Rome...if I try to describe it in one word or one sentence...its difficult. It's one of those places that evokes such mixed feelings...while I loved some things about Rome, its not one of the places I would like to visit again ...it’s different that I did toss several coins into the water over my shoulder with my back to the Fontana di Trevi...
The first impressions of Rome were not great...especially since we were traveling from Austria. The Airport was dirty, the luggage took forever to come and there were no clear signs or instructions on what to do ...we were not sure if we needed immigration and there seemed no way to find out...finally we asked an officer standing near the exit. His answer...we trust you, you don’t need immigration and ha ha ha!!! Both massi and I were like ...we walk out and somebody is going to come and catch us...but it was getting late so we decided to risk it...guess we didn’t have any other choice also...
A train from the airport to Termini Station and half an hour later we were in Central Rome. Our travel agent had told us that our hotel is only 10 mins walk from Termini, so imagine our surprise when the taxis outside the station asked for 25 Euros (sounds like India!!!)
We decided to walk...but no one was willing to help with the directions :-(
The good thing was there were only 2 ways to go, so walking in the direction which looked (???) like the correct one we trudged along with our strolleys in tow and holding on tightly to our purses. Honestly, both of us were scared...coz no street lights...and it was dark and I kept getting this feeling that someone was following us...
2 Spanish gals (from US) caught up with us. They didn’t know the way either and moreover it seemed that they didn’t even have bookings!!! (At least that way we were better off) Well...the more the merrier...all 4 could get lost together!!!
But we were lucky...that was the right direction and finally we reached our hotel and crashed...
Since our flight was delayed and luggage took forever to come, we had lost the 1st half day in Rome...we were left with only one day now...so we decided to start early the next morning and take one of those red bus tours...
What to say about Rome ...It's unbelievably amazing with a great many awe-inspiring sights and spectacular ancient structures. It’s been referred to as world's most famous open-air museum. Everything is soooooo grand...It seems to have history strewn everywhere ...every building, every street tells its own story of ages past.
The bus tour started from the beatiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Our next stop was the Colosseum - the incontestable symbol of the city. Even the remains of this huge structure look so grand ... it had eighty entrances and could hold upwards of 50,000 spectators. Public events such as gladiator fights, mock naval battles and wild animal hunts were held here...as the English guide explained the way the mechanism worked which fed the people to the lions...I was like...ukkkkkk...how mmmmeeeeeeeeeannnnn...but that is what ancient Rome was like...as I was to realize again and again as we visited other sights...
From there we walked up to the Palatine Hill...Our guide here was excellent...his facial expressions, anecdotes and the way he narrated the history was all so interesting...It is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome. According to Roman mythology, this is where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf that kept them alive. The air quality here was supposed to be much better and it also had the benefit of splendid views, so it became the place for the very powerful and wealthy, who chose to build their homes here. Among the ruins we see the remains of many palaces and baths...and community toilets... (For whatever did they need those - Imagine a circle of potties!!!)
From there to the Forum and the Pantheon...with a burger from MC Donalds eaten on the bus for Lunch...and that was all in Ancient Rome that we had time for...
We then got off the stop for Fontana di Trevi. As we walked in the small streets towards the fountain after a bit we did not need to ask for directions...keep your ears open and you can hear the water. As you enter the square from the streets, suddenly the space seems to open out and you find the most breathtaking sight. The Baroque architecture is impressive. The fountain is in front of a large palace. The central figures of the fountain are Neptune (God of the sea), flanked by two Tritons. One struggles to master a very unruly "sea horse", the other lead a far more docile animal. These symbolize the two contrasting moods of the sea.
Though we wanted to sit there for some more time, we knew we had to move on if we didn’t want to miss some other beautiful sites
Spanish Steps is another incredible square with a theatrical feel to it...there is a fountain called 'Barcaccia' (boat) with the Spanish steps leading up to the chiesa di Trinità dei Monti. Fashion shows are held here with the steps being used as a catwalk.
Last, but not the least was a visit to the Vatican City. Situated entirely within the city of Rome it is separated from the rest of the city by a wall. The Vatican City is famous for its magnificent St Peter’s Basilica the interior of which has been decorated by many famous artists including Michelangelo. Near St Peter’s stands the Vatican Palace, the Pope’s residence, guarded by the Pope's Swiss Guards. They have a traditional uniform, so unlike guards...more like some elf’s attire. The Vatican Museum contains major works of art and valuable pictures.
Unfortunately we didn’t have time or energy to visit the Sistine Chapel, so we just went back to have a yummy Italian dinner...
31 October 2007
29 October 2007
J.M. Coetzee
Noble prize winner and the first to win the Booker prize twice (For -The Life and Times of Michael K and Disgrace)...that made me pick up one of his books (Youth) from the library to read...
Am sitting late in office...just waiting for a reply from a US 3rd party (I need the info for a morning meeting)...decided to surf the net and am amazed at what i find out about him...
He is known for his economy of words...He goes entire dinner parties without saying a word (WOOOOOOOOOH)!!!!!!!!
He taught a two year literature course in South Africa without speaking until one day a student asked him for a definition of postmodernism. After a long, tense pause, he calmly said, 'It's something to do with loss.'
A colleague who has worked with him for more than a decade claims to have seen him laugh just once.
He is known to be reclusive and eschews publicity to such an extent that he did not collect either of his two Booker Prizes in person.
He spends at least an hour at his writing-desk each morning, seven days a week.
Strongly influenced by his own personal background of being born and growing up in South Africa, many of Coetzee's personal experiences and beliefs can be seen in his books.
Coetzee has revisited authors of the past, rewriting Robinson Crusoe as Foe from the female castaway's point of view. (That should be interesting...now on my list of books to read)
Am sitting late in office...just waiting for a reply from a US 3rd party (I need the info for a morning meeting)...decided to surf the net and am amazed at what i find out about him...
He is known for his economy of words...He goes entire dinner parties without saying a word (WOOOOOOOOOH)!!!!!!!!
He taught a two year literature course in South Africa without speaking until one day a student asked him for a definition of postmodernism. After a long, tense pause, he calmly said, 'It's something to do with loss.'
A colleague who has worked with him for more than a decade claims to have seen him laugh just once.
He is known to be reclusive and eschews publicity to such an extent that he did not collect either of his two Booker Prizes in person.
He spends at least an hour at his writing-desk each morning, seven days a week.
Strongly influenced by his own personal background of being born and growing up in South Africa, many of Coetzee's personal experiences and beliefs can be seen in his books.
Coetzee has revisited authors of the past, rewriting Robinson Crusoe as Foe from the female castaway's point of view. (That should be interesting...now on my list of books to read)
25 October 2007
Tube Tricks...
Conversation over a Chinese dinner with friends yesterday drifted to the tribulations of traveling on The London Underground...
She's a Londoner...and seems to have lots of tricks up her sleeve...I actually think that she should write a hands on... (Which I think is a must have for all first time travelers / tourists to London...)...
But till she comes up with that...this is what she shared with me...
1. a. If a lady sits with her legs crossed in such a way that her foot is bit too high and touches you...you do just the same and make sure your foot touches her...see how she sits up straight...
1. b. Similarly if someone is reading their newspaper with their arms spread out so that they overlap over you...you do just the same...
2. When traveling on lines where the tubes have the seating arrangement in the form of cubicles, try to get into the 1st carriage and the first seat - that one has no seats opposite to it so there would never have been anyone sitting with their feet up (which is quite common) and you have a clean seat!!!
3. Getting into the first carriage is also a good idea for women traveling alone at night...its just safer as you are closer to the driver...
4. Know your stations well...get into a carriage that is close to the steps/ escalator of the destination. Being among the first out, you would be saved the jostling on the escalator...
5. Exception to point 4...if you find that the tube is overcrowded...check the route...e.g. if u take Metropolitan line...then better to get into the carriage in the middle as that is the carriage that maximum no of people are going to get off from at Baker street (see rule no 4) so chances of getting a seat are higher...
I have often had people pushing me to grab a seat when it gets vacated...and I lose the seat even though I am closer to it...need to get some ideas from her on that...so part 2 of this to follow after I catch up with her again...
She's a Londoner...and seems to have lots of tricks up her sleeve...I actually think that she should write a hands on... (Which I think is a must have for all first time travelers / tourists to London...)...
But till she comes up with that...this is what she shared with me...
1. a. If a lady sits with her legs crossed in such a way that her foot is bit too high and touches you...you do just the same and make sure your foot touches her...see how she sits up straight...
1. b. Similarly if someone is reading their newspaper with their arms spread out so that they overlap over you...you do just the same...
2. When traveling on lines where the tubes have the seating arrangement in the form of cubicles, try to get into the 1st carriage and the first seat - that one has no seats opposite to it so there would never have been anyone sitting with their feet up (which is quite common) and you have a clean seat!!!
3. Getting into the first carriage is also a good idea for women traveling alone at night...its just safer as you are closer to the driver...
4. Know your stations well...get into a carriage that is close to the steps/ escalator of the destination. Being among the first out, you would be saved the jostling on the escalator...
5. Exception to point 4...if you find that the tube is overcrowded...check the route...e.g. if u take Metropolitan line...then better to get into the carriage in the middle as that is the carriage that maximum no of people are going to get off from at Baker street (see rule no 4) so chances of getting a seat are higher...
I have often had people pushing me to grab a seat when it gets vacated...and I lose the seat even though I am closer to it...need to get some ideas from her on that...so part 2 of this to follow after I catch up with her again...
23 October 2007
Rakhi Sawant
Hers is not the kind of music I enjoy...so this is not about her as an artist... I can't comment on that as I have never seen even one complete video of hers...I have just seen clips on some news channel every time she has been wrapped up in some controversy.
This is about her as a person. A couple of days back I was watching snippets of Koffee with Karan episodes... where she appears as a guest...maaaannnnnn.....does this woman have guts!!! She came across as an honest person...says what she thinks unabashedly...no double standards...
Many other celebrities appearing on this show have ridiculed her... is it because they are envious of the fact that she is able to say what is on her mind... or are they threatened by the publicity she gets by some of her silly gimmick... But do they really have the right to judge her? Honestly they are mocking themselves by ridiculing her!!!
People have said such nasty things about her – ‘she’s a man who has had a sex change’... ufff... don’t they have anything better to do… but she has taken everything in her stride…
She has had a breast implants...but does not go about hiding it like most others...she admits to it...in fact her comment is one of those quotable quotes..."Jo bhagwan nahi deta, who doctor deta hai" (What is not bestowed by god, is provided by the doctor)...
She could do with a bit of toning down...and talking a little slowly and softly (can I afford to say that...my friend says I ate an amplifier when i was a kid and it has got stuck in my throat...)
Her inability to speak fluent English is not a big issue…if only she would speak her Hindi with a bit more class…
Rakhi on Koffee with Karan is a must see...hope there is a replay soon as I didn’t see the whole episode...
P.S (Are blogs allowed post scripts?) An article on the Rakhi-Mika kiss controversy...
This is about her as a person. A couple of days back I was watching snippets of Koffee with Karan episodes... where she appears as a guest...maaaannnnnn.....does this woman have guts!!! She came across as an honest person...says what she thinks unabashedly...no double standards...
Many other celebrities appearing on this show have ridiculed her... is it because they are envious of the fact that she is able to say what is on her mind... or are they threatened by the publicity she gets by some of her silly gimmick... But do they really have the right to judge her? Honestly they are mocking themselves by ridiculing her!!!
People have said such nasty things about her – ‘she’s a man who has had a sex change’... ufff... don’t they have anything better to do… but she has taken everything in her stride…
She has had a breast implants...but does not go about hiding it like most others...she admits to it...in fact her comment is one of those quotable quotes..."Jo bhagwan nahi deta, who doctor deta hai" (What is not bestowed by god, is provided by the doctor)...
She could do with a bit of toning down...and talking a little slowly and softly (can I afford to say that...my friend says I ate an amplifier when i was a kid and it has got stuck in my throat...)
Her inability to speak fluent English is not a big issue…if only she would speak her Hindi with a bit more class…
Rakhi on Koffee with Karan is a must see...hope there is a replay soon as I didn’t see the whole episode...
P.S (Are blogs allowed post scripts?) An article on the Rakhi-Mika kiss controversy...
22 October 2007
Bhool Bhulaiya...
Recently in a discussion with some friends I was told...Priyadarshan is a really good director...he makes excellent comedies. That and some good ratings on sites made me go watch this movie...I was a bit disappointed…as I expected it to be excellent and it was just a wee bit above average…
Firstly its not a comedy as the trailers suggest...its comedy + horror + thriller...and it seems as an after thought the director thought...let me sprinkle a bit of romance too...(between Akki and Amisha Patel, which really isn't required...)
PreInterval - good, light hearted comedy...the kind of movie that helps you shut off from the world completely and just have a good laugh...akki, paresh rawal, rajpal yadav are all great comedians and don’t let us down.....
There is some amount of suspense/horror too... and for a person like me who really gets involved in the movie...I stifled screams and nearly jumped a couple of times...
First time I have seen Horror and Comedy working soooo well together...
But Post Interval...The script writer seems to have got a bit confused...It is supposed to be a psychological thriller...but I found it to be too abstract...Have you ever been in a never ending maze? Its like that ... interesting initially ...but then one gets bored...and suddenly as you think you are near the end of the maze...you start enjoying it...only to be let down...and left thinking…when is this going to get over?
The comedy bits with Akki are good...and there is a shifting needle of suspicion...as to who is responsible for the eerie events in the mansion...a ghost or someone from the household... which manages to keep the interest in the film...but once the secret of the ghost is out its difficult to sit through the rest of the mambo jambo...and I would have walked out had it not been for Vidya Balan...She’s amazing...her role demanded great histrionics ...and she delivers with her incredible performance...
Firstly its not a comedy as the trailers suggest...its comedy + horror + thriller...and it seems as an after thought the director thought...let me sprinkle a bit of romance too...(between Akki and Amisha Patel, which really isn't required...)
PreInterval - good, light hearted comedy...the kind of movie that helps you shut off from the world completely and just have a good laugh...akki, paresh rawal, rajpal yadav are all great comedians and don’t let us down.....
There is some amount of suspense/horror too... and for a person like me who really gets involved in the movie...I stifled screams and nearly jumped a couple of times...
First time I have seen Horror and Comedy working soooo well together...
But Post Interval...The script writer seems to have got a bit confused...It is supposed to be a psychological thriller...but I found it to be too abstract...Have you ever been in a never ending maze? Its like that ... interesting initially ...but then one gets bored...and suddenly as you think you are near the end of the maze...you start enjoying it...only to be let down...and left thinking…when is this going to get over?
The comedy bits with Akki are good...and there is a shifting needle of suspicion...as to who is responsible for the eerie events in the mansion...a ghost or someone from the household... which manages to keep the interest in the film...but once the secret of the ghost is out its difficult to sit through the rest of the mambo jambo...and I would have walked out had it not been for Vidya Balan...She’s amazing...her role demanded great histrionics ...and she delivers with her incredible performance...
19 October 2007
The Pilgrimage - Paulo Coelho
The Pilgrimage...magical is the word for this book...
It is the tale of Paulo Coelho's own personal pilgrimage along the road to Santiago ...he recounts his trials during the journey across Spain in search of a miraculous sword... However, slowly we realise that the true purpose of this trip is the spiritual wisdom that he gains as a spin-off of the search...
As he travels he recognises life's great truths...truths which we have actually known all along and dealt with in our day to day life...but refused or failed to acknowledge...
He talks of magic, mysticism, secrets, and mysterious ways...which I don't necessarily believe in...but there will be a learning from each of his experiences...something to apply in our daily lives...One does not have to say the prayer and hope that god will actually have pity...but there is so much that one can apply to one's practical life from that.
The scene where he is wounded but expected to erect the cross...he thinks its impossible...he wants to refuse...one hopes for a miracle to solve the problem...but applying his learnings he is able to do it...my take here is that...for all problems, one should look at the un-obvious ways to solve them too...
It’s a thought provoking book...about achieving the ultimate goal - the way to know oneself and the purpose of one's life.
Traveler that I am...I obviously enjoyed the travel perspective of the book and hope to do the trek myself someday!!!
It is the tale of Paulo Coelho's own personal pilgrimage along the road to Santiago ...he recounts his trials during the journey across Spain in search of a miraculous sword... However, slowly we realise that the true purpose of this trip is the spiritual wisdom that he gains as a spin-off of the search...
As he travels he recognises life's great truths...truths which we have actually known all along and dealt with in our day to day life...but refused or failed to acknowledge...
He talks of magic, mysticism, secrets, and mysterious ways...which I don't necessarily believe in...but there will be a learning from each of his experiences...something to apply in our daily lives...One does not have to say the prayer and hope that god will actually have pity...but there is so much that one can apply to one's practical life from that.
The scene where he is wounded but expected to erect the cross...he thinks its impossible...he wants to refuse...one hopes for a miracle to solve the problem...but applying his learnings he is able to do it...my take here is that...for all problems, one should look at the un-obvious ways to solve them too...
It’s a thought provoking book...about achieving the ultimate goal - the way to know oneself and the purpose of one's life.
Traveler that I am...I obviously enjoyed the travel perspective of the book and hope to do the trek myself someday!!!
18 October 2007
Knowledge Overflow...
There was so much handwriting on the wall that even the wall fell down
-Christopher Morley
Read, read and continue to read…
That’s what knowledge transfer seems to be about in my current project…I guess I underestimated my capability to read documents…
It’s only my 3rd week into the KT…and I have gone through some 15 presentations (these are the interesting ones on Brokerage, Insurance, reinsurance)…followed by business requirements (* 3 for 3 related projects), then the conceptual designs (again * 3) …knowledge transfer documents (prepared my 2 of colleagues when they took KT for these applications…)…message standards, interface specs with another system…and what not….
They seem to be registering…but for how long… If I have to keep reading more documents soon it’ll all be Latin!!!
That’s what knowledge transfer seems to be about in my current project…I guess I underestimated my capability to read documents…
It’s only my 3rd week into the KT…and I have gone through some 15 presentations (these are the interesting ones on Brokerage, Insurance, reinsurance)…followed by business requirements (* 3 for 3 related projects), then the conceptual designs (again * 3) …knowledge transfer documents (prepared my 2 of colleagues when they took KT for these applications…)…message standards, interface specs with another system…and what not….
They seem to be registering…but for how long… If I have to keep reading more documents soon it’ll all be Latin!!!
Personal Vices
I am reading “The Pilgrimage” by Paulo Coelho…it’s a must read book…but more on that when I finish the book…this morning the chapter I read is really beautiful…(It touched me so much that I am actually typing out parts of it…)
The chapter titled “Personal Vices” is in the form of a prayer…some paras follow…
“Have pity on those who pity themselves and who see themselves as good people treated unfairly by life - who feel that they do not deserve what has befallen them. Such people will never be able to fight the good fight. And pity those who are cruel to themselves and who see only the evil in their own actions, feeling that they are to blame for the injustice in the world. Because neither of these kinds of people know thy law that says ‘But the very hairs of your head are numbered’
“Have pity on those who command and those who serve during long hours of work, and who sacrifice themselves in exchange merely for a Sunday off, only to find that there is nowhere to go, and everything is closed. But also have pity on those who sanctify their efforts, and who are able to go beyond the bounds of their own madness, winding up indebted, or nailed to the cross by their very brothers. Because neither of these kinds of people know thy law that says, ‘Be ye therefore as wise as the serpents and as harmless as the doves.’
“Have pity on those who are fearful of taking up a pen, or a paintbrush, or an instrument, or a tool because they are afraid that someone has already done so better than they could, and who feel themselves to be unworthy to enter the marvellous mansion of art. But even have more pity on those who, having taken up the pen, or the paintbrush, or the instrument, or the tool, have turned inspiration into a paltry thing, and yet feel themselves to be better than others. Neither of these kinds of people know thy law that says, ‘For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.’
“Have pity on those who bind themselves with the silken ties of love, and think themselves as masters of others, and who feel envy, and poison themselves, and who torture themselves because they cannot see that love and all things change like the wind. But pity even more those who die of their fear of loving and who reject love in the name of a greater love that they know not. Neither of these kinds of people know thy that says, ‘Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.’
The chapter titled “Personal Vices” is in the form of a prayer…some paras follow…
“Have pity on those who pity themselves and who see themselves as good people treated unfairly by life - who feel that they do not deserve what has befallen them. Such people will never be able to fight the good fight. And pity those who are cruel to themselves and who see only the evil in their own actions, feeling that they are to blame for the injustice in the world. Because neither of these kinds of people know thy law that says ‘But the very hairs of your head are numbered’
“Have pity on those who command and those who serve during long hours of work, and who sacrifice themselves in exchange merely for a Sunday off, only to find that there is nowhere to go, and everything is closed. But also have pity on those who sanctify their efforts, and who are able to go beyond the bounds of their own madness, winding up indebted, or nailed to the cross by their very brothers. Because neither of these kinds of people know thy law that says, ‘Be ye therefore as wise as the serpents and as harmless as the doves.’
“Have pity on those who are fearful of taking up a pen, or a paintbrush, or an instrument, or a tool because they are afraid that someone has already done so better than they could, and who feel themselves to be unworthy to enter the marvellous mansion of art. But even have more pity on those who, having taken up the pen, or the paintbrush, or the instrument, or the tool, have turned inspiration into a paltry thing, and yet feel themselves to be better than others. Neither of these kinds of people know thy law that says, ‘For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.’
“Have pity on those who bind themselves with the silken ties of love, and think themselves as masters of others, and who feel envy, and poison themselves, and who torture themselves because they cannot see that love and all things change like the wind. But pity even more those who die of their fear of loving and who reject love in the name of a greater love that they know not. Neither of these kinds of people know thy that says, ‘Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.’
15 October 2007
Fiddler on the Roof
Go to any site to check out tickets for Fiddler on the Roof and they say...it's unanimous - London loves Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy Theatre!
And why wouldn't they...its brilliant...witty, humorous and at the same time tugging at your heart strings...as it inevitably reminds us of the unsettling and troubling times that were to follow...
Based in a small Jewish village in Southern Russia...it is the story of Tevye, a poor milkman who has 5 daughters whom he would like to see married off in propahhhhh Jewish tradition... the opening song Tradition is full of spirit and has you tapping and nodding...
But revolution is in the air and his daughters want to break away from the tradition of the match maker finding them a match and opting to marry for love rather than on the whims of their parents...
But before that we have the beautiful rendition of the song...Match maker, match maker, make me match ... at the end of which they realise that they don’t really want the matchmaker to find them a match!!!
Henry Goodman is excellent...even sitting in the last row...one can see the smile and twinkle in his eye when he cheekily "chats" with god...its as if God is his friendly neighbour...he personifies innocence, vulnerability, good heartedness, dreaminess...His rendition of If I Were a Rich Man is remarkable...
2 of his dialogues left a lasting impression on me...they suggest the pain and suffering of Jewish people through the ages, as well as their wonderfully resilient humour.
One when he questions God “I know we are the Chosen People, but once in a while, can't you choose someone else?"
And when they are asked to vacate the village by the tsar, he says ...It reminds me of all the times that our forefathers had to leave their homes...no wonder we never take of our hats...
The hilarious Dream Scene...He can’t just tell his wife that daughter no 1 wants to marry the poor tailor rather than the rich butcher...is full PAISA WASOOL!!!
Daughter no 3 elopes and marries outside the Jewish community...the scene showing his dilemma at that point of time is touching and emotive...
In the wedding sequence a special applause should go to the bottle dancers...i wonder if the bottles were empty though???
"Do You Love Me?" ... Tevye asks his wife after 25 years of marriage...she is totally flabbergasted...really cute song...
And finally, as the tight-knit family is scattered across the world it's sad, poignant yet hopeful...
And why wouldn't they...its brilliant...witty, humorous and at the same time tugging at your heart strings...as it inevitably reminds us of the unsettling and troubling times that were to follow...
Based in a small Jewish village in Southern Russia...it is the story of Tevye, a poor milkman who has 5 daughters whom he would like to see married off in propahhhhh Jewish tradition... the opening song Tradition is full of spirit and has you tapping and nodding...
But revolution is in the air and his daughters want to break away from the tradition of the match maker finding them a match and opting to marry for love rather than on the whims of their parents...
But before that we have the beautiful rendition of the song...Match maker, match maker, make me match ... at the end of which they realise that they don’t really want the matchmaker to find them a match!!!
Henry Goodman is excellent...even sitting in the last row...one can see the smile and twinkle in his eye when he cheekily "chats" with god...its as if God is his friendly neighbour...he personifies innocence, vulnerability, good heartedness, dreaminess...His rendition of If I Were a Rich Man is remarkable...
2 of his dialogues left a lasting impression on me...they suggest the pain and suffering of Jewish people through the ages, as well as their wonderfully resilient humour.
One when he questions God “I know we are the Chosen People, but once in a while, can't you choose someone else?"
And when they are asked to vacate the village by the tsar, he says ...It reminds me of all the times that our forefathers had to leave their homes...no wonder we never take of our hats...
The hilarious Dream Scene...He can’t just tell his wife that daughter no 1 wants to marry the poor tailor rather than the rich butcher...is full PAISA WASOOL!!!
Daughter no 3 elopes and marries outside the Jewish community...the scene showing his dilemma at that point of time is touching and emotive...
In the wedding sequence a special applause should go to the bottle dancers...i wonder if the bottles were empty though???
"Do You Love Me?" ... Tevye asks his wife after 25 years of marriage...she is totally flabbergasted...really cute song...
And finally, as the tight-knit family is scattered across the world it's sad, poignant yet hopeful...
03 October 2007
Varenya and Mobiles...
All of six months and capable of doing magic...that is Varenya for you...
About 2 months back, I was desperately trying to call her mom...no response...finally after several days I get a call from mom...it seems Varenya did magic on her mobile...it stopped working...
At 6 months she has such a fixation for mobiles...if u call her mom...she wants to have the phone next to her ear...the moment mom removes the handset to talk...wailing starts from the back...which stops the moment she finds the mobile next to her ear....
We have often read about mobile obsessions, ringtone obsessions, text obsessions...have any of these studies considered infants fixation for mobiles?
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