SWF: The Monks at the Gompa

For more skies across the world, go here.

Last month when on holidays in India, I passed by this Buddhist Gompa (Monastery) located in Coorg while on my way to the Nagarahole National Park. I briefly chatted with these monks and they were cheerful and friendly.

I do not recall the name of the Monastery. Does anyone out there in and around Karnataka have a clue? Have a nice day and happy skywatching!

Of Parker Pens, and Penning Thoughts

I am done with my exams…finally! Everything went well.

So..
First and foremost, thank you for your good wishes here on the blog, in thoughts, in words, over phone, in person..

The word examination can cause stress at times, also fear in certain cases. My brother’s encouragement with the words, “It’s not easy to fail” also did help. Though good efforts and hard work for preparations were necessary I wouldn’t call the experience an ordeal. It was kind of intellectually exhilarating. Now that it is finally over, I feel as if something strange like a hurricane was in transit here and passed right through my brain!

The after effects are subsiding by the day. My brain is recovering comfortably.;)

I was not used to writing using a pen and paper since long in this age of keyboards. My “daily writing practice” with a brand new Parker Fountain Pen that I began a few weeks prior to the exams did help but not nearly enough. I ended up getting an aching arm and couple of bruises on my muscle tissues of my right palm because of the continuous use of the pen for hours together the past few days.

I shall think of it as small trouble when compared to the rich rewards that are to follow when my results will be declared. I hope there will be a good assessment of my writing done under demanding time pressure. I hope. I really do hope.

It’s good to be back in the blogworld. As always, I shall be visiting each one of you shortly. Have a lovely weekend.

The Year That Was...

The Year 2008 gave me an opportunity to travel some more. Here's a summary of my trips:

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Images: December Travels

December 2008 travels to Mumbai, Mangalore, Nagarahole National Park, Kutta, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mercara, Coorg district.

Nagarahole National Park

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The Emirate and the Sultanate

October 2008 travels mainly to Dubai, Sharjah and Hatta of the United Arab Emirates and into the borders areas of the Sultanate of Oman.

Dubai Desert Safari

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Singing in the Rain
August 2008 trip to Mangalore, Karla, Lonavala, Khandala and Mumbai.

Bhaje Caves, Lonavala

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Journey to Garhwal

End-July/early-August 2008 travels to Garhwal from Delhi to: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Joshimath, Auli, Govindghat, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Pandukeshwar, Badrinath, and Mana village.

Trekking in the Valley of Flowers

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Greetings from Jordan
March 2008 travels to Jordan that included: Amman, Jerash, Ajloun, the Dead Sea and the Petra.

Arch of Hadrian, Jerash

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Back to Pavilion

End-February/Early-March 2008 trip to the Kumaon from Delhi to: Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal and Corbett National Park.

Nainital

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I had mentioned in my post 24 Hours Are Not Enough about my upcoming examinations. It is now almost time . So, in addition to my day to day activities, lately I've had to make time to give some attention to my text books. I shall be active in the 'blogworld' as soon as the exams are over. Until then, enjoy life and your blogging time.

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