The Taste of Life – Cadbury’s Dairy milk

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It’s a dream to be in the land of chocolates, enjoying every moment of the bite. Switzerland, quite rightly, is famous for chocolates and they make some awesome ones.

I had a chance to visit Nestle’s chocolate factory twice last month in the space of three days; it was a fantastic feeling. Something I just cannot express through words.

Back when I was a child, just like most children, indulging in chocolates was also my favourite past time. The habit has stayed, and I can sense my childhood days are back, especially seeing my friends here, fighting out for chocolates.

It is not about buying new chocolates, we get plenty of them, but one doesn’t get a particular brand of chocolate in Swiss that happens to be ‘Cadbury’s Dairy Milk.’

Coming here, I realised the love I had for Cadburys while I was a child, and then as I grew old, be it a quick snack, a gift for someone, etc., I relished every moment of it.

Last week, at the UK airport, I could see Cadburys everywhere, and for a pound, it was a good deal. I bought a big pack (Just for one pound!!!!) and finished it just before I could board the plane.

It was an incredible feeling, a sense of deja-vu, reminded me of the days, my grandpa and many other people bought me Dairy Milk. It reminded me of the ad, the famous ad, featuring models Shimona and Arvin Tucker.

The cricket setting was just a perfect theme, and it remains a top advertisement directed by an Indian (Abhinav Deo). Watching this video brought back my playing days of puerility, and I just feel fortunate that I was able to remember those days……..

Two Guys, a Girl and her Dilemma

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Having met a guy who stays in the Middle East (X), a girl starts a strange liking to the other guy (Y).

She comes after a gap of one month, with slight poking here and there but no tough conversations or warm greetings; it’s more out of surprise about how someone can converse irrespective of her being a recluse.

Interesting, she wonders, “I have never come across such a guy (Y), why is he so far from me?”

Blame it on fate or the test of time for this young woman discovering the difference between liking someone as a friend and loving someone special.

“I started my conversations with him out of curiosity after seeing his (Y) photograph, he looked good, and I just asked him for a friend request. After a couple of days, he did respond, much to my surprise, and it’s been three months, he has surprised me with every conversation I am having with him. I know it was a little late meeting him, but I am unsure how to go about this. Should he be my friend or someone else? I haven’t seen him, so can I take a risk with this.”

She thought more, “Like every girl, even I want my guy to be special, the problem here is, Am I too naïve to understand the meaning of ‘special’?

Are there any different feelings associated with the term ‘special’?

For the first time, it is happening, and I do not know whether this is a natural evolution as a woman or is this me liking someone unconditionally.”

Far across, all this guy (Y) does is wonder what’s happening in his life. One thing is exact, it’s never been a smooth ride, and I guess he has accepted this side of life.

Life is full of challenges, and with it, he does know life and, in turn, everyone will have problems; it’s how well individuals hide. He is excited about her, and he has been trying to make conversations with her. Luck has it; they are just unable to have conversations.

“I am honest about where I stand even though I am unsure about the balance. I do like someone else before he came into my life. I did put it across to him (Y)regarding this. But he didn’t express his disappointment. Instead, he was happy for me.”

Now, is it my madness to test people? I am confused. Should I rely on him just to be a friend? I am confident he will be a wonderful friend; will he be a fabulous lover? Lover, dream man, etc.?

I am unsure about my own life and future. As a 20-year-old, I do not know whom to trust. I keep hearing people being cruel and selfish for their good.

So should I take a chance, go to the Middle east for a guy (X) whom I haven’t met yet.

So far, I was under the impression that he was my dream guy (X) until I bumped into this other person (Y). It was an accident; now I like him as well.

I want to do my business studies, so I work part-time at a daycare, earn some money to fund my studies, and go to Dubai.

Well, this was my dream… I was excited about it. Now I don’t know.

It’s been three weeks since I contacted him (Y); he is kind, sweet, keeps sending mails. Is he my special person?

I am confused again with two people in my life. I have never met but just met through instincts of mine. All I can do is recognize their faces through few photos.

I don’t see them flirting with me because it’s reached another level.

Oh man, I like him (Y) for the fact that he cares for me so much and remembers me.

Although I regularly converse with my special one, this guy I have hardly spoken to, and still, he makes me feel so special. So I sent him an offliner.

“Hey… My dear friend… I want to talk to you badly….”

Every day he would have slept, but due to unavoidable circumstances, he got up early.

Early meant it was time to chat with her.

He logged in, anticipating her to be online after a long time.

His intuition was correct, but all he managed was to read the offline messages.

The guy was 3 hours late reading the above message….

And then, things took a significant turn in the guy’s life that looked as though this girl was more of a distant dream he once considered chasing for…

Life goes on, and he has managed to move on without ever wondering, what if???

P.S: This is written from a draft of March 2008….. I thought will just share

Lazy Boy…. Are you out of focus???

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You read about legendary stories, their focus, concentration, dedication, and other words that fit here; I wondered how they would feel when they do not feel like doing anything.

It’s easy to speak in hindsight, and we can always make a good sense of it. ‘As time goes by,’ in real, how is it to feel when one loses focus and cannot concentrate?

Self-doubts creep in at times when you start thinking about the future. We have to prepare for the future, but at the same time, as everyone has told us in their ways, we must learn to live in the present, quite the opposite when the future seems so promising, motivation oozing through the veins with each day that passes by.

Perception is a thing, and also how one adapts to that perception matters. I can say, but I have to mean it, and only when I walk through the channel that parallels my talks has some credibility. This aspect is what separates me from achievers and a wannabe achiever.

An achiever was a wannabe achiever some time back, so one must seek comfort in that, but the comfort zone ends there, as one has to push individual limits imposed by us previously to give birth to the achiever in us.

When chips are down, we tend to lose faith in few things we believed in.

Common sense often is the culprit, it makes us believe the dark side of our faith, and with time it convinces unless we fight it out, the conflict inside us before it’s too late.

I am going through a phase where laziness is pre-dominant, lack of focus, and uncertainty… I’m not too fond of this period…. but I have accepted this to be the present behaviour.

I want to change, and it feels as though I have lost faith. Losing the faith doesn’t mean I am a pessimist; it’s the way I come out of this that matters. ‘Without self-doubts’ one has never succeeded. It’s the way one clears the doubts and regain the focus that has made all the difference.

One thing is getting clear…. what you focus on the most turns into reality… Until this week, I was out of focus as to where I want to be…..

This week, it’s a better picture, so to say, when compared to last week or the previous. I have had a chance to ponder over new opinions, or one can say new impressions. In the end, I shut my mind and just allowed my instincts to speak. Only by reflecting on events that have occurred in my life made me understand the meaning of faith.

Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to. Just because things did not turn out the way you want to the first time, you still got to believe in people or something you have hopes on.” – The first line is from the Miracle on 34th street, Rest is my interpretation as to why the first line makes sense to me…

I am sure I will fight my way out of laziness and start believing (re-believe) in things that I haven’t been off-late.

Finally…. The Curse is off his back

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Ten years back, same time, I was not too fond of the fact of watching Agassi win the French Open, thereby becoming one of the very few to have won all four Grand Slams in a career. He indeed became a legend, considering he did win an Olympic Gold at the Atlanta Games in 1996. I was a class 10 student, and a pro-Sampras fan didn’t like this fact. A degree of tranquility came when Sampras thrashed Agassi in straight sets to win yet another Wimbledon in 1999.

Sampras managed to win one more before he lost to Roger Federer in the fourth round of the 2001 Wimbledon Championships. That was the first and the only time they both ever met in an ATP tour.

I was in tears, at the same time couldn’t hate Roger, because he was a good friend and a mixed doubles partner of Martina Hingis (who still is my favourite) when the pair won the Hopman’s Cup in early 2001.

I was wondering, Did I see my new hero? Because I heard a lot of praise of Roger from Sampras, this impacted me to like him as well.

Another Swiss halted Sampras in George Bastl in 2002 before winning his last Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows. He retired, although the announcement came late, I knew he wouldn’t come back.

From then, it’s been all Roger; seeing him win the 2003 Wimbledon gave me so much satisfaction that, I felt, it was time the next King of Grass arrived. Defeats to Nadal at Roland Garros made me pinch myself each time, so I did till this very year when Roger won the elusive French Open, he completed the career Grand Slam. He needs one more to be one clear of Pete Sampras, who has 14 with no French Open. An all-time legend – Does anyone doubt? Only cynics, I suppose.

The curse of clay is gone; it’s off from Federer’s back, well and truly grounded at Roland Garros today. Ten years is such a long time, and I am in tears, tears of joy. Never I had a chance to enjoy and rejoice in someone winning the French Open since the glory days of Sergei Bruguera in 1993 and 1994.

On a personal front, there is nothing better than being in Roger’s home country to witness this historic moment in tennis and a historic landmark in his life. And somewhere, a sense of triumph for me as well.

Getting Rid of the Past – Do we have to all the time?

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I thank you for having a decent memory; I often ensure it’s put into fair use. There are times when I am all by myself; few scars feel unhealed, although time has gone by, it seems as though they are untouched.

An element called stubbornness in me refuses to accept that things have changed; I don’t want to be judgemental, whether it is good or worse. I believe (philosophically) that everything happens for good, only when no options are left and we resign to what some call ‘fate,’ and few others call ‘destiny.’

There were times when things were different, but life is such a puzzle that only our perspective is the sole solution as to why it changed. Most reactions of ours are as a result of this belief.

It disturbs me that things didn’t pan out the same way it used to. That’s called evolution, maturity, growing up, moving on, etc., etc

Life as television with remote control operated by few friends can be quite an experience. It tries its best to entertain as per the channel desired.

There seems to be a trend with few to change the television with time because it’s antiquated and time for something new.

But, there can also be that life has become so busy that there is no time to watch television. So, what seemed to be favourite programs in the past, doesn’t find a place today. Reality bites, don’t it.

It’s fortunate at times, they get the updates, and few might even interest them.

I guess it’s time to accept that things have changed, and looking back; it was a good time except for the disconnection, not once but twice.

There have been new connections on a brighter note, but as I said, one has to pay the price for having a decent memory.

It’s just that those memories have to be conditioned and aligned so that, when I look back, I will get a reminder that, afterall I didn’t have a bad deal and will know as time goes by what caused the disconnection.

Till then, it’s ok; it’s good to reflect on what happened. Now I realise and thank the two I was constantly in touch with and have not lost any respect whatsoever.

You do get deviled at times, but I promise, I never made any conclusions, and the book is still open.

Prison Break and Michael Scofield

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It all started in 2005, when I was in my final year of Engineering, I got introduced to this character. Viren, a friend from college, suggested that I watch the first episode, and ever since, I have never looked back.

Calm, collective, focussed, determined, fighting for a cause, commitment are just some of the words that come to mind. After watching the last episode, I realised, this character was one big influence on me.

This series kept me going many times during the last three and half years. It all took four seasons, and that’s it, it got its ending.

It all started grandly; the idea of the series was something out of the box. I was a fan right from the time the series started. The show was popular, wasn’t comic; it represented the other side of comedy.

The word isn’t a tragedy; it’s called ‘Life’ from another perspective.

It’s a thing with me to get attached to the characters, who inspire me and give me hope because they give me a window to have a different perspective on life. This character was no exception.

When I saw the final episode, I knew it was all going to end. So did his character. I appreciate the director having made such an ending; the last five minutes is marvellous.

So what did I learn? At different times in my life, it was like a drive, which made me re-discover my buried hopes.

One line I always remember is this – ‘Be the Change you want to see in the world.’

That sums it up for me as to why this character will always be an inspiration for me. RIP – Michael Scofield, it was great knowing you.

It ends the journey of the series ‘Prison Break’ until someone decides to wake him up from the dead!

The Grass is Greener (1960)

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Victor Rhyall, played by Cary Grant and his beautiful wife Lady Hilary Rhyall, played by Deborah Kerr, lead a quiet and steady life in a big estate inside a mansion.

Guided tours to the mansion were allowed to overcome their financial trouble. One such visit day, an oil tycoon Charles Delacro played by Robert Mitchum, visits the place and accidentally enters a private room of the Rhyalls.

Although Hilary tries to make him understand about the place being non-public, one can sense an attraction developing between the two by the conversations they indulge in. After some time, it is inevitable, Hilary is attracted to Charles, and both wonder how they go about it next.

Victor meets Charles, and they both familiarise themselves over a cup of tea. A few days later, Hilary makes up a reason to meet Charles. Aware of what’s happening, Victor remains an optimist about his love for his wife coming to his rescue.

After spending few days with Charles, Hilary is surprised to see Victor acting normal despite knowing everything about her. He invites Charles to his place for a night out and settle scores with him and win back his wife. Victor and Charles carry out a lot of funny tests with guns and at the pool table. It’s funny.

Hilary feels embarrassed over the entire situation, and her behaviour being the main reason for all the unwanted drama. The movie ends when she realises and apologises to Victor, thus ending the short-timed ‘Love Triangle.’

The Grass is Greener, released in 1960, was directed by Stanley Donen. This romantic comedy fared poorly at the box office despite having big stars on board.

This also was the third association of Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr pair, the previous two being An Affair to Remember and Dream Wife.

Jean Simmons plays Hilary’s friend and keeps the movie moving to believe it’s a quadrangular love story.

That Touch of Mink (1962)

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Philip Shayne, a wealthy businessman, is a guy who possesses a lot of charm. This charm made Cathy Timberlake, an old fashioned country girl to go mad.

She has found the man of his dreams and cannot think of any other guy apart from him. Philip Shayne, played by Cary Grant, meets Cathy when his Rolls Royce splashes mud on her dress and later calls her up to apologise.

After apologising in the office, he is quite impressed by her honest heart. He decides to take her for his meetings, wherein she intervenes and, to his surprise, manages to convince the other members to negotiate a deal successfully.

Philip takes her out to a baseball match at the Yankees stadium. He owns a part of the team. We get to see baseball stars like ‘Yogi Berra,’ Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris playing themselves getting thrown out for violating the rules.

Although Philip is very much interested in her, he has no plans of getting married, and there comes a clash because of her background. She believes in the traditional norms of getting married and start a family. In contrast, he is just looking for an affair.

After much persuasion, she finally agrees to go on a holiday trip to Bermuda with him. She develops a psychosomatic rash on her body, much to her disappointment and frustration.

To overcome the disappointment, she wants to repeat the Bermuda trip and hence reaches earlier than Philip. She drinks to calm her nerves, ends up drinking lots. When Philip arrives, he finds her in a drunken state, and she makes a fool of herself and to such an extent that she falls from the window. Dressed in pyjamas, she orders the hotel servicemen to take her to his room, while others her have a good laugh about it.

In the end, she finally manages to convince him to get married, and funnily in their honeymoon, he develops a rash.

This movie also happens to be the last movie, where Cary Grant persuades a girl. In his next film, Charade, Audrey Hepburn persuades him, as per Grant’s request, because of the 25 year age difference.

Released in 1962, That Touch of Mink was directed by Delbert Mann, was nominated for three Oscars in Best Art Direction, Best Sound, and Best Screenplay & Writing – directly for the screen categories.

Father Goose (1964)

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Walter Christopher Eckland, played by Cary Grant, is a vagrant who is living on a beach. During WWII, he is persuaded by the British Authorities to spy on the planes passing on the island. Reluctantly, he goes about his job. Commander Frank Houghton being an old friend of Mr. Eckland, it was a matter of obligation to be deserted on an island and spy.

During his stay on the island, he encounters a school teacher Catherine Freneau, played by Leslie Caron, stranded on the island and few children. They have managed to escape from the Japanese and thus seek shelter by taking Mr. Eckland’s help.

Mr. Eckland, as a result of a lady and kids, finds himself to be out of the house and finds shelter in his boat, which is semi-damaged.

The story involves a series of funny incidents between Mr. Eckland and Catherine over many issues. With time, they get each other’s perspective and start appreciating. Also, a change of attitude towards children is seen in Mr. Eckland as he takes up Catherine and the children’s responsibility.

He builds his boat so that it could be used to escape when the Japanese invade the island. Catherine and Mr. Eckland fall in love with each other and get married to the minister playing the priest’s role and perform the rituals via a radio transmitter. Japanese airplanes strike the island right after the wedding ritual.

While they wait for the submarine from the Navy to arrive, the Japanese invade the island. Mr. Eckland manages to distract the Japanese and escape safely.

Released in 1964, Father Goose was a romantic comedy directed by Ralph Nelson. It was nominated for three Oscars and won one Oscar for Best Screenplay, Writing. Other categories include Best Sound and Best Film Editing.

Walk Dont Run (1966)

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The year of Olympics 1964, Sir William Rutland, played by Cary Grant, arrives in Tokyo a week before the Olympics. As a result of this, he finds himself in an awkward situation of the housing crisis.

He finally manages to find himself an Apartment occupied by Christine Easton, played by Samantha Eggar. Although she was looking for a woman, she finally agreed to let Sir William share the apartment.

Sir William meets American Olympian Steve Davies, who is also looking for a house to stay. He is offered to share with Sir William, much to the dismay of Christine. Steve Davies finds her very attractive and falls in love with her.

Hesitant in the beginning, but even Christine becomes closer to Steve. She is confused as she is engaged to the British diplomat Julius P Haversack, who also happens to be very dry and out of life, in short boring.

Sir William notices the closeness among these two and plays the role of cupid and brings them together. Cary Grant has some of the well written witty lines to offer in many scenes. This movie also marked the end of Cary Grant’s long movie career that spanned 34 years.

Quite strange to most Cary Grant movies in his entire career, this movie didn’t involve him romantically with a girl.

Directed by Charles Walters, released in 1966, Walk Don’t Run more vividly remembered as Cary Grant’s last movie and as a remake of 1943 classic ‘The More the Merrier’ starring Jean Arthur.