Mr Hashtag Tweet

Remember the days when one would wait for the postman to deliver mail to your doorstep. The mail delivery would assume more significance if the letter bore some good news often followed by dramatic emotional outbursts and celebrations. In those days, the telegram was the fastest mode of delivering news, somewhat comparable to today’s speed post. Unfortunately, by the nature of its service, it had earned an ominous reputation of being the bearer of bad news. The advent of computers and World Wide Web eventually led to a gradual demise of the erstwhile telegram. The ‘Internet’ opened up a plethora of opportunities not only for businesses but also for sending personal messages on real time basis.

Ctrl+Alt+Del

We start fresh. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram have taken over the world of communication. Dynamic modes of communication have transformed the way we communicate with our friends, families and colleagues.

Just to illustrate the significance of technology in our lives, here’s a snapshot in the life of José who works as a financial analyst at a Fortune 500 company:

His iPad wakes him up in the morning. He begins his morning ritual by sending a good morning message to a group of friends on the WhatsApp group he created. As he sips his coffee he goes through his Facebook wall to update himself about his friends whereabouts and adventures. It even updates him on what’s trending right from politics to sports. Out goes the conventional newspaper. As he waits at a traffic signal he tweets about the traffic snarl warning his friends and colleagues to avoid this route. As soon as he reaches office José logs on to a Skype conference call with his offshore clients. The client call is followed by a birthday celebration of a colleague. He clicks a group selfie and posts it on Instagram, an image sharing platform. For lunch, they decide to try out a nearby eating joint that is easy on the pocket and where the food is appetizing. So they check the Zomato app to facilitate their search. After a sumptuous meal Jose and his colleagues pay for their lunch through mobile e-wallets. A heavy meal makes the group lazy so they decide to hire an Ola cab using its mobile app. The app gives them an approximate cost for the distance. Once Jose reaches the office he checks Evernote, an app that reminds him the agenda for the remainder of the day. As he wraps up his working day he keeps a watchful eye on the torrent of his favorite episode of Game of Thrones downloading. Simultaneously, he also downloads an episode of last night’s MasterChef to try it out after he reaches home. On his way home, Jose navigates his way back home using google maps to avoid traffic. He uses his smarthome app to instruct his smart home about his preferences once he reaches home. A nice hot shower, followed by a glass of red wine as the food gets cooked in the automated cooking oven. His Smart TV plays his favorite cricket match which you missed while he was busy with his clients. No time to go out and play? No worries. He switches on his Wii console and plays a round of lawn tennis with Roger Federer. Finally it’s time for bed. His smart home console decides the temperature of his bedroom based on his body temperature, the mattress is aligned based on his spine tension and his alarm is set for 7 am.

#HashTag World has arrived

Phew! Exhausted by how much technology has infiltrated our lives.  Social media has changed the way news is disseminated. The rate of news delivery is mind blogging. Relationships are being forged and broken online. You can witness the best moment in your life being thousand miles away from the destination. Imagine an army personnel stationed at distant desolate village of Kabul witnessing live birth of his first born in Pennsylvania, US. Not long ago did India's PM Narendra Modi win the general elections leveraging the power of technology and social media. Unfortunately, businesses in India are yet to realize the power of social media. They are yet to discover the true power and depth of social media tools. Many businesses realize the importance of having a good website but few realize it is even important to support it with a good social media tools. Social media is redefining media advertising. It gives one an in-depth insight into the customer’s browsing habits, their likes and dislikes and is an awesome media to gain invaluable feedback. The world, as we know today, is abuzz with various technology and social media tools at our fingertips. The power rests in our hands. However, they questions to be answered are, are we aware of the power we possess and if we do then do we know how to wield it?

Borivali-Churchgate: Life in a slow lane

Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination

The time is 8:56 on the digital watch. One eye on the watch and the other on the swelling crowd around, the Mumbaikar wipes the sweat of his brow as he awaits the arrival of the Churchgate bound train at Borivali station. Two trains bound for Churchgate reach adjacent platforms at more or less the same time. One train is a fast local (trains running within the Mumbai metropolitan area are referred to as locals), making few select stops and the other train would be halting at all stations enroute to its final destination. As the trains near their halting point they lose steam. Men and women regardless of their age leapfrog each other to board the running train to reserve space for themselves in the compartment. Once the locomotive halts a mad frenzy breaks out to be the first to board the train. Clutching on to their belongings, passengers steamroll themselves through a narrow door. It’s nothing like you have experienced before. Some hold on to others shirts, belts and whatever they could lay their hands on to step inside the train. Those alighting at Goregaon and Jogeshwari occupy the passageway thereby blocking the entry. Swear words and fists fly left and right as fight breaks out between those that would like to enter and those who stand at the door. An animated crowd keeps pushing till they find an inch of space and that’s all you’ll get most often. The train whistles at 8:57 and thus begins the journey.

One big bogey family

Everyday millions of Mumbaikars travel by the railways. Divided into three major zones, Western, Central and Harbour, the railways have been the lifeline of Mumbai since its inception in the mid-19^th century. You haven’t seen Mumbai if you haven’t travelled in a local. Over the years it has witnessed live births and many deaths. Many relationships have been forged on the railway tracks. It is common to find groups traveling together, boarding the same train everyday every year. In one corner you would find a group of senior citizens playing rummy, the other corner you would find a group of college boys whatsapping, in another corner you would find a group of middle aged men discussing social and political apathy. The ladies discuss and debate last night’s soaps and exchange recipes. Then you would also have those who make the long journey melodious. A group of people get together and sing bhajans (hymns) and distribute prasad (religious offering). To add to the entertainment, Mumbai’s eunuchs use their uncanny ways to extract money from passengers. Mumbai locals are also home to hawkers and tramps.

Dreadful Journey

The journey of a few miles feels like a million miles as the locomotive chugs on from one station to another. Drenched with sweat, Mumbai’s common man finds a way to beat the heat, long hours in unnatural positions. Some even end up standing on a single leg for prolonged periods of time. The journey gets longer if the train halts at a signal or if there has been an accident. Rail accidents occur on a daily basis on Mumbai’s rail tracks. These have also become a hotspot for desperate individuals to commit suicide. Passengers hanging precariously at the train doors form a major part of train-related casualties. Claustrophobic compartments and inadequate ventilation have led to various health issues. Virar-bound trains are notorious in this regard. Thankfully, senior citizens have a reserved space for themselves in the compartments. For a newbie, boarding a local for the first time at a crowded station would be baptism by fire. It is near to impossible. I remember my first few days as a novice traveler. I used to let go of 3-4 trains hoping the madness would die down. If you can’t beat them, join them. Soon I learnt the trade and became an expert at not only boarding trains but also reserving a seat for myself.

Silver Lining

Despite the ominous conditions, the trains still form a vital part of all Mumbaikars. It forms the livelihood of millions of individuals who have come to this cosmopolitan to earn their bread and butter. Introduction of air conditioned trains on the Central line and improving passenger facilities at railway stations are a step in the right direction. Mumbai’s railways need a breath of fresh air. The infrastructure has to be upgraded at the earliest. Ease of travelling has to be improved. Mumbai’s railway infrastructure is creaking. It is being stretched beyond its limits by a burgeoning migrant population. Hopefully, the authorities would take notice of this to ease the burden by introducing alternate modes of transportation within the city. The Mumbai Metro is a good start but a lot needs to be done and the sooner the better. Till then, Mumbai’s locals will have to continue on their serpentine journey through this majestic city ferrying people to their destinations. 

Getting Wild Down Under - II

Adventure is worthwhile in itself - Amelia Earhart

Rise and Shine. Starting off from where we left over, it is time to get adventurous. Yes literally! Before we do so if you are not short on time try and spend at least a day to see the nature’s beauty around Flinders Chase National Park. The Flinders Chase Visitor Centre is a good starting point. It gives you a lot of handy information about KI and the National Park. This park is known for two iconic tourist attractions: Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. So let’s explore.

Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch

Nature is also an excellent sculptor and the proof of this can be seen from the beautifully shaped rocks. They are truly remarkable and are the island’s signature landmarks. One can reach the rocks through a series of wooden steps. These rocks have been fashioned by environmental elements over a course of 500 million years. The rocks look as if they have been chiseled into some abstract piece of art. One can climb on these to gain a vantage point overlooking the ocean. The ideal time to visit this iconic spot is in the evening as you can catch the sunset at the Admiral’s arch. The sight is truly breathtaking. An ideal spot to try out your photographic skills.

Just like the Remarkable Rocks, the rocks are carved into arch’s by erosive forces. The Admiral’s Arch provides a scintillating view of the sunset and the New Zealand fur seals that colonize the rocky shores. You can find them jumping around in the cold waters of the ocean and are a treat to watch. In my opinion it is one of the best places on KI to end your day. There are a number of sunset viewing points so if you are in a group it won’t be a problem photographing yourselves with the sun setting in the background. A memorable group selfie.

Snake Lagoon and Rocky River Valley (Trekking)

For starter’s, the name is misleading. You don’t find any snakes over here. The lagoon gets its name from its serpentile rocky pathway (Rocky River Valley) and is only a few miles away from the Admiral’s Arch. It’s a popular trail among tourists and the trek leads you through the terrains to the mouth of the river where it meets the sea. If you don’t mind a short trek you can put on your trekking shoes and enjoy the walk.

Kelly Hill Caves (Cave Adventuring)

If you don’t mind getting yourself dirty then cave adventuring is the right thing for you. As you drive down the South Coast Rd from Flinders Chase National Park towards Vivonne Bay you encounter this little hideout. Remember the limestone formations from your textbook? Probably not. A range of structures emerging from the ceiling, sides and surface of the caves give it an impressive artistic viewing. These underground caves have been a feeding site for some KI inhabitants and a death trap for some unfortunate ones who fall through holes above the cave. The fossils of the dead are visible. You are given a guided tour with proper gear to crawl through narrow dark crevices. Yes you heard me right! You have to crawl like a reptile on your belly at certain spots.

Little Sahara (Sand Surfing, Quad Biking and Kayaking)

Nature has put a desert bang in between lush green outfields. Spread over two square kilometers, this sand oasis is perfect for sandboarding. I remember ending up on my back with legs pointing towards heaven. Sandboards can be hired from KI Outdoor Action. Try it. It’s fun.

While there, you may also hop on a quadbike for a guided tour and try your maneuvering skills on some well laid out dirt tracks and open grasslands.

To complete an action packed adventure you could choose to go on a guided kayak tour and wade through the beautiful Harriet river saying hello to nature as you pass by.

A word of advice if you plan on completing all of the above activities: Check the timings and requirements. KI Outdoor Action offers all of the above. A combined package could be much more economical.

Vivonne Bay

Continuing from Little Sahara, at a little distance along the South Coast Road, is Vivonne bay. Adjudged one of Australia's top beaches by University of Sydney, its known for its clear blue waters, privacy and easy accessibility. It’s worth taking a walk along the seashore. Swimming is not recommended here (even if you are a good swimmer). Before you head off to Seal Bay you may want to treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at Marron Café. The eatery is named after a relative of cray fish, Marron. Located on the Andermel Marron Farm, the place houses a Marron hatchery and you will be taken on a guided tour to see how these crustaceans are breeded. It is a local delicacy. Tasting locally produced wines is another added attraction at this site.

Seal Bay

Heading further along the South Coast Road to our final destination (not like the movie hehe..), we reach Seal Bay. This place is famous for the colonizing Australian Sea Lions. It is a breeding spot for these sea mammoths and the area is closely monitored by local authorities. Being closer to Kingscote the beach is a tourist hotspot.

If you take a map of Kangaroo Island and chart the course of our journey then we would have covered the whole island (or at least the most visited places on the island).

Few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid camp fire, you could cause forest fire. KI has had episodes of wildfires.
• Keep an eye for Kangaroos and Wallabies if you drive after dusk. KI wildlife comes alive after sunset.These nocturnal creatures are attracted towards light and may accidentally bump into your vehicle. Protect wildlife.
• Avoid travelling after sunset as fuel and other resources are scarce on this island after 5pm.
• Barring Telstra, other network providers have limited island coverage.
• Don’t forget to have fun.

Getting Wild Down Under - I

One of the fascinating places I have visited is Kangaroo Island, South Australia. This is where Australia’s wildlife comes alive. Nearly an hour’s distance from Adelaide by ferry, this island is paradise for all who love nature and seek some solace from their hectic lives. The island is just 150 km long but it took me two trips to unravel the beauty of this island. Rich in history and wildlife, KI is beautiful and serene.

There are number of places I visited and each and every one of them left me with awe. Planning your stay and destinations can be tricky. Communication via cell phones is not available throughout the island and fuel is restricted to only certain spots on the island. A map and a GPS navigator can come in very handy. I made a selection of some of the top destinations which could serve as a guide for anyone planning to visit KI.

Kingscote

The seaside town is one of KI’s biggest town and also the entry point into KI if your ferry is coming here. Word of advice: Refuel and load up on ration and water over here as you will find it hard to get anything elsewhere. People are warm and helpful. One can pick up maps and guides from the local shops. There are many lodges here to stay. They are economical and vary depending on the facilities available. Rooms are available for couples and large groups (7-8 people or more).  From Kingscote you may take either the Playford Highway which will take you through the heart of the island or take the Birchmore road which will lead you to the South Coast Road and you could experience some of the most amazing places along the coast. Let’s begin with the Playford Highway and make our way back through the South Coast Road. If you are staying overnight at Kingscote don’t forget to pay a visit to the most photographed person on KI-The Pelican Man. Watch him feed the pelicans. It’s a feeding frenzy! A guided tour of the seashore will allow you to catch a glimpse of the island’s nocturnal penguins. These endangered species are being closely monitored by the local community.

Emu Bay

The first place you would arrive at if you take diversion off the Playford Hwy towards the north coast. This is a very desolate area. Nice if you are with your family or with someone special. You can even take your vehicle onto the beach but I would recommend a walk down the beach. It is one of the safest places on KI to try out your new fancy swimming trunks. Look out for the eye catching Lavender Farm in this area. Locals who grow lavender also make and sell a variety of lavender based products like perfumes, oils, soaps to name a few.

Parndana

Parndana is the heart of KI. It is also a very good alternative to Kingscote if you want to set up camp over here.  From Parndana, one can either take the South Coast Road or continue on the North Coast Road. There is a wildlife park that one could visit but if you have been to other places in Australia chances are that you have already visited at least one other conservation park. They are more or less similar.

Stokes Bay

Stokes Bay is a drive down the North Coast Road from Emu Bay. A pristine beach along the northern coast, this one is dotted by a rocky shoreline and thus is accessible only by foot. One of the places that is a must visit places in this area is Paul’s farm. Known for domesticating some rare breeds, you get a chance to get cosy with animals that you would otherwise be able to see in a zoo or on your idiot box. I have some fond memories of this place. I remember holding a baby koala in my arms, a python round my neck and feeding a kangaroo off my hands. You can even get to hold emu eggs and if you feel particularly adventurous you could even let emu’s eat grains off your head (Caution: the pecking could get nasty, but it’s fun). A must visit.

Cape Borda Lighthouse

It’s recommended to take the Playford Hwy rather than continue on the north coast road if you are driving down all the way to Cape Borda. This is located within the Flinders Chase National Park but way off retreat houses. This lighthouse is perched on a cliff overlooking the Investigator Strait. This has some Australian maritime history which can be seen in the lighthouse attic.

Flinders Chase National Park

Driving back from Cape Borda Lighthouse it is advisable to retire at the Flinders Chase National Park retreat houses. One should check their reception times to book for overnight stay and plan accordingly or you would have to drive for miles (during peak season) before you could find accommodation for the night. If you are moving around in a caravan there’s also a caravan park nearby that you could use. You would need a camping permit if you are keen on camping in the wild. Nestled in the national park, the retreat houses are well furnished. Most of the KI creatures are nocturnal so don’t be alarmed if you hear all sorts of noises in the night. Enjoy the night in the wild.

Watch out for more in my next blog...........

Kalsubai - Journey to the top

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step - Lao Tzu 

I stood with my arms outstretched like a starfish announcing my latest conquest. At 5400 ft the entire state of Maharashtra lay at my feet hailing the conqueror. I had successfully climbed the ‘Everest of Maharashtra’. An exhilarated feeling ran through me giving me goosebumps. Nestled in the Sahayadri ranges, Kalsubai is one of the prominent trekking points in the Western Ghats. However, unlike other trekking points, proper pathway and well laid out steps and ladders make the climb a less daunting task for the ‘muggle’ trekkers.

Like Ninja turtles, the four of us mounted our backpacks and started off from a small village called Bari, a little after two in the afternoon. The village showed signs of an impending season of merciless summer. The sun had soaked nearby ponds dry. Women with their earthenware queued up at a nearby borewell while some elderly men sat under a tree that spread its wings to provide shelter from the sweltering heat. The grass was sparse and what was left of it had turned yellow. Intermediate breeze was a welcome guest. Even the livestock acknowledged the summer that was upon them and made sure that none of the water that spilled over went waste, lapping up excess water.

An uphill task

We began our journey at quarter to three. After receiving some preliminary advice from a localite we set off on our journey. My journey to the top was more of a start-stop campaign. I had scaled the much more treacherous Harishchandragad year ago but Kalsubai proved to be an onerous task from the word go. Probably it was the heat or just a mental block or maybe both. I was to find out soon. 

As our journey to the top gathered pace I began to slow down. The winding paths and the upward trajectory kept adding a few pounds to my untrained leg muscles with every step. Shallow quick breaths made me feel as if oxygen was being sucked out of my lungs. My mouth soon turned dry reflecting the moisture-less environmental surroundings. I began to thirst and stop at regular intervals. My friends kept egging me on sometimes hurling abuses at me and sometimes there were just kind words. Either ways they meant well and proved to be just the sort of push I needed under the prevailing conditions.

The journey was fraught with stamina and mental strength issues. Every time I rested to catch my breath or have water it kept chipping away at my confidence. I kept telling my friends I can’t do it and they kept urging me to push on.

It was not all gloomy though. Breathtaking views of the villages and the farm areas in the surrounding Nashik district were a sight to adore as we kept clawing our way to the top. At regular intervals there were small sheds made by the villagers. Some were used my villagers as refreshment kiosks for the trekkers.

Task accomplished

Our major concern was reaching in time to the top of the mount to catch a glimpse of the sunset and set our tent before the light fades. My pace was slower than a tortoise on its worst day. I kept backing myself to do it. I knew I could do it. One step at a time. The perseverance and constant encouragement from friends paid off and I made it to the top.  I did it. It took us 3 hours. The view from the top of Kalsubai was breathtaking. Gusty winds and a fading sun made all the struggle and pain disappear. We set up our tent just below the top of the peak. Collecting dry sticks from surrounding areas, we set up a bbq area. Using basalt stones which proved to be good enough to make a sigri, we designed a makeshift bbq. Using slender sticks as a makeshift grill plate we used a handy trident shaped tool as skewers to bbq sausages and kebabs. The thrill of barbequing in the wild was simply wonderful. The ingenuity of using tools made available to us by Mother Nature made us feel closer to our ancestors.

All’s well that ends well

After drowning our exhaustion in mild spirits and gobbling up our barbequeued food, we retired for the day in our humble tents. The next day we packed our belongings, cleared the area of all rubbish. We refilled our bottles with the help of a nearby well which was shortly followed by our descent. The climb down the mountain was relatively easy but slippery at times. The view of the valley down was simply awesome. We had a bird’s eye view of the contours of the land. It took us just under 2 hours including all the stops we made to capture precious moments through our phone lenses. Just before we could reach our starting point we quenched our thirst with some home-made lemon juice. Upon reaching the start point we rushed straight to the bore well pump to quench our thirst. After that we helped ourselves with some lip smacking kanda poha and local tea. After cleaning ourselves up we packed our trekking kit in the car’s trunk and headed back to our homes. Thus came to an end a memorable trek. 

On Top Down Under

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm   - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don’t all of us love to eat burgers? A Big Mac or Whopper takes an average of 30 secs to prep. McDonald’s in a 2013 survey found it sells 75 burgers every single second of every minute of every hour of every single day. That’s an astonishing stat. Our hunger can be insatiable. I bet no one spares a thought for the ones who makes these possible. I am proud to be one among those millions who has worked or who work at one of such food outlets.

No worries mate

The phone rings at 5:15 am. Reluctantly, I pick it up still cosily tucked under my blanket. Out comes a very cold voice that froze into my ears “Can you come in to work?” I didn’t have a choice. I had made myself available for that day. Originally meant to be a 3-4 hr shift, it ended up being an eight hour nightmare. After I had finished feeding the hungry beasts I wondered if I would manage to make it past the first month. I used to mostly ‘open’ or ‘close’ meaning I had to start either at 5 am or sign off by 12 or later. Being a night owl I hated the opening shift and the chilly Aussie weather added to my misery. But it was the closing shift that made me work my fingers to the bone. Washing all food trays, saucepans and other food handling equipments was a task. Getting stuff ready for the early morning shift was another task. In between all this customers had to be served and quality adhered to. Sweeping, scrubbing and swabbing the entire restaurant floor squeezed every last bit of strength that your body could muster. I used to look like a tramp, battle-bruised.

Awwwwesome

Then came a welcome move. The restaurant manager decided to hire young guns from other nationalities who really desired the job and who could make a difference in the working atmosphere. Needless to say, Indians were the first in line. Indians are known to have a very good track record away from home, unlike our national cricket team. It soon turned out to be a master stroke, not just for the restaurant but for me too. I resented work and now I looked forward to it.

Turning point

At first the whole place looked alien, working alongside guys who thought they were characters from marvel comics. Guys were testosterone fuelled and girls though some good others were least to say obnoxious. The accent was foreign and difficult to follow. Local slangs made matters worse. A fast paced environment with a demanding work ethic was difficult to cope with initially. Coordination and communication was a major stumbling block even for a person from an English speaking background. My confidence to operate in such a hostile and sometimes racist environment was at its lowest. This changed as more Indians were hired. As one would expect, the medium of communication changed from English to Hindi. ‘Tuh-ma-toh’ was exchanged for ‘tuh-ma-tur’ and mate became ‘yaar’. Hostility made way for camaraderie, enthusiasm replaced dull and boring. The roaring tigers had chased the hopping kangaroos. We would egg on each other when the chips were down. We loved working with each other. Even pain felt like pure ecstasy. We used to get a high working with each other. None of us had done this kind of work at home and now we were just killing it. Our working spirit raised the performance level not only of our restaurant but set a new benchmark for other stores in the area. Store and sales records were broken one after the other. Business soared. We were rewarded for our outstanding performances.  Of course, this didn’t happen without us attracting some amount of criticism and jealousy from fellow Aussies. But our charisma was just too much for them to resist for too long.

Good onya, bastard!

It is said that the first thing you pick up from a new language are the swear words. That’s right. We taught the Roos some cool Hindi words. It so happened that one of our overenthusiastic colleague happened to collide with an Indian female in a mall. Her reaction to this incident irked him and he said something that completely outraged her much to his amusement. To his defence, he didn’t know what it meant. He had just learnt the word on his previous shift and in his enthusiasm to showcase his Hindi skills put it in play. The lady at the mall came close enough to leave an imprint on his Irish face. He had just called her a prostitute! After this incident we put out a disclaimer of not owning any responsibility for any consequences one could suffer due to their verbal (mis)adventures.

Work hard, play hard

I didn’t realise how three years had passed. We dominated the proceedings in the restaurant but were never hostile towards any rookie or towards any Aussie. In fact we had crew members who would love to party with us the Indian way. Other nationality workers got a leg up to voice their concerns because of us. Finally, when I parted ways I realised three amazing things had just happened. Firstly, I got friends with whom I still share an invisible but significant bond. Secondly, it gave me the confidence to achieve anything provided your mind and heart are in it. Lastly, and more importantly it helped me pay off my Uni loan, my cross. These friends through their presence unknowingly had helped me overcome the impossible. Confucius in his wisdom once said “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” As a dedication to all those friends I through my own, somewhat bitter experience, have this to say, ‘Find friends you love to work with, and you will never feel you worked a single day.’