I heard this group while moving around in La Defence. There was a fair orgainized in there and in one of the corner shop these 2 or I guess 3 people were playing beautiful music piece. Well and that was most crowded area in the fair. I managed to record a small piece of it. Really can't remember which one is it, but I liked it and so posting it here. Updates: I searched around and this music piece is known "Conquest of Paradise". 1492: Conquest of Paradise is a 1992 music score by Greek electronic composer and artist Vangelis. The film, a recount of the voyage to America in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, was directed by Ridley Scott.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The cocktail party!
I attended a cocktail party recently.
I don't drink but since it was arranged by Science Accueil, an organization that helps Scientists visiting France find accommodation, I was suggested to attend it to get acquainted with fellow foreign scientists.
Since my house owner who is connected to organization for many years, was also invited, we planned to go together.My house owner is an old lady of ~78 years old and of Vietnam origin settled in Paris for last many years. She picked me up from the station. We had decided to meet at 5.30 pm at the Station gates.
But I guess even French standard time runs like Indian standard time i.e. everything runs late than expected time. So, as I had expected as usual I reached 20 mins before time and she reached 30 mins late.So for a total of 50 mins I was standing outside the station in cold chilly shivering wind.
Since the party was kind of introduction for foreigners in France, who don't speak one language it started with putting tags to every person with the details of their name and the language they speak.
So, I had a tag:
Kaustubh Joshi
I speak English!
It then started with a talk which went on for some 20-25 mins. They were telling about all the activities organized by them for the foreginers. The talk was initially in French later translated to English by another person.
We were standing in a big hall with no chairs to sit, apparently considering the later arrangement for the party. So, it was all standing and listening to what two people on dias were speaking for over an hour.
Finally, all the talks were over, and it was the time to begin the cocktail party.
Champagnes and Wine bottles were opened, corks were flying everywhere in air and everybody started rushing to pick their glass.
I had no reason to rush so was standing behind but my house owner, a 78 years old lady jumped into the crowd.
and she brought 2 glasses in her hand offering me one!
I told her I don`t drink!
but it was so crowded and so noisy she was not able to understand. It was all getting chaotic with she putting it deliberately in my hands and me trying not to touch it.
To add to that everybody around started looking at whats happening between us.
That made me feel odd and just to avoid any situation coming up I accepted the glass.
I have heard so much about this red wine that it would have been a crime if I would not have tasted red wine even after visiting Paris. In fact I had to hear words like, "You haven`t tasted red wine, oh, you have all this time living in heaven and not having fun".
So, I thought, "let`s give it a try".
The first sip itself said all.
Forgive me all wine lovers, but I feel it is one of the rubbish tastes I ever had in my life. And you can not justify saying it might not be a good one, because this cocktail party of Science Accueil is quite famous in the area.
I just wanted to spit it out. but couldn`t.
The owner was I guess on high by now and was hitting her glass with full enthusiasm on mine saying "cheers"!!!!!!
Fortunately these people do not fill glass full as I have seen back in India.
I tried measuring the content with eyes. It was not more than say 10 ml, that is roughly the amount of diluted Benadryl, the cough syrup we take. So, it was just one more sip I had to en gulp.
I hold my breathe and dumped the remaining in mouth and kept the glass on the table with a bang (i felt like imitating the love shattered bollywood hero who bangs the glass on table finishing all the alcohol in one go).
But yes i have had one glass of wine and definitely this act can never happen again. I wonder how people like to drink it one after the other glass !!!
I tried to change the taste with coke, orange juice etc etc, but the bad taste overpowered all others.
On the other side the owner had geared up totally. She was in full flow. The lady serving wine was her friend and so was easily accessible to get her glass refilled.
Very soon she had finished 3-4 glasses. She then asked me "Do you want to drink anymore?"
Well "NO" was the prompt and the quickest answer I would have given in recent times.
Once done with I guess some 7-8 glasses she decided to go back home.
The future was looking gloomy to me.
It was dark and raining heavily outside.
To add to that the Paris roads are very narrow, hardly wide enough for two cars to cross and they mostly run with 2 way traffic.
The owner, now the driver had just finished drinking 7-8 glass of wine and she is a 78 years old lady.
Her glass (spectacles, in case u misunderstand) were not good on this particular day as she informed while leaving the party venue, and she probably will have some vision problem while driving back home.
When we reached for the car,all the window and front glasses were covered with a heavy layer of due, so nothing was clear.
For a moment the driver of bus in movie Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban lingered in my imagination.
The effect of alcohol was soon clear when she tried taking car out of parking, it hit something which i could not see at all, and i guess she was not even aware of!
With the help of people around guiding her with obstacles on way, she finally managed to get the car on track.
I was in no better situation than a scared rabbit worrying about the cloud about to fall on its head.
The task was difficult because it was a long run of ~10 kms passing through a big stretch of highway.
To add to it, she told me, she is not sure about the way back to home.I realized it when on highway, she tried to suddenly turn right making guy behind apply emergency brakes and then again realizing it not being the right turn returning to the highway almost in the same speed, making the guy behind again apply emergency brakes. That was the first I heard somebody blowing horn in Paris.
I realized I can not see anything in front of me because of the layer of due on glass and the vapors condensed inside.
I took a cloth and tried to clean it. Only then did I came to know that this is big road with all the vehicles running at speed of 100+ kmph speed.
To my astonishment, the owner asked me to clean the glass infront of her also because she was also not able to see anything!!!
I started praying for no more shocking news coming my way.
With God`s grace nothing happened further and we safely reached home.
That was the fortunate end of the journey teaching many lessons on the way.
I don't drink but since it was arranged by Science Accueil, an organization that helps Scientists visiting France find accommodation, I was suggested to attend it to get acquainted with fellow foreign scientists.
Since my house owner who is connected to organization for many years, was also invited, we planned to go together.My house owner is an old lady of ~78 years old and of Vietnam origin settled in Paris for last many years. She picked me up from the station. We had decided to meet at 5.30 pm at the Station gates.
But I guess even French standard time runs like Indian standard time i.e. everything runs late than expected time. So, as I had expected as usual I reached 20 mins before time and she reached 30 mins late.So for a total of 50 mins I was standing outside the station in cold chilly shivering wind.
Since the party was kind of introduction for foreigners in France, who don't speak one language it started with putting tags to every person with the details of their name and the language they speak.
So, I had a tag:
Kaustubh Joshi
I speak English!
It then started with a talk which went on for some 20-25 mins. They were telling about all the activities organized by them for the foreginers. The talk was initially in French later translated to English by another person.
We were standing in a big hall with no chairs to sit, apparently considering the later arrangement for the party. So, it was all standing and listening to what two people on dias were speaking for over an hour.
Finally, all the talks were over, and it was the time to begin the cocktail party.
Champagnes and Wine bottles were opened, corks were flying everywhere in air and everybody started rushing to pick their glass.
I had no reason to rush so was standing behind but my house owner, a 78 years old lady jumped into the crowd.
and she brought 2 glasses in her hand offering me one!
I told her I don`t drink!
but it was so crowded and so noisy she was not able to understand. It was all getting chaotic with she putting it deliberately in my hands and me trying not to touch it.
To add to that everybody around started looking at whats happening between us.
That made me feel odd and just to avoid any situation coming up I accepted the glass.
I have heard so much about this red wine that it would have been a crime if I would not have tasted red wine even after visiting Paris. In fact I had to hear words like, "You haven`t tasted red wine, oh, you have all this time living in heaven and not having fun".
So, I thought, "let`s give it a try".
The first sip itself said all.
Forgive me all wine lovers, but I feel it is one of the rubbish tastes I ever had in my life. And you can not justify saying it might not be a good one, because this cocktail party of Science Accueil is quite famous in the area.
I just wanted to spit it out. but couldn`t.
The owner was I guess on high by now and was hitting her glass with full enthusiasm on mine saying "cheers"!!!!!!
Fortunately these people do not fill glass full as I have seen back in India.
I tried measuring the content with eyes. It was not more than say 10 ml, that is roughly the amount of diluted Benadryl, the cough syrup we take. So, it was just one more sip I had to en gulp.
I hold my breathe and dumped the remaining in mouth and kept the glass on the table with a bang (i felt like imitating the love shattered bollywood hero who bangs the glass on table finishing all the alcohol in one go).
But yes i have had one glass of wine and definitely this act can never happen again. I wonder how people like to drink it one after the other glass !!!
I tried to change the taste with coke, orange juice etc etc, but the bad taste overpowered all others.
On the other side the owner had geared up totally. She was in full flow. The lady serving wine was her friend and so was easily accessible to get her glass refilled.
Very soon she had finished 3-4 glasses. She then asked me "Do you want to drink anymore?"
Well "NO" was the prompt and the quickest answer I would have given in recent times.
Once done with I guess some 7-8 glasses she decided to go back home.
The future was looking gloomy to me.
It was dark and raining heavily outside.
To add to that the Paris roads are very narrow, hardly wide enough for two cars to cross and they mostly run with 2 way traffic.
The owner, now the driver had just finished drinking 7-8 glass of wine and she is a 78 years old lady.
Her glass (spectacles, in case u misunderstand) were not good on this particular day as she informed while leaving the party venue, and she probably will have some vision problem while driving back home.
When we reached for the car,all the window and front glasses were covered with a heavy layer of due, so nothing was clear.
For a moment the driver of bus in movie Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban lingered in my imagination.
The effect of alcohol was soon clear when she tried taking car out of parking, it hit something which i could not see at all, and i guess she was not even aware of!
With the help of people around guiding her with obstacles on way, she finally managed to get the car on track.
I was in no better situation than a scared rabbit worrying about the cloud about to fall on its head.
The task was difficult because it was a long run of ~10 kms passing through a big stretch of highway.
To add to it, she told me, she is not sure about the way back to home.I realized it when on highway, she tried to suddenly turn right making guy behind apply emergency brakes and then again realizing it not being the right turn returning to the highway almost in the same speed, making the guy behind again apply emergency brakes. That was the first I heard somebody blowing horn in Paris.
I realized I can not see anything in front of me because of the layer of due on glass and the vapors condensed inside.
I took a cloth and tried to clean it. Only then did I came to know that this is big road with all the vehicles running at speed of 100+ kmph speed.
To my astonishment, the owner asked me to clean the glass infront of her also because she was also not able to see anything!!!
I started praying for no more shocking news coming my way.
With God`s grace nothing happened further and we safely reached home.
That was the fortunate end of the journey teaching many lessons on the way.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Mumbai to Paris
Month back I boarded the flight to Paris. The route was not direct, but with one halt at Dubai.
I had this curiosity about Dubai airport. Heard a lot from people about it being one of the best airports in the world. But truly speaking, I did not find it amazing from any direction.
Since on this route you only cross a sea, it leaves nothing to show or mention regarding the route. But of course you can spot well known and heard places like Musqat and Abu Dhabi on the TV screen in front of you while landing at Dubai. The flight was a quick one and hardly took ~ 3.15 hrs. to land at Dubai.
The Dubai airport seems quite simple one, but with bit confusing routes to reach the next departure gate. I could not find any signs to get the direction. So, I what I did, followed the people moving in front of me. I guess, was fortunate that they were also moving to catch their next flight and not moving out.
Next flight from Dubai to Paris was a bit long ( compared to first one). I had decided to locate all the spots the plane crosses enroute. But being tired because of sleepless night waiting for the flight, I don't remember when I lost my consciousness. It was only after 3.00 – 3.30 hrs I guess, when the airhostess awoke me up and asked if I wanted some thing to eat, drink? I do not remember well,but I told her something, she offered me something. I took it, finished it and was back into sleep with in no minutes. I think I had Orange juice! I was so under the influence of sleep, that I noticed only while landing that there was very beautiful girl ( imagine a little short Steffi Graf ) sitting next to me!
Although I lost all the track, but I recollect few spots I noticed on the way. Based on that I tried to track the way I reached Paris. So here is the probable way I followed.
My flight passed over Istanbul which means I crossed countries IRAQ! Syria, Turkey and Ankara.
After Istanbul, I was again lost and faintly remember reading Zagrab, Muchen and Zurich. I remember of Zagreb because I have read about Zagreb indices in QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) method. I remember able to see some land covered white even at that distance. I just thought I have seen the tip of the Alps. And very soon I spotted Zurich on one side and Munchen written on my screen. No reason why I remember reading Munchen but Zurich is definitely known word to those who are familiar with the beauty of Switzerland. This indirectly suggests the track through countries Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Harzegovina, Croatia, part of Italy, Austria, border of Germany and Switzerland!
Well that is a big list of countries I crossed. The list must be a bit more long but these are the prominent names everybody knows for some or the other reason.
By the time we crossed Zurich, Paris was close by and it was time for all the passengers to get back to their sense and get ready for the landing. Once we were inside the borders of France, with surprising speed we crossed France and soon reached the other part of France.
The flight landed safely at the Charles de Gaulle Airport and I put my first feet on European soil.
I had this curiosity about Dubai airport. Heard a lot from people about it being one of the best airports in the world. But truly speaking, I did not find it amazing from any direction.
Since on this route you only cross a sea, it leaves nothing to show or mention regarding the route. But of course you can spot well known and heard places like Musqat and Abu Dhabi on the TV screen in front of you while landing at Dubai. The flight was a quick one and hardly took ~ 3.15 hrs. to land at Dubai.
The Dubai airport seems quite simple one, but with bit confusing routes to reach the next departure gate. I could not find any signs to get the direction. So, I what I did, followed the people moving in front of me. I guess, was fortunate that they were also moving to catch their next flight and not moving out.
Next flight from Dubai to Paris was a bit long ( compared to first one). I had decided to locate all the spots the plane crosses enroute. But being tired because of sleepless night waiting for the flight, I don't remember when I lost my consciousness. It was only after 3.00 – 3.30 hrs I guess, when the airhostess awoke me up and asked if I wanted some thing to eat, drink? I do not remember well,but I told her something, she offered me something. I took it, finished it and was back into sleep with in no minutes. I think I had Orange juice! I was so under the influence of sleep, that I noticed only while landing that there was very beautiful girl ( imagine a little short Steffi Graf ) sitting next to me!
Although I lost all the track, but I recollect few spots I noticed on the way. Based on that I tried to track the way I reached Paris. So here is the probable way I followed.
My flight passed over Istanbul which means I crossed countries IRAQ! Syria, Turkey and Ankara.
After Istanbul, I was again lost and faintly remember reading Zagrab, Muchen and Zurich. I remember of Zagreb because I have read about Zagreb indices in QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) method. I remember able to see some land covered white even at that distance. I just thought I have seen the tip of the Alps. And very soon I spotted Zurich on one side and Munchen written on my screen. No reason why I remember reading Munchen but Zurich is definitely known word to those who are familiar with the beauty of Switzerland. This indirectly suggests the track through countries Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Harzegovina, Croatia, part of Italy, Austria, border of Germany and Switzerland!
Well that is a big list of countries I crossed. The list must be a bit more long but these are the prominent names everybody knows for some or the other reason.
By the time we crossed Zurich, Paris was close by and it was time for all the passengers to get back to their sense and get ready for the landing. Once we were inside the borders of France, with surprising speed we crossed France and soon reached the other part of France.
The flight landed safely at the Charles de Gaulle Airport and I put my first feet on European soil.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
After a break!!
Well I am writing this post after a break. Its almost 2 months since my last post. And the result of staying away from the blog can be seen from my present Indiblogger ranking that has dropped down from 63 I guess to 35.
That is a huge drop just like the big drop in share market we witnessed few months. And I know it takes time to recover from such a set back and getting the conditions back to normal.
Well let me see how long it takes me to reach my original position and do I manage to cross over my earlier position.
Time will answer all the questions.
Now, there must be reason why I could not write any post in last 2 months. The reason is big and in fact great one.
I have moved into this beautiful place which people very well know as Paris.
I am going to stay here for some and I guess that will fetch some nice stories to put on this blog.
I was wondering for time being should I change the name of my blog to " The France Diary" or should I keep it same!
What do you suggest!
That is a huge drop just like the big drop in share market we witnessed few months. And I know it takes time to recover from such a set back and getting the conditions back to normal.
Well let me see how long it takes me to reach my original position and do I manage to cross over my earlier position.
Time will answer all the questions.
Now, there must be reason why I could not write any post in last 2 months. The reason is big and in fact great one.
I have moved into this beautiful place which people very well know as Paris.
I am going to stay here for some and I guess that will fetch some nice stories to put on this blog.
I was wondering for time being should I change the name of my blog to " The France Diary" or should I keep it same!
What do you suggest!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sinhagadh Expedition!!!!
Taking advantage of 3 days holiday, we made a plan to climb Sinhagadh fort located very near to Pune. 3 out 5 were the first timers for trekking, so it was decided that we climb on first day and then rest and repair ourselves in next 2 days.
We started from home at 6 o'clock except for one who joined us later midway climbing Sinhagadh.
After an hours journey on bike, we reached the base of Sinhagadh.
Being early morning and an amazing atmosphere, we first decided to warm us up with Poha and Tea.
The members included all belong to different states and so having Poha and Chai in this atmosphere was a memorable event for most.
Among all the forts in Maharashtra, I guess Sinhagadh is the fort that has been developed inview to facilitate the trekkers. Initial roads are broad ones made by putting stones. This ofcourse later on becomes normal and more close to nature, but still show signs on some work done on roads.
In between there are small huts where that provide refreshing NimbuPani and Taak ( butter milk).
Although Sinhgadh is otherwise an easy task for trekkers, our journey uphill was rather slow. First time trekkers and halts at regular intervals to click photographs of nature and not to forget our own in different poses made it very slow.
We took almost 1.15 hrs to complete 60% of uphill journey, when our late running member met us.
All overjoyed member decided to take a break and wished to refresh with Nimbu Paani.
After 2 hrs 15 minutes we finally reached the gates of Sinhagadh.
Normally the trekkers like to take a break when they reach the gates of any fort. We could not enjoy that because of very small shadow present there.
So, after a brief halt, we decided to take a round around the fort. Starting with Wind point, Tanaji's Samadhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Bunglow and alsothe Dev Take, the water source.
Inspite of so much hard work done, all the members were because of variety of food available on the top. Every body enjoyed the famous Kanda Bhaji and Zunka-Bhakar to the maximum.
After some rest, the downhill journey started. This journey was relatively simple and we managed to get back to base with in one hour.
Over all the the first experience of trekking was good was for the all the members.
And I was saved from their wrath for taking them to a hard working expedition.
Some snaps of our Sinhagadh expedition:
Coversation:
Right: Are you sure, we have to climb this hill?
Middle: Confused, as always, I guess so. Anyway, I will do what everybody do!!!
Left: Oh God, Why did I come here. God help me!!!
You can find Nature and Science living together here.
Some closer look at nature.
Curtain of water dripping naturally
Team Sinhagadh that finally made it to the top.
We started from home at 6 o'clock except for one who joined us later midway climbing Sinhagadh.
After an hours journey on bike, we reached the base of Sinhagadh.
Being early morning and an amazing atmosphere, we first decided to warm us up with Poha and Tea.
The members included all belong to different states and so having Poha and Chai in this atmosphere was a memorable event for most.
Among all the forts in Maharashtra, I guess Sinhagadh is the fort that has been developed inview to facilitate the trekkers. Initial roads are broad ones made by putting stones. This ofcourse later on becomes normal and more close to nature, but still show signs on some work done on roads.
In between there are small huts where that provide refreshing NimbuPani and Taak ( butter milk).
Although Sinhgadh is otherwise an easy task for trekkers, our journey uphill was rather slow. First time trekkers and halts at regular intervals to click photographs of nature and not to forget our own in different poses made it very slow.
We took almost 1.15 hrs to complete 60% of uphill journey, when our late running member met us.
All overjoyed member decided to take a break and wished to refresh with Nimbu Paani.
After 2 hrs 15 minutes we finally reached the gates of Sinhagadh.
Normally the trekkers like to take a break when they reach the gates of any fort. We could not enjoy that because of very small shadow present there.
So, after a brief halt, we decided to take a round around the fort. Starting with Wind point, Tanaji's Samadhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Bunglow and alsothe Dev Take, the water source.
Inspite of so much hard work done, all the members were because of variety of food available on the top. Every body enjoyed the famous Kanda Bhaji and Zunka-Bhakar to the maximum.
After some rest, the downhill journey started. This journey was relatively simple and we managed to get back to base with in one hour.
Over all the the first experience of trekking was good was for the all the members.
And I was saved from their wrath for taking them to a hard working expedition.
Some snaps of our Sinhagadh expedition:
Coversation:
Right: Are you sure, we have to climb this hill?
Middle: Confused, as always, I guess so. Anyway, I will do what everybody do!!!
Left: Oh God, Why did I come here. God help me!!!
You can find Nature and Science living together here.
Some closer look at nature.
Curtain of water dripping naturally
Team Sinhagadh that finally made it to the top.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
My Permanent Driving License!!!!
Finally yesterday I put an end to a long awaited task of getting license. Yes a license to drive.
I already have two wheeler license and recently I was trying for four wheelers license.
This getting license task has always been a big headache.
I very well remember how was troubled for learners license for two wheeler. Must have visited RTO atleast 5 times then. Relatively getting permanent license is easy. Only one visit and license in hand.
Keeping that experience in mind, few months back I once again dared to visit RTO, this time for learner's license for LMV.
From there started my journey that seemed endless for while. I was told that in this new RTO, no questions are asked while giving the license. I went to RTO with all the documents, filled the form. But before going to the officer, a thought came to my mind. Its ne
ver easy for me to get Learning license (LL). I took a brake, went to nearby baord all the rules and signs we need to mug up for a short period. Once felt perpared I went to the officer. The journey begins now.
If you do not mind may I ask you the rule 128?
Do you remember? I am sure you do not, but still you are driving and that too LMV. Out of all the bunch only I was asked a question and that too rule 128. Obviously I could not answer and so rejected. I was wondering why only I was asked question? Because my face was odd one out or they had my suspicion about my driving skills and knowledge or because only I was only one appearing independently and through only motor driving school?
Interestingly when I returned to the board and checked for rule 128, I found out that it is related to 2 wheeler vehicles where the driver can not carry more than one passenger behind and that they should be sitted such that it doesn't trouble the driver.
In second attempt I wasn't asked any question but still rejected because my Passport xerox wasn't enough as my address proof, instead they insisted on MSEB bill!!!
In the mean time, all rules changed and now there is a test you need to appear for answering 10 odd objective questions. If 6 questions answered correct you are through. This time I was sure I will get the license. To be on safer side I attcached all possible and available documents to prove my identity and my address proof.
Prepared very well for the exam.
Format of exam is such that a question is asked with 3 options is given. You have to select one option in 10 seconds and after 10 seconds they tell you which is the right answer. Sounds cool.
Attempted all 10 questions and concluded that 9 out of 10 answers were correct.
Believe it or not I got 1 mark out of 10. Wondering if that 1 mark was given for wrong answer, I tried enquiring about my failure. As expected they had no answer, but from the answers they gave to other failed candiates, i guessed they might have failed me for copying!!
What had happened was while entering the exam room, a lady sitting next asked me for help to answer. I refused to do so. But must have happened that she tried copying me. As a result both were failed. I had lost all the hopes to get a LL. For the first time in life I was given a document saying
“FAILED”.
This was a big jolt and so decided to give last possible attempt on the date for rewritting the paper.
In the last attempt I was cautious enough not to speak to a single person and attempted all the questions. This time I scored 9 of 10 and finally got the LL. But while leaving the room, I checked the score for seat number 12 where I was in previous attempt. Even this time the candidate sitting had failed with a score of 1 of 10!!! So was it the technical failure that failure that failed me?
I joined a motor driving school and tried learning the car in most possible best way. Ofcourse some funny incidences did happened while learning, not exactly siimilar to showed here but happening ones.
I feel now I can drive car properly. Even if not smooth yet, but definitely not troublesome for others although few techniques unwritten in books are yet remaining to learn.
Yesterday, after heavy practise I went for permanent license. From my earlier experince I deduced/predicted that I will manage to get the license.
The driving test I gave was one most of the funniest incidence I have ever experinced. Not funny about my driving skills but for the way tests are conducted. I will try to portray the picture here. Please try to imagine the situation yourself. Our driving school had brought one car for the test and there were 10 candidates from the school. Now the way it works is funny. Initially the RTO officer along with our instructor and 3 candiates sit in car. About others!!!, they are supposed to either run behind the car or carry a two wheeler to catch the car. Person after giving the test moves out of the car and some body other running behind the car till then takes his seat.
Biggest surprise is that this test is being conducted on a ground where there are not obstacles inway. Even if you try going for accident, its not possible
The officer asks the candidate to perform few things which are then common to all.
For us the task was to start the car, put in 1st gear, drive, put second gear, drive, Stop. Put it in reverse gear, drive, stop. Thats it!!!!
Depending on your skills you cover the distance. For me it was hardly 20 meters front and 2 meters reverse.
I decided not to run behind the car and so captured the back seat.
First person did well, second person just couldn't managed to raise the car in 1st car and so failed.
Suddenly the officer realized a lady is running behind the car, so he invited her to give the test.
The said lady struggled for seconds to put the 1st gear forget driving.All this was making me more more tensed. But some how she managed to get going and then it was my chance. Fortunately every thing went smoothly and I cleared the test.
Later on we were told that except one all others have cleared the test. It was joyous moment for our class teacher as last time half of the class had failed.
Now we have been told to collect the license in coming 8-10 days.
I am still keeping my fingers crossed and waiting to finally get the license in hands.
P.S. The cartoon artwork has been taken from http://www.cartoonstock.com/ available on net.
I already have two wheeler license and recently I was trying for four wheelers license.
This getting license task has always been a big headache.
I very well remember how was troubled for learners license for two wheeler. Must have visited RTO atleast 5 times then. Relatively getting permanent license is easy. Only one visit and license in hand.
Keeping that experience in mind, few months back I once again dared to visit RTO, this time for learner's license for LMV.
From there started my journey that seemed endless for while. I was told that in this new RTO, no questions are asked while giving the license. I went to RTO with all the documents, filled the form. But before going to the officer, a thought came to my mind. Its ne
ver easy for me to get Learning license (LL). I took a brake, went to nearby baord all the rules and signs we need to mug up for a short period. Once felt perpared I went to the officer. The journey begins now.
If you do not mind may I ask you the rule 128?
Do you remember? I am sure you do not, but still you are driving and that too LMV. Out of all the bunch only I was asked a question and that too rule 128. Obviously I could not answer and so rejected. I was wondering why only I was asked question? Because my face was odd one out or they had my suspicion about my driving skills and knowledge or because only I was only one appearing independently and through only motor driving school?
Interestingly when I returned to the board and checked for rule 128, I found out that it is related to 2 wheeler vehicles where the driver can not carry more than one passenger behind and that they should be sitted such that it doesn't trouble the driver.
In second attempt I wasn't asked any question but still rejected because my Passport xerox wasn't enough as my address proof, instead they insisted on MSEB bill!!!
In the mean time, all rules changed and now there is a test you need to appear for answering 10 odd objective questions. If 6 questions answered correct you are through. This time I was sure I will get the license. To be on safer side I attcached all possible and available documents to prove my identity and my address proof.
Prepared very well for the exam.
Format of exam is such that a question is asked with 3 options is given. You have to select one option in 10 seconds and after 10 seconds they tell you which is the right answer. Sounds cool.
Attempted all 10 questions and concluded that 9 out of 10 answers were correct.
Believe it or not I got 1 mark out of 10. Wondering if that 1 mark was given for wrong answer, I tried enquiring about my failure. As expected they had no answer, but from the answers they gave to other failed candiates, i guessed they might have failed me for copying!!
What had happened was while entering the exam room, a lady sitting next asked me for help to answer. I refused to do so. But must have happened that she tried copying me. As a result both were failed. I had lost all the hopes to get a LL. For the first time in life I was given a document saying
“FAILED”.
This was a big jolt and so decided to give last possible attempt on the date for rewritting the paper.
In the last attempt I was cautious enough not to speak to a single person and attempted all the questions. This time I scored 9 of 10 and finally got the LL. But while leaving the room, I checked the score for seat number 12 where I was in previous attempt. Even this time the candidate sitting had failed with a score of 1 of 10!!! So was it the technical failure that failure that failed me?
I joined a motor driving school and tried learning the car in most possible best way. Ofcourse some funny incidences did happened while learning, not exactly siimilar to showed here but happening ones.
I feel now I can drive car properly. Even if not smooth yet, but definitely not troublesome for others although few techniques unwritten in books are yet remaining to learn.
Yesterday, after heavy practise I went for permanent license. From my earlier experince I deduced/predicted that I will manage to get the license.
The driving test I gave was one most of the funniest incidence I have ever experinced. Not funny about my driving skills but for the way tests are conducted. I will try to portray the picture here. Please try to imagine the situation yourself. Our driving school had brought one car for the test and there were 10 candidates from the school. Now the way it works is funny. Initially the RTO officer along with our instructor and 3 candiates sit in car. About others!!!, they are supposed to either run behind the car or carry a two wheeler to catch the car. Person after giving the test moves out of the car and some body other running behind the car till then takes his seat.
Biggest surprise is that this test is being conducted on a ground where there are not obstacles inway. Even if you try going for accident, its not possible
The officer asks the candidate to perform few things which are then common to all.
For us the task was to start the car, put in 1st gear, drive, put second gear, drive, Stop. Put it in reverse gear, drive, stop. Thats it!!!!
Depending on your skills you cover the distance. For me it was hardly 20 meters front and 2 meters reverse.
I decided not to run behind the car and so captured the back seat.
First person did well, second person just couldn't managed to raise the car in 1st car and so failed.
Suddenly the officer realized a lady is running behind the car, so he invited her to give the test.
The said lady struggled for seconds to put the 1st gear forget driving.All this was making me more more tensed. But some how she managed to get going and then it was my chance. Fortunately every thing went smoothly and I cleared the test.
Later on we were told that except one all others have cleared the test. It was joyous moment for our class teacher as last time half of the class had failed.
Now we have been told to collect the license in coming 8-10 days.
I am still keeping my fingers crossed and waiting to finally get the license in hands.
P.S. The cartoon artwork has been taken from http://www.cartoonstock.com/ available on net.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Creature called Snake!!!
Well its an old story now.
But I happen to come across this photo today, so putting a note on it.
Few days back, one early morning, yes, I do see rising sun, I was in our parking and one uncle in our society brought my attention to one of the corners.
I could not understand what he is pointing at.
I had to go very close to the spot when I realized something is moving in there.
I spotted a snake lying there.
It was idle.
Its size was very small.
Doubt it was a grown one.
But since I was moving out somewhere urgently, I could not get much of the details.
Days past then and the story was forgotten.
One fine morning, I spotted the same creature lying at the same place in same position as left earlier. This time I was relatively and so decided to spend some time for it.
I went upstairs quickly and brought my camera.
Clicked some snaps.
Unfortunately his position was very awkward from a photographers point of view.
Tried telling please take a better pose so that I can click you properly.
But it was in no mood to listen.
Reason you can figure out form its figure.
A swollen belly explained all the story.
Soon few others joined me and we tried discussing its background.
With no expert around wondered if it is a poisonous one.
Also thought to call some snake friend group, since this is its second appearence in our vicinity.
But then, nothing happened and was again forgotten till date when it reappeared and this time directly on my desktop!!!!
This time I am taking a strong action and directly its picture on net.
If anybody knows this personally or carry any information, kindly let me know.
Although it is missing at the moment but nowonder if reappears again on the earth!!
But I happen to come across this photo today, so putting a note on it.
Few days back, one early morning, yes, I do see rising sun, I was in our parking and one uncle in our society brought my attention to one of the corners.
I could not understand what he is pointing at.
I had to go very close to the spot when I realized something is moving in there.
I spotted a snake lying there.
It was idle.
Its size was very small.
Doubt it was a grown one.
But since I was moving out somewhere urgently, I could not get much of the details.
Days past then and the story was forgotten.
One fine morning, I spotted the same creature lying at the same place in same position as left earlier. This time I was relatively and so decided to spend some time for it.
I went upstairs quickly and brought my camera.
Clicked some snaps.
Unfortunately his position was very awkward from a photographers point of view.
Tried telling please take a better pose so that I can click you properly.
But it was in no mood to listen.
Reason you can figure out form its figure.
A swollen belly explained all the story.
Soon few others joined me and we tried discussing its background.
With no expert around wondered if it is a poisonous one.
Also thought to call some snake friend group, since this is its second appearence in our vicinity.
But then, nothing happened and was again forgotten till date when it reappeared and this time directly on my desktop!!!!
This time I am taking a strong action and directly its picture on net.
If anybody knows this personally or carry any information, kindly let me know.
Although it is missing at the moment but nowonder if reappears again on the earth!!
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