Sunday, October 29, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Diwali Hash at Lakes Southern Avenue opposite the Lake Kali Bari
8 hashers walked around the lakes followed by breakfast at Banana Leaf on Diwali day.
29th October 7 am Horticultural Gardens and Taj Bengal
5th November 7 am Botanical Gardens Breakfast Taj Bengal
12th November 7 am Swabhumi Lakes Breakfast at Stadel or somewhere else if Madhuri can find out.
A number of international students in Calcutta have shown interest in going to the art exhibition of Indian and International artists on 29th October, for an out of town trip to Baruipur Choudhuri Bari to see an Open Studio with painters, art and video installations from 3-7 p.m. There are buses organised from Golpark at 2 and 2:30 p.m. Return after 7:30 p.m. Drive 1 ½ hours as in the map and invitation attached. Please call and confirm your seats or make your own way there.
I'll be in Chiangmai at the Inter Hash 2006 27th to 29th october where around 6000 hashers from round the world have registered.
The International Film Festival starts 10th to 17th November 2006 at Nandan, Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha, New Empire, Star Theatre www.calfilmfestival.org/nandan.htm
Neela
9830014934
8 hashers walked around the lakes followed by breakfast at Banana Leaf on Diwali day.
29th October 7 am Horticultural Gardens and Taj Bengal
5th November 7 am Botanical Gardens Breakfast Taj Bengal
12th November 7 am Swabhumi Lakes Breakfast at Stadel or somewhere else if Madhuri can find out.
A number of international students in Calcutta have shown interest in going to the art exhibition of Indian and International artists on 29th October, for an out of town trip to Baruipur Choudhuri Bari to see an Open Studio with painters, art and video installations from 3-7 p.m. There are buses organised from Golpark at 2 and 2:30 p.m. Return after 7:30 p.m. Drive 1 ½ hours as in the map and invitation attached. Please call and confirm your seats or make your own way there.
I'll be in Chiangmai at the Inter Hash 2006 27th to 29th october where around 6000 hashers from round the world have registered.
The International Film Festival starts 10th to 17th November 2006 at Nandan, Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha, New Empire, Star Theatre www.calfilmfestival.org/nandan.htm
Neela
9830014934
Sunday, October 15, 2006
SNAKE DAY HASH in WETLANDS - The SOJOURN
11 of us met in front of ITC Sonar Bangla. Siddiqui and I got a ride with Madhuri. Zoria picked up Patrick and Gherdie piled into their car. Kristina joined with her 4 kids Martin, Anders, and the twins Rikard and Petra. We were all thrilled with the walk as we saw lots of creatures. We saw so many snakes that Gherdie said George would have been most delighted with this Snake Day hash. We skirted a papaya plantation according to Zoria, past the snake lakes. We saw the fisherman removing the small fry from the lakes and throwing the big fish back in. They threw some enormous frogs out of the nets towards us on the bank and they would have loved it if we sat on the yellow plastic chairs and watched them fishing. We walked parallel to the duck path along the goat track and made it back to the cars. The thatched mud houses and the greenery all around were very welcome. Truly a lively livestock hash walk.
We then had breakfast at The Sojourn where we all tried the different canned juices – orange, sweetlime and pineapple and had our eggs made to order. Zoria was organizing a picnic to Dasghara and Patrick, Siddiqui, and Kristina decided to tag along taking a picnic.
Next Sunday Diwali meet in front of Southern Avenue Lake Club at 7:30 am to walk around the lakes. We are going into Winter time as you can ascertain from the archives of October 2005 on calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com This will be followed by breakfast at Banana Leaf
The Sunday after, on 29th October, please decide whether you would like to do an out of town trip to Baruipur Choudhuri Bari to see an art exhibition of Indian and International artists. It is an Open Studio with painters, art and video installations from 3-7 p.m. There are buses organised from Golpark at 2 and 2:30 p.m. Return after 7:30 p.m. Drive 1 ½ hours as in the map and invitation attached. Please call and confirm your seats or make your own way there.
It may be more interesting than heading to Swabhumi lakes in the morning. Doing both may be a bit tiring.
I'll be in Chiangmai at the Inter Hash 2006 27th to 29th october where around 6000 hashers from round the world have registered.
See you in November. We are thinking of taking the art students to Science City as Children's Day comes around.
5th November 7:30 am Botanical Gardens Breakfast Taj Bengal
Neela
9830014934
Monday, October 02, 2006
River cruise for Immersion - Bisarjan
The river cruise for the Bisarjan along with Bengali meal on 2nd Oct had about 40 places for hashers, family and friends on the top deck of the Ahalya.
Durga Puja, as celebrated in Calcutta, is truly an experience not to be missed and so is the immersion, when Durga is immersed in the Hooghly for her journey back to the Himalayas.
We had an opportunity to see the immersion from a boat on the river on 2nd Oct. The boat left at 7.30pm from Millenium Park and returned at 10 pm. This was a 2 1/2 hour cruise, cost Rs. 250 per adult and Rs. 200 for children.
This included an authentic Bengali meal with fish. We arrived early so that we got a choice of seats and heard the dhakis and saw the dhunuchi natch.
The river cruise for the Bisarjan along with Bengali meal on 2nd Oct had about 40 places for hashers, family and friends on the top deck of the Ahalya.
Durga Puja, as celebrated in Calcutta, is truly an experience not to be missed and so is the immersion, when Durga is immersed in the Hooghly for her journey back to the Himalayas.
We had an opportunity to see the immersion from a boat on the river on 2nd Oct. The boat left at 7.30pm from Millenium Park and returned at 10 pm. This was a 2 1/2 hour cruise, cost Rs. 250 per adult and Rs. 200 for children.
This included an authentic Bengali meal with fish. We arrived early so that we got a choice of seats and heard the dhakis and saw the dhunuchi natch.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Shubho Bijoya - Botanical Gardens and Pandal Hopping
The visit to the Botanical Gardens was great fun and lots of photos were taken under the Banyan tree.
We visited the wonderful pandals in Khidderpore to which we have been going every year. Francois has even decided to bring (to my) home a blue matir statue at one of the pandals which we have brought home as installation art. Photos of the Behala and new alipore pandals will hopefully be on the blogspot as soon as Francois can send me the CD of pictures.
If you are interested in Pandal art the Kantha embroideries are for sale at Rs.2000. each panel is 3 feet by 2 feet.
Neela
9830014934
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Sunday 17th Sept. Hare Krishna Bus to Mayapur day trip
26 people went to Mayapur as a few of the exchange students at IIM Joka joined the group organised by Siddiqui and Nitish. There was a bus and sumo leaving 6 am for Mayapur Everyone met at 5:45am at 3/c Albert Road Kolkata in front of the ISkCon temple near Minto park.
En route there was a stop at a temple and breakfast. From what I learn there were lots of temple visits and prasad. There waas an English speaking guide who explained the Hare Krishna philosophy and the museum vist and Arti at noon. The lunch was a vegetarian feast of pulao, daal rice, alu gobi ka salan, mixed veg pakoras, paneer, alu, chana dal, and as everyone had to sit crosslegged on the floor and eat off the banana leaves it must have been great fun.
There was a room allotted where the hashers rested before and after lunch. The more enterprising went on a boat cruise and even saw dolphins.
By 4 p.m. the bus had left and reached back towards Park circus by 8p.m. and Camac street by 9.
26 people went to Mayapur as a few of the exchange students at IIM Joka joined the group organised by Siddiqui and Nitish. There was a bus and sumo leaving 6 am for Mayapur Everyone met at 5:45am at 3/c Albert Road Kolkata in front of the ISkCon temple near Minto park.
En route there was a stop at a temple and breakfast. From what I learn there were lots of temple visits and prasad. There waas an English speaking guide who explained the Hare Krishna philosophy and the museum vist and Arti at noon. The lunch was a vegetarian feast of pulao, daal rice, alu gobi ka salan, mixed veg pakoras, paneer, alu, chana dal, and as everyone had to sit crosslegged on the floor and eat off the banana leaves it must have been great fun.
There was a room allotted where the hashers rested before and after lunch. The more enterprising went on a boat cruise and even saw dolphins.
By 4 p.m. the bus had left and reached back towards Park circus by 8p.m. and Camac street by 9.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
KUMARTULLI - Anand
Doc, Sid, Usha, Christina, Damien, Laurent, Julia (3 French exchange students from IIM Joka) and I were the 8 at Kumartulli. I woke Lilly up on the phone and she came to her balcony of Statesman House to wave to us on the pavement. In Doc's car and a taxi we headed out to Kumartulli. Before we set off in the alleyways, Doc insisted we pay the camera charges of Rs.50 per camera that go to paying for an eye camp for the potters. Doc took loads of pictures as did the newcomers. The head of the samiti told me that there is some talk of making a building there for the potters instead of the ramshackle sheds they now have. We wove our way through the hundreds of idols till the waterside where Doc gave us his talk on the significance of Durga Puja that encompassed the Indian burial rites to yoga to the Surya Namaskar, and through the spice route. We were good listeners. We then tried our hand at rolling the clay but it was too sticky for me. Doc stopped at the Fish Market and we learnt to distinguish between the Hilsa and ruhi and Doc bought some live crabs. We even stopped to see the courtyard full of potters and the painting of rubbish bins. We were to have breakfast at Infinitea but as the tearoom doesn't open till 11 am Doc ended up buying tea. We then went to Anand for a South Indian breakfast. We suggested upma, idli, lassi, cold coffee and South Indian filter coffee (and lots of banana splits) for the French who aren't too keen on spicy food as they get enough in the canteen at Joka. We will plan a hash walk there in October.
I ascertained that Nitish has got tickets from ISKCon for his family, Sid, Carl, Usha, Doc, Christina and family, Lilly and Madhuri... for the trip to Mayapur on 17th September. Meet at the Iskcon Temple at 5:45am at 3/c Albert Road Kolkata 17 near Alpha Centauri nursing home behind Minto Park opposite Birla High School . The Hare Krishna deluxe Bus returns by 9 p.m.
As Sept 17 is Biswakarma Puja, I'll be flying kites in the TARA NEWZ office at lunch.
WEAVERS STUDIO is presenting a lecture and slide presentation on Tuesday 12th September, 2006 from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm by Ms. Jorie Johnson a leading textile and Felt artist from the USA. They would like to take this opportunity to invite all to attend this very interesting textile technique of felt making followed by an interactive session with Jorie at 5/1 Anil Moitra Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata-19. Ph- 2440 8937/26/27 (Jolly our origami expert should attend as should Usha!)
Sasha is having a fashion show in their shop at 27 Mirza Ghalib/Free School Street on Wednesday 13th September at 4 p.m. (Julia was very interested but I don't know if she can get away from class at 4 p.m.)
There is a Ping Pong Table at the British Club and I think on Thursday we can have a tournament there to revive flagging interest in the Club. Britain vs. the rest of the world ;-D (well the French atleast who have been practicing at IIM Joka)
Gallery Rasa is having a retrospective exhibition of graphic prints by Ramendranath Chakravorty (1902-1955) at 828/1 Block P New Alipore Kolkata 53 from Sunday 17th September to Sunday 15th October, 2006 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily except Mondays. Special cocktail invite to hashers and friends from Ritika's brother on Saturday 16th September 6:30 p.m. onwards.
There is also a Taal Tantra performance by tabla maestro Tanmay Bose at Princetomn Club, Merlin, Prince Ghulam Mohammed Shah Road (Metro Tollygunge) on that Saturday evening. All are welcome.
Usha please do the write up for the 17th Sept. hash in Mayapur. If I don't see you at any /all of these events, I'll see on 24th Sept. at 7 am in front of Kalighat Metro for some pandal hopping. Breakfast at Taj Bengal
Season's greetings!
Neela
9830014934
www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com
Doc, Sid, Usha, Christina, Damien, Laurent, Julia (3 French exchange students from IIM Joka) and I were the 8 at Kumartulli. I woke Lilly up on the phone and she came to her balcony of Statesman House to wave to us on the pavement. In Doc's car and a taxi we headed out to Kumartulli. Before we set off in the alleyways, Doc insisted we pay the camera charges of Rs.50 per camera that go to paying for an eye camp for the potters. Doc took loads of pictures as did the newcomers. The head of the samiti told me that there is some talk of making a building there for the potters instead of the ramshackle sheds they now have. We wove our way through the hundreds of idols till the waterside where Doc gave us his talk on the significance of Durga Puja that encompassed the Indian burial rites to yoga to the Surya Namaskar, and through the spice route. We were good listeners. We then tried our hand at rolling the clay but it was too sticky for me. Doc stopped at the Fish Market and we learnt to distinguish between the Hilsa and ruhi and Doc bought some live crabs. We even stopped to see the courtyard full of potters and the painting of rubbish bins. We were to have breakfast at Infinitea but as the tearoom doesn't open till 11 am Doc ended up buying tea. We then went to Anand for a South Indian breakfast. We suggested upma, idli, lassi, cold coffee and South Indian filter coffee (and lots of banana splits) for the French who aren't too keen on spicy food as they get enough in the canteen at Joka. We will plan a hash walk there in October.
I ascertained that Nitish has got tickets from ISKCon for his family, Sid, Carl, Usha, Doc, Christina and family, Lilly and Madhuri... for the trip to Mayapur on 17th September. Meet at the Iskcon Temple at 5:45am at 3/c Albert Road Kolkata 17 near Alpha Centauri nursing home behind Minto Park opposite Birla High School . The Hare Krishna deluxe Bus returns by 9 p.m.
As Sept 17 is Biswakarma Puja, I'll be flying kites in the TARA NEWZ office at lunch.
WEAVERS STUDIO is presenting a lecture and slide presentation on Tuesday 12th September, 2006 from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm by Ms. Jorie Johnson a leading textile and Felt artist from the USA. They would like to take this opportunity to invite all to attend this very interesting textile technique of felt making followed by an interactive session with Jorie at 5/1 Anil Moitra Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata-19. Ph- 2440 8937/26/27 (Jolly our origami expert should attend as should Usha!)
Sasha is having a fashion show in their shop at 27 Mirza Ghalib/Free School Street on Wednesday 13th September at 4 p.m. (Julia was very interested but I don't know if she can get away from class at 4 p.m.)
There is a Ping Pong Table at the British Club and I think on Thursday we can have a tournament there to revive flagging interest in the Club. Britain vs. the rest of the world ;-D (well the French atleast who have been practicing at IIM Joka)
Gallery Rasa is having a retrospective exhibition of graphic prints by Ramendranath Chakravorty (1902-1955) at 828/1 Block P New Alipore Kolkata 53 from Sunday 17th September to Sunday 15th October, 2006 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily except Mondays. Special cocktail invite to hashers and friends from Ritika's brother on Saturday 16th September 6:30 p.m. onwards.
There is also a Taal Tantra performance by tabla maestro Tanmay Bose at Princetomn Club, Merlin, Prince Ghulam Mohammed Shah Road (Metro Tollygunge) on that Saturday evening. All are welcome.
Usha please do the write up for the 17th Sept. hash in Mayapur. If I don't see you at any /all of these events, I'll see on 24th Sept. at 7 am in front of Kalighat Metro for some pandal hopping. Breakfast at Taj Bengal
Season's greetings!
Neela
9830014934
www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 27, 2006
On Sunday reached Lakeland Country Club around 7:30 am despite the drizzle. Though I took time looking for an umbrella in the morning, I didn’t actually need it. Had my cap like young Nishant. Nitish and Jolly had umbrellas as did Natalie and Doc. 4 cars headed off from Turf View. Usha with Natalie and Doc, Madhuri with Carl and Sid and Zoria.
So we were 10 ½ hashers. We started the walk inside the club as Carl and Sid had only walked around the perimeters during the past hashes there. Nitish gave us the grand tour around the complex which has a number of swimming pools. A lot of construction is going on to build resorts and cottages behind the club where Nitish’s tiles may be used.
The walk by the waterside was very scenic and no one slipped on any moss. While it pitter pattered outside we sat in the thatched restaurant and ordered alu parathas and yoghurt, alu puris and cups of hot coffee and tea. Jolly taught us how to make paper boats out of the pink and yellow table napkins and the test will be at the end of next month when hopefully we will have also learnt the origami bird that flaps its wings! We then tried sailing the boats from the little pergolas on the water beside which a number of fishermen were trying to catch their Sunday lunch. Our hopes sunk along with the lopsided paper boats with and without rudders. Those on the botanic expedition to pluck eucalyptus leaves (anti cold and mosquitoes) and Bhringaraj leaves (for preventing hairloss) were more successful in their efforts. Hopefully Madhuri and Zoria have made good use of the leaves. Ashish's ginormous night t shirts were then handed out to those who wanted them. All those wishing to enroll in our Sunday morning origami classes please turn up at the next Hashes and get more XXL T shirts! \
7 am Statesman House for Kumartuli on Sunday 10 sept. Breakfast Infinity in Poddar Court
5:45 am Iskcon Temple for Mayapur on Sunday 17 sept. Snacks and lunch provided. Return at 9 p.m.
Those non-hashers wanting to come to Kumartully and Mayapur, please pay up Rs.500 and get a giant night T shirt
So we were 10 ½ hashers. We started the walk inside the club as Carl and Sid had only walked around the perimeters during the past hashes there. Nitish gave us the grand tour around the complex which has a number of swimming pools. A lot of construction is going on to build resorts and cottages behind the club where Nitish’s tiles may be used.
The walk by the waterside was very scenic and no one slipped on any moss. While it pitter pattered outside we sat in the thatched restaurant and ordered alu parathas and yoghurt, alu puris and cups of hot coffee and tea. Jolly taught us how to make paper boats out of the pink and yellow table napkins and the test will be at the end of next month when hopefully we will have also learnt the origami bird that flaps its wings! We then tried sailing the boats from the little pergolas on the water beside which a number of fishermen were trying to catch their Sunday lunch. Our hopes sunk along with the lopsided paper boats with and without rudders. Those on the botanic expedition to pluck eucalyptus leaves (anti cold and mosquitoes) and Bhringaraj leaves (for preventing hairloss) were more successful in their efforts. Hopefully Madhuri and Zoria have made good use of the leaves. Ashish's ginormous night t shirts were then handed out to those who wanted them. All those wishing to enroll in our Sunday morning origami classes please turn up at the next Hashes and get more XXL T shirts! \
7 am Statesman House for Kumartuli on Sunday 10 sept. Breakfast Infinity in Poddar Court
5:45 am Iskcon Temple for Mayapur on Sunday 17 sept. Snacks and lunch provided. Return at 9 p.m.
Those non-hashers wanting to come to Kumartully and Mayapur, please pay up Rs.500 and get a giant night T shirt
Sunday, August 20, 2006
www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com for schedule
On 20th August we walked around the Common Wealth Graves and then towards the Alipore prison through the termporary bamboo and cloth Presidency Jail Janmashtami welcome gate in saffron colours to see the colonial houses belonging to the District Magistrate, DIG etc. Madhuri, Alka, Rajesh Nath, Zoria, Sid and I then enjoyed breakfast at the Taj which now serves cold salmon, Parma ham and other delicacies. I tried to convince the others to head to Kewpie's for the last day of the Hilsa Festival.
This Sunday we should try and reach Lakeland Country Club between 7:15 and 7:30 am.
Those needing rides, please organise with fellow hashers and friends. You can get a lift with them at 7am from in front of Turf View, big block of flats, opposite the Race Course before the Kona express flyover that we have to take. Those who've never been to the Lakeland Club, it's best to meet in front of Turf View and proceed from there.
Breakfast will be at the Lakeland Club and I'm sure we can use the facilities like the Swimming Pool for a nominal amount. There is also Go Karting I think but I don't know what the timings are.
Those free on Saturday afternoon, please join Bill and Sarah who are in town from Amman on a Revolutionary Hash from the Ranger's at 3 p.m.
Please bring hash cash of Rs.100 for the Mayapur Hash on 17th September. If your friends want to join, we will collect their Rs.270 as well for the round trip and meals organised by ISKCON. The bus leaves at 6 am from Isckon Temple at 3/C Albert Road near Birla High School off Camac Street.
Neela
9830014934
On 20th August we walked around the Common Wealth Graves and then towards the Alipore prison through the termporary bamboo and cloth Presidency Jail Janmashtami welcome gate in saffron colours to see the colonial houses belonging to the District Magistrate, DIG etc. Madhuri, Alka, Rajesh Nath, Zoria, Sid and I then enjoyed breakfast at the Taj which now serves cold salmon, Parma ham and other delicacies. I tried to convince the others to head to Kewpie's for the last day of the Hilsa Festival.
This Sunday we should try and reach Lakeland Country Club between 7:15 and 7:30 am.
Those needing rides, please organise with fellow hashers and friends. You can get a lift with them at 7am from in front of Turf View, big block of flats, opposite the Race Course before the Kona express flyover that we have to take. Those who've never been to the Lakeland Club, it's best to meet in front of Turf View and proceed from there.
Breakfast will be at the Lakeland Club and I'm sure we can use the facilities like the Swimming Pool for a nominal amount. There is also Go Karting I think but I don't know what the timings are.
Those free on Saturday afternoon, please join Bill and Sarah who are in town from Amman on a Revolutionary Hash from the Ranger's at 3 p.m.
Please bring hash cash of Rs.100 for the Mayapur Hash on 17th September. If your friends want to join, we will collect their Rs.270 as well for the round trip and meals organised by ISKCON. The bus leaves at 6 am from Isckon Temple at 3/C Albert Road near Birla High School off Camac Street.
Neela
9830014934
Sunday, August 13, 2006
CENTRAL PARK - The Sojourn
We arrived late to Central Park as Nitish had to pick me up and then Siddique and Carl at the Park Circus round about. We caught up with Gherdie walking around Central Park and Zoria across the bridge. It started drizzling but it wasn't too heavy and we continued on to the rose garden. Coming out of the Garden, Nitish, and Sid had a vile green concoction of karela, kalo megh and other bitter gourds. Jolly and I tried the herbal ginger and tulsi/basil cup. Carl may have had a fresh coconut water to get over the taste.
We then went to the Sojourn Hotel and I was given the panoramic view through the glass of the bubble lift from the 7th floor. Breakfast of eggs to order and fresh out-of-a-can juice, along with paratha and alu dam, corn flakes and some very creamy pastries came to a little over Rs.100 per head.
We decided the next hashes and discussed that we should try a trip to Mayapur as Nitish and Jolly have been and recommend it as a Hash out of town venue. The non ac bus organised by Iskcon leaves at 6 am from in front of the Shantiniketan building on Camac street takes 3 or 4 hours to reach. Lunch is served at venue and its a sprawling complex. Please confirm your attendance as we have to book tickets which cost Rs.270. Hash cost: Rs.100
After breakfast where we discussed what one can take and not take as hand luggage on board flights, and how to renew a work permit and get exit visas, we decided to check out the Abcos food court to see whether it opens early for breakfast. Unfortunately it doesn't.
Ed and Twila and their son and wife came to the Haanrir Khabar Food Festival at Swabhumi later in the day where I was feeding TARA celebrity guests like Rakhi of Kewpies and Shaun Kenworthy. Watch the programme on TARA NEWZ at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.
We arrived late to Central Park as Nitish had to pick me up and then Siddique and Carl at the Park Circus round about. We caught up with Gherdie walking around Central Park and Zoria across the bridge. It started drizzling but it wasn't too heavy and we continued on to the rose garden. Coming out of the Garden, Nitish, and Sid had a vile green concoction of karela, kalo megh and other bitter gourds. Jolly and I tried the herbal ginger and tulsi/basil cup. Carl may have had a fresh coconut water to get over the taste.
We then went to the Sojourn Hotel and I was given the panoramic view through the glass of the bubble lift from the 7th floor. Breakfast of eggs to order and fresh out-of-a-can juice, along with paratha and alu dam, corn flakes and some very creamy pastries came to a little over Rs.100 per head.
We decided the next hashes and discussed that we should try a trip to Mayapur as Nitish and Jolly have been and recommend it as a Hash out of town venue. The non ac bus organised by Iskcon leaves at 6 am from in front of the Shantiniketan building on Camac street takes 3 or 4 hours to reach. Lunch is served at venue and its a sprawling complex. Please confirm your attendance as we have to book tickets which cost Rs.270. Hash cost: Rs.100
After breakfast where we discussed what one can take and not take as hand luggage on board flights, and how to renew a work permit and get exit visas, we decided to check out the Abcos food court to see whether it opens early for breakfast. Unfortunately it doesn't.
Ed and Twila and their son and wife came to the Haanrir Khabar Food Festival at Swabhumi later in the day where I was feeding TARA celebrity guests like Rakhi of Kewpies and Shaun Kenworthy. Watch the programme on TARA NEWZ at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Monday, August 07, 2006
www.calcuttahashgroup.blogspot.com for schedule
After my long holiday in Houston, New York, Paris and Bombay, I’m back in Calcutta. Here are the month's hashes for August.
Next week let’s meet at Central Park at 7 am followed by breakfast opposite the Stadel. The TARA Haanrir Khabar Food Festival is on 13th August at Swabhumi Rangmanch from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Please come and enjoy different specialities, games and shopping at Swabhumi heritage park. I can bring passes.
13th August 7 am Central Park breakfast opp. Stadel
20th August 7 am Meet at Taj to walk to Horticultural Gardens, Bhowanipur cemetery
27th August 7 am Lakeland Country Club with breakfast
3rd September 7 am Botanics followed by breakfast at Taj
In September we can plan Kumartulli and an out of town hash. All suggestions for the Pujas 21st september to 1st October are welcome.
www.bangalinet.com/durgapuja.htm
www.durga-puja.org
www.123durgapuja.com/
Neela
9830014934
After my long holiday in Houston, New York, Paris and Bombay, I’m back in Calcutta. Here are the month's hashes for August.
Next week let’s meet at Central Park at 7 am followed by breakfast opposite the Stadel. The TARA Haanrir Khabar Food Festival is on 13th August at Swabhumi Rangmanch from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Please come and enjoy different specialities, games and shopping at Swabhumi heritage park. I can bring passes.
13th August 7 am Central Park breakfast opp. Stadel
20th August 7 am Meet at Taj to walk to Horticultural Gardens, Bhowanipur cemetery
27th August 7 am Lakeland Country Club with breakfast
3rd September 7 am Botanics followed by breakfast at Taj
In September we can plan Kumartulli and an out of town hash. All suggestions for the Pujas 21st september to 1st October are welcome.
www.bangalinet.com/durgapuja.htm
www.durga-puja.org
www.123durgapuja.com/
Neela
9830014934
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
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
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
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.
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