/AAAAAAAALvw/DPKnyhFU1dk/s1600/DSCN1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mecOkhkhuqs/VODNZhDKvZI/AAAAAAAALvw/DPKnyhFU1dk/s1600/DSCN1712.JPG" height="398" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ब्रेन्डेर्बेर्ग गेट। युद्ध के समय दागी गई गोलियों के निशान अब भी हैं। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YW7vfHsqskU/VODNadex5NI/AAAAAAAALv4/erQ4OgOmeBI/s1600/DSCN1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YW7vfHsqskU/VODNadex5NI/AAAAAAAALv4/erQ4OgOmeBI/s1600/DSCN1729.JPG" height="640" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बर्लिन का भालू। हर जगह दिखता है अलग रूप, अलग रंग में। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC-tmFlutNo/VODNb-QYcnI/AAAAAAAALwA/_bn2gBQjMPc/s1600/DSCN1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC-tmFlutNo/VODNb-QYcnI/AAAAAAAALwA/_bn2gBQjMPc/s1600/DSCN1736.JPG" height="418" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">यहाँ भी रंग रोगन करने वाले शैतान बड़े हैं। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX-H9nccIgI/VODNd3spPhI/AAAAAAAALwI/RlrQ4hDtsbY/s1600/DSCN1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX-H9nccIgI/VODNd3spPhI/AAAAAAAALwI/RlrQ4hDtsbY/s1600/DSCN1771.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">मेट्रो स्टेशन</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55tqozMu1Qs/VODNfBSGObI/AAAAAAAALwQ/7UxGId3Oi40/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55tqozMu1Qs/VODNfBSGObI/AAAAAAAALwQ/7UxGId3Oi40/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">मेट्रो </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YipQjanPtE/VODNfy8d5VI/AAAAAAAALwY/R5Gmnww9SR4/s1600/DSCN1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YipQjanPtE/VODNfy8d5VI/AAAAAAAALwY/R5Gmnww9SR4/s1600/DSCN1776.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बर्लिन की दीवार के टुकड़े हर जगह दिख जाएंगे। </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-1131601145033705772014-12-31T16:15:00.002+05:302014-12-31T17:19:51.753+05:30As the year ends - take down the Gods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As the year ends three things stay imprinted on my mind, the three things that Indians debate the most, the four things that every Indian is an expert of - politics, films and cricket. We debate these three 'issues' like no other. We all have a view on these and we all know that 'we' understand these like no other. So, we will debate these with you all day and not agree to anything you say because obviously we understand them better.<br /><br />These three things come to my mind due to two films that I saw recently - pk and Mary Kom.<br /><br />pk because the film, as I write this raising lot of emotions in India. The film looks at the developing phenomenon of 'God Men' and women in India and critiques this growing 'business of religion' in which innocent people are often misguided and misled and in many cases loose their life long savings and in some cases life too. All this while the 'God Men/Women' accumulate assets - material and social and more importantly political power. This is an issue with which many people (including myself) agree. However, the film is now facing widespread protest and calls for bans in India. From what I have read, this is not because people have objections to the theme of the film - 'business of religion'. Academically speaking, no one seems to have a problem with the theory. The problem is with the empirical evidence, the case study so to speak.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjTNOB-jvRI/SRVcG2RZgBI/AAAAAAAAFWI/EtZopqPYt-4/s1600/DSCN2826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjTNOB-jvRI/SRVcG2RZgBI/AAAAAAAAFWI/EtZopqPYt-4/s1600/DSCN2826.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">preparing to worship the Gods</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a>The case study is that of a Hindu god man who claims to speak to the god directly and seek answers from the god directly to his followers' questions or problems. The objection is to this god man being a Hindu god man. Why couldn't he have been a Muslim or Christian or Sikh or Buddhist or Jain etc.? Obviously, considering the polarisation between Hindus and Muslims in India, <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/pk-row-muslim-aamir-khan-hurting-hindu-sentiments-does-it-make-sense/">a Hero who is Muslim in real life taking down a Hindu god man</a> (or vice versa) in a movie was always going to be politicised. However, I am not sure if the protesters have been able to see the film yet. It must be remembered that the Hero in the movie was not born with any of the 'earthly religions' and when he took down the Hindu guru, he was following Hinduism. I saw him seeking to find Hindu gods by distributing their pamphlets on metro stations. So, it was actually a case of a Hindu arguing with a Hindu in the end. In addition to this, before the hero realised the error in the ways of the guru he was actually a very devout fellow - a very devout Hindu fellow. Even before this, when the bloke had no earthly religion (he is an alien in the film), he was looking for the 'right God' to serve his purposes or rather the best way to reach God to seek <i>her</i> help. During this time, he tried all religions (ways to reach god) - Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism - and its important to point out, got confused and <i>beaten</i> (literally and metaphorically) by all of them. In my opinion, the film treated all religion with equal brutality (or respect) as they should have been. The Hindu guru was just a case study and he could have been from any religion for that matter. However, that is not the main idea behind the film and I am not sure how anyone could fail to see that. Its very overt, very obvious, very upfront. Its not about the 'business of Hindu religion', its about the 'business of religion'.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArjLxEvvRA8/R0rLriwjxiI/AAAAAAAABH4/EJNEuRpFucs/s1600/DSC00108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArjLxEvvRA8/R0rLriwjxiI/AAAAAAAABH4/EJNEuRpFucs/s1600/DSC00108.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">preparing to worship the Gods</td></tr></tbody></table>So my advice to the people who are protesting about the film must stop the stupidity or in other words the politics and urge another god to start some constructive politics in India. The god they must urge to is the god of Cricket in India - Sachin Tendulkar. Who is Tendulkar you ask? Well, I suppose you are from one of those countries - those other than the 10 countries that play and follow Cricket. So, basically you are from 'most of the world'. That brings me to Mary Kom, the second film I watched. Such a talented sportsperson, forced to practice and compete on a diet of banana and <i>chai</i>. This is not an exaggeration. Sportspersons in India - if they are not cricketers - are treated very badly and never get their due. To find success in other sports we need to support the other sports in the first place. Even in cricket, if the player doesn't play at the highest level, he is forced to practice and play in very bad condition. Not to mention, if its a <i>she</i> things are worst. All this while the officials rake in the money and live in lavish conditions. Cricket itself has much dirty politics which does not support anyone who doesn't support it. And the same applies to all other sports in India including Mary's beloved boxing, in which she won a Bronze in the last Olympics - an event which is followed by 'most of the world'.<br /><br />In India we make cricketers Gods and say they have increased India's pride in the world, while forgetting that the 'Cricket world' is only 10 countries, not 'most of the world'. All this time we throw the sports in which our pride could be raised in 'most of the world' on a side. This is all very political. While cricket due to its popularity gets lot of money and support from the government, the same lacks for other sports. How do we change this though? I think we need a revolution. A revolution that could have been spearheaded by a God, when he was a God. He no longer is. Sachin Tendulkar has (or had) such a following during his playing days that people went to the matches just to watch him play. They were not concerned about who else was playing. I firmly believe that if 10 years ago he had come out and said, "I will not play if sports or at least to begin with Cricket is not cleaned of the dirty politics that ruins it", most of India would have been behind him. There would have been wide spread peoples' protests that would have brought some effective changes. But he isn't that sort of fellow, they tell me. He is not the sort of fellow who would get into 'dirty politics'. He just wants to play for his country. But he does meet politicians when he needs land or clearances for a house (as he did a few years ago). He does meet politicians when he is offered as Member of Parliament's place (mind you he doesn't attend the parliament much), knowing fully that such offers are very political. Tendulkar has been in lots of political controversies, one of which about a supposed land <a href="http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/235158-sachin-tendulkar-denies-seeking-land-from-iit-delhi-for-academy">cricket coaching centre is ongoing</a>. We have been told that he is a selfless cricketer - who plays IPL for the Ambanies for huge sums of money. He had been playing for BCCI, not India while BCCI and its officials had been completely submerged in corruption. During his time BCCI cricket team was stripped of the name 'Indian Team' and had to call itself 'Team India' but he did not speak. During his time IPL was bursting with corruption, but he did not speak. But such 'proper' behaviour is required in India if you want to get citizenship awards like the Bharat Ratna - for increasing the countries pride. Where? In 10 countries. By the way, may of my friends in England (cricked it the national sport) don't know his name. He is ok with stepping into murky politics for all this but what about cleaning sports or even Cricket - he is not the sort of fellow who would dabble into dirty politics, he just wants to play for his country. Same is the case of with all the biggest sports (read cricket) stars on India - Sunil Gavankar, Ravi Shastri, our current one day and T20 captain Dhoni and may others.<br /><br />Tendulkar was just a case study, the theory is that all kinds of human gods have failed us. Its time we get out of our slumber and take matters in our hands in 2015. Its time for a revolution. Lets stop calling people gods and leaves the name god for the gods. Lets be critical to humans, to the ways humans create gods, to the ways humans say gods created humans, to the ways we try to reach god and to the gods themselves. At leat that could be the beginning of a positive change.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">___________</div><br />(You will note that I have just demonstrated that every Indian (empirical evidence: myself) in an expert in films, politics and cricket. Add to that religion.)</div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-78786713843598828492014-12-25T04:51:00.000+05:302014-12-26T19:14:11.763+05:30लंदन २०१३: London 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">सितम्बर में एगो <a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/london-2014.html">पोस्ट लिखे थे</a> इस साल के लंदन दौरा के बारे में, अ कहे थे कि पिछले साल का फोटो दिखाएँगे अगला पोस्ट में। ता उ अगला पोस्ट का टाइम आ गया है। २०१३ में भी लंदन उहे कॉन्फ्रेंस के लिए गए थे जिसके लिए इ साल गए। उ बार भी कांफ्रेंस के बाद शनिवार अ रविवार को लंदन घूमे थे। लंदन में जो असल चीज़ सब सैलानी लोग देखता है, उ सब उसी बार देखे थे। मने अंग्रज़ी संसद, बिग बेन, वेस्टमिनिस्टर केथेड्रल, थेम्स नदी, लंदन ऑय, ट्रफाल्गर स्कवायर, टावर ऑफ़ लंदन, टावर ब्रिज, और बकिंघम पैलेस - रानी का घर। इस साल के जैसा पिछले साल भी सब जगह पैदल पैदल घूमे अ पैसा भी बचाए। लेकिन नया जगह घूमने का मजा पैदल है। टाइम खूब मिलता है अ जहाँ जितना टाइम लगाना हो, अपना मन है। </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">फोटो सब नीचे है। देखिये। </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HvCd-eM4F4/VJs8--_O6eI/AAAAAAAALiY/UQge4RpbDUY/s1600/IMG_3717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HvCd-eM4F4/VJs8--_O6eI/AAAAAAAALiY/UQge4RpbDUY/s1600/IMG_3717.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">जमैका एम्बेसी के सामने समलैंगिक लोग का धरना नया क़ानून बनाने के लिए <span style="text-align: left;"> </span><br /><a name='more'></a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWmbx5t0S00/VJs8-4l0uZI/AAAAAAAALiQ/tLU72NuCG4o/s1600/IMG_3728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWmbx5t0S00/VJs8-4l0uZI/AAAAAAAALiQ/tLU72NuCG4o/s1600/IMG_3728.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">साउथ केन्सिंग्टन ट्यूब (मेट्रो) स्टेशन </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pyo2crpUuM/VJs9AxGnnEI/AAAAAAAALiw/KMiW5-d-hRQ/s1600/IMG_3793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pyo2crpUuM/VJs9AxGnnEI/AAAAAAAALiw/KMiW5-d-hRQ/s1600/IMG_3793.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">थेम्स के किनारा का आनंद - संसद सामने है </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTiLQoMqW-4/VJs9B0uK7oI/AAAAAAAALjA/VO_HmbolLRM/s1600/IMG_3820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTiLQoMqW-4/VJs9B0uK7oI/AAAAAAAALjA/VO_HmbolLRM/s1600/IMG_3820.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">वेस्टमिंस्टर - अंग्रेजी संसद </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SP9cQ4gPfTg/VJs9CZGWj0I/AAAAAAAALjE/goCXwd243co/s1600/IMG_3826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SP9cQ4gPfTg/VJs9CZGWj0I/AAAAAAAALjE/goCXwd243co/s1600/IMG_3826.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ऐसा नज़ारा कम्मे दिखता है <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stAx867OCZA/VJs9C3A9mNI/AAAAAAAALjU/Azv6SnJpz5s/s1600/IMG_3832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stAx867OCZA/VJs9C3A9mNI/AAAAAAAALjU/Azv6SnJpz5s/s1600/IMG_3832.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">लंदन ऑय - पूरा लंदन का नज़ारा देखने के लिए चढ़ जाइए। पैसा खूब लगता है, हम नै चढ़े। <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmKXFRGtOmE/VJs9DSEsFVI/AAAAAAAALjY/m3Fwfze-wNo/s1600/IMG_3843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmKXFRGtOmE/VJs9DSEsFVI/AAAAAAAALjY/m3Fwfze-wNo/s1600/IMG_3843.jpg" height="640" width="218" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">स्टार वार्स देखे हैं?<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL7HXDA5Z7A/VJs9D70O31I/AAAAAAAALjs/rFfpfQprMpE/s1600/IMG_3847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hL7HXDA5Z7A/VJs9D70O31I/AAAAAAAALjs/rFfpfQprMpE/s1600/IMG_3847.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">सीरिया में हो रहा पश्चिमी देश सब का हमला के खिलाफ प्रदर्शन <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8i1bq8CGmo/VJs9E17fNUI/AAAAAAAALj0/lre8jSF58kw/s1600/IMG_3855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8i1bq8CGmo/VJs9E17fNUI/AAAAAAAALj0/lre8jSF58kw/s1600/IMG_3855.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">रैली के लिए सुरक्षा इंतज़ाम <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh-WRhI96hE/VJs9G34giiI/AAAAAAAALkI/IQBtYNfqn6E/s1600/IMG_3877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh-WRhI96hE/VJs9G34giiI/AAAAAAAALkI/IQBtYNfqn6E/s1600/IMG_3877.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">हम ट्रफाल्गर स्क्वायर पहुंचे तो रैलियो पहुंच गया <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh1GNuMNtfU/VJs9HYR281I/AAAAAAAALkQ/WIc1YjHv_BQ/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh1GNuMNtfU/VJs9HYR281I/AAAAAAAALkQ/WIc1YjHv_BQ/s1600/IMG_3880.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">युद्ध के खिलाफ <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiTqPRBdr9I/VJs9JVZKqiI/AAAAAAAALkw/YTt3IrSK4ig/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiTqPRBdr9I/VJs9JVZKqiI/AAAAAAAALkw/YTt3IrSK4ig/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ट्रफाल्गर स्कवायर पर कब्ज़ा <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFyWCkWy9i4/VJs9JzmyRlI/AAAAAAAALk0/UFR_CiwihB4/s1600/IMG_3917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFyWCkWy9i4/VJs9JzmyRlI/AAAAAAAALk0/UFR_CiwihB4/s1600/IMG_3917.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ट्रफाल्गर स्कवायर में कला - नीला मुर्गा?<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GosLRNQusec/VJs9KIhKhMI/AAAAAAAALk4/ecdcc-rKg9c/s1600/IMG_3939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GosLRNQusec/VJs9KIhKhMI/AAAAAAAALk4/ecdcc-rKg9c/s1600/IMG_3939.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">शर्लाक होम्स कहाँ?<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDG2C2Mm_E0/VJs9KvYk9BI/AAAAAAAALlI/CmWAeI4QQrc/s1600/IMG_3944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDG2C2Mm_E0/VJs9KvYk9BI/AAAAAAAALlI/CmWAeI4QQrc/s1600/IMG_3944.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बिलकुल ठीक - बेकर स्ट्रीट भी गए हम </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHATxy9AETY/VJs9LdO15sI/AAAAAAAALlY/Lhc5269MPP0/s1600/IMG_3960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHATxy9AETY/VJs9LdO15sI/AAAAAAAALlY/Lhc5269MPP0/s1600/IMG_3960.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">टावर ऑफ़ लंदन - यहीं है कोहिनूर हीरा, रानी के ताज में <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcNcSiuJBsg/VJs9LY7joRI/AAAAAAAALlQ/g1brYrX-e8U/s1600/IMG_3979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcNcSiuJBsg/VJs9LY7joRI/AAAAAAAALlQ/g1brYrX-e8U/s1600/IMG_3979.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">टावर ऑफ़ लंदन के निकट, टावर ब्रिज <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siHYQeM806A/VJs9NGZMeYI/AAAAAAAALlo/DEnU6N6TSdc/s1600/IMG_4023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-siHYQeM806A/VJs9NGZMeYI/AAAAAAAALlo/DEnU6N6TSdc/s1600/IMG_4023.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">टावर ब्रिज दूर से, ढलते सूरज के रोशनी में नह रहा है <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73QGbonXxK0/VJs9OOXxCMI/AAAAAAAALmA/pbWLfzJNnIc/s1600/IMG_4029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73QGbonXxK0/VJs9OOXxCMI/AAAAAAAALmA/pbWLfzJNnIc/s1600/IMG_4029.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">लंदन, और क्या?<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j57oCT4Nfyo/VJs9O_CMAyI/AAAAAAAALmI/45aJrf_MY2Q/s1600/IMG_4063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j57oCT4Nfyo/VJs9O_CMAyI/AAAAAAAALmI/45aJrf_MY2Q/s1600/IMG_4063.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">थोड़ा और वेस्टमिंस्टर - लंदन का मशहूर लाल बस <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o-4lgwZYR8/VJs9PKQksmI/AAAAAAAALmY/uiVBFC8KUhk/s1600/IMG_4095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o-4lgwZYR8/VJs9PKQksmI/AAAAAAAALmY/uiVBFC8KUhk/s1600/IMG_4095.jpg" height="542" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ध्यान से देखिये, मशहूर अंग्रेजी नाक - हमेशा खड़ा, ऊँचा <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPCs6amsBxY/VJs9P8c_NiI/AAAAAAAALmc/NeOf4SLYbkA/s1600/IMG_4112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPCs6amsBxY/VJs9P8c_NiI/AAAAAAAALmc/NeOf4SLYbkA/s1600/IMG_4112.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">चीनी सैलानी शादी के बाद फोटो खींचा रहा है लंदन में - प्रथा प्रचलित हो गया है चीन में <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-PszyMRdlo/VJs9QvQ6XNI/AAAAAAAALmo/KKybWj6_JTI/s1600/IMG_4119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-PszyMRdlo/VJs9QvQ6XNI/AAAAAAAALmo/KKybWj6_JTI/s1600/IMG_4119.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">वेस्टमिंस्टर कथीड्रल बाए और संसद दाए <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4-fKgNqYY8/VJs9RJx-O-I/AAAAAAAALmw/z3tSlpy-gn4/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4-fKgNqYY8/VJs9RJx-O-I/AAAAAAAALmw/z3tSlpy-gn4/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" height="640" width="566" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">वेस्टमिंस्टर कैथेड्रल <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c93dCEzZ5TI/VJs9SIK0TpI/AAAAAAAALm8/UnSV66B_FqY/s1600/IMG_4183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c93dCEzZ5TI/VJs9SIK0TpI/AAAAAAAALm8/UnSV66B_FqY/s1600/IMG_4183.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">सैनिक दिखावा बला - दिन भर बेचारा को खड़ा रहना पड़ता है </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTYxSAMrAaM/VJs9TUn8YeI/AAAAAAAALnI/A8BnLVcOjYw/s1600/IMG_4204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTYxSAMrAaM/VJs9TUn8YeI/AAAAAAAALnI/A8BnLVcOjYw/s1600/IMG_4204.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">गर्मी के मौसम में पार्क सब मैं ऐसा इंतज़ाम मिल जाता है, लेकिन भाड़ा पे <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_cyg_0n-Pc/VJs9TZPCHbI/AAAAAAAALnE/oYZMB7x5uEo/s1600/IMG_4217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_cyg_0n-Pc/VJs9TZPCHbI/AAAAAAAALnE/oYZMB7x5uEo/s1600/IMG_4217.jpg" height="338" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बकिंघम पैलेस में चेंजिंग ऑफ़ गार्ड सेरेमनी </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Drilm1zN9g/VJs9Vpg8S2I/AAAAAAAALnY/90B0huiRuOE/s1600/IMG_4240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Drilm1zN9g/VJs9Vpg8S2I/AAAAAAAALnY/90B0huiRuOE/s1600/IMG_4240.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बकिंघम पैलेस का गार्ड - पता नै देखता कैसे है <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MddX_OgW5fc/VJs9VtFa3rI/AAAAAAAALnU/6rG5mcDngTk/s1600/IMG_4242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MddX_OgW5fc/VJs9VtFa3rI/AAAAAAAALnU/6rG5mcDngTk/s1600/IMG_4242.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">गार्ड जेम्स बॉन्ड का ब्रीफ़केस ले जा रहा है?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">त इ था लंदन के दू दौरा का कहानी। फिर जाएंगे त और दिखाएँगे। </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-33563735739688526392014-12-14T21:26:00.002+05:302014-12-14T21:32:07.465+05:30बार्टर बुक्स / Barter Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">दरहम के पास ही, करीब ४० मिनट रेलगाड़ी से, नॉर्थम्ब्रिया में एनैक नामक जगह है। यहाँ एक मशहूर अंग्रेजी किला है जिसमें हैरी पॉटर की काफी शूटिंग हुई थी। हर वर्ष ढेरों सैलानी आते हैं यहाँ किले को देखने। सैलानियों को लुभाने के लिए वहाँ नकली पॉटर और हैग्रिड भी मौजूद रहते हैं अपने झाड़ूओं के साथ। सुना है काफी रमणीक स्थल है। मैं कभी गया नहीं हूँ वहाँ। </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">वैसे एनैक में एक और मशहूर जगह है। किले के मुकाबले की तो नहीं लेकिन काफ़ी लोगों के लिए किले से भी अच्छी जगह है <a href="http://www.barterbooks.co.uk/">बार्टर बुक्स</a>। ये किताब की दूकान कुछ २४ साल पुरानी है। १९९१ में एक दंपत्ती ने पुराने एनैक रेलवे स्टेशन में इस दुकान को खोल। पुरानी किताबों की दूकान के लिए पुराने रेलवे स्टेशन से बेहतर और क्या सेटिंग हो सकती है। धीरे धीरे दुकान बड़ी हुई, और अब वहाँ जलपान का भी इंतज़ाम है। बढ़िया सूप, बर्गर इत्यादि का लुत्फ़ आप फायरप्लेस में चटकती लकड़ियों की गर्माहट में बैठ कर ले सकते हैं। दूकान के मेन एरिया में भी कई फायर प्लेस हैं। आप कोई भी किताब लेकिन इनमें से एक फायर प्लेस की सामने घंटों पढ़ सकते हैं। यहाँ काफी पुरानी किताबें दिख जाती हैं जिनमें से कई बहुमूल्य एंटीक हैं। दुकान मालिकों ने कुछ पुरानी मॉडल ट्रेनों को भी दुरुस्त कर के दुकान में चलना शुरू कर दिया है। पुरानी किताबों से भरी अलमारियों पर दौड़ती ये रेलगाडियां एक अद्भुद अनुभव प्रस्तुत करती हैं। ये दुकान एक ऐसी जगह है जहाँ बिना कुछ खरीदे भी आप घंटों व्यतीत कर सकते हैं। एक बार जाना तो बनता है। </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNV8553gP8k/VIWl-T0M2jI/AAAAAAAALgc/94vgvSocxJM/s1600/IMG_6324_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNV8553gP8k/VIWl-T0M2jI/AAAAAAAALgc/94vgvSocxJM/s1600/IMG_6324_result.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">जलपानगृह से दुकान का दृश्य </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klvoDkiz_6I/VIWl-UuaHiI/AAAAAAAALgg/jGaz3moolbg/s1600/IMG_6326_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klvoDkiz_6I/VIWl-UuaHiI/AAAAAAAALgg/jGaz3moolbg/s1600/IMG_6326_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">जलपानगृह से दुकान का दृश्य </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVHD-CM5IqE/VIWl_oYyOXI/AAAAAAAALgo/_9aa18N9GZM/s1600/IMG_6327_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVHD-CM5IqE/VIWl_oYyOXI/AAAAAAAALgo/_9aa18N9GZM/s1600/IMG_6327_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">जलपान के लिए बने कई कमरों में से एक </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K6JTdRywxs/VIWmGIGAQSI/AAAAAAAALg4/WKgUsSC848g/s1600/IMG_6340_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K6JTdRywxs/VIWmGIGAQSI/AAAAAAAALg4/WKgUsSC848g/s1600/IMG_6340_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">अलमारियों के बीच सुकून की जगह </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI4kPciX7ns/VIWmEFWGdJI/AAAAAAAALgw/VE_UA3ILmCk/s1600/IMG_6349_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI4kPciX7ns/VIWmEFWGdJI/AAAAAAAALgw/VE_UA3ILmCk/s1600/IMG_6349_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">हम जैसे घुमक्कड़ों के लिए </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiHyXT2HhzU/VIWmHMHbTHI/AAAAAAAALhA/gZwEvj8AlbM/s1600/IMG_6350_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiHyXT2HhzU/VIWmHMHbTHI/AAAAAAAALhA/gZwEvj8AlbM/s1600/IMG_6350_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">घंटों किताबों में </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlYSAK6KrdM/VIWmJoCLcQI/AAAAAAAALhI/AxUq7QH-ALg/s1600/IMG_6354_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlYSAK6KrdM/VIWmJoCLcQI/AAAAAAAALhI/AxUq7QH-ALg/s1600/IMG_6354_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कहाँ तक जाना चाहते हैं आप </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWzNMSzBQ_M/VIWmL1G2XGI/AAAAAAAALhQ/Pw52TCOUqmw/s1600/IMG_6374_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWzNMSzBQ_M/VIWmL1G2XGI/AAAAAAAALhQ/Pw52TCOUqmw/s1600/IMG_6374_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कुछ रुकी हुई रेलगाडियां चलने को कहती हैं </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddsu0RSohnw/VIWmOjAo1ZI/AAAAAAAALhY/F04SYUgh0Cc/s1600/IMG_6378_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddsu0RSohnw/VIWmOjAo1ZI/AAAAAAAALhY/F04SYUgh0Cc/s1600/IMG_6378_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">अलमारियों के ऊपर दौड़ती रेलगाडियां </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkfjus1RmOc/VIWmQZYViyI/AAAAAAAALhg/7cHzdglbYrk/s1600/IMG_6380_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkfjus1RmOc/VIWmQZYViyI/AAAAAAAALhg/7cHzdglbYrk/s1600/IMG_6380_result.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">दुकान ज्यादा मशहूर हुई जब ये विश्व युद्ध का ये मशहूर पोस्टर यहाँ मिला </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2bfdRDLWgQ/VIWmSUoiAfI/AAAAAAAALho/FldFalKavhM/s1600/IMG_6381_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2bfdRDLWgQ/VIWmSUoiAfI/AAAAAAAALho/FldFalKavhM/s1600/IMG_6381_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ठंढे दिन में गर्माहट देती हैं ये पुरानी किताबें </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VLsspt_coU/VIWnU7tEuLI/AAAAAAAALh0/Ax-KhvEKsg8/s1600/IMG_6362_result.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VLsspt_coU/VIWnU7tEuLI/AAAAAAAALh0/Ax-KhvEKsg8/s1600/IMG_6362_result.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बच्चों की पुस्तकों का कोना </td></tr></tbody></table></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-75945392431052756882014-09-02T17:17:00.000+05:302014-12-26T19:15:52.512+05:30लंदन २०१४: london 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">पिछले सप्ताह लंदन गए थे एक कांफ्रेंस के लिए तो सोचे की सप्ताहांत निकाल के थोड़ा घूमें। वैसे तो लंदन पहले भी घूमे हैं (<a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/london-2013.html">पिछले साल के कांफ्रेंस के बाद सप्ताहांत</a> निकाल के) लेकिन इस बार कुछ अलगे पर्पस था। पिछले बार लन्दन का सब मशूर लोकेशन पर गए थे। इस बार विचार था कि कुछ मार्केट घूमा जाये। मने मॉल ताल नै। हाट बाज़ार घूमने का विचार हुआ। हमलोग अक्सर हिन्दुस्तान में सोचते हैं कि लंदन जइसन जगह में सब लोग चमकौए दोकान में जाता होगा। ऐसा बात नै है लेकिन। सब शहर में हाट बाज़ार लगता है। अ लंदन मैं ऐसा ढेरे हाट बाजार है। कुछ सप्ताह भर लगा रहता है अ कुछ खाली सप्ताहांत में ही लगता है। दिल्लीयो में तो अलग अलग हाट का अलग अलग दिन फिक्स है। </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">त बस हो गया डिसिशन। इंटरनेट से लिस्ट निकाले बेस्ट सड़कछाप बाज़ार का। अ मेट्रो (लंदन में लोग मेट्रो को ट्यूब कहता है) का नक्सा निकाल के प्लानिंग कर लिए। पिछले बार के जैसा इस बात भी सोचे कि एक जगह उतरेंगे अ वहां से पैदले पैदल और सब जगह चलेंगे। अंडरग्राउंड मेट्रो से सब जगह थोड़े देख पाएंगे। पैदल पैदल ढेर जगहो देख लेंगे अ पैसो बच जाएगा (हिंदुस्तानी आदमी तो कंजूस होबे न करता है, अ हम ठहरे बिहारी; डबल कंजूस)। जाने का विचार था ५-६ गो मार्केट लेकिन कुछ कन्फूजन होने के कारण ३-४ जगह ही जा पाए। पहले गए Old Spitalfields मार्केट। उसके बाद Brick Lane। तब Columbia Road Flower मार्केट। अ अंत में Covent Garden। कोलंबिया रोड मार्केट मेरे पहुचने तक उठ गया था इसलिए देख नै पाये लेकिन और तीनो बेहतरीन था। बेस्ट रहा ब्रिक लेन जो अपने आप में एक आर्ट गैलेरी के तरह है। तरह तरह का ग्राफिटी दिवाल पर सब जगह। मन खुश हो गया देख के। ब्रिक लेन पुराने समय से बांग्लादेशी प्रवासियों का घर रहा है और यहाँ का सड़क सब बांग्लादेशी रेस्तौरेंट से पटी हुई हैं। एक दोस्त कहा कि यहाँ लंदन की सबसे बढ़िया करी (अंग्रेज लोग सब हिंदुस्तानी खाना को करिये कहता है) मिलता है। अगले बार मौका लगा तो ट्राय करेंगे। ओल्ड स्पैटलफील्ड्स कपड़ा, गहना अ एंटीक सामान के लिए मसहूर है। अ कॉवेन्ट गार्डन में भी ओल्ड स्पैटलफील्ड्स जैसा ही सामान मिलता है लेकिन यहाँ सड़क पर बहुत कलाकार लोग करतब अ खेल-तमाशा दिखाते रहता है। इ खास बात है कॉवेन्ट गार्डन का। त खिस्सा त सुन लिए अब फोटो देखिये तीनो जगह का। </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftfvcqcG8pE/VAT03KUpkPI/AAAAAAAALZM/WNV2SJV2Ayk/s1600/IMG_5687.jpg" height="426" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ओल्ड स्पैटलफील्ड के अंदर हाट का नज़ारा </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHGPmLMhDnI/VAT03NxZByI/AAAAAAAALZQ/04LUJZv5a_4/s1600/IMG_5690.jpg" height="425" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ओल्ड स्पैटलफील्ड में बैग का दुकान </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFardJ9iVns/VAT02xfGnoI/AAAAAAAALZI/0RHWBvtRtIk/s1600/IMG_5697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFardJ9iVns/VAT02xfGnoI/AAAAAAAALZI/0RHWBvtRtIk/s1600/IMG_5697.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ओल्ड स्पैटलफील्ड बहार से। मकान पुराना है लेकिन दुकान सब नया है </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2jkKmwyjjA/VAT04kIjj8I/AAAAAAAALZk/HA6z_HdbNQg/s1600/IMG_5722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2jkKmwyjjA/VAT04kIjj8I/AAAAAAAALZk/HA6z_HdbNQg/s1600/IMG_5722.jpg" height="526" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ब्रिक लेन का ईंटा का दिवाल </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKn6k6U0NWQ/VAT04CI2CpI/AAAAAAAALZY/Ca_zVPjWbz0/s1600/IMG_5710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKn6k6U0NWQ/VAT04CI2CpI/AAAAAAAALZY/Ca_zVPjWbz0/s1600/IMG_5710.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">गाज़ा पट्टी के समर्थन में ग्राफिटी </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4LW8DX7_nw/VAT04fM6DhI/AAAAAAAALZc/QY_NVUhBqYM/s1600/IMG_5711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4LW8DX7_nw/VAT04fM6DhI/AAAAAAAALZc/QY_NVUhBqYM/s1600/IMG_5711.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">बाबा का मुस्कान सब कह रहा है </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WyYbDSilJE/VAT05Aa_ZuI/AAAAAAAALZs/6En9zvyjT9o/s1600/IMG_5725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WyYbDSilJE/VAT05Aa_ZuI/AAAAAAAALZs/6En9zvyjT9o/s1600/IMG_5725.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">हिंदुस्तानी लोग समझ सकता है इसको </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRCYR0XGFvc/VAT05SVONlI/AAAAAAAALZ0/i3uLX0cd2Pk/s1600/IMG_5731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRCYR0XGFvc/VAT05SVONlI/AAAAAAAALZ0/i3uLX0cd2Pk/s1600/IMG_5731.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">पूरा बिल्डिंग पर ग्राफिटी </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzAxYpCQpVw/VAT06Y4GdVI/AAAAAAAALZ4/cNfixel3PDY/s1600/IMG_5733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzAxYpCQpVw/VAT06Y4GdVI/AAAAAAAALZ4/cNfixel3PDY/s1600/IMG_5733.jpg" height="298" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ज़िंदगी रुकी भी और चली भी </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm-mchKj1Oo/VAT06S665SI/AAAAAAAALZ8/WyLrYqzjAa8/s1600/IMG_5735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm-mchKj1Oo/VAT06S665SI/AAAAAAAALZ8/WyLrYqzjAa8/s1600/IMG_5735.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">रानी साहिब का फंक फैशन </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUG_NHejosI/VAT069vPGbI/AAAAAAAALaE/k2p0C1dERPU/s1600/IMG_5736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUG_NHejosI/VAT069vPGbI/AAAAAAAALaE/k2p0C1dERPU/s1600/IMG_5736.jpg" height="640" width="631" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">इंस्टाग्राम पर तो अकाउंट नै है लेकिन सचाई इम्प्रेस कर गया </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahIN-Fl7FEM/VAT07Ody5cI/AAAAAAAALaM/lXLCH-oR_Xk/s1600/IMG_5737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahIN-Fl7FEM/VAT07Ody5cI/AAAAAAAALaM/lXLCH-oR_Xk/s1600/IMG_5737.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">आसमान से जमीन तक, चाँद के लिए खुनमा खून </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-SuW-Wlpyc/VAT07opI2vI/AAAAAAAALac/kaKkTKKeUDk/s1600/IMG_5741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-SuW-Wlpyc/VAT07opI2vI/AAAAAAAALac/kaKkTKKeUDk/s1600/IMG_5741.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कार पार्किंग नै त क्या, अंगा ता लटका सकते हैं हाट में </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipaBSvp_ymM/VAT07_eK4EI/AAAAAAAALaU/eEZBD1kwLhQ/s1600/IMG_5751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipaBSvp_ymM/VAT07_eK4EI/AAAAAAAALaU/eEZBD1kwLhQ/s1600/IMG_5751.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कुछ अनकही </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP_dQIbOcBQ/VAT08nkEiHI/AAAAAAAALas/kXFu0FlXjHA/s1600/IMG_5754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP_dQIbOcBQ/VAT08nkEiHI/AAAAAAAALas/kXFu0FlXjHA/s1600/IMG_5754.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">फिर चलाइये भाई </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgCdfAxfjiM/VAT08xCQJMI/AAAAAAAALak/FNzCaOaaJHU/s1600/IMG_5755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgCdfAxfjiM/VAT08xCQJMI/AAAAAAAALak/FNzCaOaaJHU/s1600/IMG_5755.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">अभियो अपने यहाँ कैसेट त चलबे करता है </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy8PGErSdwc/VAT09U2oFpI/AAAAAAAALa8/Bz92WK9Q4k4/s1600/IMG_5757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy8PGErSdwc/VAT09U2oFpI/AAAAAAAALa8/Bz92WK9Q4k4/s1600/IMG_5757.jpg" height="610" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">अभी भी भेद भाव, सलाखें और दीवारें </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xq5ySN7Bhk/VAT09-7anOI/AAAAAAAALa0/g1YPHAoMNrA/s1600/IMG_5758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xq5ySN7Bhk/VAT09-7anOI/AAAAAAAALa0/g1YPHAoMNrA/s1600/IMG_5758.jpg" height="640" width="334" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">टेक्नोलॉजी इंसान के लिए या इंसान टेक्नोलॉजी के लिए </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyl0o3YrGJE/VAT0_bOHNNI/AAAAAAAALbM/Hm0N9eEtbQo/s1600/IMG_5761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyl0o3YrGJE/VAT0_bOHNNI/AAAAAAAALbM/Hm0N9eEtbQo/s1600/IMG_5761.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">पानी का कनेक्शन है त पानिये में न रहेगा </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f085kDyM8JU/VAT0-655D9I/AAAAAAAALbE/3ij7AtqBre4/s1600/IMG_5768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f085kDyM8JU/VAT0-655D9I/AAAAAAAALbE/3ij7AtqBre4/s1600/IMG_5768.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">हरे कृष्ण </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf-XRcCtJ28/VAT0_TvaxfI/AAAAAAAALb0/j7pEJJhDphw/s1600/IMG_5772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf-XRcCtJ28/VAT0_TvaxfI/AAAAAAAALb0/j7pEJJhDphw/s1600/IMG_5772.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">देख रहे हैं?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41Qb-nq2QOU/VAT0_7pejuI/AAAAAAAALbU/A_lKSruFbcE/s1600/IMG_5789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41Qb-nq2QOU/VAT0_7pejuI/AAAAAAAALbU/A_lKSruFbcE/s1600/IMG_5789.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कॉवेन्ट गार्डन का हाट </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNM-qYtzzNA/VAT1AqVk60I/AAAAAAAALbc/tRea3XNSYtQ/s1600/IMG_5796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNM-qYtzzNA/VAT1AqVk60I/AAAAAAAALbc/tRea3XNSYtQ/s1600/IMG_5796.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">कॉवेन्ट गार्डन में खेल तमाशा </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viyGND2XNUw/VAT1BPY0IwI/AAAAAAAALbk/UdwQMzAn0ZA/s1600/IMG_5801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viyGND2XNUw/VAT1BPY0IwI/AAAAAAAALbk/UdwQMzAn0ZA/s1600/IMG_5801.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">फिर इस बार पहुँच गए ट्रफाल्गर स्क्वायर </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvqQjVVKWwI/VAT1BuPiKnI/AAAAAAAALbs/9HVKb_JXqiI/s1600/IMG_5811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvqQjVVKWwI/VAT1BuPiKnI/AAAAAAAALbs/9HVKb_JXqiI/s1600/IMG_5811.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">और ट्रफाल्गर स्क्वायर </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY3GYG3xIRQ/VAT1CQ-P0sI/AAAAAAAALcM/9H_B1z_ZSpI/s1600/IMG_5812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY3GYG3xIRQ/VAT1CQ-P0sI/AAAAAAAALcM/9H_B1z_ZSpI/s1600/IMG_5812.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">लंदन फ़ोन बूथ </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDy4f2_jeaI/VAT1CvIMulI/AAAAAAAALb8/JEukRZl_Hq4/s1600/IMG_5819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDy4f2_jeaI/VAT1CvIMulI/AAAAAAAALb8/JEukRZl_Hq4/s1600/IMG_5819.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">थेम्स पर लंदन ऑय बाए में अ बिग बेन दाए में </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSX-RwvnMkY/VAT1DPyJK2I/AAAAAAAALcE/q8nOAYS008Q/s1600/IMG_5833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSX-RwvnMkY/VAT1DPyJK2I/AAAAAAAALcE/q8nOAYS008Q/s1600/IMG_5833.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">अंत में किंग्स क्रॉस पर हैरी पॉटर का प्लेटफार्म (लोग प्लेटफार्म देख रहा था अ हम लोग को)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />पिछले साल का नज़ारा <a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/london-2013.html">अगले लेख में</a>। प्लीज वेट। </div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-62377507564287201342014-01-01T16:29:00.000+05:302014-01-01T22:22:10.692+05:30its a wrap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As it is time to wrap another year, it might be a good plan (at least for me) take a look at the year gone by. Actually the year has already been wrapped. I wanted to post this last night but sorting photographs always takes a lot of time. I have tried to choose one or two moments that defined the particular months to string the year together. Anyway, here it goes:<br /><div><br /></div><div>The new year was ringed-in in the usual fashion - by sleeping through it. That is the tradition I follow every year. Although, there was something different this year. After several years I was welcoming the new year with my parents in my home town. That of course made everything more exciting.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DWDOIF6HGk/UsNhoaek9GI/AAAAAAAALHQ/-ynyo9oYwak/s1600/IMG_1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DWDOIF6HGk/UsNhoaek9GI/AAAAAAAALHQ/-ynyo9oYwak/s640/IMG_1008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In January I was on fieldwork and visited this very old (pre independence) house. Its roof was built on a mesh of bamboo sticks which have never been replaced and repaired. In the photograph we can see the windows just near the roof. I was told that this is a good way to distinguish old houses from the new. People preferred high windows in the old days to keep their female family members 'safe' and also for privacy. The windows were operated by two long ropes by pulling one to open and the other to close. Of course in the new houses people build the windows at a much lower level.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-on3s2i-gUkM/UsNhn6NA7YI/AAAAAAAALHM/u_ljN14oUcE/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-on3s2i-gUkM/UsNhn6NA7YI/AAAAAAAALHM/u_ljN14oUcE/s640/IMG_1266.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February</td></tr></tbody></table><br />February was a very happening month and I came by several exciting things. The first was this high-tech looking panel which was not actually high-tech. This was a mobile phone charging station in a far off village. It has about 100 sockets which can be used to charge as many phones at a time. People travel to this charging place from several miles to get their phone charged. An exciting innovation for me.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK-rf7TGzi4/UsNhnqlrGcI/AAAAAAAALHI/tpbWC_hO__k/s1600/IMG_1613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK-rf7TGzi4/UsNhnqlrGcI/AAAAAAAALHI/tpbWC_hO__k/s640/IMG_1613.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I saw the roads getting coloured red during this communist party protest against the central government rally. The power of politics and the power of the common people was clearly at display as they brought everything at a halt only letting an army barricade to pass by (as their duty to the nation was paramount). The highlight was me encountering a small time local party leader who gave me a long lecture on Marx and Engels which did make some sense (power of marxism). As I went around taking picture the participants often posed for me and asked me what newspaper I came from. At one such instance when I had now answer, a leader said,"Oh! you are going to put the pictures on Facebook" (the power of capitalism).<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lC-Qp0LeAC4/UsNr8CWmBjI/AAAAAAAALJk/1Ai_QtPjwU8/s1600/IMG_1775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lC-Qp0LeAC4/UsNr8CWmBjI/AAAAAAAALJk/1Ai_QtPjwU8/s640/IMG_1775.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am not sure if I was able to wash all my sins away (and put some credit for the future in my account) but this first visit to the great <i>Kumbh mela</i> was certainly one of the highlights of my life. Taking a dip in the holy <i>sangam, </i>the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati was worth experiencing. The gathered crowd, the various rituals being followed, people from various caste and classes merging into their own <i>sangam</i>, were all worthy of the hype that they get. One could clearly distinguish between the the Ganges which was muddy in colour and the Yamuna which was dark in colour, at the sangam.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MwFsR2e7JU/UsNhsCfS3HI/AAAAAAAALHg/vb43cwDd3yw/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MwFsR2e7JU/UsNhsCfS3HI/AAAAAAAALHg/vb43cwDd3yw/s640/IMG_2072.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">March was about wrapping up the fieldwork. Having covered 5,533.25 Km over the last 9 months, the bike was tiered and so was I. It was time to wrap the village stage and move to Delhi. The kilometres covered during the field work had so many different emotions attached to them. Fear, sadness, excitement, delight are only some of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">April</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">April was about flying back to the UK, an exciting prospect in itself. This was the second time I was flying into Heathrow, a scary prospect in itself. Thankfully everything went smoothly. I did not take any pictures at Heathrow like the last time when I had for the first time landed on the British soil. Technically it was concrete. It wan't until I had firmly settled myself into my college that I touched any soil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVlM2rwoUlo/UsNu3k0DyPI/AAAAAAAALKA/YfOOdc0rtyo/s1600/IMG_2457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVlM2rwoUlo/UsNu3k0DyPI/AAAAAAAALKA/YfOOdc0rtyo/s640/IMG_2457.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">May was a time to find new in the old and old in the new. Seeing London (very briefly) for the first time and visiting the beach (more like the coast) for the first time. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-905N5P_3bEw/UsNh797Sn1I/AAAAAAAALHo/WvgjSmSiU2E/s1600/IMG_3054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-905N5P_3bEw/UsNh797Sn1I/AAAAAAAALHo/WvgjSmSiU2E/s640/IMG_3054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June</td></tr></tbody></table><br />More boundaries broken during June. I got a free 5 day trip to Wales which is an incredible (and incredibly wet) place. Hills, lakes, youth hostels, nature walks, hydro power station under the hill, sustainable living cabins, what more could you ask for.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RM5wRHzZVm0/UsNjfNh3ZeI/AAAAAAAALH0/33g6iHoiuQA/s1600/IMG_3413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="612" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RM5wRHzZVm0/UsNjfNh3ZeI/AAAAAAAALH0/33g6iHoiuQA/s640/IMG_3413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July</td></tr></tbody></table><br />July's excitement came from the <a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/durham%20brass%20festival">Durham Brass festival</a> which played great music to celebrate by birthday. Several bands, different instruments, varied styles, all for my birthday. I was touched.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cf3ZCQLtG1M/UsNj46CQOnI/AAAAAAAALI0/eAIVC-j8OYw/s1600/IMG_4063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cf3ZCQLtG1M/UsNj46CQOnI/AAAAAAAALI0/eAIVC-j8OYw/s640/IMG_4063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August</td></tr></tbody></table><br />August was about visiting London (properly) for the first time. By now I has already been to London two times. Although this is when I actually saw it. Big ben wasn't as big as I had imagined. The Westminster was grander than I had thought. The London eye seemed to be a waste of time (avoided it). The protest against the probable war on Siriya and it taking over the Trafalgar square is not something that every tourist gets to see. From the black taxies to the red busses, it was London all the way.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIQ04kfILXY/UsNj4kabRHI/AAAAAAAALIs/rMueH_FmD1Y/s1600/IMG_3944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIQ04kfILXY/UsNj4kabRHI/AAAAAAAALIs/rMueH_FmD1Y/s640/IMG_3944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Technically this was also London. But a visit to the Baker Street and a childhood wish fulfilled is certainly something worth a mention. A fan of Sherlock Holmes gets filled with excitement with just the name, Baker Street. It houses a Holmes museum which I could not get into due to the long queue in front. So, I ended up taking a tube from the historic Baker Street station.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September and October</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was the thesis. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjy6wM_Ofx8/UsNsT7ugt6I/AAAAAAAALJs/49IhD5gNchU/s1600/IMG_4505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjy6wM_Ofx8/UsNsT7ugt6I/AAAAAAAALJs/49IhD5gNchU/s640/IMG_4505.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Lumiere retured to Durham in November. It is always an exciting time when people come to Durham. One would never see as many people in Durham as one sees during the lumiere. It was subdued compared to last time. The management could certainly have been better (take it from someone who waited 40 mins to get into the market square). It was great however to see the university get involved with two great displays at the Science site.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiRxY-aguYU/UsNsUPRcnTI/AAAAAAAALJw/RR6GBwq5jh8/s1600/IMG_4721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiRxY-aguYU/UsNsUPRcnTI/AAAAAAAALJw/RR6GBwq5jh8/s640/IMG_4721.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">December was about visiting Edinburgh for the Christmas market. The rain which lashed on all day certainly dampened the spirits but not completely. The market was very good although didn't not seem to have the variety that I saw in 2011. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems that the whole world is changing and becoming boring in some parts and exciting in the others. Time to discover the more exciting parts. Time to move on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHZVD3MUBgE/UsNj1yzzUQI/AAAAAAAALII/wr6vtxrQKws/s1600/IMG_2962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHZVD3MUBgE/UsNj1yzzUQI/AAAAAAAALII/wr6vtxrQKws/s640/IMG_2962.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Well, what can I say? I am quite ready for another adventure (Bilbo Baggins)..... </div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-53980525532361642562013-12-12T20:12:00.001+05:302013-12-12T20:14:26.188+05:30let us be happy and gay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about love,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but since when did we start caring about love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about care,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but since when did we care about care. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about rights,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but since when did we start giving rights.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about justice,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but since when did justice become easily accessible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about equality,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but since when did we start treating fellow earth dwellers as equals.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is about choice</div><div style="text-align: center;">but since when did we let people choose.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is about humanity</div><div style="text-align: center;">but humanity is not on rise, its on a fall.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let us love, let us care, let there be rights, let us do whats just, let us be equal, let us choose, let us be humans.....<br /><br />just wanted to say,<br />let us be happy and gay..... <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU9lR8f3cX8/Sow_e0F-2KI/AAAAAAAAGNw/QztyNY6jInI/s1600/for+blag1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU9lR8f3cX8/Sow_e0F-2KI/AAAAAAAAGNw/QztyNY6jInI/s640/for+blag1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">let there be choice, let there be love</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-90947047914339244312013-11-05T14:32:00.006+05:302013-11-05T14:32:46.568+05:30ज्ञान, गर्व, घमंड, आलोचना<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">ज्ञान गर्व है </div><div style="text-align: center;">अधूरा ज्ञान घमंड </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">गर्व शक्ति है </div><div style="text-align: center;">घमंड अशक्ति </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">आलोचना सिर्फ ज्ञान से नहीं </div><div style="text-align: center;">ज्ञान के लिए भी </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">आलोचना औरों की ही नहीं </div><div style="text-align: center;">पहले खुद की </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">आलोचना सिर्फ गर्व की ही नहीं </div><div style="text-align: center;">घमंड की भी </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">शब्दों के बीच पतली रेखा है</div><div style="text-align: center;">कब इस पार, कब उस पार </div><div style="text-align: center;">पता नहीं है </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ज्ञान अपना, गर्व अपना, आलोचना अपनी </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWFhJjuyx64/UnizYrAPdMI/AAAAAAAALFI/4lc2fmY2fdI/s1600/religion+blues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWFhJjuyx64/UnizYrAPdMI/AAAAAAAALFI/4lc2fmY2fdI/s640/religion+blues.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-5453961783094347082013-08-18T19:26:00.000+05:302013-08-18T19:32:04.812+05:30Durham's roof<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another of the lovely walks in Durham. This gives a magical view of the Cathedral and the country side. Although it is very much near the centre of the town, very few people know about it or use it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eL0qDNeZXg/UganQ37deDI/AAAAAAAALB8/29CnY_idUZ4/s1600/IMG_3520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="580" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eL0qDNeZXg/UganQ37deDI/AAAAAAAALB8/29CnY_idUZ4/s640/IMG_3520.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What about 'dog rights'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0fSqj5tRV4/UgananW7z5I/AAAAAAAALCE/KfPeWCSbBEQ/s1600/IMG_3549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0fSqj5tRV4/UgananW7z5I/AAAAAAAALCE/KfPeWCSbBEQ/s640/IMG_3549.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Durham university observatory</td></tr></tbody></table><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXl_FFA1LuQ/Ugan4fnGquI/AAAAAAAALCM/IfEoxYi2qZM/s1600/IMG_3566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXl_FFA1LuQ/Ugan4fnGquI/AAAAAAAALCM/IfEoxYi2qZM/s640/IMG_3566.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you may find someone's heart on the way</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26PPF13rNak/UgaoKZ8GtuI/AAAAAAAALCc/pXqJagSSW-0/s1600/IMG_3569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26PPF13rNak/UgaoKZ8GtuI/AAAAAAAALCc/pXqJagSSW-0/s640/IMG_3569.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love is always round the corner</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28nHsenST7k/Ugan5fZyofI/AAAAAAAALCQ/MPRv4xQlta8/s1600/IMG_3582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28nHsenST7k/Ugan5fZyofI/AAAAAAAALCQ/MPRv4xQlta8/s640/IMG_3582.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the magical view<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8ez1gOgHSA/Uget9bmPOfI/AAAAAAAALDA/N9fGRw_bqnQ/s1600/IMG_3485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8ez1gOgHSA/Uget9bmPOfI/AAAAAAAALDA/N9fGRw_bqnQ/s640/IMG_3485.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAt_ZYYbrK0/UgeuBiYZ2hI/AAAAAAAALDI/GCqPyEWYxGc/s1600/IMG_3573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAt_ZYYbrK0/UgeuBiYZ2hI/AAAAAAAALDI/GCqPyEWYxGc/s640/IMG_3573.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QM_B1RekhQk/Ugao_RVfMyI/AAAAAAAALCs/zhG796OZHe0/s1600/IMG_3588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QM_B1RekhQk/Ugao_RVfMyI/AAAAAAAALCs/zhG796OZHe0/s640/IMG_3588.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the path</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjXcvKF15h8/Ugaosm9cqiI/AAAAAAAALCk/KCddHNkjeTg/s1600/IMG_3592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjXcvKF15h8/Ugaosm9cqiI/AAAAAAAALCk/KCddHNkjeTg/s640/IMG_3592.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbWg0-STcyY/UgexLBH2fvI/AAAAAAAALDY/MUWJnteI31A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-11+at+14.09.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbWg0-STcyY/UgexLBH2fvI/AAAAAAAALDY/MUWJnteI31A/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-11+at+14.09.25.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409492440637342625.post-57315572220577056352013-07-15T02:12:00.002+05:302013-07-16T03:33:46.337+05:30Lootera: a short review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A couple of weeks ago when I reviewed <a href="http://babblingblah.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/raanjhanaa-short-review.html">Raanjhaana</a>, I talked about the rules of the game on which my reviews would be based. In short, I watch a film for its story and the story would make the crux of the reviews. Also, I would try and pick a couple of scenes from the film and deconstruct them (the curse of the social scientist). But most importantly, a movie for me would work if it works for the <i>gumti waalas. </i>Also, I would try not to spoil the film for you by giving too much information.<br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vB_mZFvcpyM/UeMJuTu2zEI/AAAAAAAAKv8/24MgDu7LduY/s1600/1005570_391785614272192_72170517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vB_mZFvcpyM/UeMJuTu2zEI/AAAAAAAAKv8/24MgDu7LduY/s640/1005570_391785614272192_72170517_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varun and Pakhi dig for love</td></tr></tbody></table>Last week I caught the movie Lootera. A film with a short and sweet name that didn't seem either of those to me. Lootera I thought was an attempt by Director Vikramaditya Motwane to paint a picture (literally) of love. He has tried his best to transport the viewers to a different era. With lovely cinematography and great locations, Motwane does succeed up to an extent. He has tried to not rush through things. He gives one a chance to first feel and then take a dip into each scene thereby really connecting with the deep love that he tries to portray. After all love is not about rushing through. Its about peace, its about quiet, its about giving time, its about taking it easy. Lovely idea.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkG6N7xNCpE/UeMIq5Lf70I/AAAAAAAAKvo/fkBkWqRz0lU/s1600/1002740_395238623926891_450644278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkG6N7xNCpE/UeMIq5Lf70I/AAAAAAAAKvo/fkBkWqRz0lU/s400/1002740_395238623926891_450644278_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love never dies, lovers may</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Having said the above, let me say that I did not feel any of it. I didn't feel the love, I was not transported. The film for me was very slow and with a very predictable script. Love should not be boring or it leads to a breakup. Love must have surprises or it becomes boring. This love seemed to be slow, predictable and ultimately boring. As soon as the handsome Varun Srivastava (Ranveer Singh), the archiologist enters the beautiful Pakhi Roy Chaudhary's (Sonakshi Sinha) life you know that he has come with ulterior motives. He wants to dig around the village temple for ruins of a old civilisation. But you already know what he is after. He keeps digging until the interval while you already know what he is digging for. Digging for love should we say? Indeed if thats what he was doing, he was justified in taking his time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the second half the love birds separate and the weather (of love) is all gloomy. Varun is now a fugitive (surprise! surprise! not really) and the police is hot on his tail. Pakhi is now very unwell, her cancer becoming worst day by day. What do you think would happen? Well, I already could guess that if Pakhi has a deadly disease, the other love bird is also going to die too. Elementary my dear Watson. However, I don't think we need a Sherlock Homes to guess that. Did they both die? I won't tell you. Go find yourself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both Ranveer and Sonakshi seemed like a misfit to me and their acting certainly didn't help. Even the supporting actors failed to make an impact. However, you are bound to love the retro look of the film.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is one particular scene in the move that for me struck out:</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The difference between me and you</b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtTz82M6rfY/UeMJt-g_1PI/AAAAAAAAKv0/c36zZuOhb34/s1600/1005898_398247940292626_2121195333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtTz82M6rfY/UeMJt-g_1PI/AAAAAAAAKv0/c36zZuOhb34/s400/1005898_398247940292626_2121195333_n.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you must stay calm if you are watching lootera</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Pakhi's father, a rich Bengali landlord looses everything (or most of what he had) when the Government of India abolishes <i>zamindari.</i> He while having a drink with Varun (who comes from the working class) says,"<i>aap log angrezon se aazaad ho gaye hain aur hum log aazaadi se barbaad ho gaye hain"</i>. Very poetic but also true. In one sweep the legislation took away whatever the landlords had. It certainly went a long way in distributing assets and resources among the masses but one must think if it also further widened the mental divide between the various classes (while reducing the physical divide)? I still hear this 'we' and 'you' narrative when I visit the villages. One must think if there would have been a better way to do this? May be not. But one must certainly think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whats my recommendation you ask? I would rate this one as <b>'could watch'</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS: I know the film has been getting rave review in both the popular and critical domain but I am just saying what the <i>gumti waalaas</i> thought. Frankly, Lootera (the robber) robbed 2+ hours of my life. Makes you think if Bollywood is further moving towards becoming 'the multiplex cinema', 'the city folk's cinema', 'the NRI's cinema'. Go figure.<br /><br />Photos: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/looteraofficialpage/photos_stream">Lootera official facebook page</a></div></div></div>स्पाईसीकार्टूनhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13710209411124992159noreply@blogger.com2