A short trip to Pondicherry

came to see Erisa at Auroville and hand him over all the guitar parts. My new guitar, yet unassembled, looks awesome. Another 2/3 weeks of polishing, fitting it should be ready for trials :) Not uploading any pictures yet, as body/neck/fretboard colors will go through some changes. I need to think of some creative artwork with the pickgaurd. The feel, weight feels great. Can't wait!

Took a bus overnight and reached early morning. Coffee at Le Cafe by the sea, and then made a deal with a hotel to rent out for half-day half-cost. Went over to Erisas soon after that. Came back late afternoon. I had to vacate my room by 6:30. Taking a train from Pondi later in the night. Lots of time to kill. Now sitting and sipping beer at a very nice heritage villa sort of a place (Le Club) and killing time.

things I want most now!

hope, courage, faith, light, life, strength

to be or not to be

"To be or not to be: that is the question
Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles .." [Some act, Hamlet, William Shakespear]

Arrrghhhhhh!

DIY Guitar!

I thought I would redo my electric. Its a Taiwan made strat copy. And I thought I would use the body and neck and replace everything. Smart huh? So, over time, I got all the H-S-S pickups, keys, bridge, bridge, switches, pots etc through my friends and friends-of-friends from US. Now, as it turns out the bridge wouldn't fit in the existing body. Even if the bridge was made to fit (pegging the existing holes) then the fretboard is not wide enough towards the bridge and the strings would slip out! So? Options are to buy the body and the neck!! (build? far and few luthiers around!)And make do with the existing bridge in the meantime! Arrrrrrghhhh!

ah Westmalle!

a couple from bangalore had gone travelling in europe and visited Brugge, where they stayed at a B&B. The owner is Kris, Erik's friend, who had come down to Bangalore early this year, and I had met up with him and girlfriend. Kris sent a bottle of Westmalle Tripel, as he knew its one of my favorite beers. The couple gave me a call upon arrival in bangalore, and I went and picked it up from their place. Now I am sitting in my house and sipping one of the most amazing beers in the world :)
Thanks Kris.

wishlist: places to see

Angel Falls (sigh!)
Hangzhou Bay Bridge
California Academy of Sciences (maybe after 5 years or later)
Leh (sigh!)
Shimizu Mega City Pyramid (4/5 years)

(to be contd .. )

Death Valley, Mojave Desert, USA.

Anil Kumble retires :(

Anil Kumble announced his retirement from International Cricket today! Suddenly, on the very last day of 3rd test match at Firozshah Kotla, against the aussies. I knew it would come soon, for his nagging injuries were slowly chipping off his greet, but had hoped that he would retire after England Series, with back-to-back series wins.
I have been a staunch supporter of Kumble. To me, he is the epitome of dedication, hardwork and integrity, the last-drop-of-blood fighter. The greatest bowler India has ever produced. Yeah! and despite all that, he is such a humble person.
And talking about Integrity, he never moved away from the face of his opponent, never gave an inch away, but never ever crossed the line or questioned of his dignity. The only time he was ever called by the match referee, was as captain of the team, in the sydney test match!
What a competitor! Even in this very test match, with broken finger he ran backwards to take a high catch, while everyone else was dropping dollies!
That he was no great fielder was beyond doubt, but none could ever question his commitment every time he dived hopelessly to stop a run! (He broke his finger in this match, setting the same example of competitiveness)

Take a bow for arguably the greatest cricketer India has ever produced.

All the best Anil, never will I have the peace of mind that you will come onto the attack and change the course of a game when India needs breakthroughs.