This afternoon I’m enjoying the little luxury that is a cup of hot chocolate in a cafe with the paper. Picking up (what I thought was) the Independent but was actually the Independent with a Telegraph Supplement inside it) I was delighted to discover some interesting bookish snippets in the review section. First off was the 100 books that defined a decade feature. I was amazed to see how many of these I had read in book groups and I can honestly say that I think it is a well thought through list. Notable ones for me were The Kite Runner at 18, Atonement at 9 and The God Delusion at 5 which whether you like it’s premise or not is a remarkable piece of writing.

At number one of course was J K Rowling’s Harry Potter series which I think is well picked. Again, whether you’re a fan or not it’s difficult to deny the impact it has had.

What is interesting about the list for me is how it reflects the events and moods of the time, whether it be 9/11, Obama’s Dreams From My Father or a children’s book about magic or a novel like Labyrinth reflecting our desire for escapism from the modern-day world.

There were also a couple that I now want to add to my TBR including David Starkey’s Elizabeth. Ever since watching The Young Victoria I’ve been wanting to read more about notable British queens.

On a separate note I also came across an article about a new BBC biopic of Enid Blyton. Starring none other than Helena Bonham Carter it looks set to paint quite a dark portrait of the author. I can’t wait!

Which books have defined the ‘noughties’ for you? Can anyone recommend a good book about Queen Victoria?

I miss reading. I find it hard to read books for my classes these days and I don’t know if it’s because I’m skimming it or reading too fast that I’m not retaining it, but it’s becoming a little bit of a problem.

I want to start reading regularly again.

On my to-do-list

• The Tipping Point
• Blink
• Kite Runner

Suggestions welcome prease

What gets left behind
in the space between
the tip of my pen
and my mind
in the space that holds
this blue ink to paper
just lines.
blue lines that stretch
scratch tip words that unwind
a blue smile
that catches your eye
a reminder
a taste of a six hour sunrise
Sambucha cries softly
I’m blind
I remember.
a cheat besides
he twists and pleads
and lies (through his teeth)
as death’s creeping up from behind

Acts 10:43
“…All the prophets testify about him [the Messiah] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” [Peter speaking to the gentile family of Cornelius]

My daughter is in English 12 and apparently, most of these classes are reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (a wonderful book in my estimation) and I was looking forward to discussing it with her. What was striking to me was her lack of mercy… in the sense that she and her class spent a lot of time discussing the lead character’s flaw/mistake and how he spent the rest of the book “seeking redemption.” In her mind, there was no true redemption possible: his boyhood friend was dead and gone. That was his burden to bear.

Two things came to mind as we were talking. First and foremost, of course, as a believer, is that this is the whole point of the Messiah, Christ Jesus, the great redeemer. No sin is too great that it can’t be covered by the blood and promise of the Christ.

But secondly was the realization that very few teenagers have experienced something in their lives, so horrible, so wrenching that they would need to search with all their hearts for the peace of forgiveness and redemption. They cannot imagine making such a huge mistake that someone would die or be permanently injured or lost. There is no room for true mercy and grace.

I am also reminded of an old friend whose husband broke their marriage covenant and had an affair. She, too, was unable to extend forgiveness or grace. And all I could think was that someday it would be she, herself, who might face her own unthinkable sin or crime. Then she would be the one who needed redemption.

In fact, we are all capable of great sin. We are fooling ourselves to think that we couldn’t act selfishly in the face of difficult circumstances.

Naturally, people may also act nobly. I am not saying that we, as humans, always choose the evil way. There are many who have lost their own lives or lived sacrificially. But I think they are able to do this because they have faced the truth of themselves.

For many years, I have never felt comfortable praying the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I just couldn’t identify with this concept of calling myself a sinner… what had I really done so bad.

But now, the longer I am a follower of Jesus, I see the truth within. I am no better than any other. My sin is no less than another person’s sin. Even Paul bemoaned this state in Romans 7:19, “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”

Oh yes, I am in need of a redeemer. I am in need of forgiveness and mercy and grace every day. My sin is too great for me to carry alone.

The Dowager Stakes at Keeneland on Sunday went to the classy Black Minnaloushe mare Black Mamba over the game Winter View (Thunder Gulch) and Ballynoe (Distorted Humor). But lost among the final result was an astonishing performance by sixth-place finisher Kite Seeker.

The dark brown daughter of  Seeking a Home had no gate speed, giving her competition a sizable early advantage, but as the field came down the backstretch of this three-turn race around the Keeneland turf course, Kite Seeker was sweeping past the other runners while under a hold. Now the field was going slowly (half in :54.31), but the mare ran up to third place entering the turn while nearly six paths off the rail.

Then Kite Seeker floundered around the turn, dropping back notably. She came on again in the first run through the Keeneland stretch, and by the time the leaders were entering the second turn, Kite Runner was at their girth.

She ran wide, losing ground and more importantly momentum, around the turn and was shuffled back to fifth or sixth for the second trip down the backstretch.

Kite Seeker came on again, although more slowly, because the other fillies and mares were getting into high gear. She got on terms with the leaders just before the third turn, was head and head for second with eventual fourth-place finisher Caprice before losing momentum around the turn, but responded gamely through the stretch, could not outkick the leaders, and finished sixth.

Clearly, from her repeated runs, this is a filly with some class and ability. But she needs a different sort of course. A leggy and rather high-actioned filly who stands over a lot of ground, Kite Seeker is not balancing well as she comes around the turns, loses her momentum, and needs time to rebalance and regain momentum. She is going to have trouble earning her way unless she finds a more suitable galloping track with much wider turns. How about Ascot or Doncaster? Or even Belmont over the dirt course?

I watched Kite Runner, the movie directed by Marc Foster and based on Khaled Hosseini’s book by the same title, recently. It had such a raw quality to it that it set me thinking about fate, honor and circumstances, as perceived by the characters as well as us, in general.

The interesting part of the movie is that it keeps the scenes, the characters and the emotions very real, no overdramatization. The truth and the unrevealed circumstances are so overwhelming that underplaying it was the best tactic could have been used, while taking the story forward.

In the backdrop of the talibanization of Afganistan, the story unfolds – the strange friendship between the protagonist and the servant’s son; the reality of the father of the protagonist who has an illicit affair, and his attempt to keep his honor by ensuring the child grew up as his servants’, in his own backyard; their journey across the seas seeking refuge in America and going from being a landlord to a gas station owner; the servant and his son are left behind to fend the family house; the protagonist and his wife not having a child; the protagonist’s trek back to Afganistan to reclaim the lost friendship, only to realize that the servant’s son was in fact his own half-brother and that all that is left of their relationship is his nephew in an orphanage; his genuine attempt to take the child back home – and ends where it all began, flying kites!

Worth a watch, I must say…

This ICT tip could be applied to the following subjects:

Quick overview: The Google Lit Trips (www.googlelittrips.org) website uses Google Earth mapping technology to explore and expand upon real-world places featured in books and classic literature.

How can it be used in the classroom: Using this website, you can download various “Google Lit Trips” that have been pre-prepared by other teachers.  The majority of Google Lit Trips contain a teacher’s guide and Google Earth “placemarks” that allow students to explore the far away places that are described in a book. For example, Jerome Burg, creator of the site and an English teacher from Livermore, California, has prepared a Google Lit Trip with various “placemarks” for locations that the character Amir visits in the book The Kite Runner. To describe how Jerome uses Google Lit Trips with The Kite Runner, I’ve quoted an article featured on the Edutopia website:

“.. By clicking on a placemark, students open a pop-up window embedded with supplementary information. One window shows a photo of a bazaar, accompanied by a passage from the novel describing a musty marketplace. Another explains the cultural history of the Pashtun people and has links to additional information about Shia and Sunni Muslims. Most pop-ups include photos, maps, drawings, or text but also have questions to encourage students to think about the story. Exploring the placemarks involves active engagement that Burg compares with using manipulatives for hands-on learning in math. It puts the kids right in the middle of the story,” Burg explains, “rather than at a desk as the teacher teaches the story at them. Students can also add their own placemarks, highlighting locations or links that add to their understanding.”

Video Tutorial: Here’s a video I prepared that demonstrates what’s possible with Google Lit Trips and an overview of how it works:

ICT Ttip: In order to use the Google Lit Trips site, you need to install Google Earth. For more information on using and installing Google Earth, refer to my blog posting at (www.tinyurl.com/ict-earth)  In addition, if you’re technically adventurous, the Google Lit Trips site provides a guide to create your own Google Lit Tips.

I was quite surprised this week to see so much classic literature topping the ALA’s most frequently challenged list for 2009. To clarify, this is a list of books that are challenged by individuals in the community. They have to submit a “challenge form” stating their reasons, to a school or public library.

First off, here’s the list:

1. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
   Reasons: anti-ethnic, anti-family, homosexuality, religious viewpoint, and unsuited to age group
2. His Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman
   Reasons: political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, and violence
3. TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Lauren Myracle
   Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group
4. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
   Reasons: occult/satanism, religious viewpoint, and violence
5. Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
   Reasons: occult/satanism, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, and violence
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
   Reasons: drugs, homosexuality, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, suicide, and unsuited to age group
7. Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
   Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group
8. Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen
   Reasons: homosexuality and unsuited to age group
9. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
   Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group
10. Flashcards of My Life, by Charise Mericle Harper
    Reasons: sexually explicit and unsuited to age group

Now, I want to know: should these books actually be *allowed* to be challenged? Doesn’t that basically just amount to censorship, pure and simple? If parents are truly concerned about their children reading non-appropriate material for their age group (which is a valid concern of course!), perhaps books should be getting ratings, the same way movies do. At least to borrow from a public library would set age restrictions on younger patrons. What do you think? Would you also challenge any of these books? Find out more about other banned books over the years on Infloox.

hey i know … i know … it’s been a while … but things have been a bit crazy. between some screwed up things at work and a renovation thingie at home … things have been a bit hectic. i mean logged on to my half a dozen or so mail id’s, orkut page and facebook pages after a month or so … and expectedly there was nothing new … not surprising. but … there is some good news i guess … the job market seems to be improving. how r these two things connected??? well have been planning to move on for quite some time now. and hopefully this improved situation will serve me well …

but quite honestly … haven’t quite prepared a resume for myself in close to 3 years. i’m not 2 sure i even remember quite how to … but d good ol’ internet should help me in that. hmmm … what else … oh yeah … haven’t quite read a good book in a while. i mean the last one i went through was losing my virginity by richard branson … but that was quite some time ago … and honestly i’m not tht a big fan of auto-biographies. i mean don’t get me wrong … reading about gandhi or hitler or nehru is quite fascinating … but richard branson is not quite either one of ‘em … . but i’m eagerly awaitng the next books by Gregory David Roberts and Khaled Hosseini … u no … the authors of Shantaram and Kite Runner/A Thousand Splendid Suns … now those are books to be read …

Speaking of which i actually happened to see the movie Kite Runner a few weeks ago. and well not a bad movie at all … i mean doesn’t quite match up to the book. well don’t get me wrong … that had nothing to do with bad acting or something … it’s just that it’s a movie … so kinda expectedly it was a cut down version of the book. so some important parts of the book were cut down … but the acting wasn’t that bad. most of the dialogues were in Pashto … so that was good. gave the film a bit of an authentic feel about it … and didn’t totally thrash the book. but hopefully these two awesome authors will come out with even better books soon.

well thats it i guess … till the next time i’m at my wits end … i’ll come out with the next post … so you know u wouldn’t have to wait long. … ciao!!!

I saw this video through a link on www.fiverupees.blogspot.com for another blogger by the name of Tazeen (http://tazeen-tazeen.blogspot.com/2009/09/gift-of-gall-or-permanent-laps-of.html), and I just really had to put my two cents in because it infuriated me.

Watch this video from Aalim-On-Line (I would normally never publicize this show; I can’t stand Aalim’s holier-than-thou attitude, nor do I have any particular respect for his show…but this is important). You don’t have to watch the whole video, just watch it from 11 minutes to 19-ish minutes. The link is below:

http://vidpk.com/34502/Junaid-Jamshed-in-Aalim-On-line/

I’m INFURIATED, so whether you agree with whatever is below or not, whether you love JJ or hate him, bear with me. First and foremost, i HATE, HATE, HATE Junaid Jamshed patronizing attitude in this video. What the HELL gives him the right to YELL, legitly YELL at these “poor” people for begging for food. He goes so far as to say that the women in the street who beg don’t NEED to beg, they’re made a “pesha”, a job, out of it. You dimwit MORON!, what sane person would get a kick out of begging? What woman would WANT to be out on the street, knocking on your cold-blooded, air-conditioned, 98765346567897 RS car in 110 degree weather with 90% humidity outside if she had the option to NOT! I get that having fakeer knocking on your car and harassing you as you walk down the street is a nuisance, and something you’d much rather avoid, but dude you make MILLIONS!! singing “hum sab ka Pakistan” Mind it or not, these fakeer make up a huge percent of Pakistan, and if it’s “hum sab ka Pakistan”, then don’t you feel even a little obligation to give away a tiny piece of your fortune to those less fortunate, atleast in the month of Ramzan instead of going on Aalim Online and patronizing them?!

When talking about the Karachi Stampede he goes, “Mera dil nahin maanta kay vahan jitnee ki jitnee aurtayn puhanch gayeen, unko us aatay ki zaroorat thee” (My heart doesn’t believe that all the women who went there [the site where charity flour was being passed out for the needy] needed the flour). These women DIED! They died for a bit of flour! They died to feed [I'm speculating, I don't really know, but I'm sure this was probably the case] their poor children who probably haven’t seen a speck of food all during Ramzan while you while and your children probably sat on a freaking 60000000000 rupees table eating till you wanted to puke! What you spend the whole month trying to imitate, (that feeling of hunger, the need for food, the craving for food, the weakness from the absence of nutrition), these people feel it, live it, breathe it, every day of their lives!! “mera rona yehi hai, haath na phelao! haath na phelao!”—-”Kyuon lain hum bheeg..is say acha hai hum mar hi jaiyn” Well JJ, I would LOVE to know what you would do if you came from an uneducated family, were uneducated yourself, grew up in the streets and weren’t rolling in millions. I’d LOVE to see you “die rather than accept bheek”. And you know what else I’d love to see you do in the name of Islam as you’re obviously suggesting these people do? I’d LOVE to see you watch your children starve because your pride keeps you from accepting charity. I’d love it!

And then, the most hilarious thing is, he blames the poor of the country for ruining Pakistan’s image internationally! Well, ofcourse! Now that makes PERFECT sense! It’s these poor people who know nothing about politics and whose sole worry from day to day is putting measly scraps of food on the table that ruin Pakistan’s image—NOT the charity pocketing politicians, not the prime ministers who take aid and then fail to show where it went, not the elite who fail to invest money into the deteriorating social sector. Not hypocritical fools like you who, instead of giving charity, patronize people whose position you don’t know shit about! Of course not! As only Baba was ever able to portray properly in ‘The Kite Runner’: “Piss on the beard of all these self-righteous monkeys.” Honestly, if you’re going to sit on Aalim Online, supposedly a great religious talk show, and talk about the difference between “ameer ka zameer” and “khareeb ka deen” without being stopped, then honestly, baba might as well piss on your beard. When the HELL did Islam begin to differentiate between class and when the HELL did there start being an ameer ka religion and a ghareeb ka religion, and how DARE you sit there and say that if the rich stray away from religion and go awara, it’s less impactful than if a poor person does it, all the while having the holier-than-thou attitude like nobody’s business!?!

Well, anyway, RIP all those who died in the Karachi stampede.

I remember the very first day i first read a review on the Kite runner. I was in school and i was going through the book reviews on the Time magazine. I dont know what got me hooked, but i knew that i had to get my hands on that book. So i made it a point to get it as soon as it came to Sri Lanka. From that day onwards i was one of those people who just kept saying Kite runner was one of my favourite all time books. I dont think any author other than Jean Sasson has brought out the true horrors of the pain that the muslim people have gone through.

I remember i saw A thousand splendid suns in the book store one day when i walked into it and i quickly grabbed myself the very last copy. The funny thing was i didnt read a single review of the book and when i started reading this book i actually had tears in my eyes for the number of pain the girls go through.

The book is based on two girls decades apart in age but who ultimatly count on each other for every bit of support. Miriam is a unwanted child who was born a “Bastard” as refered to her by her mother frequently. Her father, a rich man from Herat had an affair with his housekeeper and nine months later the outcome was mirium. When her mother became pregnant with her, her fathers three wives refused to have her there and thinking of his own reputation he made a small shack for them far out in the outskirts of town. As a child Mirium loved her father and thought the world of him, eventhough he only came to visit her for two hours every Thursday.  After her mother dies tragically, Mirium’s father marries her off at the age of 15 to a man double her age so that he can save face in the eyes of his community.

During her married life she goes through a lot of hardship as she suffers countless miscarriages and gets beaten up by her husband daily. There was even an instant in which he made her eat pebbles so that her teeth broke. In the same neighborhood lives a beautiful girl named Laila and a boy named Tariq, who are close friends, but careful of social boundaries. But during the course of their budding teens, they discover their friendship has turned into one of love for each other and they realise that being with each other was exactly what they want. War comes to Afghanistan, and Kabul is bombarded by rocket attacks. Tariq’s family decides to leave the city, and the emotional farewell between Laila and Tariq ends with them making love. Laila’s family also decides to leave Kabul, but as they are packing a rocket destroys the house, kills her parents, and severely injures Laila. As fate would have it Laila is taken in by Rasheed and Mariam.

After recovering from her injuries, Laila discovers that she is pregnant with Tariq’s child. While this takes place, Mirium notices her husbands blatant acts at getting Laila interested. Now a man of 60, he sees a longing passion within him to marry the 14 year old Laila. As Laila is in a terrible position she arranges to marry Rasheed, who is eager to have a young and attractive second wife. Laila, who has been told that Tariq is dead (by another ploy of Rasheed), gives birth to Aziza, a daughter. Rasheed is unhappy and suspicious, and he becomes more abusive. Mariam and Laila eventually become confidants. They plan to run away from Rasheed and leave Kabul, but they are caught at the bus station. Rasheed beats them and deprives them of water for several days, almost killing Aziza.

A few years later, Laila gives birth to Zalmai, Rasheed’s son. The Taliban has risen to power, and there is a drought, and living conditions in Kabul become poor. Rasheed’s workshop burns down, and he is forced to take jobs he is ill-suited for. The family sends Aziza to an orphanage as they dont have the money to feed her and because Rasheed doesnt consider her important as she is a female. Then one day, Tariq appears outside the house. He and Laila are reunited, and their passions flare anew. When Rasheed returns home from work, Zalmai tells his father about the visitor. Rasheed starts to savagely beat Laila, and Miriam couldnt bare it any longer so she kills Rasheed with a shovel. Miriam refuses to come along with Tariq and Laila because she believes that the Taliban regime will find them and kill them. Her worst fear was for the children. So Laila and Tariq leave for Pakistan with the children. Mariam confesses to killing her husband and is executed by the Taliban government.

The story was truly heartwarming and a shock to the system. You notice the changes and the pain a woman goes through eventhough she utters no words to disrespect her husband. People say u dont know what true pain is, unless you go through it your self, and this book shows it all to the readers. The author brings out the true atrocities and pain of Afgan women through this book.

Just for your knowledge : Some of the Taliban Laws

Taliban restrictions and mistreatment of women include the:

Amazon.com Widgets

1- Complete ban on women’s work outside the home, which also applies to female teachers, engineers and most professionals. Only a few female doctors and nurses are allowed to work in some hospitals in Kabul.

2- Complete ban on women’s activity outside the home unless accompanied by a mahram (close male relative such as a father, brother or husband).

3- Ban on women dealing with male shopkeepers.

4- Ban on women being treated by male doctors.

5- Ban on women studying at schools, universities or any other educational institution. (Taliban have converted girls’ schools into religious seminaries.)

6- Requirement that women wear a long veil (Burqa), which covers them from head to toe.

7- Whipping, beating and verbal abuse of women not clothed in accordance with Taliban rules, or of women unaccompanied by a mahram.

8- Whipping of women in public for having non-covered ankles.

9- Public stoning of women accused of having sex outside marriage. (A number of lovers are stoned to death under this rule).

10- Ban on the use of cosmetics. (Many women with painted nails have had fingers cut off).

11- Ban on women talking or shaking hands with non-mahram males.

12- Ban on women laughing loudly. (No stranger should hear a woman’s voice).

13- Ban on women wearing high heel shoes, which would produce sound while walking. (A man must not hear a woman’s footsteps.)

14- Ban on women riding in a taxi without a mahram.

15- Ban on women’s presence in radio, television or public gatherings of any kind.

16- Ban on women playing sports or entering a sport center or club.

17- Ban on women riding bicycles or motorcycles, even with their mahrams.

18- Ban on women’s wearing brightly colored clothes. In Taliban terms, these are “sexually attracting colors.”

19- Ban on women gathering for festive occasions such as the Eids, or for any recreational purpose.

20- Ban on women washing clothes next to rivers or in a public place.

21- Modification of all place names including the word “women.” For example, “women’s garden” has been renamed “spring garden”.

22- Ban on women appearing on the balconies of their apartments or houses.

23- Compulsory painting of all windows, so women can not be seen from outside their homes.

24- Ban on male tailors taking women’s measurements or sewing women’s clothes.

25- Ban on female public baths.

26- Ban on males and females traveling on the same bus. Public buses have now been designated “males only” (or “females only”).

27- Ban on flared (wide) pant-legs, even under a burqa.

28- Ban on the photographing or filming of women.

29- Ban on women’s pictures printed in newspapers and books, or hung on the walls of houses and shops.

Apart from the above restrictions on women, the Taliban has:

- Banned listening to music, not only for women but men as well.

- Banned the watching of movies, television and videos, for everyone.

- Banned celebrating the traditional new year (Nowroz) on March 21. The Taliban has proclaimed the holiday un-Islamic.

- Disavowed Labor Day (May 1st), because it is deemed a “communist” holiday.

- Ordered that all people with non-Islamic names change them to Islamic ones.

- Forced haircuts upon Afghan youth.

- Ordered that men wear Islamic clothes and a cap.

- Ordered that men not shave or trim their beards, which should grow long enough to protrude from a fist clasped at the point of the chin.

- Ordered that all people attend prayers in mosques five times daily.

- Banned the keeping of pigeons and playing with the birds, describing it as un-Islamic. The violators will be imprisoned and the birds shall be killed. The kite flying has also been stopped.

- Ordered all onlookers, while encouraging the sportsmen, to chant Allah-o-Akbar (God is great) and refrain from clapping.

- Ban on certain games including kite flying which is “un-Islamic” according to Taliban.

- Anyone who carries objectionable literature will be executed.

- Anyone who converts from Islam to any other religion will be executed.

- All boy students must wear turbans. They say “No turban, no education”.

- Non-Muslim minorities must distinct badge or stitch a yellow cloth onto their dress to be differentiated from the majority Muslim population. Just like what did Nazis with Jews.

- Banned the use of the internet by both ordinary Afghans and foreigners.

I started reading this a couple of days ago. It’s very politically educational.  As did Hosseini’s Kite Runner, I am carried away into the lives of the Afghans. The struggle, the horror, the pain, and the love that exists is strong. Politics are clarified for me, but still confusing. I’m about to begin looking up information about Afghan history, not because I want to understand the book better, but because I want to understand Afghanistan’s history. From rising above  Soviet domination to turmoil within their own country…this book is the life of two Afghani women whose lives are difficult (an understatement), and whose lives seem to complement each others.  Hosseini has a way of getting readers to connect with characters, to give them a great amount of depth and therefore, from me, a  great deal of empathy.

Returned from Prague yesterday…the title is pretty appropriate for the trip…but let’s take it step by step!

Thursday

I arrived in Prague Thursday afternoon. Michael was there to pick me up (yippeee!) so off we went. Travelling from the airport to his place means taking a bus then the metro and then a tram (before of course walking the last part). This means that the trip gets me back into the Prague transport system…unlike the London one I am pretty impressed with practically all aspects of the one in Prague – it is on time, regular, and not cramped most of the time! The metro stations are airy and best of all you don’t pay per use, but per time, so you can change between the transport systems as many times as you want – I like that! At his place we dropped off the luggage and made our way to get some food (I rarely ever eat much on the day of travel, so food is always welcome when I get to the destination ).

Food meant going to what Michael and his flatmate call ‘the-hole-in-the-wall’ Czech place . I don’t remember it’s name, but I am sure Michael will post it in the comment section later on (isn’t that so? ). I really liked the place. The owner is this eccentric looking (but definitely not in a weird scary way) Czech guy. I also liked that the place was full of smaller rooms, so you can also get some privacy if you want…when we were shown to our table in an area of 4 tables there was only one other couple there and they were leaving just as we were arriving, so we got the place to ourselves. I got a potato pancake…the first time I had one I think, and though oily (what did I expect from fried food?) it was definitely delicious . Service was at a decent rate and must say it was a pleasant evening.

U Dvou Hrabalu: 'Hole-in-the-Wall' Restuarant

From there we then went for a walk to a nearby park – Parukarka park. The park was on a hill, and I was going to start to moan a bit about this steep hill Michael and I were climbing with no apparent point to the climb (there was nothing on top and we would have to go back down anyways), Michael turned around and when I did I SAW the point of the climb…WOW! A view over Prague as the sun was setting, with Prague castle in the middle and most of the rest at your feet. I am so glad I didn’t complain (I have a particular hatred of climbing hills though I enjoy walking on flattish ground) and didn’t turn round early…the view was magnificent (Michael…can you find a picture of the view pwty pws?).

View of Prague from Parukarka Park at Night

Friday

Friday…what did we do Friday? Well, Friday morning we woke up and set off on foot to the centre of Prague walking along the river. It was great to be back to the places and the memories. Prague to me is a happy cozy city (compared to London which to be is a busy [frenetic?] go-getter city) so it always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling being there . Walking along getting to Old Town Square, St. Wenceslas Square, my favourite market (no idea what it is cold) and all the tiny bits and pieces which make Prague in my mind…it was great! Following our walk around we then made our way to Hlavni Nadrazi close to where we were to meet Martina and this coffee place, Mama Coffee. Martina was one of the girls in the lab when I was on my internship in Prague. We had met again as her boyfriend of the time was working in Malta for a while and I had spent the day with them, and when I visited Prague in September we had met up as well. Now she is actually going to go to Malta on HER IAESTE internship…the more I see the more I realise how small the world really is! From there we then went home were we had time to relax a bit before going back out for dinner with some friend of Michael.

Throughout the past 2 years or so I have been constantly hearing about people who Michael meets and spends time with. However, as I haven’t been in Prague that often I haven’t met all that many of them! This dinner meant I got to meet a few more of them. It is good to finally meet the people I have been seeing in photos and hearing about…in some ways I felt like I already knew them, but really I didn’t except by proxy. Dinner was at Kolkovna-Celnice, a touristy-looking Czech place with surprisingly good food, decent prices, and quite big portions . The conversation was good too, so who could complain? Back home Michael and I then started watching ‘Angels and Demons‘ before Michael was too tired (WHAT? I couldn’t believe it either normally it is me getting tired from watching a movie ) and another day had ended.

Saturday

The day started with us finishing watching Angels and Demons. I must say I liked the film . I had read the book ages ago (hence I didn’t remember anything, of course, as is normal for me) and had liked it more than The Da Vinci Code, so I expected it to be a decent story, and I wasn’t too disappointed (thou it is a bit predictable…but hey! that’s Hollywood, so expecting anything else would be going a bit too far ). After that we got into town where we met 2 other friends of Michael: Grace, who I have met and spoken about before, and another friend, at John and George (NOT John and Paul or whatever Michael!). The reason for meeting? Carcassone! And this time they actually enjoy playing, unlike my friends here and here!  I must say though that they are quite aggressive players, unlike me liking very peaceful harmonious games …Michael had warned me so all my fault .

From there we were then to meet Cristoph. Together we walked up (part of) Petrin Hill. On the way we came across a number of cherry and pear trees and tried to sample the fruits …not all were good (some were unripe) but did manage some decent specimens . Half-way up the hill we found the beer garden and stopped there for a good ol’ chat and a rest with the view of Prague underneath us.

On the way home we then stopped at the supermarket and off home we went…choice for dinner? Burritos and Pernik cake for dessert…mmmm! Good food and no complaints. After dinner we settled down to watch Kite-Runner. This time however it was my turn to cry foul half-way through the film…so off to bed we went.

Sunday

Here is where the ‘in Sickness’ part starts! I woke up on Sunday with my head swimming…my body was aching…and my throat was swollen and hurt on swallowing…grrr! I am really sick and tired of getting sick and tired on weekends and holidays! For the day we had plans to meet another friend of Michael’s who he hadn’t met for quite a while and had been looking forward to, and for us to spend the evening at U Maleho Glena. Alas, I was no in way fit for that. We spent most of the day at home, where we finished watching Kite-Runner. We tried to venture out in the middle of the dya to find a pharmacy but it was closed, so we decided to go to a cafe to grab something to eat…not the best decision I must say . By this time I was getting quite queasy, so barely ate anything. Back home I just fell in bed!

When I woke up after this I was feeling half-way decent, so we decided to take it very slowly to a nearby park where we could just lay down, read and relax. It was really good fun and enjoyed the relaxing time out of the house. On the way home we bought stuff to make a leek and ham pie, and went home to make it. However, the night didn’t get much better. After a while my fever started rising again and my head started swimming. It was my last night in Prague but I could only see the bed.

Monday

Ohhh what a morning! Woke up shivering, hurting all over, head swimming, and a fever. NOT the best way to travel I must tell you! On the tram on the way to the airport I had to get off half-way through the trip to *ahem* avoid an accident happening on the tram. At Mustek where we had to change to the metro we found a pharmacy from where I could get some pain killers…the strongest you have I said! I practically slept (or at least closed my eyes) for all the metro trip and the bus trip to the airport. By this time I was starting to feel a bit more alive…the painkillers were working! I went to check in (no on-line check-in with Wizz-Air) and then waited around till it was time for me to be off. I must say I was surprisingly chirpy by this time…what was in those pills?

The flight passed without any problems for me (though a lady close by started hyper-ventilating after the plane had a serious bump)…I just spent most of it lying there with my eyes closed. Then it was on to the bus to London, and on to the bus to get home. By this time the effect of the painkillers was starting to wear off, so was quite happy that I was home to be able to take another one.

Again, as first time I felt decidedly chirpy after some time. This happened again at night. I decided to google the tablets (instructions were in Czech and Slovak I think…LOL!)…and yeps! The tablets had Caffeine…no wonder I was getting to feel chirpy and alert! So for my last dosage before I went to sleep I decided to take the painkillers I had at home which did not have the extra strength!

Today

I know ‘today’ is not part of Prague, but it feels part of the whole experience to me

Yesterday I had e-mailed my supervisor to tell him I wouldn’t be coming in. So this morning I could take it easy waking up…However…I wake up…and wow! No fever, no shivers, no spinning head…what happened? I swallow…ah yes…my throat still feels on fire every time I swallow . So off I went to the doctor’s. There he said I had strep tonsillitis and gave me antibiotics (what is new there? I am sick and tired of this!). I tried to tell him this is a recurring thing, but he didn’t seem to believe me much, so said if it keeps on being recurring we can check it out then. Oh well!

Now I am on antibiotics. My throat still hurts, but oh well, at least I can function (as long as the function does not involve too much swallowing ). I will see how I wake up tomorrow (seeing as it can surprise me ). If I am feeling up to it I will make my way to uni and get back to the work I should be doing!

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s as good as everyone says.  I hated it to end, I wanted to keep reading. Gripping style, beautiful story…and doesn’t purport to explain or fix Afghanistan either.   Loved it.

It’s a must read.

For everyone.

And for fun…

Messenger of Truth: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Either Winspear is getting better or I’m just getting used to her writing, but I found this book to be the most compelling Maisie Dobbs books to date. As always, interesting mystery, solid historical context, and deep development of character. I miss Maurice from earlier books, but enjoy that Maisie is growing up and out and no longer needs her mentor. The ominous rumblings from Germany and Hitler are also intriguing and I can’t help but hope the novels move toward WWII with continued development of Maisie’s character and abilities. I now recommend the Maisie Dobbs series.

when i first saw this book i was foolish enough to think it would be just another mournful war story. when weeks later i came across the film i watched it mainly out of boredom. i thought the popularity of the book and film will probably turn out to be more than it’s actual value. but i was wrong, so very wrong. i don’t think words can do justice to this wonderful story. i cried the whole time i was watching the film while being incredibly glad watching i was alone! that afternoon i rushed to the book store and bought the book, nearly getting run down by a car in the process. the only reason i didn’t finish reading it in 2 hours was because i already knew the story and i wanted to savour each wonderfully written word in the book. i have come across books where the plot is mind blowing but the way it was writter does not do justice to it. but Khaled Hosseini has outdone himself. this book was a real treasure and even better than the film.

what really grabbed my attention was that this was the first REAL story i have read in years. i don’t know how to describe it but each character just comes alive from the pages. Khaled Hosseini gives a one line description of a man and you can dream him to life better than if you were given an entire paragraph, a photo and a video shot about him. the characters of the story are so complete in their joys, sorrows, virtues and flaws. the depth of each person, each incident and indeed each sentence in this book is overwhelming. VIVID is the word i think should be used here. every thing is so vivid that it seems more real than life itself. some people have called this story depressing and mournful, but really can be more beautiful and meaningful than a tragedy that is overcome?

for me this story was a breath of fresh air that really awakened me to life once again after a long string of lame unrealistic ordinary ’story books’, that lost much of it’s appeal after my teenage years. this isn’t a book where the plot is so ‘deep’ and the characters so complex it’s nothing short of cryptic. it is simply written, so that ordinary human beings can understand the deeper meaning that’s left unsaid without a degree in literature (hence it probably won’t win any pulitzer prizes!). for those of you who is looking for a heart warming masterpiece beyond the limits of shallow entertainment, this book is definitely for you!

as an afterthought i can’t help adding that i actually felt this story has a bit of the author in it as well. as though his own emotions had spilled on to the pages of the book. but perhaps i’m just imaginning it

In lieu of introduction of both me and this article, I present to you my view upon Marc Forster. He makes sweet films. Not meaning the taste or “awww, that’s so sweet of him to bring you flowers”, but the modern, somewhat exaggerative meaning of sweet. The kind you say when go to your friend’s house and see his brand new sparkling 52” lcd, led-backlit, television. His repertoire include Stranger Than Fiction and the new Bond flick; Quantum of Solace, needless to say both being sweet.

Most people agree with my point of view, it being that Quantum of Solace isn’t really a Bond film by the traditional sense but it is a pretty action movie. Some, including me, might even call it pretty sweet. More traveling, better locations and by far better car chases than the preceeding film; Casino Royale. But there’s less Bond-y dialogue and such. He’s even instructed by a bartender whether what to drink and how. He’s more of a depressed alcoholic than Bond. But the film is nontheless very sweet.

Stranger Than Fiction stars Will Farrel in a film about an IRS-agent who hears a narrative. It turns out  that the voice he hears is a famous writer who solely writes tragedies, and after he knows he’s going to die an imminent death he takes a firm grip of his life and turns it around. He starts playing the guitar and falling for a girl. Anyway, the movie is sweet and all. Marc Forster has also directed the Kite Runner, which I haven’t seen the ending of, but seems worthy of it’s appraisal. As is Marc Forster, though he has gotten a lot of shit for Quantum of Solace. Though the film was rather worthy of such, even if it was sweet.

‘The Kite Runner’ is a touching yet powerful tale of an unlikely friendship between Amir, the son of a wealthy Pasthun and Hasan, the son of his father’s servant, a Hazara.

The story begins in 1970s, before the soviet invasion of Aghanistan. Amir, the protagonist through whom the author tells the story attends school while Hasan completes his chores around the house. Like their parents, Baba and Ali, Amir and Hasan become fast friends with Hasan standing up for Amir many a time. Having lost their mothers and being breast fed by the same lady, they take their first steps in the same yard and speak their first words there – with Amir’s being “Baba” and Hasan’s “Amir”.

At the age of 12, to impress his father, Amir with the help of Hasan wins the annual kite tournament. His victory is short lived when he witness a vicious assault against his friend and fails to stand up for him. Amir’s faintheartedness combined by a later act of betrayal causes Hasan and Ali to leave their home.

With the soviet attacks, Amir and Baba leave Afghanistan to San Fransisco, where Baba works in a gas station while Amir continues studying to become a writer. He falls in love with Shoya and soon they get married. Life goes on for them until he gets a call from his father’s close friend Rahim.

The book depicts the change that has taken place in Afghanistan from before the Soviet Invasion to the Tabilan ruling it in a an excellent way. Though the most impressive theme is the friendship between them, the book also illustrates love, marriage, religion and life under the talibans.

An extremely remarkable book.

P.S. Adult fiction – potrays child molestation.

Last week i have seen Hindi movie “LUCK “And i feel bad for about Hindi movie and i know at that time my luck was bad .they cant even copy English movie (luck is inspired from movie named ”Condemned” starring W.W.F. fame ’stone cold’). I don’t  mind about inspiration but it at least  suits  the audience. It is like Dharmendra type movie (i think Dharmendra also will take objection on action scenes!). Its my fault i bought ticket and tried to watch fully instead of Marathi movie “Gabhricha Paus” (Dammed Rain).

And there is classic  “Kite Runner” about storyteller think about this. u cant say what is next going to happen. i have book also and I will read for sure!

“Transformer 2″ also Gr8! movie to be watch. i like this one better than first part. Michal Bay is back! Actions sequences are fantastic. good cinematography! i like team work from all dept.!

And about “Hangover” is good screenplay,  gr8! acting, no extra footage for any character in this film. we see what story demand. after long time i have seen good comedy!

Hope so, trends of Hollywood which show few good English/ any other language movie instead in our Indian film industry which showcase dozens of crap Hindi movie will rise.

Still there is HOPE!