Mango Mood

Source: Google

My earliest memories of mangoes dates back to summer holidays that we spent at grandmother's place. We three siblings and two cousins were a riot. The first thing my granny would say when our respective parents arrive to take us back home for the next school year is "'I'l never invite these kids ever again. They have caused so much distress and trauma.' We little monsters snigger at each other knowing our Ammamma very well. A week before holiday starts, a letter would arrive asking dad to get us to her place for the rest of the holiday. This happened each and every year without fail.

Ammamma had 5 to 6 mango trees in her plantation. They were of different varieties. Neelam and Mundappa are the only two can remember. We used to have it three times a day; as mid day snack, evening with other refreshments, and religiously one after dinner. I used to eat in an orthodox manner. Peel off the succulent and delicious mangoes with teeth and gorge on it. I was accustomed to have mango skin too provided it is not very bitter. Yes, the juice runs down sometime to elbows and sides of mouth and neck, and it is a little messy too. Thank god! I was not a diagnosed OCD back then. Till this day I would like to have mangoes in an old fashioned way. Slicing them and eating is nothing less of a sin if you ask me. 

Either you are a mango lover or not, there is no middle ground to it. In India, mangoes are synonymous with summer holidays and grandparents' house. This year I get to taste a new variety, "Imam Pasand" during our recent visit to Hyderabad. I seriously don't understand what is so big deal about it. It is sweet, juicy, and alright. May be I was over expecting? The only thing I can say, I have tasted much more better variety. I know there are many other types of mangoes which I have not tasted and I can't wait to do so. The Raspuri, Banganpalli, Badami, Sindhura, Totapuri, Mallika, Malagoba, Neelam are few breeds which I have loved immensely.

What promoted this post? Well, as I unlocked the door this afternoon, the house smelled mangoey (I just created that word). With stomach grumbling I decided to finish my lunch first and devour mango later. Mango had always been my favourite fruit, although there was a time when I used to write 'Grape' as my favourite fruit in those stupid scrap books. You know what I mean?  May be because mangoes were available abundantly and grapes, rarity and expensive. As I'm loyal by default, my loyalty extends to worldly things also. Hence mango is my beloved fruit once again.

Rumor has it that mango production a little dull here; however, we get delicious, juicy, heavenly mangoes in the market for a reasonable price. So, we are already relishing on them and continue to do so until the season ends. Mango aptly got the name King of Fruits and I couldn't have agreed more. Is it declared national fruit of India? I would like to believe so.

If Wishes Were Horses

Source: Google

If God grants me a wish to visit 10 countries, what that top most countries will be? Basically I am an atheist; however, hypothetically speaking, I would be jumping up and down with excitement and would have died before I could even fulfill my wishes. So without further ado my list goes like this not necessarily in that order.

1. Greece

2. Egypt

3. Italy

4. Peru

5. China

6. USA

7. Australia

8. Istanbul

9. France

10. Switzerland

I am blessed to be born in India, so it is not in the list, otherwise it undoubtedly would have top the list. Has anybody noticed there are five European countries? It goes without saying I am fascinated and hypnotized by that continent. If wishes were horses!!! Sigh.......

Jeeva Veene

Movie: Hombisilu (1978)

Music: Rajan-Nagendra

Lyrics: Geethapriya

Singers: SPB, S.Janaki

Starring: Vishnuvardhan & Aarathi

I first heard about the movie Hombisalu from friend D who is a huge Vishnuvardhan fan. Having seen that movie she elaborated the whole story, which was quite interesting. And it is based on Usha Navaratnaram's novel. They were all additional factors, which would not have made me to watch the movie but for this soulful song.

A newlywed couple had to stay away from each other due to familial obligation. The love intensified by absence and the desire to be together is beautifully expressed here. Lyrics of the songs yet again proves how a language can be used tastefully even when the subject was about physical intimacy. The cherry on top is SPB and S. Janaki's melodious, yearning voice. Last but not the least Vishnu and Aarathi's coy, timid, longing glances and expressions.  It is one of those songs which touches one's heart. I could hear this song again and again constantly.

Ki & Ka

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Film: Ki & Ka

Director: R. Balki

Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Rajit Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat

With a catchy name and having liked R. Balki's earlier three movies, Ki & Ka didn't dissapoint me; however, I could not say I liked it wholeheartedly.

Plot: Kia, a marketing manager at an FMCG company aims to excel in her career and refuses to be just a supporting system to her husband. Kabir, son of a rich builder and a B School topper wants to be a house-husband (rather artist) like his mother. They meet on a flight to Chandigarh and they hit it off immediately. After a couple of dates, they decide to get married when Kabir promises to look after the house as a house-husband. The arrangment works fine for the newly-weds.

In a sudden turn of events, Kabir's gets immense popularity and media coverage for his role as house-husband, which makes Kia insecure and jealous. From then, the relationship goes downhill. It does not take a genius to predict what happens next.

It is a new concept in Bollywood, although I'm not sure it is the original one. I vaguely remember watching Kannada movie, Ammavra Ganda starring Shivarajkumar and Bhagyashree (Maine Pyar Kiya fame) on the same line. The concept is of the role reversal. The first and foremost, I couldn't understand why Kia is jealous of Kabir's success or popularity when it is nowhere connected to her line of profession. If it is so, it would have been justified. Kia is shown as an ambitious and determined woman who succumbs to the emotion of jealousy and insercurity so easily. In a hurry to break the stereotype, the director just backed up the theory of "women are envious and resentful". Here Kabir goes a little overboard with his progressive thinking speech and deed. The cameo of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan is endearing, yet I am astonished and confused to know why and for what Jaya Bachchan praises Kia in a note.

It is depicted beautifully how the power dynamics lies in the hand of the bread winner and how the society as a whole looks down upon the house-wife/house-husband. There is a fight scene which is forced upon or rather film maker wanted us to believe our hero is really a macho and a gentleman.

Arjun Kapoor is quite cute and adorable as Kabir. I have a soft spot for this guy from his first movie. Kareena Kapoor is alright (I'm biased) as Kia, at least she get to do something more than just being in a 100-Crore movie club. The chemistry between them is refreshing.

The first half is pretty upbeat and swift. The downside is the the second half, which moves in a snail pace and the climax! Surely they could have come up with much better and touching end rather than the same old stupid flight scence. Nonetheless, it conveys the message of partnership in marriage and how it can flourish when both Ki & Ka appreciate each other's contribution in the institute of marriage.

Shadow Kiss

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'I set off, off to kill the man I love"

"Shadow Kiss" is the third novel written by Rachel Mead in the Vampire Academy Series. These books are my second series in Young-Adult paranormal fantasy after 'Twilight', which I loved despite many negative reviews. The first two books in the series (Vampire Academy and Frost Bite) I completed last year. The mistake I made was watching the film adaptation and boy, it was nowhere near to the book. The main thing missing in the film was chemistry between Rose and Dimitri that is so volatile and palpable throughout the books. I decided to give it a break and moved on to other books.  And, I almost forgot about them until last week when I was organizing the shelf. Here I picked this up and once again pulled in to the vampire world.

Three important things to understand here are; Moroi, Strigoi, and Dhampirs. Moroi, vampires that are born, mortal, and alive. Strigoi are undead, immortal, and made. Humans, Dhampirs, and Moroi can be turned Strigoi forcibly. Dhampirs are half-human and half-vampire. They are trained to be guardians of the Moroi to fight against Strigoi.

Rose Hathway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend, Vasilissa, a Moroi vampire princess. They have been on the run, but are brought back to St. Vladimir's academy. A lot has happened since then. Now Rose is about to complete her graduation and be a permanent guardian to Lisa along with Dimitri. She had earned two Molnija tattoos for killing two Strigois in the "Forstbite". In contrast to her reckless and impulsive self, Rose tries to be more grounded and responsible. Her misery starts after seeing ghosts of Mason (her rumored boyfriend); Lisa's experimentation with magic using fifth element, spirit with Adrian; dealing with Adrian's advancement; possibility of their enemy, Victor Dashkov being free; and her feelings for Dimitri, her trainer that is frowned up and forbidden.

The reading is breezy, simple, and holds your attention. I'm just halfway through it and already knew it is going to be wonderful. Why it won't be when it has romance, action, magic, and suspense.

Reasons I love Bengaluru

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I'm not born and brought up in Bengaluru. I'm from a relatively small town in Karnataka and like many others I moved to this city for job opportunity and fulfilling my dream of living in a big city. The moment I stepped in here, it was love at first sight. I was fortunate enough to visit a few more cities and I must concede none of them comes close to "Namma Bengaluru". It is almost a decade since I started calling this city my home. Today after a brief siesta, I drew curtains to witness the drizzling and cool breeze carrying the earthy smell. No, I am not yearning to have hot Pakoda or Chai. That is what normal people wants to do. But, I find the urge to write this post, the reason I love Bengaluru.

1. The amazing weather tops the list. The pleasant breezy mornings, chilly winters, sudden downpour in hot summer afternoons. Though it was a harsh summer this year, the weather is back to its normal self with few showers. I remember my father cribbing about hot coastal summer this morning and I pompously bragging about Bengaluru weather.

2. Availability of basic amenities, be it a grocery store, hospital, school, fruits/vegetable shops, medical store, hardware shops, ATMs, banks, clothes, accessories, shoes, the list is endless. Be it in any part of the city, these shops are present in every nook and cranny. This undoubtedly makes the life more comfortable and easy. 

3. Food. I'm not a great foodie. My options are pretty much limited. I'm a kind of person who is happy with just rice and dal/rasam. But I would love my loved one enjoying exotic food. Chinese, continental, Lebanese, Japanese, you name it and this city has it. It is not only about fancy restaurants. The innumerable Darshinis, chat shops, street food. It caters to each and everyone depending on their budget. Who doesn't want to have options? Ultimately, we do everything to have meal on our table right?

4. Transport. One of the best transports in India. BMTC buses connects almost each and every part of the city. They are overcrowded and congested, but they ply morning to night nonetheless. More elite Volvo buses are abundant too, though a little heavy on price side.

5. Job opportunities. Having earned the name of Silicon City, it provide work to almost all. Many people think it is only about "IT" industry, however, it is not so. This city never disappointed a person who really seek work and want to make a living.

6. Shopping mall/Street Shopping. I am not a person who likes to hangout in malls. And definitely won't shell out my hard earned money on their expensive stuffs just for the lable. The only thing that draws my attention in mall is multiplex where we can watch back to back movies. For the real shopping I prefer commercial street, Malleswaram, brigade road, and so on. 

7. Parks. Apart from Lalbhag and Cubbon Park, there are numerous well-maintained parks all around the city. It is garden city for a reason after all. The joggers, fitness enthusiasts, senior citizens, and children can make most out of it.

8. Getaway to destinations like Hampi, Goa, Pondicherri, Chennai, Madikeri, Mysore, Mangalore, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Gokarna, Hyderabad, Waynad and many more.

9. Pubs. A large number of watering holes in Asia. Bangalorians know how to hold their drink. We go by the policy, work hard and party harder. There are elegant pubs in almost all swanky areas of the city. With many pubs offering happy hours, we can unwind at any part of the day. And not to forget discotheque where one can dance till they drop. DJs play awesome music in some places and it is a heaven for music lovers. And, spare me of "our culture" thing.  

10. Cosmopolitan culture. Kannadigas, Tamilians, Malayalis, Telugites, North Indians, Europeans pretty much says about it all. Bengalurians' are friendly, helpful, considerate, and generally nice people. We are clearly not talking about exceptions here.

There are few drawbacks like lack of infrastructure, traffic, garbage issues, etc. Almost all the cities of developing countries have these issues, and Bengalure is not an exception. Those naysayers that crib always about Bengalure should wake up and smell the coffee. Either love the place where you live or leave the place you don't love. It is not that hard right? 

May Updates

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I am unable to pinpoint exactly why I have been so busy this month. Month started with a pretty bad hangover and once again swore to never party ever again. Hubby and I completed a decade of knowing each other and the celebration is pending as mother-in-law was here for summer holidays.

Baby sister, "M2" scored really well in 12th board exam and I was overjoyed. Her stream was PCMB, yet she chose to pursue law. All extended family members including my parents are breathing down her neck to opt for medicine or engineering. But the little girl is so firm and determined in her decision, she has all my respect and awe. I wish I had the same maturity and determination back then. The one thing I still don't understand is this older generation's obsession with doctors and engineers. It is a middle class dream I agree, but has not the time changed? These young kids are part of "Taare Zameen Par" bandwagon. If a rebellious, opinionated, stubborn girl like my sister is forced to walk the normal path, I can only imagine the condition of other gullible, simple kids out there. This is one of those moments where I'm not very proud of my family members. Will they learn from their mistakes, ever? It is only M2's sister M1, hubby, and I supporting her decision and I really hope the the kiddo will be successful in proving herself.

This month also saw the starting of our new travel blog. I know it is extremely hard to maintain two blogs simultaneously. It demands most of my time and energy, but it is very important to us as traveling is the utmost passion we have. Yes, that blog is co-authored by Hubby. For now, I'm taking it very slowly, maybe one post a week. That would suffice for time being.

And I have brought a brand-new two-wheeler. The intention is to learn driving and eventually be self-sufficient. It was one of the resolutions for this year. I'm nervous and excited at the same time; nervous for the fear of failure and excited at the prospect of learning something new. This one thing I would not have done on my own but for the gentle push by Hubby.

We have completed "Quantico" first order of season 1, and I have written about it. And started with "Downtown Abbey", which we was in our list for a very long time. A British periodic drama and we are already consumed by it completely. Game of Thrones, season 6 is going alongside as well.

This month finally I was able to finish two books, the never ending "Game of Thrones" and "Angels and Demons". I'm lagging behind in reading and must and should speed up the process.

The movie front was good as we have watched the following movies; Jai Gangajal, Bhagee, Kung Fu Panda 3, Masterpiece, Kendasampige, Aligarh, Mastizaade, Kya Kool Hai Hum 3, Antz, Ghayal Once Again, Fitoor, Welcome Back, and Sanam Re.

Finally it started raining, Bangalore is cool and pleasant again. I just love this weather and longing to go for a long drive, which we have not done this month anyway.