Life And Machines

I was fortunate to attend the Mercedes StartDrive today. An event showcasing some of the best machines in the business. Seeing the machines in action in a small area was awesome. Automobile engineering at its best. There were the new C Class, E Class, M Class and the GL Class... all grunting, growling and screeching.

Seeing them do all these made me sick in my stomach and was initially hesitant to get into one of those cars. But again, they are the Mercedes... "God wanted to drive good cars and so these automobile beauties were invented!" Was going to be fun.

I first got into the best of the beauties there, the GL Class. If ever "Beauty and the Beast" needed a combined definition, here she was... tall, elegant, bold, blah, blah, blah.... I can go on.. I got in with Singh at the wheel. Sitting in there was itself an experience. The GL was reassuring me that I was in her arms and is safe, as a mother would tell her child.

Now we were ready to experience what she has to show us. Shortly and cheerfully Singh explained the features of the GL Class coupled with some funny one liners to. First, she effortlessly does a 35 degree climb. Sitting in there felt like getting on a 6 inch pavement, but a while back I was watching the same climb from outside, it was not easy as it felt inside.

Next was better. The GL was dancing (should I say see-saw ing) with two legs in the air and the other two getting a grip to move on. She did it with utmost ease, as if pausing for a second, thinking and then moving on with the best foot... oooppss.... the best wheel forward.

Then comes the best of all.. 80 degrees. My boss quipped here "we don't need to go do Disney Land for one of those fancy rides... this is as good as it gets". Singh quipping along too... GL stationary on a 80 degree climb. Singh had engaged the breaks, holds on to them for a few seconds and then releases it.. "unimaginable".. GL is stationary for the next 2 seconds. WOW was the most resounding reaction I could blurter out amongst all the other thoughts running in my mind at that second. Then she slowly starts going back.. Singh quips again.. "I am not going to go ahead till you confirm an order for the GL...", quick laugh and steps on the gas pedal. Effortlessly, gracefully and assuringly she goes on to climb the 80 degrees.

All done, imaging descending the 80 degrees ramp. If it was any other vehicle or even a ride, I would have thrown up, but the GL as safe as it gets, gets us back to normal level ground.

This was a feeling that one has to experience. No words can translate this experience. Getting out of that car, thanking Singh, stepped aside for a few moments to digest it and get back to my normal senses.

Thinking back about it makes me wonder, all the machines made by mankind are just a refelction of how we want our lives to be. To take control of our lives, to be assured and to be safe and be prepared for any adventure/challenge that lay ahead of us. While the machines can deliver these so precisely, I am sure with a steady and calm mind, we too can get on with our lives overcoming the challenges of life very efficiently.

This is what a 10 minute eventful ride in a Mercedes has done to me today. :o). Sharing some pics from that event today.

Localized Names for various Professionals (mostly South Indian versions)

Some localized names for various professionals. Received from a friend - @Duleep Sahadevan.

Doctor -- Vaidyanathan
Dentist -- Pallavan
Lawyer -- Kesavan
North Indian Lawyer -- Panjabakesan
Financier -- Dhanasekaran
Cardiologist -- Irudhayaraj
Pediatrist -- Kuzhandaisamy
Psychiatrist -- Mano
Sex Therapist -- Kamadevan
Marriage Counselor -- Kalyanasundaram
Ophthalmologist --Kannayiram
ENT Specialist -- Neelakandan
Diabetologist -- Sakkarapani
Nutritionist -- Arogyasamy
Hypnotist -- Sokkalingam
Mentalist -- Budhisikamani
Exorcist -- Maatruboodham
Magician -- Mayandi
Builder -- Sengalvarayan
Painter -- Chitraguptan
Meteorologist -- Kaarmegam
Agriculturist -- Pachaiyappan
Horticulturist -- Pushpavanam
Landscaper -- Bhuminathan
Barber -- Kondaiappan
Beggar -- Pichai
Bartender -- Madhusudhan
Alcoholic -- Kallapiraan
Exhibitionist -- Ambalavaanan
Fiction writer -- Naavalan
Makeup Man -- Singaram
Milk Man -- Paul Raj
Dairy Farmer -- Pasupathi
Dog Groomer -- Naayagan
Snake Charmer -- Nagamurthi/ Nagasami
Mountain Climber -- Yezhumalai
Javelin Thrower -- Velayudam
Polevaulter -- Thaandavarayan
Weight Lifter -- Balaraman
Sumo Wrestler -- Gundu Rao
Karate Expert -- Kailaasam
Kick Boxer -- Ethiraj
Batsman -- Dhandiappan
Bowler -- Balaji
Spin Bowler -- Thirupathi
Female Spin Bowler -- Thirupura Sundari
Driver -- Sarathy
Attentive Driver -- Parthasarathy
Cosmetic Surgeon - Arumugam

Kadambam - The Authentic Iyengar Cuisine Restaurant

Bangalore Mysore Highway

+919379263534, +919241588382

4 kms from Channapattana, to your left while going to Mysore from Bangalore.

14kms from Maddur, to your right while going to Bangalore from Mysore

Being an avid Foodie, I have always enjoyed the authentic Iyengar, South Indian Cuisine @ Kadambam in Manipal Center, Bangalore. The Puliyogere (tamarind rice), Pongal (rice + lintel preparation, available in sweet and spicy variants), Thatte Idli (rice pancake), Kaapi (South Indian filter Coffee) were some of the notable dishes available there (I must admit, these are my favorites). The day started there for me with the daily Team meeting before getting on with our routines, regular pit stop for a quick coffee, many a days dinner before heading home after a long days work. But unfortunately they had to close down that branch and I really missed those authentic preparations.

It was 2 weeks back, I think, was travelling with some friends to Mysore for one of those quick one day sightseeing trips. I was surprised to see the all familiar signboard “Kadambam” as we were crossing Channapattana. WOW…… an early morning start, empty stomach and a long day ahead…. It couldn’t have got any better. We finally reached Kadambam, about 4-7 KMS from Channapattana, to your left while proceeding to Mysore from Bangalore. What a sight, it was the same good old restaurant, a new eatery amongst the ageing eateries on the highway. I must admit that we have overdone the other eateries on that highway like many other frequenters. A brilliant decision by our good old friend Kishan, the man behind the successful venture and should wish the new place all the very best. The huge signboard welcomes us in the parking area, clearly visible on the highway so that no one can really miss. Mind you, slow down your driving a bit after crossing Channapattana. This place is located immediate after a road curve, to the left. If you are speeding, there are good chances of you missing this place. Proper care could be taken by Kishan and his Team to ensure that the travelers don’t miss the place. Probably, prominent signboards for at least 2 kms placed every 500 mts. on both sides of the highway. Once you see the board, you can’t miss it. Enough parking space available for nearly 30 cars at a time. First look at the place, a brand new building, tastefully furnished. We were greeted by another friend, Hegde who is the resident manager there in the new branch. And bingo, "I know what you guys will have, I will have them all sent to you table" said the every energetic Hegde and there there were, almost all of them from the menu where up for us to devour. For the next 15 minutes of so, not a word was spoken. We quickly finished our brunch. The most striking was the consistency and the authenticity of the food prepared in Kadambam. Quite a distance from the home base and yet has the best to offer. The food was yummy, filling and most importantly satisfying. Quickly finished up, gulped down a a couple of "Kaapis" and had to head out. The heavy brunch was light on the wallet too. A brunch (no prizes here for guessing the itemized bill) for the 4 of us cost just about Rs. 280/-, I think. Went about clicking photos to share with the world and left from there. I swore that I will return for dinner on our way back to Bangalore. As planned, we went around Mysore, pit stop for lunch was at the "Nithyotsav" restaurant in Hotel Ramanashree Mysore. Great food again. Was even better with my school buddie, Veerendra (Director Operations, Ramanashree Group) joining us. The day went on and on our way back we ensured we stop by for the all famous Puliyogere and Curd Rice. After a long tiring day it was bliss, a prefect dinner. As we say, alls well that ends well. There was no better ending than that dinner we had. I was a bit jealous though, the car was filled with snores after I opted to drive the last lap back to Bangalore. :O(. But Kadambam discovery was the icing on the cake for me that day. A must visit place, a long weekend drive for brunch is something one would enjoy. Sharing some of the pictures from Kadambam (Bangalore Mysore Highway)

Till I discover a new place........ caio.

Some Pictures of Kadambam on the Bangalore Mysore Highway:

Guru Says

Quite true.....

First Post - On the Go

Finally arrived @ the blogging space and more so made it more convenient for myself to post on the go. Thanks to go.Blogger.com. I have observed that an idle mind isn't always a devils workshop. Most of my thoughts have flown when I am on the move. With this, I hope to post more often. Cheers!
Best Regards

vishwa

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