Dusky Paris.., originally uploaded by Vikaz.

I have a crown…, originally uploaded by Vikaz.

A flower with crown shaped petals… in Keukenhof

I am in dilemma…, originally uploaded by Vikaz.
]]> http://wuli.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/i-am-in-dilemma/feed/ 0 v http://wuli.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/czech-republic-and-austria-trip-the-beginning/ http://wuli.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/czech-republic-and-austria-trip-the-beginning/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 13:11:58 +0000 v http://wuli.wordpress.com/?p=285 ]]>

Prague

A few days before this trip started, few events made me realize how easily some friendships could break down in the absence of proper communication.   If my emotional side had succeeded, this trip might have never seen the glimpse of reality. But, thankfully, logic and common sense prevailed along with the tinge of stubbornness. So what the plans had to be remodeled, so what the stops had to be rearranged … the show(in this case, my journey) was ready to begin and there was no time or need for delinquency. Lest this post gets mired by the unfortunate events that led to this strange beginning, I end this paragraph with a mental note that bears a cautionary warning to myself against any miscommunication between friends in future.

Not often at the start of my journeys, do I get ready on time. But this time, I was ready well before the time of departure from my room. I know it doesn’t sound something extraordinary if not seen in light of the facts that most of my earlier trips had always found themselves in a state of unpredictability at the starting point. Let’s see it more graphically… imagine that a guy has only 20 minutes to catch a train but out of those 20 mins, 18 minutes are required to reach railway station and 3 additional minutes are required to withdraw money from ATM. Throw in the random event of ATM machines breaking down just at that very moment when that guy inserts his ATM card. Numbers don’t add up you see… it is highly unlikely that guy will be able to catch the train. But he does reach the station 30 seconds before train’s doors close and climbs  around 30 steps of stairs (damn escalator is not working so early in the morning) and just manages to squeeze in before doors kiss each other. These events have the bad habit of turning up every time in similar fashion (although in different combinations) when I go out. Now you know why I was so happy when I got ready on time.

To be continued….

It's a strange world out there...

A windmill in Leiden: Typical Dutch symbol

‘When in Rome, do as Romans do’ is quote that has origins in year as far away as 387AD but it still holds good for people who move a lot between different places. Taking a cue from that wise saying I too started following some of the practices that the people in Netherlands do. Knowing all the things I have tried, will neither be interesting to you nor will it be easy for me to explain. Some things change without the conscious knowledge of the person who is the object in which change has found a place. Here are changes in my thinking that have brought me close  to being a Dutch…

1. Bread and Cheese are my new bread and butter

2. Bread and Cheese can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the snacks in between. You can literally live on those two things.

3. Warm food is for lazy people. Eat it cold.

4. Bikes are my new cars. And one is not enough.

5. Locks are more important than bikes.

6. Who told you to go to bicycle shop? Get a repair kit and fix it yourself.

7. A small plateau is mountain.

8. It’s alright to greet strangers.

9. Coffee shop is not only for coffee. Wanna gave coffee.. go to a cafe or a restaurant.

10. Divide and then pay in a restaurant.Don’t be generous and pay for everybody

11. Sunlight is a rare commodity. Enjoy it while it lasts.

12. A day is not for only one type of weather. Expect anything from sunshine, to snow, rain and hail.

13. No meeting without coffee. Coffee is starter as well as dessert.

14. Working everyday is not good. You must take a vacation for at least two continuous weeks.

15. Drug addicts are ok. They are harming themselves.

16. Don’t say that Dutch is related to German(although it is).

17. Want to meet someone? Don’t you dare to drop by without appointments.

18. Living together is a status in itself along with single and married.

19. The traditional Dutch cuisine is Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Greek etc.

20. It is easy to keep your partner happy…you see, flowers are not so costly.

21. Tea with milk is too English. Try without milk. Sugar is not a necessary thing.