Strange experience with Money

Today we were out in the city and at various junctions had very strange experiences with people who wanted money from us for some or the other reason. :)

We reach Cafe Coffee Day for a sharing session at Bandra Kurla Complex. After not finding a shade to park under, we just parked the e2o along with the other parked cars. This security guy came up to us out of no where and asked for some chai pani. He was threatening us that it will be our loss if we don't pay, and the municipal tow car will come and take away the vehicle. I was convinced and willing to pay him the little buck that he was expecting from us but these guys was firm enough to not pay. No rules were broken nor was the car parked in a wrong way. After a brief exchange of words and re-threatening him, we moved on without paying. I was left thinking how the world can twist you a certain way if we ourselves are not sure of our actions.

It reminded us of an incident that happened with us in the pay and park at Colaba where I argued with the guy for charging me 100 Rs instead of 20Rs which was printed in the receipt. He took 20Rs but did something to the car's functioning that left me stranded for quite sometime on the road in the night, just a few inches away from the car park.

After a good round of coffee, we headed towards Juhu Beach for the evening walk. These days, a new business of photography has started on the beach. Vendor guys come up with their SLR cameras and they click instant pictures for a price. We had our own camera, so we asked the guy to just click a picture for us.. Having done the same earlier, we knew these guys don't mind clicking digital pics. Its easy money for them. He did a good job. We paid him well but he wasn't satisfied. Wanting to guilt us, he just threw the money on the sand and walked away. We didn't pick it up nor did we turn to see if he did.

Its a strange world and money has strangely taken over all of us. Come to think of it, this piece of paper drives people's moods and emotions, may be even lives. What say?

Eco Points

"The secret to living healthy is consistency" they say. Driving in the fast lane all the time is not only unhealthy for us but also for the car.

Gone are the days when I want to slam the accelerator and race with another vehicle coz by driving sensibly I am not only saving my battery life in the longer run but also earns me eco points. Each time when we drive with an efficiency of 90 WH/KM or less, we earn an eco point. Mahindra says, as we accumulate eco points we should stay tuned for some surprises from them coz its their way of affirming that nice drivers win always.. ;) Check out the website screen capture below.

We have earned eco points by travelling both short distances and long. So it takes an average of the entire days ride. Speed range has been upto 70 kms as well, so it doesn't mean we have to drive slow. It just takes a little extra effort to know the e2o better. E20 owners can check the tips and tricks on their personal logins.

Mumbai is the perfect place to drive this vehicle thanks to the amazing flyovers. So when we go downhill it regenerates.. The traffic jams are no longer a terror coz each time I brake it goes to "regen". hahahaha! We have at times travelled 32kms and consumed only 26% of battery as a result of this amazing feature of regeneration of power. Its amazing how this car has changed our perspective about travelling on Mumbai roads.

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I look up to this e2o user - Mr Kamlesh Mallick from Pune. His e2o -"Eva" is 6 months old and has travelled more than 5000 kms.. It helps to know one who experiments like we do. He has earned a remarkable 79 points from his drive so far. An eco-friendly, consistent driver...

e2o Owners

As I look back, I recollect ever since we decided to buy the electric vehicle, our search for EV owners started… to want to know their experiences, the ups and downs they faced in real life scenario, what kind of situations they faced with traffic and the true facts about the working of the vehicle. We, personally had lots of questions unanswered, there was anxiety, confusion, uncertainty along with lot of excitement and determination to take this step ahead… Some people were very forthcoming, some didn't answer at all…

Then, we came across Plug in India and an e2o owner Mr Kamlesh Mallick. His experiences, his videos helped us answer our questions, and we had an outstanding support from Mahindra guys as well… Our calculations and understanding was beginning to match up with reality…

After many test rides and long phone calls with the sales executive about our queries; we bought the vehicle. Hurray!

Few days back PluginIndia shared our reallifestory : http://www.pluginindia.com/reallifeevstories.html

That the 'One', as seen from the flat.

Vacation Mode - Phone App for e2o

Another amazing feature with the Mahindra e2o is its 'Smart phone application'. The e2o app works great on our iPhones. It gives all information that an e2o owner would need about the car.. Shows distance the car can travel at a certain charge, Charge points, temperature levels, Switch on / Schedule the airconditioning, Revive battery charge in case of complete discharge and much more…

What is most amazing is the provision to set the car on 'Vacation Mode'... It kind of lives the lifestyle you live... So, if you are on a vacation then why shouldn't the car enjoy the same status ;) haahhaha!



On our trip to Vadodara we had plugged in the car and kept it on 'vacation mode' using the phone app. Amazingly! it took care of our battery charging while we were away on another destination. It brings down the charge to 20-30% and hibernates till it gets the command to charge back… We even extended our vacation and it worked. So on the day of our arrival to Mumbai, it charged back to 100% and was ready for us to drive around.

What effortless control and ability to interact with the car… It amazes us each day and can't wait to explore more.

Bike Ride

"Its time we hit the roads again. Its been sometime now", said Raphae one day… We were in the process of buying the car and december being december 13, we drove to Vadodara on the Royal Enfield Electra…

I think Royal Enfield really thinks for the pillion rider…The seat is the most comfortable one, so far on a bike..

The roads are awesome and the traffic very sensible, maintaining rules all the way… It was chilling in the morning and winds gushed through us.. Fortunately we were pre-warned and had proper gear for the winter ride.

The roads are no longer a mystery to us, having driven a number of times on this stretch.. So, We stopped at our very usual Manor junction - The Silver Miles.. (1-1/2 hr ride from home).. We have been visiting this place ever since it was being constructed. Its a good hygienic place. On the bike, it becomes even more essential to take the brakes at regular intervals even if there is no tiredness so the small "bum-brakes", "by the way waterfall brakes" during the journey are a pleasure to stop for even if fatigue hasn't set in.

Our gear - The Saddle Bags, Gloves, Helmet, Balaclava, Leather Jacket and The Attitude to Live and Let Live

We continued our journey for our next main stop at Vapi. The Bharuch bridge was undergoing some repairs so we had planned for a de-tour. By the time we neared Ankleshwar, we were told to just go straight and not take a de-tour to Rajpipla.. Trusting the locals we went straight. The NHAI team was doing a good job of handling the traffic and diverting it wherever necessary.. so we had no trouble crossing the bridge. We reached Vadodara by 4pm.

Well constructed roads with proper banking and emergency facilities. It has improved a lot over the years. The landscape is undoubtedly beautiful and traveling on the bike is an added adventure.

Thats us, taking a short brake on our return trip to Mumbai. We anticipated a lot of traffic and couldn't have gone wrong with that judgement. So were trying to fill our lungs with fresh air to last us until the next trip out of Mumbai. LOL!

The one-way distance covered was 410 in 8 hours including the leisure brakes… It always ends us making us stronger, courageous and allowing us to face the world head-on.

In many ways the bigger transport vehicles, inspite of being the king-of-highways, have given way to the smaller cars…

Saw many accidents, and witnessed one right ahead of us… The 8 wheel truck- trailer that we were about to overtake, had an old tyre that blew off.. It blasted throwing a lot of debri and stones. Fortunately for us, it was the middle wheel so the truck didn't go off-balance, nor did the particles hit us.. they went sideways.. Raphae was attentive enough to move off its way… Later, a conversation with another bike rider made us realize the gravity of the situation.. Alls well that ends well.

When the mist (read pollution) encircles you at toll booth, you believe it's heaven, for you have come closer to home after a long challenging ride.. When you see the high rise buildings, and the green patch of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, you think life is good. When you see the planes take off and land right over your head, so low that if you jump high enough you can touch its base, you know its time to celebrate for home is just a hop away.. Ironically that hop took us 1-1/2 hour to reach… So close and yet so far. TRAAAFFFFICCCC!!!.

As they say - "The roads to success are always under construction"

All in all - A great ride, a successful trip to / from / in Baroda…

Next: Vacation Mode in e2o

Mahindra Reva e2o meets the Cops

Buying an e2o is an experience in itself and the beginning of enriching experiences to come..


Its been a pleasure so far to drive the 200 kms… and have received varied compliments from friends, colleagues and people around.

Just near our neighborhood one day, was stepping out of the car when a passerby asked. "nayi gadi che?" (is it your new car?), 
"Saari che, Ketla ma leedhi?" (its nice! how much did you buy it for?) 
I smiled and said 7 and a half. 
To which he raised his eyebrow, doing his calculations in his mind.. the very next question was the expected one - "Mileage ketlo aape che" (how much mileage does it give?)
Now my turn to surprise him. It runs on battery, I said.. He didn't know what to ask next as his calculations went for a toss.. Just passed by expressing that I bought a very expensive car. Saw him mumbling as he kept walking ahead.

Few days later at Andheri Check Post - The cops held out their hand to stop the car and I had to oblige not knowing which law I had broken.. (just had the insurance cover and rough registration papers then).. Skeptical about the cops not understanding that the car doesn't need a PUC, I was preparing for all the explanations I would have to give them and in someway have to pay the fine for whatever reason…
To my surprise they were interested in the car I was driving.. Having not seen one ever before on road… The usual questions; what the car was about and no gear, no fuel, no exhaust pipe, no PUC made the conversation interesting.. never had so much fun being interrogated…
For the first time in my life, I talked to the cops without having broken a law and without being fined.. LOL!

Then the e2o visited the fuel station… of course! not for refueling.. Gone are those days!!  :) We went there to fill nitrogen in our tubeless tyres… the 15 minutes there were hilarious.. visitors and onlookers gathered.. Interesting to find so many people feel for the car.. Their tit-bits - whether registration of an EV vehicle is required or not, about the pick up of the car, space and interiors, its body and the color (its not a paint).. 

I do think there is a big market for EVs… Just need to project it right..


Next: Bike Ride to Baroda...

Our new Car - The Mahindra Reva e2o

We finally decided to buy the electric vehicle as another step to our goal of Clean, Green and Responsible Lifestyle. Mahindra Reva E2O is also a clever and convenient vehicle. ;) You will soon know how and why.

On 12th Dec we got the possession of this exciting new creation and design by Mahindra Reva.. With a warm welcome and celebrations we were handed the keys by the manager of NBS International, Mahindra's Andheri showroom, Mumbai… Some memories…

Raphae chose the color and had kept it a surprise for all of us.. The anticipation to unveil the car was high. It took me sometime to let the feeling sink in.. What an amazing feeling that was :)

Keys being handed.. one for Raphae and the other one for me ;)

Were given gifts for the car. 

The staff at NBS joined us in our celebrations… Mr Anand Vaishya, Mr Adil and e2o manager Mr Subrodo went out of their way to help us solve our questions, doubts. Their support has been remarkable all the way.

Now the excitement begins… They gave us a quick photo frame as a token of remembrance of this landmark in life. 12-12-13 at 18:03pm.

Raphae drove the car back home. Our entire family had been awaiting the arrival of e2o and they heartily came forward with us for joy rides which lasted till 12 in the night.. Oh! what a memorable day..

Next: E2O meets the cops

Life has brought me back to this blog… Its so amazing :). Somethings really last forever.

Its been a year since I blogged and life indeed is different. Its wonderful to be able to look back in time and read old posts. It kind of speaks for you, about you and mirrors the feelings then. How nostalgic!

Good to be back!

Look forward to re-connect with friends here…

Life updates: Our New Car Mahindra Reva e2o

"Knowledge is piling facts,  Wisdom is simplifying them" - Shiv khera "You Can Win"

Career

"What is my career i am asked ?

I can only answer each day

what it is that i do

To find the thread that weaves within

there perhaps lies a clue..

As i walk down the road, who might come my way -

Person, plant or animal; many gone astray.

Some in search of work or food, some in search of wealth,

All a mirror for us to see the search for love and health ...

I might ask - really there is no choice - how is it that i may serve,

The task at times seems so great, I search to have the nerve.

To offer time to those in need, to ask about their dream,

For I Support those hearts who seek the spirit of a team.

But how, when there are so many?

How to be with all the needs of the planet

seems to hold?

I can only listen for the dream as it 

will unfold.

To try to make a difference would surely

wear me down,

To seek the teachers and the course can

take one round and round ...

But ask, just ask, what i can do and the answer's 

always there -

Perhaps it is a way to pass by the road of great despair;

And the course it is discovered, as the river flows,

The rocks become but opportunities for some yes's

and some no's.

Money to those who hear the dream that is quite 

deep inside,

Patience and love to those who fear there's

something still to hide;

My hands might serve the wounded, my sound the hard to hear,

My smile those mourning members who only know

a tear -

Silence comes with those who think they know or try to save, or preach,

Open arms to find all the ways that each of us

may teach.

For the gift, the gift it is to listen, give where 

there is need -

What's asked for can be a guide - a flower

or a weed;

The job becomes so simple, the river flows along,

The wave we ride, the chance with life - to be a 

note within a song ..." - Gigi Coyle

The Dream, that came True

Its that time of the year again; when I am reminded and write about my annual sports achievements, reliving those challenging moments in my mind, and sharing the happiness of my success with my readers. Forming those thoughts after this gap of few months helps me set apart the fantacies and elated emotions from the facts :)

It was the morning of 16th January, 2011 when participants from all over the world ran for a cause, a belief, a goal... The Standard Chartered Marathon 2011 flagged its 11,000 Half-Marathon participants at 6:15 am IST and announced the start of the races for the day. We were to start from the holding area at Bandra Reclamation and reach Victoria Terminus which made it a total distance of 21.029 kms.

My heart pounded reverberantly as the countdown for the race began. Running over the artistically constructed Bandra-Worli Sea Link was thrilling and the beautiful sunrise added to its pleasure. 

There were water and sport drink pitstops where we could hydrate ourselves. Also, the emergency medical units by Asian Heart Institute, mobile toilets, and Relispray units added to the comfort of the runners. We were accompanied by media reporters, doctors and encouraging residents all throughout the route. Some excited and enthusiastic veteran runners kept motivating the newbies to keep enjoying the run as we kept time. 

The moist zone at 10 kms mark was refreshing. It kept us cool for the later part of the run;Chowpatty, Marine lines- when the sun was right on top of our heads. I was banking on the 3hr pacer lead by Venkat, which they had introduced this year to complete the race. He was the confidence pill for me as the race day approached, but I managed to complete it before him and his gang!

I was prepared for the Peddar Road stretch from the previous year's experience of the Gold's Gym Cycle Race... The uphill was the most challenging part of the race for me... It was timely that the Kenyan and the Ethiopian Marathon Runners passed by, because that really pumped up our energy seeing them sprint across the road. Residents at Worli Sea Face, Peddar Road offered lime juice, and glucose biscuits as they encouraged us runners to keep it up... 

The past 3-4 month's resistive practice on the sand had prepared me enough to cover the road stretch of 18 kms. The tempo, the group I was running with, the crowd and seeing my enthusiastic, fun, and loving family at Churchgate cheered me up to reach the finish line with full zeal and energy... Finally, I managed to complete the race in 2:58:29 net time, enabling myself for a AIMS recognized timing certificate.

It wouldn't have been possible without the support, and prayers, of my dearest family and friends, the educative seminar of Asian Heart Institute; where I learnt to recognize the needs of my body, and the confidence pill.

Exploring Mumbai

One of our dreams has been to explore Mumbai by the map. Travel to the unknown destinations, meet different people and get acquainted by their cultures that binds them close to their faiths. Its this faith that helps maintain the quintessential equilibrium.

Our need to have a bead curtain in our Entertainment room made us travel to Bhuleshwar in South mumbai; a place where ancient customs fight for space with modernity. This famous whole-seller's market, known for its temples, is visited by thousands throughout the day. The lanes are narrow and extremely crowded during the day where you will find a variety of interesting people doing odd professions.

A great way to reach Bhuleshwar is by train to MumbaiCentral station and then a bus 234 to the destination. The Bus passes through must-visit places like Sarvi -known for its Arabian Seekh near Nagpada police station, City Mall-Mumbai Central, MohammedAli Road, Paydoni. Old mumbai has a flavor of its own.

Its a place for the creative minds. A place where you can get the costliest and the cheapest options. A place where each shop owner has a smile on his face and is every ready to help you with your requirements even if it means directing you to the neighborhood shop. From Glass, Acrylic, Crystal to Plastic all kinds, shapes, sizes and colours are available in the beads market.

I believe we only experienced 1/3rd of Bhuleshwar that day. After sun set we moved on from this neo-gothic vicinity that had so much to offer, , not without pondering over the myriad shades that makes Mumbai a highly vibrant city.

As I conclude this thought and tick mark one of the many places I plan to visit and explore in Mumbai, I wonder about the people who travel to this place everyday for their businesses… What a life!

Belief

Inspiration from TED:Rebuilding America, one slide show at a time - Bill Strickland (2002) Mr Roch (his mentor) to Bill Strickland

”The world is a place worth living

I believe in you

I believe in your hopes and ur dreams,

I believe in your intelligence

And I believe in your enthusiasm

...

I am banking on you

and in all the decent people who still believe in something

And I dont think I am crazy, I think we can get home on this thing.

...

Make a friend in every town and you will never be alone.”

Inspirations

Those who never speak falsely can be secure and proud in the knowledge that they have done nothing to contribute to the confusion of the world, but have served as sources of illumination and clarification. They are totally free to be. Dont have to slink around in the shadows. Do not have to construct new lies to hide old ones. They need not waste effort covering tracks or maintain disguises. And ultimately find the energy for self-discipline which is far less than the energy required for secretiveness - Says M. Scott Peck in the "Road Less Travelled"..

Very impressive! A source to learn from.

Duct Tape

Happened to frame a few words on the Duct tape that we have been using throughout for repairs.... :) The solution -gum kind of started melting this summer and I thought of getting rid of it.. but somehow we kept using the roll untill yesterday I realised that it was almost over...

To just laugh our hearts out...This one is for the Duct Tape.. popularly known as as the Duck Tape..

Its farewell time for you my dear,
Bidding you good bye
With a tear in my eye...
You have served us well thoughout
Now ur siblings will do the working out...
Bits of you are all over my house -
For you were so special to my spouse;

We couldnt have done without you - there was no escape...
For you are rightly called the Duct Tape.