Of random acts of kindness

Even as did it, I was asking myself why I am doing it ... I am not one who can claim to have done too many "random acts of kindness".

Last night, as I waited for my cab, in the pleasant drizzle presented by the beautiful Bangalore climate, I saw a very fiesty lady resisting the extortionist proposals of some auto-rickshaw drivers. They wanted Rs 50/- to drive her to her destination 200 mts away. Though she was arguing in Kannada, a language unknown to me, I admired her willingness to stand and wait in the rain, for a fairer deal, than give in to the circumstances, and perpetuate and condone the behaviour of those auto-drivers. Though I have thought of doing helping people out many times before, I never have. What moved inside me, I may never know, but I picked up the courage (those of you who know me, will know I need courage to do such things), and asked her if I could drop her off till the gate of the premises. She smiled and thanking me, gratefully, accepted my offer. We didn't have a conversation ... we didn't exchange credentials ... I don't know who she was, and I don't think she knows who I am. In 5 minutes, with a "Thank you Sir" "You're welcome. Take care", my random act of kindness came to an end. I felt nice. It still feels nice.

What moves one to do such things? How do some do it more than others?

Trying new things ... surprisingly proud of the results

I have always been jealous of people with skills. Playing the guitar, drumming, singing, playing cricket or soccer ... and my parents will vouch for it, that I tried picking up all of the skills mentioned there through school, at some time or the other. As deigned by nature or God, whoever you might believe in, for those of you who know me, I developed none of those envious skills.

A few days ago, I spent a day without electricity, and decided to keep myself busy, avoiding all the household chores that were piling up ... here are some results of me trying to pick up "Photography" ...

From The sky from my balcony

I was feeling rather sad for this withered plant in the balcony, and decided to make it the object of my attention ... after spending 15 rather frustrating minutes trying to get the perfect shot, ala all famous photographers (ofcourse I compare myself to others, so what if they are world famous, and I a mere bungling fool impressing my delusional mind of grandeur), I said hang it ... just click. and lo and behold ... Not bad eh!!! Hmmm ... did they all put in the efforts I had put in for these?

From The sky from my balcony

I am particularly proud of this little trick ... its taken off a window reflection. you can see the frame of my bedroom window, and the wall behind it, and in the reflection, the balcony and the cluster of clouds in the sky above. A pat on the back for this one ...

And while I am on the subject of trying, here are some of my attempts to capture the beautiful scenery that I get an opportunity to see, during my numerous flights ...

From A walk in the clouds

Pune ... A metro in the making

One of the cities I need to visit (thanks to my job) on a regular basis is Pune.

For the unaware, this city is is the the state of Maharashtra, in the Western part of the country. It is a growing town, attracting attention of Big Business Houses. Its proximity to Mumbai, India's so called Financial Capital, is a big plus for its future.

I find it a nice get-away from the Big Town that I live in (Delhi). One of the things not many know about me is that I enjoy eating ... no I am not a Hog (though some of my family members moight disagree) ... and no I am not a Foodie (I don't know what that means). I just like eating ... as simple as that. Another thing that people do not know about me is that I moody ... and if my mood is up to it, I roam around.

Keeping my brief background in mind, I'd like to share with you some of my discoveries of the city. The first being "Durvankur" ... a must for all interested in tasting the flavours of Pune. Its an"eat-all-you-can" outlet. It was introduced to me by a friend, and I have vowed to visit it everytime I go to Pune. I have been there twice of the three times I have been to Pune. If my recommendations are not equal to those from a connossieur or a foodie, then let the lines outside the dining hall stamp the Dining Hall's claim to fame. More details to the location of Durvankur, its contact details and my humble review about the Dining Hall are available on link below


Google Local: http://local.google.co.in/maps?f=l&view=text&q=durvankur&near=pune&ie=UTF8&hl=en&latlng=18507053,73851446,17846739346094815472&ei=GZxJR4zdHZyejQOs5vnfAQ&cd=1#

Sigfood.org: http://sigfood.org/Pune/Tilak_Road/Durvankur


The second place I recommend would have to be "German Bakery". German Bakery offers a different menu and ambience from the conventional "restaurant". Its a cross between a "health conscious eating joint", "a continental restaurant" amd a "dhaba". I have fallen in live with the soups (Potato & Leek and Spinach & Mushroom), the mashed potatoes, the strudels and tira Misu served there. Located in the identified locality for Expats (Koregaon Park), you are bound to run into foreigners there ... If you want a quiet place by yourself, here is one place where you can get it. Nope ... no private cublicles, but you are left alone to whatever you are upto. Its an invitaion to spend time with yourself.

The Cook's Cottage: http://thecookscottage.typepad.com/curry/2005/07/german_bakery.html

More to come: Agha Khan Palace, Vohuman, Mahesh Lunch Home and Zamus