Easter vacations provided us a chance to visit the beautiful limestone cliffs at Mons called Mons Klint in Danish. I would say the trip was possible thanks to Raghavendra having Vestas car on rental, else its not that easy to reach this place. We also picked up Murli and Poonam for this trip and six of us had great time in Mons which was also due to brilliant weather on that particular day. With Mons Klint trip, I guess my share of Sjaelland sightseeing is over; high time to explore other parts of the country :)
More info on Mons can be obtained at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%B8ns_Klint http://www.moensklint.dk/default.asp?sprog=uk
View of Amalienborg (Queen's Palace) and Opera House from the top of Marble Church
Dome of Russian Church from top of Marble Church
View from the dome of Marble Church
Spiral Staircase of Church of Our Saviour
One more view from the top
Oresund Bridge
Amalienborg
Statue of Frederick V
Yet Another View
Kobenhavn (I mean Copenhagen) City View from the Marble Church
Inside the Marble Church
The dome from Inside
The Beautiful Chapel of the Marble Church
These pictures are from our last week trip in the town. It was, I suppose, the first sunny day of the spring (I mean first sunny day on a March weekend with plus temperatures) and I took Richa around for some local sightseeing. We went around Nyhavn and then all the way to the Marble Church, where we found out that they have guided tours to the dome of the church on Weekends at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Since we were there right in time and since it wasn't very costly (DKK 25 or around USD 5), we took the tour and it indeed turned out to be good fun. It was bit scary in parts as almost the whole climb was through a narrow and steep passage, with just enough space for one person to move at a time. Those afraid of confined spaces (like Richa) will probably find it bit spooky :) Once atop though, you are presented with a fabulous view of the city of Copenhagen and far off (to Sweeden and Malmo). Several of city's important buildings can be seen from the top. This of course provides one with a chance to impress one's better half with one's general know how about the city (that's no way saying that your better half will be impressed; its just that you have a chance of impressing her). All in all, a really nice local attraction. The church in itself is very beautiful and its one of my favorites in Copenhagen. The last picture in this entry is my favorite :)
There's a lake on the way to home. When the winters are in full swing this lake sometimes freezes; perfect white, a visual treat, a sight to behold and cherish. I have thought on quite many occasions while viewing the lake through the train window as I pass it on my way home, to stop by, get off the train, walk up to the lake and spend some time mesmerized in its pristine whiteness, eternal yet momentary calm. I have thought this often, that one day I will stop by at this station and take a picture or two. Now the winters are waning down and I have not been able to get off the train at this station to soak in the beauty of this lake, to be lost for a while in its charm. Every time I pass this station I say to myself, "Tomorrow" for I am always eager/rushing to reach back home, well aware that you must be waiting for me.
I read somewhere, 'Each day is a valentine, if you want it to'. In simpler terms this perhaps meant; each day can be a valentine, if you think it that way. Today's morning, its nice sunshine, no wind and temperature's on the plus side; surely a day you wont hesitate in calling a 'Valentine Day' :)
On borrowed time as a bachelor (I am currently leading a life of a pseudo-bachelor since Richa still awaits her Visa), I am not sure what I should be writing. I thought of writing something sensational or perhaps a welcome note to the married life or even a dirge on the gone for good days of bachelorhood, but I guess I will end up writing something lame.
Its the start of yet another cold weekend here. Currently I listen to some Kumaoni songs, it's called 'Meri Mayadara'. Not sure what it means, perhaps 'My Lover' or something like that.
Few minutes back, I finished reading Billoo's 'Raavan ke Sir'. Amongst all other things, what I found interesting was that just before Diwali, Billoo's parents are away to Dibrugarh. I mean they have been to Dibrugarh of all places (rolling my eyes). I wonder what makes them travel all the way to Assam. Or may be Billoo's story takes place in Assam only, just that Pran Sir forgot to mention that in any of Billoo's comics. On a different note, what if Billoo's parents turn out to be some high profile secret agents serving in IB (again rolling my eyes). I would have liked to linger some more on this brilliant idea just that it wont be good to be labeled 'crazy' now that I am a married man. On the other hand, isn't a man who is married already crazy??
Lets move on to the impending African Nations Cup match between Ivory Coast and Ghana. It will be interesting to see Michael Essien and Didier Drogba rough it out against each other. I have no favorites here but I do look forward to watching this match.
My weekend will probably pass amidst preparations for upcoming trip to Cincinnati and then IMAC. Perhaps I will head out for a dinner on Sunday to some Restaurant with Ranko and Murli. BTW isnt Ranko sounding like Rancho (from 3 Idiots). I think I need to let Ranko know about this. Ranko is my colleague from work and is a Bollywood buff. I think he will like this connection since he likes Aamir Khan. I guess even Aamir will like this connection given that Ranko is originally from Bosnia and might be Aamir's one and only fan from the country :)
Tomorrow Chelsea plays Sunderland in EPL. After last few matches falling prey to bad weather in England, it will be good to get rolling again. Hopefully, Chelsea will win this one to start the year on a winning note.
On a sad note, Asheem Chakravarty of Indian Ocean breathed his last on Christmas eve. Words can't describe the sorrow that I felt on hearing this news. Certain dreams are never to be fulfilled, I guess witnessing IO perform live is one of them.
Sant Kabeer wrote,
Jab Hum Paida Hue Jag Hansa Hum Roye, Aisi Karni Kar Chalo, Hum Hanse Jag Roye
May Asheem's soul rest in peace and may his music continues to enthrall our senses forever.
Dear Friends As I embark on this new journey, new phase of my life, with all your well wishes and blessings in my heart; I think I'll be a different person when I return, married and no longer bachelor; a changed man I'll be when I return; and I am sure this change will be for better but for the fact that I wont be a bachelor anymore nor will I be alone; few more days to go before I have a companion of my own.
As we walk into a new tomorrow with a hope for a better future, I stand for a while to look at the past that still cast shadows but perhaps wont last forever; as there's a sun that's shining bright and there's plenty more to the life than being near the window sill and drowning in the moonlit night.
Following lines from Jose Saramago's 'The Stone Raft' form the inspiration of this poem.
Priorities of past should not be allowed to hinder the future.
While there’s life, there’s hope, so do not despair.
And though the above mentioned lines form the core of this poem, I still leave the question open; "Is it really possible to wipe off the past"?
Well, I wanted to write about something else but I guess its time for the long delayed Mithun Da tribute :) Here are some of my favourite Mithun Da numbers in no particular order. I have included only one number from one movie so lots of obvious and glaring exclusions, but I guess that leaves something for discussion through the comments ;)
Gunmaster G9 (Suraksha)
OK, I said that I wont include two songs of a movie but I will start with an exception, two songs of this iconic movie, one for its sheer Mithunness and the other for the fact that it remains one of my favourite Mithun Da dance number. This one is the first, brilliant opening credits for the movie that started it all for Mithun Da.
Ae O Aa (Disco Dancer)
Every song in Disco Dancer was fabulous but this one remains my fav, a perfect launch song for a budding disco star and sets the tone of the movie nicely.
Tum Jo Bhi Ho (Suraksha)
Second song from the movie that started it all. Though earlier 'Gunmaster G9' opening credit song, with its Bond-like style, is more famous; this one showcases Mithun Da's dancing abilities better :)
Title Song (Taqdeer Ka Baadshah)
Great Intro to this disco funk number crooned in his typical voice by Bappi Da. Watch out for Mithun Da's iconic moves, which I think were the only good thing in this otherwise ordinary movie.
Tonite (Dilwala)
This song typifies Mithun Da's dancing. Silly lyrics but nice tune; Bappi Da must have copied it from somewhere ;)
Yaee Yaee Yahaa Or Whatever it is called :)(Pyar Ka Mandir)
Crap song, I mean really crap song but Mithun Da's dance is awesome although his costumes aren't :)
Vaada Hai Kya(Taxi Chor)
Not a disco number or dance number as such, in fact this one is a really nice romantic number. Mithun Da's steps make it even better :)
Ek Hasina ki Nigahon Ka (Yaadon Ki Kasam)
Again not a Disco number, yet a nice number; kinda sounds like those Altaf Raza numbers ;) On a serious note, Mithun Da shows that he is just too good when it comes to shaking a few legs, give him beats and he wont fail you :)
Julie Julie (Jeete Hain Shaan Se)
One of the bigger hits of its times. Mithun songs had a formula to them, catchy tune, crappy lyrics, crappy singer and typical Mithun moves. BTW this one has Anu Malik giving music and also doubling up for crooning. I think this must be one of his original numbers ;)
Kabootarbaaz(Turki ba Turki) (Waqt Ki Awaaz)
Mithun Da with Queen of Dance, Sridevi, in villain's den; Hmmmm I guess thats a good enough reason to watch the song. BTW, this movie had some nice songs, 'Ladka akela' with Mithun and Sri doing robot dance and Mithun Da's angry dancing in 'I wanna hit somebody' hmmmmmmm :)
Jeena Bhi Kya Hai Jeena (Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki)
Well its a take on MJ's legendary 'Billie Jean' and I guess choreography is inspired from 'Thriller' (though not completely), but still a Mithun classic.
Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyara Hai (Wardaat)
Mithun Da's Classic, Ultimate song, funky sensual tune. This time he takes on John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever, in his own characteristic style :)
Banno Re (Mere Sajna Saath Nibhana)
Mithun in a desi avtaar with Shakti 'Aaaoo Lolita' Kapoor for company, need I say more :)
Mujhe Kar Gayi Hai Kangaal (Cheetah)
Iconic Mithun Da movie, nothing special about the song but just wanted to include it for the sake of the great Mithun Da movie ;)
Jeele Aha Jeele (Avinash)
Mithun Da doing Michael Jackson and Bappi Da doing 'Beat It', No Moonwalk but Mithun Da compensates for that with his own brand of Moonwalk ;)
Mera Naam Doom Doom (Commando)
Not the most popular of Commando's song, but best in terms of Mithun Da dance. Well you can also check 'Maine maine tujhe tujhe' from the same movie, which has a more catchy tune and was a big hit in late 80s.
Title Song (Karate)
Hmmmmm, this one is kinda weird song, actually pretty crappy one but for Mithun Da's great energy, just look at him, he seems to be a man possessed.
Just came across this article in Rediff and I thought I should post it here, for these efforts need to lauded and highlighted.
This one sentence sums up Manzil very well; 'Manzil has two aims which it tries to fulfill with every student. One is to help the students earn a livelihood and the other is to help them see that whatever they choose to do should have a positive effect on society'.
Here's a link to the article and the link to the NPO itself
