Windsor castle

I'd been wanting to go to Windsor castle ever since I heard about it (which was about 2 weeks ago). So my colleagues, friends and I made plans to go there that weekend (2 weeks back). We were not able to make any proper plans - what to see, how to go, etc, but we decided to do that on Saturday so that we could go that Sunday. But in the last moment my friend (call her X) decided that she has to go somewhere else. She told me that she really wanted to go to that place, so we changed our plans and decided to go the next weekend (which was last week).

So last week, I made sure that we made all plans, and we were all set to go. On Friday, X told us that she does not know if she can come on Sat or Sun, since she had to go shopping with an aunt! She would let us know in the evening. When I called her in the evening, she told that she will let me know by 11. I said fine.

She called at 11:30, and told that she cannot come! Not on Saturday! And not on Sunday! Whatever. Something about her aunt, church, and something. I was pissed, but if she didn't want to come, I could not do anything about it.

On Saturday, 2 of them said they don't want to come, and 1 had already gone to some other place. So now, only 2 of us were left. When I asked him, he asked me how much it would cost for 2 of us to get there. I  told him. Then he asked how much it would cost for 3 to get there. I told him. (it is cheaper for group). He said fine. After sometime, he decided that it is not "fun" for 2 people to go to some place. He started thinking if he knew someone else - who could come with us (hoping for group discount). Irritating people. It is not that expensive also. I mean, c'mon, why would I want to go to some place with a stranger because it would be cheaper for me? I told him that it is a dumb idea. That I would rather go with two people and not have fun, instead of going with 3 and not have fun!

So it was decided that he does not like to go to a place, when there are only 2 of us. I said okay. Then I decided to go on my own. I really wanted to see the place, and if they don't want to come, let them not! Why should I depend on them?

And so I did. And I had fun! On my own! I should do this more often.

I was a bit worried that I would get bored, so I even carried a book with me. I didn't even have to use it!

the best thing about going alone was I saw what I wanted to see. I experienced what I wanted to experience. I didn't have to check with others as to what they wanted to do, etc. So, it was nice. Friends were shocked that I actually went alone. And some didn't even believe me. Since I am not the "type" who would do such things. Whatever.

This weekend, plans are to go see Isle of Wight. The place I want to see so badly. But I dont know if these people will come, or not. But I was thinking that even if they don't come, I will go see the place.

Should thank the friend who convinced me to go to the castle alone...

By the way, the place was AMAZING! Will post more about it later.

How to tell if I am bored

I keep refreshing my mail box to check if I have received any mail. And this refreshing thing happens every 2 minutes.

Sad.

Scared

Last week, on a Saturday morning, my sister called me. I cut the call thinking I would call her, since I didn't want my little sister to pay to talk with me! And as soon as I cut it, I got a text from her which just said "Call soon".

This does not happen regularly, and I freaked!! She has never called me from her mobile before since I landed here! So why would she call me? And what was the meaning of the text!

So I got to the phone immediately, took out my calling card and started dialing. Only, the call would not go! I must have dialed the number thrice, and it still did not ring. I did not know if there was a problem with the card, or if she was not picking up, or whatever! And so, by now, I was panicking. So once again I called, and this time she picked.

And all I could hear was her crying on the phone. I did not know or understand what was happening, and I tried to find out if everything was okay. After she finally calmed down, I got to know the story.

She had parked her bike outside a restaurant, and she had gone in to eat with her friend. When she got out, she found out that someone had picked the lock, and had taken out the stuff which she had kept beneath the seat!

So what was the stuff? It was something that I had bought for her a few days back. And, she had just gone shopping, and she had got clothes, which was also taken.

I got really angry (for her scaring me). And some relief. She was feeling bad (and hence the crying) cause someone stole her stuff. She kept crying and asking "how could anyone do this!". And I of course did not have any answers.

anyway, I sort of convinced her to go home. And she let me know that she had already spoken to mom and dad, and they said that they are willing to go shopping with her to replace what was stolen.

Weird that she actually cried. And weird that I freaked out so much!

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I started writing this last week! And now I finally finished it!
Either I am becoming busy, or lazy.

Manchester and York

So! Last weekend I went to Manchester and York. I have friends staying and studying in Manchester and it was fun! It was nice to catch up with them, and hang out with them after such a long time. 

I have been to Manchester before, the last time I was here. And that time I had been to Lake District. This time however, I was not gonna get obsessed with the places I wanted to go and the things that I wanted to do. So this time, my friends decided what we were gonna do. So we went to a place called York! York is a small city, where you can actually see the whole city just by walking. There is not much to see though. We went to Castle Museum, York dungeon (something like scary house) - some ladies were actually screaming there, some park, some memorial. I do not remember half the names though unfortunately. One thing though about UK is , now that summer is here , there are flowers everywhere! And they are these bright flowers, actually puts a smile on your face! 

I very stupidly forgot to take the battery of my camera! The reason though was not my fault - it was entirely my friend's. But still, I should have remembered to take it when I left her home! so all the pics were taken in a camera phone ( 5 mega pixels! Not bad actually!) 

On Sunday I went skiing! In a place with fake snow and fake slopes, of course! It was a training sort of a thing, where the trainer taught us how to put on the skis, how to slide down the slope, etc. I must say, this was totally fun. Would not mind doing it again. The skis are extremely heavy and it feels like you are carrying 2 kgs in your feet. Very weird feeling. Was difficult to walk even!

On Saturday I had vodka. Vodka with sprite. It tasted really really bad. And all I felt was some yucky taste. Didn't get the point at all. I didn't feel drunk at all though. I have no idea why, but all my friends want to see me get drunk. Apparently they want to see what I "really think" - and they think that would come out when I get drunk. But, nothing happened. The only thing is that I slept really well! And I did not want to wake up in the morning at all. No headache, nothing. which is actually a good thing. I didn't wanna get drunk anyways! 

And on Sunday I went to an Art Gallery. For the first time in my life! But I must say, I was largely disappointed! The gallery did not only have paintings, it even had some other stuff as well, like textiles, and some videos, and other. At least I learnt that I do not understand Art! 

This time I am staying in the apartment here with a colleague of mine- who is fond of cooking. At least since I stay with her, I can see her cooking, and now I am satisfied that I can cook for myself if I really wanted to. Cooking seems simple by the way she cooks, though it does not really taste spectacular! I am not complaining though! I have still not reached the stage where I want to cook, but I am glad that I am not as scared of cooking as I was before! 

Work wise, things are hectic. Lots of things that I have to finish off by next week, and it seriously looks difficult! 

I however do not like to work, or discuss about work once I get back to my apartment. But since I stay with one of my colleague, and a friend of hers also comes along. And all they do is get back and talk about work. I do not know what to do! I have tried changing the topic, and yet sometimes they would get their laptops and try to work out logics! Crazy. Once in a while it is ok, but if one does it always, it gets annoying. 

Have not made any plans for this weekend yet, which is sort of sad. I have no idea what to do or what to see. Have to decide tomorrow itself to do something. Do not want to stay at home and do nothing.

Ideas

"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." - John F. Kennedy

Nice quote, but the only problem being, I don't know if this is a good thing or not! Cause the idea itself maybe good, or bad!

Yay!!

Last 2 days have been awesome! I got an awesome rating from my manager yesterday. And today, I got to know that I have got a promotion! This was so unexpected!! Wow, this feels so good. I have not stopped smiling in the last hour!

A Wildlife park and London

Last week was pretty much uneventful. Work was a bit hectic though, and tempers were flaring (mostly mine). Somehow I am not able to deal with moronic people around me. I cannot believe that some people can be so dumb that they cannot realise what others are doing. Some people just lie to go ahead, and some people hide stuff. I suppose I should start dealing with it instead of getting irritated. Only problem is I don't know how to deal with it.

Friday night a bunch of us got together and we were just talking generally. And I realized again that I do not like talking about myself. At all. If some one asks me a question, I would not know what to say. They would mostly get 2 words. Or at most 10. Sad. I think I write better than I talk. We actually sat up till 2 talking! I don't even remember most of the things that were said (mostly since I was so sleepy).

Saturday we went to a wildlife park. Which was nice. Lots of animals and weird looking birds. I wanted to take pictures of an owl (which had a heart shaped face! ), and whenever I switched on my camera and tried to take a snap, it would turn. It happened 3 times. Then I went near the cage and was just about to click. And the owl just screeched towards me! And it perched itself right were my camera was! Scary! I almost dropped my camera right there! I jumped back and saw that all my friends were laughing at me. Nice. And they said that the owl was camera shy, it didn't want its picture taken, and that because I was insisting on taking that snap, it decided to teach me a lesson. Lesson learnt.

Was really tired on Saturday, but on Sunday there was the London marathon. And we were invited to join and cheer there. And we really wanted to go. So we did. It was exciting. There was a huge crowd, with people cheering for their family and friends. But what I liked most was the spirit of the people there. They were not just cheering for the people they know, they were cheering and motivating the runners who they didn't know. The runners too were responding by waving or smiling. I cannot understand how someone can run so much. 35000 people actually finished the race of 26 miles! Crazy it is! And they are all running for a cause, which is even more awesome.

I want to run a marathon now. Have already started reading on how I can train myself and everything. But I cannot really say if I will finally do it. But I really, really want to. Will start small, and finish big hopefully. Should start once I get back to India. I hope I find someone who is willing to run with me, else I don't know if I would run.

After spending 1 hour seeing the people run, we decided to eat something, and go to the museums. By the time we reached the Science museum, we were really hungry. We spent about 45 minutes trying to find a place to eat. Finally found subway! Yay! Had yummy sandwiches and was totally satisfied. Saw the science museum, which is really, really huge. In case you are seeing it, I would recommend you to directly go to the third floor and see the Launchpad. It is this place where you can get a hands on experience on everything (energy, lights, shadows, and so many things) There was so much to see that in 2 hours, we just managed 2 floors. Could not even see the other 3 floors! With what I saw - there were rockets, living in space, energy, trains, flights, something about the future, health, psychology and lots more! Unfortunately, the museum closes at 5:30, so we had to leave.

Since we didnt have anything else to do, we went to Hyde park. It huge. And green. With lots of trees. There's also a lake there. With ducks swimming in it. The ducks come so close to people hoping that we give them a treat (we didnt have any though). Also lots of pigeons. Who are not scared of humans. Who also come very close to people. Which scares me. I am scared of birds flying near my face. Freaks me out. Saw lots of people skating around, and I also wanted to skate! Did not happen though!

So it was a nice weekend. Totally satisfied. But I am so tired that all I want to do is sleep. Have to work now though.

Moronic team mates

There are such morons in my team. One is talking to 2 of my managers, and she is explaining something. And it is total crap. The worst part is that these wonderful people she is talking to has no idea what crap she is saying. She is talking something about encoding, and someone asked her what encoding the file will have. And she says it will have "Microsoft coded encoding". What the fuck is that? And these people are happily listening to it also. Ugh!

London , and other things.

It has been a week since I reached UK, and nothing seems new. I am working in the same office, with the same people, and I also know the person who is staying in my apartment. In a way it is nice, and in a way it is not nice.

This time the place that I am staying is pretty good. There are stores nearby, and I can atleast see people walking around. 

Had been to London on Saturday! We reached London around 10 in the morning, and left by 10pm! It was a long, long day! But it was nice and sunny, so it was all good! Saw Tower Bridge and London Bridge. Had coffee in Starbucks (Yum!!). Went to the Imperial war museum. Went to Trafaulgur (spelling?) Square. There was some music concert going on here. Entry was free! Hanged around there for 20 minutes. Had lunch in McD. Then we went to Buckingham Palace. Walked through the park to reach Downing street. Saw some men standing guard there. (For some reason, this is a tourist attraction!). Saw Big Ben, Westminster, London eye. Went to a restaurant in EastHam and had dinner. And then got back. 

Except the museum, I had already been to the other places before. But still, the day was good. I was so tired when I reached back! We literally walked almost the whole day! 

I like London. I liked it before and I liked it this time. I especially like the parks, and the greenery, and the walk from Tower Bridge to London Bridge next to the water. 

Today (it's Sunday evening when I am writing this, but it would be monday when I publish it) I just woke up late, had breakfast. Then I started sneezing. And I didn't stop. And now I have a cold. A very bad one. My nose is literally dripping. I know, gross! I just had a crocin and slept for half an hour. We had plans to go out in the evening. I told NS (the girl in my apartment) to wake me up if we are going out. I said I would be up in half an hour, and I was. But when I woke up, I saw that they have left. I was irritated initially, since there is no way I can contact them as they dont have a mobile number. But now, I am glad that they left me alone to myself. Cannot be with someone 24/7. It is even more annoying since I work with NS. And all NS can do is bitch about my team mates. I mean, you can do it once, twice. But not constantly. Everytime we talk, she will have some complaint about someone and she will not stop! Gosh, I do not know how to stop her! Even if I don't respond, she would not care, and she would continue. 

Oh well. Can't do much. I now plan to watch a movie, and then either read a book or play a game that I have installed in my laptop. Cannot go online unfortunately since these morons have decided not to give us internet in our apartments. I miss being online and browsing. I miss filter coffee. That's it. 

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Just after I finished writing the above I decided to heat and eat a muffin. So I went to the kitchen and put the muffin in the microwave. And then, NS comes out of her room. So they had not gone anywhere. She was sleeping! Ha! So unexpected that was!! So I told her that I thought that you guys had left, and she said, "How could we leave without you!" 

So later we went to another colleague's house and sat there and yapped for a while. Then we got to know that there was a park nearby, so we decided to go there for a walk. And since it was nice and sunny as well, it was nice. There were a lot of kids playing, and their parents were sitting and watching them. It was a huge place though! And so many trees and open spaces and full of greenery. Refreshing. It is sad that such places are not there in Bangalore. Even if there is some park, there would be so many people there, that it would not be refreshing anymore. We would have to fight for some place to sit! But, of course, that cannot be helped. 

Got back, made dinner. And now I am just sitting. I'm too full. 

I had read a book called The Notebook in the airport and on the flight. My sister had said it is such a great book and all that. And I believed it. But it sucked so much, that I was literally pissed of half way through! Then I called up my sis and asked her how she liked such a book, and she tells me "Ha! Ha! I made you read it!" Damn! How annoying that was! 

UK, again!

I'm travelling to UK again. Will be there for a month and a half. Somehow, this time I am not as excited as I was before. I already told all my goodbyes to the country last time I was there. 

This trip is totally unexpected. I still cannot believe that I would be going there. But in a way, it is nice. There are a few places that I wanted to go last time, but I could not. So I am hoping that I can make it there this time.

Last time I went to a place called Lake District. We went trekking there. It was beautiful. A kind of place that I would have read in Enid Blyton's books. 

Trekking

When we almost reached the top

This time I want to go to Isle of wight. I like seeing castles and these typical English places. I took the photo below in Lake District as well. I found the place so charming!

PS - Why is it so hard to upload an image to blogger? I uploaded the second image 3 times, and yet, I am not able to zoom into the photo when I open it in a different tab! This totally sucks!! And that was one of my favourite ones!