शापित: Y2013: Week 1 31 Dec

To begin with, Wish You all a Happy New Year 2013.

On the eve of the Coming Year I was trying to memorise things those came across or happened in the passing year 2012. I had to think hard to remember what I did the whole year. I could memorise couple of friends’ marriages as they were among my Best friends, my grandma’s death as it had huge impact on me as I had never witnessed a death in family in my cognizance. But apart from that there was not much I could bookmark. Sometimes even small things bring us so much joy and they teach us so many things that the memories of those past times are worth preserving with us. In year 2012 I might have witnessed quite a few moments like those which might have brought smiles on face and might have taught me lessons of life. But when I tried to gather them now they have all vanished. So I thought why not bookmark these precious moments in life’s timestamp. Of course some things are not worth mentioning coz it is better to forget them and move on so that they never haunt us in future. So I have decided to pen them all that would give me pleasant moments in the coming year 2013. I am not a consistent man at anything I decide to do, so I assumed it would be convenient to do it weekly rather than doing it daily.

So its 9^th Jan today and we have already passed a week. I have lot of things worth mentioning that went past the first week of New Year. I must start things 31^st December that was on Monday. Though it was a working day I managed to come home early as decided. The evening plans were ready. Me and wife spend the evening with my closest friend in Bangalore Vikas and his better half. We had dinner in Hotel Grameen near Forum mall and roamed around on the roads of Bangalore till it was 11 PM. MG road in Bangalore on 31^st Dec was crowded and horrific. We regretted being there and pledged never to be on MG Road on such a night. Stayed back at friend’s home and chatted till 3.30 AM.

Next day was full of coincidences. It was 1^st of Jan and was Angaraki Sankasthi that fell on Tuesday(Lord Ganesh's Day). And that happened after some 500 years I was told. J I never keep count though. Our plans were all ready. We were supposed to visit an famous Ganesh and Anjaneya (Shri Hanuman) temple called Ragi Gudda somewhere in JP Nagar. It also fell on Kanakpura road. So thought why not driver straight to HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s AOI international centre which was few miles away. We had Ganesh Darshan standing in a long queue. Then we drove to AOI centre on Kanakpura Road. I had been there couple of times with cousin and friend but it was first time with my wife. Vikas and family accompanied us to Ragi Gudda and AOI. The atmosphere was quite and beautiful away from all the fuss in Bangalore. No traffic, no honking. Spent the whole day there and came back home. All four had dinner at my home. Wished other on New Year yet again and saw my off for the day.

Three more days and came the first week end of the year filled with so much fun. We had planned a long drive on bike. Again accompanying us were Mr and Mrs Vikas Patil. J. We met the evening before the Saturday. The place was decided two days back. It was Mekedatu Kaveri Sangama some 100 KM from Bangalore. The Kaveri shrinks in rocks to so minimum that even a ship(Meke) can jump(datu) across. Thats why name Mekdatu! Plan was that we will carry the food along. We chose to make chapattis and curd rice. And Vikas & family chose some curry (sabji). So it was going to be a full planned picnic. First time again, after marriage. Had to get up early on 4.30 in the morning so that we(she!) could cook, be ready and start by 6.30 AM. Began at 7 AM and after having few stops for breakfast and snaps reached at Chunchu Falls which fell in the way. The whole of south Karnataka is mostly covered by river Kaveri. Hence Most of Water Falls are part of Kaveri. But as there was not much rains this time around in monsoon, this fall was all dried up. We had to trek a mile to reach on the top of a big rock which gave a view of two falls which were flowing with big water streams. Enjoyed a lot there. Had fruits and some water as were exhausted by the walk till this hilltop.

The place was awesome with most of the people into farming, or Silk production. The homes were unique and were there for quite some time. Lots of ships, cows and cattle were seen. People were nice and all guided us to the place. Roads were icing on the cake. No better roads to drive on. Not a single obstacle nor even pits anywhere except the Ragi crops spread on the road after the harvest to dry them up. The crop they had laid made my travel bit difficult as my slipped once on it and we both all on road. Fortunately there were no injuries as cause of low height of my bike and the thickness of the laid crop.

Drove carefully after that and reached the Mekedatu. It is a wonderful place where you can cross the River just by walk. Again no rains so mot much water this time. I had been here earlier when the river was in full swing with more water. All of is crossed the river and had lunch. The actual place of Mekedatu fell some 5 KM from that place covered by mountain rocks. They reminded me of the rocks in film ‘124 Hours’. There were two busses running from across the river to the real place. Boarded the bus which travelled parallel to the river and in the thin layer of jungle.

Mekedatu was really awesome with something that can rarely be seen around. Huge rocks and the Kaveri flowing between them. Enjoyed the scenery and headed back to the place where we had lunch and about to jump in waters. Had fun in the shallow waters of Kaveri. The experience was nice. Something that I will never forget. Headed back to home with a wish to come back again on the same route to visit Shivsamudram. J

Long drive and the real nature’s beauty away from this city full of noise made our day so worth spending. My bike came up with a surprise when I found that it had averaged more than 50KM per litre. Such a joy. J Thanks to HP petrol near my house. They are the most honest I feel who follow all security rules imposed on them and the make the customer follow. Really good petrol.

Touched home at 9.30 PM really tired. Had home made Pongal and saw my friend off.

The next day was full of body aches due to the long ride and some walk. Did nothing the whole day but sleep and read books.

As far as 2013 is concerned there are not many of resolutions made by me except the same things we do like getting up early, going for a jog, planning things better. I know all of them are not going to last for too long.

This was about the Sunday and the week which ended with more plans for the next week. Lets see what’s in the plate in the coming week. Till then have a nice time. And again:

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013. Have loads of fun. Sayonara!

Pramod