Candle light dinner on New Year's eve

While the world was running after fancy (read expensive) DJ parties, we decided on a quiet dinner at home. Little did I know that it would turn out to be the best dinner I have ever had. My wife did up the place like a lounge - aromatic candles & flowers all around, piano on the stereo and drinks on the house! Its moments such as these that make a day special and it was truly a fantastic way to ring in the new year. A pleasant surprise for me!

Pictured above are some profile shots of my wife Sheetal.

Wish you all a healthy, wealthy and green 2010 from both of us.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Wishing you all, in advance, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! May your dreams come true and you enjoy the best of health & love!

Being a child again

Oh! How I wish I could be a child again! The scene outside the famous Jyotirlingha temple at Trimbakeshwar (near Nasik) resembled a fair on the day we visited (Dushera + Monday). After paying our obeisance to Lord Shiva we strolled around to check out the local shops. It was an absolute riot of colours.

The place is a must see on one's visit to Nasik not only for the pious but also for those wishing to enjoy the mighty Godavari river which originates from the Brahmagiri mountains behind the temple. One can check out the point of origin by climbing some 700 odd steps.

Dog's day

I saw this faithful animal cooling himself in a small pond while we had halted for tea n snacks en route to Bhandardara. With rains having shortchanged us this time around, it was indeed getting quite hot under the collar! Never thought a dog could be the subject of my envy!

Gandhigiri to politics to melons

It is said that if one wants to truly relish sugary watermelons then he should buy them from the vendors in Panvel, on the highway to Mumbai. This shop belonging to one Munna Bhai is typical of the many lining the highway, each with a unique name-plate.

Sweet child-o-mine

Upon disembarking from the sail boat that took us to the Janjira fort, we were walking back to our car through the winding lanes of Rajpuri when we spotted school kids returning home. As I was pointing my camera at the twins (in the background), this naughty kid thrust his face into the frame and I ended up capturing him while the the twins ran away.

Kashid beach

Rang De Basanti

An Aquaman?

An aqua Superman!, this man appears to have propelled himself to hit the moon.

Bathed in gold

Love is in the air

Beach in the evening

Kashid beach is about 30 minutes drive from Murud - Janjira. This beach is a must visit for those travelling to Murud-Janjira. It has clean white sands, blue waters, shacks that serve you hot snacks & cool beverages and a few revellers. As I have been noting throughout this blog, a beach lends itself for a variety of activities, some of which are again pictured here. Beaches are great places to be since one seldom comes across an unhappy face.

Would u hire him?

This room (open door) is where we were staying on a recent religious trip. When we returned, post a sumptuous lunch, we found the floor guard in deep slumber...not even the yellings of the manager would stir him!

Panchayat members in a huddle

Members of the local Panchayat (local governance system) have gone into a huddle....jury is still out...decision appears imminent!

Hullo there, did I bother u?

The crab is visibly irritated on being perhaps disturbed from his siesta.

Guardian of last resort

While walking out of the virgin Kondivli beach in Shrivardhan we were saying to each other "kutta bhi nahin hai yahan" (not even a dog strays over here)...and the next moment we spotted this faithful animal.

Last man standing

A shot (featuring Little Cormorant) taken while travelling in the house boat in Allapuzah (Allepey).

Its play time

Activities on the beach are simply unlimited (as also seen in earlier posts).

Fevicol Bond

Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge...

Acrobatic Kid

Am betting my money on him for the next Olympics! Fast shutter speed creates a freezing effect under the kid's legs.

Legendary shadow

Shadows in red soil have a different visual appeal all together. BTW thats me! (Don't go by the waist line of the shadow)

Value of an accountant

After the sub-prime crisis and Satyam scandal, do they deserve anything more? The words written above what is seemingly an entrance, is "Accountant" in Gujarati.

Beauty tips for the devil

Spotted on the streets of Ahmedabad (Gujarat).

Where's the bride n the groom?

Captured just before the commencement of marriage ceremony in Ahmedabad (Gujarat).