Special Guests

Meow Kutty:
Last year, on an April night at around 10 PM, when we opened the door to take Sparky (pet dog) out for a walk, he was jumping & barking – fortunately Anand noticed a tiny kitten beside our door & immediately pulled Sparky back. The kitten was shivering with fear on hearing Sparky bark. We named this kitten Meow Kutty. Quickly boiled some milk for Meow Kutty & fed it. Placed Meow Kutty in a flower pot (fearing that Sparky may attack it, if inside the house). Next day my father-in-law told the maid to leave Meow Kutty far away from our house – Pavithra was higly upset to know of this on her return from School. But wonder of wonders, Meow Kutty consecutively visited us for 2 days & then, it was not to be seen

Butterfly oh Butterfly
December 2009, Anand saw a pupa on our neighbour’s wall - & his childhood memories gushed, memories of the wonderful time in Bhavanisagar, memories of the pupa that he had kept in a matchbox till it turned into a butterfly & he wanted Pavithra to see the butterfly evolution. So we emptied a matchbox, kept the pupa in it & half closed the box & kept it in the bedroom (ofcourse away from Sparky). Every now & then Pavithra & I kept peeping into the box. By the 3rd day, I was sure that it was dead – it had hardened. After 8 days, on a Sunday morning, the butterfuly was out of the box – magical ! We left it out in our little garden.

Family Package
March 2010, there were 4 kittens in a flower pot – after some time saw Mama Mia ….oops .. Mama Meow - the mother also happily in the flower pot with her little ones – but we were scared to go near. Few hours later, the family was not to be seen in my little garden.

Bye Bye Blue bird
April 14, 2010 – holiday for us & was hoping to have a relaxed day. Pavithra who had gone to play came back rushing saying that there is a blue colour bird downstairs & looks like it is hurt. Anand quickly went down hoping that dogs/cats/crows don’t pounce on it in the meantime. It was a kingfisher bird – he brought it home – kept it away from Sparky. We named it Bluebird. It didn’t drink water & we didn’t know how to feed it. We had decided to leave Bluebird in Blue Cross but before that it needed medical care. Anand searched in the internet for Blue Cross contact number. On their assurance that their doctor was available, we (Anand, Pavithra & her friend Kaushik & me) took Bluebird to Blue Cross. Paid an amount of Rs.500/- as voluntary donation. Our first visit to Blue Cross – the amount of love we shower on our pets – but here there were so many animals and birds (and not all were healthy) with few people to take care - it was like visiting an orphanage – came back with a strange sad feeling.

Bangalore Trip - our Stressbuster

Anand & I were looking forward to our trip to Bangalore. Pavithra was neither eager nor unenthusiastic – she knew she can spend some fun time with her cousin Pooja but she also knew that she will miss out playing with her gang of friends – cricket, badminton, hide n seek, soccer.

The 3 of us along with our pet dog Sparky, started from Chennai on 24th April by about 7.30 AM in our Alto Car. First halt at Shirdi Baba temple in Guindy. Anand & I were on an upbeat mood – of course, away from the daily grind is a welcome change. But we were also concerned about how Sparky would manage this travel – first time that he was travelling such long distance. Stopped at Hotel Arusuvai (after Sriperumbudur) for breakfast – as mentioned in my earlier travelogue, food is good here, lots of parking place & clean toilets. Sparky too had his breakfast during this break.

Too much of lorry traffic till we reached Hosur. However because of the good road, the drive was enjoyable & we were also in great holiday mood. Anand & Pavithra were continuously playing the songs from Vinnaiythandi Varuvaya & did not want to change the CD. Travel from Hosur to Bangalore has become easy now after the completion of the long, very long flyover. Toll fee has to be paid to use this flyover but it is worth paying – one can avoid so much of traffic.

Reached Akka’s home & had sumptious lunch. She has a pet dog Ginger. Just as we reached Akka’s place, she told Sparky that Ginger is his sister and to have only sisterly feelings for Ginger !!! & Sparky looked at her innocently ! First few minutes, Ginger & Sparky barked at each other & then they both ignored each other – we were relieved. Ginger is calm & well behaved – just like Pooja (my niece) & Sparky is hyper active – just like my daughter Pavithra.

Went on a shopping spree in the evening & had dinner in Hotel Nandhine – as usual, good food (waiting time in Barbecue Nation was more than an hour & car parking was a problem – so headed to Nandhine). Continued the shopping spree on Sunday morning too, lunch in Bangalore Central food court, some more shopping (yes we indulge while in Bangalore – we feel there is more choice of dresses here than in Chennai) & back home in the evening. All was well at home – Sparky & Ginger continue to ignore each other.

Visited one of my cousin’s place for dinner on 27th – had a good time. The 3 beautiful girls too had a great time (teenaged daughters of my cousin, my sis & me). No damages at home – Sparky & Ginger don’t pay attention to each other. 30th being our wedding anniversary, Pooja & Pavithra wished us at 12 AM . Anand & I visited the Shirdi Baba Temple at Cambridge Layout. Went out for dinner with my sister’s & cousin’s family. Can you imagine the languages being spoken amongst the 9 of us – English, Tulu, Tamil and Hindi – unity in diversity ! Food in the restaurant Infusion was very good, though a tad expensive, good ambience. Only the music was loud – may be, meant for the bar attached.

1st May, left for Chennai. Visited Brindavan Ashram in Whitefield before proceeding to Chennai by around 10 AM. Lunch at Ananda Bhavan (immediately after the nameboard Chinnar & before Krishnagiri) – good food but too much of crowd, lots of parking place, clean toilet. Sparky too had his lunch. Had a tea break in between. Good drive with good music.
Sparky didn’t have any problem with the long drive – most of the time, he was happily resting on my lap.

Trip to Bangalore is our stress buster – we always have very good time there - little bit of shopping (!) & a lot of relaxation.

KOLLIMALAIYIL KONDATTAM

During the lunch break in office on 9th April, most of us agreed to the need for a break, to go out of scorching Chennai – after discussion on various options, Kollimalai it was – this place was truly a respite from the Chennai heat.

Getting a confirmed train ticket at was impossible & hence opted for bus.  Everything quickly fell into place – organizing the bus, hotel booking, food, etc., etc.

Mode of transport : Parveen Travels 40 seater Hitech bus Chennai/Senthamangala/Chennai (Rs.25,000/-) & 2 vans for Senthamangala/Kollimalai/Senthamangala (Rs.9,000/- for both the vans) – charges including day 1 & day 2. Toll fee extra. (one can go by train upto Salem. Salem to Kollimalai (via Rasipuram) takes approximately 3 hrs by van/bus.

Stay : PA Lodge, Semmedu, Tel: 04286 247488 / 247466 (double occupancy rental per night: Rs.300/- per room & Rs.100/- extra for the third guest). The rooms and beds are small and is just right for double occupancy.
(PA Resorts have better rooms and their approximate charges are Rs.400/- per person, per night)

We started from T Nagar on April 16th evening by around 7.45 PM .  17th early morning by around 4.30 AM, we were awakened by the hustle & bustle of the Shandy at Solakkadu (can you believe it, people were busy buying pulses, grains, etc., & business was in full swing in the wee hours). Took some time for our bus to cross this place because of the traffic jam. Alighted from the bus at Senthamangala, brushed teeth (fortunately for us, there was a tap near by) & had tea/coffee/milk in the tea stall. After clicking some photos, we got into the 2 vans to go uphill with a break in between at the Petrol Bunk.
Uphill drive was pleasant, especially the first few miles were very scenic ….neatly white washed houses ….cattles grazing …..lush green fields ……hills in the background – picturesque scenery.

About PA Lodge: Very average rooms except for one or two rooms. Good food though spicy. PA Resorts seem to have good rooms (they look new) but they don’t have rooms for individual families – most of the resort rooms are 5, 7 & 10 bedded. Contact number for both the Lodge & the Resort is the same as mentioned above.

But the surrounding is very very nice - lots of greenery - plants and trees all around, flowres in all hues and colours, cool weather, only few tourists, no flashy restaurants/shops (like the ones you find in any tourist place) - Kollimalai hasn’t lost its old world charm.

After a nice warm shower & good breakfast we all headed to the falls by around 10.30 AM – since we all were eager to go the the water falls, going down the 1000 odd steps (yes, you read it right – 1000 odd steps !) was not a big task – we took few breaks in between for rest and photo shoot. On seeing the falls, I thought not much water but I was wrong – the water was just right for us to have lots of fun. If the water force was more, we wouldn’t be able to go near the falls. By the way, the approach from the base of the steps to the waterfalls itself is thrilling – ropes have been tied and we will have to hold the rope and wade through waist deep cold water to reach the falls. As we get on to the rock & stand under the falls, the heavy, very heavy downpour of water leaves us gasping for breath. What an exhilarating and wonderful time we had ...had unlimited fun in the waterfalls at the cost of aching legs - Pleasure & pain – 2 sides of a coin !

After the arduous climb, all of us badly wanted a refreshing drink & what better way to quench our thirst than to have our local lime n soda (I didn’t bother to look at how the glasses were being cleaned or the water that was being used). Back to the resort, had our lunch & rested for some time.

We had to cancel our evening outing plan & bonfire because of the heavy drizzle. There was a fresh nip in the air .

Late in the evening, with the power cut, heavy drizzle & very cool weather, there was nothing much to do and so most of us were stuck in our rooms. We could only hear the buzzing sound of insects. Silence, sometimes, is peaceful but silence in the dark, to me, is eerie.  Having decided to have good fun, we quickly formed 2 teams... what a wonderful time we had participating in the games that KV conducted in that narrow strip of a place. With minimum lighting, we had a sort of candle light dinner.

Sunday, 18th April, some of them got up early & went to the view point nearby – I am sure they had a great time, what with the fresh cool air and greenery all around. Had good breakfast & checked out from the lodge by around 11 AM. Travelled upto Senthamangala by the 2 vans & Senthamangala/Chennai by Parveen Travels bus. Once in the bus, almost all of us were dancing to the foot tapping music till we felt hungry and decided to have lunch break. We had our tasty lunch (packed veg biryani & curd rice from PA Lodge) in a picturesque grove and played for some time in the fresh and clean water from the pump. Reached Chennai by around 9 PM.


No doubt all of us had a rollicking time.

Photo courtesy: KV Anand, Sanjeevi & Anand

Fun times in the beach

My daughter Pavithra's friend, Parvathy (Pachu) was to stay with us over the week end and Pavithra was gung-ho about Pachu's visit. On Friday, the 9th April, Pachu came home - she too was excited to come back to the place where she had stayed earlier and meet all her friends. From then on, it was only play, play and more play. They quickly had dinner and again went down to meet the gang, rather the SJC GANG !



Both the girls got up early (no wonder, coz they had to go to play !), checked whether their friends had got up - what with the mobile & free intercom facility within the apartment. Came back for breakfast, quick shower, play, lunch, Computer games & then the much awaited beach visit.



Pavithra, Pachu, Subhadra & Jemi along with the responsible adults (!) my hubby Anand & me went to Besant Nagar Beach on 17th April evening. The girls started talking ninteen to the dozen & clicking photos in the car itself. We enjoy being with Pavithra & her friends.



Once in the beach, we straight went to the water, Mr.Clean, Anand, did not like the idea of his feet & pant being wet & then walking on the sand. So, while he stayed away from water, the girls and me had a blast in the water. The waves became boisterous as time passed. The sound of waves, unrestrained laughter, loud screams in between (while some twig came near our feet) and the numerous photos taken while in the water with various hilarious poses - wow, that was fun, UNLIMITED FUN. Anand had his share of fun talking to his friend non stop on the mobile (what with the wife & daughter not around to interrupt the talk !)



After being completly wet, we came towards the parapet wall near the road & had ice candy. By then Pachu's sister, Gayathri & their father joined us. Going to the beach & not having Maanga & Corncob - how can that be? Gayathri bought raw mango & corncob with a dash of lime & salt - ummm. Spent some time watching the group of elderly ladies playing some games (backward walking, kho-kho) - what indefatigable spirit.

Gayathri & her father went back home while the rest of us headed to Mast Kalandar for dinner.

All of us thoroughly enjoyed the outing. We decided that we will once again come to the beach with a much bigger group.

Journey to God

It is more than 2 months since we undertook this trip - somehow I was not able to write about it ....here I go......

We had planned to spend Pavithra's (darling daughter) birthday in Swami's presence. Train/bus tickets were booked, and we left for Prashanti Nilayam on 12th Feb. Reached Prashanti Nilayam by around 10.30 AM on the 13th Feb. Though my colleague Prashanti had given the key to the house in Puttaparthi (owned by her Parents), our first preference was to stay within the Ashram. 12th Feb being Shivarathri, we were anxious if we will get accomodation in Prashanti Nilayam. Thankfully, due to Swami's grace, we got a very nice room in West Block. Expecting a long queue in the North Indian Canteen, we had our lunch in the Western Canteen. Had Swami's darshan in the afternoon - the hall was packed to capacity. We were amazed at how the foreigners were able to chant the rudra with ease without seeing the book ! There was no morning darshan on the 14th Feb. We had Swami's darshan in the evening and we got Prasadam and calendar blessed by Swami. The musical offering by the Anantapur students was too good - just meant for the God. Though I did not have a close darshan, I thought we were fortunate to be in his Darbar that evening (as Anand says). Met Ashwin in the hostel and spent some time with him.

No divine darshan on the 15th, which was very very disappointing. But the happiness that we get by just being in the Ashram is something that cannot be explained. 16th Feb being Pavithra's birthday, we were hoping that he gives his divine darshan. But Swami did not come in the morning of 16th. Special pass will be given for devotees spending their birthday or wanting to give wedding invitation, etc. Knowing this, we requested Mr.Unnikrishnan in the Accomodation Office to extend the pass to Pavithra (we had with us her passport for proof of birthday). Mr.Unnikrishnan spoke to Pavithra, wished her, gave her Vibhuti and Swami's photo and gave the pass for all 3 of us - wow, we were so excited. We quickly had our lunch and left very early towards the special pass queue. In fact we were the first in our queue and we were seated in the 2nd row. I was praying that Swami bless Pavithra by giving his darshan. Swami gave us his divine darshan on 16th evening.

No darshan on 17th morning. We had to leave by the afternoon bus to Bangalore and then by train to Chennai. This time, while in Prashanti Nilayam, Anand & I did some service in Western Canteen - served food. Felt really good after the service. Though we were fortunate to have Swami's darshan, not many darshans that we had - hence not a very satisfying trip when compared to the earlier trip.

Reached Bangalore in the evening, did some quick shopping, dinner at Woodys and boarded the train. Reached Chennai early morning and back to the daily grind ! Where does all the peaceful feeling vanish once out of Puttaparthy???

Prashanti Nilayam - the abode of GOD

Train details:
Train 2691 Chennai 2330 hrs / Puttaparthi 1020 hrs -only Fridays
Train 2692 Puttaparthi 1910 hrs / Chennai 0515 hrs - only Sundays

Train 1014 Coimabtore 0800 hrs / Puttaparthi 1830 hrs - daily
Train 1013 Puttaparthi 1730 hrs / Coimbatore 0630 hrs - daily

We(Anand, Pavithra & me) had planned a trip to Puttaparthi during the last week of Sep'09. We left Chennai on 25th Sep by Train No.2691. During the onward journey, the train stops at Bangalore for around 45 minutes - time to get our breakfast from the hotel near the station (good food & good service - upma, chutney & sambar - all packed neatly in different containers with spoons & tissue paper). It is advisable to buy breakfast in Bangalore because nothing is available in the train till it reaches Puttaparthi.

We reached Puttaparthi at 10 AM (20 minutes early). We were anxious to get a room in the Ashram because we were told that getting room in the Ashram is next to impossible during the festive season and we were advised not to visit Prashanti Nilayam during this period because of the huge crowd. Railway station is 8 kms away from Prashanti Nilayam (Rs.100/- auto charge). We were in the Ashram by 10.30 on the 26th and Anand immediately went to the Accomodation office. By around 11 AM we were given the keys to the room - immediately we thanked Swami. Anand & I felt that Swami is taking care of us and were elated.
More pleasant surprise when we entered the room. The room was neat and clean, with 2 double cots, 2 mattresses & 4 pillows (my sis-in-law Anitha was to join us on 26th evening - the Accommodation Officer was not aware of the 4th occupant in the room!). On many occasions that we (totally 5 of us) stayed in the Ashram earlier, the rooms had either no cot or only 1 cot. In the room, there was also a candle & match box, hangers to hang clothes in the cupboard & certain essentials in the clean toilet - may be left by devotees who stayed prior to our check-in. The view outside the room was also very scenic with distant hills, lots of trees & colourful plants/creepers.
We had lunch in the Western Canteen (Pavithra enjoyed her lunch here). Anand & I kept telling that Swami is taking care of us so well. Afternoon darshan was good - the hall was packed to its capacity, Swami came by wheel chair & returned by car (though I was not seated in the first few rows, I still felt happy beacuse it was only due to HIS grace that we were able to have HIS darshan). Anitha joined us in the evening.

Except for 3 mornings when Swami did not give Darshan, we generally had good darshan on all days. One of the mornings, all 4 of us had excellent darshan. It was beyond 10 AM and Swami had not turned up. Then by around 10.20 AM, Swami came in wheel chair, took his usual round of the hall, accepted Aarthi & went back in the car - Divine darshan ! I felt, despite Swami's various programs, HE came to give a quick darshan to his yearning devotees. Swami gave discourse on one of the days. When he noticed that many of the devotees were getting drenched in the rain outside the hall (because of want of place inside), he stopped his discourse & saw to it that all were accomodated in the hall - Swami, the epitome of love.

We also met Ashwin in his hostel (Anitha's son) who is studying in Swami's College at Puttaparthi. We were glad to note how happy he was to be in Puttaparthi and the many occasions that Swami's students get to be close to HIS physical presence.

Anitha left for Coimbatore on 1st Oct by Train No.1013 & we 3 left for Bangalore for my Sister's place on 2nd Oct by 1.30 PM bus - very comfortable bus journey, and back to Chennai on 3rd Oct by Chennai Mail.

Truly, peace prevails in Prashanti Nilayam and why not, when we are close to HIS physical presence.

BANGALORE TRIP

This summer we had not taken a trip & were stuck in Chennai. When we got news that Swami (Sathya Sai Baba) is coming to Whitefield-Bangalore, we decided to drive down to Bangalore.Anand (hubby dear), Pavithra (darling daughter) and myself left home at 6.45 AM on 22nd May in our Alto. On the way at Guindy, we visited Shirdi Baba temple which was inauguarated by Swami (Sathya Sai Baba). Had a peaceful time at the Temple & proceeded on our journey. Had our break fast at Hotel Arusuvai near Sriperambudur - good breakfast without much oil & spice).
Our drive thenceforth was very enjoyable. The road (NH 4 & 7) was excellent & scenic - unfortunately we had not taken our camera with us. Anand & I really enjoyed the drive & both of us were singing hindi & tamil movie songs interspersed with Sai Bajans. Pavithra however was missing her gang of friends.
The whole stretch from Sriperambudur to Hosur was too good & it is a pleasure to drive (coming from Anand who does not much enjoy driving). Even I have decided to learn driving once again ! to go on long drives (I only hold a valid license but do not remember anything about driving).
But the drive from Hosur to Marthahalli (Bangalore) sapped our energy. At one stretch, the road was terribly bad & there was too much of traffic. Because of this we reached my sister's home only at 2PM.
After relaxing for 2 days in Bangalore with a little bit of shopping, we started on our return journey on 25th May. Since Swami did not visit Bangalore, we could not have his darshan. However, on 25th, we visited Whitefield & then proceeded for Chennai by around 113.0 AM after buying some Mangoes (we felt Mangoes were cheaper in Bangalore).
This time, the drive upto Hosur was not bad. When we could not bear our hunger pangs, we started looking for a good restaurant. Finally just after Chinnar & before Krishnagiri, we had our lunch at Adyar Anand Bhavan outlet (in Bharat Petroleum premises) - great food, good & quick service & extremely clean toilets. Just after Vellore we stopped again, stretched our legs & spent some time in the roadside tea stall sipping hot strong tea.
Took quite some time to reach OMR from Sriperambudur. Finally reached home at 6.15 PM & off went Pavithra to join her friends.
Well maintained roads for a major part of the trip (hence did not mind paying toll fee 3 -4 times) with sign boards & emergency contact numbers.
We really had a good time (to & fro drive & the time spent with Sister's family) - much needed Bangalore break !
This is my first blog & hope to write memorable blogs soon.