I am slowly getting into the groove here in Mangalore. It is difficult to change my whole lifestyle and routine over night... on Friday the 13th. But I am putting tremendous effort not to stray. Yesterday I got up at 5 to go for the mass at 6 at the Cloister Convent. But it rained pussies and puppies (sorry cats and dogs), so I gave up. Spent the next one hour in the balcony watching the rain pour in sheets. Today I was able to make it to the church. Mangalore is definitely a sleppy romantic town, viewed at 6 in the morning. Roads were empty. Only the innumerable hoardings, talk to you with their unique selling messages. The shop selling milk satchets was open with an old (retired) lady vending milk. I saw a newspaper boy on a cycle distributing the morning paper.. this hasnt changed for the last half a century... gosh, i am half a century old$^*(%)£$"£.
The church was 'full' with around twenty five retired people. Each had his or her own way of praying. There was a lot of fervour and solemnity in the praying. I think as you near your own grave.. the proximity to your Maker grows intesely (directly proportional). Mass over, went over to the newspaper shop to buy the 'Economic Times'... he did not have it.. that was OK, but he looked at me like I was an alien. I knew I had done a mistake.. in Rome be like the Romans and in Mangalore be like the Mangis. They dont read sophisticated well researched financial journals or magazines.. they just make money. I am still trying to learn this trick.
I had Varunee send me a couple of SMSs last evening.. I promised her that I would return to Doha soon.
Guys I have this 'worldspace radio fixed at home.. and i can hear old hindi songs the whole day now. The container which I booked from Doha is still stuck at Cochin.. last evening they said that it is now sorted out, and it should reach Mangalore by Thursday.. I would busy for a week or so setting up the house.
How is DOHA and Flight Ops and the morning meetings. Spoke to Sheela the other day.. dodging land slides and heavy rains. Las evening I watched the movie 'Bheja Fry'.. I tell you it is one simple yet great movie. I laughed my guts out. Simple characters, great actors, and a wonderful storyline.
love - John
