Thursday, August 27, 2009

Time.....Distance ......A realization!

I happened to be reading a few quotes on some random website and I came across some statements which seem so true!
"Time is the longest distance between two places "- Tennessee Williams
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have time
"- Stephen Wright

Ironical statements. But I somehow see a lot of truth in them. But yet another important thing that I realized is that time, at the right time is also very important, because as rightly said by Oq Mandino
"There is an immeasurable distance between late and too late"

I started pondering on how correlated the above statements could be. They seem to be true in most aspects. Another ironical thing is that distance gives you space to think and introspect, but at the same time, you happen to lose out on time. If you are sensible, you realize that the extent of time the distance was worth, if not then you possibly in the back of your mind start to think whether it was worth it all. It probably would take you a while to match my wavelength on this one, because this is something which takes time - to assimilate, absorb and relate to. But I am sure that you would agree with the Chinese proverb which I came across:
"Distance tests a horse's strength. Time reveals a persons character"

Thursday, August 6, 2009

VT/CST/ Local Trains – A shade in the palette of Mumbai

The sight at CST (VT station) during the peek hours – 8 30 to 10 am in the morning and 6 30 to 8 in the evening….is a must watch for any Mumbaite!
One can just stand and manage to kill time by simply watching people and their mannerisms. People have absolutely No time at their disposal…You would find the most versatile combination scurrying across the platform and rushing to their workplace or on their way back home.
From the elderly, to the working class and the collegians, VT station is a place which is always bustling with activity. It is real good fun to watch and observe people here.

The never ending queue to take the special bus – (Bus number 1) to Nariman Point, and the squabble between the drivers of the share taxi’s….the long queue at the ticket counters at all hours and the mad frenzy to jump into the train before even having arrived on the platform – this place is indeed one of the most dynamic locations of Mumbai.
There is so much more to this place…the beautiful architecture is something no ordinary man would miss.
The ‘chaat’ that you get in the subway is not bad either. And how can I forget those two old ladies whom I see everyday – one selling snacks and the other selling Bhel – usually on the first two platforms. McDonalds/Pizza Hut Vs. road side sandwich wale – both seem to have a good number of takers.

My eyes invariably tend to notice the nice/ not so nice, weird, funny and sometimes ‘atrocious ‘dressing sense of people. One thing that has always amused me is the typical ladies wearing Short skirts (Who invariably make me feel that I have way too many clothes on!) They look smart, no doubt and I totally agree to the fact that they have their own distinct classy look. What amuses me is when a few say they wear short skirts because they are comfortable during the rains! Yes totally agreed! They definitely are. But talking of comfort, I do not really understand where high pointed heels and rains go together. I think you simply stick to the fact that you want to be and like to be a little more glamorous rather than coming up with any illogical explanation. And more importantly why someone would really want to justify his clothing unless and until he/she is way too conscious or feels out of place in it
But on a lighter note, it’s completely hilarious to watch these ladies who wear skirts to feel comfortable during the rains, struggle to walk in their pointed heels. : D
Even the Shops in the subway, selling all possible things that you can come up with seem to be doing good business.

And how can I forget what really prompted me to write this post – VT station/ Local trains would be next on the list when it comes to social networking – after Face book/ Orkut. I really have lost count of the number of old friends/ acquaintances; I have met in the last couple of months. I revisit my school days/ college days every now and then. Courtesy – VT Station/ local Trains.
I really cannot help but wonder – have the terrorist attacks changed the perception of CST in the minds of people ? I really don’t think so. People are moving on and CST still continues to be the heart of Bombay.