Haarlem

By now you (& I) are accustomed to the cold-rainy-windy environment here in Amsterdam. With the majority of last week spent at Hoofddorp office, it was time to move out of the city to either Rotterdam or Haarlem. The weather forecast for both places for the weekend was…… cold-rainy-windy, so I decided to take it easy and visit Haarlem. Haarlem is about 30 minutes away from Hoofddorp as compared to more than an hour and half for Rotterdam.

As a result, slept late on Friday night and woke up just in time before the McDonald’s breakfast menu stops being on offer at 11 AM. Caught the Zuidtangent# 300 from De Hoek (pronounced as Dohook, spelling classes for my non-Dutch friends) and reached Haarlem station at 11:30. Reached the city center, precisely 5 minutes from the station. The way Haarlem is ‘structured’ is that there is a big church in the middle (hence the term, city center, duh) and there is an open market for cheese, flowers, vegetables, fruits etc (old fashioned stuff) and then is there are the modern stores for clothing, jewelry, accessories and the works. Surrounding that are multiple canals and some good looking buildings. Quite a mix of the old and new. I asked a local vendor selling his food right outside the church, for the name of the church and unwittingly he answered, ‘big building’. I sympathized with him as I am sure I don’t know crap about all the buildings in Bombay. Sigh.

One interesting scenario today though. As I was walking, I saw a group of men wearing “Hell’s Angels” jackets and proudly window shopping as many of us were. A lot of looks went their way and they were least bothered about it. I dare not think these were the ‘actual’ Hell’s Angels. I read somewhere these guys are the ‘protectors’ of the prostitutes from the RDA, but surely they won’t be roaming around the city of Haarlem shopping for turtle neck T-shirts or Longines watches for their ladies, right?

Not much of a picture-spree day today. Just a couple of the “big building” and canals here and there.

On Thursday, a Dutch colleague and I went to an Indian restaurant in Amsterdam called Gandhi. My colleague was actually feeling sorry for me as I told him the McD outside my hotel was my dinner den. The food was delicious and it didn’t pinch my pocket at all. The friend paid for it :)

Den Haag – Scheveningen & Madurodam

On Saturday I planned on seeing Den Haag (The Hague) and the surrounding areas. With tips from the hotel crew, I zeroed in on Scheveningen and Madurodam.

Took the Intercity train from Schiphol to Den Haag – Holland Spoor and caught a tram (for the first time) to Scheveningen. Unlike the US, the Netherlands is comfortably connected by trains, buses, taxis, canals and of course, by cars. So there is never really a sense of helplessness while traveling within the city or within the country.

Scheveningen is that part of Den Haag which has the best beaches in the city. But then again, with winter just introducing itself to the country, there wasn’t much to do other than just take a stroll along the path parallel to the beach. There is a magnificent pier with upper and lower decks that ends in the water with an attached casino and a restaurant. Went to neither, but the walk along the open upper deck was very calm and relaxing. Just the right solace I wanted (Don’t take me seriously when I say solace). Scheveningen is the house to the grand Hotel Kurhaus which stands out looking into the sea like a royal signature. Took a ton of pictures and videos here but saved the best part of the handycam battery for Madurodam.

Took another tram to Madurodam from Scheveningen. Den Haag is pretty in the sense that the trams take you through the inner city neighborhood which is surrounded by so much greenery and grand houses that it is just visually very pleasing.

Madurodam is named after George Maduro (a very famous Dutch military person), and it is a 1:25 scale representation of the entire country. Just unbelievable! Just do a search on the web and check out the images. The place has everything, from miniature city palaces and historical/government buildings in Amsterdam, Den Haag and many other 12th to 17th century cities, to the industrialized Rotterdam and Amsterdam as well as an insight into the farming and shipping industry. Bang in the middle is the miniature Amsterdam-Schiphol airport with planes circling around the runway. Spent the best part of the afternoon here and with the weather changing from cloudy to sunny, gave a lot of people some terrific pictures for a memorable look back at this place.

But then again, winter just reminded that it was here to stay for its vacation and it was time for me to leave the place. It was the coolest day for me here (both literally and figuratively speaking, of course).

Back in Hoofddorp with the plans of seeing Haarlem being severely threatened by impending rains. Guess will have to leave that to next week or later.

Next on the agenda is to visit Rotterdam and hopefully get a chance to see the world famous Windmills of the Netherlands. The will truly make this a grand trip. Belgium, France and Germany will have to wait longer.

The Seven Year Itch

My journey to India has completed just more than 3 months and now, unexpectedly, I find myself on a trip through Europe (of all the places). Thank you, Wipro. So as I prepared myself for this trip to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a lot of my older memories from my first international flight are flashing right in front of me.

Just a little over 7 years ago, precisely in the wee hours of August 8, 2002, I boarded a Lufthansa flight enroute to Chicago (and Cleveland) via Frankfurt. Brought back a lot of nostalgia from that night. While on that night, I kept thinking, is a Master’s degree really worth staying away from my parents; last night, I thought, wow, what an opportunity to make a name for myself. 7 years have passed since that maiden flight out of India and here I am all grown up and (nervously) ready to win some business for my company. Boarded from the Bengaluru International Airport and must say, it is an International Airport. By the time I got to my seat, my battery was dead and I slept throughout the plane ride, not even waking up for food or for a mandatory trip to the loo. Those who know me know that I will eat, no matter the time or place. Quite unlike me, this time around!

Caught the Inter City Express (ICE) train from Frankfurt to Amsterdam-Schiphol. A very comfortable 4 hour ride, speeding past Germany and into the Netherlands at average speeds of 220 km/hr.

My early winter expedition through Amsterdam should last for 2-3 weeks, but that should be enough for now. As beautiful as the scenario is now, I wouldn’t mind (in fact, I would love to) coming back with Kirti and enjoy Europe once again. Oh well, lets hope this trip gets me back here soon. Ever the optimist!!

For those who know about this trip, the one thing almost all of them have said is to visit the Red Light District in Amsterdam. Sure, I will (and shall send some snaps too, if I am able to). Tulip Gardens are closed for the winter, but there are many other places of interest too.

I am sure some of you are pleasantly surprised at the sudden change of events, but I just wanted to ensure that I reached Europe before I let the cat out of the bag.

Hoofddorp
I can so get used to the Mercedes taxis in the city. Amazing feeling. The slightly surprising part is to see so many (Maruti) Suzuki Swifts, Altos and Wagon Rs in Hoofddorp (City neighboring Amsterdam, where I am located). Unfortunately, food wise, I am surviving on the McDonalds that is right across the parking lot from the Best Western. Apparently, this is the busiest and largest McD in the Amsterdam area (This is the first McD I have seen in the US, India and Amsterdam combined which has the loudest noise made by the kids. Unreal).

The client is located in a city called Haarlem (pronounced as Haailem) 14 km from Hoofddorp. After initial fears of spending 34 Euros (one way) to reach Haarlem, we found out a bus that takes me to and from the hotel for 8 Euros. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!! Buses are (again), Mercedes. Too rich a continent (Western Europe, that is).

So far the work that has been discussed and brainstormed is very good but I do anticipate long days at the client location, precisely the kind of days I have become used to at El. City, Bangalore for the past 3 months. The only significant difference here might be that there is actual work to be done.

Amsterdam
Planned to go around Amsterdam downtown Saturday morning and check out the city. Got some tips from the hotel and was on my way to Amsterdam Centraal Station from Schiphol airport at about 11:15 am. The hustle-bustle at Amsterdam Centraal is no different from what it is at C.S.T in Mumbai. The amazing part about this place is that when a train is timed for say 11:00 am; that is the departure time from the station. The train actually arrives couple minutes before the departure time. Simply keeps getting better. If India wishes to become world-class, here is one such example to follow to a T.

Anyway, coming back to my day-out in Amsterdam. Choose a windy-blustery-rainy-cold day for the walk across the city. Unlike most major cities in the US, Amsterdam downtown is actually a cultural hub as compared to a business district. People just seemed to have such a good time. Walked around Damrak Street for the best part of the afternoon. Dam Square is probably the most happening place in the city and is ideally located in the city center close the A’dam Centraal. Trams, bicycles, cars, buses, horse-carts and people exist peacefully just as cars, buses, trucks, people, cows and dogs exist unpeacefully (but effectively) in India. No honking here either (just like the US).

Made my way to the shopping district, in a location called Koningsplein. Amsterdam is a very fashionable city with almost every brand of clothes, jewelry, watches, shoes etc. known to man (and woman!!) existing in and around the city. The flower market is also an interesting place on the way to the shopping district. Located almost entirely on boats, it is quite a visual treat.

By the way, a major part of Netherlands is below sea level and most of the inhabitants and structures (incl. buildings etc) are constructed on reclaimed land. Amsterdam city has close to 100 canals cutting across the city evenly and hence boats have become an important necessity for trade & industry as well as tourism. As with the canals, there are many more bridges built over and across these canals for easy and convenient transportation. The city has a very rustic charm to it and the government has been very careful and active in keeping up the architectures from the old ages intact.

Now for the part which is the most talked about. My trip to Nieuw Markt, commonly known as the Red Light District of Amsterdam (RDA). The only place in Europe, where prostitution, the world’s oldest profession, is legal. Found a lot of ladies strutting their stuff on windows attracting customers from all parts of the world. The ladies themselves seemed to be from all parts of the world and also ranged from A- to Double Ds in size (if you know what I mean by that). They certainly didn’t like their photographs and videos taken and I certainly didn’t want to risk my life doing that. This experience will die with me one day. Sorry folks, for not getting you the eye candy. The area (and some of the prostitutes) seemed interesting and depressing at the same time. It is said that less than 5% of the prostitutes in the RDA are natives of the Netherlands. For a moment while I was there, I just thought of getting the hell out. Not the kind of place you want to take a date on.

Continuing through the day, I took a boat trip through the multiple canals of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is located on the Amstel river and hence the name. It reminded me of the ferry ride Kirti and I took when we visited NYC in November 2005. Cold and windy! At least this boat had insulated enclosures. The city has its share of churches and museums, zoos and parks and maybe, I would visit these places some day.

Called it a day close to 3:30 pm through an incredible city and I wish, I can experience this place once more on a warm sunny day (are you hearing me, Wipro!!).

Happy Diwali!!

Wishing you and your family a very happy Diwali and a prosperous new year.



Keep rocking!!

Picture courtesy: http://www.indianswv.com/images/diwali.jpg

Funny Sighting

Posted on the back of a Tata Sumo in Bangalore:

"Don't overtake me............I am Sunami".

Just Brilliant.

Joke of the Day!!

Take a guess what it would be. No, just take a random guess. Fine.

Barack Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize. Oh My God!! I almost fell down from my chair when I first read the headlines on TOI. I just couldn't believe my eyes. How could the Committee which decides these (prestigious) awards just handover the Peace Prize (of all the things) to the President of the US, whose country is involved in two bloody battles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One alarming note I read on the CNN website was that the nominations for these awards were were to have gone in on February 1, barely 10 days after Obama's inauguration ceremony on Jan 20th. That was enough to decide if Obama should get the coveted Peace Prize or not??. Apparently, the Committee comprises of quick decision makers. World over, the common topic of discussion is that the Nobel Prize has lost its credibility. Mahatma Gandhi, the ultimate symbol of peace, was not awarded one. That says it all.

I wonder what would have happened had John McCain had won the November elections. It is a fact that McCain was for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, so it might not have been possible for him to win the Nobel.

Talking about Peace prizes, at least our own PM Dr. Manmohan Singh should have been considered for that award since he (and his UPA government) has tried to broker peace with Pakistan for the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Either it is a peace initiative (by asking the Zardari government to take action against the perpetrators) or gross inaction on MMS's part is to be discussed separately, but still. The Islamic world might not be too happy with the Nobel Committee's decision about the 2009 Prize. I won't be surprised if in the coming days there is an audio (or video) tape from Al Qaida (through Al Jazeera TV) ridiculing the prizes. Should be interesting. At least, George W. Bush was not considered for this is itself a big accomplishment.

On the topic of Nobel Prizes, it is heartening and proud to see Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan win the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. A "hold your head high" moment for all Indians (Resident and Non-resident alike).

On a totally unrelated note, the other day while coming home from EC, saw an aunty riding a Scooty, wearing a saree, jeans and sneakers cruising on Hosur Road. Guess we know who wears the pants in that household :)

Hogenakkal Waterfalls

Last long weekend of the trifecta (Eid, Dusshera and Gandhi Jayanti) and it was quite a pleasant one. Headed off to Hogenakkal Falls on Saturday morning. With a comfortable drive of less than 4 hours from Bangalore, we reached there before noon, not before stopping for some hearty breakfast at A2B (Adyar Anand Bhavan). Every local was keen on advertising the falls to be as grand as the one in the US and Canada. What is it called? Oh yeah, Niagara Falls.

Not quite the same but pretty neat. Water levels were great and the Coracle ride from the river banks to the falls was, well scary in the beginning to comfortable towards the end. The falls is 'supplied' by the Cauvery, which flows from Karnataka into Tamil Nadu and which has been the topic of many political rallies and controversies over the years, not to mention the 'home' of the sandalwood brigand, Veerappan.

Took a bath in the river after ages and almost got sucked downstream because of the strong undercurrents. Not to worry here, nothing alarming to note (don't tell my mother). Heavily overpaid for the roughly 1 hour boat ride (Rs 1100/-), although, it was the cheapest amount we shelled out to the persistent boat-driver (I can't think of the appropriate term here). Overall a fun day of excitement and my first trip out of Karnataka (if you discount the Mumbai trip earlier). Yipeee.

I have nicknamed my roommate Terror on Wheels, and the reason is 1) He rides a bike, correction, he FLIES a bike, 2) Slowing down happens only when the destination is reached, 3) It does not matter to him if you are riding pillion or not, he just does not care. My nearly couple hours ride through Bangalore city was as exciting as it was terrifying. I got to say though, there were nearly not enough 'dead'ly encounters that I was expecting before I got on the bike.

Back in the office today and as usual, going through the motions. Check back for more. I've got Jog Falls on my list to do next, and then a must-see Mysore trip. Should be fun.

Happy Dusshera

Got absolutely drenched Thursday night due to the heavy downpour in Namma Bengaluru. The last time this happened was somewhere in the late 90s after college or so. To make matters worse that day, we got stuck in traffic for nearly 2 hours, for a 10km ride from El. City and the fact that we were starving to death because of a light snack in the evening. But alls well that ends well. Got a good night's sleep and was back to work before time the following day.

Sam flew in from Delhi on Friday night and went around town last night (Forum and Koramangala area to be precise) and then to a friend's place later on. Earlier in the day, met a family friend after nearly 10 years and had a good time catching up on old times. Caught up with some ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan and called it a night past midnight. All in all a good Saturday after a long time.

Planned to watch What's Your Rashee at the last minute, but, unfortunately (or fortunately) all the shows for the evening were booked. Went to dinner at a place called Spiga on St. Marks Road, stopped over at Corner House for my first experience with Death by Chocolate and called it a night at around 2:30am at Kaustubh's house in Koramangala.

Decided to run off to Bombay during Diwali and spend it with friends and family. I haven't celebrated Diwali in India since 2001 and hence, I need to make up for those lost years. Diwali in Akron used to be spectacular though.

Work during the past week was mild but the week itself was short, so that was acceptable. Same with the 3-day week following Monday as Friday again is a holiday. Got to plan well ahead. I am just wasting my time doing (practically) nothing useful. Think!!

Happy Dusshera to all you folks. Have fun.