Awesome
Beyond Weird…
I laughed out loud when I learned, anything that a common man considers simple, easy and leisurely would turn out tough, hard and even sometimes into a nightmare for me. It sometimes makes me think on my power of thinking as I might be thinking of things that I am not suppose to think, given the situation. Nevertheless, I choose to welcome it with a secure sense of humor which I believe is a much better way of treating the situation.
The idea of blogging on this topic hit me when I was watching Air crash Investigation in National Geographic Channel. Those images of Airport lounge, immigration and crew members indeed took me to those atrocious memories.
In total I have traveled 7 times in and out of Kingdom of Bahrain, 4 times India – Bahrain, 3 times Bahrain – India. Unfortunately, I had some sort of weird experience either it is an agitating one or a speculative each time I traveled. No matter what you call it, my lack of luck or destiny, that “thing” made it sure, that I spent the entire day at the airport where I am landing and be it Bahrain or India.
Let me share my favorite 3 out of the 7 incidents.
Incident 1:
5th July 2008; I am traveling to Bahrain from Hyderabad for the first time, from the newly built Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad; on a high note, I should tell you, this is “THE” airport, a must see mega structure of developing India. I waved to my family and walked into that massive building. I produced the same 4”x4” receipt paper which was given to me by my company to the check-in counter of Gulf Air when the guy asked for Visa. I was certain that the guy got suspicious and asked his manager to assist him. The manager scrutinized my passport to find that I had been to Bahrain before, so he asked me.
Sir, Is this what you have as a Visa copy? , he queried
Well, this is what was given to me by that name. I replied.
Then manager asked me for No Objection Certificate, which is also called as VISA.
I said, Yes, I know, that’s what I carried last time. But this time they said this is enough, since there are some rule amendments in Bahrain.
Okay Sir, Abhishek issue him the boarding pass. He left the counter after ordering the staff.
It was 0820 hours Bahrain local time, when Gulf Air touched down at Bahrain International Airport. Bahrain is at its apex of summer, temperature out side read 44C. I waited at the immigration lounge for my turn to go out of the airport. I showed this receipt that I was carrying to the Bahraini officer sitting at the counter. He started squalling something in Arabic and sent me back to the lounge but not out of airport. I had no clue what he was telling. I went back and stood on another line following another immigration counter. Now this officer also started shouting at me, then I said to myself “you got f***ked up dude”. I waited there 3 hours then an old man turned to me and inquired about why I am sitting there. He said this is no actual Visa and is just the cash receipt of visa application when I showed him the piece of paper that I am carrying, he also added that my company is yet to collect the issued visa and being a weekend, today it is not at all possible from the Bahrain Immigration office. Later this old man helped me with a 100Fills coin with which I made a call (I got that 100fills back from the counter and I still have it with me) to my office and asked them do something and gave my number which had zero credit to make a call. I waited there for 4 more hours without food and water until I got out of the airport with a 7 days Business Visa.
Incident 2:
30th June 2009; The direct Gulf Air flight in which I booked my ticked back to Hyderabad,India is no longer in service due to Global Financial Crisis. So the beautiful lady in blue at Gulf Air Bahrain office rescheduled a Bahrain – Mumbai- Hyderabad flight for me. First part of my flight is going to be with Gulf Air and the second half with Jetlite, one of India’s renowned domestic service flights. I think Gulf Air’s treaty in India is only with Jet Airways. The lady in blue didn’t give me many options to choose the flights or transit station. So I accepted it or rather had to and fly. I was pretty confident about landing in Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport since I knew Mumbai and the airport a lot better than any other in the world.
After the customs clearing at around 0600 hours I was asked to take a separate path which will take me directly to Mumbai domestic airport. I walked in with my ticket to the most beautiful of the ladies standing at the Jetlite check-in board, I was in a bit hurry since the flight is scheduled to leave to Hyderabad within 2 hours. Little did I know, what is coming, the beautiful beast informed me that I cannot travel in this flight since the label on the ticket is a sticker stamp of gulfair which gulf air issued is not of jetlite, don’t worry, neither did I understood what she was trying to convey. But I could make out that I cannot travel soon. She then guided me to the Gulf Air office which is just outside Mumbai Airport. Before leaving the airport exit I checked up with a police man standing near to confirm whether I can enter the airport through my exit way. Without any kind of hesitation he said “NO“. Aha, Lucky Me! I went on to ask the same to another officer and “YES“, I’ll have to talk to the inspector. RAY OF HOPE.
I wandered around building outside the airport looking for the office of Gulf Air, now that’s called over f**king confidence, of having the belief of knowing Mumbai airport. After 1 hour of mental turmoil I am at the door steps of Gulf Air office. Since I had no idea of why I was not allowed to board Jetlite , I asked the lady sitting there to get in touch with the Jetlite staff who guided me here. I sat there gazing at the control monitors, cockpit look-like office by hoping the soul. After approximately 2 hours of cat fight with the Jetlite staff the lady at Gulf Air issued me a fresh ticket for a flight at 1740 hours to Hyderabad. Gosh! I thanked her, and walked back to the airport cursing the airlines.
I went directly to the exit to take entry, yes I did that. The police inspector standing there literally took his gun out while talking. Oh damn! He is aggressive, harsh and tough, just like any other Bihar cops that one would see in Hindi movies. I must tell you this that, even I was also not ready to give up being an Indian, so I stood on my grounds. Suddenly this officer raised his hands to beat me, this ticked the devil in me off and I did that one thing any other human being with an average IQ would do. Yes, I walked back since stepping back is one of the wise strategies in war front. Well, I like to put it that way.
I went back to the Gulf Air office, and asked them to let someone accompany me till Jetlite security checks. As luck would have it, they did so. The wait at domestic terminal was really exhausting as I waited for a total of 7 hours and 30 minutes excluding my 2 hour wait at Gulf Air office by gazing gadgets and 1 hour of Mumbai Airport “Darshan”. Last thing I remember was having a Latte when the Jetlite staff woke me up from the waiting lounge to board the flight at 1645 hours.
Hyderabad touch down at 1910 hours was refreshing with the beautiful spotted lights view of the airport. I was waiting at the conveyer for my baggage and was happy with the thoughts of family meeting, but as time ticked, people started leaving and conveyer stopped , but my baggage was nowhere in the belt. I went on to check up with Jetlite counter. The lady there guided me to the first floor of the airport where baggage with brittle-inside is handled separately. I was wondering who stick that tag on my baggage. Finally around 1945 hours I am out of Hyderabad International Airport.
Incident 3:
04th Nov 2009; This time the travel is to Bahrain, but I made sure that all my documents are perfect and all my travel pre-requisites are met. Since my travel is Hyderabad-Doha-Bahrain with the Qatar Airways the margin for unluck is more as there is a transit stay involved, but my conscious effort paid off. Neither had I had any issues at Rajiv Gandhi International airport, Hyderabad nor at Doha transit.
Bahrain Touchdown 0845 hours. I was asked to be with a separate queue of LMRA (Labour Market Requlatory Authroity) at the immigration as I am traveling to Bahrain on a fresh project visa. Every new visa candidates are supposed to stand on this queue so that authorities can capture their finger prints and photographs for the purpose internal security. I had every reason to feel good since I am standing at number 5 on a 25 some person queue.
While on the queue, I was constantly thinking of the to-dos at my office and my wife who couldn’t accompany me during my travel. Now I am the second next to give photograph and fingerprint. Suddenly for no visible reason the Bahraini officer at the counter left the cabin, I thought, WHAT? I turned back, to see some 20 people standing behind me. We stood there for 10 minutes until a man came forward to tell us to be seated as it will take some time since the software which captures photo and fingerprint is DOWN.
I hollered out within myself, WHY ME!!!!….
In a nut shell, that wait, lasted for 7 hours without food and water, I had no energy to accept the fact that my accommodation in Bahrain is not arranged when I came out of the airport after 7 hours.
I had no option but to laugh out loud at me, the one I was talking in the beginning.
This came free :
Twice I got flat tire, during my Hyderabad-Cochin travel, one on my way into Hyderabad Airport and the other on my way out of Cochin International Airport. Thank God, this time I am traveling domestic.
I had problems boarding the flight on the same Hyderabad–Cochin flight because the cops at security check stamped my boarding pass with a 14-Nov-2009 stamp when I am traveling on 13-Oct-2009.
~Jithu
On a fine Saturday !!!
I normally hate waking up early no matter what day it is, but on May 16, 2009 though a Saturday for some reason I woke up at around 5 am. I didn’t bother to sleep again, so I turned on television and my laptop, and went online with twitter. I’ve never know myself as someone with a political view even though I follow updates in politics on exaggerating media around me, but this time I thought of following the 15th Indian Loksabha General Election 2009 results as it was creating lots of hype in internet world and among few friends in Bahrain and I had nothing to do waking up so early.
Being a native of Kerala I started off with Palakkad since I belong to this part of Kerala. The close fight between United Democratic Front (UDF) and Left Democratic Front (LDF) was obvious as these two are the predominant in Kerala politics, so looking out for other front statistics in Kerala is like going for fishing in Thar Desert. I am happy to see LDF emerged as winners in both the constituency of Palakkad district through MB Rajesh in Palakkad and PK Biju in Alathur, On the other hand UDF was on the hunt of getting a clean sweep in almost all other constituencies in Kerala. I understand the left inclination of people in Palakkad, but didn’t expect this win considering the current political scenario and storm in Kerala. Great work and congratulations comrades!!
No matter for what reason one looks at Kerala, be it Tourism, Business, Cultural, Arts , Chicks 
or even Politics they cannot exclude the part Ernakulam plays and its importance in all the aspects as it is considered as the Mumbai of Kerala. I was utterly disappointed when I saw the initial statistics of election results and was shocked to see Sindhu Joy leading in poll count. For a moment I doubted the intellect of people in Ernakulam, later I did expressed my regret. Mr.KV Thomas might have shaken up a bit.
Later I decided to go out of Kerala; I went through the key candidates about whom I have heard of in different political parties and states, surprised again to see the loosing ex-Finance/Home minister Mr.P Chidambaram, The Railway Management Guru Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav and the founder of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) Mr. Vaiko, though P Chidambaram turned out to be winner after recounting. I was having my coffee and was wondering where it is going to!!…not the coffee..:)
The victory of Mr.Varun Gandhi even after the controversial speech was a bit surprising. Apparently this can be considered as the perfect example of consequences of sympathy exploitation and innocence factor. The initial results gave me the impression that Mrs. Maneka Gandhi turned out to like accepting a sacrifice for her son by letting him win at Pilibhit, but recounting turned it out all wrong. I like the mom and son’s efforts they both did a great job, Congrats!!
The hopes and hypes which Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam Party(PRP) gave me the assumption that he is going to be the next megastar in Andhra Pradesh politics, but unfortunately the star wasn’t bright enough to shine. Yet, good effort Chiru!!.
United Progressive Alliance(UPA) was comprehensively winning across almost all the states in India. The National Democratic Alliance(NDA) could have done much better if they weren’t concentrating more on Narendra Modi and his acts. The United National Progressive Alliance (The 3rd Front) was pathetically being beaten down with the strong UPA current. Prakash “The King Maker” Karat might have repented the idea and the mistakes at least for some moment. Things would have been different if the vote swing was a bit different in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The aspiring so called 3rd front would have had some hope if the introduction of PRP in Andra, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Maharashtra and Vijaykanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in Tamil Nadu was not there in existence. Even though the percentage of votes these players collected wasn’t eminent, but was ample enough to affect the dreams of 3rd front.
The push for Prime Ministership between the three giant fronts was rattling. If I start naming the candidate, I’ll have to start all the way from Delhi to Punjab to Uttar Pradesh and to West Bengal even I might have to talk about to Tamil Nadu too. We never know what the demand is and put forwards.
Finally with the convincing lead across the country the so called “Lady Guru” of present UPA Sonia Gandhi declared Mr. Dr. Manmohan Singh will continue as the prime minister. Does she have any other option? In a way it was good that she didn’t have any. Sonia Gandhi did well execute the process plans laid by Rahul Gandhi and it turned out to be very much successful. I should say Rahul Gandhi is courageous to neglect the offers made to him in Bihar and UP. Sonia Gandhi should be appreciated for the efforts and work that she put in to bring back the Indian National Congress (INC) which was looking down the barrel few years back, indeed a commendable job.
When it comes to nationality and patriotism, the acts of Gandhi’s “Bahu” is not convincing the true Indian in me, which includes her, Rahul’s and Priyanka Gandhi’s citizenship. Why Rahul Gandhi registered himself as “Raul Vinci” in Rollins College, Florida when he was doing his BA. Why Priyanka is reportedly know as Biancca? As an Indian I would like to see these questions answered and my country is being ruled and operated by my own country men/women.
Based on logical, analytical and emotional conclusion I am happy to see Dr Manmohan Singh as the next prime minister. Looking at his profile I refuse to believe the rumor,that he is just a puppet of Sonia Gandhi. So far he is a man of character, an honest Sikh. One should always look into his educational qualification when most of India politician cannot even spell the word “Education”. I agree the fact that he is not as loud as most of the politicians. But who will answer the question, “What qualities and character a prime minister should actually have?”I don’t see a point in doubting the potential of an experienced person like him who handled multiple economic crisis when he was closely working with World Bank in his early carrier. The only reason for which I thank Mr. PV Narasimha Rao is the inclusion of the ex-governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Dr. Manmohan Singh in his cabinet as Finance Minister during 1991-92, when India was facing a devastating economic crisis.
No one can deny the facts, the India we see now, the banks, the investors, the IT companies and the life we live now is only because of changing India from a socialist economic country to a capitalist economic country. No wonder, Sonia Gandhi chose Dr. Manmohan Singh to be the PM after the general elections of 2004 when she had immense pressure both from family and the front regarding her nationality and prime ministership. This move from Sonia Gandhi might have given the impression in people’s mind that Dr. Manmohan Singh is being used as a puppet by Sonia Gandhi. The fact should be, Sonia Gandhi might haven’t found someone trustworthy or integrity. One cannot blame Dr. Manmohan Singh for being faithful to Sonia Gandhi, for giving him such a mammoth responsibility and the freedom of decision in his prime ministership for the people of India.
The economical reforms and policy that he brought in India with former Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram witness the golden era in India’s economy. Highway modernization program (started by NDA Govt.), relieving farmers’ debt and the inclusion of VAT, all these moves really deserve appreciation.
Many called him the weakest prime minister, yet again deeming the facts he is there as the second full term incumbent prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru of Republic of India. Congratulations Sir!!
Now that it is decided for UPA, we will have to wait and watch the formation of cabinet. I personally would like not to see Mr. P Chidambaram as next Finance Minster, as he is having thoughts of privatizing banks and insurances sector in India. At this moment of time even “The Capitalist” country USA itself is trying to nationalize the financial sector, then why should we make a mistake?
I hope UPA will consider not to have another economic crisis in India.. Please leaders..
We have just started to live….let us!!!
Finally It was 5:30 pm, when I am out this Saturday fever…………
~Jithu
Note: No offence please… these are just my thoughts on a saturday…pardon me if I am wrong….
Perplexed Proposals !!!
A & M is trying to convince J to go and propose his love when she passes by the college cafeteria while 3 of them were at the peak of doing nothing.
A induce J and tells him, “Don’t tell me you can’t do it, go on dude.”
M supports A and says: “Yes J, you can buddy. Look at her eyes; they are looking for you every time she reaches this place where we gang. How do you explain that?”
A puts his hand around J’s shoulder and enlighten him, “look buddy you have to go and tell her right now. I don’t think you will get a better chance. She is all alone now. Come on, go and tell her what you feel.”
Confused J asks them, “What am I going to tell her, I don’t know how she will respond?” J adds “No brother I don’t think I can do this. What if she says “NO”?
Frustrated M slams “WTF!!, come on man, do you think she can say “NO” to a guy like you, Never mate, You know what, as far as my understanding on girls’ psychology goes, I should tell you that she expects you to go and talk to her right now.”
J exclaims; “really?”
A then concurs to J and adds, “Yeah boy, don’t be a dumb ass, come on go for it.”
J then asks them: “Hey can you guys be with me when I open mind to her?”
Surprised M slashes out at J and asks him “WHAT?!! Are you nuts?, she will not even look at you if you talk to her in company. She wants you all by for her. So, don’t act like a kid, be a man and go tell her.”
J rubs his hands, did some self grooming and gained some confidence, and gets ready, “Okay! I am going,” Turns back to A & M and asks… “but how do I start?”
M makes it clear to J, “Look, keep your cool, walk towards her, lock her eyes with your eyes, when you are near to her, give her a “dude” look and tell her “I ….. LOVE…..YOU”, that’s it, job done.”
A then puts a question forward to M “Shouldn’t he be waiting for a reply from her? “
M responds “of course yes, then you keep looking at her eyes, you’ll see love blossoming, and then she’ll tell you those beautiful magical words. After that she is all yours. Isn’t that like a dream coming true?” J gives a wide grin.
A indicates that she had walked and reached some distance, and asks J to get on the bike so that he can drop him near to her. M pats J on his back and tells “Yeah brother, go on. All the best!!!, You can do it. “
While riding pillion with A, J was panicking and was having thoughts, which got disturbed by the advise from A telling him not to be nervous and to be cool. When J was about to ask A, a question doubting his own confidence, J notices that the girl stops by the college French department.
Neither A nor J had any clue on why she stopped near to the department. After a while they saw a middle aged lady joining the girl for her walk out of the college. Disappointed J asks A, “Who is that lady with her? Why is she walking with her? Who is she?” A distracts J and tells him not to mind these things and to stick to his job and to concentrate. Frustrated J, swears that lady as he wanted to tell the girl when she is alone.
Seconds before A drops J near to her, A gives J a last bit of advice, “You can be a bit harsh at that lady if she interferes, okay? That’ll impress her and adds value for your proposals”. Even though confused, J takes a sigh.
A drops J just in front of the walking girl and the lady, and rides back immediately without even looking back which actually created some kind of confusion in the confused J’s mind. But then he stick to his job and started giving the girl the so called “dude” look which he thinks this how it is.
J started “Miss, I wanted to tell you something”, point to note is that the girl is not even looking at J and she is facing the lady with her. J continues “I have been carrying a pain in my heart ever since I saw you, I can’t hold it anymore.”
The Lady interferes “What you want? Who the hell are you?”
Irritation of the interference and opportunity of proving his love takes control over J, he bursts out. He turns to the lady and changed his vocal mode to “Threat” and said “Hey lady, this is none of your business, I am trying to propose to the girl that I love. So please…. Walk away or you are going to suffer…”
Annoyed lady responded, “How dare you talk to me like that? You have no idea who I am”
J continued “I dare more than this, Wanna try?huh!!, so don’t try to give me your evil looks okay, get lost you s**t head……”
J resumes back to the girl and tells her “Miss all I wanted to tell you is that “I………….” “Love……..” “You………”
J remembers the instruction from A & M and waits for the girl to respond; unfortunately the girl was not even looking at him. The girl turns to the lady and walks away with her. J was depressed to see the girl’s response, as he was expecting an immediate reply. But then he convinces himself assuming that she may need some more time to think of it. Relieved J walks back to A & M where he saw them having nervous serious discussions
Out of cheerfulness J screamed, “I did it guys, thank you for your support, I am feeling light now, Phewwwwwwwwww…. Man this is tough, but feels good !!”
With a mild voice A asked “Did you really proposed her?” J responded, “Of course, I did”
Both heard a F**K from M, J got confused and exclaimed “What? What happened?”
A continued “I wanted to tell you, but then I got nervous when I saw that lady hence I flee.”
M inquired, “Don’t you know who that lady is?” J said “No.” M slams his hand on the bike “Damn!!, You couldn’t even make out who she is, even by the girl and the lady’s resemblance? You are such a dumb a*s.”
Baffled J had no clue what is going on, he kept on asking them “What? What wrong with the lady?” Finally A holds J’s hand and tells him “brother, that lady is her MOTHER!!!….”
J then goes pale, perplexed, low and was about to faint, but holds his strength and asks for confirmation “What did you just say?”
A responded, “Yes brother, that’s her mother.”
M interfered and asks J “I hope you did managed things well out there?”
J reveals “Yes, I think I managed it well by calling her a S**t Head.”
A & M vanishes from the frame!!!
After this J made it sure that even by accident he never comes in front of neither the girl nor her mother. Later he stopped looking at the college French department, started hating the language French, France and even people who know French.
After few weeks new batch joined the college as freshers and as expected A&M was busy scheduling their extended support.
~Jithu
There is something missing ……
Determination would do the job to achieve one’s goal. I am not refusing the role of other factors indeed.
Looking back, I may say I could only recollect things that I started and thrashed due to lack of this so called “Determination”. The fact is, I had to figure out some excuse to convince myself, so I started…….. I am yet to understand what dedication is. Is it about doing your job within the time given? Is it about being responsible? Is it about not being a procrastinator? Is it about thrive for dreams? Is it about being consistent? If yes, then I am. Nevertheless, I still couldn’t be like the people whom I admire who have the above said qualities. I thought I’ll start reading the books of some greats, I did. I thought I’ll frequently interact with people I admire, I did. I watched documentaries; I followed TV shows, I Stumbleupon, I Googled for answers, yes! Trust me; I even did that.
While talking to a friend of mine, he tried to help and motivate me, saying I am unique hence I don’t have to be like anyone else. Finally, I had to pretend motivated. No matter what one say, there are greats in past, present, next door and down the street that we admire for the genuine qualities that they possess. Deep down in our heart we wish to be like them. Some succeeds and says I am not like them, some fails and writes likes me.
Gandhi is one of my favorite; I still couldn’t understand what made him do everything that he did. What motivated him to go for prolonged fasting, be father of a nation and yet being simple and powerful? Is that the train incident in South Africa? May be, it might have triggered the fire but did that single incident made him walk so long against the Brits? I just can’t believe it. I am sure there is something else.
A good friend of mine; I am surprised to see the way he fought and came out of the injuries of bad accident. When all of his friends were climbing the carrier ladder, he just had to sit, rest and watch, yet he never seems like losing hope. Even in such a situation he is pumped up with nothing but positive energy, all you need to do is be with him when you are feeling broken.
If Gandhi can do that, my friend could do it, then why not me? Can everybody do this? Is it that easy to do? What we need to be like them? Determination? Will this suffice? How do I Know, I am determined? Doing some self analyzing, I feel I am determined. But still I am not achieving what I want?
Often wonder what is that missing……………………………..Follows…………
New Year
Every year we look forward to celebrate this day. Few celebrate with family, few with friends and few alone. I should say few people don’t even bother to celebrate giving out lame explanations like “What new year… It’s just another day”, and there are other kind of people who celebrates every day as a new year. Salute to these guys.
No matter what we say, all these people do look for a fresh start of, indeed their old habits. Everyone takes some kind of resolution, but hardly few sticks to it. This time I have some firm resolutions, which I already feel I can’t stick to that. You may wonder this guy is so pessimist that he shouldn’t bother to take a resolution. But the fact is not being pessimist is one of my resolutions.
Regardless I stick or not with my bunch of resolutions, I am going to enjoy this moment, simply because this moment is not going to come back until some freaky scientists invents a Time Machine. So the best thing I can do is to enjoy, enjoy and enjoy…
Hey you all out there who listen to your head, for moment listen to you heart, go out and enjoy with the spur as the whole world is celebrating with enormous joy and happiness.
So guys, last thing I am going to say “Have A Beautiful New Year Ahead”
Non-sense at its best !!
This is high time, to stop all these no-sense in India. I wonder how on earth a film actor deserves the title Lt Colonel. This is one of the most embarrassing moments of Indian defense.
“Dearest Laletta, if you are a sensible person, you should be rejecting this title, and should understand that you cannot perform any of the duties a person carrying this title is supposed to perform.”
Jai Hind !!!
I Pod an iPod…
Now I own an iPod classic 120 GB Black, never thought of buying it as I was managing my passion for music with my mobile phone, desktop in office and laptop in home.
~Jithu
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