New turn in life

My life has become like a hopper once i moved out from my home town after staying there for 30 years. once i left my home town i hopped every 2 years at mumbai, singapore, delhi and again singapore now.
Inspite of having quite a lot of friends i always carved for a true friend who will be always with me no matter where i was. I almost used to have one untill last year but was unfortunate to lose him to god.
He was my school mate from class 1. It was a long friendship of more than 25 years. We used to go to school for independence day n republic day even when we are working as we loved it and were also staying n working in home town. I felt bad when i had to leave home town for new job in mumbai. But we used to talk n he used to be the first person to wish for any festival ocassion etc. He was the first personto meet whenever i went home town as he still worked there.
One bad morning i have to say i got a call from one common friend that my close friend suffered heart stroke and was in ICU. I was shocked. I try to be in touch andbefore i coulkve arrang
ements to go to meet him news which was hesuffered kidney failure and another stroke and he passed away last night. I was so unfortunate that i could not see him for last time. I was very much worried as he has 4 year old son and not so educated wife and they were staying away from his parents as they could not adjust. We all friends tried to share money to guve a bright future but not allowed by friends parents stating as disgrace to them. Now my friends wife is staying with her parents with kid.
I lost my close friend. No one sends me any wishes for anything like he used to. I m horrified that prestige is more for parents even though they lost their only son.It was one of the buggest shock n lesson to me.I m still searching for a friend like him. As they say god calls his dearest people to him early nd my friend was one of a kind who helped everyone but we are not able to do anything for his family. Only hid good deeds will savehis family.
I was thinking to write above blog since long but finally wrote to this to honor one of the best friend ramya whom i met only 6 months back via sujatasatya blog. Although i never met ramya in person she was the one who inspired me to write blogs. She thought me that no reason is required to write a blog. She is a wonderful person and hope god fulfils her every wish.

Singapore Night Festival

Singapore Night Festival is an annual event conducted by Singapore National museum. It happened this year on last weekend of August and first weekend in September. When I got to know about in I was very excited to see the various events planned by them. There is the lighting of various museums with lights depicting the style of Singapore, art of Singapore, the ancestory of Singapore. As u can see is on the picture of lighting. It's amazing to see. It happens in vending between 7pm to 2am. There were various shows on streets and in the open area.

There are street shows like one of the above. A girl was made to stand on a stand which can go up and down , rotate, and also move forward. Along with the girl moves a band of drummers and beaters, with moving disco lights. U can see the pics of above. It was damn good with loud music and crowd going berserk. The girl dances and the stand keeps moving up down rotate. At the end she hangs in the air by the rope and the stand is rotated 360 deg with full speed as she dances in air. It was awesome to watch. It was done for 5 times along the street. We moved along with them. 

Then we moved to the other venue of other events. We had a schock to see a big transparent water pool hanging in air, having lights, music all attached. It was a schock because never seen such a big pool hanging in air and people standing fully below the pool. It was like 50m x 50m. Then started the music we could see one girl now lying in the pool of water. The music started the girl started making dance moves lying flat in pool followed by 3moregirls. The al started playing dancing jumping crawling from one end to other end. After some time the pool started moving down till it reached the bottom people to touch from bottom and see girls clearly as it was a transparent pool. It was awesome.  Then the pool moved back. Then one girl stood up and as she moved the pool of water moved in patterns. Then followed by all girls moving and playing again. It was too good.

Then we moved to a live stage of dj and live music 

We also visited one museum from inside which has bridal jewellery. It was too good.

It was already 1am. We could not cover all as time wasn't sufficient . Hope to over it next year too. It was on more lifetime experiences.

HSBC Tree Top Walk

This blog is in continuation to the mcritchie reservoir blog of mine. When we visited the reservoir we came to know about a tree top walk which was about 5 km from there through the reservoir trees which as told by many there is a must visit. But we went late to the park at around 5pm and the tree top walk closes at 5pm. So we decided to come back for the tree top walk once again. So we have planned and visited the tree top walk known as HSBC Tree Top walk. The abov pic is the destination picture. It's a hanging bridge with one way entry. It was a life time experience.

So friends(three) of us made all the arrangements like food , water etc as we were told there is nothing available the whole way. The above is the pic of the start of the walk. The walking through the jungle was good. Enjoyed the cool atmosphere with the real jungle away from the city life. We noticed a lot of people jogging in the way. The path was kaccha as it should be to give reality exp. The walk was not so tough but it was joyful with friends.

We stooped at intermediate halt to take a break and have some refreshments, we are suddenly astonished to see a bunch of monkeys. Although we were told there will be monkeys but we didn't expect to see so many. When we were busy with taking pics like one I put above and left our bags down , by the time we were completed the monkeys have emptied one our food bag. They were very ferocious too. We saw one monkey almost to hurt one guy who tried to instigate the monkey. 

We started again to reach the destination ,now the way was normal road which was so steep, we felt the kaccha road was better.  Finally we reached the destination , the pic iput above. It was connected to road by number of wooden steps. The above spot was being maintained by HSBC .  

The walk was a narrow one normally sufficient for one person to walk freely. It was a one way path. Liked the greenery, the view. The pic of me on the bridge is above.

The exit from the bridge was through wooden steps as the pic shows above. It was a long walk all by wooden walk way and steps through the green forest. Enjoyed the walk slowly. Reading about the various trees and animals that can be found by placards kept on the way. 

On the way was one tower about 30m height which we climbed to see the whole area. The view was wonderful. The above is the pic of my sitting on the top of the tower.

On the way back there was the beautiful reservoir on one side and beautiful golf course on one side. It was a green lush area. We stayed there about an hour enjoying the scenic view. You can see the above pics and understand .

So it was a beautiful day spent with nature. There are many more places in Singapore to explore. Hope to see them one by one .

Mcritchie Reservoir

Mcritchie Reservoir is a wonderful place. We got to know about this from a friends post in Facebook . Knew that Singapore is a nice place but didn't imagine it has such beautiful natural reservoirs too. We went there and got impressed by just seeing it in the first moment itself. It's kept neat , clean. The resvoir has walk way , parks, play area, kaya rafting etc.

I am really mused. One more thing mention is the presence of the naughty monkeys. We took a lot of food with us as we are informed that no food stalls there. As we were busy with photography and enjoying the beauty of the place, monkeys have lifted half of our food. Nothing we could do.

When we are enjoying it the surprise came, the rain...it was heavy rain and we are very mused by seeing such a heavy rain very near the reservoir , it made the place still more beautiful . We waited for the rain to go and then we had a wonderful mist to see on the water. It was a wonderful scene. We came to know that there is a point called tree top which is 11km of walking one way...the view would be wonderful as told...as there is a bridge hanging in between two very big trees. We went late and could not visit. We will plan it for some other day.
It was a pleasant evening with friends which is a life memorable event. If u ever visit Singapore please ensure to see it.

Fathers day

Father is one of the first few words a child is always introduced too and for a father the first words by his son as father are very touching and life time remembered.

Now I will try to write my phase of becoming a father to the present father's day.Although it is my personal I would like to express it and store it for a life time. As my blogs are "as I see and feel". Here it goes;

The idea of getting married is a thrill for any person it may be a boy or girl and I am no exception. But since I saw my sister getting married and having her first child very close to their anniversary, I was confused as I wanted to get married but didn't want to have a child at least before completion of 3-4 years of marriage and the main point was will it be taken in the same spirit by my would be wife that we need to enjoy our life a bit before we take the responsibility of one more person. But I felt this topic would be not right to make it a criteria while selecting my wife. So went ahead and selected a girl from my home town and we are happily married. Then came the question of how to explain it to my wife and I managed to tell her and she agreed which made me happy. But I think you all know of the Indian mentality of the parents and inlaws about having a grandchild as soon as they have their children married. I have to say in this aspect It is the ladies who hav to face tough situation rather than gents. But my wife was stuck between me and all others but we some how managed it. And I forgot to mention one of the main reasons for not having child according to me is to have ur disturbed sleep at nights as I saw my sister family spending many nights without sleep...it may sound silly to you but I was clear.

Although we had to wait for knowing that we will have our first child it was the timing which created a little hassle. I confirmed my job for moving to Singapore and 1 week later to that we knew that we are going to be parents and as per doctor advise my wife cannot travel abroad and has to stay in India only. Then the discussion whether to abandon the idea of Singapore but it was a long cherished dream to go to Singapore . Finally with an understanding that I will be visiting every two months and a promise to stay with my wife on the due day and my inlaws going to take care of her I moved to Singapore. It was a very tough phase. And as u all know the ladies will have a lot of wishes in the time from conceiving to delivering which they want their husbands to fulfill, I did my best in my visits and I am thankful to my wife for understanding.

The tentative deliver date was informed and I was prepared to come to India then. One fine morning about 3weeks from the tentative date I got a call saying the my wife delivered a baby boy and they did not inform me because it was sudden in the mid night India time and they don't want me to get tensed. I was thrilled and sad too. Thrilled for the wonderful news , sad that I could not keep my promise to be on the delivery date. I wanted to fly the same day but was informed that due to some stars of birth etc I cannot seem him even if I come and the naming function was decided on 21st day from date of birth and I cannot fly two times.

Although the technology was well in place but my inlaws did not allow my son pic o b clicked and send to me. So I was only hearing about him through words of all including my wife. I was unable to control but had no choice but to be away from my seeing my diet child. The days flew and finally saw my son and my wife and the tears just rolled down. So did not lose any time nd they were in Singapore in the next 2 months.

Although I was happy of their coming but the worry of getting less sleep had kept me bothered.....as I thought it happened I used to get less sleep although my wife managed a lot as she knows I hate less sleep. But I tried to do my best. I was waiting for he day for my son to call me "papa" and the day arrived and I was so happy....

As he grew up I learned a lot of things like having more patience, spending time with him rather than on the net, things to make him happy and I missed a lot like movies in theatres, avoiding late night parties etc etc. As he grew I started like the cartoons their stories their movies. Now I enjoy cartoons as much as he enjoys.

Coming to today when he is 5 years old , he made a tie for me which reads to my " best dad, I love u dad". Seeing it made me emotionalH. I never thought that being father has so much happy feelings linked to it. Now we enjoy the gadgets iPhone,iPad,galaxy sii with lots of games, videos etc. I never felt so happy......I thank my wife and god for making me a father. I know it's only the beginning ....it has a long way to go........

Sorry if it was so long I tried to make the post short but as I am new to blogging I could not may be I will learn it sometime.

Just returned from iifa awards....

Finally I have done it. Watched IIFA awards live in Singapore . The evening started with we reaching an hour before the awards show to get a glimpse of the stars. But all we could see the stars going to th awards in posh BMW cars with black glasses where u will not be able identify who was in it. I was disgusted that there was no way people can see the stars going in. So moved to our entrance to notice some 100 persons already in que to enter the venue. The people were stunning dressed like all the type of fashions in the world . 90 percent were Indians but some locals too. The ambience was good. Although we had to wait for some time enjoyed the peoples fashion show. We noticed some persons and knew they came from Malaysia a four hour drive from Singapore. We were allowed to go in and once we reached in we were stunned by seeing the iifa set. It was mind blowing. We reached our allotted seats and due to the careful selection of the seats we had full view of the entire stage and the entire area where all the stars will be sitting. Then saw a Harley Davidson bike in some corner of the stadium. Wow. Was dreaming what was for that? The stars started arriving the crowd was crazy shouts whistles the ambience was electrifying . Saw Vivek Oberoi with wife, naris fakhri, sonakshi sinha, rekha, priyanka chopra, bipasha , sreedevi,parineeti chopra, prabhudeva....the list goes on. The award show started with shahid kapoor entering the bike I mentioned the crowd yelled screamed. The heat was raising up. Followed by awards and performances. The lights the music and the ambienc was too good it is to be experienced. My wife and I are having great time. The performances started with of sonakshi sinha, prabhudeva dance, shahid kapoor dance, bipasha dance, randhir and rishi kapoor together, priyanka chopra dance for rekha movies etc..... It was one of the most memorable days. Enjoyed every moment. Only sad thing was could not get a snap with any of the stars but happy saw them in person, saw them talking, saw them dancing. The result made a commitment not to miss any award show live if it's happening in city I stay......this was a memorable weekend. IIFA rocks...................

IIFA 2012 in Singapore and My Tale to see it live

I am a fan of Bollywood like millions but was not having the patience to watch award shows on tv fully for 4 hrs or so. But when I first came to know in march 2012 that IIFA awards 2012 will be hosted in Singapore I was thrilled. I came to Singapore for my new job in 2012. This is my second stay after my initial stay from 2006 to 2009. Coming to about iifa awards now, I suddenly realised that it's such a coincidence that I am in Singapore now and this will be the best chance to watch any award show live and that too iifa awards will be a life time experience. I forgot to mention my wife is a hard core bollywood fan and will not miss any award show on tv even though she has to watch it alone as I always watch for some time and go to sleep. Now when I told her about the iifa she said this is it, I should see it live. Then started the exercise of searching for tickets available dates etc on Internet. To my surprise I saw on net that iifa 2011 which happened in toronto the 26000 tickes were sold out in 7 minutes of the start of sale. This made me shocked and worried too. Then it was mandatory that I know the exact date of sale so that I manage to get the tickets before they are sold off. Then finally came to know of the tickets sale date which happens on a Saturday. The date has arrived and finally when went online to book tickets I realised that kids below 8 years are not allowed. This is a shock for me as I have 5 year old son. Then what to do....book or not book......discussion with wife. The time is ticking the tickets are getting over fast.....so finally we decided to book tickets so that we request one of my friends family to look after my kid for a evening. By the time we decided that and went online again I was unable to get a couple tickets in any of the gallery as the options to select seats was not so user friendly. Got vexed after trying for sometime. Then thought th best way is to approach counter which was 15 min from my place . Rushed to the counter to be told that only one couple seat were left and all other seats were single seats. It may be luck of my wife I think I grabbed the tickets. I was thrilled somehow by seeing the tickets in hand. Called wife from there and she was happy we could manage tickes in the budget we could afford. After getting hom logged in again to check tickets for better seats and to m surprise the tickets in the budge we thought are sold out....... Had a sigh of peace that we could manage tickets. Although there were other tickets in higher price range which was not in reachable price as per our budget. Now this weeken June 9 is the event. Seeing all the videos on tv and net including twitter etc where updates are continuous that arriving of stars, rehearsals, stars posting pics is making my heart beat faster realising the bollywood stars so near to my plac now. In this all excitement got a update sharukh khan is not attending ....he was he sole of iifa for a lot of years.....so suddenly got sad.......but got update salman khan attending ...wow so suddenly got the excitement again. With a host of lot of celebrities attending it should be fun. As the days are nearing the excitement is raising..... Hope to enjoy my first live awards show that too like iifa with my dearest wife. This should be a memorable event..... Will post a blog after iifa about our experience at iifa. Hope I did not bore you all with my personal tale........

My First Blog

Been a reader of blogs for over 5 years. I always had interest to start blogging myself but thought what shall I write about. Been reading very good blogs and after interaction with bloggers via comments finally decided to start blogging to write about what I see and feel about. I think this is a perfect way to express what you feel. Hope to write something when. Feel like. Gopinath