Random ramparts- Fort Jadhavgarh,Pune

Drive out at random and if you manage to get away 43 kms from Pune, towards Saswad and just off the main road, you're bound to encounter a vision! A gravelly driveway snaking through guava and fig orchards brings across the horizon a majestic ,solid and almost imperious structure- replete with turrets , stone walls, square windows and the atmosphere of a bygone era.You've reached Fort Jadhavgarh.Dating back to early 1700 this authentic fort has now metamorphosed from a residence to a more generous heritage hotel- kind courtesy of the Orchid group.Not only do the stone flagged stairs lead you to the reception area but also transports you into the times of a Swash buckling musketeers , royal intrigue and out of this world 'adab'!Up another flight carrying the fragrance of pot pourri and perfumed candles for sale at the souveneir shoppee opposite the reception,is a spacious courtyard which tempts you to explore more....There are are self contained, elegantly designed and furnished rooms bordering the verandah,Each with a different equally amazing view and world class excellence. The open to sky showers are a dream and the modern luxuries inside could really give you a pleasant perplexity are you in the present .past or the future?!the restaurant which is a clever mix of ethnic and modern chic, leads out to a cozy balcony , inviting you to settle into one of the most comfortable settees and simply gaze at the greenery,the sunset...stirring experience.IS this the place from where farewells were waved and covert glimpses snatched for a treasure chest of fond memories?Hmmmm.A corridor lined with alcoved windows lures to a deliciously intriguing dungeon...all dark and eerie not to mention cooool!Worth sinning just to get there I tell you! Its now converted into a wine cellar...still..!Placed above is an al fresco bbq and grill area overlooking an inviting swimming pool and out and beyond is the 'Bar under the Bargad'( to be effective a couple of months later!)Cool idea! Up and and above is a two storeyed 'akhada' an authentic wrestling ring with the walls still wearing the frescoes of ancient times- a bit of Ajanta and Ellora here.A short stroll leads to the in house Museum which houses myriad artefacts- old hookahs and chillums, accessories like combs and musical instruments from the tribals around almost 600 yrs old!Amazing, just so.Theres a plaque at the foot of the fort.."Lad Jhagad, Aage Badh" ...soon ,with the ancient amount of parking place, its going to take on a totally real meaning ,I'm sure!!!But its going to be worth it.Perfect getaway .Thanx Mr. V Kamat for making History accessible in such a royal manner!

Tyrst with TnT

On a warm sunny afternoon, seeking out a lane well shaded with verdent trees I dicovered Twist n Tales in a nook off DP road, aundh.It lay nestled between a wildspace and Venkateshwara tuition classes. Making way across a swing, knots n crosses and a 'round table',passing through a glass door that tempted with a tantalising view of racks of books inside ( apologies to all that/those else inside whom I couldnt focus on !)I realised I'd reached a very very meaningful place in the map of my life.A bookstore with class and character.A place where one can come face to face with their own varied inclinations and interests,with amazingly supportive staff!I found books which I'd been looking for since a long long time and positively delighted with their collection of Agatha Christie No bookstore could be so full of Murders!!!Liked it loads and still do!

Moonsome nights n wintry chills

On a seemingly endless,sleepless night - with a moon on the verge of fullness,
Perhaps something strange does happen all of a sudden .
The mind discovers the presence of an unknown sight- a strange new awareness,
Of ones past peeping from behind..like a work of your own action's fiction.
Projections of unfulfilled little desires,wishes and twinges that seem to have arisen,
Amidst a kaleidoscope of smiles and joyful chirps-all random reflections of happiness.
and as the clouds pass over the shy moon, The mind stills again...curious ,with all eagerness ,
to discover what mysteries, in the near future, will be unharnessed!
Verse apart, curiosity runs the human show!I just thought like me, maybe you should also know!.
Some name it hope, some aim, some call it goal, some vision - each in their own way need some thing to look forward to and feel happy that after all ...its their own decision!
:)

Randomgetaways...:)

What does it take to be with just 'someone'?... there could be numerous interesting possiblities!ahem..but ...a getaway certainly helps.Experience proves, that an unexpected and interesting invite to drive down to some downtrodden ramparts of a fort( to be duly resurrected-of course !)works better than a pot of caffeine to really wake one up.One up for economy!So off we went in a thoroughly dusty...(just to keep up with the spirit of a trip to an ancient fort...) fourwheeler :) .Pleasantries exchanged,we quickly agreed that either of us was unaware of the actual route.The usual recriminations happily done with, suppported by a net savvy phone owner ,we headed to wherever we were supposed to head to.. no phone calls taken, the only communication was that between the travellers and a rare , warm experience it was.The sharing of exclusive time is a wonderful experience.These realisations occur only later..of course(dimwits enjoy happenings for a longer time...)so savour a getaway,n just ..get away!!

Randomdrives .....

Random traipses that reach you to some surprising spaces..
like the time I just upped and went off ; to trot up a tekdi at the dead end of passport office lane, off Senapati Bapat road!
That was a cool ,misty morning and I was all charged up with the resolution of a recent new year....a morning walk a day keeps flab at bay?!So trot I did and then quite began to enjoy myself! the grrenery was soothing, the red muddy but firm path was intriguing and the excitement of wandering down an unknown beat quickened my footsteps...in effect there was a face saving confusion...as to whether my breathlessness was due to the entrancing natural surroundings or ...oh well! i'm still confused so lets just get on with the pertinent points!!
So..what began as a simple trot took me to some lovely locales...narrow shaded paths,the nip in the air ,woody fragrances, the quietness of the morning interrupted by the irreverent chirps of myriad winged creatures..well I managed to recognise the 'peacock'but otherwise ..looked forward to improving my acquaintance with quite a few creatures!By this time ...Id managed to do one full circle and it was 45 minutes!
So, next followed - for my er...muscles....a Moanday, Tearsday,Whineday,Thrustday,Frightsday,Sadderday and finally a Sunnierday!Thats it ..I was Hooked!.......And believe me..it worked!

my first hello : )

Feels good to blah on a blog:)
here's my first -bloggers hi!
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ever notice what you fail to observe on daily ,routine pathways - ? to work ,to home,From anyplace A to B?
its a different scene when in a car, a two wheeler, in public transport on your own two feet.
care to share any observations?