Catching up with old friends is always great. Yesterday was spent chit chatting with Payal, eating desi snacks and sipping on not so tasty cocktails. On a side note, if you happen to go to Chutney’s – Food is good, drinks are not and some members of the staff might act a little dumb. Also, DO NOT use the bathroom – its filthy gross. Just as simple as that. Ambience is alright if you get to sit on the couch. But of course good conversations can without a doubt make up for all this. Thanks Payal :)

P.S. Beware of kids

Salons in Delhi have hiked up the prices manifold. But is it justified? I say, absolutely not!

Why? Because despite the brand name and sky high prices, the services have not improved at all. So has not the professionalism. Let me quote examples –

Origen: This is one of the high end salons in East Delhi. The price list is fancy and the prices are high. But all the major beauty and health services are available for your disposal. The staff wears a uniform; the interiors are cozy and comfortable. Over all the look and feel is good. But the staff is extremely unprofessional. You might have to wait for up to an hour for the services you have an appointment for. You will hear the staff chit chatting and laughing in the hallways while you wait. And you might want to watch out for inappropriate behavior. All in all a C grade service in a supposedly A grade place – Not recommended.

Kaya Skin Clinic: Calm atmosphere, professional staff and good hospitality. Bright white interiors and tranquil music makes the experience pleasurable. Another striking characteristic was cleanliness. The prices are a little on the higher side, but again, you get what you pay for :) Absolutely Recommended!

On the way home

November 3rd, 2010, 4:55 PM, Munich Germany – I feel extremely tired and sleepy right now after an eight hour long flight. Most of this is caused by spending eight hours in a tiny airplane seat with a front seat passenger who reclined his seat in my lap and having the entertainment system right in my face. Here I am, ready to go home!

I must confess that a quick nap worked like magic. Before I got to the recliner to doze off, I had something else to take care of – an inspection of Munich airport. Since it was only a layover, I was allowed to hang out in only a couple of terminals; G and H to be precise. But I must say that it had enough to keep me entertained for at least a little bit. From the other side of the security check point, I could see the bright neon lights screaming ‘designer stores’. Not just stores actually, gift shops, restaurants, lounges and even a spa. (not that I used ‘em). I already had a list of things that I wanted to do before I board the next flight.

The golden nap was followed by European meal – Panini collo at Aran café. What was interesting was the serving style. When I placed the order, they handed me a little cane plate, on which rested a small glass of water and a huge cup for coffee that had no handle. It was more like a bowl. I felt like a cat drinking out of this one. But the coffee tasted oh-so-well. That preceded the Panini. Now I was up and about to take on the world! While I was enjoying this delicious quick meal, I had a strong urge to write. But there was a slight problem – no laptop, no pen. And I was set to buy one…

A pen. It reminds me of my childhood. I was a lover and a collector of beautiful pens – the ones you don’t see every day. Some expensive, some very expensive. Different kinds and colors. The one with the Chinese nib was my favorite, an ink pen. I miss the marks of fresh blue ink on the paper. It was such a pleasure to see it dry. It was like witnessing my creation mature and leaving its marks. I don’t know where it all went. But the love sill remains. Only the passion has faded away.

With some difficulty I found a store that carried some pens for sale. Very ordinary and cheap looking pens though, such that I would never have thought of using them in most situations. But, I decided to buy one anyway – purple, semi transparent and read ‘Bayers Bavaria’. It also has a scene of a farm on the other side. 4.99 euros for a pen I would have otherwise never bought. But after this purchase, as I walked out the door, I felt like a child again. I had the same feeling of happiness and pride that I did years ago about my Chinese pen. And in no time, I was all set to write this.

Yes this post was written on a paper using a pen – just like old times :)