2010 has definitely been one of the most significant years of my life. This year started with 20.01.2010 yeah a day in our life we will cherish most. It all started with mom and dad arriving after a lot of persuasion not satisfied but definitely giving respect to our choice. We didnt even get the chance to be with each other that day our moment of truth were just a few signatures and a quite lunch with both our parents. Yes we were married.
14.02.2010 we set off on a journey yet again blessed by our Uncle and his non-traditional but very respectful insight into life and the partnership we had got into. We re-read our vows, yes we were married again but this time with a handful of people and lots of good wishes. I take this opportunity to thank one and all who came for the wedding to bless us.
03.03.2010 I turned 30 now did I we celebrated it grand now in Macau on thrill rides. Checking Dolphins my most coveted desires to see them play. It was one of the most beautiful holidays we have had. Our honeymooon was in hong kong.
04.2010 we definitely were waiting for a good news and we did get one. Today we wait for it to be in our arms but boy this has been thrilling, nervous and exciting times.
29.05.2010 My love shared her first wedded birthday and I am not sure how she found this day.
06.2010 our trip to yercaud with friends and yes it was a much needed break for all of us. Boy I need it so much now when I think about it.
08.2010 my last few days with GIST. Thanks to everyone specially tarun, collin & parul for trusting my ability and giving me the opportunity to be a part of the team. I hope that we continue to be good friends.
09.2010 joined a legacy company, I am still to decide whether I am proud of my decision or I have wasted it. I am questioning my ability here to take a decision. From a thankless job to a thankless boss whose only job is to find faults with everything that I do. Even if it an email to a customer drafted by the customer to going for a meeting with a customer to explore the possibility of working with each other. No definite goal, no definite direction, everywhere yet no where. I am just not me or was this me all the time. Need to really work on my interpersonal skills and assertiveness.
10.2010 Khushi and I had our first visit to Guwahati after marriage. A million question a lot of unseen faces. It was such a short but beautiful trip that definitely helped us bridge some of the gaps. Thanks mostly to my love.
11.2010 We finally took possession of our house and start the building of our dreams. Its so nice to see it take shape. I am waiting eagarly for it to complete.
12.2010 The grahya pravesh finally we did our puja and are now ready to move in. I am hoping that our child gets his/her house ready to move in by the time it understands its surroundings and begins to see the world. Can't wait for 2011 to start our family and build a temple of love, trust and family as it truly means.
Thanks to everyone who has to this day been with us in our prayers, in our aspiration, in our lifes. Wish you all a very happy new year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Dubai- Journey into the Arab World
Now I am a perfect Mallu Son-in-Law, I am a dubai return Indian now. Well I am sure that there will be more criteria for that category but this one is certain one of the most important one.
Well the journey was planned at a very short notice a week. I wasn't even sure if I was to travel till one day before the journey as the Visa was not done. Well I had my nervous moments even after getting the Visa as instead of 30 Day business visa I got only a 96 hrs visa. My calculations indicated that I had to return on the 5th day.
Fortunately all straighten out and then began my journey into the Arab World. My first Arab country. I should say it sure was the best place to start an Arabian journey. It was an early start to a Tuesday for me. I was to be at the airport at 8 AM for a 11 AM flight which meant I leave early. At the airport was a very kind and jovial Mrs. Vijaya unusually at the customs department. I hope that there are more people like her at the Customs or airports.
Well time seemed to run out pretty fast as I soon boarded the flight ready to take off for Dubai. My mallu interactions started the moment I took seat. Guess who i sat next to; a very kind Mrs. Sreesha (a mallu ofcourse) flying through dubai to Frankfurt. That was how the journey to mallu land which was earlier perceived to be an Arab world. You heard it right it was thought to be an Arab journey but apart from the fact that we dont have the citizenship to that country we definitely own the length and breadth of the Arab Country. From managing stores to Constructing Bruj-Al-Khalifa Mallus have for years dominated the way. You can easily go around the place if you know Malayalam. Literally everyone speaks or knows the language. I heard stories of Paki or Pathans who have lived in Dubai for years can speak fluent Malayalam. This is definitely not new and certainly well known but it was a revelation none the less. The reality was pretty awesome I am in total awe.
My first view of Dubai started from 35,000 feet above the sea level. The View down below was like big chunks of chocolate cakes dug with hands. The turquoise blue sea below was a stark contrast to the warm air blowing across. Suddenly out of nowhere you come across a grid of roads and road networks that looked like butterflies to me at every intersection. As we drew closer to the airport the fast cars seemed more and more prominent it was such a site.
We finally landed to a very beautiful airport shapped like a centipede with glass all around. The airport was brimming with life. The waterfalls, the Maybach, the ferrai, the lamborgini, etc were all waiting to be won in a lottery of life for spending on endless list of shopping options on the airport.
I checked in to a hotel called the Arabian courtyard, situated in Bur dubai, right opposite Joyallukyas...oops Dubai Museum. The hotel presented a good arabic themed room which to me seemed very similar to Rajasthani structures and palaces. The Swiming pools and spa presented very similarly as we do in India. The roads were broad, the yachts lined at the creek and the shops looking amagingly beautiful and inviting. The options are endless. I resisted my need to venture out and explore the dubai world and headed straight to GITEX. The conference I was attending for the next three days. I have already submitted a detailed report on that to the management so the less I mention it here the better I reckon.
The air outside the conference hall is hot and humid. Everytime you walk out of the hall into the open you face the intense heat and just run for the freezing Cab. As I traveled across I understood why the cabs were maintained to almost freezing temperatures. It almost made sense what to me was unbearably hot was actually start of the Arabian winters. The first day after the conference I explored the neighborhood and explored the grocery stores, the local eat outs. I feel that these are places you actually get to see the truth of the place. I live in Bangalore which is like may be a few hours from kerela and have never come across a Malayalam paper in grocery stores but here I find it in literally all grocery stores. The food seemed very familiar and smelled almost irresistible. The dubai coffee, the Milk dry fruit Shakes are must haves. I was surprised at the number of Vegeterian options available just like in India in almost all stores. I could go to a Burger King and find a Veg burger but yes it does serve Camel burger as well for those of you who want to try that fantastic meat.
Dubai, a mall City and did get sometime to visit the Dubai mall, a fantasy land for Shoppers with numerous options.
This was a maddening world with more than 500k of shopping area from GUCCI to New yorker, Samsung to LG, it had literally everything that one could imagine. I loved the Dubai Fountain, very similar to the Bellagio, Vegas but set in a background of Bruj Al Khalifa. This fountain has to face a giant and in that respect the fountain is second to none. An awesome show of light, fountains and music. The Khalifa was an humbling experience. Very very imposing and what a building. It looks fantastic.
After the conference the day would usually end at a mall or a garden looking at Burj Al Arab. And finally winded up late in the night after a few drinks at the bar listening to karoke. The Dubai dark side includes its pubs, disc spralling with pros to entice you in a sin. In glam and glitz of Dubai there are these lebanese, philipines, Irani, pakistani, Indian women..they are definitely worth the glance. It can be a great treat to the eye.
Well before I returned there was just one thing to do and that thanks to my wonderful friends Jeev and Christie was more than a memorable one. Jeev and I went around shopping and visiting various locals in Dubai before returning to his house in Abu Dhabhi. What a ride across the desert 135 KMs in less than an hour (thankfully no traffic).
Fantastic roads, I got to see some very beautiful beaches and palaces that were awesome. I did manage to see the world's biggest Mosque and it was a sight. Awesome...........I can not thank him and his family enough who made me feel like the most important member who have ever visited their house. Its amaging the kind of heart both of them had. Inspite of the distance and trouble and the shopping till 2 AM we still made it back to the airport in time to leave back home. This trip was a remarkable experience giving me a great opportunity to see a part of the world I had only heard and seen on TV. I can also say that this is certainly not the last of that place for me. I sure would be traveling to that place soon enough. Hopefully this time with my wife and kid (waiting).
Jeev & Christie..thanks for everything you guys rock. Jason,buddy if I have a daughter I will certainly consider you as a son-in-law but you better be handsome and smart.
Well the journey was planned at a very short notice a week. I wasn't even sure if I was to travel till one day before the journey as the Visa was not done. Well I had my nervous moments even after getting the Visa as instead of 30 Day business visa I got only a 96 hrs visa. My calculations indicated that I had to return on the 5th day.
Fortunately all straighten out and then began my journey into the Arab World. My first Arab country. I should say it sure was the best place to start an Arabian journey. It was an early start to a Tuesday for me. I was to be at the airport at 8 AM for a 11 AM flight which meant I leave early. At the airport was a very kind and jovial Mrs. Vijaya unusually at the customs department. I hope that there are more people like her at the Customs or airports.
Well time seemed to run out pretty fast as I soon boarded the flight ready to take off for Dubai. My mallu interactions started the moment I took seat. Guess who i sat next to; a very kind Mrs. Sreesha (a mallu ofcourse) flying through dubai to Frankfurt. That was how the journey to mallu land which was earlier perceived to be an Arab world. You heard it right it was thought to be an Arab journey but apart from the fact that we dont have the citizenship to that country we definitely own the length and breadth of the Arab Country. From managing stores to Constructing Bruj-Al-Khalifa Mallus have for years dominated the way. You can easily go around the place if you know Malayalam. Literally everyone speaks or knows the language. I heard stories of Paki or Pathans who have lived in Dubai for years can speak fluent Malayalam. This is definitely not new and certainly well known but it was a revelation none the less. The reality was pretty awesome I am in total awe.
My first view of Dubai started from 35,000 feet above the sea level. The View down below was like big chunks of chocolate cakes dug with hands. The turquoise blue sea below was a stark contrast to the warm air blowing across. Suddenly out of nowhere you come across a grid of roads and road networks that looked like butterflies to me at every intersection. As we drew closer to the airport the fast cars seemed more and more prominent it was such a site.
We finally landed to a very beautiful airport shapped like a centipede with glass all around. The airport was brimming with life. The waterfalls, the Maybach, the ferrai, the lamborgini, etc were all waiting to be won in a lottery of life for spending on endless list of shopping options on the airport.
I checked in to a hotel called the Arabian courtyard, situated in Bur dubai, right opposite Joyallukyas...oops Dubai Museum. The hotel presented a good arabic themed room which to me seemed very similar to Rajasthani structures and palaces. The Swiming pools and spa presented very similarly as we do in India. The roads were broad, the yachts lined at the creek and the shops looking amagingly beautiful and inviting. The options are endless. I resisted my need to venture out and explore the dubai world and headed straight to GITEX. The conference I was attending for the next three days. I have already submitted a detailed report on that to the management so the less I mention it here the better I reckon.
The air outside the conference hall is hot and humid. Everytime you walk out of the hall into the open you face the intense heat and just run for the freezing Cab. As I traveled across I understood why the cabs were maintained to almost freezing temperatures. It almost made sense what to me was unbearably hot was actually start of the Arabian winters. The first day after the conference I explored the neighborhood and explored the grocery stores, the local eat outs. I feel that these are places you actually get to see the truth of the place. I live in Bangalore which is like may be a few hours from kerela and have never come across a Malayalam paper in grocery stores but here I find it in literally all grocery stores. The food seemed very familiar and smelled almost irresistible. The dubai coffee, the Milk dry fruit Shakes are must haves. I was surprised at the number of Vegeterian options available just like in India in almost all stores. I could go to a Burger King and find a Veg burger but yes it does serve Camel burger as well for those of you who want to try that fantastic meat.
Dubai, a mall City and did get sometime to visit the Dubai mall, a fantasy land for Shoppers with numerous options.
This was a maddening world with more than 500k of shopping area from GUCCI to New yorker, Samsung to LG, it had literally everything that one could imagine. I loved the Dubai Fountain, very similar to the Bellagio, Vegas but set in a background of Bruj Al Khalifa. This fountain has to face a giant and in that respect the fountain is second to none. An awesome show of light, fountains and music. The Khalifa was an humbling experience. Very very imposing and what a building. It looks fantastic.
After the conference the day would usually end at a mall or a garden looking at Burj Al Arab. And finally winded up late in the night after a few drinks at the bar listening to karoke. The Dubai dark side includes its pubs, disc spralling with pros to entice you in a sin. In glam and glitz of Dubai there are these lebanese, philipines, Irani, pakistani, Indian women..they are definitely worth the glance. It can be a great treat to the eye.
Well before I returned there was just one thing to do and that thanks to my wonderful friends Jeev and Christie was more than a memorable one. Jeev and I went around shopping and visiting various locals in Dubai before returning to his house in Abu Dhabhi. What a ride across the desert 135 KMs in less than an hour (thankfully no traffic).
Fantastic roads, I got to see some very beautiful beaches and palaces that were awesome. I did manage to see the world's biggest Mosque and it was a sight. Awesome...........I can not thank him and his family enough who made me feel like the most important member who have ever visited their house. Its amaging the kind of heart both of them had. Inspite of the distance and trouble and the shopping till 2 AM we still made it back to the airport in time to leave back home. This trip was a remarkable experience giving me a great opportunity to see a part of the world I had only heard and seen on TV. I can also say that this is certainly not the last of that place for me. I sure would be traveling to that place soon enough. Hopefully this time with my wife and kid (waiting).
Jeev & Christie..thanks for everything you guys rock. Jason,buddy if I have a daughter I will certainly consider you as a son-in-law but you better be handsome and smart.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Managing emotions after quiting
Well finally I am at the moment when I will no longer be a part of an organisation. But the challenge has been really to keep the emotions in check. Things that were seemingly easier to get by is now getting tougher and frustrating to tolerate. I guess this is the way the companies get back to you when you quit and decide to take your own route. Why cant farewell's be nice. Well No one is willing to let go of the other. I am amazingly restless so many days I was fighting with the thought of quiting the job now I am fighting with the feeling of having not to express my opinion and how I am feeling. What better way then this to vent it out. All I hope and pray is that no ropes are burnt no relations are lost. We all should be able to get together and have a good laugh at old times is all I wish for. The experience in my current role has been very satisfying meeting Abdul Kalam, Surendar Pal, some well known CEO's awesome feeling and great learning.
Need to learn a little bit of politics and crab fight as well guess without it, its impossible to survive. Yeah not to forget ass licking thats a must...damn how people fall from their graces. This is not what I started working for. Yet everyone told me people appreciate hard, intelligent and smart work.
I know one thing no one is indespensible in an org. But people do play an important role in shaping the way people outside it percieve of it. Org is bigger than an individual or role but a good org ensures that its magnanimity is shown in its attitude and not arrogance.
Need to learn a little bit of politics and crab fight as well guess without it, its impossible to survive. Yeah not to forget ass licking thats a must...damn how people fall from their graces. This is not what I started working for. Yet everyone told me people appreciate hard, intelligent and smart work.
I know one thing no one is indespensible in an org. But people do play an important role in shaping the way people outside it percieve of it. Org is bigger than an individual or role but a good org ensures that its magnanimity is shown in its attitude and not arrogance.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Fresh Start Awaits
I am now in the process of transition so to speak. Its a spooky feeling really. Stepping out of my comfort zone I am all set to start a new role in a new company. And hoping that I have made a good decision. I have never fretted as much in the past as I do today. Its amazing how unnerving I have made it sound but its just the fact that there are unknown possibilities yet at the same time I am going through a lot of emotions.
For some reason the apathy of my ex-employers is palpable. Truly no organisation today really worries too much about attrition and so if the employees jump too many times; its I guess okay. When I look back at the reasons why I have decided to quit I am stuck with issues of money, respectful language & transparency. Why companies forget that business is because of all of the above yet you decide to deprive your own employees. There are no straight forward answers to why you join and leave a company. But it certainly is a time for introspection for both parties alike. Bigger companies take it in their stride and have created enough redundancies within the system that they do not feel the pinch. Smaller companies often rely on the big wigs of the company and their decision making rather then empowering employees at all levels. The risk appetite for a smaller organization is understandably very low. This also means that they dont want to be close to its employees but listen to a handful only. Introspection is blinded by those close to the ears and eyes. Is the best person in your team indeed the most trusting. Is his ability or experience coming in the way of an exponential growth. What are then the measures needed to bring in autonomy in middle management yet maintaining the balance required for effective management and stop or control abuse of resources in these roles?
As I complete my duties before joining another one I wish to thank everyone from my bosses to my team and people who have supported us. In particular my COO who has been a person with vision and a strong team player. I feel fortunate to have worked with him though it was very little but I got to learn a lot from him about the rationals behind a decision and how sustainable decisions are taken. A person not averse to risk and shows the way to take risks. Thanks to my team everyone of you have been special and its truly been a privilege to be a part of it.
For some reason the apathy of my ex-employers is palpable. Truly no organisation today really worries too much about attrition and so if the employees jump too many times; its I guess okay. When I look back at the reasons why I have decided to quit I am stuck with issues of money, respectful language & transparency. Why companies forget that business is because of all of the above yet you decide to deprive your own employees. There are no straight forward answers to why you join and leave a company. But it certainly is a time for introspection for both parties alike. Bigger companies take it in their stride and have created enough redundancies within the system that they do not feel the pinch. Smaller companies often rely on the big wigs of the company and their decision making rather then empowering employees at all levels. The risk appetite for a smaller organization is understandably very low. This also means that they dont want to be close to its employees but listen to a handful only. Introspection is blinded by those close to the ears and eyes. Is the best person in your team indeed the most trusting. Is his ability or experience coming in the way of an exponential growth. What are then the measures needed to bring in autonomy in middle management yet maintaining the balance required for effective management and stop or control abuse of resources in these roles?
As I complete my duties before joining another one I wish to thank everyone from my bosses to my team and people who have supported us. In particular my COO who has been a person with vision and a strong team player. I feel fortunate to have worked with him though it was very little but I got to learn a lot from him about the rationals behind a decision and how sustainable decisions are taken. A person not averse to risk and shows the way to take risks. Thanks to my team everyone of you have been special and its truly been a privilege to be a part of it.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Bon Voyage
On this day when I am packing my bags to leave for yet another journey I have a very blank feeling. Trying to find the answers to so many questions that are driving me crazy. As always I am at a loss of thought, direction and a friend.
What is the best way to take people with you in decision that you take? Or its not important at all just take a decision and be a dictator of what happens to your life?
I am not sure if I am asking the right questions even. Well guess its one of those days when though I have a half full glass I am just not able to take my eyes of the empty portion..
Usually I am very excited and happy about my next travel today I am just not able to get my body and mind to sync with the excitement and happiness of travel
What is the best way to take people with you in decision that you take? Or its not important at all just take a decision and be a dictator of what happens to your life?
I am not sure if I am asking the right questions even. Well guess its one of those days when though I have a half full glass I am just not able to take my eyes of the empty portion..
Usually I am very excited and happy about my next travel today I am just not able to get my body and mind to sync with the excitement and happiness of travel
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Deja Vu
Today, I bummed into an unexpected old friend from the past and as we seat across the table drinking coffee I felt as if I I had been in the exact same place, talking and doing the exact same thing. It was a funny feeling and I really felt so nice about the whole experience. Didn't want to miss out on putting a time stamp on it.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hong Kong Loved it Lived it
True to its tourism boards message. I loved every bit of Hong Kong from the streets, sights to shopping every bit of it. From the very moment that I got a glimpse of hong kong I was trilled at the sight of the island airport. A man made marvel truly amazing. The blue water on one side and the cable cars inching slowly to the summit on the other side made for the most beautiful sights to be greeted with. I really think that Hong Kong adventure begins at the airport itself. From the aero bridge to the immigration we had to take a small train that itself should be an indicator of how big the airport truly is. From the Airport to our hotel I had opted for the local bus service instead of the very expensive Airport Express that drops you only at the stations and then you need to change to another line for for your hotel or take the bus. Oh yeah before that I would strongly recommend anyone traveling to Hong Kong to buy the Octopus at the airport first and then begin the journey. Its one of the best things that you will find in Hong Kong. From Lantau Hills to Sha Tin in New territories it took about 30 Mins or may be less or more I was so intrigued by the sights around that I could not keep track of time truly. The Buildings in Lantau hills seemed that it would stretch and touch the clouds above any minute. The traffic seemed very disciplined and organized with Buses sticking to their lanes and cars zipping by. I wish we learned some discipline and sense from them while planning our roads. Oh I should mention even for the cops to check cars or setup a check post on the highways they had created ramps with provision for the cops to park their vehicle. A simple but definitely an excellent addition to the highways to allocate a place for the cops.
We had reserved a riverview room at the Regal Riverside Hotel. I must say that the entrance to the hotel was not what I had expected but surely grand as most of the places are. I really will have to search for adjectives for the all the sights.Our Room was on the 9th Floor overlooking the river 943. For both Khushi and me this was a much needed holiday and time for us to connect with each other as we had first met. The room presented with it the most romantic sight and setting we could have asked for overlooking the river. What do I tell you about the river itself its certainly not what I would associate with in India. The river was very well walled and adorned with walkways on both sides of it for people to enjoy the river. I really am all ga ga over the fact that this city has so much respect for nature, life and all its limitations. The walkways were wide and clean with lot of provisions and benches for people to sit around if they were tired. There was a alley provided for people to bike, skate around and children to play. A hockey, basketball court, a play area adorned almost every corner of the city. I loved the fact that the city planners gave so much emphasis on making sure that the children, the young and the adult have so much to do in and around the place that they stay. We started our day in the afternoon after good rest or atleast I thought we had a good rest before we start exploring. I didnt have an Itinerary for the tour wanted to take it as the days came along. We decided to go to the peak and see Hong kong from top. We started at the HQs of HSBC the buildings around it were reaching for the sky. Jaguars and Mini Coopers oh what a sight..
The Peak tram was our next stop and I recommend that you definitely take this tram. Its a slow but most beautiful climb to the top of the hill. At almost 30 Degrees it feels as if your own weight would crush your spinal cord but the sights are just too splendid to even think about it. Our train stopped in the middle of the climb guess it was the mid point suggesting that even the train was tired after the steep climb. Everyone around me seemed to be enthralled by the sight around it. This tram station itself was in building and did not look anything like a station. You realize its a station and a climb awaits you only when you get inside. The location itself is such a surprise there are these towering building all around you and in the backdrop you see a hill but not once do you feel that there is a hill and on that is the best view that you will get to look at Hong Kong. The Tram parks itself at the bottom of an iconic building that almost hangs over the cliff to give you peak into the city. We went all the way to the top of the building it was cold and the clouds were rushing past us and it was such a relief and the sight ahead was so enchanting. The big buildings almost matched the hills and played a symphony of light for us. The clouds would clear every now and then giving us this splendid peak into the city. We walked around leisurely savoring the cold winds and the romantic setting of the building.
We headed to the ladies market from top of the hill we decided to take the bus back this time to come down instead of the tram. The ladies market is a bustling shopping area and offers a lot of good discount deals and unlinke what you would imagine this market has a lot of bargains to offer for the bags, skirts and tops and jeans that you would like but HK is expensive very expensive. The people are very well dressed and I felt conscious about what they wear. No one seemed to be wearing the same kind of clothes though black was the most popular color but the shades of black and accessories were endless. I have never seen so many options for everyone. People looked very very fashionable. This night market got us walking quiet a bit and we were exhausted and decided to call it the night only at 1. The city never looked like it would call it the night though. Oh yeah the funny thing is we got lost on our way back to hotel from the station. Hong kong is a funny maze of walkways all interconnect all running from one building to the other. It felt as though you could see the entire city walking on these walkway grids without having to set foot on the street. Finally we did manage to get on the street and get a cab to our hotel. Our long but memorable first day came to an end. My wifey had warned me not to wake her up in the morning unless she wants to but the sales guy that I am sold her the idea to push herself to explore the city. My sweetheart too knows my love for it and gave me what I was looking for.
Day 2
We had reserved a riverview room at the Regal Riverside Hotel. I must say that the entrance to the hotel was not what I had expected but surely grand as most of the places are. I really will have to search for adjectives for the all the sights.Our Room was on the 9th Floor overlooking the river 943. For both Khushi and me this was a much needed holiday and time for us to connect with each other as we had first met. The room presented with it the most romantic sight and setting we could have asked for overlooking the river. What do I tell you about the river itself its certainly not what I would associate with in India. The river was very well walled and adorned with walkways on both sides of it for people to enjoy the river. I really am all ga ga over the fact that this city has so much respect for nature, life and all its limitations. The walkways were wide and clean with lot of provisions and benches for people to sit around if they were tired. There was a alley provided for people to bike, skate around and children to play. A hockey, basketball court, a play area adorned almost every corner of the city. I loved the fact that the city planners gave so much emphasis on making sure that the children, the young and the adult have so much to do in and around the place that they stay. We started our day in the afternoon after good rest or atleast I thought we had a good rest before we start exploring. I didnt have an Itinerary for the tour wanted to take it as the days came along. We decided to go to the peak and see Hong kong from top. We started at the HQs of HSBC the buildings around it were reaching for the sky. Jaguars and Mini Coopers oh what a sight..
The Peak tram was our next stop and I recommend that you definitely take this tram. Its a slow but most beautiful climb to the top of the hill. At almost 30 Degrees it feels as if your own weight would crush your spinal cord but the sights are just too splendid to even think about it. Our train stopped in the middle of the climb guess it was the mid point suggesting that even the train was tired after the steep climb. Everyone around me seemed to be enthralled by the sight around it. This tram station itself was in building and did not look anything like a station. You realize its a station and a climb awaits you only when you get inside. The location itself is such a surprise there are these towering building all around you and in the backdrop you see a hill but not once do you feel that there is a hill and on that is the best view that you will get to look at Hong Kong. The Tram parks itself at the bottom of an iconic building that almost hangs over the cliff to give you peak into the city. We went all the way to the top of the building it was cold and the clouds were rushing past us and it was such a relief and the sight ahead was so enchanting. The big buildings almost matched the hills and played a symphony of light for us. The clouds would clear every now and then giving us this splendid peak into the city. We walked around leisurely savoring the cold winds and the romantic setting of the building.
We headed to the ladies market from top of the hill we decided to take the bus back this time to come down instead of the tram. The ladies market is a bustling shopping area and offers a lot of good discount deals and unlinke what you would imagine this market has a lot of bargains to offer for the bags, skirts and tops and jeans that you would like but HK is expensive very expensive. The people are very well dressed and I felt conscious about what they wear. No one seemed to be wearing the same kind of clothes though black was the most popular color but the shades of black and accessories were endless. I have never seen so many options for everyone. People looked very very fashionable. This night market got us walking quiet a bit and we were exhausted and decided to call it the night only at 1. The city never looked like it would call it the night though. Oh yeah the funny thing is we got lost on our way back to hotel from the station. Hong kong is a funny maze of walkways all interconnect all running from one building to the other. It felt as though you could see the entire city walking on these walkway grids without having to set foot on the street. Finally we did manage to get on the street and get a cab to our hotel. Our long but memorable first day came to an end. My wifey had warned me not to wake her up in the morning unless she wants to but the sales guy that I am sold her the idea to push herself to explore the city. My sweetheart too knows my love for it and gave me what I was looking for.
Day 2
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