The venue was changed to elliot Park and I had sent the mail but all bounced back.
There was five of us and we have decided that we will not hash next Sunday 30th July at Nature Park which will be slushy. Of course, those who want to hash feel free to do so.
WE will meet on 6th Aug. at Botanics 7 am as usual and breakfast at Taj.
We will have a meeting to discuss our finanaces.
sid
Am in Paris when it sizzles rather than Cal where it more than drizzles by the sound of it. Will catch up in August. - Neela
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Armenian Church(parking next to the Gillander House (with the beautiful lions on the gate and the elephants)
We walked down Old China Bazaar which actually has 3 names and nearly bought painted enamel plates there as a farewell present for Yvonnick who is leaving us to go to Daresalam Tanzania and starts his travels in Rajasthan next Sunday.
Mr. Paul gave us permission to photograph the graves and the church and Siddiqui was so moved she's planning to stay back for service next Sunday at 9:30 since we will be in the area to do the Chinese Church, and the Synagogues (for which we have to get prior permission from David Nahoum).
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We were lucky to find Mr. Paul who gave us lots of details about the Armenian Church and the Armenian school and college. The Church has one of the oldest graves of Calcutta dating back to 1640.
It is also one of the richest Armenian Churches and there are some 150 students /orphans studying in the school. Doc bumps into some of the young Armenian Rugby players at practice.
Usha plans to ask permission to do wax rubbings of the graves which has some beautiful motifs.
We also visited the Portuguese Church on the main road and waited till a little past 8 for it to open for service at 8:30 am. As Andy was in town and a late night at Roxy meant that Lilly didn't join us but promises to be there next weekend.
Usha plans to ask permission to do wax rubbings of the graves which has some beautiful motifs.
We also visited the Portuguese Church on the main road and waited till a little past 8 for it to open for service at 8:30 am. As Andy was in town and a late night at Roxy meant that Lilly didn't join us but promises to be there next weekend.
The Taj had some lovely chocolate boots and other piece montee by the German chef for the World Cup.
Notice: Meet in front of Statesman House 7 am on June 18th to do BBD Bag/St. John’s Church/ or Armenian Church/Synagogue… Breakfast at Taj Bengal
Afterwards at 11 am you are all cordially invited to the TARA Studio at Opera House Dharmtala, 5 B Lenin Sarani (opposite Saki Bar) to listen to a recording of Farida Parveen Folk singer of Bangladesh. She is an internationally renowned Bengali singer and you would enjoy the folk melodies of Bengal.
Notice: Meet in front of Statesman House 7 am on June 18th to do BBD Bag/St. John’s Church/ or Armenian Church/Synagogue… Breakfast at Taj Bengal
Afterwards at 11 am you are all cordially invited to the TARA Studio at Opera House Dharmtala, 5 B Lenin Sarani (opposite Saki Bar) to listen to a recording of Farida Parveen Folk singer of Bangladesh. She is an internationally renowned Bengali singer and you would enjoy the folk melodies of Bengal.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A special Hash is being organised at Vedic Village on Sunday 11th June.
www.thevedicvillage.com/
Vedic Village - a unique home away from home, with the flavour of the
Bengal countryside. Set in the exclusive Rajarhat Megacity - a 20
minute drive from Kolkata airport and just 40 minutes away from the
centre of the City.
An international Resort & Spa is the nucleus of the complex surrounded
by farm lands which form part of the Bungalow Estate. A place where
you can buy a farm house or just visit on holiday. To heal, renew and
reincarnate.
We car pool at ITC Sonar Bangla at 7am. Vedic Village is a 20 minute
drive away. We walk around the complex ( See photos on the website and
click on the www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com Archive for June 2005.
We breakfast there and can even make a day's outing.
Use the pool for an extra Rs.100.
Last time, Zoria even went riding...
Guests pay Rs.250 for the breakfast.
Please RSVP as if we are more than 15 we can also book a bus to go there.
Neela 9830014934
7 and a half regular hashers came to the Vedic Village – Zoria gave Siddique a ride and the two of them stayed back to enjoy the pool. Doc and Natalie gave Usha a ride. I got a ride with Rajesh Nath and daughter Sana. Rajesh had organized the breakfast and there was no hibiscus tea though there were other organic and out of the ordinary breakfast items like hummus, green banana pasaruttu etc. Zoria was greatly impressed by the quick service of her eggs.
We walked around with umbrellas in the heat and saw the eco cottages with the turf on the roof and the mud huts with Shantiniketan style wall murals. There were even Worli paintings on the walls. The caretakers opened up a number of the residences for us to see.
Usha and Zoria had a lot to say about the landscape and the complex. I reeled around from the heat with not much to say despite Doc’s baiting. Aunt Siddiqui looked after Sana but we didn’t see the kingfishers.
After breakfast we drove back though not on the hour long scenic route taken by Zoria who drove with her driver sitting in the back seat and heroically managed the very congested Pakapole Sunday Haat where we found ourselves stuck at an intersection behind some trucks. We were able to feast our eyes on the fresh vegetables, giant pumpkins and jackfruit and wondered whether Doc got stuck there buying his Sunday maach when he didn’t follow us out immediately.
www.thevedicvillage.com/
Vedic Village - a unique home away from home, with the flavour of the
Bengal countryside. Set in the exclusive Rajarhat Megacity - a 20
minute drive from Kolkata airport and just 40 minutes away from the
centre of the City.
An international Resort & Spa is the nucleus of the complex surrounded
by farm lands which form part of the Bungalow Estate. A place where
you can buy a farm house or just visit on holiday. To heal, renew and
reincarnate.
We car pool at ITC Sonar Bangla at 7am. Vedic Village is a 20 minute
drive away. We walk around the complex ( See photos on the website and
click on the www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com Archive for June 2005.
We breakfast there and can even make a day's outing.
Use the pool for an extra Rs.100.
Last time, Zoria even went riding...
Guests pay Rs.250 for the breakfast.
Please RSVP as if we are more than 15 we can also book a bus to go there.
Neela 9830014934
7 and a half regular hashers came to the Vedic Village – Zoria gave Siddique a ride and the two of them stayed back to enjoy the pool. Doc and Natalie gave Usha a ride. I got a ride with Rajesh Nath and daughter Sana. Rajesh had organized the breakfast and there was no hibiscus tea though there were other organic and out of the ordinary breakfast items like hummus, green banana pasaruttu etc. Zoria was greatly impressed by the quick service of her eggs.
We walked around with umbrellas in the heat and saw the eco cottages with the turf on the roof and the mud huts with Shantiniketan style wall murals. There were even Worli paintings on the walls. The caretakers opened up a number of the residences for us to see.
Usha and Zoria had a lot to say about the landscape and the complex. I reeled around from the heat with not much to say despite Doc’s baiting. Aunt Siddiqui looked after Sana but we didn’t see the kingfishers.
After breakfast we drove back though not on the hour long scenic route taken by Zoria who drove with her driver sitting in the back seat and heroically managed the very congested Pakapole Sunday Haat where we found ourselves stuck at an intersection behind some trucks. We were able to feast our eyes on the fresh vegetables, giant pumpkins and jackfruit and wondered whether Doc got stuck there buying his Sunday maach when he didn’t follow us out immediately.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
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.
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 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.
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