R Ashwin Responded 😊

Happiness is...

...Making 4 mistakes and 6 blunders....and still winning!!!

First flight after >2 years!!!

Yesterday was Day 1 of my latest attempt to improve the health. Had a healthy breakfast. Since I will not be having the food I love (also known as junk food), Ananya made healthy (and thus non-edible) pizza, burger, fries and coke for me!!! My daughter is the best!!

Birthday Wishes from Narendra Bhai!!

Diwali Celebrations

Some Random Achievements/Certificates

Ananya's World of Peppa Pig

Ananya draws and draws well! Touchwood!

Back in my childhood days, I used to be good at drawing. I stopped as I used to be mocked and bullied by someone who was not good. I wish I could go back and change that. I would do whatever I can to ensure that Ananya keeps and hones her drawing skills and imagination.

Pune in Monsoon

This city and the touristy places near by turn heavenly during monsoons. We look forward to the rains which ushers greenery, long drives, kande pakode, tapri waali chai and lots of happy moments!!!

Self4Society

We Vote for Good Future, We Vote for India, We Vote for Modi

The Fog Resort and Spa, Munnar: Review

We stayed at 'The Fog Resort and Spa' for 2 nights (14-16th October 2017). However, my experience with the hotel started earlier than that. While making the booking on MakyMyTrip, I made an error and booked for 3 nights. This was a non-refundable deal. I called MakeMyTrip and the executive informed us that it can be reversed ONLY if the hotel agrees to it. He contacted the hotel and to our delight, the hotel management understood the situation and gave a go-ahead to the cancellation. I cancelled the booking and made a fresh booking.

On 14th October, I reached the hotel early and enquired if an early check-in is possible. They agreed and gave us a room. Though the room was great, I preferred a room on a higher floor. The Manager (Aby Abraham) happily agreed to change the room. The check-in process was smooth and quick. 

On the day of arrival, since we had checked in early, we had breakfast buffet at the hotel. It was not part of the package (my package included 2 breakfasts and 2 lunch/dinner as I was booked for 2 days only). At the time of check-out, I noticed that they had not included the additional breakfast in the bill. I pointed that and offered to pay but the management included that on complimentary basis!!!

My overall experience with Fog was exceptional. They have great rooms and lots of options for recreation. The location, rooms, food, recreational facilities, view....everything was great. However, the aspect that still stood out was the service. Being a travel enthusiast as well as a frequent business traveler, I have stayed in numerous hotels in India and abroad. Fog Munnar boasts of a truly outstanding staff. You would always be greeted with a polite smile. Every staff member is responsive to your needs. They are willing to go that extra mile to make the guests happy and ensure a great stay. They also click and give you a photograph in their own frame. These little gestures count a lot. Though, everyone was great, for us, Abey Abraham truly stood out!!!

Recognition is a Magic Potion

Presidents Club Award (2nd year in row) and Long Service Award

Bye Malaysia, Hello India

Last 5+ years in Malaysia were great. Thank you Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur for treating us so well. And thank you B-9-6 Mont Kiara Pelangi, our address for the last 5 years. I have never stayed in one house for so long. Ananya grew up in the house/city/country and there are so many memories. It will always have a special place in our hearts.

Though Malaysia is a great place to live and we enjoyed our stay in the country, there is one problem with the place....it is not India and so, it is not home.

It took a while to find a way back to India. It was a long and difficult process. When we finally figured a way, we realized that there was an easier/simpler way, which was always there/available!!!

Nevertheless, I am back where I belong. INDIA. Though we (Roshni and I) have jumped right in the middle of the 'cash crunch', we are looking forward to every bit of it. The returning NRI in me does kick in from time to time. "So much pollution", "look how that bugger is driving..oh there is one more....wait...everyone is driving like that!!!" "Power cut!!!" But I am so happy to be back!!!

Pune will be our new home. Its a city that has always attracted me. I had an option to pick from Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Pune. It was an easy decision. A new city, a new adventure. Have some friends in the city and others are a visa-less travel away :)

#JeenaYahaanMarnaYahaan #India

Champion....Champion

RS to Dr. Swamy, ORS to opposition

The lack of majority in Rajya Sabha has been an achilles heel for the development agenda of the current government. Majority is still not in our favour but am glad and relieved that the 'One-Man-Army' i.e., Dr. Subramanian Swamy is going to Rajya Sabha!!!  Opposition will have to drink 'ORS ka ghol' before coming to RS!!! 

Note 5: Succumbed to the temptation

Karma is a Bitch!!!

Roshni: I cannot find one of my earrings

Me: Ok, let me help you find it

Ananya: No papa....its mamma's 'toy'...she lost it so she should find it

#KaraaraJawaab #KarmaIsABitch