Know what I did this summer? (I)

The much awaited vacation did eventually come, and now it's as good as done and over with. Just a few more days of indulgence, with scoops of lethargy and gluttony thrown in for good measure. Am not complaining. The very thought of back-to-the-grind scene looming large, seems to instil a sense of despair - the eventuality.  But then yes, the grind keeps us going, and definitely look forward to meeting and catching up with dear old friends. Still, nothing like the seamlessly endless days, with no early-morning alarms, crushing deadlines, cramming-in-breakfasts and the forever persisting thoughts of 'isn't the day over yet?!' or the equally maddening 'The day is done?!' So savouring each hour of the tail end of this summer.

The best part of the July-August period is the pleasant weather, be it in South or the West. Trichy I would think is at its best, with the 'Aadi Kaatru' (the winds accompanying the month of Aadi) gently whirling around, rustling up the leaves and swaying the branches. It never did get too rough, which usually heralds the downpour. And so there was no drizzling or showering or pouring. It was not to be. But had a wonderful climb up the famed  'Malai kottail', the Rockfort, with family. The skyline seems to change each time around, save the serpentine Kaveri, which sadly looked desolate and barren, as if stripped off its right and might. Yes, just not fair, holding back a colossal, throbbing, gushing life-source, curbing it, impeding its journey, towards its pre-ordained  destination. Well, enough said, at least here. 

The trip to Thiruvanai kovil, with a close college mate, was memorable too. Walking through the crowded precincts of the Sattram Bus stand, hopping in and out of the local buses, and catching up, was an amazing walk down memory lane, and seemed to reiterate the truth that some things never change, and aren't we glad for it.

The wedding in Madurai, was so interesting and exciting! Attending a close family occasion after a long gap, felt good, meeting (almost)all cousins, and checking out the latest in saris and jewellery, of which i was never, ever an authority. And I seemed to have just skipped a decade (thankfully!), in the fashion realm, and realised, even if you've been outside the current, you can sidle in any time, with a few right moves. The trip to Meenakshi Amman Temple was sobering, after the glitz and  glitter. Was filled with a sense of calm and tranquil. A sense of being in the right place, a place where you will always belong, wherever you've been. 

And this was followed up by a quick trip down South, (covering Kovilpatti, Tirunelvelli, Kallidaikurichi and Rajapalayam) which never fails to drench me with memories, and gladdens the heart, to be with aunts and uncles who were an integral part of childhood, even if we are strewn all over now. And then the usual regular trips of shopping, what with the Aadi and Ramzan sale going great guns, you are but drawn into the whirlpool. Loaded with bags of knick knacks and goodies, set forth on the eventual train journey to Pune.

The strange phenomenon that happened to manifest was that, the place where I propose to land in, is always forewarned and the rain gods, relocate. So was it in Pune and Goa.

Souk Sharq - boat ride.

The summer has been relentlessly breathing down our necks, with just a hint of drop in temperature since yesterday. Humidity has set in, and maybe this heralds a brief break before the harsh winter decides to settle in. So looking forward to some pleasant days this October, with some breeze and the sunrays being a bit gentle.

Last weekend inspite of the heat, decided to step out and spend the evening along the lovely Souk Sharq; and our outing did turn out to be fun and we were glad we made it. There is this nice little Cafe tucked behind, almost hidden, close to the parking. It had a lovely ambience, with the added pleasure of being seated beside the crashing waves, and the wonderful view of the outstretched sea, the sun slowly but surely dipping in. The French Coffee was almost perfect, and served to perfection too, with the piping hot concoction being poured in small dainty cups, from a pot. Tea, ofcourse the local speciality, black, was just right, that managed to down two huge cups. There was Lemon Mint Iced, Rainbow special a colourful display with bits of fruits and icecreams thrown in. And it was a great way to spend the evening catching up with friends while leisurely sipping your own thing.

And then we decided to take the short boat ride, for which we had to wait for a while, and so walked along the pier, where these boats and yachts were docked. And by the time we boarded the boat, it had turned dark, but that didn't seem to dampen our spirits or the experience, as I had thought it might. Being in the sea, if not as exciting as being in air, is nonetheless an exciting and beautiful experience. Our cameras didn't do justice to the beautiful scenes, but still managed to capture a bit of it. It was strange going on a ride with the local crowd, with some typical Arabic music in the background, and the boat dancing merrily to it in the dark sea. Would definitely go for another ride during the day, maybe, and if possible a longer one.

And a total contrast to the above with-the-nature trip, the visit to the new Lulu Hyper Market, in Qurain was all zazzy, and synthetic, the lure of consumerism at its best. Was amazed at the definition of Consumerism in Wikipedia, "systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods or services in ever greater amounts"! Ofcourse we all happily fall prey, and no one is complaining, atleast not here!

Anyways, this beautiful evening sun, caught while with a friend along the walking path nearby, reminds one of the beauty that is all encompassing and omnipresent, and that, it is within us, to look out for it.

A summer evening

The fauna and flora here is nothing spectacular I would think, or rather nothing much to write about; but still when you set your mind to it, you can have your share of greenery, or rather in this part of Kuwait, it would be ‘brownery’. The fact that the landscape is so oft ravaged by sandstorms, the plants bear the brunt, and tend to be laden by the constant onslaught of sand particles. They seem to sort of weigh down on them, and stay put, giving them a brownish tinge, to the entire structure of the plant, tree, so much so that it merges perfectly with the sandy landscape.

Right in the middle of summer vacation, another month or so, to go still, and you see crowded streets, malls, and of course open grounds, dotted with numerous football teams, of varying age groups, and varying energy levels. Was reminded of our playgrounds being crammed, with charged up feisty players, (predominantly the 5-14 yr olds) brandishing their invincible bat, and lunging with all that they have got, to get the perfect yorker. And scanning for a similar sight, was awarded with one, and heart did leap with joy to behold a team, made of all but 8 players, but the spirit there all the same, heaving a mighty six, and the lunge to catch the ball. Cricket is around, trying to carve a niche, and managing to, amidst the roaring fury of football mania.

When you search for beauty, you are sure to find it, or so I would like to think. So as the twilight set in, managed to get this ‘colourful’ image, with the tiny dot of moon, heralding yet another long, warm night.

Nature and its trails

As Kuwait is reeling and sweltering under the onslaught of heat waves, well into our 'famed summer', interspersed with its share of dust storms,- elsewhere it seems to be pouring cats and dogs. Or rather more than that.

Western Europe is going through a terrible time, with the torrential rains playing havoc. Major landslides causing roadways to be blocked, cars and vehicles all caught in the eddy of swirling muddy waters, coursing throught the cities and the countrysides. England, Italy, France and Belgium have not been spared too.

Heavy floods in Germany, and the country is thrown into a shock, I would think. It somehow seems that these natural disasters, have a way of striking the 'lesser mortal-countries', or the not-so-developed countries, and its like 'Oh! its happened again', 'Poor things', 'Wonder how we could help?' and so on. All genuine concerns there alright. But when it actually strikes places, which are know to be clinically efficient and impeccably organised and absolutely well funded, there is a mild surprise sorts. The point is, how the fury of Nature when unleashed, becomes a leveller, against which no one has any answers, until it abates.

And with the talk of nature, reminds me, the thing one gets to miss most in Kuwait is greenery. I dont think that very term would exist, or be applicable here in this section of the world! Actually come to think of it, this thought leads me to feeling absolutely wretched. Well, so what do we do, buy small 6 inch saplings, and try to do some simulation, within the confines of our homes. Yes we do, but still wonder, especially people who come from corners of the world where they live right amidst those tall imposing trees, walk on mossy wet grass everyday, listen to the calls of wild birds, smell the waft of moist air, go for a swim in the backyard brook, what do they do? Don't they miss them?? Sigh! I do.

What hits you first, when you take a trip through your hometowns, is the presence of this colour, green. The presence of green interlaced in the landscape, every corner and nook. Eyes does search, in vain, for these vaulted images, only to finally rest back in the plant that stands alone, in my drawing room, and gain small comfort.