Victoria Memorial - Flury's - Marble Palace
We met at the Victoria Memorial and I waited with Yvonnick for Margarette, her friend Jennifer from Hyderabad here for the weekend, and Usha. Carl, Siddiqui, Zoria were already inside. Rajesh Nath was back from his holiday in Germany pre World Cup. This was Niti’s last hash before she moves to Bombay.
We walked around the Victoria Memorial and took pictures of the building, trees and early morning strollers in their various activities from frisbee to yoga. The sound and light show in English is at 7:45 p.m. but stops during the monsoons. This is not to be confused with the musical fountains outside.
The sky was darkening by 8 am when we reached back to the gate under the flyover and headed in various cars to Flury’s for breakfast. We needed to kill a couple of hours before the Marble Palace opened at 10 am and the slow service at Flury’s made it the obvious choice. The service was slow as usual, but breakfasters didn’t complain of the quality of food. Different dishes were tried out from almond croissants to ham and cheese croissants. Ritika even swears by the coffee at Flury’s. Flury’s also serves lunch and dinner and that’s lucky because what with the prices and slow service, the hashers may not be able to breakfast there too often. The T3 on the opposite pavement is the Hasher’s choice. By the time the food arrived and the rains stopped, Zoria had to run away in haste after breakfast and Usha went home with Carl to change into a sari for a memorial service and a birthday.
We went on to Marble Palace with Yvonnick surrounded by a harem, which from the Statesman house included Lilly and Seema. We walked around the gardens looking at the stone lions, the walking pelicans and the Giant squirrel. We enjoyed talking to Mr. Hirendro Mullick, and after our visit comparing Yvonnick's nose to Queen Victoria's, Ritika sang Rabindra Sangeet for the three generations of Mullicks while we sat on the steps enjoying the weather. We even had our fresh coconut water outside the gate.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
TARATALA NATURE PARK - TAJ
Taratala Nature Park is also known as The Mudiali Fisherman's Cooperative. Gherdie came after a long absence and was welcomed as was newcomer Simar, Tony's daughter who has joined the hash and will hash with us whenever she is in town. She left the next day for Bangalore with tel. nos. of the hash groups in the South. Yvonnick and I were delayed reaching at the level crossing where we waited on his bike beside the fisherman carrying fresh fish in a pot behind their bicycles.
Chef Yvonnick was shown some of the fish and verified that they were indeed fresh.
We reached to find the hash group, visible thanks to Tony's orange Taj Hash T shirt, being given a talk by a Nature Park warden in their green shirts.
Usha and Doc were listening intently. Zoria and Natalie were happy to lead the pack at a brisk pace all around the park, passing the swings, the bamboo benches and restaurant area and the fisher folk catching fish in their nets wading through the water.
George would have been tickled to see the large water snake that climbed out onto the bank towrads the hashers because the waters were being agitated byy the fishermen and fish were flying everywhere!
We saw birds, tamarind flowers, and bel, champa and frangipani trees. But the most interesting animals were the dromedaries beside the deer cage.
We hadn't been to the park for a while as the Flyover was in progress and the changes there were many.
The sign outside the Nature Park and Cooperative, Rs.10 entrance, says that it has generated employment for about 800 people at an investment of Rs.5 lakhs from the government and Rs.5.4 lakhs from the cooperative society of Mudiali fishermen.
Yvonnick took tons of pictures and some will be put up on the blogspot.
Taratala Nature Park is also known as The Mudiali Fisherman's Cooperative. Gherdie came after a long absence and was welcomed as was newcomer Simar, Tony's daughter who has joined the hash and will hash with us whenever she is in town. She left the next day for Bangalore with tel. nos. of the hash groups in the South. Yvonnick and I were delayed reaching at the level crossing where we waited on his bike beside the fisherman carrying fresh fish in a pot behind their bicycles.
Chef Yvonnick was shown some of the fish and verified that they were indeed fresh.
We reached to find the hash group, visible thanks to Tony's orange Taj Hash T shirt, being given a talk by a Nature Park warden in their green shirts.
Usha and Doc were listening intently. Zoria and Natalie were happy to lead the pack at a brisk pace all around the park, passing the swings, the bamboo benches and restaurant area and the fisher folk catching fish in their nets wading through the water.
George would have been tickled to see the large water snake that climbed out onto the bank towrads the hashers because the waters were being agitated byy the fishermen and fish were flying everywhere!
We saw birds, tamarind flowers, and bel, champa and frangipani trees. But the most interesting animals were the dromedaries beside the deer cage.
We hadn't been to the park for a while as the Flyover was in progress and the changes there were many.
The sign outside the Nature Park and Cooperative, Rs.10 entrance, says that it has generated employment for about 800 people at an investment of Rs.5 lakhs from the government and Rs.5.4 lakhs from the cooperative society of Mudiali fishermen.
Yvonnick took tons of pictures and some will be put up on the blogspot.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Belgachia Jain Temple - Chennai Kitchen
7 hashers met in front of Statesman House and took two cabs to the Belgachia Jain Temple. As it was Buddha Purnima on Saturday, there was some festival at the temple with a shamiana outside with many saffron dhoti clad priests and many men and women inside the temple reading scriptures and making offerings of rice.
The main offerings were almonds and I think peeled Musambi oranges tho some of us wondered whether they were mangoes or potatoes as they were covered in saffron or turmeric.
There were a number of structures and four gates. We had a leisurely stroll around and were finally joined by Yvonnick who brought along his camera. Then the 8 of us, Yvonnick, Lilly, Francois, Sid, carl, Usha and I along with guest Seema boarded a slow tram at the depot, back towards Lal Bazaar.
We took lots of pictures in the compound of the Jain temple and Yvonnick took lots of pictures on the tram ride.
We then walked back from Lal Bazaar to Bentink Street and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Chennai Kitchen where the foreigners and I were able to sample, some for the first time, rawa dosas, Pao Bhajis (favourite), aloo puri along with mango juices, lassis and coffee.
Yvonnick had a long chat with Usha about their hobby photography and Francois, back in town for a short stint to collect his first hash t shirt, had us in stitches.
Neela 9830014934
Sunday, May 07, 2006
BOTANICS - TAJ BENGAL
The hashers met at 7am in front of the main gate of the Botanical Gardens. We found it without getting lost. Once inside we all got lost in various directions. Nishant accompanied Nitish and Rachna. Priyanka brought a guest. Niti waited for the Poddars at the circle. We still managed to converge at the gate at 8 am sharp to pile into cars to head back to The Taj for breakfast in our new Taj T Shirts.
Next week we've decided to do something cultural for new hashers Lilly, Priyanka, Sunita and Niti who are all keen to discover North Calcutta.
The hashers met at 7am in front of the main gate of the Botanical Gardens. We found it without getting lost. Once inside we all got lost in various directions. Nishant accompanied Nitish and Rachna. Priyanka brought a guest. Niti waited for the Poddars at the circle. We still managed to converge at the gate at 8 am sharp to pile into cars to head back to The Taj for breakfast in our new Taj T Shirts.
Next week we've decided to do something cultural for new hashers Lilly, Priyanka, Sunita and Niti who are all keen to discover North Calcutta.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
HORTICULTURAL Gardens and new Taj T shirts
Old hashers and new were at the Horticultural Gardens at 7 am. Hashers now pay their own entrance fees to Parks (Rs.10 for Horticultural Gardens, Rs.5 or Rs.50 for foreigners at Botanics). Carl and Sid who were sporting the new blue T shirts had walked down from the Taj after depositing the T shirts there. We walked around the gardens a number of times and met up with the Poddars and the Jains who had entered from other gates.
Twila had seen the fountain rising up from the wooden boat in the lake but by the time we reached, it was switched off. We saw the newly constructed Udayan or memorial by the Birla’s and Natalie and I both mistook the flooring for wood when it was actually marble!
We also stopped at the Epitaph of Sidney Percy Lancaster 1886-1972 Secretary of the Agro-Horticultaral Society 1914-1953 and I copied down this Ode to a Gardener.
The world more beautiful he made
With loving zeal he plied his trade
His tools the trowel, hoe and spade.
This humble man did in his way
Bring beauty to the world to stay
Not one but nearly everyday.
There are some lovely benches dotting the park, not that we got to sit and rest as the Doc, accompanied by his wife set a fast and furious pace. We even started following an early morning walker for a while and he must have been quite disconcerted to find himself being followed by a band of at least ten. We passed the elephant’s foot tree and Twila pointed out some green plants that may be called Elephant ears.
I told everyone to go see the Mid Summer’s Night Dream production by the British Council at Tolly Club. Priyanka, who was there the previous night, has joined the hash group. I also met for the first time new hasher Niti who said I had loomed large in my absence. I still loom Large in the new hash T shirt that most of us changed into at the Taj before breakfast. 10 were also given to Taj.
Old hashers and new were at the Horticultural Gardens at 7 am. Hashers now pay their own entrance fees to Parks (Rs.10 for Horticultural Gardens, Rs.5 or Rs.50 for foreigners at Botanics). Carl and Sid who were sporting the new blue T shirts had walked down from the Taj after depositing the T shirts there. We walked around the gardens a number of times and met up with the Poddars and the Jains who had entered from other gates.
Twila had seen the fountain rising up from the wooden boat in the lake but by the time we reached, it was switched off. We saw the newly constructed Udayan or memorial by the Birla’s and Natalie and I both mistook the flooring for wood when it was actually marble!
We also stopped at the Epitaph of Sidney Percy Lancaster 1886-1972 Secretary of the Agro-Horticultaral Society 1914-1953 and I copied down this Ode to a Gardener.
The world more beautiful he made
With loving zeal he plied his trade
His tools the trowel, hoe and spade.
This humble man did in his way
Bring beauty to the world to stay
Not one but nearly everyday.
There are some lovely benches dotting the park, not that we got to sit and rest as the Doc, accompanied by his wife set a fast and furious pace. We even started following an early morning walker for a while and he must have been quite disconcerted to find himself being followed by a band of at least ten. We passed the elephant’s foot tree and Twila pointed out some green plants that may be called Elephant ears.
I told everyone to go see the Mid Summer’s Night Dream production by the British Council at Tolly Club. Priyanka, who was there the previous night, has joined the hash group. I also met for the first time new hasher Niti who said I had loomed large in my absence. I still loom Large in the new hash T shirt that most of us changed into at the Taj before breakfast. 10 were also given to Taj.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Sunday, April 09, 2006
The Wetlands Picnic
9th April We’ve cancelled the picnic to Gadhiara as the kids might have got heatstroke given how hot it gets even by 8am. The Gadiara picnic has to be postponed. The Wetlands will be cool as it is near the water. So meet at ITC Sonar Bangla at 7 am to go to the Wetlands with a picnic. Everyone is to bring their picnic. Hasher's have brought sandwiches, cookies, cake, kebab, fruits at past picnics. We’ll be there till 10 am I reckon. Bring water and sun screen.
9th April We’ve cancelled the picnic to Gadhiara as the kids might have got heatstroke given how hot it gets even by 8am. The Gadiara picnic has to be postponed. The Wetlands will be cool as it is near the water. So meet at ITC Sonar Bangla at 7 am to go to the Wetlands with a picnic. Everyone is to bring their picnic. Hasher's have brought sandwiches, cookies, cake, kebab, fruits at past picnics. We’ll be there till 10 am I reckon. Bring water and sun screen.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
2 April 7 am Botanics. Breakfast at Taj.
This was actually Peter and Rosie’s farewell hash. They introduced Ian and Suzie who are their replacement and their 2 kids. Newcomer Nidhi, Pradeep and Bonani, Siddiqui and Zoria were all there. Manosh of Bates was there wearing his Bangladesh Hash T shirt given by Rail Jerker. Everyone had to pay the exit fee at the Botanics!
Lilly and I were in Bombay along with Nil for the Lakme Fashion Week. It was Lilly's birthday on Sunday and we celebrated with a brunch at the backpacker's haunt Leopold Café in Colaba. Lilly's modeling Dev r Nil's outfit in The India Today magazine!
This was actually Peter and Rosie’s farewell hash. They introduced Ian and Suzie who are their replacement and their 2 kids. Newcomer Nidhi, Pradeep and Bonani, Siddiqui and Zoria were all there. Manosh of Bates was there wearing his Bangladesh Hash T shirt given by Rail Jerker. Everyone had to pay the exit fee at the Botanics!
Lilly and I were in Bombay along with Nil for the Lakme Fashion Week. It was Lilly's birthday on Sunday and we celebrated with a brunch at the backpacker's haunt Leopold Café in Colaba. Lilly's modeling Dev r Nil's outfit in The India Today magazine!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Niti has become a member of the Hash group
She joined Carl, Siddiqui, Zoria and Ed Miller at The Statesman House.
They went to the abandoned, haunted warehouses in Howrah and it was a
cool visit in every sense. They strongly recommend that we schedule
another walk there sometime so more hashers can visit the ghats on the
Howrah side. They walked around and went for breakfast at around 9:30
to the Food Plaza at Howrah station.
I was enjoying breakfast at Alcha restaurant and lifestyle store in
Shantiniketan.
She joined Carl, Siddiqui, Zoria and Ed Miller at The Statesman House.
They went to the abandoned, haunted warehouses in Howrah and it was a
cool visit in every sense. They strongly recommend that we schedule
another walk there sometime so more hashers can visit the ghats on the
Howrah side. They walked around and went for breakfast at around 9:30
to the Food Plaza at Howrah station.
I was enjoying breakfast at Alcha restaurant and lifestyle store in
Shantiniketan.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Botanics and Taj
We met at the Banyan tree as hashers Bonani and the Poddars had already got in. Madhuri picked up Carl, Sid, Lilly, me and Sunita. Zoria was waiting for us and had parked inside against Rs.50 parking fee. Madhuri's car was parked opposite.
There was some confusion at the gate when the fee collector wasn't around to take the tickets. Next time as it will be summer, we will reach Botanics at 7 am and there shouldn't be any problem about buying the tickets.
We had a long walk and a long chat at the Taj over breakfast. Sunita who had spoken with Bonani was able to meet her for the first time and everyone congratulated Bonani on her victory over the Wetlands. All the construction there will be razed.
The next schedule has been put up. We will do Zoria and Carl's Howrah expedition although there was a little trepidation regarding snakes in the abandoned lots in Howrah.
We saw a gentleman in a blue collared T shirt with red piping on the collars and sleeves and we have decided that we shall make T shirts for the Bengali New Year.
Regular hashers and newcomers will receive the Tshirts. Absentee hashers (depending on attendance)can buy them. Some T shirts will be available to The Taj for Sale as our Orange T shirts have caused much interest at The Taj Breakfasts.
We met at the Banyan tree as hashers Bonani and the Poddars had already got in. Madhuri picked up Carl, Sid, Lilly, me and Sunita. Zoria was waiting for us and had parked inside against Rs.50 parking fee. Madhuri's car was parked opposite.
There was some confusion at the gate when the fee collector wasn't around to take the tickets. Next time as it will be summer, we will reach Botanics at 7 am and there shouldn't be any problem about buying the tickets.
We had a long walk and a long chat at the Taj over breakfast. Sunita who had spoken with Bonani was able to meet her for the first time and everyone congratulated Bonani on her victory over the Wetlands. All the construction there will be razed.
The next schedule has been put up. We will do Zoria and Carl's Howrah expedition although there was a little trepidation regarding snakes in the abandoned lots in Howrah.
We saw a gentleman in a blue collared T shirt with red piping on the collars and sleeves and we have decided that we shall make T shirts for the Bengali New Year.
Regular hashers and newcomers will receive the Tshirts. Absentee hashers (depending on attendance)can buy them. Some T shirts will be available to The Taj for Sale as our Orange T shirts have caused much interest at The Taj Breakfasts.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Gadiara on the Ganges
21 picnickers went to Gadiara on Sunday 5th March on a dolphin sighting expedition. The size of the group ensured that all expenses were covered. The weather was beautiful and balmy breezes accompanied us all day.
We took George, who was on time, but hasher from Chennai missed his wake up alarm. After my call at 7:45, Anurag managed to reach us in twenty minutes. In the meantime, Patrick gave us details of Gadiara, which is the confluence of the Hoogly, Haldi and Rupnarayan rivers where three different species of dolphins have been spotted – gangetic, irawady and hump back dolphin. Chips, apples, newspapers and crosswords had been brought along for the bus journey. We took a 1 km detour to have brunch at the Azad Hind dhaba recommended by Rajesh Nath. There we sat at 3 long tables and everyone went Dutch for a brunch of naans, paranthas, tarka, dahi, and egg bhurji. Rakhi's son Deep who was starving by ten when we pulled into the Bharat Petroleum station beside the large and airy Azad Hind dhaba even had his chicken butter masala! Emmanuelle de Corse who has joined the French Association had her first Kabuli Naan. Our table had the Telegraph Sunday papers and we laughed over Patrick Pringle's account of his first 60 days in Calcutta. After polishing off the paranthas and posing for a picture and making various pit stops, we got back in the bus to continue to the riverside.
We reached the sprawling Roop Narayan Tourist Lodge at 12. Carl had booked a room and we left our bags there and after refreshing ourselves took the ferry to the opposite shore to Nupur. We spotted dolphins from the belly of the ferry on the way in and back. Rakhi and her friends, Anirudh, Margarette and Sohini stayed on board with Stan and Anurag while 7 of us got off the gangplank and visited Nupur which has a Missionaries of Charity Brothers center. We thought we'd be able to visit the gardens but the watchman at the asylum prevaricated or "quibbled". We ended up having tea at a stall overlooking the waters killing time until the ferry returned. Emmanuelle showed us all the pictures she'd taken of the villagers and the fishing boats. Though we'd imagined that the others were toing and froing on the ferry catching glimpses of the dolphins, unable to walk the rickety gangplank, they had got off on the mainland. Some had taken a smaller nouko but rather than majhi songs were inflicted with horrible hindi songs.
We caught up with them back in room 103 overlooking the palm trees where a poker game was in progress with matchsticks as stakes. The real tournament was to be the Scrabble competition and we took the board down to the lawn in front of the lodge. Deep single-handedly lugged the plastic tables and chairs out and then sat to play with us with Sohini/Lilly/Rakhi helping him. Anirudh won the first match and Margarette turned the tables in the second. By then we'd ordered onion bhajis and tea. Rakhi who runs Kewpie was horrified at the sloppy tea service and sent the waiter back to get clean cups and a teapot. We were all set to leave at 5 when we learnt that 6 of the group had missed the 5:10 ferry and would be taking the 6:10 ferry back to us. This created much consternation as evening plans had to be cancelled and Sohini had much explaining to do to her parents. Luckily, I had brought Odomos against the mosquito attack in the dark. We continued to play a crazy game of Crazy 8 while Lilly and Rakhi went to buy fresh galda chingri (crawfish) at Rs.400 a kilo. This was rapidly put into the now empty beer cooler. When the others finally arrived around 6:30 we hurried them into the bus and we took off at 6:45. It took us 2 hours to get back into town.
We had such a wonderful time on this excursion that we decided to plan a return with the hashers who missed the opportunity. We could also take children, of the art school we visited, on this outing. The children had done a project on the river and this could be an opportunity for the hashers to take the kids on a picnic. A 50 seater bus could be organized along with a picnic lunch from hash cash. Tentative date could be 1 month from now on April 9 th.
Let's not miss spring at the Botanics on the Sunday before Holi. Meet at the Botanics at 7:30 am. We can decide then decide the hash schedule until Bengali New Year mid April.
21 picnickers went to Gadiara on Sunday 5th March on a dolphin sighting expedition. The size of the group ensured that all expenses were covered. The weather was beautiful and balmy breezes accompanied us all day.
We took George, who was on time, but hasher from Chennai missed his wake up alarm. After my call at 7:45, Anurag managed to reach us in twenty minutes. In the meantime, Patrick gave us details of Gadiara, which is the confluence of the Hoogly, Haldi and Rupnarayan rivers where three different species of dolphins have been spotted – gangetic, irawady and hump back dolphin. Chips, apples, newspapers and crosswords had been brought along for the bus journey. We took a 1 km detour to have brunch at the Azad Hind dhaba recommended by Rajesh Nath. There we sat at 3 long tables and everyone went Dutch for a brunch of naans, paranthas, tarka, dahi, and egg bhurji. Rakhi's son Deep who was starving by ten when we pulled into the Bharat Petroleum station beside the large and airy Azad Hind dhaba even had his chicken butter masala! Emmanuelle de Corse who has joined the French Association had her first Kabuli Naan. Our table had the Telegraph Sunday papers and we laughed over Patrick Pringle's account of his first 60 days in Calcutta. After polishing off the paranthas and posing for a picture and making various pit stops, we got back in the bus to continue to the riverside.
We reached the sprawling Roop Narayan Tourist Lodge at 12. Carl had booked a room and we left our bags there and after refreshing ourselves took the ferry to the opposite shore to Nupur. We spotted dolphins from the belly of the ferry on the way in and back. Rakhi and her friends, Anirudh, Margarette and Sohini stayed on board with Stan and Anurag while 7 of us got off the gangplank and visited Nupur which has a Missionaries of Charity Brothers center. We thought we'd be able to visit the gardens but the watchman at the asylum prevaricated or "quibbled". We ended up having tea at a stall overlooking the waters killing time until the ferry returned. Emmanuelle showed us all the pictures she'd taken of the villagers and the fishing boats. Though we'd imagined that the others were toing and froing on the ferry catching glimpses of the dolphins, unable to walk the rickety gangplank, they had got off on the mainland. Some had taken a smaller nouko but rather than majhi songs were inflicted with horrible hindi songs.
We caught up with them back in room 103 overlooking the palm trees where a poker game was in progress with matchsticks as stakes. The real tournament was to be the Scrabble competition and we took the board down to the lawn in front of the lodge. Deep single-handedly lugged the plastic tables and chairs out and then sat to play with us with Sohini/Lilly/Rakhi helping him. Anirudh won the first match and Margarette turned the tables in the second. By then we'd ordered onion bhajis and tea. Rakhi who runs Kewpie was horrified at the sloppy tea service and sent the waiter back to get clean cups and a teapot. We were all set to leave at 5 when we learnt that 6 of the group had missed the 5:10 ferry and would be taking the 6:10 ferry back to us. This created much consternation as evening plans had to be cancelled and Sohini had much explaining to do to her parents. Luckily, I had brought Odomos against the mosquito attack in the dark. We continued to play a crazy game of Crazy 8 while Lilly and Rakhi went to buy fresh galda chingri (crawfish) at Rs.400 a kilo. This was rapidly put into the now empty beer cooler. When the others finally arrived around 6:30 we hurried them into the bus and we took off at 6:45. It took us 2 hours to get back into town.
We had such a wonderful time on this excursion that we decided to plan a return with the hashers who missed the opportunity. We could also take children, of the art school we visited, on this outing. The children had done a project on the river and this could be an opportunity for the hashers to take the kids on a picnic. A 50 seater bus could be organized along with a picnic lunch from hash cash. Tentative date could be 1 month from now on April 9 th.
Let's not miss spring at the Botanics on the Sunday before Holi. Meet at the Botanics at 7:30 am. We can decide then decide the hash schedule until Bengali New Year mid April.
Rendez vous with the River Dolphins
On to Gadhiara this Sunday for an out of town picnic.
This was decided last Sunday in order to make the most of the weather before the heat of summer!
Rajesh Nath was there last week and he took a boatride on the river and saw more than 40 dolphins in the space of a few hours. He even had a Majhi-fisherman who sang songs! The boat ride was Rs.60 but they were so delighted with the experience they gave him 100.
Meet in front of the Parcomatat 7:30 am for a picnic to Gadhiara
We'll take a bus and stop en route for breakfast at the Dhaba on the Bombay highway to have paranthas.It will be a two hour bus ride.
Take a picnic lunch along and drinking water.
We can set off again in the afternoon after spending the day there.
Bring your friends, badminton rackets, cards, Frisbees, scrabble other board games!
Hash cash Rs.100
Guests Rs.200
Please book your seat at the earliest. Will accept entries at the British Club on Thursday.
Botanics postponed to 12th March
RSVP
Neela 9830014934
On to Gadhiara this Sunday for an out of town picnic.
This was decided last Sunday in order to make the most of the weather before the heat of summer!
Rajesh Nath was there last week and he took a boatride on the river and saw more than 40 dolphins in the space of a few hours. He even had a Majhi-fisherman who sang songs! The boat ride was Rs.60 but they were so delighted with the experience they gave him 100.
Meet in front of the Parcomatat 7:30 am for a picnic to Gadhiara
We'll take a bus and stop en route for breakfast at the Dhaba on the Bombay highway to have paranthas.It will be a two hour bus ride.
Take a picnic lunch along and drinking water.
We can set off again in the afternoon after spending the day there.
Bring your friends, badminton rackets, cards, Frisbees, scrabble other board games!
Hash cash Rs.100
Guests Rs.200
Please book your seat at the earliest. Will accept entries at the British Club on Thursday.
Botanics postponed to 12th March
RSVP
Neela 9830014934
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Here’s wishing all the hashers a Happy Valentine’s Day. Be sure to go the extra length to make it special and connect with your loved one in the city.
We are changing the venue for this Sunday’s hash in order to connect with the city in the Marathon.
On Sunday 19th February 2006, Exide presents the The Telegraph Kolkata Marathon. There will be 3 races: -
Race Distance Starting Time
Marathon 42.195 Km 7:00 am
Ladies Run 10.500 Km 7:15 am
Fun Run 4.200 Km 8:00 am
We hashers will once again be participating in the Fun Race.
Reach Red Road at 7:30 to fill in your registration form and collect your Marathon T shirt and cap.
Once the Fun Run is over, you can collect your breakfast box and drinks. By 9 after the Fun Run is over, Kolkata’s very own Sandeep Vyas will be performing on Red Road as he did last year.
To check who all ran last year in the Airtel Marathon check under Archives for March 2005 on www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com
The total prize money on offer this year is Rs 7.60 Lac. The event is being organised by the Athletics Coaches Association of Bengal. (ACAB).
The Co Sponsors for the event are
Eveready Industries Co Sponsor
Ramsarup Group. Co Sponsor
ITC Sunfeast Co Sponsor
Selvel Vantage Outdoor Partner
Pepsi Beverage Partner
Red FM Radio Partner
High Life Management Event Managers
So come Run For Your City and join us in making this years marathon a grand success.
More on www.kolkatamarathon.com
We are changing the venue for this Sunday’s hash in order to connect with the city in the Marathon.
On Sunday 19th February 2006, Exide presents the The Telegraph Kolkata Marathon. There will be 3 races: -
Race Distance Starting Time
Marathon 42.195 Km 7:00 am
Ladies Run 10.500 Km 7:15 am
Fun Run 4.200 Km 8:00 am
We hashers will once again be participating in the Fun Race.
Reach Red Road at 7:30 to fill in your registration form and collect your Marathon T shirt and cap.
Once the Fun Run is over, you can collect your breakfast box and drinks. By 9 after the Fun Run is over, Kolkata’s very own Sandeep Vyas will be performing on Red Road as he did last year.
To check who all ran last year in the Airtel Marathon check under Archives for March 2005 on www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com
The total prize money on offer this year is Rs 7.60 Lac. The event is being organised by the Athletics Coaches Association of Bengal. (ACAB).
The Co Sponsors for the event are
Eveready Industries Co Sponsor
Ramsarup Group. Co Sponsor
ITC Sunfeast Co Sponsor
Selvel Vantage Outdoor Partner
Pepsi Beverage Partner
Red FM Radio Partner
High Life Management Event Managers
So come Run For Your City and join us in making this years marathon a grand success.
More on www.kolkatamarathon.com
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Tiretti Bazaar - Chinese breakfast
On Feb 12th, Lilly, Carl, Siddiqui, Peter, Rosie, Madhuri and I met in front of Statesman House to do the China Town visit.
We walked past Bow Barracks and the oldest undertaker's. We also saw the oldest chinese restaurant of Calcutta - Nanking.
We ate lots of street food at the stalls - pork pao/buns, chicken "wons" ;-D
The prawn sui mai was excellent. The vegetable dumplings too. The Chinese sauces were hot and spicy. I even bought a packet of prawn crackers.
Lilly took a lot of pictures of all the interesting things en route.
We then went to the Sea Ip Church for prayers and astrological predictions for the Chinese new year of the Dog that started on 29 th Jan.
The sticks predicted lots of good things for Peter, Rosie and Lilly. Madhuri was delighted with the candles, paper and incense sticks we burned. I was delighted with the Chinese breakfast so we were all very happy with the new year.
We headed back to Chennai Kitchen for juice and coffee after a walk through Bow Barracks.
On Feb 12th, Lilly, Carl, Siddiqui, Peter, Rosie, Madhuri and I met in front of Statesman House to do the China Town visit.
We walked past Bow Barracks and the oldest undertaker's. We also saw the oldest chinese restaurant of Calcutta - Nanking.
We ate lots of street food at the stalls - pork pao/buns, chicken "wons" ;-D
The prawn sui mai was excellent. The vegetable dumplings too. The Chinese sauces were hot and spicy. I even bought a packet of prawn crackers.
Lilly took a lot of pictures of all the interesting things en route.
We then went to the Sea Ip Church for prayers and astrological predictions for the Chinese new year of the Dog that started on 29 th Jan.
The sticks predicted lots of good things for Peter, Rosie and Lilly. Madhuri was delighted with the candles, paper and incense sticks we burned. I was delighted with the Chinese breakfast so we were all very happy with the new year.
We headed back to Chennai Kitchen for juice and coffee after a walk through Bow Barracks.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Botanics - Lexicon
I didn't make it out to the Botanics as it was my father's birthday and we cut the cake at breakfast so the rest of the day is sweet ;-D
As I can't do the write up I leave you with a few new expressions.
Like the branches of the banyan tree of knowledge, here is some interesting vocabulary to take root in the hashers' psyche!
Larfs for the Intelligentsia
(The Washington Post runs a yearly competition in which readers are asked to submit alternative meanings for various words …)
Flabbergasted (adj.) appalled & amazed over how much weight one has gained
Abdicate (v.) to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach
Esplanade (v.) to attempt an explanation while drunk
Willy-nilly (adj.) impotent
Negligent (adj.) to absent-mindedly answer the door in one’s night-gown
Lymph (v.) to walk with a lisp
Gargoyle (n.) an olive-flavoured mouthwash
Flatulence (n.) emergency vehicle that picks one up after being run over by a steam-roller
Balderdash (n.) a rapidly receding hairline
Testicle (n.) a humorous question in an exam
Rectitude (n.) formal dignified demeanour assumed by a doctor immediately before examining patient
Oyster (n.) person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddish expressions
Circumvent (n.) the opening in the front of boxer shorts
Frisbeetarianism (n.) the belief that when you die, your soul goes on the roof and gets stuck there
Coffee (n.) a person who is coughed upon
Pokemon (n.) A Jamaican proctologist
I didn't make it out to the Botanics as it was my father's birthday and we cut the cake at breakfast so the rest of the day is sweet ;-D
As I can't do the write up I leave you with a few new expressions.
Like the branches of the banyan tree of knowledge, here is some interesting vocabulary to take root in the hashers' psyche!
Larfs for the Intelligentsia
(The Washington Post runs a yearly competition in which readers are asked to submit alternative meanings for various words …)
Flabbergasted (adj.) appalled & amazed over how much weight one has gained
Abdicate (v.) to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach
Esplanade (v.) to attempt an explanation while drunk
Willy-nilly (adj.) impotent
Negligent (adj.) to absent-mindedly answer the door in one’s night-gown
Lymph (v.) to walk with a lisp
Gargoyle (n.) an olive-flavoured mouthwash
Flatulence (n.) emergency vehicle that picks one up after being run over by a steam-roller
Balderdash (n.) a rapidly receding hairline
Testicle (n.) a humorous question in an exam
Rectitude (n.) formal dignified demeanour assumed by a doctor immediately before examining patient
Oyster (n.) person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddish expressions
Circumvent (n.) the opening in the front of boxer shorts
Frisbeetarianism (n.) the belief that when you die, your soul goes on the roof and gets stuck there
Coffee (n.) a person who is coughed upon
Pokemon (n.) A Jamaican proctologist
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Kung Hoy Fat Choy Happy Chinese New Year of the Dog
We were around ten to assemble at the Hall of the Taj on Sunday 29th January 2006 on Chinese New Year. Lilly arrived early and has become a member of the hash Group as has Usha whose cab drove up just as we were walking out. The “late” Andy also made it as usual to all our cemetery visits. Cees is back from Mauritius for a couple of hashes and we looked at the Canals while crossing the Alipore Bridge which dates back to 1932. The Municipality water gushes out on the bridge and it becomes a sort of bathing ghat as we noticed on our way back from the cemetery. We walked around the Commonwealth Graves that are being well maintained as they are returfing the parallel alleyways. We stayed off the new grass but admired the gravestones with the insignia of the regiments of the young corporals, lieutenants, stokers and firemen who gave up their lives in 1944-45. We noticed a few graves of soldiers from the Ivory Coast and Nigeria amidst those of the pilots of the Royal Air Force. There is even a Hindu grave amongst them.
Outside the hedged area of the Commonwealth graves, Siddiqui wanted to take a picture of her neighbour’s grave to send to the relatives. A plot costs around Rs. 6500 according to her. We saw relatives tending a grave and Shanti felt touched. We learnt that women weren’t allowed into Muslim cemeteries so we won’t be able to visit the cemeteries around Park Circus. We also stopped by the more recent yet unnamed graves of Bob Wright of the Tollygunge Club and little Maxx’s with the flowers growing on it.
We walked also around the National Library after signing ourselves in. Andy, Nil and Madhuri’s guests were walking slowly, so we walked ahead and didn’t see them. It was past 8:30 when we assembled again at the Taj. Rajesh Poddar, who is keener on brisk walks than cemetery walks headed to the Horticultural Gardens and was foiled as they couldn’t give him change for Rs.100. He walked around the National Library instead which though a public space has a board saying “trespassers will be dealt with”. He reached the Taj before us and I explained the advantages of sitting on our convex side of the circular table which give you more elbow space.
This was Howard and Shanti’s last hash on this trip as they have to return to the US and continue the work on their house there. They were able to give Lilly a few leads on a story that she can do on Rain Water Harvesting. We stayed chatting till ten when the breakfast buffet closes with a Chinese friend celebrating the start of the New Year. Lilly got a few more leads including Nil’s good news that their d designs have been selected to showcase at the Lakme Fashion week in March in Bombay.
We were around ten to assemble at the Hall of the Taj on Sunday 29th January 2006 on Chinese New Year. Lilly arrived early and has become a member of the hash Group as has Usha whose cab drove up just as we were walking out. The “late” Andy also made it as usual to all our cemetery visits. Cees is back from Mauritius for a couple of hashes and we looked at the Canals while crossing the Alipore Bridge which dates back to 1932. The Municipality water gushes out on the bridge and it becomes a sort of bathing ghat as we noticed on our way back from the cemetery. We walked around the Commonwealth Graves that are being well maintained as they are returfing the parallel alleyways. We stayed off the new grass but admired the gravestones with the insignia of the regiments of the young corporals, lieutenants, stokers and firemen who gave up their lives in 1944-45. We noticed a few graves of soldiers from the Ivory Coast and Nigeria amidst those of the pilots of the Royal Air Force. There is even a Hindu grave amongst them.
Outside the hedged area of the Commonwealth graves, Siddiqui wanted to take a picture of her neighbour’s grave to send to the relatives. A plot costs around Rs. 6500 according to her. We saw relatives tending a grave and Shanti felt touched. We learnt that women weren’t allowed into Muslim cemeteries so we won’t be able to visit the cemeteries around Park Circus. We also stopped by the more recent yet unnamed graves of Bob Wright of the Tollygunge Club and little Maxx’s with the flowers growing on it.
We walked also around the National Library after signing ourselves in. Andy, Nil and Madhuri’s guests were walking slowly, so we walked ahead and didn’t see them. It was past 8:30 when we assembled again at the Taj. Rajesh Poddar, who is keener on brisk walks than cemetery walks headed to the Horticultural Gardens and was foiled as they couldn’t give him change for Rs.100. He walked around the National Library instead which though a public space has a board saying “trespassers will be dealt with”. He reached the Taj before us and I explained the advantages of sitting on our convex side of the circular table which give you more elbow space.
This was Howard and Shanti’s last hash on this trip as they have to return to the US and continue the work on their house there. They were able to give Lilly a few leads on a story that she can do on Rain Water Harvesting. We stayed chatting till ten when the breakfast buffet closes with a Chinese friend celebrating the start of the New Year. Lilly got a few more leads including Nil’s good news that their d designs have been selected to showcase at the Lakme Fashion week in March in Bombay.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Southern Avenue Lakes Breakfast at Banana Leaf
Sunday, 22nd January 2006, we met in front of the Rowing Club. The newcomers were Rosie’s 2 sisters. Leaving Zoria to race off round the lake, the other ladies followed Madhuri and Sid into the Lions Safari Park
The slow starters decided to look out for “rabit”s and yoga shed and “merry go roundy”. We didn’t see the Laughter Club.
Doc had to rush off to a picnic and various wedding invitations according to Peter as did Zoria. 9 of us put two tables together at Banana Leaf and ordered very interesting South Indian dishes that are specialities of Banana Leaf. Rosie got ribbed when she ordered a ginormous paper dosa that reached till the other end of the table. Her two sisters took pictures. They ordered a tomato Uthapam but it was agreed that Carl’s and Madhuri’s Rawa Cheese dosa was the best! Rawa is apparently semolina. The Upma Peter mistook for potato until I explained it was a kind of couscous. The mini idlis were a grand success too as Peter’s Cashew nut Utthapam took a while to reach the table. I ordered a “podi dosa” which is basically a gun powder dosa - dynamite!!! We started and ended with south Indian filter coffee.
The venues were decided in order to have one cultural, one open air alternately.
Sunday, 22nd January 2006, we met in front of the Rowing Club. The newcomers were Rosie’s 2 sisters. Leaving Zoria to race off round the lake, the other ladies followed Madhuri and Sid into the Lions Safari Park
The slow starters decided to look out for “rabit”s and yoga shed and “merry go roundy”. We didn’t see the Laughter Club.
Doc had to rush off to a picnic and various wedding invitations according to Peter as did Zoria. 9 of us put two tables together at Banana Leaf and ordered very interesting South Indian dishes that are specialities of Banana Leaf. Rosie got ribbed when she ordered a ginormous paper dosa that reached till the other end of the table. Her two sisters took pictures. They ordered a tomato Uthapam but it was agreed that Carl’s and Madhuri’s Rawa Cheese dosa was the best! Rawa is apparently semolina. The Upma Peter mistook for potato until I explained it was a kind of couscous. The mini idlis were a grand success too as Peter’s Cashew nut Utthapam took a while to reach the table. I ordered a “podi dosa” which is basically a gun powder dosa - dynamite!!! We started and ended with south Indian filter coffee.
The venues were decided in order to have one cultural, one open air alternately.
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