Cherickel WHO?

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Its Christmas eve here in Kottayam and the Cherickel family is assembled to celebrate the religious event as well as toast to the little man's arrival. The little man meanwhile has seen his fare share of airplanes & airport and seems to be taking to his new roadwarrior role quite naturally.

The Kerala weather seemed to be a challenge initially but he seems to have adapted quite well. Our dude is getting ready to becoming a christian, more after the baptism.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

My new life

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:20:00 +0000

My new life or perhaps more appropriately put, the lack of one. And its not because of my newly minted status of becoming a father. Work has taken on a new life form of its own, hard to explain as there is plenty of work for which one should be grateful for given the current economic state of things however things just don't seem to settle down. I was hoping to enjoy a little bit of the summer with visiting family and get to know my little boy but so far all I am getting used red eye flights on KLM.

Queen bee has adjusted to her new fulltime occupation quite deftly though still limited mobility however things have significantly improved since D day. Boy wonder, who is also a firm third point in our family triangle, is really beginning to fill out. I think its all the good german milk and perhaps my exhaustive cooking!

I was hoping to make more notes on this blog about his development but unfortunately I procrastinate better than I write. More in his 100 day report.

My son

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:29:00 +0000

And he is finally here.

He is no more a bump in P's anatomy, a dream that I once dreamt, a blessing that I yearned to be blessed with but my very own son. I am very smug about this, its a fact that no one that can take away from me and one I am exceptionally proud about.

I don't admit to the fact that this has changed my life completely however I have noticed that my priorities have changed. I suspect the life changing moments will come.

I had already decided well before I thought about becoming a father that I would like to bear witness to my children being born. That experience was perhaps life changing. Its hard to express in words what I went through however I remember that it was very clear and the whole process was very decisive but it also felt like waiting for long distance Indian train to arrive. Spiritual is another word that I am tempted to use except that this was very real. Perhaps it was poignant reminder of where I started.

My first thoughts at seeing my son were also peculiar. The delivery room felt strangely transformed into a Stanley Kubrik movie setting and my son being the center of attraction. I remember the light was dim, it was cloudy outside and my son looked strangely alien. A face I could not recognize, a long head , curls that shone, bluish green skin and eyes that you could die for. However the most enigmatic part, he was quiet. Not a peep from him. It was as if he was not afraid and we were all teriffied. Till we touched him. This I had not expected. I thought my son would come out loud and boisterous.

And yes one more detail struck me however I did not understand the context till a few days later. His name had to be Jai.

Almost there..

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:39:00 +0000

But sometimes it feels more like "Are we there yet"...

We were dubiously close to being branded lazy parents till finally threats of violence from my better half persuaded me to run down our baby todo list. I think we finally have all that will make the little one comfortable whenever he decides to show up. I was in India a few months ago when I did my first bit of baby shopping and I must admit it was a bit strange buying napkin-sized clothes for someone that you have not known but will clearly be your responsibility. Fair to admit, it has not hit home yet.

Support troops (or should I say advance attack troops) have arrived, MIL has OKed preparations. I am currently on a travel ban so enjoying the rather frigid summer days here in Munich.

What to expect when your better half is expecting!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:06:00 +0000

Pregnancy is the inescapable path to parenthood. Perhaps in older and less worldier times it was easy to escape the bulge that bewitched you every time you looked at it though nowadays I suspect its hard to escape the bulge's gaze. I am willing to go on record and state that it is actually quite enjoyable even for the less burdened partner. I wonder if it will be the same when we have out 7th kid!

Nature as we all know plays an important part in the evolution of us human being and more importantly in teaching us how to cope with change. One interesting theory that a friend told us when she was having her baby was that for the first couple of months the baby tends to look like the father more than the mother. Nature's way of reassuring the father that the baby is his lest he harm's it. Clever!

Another interesting one, the Japanese believe that the sex of the baby is often such that it provides support to the dominated partner in the relationship. I.e. if the husband is henpecked, then more than likely the sex will be a male or if the male is more dominating then it will be a girl. Guess what the sex of our baby is !!

Letter from a prospective Father - in - Law

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:32:00 +0000

One of the stigmas of being brown skinned and from the subcontinent is often the association with arranged marriages. It is usually an enlivening dinner topic though having gone through several such discussions in my ripe 20's I had come to the conclusion that my youthful eagerness about my worldly marriage views were myopic at best. In perhaps a classic jaundiced view about how my brethren view this, I just assumed that teary Indian movies were actually elevating the awareness in what is sometimes a difficult process to get married. I assumed people were much smarter and got the message that while it is cool to be get an arranged one done, one needs to be tactful about it.

That was till I read the email below. Below are some excerpts from an email that a prospective father in law (senior scientist of some sort) wrote to a very close relative who is a prospective bride. Names have been changed but everything else is verbatim.

----------------------------------------------------------------XXX-----------------------------------------

Dear Sir / Madam ,
It has indeed been nice talking to you at some length . The abundant blessings seen on your family are a sequel to
your hard work and good christian living . 2) As a summation of my previous emails and pursuant to some points figured in our telecon today, I ask myself and answer below some hypothetical questions (imagined general
points).

i) Is Dr Sanjeev Fair: Certainly Yes. Sanjeev is 5ft 8in . On a scale in which a black man is given 1 point and a European 10 points for colour , Dr Sanjeev gets 8.5+ points . If Shah Rukh Khan or Mohan Lal is given 10 points for their handsomeness, Dr Sanjeev also gets the same 10 points if not more.

ii) Do we demand money: Certainly not ( However , what a bride may get as a customary practice is a blessing and is OK )

iii) Do we ask for Jewels: Again NO. But what a bride gets as a custom is OK.

iv) Do we insist on marriage to be conducted in Bangalore: No, mutual wish , convenience and tradition.

v) Has Dr Sanjeev been married earlier: Certainly NOT ( this is a ridiculous and idiotic question to ask myself and answer, but it is best done)

vi) Has he been engaged earlier: Certainly NOT
vii) Why is he interested in marrying only an Indian origin girl : He does not believe in American girls and American values. He thinks that American girls would want only his money, and latter in life, some day 10,20,30 years hence , a white wife could cause serious problems to him and his children .

ix) If every thing is no, What does Sanjay actually want : He wants only three things a) a very beautiful girl b) a fair girl and c) good christian upbringing [The girl should not have been married earlier ; Should not have been engaged to some one earlier; and should not have been in love with some one else earlier]. These 3 things are also very
true of him as well point - to - point.

2) You may think why I raise irrelevant questions and answer them myself . Such questions were very much in my mind , when Dr Johnny came in 1996 from US to marry my eldest daughter Dr Sheila. They were on her mind also. It is now 11 years and they are just fine in Dallas and get on very well . They are typically Indian and live around their
son . In fact all my five brothers families are very normal and exemplary and all children came up well , but Dr Sanjeev is the most brilliant and most prosperous person among all his cousins.

3) Denomination : We are CSI . But in my conviction all denominations are equal in the sight of God . But should
you have some point we could sort that out very amicably should it be a stumbling block . If you have any
other questions, please send an email and I will be glad to send a reply.

----------------------------------------------------------The End------------------------------------

Half my kingdom for a decent name

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Thats right, inspite of thousands of books we have read, countless movies we have seen and now several pages of a newly acquired baby book- we are still stumped for a name!

The boundary conditions of the search are innoucous when considered by each cherickel seperatley however when consulted together big red X`s are all we are able to agree on. We have few more weeks depending on whether the baby decides to overacheive or follow father's footsteps and be late for everything!

Expectant father woes

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Using our rental car to brave the wet-sloshy Bavarian weather on our baby shopping expedition as reported last week, we decided to hit the largest baby joint this side of the Alps. The wife had 'I need to acheive something today look' as we circled around Gärtnerplatz. In women speak, acheivement = buying. I am not sure if it was all the strollers or cheesy looking beds but after 20 minutes in that industrial shed of a place I was once more experiencing my claustrophobic panic attacks. Of course I exaggerate, but being pushed to make purchasing decisions when I know nothing about what I am buying always Mr Scowl flitting across my face (unless we are talking wine). Being the ever tactful husband of a visibly pregnant wife, I slipped in the suggestion that we should benchmark prices and explore our options before committing. The 'Frau' being of more machiavellian bent of mind, nodded in agreement. I thought that was easy. We agreed to visit the global benchmark for price parity in household items - IKEA. Mind you I am keeping 'acheivement' in mind.

Once we got to Ikea we decided to prioritise. So first on our list were the Swedish meatballs with a side of berry marmalade. Bellyfull wife is a happy wife :) Then came the cupboards and more cupboards and then finally some small cupboards. We bought all those cupboards. Lest by baby feels cupboard deprived. With partial acheivement (no pram or baby bed), the boss orders me to drive back home. Joined some friends for greek grub in a very interesting joint which unfortunately afterwhile turned into a chimney.

Sunday was also a baby based agenda though not ours, we were visiting friends who had new additions to the family. When mobile in Munich, our food choices are narrowed to two options - Dosas or Malaysian food. It was Dosa this time.

Monday was the real acheivement day. We booked a spot for our still unborn child in the German creche system. We are hoping that a spot opens up in July 2010! The second highlight was the buying the pram. I must shamefully admit that I was now a victim of the seductive powers of the Bugaboo. There goes my downpayment on the BMW...

We are off again this weekend in another rental to yet another baby shop in another suburbian paradise of Munich. Joys of fatherhood....

To puff or not

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:26:00 +0000

A vice that I gave up some time ago has been born again in the auspices of a water pipe, Shisha is my latest pasttime when I am in Arab land. Not as harsh as a cigar but more kick than a marlboro red and its fruity, so whats not to like.

We officially kickoff our baby shopping this weekend, I am curious to see if all the wingeing about the paucity of baby stores in Munich was worth the fuss. To ensure that our radial coverage of all potential baby stores are reachable, I have tapped Mr. Hertz to help. Lets see what he obliges us with when we go to pickup the car later. We are contemplating further degradation in my carbon footprint by perhaps having a car on a permanent basis. Someone has got to help the auto industry!

The financial turmoil seems to be plumbing new depths as every day passes, wonder how long the carnage is going to last. Nothing much seems to have affected the Arabs though, no shortage of Bentleys here. Work continues to be busy, I am about ready to seal our first big deal in the region.

Its Trout for dinner tonite

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:08:00 +0000

I had dinner with a colleague at the very trendy Buddha Bar in Dubai 2 nights ago. Its a very hip joint, replete bulky men with earpieces, bowing mongoloid women and a crowd that would put an Armani Launch Party to shame. Needless to say, I like the place and it allegedly fits my luxus schlampe image. Like most Buddha Bar's around the world, there is a DJ constantly spinning music and undulating the overall mood in the cavernous dining room. My one 'what the *&%#k' moment was when the English DJ started spinning a Malayalam track with techno beats. I am usually pained to repeat the name of my mother tongue to non-indophiles so when this blondie started pumping music and expects me to shake up my hips to it, I was more than a bit amused. Are we malayaless finally 'in'? Are we finally becoming the fashionistas that we beleive we are?

I am reading my Mr. Friedman's "Lexus and Olive tree' primarily because it was recommended to me by a friend a few years ago and its essentially a layman's guide to Globalization. His style is primarily to explain by example and then write theological prose about why it is so. I am sure my Buddha bar experience would qualify for one the examples. The book would have been interesting before INSEAD, however now its a bit dated to read. Will review in a later post.

The weather in Munich seems to finally be reaching some level of sanity, we enjoyed a wonderful walk in the park and brunch with a friend (he has a bar named after him in Singapore) from outta town. We had interesting banter about my soon to be enjoyed good fortune of becoming a father. My party animal friend is still taking it in doses so I think in the end he came to terms that my diaper swapping skills were going to be essential to saving my marriage. This is perhaps the first saturday we ventured out of the house before 3 episodes for Sopranos, 2 coffees and the hour hand going past the quarter mark.

Time to be off, I am cooking tonite. The menu today is Trout in white wine and peppers with a side of sweet potatoes and lunch tomorrow is also care of me, tiger prawns in sponge gourd curry. Trying to rack up points to appease the Diva to approve my now weekly trip to the Gulf. Lets see how it works out.

My boy (or girl) is kicking!

One year older, one year less to live

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:57:00 +0000

The title is not implying that I am in any kind of morose state of mind. Its just the other way, I am very upbeat about life. Iam in a 'smell the roses' state of mind.

This week triple Nelson's have a lot of significance. The wifey in an attempt to sweeten my 33rd year of existence decided it would be a good idea if we headed south to enjoy better weather and food. Alas the gods (also known as Telecom Operators) decided it was a No-Go. Ticket and hotel penalties later, we decided some Oysters and Bouilabaise in Munich would have to suffice. The oysters were excellent. This is the second time I have had to cancel plans to Portugal. We have now rescheduled again for Easter. Third time lucky?

Boy wonder (the doctor seems to think its a boy again) is a now a full 365 grams. He is 3 days smaller than he should be if he were german baby and seems to have fist of fury - fist was clenched in the ultrasound and enjoys pounding his mother. He is 21 weeks and 2 days old.

We are having a small get together at our place tomorrow, what will inevitably be our last celebrations before our man is out.

I am now a reformed Piedmontese vino drinker. My latest poison of choice is the very fine Barolo. The image of a roasted duck come to mind every time I take a sip, I am imagine it would be a fine compliment to roasted meat.. What I really enjoy is reading and learning about wine from a particular region and then visiting the place. Maybe we can still do it this year perhaps in the fall when white truffles are in season.

The other major entertainment highlight of this year is the Sopranos. Now I enjoy my tube but this TV soap is outta this world. It supports my diagnosis from Steven Levitt's book that mobsters are just 'Dudes' looking to put food on the table. I must say, I catch myself every now and then thinking about Tony would do if he had the same choices that I had. This series qualifies for Cherickel cult status

I got a big bling watch for my bday and I must say 'I Like'. Anyone wants to know the time?

Another first in the desert

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Visting Kuwait was a first for me but the desert nation's significance in our lives is more than just another oil producing Arab country. The modeler has been visiting every other month and its has been her Cause Celebre as she has been trying to build another monstrosity in the desert to house cars, i.e. Kuwaitis have been footing some of the wonderful german bread that we have been buying. With no attempt to diversify our income sources, I decided to pursue some interesting opportunities to ensure the my bread money remained intact in the once invaded kingdom. Besides why diversify if you have a good thing going!

The coup d'etat was overlapping business trips for the Cherickels, for all of 20 hours, in Kuwait. Lady love already had it chalked in her calendar several week ago and I got very late instructions from the Boss to teleport immediately and I made there inspite of being visaless, a truant passport and not very supportive colleagues. Where there is a will, there is always a way. So yes, we sinfully shared a hotel room in the desert oasis of a popular chain hotel. Approximately 2 hours after my arrival at the hotel, reception inquired to know if the 'guest' was still there because they would have to charge extra. With choice expletives jumping fences in my head, the wife was ready to verbally barrage the caller when phone tinkled again to tell us that out of courtesy and being 'highly' regarded guest the extra charge was dropped. How would you have reacted if someone called at 3:00 am in the morning to say that you have pay extra to stay with your wife! And that’s not a moral question.

The synchronised trips did not end with the wife, even my parents played along. I met my globe trotting folks for little while in the new Emirates terminal as they awaited their flight to Lagos and I deplaned from Munich enroute to Kuwait. That was very high on the cool listfor me. Kuwait being the other Malayalee Kingdom outside of Kerala, it was also an opportunity to catch up with family and friends that I have not seen for more than 10 years. Met an old roomate popularly known as Koshy, now University Lecturer, an on old school classmate who continues pimping but now in the guise of a DoD contractor and some cousins, their spouses and kids that I have never met. All in all an awesome trip.

Got back home quite exhausted, the overnight flights don't help with meeting weekly sleep quotas. We finally found a decent Chinese restaurant in Munich, the equivalent of culinary salvation in a country which takes places second place in the worldwide Chinese food ranking from the bottom. The worst place in the world for Chinese food is France.

To be blue or pink

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:30:00 +0000

We have a comical situation with our doctor, last time around she advised us to invest in pink outfits now she seems to think toys for boys are better. Prognosis, baby is more boy than girl in the last visit! Not sure how to react. I don't suspect its a lack of competence on the Doctor's part since we think she is best thing since sliced bread but I mean what the .....

Frozen Munich is giving us some respite this week, feels a little better now. I am hoping the temperature gradient is upwards however knowing my luck it will be frozen on the days that I am in Munich.

We had a fabulous french meal last nite complete with the charming Garçon, I got my foie gras fix. Munich has a little french quarter with a predominantly, you guessed it, Parisian theme. Even the restaurant we went to was a Play on a famous joint in Paris called Le Faubourg. I think I miss Paris sometimes, plan to do it once more before we lock down here in Munich with baby imposed travel restrictions.

Back from the desert

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:59:00 +0000

I enjoy my trips to the dunes except during the stifling month of July and August. My lower jaw remains permanently unclenched as I ride shotgun in the taxi to or from work in amazement of the gravity defying heights of innumerable buildings and every car I dreamed of owning (in every color I know) zipping by. I have christened the vicinity of the hotel that I stay in, 'The concrete Alps'.

This time was different. No trouble finding taxis, no traffic jams, empty restaurants and even reasonable hotel rates during what was the peak tourist season. However no shortage of flashy cars being driven by bimbettes and underaged men. The taxi driver's explanation was that everyone is fleeing because of the great American squeeze. Oft repeated stories of laid off employees driving to the airport leaving their keys in ignition and boarding the next available plane, unpaid mortgage are punishable by imprisonment. One driver said as many a 1000 cars are towed away from the airport daily.Urban legend or truth, the credit crunch seems have arrived on these shores too.

You have to see it to beleive it, it floods in the desert. Yes it happens and quite often I am told with the smallest of drizzles. Typically in desert condition, water tankers are a common sight to provide water however here water tanker were used to suck up the water from the clogged road. Kerala food was as usual on the agenda, Paragon never fails to please. I must admit this is probably one of the best Malu joints I have ever been to period. Seating is german style i.e. sit where there is space available. I shared a table with a few other brethren who were chattering about stocks and how to game the system. An older gentleman joined and asked for what is now becoming a staple in many diabetic ridden households in Kerala - Chappati and fish curry. He asked for a particular kind of fish which they did not seem to have but he settled for a small variety which he seemed to be even more pleased with. Service is very fast, the food arrives moments later. He expertly tears off a piece of his chappati and scoops the fire red sauce with broken off bits of fish and places it onto his palate and with the grace of a cow chewing its cud, masticates his food for a little while. Once the food travelled down his oesophagus, his expression would have made any coconut loving malayalee mother shy with pride. He repeated the expression with the next kingfisher style chappati scoop of fish and curry. As for me, I ordered my all time favourite Karimeen pollichathu and beef fry and wondered how I am going to have make up to the pregnant Autocad user when I am back in Munich. I am still trying to makeup.

The number 12 seemed to be omnipresent this time around. My American kin celebrated adulthood teenager style complete with MTV Limo and -Oh my God- friends. However behaved a little more ladylike by finishing all the wine she took from Munich the following weekend. The grappa bottle is said to have survived the night. Well it sounded like a good party, too bad I missed it.

In case you were wondering what the new star over London is called, its Tarana. Congrats Robin and Tulika. She certainly holds the title for cutest baby of the year, so far atleast!

My 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Memories of the year on brings a curl to my lips and I am left with the distinct alkaline blackcurrant after taste of my favorite Super Tuscan wine. Perhaps one of the more well balanced years that I can remember and certainly one that I am grateful for. Unique happening in the past year that will be hard to top are

5 continents in a year is cool
Seeing the pyramid, that too 3 times, is absolutely priceless. A sight to see before you cease to see
Discovering Tuscan wine
Seeing India like I have never seen it before, less family more sites
Watching my savings go up in smoke and managing to stay as cool as a cucumber
Joining our cooking club
Wrapping a rock python around me and stroking the head of a full grown leopard
Finding out that I am not a clementine!

End of the year

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:18:00 +0000

This felt like another short weekend, something like the 'short year' feeling that I have had since summer this year. Inspite of having the most 'me' time in the last 4 years, I feel kinda time cheated. A fairly decent balance between travel, work, wife and life. No tearing deadlines, no foul speaking bosses turning up the pressure, very little cramped travel, no cancelled vacations and atleast a full week of lead time prior to business travel. Now for the not so great part, I have fallen sick 3 times this year almost matching record of not having fallen sick for as many years. Mystically all my bouts of infirmity seem to start right afterI get off a 12 hour overnight flight. My sarcastic colleagues are quick to point out that I am not as young as I used to be.

Christmas time usually means vacation time, I am so ready to hit 'shut down' on my PC for the rest of the year and then some. Come friday, I will execute that plan. Christmas time also means family time. Since we lack family in this part of the world, we have decided to import some of our American brethren to warm our otherwise frigid christmas. In return, we had to bribe with promises of trips to Italy and other exotic European that are otherwise generally out of reach.

Munich continues to reveal its frozen charm. The city is packed with christmas shoppers and Gluwein drinkers. I am currently experiencing an exodus of friends moving out. Typically you have people who live here for a few years and then they move on. At this rate I am going to feel like the Oak tree that everyone comes back to see.

Cooking Club weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:21:00 +0000

Among other things, our life in Munich includes membership to a cooking club. What was a suggestion to have more girlie bonding between a few friends (all women I assure you) birthed the idea of a cooking club, modeled along the very male Basque tradition of Txoko. Since it basis was male bonding and the activity's membership only criteria was gender, in this case, the spouses muscled themselves into the club too. Somewhere along our friends figured that I could cut vegetables and the designer could cook and so extended an invitation for us to join them. I do admit, its one of the things that I look forward to. We do it approximately every 6-8 weeks.

The menu is a suprise for all except the hosts and everything is bought in advance. Costs are added and then shared between all. It usually lasts 5-6 hours and we usually end up doing atleast a 3-4 course meal. The picture is the exploits from our last cooking adventure at our place this time. We made a fairly complicated chicken dish, carrot salad, stuffed Okra, chappatis and payasam. We admit we had a little pressure to cook something Indian but usually its a complete suprise to all who attend. The next session is in early January.

We have been trying to bolster the flagging consumer by ratcheting up capital goods spending, some of which was quite silly to not to have done so far like buying a washing machine. I have ordered boatload of christmas presents for myself (I love spoiling myself). Most significant is the move to an Mac, never owned one and I have sparingly used. The line drawer uses it at work so in the name ensuring that I stay ahead in the domestic technological curve, I took the plunge. Secretly counting the days to laying my hands on it. She can stay ahead by learning how to get a washing machine to work.

Off to the Cape again this sunday.

The blue man Group and me home alone

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:06:00 +0000

Effectively trying to make up for the lost years of artistic immersion whilst living a city with a regular schedule for such activity, we overpaid for front row seats of Blue Man group hoping that my business trip gods would be kind as we picked a date 2 months in advance. However this time around, it was my car showroom building partner who had doubts about making it. After much drama and several expletives, she was able to confirm that she oblige me with her company for the show. So was it worth it, do I feel enlighted? Here a few comments from my facebook post

'I fell asleep after 30 mins' - Doctor from New Jersey
'It was our first annuiversary do, it sucked' - Leading Economist in the London Metropolitan area

I enjoyed it very much though, its certainly worth seeing it once however twice (like some architects I am acquainted with) could be taxing. They seem to mix it up a bit, however the theme is fairly constant which is anything goes.I took a video of the opening but reluctant to post as there maybe issues with rights etc.

Post monday night entertainment left me home alone for the rest of the week. The Business trip gods were kind to me, however the wife was the sacrificial lamb as she was off to the dunes in the middle east. I suspect she was thoroughly pleased to dump me at home and let me taste a bit of my own medicine. I had a busy week in any case. Its suddenly winter in Munich, hard to step out of the house without mits, glove and several layers of clothing. Not nice.

Its November already

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:02:00 +0000

Come you for jobbing? So asked my cabbie

Yup, will be here for 2 days. Answered I in my pseudo american twang

Not long. Where from? Buzzed my chubby driver as proceed to take out a cigarette and light it (after he offered me one).

Munich, Germany.

'Sprechen sie deutsche?' in a flawless accent and thus continued my ignominy for the lack of german communication inspite of being in Greece. So far Athens seems like a calculus class gone really bad.

My language classes are progressing to an extent where I think my hearing and understanding have progressed however I still sound retarded when barking my germanic litany. Its interesting though, its really does feel like learning something new especially when you are struggling with homework (which I refer to as Hausaufgabe). Lets see how long I put up with it before I give up.

They have started showing some real news again on TV instead of the indepth analysis of Bradley effect and why the world does not need another republican. Economy and the new doom and gloom story seem to be the new mantra.

We had an action packed weekend, on TV. 6 episodes of 24 and Quantum of Solace left my better half stir crazy. The movie was outstanding for its graphics and stunts but very poor on storyline and perhaps even light on hot women. Mr. Bond continues to be enigmatic. The name sucks though. Sunday was great weatherwise, picnicked in the Engligh Garten and walked around town.

New President

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:36:00 +0000

We have a new black President and its not in Africa. Time to change. Popular sentiment was for change however the last 2 elections did not reflect my popular sentiment so I must say there was always a nagging doubt till I saw confirmation this morning. Howevert the big question is if God will continue to bless America? Comments that I have heard so far in Germany

Secretary - ' Its a speacial day, I am very happy.'

Colleague - 'Is he really black or just partially black'

Colleague - 'Congratulations America'

Friend - 'Can he deliver?'

Family member - 'Not bad dude'

I made my first porcini risotto last night, it was a halfway success. The flavouring was more or less spot on however I had trouble timing the dish, as is always with my italian dishes, so final show was not upto to the mark. Next time. Though I did enjoy the complimenting bottle of Casalferro. Its risotto for rest of the week till I get it right :)

We were in Amsterdam last weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:50:00 +0000

We were in esteemed company last weekend and under patronage of our Sino-Bavarian friends in Amsterdam. Since the Bavarian has become a landlord we figured that it will be a good idea to see prosperity can do to good friends. Prosperity has certainly caught up with his mid-section. Our only itinerary item was to get our fill of Chinese food so no museums, no sight seeing and no coffee shops. We still think we can move to Amsterdam however not sure if we are upto another new language. We left with the intention to return to test the grill next summer.

No traveling for several weeks has left lots of time for me to pick up my squash game, though I am not sure my knees will hold up if I continue playing. Played some tennis also last week but weather conditions now require looking for indoor courts. Work is balanced nowadays, however the car showroom designer is all knotted up in line drawing stress. Her parturiency pains with her new project seem to make my job seem zimble.

We cooked and celebrated the recent engagement of K & B this friday by polishing a bottle of Champagne, two fine bottles of Hofstatter Gewurztraminer and a Vin Santo (complete with Almond cookies). We went to the BMW Welt, BMW's signature showroom for all its latest and greatest models, and the new BMW Museum. Not for the faint hearted and light pocketed but but dreaming permitted. Exited the premises with my dream of dreaming of these dream machines intact. The coup d'etat was an installation at the BMW museum, you have to see it to beleive it.

Breaking news

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:44:00 +0000

Due to recent budget cuts and the cost of electricity, gas and oil, as well as current market conditions and the continued decline of the U.S. economy, The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Blog Number 101 - Book Update

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:59:00 +0000

For some of us the easy way to keep our sanity in financially troubled times is to simply stay away from predator lenders (I love that term), the stockmarkets and shop at discount stores. For some others, its to run. For those who remember the Pathan (atleast he likes to think he is) who valiantly ran 650km across my homeland has once again embarked on another crazy adventure. Staying true to his vision, if I can walk it then he can run it, he is going to run through Lebanon. And he convinced his foolhardy cameraman, Des, to click his spurt through Beirut. Stay tuned here to record their progress.

Between work reading, articles from friends, the Economis t and my regular newspaper digests when travelling I don't seem to be able get much time for casual reading. I also seem to be shifting more towards non-fictional reading and biographies. The designer on the other hand continues to devours volumes by the dozen. We are thinking of investing in new shelves. It was not part of the dowry kitty.
The Agony and the Ecstasy - One word summarises this book for me - Inspirational. It records the painful toil of a great human being dedicated to only his work and who lived for his family. Inspite of being set in trecherous times, he seemed to coast above it and fulfill what he beleived in. I find it inspirational because of his work ethic and his focus on his vision on how things were to be done. No easy road for this man. However it is often tinged with his seemingly egotistical thinking which is often manifested in his temper. The book is often a bit patronizing such that sometime you get the impression that its written by a lover and not a biographer. Its also the best book to read before visiting the renaissance city of Florence. Inspite of not knowing a lot about the region, I think I would like to read a few more book about this period and its artists. This is definitely a top 10 book for me. There is however a lot of detail in book so it can be a hard read especially about his formative years. Warning - you may be left with the feeling that you're leading a passionless life after reading this book, such is the investment Michelangelo makes in what he beleives in. I would like to read this book again sometime.

The Elephanta Suite - This is not a feel good book. Its also the perfect book for the narcisstic Indian. I often meet brethren who cannot shut about what a fantastic place they come from and continue to extol the fine virtues of Indian to their attentive future euro/dollar pimping tourists friends . There have been many books to that effect also. This is perhaps one of the few that is against the tide. Not sure I am excited about the book but like it for it being different. Its a compilation of short stories, I would have changed the order of the stories, the latter stories are a bit more interesting. It needles together the religous rioting, the suave Indian career bugger, animals, the godmen, poverty, the uninitiated fumbling male and many other things that make my country special. Overall a book worth my time but a poor to read for those who are trying to glean some input to build a mental picture of India. Or maybe it is?

Disgrace - Coetzee is a well known author and is distinguished by winning the booker prize twice and in which Disgrace being the cause the second time around. Its a very hard book describe. It debases humanity's own very soul but it also is the sad truth that many refuse to acknowledge. Its conceivable storyline, especially if you are familiar with the new South Africa, is harsh and the contrasts it brings forward are even less palatable. Its comparable with the new South Africa. It seems like the country has moved ahead but forgot to read a few chapters in between but at the sametime grateful its ahead. It describes the clash of times in rural Africa. For example, rape at which one would balk at harshly but instead the argument seems to be between whethers its the price to pay for living in rural Africa or is it payment for the attrocities commited in the past. I think Coetzee has done a remarkable job in presenting the thinking of both races well and also the distinction in attitudes in the 2 different generations in these races. I connect with a lot that is in the book because it is in someway the Africa I knew while I was growing up and the Africa that I saw when I was there last. Verdict - Very nice but not for everyone.

Alto Adige

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:28:00 +0000

I was depressed for all of September and all blame falls squarely on the truant weather gods. 2 Degrees in September is cruel and unfair. So for those who were wondering whats up with lazy fingers, you know why.

Courtesy Reunification day (do we need a holiday thanking the Americans and Russians for dividing us?), we enjoyed a 3 day weekend in the mountains in South Tyrol (Sud Tyrol). One of the strong appeals of living in Munich is its location, a couple of hours and u can be in very different locations. Italy being one of the popular and Sud Tyrol being the closest in it, popular logic would think we would have been there a couple of times. Alas this was the first time, we subscribe to converse logic.

For a change the line drawer organized the roadtrip. As marks most of our Italian vacation, wine was a high point of our agenda. I have graduated to underrated and fantastic Alto Adige region, my grand plan was to explore the famous white wines of the region during the summer as I tend to partial to white in warm weather. No such luck, more beer than wine this summer. Main difference from my other favourite region (Tuscany) being that instead of rolling hills you have steep mountains. Its afterall the Alpine region. For starters, there is nothing Italian about this place, its very German. The food is very heavy, the accent is thick and everything is very orderly unlike my usual italian experience of a sing-song language, filling food and what seems like organized confusion. However top marks for the locations and crisp alpine air.

A very comfortable bed and breakfast was our abode which also boasted a very good chef with whome we dined for the first evening. The heavy rains and bumper to bumper traffic did not leave much time to explore the first night. A late breakfast gave us the perfect excuse not to start the day with any hiking and instead explore vineyards ( I am still smirking about that one). First stop, Hofkellerei. Small vineyard but more famous for its family imports and I am not talking grapes here. Elena Walch married into the family that runs Hofkellerei and then went to build one of the best vineyards in the region now under her own name, Elena Walch. The line drawer got a thrill out of knowing that she was also a former architect. Her husband also runs his own Winery called Willem Walch. Several tasting and hundreds of euros later we decided to explore one of the Vineyards and so we headed to Castel Rindberg. After lots of grapes, steep slopes, green apples and multi-hued lizards we decided it was good time to break for lunch. We hit the lake, Lago Di Caldaro, later in the afternoon. Dinner was at the J. Hoffstätter estate restaurant, a simple meal of pasta and liquid gold.

On the second day my excuses did not find much appeal, I finally had to trek up the mountain. Lunch was in Bolzano at a restaurant to which we seemed going back to often though I am not sure why. We were back in time in Munich to go to P's Favourite indian restaurant for her fix of dosas. My curry was disappointing.

Happy Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjith Cherickel) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Another year, another 9/9 down and none the wiser (she is still sticking around!). My Aurora Borealis continues to sparkle and shine when I manage to send the right electrons across (I am getting better at this) and rest of the time continues to be my northern light. Life with wife is definitely better than life without wife.

Conversation with a Pharmacist in Cairo
Me - Coughing and with a spinning head I say - ' Excuse me'
Pharmacist - 'Aiwa'
Me - 'I think I have bad cold, I ate some strepsils but its not helping and now I have a headache. It could also be a fever'
Pharmacist - Looks at me blankly
Me - Can you give some Tylenol Flu or some sort of Flu medicine'
Pharmacist - 'Can you speak English'
Me - Was my fever that bad that I could not speak english anymore. Not wanting to look like a fool, I ask my colleague to translate my language into English. Ihab obliges.
Pharmacist chuckles to my colleagues and says - 'Don't tell me he does not have an accent'

Moral of the story- When a Mallu is sick in Pyramid land, get a translator.