Felt replica of the Underwood Noiseless typewriter, made by Craftsters, linked by the all new Boing Boing At least, professional writing is. Very, very hard, especially if you’re trying to write like a champ very well for money. Evidently the “Blogger’s Block” is in place here. Allow me some time in finishing several feature stories [...]

A friend of mine from Bangalore studies full time in a Singapore university, but goes back ever so often (once every five weeks or so) that his barber refuses to believe he lives Abroad. “You’re lying,” his barber says. “Your hair hasn’t even grown properly, and you’re back to see me. How can you live [...]

When I was in Bangalore last week, some folks from The Great Indian Mutiny dropped by to interview me, so if you’re interested in hearing me talk above the Bon Jovi at Brigade Road’s Cafe Coffee Day, here’s the link. The rest of the site is also a great India blog. Happy 60 years of independence [...]

Me: “There’s something I need to tell you.” Z: “You… made out with someone in India?” Me: “No.. worse..” Z: “You… had an affair?” Me: “No… it’s worse than that…” (bated breath) Me: “iwatchedRATATOUILLEwithoutwaitingforyoutocometobangkokiknowisaidiwouldbuti…” Z: “HOW COULD YOU?? COULDN’T YOU HAVE SOME SELF CONTROL? YOU PROMISED.” Food, and the pursuit thereof, is a huge part of my relationship; I think we spend close [...]

Bangkok, again and again and again (and again and again..). Who’d ever tire of Bangkok? I had a great time in India, though most of the blog posts while I was in the Motherland bordered on the verge of frustration, anger, and complaint. When I wasn’t being frustrated or angry, I was having a wonderful time [...]

You’ve always been good to me.

Happy 42nd, Singapore. No matter what I say about you, and how I’ve always refused to attend National Day Parades or watch them on telly, never put up a flag and probably never will — you’re doing alright, though we could all do better. I want us to do better. If I were home, of [...]

Matheran in the monsoon, this past weekend Among the many things I love about India, it’s how this vast and diverse country has so much to offer, enough to even win over a well-worn India traveller. An overnight train ride northwards from Kolkata takes you to a completely different world, one infused with Nepali culture [...]

The train gets going, without you in that Second Tier AC berth you finally shelled out good money for. I guess I’m not meant to go to Nepal. I’m going to Bangalore instead. I’ve always had a problem with time: I have no sense of it. I’m the sort of person who leaves home for an important [...]

If you thought Little India on a Sunday was crowded, think again. Two weeks ago, in Puri (Orissa), a million people gathered in the small town for the spectacular Rath Yatra. Both pictures from the Nokia N95. Just a small section of the crowd Rooftop “seats” are sold for a hefty price. If you are cheap like [...]