tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58537762012-02-18T17:19:44.774+13:00Life never stops. Living will never go out of style. Life is always happening. So get up and Do something.Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comBlogger2561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1145428757284078712007-04-19T18:29:00.001+12:002010-05-07T09:40:43.956+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1155888399849833772006-08-18T20:05:00.000+12:002006-08-18T20:06:39.866+12:00

The Loleshis: Why they will always be my family I met Hepa Loleshi on a Saturday afternoon in the library and got talking about religion. She is a nice lady with family values and a family that she loves – was my first impression about her. She was wondering what kind of a person I’m and finally thought that I was okay I assume. Thus, she invited me to there church. The church was

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1154433360710305052006-08-01T23:42:00.000+12:002006-08-01T23:56:00.733+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1154421068051355142006-08-01T20:29:00.000+12:002006-08-01T20:31:08.070+12:00

Dahanu is a sleepy small town, that looks like a Pacific island with endless palms and coconut plantations, on the western side just above Mumbai on a map. The fresh Neera or coconut toddy, a sweet morning juice that can ferment into an intoxicating drink in the afternoon, is pure nectar.I climb out of the brown train on a winter morning in February for what promises to be a fun trip with my

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1154312882148035852006-07-31T14:25:00.000+12:002006-08-01T23:41:56.153+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1154236222875153442006-07-30T17:06:00.000+12:002006-07-30T17:10:22.903+12:00

One night in Bangkok makes the hard man humble; no difference between pain and ecstasy. Murray Head brought Bangkok to the world, somewhere in the 80’s. I landed in Bangkok in the Indian summer of a warm April in 1989. I got a free ticket. We had to go and pick up jeans and Italian shoes from Bangkok. It was a ‘white collar smuggling‘ operation. I liked the sense of adventure over nothing; we

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153826168860793602006-07-25T22:59:00.000+12:002006-07-26T02:00:53.533+12:00

Dawn trips are fun once you are awake completely. Arun and I decided to live are wannabe-photographers-who-visit-ancient-ruins-and-forts. It was still dark when we reached the fort and clicked some amazing pictures that are lost thanks to Arun. Anyway these are some of them.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153817895930709492006-07-25T20:55:00.000+12:002006-07-25T20:58:15.980+12:00

Its a ghastly beautiful experience as I balance my lifestyle and the cheque book and the poetry club i go to. Sophie is there and my cousin is safe in Australia. the days are warm and beautiful in the mornings and chilled to death does its part, in the night. my comp is great and I have more liberty with a bus pass. albert park is greener and library is richer. life is good as sun enters leo. mom

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153504697400201312006-07-22T05:56:00.000+12:002006-07-22T05:58:17.400+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153482286087538212006-07-21T23:44:00.000+12:002006-07-21T23:44:46.086+12:00

There was a mad hat that Michelle brought and the library was all silence before we decided to break it. I half did not go there but the spirit of adventure was too strong. And there was Amy, Christian, Michelle, Lisa Samuels and many others. Poetry was txted and displayed on the screen. I sang a few lines from Tennyson and Humpty Dumpty as the passion caught fire and we were going up and down

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153482212260707152006-07-21T23:42:00.000+12:002006-07-21T23:43:32.283+12:00

The graduation ceremony for my post graduate teacher's qualification is in September. The mist has given way to bright sunshine and it was great to see Sophie again. I walked 12 kms yesterday. I had to make a Police complaint to get a free replacement of my lost I Card from University. Life is good and the Poetry paper has started at Auckland University. So I am having a great time. There is a

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153088634848358462006-07-17T10:22:00.000+12:002006-07-17T10:23:54.870+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153035529323917412006-07-17T02:38:00.000+12:002006-07-16T20:06:46.673+12:00

Hi I have left your room last Thursday and had a sterling and stunning time between the pink sheets. Your duvet was warm and the sheepskin under me negated my need for a heater. Here's a poem, I wrote for you. Your room is as I found it with few bits of paper for character.Iselta's Binocular'sOn the wall Iselta smilesto make up for Shellyat various junctures Meli'saround to balance Jess' Yesand

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036536816740932006-07-16T19:53:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:55:36.816+12:00

I have moved to the new house since Shelly and I had a disagreement. As it is it was a temperory place. I have finished my teaching qualification and moved to abeautiful place on top of Mount Roskill as you can see all the teeny weeny houses below. There was a tremendous mist this morning and I could not see a thing in lynfield downstairs. The view is stunning from all the windows and the

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036380771069682006-07-16T19:52:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:53:00.773+12:00

Most people I know in my country are fine but then often that's what we are concerned about only. But Mumbai is coming out rising from its ashes showing the world how its done.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036335690555982006-07-16T19:52:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:52:15.690+12:00

Changing the numerological significance of the city by changing its name has been dangerous. I hope you are allright. This blasts have been detrimental to innocent people who work hard and go to labor everyday. I hope there are no communal repurcussions, since it is always the innocent who die.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036314559381022006-07-16T19:51:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:51:54.560+12:00

There's a course in Arts that I have just started attending for four days and it will give me a credit of 15 points. Its cool and we have been cutting, crumpling, folding paper to make an underwater scene through a porthole. My mom knows how clumsy i'm with paint and glue and i haven't changed since then.The soccer world cup final looked like Anand vs Krishna Apts.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036263322978532006-07-16T19:50:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:51:03.323+12:00

Today I went to check two flats at Mt. Wellington and Papatoetoe. I liked both the flats and the bus ride was great. It's not such a cold night tonight and I enjoyed my walk to the bus stop and am back at the college library. The Papatoetoe place is next to all amenities and a great house that touches Papatoetoe High School and i can meet the loleshis on Sunday and Justin is near by. i love the

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036220412428322006-07-16T19:49:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:50:20.413+12:00

Manakau City Centre is still a beautiful place with neons and the odd black girl from California. I had my eyes open for Sesa, who used to work in Burger King. It would have been nice if i had met her. But Thursday late night Manakau city Centre looks beautiful.When Justin Joe dresses up in a suit, there are chances that a lot of people will mistake him for a Hong kong Mafia don, whose hat is

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036160157013692006-07-16T19:49:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:49:20.160+12:00

Went to see Cars, the movie and you know I don't fancy cars but was great fun. It's a love story and a great movie like Irfan and rocky about humanity and love. This Americans know their movies and can inspire tears. Ordered a new credit card after my $2000 one got lost. And the animation by Pixar is mind-blowing. Got a cool, blue t-shirt and a piggy toy for Simu, who for the time being will keep

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036108107454802006-07-16T19:47:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:48:28.110+12:00

That teaching graduation had been a pain in the backside and I will free as a bird and ready to roll again. The Mobil petrol station with its blue backlights and the distan train that looks like a toy from noddy books and the eden park and the house in the distance from the binoculars (Iselta's) look beautiful. I am planning to move to South Auckland and change students' lives there. I love the

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153036030202310652006-07-16T19:46:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:47:10.203+12:00

This entitles me to teach anywhere on the planet. its a cloudy morning and having just created a Killer Pau Bhaji. Its been a cursed course with the Emma Break up and three returns to India for a total of 27 months since mom was alone, sick and depressed at three different times. I was reading a cool travelogue on Pacific islands and that is my next destination. it has been cold in auckland and

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153035995084218092006-07-16T19:46:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:46:35.086+12:00

No matter how cold it is out there in the week with the clouds and the condensation and the whole crap but come Saturday and the world opens up. Spoke to Jihan, Peggy's daughter. Always nice to get an aloha from Canada. I might be going visiting in September. life is changing everyday. Once I get the car I will be stable and stuck in one place. Daniel's lost the keys (and his wallet, poor soul).

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153035946855976612006-07-16T19:45:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:45:46.856+12:00

I have slept realllyyy well. Oh I love sleeping and tell myself in the twilight zone betweeen wakefulness and sleep, on days of exams since childhood, 'Sleep while you can'. Anyway i finished handing in two exercises. The ones you upload on to University websites. I'm pretty pleased and reading another Suneal's (a kid from Canada) blog.There are three people in the lab and I'm suddenly lightened

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153035768343218762006-07-16T19:42:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:42:48.343+12:00

I have walked 20 kms in the last three days. Thus, today i just made a mean Pau Bhaji and slept like a log. It was cool. Just Mc might be giving me his comp and I'm planning to join I-Hug soon. Its around 8.20 in evening and the pretty warm in the lab. I'm planning to catch up on my other paper: Written Communication. I'll be learning flash soon. Sleep makes the whole world a brighter place.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153035699765783332006-07-16T19:41:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:41:39.766+12:00

Suddenly the cold has come from nowhere and as we all moved out of the center at 8:46 at night for the vacuum party. The cold hit me. I thought it was me but even the Kiwis and Polynesians are freezing. The cold has come and winter is upon us now.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153035659004264122006-07-16T19:40:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:40:59.003+12:00

Sorted the room. Cousin Gaurav treated me to an Indian meal. Went to Blockhouse Bay, Henderson. Met Sensei Pat who was pleased to see me. Picked up my luggage must be 40 kgs in Henderson and 28 in Blockhouse bay. Left all the video cassettes on the doorstep of Red Cross Army Shop. Cluttered Isela's room with my stuff. Gaurav helped. the place is really cute. Just got back at the library for

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034923595031512006-07-16T19:28:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:28:43.596+12:00

Got the cutest house in the Universe. I had half moodily walked from auckland College od education early morning through the small curvy lanes of Mount Eden to Eden Park and I did not think much of the exterior but inside is seriously sexy house with cream curtains and red duvet. Iselta the landlady (temperory) is nice too. The deal is done. Its at kingsland railway station and has a freat lounge

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034883182339972006-07-16T19:27:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:28:03.183+12:00

NZ becomes the best place on the planet when the sun comes. Its been a great day and all I have achieved is an idea of how to do things. A heavy $5 lunch with fried stuff and a clear idea where I'm going is keeping me alive. I made a new id footloose.fancyfree@yahoo.com I have this penchant for creating ids.Footloose and fancyfree is dedicated to endless hours I spent on the 6th floor of Anand

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034854151347892006-07-16T19:27:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:27:34.153+12:00

It's been a long time since I have had time for myself. A long, long time. I last had such peace at Manurewa, when I was renting a whole outhouse for a mere $90 and living alone in that outhouse that was nice and warm and I loved the hot shower it used to give. At Uncle's house there were many people that kept me from being alone but i prefered Manurewa with occasional visits from the Loleshis.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034819974590132006-07-16T19:26:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:26:59.976+12:00

There are two girls in the computer room: The blond and the Maori. The blond is discussing how her boyfriend tried to commit suicide. I’m really amused and in a great mood. I don’t know why. I am confronted with too many living options. Two places in Palmerston North, two in Wellington, one in Hamilton. So I have an adventure trip where I know I have to sit on my back and finish my essay. Twenty

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034789535522262006-07-16T19:26:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:26:29.536+12:00

My main goal this winter is to crack the last paper that will give me an international teaching qualification. Went to paul's house. He has moved out and lives with Sherryl. Oh! I'm happy for them. Got my knapsack, returned my uniform, bought a cellphone 0064 (0)211459976 and went to the big cvomputer center in the city. Not a single place so I slept on the couch. Had to meet someone at

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034756647751172006-07-16T19:25:00.002+12:002008-03-31T05:48:33.852+13:00

It's two in the morning. The weather is pretty cold and I'm in the computer redesigning my site. i have lived in Auckland city for a total of 20 months and have lived in lots of suburbs. Jignesh's Papatoetoe, Joe's Mount Roskill, Tapan and Anu's Mount Roskill, Wakena's Manurewa, Emma's Waterview, Robin's Richardson road, Sid's Onehunga, Hyderabadi Mount Eden, Uncle's Mount Roskill, Raman's

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034724363264462006-07-16T19:25:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:25:24.366+12:00

Let’s start with mom. Mom has finally relaxed and the anti-stress pills are doing wonders to her life. As for me, travelling to and fro has psychologically damaged me. Money-wise things are great. I have two thousand dollars in my account. That is 60,000 rupees. That is justification. I miss Emma. I’m in touch with Geeta and Nitu has decided to ignore me. I feel great but seeing Auckland airport

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034688740206912006-07-16T19:23:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:24:48.743+12:00

The airport is a piece of work with a huge roof and trains going from one terminal to another. Add to that millions of people that dont have to stand in queues. The tatuatory KFC and Mc Donalds and the steel and glass that surround a rainforest, actually a huge hedge of greenery. The mosque is shining in the distance in all its glory and Baghdadi look and the sun is slowly going down as I kiss

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034589648338282006-07-16T19:22:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:23:09.650+12:00

A nice 2 hour nap and a few quite moments at the pool with the waterfalls. It has rained and is pleasant now. The hills from 11th floor are looking beautiful as are the church, mosque and the temple. colors of early Madras and Calcutta, when they were cleaner cities.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034542628386712006-07-16T19:21:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:22:22.630+12:00

I saw Pink Panther and it is a brilliant piece of comedy. The inflight service was excellent as I was watching the movie sleeping on four seats. Got no sleep but enjoyed the first ray of golden sunshine.I immediately went to a window seat and saw vertical clouds in all shades of white like cotton on different layers, high like mountains and filled with pink and blue. It was the best set of clouds

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034483754666692006-07-16T19:21:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:21:23.753+12:00

The departure went clockwork and there was no queue at the airport. I was the first at Immigration and Baggage. Jagruti's car droped to Mama's (uncle) house and the ac and Shahrukh Khan songs stoped me from crying. Mom is fine too and India will draw another boring cricket match. Have reached the beautiful Malaysian Airport.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034448707172462006-07-16T19:20:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:20:48.706+12:00

Its a hot afternoon as I spend my last day in Mumbai. It has been a mixed bag: this visit. I'm off to Auckland and looking for a place to live in since paul has already rented out his rooms. I'm happy for him though.Jagruti has warned me how Indian skies have too much traffic and can be risky. I'll be happy when I leave the Bay of Bengal where it is turbulant and the plane does a bit of Rock N

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034360391596222006-07-16T19:19:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:19:20.393+12:00

Meeting the specialist has done the trick. Ravi is fine; listening to music and screaming at full volume for small things. My work is done. My bags are packed. I'm sooooo out of here. Taking a memory, old poems, four papers and twenty odd kgs of baggage. The sun has come out and I'm trying to avoid the tension of playing another cricket match since I have to curb my pace since Kanti not Jigu is

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034326758250742006-07-16T19:18:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:18:46.760+12:00

On the night of the 6th, the Malaysian Airlines will take off from Mumbai alongwith a nondescript passenger to Kuala Lampur and from then on to New Zealand, Auckland Airport at 1 in the afternoon of 8th June. Joey, I hope you can make it by 4.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034297359671242006-07-16T19:16:00.001+12:002006-07-16T19:18:17.360+12:00

There's light at the end of the cold grey cloudIt is filtering inspite of the lightning and thunderNo one can stop us now as the earth iscovered in rains and mud and waves of eternaltorment. it's going, going goneThere's an old man sitting containa man we know from the grave wevisit and flowers we put on the gray stonecovered with a silky sheet and colour too.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034186740558562006-07-16T19:16:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:16:26.740+12:00

The Mumbai Muncipalty sleeps on their ass as the first rains have clogged the city. Previously, rains washing the city was a pretty picture. Now I'm filled with extreme hatred at the way this country treats the only city that pays taxes so that the other impotent bastards in the country can survive.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153034072390093052006-07-16T19:14:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:14:32.393+12:00

My early website wildblueskies.com is gone but the design is still here. http://wildblueskies.blogspot.com I had drawn the picture in paint. My new website is http://www.blueskyfox.com since it was started when I used to walk with Shaju in the aarey jungles and there were foxes in the track. We were just looking for fresh oxygen and blue sky but what we got were foxes. Luckily they stayed away.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153033959536610072006-07-16T19:12:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:12:39.540+12:00

Maoris have a big heart. Some of my best friends and a family I consider my own whanau are Maori. Thus, in the summer of 2002, sometime in November just before I moved in with my Pakeha girlfriend Emma Turner’s, I stayed at Wakena’s house. Wakena was just returning me an old favor, when I had gifted his family $200 grocery since they were short on cash. But we were not always friends and if Waky

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153033915214986532006-07-16T19:11:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:11:55.216+12:00

I am at a crossroad in my life. On one side there is mom and on another there is my teaching qualification. My mom insists that I go back to NZ and I feel that we should not put all our eggs in one basket. Last monsoon we had water logged in the house. If I'm outside, I can always try and get my family in NZ or atleast send them enough money. If all of us are in the same hole, we could get into a

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153033871446255852006-07-16T19:10:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:11:11.446+12:00

Saw the new Hypercity at Goregaon. it looks like Foodtown amd most Mumbaikars were happy to be there. I took a look at Crossword and had a haircut at a local place where got a oil head massage. Am sleepy and the methol in the oil cooled my head. Have delayed proceedings towards NZ for another ten days. My education paper looks better and generally having a ball.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153033803155644762006-07-16T19:08:00.002+12:002006-07-16T19:10:03.156+12:00

have slept on terraces in Ahmedabad in Navranpura and my maasi's wedding. Its a beautiful experience with the shy stars making an appearance too. I'm Pune at Raison's house and after a long talk about everything I went up to the terrace. For summer, it was cold at night and i needed a blanket. I forgot the pillow and curled the cotton mattress and the duvet to balance my head.The jerk living

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Whenever I have gone to New Zealand, for some unknown reason I have visited Poona. The soul of Pune always tugs at me. Its almost a ritual now. So today, I took an ST bus to Bhiwandi from Borivali through scorching heat that makes red soil Maharashtra a romance. I had downed a glass of sugarcane juice and the the concrete road went through greens and hay coloured landscape as I got down at

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Arun's bike was still short on shock absorbers when we zoomed through Thana Bhiwandi Highway. Breakfast was great with eggs and jam sandwiches at a road side Dhaba. It was around seven and we reached Shahpur at ninish. We broke from the highway into the rural green going further into a territory that was untouched in lifestyle for centuries. We told the local farmer to make his patent feast on

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1153033669547092902006-07-16T19:07:00.000+12:002006-07-16T19:07:49.546+12:00

Its been a gruelling to months of meeting Shamen and seeing Mom depressed and bowling on a placid pitch. We still won. But this trip has been a bit of a disaster. Mom is fine and I should be off soon. Had no time to meet my loved ones. Had some special time with Mom and Shirdi, Mumbai trip and thread ceremony. Must meet Iyer. Summer does have a holiday flavour and have made some friends. Some

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1152084934174271942006-07-05T19:33:00.000+12:002006-07-25T22:14:51.830+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1151596688412561982006-06-30T03:57:00.000+12:002006-06-30T03:58:08.440+12:00

There's a Poo but mums the wordGold like NatalieThere was a Russian bird flying in BangkokA mass of five, sixth is prettyA diamond, a dimple, a pair ofbeautiful eyes. FelineA goddess and a half human half marea black jelly and a Peg of samanthaGolden for three yearsThe Indus is dark and dirtyThe Argentenian's Chinese waysThe English kiwi is sweet in tasteA religious book

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I first heard Elvis at Murali's house after his trip from Singapore. He had a wild collection of rod Stewart and Elvis. I loved the Jailhouse Rock and sang it in school and became the most famous person after years of being the worst kid on campus. Murali, my Godbrother was a great help usually except when I fell in love with his 'sister' Natalie. He had punched me then. we called him 'Big Moose

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1150526460254066362006-06-17T18:40:00.000+12:002006-06-17T18:41:00.266+12:00

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1149908941947730742006-06-10T15:07:00.000+12:002006-06-10T15:09:01.963+12:00

Mount Eden shines like a Christmas treeglorious with near perfect shops:Small, colourful, redefining perfectionThe sun's floats over red, cream, green Mount Eden village, queen of AucklandClose to ACE where teachers dieI refresh my mailbox million timesstuffing with Tarakihi footloose, fancyfreeThe sun's bright banana creamI feel like a born again King Sun is the Warlordas someone somewhere is

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1149894404516439092006-06-10T11:03:00.000+12:002006-06-10T11:06:44.530+12:00

One of my hobbies is making email accounts. My latest account is wordwarrior@airpost.net and I love it. The library looks scary with lots of books and I do not know where to start. I have to create a swipe card for anytime access. That will give me access to the gym and the shower. I love the Pacific section that has chatai (weaved straw to sit on) and huge colorful pillows. I can't seen to start

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How do you compare two cities? Especially, two cities that belong to two different genres, in fact worlds: One that lies at the edge of the planet and the another one that is right in the thick of things. I’m talking about Auckland and Mumbai (formally Bombay).There are some unobvious similarities that the eye can miss at first glance. Both are harbours that harbour scores of immigrants. Both are

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1148915169907071732006-05-30T03:04:00.000+12:002006-05-30T03:06:09.923+12:00

Auckland and MumbaiOn my first visit to India a friend asked me, “So, which country do you like more”. I said since both are different countries, it is difficult to compare them since both have their pros and cons. However, I would do more justice if I compared the two cities I have lived in, rather than generalize about countries.Let’s look at the weather. Mumbai is hot and can make you sweat

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1148661409925762832006-05-27T04:35:00.000+12:002006-05-27T04:36:49.940+12:00

Wow this work is really indicative of the area of New Zealand that you live in and the diversity that is the essence of what New Zealand has become or is becoming. It is also interesting for me because I am from the South Island and we do not have many hibiscus or maybe such an varied mix of people that the North Island has (well not where I am from anyway). Sesa is half Maori half Samoan? And

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1148287836305934892006-05-22T20:47:00.000+12:002006-05-22T20:50:36.323+12:00

Subjecting Objects to SubjectivityNi’ihau: Paradise LostIt is indeed in a rather negative frame of mind that Theroux leaves home as he bids goodbye to the love of his life and is plagued by fear of possible melanoma. This itself makes the reader feel, “Hey! This is probably going to a bit sorry”. What I definitely appreciate is the possible honesty (to a great extent, of course) with which

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1146821042187221572006-05-05T21:23:00.000+12:002006-05-05T21:24:02.200+12:00

It was a proud moment for all and sundry when Murali's sons got theirthreads and were initiated into the world of sanskrit and religion. Thisis 5000 year old Aryan tradition. And hey! Mohan assured me that theTamil people were the chosen ones of lord Shiva as he whispered the Tamillanguage to Narad I think so the Tamils can know of his glory. The food was mind blowing. Avial and Paisam and some

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1146574818710091762006-05-03T00:53:00.000+12:002006-05-03T01:00:18.753+12:00

Take a car. Get Chetan and Subhash. Drive at 80 k/h and through the concrete road into rural maharshtra. Have tea in a nondescript dhaba with Janta wafers and some cream biscuits. Look at the moonlit night and a train exhibiting white tubelights and curious passengers. It's not a toy train.Have Gujurati/Rajastani Rajdhani food and choose between mango juice or Bengali soft, tender, juicy

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1145875772013334392006-04-24T22:47:00.000+12:002006-04-24T22:49:32.026+12:00

Last night we gently spoke as the wind blew and mosquitoes buzzed near my Pepsi gulpwe gently felt confusion and delightlove and respitewe gently thought what ifor why or why notThere was the city in twinklingyellow lights as gentle wind blewas only we knew what we slightly feltin Shahrukh songs and Jovi rhymesin back streets of lokhandwalaand playgrounds of Vishnu

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1143788583236198422006-03-31T19:00:00.002+12:002006-03-31T19:17:24.453+12:00

The Earth is a giant ballKicked around by whimsAnd fancies of the SunAnd greedy people Bouncing around hopelesslyHeading for another blastLost in the bushAnd American politics The Earth is an inswingingYorker that spins and bouncesOn a turbanator’s wishBurns aimlessly in A gray city with a twin purposeThat towers over humanityWhile we are caught upIn selfish greed: Having a ball.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1143788562989982872006-03-31T19:00:00.001+12:002006-03-31T19:02:42.990+12:00

Yellow,orange, lovelyday.Bright,sunny, smileyface.Red window.Blue grill.Eternal love.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1143788526411216562006-03-31T19:00:00.000+12:002006-03-31T19:02:06.420+12:00

I’m blackFull leatherwith a zipin the center.I’m a giftfrom a Chinese friendto his Indian brotherA reminder of Lord’s loveI lie safelyat the edge of a dusty yellow windowoverlooking single mothers pass byI was not taken to IndiaMissed. Forgotten on purpose.I’m a Bible, the Lord’s wordSafe, secure and lonely.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1142503331289349802006-03-16T22:59:00.001+13:002006-03-16T23:02:11.293+13:00

All right. Its dawn and the cuckoo is making its presence felt. I'm at a Chinese internet cafe where the kiddies have been at 'War Net' all night. The Sea food Restoran is closing and its aluminium covers look nice but it is dark still like an Ahmedabadi night. I'm more or less rested and the AC has to be turned off since it didn't match my birthday suit.20th floor made KL look awesome. My

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1142503258156536252006-03-16T22:59:00.000+13:002006-03-16T23:00:58.156+13:00

I do miss the western stars outside my window but the bed and the pillows in 'third world' countries are much harder. The Indian guy who served me food last night has a knitted Muslim cap and a lungi and the dood was sensational. The news says bush is nice to India. Yeah its the IT boom. I need to check papers if they need a technical writer.I have had a sensational breakdast involving french

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1142503129455103292006-03-16T22:58:00.000+13:002006-03-16T22:58:49.456+13:00

Went tt and saw the 41st floor of Sean Connery and Zeta Jones. TRavelled by bus had some more parathas. But Daniel is right if I need to chose I can choose Singapore. I stayed nearer to the city and made the most of the situation. There's a cute Chinese waiting behind me so i'll have to let her use the computer. I'm at the airport.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1142503062220976382006-03-16T22:56:00.000+13:002006-03-16T22:57:42.220+13:00

The back street reminds me of how untouched Bangkok was when Utkarshbhai and i touched it. I miss the camera that I did not buy for 1599 or 50,000/- Rs.The moon was full and white and now a sexy red. The highways make a great desin with lights and the mountain is dark and friendly. i woke up a few times in the night. So that I dont miss anything. Passport is locked safe with my birthday as the

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1142259510715983902006-03-14T03:17:00.000+13:002006-03-14T03:18:30.716+13:00

The NZ Sun does not like me much. I love the stars and the moon outside my Western window and I love the road that goes to my work (I hate work though). I like people who visit me and single mothers that hug me when I find their children that are lost in the mall. The foodtown has great chilli samosa and Hare Krsna is beautiful. Pakistani Mashood and Chinese Justin and white Justin and

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1142259448134498132006-03-14T03:16:00.000+13:002006-03-14T03:17:28.146+13:00

I caught the flight against all odds that included not telling office or Paul since the telephone bill is on my name and may be misused. Lost the passport for half an hour, gave away loads of clothes to Salvation Army, took the bus, rolled bhajiya in a Cheese and Garlic Naan. Picked the ticket, took a cab and reached an hour before departure. Had to take my books in my hands and metal detector

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1141898116722703832006-03-09T22:51:00.000+13:002006-03-16T22:54:46.510+13:00

Oh Home i miss youand the racism on the streetsand the pakeha legs andSamoan boobsand little children and lamb samosaand Fiji Indian girls with painted hairAnd Jennifer and her eternal smileand Greg's enthusiam in cricketAnthony's overt racism and Jamnelle'snot so subtle only insecure and inferiorIts a blue shop. A small place'that fills Greg with prideGreg's a good soulAnthony an assholeJenny is

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1141897629375220992006-03-09T22:37:00.000+13:002006-03-16T23:16:11.913+13:00

The Old Bibleis a new bibleleather and zipand shine and Christand sin and Noahand Job and Markand MosesDaniel goes to a churchin Kelston that has friendlySingaporean faces and nice coffeeand great cookies and nicechicken at MasseyJim is the Massey lunchboxWhere fried chicken andChinese tea come to lifeand Mary and May talkabout soldiers in Asiaand laws in SingaporeThe sunlight bounceslike a tiger

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1141896950647347522006-03-09T22:30:00.000+13:002006-03-09T22:36:22.360+13:00

Queen Streets crowdedburning soulsyearning humanityNo one homeBuses go HendersonPakuranga, ManurewaSesa in the SouthJustin is nearOther Justin in CBDDaniel is EastPat is WestMashood centralChris AustraliaEmma somewhereif hereI'm here thereeverywhereall at once

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SometimesThe low long turning upsy down roads of longburn burnMaori and PakehaSingle mothers abondonedby whiskyNeon lights Lynn MallHugs by strangersBetrayed by buddsBond by flightsgone by light

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1139820801898823722006-02-13T21:52:00.000+13:002006-03-07T08:27:49.876+13:00

Lamb Meat ObsessionThat should conveniently kill meI am falling in love with youBut I’m abusing love. Obviously theword is lust. Paramount. Omnipresent.More powerful. Less fickle. StrongLike the devil. Quick like a cobra.I hate you because I want youSo much that it paralyses meAlbert Park Burns Dylan's ChickenFirst of all you wear that mad maniac blue graphic miniThat swings geometric lines - you

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1139806119369621152006-02-13T17:47:00.000+13:002006-03-07T10:18:14.983+13:00

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Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1139634375898717652006-02-11T18:05:00.000+13:002006-02-11T18:08:56.230+13:00

Its a muggy day meaning I don't know whether its cold or warm. I had to run all over Henderson trying to find a loo, when I got down from the train. It was a good journey but the relief came when I reached the butcher place and peed. The Hare Krsna canadian guy was a Vegan and made me feel like going vege again.The creative writing course is over and the Bond and Bond job is about to began.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1139166287307771432006-02-06T08:04:00.000+13:002006-02-06T08:04:47.316+13:00

Now Paul exhibits some classical signs of being mad. He's 32 but feels like 12 year old boy when it comes to enjoying life. We went to the graveyard one night and took pictures of what looked like absolute ghosts. The other day it was windy and we flew a kite at elevenish in the night. Its a bright yellow strong plastic kite. That was my first time, though I first saw a kite in Bhuleshwar with my

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Sunny. Rainy. Cloudy. Beach.Bikinis colour pink blue greenGuitar plays in the stony beachChildren play on the sandy streakThere’s a black side to the stone torn Penny’s flying. Bees hum a peacefulSong to Sea gulls that fly in Ultra Violation. Sunscreen 30+ somethingSamaons in their square blue tent. Women half covered in their tees shorts and children roaming free giving people company. Happy.

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It's a beautiful night. Queen Street is a beautiful place in the night. Stunning and lanterns are everywhere. The Chinese New Year is about to happen and the world is happy. Most Chinese except the mad woman in our house. We went down to get some pictures of the festival.

Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1138521340687395282006-01-29T20:50:00.000+13:002006-02-13T14:36:03.170+13:00

THE SAVAGE STORMSThe blood red evening skiesThe gloom of the faded twilightThe echoes of the blowing windThe onset of a lonely nightA storm is heading our waythe storm is here to stayThe wind echoes memories my wayMemoriesof enchanting eyesthat once betrayedTime-(backward) fliesto those fateful daysMy heart beats in my headMy feelings are misledDream and reality meetThe wind stronger blowsThe

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Went to the Demolition Derby yesterday, where after they race all the cars; they crash into each other and the last one moving wins. I have moved to West Auckland and the air is better and nights cleaner. I have food in the big wooden balcony that faces bamboos. Also visited a graveyard that is 200 years old. Will post pictures soon. There are old graveyards.

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Singing Cactushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13325229829494413591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853776.post-1137535430020008972006-01-18T10:57:00.000+13:002006-01-18T11:03:50.033+13:00

Well. A row with Bangera. A guilt. Next time I write a murder book I'll wonder if I'm a suspect.Now, then. I moved to West Auckland, away from the city into the greens yesterday. I could see stars on a dark night out of my window and it was beautiful. The bed's bigger and I love it here. Had lots of eggs and the protein need is satified. I love it. The bed is harder and bigger and I feel like a

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Thanks for taking the story so maturedly. Because in my creative writing school we were asked to get out of our comfort zone and write things we are scared to write about. Thus I wrote the absolutely graphic tale.There are three pieces we had to write. A Short Story. A Poetry and the Autobiography. I am happy with a lot of people who wrote to me privately. There were some who went on a public

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