When we crossed two high altitude mountain passes on the same day (by road) - TTTT 36.

This too happened during our Himachal trek this year. We were returning from Kaza, Spiti valley and coming towards Manali. One the way we had to cross two high altitude mountain passes within a span of 5 hours.

Kunzum la  - 4590m or 15060 feet - stopped here to visit the Kunzum Mata temple. (5 30 pm)

Rohtang la  - 3978m or 13050 feet - Was all foggy wet, raining, poor visibility, less than 3 feet forward, was infact fearing for life, if the van slipped or skidded, we would have ended up in trouble. (11 30 pm)

Cheers,

When I completed lunch by 10:30 am - TTTT 35.

Many a times we  might have finished lunch by 11 am. But a how many times a full fledged course meal having roti, rice, rajma, aloo curry? This happened during our Himachal trek during this year 2016. We completed our trek and we ended up at Mudh Village in Spiti valley. From there on we arrived at Kaza in Spiti.

We had started from Mudh at 6 20 am and did not have breakfast. We had a long journey in front of us to Manali crossing Rohtang la and Kunzum la. So we thought of having as much food as we can. But would it be better if we completed lunch itself?  Oh yes.

But who in this place would feed us lunch that too at 10 30 am in the morning.

Yes, we found a hotel, one of our support staff knew a family who ran a hotel in the market place of Kaza and we went there for food. It was the first time I called home after 9 days flat, because I was able to get a connectivity with a BSNL sim.

Once we were at the hotel we found out we could have roti/aloo and rajma. But rice, yeah, we requested the chef to prepare rice too and he quickly got it done too. Though we waited for a good 15 minutes, it was worth it.

What followed was a bumpy ride in a rented Mahindra Scorpio along the non existant roads of Spiti valley. Though I was sitting in the middle seat, I almost ended up vomiting/puking. But the scorpio had a tyre flat on two occasions and we were stranded with no option in the middle of the road.

Finally we could gather a Tempo traveller as a replacement and yeah thus ended up my vomiting senstaion woes. I did not puke, luckily!

Cheers,

Tulu - When a language left me wanting for more - TTTT 34.

I am not sure if its a tale to tell, but its for me to learn. In the last couple of years, I have been to coastal Karnataka almost 12-14 times. Each time, I have met people speaking in Tulu. Many such times, I have people in our team who are either from Mangalore/Udupi/Puttur speaking Tulu with the locals.

I admit, I find listening to Tulu language very very nice. I cannot speak Tulu, but its on my wish list to speak. It sounds musical. I have plans to learn Tamil/Telgu/Marathi, but Tulu seems to be on a higher priority because of the fact that, it simply sounds so cool, the wordings the pronounciation. In case you find couple of Tulu speaking people, just listen to them, I bet, its fun, its addictive!

I really miss talking to the locals in Tulu, wish I could do it someday, wish I could do more trips to coastal Karnataka.

Until then watch out or search for the video featuring a movie scene Eragavuye kirikiri, its from a Tulu movie Ekka Saka

Cheers,
PS - I am not mocking or sarcastic while I write this, I genuinely admire the language.

This year we lost a music icon

Glenn Frey is a great musician, a legend infact. He along with Don Henley and few others played as Eagles in the late 60's early 70's and disbanded probably during 1980. They came back in the year 1994 and introduced themselves as a band which took a 14 year vacation.

Prior to the split they had announced they would unite only if Hell Freezes over and boy I guess that was the name of the reunion tour.

The year was 1994, I was still a kid, but I still remember distinctly playing Eagles tape again and again. Then, I never knew the history behind Eagles. My father is a fan of Eagles, so am I. Since 1994 I have listened to the Eagles a countless number of times, yet I am not bored by their songs.

Its sad, Glenn Frey is no more. I am listening to the song Take It easy as I am posting this from office. Remember the Scooty advertisement in the 90's featuring Raageshwari? Yeah that background song is Take it easy and by Glenn Frey!

Do check out the concert video of the song Take it easy especially the Hell Freezes over tour one, you will learn how a man in his 40's can rock with a guitar and blue and gray Tee shirt!

Hats off Glenn Frey! you will be missed.

Cheers,

PS - End of the year, George Micheal passed away, I listened to him only after 2001, not before that., because I was simply not aware. My favorite song by George Micheal is Father Figure.