The Coming of Apocalypse and other things

It has been sometime that the hype about the 'end of days' has died down, after causing much flutter among the masses. There was even a movie made to potray the apocalyptic event that is said to occur in the December of 2012. And suddenly the prophesy of along forgotten race of the Mayans, has suddenly gained prominence. Not to mention the fact that it was actually misinterpreted (The Mayan long-count calender only ends on that day to start another cycle the next day). 

I'm glad that this hype has died down in the wake of other more pressing things like scams, catastrophes and what not. Well, why all the talk again of the doubtful event? I read an article a few days back about making a list of things to do before the apocalypse strikes. Well, not that I do believe about that prophesy coming true next year. But here's a chance to set a small goal of things to do in your lifetime. Although mine wouldn't be as impressive as the great John Goddard's Life list ,who has actually acheived most of them. But let me at least try to make one and see how I can go about fulfilling them, apocalypse or not. My list will consist on places to visit and then of things to do. The newspaper article said 99 things to do before D day, but I don't mind if it crosses that. Making them happen will be most important it seems.

Me, my world

My Sleepy Neighbour

Sunday morning. It's Holi - the festival of colors. But not everyone is celebrating. Like me and my neighbour. By the way, my neighbour happens to be a Barn Owl (Tyto alba alba). Infact there's a whole family of them. Here's one:

 

Having been disturbed by all that Holi revelry in the locality, my neighbour tries to catch few winks. Talk about a Sunday gone wrong!

This would perhaps my best ever photo of him, because, I only get to see him at nights and the night shots don't always turn out good. When he is out during daytime, he is constanty disturbed by pigeons. I did check on him a while later, but he had left, pehaps to find another cozy, dark corner to complete his sleep.

Good day Mr. Owl. Hope to see you tonight!

The Foutain of Life

Bombay's most popular monument - the Flora Fountain was a working model, with water flowing down through all her spouts, sometime last week. With summer having started off, it was indeed a sight to behold. And some crows joined in for a drink and bath in those waters.

 

The fountain in the sweltering heat

All that cool water...

 

Lady Flora atop the fountain

Crows chilling off

 

 

 

  

One morning on Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a totally different place at different times of the day. Here's what it looks like in the wee hours. A lot of people exercising, meditating, doing funny postures, walking dogs, arguing about the events to happen later that day, then there are other who are reading newspapers, listening to music and like me - a few photographers and other odd lot. There are others too like resting dogs and crows fishing. All in all, it is pleasant.

The monks and the city

 

Look who's fishing!

   

Is he sad?

Random Sketch

Back to Mumbai, just in time for the famed Kalaghoda Art fest

Wasn't bored, just wasn't getting what I wanted...

Chitrasanthe 2011

Some pics at the Chitrasanthe last week.

 

Brooding art -brooding artist

 

Primeval beat of the drum

Engrossed...

Engrossed...

 

  

Of friendly dogs and children

Met Oscar - the friendly lab, at a cousin's place.  

And then there was this bitch who simply loved to handshake or even raise both her paws. 

 

After meeting Hrushikesh, Lokesh, Prakriti and Nisarga, I realized how children can be unconditionally friendly without expecting anything in return.

Hrushikesh 

Lokesh

Prakiti, Nisarga and me