Tu Mera Hero, Poirot!

David Suchet as Hercule Poirot
Image courtesy: http://www.agathachristie.com/christies-work/detectives/poirot/1

All my life I have been reading and re-reading Agatha Christie's books. I absolutely love them. She has this ingenious capability to create some of the most flawless and complex plots and characters. But Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective with his distinguishing egg shaped head and stiff mustache, is Christie's masterpiece.

Just yesterday I was watching a Poirot movie. The Mystery of the Blue Train. Although I always maintain that nothing can beat the experience of reading, I was curious. Seeing David Suchet portraying him just made me smile. Oh, what an excitement to watch the clever, hot chocolate loving neat freak on screen! He looked exactly the picture I had always imagined. And so immaculately represented! You know, we Indians tend to over react to everything. Take Bollywood. We need songs and dances to convince ourselves of the happiness, excitement or misery around us! In some places, fans build temples for their  beloved movie stars! Yes, that happens. So, on witnessing the saakshaat roop (a personified image) of my favourite detective on screen obviously made me delirious! I recorded the movie and watched it, again!

Seeing this movie has made me 'Poirot sick' now. I have tons of books in my to-read list but I think I need to take a break, breathe in some Poirot, and then resume unhurriedly. I'm sure to come out refreshed and energized for the next book.

"Order and method, Mon Ami", in Poirot's own words!


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Moto E on Flipkart - The Ordeal

It was the 23rd of May when Moto E (the new, hot mobile phone in town) was back in stock on Flipkart with a limited number of units. Moto E had more features as compared to its rivals and as Flipkart quoted it was "priced for all". Indeed. It was being sold exclusively on Flipkart and after its grand initial response, the customers this time (which included me, of course!) weren't going to let the bargain get out of their hands easily. And so, at 11 am sharp on that day, I sat in front of my computer with my credit card at the side, ready to charge, fight and win the battle with my mouse! But that was not to be.

Sadly, destiny had other plans, not only for me but for each and every one of us trying to get their hands on the precious prize. A heavy traffic inflow, so huge that the transactions weren't proceeding at all. Usually, deals on Flipkart are a seamless affair, but it was different that day. After a couple of hours of jostling the online mob, Flipkart had to put up a message saying that it had an overwhelming response for Moto E and would be back. Sure, fine. But when?!? I sat back imagining the programmers back in Bangalore fervently trying to sort the technical issues, sweating out the ordeal. I came back again and again to check if the problem was solved but apparently they were still at it. Of course, I was dejected. You see, I had been without a proper phone for some time now. No Whatsapp too. It was driving me nuts! I wanted a new phone ASAP and had pinned all my hopes on Flipkart as I know it to deliver the fastest. Sigh! And so, I waited.

At around 5 pm when I was at the computer whiling away my time and cursing my luck, I decided to give a shot again. A shot in the dark. I sat there, fingers and toes crossed, breezing through each step of the transaction unbelievably. Luckily enough, I was finally able to make my purchase and come out of it all unscathed! Yes, I succeeded! Yaaay!!

I know its not a big deal, but that day, that moment, was one of triumph and achievement. Never had I imagined it to turn out as such a hassle but thanks to the Flipkart's technical team, all was sorted and disaster averted ( for me at least!)

Now, I check the site over and over again to track my order and wait, impatiently, for my beloved to arrive. And when it does, I will be over the moon (for a couple of days) and then begin the hunt all over again. To catch a new fish. To place my next order! ;-)

Passport Seva Kendra Pune - My Experience

Applying for a passport or renewing it has always been a herculean task for us Indians. The lengthy and dragging queues at the passport office and at least a couple of day's time and efforts wasted. No wonder travel agents were the best bet to get the process sorted out. Although it costed an extra little bit, it still was worth the hassle. Until now. Finally, we have an easier and simpler way to handle our passport issues through their online portal, Passport Seva. I will try my best to explain how it all works in this post.

The first step is to go to their web site and create a login id with password. Next, you can either download the passport form, fill it at your convenience and upload it or fill the form online and submit it right then. There are guidelines to refer to in case you face any difficulties filling the form. Once your form has been accepted, you can pay for the passport online either through online banking or debit/credit cards. You need to then take an appointment online for visiting your local PSK (Passport Seva Kendra). The appointment is generated by the system but you can change it to a later date too, if necessary. You will get a confirmation showing your date and time of appointment and payment details. Take a printout of this receipt. Once that is done, all that remains is to visit the PSK at the given date and time with the appropriate documents.

The documents to be taken along with you depends on the type of application i,e fresh passport, re issue, tatkal etc. In any case, the website has a link to Document Advisor which gives you information regarding the documents required. As for the passport photographs, for children less than 4 years of age, the parents have to carry passport size photographs with them when visiting the PSK (light background, dark clothes). For all other applicants, photographs will be taken at the PSK itself.

On the date of appointment, it is recommended to reach the PSK around 10 minutes earlier. Carry the printout of the confirmation receipt with you that you had taken at the time of submitting the application form. Upon entering the PSK, a token for each applicant has to be taken. There are separate queues not only for fresh passport and re issue but also for senior citizens and minor applicants.The documents have to be shown and a token will be given. This token will be your identification for the coming processes. There are kiosks and even a photocopier in the main hall for your convenience.

Once the token has been taken, you enter a waiting hall where you wait for your token number to be displayed on the screen. From here on, you will have to go through three sections of verification namely A,B and C. Each section is divided into numbered cubicles and the cubicle you have to visit will be displayed besides your token number. For example, if your token number is N233 and the number besides it is A21, then you have to go to cubicle A21 along with the documents. In Section A, your documents are scanned and uploaded and your digital photograph taken. Thumb impressions and signatures are also taken here. From here, you go to Section B and again wait for your cubicle number to be displayed, this time prefixed with the letter B. Here, your documents will be verified and then you will be sent to Section C. Again you wait for your turn and get your documents re-verified. After the three sections are done with, you will have to deposit your token in a counter located just before the exit and collect an acknowledgement. That's it! You are done!

Some useful points

• Carry all your documents in original, extra photocopies and a pen.
• There is a snack bar in the waiting hall before Section A. Helpful for those little passport holders and senior citizens.
• After you've visited the PSK, you can track your application status online or through SMS alerts.
• It is a quicker and better experience if you carry all your documents at the time of the PSK visit. So make sure you know exactly what documents to bring along.

I had to apply for a fresh passport for my younger son and renew my elder one's passport. I applied for both and came out of the PSK in exactly two hours time. My PSK visit was on the 13th of May and I received the passports on 21st May, five working days to be precise. I have applied for passports before and I must say that finally we have a segregated, well managed process and a commendable speedy delivery too.

Visit the website for more information:  Passport Seva

Happy Vishu!

May this new year spread happiness, joy and contentment among us and our loved ones. Hope this year turns out to be as special as the realization of it!

                    

                                             
                                         Happy Vishu to all!

Spam Alert!

The other day I just happened to notice that my blog Book Vue had a sudden increase in traffic and the stats credited the source to one "ourmeets.com". I wanted to check the site out but, thankfully, didn't click on the link. Instead I Googled and found out that it was a pornographic site that increases (fake) traffic into blogs so that you would click the links to check it out.

Bloggers, please be cautious of such sites. You don't want an unknown site intruding your blog and infesting your computer with viruses! Apparently, despite ducking behind firewalls, none of us are safe in cyberspace!

Paper Boat Drinks - A Product Review

# This is a requested review #

Summer's around the corner and coincidentally, I'm reviewing a range of ready to serve beverages from a new brand, Paper Boat. They sent me samples and wanted me to write an honest review about them on my blog. Sure thing, I said! I get to taste and write, how could this get any better!


Paper Boat Drinks and Memories

I received the package in a box and the drinks were all packed in one eco-friendly bag. It certainly looked appealing. There were seven drinks inside.

My Experience

The first thing I did when I got their email was to check their website. I was just a couple of minutes into exploring when all my childhood memories came rushing back!

My childhood. New Delhi. Summer. When the entire country reeled under the sweltering heat, we stayed indoors and carried on with our summer pastime. Whether it was eating sweet juicy mangoes while playing carrom or watching a movie while our moms prepared nimbu paani, the heat could never ever catch up to us. It could never dehydrate our spirits. Without any air conditioning back then, we would find relief under a full speed fan and a cooler. Lollies, golas, kulfis, and home made drinks were our amusements. Ah, those bygones!

The Paper Boat website is like opening up an old scrapbook and facing your long lost childhood memories. That's why the tagline - drinks and memories. Their current flavors include Aamras, Aam Panna, Jaljeera, Imli Ka Amlana, Jamun Kala Khatta, Golgappe Ka Paani and Kokum. All the typical summery drinks with loads of sweet memories that we all seem to have forgotten somehow. Well, with these drinks not only can you have them all back but can also enjoy them whenever you like!

The pouches are cute with an easy-to-pour spout. My husband and elder son were at home when the parcel arrived and they were super excited to try these! So, here is what I think of the flavors.



1. Aam Panna

My aunt used to make aam panna at home during summers and we kids would guzzle it all up but could never have enough of it. The sweetness and sourness should tally correctly to bring out the genuine flavors of the raw mangoes. There are some syrups and crushes in this flavor available but none of them is close to the authenticity of home made ones.

Enter Paper Boat's Aam Panna. Sweet, right amount of sourness and spices all combine to make a medley of tastes in the mouth. The closest to home made ones I have ever come across. Delightful and a treat to your taste buds. Do try this one.









2. Aamras

Aamras is usually had with meals during summers. Pair it with hot puris and you don't need anything else to satiate yourself. Enriched with vitamins, ripe mangoes improve the immune system and aid in digestion. Apart from health benefits, it is an experience in itself to slurp the pulp out from the mangoes into our mouths!

This Aamras is particularly thick, like how it should be, and not too sweet like those mango soft drinks out there. It really tastes great and my son emptied the entire pouch! It is particularly a hit with him so next time I have a party at home, I know what to serve the drooling bunch of kids!








3. Golgappe Ka Paani

Yes, you read it right, a flavor called Golgappe Ka Paani! I must say, it is a first! I have never come across such a flavor. The golgappa syrup is usually made of tamarind pulp, mint leaves and spices to create a concoction that tantalizes your taste buds in so many ways! I'm so proud that we Indians have got so many street food options to devour! Lucky us!

This flavor is a little high on sourness, my opinion. The mint and spices come through alright, but maybe a little too sour for me. But don't let that stop you from trying this one out.











4. Imli Ka Amlana

Ok, so I didn't know such a drink exists. I mean I had to Google to find out what this drink was all about. I found out that Imli Ka Amlana is a tangy drink made of tamarind pulp and some spices best served chilled, just like all the other ones here. Tamarind is the main ingredient as it cools the body down giving respite from the heat in summers.

Although my husband loved it, I wasn't particularly impressed with this drink. It just seemed a little plain to me. It lacked the punch all the other flavors had. Least impressive of the whole lot.










5. Jaljeera

Jaljeera is generally used as an appetizer. It contains spices like cumin, lemon juice, black pepper and is perfect during summers for dehydrated souls. It helps in digestion and nausea too.

I've had Jaljeera countless times out in restaurants but it never really interested me. It would either be too watery or unnecessarily laden with spices. I have never tasted homemade jaljeera so I actually don't know what it should taste like. I wasn't too sure about this one either, but then I had to taste it to review it.

And I was stumped! I'm declaring that I haven't tasted a better jaljeera in my life before! No, I'm not exaggerating, you have to taste it to believe it! Very flavorsome, a perfect combination of sweet, sour, cumin and other spices, it adds a zing to your mouth. A very refreshing drink and it is my top favorite!




6. Jamun Kala Khatta

The very mention of Kala Khatta makes me crave for an ice crushed gola! And here, we have a drink to savour the sweet and tangy flavors of this quintessential favorite. How exciting!
This drink is derived from Jamuns, popularly eaten by kids to show off their stained tongues! But it is also good for diabetics. It is charged with antioxidants along with a host of other nutrients and minerals.

Jamun Kala Khatta has a nice pinkish hue. I had a sip and the taste that hit my palate was that of the one you get the moment you bite into a jamun. True flavors and right combination of spices make this a wonderful drink. Loved it! One of my favorites among all.






7. Kokum

I live in Pune and during summers I stumble upon kokum juices and squashes at almost every store I visit. It is a favorite during the season and is extremely healthy. It is known for its coolant properties apart from its nutritive values.

I was out shopping the other day and as I came back exhausted and thirsty, this kokum drink that was stashed away in my refrigerator came to my rescue! Amazingly refreshing, thirst quenching with an ideal balance of sweet and sour, it is a perfect drink for your body and your taste buds! Delicious!









I Like:

• The drinks have original flavors and can be enjoyed by all, age no bar!
• Although there are many Indian drinks in the market, the range of flavors Paper Boat offers is impressive.
• No artificial preservatives added, so that's a thumbs up.
• Not heavy on the (husband's!) pocket.
• Easy to carry pouches. Perfect for an outing/travel.

I Don't Like:

• There is absolutely nothing that I do not like about these drinks. Period.

Price: Rs. 30/- for a 250 ml pouch.


Where to Buy

You can find them in any of the supermarkets like Reliance Mart.


Final Thoughts

I loved all of the flavors (except Imli Ka Amlana) but that is purely my judgement. All these drinks are best served chilled. Paper Boat has launched their beverages at an ideal time, so these are going to be indispensable in my kitchen this season. I would highly recommend these drinks and would urge people to go and try these for an unforgettable experience. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Hopefully, we'll get to taste more flavors (and in bigger pouches too!) from them soon.


A Special Mention

The Paper Boat website is especially beautiful and attractive. Makes you want to browse the entire site non stop. Rarely do you come across such sites you just don't want to leave. Their Facebook page is also very interesting with many images reminding me of my childhood days. Here are some of them.











                   

Do check out their website: Paper Boat.      Visit them on Facebook here.

Go Further to Get Closer

It is the ultimate happiness in life when you and the one you love have all the time in the world just to be yourselves. Amidst our daily chores and routine, if we carefully analyse, we are so occupied with tasks that need to be finished that we are rarely left with any time to think about ourselves let alone our loved ones. Whether as an office goer or a home maker, our duties take our top most priority. We never look back at those whom we leave behind while chasing the many dreams and ambitions. Of course, we work and earn so that our family lives a better life. But giving them undivided love and attention in frequent bouts is just as crucial.

Some of us may argue that we do want to spend time with the family but "Time kahan hai?" (Where is the time?). Time is right here, as it has always been. If we want to accomplish something, then we simply have to make the time. Out of our busy schedules, meetings, household chores, grocery shopping... whatever. Steal little moments for a hug or a kiss. Or get away from all the nagging errands that do not allow you to have love filled moments to yourselves. Go someplace far away, take a breather.  Hold hands, look into each other's eyes and relish the moment. Like this video here that shows how you can transform your desires into reality. Take a look.


                                                        Go Further to Get Closer

It is that simple. Want to do something together? Want to run far away from it all? Just do it.
Sometimes you have to go further to get closer.




******   Post written for the Go Further to Get Closer contest on Indiblogger  *******