A DAY OUT WITH MY FRIEND
There are days in life that pass by and quickly forgotten because there has been nothing different from the daily routine, and sometimes there are days which stand out like a red letter down the memory lane because they are different from the humdrum of every day life.
One such day was 14th of November when my friend had come from abroad. I was living in Delhi those days and we went sight seeing to a few places there.
The day, fixed for travelling around Delhi, dawned bright and beautiful. It was Saturday and I had taken off from my office. The sun was shining brightly, there was not a shine of clouds in the sky and the chill of winter was off-set by the warmth of the sunshine. We started out on my bike at 10 O’ clock in the morning. The two of us were very excited because we had planned to be out all day and particularly my friend was very enthusiastic about seeing Delhi as it was for the first time she was there.
We first went to Purana Quila. It was a massive structure of huge rock slabs built by the Mughals. We could imagine the immense labour it must have taken to build the fort especially at a time when the only mode of transport was the bullock-cart. We entered the fort to find a huge dark, narrow, winding staircase leading up to the various rooms of the emperor, his queens and various other members of the household. It was very awful inside and our voices echoed and re-echoed in the empty space. We climbed right on the top of the fort and we felt dizzy looking down from there.
We came out of the cold and dreary musty smelling atmosphere of the fort and breathed the fresh pure air. Nearby was Humayun’s tomb. We came to know from a guide that Humayun’s dear son had fallen ill and Humayun prayed to Allah to take away his life but save his son. After that he fell ill and wasted away whereas his son became better and better, till finally Humayun died, and his son survived.
After this we went to the boat club at India Gate and hired a boat. The weather was lovely and the two of us were together after a long time. There was a mild breeze blowing and the water was calm with faint ripples as the wind touched the surface. There were people sitting on the grass while we took turns to row the boat. The water was clean and transparent, and I could clearly see our faces in the water. My friend was smiling and seemed very happy. I could also see weeds and sometimes golden fishes swimming around the weeds. The lady sang songs while I joked and laughed and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Then we went off to the children’s park nearby. We both sat on the grass and saw children playing all around till we felt hungry and decided to have our lunch. I had packed a picnic lunch from a restaurant near my place, all snacks and light food. My friend spread out the lunch for both of us. Both of us were really hungry and it was real fun having food out in the open. Little birds and sparrows hopped near by and my friend threw tiny bits of food to them which they would pick.
After resting for a while, I took her to the National Museum nearby. We saw a lot of antique statues hundreds of years old and appreciated the craftmanship of the artisans who worked centuries ago without any of the sophisticated instruments which we now have. We also saw a huge aquarium with all kinds of colourful fishes swimming in and out amongst the weeds and pebbles that had been arranged beautifully inside the huge glass cases. We had a lovely time looking around and the lady had a lot of questions to ask the guide. We finally moved out feeling enlightened but quite tired.
From there we went to the State Emporia Buildings to see the arts and the crafts of the different states of India. My friend bought incense sticks from the Tamilnadu emporium and honey for her mother from the Kashmir emporium while I bought her a Tussar dress material from the Madhya Pradesh emporium. The lady was very happy with her gift. We admired the handicrafts of the various other states and by the time we had a good look through all of them, we were quite exhausted. We took cold drinks at a near by fast food stall and felt quite refreshed.
The next item on our itinerary was chaat at the Bengali market. So we had a spicy treat and my friend really enjoyed it since she had never had it before. Almost all girls are very fond of such food - chaat, pani-puri etc. This girl too was no different. After finishing the chaat, we went to have South Indian food at a South Indian restaurant, and once again savoured the delicious food served there.
Finally, we made a move to go home. We had spent a lovely day sight-seeing. Together we had seen a lot, learnt a lot, enjoyed a lot and were now happy to go home and relax and talk about everything that we had seen. That evening, we did not take dinner any more as our stomachs were totally full. At about 10 O’ clock we again took a stroll out to have ice-cream. It is very common among Delhiites to walk out of their homes after dinner to enjoy ice-cream. After finishing our ice-cream we walked our way home. That night, we talked to each other for a long time, before going to bed at almost half past 3. Afterall, we had seen each other after five long years. The next morning it was exactly 10 O’ clock when we woke up. It was Sunday and we had no important work, we were very happy to have spent such a wonderful day together. It had indeed been a memorable day which will long remain in our memory.
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IT RAINED HEAVILY THAT SUNDAY
Rain rain go away,
Come again another day,
Little Johnny wants to play.
It rained heavily that Sunday. The words of this rhyme echoed in my mind as I waited for the rain to stop. It had started raining early in the morning and then it diminished to a mild dizzle. My friend and I had thought of going out. I was brave enough to go to her place inspite of the bad weather.
Luckily, the rain soon stopped, the sun peeped through the clouds and the water drops glistened in the mild sunshine. Both of us were full of joy and started out.
We reached the main road and waited for an auto to come. Suddenly the sun hid behind a cloud and we glanced with dismay at each other. Just then an auto stopped in front of us and we quickly got inside without much ado. There was no giving a second thought. Once more it began to pour and we were clueless, what to do in case it does not stop. As the auto was open on both sides, showers of water flew in and started to drench us. The rain God is such a spoil sport, I said to myself. The roof of the auto above my head began to drip and I had to adjust myself in a way so I could escape it. The water was flying in from both the sides and we had no way to escape. Especially, I was worried for the girl as I could see her feeling a lot uncomfortable. I felt it was a blunder going out on such a rainy day. Just then the auto driver pulled over and another passenger joined us. She was a lady, bit too fat and her saree totally drenched. My friend was getting sandwitched between both of us while I had nothing to do to bail her out. It was such an uncomfortable situation as all three of us had no place to move. We somehow endured the discomfort till the auto stopped at the exhibition ground. Fortunately, the rain had stopped and we jumped out to get our tickets.
Because of the bad weather there was a short queue at the ticket window and we patiently stood at the end of it. All round the place, there were little muddy patches filled with water. I bought tickets for both of us and then we entered the gate. Just the very next moment, it began to rain once again. I wished I had remembered to bring umbrellas for both of us. We ran towards the very first stall we saw and entered hurriedly without even trying to read the banner to see what was inside. It turned out to be an exhibition of some kind of machinery – something we both were least interested in. However, we had to remain inside to escape the rain. My friend said, if atleast we had got into one of the state emporia, we would have had something to look around, and perhaps, buy. We had to wait for almost an hour untill the rain fizzled out. We walked with the polythene bags which we got from the sales person, which we tore to hold over our heads.
The lady was feeling cold and damp and wanted to have a cup of coffee before going any further. To her bad luck, coffee was no where to be found. We reached a nearby tea stall and she had a steaming cup of tea. She felt quite refreshed as I kept watching her as tea and coffee do not agree with me. Once again the rain began to fall heavily and we had to remain inside the tea stall. We sat on the stools and kept looking at the rain which had now started falling in sheets. As soon as it slowed down, we once again quickly moved towards the Himachal Pradesh emporium. We looked at everything there was to see and my friend bought a couple of scarves. We made our way out apprehensively lest it was still raining. Our fears turned out to be true for it was indeed raining very heavily. Anyway, we made our way through the rain and entered the Orissa emporium. We saw the arts and crafts of our state, the silks and cottons galore and felt that our visit was not completely a waste. As we belong to Orissa, everything inside the stall looked so pleasantly familiar that we did not want to come out. When at last we came out, once more we found it to be raining. Now, I was feeling cold because my clothes were wet and my friend had a running nose. Though I seldom take tea, it was I who wanted to have a cup this time. My friend was happy to have her second cup. So once again, we made our way through the drizzle to the tea stall and had a slice of cake and tea. I looked at my watch and found that it was 4 O’ clock. While taking my friend out, I had promised her mom that we would be back by that time. We quickly decided to return home, a bit disappointed that we had hardly seen anything of the exhibition.
We swiftly walked through the muddy patches filled with more water this time, to reach the road. Fortunately, we found an auto without any wait. Even though there were already two people inside it, we decided to take it.
We got down at our place feeling quite dejected, tired and a bit sad that the rain kept us from enjoying our day. After all, both of us had a chance to go out together after a long time. The rain had spoilt a day that we both had been looking forward to for a long time. We decided to go out again the next Sunday.
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Hi friends,
I just visited a wonderful Christian wedding yesterday of my schooltime friend and asked my friend's mother and father that how they organized everything so that I would able to share my trips with all you people over here. So here is what I gathered from them in my own words.
Enjoy this beautiful and intense moment: given free rein to your imagination and try to realize your dreams without giving up as much as possible to enjoy yourself. Our advice to plan the wedding and the wedding feast will be useful.
6-12 months prior to Define the type of party, date and place. Make a schedule of holding the festival (the civil status office, church, refreshments, lunch). Book the church. Contact the ufficiante for marriage in church. Book rooms for refreshments and celebration. Select the destination for honeymoon. Book holidays to work and booked the trip.
6-3 months prior to get in touch with the office of civil status. Order documents for the civil ceremony. Choose the witnesses. Draw up a list of the guests. Reviewed the bids for the restaurant / catering, transportation of guests, the florist and musicians to make your choice. Possibly subscribe to a dance course. Send invitations. Make the wish list and send. Search for wedding rings. Looking for clothes for the bride and the bridegroom. If necessary, make any required vaccinations and visas for their honeymoon.
2 months before the book hotel rooms for guests that come from outside. Contact guests who have not yet responded. Engaged the photographer / service of shooting video (compare different offers). Attach the appointment by the hairdresser. Arrange so that someone will take care of your pets while you're on honeymoon. Felt the post of your absence.
1 month prior to check and confirm the entire organization on the feast. Studied the allocation of seats at the table. Prepare the decorations, the cards with the names, etc.. Try clothes for the ceremony and have them adjust if necessary. Do rewrite documents / bills of insurance with your new name / marital status. In case of transfer, communicated to the mail change of address.
Try 2 weeks before the wedding rings . Communicated to the restaurant / catering service, the exact number of guests.
1 week before Make a list of all the guests and gifts. Make a final briefing of the people involved / the music chosen for the church and the feast. Organized withdrawal of the items hired. Make your luggage / prepared the money, tickets and visas for the honeymoon.
The day before Prepare a bag for the bride. Make jewelry, makeup and accessories. Try to relax and remain calm (which may use the Bach flower or homeopathic tablets to calm the nerves). Get a small gift to each other.
So you've got free time, & you decide to spend some time listening to a song or two. You turn on your music system or iPod, & let the music flow..So out flows the music,with all it's glory & splendour....What happens then?
Music talks to your soul...
Listening to music is not like listening to a speech or lecture, is it? It's much more than that, because music communicates with your soul. It kinda opens up highways into your soul, from where pain,misery or sorrow can drive out. I'm reminded of the fact that African slaves, on slave ships bound for America used to sing songs, while rowing & being whipped by the Americans. How many times have you experienced music permeating every corner of your soul, & making you better?
Music keeps the flame of love alive...
Lovers know how aptly love songs describe what they feel. The melody, the lyrics all add up to increase the feeling of love that exists between two lovers. For ages TV & Radio shows have been flooded with requests of love songs, dedicated by one lover to the other. The Bard of Avon was right when he remarked 'that music is the food of love'...
Music keeps you charged & ready...
Music can keep your body & mind charged & ready to go. Sports men use music during training hours, to help push themselves a little further. A really good song before a game, can alter the performance of a player drastically. There was even an article which showed that exercising with music playing is better than exercising per se...
Music can heal your heart...
Music can heal your pain, & make you better. It can change your thoughts almost instantaneously. Don Henley of The Eagles said:"My happiest moments are when I sing my saddest songs.". Whether it's a heartbreak, or the death of a near one, listening to music can help you cope with sorrow....
Music can relieve stress....
Had a really stressed day?All wired up?? Lay back & listen to some songs, your stress levels will plummet for sure. Different people listen to different kindsa music to relieve stress. For some heavy metal music does the job, & for some relaxation music does it, while some prefer affirmations based music. One thing's for sure, music releases stress, & gives way to a lofty ataraxia...
Music can heal the mind & body...
'Music therapy' is a growing field of research, with a lot of scope. It has been shown that listening to certain symphonies by Mozart, causes an improvement in cognitive function. This effect has been described as 'The Mozart effect', & is used in hospitals the world over. Music has been shown to boost immunity & help tissue repair as well..More research is underway, to see if other beneficial effects accrue from listening to music..
Music can help deal with anger issues...
If you have anger based issues, listening to music can help curb angry outbursts. Some fans of Grunge rock( also known as 'angst ridden rock'), know exactly what I'm talking about. Not just Grunge rock works to this effect, different genres of music, work for different people, to free them from the clutches of anger...
Music helps you clean your room!!
Your room looks like it was hit by a hurricane, & you're in no mood to clean it. Admit it, cleaning your room is like the most boring chore out there!! But turn on the music, & all of a sudden, it becomes a bodacious experience. When you're done cleaning your room, your room looks tidy, & your spirits are high...
Music can make or break you....
Music communicates to your subconscious mind. This is a well known fact, & one you shouldn't take lightly. Lyrics which contain the words-'I' & 'you', can slowly change your subconscious mind, & hence alter who you are. So be choosy in the songs you listen to, or else there could be consequences...
Music can make this world a better place....
This world of our's is no Utopia!! There are loadsa issues which have to be addressed. Songs can help create awareness about important social issues, & hence make this world a better place to live in. Songs like 'We are the world', 'Heal the world', are typical examples of songs that made a huge impact in creating & spurring social change. Concerts like 'Live Aid', 'Help', & other music shows which help support social causes are legion now. So music definitely is a potent agent to bring about social change....
That's it for now...Hope you enjoyed reading this article....
The Beatles are undoubtedly the most popular rock band of all times... They took rock music to heights that could never be scaled by their contemporaries. This article tries to tap into the feeling of Beatlemania which was the buzz of the 60s....
When the Beatles first auditioned, they were not offered a record deal, & were advised to stop trying as 'the world was not looking for such a four piece'!! But eventually 'the Fab Four' did make music, & their records sold out like hot cake. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, & George Harrison eventually went onto write epic songs & followed it up with mindblowing live performances. Their songs were contagious, so to speak, & gave them worldwide acceptance & fame. Every genre of Rock music that now exists was in one way or the other influenced by the Beatles.
The crowds went delirious with each hit spurned out by this quartet, & album sales by this band soared all over the world. The Beatles' songs were of all kinds- love ballads, feel good numbers, philosophical gems & what not!! In a short span of 8 years, the Beatles achieved a level of fame that no band has been able to surpass till now!!
Most of the Beatles' songs were written by John Lennon & Paul Mc Cartney.... Their songs were exceptionally well structured & were real earworms. Their live performances were the most sought after, in the 60s. Though most of the live sets by this band was only around 30 minutes long, they earned more than their contemporary bands. Fans thronged concert venues just to get a glimpse of the Fab Four!! The Beatles toured heavily, & all concert tickets were sold out in hours. With an evergrowing fan base, this phenomenon, later termed Beatlemania engulfed the whole world!! What followed was interviews, documentaries, more offers for live performances & all the other joys of superstardom. The main rivals of the Beatles were the Rolling Stones & the Kinks, who did churn out a few hits, but couldn't come on par to the Beatles, either in album sales or fan following.
Though every album by The Beatles was a gem in itself, the best albums, according to most critics are-'Revolver','Abbey Road' & 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.....'Revolver' was voted by Rolling Stone magazine as the best album of the 20th century. 'Abbey Road' is one of the highest selling albums of all time. The cover work of this album(Abbey Road) is also voted as one of the best ever. 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' is a landmark album in rock history. Many bands have since tried to emulate the perfection of this album(& some like Pink Floyd who came out with 'Dark side of the moon' have succeeded too).
Listing just a handful of songs by this band wouldn't do justice to them, because this band has belted out way too many hit songs. 'Hey Jude' is one gem of a song, which was voted by Rolling Stone magazine as the best rock song of the 20th century. 'Yesterday' a song about heartbreak is a killer song which was written by McCartney. 'Strawberry fields' is a crowd favorite, & is also a song that has been covered, scores of times, by other bands. 'Let it be' is a song that was hugely popular, & was even eventually sung by church choirs (because of the lyrics- "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom let it be.."). 'Lucy in the sky with diamonds', is one mother of a song, based actually on a drawing by Lennon's son. 'Hard day's night' was another bodacious rock song, which also appeared on the soundtrack of a movie of the same name, which was based on the life of the Fab Four. 'Yellow submarine' & 'I am the walrus' are really popular songs, again extensively covered by other bands. One of my favorites is a song called 'Not guilty', which was written by George Harrison. George Harrison was the Silent Beatle, who didn't like the limelight all that much & was an ardent follower of the ISKCON movement. For a novice, a compilation of number one songs by The Beatles was released around 2000 & this will give an idea of the talent possessed by this juggernaut.
Beatlemania reached dizzying heights in the 60s & there was once even a situation where 'Beatle breath' was sold for 20$ per container. This was basically the air around the stage that was trapped in plastic containers & then sold. No other band would have achieved this feat. But eventually the Beatles split up & the world saw the Punk Rock revolution picking speed. Lennon, Harrison & McCartney pursued successful solo careers. Though the band slowly faded out of the public eye, their indelible influence in Rock n Roll cannot be denied..
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