Korean lady: I have friends who work as fashion models and they are always talking about their Botox injections.
Me: You have friends who are fashion models?
Korean lady: Don't worry. I will never introduce them to you!
September 22, 2013
September 13, 2013
Compliments of the Arnab
Korean lady: Why are you smiling?
Me: I am looking good.
Korean lady: Thank you!
After she walked away with a big grin on her face, I discussed the incident with a German guy who was in the vicinity.
Me: I said 'I am looking good' but she only heard 'looking good'.
German guy: Yes, I heard the entire conversation... but I didn't mention anything.
Me: Perhaps I should give more compliments.
German guy: Yes, you should.
Me: I am looking good.
Korean lady: Thank you!
After she walked away with a big grin on her face, I discussed the incident with a German guy who was in the vicinity.
Me: I said 'I am looking good' but she only heard 'looking good'.
German guy: Yes, I heard the entire conversation... but I didn't mention anything.
Me: Perhaps I should give more compliments.
German guy: Yes, you should.
September 08, 2013
The Alhambra
Quite possibly the premiere tourist attraction in Spain, the Alhambra is a millennium old citadel perched on the hills of Granada. Dramatically layered in between the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the city of Granada, it is sometimes hard to distinguish a photo of the Alhambra from a painting.
Built in the 9th century as a fort and later converted into a a royal palace by the Sultan of Granada, the complex was crafted according to Arab-Islamic architectural styles. Beautiful Arabesque decorations are inscribed on the walls of the palace, similar to those found etched on the Taj Mahal and other Mughal masterpieces in India.
The Muslim rulers tried to recreate paradise on Earth, with Moorish poets describing the Alhambra as a "pearl set in emeralds". Forests, gardens, mountains, and streams sublimely coexist with the man made structure. My princely figure blended in seamlessly with the environs. When Christians came to power in the Andalusian region of Spain, the fort was augmented with more European style buildings. These take a back seat to the impressive Islamic stylistic elements that dominate the design of the Alhambra grounds.
Heavily damaged over the centuries by man and nature alike, the Alhambra has been restored in modern times. After an uphill climb through the Alhambra Park at dawn, I entered the main square through the Gate of Judgment. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed in each day, with a specific time printed on the ticket specifying when the royal palace can be entered. The extensive Generalife gardens can be enjoyed at leisure afterwards.
*****
Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled. ~ Mohammed
September 04, 2013
Conversations with K-girls: Home Run
Me: Would you like a coffee courtesy of Arnab?
K-girl: Can I go home instead?
K-girl: Can I go home instead?
September 02, 2013
Arnabian Nights
A cult classic in karaoke rooms across South Asia, the lyrics for the Arnabisized version of the song 'Arabian Nights' from Disney's Aladdin have thus far been passed down from generation to generation only orally. The lyrics are presented here in written form for the first time:
Oh I come from a land, from a faraway place
Where the caravan camels roam
Where they cut off your ear
If they don't like your face
It's barbaric, but hey, it's home
When the wind's from the east
And the sun's from the west
And the sand in the glass is right
Come on down
Stop on by
Hop a carpet and fly
To another Arnabian night
Arnabian nights
Like Arnabian days
More often than not
Are hotter than hot
In a lot of good ways
Oh I come from a land, from a faraway place
Where the caravan camels roam
Where they cut off your ear
If they don't like your face
It's barbaric, but hey, it's home
When the wind's from the east
And the sun's from the west
And the sand in the glass is right
Come on down
Stop on by
Hop a carpet and fly
To another Arnabian night
Arnabian nights
Like Arnabian days
More often than not
Are hotter than hot
In a lot of good ways
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)